Marlow Bottom

Sorry, I said that the government had decided to reject local residents' objections to the plans to combine Marlow Bottom with Greater Marlow in a single new ward on Wycombe District Council. It was David Coe who rang me to say that he had not heard of such a decision. He was right, of course.

What had happened was that the erstwhile Boundaries Commission had, in its deliberations last autumn, decided to reject the vigorous local antipathy to WDC's suggestions and had recommended to the Minister of State that the valley's specific ward should disappear from the next election onwards.

However, further objections would be considered if made to the Minister by January 2. His decision is yet to be made (though it is clearly too late to make formal comments).

David pointed out that further objections had been made since the Commission's report that had supported a simplistic plan to make the ratio of electors to councillors across the district as near uniform as possible.

The concept of retaining strong community representation, in spite of numerical imbalance, seemed to have been overlooked.

He pointed out that it is not unknown for a perceptive minister to reject guidance from official advisors if a significant aspect of their analysis of the situation seems to be at fault. I will keep you informed.

FISHY things are happening down at Longhursts. The scale of things is that they have become sole traders - and of cod and mussels and other sea foods. Having acquired the status of the only traditional family butcher left in the area, they are now stocking a range of fish and fish products as well. It's quite the place to shop, it sounds.

APPARENTLY some people are unclear who it was that Anne Shave and Cynthia Hinsley were being catty about in the WI review.

It was poor June Meyer. I omitted her name when I reported on the group's performance a couple of weeks back. It must be said that June, when she eventually came onto the scene, gave as good as she had been getting.

WOODLAND Trust aims to buy the extension to Munces Wood are perhaps beginning to overcome the doldrums they encountered around Christmas. Many people in the valley were feared to be adopting the attitude that the appeal was not going well enough and their personal contribution might not be worthwhile.

Things have changed dramatically following a further appeal from the Trust, and the organisers in the Residents' Association are confident that the objective can be achieved, so long as those hesitant potential donors come forward with their pledges promptly.

The purchase sum has nearly been made but, before they can proceed with the purchase of the land, the Trust needs to secure a fund to cover aspects of maintenance and management as well.

Contribution boxes are still in Longhursts and the Valley Pharmacy. Please hurry to get your pledges in before the end of this month, and Peter Borrows reminds you that your donation can be made more valuable by ticking the appropriate Gift Aid Income Tax box on the form.

If you need more information, please speak to Peter on 01628 483895.

THE ROTARY Club of Marlow, which includes many members from the valley, is holding a Charity Spring Concert at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 9 at All Saints Church in Marlow with the High Wycombe Music Centre Youth Orchestra.

The programme includes Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker and Bizet's Carmen suites. The HWMC is a very able gathering of musicians, with national success, and you are likely to be well entertained.

Tickets cost £7 for adults and £3 for children. A family ticket for two adults and two children is available for £16.

Tickets, which include one free interval drink, are available from Marlow Tourist Information Office in the High Street or by calling Rotarian Lance Slater on 01628 475158.

VALLEY singer, Geraldine Rowe, from Badger's Way, will be taking a lead as Elsie in the Marlow Amateur Operatic Society's production of The Yeoman of the Guard. Performances will be from March 5 to 9 at 7.30pm each evening in the Court Garden's Shelley Theatre.

Many valley residents will also recall being taught English at Borlase's by the show's producer Andrew Stafford, himself a talented singer.

The tickets, from £7 to £10, are available from Insight Opticians.

AFTER several years of confusion over ownership of the lane leading to the playing field, the committee which manages the field and organises the Rose Carnival has decided that it is among its duties to maintain the surface.

There had been indecision as to whether it was the Parish Council or even neighbouring land owners who were responsible for its upkeep.

Now the Playing Field Committee is to seek tenders for repairs with the aim that work, given reasonable costs, can start urgently.

JAZZ next week sees a change of day. The event, on Thursday, February 21, at TJ's starting at 8, sees the long-awaited appearance of the Tough Tenors.

An act that has been in such demand that it has been difficult to arrange.

Alex Garnett, son of big band leader Willie, and Ray Gelato, himself an international performer, will be backed by the Frank Toms Trio. This saxophone duo is described by Mike Eagleton as one of biggest catches for the TJ sessions, but it's still at the usual price of a fiver.

FINALLY, valley travellers to the continent may benefit from our recent holiday Euro experiences. As all the notes are new, they stick together easily, so count out your money carefully.

The smaller value coins are not well designed.

Locals and tourists alike complain that the brass coloured ones are difficult to differentiate between.

Small shop-keepers are often very confused by the new currency, and we found an extensive and severe shortage of coins, anyway. One result is that shop-keepers often choose to give change only to the next convenient (for them) price level up, ignoring anything up to 5 cents. So, always try to hang onto a reserve of coins.

Having UK TV channels in your Portuguese hotel room doesn't help. You've got it all waiting for you when you come home.

By Mike Williams

February 14, 2002 13:38