'New twists on old games' expected at Boxing Day Games in Cookham Dean

The annual 'not too serious' Boxing Day Games where winners take home a 'loo seat' trophy return next week. 

Featuring five silly games and a tug-of-war, hundreds of competitors and supporters are expected at the charity Games on the old cricket common in Cookham Dean. 

The history of the games goes back to 1970 when the Cherry Pickers (then the Kaffirs) organised the first Boxing Day football match between the local pubs to fund a Christmas party for the senior citizens of Cookham Dean. 

Organiser, Peter Austen from the Cherry Pickers of Cookham Dean said: "We are looking forward to an exciting and entertaining Games fought in their normal highly competitive but not too serious fashion. 

"We have some special games in reserve in case there is snow on the ground so we will go ahead, whatever the weather.  We have some new twists on some of our old games so expect some extra fun this year."

Around 150 competitors and 300 supporters are expected at the games, and organisers know some families now have their third generation of participants. 

All teams are mixed, consisting of eight members and cost £30. In recent years, a maximum number of 16 teams have entered the games, representing pubs, clubs and groups of residents. Entries can only be made on the day.

The winners will take home the prestigious 'loo seat' trophy which carries shields representing the winners over almost 40 years. 

The event normally raises about £500 to support the Cherry Pickers projects, including food and baby banks, maintaining Cookham's public access defibrillators, contributing to the Air Ambulance, Thames Valley Adventure Playground, the community allotment, Elizabeth House day centre for the elderly and the Talking Newspaper.

The organisation is also supporting projects at schools and providing a Christmas tea party for 80 senior citizens. 

On Monday 26 December, the Games will start at 10am and last for two hours, concluding with the ever-popular obstacle race but the other four are kept secret until the day.

Hot and cold drinks will be available for both competitors and spectators.

If you would like more information, give Peter a call on 07802 216241 or email him at peter@throughtheloop.com