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BOXING DAY GAMES

31 December 2022


The Boxing Day Games took place once again in Cookham Dean with nearly 400 people enjoying the silly festivities and around 130 people taking part in teams on a lovely sunny morning. The Games have been around for nearly thirty years with mostly local teams taking part amongst the mud and chaos. It is organised by the Cherry Pickers of Cookham Dean. £550 was raised for good causes.


COOKHAM'S MEDIA HUB WITH DOM UNSWORTH MBE

26 November 2022


The Cookham Hub has now been meeting at  Bel and the Dragon for ten years. On Thursday they celebrated a festive Media Hub with Dom Unsworth MBE from Resource Production as their last Hub of the year.

A fantastic guest speaker, speed networking & some mouth watering Bel & The Dragon canapés it was a fun evening.

Dom Unsworth MBE is Guest Speaker

The Media Hub Networking led by Gemma-Leigh James

Click her to see a short video

 


COOKHAM TRAFFIC CHAOS

23 November 2022


For the last few days there has been traffic chaos in Cookham Village and across Cookham Bridge. Drivers have been taking hours rather than minutes to complete their journeys.

It seems it happened because Scottish and Southern Energy has been carrying out traffic light repairs on the Cookham Bridge and Openreach was carrying out roadworks at the junction between the High Street and Sutton Lane. It seemed that RBWM were not able to do anything about the problem. People were even more annoyed as it appeared that there seemed to be no one actually working on either site. At one point someone actually moved one of the traffic lights so it was facing a wall and relieved the traffic jam. Councillor Mandy Brar did her best to try and sort things out with RBWM. 

Everyone will be very relieved that the temporary traffic lights have now all been removed today.


LIDL NOW OPEN IN MARLOW

15 November 2022


At 8am on 19th November, Mayor Richard Scott cut the ribbon to open the new Lidl in Marlow on the old Waitrose site. As you might expect there was a large queue waiting to get in, and it seemed everyone was initially piling into the bakery section 
https://www.mymarlow.co.uk/2022/11/marlows-lidl-now-open/


DENIS LEAVES THE PINDER HALL

29 October 2022


Denis Boothman, who has been on the Pinder Hall Executive Committee for forty years, has decided it is time to hang up his boots. Denis was actually born the same year that the Pinder Hall was built and he has always been very close to the building and spent many hours looking after it. People were sometimes worried to see him clambering onto the roof. As a goodbye and thank you to Denis, the executive committee gave him a garden bench with a thank you plaque. Denis is leaving he Committee at the same time as the Caretaker, Viktoria, is also leaving. Viktoria is returning to Hungary, to be with her family and will be missed by many of the users of the hall. Emrah and Lisa Cesme are taking over as Caretakers on 1 November 2022.


DIGGING UP THE RAILWAY

28 October 2022


There are ten days of disrupton while Cookham railway line is refurbished. Workers are there twenty four hours a day with no trains. The railway crossing is also close from 8pm until 8am. 

 


COPAS TURKEYS ON COUNTRYFILE

16 October 2022


The staff at Copas Turkeys have found a unique way to overcome the problem of fireworks frightening their turkeys - by putting its 38,000 of them through a tailored fireworks training programme. 

 

Countryfile's Adam Henson dropped in on King's Coppice Farm in Grubwood Lane, Cookham Dean, to see how it all worked as part of an autumn special which has been aired on BBC One.

 

Tom Copas Jnr explained that the bangs and fizzes can panic the birds, which could result in them attacking and injuring one another.

 

In preparation for November 5, fireworks are let off during the day to help them grow used to the sights and sounds of the displays.

 

The tests are then transitioned into the night time and staff are always on hand to ensure the gobbling group stay calm and composed.

 


MICK VOGEL'S CALENDAR 2023

15 October 2022


Mick Vogel a Cookham photographer has launched his annual wildlife calendar, with all proceeds going to charity for next year’s edition.

