STANLEY
SPENCER'S CHRISTMAS TEA TIME
16
December 2015
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Edward (age 4) just
adored spreading his own jam at the Stanley Spencer Christmas Tea Time
and also did a very lovely colouring of a Stanley Spencer image. This
event runs to 3rd January 2016.
Please
click for details.
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COOKHAM
SOCIETY 2016 DESIGN AWARDS
15
December 2015
|
The Cookham Society is calling for
nominations for its 2016 Design Award. The Award is available for
buildings, extensions and landscape schemes completed in Cookham in
2015. The Award is for excellence and follows the guidelines in
the Cookham Village Design Statement.
Nomination forms have been circulated with the latest Society Newsletter
but may also be obtained from the Hon. Secretary, Kirsty Ward,
Englefield, Poundfield, Cookham SL6 9RY (kirstytyce@hotmail.co.uk), to
whom completed forms should be returned. The last date for submitting
completed forms is 9th January 2016. The winner will be announced
at the Society's AGM in March 2016
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LETTER
TO RT HON THERESA MAY MP RE CROSSRAIL
9
December 2015
|
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Chairman of the Parish Council Cllr Fiona
Hewer has written to Rt Hon Theresa May expressing grave concerns about
the negative impact that certain aspects of the new Crossrail service
will have on Cookham.
Click
here to see the letter
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CAROLS
BY CANDLELIGHT-A LITTLE HISTORY
4
December 2015
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In
1955, Christmas Day fell on a Sunday. Whereas nowadays churches commonly
hold their carol services before Christmas, the norm in that time (with
which Holy Trinity had always complied) was to hold the carol service on
the Sunday after Christmas. Sixty years ago Reverend Michael Westropp,
the Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, thought that was just too long to wait
to celebrate the Christmas story. He decided that Holy Trinity would
hold its service on Christmas Day. Unsupported by the PCC and
considered madness by many, only about 7 people braved a cold evening to
attend that first Christmas Day Carol Service. A man with ideas ahead of
his time and not one to be scared off easily, Reverend Westropp
persevered and commissioned wrought iron candle stands (made by Cookham
residents Den Gale and Eddie Smyth) so that the service could take place
by candlelight. And so, little by little, ‘Carols by Candlelight’ on
Christmas Day caught on and grew in popularity. Just like those original
candle stands, this unique Cookham tradition has endured for sixty
years. No other church in the country holds a carol service on Christmas
Day evening and it is still surprising to many that Holy Trinity
functions beyond Christmas Day lunchtime and that anyone comes at all!
Again
this year the collection is in aid of Alexander Devine Children’s
Hospice and, as for the last three years, the collections for Holy
Trinity’s three carol services (Advent, Christmas and Epiphany) will
be combined.
All
are welcome for this special part of Christmas in Cookham. It is a
unique way to start your Christmas celebrations, rather than finish
them.
Holy
Trinity Church
CHRISTMAS
DAY
6.30pm
CAROLS
BY CANDLELIGHT
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WHY
NOT JOIN THE COOKHAM SOCIETY COMMITTEE?
3
December 2015
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The Cookham Society is looking to co-opt
new members onto the committee. In particular we are looking for
volunteers to be:-
Membership secretary (proficiency in using spread sheets required)
Minute secretary
We are a cheerful and enthusiastic group of people from a wide range of
backgrounds. Join us and become actively involved in your local
community. Help make a difference to where you live!
For more information please contact: Evert Groeneweg on 01628 851003 gwenevert@btinternet.com
or Lysette Penston on 01628 473862 or l.penston@yahoo.com"
Click
here for the latest Cookham Society newsletter with information on their
Christmas cards.
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NATURAL
HEALTH DROP IN CLINIC
2
December 2015
|
|
 Catie
Sharples who runs a Natural Health Clinic in Lower Road Cookham and
concentrates on homeopathy and scenar therapy is now offering a Drop-in
Clinic on Wednesdays from 3pm - 6pm. You can just drop in without an
appointment and the charge is just £15. This is an ideal opportunity
for people to try out natural remedies at a very low price.
Catie
Sharples, BA, BSc, RSHom
Sulby
Cottage, Lower Road, Cookham SL6
9HW
tel.
01628 530302 www.catiesharples.com
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GET
ORIGINAL OVER CHRISTMAS
29
November 2015
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The
Cookham Arts Club is exhibiting at the Gallery at Elizabeth House in
December, making a great opportunity to find a very special gift for
someone. The show, titled 'Original Art at Christmas', offers
original art at affordable prices. There are paintings for sale,
unframed works and cards.
The
Gallery will be open weekdays 9am to 3pm (but please avoid noon to
1pm) so there's plenty of time to find something unusual for that
special present this Christmas, and the exhibition will continue to
the end of January. The Gallery is on Station Hill, Cookham Rise
SL6 9BS.
Photo
shows members of the Arts Club at the exhibition hanging: (l to r)
Simoné Bonner, Satu Vartiainen, Joanne Nicholl and Jean Smithson.
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STANLEY
SPENCER'S CHRISTMAS TEATIME
26
November 2015
|
The Stanley Spencer Gallery is seeking to recreate the joy of family tea time with our special event, Stanley Spencer’s Christmas Tea Time, running on most Thursdays to Sundays from 28th November to 3rd January.
Tea time was an indispensable part of Stanley’s day for family togetherness, sparkling discussion and the sharing of daily experience and values.
Visitors are invited to explore the internationally acclaimed exhibition, The Creative Genius of Stanley Spencer, at the Stanley Spencer Gallery and follow up with Christmas Tea Time at the Teapot Tea Shop, where one of the options will be the heaps of bread and jam so much loved by
Stanley. Both locations are offering concessionary rates to make the outing especially attractive for the Christmas season.
For children, activity sheets and colouring are free of charge at both locations.
Tickets from the Stanley Spencer Gallery or on-line
(click here).
Click for further detail.
