After two radio interviews about this evening’s basketball event, I began the day by meeting with Dr Graeme Betts, Executive Director of Adults, Community and Leisure for the London Borough of Newham, together with West Ham MP Lyn Brown.   We had a productive discussion.  I then visited St Winefride's Primary School, Manor Park, after receiving an invitation from one of the pupils, Georgeen Quashie from year 11, who wrote in her letter that she thought I would find the visit interesting.  She was right.  After a wonderful school assembly with an Olympic theme in St Stephen's Church next door, I handed out certificates for academic and sporting achievement. 

My next appointment was in Hartley Avenue, to meet the Home Start service for Newham.  Home Start organises volunteers to provide assistance and support to families with children under the age of five.  It is a very cost effective service doing a vital job.

After lunch I made a visit to another school, Ranelagh Primary School.  With others, I spoke to children about my job, and discussed why I chose my career.  My regular Friday surgery followed, meeting with my constituents at East Ham Town Hall.

In the evening, in what is becoming an annual event, I turned out to play basketball for the Newham All Stars Sports Academy against the Metropolitan Police team at the new Rokeby School building in Canning Town.  It was to draw attention to the NASSA “Carry a basketball, not a blade” campaign against knife crime.  LBC had been carrying reports about it al day, following the radio interview this morning, and their reporter was at the event.  It was a very good evening.  In a knife edge match, the Met Police just pipped NASSA at the end.