WE have got to know each other over the last few years, so you will have gathered that although I don't belong to any particular political party, in the main my leaning is a little to the right, as they say.

But, in all honesty, I have to express my admiration for Jack Straw.

We may not share the same political views but I have to hand it to him he's a hard working constituency MP and for him to do the very demanding job of Foreign Secretary, as well as his domestic work, must be very difficult indeed.

All that travelling, all that thinking, and yet he still manages to have meetings like the one I attended at All Saviours in Lynwood Road recently.

He was both pleasant and knowledgeable.

To do both these jobs and do them well, takes hard work and dedication, so I must give credit where credit is due.

I WAS in town on Saturday morning and met Adrian. As we walked up Church Street we remarked how deserted the street was.

Then we looked at each other and said Really, if you're honest, why would anyone want to come on to this street?' It's all cluttered with street furniture, but nothing of real interest.

It should be alive, buzzing.

So why not have more regular markets on there with traders from our own market and let's have them on quick.

We do need some activity, something going on.

Oh! I know we are in the middle of New Things! A New Lord Square!

But meanwhile, we must endeavour to keep people coming into the town (now Margo don't mention the parking charges again!) I HAVE now been asked to join the Rouge Chapeau', an organisation for ladies over 50 (I just about scraped in).

It started in the States and is now worldwide.

It's for ladies who don't want, or refuse to go quietly,' so I think it might be fun. I will keep you posted, perhaps some of you ladies out there might fancy a go.

I READ with dismay of yet another case of an officer in the services being taken to court. It was for bullying, which I admit I am against.

But I'm alarmed to think how these cases affect the moral of our serving men, it surely undermines the point of training of our fighting forces.

If we must send men into battle, it is vital they are taught to obey orders and at once, for their lives and those of their comrades depend on that precept.

Obeying an order must be a reflex action, no question, no argument. Instilling this during training is not easy, but essential and saves lives, probably the very lives of the ones complaining.

l I've a confession to make, I always leave things to the last minute. I work best with my back to the wall, so to speak. My mum always said "When you die they'll search for your will, find a note and it will say I'll do it later."

Till next week.