RECENTLY I have experienced an eclectic range of activities. One was participating in a morning’s work cultivating fields with classic tractors and traditional cultivation equipment.

The event took place near Saul and I took my Massey Ferguson 135 which performed brilliantly. It was great fun, therapeutic and, above all, good to meet so many people connected to agriculture. Another occasion was my trip to UCAS, the university entrance organisation. The headquarters is in Cheltenham, adjacent to the Racecourse. UCAS has a long history and is highly respected.

My purpose was to discuss the question of apprenticeships and high level training, especially when part of a degree programme. One important and familiar theme to emerge is the need for effective and timely careers advice.

Linked to careers and also the Festival of Manufacturing and Engineering – Festomane – was my visit to Renishaw’s relatively new plant in South Wales. Here there is an education centre for the express purpose of introducing engineering to young people, usually from Year 6 and continuing with options thereafter. This is an extremely worthwhile project with the strategic aim of ensuring a full pipeline of skills in engineering as this factory continues to expand.

I spent one Sunday recently in London as a judge of the national final between five teams of Years 12 & 13 for the well-established Science Engineering Competition. It was held at the Imperial College in the rather splendid Royal School of Mines building.

While not being particularly proficient in any sport, I still like to spectate and support sport so I made a brief trip to the Stroud Rugby Club. Keeping active makes such a difference to lifestyle and personal health so encouraging sport at all levels is another of my priorities.