A day out in Westminster but I'll stick to singing, ta

What a beautiful celebration ball they put on at Aston Villa earlier this month and it was great to meet some of the nurses who help patients and their families.

It's also a long time since I was last at the Villa, back in the day when we'd go and watch my brother-in-law Brendan play for them. It almost made me feel old walking into the Holte Suite.

It was also great to meet those of you who came to the Balls To Cancer Family Run at Aldersley Stadium last month.

And well done to Punjabi Wolves on their successful Strictly Come Dancing With Wolves event at the Civic. You all do a wonderful job and keep up the good work.

I had the privilege of being invited to the House of Lords this month too. Sounds posh doesn't it. But don't panic, I'm not announcing a career move into politics or anything, I'll stick to the singing thanks. It's an amazing building and I didn't even get to see half of it, although I've been invited back for a full tour soon. It was whilst here that it got me thinking, despite all of the beautiful countries I've travelled to over the summer, our British architecture truly is stunning. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, but it's nice to take a step back and appreciate the little things sometimes.

Now, I'm not one to moan or rant very often, but there are two things I should mention. Whilst travelling the country, which this month has taken me from Glasgow to London, there's always roadworks. Surely I'm not the only one who's noticed? I don't know about any of you, but I'm sick of the sight of them. Main roads, country lanes, side roads, motorways, 50mph zones, you name it, wherever you turn, there's that familiar sight of orange cones, or worse still, temporary traffic lights. Yet no workmen . . . ever. No offence to all you wonderful gents (and ladies) who maintain our roads and save our tyres from potholes but where do you hide? And does anyone else get that feeling that it's always your junction that seems to be closed when you want to get home?

Which brings me to my second gripe, supermarket petrol prices. There's some good deals in the West Midlands and a couple are quite good at rolling the petrol price reductions across the whole brand. However, my nearest supermarket doesn't seem to want to follow suit and somehow ends up being more expensive, well, than anywhere else in Wolverhampton. We pay too much for petrol as is without paying even more on top. Sheer greed.

My family goes mad because on principal I'll drive miles to go to the cheaper petrol station, but why not I say? Every penny counts.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the last bits of sunshine because it looks as though autumn's officially here. And what a beautiful season it is (apart from the lack of warmth).

I'm trying not to feel too much pressure in the lead up to Christmas too but everywhere I go the shelves already seem to be stacked with goodies.

There are no Christmas songs playing just yet but I say give it another few weeks . . . I know a couple of people who have already done their shopping and wrapped the presents, the only thing left is put up the tree.

I myself, on the other hand, am not that organised. I'm still trying to think of a theme for this year so if you have any suggestions then be sure to send them to me at my Twitter address.