Mayor of Worcester Blog

On Thursday afternoon the Queen died peacefully, at home. She is mourned by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, like so many of our families. But so much more she is mourned across the world as a part of our lives and a symbol of a generation. There are increasingly few of us who remember a time before her. There are few of us who were not touched by her. I was privileged to meet her, as a child, and on three more occasions, the last time, at The Hive opening, to speak with her.

Thursday was a surreal day. Initially shock, after seeing those pictures of meeting the new Prime Minister, then a slowly dawning realisation that this was serious. And then the inevitable announcement.

As we, in formal organisations, observe appropriate protocols, to say and do the right things, let’s not forget that someone has died. Someone whom many people felt they knew. It is unlikely that we will see her like again.

The future is full of uncertainty, of anxiety and concern. The bills still need to be paid. But the future is also one of opportunity and renewal. In projects like the Green Canopy that is exactly how The Queen saw things, and if we mourn and respect her today, it is those principles we would do best to uphold as we move into a new age.

Let me thank everyone who donated and supported our efforts in Worcester’s 10k Run last weekend. A marvellous occasion as always, and one I can now say, I have completed. Still hobbling a little but never mind. The donations page is still open at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mayorofworcesteruk

Lastly, I was pleased to be part of the launch of a new generation of learners at the new Honeywell school in Dines Green, centring on the theme of worker bees, industrious and environmentally aware.

Now, if you will excuse me, I am off to make a marmalade sandwich.

Family, small or extended, is important in maintaining support for us. We met two grandmothers this week with a Grandparents’ Quilt of Hope, campaigning to support people who suddenly become cut off from grandchildren when a family breakdown happens.

We also met a father and daughter, both with autism, walking the length of Britain on a Spectrum Adventure. Eve was amazing, aged just seven but deciding how far and which way to go each day of the trek.

The Canoe Championships, a great event to be held here, demonstrated the importance of family in supporting all the athletes, in organising the events, and showing the continuation of paddling tradition within families, all competing at the highest levels.

One area where family, history and lineage is so important is to those affected by the International Atlantic Slave Trade and I was honoured to be asked to speak at Worcester’s first day of remembrance on 23 August, along with young people from the local BLM group. Hopefully this event will grow annually as all of us educate and confront ourselves more widely on this heinous part of our history.

A link with more modern Africa came with the launch of the autobiography by ex-Councillor David Tibbutt, recounting his family life working there. I am very keen to read his chapter on being Mayor!

We met family of the renowned sculptor and Freeman of Worcester, Sir Thomas Brock unveiling a Blue Plaque in front of his statue of Victoria at the Shirehall. Most famous for his statues of the Queen, one was removed in Agra after the partition of India in 1947. Not the only statue to be the source of contention!

Finally, a family of 15 mayors, their consorts, and friends paid tribute to recently retired Swordbearer, Frank Southam at the Guildhall. Well done Frank, and on behalf of us all, thanks. That sword is heavy, but I wish I’d seen you fillet a salmon with it.

Saturday afternoon was one the highlights of my year so far, welcoming parties of Ukrainian guests and their host families into the Guildhall, sharing tea and cake, tours round the building and the opportunity to chat, ask questions and meet new friends. So many are doing so much, in hosting, in providing community services, in assisting people who had to leave their homeland, that this simple afternoon was the least we could do to brighten their lives.

From feedback and enthusiasm, it clearly did. But it also opened up conversations and links that hopefully go some way to make their stay easier and more bearable. The smiles, from an elderly woman to a toddler were immeasurable.

I had a couple of gentle planning meetings this week, firstly with my running adviser for the 10k Run – you heard it here first! Look out on Just Giving pages for the team running in aid of my charities. Secondly, with one of those charities, Severn Arts, to discuss more events over the year.

While on the art theme, we launched this year’s Open Studios which starts on 20 August. Begun a few years ago in the city, the free art exhibition where artists throw open their studio doors to the general public has now expanded across the county and is a great draw (oops!). There’s bound to be one near you so pop in.

Then we went to the opening of the Snoezelen art auction where local artists and users of the sensory centre for people with disabilities have donated pictures for an auction to raise money for the organisation. This is their 30th anniversary so it would be great to be able to support their fundraising efforts if you can.

And then, when the cupboard was looking bare, I popped up to the new Lidl store to officially open its doors and do a bit of early morning shopping. (Other supermarkets are available).