If anyone ever tells you that “there's not much going on around here” then please refer them to me. Summer recess is packed with events, every one of them arranged by dedicated volunteers. Here’s a few I have been to recently.

Wiltshire Mind is a brilliant organisation which, amongst other things, arranges drop-ins for people concerned with or suffering from mental health problems. I had a lively session last Monday where I was given a hard time but I hope I gave as good as I got!

A day in the blazing sun at the Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford (the very tip of the runway is actually in North Wilts) admiring the Red Arrows amongst so many others was followed by a garden party for 100 Tories on Saturday.

I handed out a certificate for Recruit for Spouses in Corsham, whose name is self-explanatory and admired a bee-promoting venture at Bath ASU.

I had to miss WOMAD at Charlton Park, but am glad of the two million pounds it contributes to the local economy.

Instead, I did go to the wonderful Cock and Bull Festival near Melksham, which raises funds for Jamie’s Farm in Box – a heaven for kids from our inner cities.

Cock and Bull reminded me of Parliament somehow. I wonder why?

Then I was surrounded by bikes on my way to my Royal Wootton Bassett surgery on Saturday (there were 5000 of them in Calne), and by Mini cars on my way back (their rally was raising funds for Help for Heroes). Saturday afternoon was spent helping judge Royal Wootton Bassett in Bloom with lovely visits to 25 or so gardens all around the town.

It is amazing what an effort people can put into making their surroundings nice.

A drinks party in Hullavington and dinner in Kington St Michael demanded a long lie-in on Sunday morning before the Avon Vale Horse Show, near Lacock.

And all of that is just a tiny sample of the dozens of events, village fetes, fundraisers, political and church events and a thousand charities all of which are busy around the area.

There is an army of volunteers and enthusiasts, and all of us owe them a huge vote of thanks just for making these communities what they are.

The fullness and vibrancy of life in this area must be the envy of so many other places.