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TEA
TIME AT SHIRIN'S 90th
24
November 2015
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Several of the Gallery volunteers
journeyed to deepest Wales last Saturday to join Shirin Spencer
(Stanley's daughter) for the celebration of her 90th birthday. Despite
her great age she still bounces around more like a nine-year-old and
additionally spoke lucidly at length without any notes. She clearly
still plays a very active role in her community where she is loved by
all. Typical of her generosity she refused the idea of any gifts but
instead invited representatives of all her favoured charities to set up
stall in her church and accept contributions. Here she is joined by
younger sister Unity for a nice cup of tea!
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VIVE
ST BENOIT
18
November 2015
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|
Journalist
Sarah Parfitt and her son, Joshua recently took part in the Cookham
Twinning Association trip to Saint Benoit with 12 others. So what was it
like?
At
the end of October, my eight-year-old son, Joshua, and I headed off to
Saint Benoit in western France with the Cookham Twinning Association.
Ironically, almost 600 years ago to the day, on Friday, 25th October
1415, the Battle of Agincourt took place culminating in a major English
victory against France and ultimately in a divided Europe.
As we crossed the Channel to Saint Malo, Joshua and I reflected on
how lucky we were to live in a more united Europe in the 21st Century.
We also chatted about all the adventures we were about to have during
our culturally and linguistically-enriching, action-packed four days.
With kids in the school holidays, the fun factor is key – il
doit être amusant!
We have been involved with the Cookham “jumelage” for the last
two years, and have maintained close contact with our lovely French
family – Marie-Anne, Christian, Lucie (18), Theo (16) and Baptiste
(11), whom we personally nominate as France’s best ambassadors!
It is wonderful to see how the family friendship has burgeoned over the
last couple of years.
No sooner had Joshua and I walked through the door than he and
Baptiste were playing on the Xbox and exchanging stories. Joshua
couldn’t believe his luck! He had no idea that nerf-gun mania had
spread to France or that he and our French hosts’ children shared a
passion for the Rugby World Cup. A reminder that despite living in
different European countries, there is more that unites us than divides
us.
Highlights of our visit included a welcome party hosted by our
French hosts with a jazz band from Saint Benoit, a visit to the French
theme-park Futuroscope and a trip to La Rochelle and Ile de Re where
Joshua claims to have tasted “the best ever calamari and chips”. We
also sampled some other French culinary delights, took some wild photos
and Joshua had a cherished game of footie on the beach.
One other great aspect of the trip is that we got to practise some
French and pick up some new words and phrases from, as Joshua put it,
“real French people”. It was about his age that I discovered the
insatiable joy of learning a foreign language, a window to a wider
world. My French is rather rusty now, but I still get really excited
about using it. Every linguistic conquest is empowering.
If
you are reading this, and are interested in hosting a French family next
October, don’t procrastinate! It will be a life-changing experience.
We have the scrapbook and a suitcase of memories to prove it! Please
contact Keith Le Page and find out more: 07715 161 069. À bientôt
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ETON
CONCERT PAYS TRIBUTE TO PARIS
17
November 2015
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On
Saturday 14th November The London Welsh Male Voice Choir, accompanied by
Jenny Drew on piano, performed at Eton College School Hall for the
benefit of Elisabeth House Day Centre Cookham. The concert was organised
by the Rotary Club of Cookham Bridge. The audience who filled the Hall
was treated to an eclectic programme of classical and Welsh songs, as
well as songs from shows and the First World War in which the audience
participated with great enthusiasm.
At the invitation of the choir young rising musicians from the Cookham
area also featured accompanied by their mentor Jean Garrett: Stephanie
Foster (soprano), Alexander Garrett (cello) and Claire Murphy
(saxophone).
Compère Geraint Lewis dedicated the poignant song ‘AnfonafAngel’
(Guardian Angel) to the people of Paris and the audience observed a
minute’s silence in memory of the victims of the massacre.
Musical Director Edward-Rhys Harry conducts the London Welsh Male Voice
ChoirThe concert was attended by The Worshipful the Mayor of the Royal
Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Councillor Mrs Eileen Quick and her
Consort, Rev. John Quick. After the main performancethe Chairman of
Elizabeth House Glenn Maybury thanked the Choir and the Rotary for their
support. Rotary Club President Diana Phipps presented tokens of
appreciation to the soloists, Compére and musical director Edward-Rhys
Harry. The concert ended with a rousing chorus of the Welsh national
anthem: Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
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ISLANDS
OF COLOUR
7
November 2015
|
The
latest exhibition at the Gallery at Elizabeth House features local
artist Nick Kennedy, returning to the gallery with his latest work entitled
'Islands of Colour'.
This exhibition includes the results of time spent staying on
the Greek island of Thassos and on Lanzerote. Thassos
and other Greek islands are favourite locations for Nick, especially
their coastlines. The colours and light in these beautiful
locations influence him to produce vibrant, expressionist paintings
which have been popular in the past at the gallery.
The
exhibition opens on Monday 2nd November and runs to Friday 27th
November. Nick will have a private reception between 5pm and
8pm on Saturday 7th November 2015 to which you are invited.
The
Gallery at Elizabeth House is open weekdays 9am to 3pm - and
will be open each weekend of the exhibition on Saturdays (10am to
4pm) and Sundays (1 to 4pm), except Saturday 21st. It is
on Station Hill, Cookham Rise, SL6 9BS.
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HOLY
TRINITY JUDGED 'OUTSTANDING' BY OFSTED
3
November 2015
|
 ‘OUTSTANDING’
staff and pupils at Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School,
Cookham, are celebrating after gaining the highest possible result in
their latest Ofsted inspection.
The village school, situated in School Lane, was deemed as ‘requiring
improvement’ when the last government inspection was carried out just
two years ago. But in a remarkable turn around, it scored top marks in
every category when Ofsted inspectors visited the school last month and
its pupils were said to be “invariably polite and courteous” and to
“enjoy school and love learning”.
Judging the school as ‘outstanding’ in every aspect, the inspectors
described Holy Trinity as “a happy and welcoming place with learning
at its centre”. They praised the school’s executive principal, Dave
Rooney, and senior leaders, led by head teacher Anna Smith, for bringing
“about rapid and significant improvements since the previous
inspection.”
