It has been an amazing few days since June 7.

My initial impression of the House of Commons is a maze of buildings staffed by people who are uniformly kind and helpful.

All other members that I have met so far have given me a warm welcome, regardless of their party.

The first weekend at home was the Kidderminster Carnival, followed by Mayor's Sunday. I was very impressed by the number of people who had turned out for the carnival, despite the weather, and touched by the warmth of the welcome.

The first official engagement in the house itself was the election of the Speaker. For this I was sitting immediately beneath the booming tones of the Rev Ian Paisley.

It was no surprise that Michael Martin was elected unopposed to the Speaker's chair. I had hoped to take the oath very soon after that, but being the newest of new boys I was only able to do this on Tuesday this week.

It was brief but moving occasion. First, holding the Bible, the Oath of Allegiance was sworn. Most members did this in quiet and confidential tones. A few surprised those present by loud declaration.

Then the register was signed, followed by a handshake and brief but warm welcome from the Speaker himself. I was told that the rate of processing of MPs was three per minute.

My actual work has largely been replying to the many letters I received, mostly of congratulation. I have been incredibly lucky to inherit a secretary, Mrs Mary Price, from Martin Bell who, sadly, was not re-elected on this occasion. He has been a huge help to me in all ways.

I am contactable at the moment through Mary at the House of Commons. I plan to put details of my constituency office and arrangements for surgeries inn this article next week.

I am grateful to the editor of the Shuttle/Times & News for allowing me this useful way of keeping in touch. I am also extremely grateful to everyone who voted for me and to all people who campaigned actively and donated generously, and especially to Malcolm Cooper, my agent, David Parry, the jack-of-all-trades who master-minded our campaign, and to all our county and district councillors who worked so hard.

Finally, thank-you to the Mayor of Kidderminster for inviting me to join him on the official functions and to those who escorted me during the carnival and arranged for us to say "thank you" on our campaign trailer.