FASCINATING what one hears in odd spots in the valley.

I became aware of animated conversation relating the enactment of that old verse about the old ladies locked in a lavatory, last Sunday. It happened to one venerable Barn Club member; happily she was not confined until Saturday. After a long stay, a gentleman made his first ever visit to the ‘Ladies’– not sure who was most embarrassed.

COELIAC syndrome, a serious deficiency of the digestive system, was rare and poorly understood when I first heard of it, in the small daughter of a friend, almost sixty years ago.

There are several residents of the valley who have to manage this condition.

The consequences of eating food containing gluten, mostly ingredients of grain derivatives, can vary from a temporarily upset stomach to instant life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Although I have not discovered anybody at that extreme end of the scale, many people here will be pleased to see that local traders are beginning to offer foods to suit their needs.

You may have read last week that Gav Singh’s valley fish and chip shop will offer gluten free batter on fish, with the cooking done in a dedicated fryer to avoid any cross contamination.

Bernie at Longhurst’s butcher has been aware of the need for some time, and has been making gluten free sausages regularly. Basically, the texture and flavour of sausages are often enhanced by the inclusion of specially prepared rusk, a grain product.

Incidentally, opinions vary, but sausage connoisseurs will not necessarily consider 100 per cent meat the ideal.

It’s obviously appropriate that, having taken the trouble to be sensitive to customer needs, the coeliac community should support them by buying the products. I have to say, I thought the gluten free battered fish has the edge on the conventional variety.

MARLOW Bottom Guiding – some 80 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers – had a day out at Legoland, Windsor. Brown Owl organised the event. Now call me cynical, but surely her decision on an excursion had nothing to do with it being her birthday that day. I’ll tell you next week how they got on.

ALTHOUGH I mentioned it last week, I have subsequently become aware that the news of the planned Noodle Bar applying for an alcohol licence as well as a music licence until 11.30 is causing some worries, particularly among close-by neighbours. It may still be possible to express any concerns to the council using the information posted outside the premises in Kingswood Parade.

INTRODUCING the most significant series of events to happen this summer and autumn, Burford is going to be the focus of attention for most of the next six weeks. I hope to bring you interesting information and anecdotes about the history of the school’s first 40 years. The first significant event that will enhance their chances of raising the £100,000 for the creation of a larger hall will be on June 29.

Posters should be beginning to appear from now.

Two factors about the school’s early history involve position and size. Originally, BCC wanted it sited where Patches Field now is. Some far-sighted residents objected. Traffic may not be ideal around Kingsley Drive, Squirrel Drive and the main road at that point, but imagine how congested the valley junction and that end would be if the decision were not changed. It was.

However, within weeks of its opening, school managers were complaining about the traffic arrangements on Marlow Bottom and on October 23, 1972 Mr Day, Manager and Mrs Morse, Chairman of the Local Parish Council called a meeting to discuss the problems. Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.

As for size, again within weeks of the final stage of the phased intake during autumn 1972, the number of pupils already exceeded the 220 planned figure. Today, it’s around 420, clearly indicating the need for a school hall extension.

The celebration event committee hopes to hear from as many of the school’s old pupils as possible. In particular, they would like written memories of experiences at the school.

It would be particularly appreciated if interesting artefacts or photos could be lent for the planned exhibition. They promise great care and a safe return.

Please drop a note into the school office, or in the box at Bernie’s or by emailing the details to alumni@burfordschool.co.uk FINALLY, for this week, I recall that Burford school fetes were very enjoyable events, mostly sunny, as I remember.

However, special guests did not always turn up, such as the time when they organised a hog roast. Everybody came, early and hungry, but the pig never made it!

An exceptionally hot and sunny day caused a massive clog-up on the M25 and piggy’s transport was trapped for many hours. The happy bit was that Bernie raided his shop fridges and freezers, cleared his stock of pork and was able to provide an adequate supply of joints – not all from the same pig, obviously.

History does not record if there was a massive barbecue on the central reserve near Watford that afternoon.