Mayor of Worcester Blog

Fort Royal Park has had a major make over, with new civil war themed play equipment and Kenneth Potts’s wonderful bronze plaque commemorating the Battle of Worcester. At last week’s Drum Head ceremony, the prayers were the same as those said on the eve of battle in 1651. Ben Humphrey, Chairman of the Battle of Worcester Society concluded the ceremony with words later spoken by John Adams, second president of the United States:

      “And do Englishmen so soon forget the ground where Liberty

      was fought for? All England should come in pilgrimage to this

      place once a year.”      

 Vertigo struck when I visited a Worcester Community Housing refurbishment of the high rise blocks in St Johns. Out on the scaffolding, the ground seemed a long way down – but the views were magnificent. The revamp makes the blocks seem rather like a luxury hotel: there will be a rooftop lounge, two roof gardens, new windows and bigger lifts. 

 On Friday evening, Phil and I went to an exhibition of work by local sculptor, Caro Sweet. Caro has a growing international reputation. I suspect she may become one of the top British sculpting talents of her generation. My advice? Buy now, before she becomes so well known that she is too expensive!

 New Hope, Snoezlen, and the Parents and Carers Council held a fundraising fete last Sunday. The weather was kind. There were plenty of interesting stalls and two cheeky little ponies giving rides for the children. Phil and I had fun playing tombola and came away with a good haul of chocolate, which will amuse friends, because I can’t eat it!

Vigornia Rotary Club members got up with the birds for a breakfast meeting this week. They positively fizz with energy and friendliness, even at 7.30 a.m. It is impressive! Even more impressive is their support for reading programmes in local schools and Rotary’s efforts to wipe out killer diseases like polio across the world.

Wednesday brought the biggest surprise of the week, when I met with Canadian academic, Dr Daniel Fischlin, and local historians. This dedicated group were researching the history of a local family and hoped to see important civic portraits in the Guildhall. In actuality, they were researching the provenance for what may be a contemporary portrait of William Shakespeare. Are we really going to find out what the bard looked like after centuries of speculation? Check out their website for more:

http://canadianshakespearenews.wordpress.com/2011/02/27/sanders-portrait-of-shakespeare-provenance-an/

The British Heart Foundation is continuing its campaign to help us all lead healthier, heart-friendly lifestyles.  I was pleased to help launch their appeal this week to collect 2,000 bags of unwanted clothes, books and toys to sell in the Worcester shop.

Two new Worcester businesses opened their doors recently at “The Learning Zone” on New Street. “Jumping Clay” helps children to learn through play – I particularly liked their pink dinosaur! And Worcester Tutors provide tuition for all ages in their bright and airy workroom.

Local people flocked to the St Johns Traders’ Association event on Saturday. I spent a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon chatting with stall holders and drawing the raffle. Sunshine Radio provided music and commentary, and a good time seemed to be had by all.

 

 

Worcester Flower Show was a delight, from the giant vegetables and succulent fruit to the gorgeous dahlias and spectacular carnivorous plants. But it was much more than a flower show. Stall holders sold a variety of enticing foods……I went for the cup cakes, which were delicious! You could buy anything from flowers to handbags or jewellery, or support a local charity. The hand crafts were up to WI standard and the photography competition was a feast for the eyes. I particularly liked the peacock photos, and one of a cheeky toddler.

It was a pleasure to meet members of the Worcestershire Royal Infirmary League of Nurses at the MedicalMuseum. We reminisced over tea and knitting at the “Call the Midwife” event and raised money for the African Maternity Health Link. One in eight women die in childbirth in Sierra Leone, rising to one in five in rural areas. This shocking maternal death rate is the highest in Africa.

There was also a fascinating array of ancient Roman surgical instruments, not that different from some modern equipment and a display of medieval medical herbs.

I am pleased to report that Worcester has recently been re-awarded Fair Trade City status. We marked the occasion with a small reception in the parlour, at which Anthony Wood of Fair Trade Worcester presented me with our Fair Trade certificate.

The Whizz Kids Cycle Tour reached the Arena on Wednesday afternoon, on their two week cross country challenge ride from Lands End to John O’Groats. Whizz Kids provides mobility equipment for disabled children across the UK.

Worcester Festival has a week still to run and has been thoroughly entertaining so far. The Gugge 2000 band blasted us out of our socks outside the Guildhall to launch the 17 days of events, activities and fun. Gugge 2000 are festival regulars and are always invigorating.

Festival mascot, Percy the Peacock, was dancing and strutting his/her stuff. Does anyone know if Percy is really a boy or a girl? If you find out, let me know. Whatever the answer, Percy certainly adds to the atmosphere.

Phil and I thoroughly enjoyed the festival launch at the Swan Theatre. I am planning to do some of the Cathedral tours. They sound utterly fascinating. Secret Egypt at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum sounds spooky. I may also try that. A Midsummer Night’s Dream has been an absolute delight for audiences at the Commandery – and thank goodness the weather has been kind. At this point, I haven’t even begun to look at the music festival events, which would be a pity to miss.

The week would not be complete without international visitors to the Mayor’s Parlour at the Guildhall. This week, we welcomed a charming group of Japanese students who are visiting Worcester University.

We rounded off the week with bell ringing at Old St Martin’s. The bells of St Martin’s are quite an experience. They are a mix of old and new, with five pre-Georgian bells, an old Sanctus bell and a new ring of ten bright modern bells. The sound was glorious! I was not surprised to learn that the bells of Worcester are among the best in the world.