I knew the time would come when I would have to go out and buy a Dinner Jacket and Bow Tie. This was the first time this year that it was necessary and I dutifully wore the apparel. I thought I looked rather smart until I met the officers who greeted me. Their uniforms are neat, smart and rather figure hugging, which might have been a problem for my particular physique!
Watching the BBC setting up procedure was almost as interesting as the film itself, until we heard from Mahinder Singh Pujji that is. To listen to the personal reflections of a Battle of Britain pilot was humbling, especially as he seemed confused about our reaction to his statement about never having been afraid.
As always at these events, I learn something about a charity that I didn't know before. Apparently it costs £49,000 to breed and train a Guide Dog for the Blind and cover all the costs throughout their life. I had no idea that the charity covers all food, care and medical costs for the dogs, so no wonder they depend on charitable giving.
Today I made a speech about how the Coalition government is building a fairer society in Britain. Both David Cameron and I have always made it clear that we are governing Britain for the long term, not for tomorrow's headlines.
Being greeted by The Mad Hatter and offered a drink by a White Rabbit is a bit surreal, although once Alice started handing round strawberries on scones we had started to get used to it...
65th anniversary of the end of fighting in WW2 is an event that deserves a dignified celebration. Various dignitaries gathered at the Garden of Remembrance to pay tribute to those who fought and died but also to acknowledge the moment when the conflict officially ceased. Wreaths were laid at the Burma Star Memorial and a two minute silence gave everyone the opportunity to reflect on what this occasion means to them.
...and so back to the Bowls Tournament, where Folkestone had taken the lead but only by five points. One game remained to be played before tea with a final game after the refreshments.
Thank goodness I wasn't asked to bowl the first wood again this time! Although I was the hosting Mayor, it was in fact the Cinque Ports Bowls Association who organised the whole event. Making a speech comes easier now and I am finding the words to show my pride in Folkestone itself.
The heavens opened and as we arrived, the organisers, The Lions Club, were having to make a decision whether to carry on. The donkeys were still under cover and the riders sheltering in the car. The sausages were becoming nicely into charcoal whilst the lid was on the BBQ.
The Liberal Democrats are taking a stand to hold tech companies accountable, equip the police with the right powers, and build a digital world where women and girls can live safely and without fear.
Supporting people to age well and maintain their independence is better for them and common-sense for the NHS. The Liberal Democrats are taking a stand to fix social care, protect our NHS, and ensure everyone can age well in their own home and community.
Liberal Democrat members have renewed our commitment to fix the front door of the NHS, restore patient choice, end dental deserts, and ensure preventative care is accessible before health problems turn into emergencies.
Ed Davey is a husband, a father and a carer. He is the Leader of the Liberal Democrats.
It is Ed’s experience of caring that drives much of his politics, and motivates his tireless campaigning for a fair deal.
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