Just outside the blue police cordon that has been strung since just after rush hour this morning around the area of Russell Square in central London is a small oasis of calm - the children's park at Coram Fields, named after the eighteenth century philanthropist, Thomas Coram.  Adults are only admitted if accompanied by a child, and no dogs are allowed.

It is seven-acres in size, with an under-fives play area, a paddling pool, playground equipment, a café - and a Scout Group, the 8th Holborn.

It is an extraordinary Scout Group, drawing its young people from the exceptionally diverse community in the immediate area.   It meets every Thursday evening and tonight it held its AGM.    Its Group Scout Leader considered cancelling the meeting following this morning's atrocities, but decided that it was more appropriate to carry on as usual.   I'm so glad he did.    Tonight, I was able to shake the hands of a group of young people, representing a wide variety of faiths and backgrounds, who are all about to become Queen's Scouts.   I was able to wish good luck to the Group's contingent to Eurojam.   I was able to watch two sets of parents look on proudly as two new Cub Scouts made their Promise and get invested into the Pack.  

To coin a phrase, I was able to take part, just as in so many Groups around London and the rest of the UK, in an everyday adventure.   And I am so pleased that no bomb or terrorist outrage stopped our young people and adult supporters coming together as Scouts this evening.