Marlow

"I have had many happy years at the school and seen many changes", says Mrs Hamer, who lives in Stapleton Close. "When I took over the reins, my goal was to build a successful school ready for the challenges of the new millennium, and with the achievements of the pupils, helped by parents and staff, we have exceeded all expectations".

Mrs Hamer's husband, Steve, is Manx. His return to the Isle of Man also means there will be a vacancy for an editor for the St John the Baptist Church newsletter, although he has offered to continue until the summer issue.

ALTHOUGH she had to cancel her fundraising coffee morning last summer when she was laid low by illness, friends of Elizabeth Hayter made sure her efforts on behalf of the Mental Health Foundation were not overlooked by donating £1,000 to the charity.

Added to £1,400, raised from a supper at which former customs officer, Bill Streeter, was the guest speaker, Elizabeth was able to forward a cheque for a record amount to the Mental Health charity. Now back to full health, she would like to thank all those who helped and contributed towards the magnificent total.

BUSINESS people from offices, shops, pubs, etc. are invited to attend a free seminar on Law and Order In Marlow at the Crown pub in Market Square on Monday evening. Marlow and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce has invited representatives from Wycombe District Council, Thames Valley Police, Wycombe Business Watch, Crimestoppers and CCTV to give presentations of the support on offer to local businesses in the continuing battle against crime.

The meeting will get underway at 5.30pm. Questions from the floor will be allowed.

AT 10am next Friday, local artist Corinne Corrigan begins a 24-hour sponsored paintathon to raise much needed cash for the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust. The event, which is taking place at Wycombe Wanderers headquarters at Adams Park, has been organised by the Rotary Club of Marlow. If you would like to spur on Corinne Corrigan in her fundraising call Peter Bailey on 01628 476610.

THE video of David and Debra Rixon's TV series Tales From the Thames, which features last year's swan upping in Marlow, is the latest addition to the range of videos on sale at the Marlow Tourist Office in the High Street. It is on sale at £14.99. Amongst other titles available are This is Marlow, Summertime in Marlow and Royal Windsor & The Thames Valley.

LADIES of Marlow Common Women's Institute are putting on their annual jumble sale at Liston Hall on Saturday. It is on from 10am until midday and entrance is 30p. The Institute is holding a games evening when it meets at Bovingdon Green Village Hall on Thursday evening. The fun and games start at 7.45pm.

MARLOW'S Farmers Market, which supports local food producers and is held at the Causeway on the first Wednesday of the month, could be extended. Local organisations such as schools and church groups are being invited to participate either on a regular or ad hoc basis. Organiser Sally Philp can be contacted on 01628 473781 for further information. She is also inviting local residents to take a stall if they have an excess of gardens vegetables. Producers do not have to be large scale, she says.

A DISPLAY at the Institute Road library is devoted to the £10,000 investment of more than 1,000 new books available to readers.

WYCOMBE Council and Marlow's Chamber of Commerce aim to demonstrate that Marlow traders place a high priority on customer service and next month plan to hold a Customer Service Event in the town.

Customer surveys consistently identify that location, choice/value of offers and helpful friendly staff determine where the public shops. Town Centre Manager, Chris Mansfield, is spearheading this new initiative and next Wednesday heads a group presentation to outline to Marlow traders more about Celebrating Excellence in Service, Marlow 2002.

TICKETS are now on sale at Insight Opticians in Spittal Street for Marlow Amateur Operatic Society's production of Gilbert & Sullivan's The Yeoman of the Guard. It is being staged at the Shelley Theatre from Tuesday, March 5 to Saturday, March 9 and ticket prices range from £7 to £10 with concessions.

JASON Hutchinson has taken over as editor of Times Past, the organ of the Marlow Archaeological Society.

AT the Mother's Union AGM, Anne Hotten stood down for the time being as the group's leader, although Beverley Stainer and Margaret Gratten will be continuing in their respective roles as secretary and treasurer with thanks from members.

BROCHURES for the popular Gerrards Cross Summer School, taking place from July 22-August 2, are now available at the Institute Road library.

FOR the third successive year the Rotary Club of Marlow is staging a Spring Concert. It is being held on Saturday, March 9, at All Saints Church with the High Wycombe Music Centre Youth Orchestra performing works by Bizet, Tchaikovsky, Wagner and Beethoven. The tourist office in the High Street is selling tickets. There is a special family ticket for two adults and two children costing £16. Individual prices are £7 for adults and £3 for children under 14.

AFTER many years as the letting secretary for the Marlow Methodist Church, Nina Reed has stepped down and the job has been taken over by Barbara Murray. The church hall and other rooms at the Spittal Street church are available to the public to rent and Barbara Murray can be reached on 01628 474825.

CATALOGUES become available from Monday for the charity auction being put on jointly by Holy Trinity School and Marlow C of E Infant School at the Wethered Road School on Saturday, March 2. The auction is to boost school funds and Tricia Houston on 01494 4733560 is the contact for catalogues.

THERE is a quiz evening on Saturday at Abbotsbrook Hall in aid of church funds. Entrance is £7.50 and includes supper. It starts at 7.30pm. Last minute applicants should contact 01628 521733.

CLIVE Hicks from Ealing heads for Bovingdon Green Village Hall on Tuesday evening to judge Marlow Camera Club's open print and slide competition. It is at 8pm.

ALAN Copeland returns to Liston Hall on Thursday afternoon when he will take Four Seasons Club members on an illustrated tour of the south Cotswolds. This open meeting starts at 2.30pm.

THIRD Thursday of the month means that the Marlow & District Railway Society holds its regular meeting at the Royal British Legion Club at Station Approach. Members assemble at 7.45pm.

ERNEST BENNING was a born in Prospect Cottages, just off Queens Road, in 1902 and lived locally all his life, apart from his period of wartime service in the Royal Engineers. Ernest celebrates his 100th birthday next Wednesday and, no doubt, Marlow people will be among those wishing him well at his home in Cherry Garth Nursing Home.

After the war he joined the Bucks Constabulary and was a special constable for many years. He also worked for Marlow Urban District Council getting to know Marlow and Marlow people.

Since 1902 Ernest will have seen major changes in Marlow as the years went by .

Best wishes for a very happy 100th birthday to a real Marlow man.

By John Willis

February 14, 2002 13:38