Mayor of Worcester Blog

I had an early start to the week, joining other local civic leaders to celebrate a new Sunday rail service to Birmingham and Hereford. The Cotswold Line Promotion Group sponsored the event and Cllr Rob Adams, the County Chair, waived off the Birmingham train while I simultaneously waived off the 9-05 to Hereford.  Lord Richard Faulkner and Julian Palfrey had arranged the event, which was well supported by officers from London Midland.

During the afternoon, Jill and I presented prizes to winners at the Droitwich winter archery tournament held at Royal Grammar School Worcester, in Little London.  It was interesting to meet competitors who were from a wide age range, and most welcoming! I confess to being unaware about the technical details of this popular sport.

On Monday Jill and I were welcomed by Biddie Furlong to the KGV Sports and Community Centre, where we joined members of the Grandee Club for Christmas Lunch. Biddie and her family members have been organising this event for over 50 years and clearly her efforts are well appreciated. It was great to meet local residents and join them in this annual event.

Later that evening I chaired the meeting of the Full Council, where we approved the South Worcestershire Development Plan for further examination. Councillors then joined me in the parlour for seasonal refreshments.

The following day I attended the annual Christmas event with my local U3A History Group and Wednesday saw me going to a meeting of the Grants Committee of Consolidated Charity, where we celebrated a special birthday for one of our long-serving members, Cliff Lord.

I attended the Christmas meeting of Voluntary Organisations of Worcester on Thursday, where Sally Ellison updated members on local news of concern to the voluntary sector.  This is an important meeting for voluntary organisations in the city, and provides a good networking opportunity.

During the evening we hosted a fund raising concert, “the Joys of Christmas”, performed by Worcester Elgar Chorale with readings by Gabrielle Bullock and Tim Watson. It was clearly enjoyed by all, and we thank the Chorale and Dr Donald Hunt for such a fantastic evening. Thanks to all those who supported the two Mayoral charities to help the homeless.

On Friday a chest infection forced me to cancel a visit to see Miss Saigon at Worcester’s VI Form College, but by Saturday I was well enough to attend the annual Christmas Fayre of ONSIDE at The Guildhall. This local charity offers an advocacy service to vulnerable members of the community. It was pleasing to note how well supported the event was.

 

The week began with a meeting of representatives from the Worcester Rotary Club, to make plans for the Charity Banquet next year.  We have our next fundraiser with the Elgar Chorale on Thursday – tickets are still available!

Later I entertained colleagues from the West Midlands Area Committee for the Co-operative Group to a buffet, followed by a tour of the Guildhall.

The following day Jill and I attended the YMCA to see the screening of the Young Health Champions’ Mental Health Awareness Film.  It was extremely moving and promoted awareness of mental health issues among young people.

We were welcomed to Acorns Hospice in Bath Road on Wednesday, where we were given a tour of the building and later met staff.  What a tribute to local fundraising this is! Thanks to CEO David Strudwick.

Later I attended a localism seminar with colleague councillors and the Managing Director of Worcester City Council.

On Thursday, Jill and I welcomed the Sanctuary Group students from Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College to the Parlour and gave them a tour of the Guildhall. What an interesting group of knowledgeable students!

Later, I met with Matt Johnson and Vinspired volunteer team, who offered to help promote our “Homeless not Helplessness Day” at The Guildhall on Saturday 26 January.  They have produced a most useful information leaflet aimed at young people.

In the afternoon I attended the funeral of Ronkswood stalwart Joyce Drew.  The high attendance was a tribute to the work she performed in this community over many years.

During the evening we were welcomed to Blessed Edward Oldcorne’s Presentation Evening.  What a warm and caring environment there is in this high achieving College.  Many thanks to the Prinicipal Sean Devlin and his team.

On Friday we attended the Fort Royal School, where we hosted the annual Christmas Party supported by Drumlove.  The children clearly enjoyed themselves and it was great to talk with them when we later toured the school.

Later Jill and I attended the launch of the Ryder Festival, a community event at The Green Centre hosted by young people from engage4life. It was an opportunity for young people to show how they contribute positively to society.

I then attended a briefing for the Extra Council Meeting we are holding next Monday night, to approve the South Worcestershire Development Plan.

Later Jill and I attended the switching on event for the Christmas Tree Festival in the cloisters at the Cathedral, in aid of Daisy Chain Benevolent Charities. What an addition to the Christmas delights in the City this event is!  We were then asked to select the top three trees, which was extremely difficult knowing the amount of time volunteers have put in to produce such fine results.

I joined the Worcester Amnesty Branch the following day, signing a card to one of their persons “suffering from human rights abuse.” I then joined the Worcester Rotary Club who were collecting for their Christmas parcels project. What a great deal of effort goes into this worthy cause.

During the evening, we attended The Messiah at the Cathedral courtesy of Worcester Festival Chorus; what an invigorating start to Christmas! Congratulations to all the performers and to Christopher Allsop, Assistant Director of Music.

The week has been dominated by the “near miss” from flooding in the city; our sympathies go to those who suffered.  I’ve also been very occupied with arrangements for the twentieth annual Christmas Fayre, which was launched in bright but cold winter weather.

