This morning, first thing, I dropped by the Esher and Molesey Royal Mail delivery office. It's an opportunity to see first hand just how busy our local postmen and women get at this time of year.

Mark Peters, the office manager, showed me round, how the systems work, and the kinds of challenges they have to grapple with - from rotweilers to bad handwriting on envelopes. I met a few of his team in the process. Good luck to all our postmen and women at this festive but hectic time!

Last Thursday, I hosted an event at the House of Commons to spread awareness of the Elmbridge Community Fund, a local fund designed to raise funds to provide grants to help local groups and charities supporting pockets of social need in Elmbridge. We were joined by local panelists - including Chair Richard Waller, Wendy Varcoe from the Community Foundation for Surrey, entrepreneur Tony Kelly and Walton Charity's Jackie Lodge - and many others interested in supporting the initiative.

As well as trying to spread the word, we were honoured to have the High Sheriff for Surrey, Elizabeth Kennedy, present our third grant to SAY Youth Club in Cobham (pictured below). From stroke victims, those who have suffered domestic abuse, and groups providing positive activities for youngsters, the Elmbridge Community Fund can shine a light on neighbourhoods in need of a helping hand across our borough.

Today, I joined Sue Towner and a team from the Federation of Small Businesses in Claygate for Small Business Saturday. We started off at Trew Art, pictured below, and toured the parade. Small Busines Saturday is a great opportunity to hear from small businesses (from art galleries to the local butcher), see what's going on along the high street, and promote local retailers. We discussed issues ranging from off-street parking to devolution of business rates, and it was terrific to see the parade going from strength to strength.