AFTER the Conference recess – which lasted three weeks – the business of the House of Commons has begun in earnest for the autumn term. The first Prime Minister’s Questions was its usual boisterous self, and it seemed a million miles away from Princes Risborough train station, where I had spent the previous Saturday.

I had the honour to be amongst those who had gathered greet the first train from Chinnor to arrive at Princes Risborough since 1957, which it did at 11.05am promptly. It was a wonderful occasion and everybody – including the mayor of Princes Risborough – seemed to enjoy themselves. I would have liked the opportunity to ride on the train, but I had to head off to a meeting shortly afterwards. Nevertheless, it was a great morning out and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Although there are many engagements and events I could choose to tell readers about, the one other that particularly sticks in my mind was the opening of the Haddenham Junior School ICT suite. I was delighted to open the facility, which means that each of the children will now have access to a computer. Indeed, a couple of rather optimistic young people attempted to demonstrate the mysteries of a modern PC to me. I rather fancy that I will have to return to Haddenham school – if they will have me – for further lessons before I am up to their already advanced standard!

Finally, and I know I risk tiring readers with this but tire you I must, the consultation on compensation and blight has launched. I would urge everybody to submit their thoughts to the consultation, as I will be doing, in order to ensure that if HS2 persist in pushing ahead with this disastrous scheme, those who are affected are fairly and adequately compensated.