Mayor of Worcester Blog

Monday 31^st: Other mayoral engagements prevented my being there on Saturday 29^th October for the official opening of the completed Riverside work. I remember, when I had the “Urban Renaissance” City Council Cabinet portfolio, how much hard work was done by Richard Hopkins and others to get the lighting right. A great job!

Obesity is a major and increasing health hazard that we cannot ignore. It is a leading cause of death worldwide. Obesity is stigmatized particularly in Western society but was widely perceived as a symbol of wealth and fertility at other times in history, and still is in some parts of the world. Jane and I were pleased to be invited to observe a meeting of “Weight Watchers”, held in the Lyppard Grange Community Centre. I was impressed by the enthusiasm of Debbie Bowyer and her team who were helping their members to achieve very significant weight loss. It was clearly making so much difference to their wellbeing and self esteem.

As Mayor, I am an honorary member of the Worcester Rotary Club. It normally meets on a Monday lunchtime but today we met for an evening dinner meeting in the Worcestershire County Cricket Club. And a most pleasant time it was too. The speaker was Leigh Robinson of the ATBRUSAR (All Terrain Bike Responder Unit Search And Rescue). He explained that this was a charity based in Worcestershire offering support to the emergency services through their trained teams of searchers, rescue technicians, and mountain bike and cycle ambulance personnel. They operate in Worcester City Centre and the wider county of Worcestershire, including the Malvern Hills. It was clear that they provide a valuable and highly cost effective service. See the website:www.atbrusar.org

Tuesday 1^st: The Worcester Heart Support Group (WHSG) was formed in 1994 with nine members and now has over 200. They are affiliated to the British Heart Foundation. Trevor Cooper (Chairman) and his members provide a crucial service especially to people who are recovering from heart attacks (also called coronary thrombosis or myocardial infarction). Today I was involved with the handover of a Vital Signs Monitor to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital. This gift from the WHSG is a valuable contribution to the Phase 3 exercise classes supervised in the McClelland Centre. This is based in the converted outpatients department of the old Castle Street Worcester Royal Infirmary which now forms the City Campus of the University. This is another example of the cooperation between the University and our hospital.

Four days of University of Worcester Award Ceremonies began today. After lunch in the St. John’s campus I lead a colourful academic procession from the Guildhall to the Cathedral. During today’s ceremony Professor Fay Weldon CBE was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters: she is currently Professor of Creative Writing at Brunel University in London.

Wednesday 2^nd: China is the most populous country in the world at over 1.3 billion (that is 1,300,000,000).  It covers about 3.7 million square miles. According to the International Monetary Fund China’s annual average GDP growth between 2001 and 2010 was 10.5% and the economy is predicted to grow at an average annual rate of 9.5% between 2011 and 2015. Between 2007 and 2011, China’s economic growth rate was equivalent to all of the G7 countries’ growth combined. We cannot ignore these facts which were brought home to us at an “Opportunity China” conference this evening held at The King’s School and to which Jane and I were invited. It was organized by the Worcestershire Chinese Association and Worcestershire Ambassadors. Mr. Zhao Lei (First Secretary, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China) gave the opening address. The opportunities for businesses in China are enormous but to take full advantage the ability to speak Mandarin Chinese is vital. The problem is that we have not yet realized that Mandarin is so important in the teaching of our young students. I challenge all of our education institutions to address this. There are inexpensive online courses available, to get you started, such as that from “link-global.com”.

Beijing

Thursday 3^rd: The “Last Choir Standing” Corporate Event was held in the Malvern Theatres this evening. Fantastic and great fun. It was organised by Lauren Billington of “Leukaemia Care” with joint sponsorship from “Postcode Anywhere” and “English Mutual”. There were seven choirs competing and the judges were the musicians John Malcolm Goldring and Russell Painter. Dave Bradley was just right as an amusing Master of Ceremonies: he lists his “main hobbies as watching sport and sleeping, often at the same time…” Much needed money was raised for “Leukaemia Care”.

Friday 4^th: The last of seven University of Worcester Award Ceremonies was held in the Cathedral this afternoon. As before the procession from the Guildhall was impressive. Professor Emeritus Judith Elkins was awarded a University Fellowship: she had been Deputy Vice Chancellor and Professor of Children’s Literature 2003 – 2009. Dennis Mortimer, one of Aston Villa’s greatest ever football players, was awarded an honorary degree. As we were leaving the Cathedral the rain came down and Frank Southam, my sword bearer, had to remove the ostrich feathers from his Cap of Maintenance!!

