Well actually I arrive at 2pm at Gail and Martin’s house for my special ‘training to canvass’ day for canvassing virgins. It is quite daunting if you think about it – having to go and knock on strangers’ doors. All human life is there – but I generally come back pretty heartened at the general goodness of humanity. There are exceptions to that rule – but the vast majority of people are decent and polite – whatever their political leaning.

In fact, nearly everyone canvassing for the first time comes back pleasantly surprised how polite and friendly people are when you knock on their doors – so overcoming that initial fear is the key to getting more people canvassing.

Neil (my agent) and I have gotten there early in order to prepare the boards with the various bits and pieces needed like maps, instruction and postal vote forms as well as the canvass cards themselves.

But suddenly the hordes descended – and we were hard put to get them out in pairs quickly enough. We must have had 20 or more people out – some learning – some teaching. It was fantastic – and we canvassed nearly half the ward.

I took Monica out myself to train her on the doorstep. The first few doors she came with me. “Hello – are you …? I’m Lynne Featherstone and we think Tony is about to call a General Election. Might we have your support or will you be voting for someone else?”

See – easy peasy! Within six doors Monica was off and running and at her very first door found a Lib Dem supporter who wanted to take a poster! Flying start…