ALTHOUGH five years may be a modest cause for celebration, Marlow Museum was glad to recall, last Saturday, its inauguration in 2009. There were balloons and bubbly as Marlow Mayor, Suzanne Brown, cut the birthday cake. But the elapsed time has not always been easy, with financial constraints and always having fewer volunteers than required. The museum may be strictly a Marlow town asset, but its being a part of the Court Garden Leisure Centre means it is a realistic leisure attraction for Valley dwellers too.

Although the Town Council contributes a small annual grant, Chairman Mike Hyde relies mainly on volunteers both to finance the bulk of the operating costs and totally to staff the enterprise.

Visitors to the museum often comment on how much there is to see in the small building, including the old town stocks, General Higginson’s drum and relics of Marlow’s old trades, brewing and lace making. The long-term plans are to acquire a larger building when possible, where larger objects such as the old Marlow fire engine could be displayed. The current exhibition illustrates the many famous people who have lived in Marlow over the years, particularly those commemorated by blue plaques on local buildings such as Shelley, TS Eliot and Ken ‘Snakehips’ Johnson.

Importantly, there is no admission charge, although donations and volunteers are eagerly sought. Midnight tomorrow is the deadline for the museum’s annual Children’s and Young People’s Photo Competition for all ages, from four to 19.

The museum holds its AGM for members and supporters at 7.30 on Tuesday, June 17. Secretary, Della Fitzgerald, can explain more on 01628 482515, or visit www.marlow museum.org ST MARY’S church is planning to raise funds to help cover its costs by organising another fun evening at the virtual races.

The date is July 5, but you’ll probably need that amount of notice to assemble a team and to get into serious training! The stable opens at 7pm for inspection of runners and the course conditions. The starter drops his flag for the first of eight races at 7.30pm, but you can keep occupied between whiles, at the bar or buying your raffle tickets.

Admission to the evening is £10, including food and your first five raffle tickets.

Graeme, on 07785 262078, can offer more information on form, and provide your tickets for an engaging evening.

WHERE can you get your annual top-up of Pimm’s now the Rose Carnival is no more? Well, Burford School is holding a Summer Fayre on Saturday, June 28, in the school grounds from noon till 4pm.

There will be a large variety of stalls including traditional games, crafts, go-karts and inflatables, and a selection of food and drink including a barbecue... and that all-important Pimm’s tent. There will also be live music, school choir performances and a cake competition.

Caroline Gajraj has all the details, and you can contact her through the school office on 01628 486655.

MARLOW Music Makers masquerade Movie Melodies mellifluously, minus images! This choir of mixed voices, from town and valley, are preparing a night at the movies without any films. But great music, a sociable interval with wine and light refreshments included should amply compensate for a lack of visual effects!

Musical numbers will include a medley of songs from the films of Walt Disney, and other popular songs from the movies, such as Ain’t Misbehavin’ and My Heart Will Go On – which is the love theme from the film Titanic. The choir’s summer concert will be held at Christchurch United Reformed Church in Marlow on July 3, 4 and 5.

Musical director Barbara Whitehead who founded Marlow Music Makers in July 2009. said: “We try to ensure our concerts are light-hearted and fun for everyone. Our activities are centred around two main concerts in July and December, but we are also happy to sing at other events in Marlow. We also place much emphasis on support for needy causes, and to December 2013 we had donated over £5,000 to local charities. I am delighted to report that our 2014 charity is Helen & Douglas House, which provides hospice care for children and young adults.”

Tickets for Movie Melodies (£10) may be obtained from Leightons Insight Opticians in Marlow High Street or by telephoning 01628 484618 or 01494 883392.

The performances are only a month away and they are always very popular, so you need to get those tickets organised promptly.

ALERT to comments made in the press, I must praise the NHS for noticing I had criticised their short notice of an open evening at the relatively new Minor Injury and Illness Unit (MIIU) at Wycombe Hospital.

The fault was not entirely theirs as they intended it mainly for community leaders, hoping they would pass on to the general public.

The evening was so successful that it will probably be repeated.

I have to emphasise that, from my experience, this is an excellent additional service. I suggest you explore it on the website www.chilternccg.nhs.uk/miiu Meanwhile, apologies to the NHS organiser, Nicola Sevenoaks, for misunderstanding the situation, and I hope I can rely on her to keep me informed of any repeat opportunities.