HADDENHAM'S May King, Mark Baruch (seven), and Queen, Jodie Pontoon (ten), travelled in style along Churchway on a decorated trailer pulled by Nick Whitney's tractor, and in a procession led by PC Cathie Ryman. They were supported by their attendants, Hannah Scott and Rory Gilchrist, whilst Brewster Mason and Hannah Scott were flower bearers. Many children followed in the procession carrying traditional May garlands. On reaching Church End Green, the Royal couple were crowned by Roger Power, Squire of Haddenham Morris Dancers. Sally McCloy, who organised the event, said she was delighted with the support she had been given by Gill Dyer who had played music for every rehearsal; also Jaqui Penn for donating the flowers; Sue Geenes who made the sceptre and crown; and Robyn and Chris Thorogood who set up the maypole. A collection was made for Grandmas, the charity which helps children with AIDS and £163 was raised. The entertainment concluded with a display of Morris Dancing by Haddenham Morris and visiting teams.

A SUCCESSFUL collaboration between local businesses and community leaders with the Haddenham Association of Scouts and Guides, was finalised last Saturday when six new Kayaks were handed over at a ceremony at the Scout and Guide Centre. Under the leadership of Garry Miller, a group of Scouts had become proficient in Kayaking using old equipment and an appeal was made for help in paying £2,500 for six modern boats with associated safety equipment. Contributions from McCormicks PLC, Foresight Financial Services, Haddenham Masons, the Village Society and Arts Group, and the parish council, meant an early completion of fundraising. Plans are now well advanced to run courses for Scouts and Guides in the village throughout the summer.

After the ceremony, the annual raffle was drawn resulting in Sue Liney winning first prize, Mike Burton was second and Hannah Austin came third. The raffle raised £265 for the Scout and Guide Association's funds, and there was also a profit of £75 from the sale or coffee and cakes at the event.

WHEN Angela Matthews was invited to sponsor the participants of the Haddenham China Bike team, raising money for Mencap, she decided she could do better by arranging a garage sale. Gifts from many friends and supporters of the team enabled the sum of £153 to be raised and many items left over were given to other charities.

MARGARET Hughes, Haddenham librarian, has announced the winners of the Easter competition. In the colouring competition, Paige Timberlake won the age four/five class; Chloe Turvey won the six/eight class, and Jessica Rabone was winner of the nine/eleven class. Megan Marshall won the basket competition.

HADDENHAM Players are already planning their autumn production which is to be a music hall. Linda Axford, who produced the successful Wychert WI variety show last year, will be the producer and she will be pleased to hear from anyone who has an act which they can present at the concert. Call (01844) 291645.

NEXT week there will be a house-to-house collection for Christian Aid, and tomorrow there will be a May Fayre at St Mary's Centre, from 2pm to 5pm. Cream teas will be available and many stalls.

ALL village organisations using the village hall are invited to attend the AGM of the Village Hall at 8pm in the Mabel Parkinson Room, on Wednesday.

AT the AGM of Haddenham Parish Council on May 8, the retiring chairman Margaret Aston did not stand for re-election (she is a member of the Cabinet of Bucks County Council). She had notified her intention to stand down on this occasion.

Angela Hart and Enid Robinson were nominated and each received five votes from fellow members (one member was absent). Mrs Aston, therefore, gave her casting vote, as chairman, to Mrs Hart as she said Mrs Hart had been a good vice-chairman. Mrs Robinson was elected vice-chairman.

Mrs Aston was elected chairman in February, 1993, when the then chairman, Mrs Win Carslake, decided to step down early following the death of her vice-chairman Bill Rose. Mr Rose was the father of Angela Hart who was a member of the council at the time of her father's death. Mr Rose had helped to design the chairman's chain of office which had been presented to the council in 1977 by Lucas plc and which will now be worn by his daughter.