On Monday I attended my last meeting of Nexus Housing association, where I was presented with gifts to acknowledge the 25 years of service I’ve given to the organisation.  But there was no time to get emotional!  It was straight on to the licensing and induction event for the Reverend Christine Turpin at St Wulstan’s in Warndon. It was a very warm affair, where I met congregations from both the old parishes and the new.  Jill and I look forward to working with Christine over the coming months.

The following day saw us joining forces with the British Legion to plant a tree in Gheluvelt Park, celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.  It was pleasing to welcome so many old friends at the nature reserve in beautiful, sunny but bitterly cold weather.

Later that evening I chaired a marathon meeting at the City Council, which lasted until after midnight.  Some fundamental decisions were made about the future role of the organisation at this session.

Wednesday saw Jill and I visiting ASPIE’s new headquarters in Sansome Walk.  This association is proud to help Asperger’s sufferers with the problems of unemployment, social isolation, in a warm and caring environment.

Afterwards we visited Worcester University where David Behan, the new Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission, gave an inspirational address on the subject of leadership.

On Thursday we joined  Cathedral and civic dignitaries in procession for the opening of the twentieth annual Christmas Fayre at Cornmarket.  What a great success the event is, now covering the whole of the city and bringing together partners and representatives from three of our twinned cities.  We have moved a long way from the first Fayre, which was solely in New Street and Friar Street!

The week ended with a whole series of celebrations.  I attended a party to celebrate Perrywood school’s 60^th anniversary, and then planted a time-capsule for future generations to discover.  The children thoroughly enjoyed the occasion, with a party for the whole school.

We made a quick return to the Parlour, where we showed Mayor Theodor Brauer and his party of councillors and partners some of the civic treasures.  They certainly enjoyed the history. It is amazing what we councillors have in common with Kleve!

We then toured the Christmas Fayre with VisitWorcester and met stallholders in a wonderful atmosphere. The quality of stalls has improved over the years and we were pleased to see so many people dressed in Victorian costume.  Great also to meet a huge number of local people enjoying the occasion.

Finally, Jill and I went to the annual Labour Party Bazaar, where we were joined with members of the Twinning Association.  In the evening we enjoyed a Christmas meal at the Hick Suite in the Cricket Ground. It was great to meet representatives of our three twin cities informally, and to enjoy their company.

Last but not least, on Sunday we presented prizes to stallholders at what must have been one of the most successful Christmas Fayres ever!

 

The week began with a short, moving service and wreath -laying ceremony at AstwoodCemetery, where we remembered the Prisoners of War who are buried there and those who lost their lives in World War I.  Thanks to the British Legion and Canon Paul Tongue for this commemoration, which has taken place every year for the last 20 years.

Jill and I welcomed a party of Head Teachers from the Diocese of Morogoro inTanzania on Monday, who are spending a week in the Diocese of Worcester.  They enjoyed the history of the Guildhall and we were impressed with their fortitude, teaching in classes of up to 60 students.

Then it was on to Gorse Hill Primary, where we opened the new ICT suite.  The children were incredibly enthusiastic and showed us their skills on the computer.  Jill was also given a tour of the school.

Later, we had a review of this year’s arrangements for Remembrance Day, which is being increasingly well attended by members of the public.

On Tuesday, the Friends of Worcester Museum welcomed us to the opening of the Laura Knight in Open Air exhibition at theCityMuseum andArtGallery. What a fascinating exhibition – how lucky we are to have it inWorcester – don’t miss it!

During the evening, Jill and I attended the West Midlands Ambulance Service Excellence in the Community Awards atTelford, presided over by the High Sherriff and Chief Officer Anthony Marsh. The role of the volunteer car driver,St John’s Ambulance, long service ambulance service staff and the first responder were all recognised.

The following day I managed to find time to attend a meeting of UNISON’s retired members at the Perdiswell Young People’s Club.  We welcomed Brian Draper who spoke “Of Water over his Wellies” – most entertaining!

Thursday saw me attending the opening of Wyre Forest House – the new office accommodation for Wyre Forest District Council, which combines all the accommodation previously scattered across the district.  Afterwards I attended meetings for the City Planning Committee and Twinning Association.

We welcomed students fromTudorGrangeAcademy on Friday, who became ‘Corporate Directors’ at the City Council as part of the national Children’s Takeover Day.

Students from Tudor Grange Academy –  Left to right: Bharati, Grace, Alex, Mellisa, Jess

We were able to show them around the Mayor’s Parlour before departing forFortRoyalSchool.  There we met Phil Vickery who opened the new outdoor play area provided by Wooden Spoon, the rugby charity.  We were then shown around the new school where we enjoyed meeting students and seeing the impressive new facilities.

Later I attended a ceremony to mark the retirement of Doreen Porter, Legal and Democratic Services Manager, from the City Council’s service.

Despite the inclement weather on Saturday, we were welcomed to the Bank House where we attended the 43rd anniversary dinner for Worcester Lions Club.  The Lions provide an excellent charity fundraising role and provide stewards for local events.  They have raised a considerable sum of money for local charities over the last 43 years.