THE Easter recess was overshadowed by the death of the Queen Mother.
Parliament was recalled on April 3 for members to express their feelings about her life and achievements.

I attended the debate with mixed feelings, fearing members might compete with each other for lengthy and, perhaps, over sentimental eulogies. However, I was relieved that the contributions from the Prime Minister onwards were brief and to the point. They paid justified tributes to a lady who, whatever her position of privilege, has repaid this many times and actually continued official duties long after most of us retire.
I left feeling the house had expressed feelings of gratitude and respect appropriately and sincerely.

We were all amazed by the hundreds of thousands of people who were prepared to queue for many hours to file past the coffin in Westminster Hall. This emphasised how highly she was regarded by people of all ages and by all sections of the community.

During the funeral proceedings I was surprised by the size of the crowds and their respectful behaviour. The spectacle and the organisation behind it showed our country's heritage as worthy of our pride.

The Queen Mother in this final and most emphatic way has demonstrated the monarchy is still an essential part of this country's life. Even opinion polls in the national press have shown a marked fall in those voting for abolition of the monarchy.

I have been very lucky to have a quiet recess with my family, only performing enjoyable duties including judging the Easter bonnet competition at Bryden House, and attending the Solo Club Spring Dance at the Harriers Social Club.
What a lesson to us all! Ladies and gentlemen, some in their late 80s, were keeping bodies and minds active with the complex convolutions of ballroom dancing!

I enjoyed the Harriers match against Southend, but was as disappointed as everyone else at the last- minute equaliser in the Lincoln City match.
I went to the well-attended meeting of Harriers supporters when the method of setting up a supporters trust was outlined and approved. I am very grateful to Tom Watson, MP for West Bromwich East, and still very much a Kidderminster man, for his advice about Supporters Direct which makes the setting up of supporters' trusts relatively easy.
We will look forward to the formation of such a trust and the increased involvement of supporters in all affairs of the club.