First craft fair opening of the day is at the Highgate Society. Next door is the Highgate Scientific and Literary Institute one too. I say a few words and wander around all the stalls. We are so lucky in Highgate to have these two organisations. I bump into Mike Hammerson who has defended the area with his committee against the vagaries of the planning decisions of Camden and Haringey.

On to St Mary’s School for their craft fair. Very very busy – with lots going on for the children and parents. I call the raffle and then wait for an hour outside with the children and their lanterns to join the parade along Hornsey High Street to turn on the Xmas lights. The parade is very late in arriving – and I walk a little way with it before having to peel off to get to another engagement – a fund-raising dinner for the London Islamic Cultural Centre who have done amazingly well to raise all the money to build the mosque and the centre.

A lovely evening with very spicy food, music and speeches. The trustees of the local mosque have made me very welcome as the new MP and I am learning so much more about the community from this engagement. And that’s the point really. Our human similarities and needs far outweigh any differences in religion or culture. I get home about 10.30pm and watch the X Factor results. Glad Chico has gone!