Mick has revealed his 2023 calendar, titled British Wildlife, featuring pictures of wildlife predominantly in the local area, including Widbrook and Battlemead Commons.

Each month of the 2023 calendar is sponsored by a different organisation, allowing Mick to donate all of the proceeds to Flame Spirit, a children’s charity in his hometown of Netherton in Merseyside.

He laughed at the idea of being ‘mad’ for getting out of bed when some would be getting into it on holiday, and added: “It’s the best time in the morning as it’s just me and the wildlife.

“I think all of the roe deer at Battlemead all know me now. They don’t even run away anymore, they just stand there and go ‘oh here’s Mick again’.

“This year, Mick asked for twelve sponsors which covered the cost of the whole calendar. This means that every single penny of every calendar sold is going to Flame Spirit.

Mick’s 2023 calendar is available to buy from Hillcrest Stores in Hillcrest Avenue, Cookham, for £12.50. Mick is also happy to post calendars for the same price plus postage and packaging.

To get in touch, contact @MickVogelPhoto on Twitter or Mick Vogel Photography on Facebook.



KING'S ARMS OPENS

30 September 2022


The King's Arms opened on  5 October after undergoing the stunning makeover. The 16th century coaching inn officially started pulling pints again. Originally called the King's Head until Charles I lost his, the pub then became the King's Arms. The pub even had its own currency and a few coins can still be found.

Up to the 1960s the King's Arms was a hotel and it was possible to have a jug of beer on your table, as well as having to stay there.


KING'S ARMS REFURBISHMENT

30 September 2022


The King's Arms on the High Street, Cookham is currently undergoing a refurbishment and will reopen next month, with a whole new look, on 8 October 2022.

The general manager Charlotte Harrison who first worked in the pub in 2006 revealed she can't wait to show off the "amazing new look".

Charlotte said: “I started my career at The Kings Arms back in 2006, before returning as General Manager in 2021 so the pub really does mean a lot to me! "At The Kings Arms, we have an enthusiastic team that truly cares about our guests, and we are all so excited to welcome guests old and new and show off the amazing new look.”




BARBARA'S OXFAM FAST 2022

23 September 2022


Barbara Walmsley. who lives in High Road, is again doing her "fast" for Oxfam. This is the 37th year of Barbara's "fast". In days gone by Barbara would stand outside Sainsbury's to do her fast, but she now has a cardboard friend who stands outside Sainsbury for her. However she will still be collecting outside Sainsbury on October 14, 15 and 16 and is hoping to beat last year's total of £15,900 for Oxfam's 80th birthday. 

You can give a donation by sending a cheque to Barbara Walmsley, Spindlewood, High Road, Cookham SL6 9JT or on line at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/barbara-walmsley7 and donate there. 

As someone said "Everyone deserves those little luxuries. You know food, water that sort of thing!"


COOKHAM DEAN FETE2022

19 September 2022


The Cookham Dean Fête took place on Saturday 17th September. It was a beautiful day and there was a good crowd of people enjoying the afternoon.

The Horticulure Society had a large amount of different items that could be entered for their Flower and Produce Show. 

There were lots of stalls and in addition there were animals and fun for the children. Another really successful fete. 


CLAIRE SETS UP GARDEN SERVICES

26 August 2022


Cookhamite Claire Howell has set up a new company that provides garden maintenance and border design services. She says ‘I am a passionate RHS qualified horticulturalist based in Cookham in Berkshire. 

Working in collaboration with the owner I provide garden care and consultancy services for people who love their gardens. I work with sustainability and wildlife in mind.

I am RHS level 3 qualified and my passion for plants and design has led me away from a career in the corporate world to follow my dreams of working in horticulture. I also offer 'handyman' services during periods of wet or inclement weather.’


