This year marks my thirtieth anniversary as Member of Parliament for Finchley and Friern Barnet. I hardly need to say that this will be a very special time for me. A time to remember the years that have gone by, the changes that have occurred, the friendships made and the wonderful people I have known.
Our Constituency is not simply one town, village or suburb—it is a collection of quite distinct communities each with its own identity, the names of which have come down through history and are well known to us now. As I travel around the Constituency on my regular visits I see familiar land-marks, well-known and loved places and many, many old friends. I have also witnessed the great changes that have taken place with improvements in housing, transport, the caring services, education and communications and we have welcomed many new communities from other lands who have come here to make their home.
The richness of the cultural, social and religious mix of the people who live in Finchley & Friern Barnet has been one of our greatest strengths. We see examples all around of the spirit of enterprise and of hope for the future. The enormous number of voluntary and charitable organisations whose membership and support flourish, shows the great spirit of caring in our community. I am very pleased that the profits from the Ball this evening will go to local charities and I thank all of you for generously giving your support.
I have drawn great strength, comfort and inspiration from the people of Finchley & Friern Barnet. It is and has been a privilege to represent the Constituency and I would like to record my thanks to all those people over the years whose selfless work in so many ways has enriched our community and built for the future.
It gives me great pleasure to send you every good wish this evening and I hope that you will thoroughly enjoy this 30th Anniversary Ball.