Chairman of The Society of Conservative Lawyers (From the archive)

I was visiting Albury C of E Primary School in the constituency yesterday afternoon to see their new hall which was to be opened by the Bishop of Hertfordshire. Bishop Christopher did a wonderful job blessing the hall and I followed with a short speech. The hall was dedicated to the memory of Andrea Wright who had done so much to make it possible and it was very moving to hear her father, Andy Lloyd, saying how proud the family were of this tribute

It was also a big moment for head teacher Anne Atherton, her staff, governors, parents and pupils who have fought hard to persuade the authorities to fund the new hall. I should also not forget the Friends of the School who did so well to raise the money. The new hall should be a great asset to the school as it will enable pupils to do PE even when it is raining and will also provide a much better environment for school dinners.

The school is set in a beautiful location next to the church and whenever I drop in I always think how lucky the pupils are to be able to visit the church for important events through the back gates. I am pleased that the new hall adds to the grounds without spoiling its natural wildlife environment.

As I was leaving my mobile phone rang and I was asked if I would like to be put forward for the post of Chairman of The Society of Conservative Lawyers. Having been a member of the society for many years I felt quite honoured by this invitation. So that evening when I was duly voted in I took the chair for my first meeting of the executive committee. The society has a history of producing excellent publications and also providing legal advice to the party spokesman. I am following in the footsteps of Dominic Grieve QC who was recently made Shadow Home Secretary and I am looking forward to this new challenge.

I will be putting a particular emphasis on encouraging our younger members and we are planning to hold a debate with the Labour Party lawyers in the autumn.