Yasmin Thorn-Davis, chair of governors at the school, says all involved
were filled “with a mixture of humility and pride” at the news.
“Our school sets high standards and ensures maximum impact for all of
our pupils to make excellent progress,” says Thorn-Davis. “We would
like to thank all our stakeholders, but particularly our marvellous
pupils for putting Holy Trinity firmly back on the map.”
The 9-page report rated the quality of teaching and learning, personal
development and behaviour along with outcomes for pupils at Holy Trinity
as outstanding. Early years provision was also given the highest praise
with the inspectors noting that “children quickly settle into the
Reception class and learn the school routines and how to get along with
each other.”
Dave Rooney, executive principal, says: “I'm extremely proud of the
entire team. This report recognises the exemplary work and commitment to
providing the highest quality of education for all. The school has a
clear vision and ambitious plans for the future. I'm excited at the
prospect of getting my head down and working hard with the team to
create an even better school- a centre of excellence in the heart of
Cookham.”
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BIN
LORRY CRASH
30
October 2015
|
|
 An
elderly lady had to be taken to hospital by air ambulance this morning
when a bin lorry crashed into the wall at the dentists' building at St
Anne's House. It seems the lady was hit by the gate which must have been
thrown into the air, she is seriously injured and was taken to the John
Radcliffe by air ambulance..
The
road at Station Hill had to be closed while the police investigated the
accident where there were five police cars checking out the incident.
The road has since been re-opened.
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ELVIS
DOES IT AGAIN
27
October 2015
|
At last we can let you all know that
a cheque has been sent to Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research for £2150
which was raised at the Elvis evening back on September 25th.
Sorry it has taken so long to reach the final amount but all the bills
have now been paid and we want to thank you all again for supporting us
and just joining us for such a fun evening. Hope you all
enjoyed yourselves and
even though I always say NEVER AGAIN who knows what will happen in
a couple of years!!
Val Julie Lou and Matt
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JOY
O'FARRELL, LOCAL VOLUNTEER AND CAMPAIGNER DIES
26
October 2015
|
|
 Joy
O’Farrell, a Maidenhead and Cookham resident for the last 54 years
died on 26 October aged 86, following a chest infection. Joy and
her husband Gerald, a book dealer who died in 2008, moved to Maidenhead
in 1961 to a riverside home near Boulters Lock and remained there until
the 1980s when they moved to a cottage in Cookham beside Holy Trinity
Church. Joy worked in the juvenile rheumatism department at
the Canadian Red Cross Memorial Hospital at Cliveden.
Joy was chairman of
Maidenhead Oxfam in the 1970s, securing the lease of the shop and
helping to organise the annual summer fete. She was also active in the
local Amnesty International network, CND and Cookham Labour Party.
Joy featured in a couple of BBC television documentaries made by
her son John O’Farrell, (the author and former Labour Party candidate
for Maidenhead). She had articles published in a number of magazines,
including a feature on Swan Upping at Cookham. She is survived by her
children Sally, Pat, John and Ann. Her funeral will be at Holy Trinity
Church in Cookham; details from F.G. Pym and Sons. Donations to
Oxfam and Amnesty International.
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SECONDS
OUT OFFER PARCEL COLLECTION
24
October 2015
|
Due to massive interest from customers and
residents to make life easier in the run up to Christmas ......from October
27th to December 30th 2015 you can redirect your online delivery
parcels for collection to :
Seconds Out & New Too ,
High Street ,
Cookham
SL6 9SQ
for collection on Tuesdays to Saturday's between 9am and 6pm (or by
arrangement) for the fee of £10 per collection.
Telephone 01628 850371 or email jaynemilburn62@gmail.com
or mobile : 07764 949590
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COOKHAM
FESTIVAL 2017
22
October 2015
|
The Cookham Festival is a celebration of
the Arts; a rich mix of music, drama, comedy, art, exhibitions and talks
created and curated by the community in which we live.
We are now planning the next Festival which will be in May 2017.
From sculpture to Shakespeare, from pottery to poetry, the Festival is
all about Cookham showcasing , developing or discovering a range of
artistic talents.
HOW CAN YOU BE INVOLVED?
- Do you have an idea that you would
like to see included in the next Festival?
- Do you belong to a group that you
would like to see perform, an artist you`d like on display?
- Can you offer a venue for an event
– a barn? A coach-house? A garden?
- Do you want to take an active part
in the Festival?
Get in touch! Phone 01628 525371, email us at info@cookhamfestival.org.uk
or add your suggestion on the Cookham
Festival 2017 Discussions section of the Cookham.com website.
Alternatively send the information below to Malcolm Stork, The Fir
Trees, Maidenhead Road, Cookham, Berks. SL6 9DF.
Please contact me about the Cookham Festival. My suggestion is:...
Name:
Contact tel / email address:
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CLIVEDEN
AWARDED AA HOTEL OF THE YEAR
20
October 2015
|
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Cliveden Hotel has been awarded the AA's
ultimate accolade for hotels, England's "Hotel of the Year
2015". The award recognises the efforts of the whole team at
Cliveden and also the hard work that has been put in to restoring the
hotel over the last two years and the world class service Cliveden
offers. The accolade was awarded at the AA Hospitality Awards at the
Grosvenor House Hotel, London where a veritable Who’s Who of the
hospitality world were in attendance. The AA Hospitality Awards
are considered to be the industry’s own ‘Oscars’ and is one of the
unique times when the hospitality industry come together to recognise
the achievements of the nations’ best hoteliers, restaurateurs and
publicans.
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MYSTERY
OF STANLEY SPENCER PAINTING
19
October 2015
|
 Unity
Spencer, Sir Stanley Spencer's daughter, attended the Henley Literary
Festival earlier this month to talk about her memoir, Lucky
To Be An Artist, she astonished the audience by bringing out the
doll depicted in the famous 1937 Spencer painting Hilda, Unity and
Dolls and the mystery behind it. You can read about what she had to
say by clicking
here.
