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Author: Mayor Mel Allcott

MAYOR’S WEEK: 17 – 24 NOVEMBER

MAYOR’S WEEK: 17 – 24 NOVEMBER

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It was an honour to open the Worcester Community Rail Partnership annual event for the second time. The Partnership is all about linking rail stations and communities, so as a self-confessed fan of all things rail, I thought there was absolutely nothing here not to like!

I then zipped to Crown Gate, where the Worcester Ukulele band and Pudsey were in full swing. Looking to raise £20,000 for Children in Need, I could see that this lively band were clearly doing well!

That evening I went to Worcester Musical Theatre production of Stand By Me at our Swan Theatre – a vibrant array of colour, sound and talent, with the raffle proceeds going to Perdiswell Young People’s Leisure Club, my charity for the year. It was fascinating to meet attending members of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association too.

I went to the Lollipop Youth Theatre production of Frozen at the Norbury Theatre. It boasted a large cast, clever choreography and stunning solos, and having met Olaf the snowman I am now very much in the Christmas spirit!

I joined the Mothers’ Union Worcester Diocese Festival Service at Worcester Cathedral to celebrate long service awards and a birthday during a very uplifting service with freshly brewed tea and coffee in the lovely Cloister Café afterwards.

The next day I opened Bizfest, hosted for the second time in our city, this time in the Army Reservist Centre. Small business do a large amount for the economy and it was great to be there to support our local entrepreneurs.

That afternoon I listened in on the Worcester Primary School’s debating competition at St Barnabas CE Primary School. Eight fantastic teams entered, and Nunnery Wood Primary School won with the hosts as runners-up.

MAYOR’S WEEK: 9 – 16 NOVEMBER 2024

MAYOR’S WEEK: 9 – 16 NOVEMBER 2024

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On Friday evening I attended the Remembrance Service at Fernhill Heath War Memorial Club.

I received a warm welcome and there were clever displays indoors and out.

Laying a wreath directly under the plaques of names of those lost locally soon brought home the reality of war.

It was particularly touching to see children representing the neighbouring Hindlip First School turn out for an evening 8pm service.

On Saturday afternoon I attended the act of remembrance for Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy, better known as Woodbine Willie, at St John’s Cemetery.

The cemetery is tree lined and peaceful, an apt resting place from the noise of war.

Nicknamed “Woodbine Willie” for giving Woodbine cigarettes and spiritual aid, to injured and dying soldiers, this priest and poet was incredibly brave and rightly awarded a military cross.

On Remembrance Sunday I attended the Worcester Cathedral service and being in the civic procession I was able to really appreciate the crowds that had turned out.

Seeing so many people, it was difficult not to smile, alongside Beatrice Grant the Lord Lieutenant, who took the salute outside the Guildhall.

On Armistice Day I was at Foregate Street station in time for the 7.26am poppy train.

A touching tribute, started due to covid restrictions. Wreaths are collected on trains at stations and placed on the memorial on Platform 1 at London Paddington, ahead of the 10.45am service.

At 11am I was outside Worcester Cathedral cenotaph to lay a wreath and observe the two minutes of silence.

Standard bearers, veterans and the public were alongside each other and have been a constant comfort, throughout this Remembrance weekend.

At 1pm I attended a lunch with the Rotary Club of Worcester, now 101 years young.

They are a charitable, thoughtful and welcoming group, who meet frequently and fundraise a lot. A minute of silence was also held to mark Armistice Day.

ayor of Worcester, Councillor Mel Allcott (fourth from left) with dignitaries at Foregate Street station with wreaths, ready to be taken by train to London Paddington
MAYOR’S WEEK: 2 – 9 November

MAYOR’S WEEK: 2 – 9 November

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On Monday I went on a tour of the University of Worcester with consort Stuart Wild.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green, and the Pro Vice Chancellor Health and Science Professor, Sally Moyle, took us on a comprehensive tour including of the new Three Counties Medical School.

The facilities and technical equipment are second to none with the clever repurposing and design of the former Worcester News print building.

The space is light, airy, flexible and sound proofed. It was great to see a class in action and meet lecturers and students. This was also the case across the campuses.

On Tuesday I went to the Annual Apprenticeship Awards evening at Sixways with consort Mike Mullins, who was an apprentice at the start of his career.

The event was packed out with awards for apprentices across various disciplines including accountancy, commerce and engineering.

It is always great to help celebrate success, with my theme for the year being Youth Matters, and it was super to see so many young people making their way in life.

I must add, apprentices are mostly young but not all and it is never too late to learn new skills.

On Thursday I was at the Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service Awards at the Guildhall with consort Andrew Lee.

The Lord-Lieutenant, High Sherriff and Chair of the Board gave out awards, certificates and medals to fire officers across many disciplines.

Long service and bravery awards stood out, which included those who had saved others outside of the workplace and in one instance, outside of the country.

Awards were also given out to cadets and I wish them all very best, whether they decide to pursue a career or not in the fire service the experience and skills taught will stay with them for life.

Stood on the steps of the University of Worcester's Charles Hastings Buildings are Picture caption: During the visit to the University of Worcester are (l-r): David Green, Mel Allcott, Sally Moyle; Mayor Consort Stuart Wild
Picture caption: During the visit to the University of Worcester are (l-r): Worcester University Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green; Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Mel Allcott; Pro Vice Chancellor Health and Science Professor, Sally Moyle; Mayor Consort, Stuart Wild
MAYOR’S WEEK: 28 OCTOBER – 2 NOVEMBER 2024

MAYOR’S WEEK: 28 OCTOBER – 2 NOVEMBER 2024

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The last Saturday of October began with the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal launch at the Guildhall and Sunday was home to two very special ceremonies.

The first was the memorial service for the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Gheluvelt. The sun shone and there was a lovely turnout. The Mayor of Zonnebeke in Belgium was in attendance and we were able to exchange gifts afterwards at the Guildhall.

The second was the Shrievalty service for the High Sherriff of Worcestershire, Charles Moyle. The readings were relevant and the music uplifting. I was privileged to take part in the procession and be seated at the front alongside my consort, Andy Lee.

On Monday I was able to visit two charities, Pathfinder and the Monday Night Club.

Pathfinder stood out as a charity aimed at young people which perfectly fits my theme for this year, Youth Matters. Pathfinder is a leading young driver road safety charity and it reduces the risk of a driving accident in the first year after passing a test, from the national average of 20 per cent to an impressive five per cent. Thought up one evening by a group of car enthusiasts and run entirely by volunteers, this charity teaches young drivers how to drive safely from scratch in three off-road locations, the nearest to Worcester being The Three Counties Showground.

The Monday Night Talent Club was a delight to attend and it was a relief not to be one of the judges, as picking first, second and third, would certainly have been a difficult job!

On Thursday I was able to help democracy with brownie Lois Burd cutting the ribbon on a new black and green bin (BELOW), which came about because Lois saw a need and successfully petitioned the City Council. It’s fabulous to have a young activist in our midst!

The Mayor and Brownie Lois Burd cutting a ribbon that is tied around a black litter bin and a green recycling bin