Much to everyone's concern, UK net net migration hit 504,000 in the year to June - the highest figure ever recorded, the Office for National Statistics estimated. Afghan and Ukrainian refugees do need to be taken into account, though. It has been an unusual year. The appalling Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 was back in the news, with Housing Secretary Michael Gove admitting to ITV News that the government had not been quick enough to introduce change to housing regulations. And a man was charged with the murders of a mother and two children, aged three and one, who died following a flat fire in Nottingham. I headed to Durlston Castle outside Swanage to meet the new High Sheriff, Sybil King. It must have been one of the windiest days and the sea looked most imposing. You would not want to be in a small boat down there, I thought. Sybil and I chatted for more than an hour about Dorset and our duties, which occasionally cross. Her post is rewarding one and lasts a year. I had a most enjoyable chat with those working in the cafe after our meeting. The castle is looking spectacular and many volunteers are to thank for its upkeep. Plenty more constituency work to get through.