THE KAFFIRS OF COOKHAM DEAN

The term 'Kaffirs' has no connection with the South African word but rather originated in India where it meant infidel, a word that accurately described the residents of Cookham Dean in the early 19th century. Mostly these were a rough lot of vagrant workers partly employed to pick the Cassir cherries for which Cookham Dean was famous. An alternative school believes 'Kaffirs' to be a corruption of the word “Cassir”.

GRAVITY GRAND PRIX 13th September 2009 

Gravity Grand Prix Entrants - 2008

BBC - Wacky Racers Go Downhill 2008

U-Tube Gravity Grand Prix 2008

Maidenhead Advertiser Gravity Grand Prix 2008

U-Tube 2007 Gravity Grand Prix

Gravity Grand Prix Success 2007

Boxing Day Games - 26 December 2006

Boxing Day Games - 26 December 2005

A Perfect Boxing Day Games - 26 December 2004

Boxing Day Games 2003 - Some Photos

October 2003 Kaffirs raise £1,500 for the Air Ambulance Service click here for some photos

  The OAP Tea Party in December 2003

(click for larger photo)

The Kaffirs organisation began in the Victorian era.  Originally they were a village group who organised social events such as 'smoking concerts'.  These were evenings when the villagers would gather and entertain one another with much loved songs and recitations.  After the First World War the society ceased to exist, but was reformed in the 1950's on the initiative of John & Dorothy Russell (landlords of the Jolly Farmer) and a group of their customers. Nowadays the Kaffirs are dedicated to fund raising for local causes and meet on a monthly basis. 

The Kaffirs Annual Pig Roast at the Jolly Farmer

Over the last few years Kaffirs have raised several thousands of pounds annually to support local projects including:

• Assisting with various projects for Elizabeth House including the recent redecoration

• Providing specialist baths and beds for St. Mark's Hospital 

• Organising and funding parties, entertainment and outings for local elderly citizens including our renowned Christmas Party. 

• Donating a Resusci-Anne for the local medical centre and self help books for the patients library. 

• Supporting Cookham Youth Project 

• Providing specialist equipment and funding other special needs for local disabled children and adults. 

Our major fund raising events include:

• Pig Roast. In early July each year a whole pig is roasted all night over a wood fire in the garden of the Jolly Farmer. In the early evening the pig is carved and the many families present enjoy the food, drink and other entertainment.  

• Boxing Day Games. Teams of eight men and women compete for the prestigious Loo Seat trophy by taking part in half a dozen silly but strenuous games including a tug of war. Great fun for spectators and participants - always finishes at opening time! 

• Gravity Grand Prix. This started in 2007 and has gone from strength to strength. It takes place in September in Cookham Dean and attracts people from miles around to see the various carts that have been made by enthusiastic groups racing against each other. 

• Christmas Carol Singing. A terrible sound pervades the hostelries of Cookham on the Friday before Christmas as the Kaffirs try to sing and drink their way through the village! 

The Kaffirs' Cherry Picker Inn at the Jubilee Celebrations

As well as the above the Kaffirs run the bar for many village events - our green and white marquee has become a familiar and welcome landmark for the thirsty in search of real ale or a Pimms. The Kaffirs have all the equipment needed to set up 'The Cherry Picker Inn' anywhere.

We are always very pleased to hear from anyone who knows of a project or need that the Kaffirs may be able to assist. 

The Kaffirs