It’s not very often that you can honestly say that you’ve been in the presence of a living legend but, as many of you will know, Archbishop Desmond Tutu returned to Lewisham last week to open the amazing new Riverside Wing at Lewisham Hospital.

His example of peaceful protest and quiet dignity will be remembered always, but what shone through at Lewisham Hospital was his sense of fun and optimism. The Riverside Wing was a worthy venue for such an occasion and will help to keep Lewisham fit and well for generations.

This week I visited Grove Park with Len Duvall , our local Assembly Member and the Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority. We spoke to many residents in the area – particularly outside Grove Park Station, and top of our agenda was crime and the very welcome drop in violent crime. The detection rate for robberies has also shot up and this is all down to the wonderful work of our police and local people working together.

• Finally, a word about the school summer holiday.                                                               

We all know that a problem for so many parents outside Lewisham over the summer is finding something for the kids to do. Fortunately, under sixteens in Lewisham can swim free this Summer thanks to our Mayor setting aside  money especially for this purpose. Ladywell Leisure Centre, The Bridge, Downham Health and Leisure, Wavelengths are all open to you, so make the most of it!