CRIME CONTINUES in the Cookhams. Cookham's beat officer P C Walter de Haan warns people to keep windows closed in the hot weather and to use their burglar alarms when homes are left empty. "In one or two cases recently burglaries occurred and the alarms had not been activated, which is a pity because they are a deterrent". PC de Haan told the MFP.

SUMMER FAIR organised by the 1st Cookham Scouts on Cookham Moor last Saturday was very successful. Crowds enjoyed the stalls and side shows. Group Scout Leader Keith Jenkins told the MFP that proceeds were expected to be around £4,500. This is now a community event with various stalls and side shows raising money for their own individual charities. For the first time there was a go kart contest. This proved to be a popular arena event with the fire brigade making sure the children had fun. A few Scouts have a rock group of their own called "Epitaph" and their music was very popular.

The Cookham Scouts are to have their own individual badge of a swan on the back of their scarves. In September girls will be able to join the Scouts as this integrated approach will be official in 2006. "We thought we would start having girls now" Keith told the MFP. "The Girl Guides will continue to thrive but this gives girls a new option".

The 1st Cookham Scouts flourishes and there is always a waiting list of those waiting to join. However there is always a serious shortage of suitable leaders as two retire at the end of this year and Keith looks after the Cubs as well as the group. There is a wide range of activities and leaders have to be able to cope with all of them.

PATRONAL FESTIVAL of Cookham Dean Parish Church is celebrated on Sunday and a special evensong will be followed by a short organ recital by Rhiddian Jones. There will be wine and nibbles in the vestry when people can meet the new curate Ryan Green, who is being ordained earlier that day.

SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING at Holy Trinity church for the gift of music raised over £300 for the Childrens Society.

BRING AND BUY sale is being held by the Junior Praise children on Sunday at 10.30am in the parish centre to to raise funds for charity.

MRS BETTY BOND, aged 88, has closed her boutique in the High Street after 45 years. She said thank you to her public at a sale of designer clothes in Cookham Dean last Saturday. Her daughter Vicki Bond has a boutique also in the High Street.

SUMMER FETE organised by the primary school is tomorrow and this year's theme will be a country fair. The fancy dress parade will leave the War Memorial at 1.45pm. There will be country dancing, farm animals and a Punch and Judy show.