I began my day with a meeting at the Newham Academy of Music on Wakefield Street.  After that I visited Dersingham Primary school in Little Ilford, to climb up to the roof garden on the fine new building there.  I used to attend Labour Party meetings at Dersingham school thirty years ago, and its very interesting to see how the building has changed – and what hasn’t.

I then attended a retirement party for Dianne Walls, who used to be my deputy when I was Leader of Newham Council, and who has been a very successful Head Teacher at Oliver Thomas Nursery School.  Other staff wore t-shirts with photos from Dianne’s youth!  The affection for Dianne among staff, pupils and parents was palpable.

I had to nip away to attend an impressive Easter concert at Gallions Primary School.  After lunch I met with Dawn Ballinger and her Young Achievers Group with their parents/carers to discuss the possible closure of the group due to lack of funding.  In the afternoon was my regular surgery at the Beckton Globe.