Mayor of Worcester Blog

I’ve had such a busy fortnight, I haven’t had time to post to the blog until today.  Here’s what I’ve been up to over the last two weeks.

Sunday 28 October, we attended the 98^th Anniversary of the 1914 Battle of Gheluvelt and service, at the memorial in Gheluvelt Park. I laid a wreath together with other dignitaries. I was impressed with the attendance of members of the public and gave a short speech, thanking those for taking part in what proved to be an emotional ceremony.

Afterwards we had lunch at the British Legion Club, where we met local members of the British Legion and representatives who had attended from South Wales.

The following day I was able to catch up with some gardening, clearing up the leaves and re-potting plants ready for winter. It is quite relaxing, getting some mud on my boots and planting tulip bulbs!

In the evening Jill and I attended the Monday Night Club’s first birthday party in Barbourne, where we judged the fancy dress competition and met members of the Club, who really know how to enjoy themselves!

On Tuesday I attended my University of the 3^rd Age history group meeting, where Jeff Carpenter was the speaker on Victorian Worcester. His local knowledge is quite fantastic.  Later I met with The Managing Director and Leader of the City Council, for an update on council affairs.

During the evening Jill and I attended the last event in Bosch’s 50^th Year celebrations at the Cathedral. We thoroughly enjoyed listening to the Bosch Orchestra, who were preceded by Voices Unlimited – a local contemporary choir.

Jill and I attended Worcester Community Trust’s free annual fireworks display at KGV Playing Fields on Thursday evening. The attendance was estimated to be in the region of 7,000 people.  Thanks are due to LMS Events who provided their services at the display. We enjoyed meeting local people and were pleased with the increase in attendance this year.

On Friday I attended the Co-operatives United World Festival and ICAEXPO in Central Manchester – the culmination of the International Co-operative Alliance’s events in the UN’s International Year of Co-operation. It was a great honour that the UK was selected for their annual conference, and to meet so many international co-operators who had attended.

At the weekend I attended Worcester Round Table’s annual charity bonfire and fireworks display at Pitchcroft, and was asked to light the bonfire by means of an electronic button. I was pleased to attend, as when our children were younger this was an annual family event and I had always wanted to light the fire.

It is so important to support this display, as all the money raised is distributed to local charities. Thanks to the volunteers who make this event a success, despite the frequent inclement weather.

The week commenced with an interesting meeting with the Rotary Club to plan the annual Charity Banquet.  Jill and I then departed for the Cathedral, for a rehearsal ahead of Sunday’s Remembrance Day events.

The following day I attended a meeting of the joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, where we heard of delays to the announcement about the Joint Service Review, which is causing so much anxiety for staff and public alike.

Wednesday saw me attending a property inspection with colleagues who are trustees of the Worcester Consolidated Municipal Charity.  Over the years we have disinvested in agricultural holdings and invested in providing accommodation for local charities or commercial properties.  Incomes have accordingly increased, to the benefit of recipients of this vital charity.

Later Jill and I attended Free Radio’s annual presentation evening at the Rugby Club. I was asked to present an award to a local lady who had fostered children for nearly 30 years, and who has done a great deal to help her local community in Malvern. The whole evening was a tribute to the generosity of people and highlighted how youngsters have made so much of their lives, despite so many health problems. Congratulations to all the winners!

On Thursday Jill and I attended the Shrub Hill Workshop’s open day, and were pleased to hear presentations from service users who were moving on to paid employment, work experience, full-time education or engagement with local community projects. This NHS Centre has a fine record of achievement and we were both impressed with the interesting activities that are taking place there.  Thanks for the opportunity to see such interesting activities and  meet local people.

Jill and I met HRH the Duke of Gloucester for coffee on Friday, prior to attending Worcester University’s Graduation Ceremonies.  He was most interested in the Parlour’s treasures and clearly enjoys local history.