The painting Hilda,
Unity and Dolls can be seen at the Stanley Spencer Gallery current
exhibition located in Cookham Village.
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PLEASE
SIGN TO MAKE POUNDFIELD A GREEN SPACE
16
October 2015
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The Cookham Society is pressing the Royal
Borough to ensure the Poundfield area in the village is kept free from
development in its new Local Plan. The Society has sent a formal
request to the Borough that the Poundfield site be designated a Local
Green Space under recent government guidance. It has also set up a
petition supporting the request and is urging as many people as possible
to sign, since it believes the issue is crucial in defending the
character of Cookham. Local people can sign up on the Borough’s
website at: http://petitions.rbwm.gov.uk/Poundfield.
They can also sign a petition sheet which will be made available by
representatives of the Society outside the Railway Station and by
Barnside Motors from 10 am to 5 pm on 16th and 17th October.
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CHANGES
AT THE COOKHAM SOCIETY
13
October 2015
|
|
 Tom
Denniford retired as Cookham Society chairman at yesterday evening’s
meeting, after several years of hard work supporting the many projects
in Cookham.. Tom's place has been taken by Evert Groeneweg
(pictured), who has lived in Cookham for some years, while Lysette
Penston has taken on the role of vice-chairmanship.
Tom say "The
Society is in good shape, with membership at record levels, which
underlines its continuing relevance to local people, and I have been
delighted with the initial response to our current campaign to get the
Poundfield area identified as a Local Green Space in the review of the
Borough’s local plan."
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COOKHAM
RISE SCHOOL IN BLOOM
9
October 2015
|
 Cookham
Rise Primary School in High Road have received the Golden Award for
Cookham in Bloom. They were presented with the prize by Councillor Fiona
Hewer chairman of the Parish Council. The school also won the Mark
Mattock Schools Challenge Award for their eco friendly gardening area.
The Mark Mattock's Cup is a prestigious prize awarded to the
primary school, within the
area of Oxfordshire, Berkshire & Buckinghamshire. A lot of the
thanls went to Julie Armstrong, who is a teaching assistant at the
school, and has worked tirelessly with the children to create a really
eco friendly environment. Children even grow vegetables, fruit
and flowers that are used in school meals or are taken home by pupils.
They also have compost bins, water butts and a hedgehog kennel.
http://www.cookhamriseprimary.org/awards/
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ELVIS
SINGS
8
October 2015
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The Elvis Night was a great success and I
hope everyone had a really good time It was such a great atmosphere and
I think I can safely say Pinder Hall was rocking. Scott Elvis really
does make sure we all join in and he is always such fun.
The food was apparently delicious I didn't actually get round to eating
anything and only managed one bottle of water and half a glass of
red wine!! Still well worth while as we have made at least £1500
for Leukaemia (now called Bloodwise) and as soon as I receive the
bill for the catering which I am still waiting for I will update
the website with the final amount. Thank you all for
supporting Leukaemia.
Val Julie Lou and Matt Eckett
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NEW
COOKHAM WEBSITE
5
October 2015
|
|
As
you may or may not be aware a working committee was formed 6 months ago
in accordance with a directive from the Parish Council .
The aim of the committee was to analyse sustainability and growth of
businesses and the vitality of Cookham High Street .
We have been and continue to work on a selection of ideas aimed at
promoting footfall,accessibility and vibrancy of our High Street.
One of the main ideas we have been collaborating on is the creation of a
Cookham website that is aimed at increasing tourism and trade and
provides each individual business with an opportunity to promote their
services .
We are delighted to announce the creation of www.beinspiredbycookham.com
in association with The Chartered Institute of Marketing who have
sponsored the project.
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WELCOME
GRACE TO COOKHAM NEWS
2
October 2015
|
 Cookham
is to have a new reporter for the Cookham pages of the Maidenhead
Advertiser. Grace Witherden. Katie Mercer the current Cookham page
reporter says "It is with sadness that I must let you know that I
am no longer the Cookham reporter at the Maidenhead Advertiser. It’s
most definitely nothing personal, and I promise it is nothing to
do with the anticipated stench from the (possible) future chicken farm!.
There has been a bit of a re-shuffle at ‘Tiser Towers and as a result,
I will now be reporting on Slough news for the Slough Express. Thank you
to everyone who has helped me get to know this lovely village and made
me feel welcome. It’s been short but very sweet!."
Grace has been at the Advertiser since August, but was previously just
covering Maidenhead news. She can be reached on 01628 678236. Please do
let her know of any news, events, issues or stories that you would like
covered in the Advertiser.
|
A
BRUSH WITH ART
30
September 2015
|
The
October exhibition at The Gallery, Elizabeth House features another
group of local artists. The Wednesday Group describes itself
as "an untutored enthusiastic group of some ten painters, part
of the Maidenhead Painting Club, who give each other support,
encouragement and challenge in order to further our talents and the
enjoyment of our art. We also laugh a lot and have fun!"
They
comprise a range of style and media, including oil and acrylic, and
the show will display recent works by the group members. And
look out for their treatments of light and water. As with
several of the gallery's recent exhibitions, this latest show is a
clear demonstration of the abilities of our many local amateur
artists - and an inspiration to others to take it up!
The
exhibition opens this weekend (3rd and 4th October) and later weekends
from 10.30am to 3.30pm - and weekdays between 9am and 3pm until Friday
30th October. The Gallery at Elizabeth House is at Station Hill,
Cookham, SL6 9BS.
The
artists will hold an open evening on Saturday 10th October between
5 and 7pm, to which all are welcome.
|
JAN
OPENS PILATES AND YOGA STUDIO
29
September 2015
|
|
Jan
Wickens, who is well known in Cookham for her pilates and yoga classes,
has set up the Cookham Studio in Whyteladyes Lane which is purely for
her classes. The Studio has heated flooring, is fully
equipped and even has a sedum roof. So if you want to join a session
give Jan a call. www.pilatesandyoga.co.uk
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DEFIBRILLATOR
ON THE RIVER BANK
22
September 2015
|
Cookham Reach Sailing Club has launched
a project to raise £2,000 to install a defibrillator on the tow path
by the club. The defibrillator will be there for the benefit of
all river users, club members and the whole Cookham community 24/7.
click
here for more information
|
FOR
KING AND COUNTRY
18
September 2015
|
|
Thousands left the Royal Borough of
Windsor and Maidenhead during the Great War, never to return. One of the
enduring legacies we have of their sacrifice is the names on 200 war
memorials in Windsor, Maidenhead and the surrounding villages.
