IT was good to be in Pitton on Saturday afternoon for the carnival.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay on for the fireworks but, from what I saw, it was a great event and a perfect example of a community coming together to have fun and to help itself – raising funds to support the village hall.

I headed back to Westminster early this week, as it was my turn to take part in Westminster Hour on Sunday evening.

The week started with another session hearing evidence on food poverty.

At the time of writing, I am hoping to be able to speak in this week’s debate on modern slavery, an important subject which my postbag tells me is of concern to a great many of my constituents.

I will also be supporting Atiqul Hoque and the team from Hox Brasserie as they go for victory in this year’s Tiffin Cup – a nationwide search for the greatest curry house.

They have already done well to top the regional table and I am hoping they will return victorious from the final in Parliament.

The best news of the week is the confirmation that, at long last, the growth fund has confirmed funding for a new Porton Down Science Park.

As I have said many times over several years, developing the commercial aspect of the life sciences expertise in this region will be instrumental in securing the new higher-paying jobs this area needs.

I am delighted to be welcoming the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, to Salisbury on Thursday night.

On Friday I will be catching up with councillors over breakfast and conducting a surgery before whizzing back up to London to greet an intrepid bunch of pupils from Appleford School in Shrewton, who will be following in the tyre tracks of Tour de France riders and completing a mammoth cycle ride at the Houses of Parliament.

There will be just enough time to congratulate them and hear all about their adventure before heading back to Salisbury to speak to Amnesty International in the evening.

On Saturday I will be visiting the annual meeting of Wilton’s Community Land Trust and the 50th celebrations at St Joseph’s School.