"ALL that we have seen is of a very high standard," were the judges' comments when awarding the town the Tindall Cup in the Bucks Best Kept Village Competition. However, I doubt if Marlow would have been victorious if the judging had taken place in Higginson Park last Friday morning.

Teams of council workers had to be drafted in to clear up a disgraceful mess spread over a wide area in front of Court Garden House which, I am reliably informed, was created the previous evening by pupils from Sir William Borlase School, celebrating breaking up for the summer holidays. Goodness knows how many sacks were needed for the broken glass, bottles, cans and other items of litter.

This is not the first time the advent of the summer break brings such mayhem so I am surprised the school authorities do not act and supervise the annual holiday break.

However, the District Council must be congratulated for its speed on Friday morning in its clear up operation.

Marlow will receive the Tindall Cup in which they beat off opposition from other Bucks villages on Saturday, September 24. Congratulations, too, to Little Marlow who finished in the runners-up position.

METHODIST CHURCH is holding a Pray Without Ceasing campaign, which will go on for a year with each district being allotted a slot of several weeks, each circuit a slot of one day and each church one hour of prayers. The Spittal Street church has been allocated an hour this afternoon, between 3pm and 4pm, when volunteers are being asked to pray in the church for five minutes.

FOR BOOKWORMS all roads lead to Turville next week, just follow the signs. Thousands of new and second-hand books will be on offer from Thursday until Sunday week, with proceeds this year going to the Elizabeth Finn Trust and Thames Valley Adventure Playground. This unique charity bookshop will be open from 10am until 4pm each day.

THERE is to be a special parish family celebration in the Lighthouse tent at Holy Trinity School on Sunday week at 11am, the climax to the children's holiday club, which is on next week at the school. As Lighthouse in Marlow is organised by Churches Together, the celebration service will be an opportunity for families from all the town's churches to get together for a bring-and-share meal or barbecue. This follows a host of children's activities.

FINAL CONCERT in the Music for a Sunday Afternoon series brings together the brilliant young flautist, Katrina Penman, and talented pianist Michael McMillan. The 45 minutes recital at All Saints Church on Sunday will include Bizet's Carmen Fantasy. It is free and begins at 4pm. Afternoon tea is also served.

AGE CONCERN holds its annual street collection in the town centre tomorrow week and is anxious to recruit helpers who can spare an hour or so tin rattling. If you can help the number to call is 01628 482883.

READING VOYAGE ploughs ahead at Marlow library. Next Thursday at Institute Road there is a pirate story-time session from 2.30pm for half an hour and the following Thursday Cap'n Fatbeard will give a bloodcurdling talk about pirates for an hour from 2.30pm. Pre-booking is advised and there is a charge of 50p to hear Cap'n Fatbeard.

AUDREY AND JACK BRUNSDON, indefatigable fundraisers for the NCH charity, celebrate their Golden Wedding next Saturday. They are inviting members of the Methodist Church to their Oak Tree Road home for a celebration.

COLOURFUL PUPPET BARGE moors on the Thames opposite Court Garden House next week ready to greet children for their opening performance next Saturday. The Hare and the Tortoise and other tales from master storyteller Aesop launch the 2005 season and captivate children at a matinee at 2.30pm. That evening the marionettes will relate Out Of the Heart of Darkness for an older audience. It is a dramatic play inspired by Joseph Conrad. Curtain up is at 8pm. Visit the barge to book or call the box office on 07836 202 745.

ARCHAEOLOGY IN MARLOW members pay their second visit of the month to Pullingshill Wood on Sunday working on the Romadam Project. They will be on site from 10am until 2pm and can always do with some extra help, no expertise needed. If you would like the opportunity to do a spot of sleuthing, call the secretary David Greenwood on 01628 475488.

REPRESENTATIVES from Carers Bucks will be at the Marlow Medical Centre from 2pm to 4pm on Tuesday to offer support and advice to local residents who are caring for someone unable to manage alone. Just drop in during the afternoon.

FOUR SEASONS CLUB has a club meeting in Liston Hall on Wednesday at 10.30am.

ARTS AND CRAFTS SOCIETY'S annual exhibition opens today at All Saints Church Hall and will be open from 10am to 5.30pm each day until Monday. There is something for everyone and every budget, with local artists putting their art, pottery, craft items and cards up for sale.

Admission is 30p.

WYCOMBE RANGERS are holding a bat walk tomorrow evening from Spade Oak public house. A torch is a necessity if you want to see or hear the bats on a detector and you could even get a glimpse of glowworms. The gentle walk gets underway at 9pm.

THERE IS a wide choice of fruit and vegetables available now at the height of summer so if you want to avail yourself of top quality produce, the Farmers' Market gets underway at the Causeway on Wednesday at 9am. Meat, cheese and eggs are also among the produce for sale. It goes on until 1.30pm.

ALTHOUGH many clubs and societies have a break in August, Cooinda continues on Tuesday and Friday mornings at the Methodist Church in Spittal Street. Do pop in if you fancy a break from shopping, a chat, a read of a newspaper or a cuppa. It has proved very popular and is on from 10.30am until midday.

SKATEBOARDING returns to Foxes Piece School at Newfield Road on Wednesday when Wycombe Rangers will supervise the eight years and older children in a variety of skills. Youngsters must bring their own board and safety equipment, although helmets, which must be worn, can be supplied. The session lasts from 10am to 4pm and costs £2.

Sir William Borlase School is the venue for a multi-activity sports camp next week. It is for five to 15 year olds and further information can be obtained from 0118 952 6933. Games Galore takes place at Court Garden next week for the five to eight year olds. It is on Thursday at 2pm for two hours.

Also starting up at the Pound Lane Leisure Centre next week are trampolining sessions for the six years plus on Tuesday at 10am, followed by the older eight year olds and upwards from 11am. There is also Twisting Toddlers Trampolining on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for an hour from 9am.