An excerpt from Mrs. E. James’ record of life on the Drove in 1965 On May-Day 1951, the custom of ‘May-singing’ was revived for Festival of Britain Year.
In 1965 the Littleport Gazette reported: “In accordance with the custom revived in Black Horse Drove fifteen years ago, children of the Coronation School toured the village with their ‘May Queen’, singing traditional songs.” The ‘Queen’ in her flower-be-decked coach was borne by Hilary Langley and Ann Gillett. The attendants carrying posy baskets of spring flowers were Jane and June Smith, Valerie Murfet, Georgina Liles, Gillian Murfitt, Julia Gillett, Janet Skipper and June Skipper. Two boys, Martin Allen and Robert Hanslip, accompanied three songs on their tenor recorders, “Hilary Langley and Ann Gillett accompanied on their guitars.
The sum of £6.10s was raised which will go towards the cost of the school outing.
Left – Right: Jane Smith, Robert Hanslip, Gillian Murfitt, Hilary Langley,Georgina Lyles, Janet & June Skipper, Ann & June Gillett, Martin Allen, Valerie Murfitt, June Smith
The Drove Winter 2012/2013
December saw the first of our quiz evenings with seven teams competing, the winners being The Golden Oldies, who narrowly beat Team Aguilera
Disappointingly the Christmas Disco was abandoned due to lack of support.
The Rev. Ian Hamilton again took our Christmas Carol Service. Friends from Littleport joined us. Isobel and Grace Tod played their flute and clarinet and Mrs. Carol Driver was our organist. A retiring collection raised £17.30 for the Milton Hospice. Afterwards, tea and hot mince pies were enjoyed.
The quiz planned for January was cancelled due to the wintery weather.
Diary Dates
Community Centre:
Friday 22nd March at 7.30 p.m. Quiz Evening with Peter Allen.
Palm Sunday 24th March Easter Service at 3 p.m.
Tuesday evenings weekly at 7.30p.m. Shame It Shakes Arabic Dance group meet.
Library Bus is on the Drove at 1.30 p.m. on Friday 15th March, 19th April, 17th May.