Littleport had a great weekend celebrating the coronation with the King’s unique extra holiday Monday thrown in for good measure.

But designating it a ‘Big Help Out’ day just made it a business-as-usual day for the many civic minded regular volunteers and helpers in Littleport.

For instance, Littleport’s Timebank group meets for a social and to discuss actions every Thursday from 11am at Adams Heritage Centre in Main Street.

‘Members’ (no fees) literally exchange knowledge, help and skills with others voluntarily. Everything from gardening, bookkeeping, dog walking, to washing and ironing. More info email: littleportandelytimebank@btinternet.com or just turn up.

Branching Out is a purpose-built centre for adults with learning difficulties based at Grange Lane, with a shop that raises funds on High Street. They have some volunteers, and always welcome more at both sites. To help in the shop phone 01353 863561 and to help at the centre call 01353 863221.

Professional classical singer Kathryn Buck is also the town council’s part-time community link worker for older people, and she directs people who want to offer their help as volunteers, perhaps as befrienders. To participate, email 
Kathryn@littleporttowncouncil.gov.uk

1st Littleport Scouts not only welcome new members (age groups 4-14) but as group scout leader Julie Double says, "we need more adult support to help us deliver these opportunities to young people!” Contact Julie.double@1stlittleportscoutgroup.org.uk

But with a nod to the Bard, being virtuous doesn’t mean you can’t have cakes and ale – and while in this coming week Littleport’s cafes, take-aways and hostelries offer refreshment and sociable fun too, they are all preparing for the 2-weekends-away traditional Whitsun festivities.

Meanwhile, this Friday night, May 12, Littleport’s oldest surviving pub, The Crown Inn, has a live act, the Step Back Duo, playing soul, ska, reggae, and more, starting at 8.30pm.

And the ultra-modern Swan boutique hotel by the river serves its in-house special recipe barbeque food every day until late.