I am conscious this will be published on Halloween, but I am not intending it to be spooky, but rather more upbeat. It is also All Saints Day tomorrow, and I am conscious of a number of services in churches across the constituency to celebrate that. I spent last Sunday afternoon at King's Somborne Parish Church, giving a talk to residents about my role as Deputy Speaker, and I would like to thank everyone for their fascinating questions.
This week I have been in Sweden attending the Nordic Council on behalf of Mr Speaker as one of their international observers. It is interesting to note how much the Nordic countries value their relationship with the UK and it was great to catch up with their Speaker and the Polish Speaker, who gave a very impassioned speech on Day 2.
Nomads are having their performances of Magical Musical Moments this coming weekend, which I know will be a joyous celebration of some of their favourite numbers from musicals, but with a Nomads' spin on them. They give so much pleasure to performers and audiences alike and I am very much looking forward to it. I know how much work goes into the performances, whether on the stage or behind the scenes, and it is obvious the effort that goes into making the shows inclusive and welcoming to all. On top of that, they raise a significant amount for local charities, and their support has been invaluable for some of our cherished local organisations.
Next week is the official opening of Parliament's Garden of Remembrance, when MPs place a poppy in New Palace Yard to remember all those from their constituencies who lost their lives in armed conflicts. There is a very moving ceremony outside Parliament which I have attended annually, and placed a poppy for Romsey and Southampton North.