COLLECTIONS for unwanted clothing and household items, from the door, are common place, so much so that you may not question them. Help the Aged, Oxfam and some hospices are frequent distributors of collection bags and their pedigree is beyond reproach. However, be aware that not all of these local collections are conducted by or for charities.

Recently, the valley has been canvassed by a couple of collectors that are simply commercial organisations carrying on a slightly unusual business. The leaflets involved have not made any illegal claims; in fact, small print has made it clear, though not necessarily obvious, that theirs is a commercial operation. Some association with charitable objectives is implied, but it is not exactly clear how third world needy populations are helped.

After assessing their claims, you may still choose to donate to them. However, do note carefully that there may be other collections more compatible with your aspirations.

TOMORROW, one of the valley's most active couples, George and Anne Shave, celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. Between them, they have worked on the Residents' Association, National Trust, Rose Carnival, WI, Meals on wheels, Valley News, Brinkhurst, Parish Council and probably other organisations. Although relative newcomers to the village (fifteen years or so), they have contributed greatly to this community. Best wishes to them.

If you want to speak to Anne directly, on the day, she'll be selling raffle tickets on the WI stand at the Rose Carnival.

JAZZ AT TJ's brings together two of the brightest young talents on the current British scene. They team up as star guests of the Marlow Jazz Club next Tuesday.

On stage at TJ O'Reilly's will be saxophonists Alex Garnett and Brandon Allen whose occasional partnership has been raising the roof of many top jazz venues.

The pair began playing together two years ago working with scores from the legendary Jazz Couriers (Tubby Hayes and Ronnie Scott) but have more recently begun to emulate some of the older tenor sax "duellists" in jazz history such as Dexter Gordon and Wardell Grey or Sonny Stitt and Gene Ammons. The duo will be backed by the resident trio led by pianist Frank Toms, who often plays alongside Alex - both are members of The Willie Garnett Big Band.

Music starts at 8.30 with admission £6. The club are hoping for a high attendance to give good support to these brilliant young musicians.

ST MARY'S Pre-school are having their annual summer outing on Friday, June 25, to Odds Farm. It was a very successful event last year so many tiny fingers are crossed for good weather.

PERHAPS an unfortunate clash of dates, but tomorrow sees Wycombe Central Aid holding a sale in the Village Hall. It runs from 10 until 12, so you can get a bargain there in aid of a very worthwhile charity and still have time to get to the start of the Rose Carnival up at the playing field.

OPEN DAY organised by the pre-school playgroup in the village hall on Saturday, June 25, between 10am and midday. Bouncy castle, raffles, children's activities, various stalls and refreshments keep you entertained while you observe what the group does for the early education of your children. Usually this is a very busy, fun event.

OPEN GARDENS DAY is on Sunday. Start any time between 2pm and 6pm from 89 Marlow Bottom. UK Brain Tumour Society benefits from £3 admission and plant and refreshment sales.

Pick up a super informative flyer from Bernie's butcher's shop.

VOTING is hardly forgotten from the general election when you need to make a mark again. This time, though, it should be simply a choice of one from one. The Post Office is running a poll to find the country's favourite local PO. There are probably regional titles to be won as well.

Please ask for a form at the counter and then make your decision.

Remember, even if Marlow Bottom doesn't win, a hefty vote could still tell the authorities how much the service is valued here.

ROSE CARNIVAL is the valley's big day out. It's tomorrow from midday, on the playing field. As I wrote this, it was raining, and hard to imagine that tomorrow is predicted to be one of the hottest, sunniest days of the year, and the Caribbean Sunrise Steel Band will be playing their hearts out..

Looking through the official programme, I counted over forty advertisers, businesses who have put good money into sponsoring this event. Now it's up to us, the public. Go along and spend freely, enjoy a notable social occasion; it's important to the valley's playing field and to Burford's playground fund they share the proceeds.

Ascot may have gone north, but the Rose Carnival is still where it has been for the last 34 years; the conversation is almost certainly more entertaining and more profound, and we've got the best beer, hamburgers and cream teas.

Remember, what you spend is important to family recreation facilities in this community.

TWENTY FIVE YEARS as a valley WI member were recently commemorated when the local committee presented Ruby Eason with a certificate.

She is the first valley member to have received the formal recognition with this relatively new WI award.

SEVERAL TIMES I, and many others in the valley for that matter, have had cause to criticise the county council for its less than ecologically sympathetic approach to roadside maintenance. It's only fair to comment that this year's trim of Ragman's Lane has shown a significant improvement in sensitivity standards. The minimal cutting of the verges has improved driving visibility usefully, but without destroying too much of what has become a veritable nature reserve in recent years. It is even obvious that some specimen' plants have been carefully steered around.

BCC, you can care for public safety, civic tidiness and the general environment all at the same time, if you really try.