On Saturday I had the privilege of attending the Newham Academy of Music on Wakefield Street. I was given a tour of the practice and teaching rooms, and got to listen to a lot of excellent music being played by the students – I was especially impressed by a young recorder group I heard, and hearing the Youth Orchestra practice Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture was a real treat. I then discussed funding issues with the Academy’s CEO, Helen Mason – specifically, the funding of their Soundscape music therapy department.

Next I attended what might have been a far more sombre appointment, were it not for the good nature of the members of the Monega Association, an East Ham residents’ association. We were gathered to remember the life and work of Jim Coe, their Chairman until his death last year. Newham Council had agreed to the planting of a commemorative tree in Plashet Park, where he loved to walk his dog, Toby. I know he is sorely missed, and his contribution to the area will not be forgotten.

Finally I went to the Athletes’ Village at the Olympic Park to meet with the users of the BeOnsite programme, an organisation that works to put previously unemployed people from the host boroughs into skilled jobs on the site of the 2012 Olympics. Their feedback was on balance very positive – they felt that BeOnsite was indeed instrumental in most of them being at work on the site, and that they were receiving the training they needed. They are coming to the Treasury this week to celebrate their second anniversary.