Last week's Coronation was incredibly moving and a stunning piece of pageantry, as which we are very good in the UK. Whatever one's views on the monarchy, the moment that Prince William affirmed his commitment to his father was hugely touching, although as ever it was Prince Louis who stole the show on the balcony. I know how very privileged I was to be there, although appalled to see some guests flogging their Order of Service on e-bay within 24 hours of the ceremony.
This weekend sees the wonderful village fete in Awbridge and the annual Florence Nightingale Service at Wellow Church. Florence was a phenomenal woman, a real trailblazer in so many ways, and showed all the grit and determination that is needed in order to bring about change.
Following comments repeated to me after the local elections I am much reminded of the campaign for civility in politics. Have we really so badly lost the art of disagreeing well? I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those candidates who stood in last week's local elections. It is not easy to put your head above the parapet, but for democracy to survive we need to have people brave enough to do so. Jo Cox was right when she said we have more in common than that which divides us, the Lib Dem activist who publicly referred to me at a volunteering event as "That B****" might do well to reflect on that.
