Last week, I was invited down to Thameside Care Home in West Molesey. It was part open day, and part celebration of a fund-raising effort that resulted in the purchase of a new gazebo, allowing residents to enjoy being outside in the shade as the summer hots up.

I had the honour of declaring the new gazebo officially open. As one of the musically-gifted carers crooned to all the guests, with some old classics, I had a nice chat with the residents and the many relatives who came along to support what proved a really fun occasion.