Well, what a weekend that was, a fabulous four-day celebration of our monarchy that highlighted all the good things about our country. A sense of pride in our heritage and culture, a willingness to come together around a common purpose, a chance to step back, reflect and give thanks to our magnificent Queen and the amazing selfless service she has given for over 70 years.

What struck me as I cycled through many villages over recent weeks or walked past many a street party last week or even attended our own street party was the huge untapped potential of creativity, of public spirit and willingness to get involved in something. To make a cake, make bunting and help out. How do we unleash that public spirit and sense of community more often? At our street party on a wet Sunday, the weather did not put us off, gazebos out, chairs out, tables up, cake competition had lots of entries and many children played, yes in the rain.

People were meeting neighbours they had lived close to for years but never knocked and said hello, plates of food were passed up and down our long table, a lady from the Arco Iris samba band, joined us and we shared what we had, the gazebos came from our great local pub, thanks to Jethro for this and it worked.

On our street it all came down to a young couple Sophie and Will, months ago they announced we were having a party and they went from there to organise the crown and bunting making, recruited stewards and with their enthusiasm got people involved.

I want to do it more often, maybe every year, not just because we have had a period of not being able to socialise but because our communities are everything, to be able to talk to neighbours everyday is great for health and wellbeing, we all want to feel part of something, to contribute and I want to thank all the millions of Sophie and Will’s around the country. You made it happen and made us feel good.