Afterwards I joined the University Procession to the Cathedral and enjoyed seeing so much hard work being recognised at the event.  These two final ceremonies were well attended by past students and families.  Fellowships were presented to Mrs Angela Brinton, Mr Les Bailey and Chris Jaegar.  The role the university plays in the life of the City is becoming increasingly important and is a major economic driver in these difficult times.

The weekend saw us at birthday celebrations for Former Mayor Brenda Sherridan.  On Saturday evening we were pleased to be guests on the last night of the Worcester Musical Theatre’s production of “Flying High” at The Swan Theatre. What a lot of hard work has gone into this production; we were left breathless! Congratulations to all concerned and thanks to Dick Saunders and Aileen Haden for their hospitality.  The local Air Ambulance benefitted from over £2,000 which was raised from the nightly raffles!

Remembrance Sunday turned out to be a fine sunny autumn day, and was well attended by the public who thronged to line the streets of the City.

Together with others, I laid a wreath and thoroughly enjoyed the Dean’s thought-provoking sermon.  It is pleasing to see the support from the public increasing annually.

Afterwards we welcomed participants into the Guildhall for hospitality.

In the afternoon Jill and I lunched at the TA centre in Lowesmoor and then attended the “Woodbine Willie” service in St John’s Cemetry.  It was well-supported on a lovely afternoon; thanks go to Canon Paul Tongue and British Legion colleagues.

We managed to snatch a few days away in Torquay at the beginning of the week and so my able Deputy, Pat Agar, stood in for me on two occasions.  Unfortunately our weather was rather misty but we enjoyed the break and return fresh for the fray!

We attended the Annual General Meeting of St Pauls at Maggs’ new activity centre in Copenhagen Street. I was impressed by the large attendance and the genuine support there is for this vital charity. In my speech I was able to recount my experiences as a social worker, which fuelled my engagement in politics and promoted my support for the disenfranchised in society.  I am genuinely concerned at the funding prospects for local charities with regard to some of the more detailed points contained in the Government plans for “welfare reform”.

After attending a funeral in Stratford of a distant relative, we helped organise a fundraiser at Spires Restaurant in the Worcester College of Technology.  I was hosting a gourmet evening with the cooking and service provided by second year students. They are only to be praised for the quality and variety of the food, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The County’s Poet Laureate Maggie Doyle delivered a meaningful poem on homelessness and Robbie Porter, Chair of St Pauls, debunked many of the myths about homeless people.  Yes, we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly and also raised nearly £700.

On Friday, Jill and I attended a fundraiser for Breast Cancer UK at The Firefly in Lowesmoor.  John James from Stamford Cakery had organised Cakoustic, with live bands who all gave their services free to raise funds for  Breast Cancer.  Great to see the spirit of fundraising embraced by so many younger people.

Jill and I joined members of Worcestershire Royal British Legion the following day to launch the Annual County Poppy Appeal for 2012 at the Guildhall.  The atmosphere on a cold but bright morning was unbelievable, especially when the poppies floated down on those assembled, and were swept away in a gust of wind.

We were impressed with the attendance, particularly passing local people who stood to attention when we had two minutes’ silence.  It is so important that we contribute to this vital cause.

Later we attended a fundraiser for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity held at St Stephen’s Church in Barbourne.  The singing from the Hereford Police Male Choir was exceptional, as were the two soloists Sian Haines and David Coulson.  It was pleasing to see so many local people enjoying the evening and at the same time raising much needed funds for The Air Ambulance, which receives no government or lottery funding.

Jill and I attended the Annual Shrievalty Service in the Cathedral on Sunday. It was a colourful occasion, with the attendance of two High Court Judges. It was interesting to meet so many people representing many walks of life. Afterwards, we had tea in the Chapter House, when it was possible to meet people.

I attended a meeting to discuss potential sources of funding for Worcester’s proposed WWI Comemorations. It is interesting to note that Worcester is well ahead, with plans, and well-placed to apply for funds that the Government is to make available.

