Cracker cash and turkeys given to worthy causes

Deserving community groups, clubs and charities were handed their share of £9,400 on Tuesday.

The cash was raised by the Advertiser's annual Cracker Appeal, which funds Christmas parties as well as day trips throughout the year.

Representatives from community groups received their cheques at a special presentation held in the Magnet Leisure Centre.

Long-term Cracker Appeal supporter Copas Traditional Turkeys also donated turkeys for 900 people.

Advertiser circulation manager Andrew Farley collected the stockpile of birds from the firm's farm in Grubwood Lane, Cookham, on Tuesday morning and delivered them to the Magnet for the afternoon presentation.

Thames Van & Truck Hire helped by providing free use of a van for the special delivery.

Chief executive of Baylis Media, which produces the Advertiser, Jeremy Spooner, spoke at the event.

He explained that in the appeal's 18-year history it has raised just shy of £250,000.

He expressed his gratitude to the Magnet, Shanly Foundation and Copas Traditional Turkeys for their continued support.

The Magnet has hosted fundraising exercise challenges, while property developer Shanly pledged £2,000 to this year's appeal.

Jeremy said: "The generosity from local companies supporting local people is fantastic."

He also thanked Louisa Mace, Baylis Media's human resources and executive assistant, for her role in organising the appeal.

Cookham Social Club will put the money received towards its annual Christmas dinner, which feeds 60 pensioners.

It is the first time it has received a grant.

Mary Cadle, representing the club, said: "The fact that we get some help this year is wonderful news."

Electric Eels, a swimming club for children with Down's syndrome, is another group to benefit.

Director of swimming, Pauline Walker, said: "Every year we use it to pay for the presentation evening. We have food for everyone, which is 100 people by the time parents and volunteers come."

Re:charge is a Maidenhead based support network for young people facing difficult situations. Hannah Bronnimann-Lucas and Georgie Grafham explained that the cash will fund three Christmas parties, where each child receives an individual gift.

Perry House funds pantomime trips and fun activities with its share.

Suzann Penn, representing the Burnham-based retirement home, said: "It really helps us to keep the community going, as everything costs so much. It's fantastic."