BOUQUETS for Booker and WDC seem appropriate this week. There were complaints from some residents that, on July 6, there were strong smells in the valley and it seemed they were coming from Booker tip. One resident complained to the council. Now, you might have expected the loud clamour of bucks being passed around or select words of obfuscation being stitched together. Not a bit of it. Stuart Maxwell took the matter seriously, investigated the composting plant's procedures, identified a potential cause of the problem and decided to monitor it on a daily basis, both at Booker and in the valley.

Furthermore, Dr Maxwell has proposed that a simple weather station be established to record wind directions and weather conditions so as to manage better the regular but infrequent clearing of the potentially offending foul water tanks. In addition, the council will test temporary covers and then consider the fitting of permanent covers to contain odours.

In his extensive and forthright letter to the valley resident Dr Maxwell said "We therefore hope that this combination of measures should enable you to notice an improvement in the situation over the next few weeks. In view of the valuable service that the facility provides to the local community, we are very keen to resolve these problems. However, if you continue to experience problems, I would be grateful if you would contact me on my direct line - 01494 421307, and I would be happy to investigate further."

This was a refreshingly constructive and timely response to a local problem and it was gratifying to see such a concerned stance. Dr Maxwell can also be contacted at Stuart_Maxwell@wycombe.gov.uk AUGUST/SEPTEMBER issue of Twogether comes out on Sunday. The Methodist and Anglican churches in Marlow Bottom operate co-operatively as The Valley Church, and this is their magazine, although it rarely confines itself to church matters. The new issue has a picture spread of the Valley Church's activities at the recent Rose Carnival , memories of 40 years spent in the Valley and an account of a holiday taken with Marlow's Four Seasons' Club.

Other items range much more widely however; one church member shares her personal experience of bungee jumping in South Africa, and there are extracts from a letter sent to one Church family from their son, who is working with the UN in Afghanistan. This gives some fascinating insights into the stories that sometimes feature in the national news and, of course, shows just how far this valley community spreads its influence.

Every summer some of the people connected with the church host "Drop-ins". These are open invitations for anyone to come along and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and cake, or a glass of wine and a snack They take place at various locations and times during August when many other of the regular activities and meetings take a break. Details appear in the magazine as do details of a week long children's activities programme which will take place in Marlow during the school holidays. If you are still unaware of this, do have a look and contact one of the organisers; it could be a life saver, particularly after last week's statistical claim that the summer holidays will cost up to £2,500 to keep a child occupied during that time.

Copies of the magazine are obtainable at either of the churches and from Marlow Bottom News.

DETAILS of Rebellion's open weekend have been revealed this week. The brewery will be open from 11am until 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, July 30 and 31.

Tours of the brewery will be every half hour throughout both days; they will be informative, interesting, and will make a good break between free tastings of any of the brewery's real ales. They'll also reveal some of the history of Rebellion, probably including the bit about two schoolboys sniffing the air in a Borlase classroom when brewing smells wafted in from Wethered's and saying they were going to own a brewery when they grew up. Some aspiration some result!

The barbecue is probably the main thing you'll have to put your hand in your pocket for. Run by the kitchen from the Three Horseshoes, I suspect there may be times when a queue might build up.

The other thing for which Tim and Mark will appreciate a dip into your pocket is the collection for Wycombe Hospital's Scannappeal. They hope to get some healthy donations.

Otherwise, the aim is to thank existing and loyal customers and introduce new people to our local brewery.

SCHOOL TRAVEL matters are always kept under very close scrutiny by Mary Nash. There's a lot happening at the end of the academic year. Most of it I will cover next week, but here's something worth noting before people disappear on holiday.

Mary reminds parents that "go for gold", the campaign to encourage children to walk to school, will continue using the same cards in September, and stamping will re-start on Monday, September 12, so look after your cards until then by keeping them in a safe place.

Now that's a recipe for panic come the start of the new term, and you try recalling that "safe place".