VALLEY Plus, next week, lets us all have an insight into something we’re all aware of, but a part of our community we’re mostly ignorant of.

We must all have walked past the Cottage Hospital on our way to and from the surgery at some time – but not all of us will have been inside, and even fewer of us probably know the full story.

But on May 27 at 2pm in the chapel the main speaker will be Dr Hilary Walsh and she will give us an insight.

For many years she was one of the senior doctors at the Marlow Surgery – back in the days when Dr James Hayter was ‘in charge’.

Now retired, she has a special interest in the Cottage Hospital and will be telling us something of its history and its function today.

Before her talk there will be an opportunity to hear a few words from our community policeman, PCSO Stephen Watkins.

It’s no wonder Valley Plus members are so well informed! But there’s one secret being kept back – there’s a surprise guest appearance as well. But you will have to come to find out who that is.

Just to illustrate how broad is the spectrum of interests of the group, next month Dr Jill Eyers will be back, speaking on the Romans in Britain – and round here.

Remember the gruesome secrets of Medmenham?

FUNDRAISING in big time style is what St Mary’s Pre-school is planning as the highlight of their summer activities.

While it does not happen until July 19, the importance of the event and the merit of its content are such that the organising committee members are eager that you should be aware of it early in order to keep the date free in your diaries.

It’s a concert to be held in All Saints’ Church in Marlow. The details are not resolved yet, but this column will have more to say about them over the coming weeks.

It’s probably as big an enterprise as the pre-school has ever taken on, so it is important that it is well supported to enable them to provide the greatest financial benefit for future day to day activities.

The star of the show will be an international opera singer, who happens to be one of St Mary’s parents, Isobel Cooper, otherwise known as Izzy (you can read extensively about her on www.izzysings.com She will be joined by world-renowned guitarist Robin Hill, flautist Julia Bently Dawkes and Spinfield’s Rock School Choir.

Izzy has several successful albums to her name, including a No 1 in this country’s classical charts, and others in the USA.

Apart from her website, there is also much to be discovered on the pre-school’s site, www.stmaryspreschool.info. Sainsburys, The Compleat Angler, Waitrose and Vodafone are clearly pleased to be associated with her name, as they have all become sponsors of this concert, entitled Canción.

ANOTHER vigorous organiser for charity is Diana Bond.

Her afternoon tea events in support of Age UK are becoming a regular feature, with increasing success.

Her May 1 afternoon tea party was fantastic, and she raised around £300.

Of course, she depends on the considerable help from Phil and Shelly in the Barn Club, and Diana would like to thank all the people who supported the event.

OTHER ways exist to boost the community, apart from fundraising. Gav Singh has become a recognised master of providing sustenance for various local events. Last week, just because he wanted to do a good deed, Gav provided food for nearly 20 older people attending the Age Concern day centre in Glade Road.

FINALLY, we just hope that the current fine spell doesn’t give up quite yet. The valley WI hold their Spring Fayre on Thursday, May 29.

This has become a regular feature for seekers of bedding plants among gardening enthusiasts. Of course they will also feature the usual cakes and delicious cream teas. Further enchantment will be found among the books and crafts. (I notice on their website that their Easter campaign of knitting felt hatted chicks to fit onto Creme Eggs raised well over £300.) Peri Wing says: “Please bring a friend and come and support us for a very genteel afternoon.”

It all happens on the sunny lawns of the Village Hall between 2 and 4. Always worth a visit.