A Heritage Lottery Funded project, a
team from the Royal Borough has been working with residents of all ages
to uncover the stories of the people who gave their lives. Cookhamite Marta Makowska
has been doing research on the soldiers on the Cookham First World War
memorials for the project.
There are several talks and walks that
have been organised. Click
here to see the brochure.
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NEW
FUNERAL DIRECTORS IN COOKHAM
16
September 2015
|
|
Cookham will now have its very own
Independent Funeral Directors G.L. Skinner & Sons at Westbury
House, Lower Road.
Gary Skinner, who is the owner of the
new premises and his team are there to serve the community and would
very much like you to feel free to call in for a chat and say hello.
A Macmillan coffee morning is planned on
Friday 25th September from 10am – midday. Inspired
Goodbye Bereavement cards will also be on sale. Everybody is welcome.
|
GRAVITY
GRAND PRIX
10
September 2015
|
The Gravity Grand Prix is Cookham’s second best attended event each year. We are now in our ninth year. In the last few years it has attracted over 2,500 to a free family afternoon charity event in Cookham Dean. On Saturday 13th September it starts at 1:00 pm. Never heard of it well just enjoy this video on
www.Gravitygrandprix.co.uk
It starts at 1:00pm and ends with the winner presentations at around 4.30pm
The event is entirely run by volunteers as are the 30 entrants who have built their soapbox karts to run down the road.
The event is supported by local businesses. The Jolly Farmer and Uncle Tom Cabin pubs will be having live music after the event.
We all give our time freely enabling us to donate all of the revenue (less costs) to charities and good causes. The main beneficiaries are the Air Ambulance who have from previous Gravity Grand Prixs received over £70,000.
There is a lot of fun to be had for families and what is one of the few free family days out.
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DEATH
OF GORDON HARRIS
8
September 2015
|
It is with great sadness that
cookham.com heard of the death of Gordon Harris from Cookham Dean on
Sunday 31st August. Gordon lived in Cookham all his life and
loved the village. He remembers collecting Tom and Geoffrey Copas
from school when they were children. Gordon could often be seen
driving around in his Toyota pick up which he used to help out
Geoffrey Copas. Gordon had been a member of the Parish Council for
many years and was chairman of the Footpaths and Open Spaces sub
Committee. He was very keen on Cookham in Bloom and used to go round
the village tidying up before judging took place. He had an
allotment in Cookham Dean, although he was not quite organic much to
the consternation of his green allotment neighbour. In 2013 the
Harris-Woodbridge Nature Reserve was set up west of Alleyns Lane
allotments, in honour of Gordon and Pat Woodbridge for their
services to the Parish Council. The Nature Reserve can now be used
by schools and youth groups. Gordon was one of the true characters
that makes Cookham such a vibrant place to live and will be sadly
missed. Condolences go to to his wife Jean and his family. His
funeral will be held on Monday, September 21, at 2.30pm at St John
the Baptist Church in Cookham Dean. |
THAT'S
A BIG 'UN
2
September 2015
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The
South Chiltern Gardening Group run trials each year which are currently
organised by Cookhamite Liz Kwantes. This year Liz decided to have Courgette
Tromboncino, Tomato 100s and 1000s and Electric Daisies. The Tomato 100s
and 1000s is advertised as “probably the world’s most prolific
tomato” and seems to have taken over trialists ' greenhouses, even the
outside ones were enormous. The Electric Daisies, which are edible.
taste like a jolt of electricity with a touch of citrus candy and can be
used for cooking. One trialist said "my
mouth started to tingle and my lips went sort of numb, then the taste
changed and it was sort of a sweet taste.
The
whole experience must have lasted about 3 minutes. It was an electric
moment”.
Its traditional use has been in treating toothache, mouth ulcers
& sore throats for centuries.
The courgette have been described as Triffids by some trialists. They
grow upwards rather than outwards and produce some very impressive
courgette as can be seen in this photo of Liz.
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BOTTLES
FOR ELIZABETH HOUSE
25
August 2015
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Elizabeth House has a bottle tombola at
the Cookham Regatta on 5th September and we need your bottles!
We'd really appreciate getting any bottles for this, especially alcohol
but not just. If you can spare one please drop it in to Elizabeth
House as soon as possible and help our local day centre.
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A
GATHERING TO REMEMBER JULIETTE
13
August 2015
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 A
well known face in Cookham and also a well known artist in Britain,
Juliette Palmer RBA who lived in the Pound with her husband Dennis,
sadly died on 2 August. There will be a Gathering to Remember Juliette
on Thursday 20 August 2015 at 1.30pm
at Cookham
Parish Centre SL6 9SP
(Close to Cookham Church
and the bridge)
Normal
dress please
Flowers
or donations to RSPCA or Save the Children to
E Sargeant &
Son Funeral Directors
12-13
Colonnade
High
Street
Maidenhead
SL6 1QL
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A404
BISHAM ROUNDABOUT CONSULTATION
11
August 2015
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From
a cookham.com reader
You
may well be aware that a consultation is currently open for potential
changes to the A404 Bisham roundabout. Two out of the three options
add traffic lights to the junction, but option 2 has some far-reaching
effects on traffic flows in the West side of Maidenhead, Cookham Dean,
and Bisham. If you live in or drive through those areas, you will be
affected if it goes ahead!
Unfortunately, the consultation document describes the option poorly,
so that the impacts of this change are not at all clear. It describes
it as a Left In, Left Out junction with no right turn from Bisham. It
says nothing about changes to the A308 in the leaflet, nor is there
any recognition of any traffic impacts other than Bisham. You have to
read the full document to find any information at all.
