PLANS for the Cookham festivities for the Queen's Golden Jubilee continue but there is not the same enthusiasm for local junketing as there was for the Silver Jubilee. Those who saw the giant children's party all down Cookham High Street will never forget the sheer fun of the occasion. However Liz Kwantes who is responsible for the programme of events on June l, 2 and 3 is pleased with the initial plan and could always do with more offers of help and ideas. Events will be held in a huge marquee on Cookham Moor and will include a party and dance, a joint church service on Sunday morning and a party for senior citizens. Monday will be a sheer fun day. Several bands will be playing with a concert and fireworks to end the fun and games.

LIZ Kwantes is also the chairperson for the Cookham Youth Club and youth project which was organised by all those interested in youth activity in the district. There is always a shortage of helpers and more volunteers are needed. But there is a new approach being made as Liz and her colleagues try to find out just what young people in the Cookhams would like to see organised for them. "Some young people do not want to join a youth club and we want to contact all young people living locally to sound them out and get to know just what would really interest them in the way of leisure activities" Liz told the BFP.

THERE have been various problems with vandalism and hooliganism in the Cookhams and it is hoped a fresh approach to the young people may improve life in the community if only the youngsters can be given perhaps a drop-in centre or some form of leisure they would really enjoy.

THE future of Cookham's police beat officer Les Bullion is uncertain as he has been suspended from driving for 18 months following a conviction for drink driving. He may be glad of his bicycle which was presented to him some time ago by Cookham Parish Council who were anxious to make him mobile and visible.

on Saturday there is to be a quiz night at Cookham Dean Village Hall at 8pm. Tickets at £6 each including supper. You can make up a table of six people or take a lucky dip for seating. This is being organised by the Friends of Elizabeth House in aid of the popular Elizabeth House Day Centre at Cookham.

THOSE who love flowers and might like to help in the June flower festival at Cookham Dean Parish Church should attend a meeting in the vestry on Saturday at 10.30am. This annual event generates income badly needed by the local church which is always in the red lately because it has to make such a large parish share to less affluent churches. If you cannot attend but would like to help contact Lesley Fulker at 01628 4747779.

THE Dean Rise Women's Institute has its tenth birthday lunch on Wednesday, February 20.

THE Cookham and Cookham Dean Horticultural Society has its monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 27 in the Cookham Dean Village Hall at 7.45pm when there will be a speaker from Thrive which is a Reading based charity which uses horticultural therapy to help people with either physical or psychological difficulties. The annual sub is £3 per person. Visitors can pay £1 at the door.

THE first youth worker to be appointed at Holy Trinity Church is Dave Walker. He is 30 years old, hails from Wales and has been a youth worker for the past four years at Eastbourne. He is on his second campervan and enjoys creative activities including drawing cartoons. You might have seen his picture in last week's paper.

By Judy Baylis

February 14, 2002 13:38