ST NICHOLAS'S Church Rose Queen Festivities are on Sunday, June 28. When so many such traditions are dying out, I am happy that Ann Griffiths let me know about theirs, which is 10.30am service followed by a buffet lunch.

They are trying to contact all the past Rose Queens, to invite them and their guests to this year's event. Unfortunately they have not been able to get in touch with them all, but they thought my page would be a good way to let them know about the event. Of course, any other Coffey Time readers would be welcome too.

This year's Rose Queen is Eleanor Long, who is 11 years old and has been involved with the various events that go on at St Nicholas. She has already decided on the charity she will support during her year in office. It’s ACE - Africa's Children in Education.

Anne said: “It is a charity set up by a St Helens couple, Ron and Sue Hayes. They believe that education is the route out of poverty and have been working hard to provide a primary school for a poor rural village in the foothills on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The Arise Community School opened in 2013 with one teacher and one classroom and has now expanded to four teachers, 88 children and three classrooms.

“One of the problems they have faced, owing to the poverty, has been that the children are inadequately fed and this affects their ability to learn, so the charity is providing a basic breakfast and lunch for the children, as well as uniforms and basic teaching equipment. There is no free education in Tanzania so all this must be paid for.

“Eleanor, her family and myself know Ron and Sue and are keen to help their charity."

Email chrispcoffey@gmail.com or ring 01744 817130 or write to 37 Holbrook Close, St. Helens, WA9 3XH.