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COOKHAM
DEAN MEMORIAL - SEEKING YOUR VIEWS
4
August 2015
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 Residents
may well have wondered why work has not progressed on the Cookham Dean
War Memorial, which was scheduled to commence following the Cookham
Festival.
The
answer relates to the complexity of this particular War Memorial and
the process of reaching of final agreements with the War Memorials
Trust, who are providing the major part of the Grant.
Although
the Grant of £30,000, covering in the order of 65% of the cost of the
works, has been firmly awarded, there was a genuine, heartfelt,
non-rancorous difference of opinion in relation to certain aspects of
the work to be undertaken. All
such differences needed to be resolved before a contract could be
placed for the work.
The
most important issue was the question of the World War 2 plaques fitted
to the upper plinth on the east and west elevations of the War Memorial.
The Parish Council’s proposal had been that all bronze plaques
should be removed because they were ‘enforced’ solutions to problems
of unexpectedly rapid weathering, in which rather detrimental low-cost
options had been selected in relation to the quality that might be
expected of such plaques. This
view was held by the architect and the stone masons, and the Parish
Council concurred with it.
The
War Memorials Trust, however, held the view that, because in the case of
the WW2 plaques in particular, there was no ’original engraving’
beneath these, they needed to be treated as ‘original’ in a way that
the WW1 plaques did not. Therefore,
they should remain present, even though they had not been the preferred
option at the time the decision was made to install them.
A
direct quote from the Parish Council Minutes (Nov 1946) was given on
page 5 of our Proposal, as follows.
“Mr
Dodds reported that he had been in touch with a stonemason who gave the
opinion that the stone was too weathered to be engraved with further
names. The best proposition was to engrave on inset bronze
plaques. …”
The
War Memorials Trust have now very carefully considered this matter
further in discussion with Historic England and have reached the
conclusion that we may proceed with removal of the WW2 plaques, and with
re-engraving the WW2 names, but subject to our using that part of the
already-available funding contributed by others for this purpose.
Such a solution is entirely acceptable to the Parish Council,
since the balance of funding has already been provided by the Borough
Council and by the community.
However,
it was also suggested by the Trust that we might wish to make a final
check on the view of residents and we do feel this is appropriate as
these matters are very sensitive.
The
War Memorials Trust state their position in the following words:
“We
fully appreciate that, aesthetically, you may feel the WW2 plaques
detract from the appearance of the war memorial, but this cannot be a
consideration for the parameters of this funding scheme.
The
plaques are legible, they are performing their intended function and, by
their very existence, tell the continuing story of the memorial and the
community it represents. They are part of what gives the memorial its
historic interest and communal value. For these reasons, we would
strongly encourage you to keep the WWII plaques rather than replace
them.”
The
Parish Council is happy to take any community views into consideration
on this matter, and we would ask anyone who wishes to express a view to
contact the Parish Clerk by 14th August on 01628 522003 or cookhamparishcouncil@outlook.com
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ELVIS
IS BACK
4
August 2015
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ELVIS
is back by popular demand on Friday 25th September 7pm 11pm
tickets are available now from me. I have kept the price the same
as two years ago at £20 which is great for a 2course meal, Elvis
entertainment, raffle and licensed bar.
All proceeds go to LEUKAEMIA & LYMPHOMA RESEARCH so please come
and support a good cause and have a fun evening.
Please ring Val Eckett on 01628524561 or 07751453732 alternatively you
can e-mail: val.eckett@hotmail
co.uk for tickets.
Click
here for poster.
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HARLEY
STREET COMES TO COOKHAM
27
July 2015
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|
 Dr
Mariette Grant has joined forces with a new laser clinic in Cookham to
offer private medical consultations and cosmetic procedures. Dr Grant,
who lives in Marlow, offers aesthetic treatments including Botox, filler
injections and thread facelifts as well as private GP appointments,
joint injections, travel vaccinations, mole checks and skin tag removal.
She offers the treatments at The Laser Clinic Cookham, in Cookham High
Street. The clinic opened in May and also offers the following laser
treatments: tattoo removal, hair removal, age spot and thread vein
removal and carbon skin rejuvenation. The laser treatments are performed
by Wendy Lynch, who owns The Laser Clinic Cookham. Dr Grant says “I
had been working as a GP in Henley for 5 years when I decided to do more
freelance ophthalmology work at Harley Street as well as cosmetic
procedures and private GP consults. I came across the Laser Clinic in
Cookham firstly to have treatment for my thread veins. Wendy and I got
talking and we decided that our different treatments would really
complement each other and we also have the same approach to bespoke
client care.”
Wendy adds “Mariette and I really believe in the one-on-one
client-based approach. We won’t be hiring staff – clients will
either be seen by myself for laser treatments or by Dr Mariette for her
cosmetic and medical treatments. We also believe in charging affordable
prices for highly professional treatments. Local residents will no
longer have to travel into London to get their moles checked or for
laser or cosmetic treatments.”
The clinic has recently been awarded accreditation by Save Face – an
independent national register of safe cosmetic practitioners.
More information about treatments and prices can be found on the
clinic’s website: www.lasercookham.com
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GIVE
US YOUR FAVOURITE RECIPE
19
July 2015
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Hazel Powell and Christine Taylor would
love to receive favourite recipes from Cookham Cooks for a cook book
to be published in time for Christmas. The book will be sold
locally to help raise funds for Holy Trinity Church activities. The
recipes can be for starters, mains, sides,desserts,cakes, biscuits,
dips and drinks can be emailed to hazel.powell@live.co.uk or sent to
the Parish Office, Church Gate, Cookham SL6 9SP. A snap shot of
the cook would also be welcome to include in a photo montage inside
the book.
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ELIZABETH
HOUSE VOTED SAINSBURY CHARITY OF THE YEAR
15
July 2015
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Supporters of
Cookham’s much-loved centre for the over 60s voted in store and online
to make Elizabeth House their preferred charity of the three shortlisted
candidates.
To the delight of
centre manager Lynne Hatch, Sainsbury’s Maidenhead announced that
their customers had chosen Elizabeth House as their local charity of the
year. “I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to make
their vote count”, she said.
