I was delighted to welcome yet another senior Conservative figure to the constituency.  This time it was Francis Maude, who spent time talking to residents about a range of issues including local NHS cuts, school standards, immigration and pensions.

Members of the Eltham Conservative team watched the historic first Leaders' Debate at the Red Lion pub on Shooters Hill.  The event also raised much needed funds for the Help for Heroes fund.

We held one of 50 "Watch" parties that took place across the UK.  Ours was at the Red Lion Pub on Shooters Hill, courtesy of terry and Linda, the superb landlord and landlady, who also raised funds for Help for Heroes on the night.  The Daily Express also turned up to take a few photos!

Shooters Hill residents have formed an action group to campaign against the seemingly endless masts in their neighbourhood.  I was pleased to meet them and hear their concerns.

I am fortunate to have a terrific local team.  Whenever we carry out street surveys, my colleagues help progress the issues people raise with me and we work hard to get solutions.

The residents of Red Lion Lane, Shooters Hill, have really suffered with the traffic.  I have campaigned for three years to get a one way system in that road - and the Labour Council refused to do anything despite a petition from residents.  Then, with an election in the offing, local Labour councillors suddenly started to take an interest and organised another petition.  Guess what?  All of a sudden, the Council took notice and seeing the potential for votes, may introduce the much needed change.  I don't mind, as long as the residents get what they need and deserve.

It's certainly been a cold start to the new decade but what has struck me is that for all those who will find any excuse to get an extra day off work, plenty more deserve medals for their determination - and their kindness.  Many people have checked on neighbours, even helping them to clear the pavements outside their homes.  Many more have discovered the joy of sharing taxis from railway stations and car sharing to get to work.  But I think the thousands of people who work in essential services deserve most praise for keeping the country going.  Despite the disruption in most parts of the UK, here in London trains, buses and taxis are still running, mail and newspapers are being delivered, shops still have food, GP surgeries and hospitals remain open, and most businesses remain open. Yes, most services are disrupted or reduced, but the general mood is "Keep calm and carry on" - which is how it should be.

However, once this long cold spell is over, I hope the authorities from Greenwich Council upwards will review their procedures.  Too many residents have felt cut off, not only in higher areas such as Shooters Hill but even close to the High Street in Eltham where I live.  The lack of gritting on pavements in high use areas has been appalling and many roads remain dangerous.  Do we have sufficient stocks of grit and salt, should householders be better prepared to muck in?  It never hurts to admit things can be done better and to learn from experience.

With local campaigner Mo Burgess, I met the Chair of the Friends of Shrewsbury Park this morning.  She and her gorgeous dog, Pogue, took us on a wonderful 45 minute walk through the ancient woodland, meadows and open parkland, pointing out the many natural attributes - and the stunning views.

I'm a huge fan of the Friends of the Parks groups.  They do a tremendous job and help to make Greenwich one of the greenest and most attractive boroughs anywhere in London.  If you have yet to visit this outstanding site, minutes from the hustle and bustle of Eltham, get your walking shoes on!  All I ask is that you take any litter home with you or put it in the many bins provided.  And be a responsible dog owner.

I had the pleasure of visiting Woodlands Farm this afternoon, and meeting some of the people who help keep this working farm open as one of the most popular local attractions.  After various threats from development, the 200 year old farm was saved in 1997 when it became a charitable trust.  Now, the 89 acres, including ancient woodland, balances agriculture and conservation with being an educational community project.

I was accompanied by Maureen Burgess, one of the Shooters Hill Conservative team and a local resident.  We enjoyed our tour, saw a very energetic group of youngsters competing in an orienteering exercise, and patted the pot bellied pigs!  But most importantly, I put my name down for a half lamb for the freezer...the farm relies on selling produce to fund its work, as it relies entirely on raising its own funds and constantly applying for grants.

If you haven't yet visited, please go.  You'll receive a warm welcome, see a lot of animals and wildlife, and possibly learn something.  And worth remembering, they keep bees so the honey will soon be available - I am told they expect it to be in jars towards the end of August!  I plan to return with my godchildren.