Two recent graduates, Faye Boyle and Ruth Johnson at the Graduation Ceremony on Friday

Saturday 5^th: The place to be this evening was Pitchcroft Racecourse. Thousands of all ages turned up to see the bonfire and firework display. Dr Greg Jones, Worcester Round Table Chairman, and his team, have worked incredibly hard to organise this amazing spectacle and raise funds for good causes. The bonfire was huge: I have always wanted to light such a conflagration and now I had my opportunity!  Wow!

I lit it!

Fantastic fireworks at Pitchcroft!

Sunday 6^th: Day of rest.

Don’t forget the “We Will Remember Them” concert in the Guildhall on Friday 11^th. November at 7.30pm. There will be words and music marking the 90^th Anniversary of the Royal British Legion. Admission is FREE and tickets by application to the Tourist Information Office: 01905 726311 or the Administrator, The Elgar Chorale: 01684 594570.

Monday 24^th: The Rotary Club of Worcester and I had our monthly meeting to continue the planning for our joint charity dinner event on Friday 10^th February 2012. Watch this space!!

A non-Mayoral evening on the City Council’s Scrutiny Committee.

Tuesday 25^th: Another planning meeting: a lot goes on behind the scenes in the “Mayor’s Office”. Lt. Col. Gerry Taggart, RE (Retired), Susan O’Kane my PA and “Visit Worcester” met to update ourselves on progress with arrangements for Armed Forces Day (and the few days before) next year. Yet another space to watch!!

The Lowesmoor old Vinegar Works is a Grade II listed building and has been converted into the Territorial Army’s local training centre and headquarters. Jane and I had a wonderful evening with Lt. Col. Philip Shepard-Walwyn, MBE RA, his officer colleagues and the many volunteer local soldiers. The way the building has been so well adapted for the 104th Regiment Royal Artillery volunteers is impressive. We had an opportunity to tour the whole building and talk to everyone: that included fascinating chats with some who have just returned from a tough tour in Afghanistan. I felt immensely proud of what Worcester is contributing to our Nation’s armed forces.

The Great Filling Hall of the Vinegar Works was built in the 1850’s and even opened, in 1872, its own railway line linking with Shrub Hill Station. The Company had been founded in 1830 by William Hill and Edward Evans, two chemists. It became the biggest producer of vinegar in the world achieving 9,000,000 litres each year! A less known fact is that the Company made British wines, sherry and port….and quinine to combat malaria. The works closed in 1965.

Wednesday 26^th: Women, women, women everywhere: well, it was a Women’s Institute (WI) meeting! Jane (a member of the Whittington WI) and I had been invited. It was the Worcester Group of WI’s Autumn Meeting held in the Bromyard Road Methodist Church Hall and hosted by the Swan Pool WI. In fact it was great fun with a delicious “afternoon tea” (as you would expect from these ladies!) and entertainment by “Razzamatazz”.

It is not often that a book is published in Worcester with such local importance. “The Story of Worcester” is a history of our City written by Pat Hughes and Annette Leech. I had the privilege of launching this work in the Commandery to a large gathering. This book is a wonderful resource for anyone passionate about Worcester and will be invaluable to any history student.

Thursday 27^th: His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent opened the new Snowdrop Community Care Centre.  Jane and I were honoured to attend and welcome the Duke to Worcester. This is the second time that he has visited St. Richard’s Hospice and clearly shows a genuine interest in the service.

We are approaching our annual period of Remembrance. This afternoon I took part in opening a Worcestershire Royal British Legion “Field of Remembrance” at Worcester Rugby Club, Sixways. May seem an unusual place but being close to the entrance to the spectator stands it will enable many people to plant poppy crosses as they come to matches.

The Council of (Shadow[¹]) Governors (of which I am one of three elected members for Worcester City) of the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals’ NHS Trust met with the Board Members to discuss our approach to these rapidly changing times. There are so many important issues: the aging and healthier population has come about to a great extent because of amazing advances in medical science and care. But there are also many challenges, and they are real challenges, arising from smoking, alcohol and obesity. If we could solve these three health threats the health of the nation and NHS finances would be dramatically improved! So meet your three Worcester City Governors (as on the Hospital Trust’s web site):

“Elayne Guest has 43 years experience in the NHS and feels she could offer a great deal to the Foundation Trust. She enjoys living in Worcester and feels passionate about exceptional health services for local people. She trained as a nurse, midwife and health visitor but worked in senior management for 30 years and is fully aware of the importance of high quality care and governance issues. She currently volunteers for St Richards Hospice and Worcester Cathedral.”