“We are now working
together with Sainsbury’s on fundraising activities for the year
ahead.”
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VOTE
FOR STAN OUR LOCAL MAN
11
July 2015
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The
Bank of England are looking for depth and breadth of
contribution to British values and the visual arts. Stanley
Spencer’s contribution was truly astonishing - from British
landscapes, gardens and architecture, to much-loved depictions of human
joy and anguish, to magnificent and renowned religious scenes, to
iconic paintings from two World Wars. He was truly one of the
greatest painters of the 20th Century.
Click
here to Vote and some more information
CLOSING
DATE SUNDAY 19TH JULY.
BUT
IT’S A LOCAL THING TOO. IMAGINE THE PRIDE IN OUR COMMUNITY AND
BENEFIT TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY IF STANLEY WERE TO BE CHOSEN.
Please
don’t think, ‘OK but someone else will do the voting’. YOUR
VOTE IS NEEDED. CLICK LEFT AND IT’S ALMOST DONE.
Enterprising
Year 10 boys from Claire's Court School, Maidenhead, visited the Stanley
Spencer Gallery on Tuesday 7th July and immediately set up this
wonderful polling station to support the choice of Stanley Spencer on
the new £20 banknote.
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HOLY
TRINITY SCHOOL SEND SIGN TO ETHIOPIA
9
July 2015
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 Sarah Parfitt
who visited the
community of Gende Tesfa in Ethiopia to set up a community
journalism project for Partners For Change Ethiopia, and as a result forged
a link with Holy Trinity School in
Cookham has picked up the sign
from Damar Signs to send to Ethiopia.
Holy
Trinity School had a special assembly yesterday because Mulugeta Gebru,
the head of the charity is visiting from Ethiopia. He will take the
sign back to Ethiopia.
Mulugeta
Gebru - head of the charity in Ethiopia, Pete
Jones - the man with the beard and the moustache; Mrs
Nicol - teacher with short hair; Sarah
Parfitt - lady with blonde hair
With
thanks to Emmy Costa for the photographs
Afterwards a Brain Storming session
was held on Gende Tesfa and Holy Trinity link at Costa.
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TWENTY
YEAR SERVICE AWARD FOR ANTHEA
6
July 2015
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From
1 to 7 June was National Volunteer Week and Thames Hospice held a tea at
Dorney Lake to celebrate the contribution that many volunteers have made
to their organisation. One person to receive an award was Anthea Webb,
who lives in Cookham Dean and is Chairman of the Cookhams Fundraising
Group. Anthea received a 20 year award for a number of roles she has
undertaken over that time, including serving as Chairman of the Trustees
at Thames Hospice. This was very well deserved.
Thames
Hospice is looking for volunteers to join the support group. At present
they are holding three events a year as well as a few committee meetings
to organise these events. They would welcome anyone who loves cooking or
just getting involved. If you are interested please telephone Anthea
01628 482569.’
The
Cookhams Fundraising Group hold several fund raising events during the
year, the latest being a talk and lunch in May.
The speaker was Frances Noble, Head of Jewellery for Bonhams
Oxford who gave a fascinating talk and advised those attending about the
historical background and value of their jewellery. Over £1500 was
raised which will help Thames Hospice provide invaluable services to
those with life limiting-illnesses in our area.
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FISH
AND CHIPPY NOW OPEN
6
July 2015
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After a very long wait the fish and chip
shop in the Parade opened today. It was originally the Butchers owned by
Roy Gigg and shared with Deliciously French who have now moved to next door to the
Cookham Surgery. Welcome to My Cod.
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WELL
DONE SARAH
3
July 2015
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In March Sarah Parfitt visited the
community of Gende Tesfa in Ethiopia to set up a community
journalism project for Partners For Change Ethiopia, and as a result
of that visit a link was forged between Holy Trinity School in
Cookham (which her two children attend) and Gende Tesfa School. Not
only are the children from Gende Tesfa School from poor families,
many of them have parents or grandparents who have been affected by
leprosy:
When Sarah was given a London Marathon
press-place - and having been told that due to an injury it would be
her last marathon (she has done 14) - she decided to raise money for
Gende Tesfa School. Some of the children don't have enough to eat, and
so funding the Breakfast Club seemed an important project. she also
took part in a PE class, and the facilities were very poor, so she
also decided to raise money for a sports ground (for basketball,
handball, volleyball and soccer facilities). https://diaryofamarathonmum.wordpress.com/
As
of today, Sarah has now raised £5,100. The money has come from
friends and family and from fundraising at Holy Trinity school
who have done several events to help me (the proceeds from the
Christmas performance and a Swimathon). Sarah says " I am really
ecstatic!".
On
Tuesday, July 7th Mulugeta Gebru, the head of PFC Ethiopia in
Ethiopia, will be visiting Holy Trinity School in Cookham at
2.30pm.
Damar Signs in Wooburn Green have very
kindly agreed to make a sign from Holy Trinity School to Gende Tesfa
School which will be transported to Ethiopia and proudy
displayed in the sports ground at Gende Tesfa School.The Church Social
Action Group in Cookham has decided to support PFC Ethiopia.
Well done Sarah.
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A
RETROSPECTIVE OF WATERCOLOURS
23
June 2015
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July
at the Gallery at Elizabeth House
Don
Currell - 1936 - 2011
A Retrospective of Watercolours
We are delighted to host an exhibition of the work of Don
Currell who died in 2011. Don was born in West Wycombe and had
no formal art training, other than his time at the Royal Grammar
School in High Wycombe. He inherited (along with his brother
Richard) the gift of drawing from his father. He experimented with
oils and pen and ink, but much preferred watercolour, which suited
his more pastoral style. For the last thirty years of his life, he
worked exclusively in watercolours. Landscapes, flowers, things that
caught his eye and imagination - including aeroplanes - make up the
Elizabeth House exhibition.
The
exhibition is open 9am to 3pm weekdays from 29th June to 31st
July. The Gallery is on Station Hill, Cookham, SL6 9BS.
