SUE BERRY, manager of Volunteer Focus based at the Priory Centre, tells me that 2005 has been designated as the Year of the Volunteer, and they are holding a Volunteers Week starting on Tuesday until Saturday, June 4 daily from 10am to 4pm. Thursday is late night until 8pm. If you wish to find out more you will find them next to the florists opposite The Guildhall in the High Street.

IN MY COLUMN last week the report on the NWA committee meeting said, incorrectly, that the co-ordinator for Longwick was Sylvia Storey. It should have been Val McPherson. I apologise to both ladies for my mistake.

FOR THOSE OF YOU who like to keep your gardens and tubs looking good, the charity plant sales continue at 274 Totteridge Road on Sundays from 10am and 2pm. You can purchase plants very reasonably and they are all produced by an ex-serviceman who donates all proceeds to St Dunstan's, a charity with the motto "Caring for men and women blinded in the service of their country".

THE MAYOR MAKING last Saturday saw Cllr Liaquat Ali sworn in as the new Mayor of High Wycombe, in the Guildhall at 10.45am. Cllr Clare Martens was sworn in as the new Deputy Mayor. The Mayor's chosen charity is to raise funds and promote awareness of the Environmental Centre on Holywell Mead and the good work that is done there. If you would like to help in any way contact the Mayor's Parlour on 01494 421134.

Those of us in the parade made our way from the Mayor's Parlour to the Guildhall in torrential rain. Despite our umbrellas we began to get soaked. Then we moved onto Frogmoor for the traditional weighing. Again we got soaked but it did not dampen our spirits. We all enjoyed this event and I have lost some weight. Finally it was back to the reception at the Town Hall. On this part of the journey the rain got even worse, and just threw it down. There were lots of speeches, which were appreciated and enjoyed. Cllr Margaret Draper, the retiring Mayor, made an excellent address and we all went home drenched but having thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.