I was also pleased to be joined by Lorna Finch, a Horsham resident who has recently graduated from university. Keen to experience a day in the life of an MP, Lorna kept me company.

I hope she enjoyed the day and that it proved useful as far as her plans for the future are concerned.

I'd been asked to take part on a tour of local projects that have benefited from funding from the Big Lottery Fund and the two I saw were really rather different.

First there was the West Sussex Mediation Service which helps local people to work through disputes – most often between neighbours. Not only is this highly beneficial to the people concerned but it also lightens the load for local police officers and PCSOs.

Then it was an up-close look at Horsham District Council's mobile skate ramp. I must confess I'd never heard of such a thing but yes, the ramp is fully mobile and regularly toured around Horsham to the delight of local youngsters – a great way to promote activity and exercise and possibly prevent some choosing to 'hang around' local shops and other places.

I was then delighted to open Offspec Kitchens' new showroom in Billingshurst. A very cheerful occasion made even better by the knowledge that here was another business thriving and indeed expanding in our area. This was pretty uplifting – particularly in our current climate of economic doom and gloom.

The weather was particularly kind to Warnham Primary School that afternoon as they were holding a sponsored walk to raise funds for a new sports hall. I was welcomed by excited pupils and pleased to see parents, teachers and even ex-pupils were also all there to do their bit. It was a jolly event and I wish them all the best for achieving their goal and seeing the new facility built.

The day concluded with a brief advice surgery in my Horsham office. I didn't have as many people booked in as usual – perhaps it was something to do with the good weather!

The weather was fantastic still on Sunday, when I took part in the Alzheimer's Society's sponsored memory walk in Tilgate Park, Crawley. Lots of eager walkers turned up – not only to raise funds but also to raise awareness of this condition and how it can be prevented and treated.

If you would like to find out more about the Alzheimer's Society, log on to www.alzheimers.org.uk – you can also donate there too!