Sheriff of Norwich Derek James visits a special Magdalen Street celebration

We were out and about in the wild east on Saturday to meet the people during the first Magdalen Street Celebration, which was a lot of fun.

Guitar-playing Joe (Joe Green from Tuckswood) was our trusty sidekick as my wife Bridgette and I made our way up and down this ancient thoroughfare to meet some of the traders and visitors.

Magdalen Street is looking better than it has for some time with so many independent shops working hard to put the smile back on this part of Norwich.

And the spirit of the street is summed up by people like Eric White, who has run Out of Time Records for almost a quarter of a century.

I can't think of anyone who knows more about records and recording artists than our very Eric, so next time you are in the area pop in to see him.

He is a real expert and if you are looking for a particular record, CD or tape or information about an artist or group over the last half a century – he's your man and he operates from 4 Magdalen Street.

My congratulations to Transition Norwich for organising the celebration and I hope it becomes an annual event.

It was an honour to be asked to open it and it was so good to see Magdalen Street, a victim of such savage civic vandalism and neglect over the years, fighting back.

And remember, we can all help – just by popping along to see what's on offer.

It was also an honour to represent the city at the annual Justice Service, which was hosted by the High Sheriff of Norfolk Charles Barratt at Norwich Cathedral last Sunday.

Among those taking part in this colourful ceremony was Mrs Justice Gloster.

My wife Bridgette and I were back there on Thursday, along with Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk Carol Bundock, for the Mothers Union festival.

Members of branches across the city and county took centre-stage as they paraded their fascinating banners honouring towns, villages and city suburbs.