Today was a sad day as the Weld family buried Wilfred Weld, a well known Dorset landowner, who was involved in many local issues and was passionate about cricket. The Requiem Mass was conducted by Father Ciaran McGuiness at the Lulworth Castle Chapel. Many hundreds of mourners attended, taking the family by surprise, I think. The queue of cars trying to get into the castle grounds stretched for some distance. A rather cruelly timed downpour didn't help the poor car parkers who did a fine job despite the weather. There were many familiar figures at the funeral, including the former and current Lord Lieutenants and several deputies. The Service was a poignant affair with an excellent eulogy given by Bill Hughes. There was too my favourite hymn: I Vow To Thee My Country. Afterwards, the reception was held in the castle itself, which Wilfred had done so much to restore. We all enjoyed the most delicious eats and a glass of wine. Then it was time to head home, which some people found a wee bit challenging as their tyres spun on wet grass. However, rescue was near at hand and we all got away having experienced something very special and moving. It was back to the office and plenty of constituency work to get on with until I joined my wife for supper.