This week the Kaleidoscope Centre for Children & Young people enjoyed an official opening with Michael Richardson - the Chief Executive of the PCT - and Sir Steve Bullock both present.

The formal opening marked Kaleidoscope’s first anniversary of providing services for Lewisham children and young people. The centre is the first of its kind in England to provide such a comprehensive range of integrated services for children and young people who have a disability or other specialist health, mental health, social care or education needs.

My role as a minister also took me to Newham where they had just elected their first Young Mayor. The enthusiasm from all the young people for politics and the political system just goes to show what I've always believed - that young people find a cuase they believe in they are among the most committed and energetic political camapigners around. Of course, Lewisham is always at the cutting-edge and has had a Young Mayor for some time!

Last week I made representations to the public enquiry concerning the appeal by the Big Yellow Box self-storage company. Anybody who has been following this long-running ordeal knows about my fierce opposition to the plans put forward by Big Yellow. Hopefully we will soon have a satisfactory conclusion to this drama.

On Sunday I will of course be taking part in Lewisham's Remembrance Sunday event. Honouring our veterans and those who have fallen in battle for their country is a duty that never loses any of its importance for me. I will, as always, put aside time to remember those who have given up so much for the freedom we enjoy today.