The only thing little about Littleport is in the first part of its name and the second part, port, is hugely accurate in every way, says columnist Lyn Gibb-de Swarte.

Legend has it that it was given its name by England’s King Canute, grateful to the then-small riverside settlement for giving him safe harbour and hospitality.

And, until the middle of the last century, it still provided docking and warehousing for barges from King's Lynn...

But, wherever there is a need, whether obvious or less so, Littleport rises to the occasion.

Dementia UK benefits from a quiz night held under the auspices of the Littleport Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Ponts Hill, CB61PZ, this Friday night (September 27) - from 7.30pm for an 8pm start.

Organised by Chris Bennett - teams of two to six people, entry £2 each - a raffle, plus Mick Bennett’s guide dog Usher will play the win money envelope game at half-time.

Saturday 28, the club has the Time Warps four-piece band from 9pm for a fun night out. Members £3, visitors £5.

Looking ahead, another function, in aid of the Addenbrookes Charitable Trust, is planned on Sunday, October 13 at 3pm when the club is hosting a ‘Bingo and Brass’ bingo session and concert by Littleport Brass Band in memory of Joan Sharpe.

As well as being the wife of band president Bill and mother of three band members, two current, Simon and Graham, Joan fundraised for the band.

On that morning, keen runner and one of Joan’s friends, Cathy Gibb de Swarte, will run 10k in the Ely Tri Club Runfest as part of her efforts to raise money for the band in memory of Joan.

Cathy’s also running the Sandringham 10k this Sunday (September 29).

Littleport’s Amy Bailey is running the London Marathon raising money for Whizz Kidz, a charity that helps children with wheelchairs and life-changing equipment.

Next Friday (October 4) at 8pm, The Crown Inn, 34 Main Street, CB61PJ, is presenting a Vegas casino night with amazing prizes: all proceeds to Amy.