It is rare for an SO24 Emergency Debate to happen in Parliament, but this week we granted David Davis' application for one on the appointment of Lord Mandelson as Ambassador to the USA. I am sure the PM regrets his decision to appoint such a divisive figure and there can be no doubt that the Government has found the whole of the last week excruciating.
Which is far from what I have felt over the last few days. I love Romsey Show, I have never made any secret of that, and it was a delight to have my stand there again, and a drop in surgery running all day. For me, whatever the weather, it is a highlight of the year, and the Show really does have it all, from ferrets to Shire horses and everything in between. I loved meeting Sandy at the Wessex Ferret Club tent, and had a great conversation about all things pest control.
On Sunday we celebrated the annual Battle Of Britain Service at the United Reform Church in Romsey. It was a wonderful service and it was great to see the Air Cadets out in force and looking so smart. I was stunned to read this week that 85 years on two thirds of under 40s don't even know what the Battle of Britain was. I am sure we can do better than that, and it really does emphasise (as do so many other events) the importance of both understanding and learning from our history. The sacrifices made by "the Few" enabled us to live our lives the way we choose, and we should both celebrate and reflect a little on that.
This week is Transition Southampton's Green Open Homes event, when a number of local residents are showcasing the actions that can be taken in ordinary homes to both save energy and help the environment. I am off to visit two of the homes that are opening in Swaythling, but there are open houses all over the city, details of which can be found at www.transitionsouthampton.org The last time this event was run, which I am sure is the best part of ten years ago, I picked up loads of ideas which I have implemented at home ever since. But much has changed since then so I am looking for some new hints and tips.