It's not always the formal meetings with officials in drab conference rooms that get things done. Sometimes, seizing the chance of a more informal conversation with a Government minister is critical to make progress.

Last Thursday morning, I joined Baroness Kramer, the Transport Minister, for her train journey from London to Chippenham and took the opportunity to tell her about our plans for a direct Oxford to Bristol rail service, calling at a re-opened Corsham station.

I explained the huge economic benefits it would bring to our area, especially in light of the exciting projects we hope to see soon in and around Corsham.

Please add your voice to my campaign for this new rail service and a re-opened Corsham station by visiting http://www.duncanhames.org.uk/rail_survey and completing my short rail survey.

Once we arrived in Wiltshire, I accompanied Baroness Kramer to Corsham, where she launched the council’s new rapid charging point for electric cars.

The Liberal Democrats in Government are investing to put Britain at the cutting edge of electric car manufacturing.

They are environmentally-friendly and cheap to run, helping to combat climate change and bring down the cost of living.

Before she boarded her return train to London, I showed Baroness Kramer the need for step-free access to the platforms at Chippenham station.

I reminded her that, according to a letter I secured from the Transport Secretary in January, work on lifts was due to start in August, but we still haven’t seen any sign of it yet.

I asked her to make sure it gets under way very soon, and have since received confirmation from Network Rail that preparatory work has begun.

Having challenged the Prime Minister to prioritise funding for our schools over tax cuts for the wealthy – something he was not prepared to do – I took my campaign on behalf of Wiltshire’s schools to Education Questions.

In the House of Commons, I urged the Skills Minister to extend the protection of schools’ budgets, which currently only cover ages five to 16, to include sixth forms as well.

My next constituency surgeries will be at Bradford on Avon library on Friday, from 9.30am to 11am; at The Pound arts centre in Corsham on Wednesday from 10am to 11.30am; and at Melksham Town Hall on Thursday, November 13 from 10am to 11.30am.