What a fabulous day in the constituency!

The highlight was taking part in the celebration of the new school building at Beechcroft St Paul's school in Westham, Weymouth.  This primary school had expanded from being an infant and I was involved in the negotiations to gain some of the neighbouring allotment land for the school.

The result is brilliant.  Inside is great but the outside has a real wow factor - I fear the wonderful secret garden won't remain a secret for long!

Bishop Tim was there officiating and was wonderful with the children.  I may have to borrow some of his gags.  My involvement was releasing the balloons that each had a pupil's card attached with their hopes for the future.

I began the day at a breakfast for businesses that work with the Chesil Educational Partnership.  Three received awards - Terry Allen Motors, Lanehouse Vauxhall and the Rembrandt Hotel - for their excellent involvement with the four secondary schools in the area.

It was a good networking event and a chance to explain about the new diplomas that are starting from next year.  Locally we will be one of the first to offer the Creative & Media diploma, and I was delighted to hear Paul Kinvig, MD of the Dorset Echo, tell the gathering that it will give him what he wants from recruits in the future.

Between the two I met the Sure Start team to discuss the development of childrens centres locally.  I am particularly keen to see Swanage get theirs - now that they are up and running on Portland, in Weymouth and in Bovington. 

I also went to Dorchester to meet the Chief Executive of the Dorset Primary Care Trust to discuss the proposals to reduce the opening hours at the Minor Injuries Unit at Swanage Hospital.  It was good to get more explanation of how he wants to reinvest the saving in Swanage and I will visit the hospital on Monday to get more information.