Wimblington residents were enjoying a leisurely game of bowls during summer days in the 1950s. This picture, above, was loaned to us by Wimblington historian Cyril Parkinson, who believes it could have been taken at a tea in the pavilion organised by Oliv

Wimblington residents were enjoying a leisurely game of bowls during summer days in the 1950s.This picture, was loaned to us by Wimblington historian Cyril Parkinson, who believes it could have been taken at a tea in the pavilion organised by Oliver Wright.Wimblington Bowls Club was started by Joseph Reynolds at the back of North House. He already had a bowls green for his own personal use behind Hill House.During the war from 1940 to 1946 the green was closed and geese were put on it to eat the grass.In 1947 it was decided to re-open the green. Mr Parkinson remembers that Mr Woodbine mowed the tall grass and gardened around the outside. A Qualcast mower was used to do the job - it was found in the condition it had been left in before the war and all it needed was a good clean.The green was once again open for play. Charles Green became groundsman and Ernest Woodbine chairman. Each year Oliver Wright gave a tea in the pavilion which became a highlight of the season.Can you put names to the faces in the bowls line-up? Do you have memories of the club in the 1950s? Can you remember the summer tea given by Oliver Wright? Did the club have any great successes?Hugh Rawlinson was a name synonymous with quality fashion. In 1955 the family business celebrated the opening of new showrooms in Wisbech.But the business had already been established in the town since 1868, when John Perry Rawlinson opened a shop in High Street as a draper and silk mercer.His wife Clarrisa was an expert dressmaker, having served an apprenticeship in Paris. The couple employed eight sewing girls and all garments were made by hand.When John died Clarrisa carried on the business with the help of her son Hugh, who had trained in London.In 1907 Hugh bought new premises in York Row, Wisbech. He carried on the business until his death in 1951 when it passed to his sons. The new showrooms opened in 1955 when the business was called the 'Leading House of Fashion in the Fens'.What happened to Rawlinsons after 1955? For how long did the business continue? Can you tell us anything about the Rawlinson family? Did you work for them? Did you buy the latest fashions in their shop?