MARLOW

Some four years ago she suffered the first of a series of strokes which affected her speech and memory. This annoyed her but her spirit wasn't diminished. She was a relentless fund-raiser on behalf of the Mental Health Foundation and very proud of the annual coffee mornings and dinners she organised to support the charity and always grateful to her supporters. She contributed much to so many aspects of All Saints church life.

Her late husband was a GP and one of the founding partners of the Victoria Road doctor's practice. They had three daughters, Jane, Mary and Ruth.

At the memorial service her youngest daughter Ruth read the eulogy "Do Not Stand By My Grave And Weep". It had been especially requested by Elizabeth to commemorate her 10-year-old granddaughter who tragically died of a heart defect in Northern Ireland last year.

I am grateful to Sue Glyn-Woods for her help in compiling this item.

TOWN MAYOR, Cllr Roger Wilson, has selected the charities for his fund-raising schemes for his year in office. They are Marlow Community Association, which he heads, and the RAF Halton branch of the Multiple Sclerosis charity. Details of the fund-raising activities will become clearer in the months ahead but already set is a golf day at Harleyford Golf Club for next April.

SCHOOL CHILDREN will again be invited to become involved in the Marlow In Bloom contest by sowing seeds given them by the town council. Marlow will also be contesting the Thames & Chiltern in Bloom contest and the Best Kept Village, in which they did so well last year.

BIODEGRADABLE paper bags are now available at the Area Information Office in the High Street, which will fit into the kitchen caddie of the waste disposal units. They cost £3.75 for 50 bags.

WYCOMBE LEISURE Limited is hoping to produce a local Pele, Ronaldo or Ronaldino by inviting boys and girls aged from five to 14 years to learn soccer the exciting Brazilian way at special coaching weeks to be held at Court Garden Leisure Complex.

The five week courses are being held on Mondays from 4.30pm to 5.45pm and on Thursdays from 4.30pm to 5.45pm, starting the week commencing June 13. Places are limited so to book call 0871 200 3308. Cost per player is £20 for the course but siblings booking together will receive a 10% discount for both players.

BISHAM GARDENS Open Day this year will be on Sunday, July 10. Headquarters for tickets will be at White Walls and there will be at least one new garden open for viewing this year. Boat trips will also be available.

LAST YEAR Diane Murray and her band of dedicated volunteers raised over £18,000 for the Leukaemia Care Society. This year's fund-raising continues apace and today she will be found outside WH Smith in the High Street promoting sales of home grown plants, videos, cds, books etc. If you miss her today she will be at her pitch from 9am until 5pm on Tuesday and on June 14 and 21.

DANIEL ROSS, deputy head and Bishop's Chorister, received thanks at the parish church when he sang his last service as a treble after nearly six years of service to the choir. Jessica Kirby is due to receive her award at the Causeway church on Sunday week after passing her Bishop's Chorister bronze medal with merit.

Ellie Claessens, Natalie Clarke, Jasmine Kirby, Isabella Mansell and Phoebe Mansell have all recently become full choristers at the church.

NO LONGER is it a pastime for the older folk; instead bowls has become a sport for all ages and offers a great social life. The Bowls Club in the corner of Court Garden leisure complex is setting out the welcome mat this evening between 6pm and 9pm and again on Sunday from 10am to 1pm offering advice and information. Novice bowlers can expect free coaching during the summer months. If you are attending these open sessions do remember to wear flat-soled shoes. The club will provide the equipment.

THE MUSEUM CENTRE illustrated booklet commemorating 150 years of the Marlow Regatta is currently at the printers but will be available for the Town Regatta and Festival next weekend. It will cost just 50p.

METHODISTS CELEBRATE their Church Anniversary at the Spittal Street church on Sunday. Following the morning service Ann and Tim Dennis will be throwing open the garden of their home in Seymour Plain for a barbecue and picnic.

STARBUCKS YOUTH CLUB, which currently operates Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at the High Street coffee shop, is offering teenagers aged 13 to 17 years free membership for a trial period.

TO CELEBRATE the Patronal festival of St John the Baptist, the Little Marlow church is holding a Pimms and Ploughman's event in the churchyard on Sunday, June 26, following the 11am service. As well as refreshments various stalls and a raffle, not forgetting a floral display, the afternoon will also raise funds for the Lighthouse holiday project being organised in the town this summer.

BIBLE STORIES, songs and prayers for babies and pre-school children make up the pram service at All Saints Church. The June get-together is at 11.15am on Tuesday. Parents and carers are invited to the short service and refreshments are available afterwards.

MONTHLY TEA DANCE has been one of the Community Association's long-standing achievements in Liston Hall. It offers excellent value between 2.30pm and 4.30pm with a set tea at £1 backed up with some outstanding dance music.

SALTMINE THEATRE Company visits next week to present C S Lewis's "The Screwtape Letters" at the Shelley Theatre on Wednesday evening, followed by "The Hiding Place" the next night.

Both performances start at 7.30pm and if you wish to reserve tickets, do call 01384 454807. They cost £8.50 for each performance and there is a combined ticket for both shows.

DESPITE ATROCIOUS WEATHER £521 was raised from a street collection for NSPCC. The organisers would like to thank all who contributed.