Afterwards I welcomed Paul Zigan, an independent Council Member from Kleve, Germany, to see the parlour and many City treasures. It is interesting to hear how many similarities there are between the two Councils. It was good to see also in attendance George Milton and Les Tunley from the Worcester Twinning Association.

On Tuesday My Local  U3A History Group welcomed a speaker from the Battle of Worcester Society who informed us of the role of Oliver Cromwell in the Battle of Worcester.

In the evening Jill and I attended the opening night of  The Worcester Operatic Society’s production of “The Producers”. What an excellent evening. The cast and principals are to be congratulated on such an enjoyable production. It was fast, funny and truly fantastic! The society is in its 120th year, and are to be congratulated on performances of such a consistently high standard, a true tribute to the City of Worcester!

On Wednesday I attended in Manchester a meeting of Trustees of  The Co-operative Foundation who are funding 7 projects in 7 Cities to promote “The Truth about Youth”. It is an attempt to counteract some of the negative publicity associated with the younger generation.

Later, The Mayoress and I took a large group of the 2nd Worcester Pack on a tour of the Guildhall and cells. It was particularly relevant to us as our two sons, when younger, had joined this pack and got so much out of it. The yougsters were extremely interested and clearly enjoyed their visit with many questions and laughs; they also enjoyed putting-on the Mayoral robes and chain!

Well, we are over five months into our twelve-month term and have enjoyed every minute. If your group would like a visit, have a special occasion to celebrate, we are keen to meet as many people as possible, and diary willing, will be happy to join you. Contact me through the Mayor’s PA Susan O’Kane at the Guildhall or send me a message via the ‘Contact the Mayor‘ page on this blog.

The week began by joining the annual Worcestershire Battalion Boys’ Brigade for their annual Founders Day parade past Sansome Walk Baptist Church.  It was great to see so many young people attending from all over Worcestershire.

Later we listened to the final concert of the Worcester chamber music series, held at St Oswalds Chapel in The Tything. What a fine evening, and congratulations to Shulah Oliver and Kelly McKusker from the Astaria String Quartet who have worked so hard to make this weekend a great success.  Such energy and enthusiasm add so much to Worcester’s cultural life.

On Tuesday I helped out at the City Council staff induction programme where I spoke about the role of the Councillor and Mayor, then took new employees on a tour of the parlour and former cells.

Later I hosted a City Council tribute to the late George Randall, Freeman of this City. It was great to welcome his family to the Randall Room in the Guildhall and see so many former councillors and mayors who worked with George.  His death is a true loss to the City; he was one of Worcester’s ‘true men of the people’.

Raise your glasses to George Randall (Mayors Parlour)

Mid-week, Jill and I attended the annual Worcestershire Ladies Acorn lunch at Sixways.  It was great to meet Kay Alexander from BBC Midlands Today and ladies from the fundraising Committee.  I never cease to be amazed by the amount of voluntary effort there is in the city and county.

On Wednesday evening we thoroughly enjoyed the Worcester Gilbert and Sullivan Society’s production of The Mikado at The Swan Theatre.  What a fantastic performance, and congratulations to the cast, who must have spent so many hours in rehearsals, to produce such a successful   updated version of this G&S favourite.

The following day Jill and I attended a Positive Friends open day at Horizon Community Centre in aid of World Mental Health Day.  We enjoyed mingling and sampling coffee and cake,  freshly-cooked that morning.  How essential it is to provide positive daytime opportunities for people who are recovering from health problems.

Friday saw Jill and I attending the 15th Annual General Meeting for the Worcestershire Association of Carers.  The pressures on carers should not be underestimated and it is vital that the county provides adequate financial support to carers, who save society so many thousands of pounds every year.

Later I planted a tree with Councillor Alan Amos in Patterdale Drive, celebrating the completion of a £3.5 million flood alleviation scheme in Warndon.   The community has suffered from many days’ inconvenience for this essential work, which has been so successfully completed by Severn Trent.  I am confident it will prevent the serious incidence of flash flooding that residents have experienced in the past.