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GOODBYE
MATTHEW, HALLO KATIE
22
June 2015
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 Luke
Matthews who has been the Cookham page journalist of the Maidenhead
Advertiser for quite a while now is moving on to a new role at the
Advertiser. He is being replaced by Katie Mercer KatieM@baylismedia.co.uk
Katie says "I’m
very excited to start covering Cookham for the Maidenhead Advertiser and
I am looking forward to getting to know all of you. Please do drop
me a line any time at all with any news, events or issues big or small.
Feel free to pass on my contact details to anyone who might be
interested in getting in touch."
Welcome
Katie.
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ANOTHER
VICTORY STORY
18
June 2015
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A
triumphant weekend for Cookham Running Club culminated with an
outstanding win for the club in the Purple Patch 10-person Marathon
‘26.2 Team Challenge’ in Maidenhead on Sunday, Ellie Gauld
reports. Held at Braywick, the marathon relay featured some
outstanding performances with the A team, the Cookham Chargers,
finishing first – convincingly ahead of last year’s winners, the
‘BA Flyers’. After the first leg, James Cotter brought the team
home in 3rd place to hand over to junior member Sonny Lewis, 14, who
had a tremendous leg and handed over the baton to Louise Ferriman in
first place. Gary Knight brought the team home on the final leg in an
impressive 2:53.2 with 12-year-old Sammy March’s time of 16:01 among
the fastest leg times of the day. ‘Cookham Running Club’s B team,
‘The Also Rans’ finished in 03:59.53.
Cookham’s
A Team collect their winners’ shields
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ELIZABETH
HOUSE NOMINATED AS SAINSBURY'S CHARITY OF THE YEAR
16
June 2015
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Elizabeth House is
one of three charities that have been nominated to become Maidenhead
Sainsbury’s charity of the year for 2015/2016. If chosen, Sainsbury
will help Elizabeth House to raise money and awareness in the local
area.
They are launching a customer vote in-store and online; https://www.sainsburyslocalcharity.co.uk
during 15th – 28th June. Customers will have the chance to vote for
their preferred charity of the three shortlisted. If you want to help
Elizabeth House, Cookham’s Day Centre for the over 60’s, please vote
for it at Sainsbury and also get your friends and family to do the same.
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REV
HELEN BLESSES THE GLORIANA
15
June 2015
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The Royal Barge Gloriana lead 200 boats
from Hurley in Berkshire to Runnymede in Surrey over the weekend of 13
and 14 June to celebrate the eight hundred year anniversary of the
signing of the Magna Carta.
Magna
Carta was granted by King John on 15 June 1215, establishing that
the king was subject to the law rather than being above it.
The Gloriana passed through Cookham on
Saturday 14th June and stopped at Bellrope Meadow by the Sailing Club
where Reverend Helen from Holy Trinity blessed the Queen's Barge.
Twenty three local people were chosen
to relay the document including Mrs Claire Pearce. who is General
Manager of Moor Hall.
As the copy of Magna Carta was
transported downstream, actors recounted its story.
The event culminated with the unveiling
of a 4m (13ft) bronze statue of the Queen at Runnymede Pleasure Grounds.
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THE
SUBJECT OF BANKSY
8
June 2015
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Few would think of Cookham's Stanley Spencer Gallery as a place to encounter the work of Banksy, that most secretive and controversial of public artists, a modern art phenomenon, both painter and prankster, who prefers personal mystique and invisibility over the trappings of celebrity. Banksy has been described as 'the missing face from the gossip magazines' and 'the empty seat at the chat show'.
 However, it was no surprise to the staff of the Stanley Spencer Gallery to be in the happy position of offering an evening on Banksy last Thursday. The key to this sold-out and much enjoyed evening was the distinguished Professor Paul Gough*, who has not only edited a recent book on Banksy**, but is well-known to the Gallery and a frequent speaker there, being also the author of several books on Stanley Spencer. These include 'A Terrible Beauty' an extensive study of British art of the Great War, and 'Stanley Spencer: Journey to Burghclere', tracing the experiences and inspirations for Spencer's unique vision of peace and resurrection depicted on the walls of the Sandham Memorial Chapel, Burghclere.
 Despite the extreme differences in the character of Banksy's work and that of Stanley Spencer, several parallels were drawn between the two painters in the course of the evening. Professor Gough pointed particularly to the controversial nature of both artists in their own time and their determination to function 'by their own rules', even when this brought them into conflict with the authorities. For Banksy, this has perhaps been a lifetime experience - as street art and the creation of graffiti are usually 'not legitimate' and consequently the perpetrator must be especially skilled at evading personal detection. Spencer, equally determined to do things 'his own way', regularly raised eyebrows with the extraordinary nature of his work, but actual conflict with the authorities came intermittently. There are, for example, well-known instances of dispute beween Stanley Spencer and the Royal Academy, one involving the rejection of two of his paintings and another, a brush with the police for alleged obscenity.
Another remarkable parallel between the two artists is the way that both attracted astonishing numbers to exhibitions in their own localities. In 1958, despite his international repute (towards the end of 1955, a large retrospective of Spencer's work had been held at the Tate), Spencer chose to mount a very 'local' exhibition, simply to raise money for church funds. The exhibition soon, however, became a national attraction, drawing visitors and press from far and wide. Similarly in an extraordinary retrospective exhibition of Banksy's work held in Bristol in 2009, over 300,000 people queued day and night for six weeks, often in the pouring rain, to view the work of this fascinating artist.
Professor Gough told us of two questions that everybody asks in relationship to his book. "Have you actually met Banksy?" and "Does he know you are writing this book?" The answers to the first is "Possibly, but how would I know?" and to the second "Probably but why do you think it's important?" These and other frequently asked questions, he says, reveal a grudging respect for Banksy's role as a satirical spokesman on contemporary matters, and also the British fascination with the 'whodunnit'.
Professor Gough regaled an intrigued audience with a series of displayed Banksy works (see photos on page 3) amid the Spencer Gallery's own much visited current exhibition, 'The Creative Genius of Stanley Spencer'.
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