FRUIT FIELDS' MAZE

8 August 2022


Fruit The Fruit Fields in Cookham have a maize maze open this summer. There is a fun strawberry themed game inside and chances to win prizes! You can book tickets to visit through their website www.thefruitfields.co.uk. Open Tuesday-Sunday until September.2022.

 


TIMMY IS HOME

7 August 2022


Timmy Mallett has arrived home from his epic trip around Great Britain. He cycled all round the edge of the country. He started from Kent via Paddington in March and is now home again after nearly five thousand miles cycling. He has done short videos every day of the places he was cycling through and has met hundreds of people, many of whom have been following Timmy around the Britain and listening to his updates on social media. He stayed in many different places including with friends, B&Bs and some lovely hotels, several of which where offered for free. He has also been painting the many places he has passed through. He used water colours and acrylics due to the weight. They were all shipped home for mounting and copying so he could offer them for sale. Timmy is going to find it strange not having to plan a cycling trip daily now he is home, but he probably will still be seen with his bike around Cookham.  


ROYAL BOROUGH IN BLOOM

5 August 2022


Congratualtions to David Colthup for winning the Borough in Bloom Competition.

David with Councillor Mandy Brar

Congratualtions to Carol Aislade for winning the runners up Royal Borough in Bloom competition for 2022.

 

Carol Aislade and Councillor Mandy Brar


DEATH OF MARTIN COKER

21 July 2022


A Cookham Parish Council member and key figure in the community has passed away aged 75.

Martin Coker was a parish councillor for 22 years. He was also a Lib Dem canvasser and was involved in a great number of groups, organisations and committees. Martin passed away on July 14 after receiving care at Thames Hospice. Martin had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2014 and fell ill in 2019. The funeral service is on July 30 at 10.30am at St Edmund Campion church.

He was school governor of Cookham Rise Primary for around 20 years and was chairman of the Cookham Flood Committee.

A train enthusiast, Martin was a member of the Marlow-Maidenhead Passenger Association, which lobbies to improve services and facilities for passengers. He was very much at the heart of Cookham and will be sorely missed.

DEATH OF RICKY LONMON

16 July 2022


So many people in Cookham must feel sadness on hearing of the death of Ricky Lonmon on Thursday 14 July 2022. Ricky was so part of Cookham. A member of the choir since he was a boy, where he got involved in so may areas of the village with his love of music and was a member of Holy Trinity choir. Many people will have met him in the Nat West in Cookham which was opposite Elizabeth House. Until very recently he looked after the Cookham Voluntary Service' telephone line where he so efficiently organised to get people to medical appointments at hospitals and medical centres in the area. He would throw himself into shows at the Pinder Hall and other facilities and was always there to help and get involved in everything that was happening in Cookham. Timmy Mallett included Ricky in his selection of Portraits of Cookham characters that he did for the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002.

Ricky will be sorely missed by all those who knew him and remember his friendly, happy character. Our hearts go out to Patrick, his partner of many years. Goodbye Ricky, you will always be part of Cookham.

 


NEW OWNERS OF COOKHAM POST OFFICE

28 June 2022


Niranjankumar Sivalingam and his wife have taken over the Cookham Post Office in Lower Road as of 27 June 2022, welcome Niranjankumar. 

Niranjankumar says "Hello Cookham , me and my wife have taken over the Cookham post office from today so please wish us well and pop in to introduce yourself. We are looking forward to serve you all.

By the way whole of this week is going to be training period ,we will only be open from 9 -5ish. So don’t follow the website opening time and let all you friends know to avoid any disappointments. looking forward to meet you all."


ANYONE FOR TENNIS (OR CROQUET)

28 June 2022


Sunday (26 June) was the Charity Day for the Tennis and Croquet event in Cookham Dean as a start for Wimbledon. A lovely sunny day with food and drink to boost up the sportsmen and the spectators.


THE SCOUT FAIR 2022

19 June 2022


The annual Cookham Scout Summer Fair. was help on the Moor again after Covid and storms shut it down in the last years. 


