DID you have a great bank holiday and jubilee weekend? The borough seemed to be a bit slow off the mark with hanging out the flags and bunting but eventually we looked great dont you think?

The Chimes Shopping Centre is adorned with flags and every school I drive past is awash with Union flags. Even our local park has had its Green Flag taken down and a Union flag is flying high from the flagpole.

After all the great events and activities and the pomp and ceremony on the television I bet in years to come my 10-year-old son Alexs memories that stay with him will be helping to hang out the bunting and going to see a beacon.

I know my abiding memory of the 1977 silver jubilee when I was six years old, was getting soaking wet in the fancy dress parade and hoping that my costume made out of tissue paper didnt melt in the rain and show everyone my knickers!

That and the delight of being given a very special silver jubilee mug and commemorative coin.

l WE ARE only half way through the half-term and Alex is now on a four day countdown to his school trip to France this weekend.

Its the longest he has ever been away from home and Im so nervous.

Not for him as I know he will be fine: its me. Im such a worrywart and I will be holding back the tears as we wave off the coach from Hillingdon on Sunday.

To take my mind off Alexs trip we are going to visit the Summer Open Day and Fun Dog Show at the Dogs Trust in Harefield on Sunday.

Its on between 11am and 4pm and is always great fun, if only to look at the fab doggy bunk beds they have there.

You can take your dog along and they can take part in lots of doggy fun including a gamezone, agility course and special parade.

There are of course lots of attractions for the rest of the family too. I love the Dogs Trust, they do such a brilliant job and this is an easy and fun way to support them. Entry is £2 for adults and £1 for children and OAPs.

Go, I guarantee youll enjoy it.