“Natasha Knowles has always had an interest in the NHS. She has lived in Worcestershire for most of her life and in Worcester City for the last 10 years. Her first job was working at Kidderminster Community Health Council and this led to her interest in ensuring fair and equal access to health services for the whole community. As a Governor she will bring clear communication skills and a real interest in ensuring that the views and opinions of the FT membership are represented to the Board and other Governors.”

“Dr David Tibbutt worked in the NHS for 30 years and was a Consultant Physician at Worcester Royal Infirmary. Since retiring in 1998, he has supported medical services in Uganda, and more latterly Rwanda. His contribution to Worcester City has included membership of the Community Health Council and the Patients’ Forum for the hospitals, as well as several

Saturday 29^th: It was an enormous honour for me to launch the Royal British Legion (Worcestershire) 2011 Poppy Appeal this morning. This I did from the steps of the Guildhall in the presence of the County President Air Vice Marshall R.J.Honey, CB, CBE, the County Chairman Mr. A. Hartley-Wooley, MBE, JP, County Vice Chairman Mr. D. Waldron, County Manager, Annette Summers and Ms. Teresa Scully and her two sons and a huge crowd in the High Street. This year is also very special because we celebrate the 90 years since the Royal British Legion was formed on 15^th May 1921. We invited everyone to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Armed Forces, give as generously as we are able and to wear our poppies with pride.

Sunday 30^th: On 31^st October 1914 the Battle of Gheluvelt in Belgium was fought. The 2^nd. Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment was the last available reserve of the British defence and as a result of their bravery, being out-numbered ten to one, the line was held. Today an “Act of Remembrance and Wreath-Laying Ceremony” was held in Gheluvelt Park and conducted by Canon Paul Tongue. The names of the 37 men killed in the battle were read out. Jane and I were privileged to be there with other guests including the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Mr. Ray Seale and Lord Faulkner of Worcester. I gave the final short address.

Act of Remembrance and Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Gheluvelt Park

Monday 17^th: Dr. Rosemary Smart and I (as Shadow Public Governors of the Hospital Trust (yet to become a Foundation Trust)) met with Dr. Charles Ashton (Medical Director of the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals’ NHS Trust) to discuss various aspects of mutual interest. It was an excellent meeting, clarified a number of issues and should help us, as Public Governors, when communicating with our constituents.

Tuesday 18^th: Making speeches is a strength I wish I had. When I was at school, The Skinners’ Grammar in Tunbridge Wells, all Sixth Formers had to be members of the Debating Society. This met weekly with the Headmaster in the Chair. I always tried to avoid eye contact with the HM just in case he thought I wanted to contribute from “the floor”!! However, when you are Mayor you have to give the occasional speech: in fact three for this week. Rarely does a speech have to be long but it is the “few words” that take a great deal of thought and preparation. So that was my job for today.

It is essential that the Mayor is kept briefed about issues going on in the City Council. So my routine monthly meeting with Duncan Sharkey, Managing Director, was very useful.

Does anyone read this “Blog”? Well, it seems so. In the last month (17^th September – 17^th October) there were 454 visits by 290 visitors. Hi, everyone, good to know you’re out here in cyberspace with me!

Wednesday 19^th: The Tolly Centre Intergenerational Garden Project has brought together young students from the Tudor Grange Academy and older people from the local community in Tolladine. The Mayoress and I were shown around the garden by Harry Saunders and Bharati Pillai, both from Tudor Grange, before I “cut the ribbon” to officially open (yes, I know that’s a split infinitive!!) the garden. It is all a great credit to The Worcester Community Trust, Worcester Volunteer Centre and the many young and older volunteers. Local cooperation, local achievement for local enjoyment.

The Ribbon is cut

Presentation of Volunteer’s Certificate

I have always been a great fan of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas. Jane and I were not disappointed when we were invited to attend a performance of “Princess Ida” this evening at the Swan Theatre. Alan Feeney (Director), David Whitehouse (Musical Director) and the whole Worcester Gilbert & Sullivan Society gave us two hours of amusement and delight. Well done!!

Thursday 20^th: I met Donald Hunt and Peter Rogers (of the Royal British Legion) to put the finishing touches to the arrangements for the concert in the Guildhall at 7.30pm.on Friday 11^th November 2011. “We Will Remember Them” is made up of words and music for this Time of Remembrance and marking the 90^th Anniversary of the Royal British Legion. Donald has done a remarkable job compiling this concert. Please come! Admission is FREE: apply for tickets through the Tourist Office (01905 726311) or The Administrator, Elgar Chorale: 01684 594570.