There was Food, drink and ice cream along with music the dog show, games stalls, clothes stalls, gift stalls bric-a-brack, also a silent auction and some hunky firemen.

There was the Arena with Mr Magic Hat,  Children's obstacle course/games, Rob Castell music, the Dog Show and the SL6 Band

Although it was a bit damp there were lots of people and lots of dogs dogs for the popular dog show, with Ross Kemp at the micrphone. Click here for some photos.

 

Bethany with Milo, winner of the Agility Group

 


SIGNED JUBILEE FLAG ON VIEW AT AGE CONCERN SHOP

10 June 2022


The Cookham Age Concern shop in Cookham Rise is proudly displaying the flag that so many people signed at the Jubilee Street Party on Sunday. Drop in and have look.


 


TIMMY MALLETT ON PAGEANT BUS

6 June 2022


The amazing Pageant along the Mall on Sunday 5 June 2022 included a 1980s' bus. To be seen on the bus was Timmy Mallett from Cookham. Afyerwards he met Sir Chris Hoys the Olympic biker and talked to him about biking as Timmy is currently circumnavigating Great Britain by bike. Timmy has got to Scotland, but came back to Cookham for the weekend, so he could celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Click here for Timmy on the Bus


JUBILEE POSTBOX TOPPER

2 June 2022


Some secret person is helping Cookham celebrate the Jubilee by creating this wonderful letterbox topper at Westwood Green. The Queen will be impressed!


DEATH OF DAVID ASHWANDEN

27 May 2022


Cookham.com is very sad to hear of the death of David Ashwanden. David had been part of the village most of his life along with his sister who had her portrait painted by Sir Stanley Spencer. David fought for the Cookham environment over the years and was Chairman of the Cookham Society from 2004-2008. He was often seen manning the Society's "tent" at Cookham events. His family had lived in Moor Cottage off School Lane in Cookham Village for forty years and he loved the view of Cookham Moor, David then moved further down School Lane. David will be missed by many people.

The funeral ill be on Monday 13th June at 3.00pm
Cordelia and her family have asked us to let you know that the funeral will take place on Monday 13th June at 3.00pm. The service will be led by Fr David.


THE DRUM WORKSHOP

15 May 2022


The Drum Workshop gathered together at the Pinder Hall on Saturday 14 May for the Cookham Festival. The video shows the children's session.  Click here

COOKHAM COCKTAIL CLUB GIN WINS MAJOR AWARDS

8 May 2022


Cookham Cocktail Club Gin No.5 has won two awards at the largest gin competition in the world.

The Cocktail Club Gin No.5 was launched very recently by Julia Herd and Stephanie Maher in December 2021. The duo also offers bespoke cocktail tasting for those who like to make their own at-home cocktails and this was launched in March this year.

The gin was awarded two different accolades at the Gin Awards 2022. It won the world’s best new contemporary gin and the best English contemporary gin.

The gin is made up of 11 different botanicals and features a kick from black and pink peppercorns, cinnamon, and cardamom. This is balanced with yuzu peel and blackcurrant, which makes for a unique and refreshing sipping gin.

Jules and Stephanie have also developed a gin sorbet with Agosti Gelato and they are currently working with Moneyrow Beans to create a gin-espresso martini. Whilst the business partners created the gin, it was distilled by nearby Henley Gin Distillery.

Jules said “To be awarded not one but two accolades, two months after launch in The World Gin Guide Awards is absolutely mind-blowing.” The Cookham Cocktail Club Gin No. 5 has a retail price of £42 and is suggested to be served over ice with a slice of orange and some tonic water.


COOKHAM RESDIDENT, SARAH RODI, LAUNCHES NEW BOOK

29 April 2022


Cookham resident, Sarah Rodi, has just launched  second book. Her lifelong dream was to write a romance for Mills & Boon and so her dream has come true for the second time. Sarah has always been a hopeless romantic. She grew up watching old, romantic movies recommended by her grandad, or devouring love stories from the local library. Sarah has been a journalist for twenty years. Her new book is Escaping With Her Saxon Enemy. 

