POLITICAL meetings, I would guess for most people, may not come very high in the popularity poll for evening entertainment. But last Friday a significant size of audience went to the Methodist chapel to hear, and put questions to, Steve Baker MP.

A very able no-notes speaker, he was given enthusiastic applause at the end of the evening. By no means all present were supporters of the Conservative Party, and one was a well-known resident with powerful views that support an opposition stance. There were Marlow town residents there too, generally unhappy that their interests are now bundled in with the Beaconsfield constituency.

Whatever your party political loyalties, it would be difficult not to find Mr Baker’s meetings interesting and thought provoking, treating every point of view with respect. He generally avoids a confrontational manner when addressing topics and usually prefers to treat a subject more philosophically, giving scope for a questioner to see a more extensive context for his concerns.

Regardless of your political colours, it is very rewarding to hear Mr Baker’s perceptions of the workings of Westminster, the processes, the MPs and the intricate scenario in which decisions are made that eventually affect us more locally. He’s almost certain to be back before the election, if only to re-enforce his accidentally acquired informal moniker of MP for Marlow Bottom.

HALLOWEEN will be celebrated in style by the Barn Club on Saturday, November 1. Last year’s party must have been one of the best attended events ever at the club which is enjoying a vigorous renaissance in its popularity.

The relatively nominal membership fee buys you a comfortable and active place of recreation, but the Halloween spectacular is open to all.

It all kicks off at 5.30pm with children’s activities that include a fancy dress competition and a booty bag for every child. Later, there is buffet food for adults and karaoke from 8.30pm until 11.30pm. Of course, adults can compete in the dressing up game too, and they certainly did last year. Shelley got her outfit last week and I’m wondering if I have a ghost of a chance with last year’s Edvard Munch creation again.

For more scary info, why not look on the ‘web’ – geddit? www.barnclub.net BICYCLE theft is so easy, unless you take fairly simple precautions. Police have informed Neighbourhood Watch of a bike being stolen from an insecure garage in the valley. It happened last week, probably overnight.

There’s also risk in children leaving bikes on the lawn while they go in for tea – there have been cases of theft in these circumstances. Bike theft is all the easier because it offers an instantly available get-away vehicle. Get your bikes indelibly marked and always put them away in a securely locked garage or shed.

VACANCIES for jobs are usually uplifting news, but not this one, as far as I am concerned.

Our very assiduous parish clerk, Lorna Parkins, has decided to retire. She has been a source of immense help and advice to the parish for several years.

She is leaving to spend more time with her grandchildren.

It’s a big act to follow and involves a very broad scope of activities and contacts with many organisations, but Lorna has always found it absorbing. There must be someone who would like to take on the challenge. You can get a job specification by emailing clerk@mbpc@gmail.com or by telephoning 01628 473826 or visitingwww.bucksvoice.net/marlow-bottom-parish-council and click on Noticeboard.

Salary and terms are based on national standards, you work from home, with PC and other facilities provided. Sad to see you go, Lorna, but let’s hope we get a worthy replacement.

TOMORROW there will be a night of popular operatic arias at Christ Church URC, performed by Cameo Opera and all by twinkling candlelight. This is another musical event involving valley dwellers. Some people may think opera is a bit serious, but they promise a fun evening of operatic pops including excerpts from Carmen, La Traviata, Rigoletto, Marriage of Figaro, La Boheme, Tosca and Barber of Seville. Curtain-up is 7.30pm and tickets can be reserved from 01628 486227 or bought on the door.

What could be a better way of lifting those autumn blues?

n REMEMBER to go for fish and chips this evening, dressed all in pink. It’s the chip-shop annual appeal for Breast Cancer Research. Gav is expecting that Suzanne Brown, Mayor of Marlow, will open the proceedings at 1pm, later today, but the balloons stay up and the collecting boxes stay open for the evening session from 5.30pm.

CHRISTMAS bazaar time approaches fast. There will be more information later, but it’s time to note the important dates for the pre-schools’ events and diary them now.

St Mary’s Christmas Bazaar will be from 2-4pm on November 22, in St Mary’s Hall.

Father Christmas moves down the road to the village hall, for the MB Pre-school Playgroup on the following Saturday, October 29, starting at 10am.

PLEASE respect those residents who may not wish to participate in Halloween activities. From http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/Halloween, download a No trick-or-treat flyer to display in your window.