CONSIDERING all the contentious views concerning the NHS and its proposed databases, there is another sponsored by the NHS, less publicised, but containing much more usually private information. The UK Biobank recruited 500,000 people, aged between 40 and 69 years, between 2006 and 2010, and from across the country, to take part in a very well-targeted and efficiently managed project. The volunteers have undergone a multitude of measurements, and these may continue as the researchers meet further needs, and will include all past and future GP and hospital records, even from coroners. Over many years this will build into a powerful resource to help scientists discover why some people develop particular diseases and others do not.

I know that several residents of the valley are contributors, including myself, and it is hoped, with significant confidence, that really reliable information on public and individual health will be derived.

The Biobank database contains vastly more extensive personal information than any other NHS file. While the main intended uses are statistic, it is all kept without any attempt to make the contributors anonymous, though, of course, access is on a strictly 'need to know' basis.

The amazing thing is, I've never heard of any mis-use or compromise of the very private information, by leak or by commercial release. The NHS is therefore fully capable of managing our most personal details, given the proper systems and disciplines.

EXCITING music is expected at Marlow Jazz Club next Tuesday, March 18, when two world famous but extrovert saxophonists line up side by side. On his annual British tour, Los Angeles based Benn Clatworthy, grandson of superstar of the musicals, Gertrude Lawrence, joins regular Club favourite 'Doctor Jazz', Art Themen, an orthopaedic surgeon in his spare time. There will be an extra star on piano; making his first appearance in Marlow will be the award winning John Donaldson, plus Andy Crowdy on bass and Denis Smith at the drums. Music starts 8.30 pm at the Royal British Legion Hall, and admission at the door is £8.

FOLLOWING the great success of the memorabilia exhibition last summer, celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the valley school, Burford County Combined School, there is to be a further chance to experience it.

Di Lavers and Pattie Beresford are restaging the show in the school hall on Thursday April 3, from 7 to 9.30 pm.

Look out for the posters that explain that there will be tours round the school, a cash bar run by Friend of Burford (FOB - the school's PTA) and a further chance to peruse the scrap books and photographs.

There are 80 ‘alumni’ signed up already and Di and Pattie are keen to enrol more ex pupils, staff and parents who want to keep in touch with school events and each other, possibly leading to year group reunions. Contact can be made via alumni@burfordschool.co.uk. There is also a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BurfordSchoolAlumniandFriends.

The event is open to all the community, and it was gratifying that so many of the ‘older’ generation attended in the summer. Many were accompanied by pupils who had attended Burford in its earliest years. They had some wonderful reminiscences and brought photos which have now been copied for the archives.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION offer free one or two week holidays at their four seaside break centres around the UK. Not only are the holidays free but they also include all of the meals, free train tickets to get there or a contribution towards petrol costs.

1 in 6 of the UK population is potentially eligible for Legion assistance; eligibility criteria are based on only seven days paid service in the Army, Navy, RAF or Marines (including reserve forces such as the TA) or their dependents (including partners/spouses and ex-partners/ex-spouses, carers and dependent children).

There must be potentially eligible people who live either in the valley or Marlow town, To find out more, call the British Legion on 0808 802 8080, and Bonnes Vacances if you take the offer.

THE NHS HEALTH CHECK is offered to eligible adults in Buckinghamshire between the ages of 40 and 74. The check will give you a clearer picture of your cardiovascular health and help you take action to reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease.

You are eligible for the NHS Health Check if you are between 40 – 74 years old and a resident in Buckinghamshire or registered with a Buckinghamshire GP and have not had an NHS Health Check within the last 5 years.

The service is not available to those who already receive regular treatment for a number of long term conditions.

Checks are at High Wycombe Library in until Saturday March 29 Pop along at the following times: Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays,10.00 am until 4.00 pm, or Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10.30 am until 5.00 pm.

SPRING seems to have arrived with little prior notice; daffodils, snowdrops and crocus are not measurably later than other years, the robin's song seems a little more cheery than its disconsolate winter recitals, and community activities are beginning to be indulged in. As I have forthcoming news of many of those events, keep reading in the coming weeks.