Click here to see the book on Amazon. 


LAUNCH OF COOKHAMS FOOTPRINT

7 April 2022


Cookhams Footprint launched their new project on Friday aiming to tackle the environmental and climate crisis,  They were joined by Theresa May MP with this exciting initiative.

On Saturday, the group held its first public event with a stand in Cookham Rise, inviting residents to come and learn more about Cookhams Footprint and how to get involved.

Paul Strzelecki, Theresa May MP and Sue Teasdale. 


NEW COOKHAM GROUP WILL TACKLE THE ENERGY CRISIS

29 March 2022


A new group launches in Cookham this week to involve the local community in tackling the climate and environmental crisis. Called Cookhams Footprint the group will address all aspects of the crisis but it will focus initially on energy.

Launching on the day that energy prices rise by 54%, Cookhams Footprint’s founders aim to help residents avoid heat escaping from their homes, save money, reduce climate change emissions and, by encouraging local energy generation, improve security of supply. A key part of their mission will be to support families in fuel poverty.

“Consumers currently face a triple whammy of issues”, says one of Cookhams Footprint founders Paul Strzelecki. “The accelerating cost of living, the pressure of climate change and the threat to security of energy supply force us to make big changes. Action by the government and our local council is crucial but real progress will only come if we make changes in the way we run our own lives.  We want our new initiative to help Cookhamites do just that.”

Cookham’s energy use per household  is already 50% above the national average with households spending £5 million in 2021, or an average of £2000 per home - which is likely to double over this year. “If people aren’t doing anything about it now they will be wanting to soon”, Paul says.  “The good news is that the new pressure to cut energy use will also help us to cut our emissions.”

Cutting energy use and preventing waste are the immediate priorities. “We’ll be providing tips, sharing experience and generally helping people through what can be a really confusing journey”, says the group’s Sue Teasdale.  She adds, “Helping those most in need is our priority.  Cookham is a close knit and caring community, and hopefully we’ll all come together to help and share advice.  We’re recruiting a team of local volunteers to be our Energy Champions who help people through this difficult journey”.

The longer term aim is to make Cookham as self-sufficient in energy as possible, with more households using solar, heat pump and other technologies. A team has been set up to look at larger scale community generation schemes based on solar, wind, ground source and energy from the River Thames.  The group will work with the council and other bodies to drive its programme forward with a target to reduce emissions by 50% in five years and be among the lowest cost energy communities in the country.

The group has made strong progress since meeting for the first time in January.  Now the need is for more volunteers to lead and develop the programmes.  “We want to involve individuals and the more than 50 community groups across Cookham, including our schools and churches”, Paul says.  Anyone wanting to learn more or get involved can contact the group at cookhamsfootprint@gmail.com.


COOKHAM SOCIETY AGM

7 March 2022


2022 AGM REPORT
Thursday's AGM was very well attended with some lively discussions and included a fascinating talk by Dr Gabor Thomas about what may turn out to be one of the most important excavations of its kind in the country, adding further to Cookham's historical charms. For report and pictures see https://www.cookhamsociety.org.uk/agm


DEATH OF STANLEY SPENCER'S DAUGHTER

15 February 2022


Stanley Spencer’s eldest daughter Shirin, died peacefully last week at their home in Wales, aged 96. Although frail she had only been ill for the last couple of weeks. The funeral will be in Cookham. John is asking for no flowers please, but donations in her memory to Amnesty International if any one wishes. All will be welcome to a very simple funeral Shirin‘s funeral which is now set for Wednesday March 16 at 2 pm at Holy Trinity. More details later. John, her son, says all are welcome….

Photo of Shirin at her birthday party in 2021


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