Much has been written about the invasion of Wembley by Harriers' supporters and the elation which we enjoyed at half time followed by disappointment in the second half but finally dignity in defeat. The sympathy for our players after the match was palpable and my lasting memory will be of the standard of football in the first half and the sportsmanship throughout the game so fitting for the first competitive match played in the superb stadium which most of us enjoyed for the first time.

Last week saw the momentous coming together of the seemingly irreconcilable factions in Northern Ireland. 
The Secretary of State, while welcoming this, told the House of Commons that his first letter from the First Minister and Deputy First Minister was to ask him to leave his office in Stormont Castle. "Never has an 'eviction' notice been so eagerly anticipated and so warmly received" he continued.

Speculation is rife about Gordon Brown's policies and the membership of his Cabinet. 
Reports of his ideas in the press suggest that he may reconsider some measures instituted by Tony Blair who condemned himself in my eyes when he stated that he had no reverse gear. How can anyone be so convinced that he is right and always going to be right about every future issue to say this!

On Tuesday we had a welcome sign of change due to Gordon Brown's expected takeover. 
There was a debate on a Tory motion that supported the principle that parliamentary approval should be required for participation in armed conflict. 
At the moment it is the Prime Minister's decision using the Royal Prerogative to take us to war. The Tory motion called on the Government to bring forward proposals to give effect to this vital principle. 

As usual the Government's amendment cancelled the Opposition motion but I could see no difference between the motion and the amendment meaning that both parties supported this crucial principle. While thinking how to vote I met Jack Straw who told me he had written the Government amendment before seeing the Tory motion and he persuaded me to vote with the Government as he agreed there was no real difference between the two but the Government amendment had more depth! 
Jack Straw is Mr Brown's campaign manager. Could we expect a change in style of government or am I too optimistic?

Last Sunday, despite torrential rain, the dedication of the new standard of the Bewdley Branch of the Royal British Legion was a memorable occasion. 
Wisely the organisers allowed us to walk straight to church rather than insisting on a soaking march.

I visited Asha Wyre Forest at 430 Hurcott Road and learned of its all-female team of staff and volunteers aiming to help disadvantaged local women find their self confidence and discover new opportunities through excellent training and social facilities with a crèche. 
(Telephone 01562 746966).