Last week I invited the General Secretary of the rail union RMT to the Commons to discuss the latest condition of industrial strife in the Southern region with MPs from all parties.

Last week the new agreement between the Government and the DUP was put to its first test with the vote on the Queen’s Speech, the Government’s programme for the new session.

At last, after a few hiccups, the Queen came to open Parliament last Wednesday in a slightly ‘dumbed down’ version of the State Opening. There were no horse-drawn coaches, no cavalry escorts and no crown and Her Majesty was able to get away in time for the 2.30 first race at Royal Ascot.

Amidst all the tragic news of further terrorism attacks and the horrific fire in Kensington last week there was little to celebrate. But the Worthing Children’s Parade is always a happy and celebratory event and it provided some much needed light relief amidst the gloom.

Tim Loughton, the Conservative Party candidate for East Worthing and Shoreham, has today announced that they are supporting the Campaign for Fairer Gambling in fighting against the damage done by high street gambling.

The Public Sector Show is the UK’s largest free-to-attend exhibition for local authorities, central government and the wider public sector.

Tim Loughton, local Conservative candidate for East Worthing and Shoreham standing in the General Election has pledged their support for pub-goers and beer drinkers in South East by backing CAMRA’s Election Manifesto.

So when I wrote last week that I did not know what state the world would be in by the time my column went to press I was not expecting a snap General Election – honest. Now we move seamlessly from County Council elections on May 4th to a national poll on June 8th.

As I write this at the end of Holy Week it is difficult to forecast what state the world will be in by the time this column is published given the state of affairs in Syria and the Korean Peninsula threatening a head to head between various superpowers.

Southern Rail really do not help themselves. After more than a year of running a shambolic rail service they announce that their boss Charles Horton is to receive a modest pay increase to bring his total to a very immodest £495,000.