Friday 21^st: The Worcester College of Technology is rightly proud of its distinguished history over the last 150 years. This year 15,000 students were enrolled. The Graduation Ceremony for around 170 students took place in the Cathedral. I was delighted to shake the hand of every one of them. Robin Walker, MP, was the guest speaker and praised the success of the College and its contribution to the economic fabric of the City.

The Worcester Festival Choral Society (WFCS) was founded in 1861 so celebrates its 150^th. Anniversary this year. A gala dinner was held in the Guildhall. It was wonderful to have as special guests Sir David Willcocks (Conductor of the WFCS in the late 1950’s), Dr. Christopher Robinson (Conductor 1962 – 1974), Dr. Donald Hunt (1975 – 1996), Christopher Allsop (Assistant Conductor) and of course Adrian Lucas, the current Director of Music. I had the honour of giving one of the two speeches: part of what I said included:

“When I was thinking about what to say this evening I just wondered what Worcester and the Nation were like in 1861, the year of the foundation of your Society.

“Queen Victoria had been on the throne for 25 years. Prince Albert died in 1861 and the Queen went into a prolonged mourning.

“Incidentally Queen Victoria was the grand-daughter of George III who gave his portrait to the City in 1788.

“Worcester had a population of about 18,000: we now have almost six times that number. The railway had reached Worcester only 11 years earlier in 1850. This to some extent is credited to Alexander Sherriff who became Mayor in 1862. This Mayoral Chain that I wear represents the couplings between railway carriages and was given to the City by Sherriff. By the way at least two railway engines were named after Elgar.

“There was no electricity in Worcester in 1861: that did not arrive until 1894.

“In the Cornmarket Music Hall on 12^th. June 1862, when the first Worcester Festival Choral Society concert took place, Worcester had a small population, no electric light and a Queen in mourning. But it did have a railway and I wonder how many people came from far away for this inaugural event! I wonder if the Mayor, Alexander Sherriff, had been invited: I like to think so.

“The “Worcester Herald” reported this concert as follows:

“The hall was completely filled with a fashionable audience, and the concert in its entirety passed off remarkably well.”The Creation” ……………. was performed, in which the vocalists generally performed the solos very beautifully. The choruses, too, were admirably rendered, especially “The Heavens are Telling”.

(Now wait for it!): “Mr. Tibbutt[1] presided at the piano and Mr. J Caldicott at the harmonium. Mr. Done officiated as conductor………the absence of the organ was severely felt: it was caused by damage from the storm of Monday, the rain and hail having penetrated the roof and unfortunately flooded the pipes…………………………………………

We congratulate the Society on its first night as a great success, and an omen for good.”

[1] If anyone knows who this “Mr. Tibbutt” was I would be pleased to hear. Although the name is spelt exactly as mine I had never heard of him and so far have found no more information.

“I assure you that the pianist was not me!!!

“As many of you must be aware Elgar, in 1877, formed a wind quintet that became known as “The Brothers Wind”. Elgar played the bassoon. The first flute and leader of the quintet was a certain accountant Hubert Aloysius Leicester. He was a life-long friend of Elgar and was responsible for Elgar’s being awarded the freedom of the City of Worcester in 1905. He was also closely involved with the Worcester Festival Choral Society. He was Mayor of this City five times (1904 – 05 and 1913 – 15)… a record. He later became Sir Hubert and the second president of the Worcester Rotary Club.

“What is rather exciting is the discovery of a portrait of Sir Hubert in the store room of the City Library. Unfortunately it is so big I have not yet been able to bring it to the Guildhall but I do have a photograph.

“Ladies and gentlemen: Worcester is steeped in history and wherever you go you find a musical element. Long may that be so!.”

The evening was rounded off with a fascinating and amusing speech by Adrian Lucas about the history of the WFCS.

Saturday 22^nd: The Worcester Swimming Club (WSC) has been in existence since 1928 and currently has 528 members. The Club’s 15^th “Open Meet” was arranged for the three days 21^st – 23^rd October in the Sansome Walk pool. Twenty one clubs from across Worcestershire took part. The enthusiasm, commitment and standard of performance was amazing. These young people are the future of this sport and need all the encouragement we can muster. Neil Monkhouse (Chairman of the WSC) and the large numbers of volunteers who make the Club so successful are to be congratulated. I had the pleasure of presenting the prizes for this morning’s events.

