The Chamber stretched before me, its size accentuated by the largely empty green benches.
I could see my family, high up in the visitors’ gallery, peering with anticipation from behind the protective screen.
The time was about 2.20pm; time to stand up and make my maiden speech.
I doubt anyone just makes a maiden speech.
The moment is seared in all our minds from the moment you enter the Commons and new members talk of little else until the challenge is faced and conquered.
For my part, I had asked a dear friend to help me prepare for this memorable moment.
Suzy is a former journalist, like myself, and with a sharp mind and tremendous sense of humour she was the perfect foil.
And while she read through former speeches and did other research, I attended the Chamber regularly to listen and see how my other new colleagues handled this daunting task.
Suzy and I went through the speech endlessly; a word here, a sentence there.
We’d tucked ourselves away in one of the committee rooms in the attic, where I repeatedly delivered my speech to my confidant.
At 11am on Wednesday morning, we were both satisfied.
I scurried off to the Chamber for Prime Minister’s Questions, while Suzy collected my family and ushered them to their places.
Following the usual Question Time hurly-burly, the Chamber thinned out and the afternoon’s debate on energy provision began.
The Speaker was replaced by the new Madam Deputy Speaker, Dawn Primarolo MP.
She could not have been kinder, or more thoughtful.
Following the two opening speeches form both sides of the House, she gave a knowing smile and indicated I was up next.
I gathered my speech, straightened my tie – and waited.
“Richard Drax.”
Her voice sounded surreal as I rose and faced the Chamber.
I must say that I loved the next eight minutes or so.
I felt so proud to be there, representing you all.
Any butterflies that had been lurking in the pit of my stomach disappeared almost immediately.
My speech praised my predecessor, alighted briefly on some of my political forebears and illuminated our beautiful constituency of South Dorset.
Six of my ancestors have graced the House between 1679 and 1880, all representing the old seat of Wareham
One – John Sawbridge Erle-Drax MP – spoke only once during a 32-year parliamentary career, and then to ask the Speaker to open the window!
Tradition has it that no one interrupts or heckles a maiden speech.
So, no longer can I rely on that ancient courtesy and from on I must stand on my own two feet and take whatever comes.
This exciting experience was only topped by a warm hug from my wife, two daughters and parents - and of course, Suzy.
What a day.