Formed in 1987 the Worcester Male Voice Choir has delighted audiences here and abroad raising huge sums of money for worthwhile causes. Their Annual Concert was presented this evening in College Hall of King’s School. The standard was as high as ever with the added pleasure of hearing Claire Allen-Powell sing, three students from the Sixth Form College and Nunnery Wood High school play their clarinets and John Wilderspin on the organ.

Sunday 23^rd: The Worcester Cathedral Chamber Choir is a mixed voice adult choir. It was founded in 1998 by its musical director, Stephen Shellard, to draw together a group of high quality singers from the local area to develop a concert repertoire and further enrich the choral tradition of Worcester Cathedral. Therefore I am delighted to assist with the advertising of a Remembrance Concert on Saturday, 12^th November at 7.30pm in the Cathedral. “Serenity, Courage, Wisdom” will be an evening of words by the war poet Wilfred Owen and music by David Briggs, Fauré, Taverner, Duruflé and MacMillan. Don’t miss it!! Further information on boxoffice@worcestercathedralchamberchoir.co.uk or 07549 634068.

Monday 10^th: Tim Clarke, Editor of “The Worcester Standard”, and I had our usual monthly meeting in the Parlour. It is always interesting to discuss and review the activities of the previous four weeks and realise just how much has happened in our City.

Tuesday 11^th: Lt. Col. Gerry Taggart, RE (Retired) is certainly not “letting the grass grow under his feet” as far as thinking about Armed Forces Day next year. He brought Chief Petty Officer Diana Cope (DNLO, Naval Regional HQ WWE, HMS Flying Fox, Bristol) to the Parlour to discuss her input. We do so want all three services represented.

It seems to be the season for AGM’s. The Worcestershire Council for Voluntary Youth Services held its AGM this evening and was hosted by Worcester Bosch at their premises on Cotswold Way. I was impressed by the range of voluntary and community sector activities undertaken. The key note speaker was Richard Soper, Chief Executive Officer of Worcester Bosch, who described the innovative and effective apprenticeship programme in the company.

Wednesday 12^th: Two hundred people attended the Acorns Children’s Hospice Trust lunch in the Pitchview Suite of the Worcester Rugby Club. It was a most enjoyable occasion and raised much needed funds for this charity that provides a vital service for children with life-limiting conditions. Acorns for the Three Counties opened in Worcester in March 2005.

Acorn Hospice, Worcester

Care is tailored into a holistic package for each individual child including their medical and recreational needs. David Studley, CBE (Chief Executive) gave a passionate resume of the last year and the challenges for the future. He was followed by a speaker who used to be a banker but turned chimney sweep!! Find out more on the web site: www.acorns.org.uk

Thursday 13^th: A last meeting to “tie up loose ends”. All is ready for tomorrow’s Murder Mystery evening.

Forty five 9 – 10 year olds from Warndon Primary School came in two groups for tours of the Parlour and Guildhall. Questions, questions, questions!! Wonderful. “How old are you, Mr. Mayor?” “Do you live in a castle?”

I opened an event in the Guildhall to launch the Polish Community Association “Polonia in Worcester” under the Chairmanship of Ryszard Wyrwa. This was supported by the Migration and Integration in Rural Areas (MIRA) project in Worcestershire. MIRA has as its main aim the support of local public sector organizations in relation to economic migration, mainly from Eastern Europe. Effective community integration is a key element a point that I emphasised as so important in my welcoming speech.

A very busy day was marvelously rounded off by attending a production of “A Chorus Line” at the Swan Theatre. This was yet another outstanding performance by the Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society (WODS). Congratulations to Ian Crohill, President of WODS, and the huge number of people involved. Worcester is proud of you. Did you know that WODS was established in 1892?!! It’s first production was “HMS Pinafore”.

Friday 14^th: David Green, Vice Chancellor of the University of Worcester, invited Jane and me for a tour of the University. “The history of our University is one of exciting achievements…” [1] was so well shown to us during this tour. Yes, the expansion of the University may seem alarming to some (with currently around 12,000 students) but let us for a moment stand back and look at all of the advantages brought to our City both in terms of the economy, employment, attraction of businesses and our importance in the field of tertiary education and research. The science facilities are outstanding and they include the National Pollen and Aerobiological Research Unit. The expanding work is of international importance! That in the Motion Analysis Research and Rehabilitation Centre and in sport is exciting and again of national importance. I thought I knew about most of what the University was doing but there was so much more!!