Mayor of Worcester Blog

This has been quite a hectic week!  It began with a meeting of the Mayor’s two charities to support the homeless: St Paul’s and Maggs Day Centre.  We were able to finalise the fundraising programme and confirm arrangements for the next fundraising event, which is a concert by The Elgar Chorale on Thursday December 13th (7.30pm at the Guildhall).

The following day, we welcomed nearly 60 members of our U3A local history group to see and learn about the history of the Guildhall.  I later met students from France, Germany and Holland, who are on the Comenius exchange programme.  They had spent the morning helping with a street collection for Shelter Boxes, which are provided by the Rotary Club for use in disaster areas.  The students are on a five day visit which is part of the European Economic Community’s Lifelong Learning programme.

On Tuesday evening, Jill and I attended a consultation and exhibition for the Old St Martin’s development project. This is particularly timely as the city is currently looking at this area for potential development, particularly now that the St Martinsgate development is coming to fruition in Lowesmoor.

It was followed by an enjoyable dinner with Friends of the Museum Of Royal Worcester, in the enchanting surroundings of the Museum. This gem is well worth a visit and deserves much wider recognition in the city.

On Wednesday I attended a meeting of the Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust at Evesham Hospital, as part of my health scrutiny duties.  In the evening Jill and I attended a reception at Tudor Grange Academy, prior to attending the annual prize evening at the Cathedral.

Thursday saw us attending the opening of the marketing and information suite for Latimer Court Nursing Home at the former Ronkswood hospital site.  We were so impressed with the standard of accommodation in what will become a home offering 100 beds, due to open in February. We were pleased to meet relatives who are looking for accommodation, as well as other interested parties.

In the evening we were joined by students from Stanley Road School to help switch on the Christmas lights outside the Guildhall; a large crowd turned out for this festive occasion.  Prior to that we had entertained them with a visit to The Mayor’s Parlour, where they quizzed us about our roles as Mayor and Mayoress. It was obvious by their questions how much they had enjoyed the trip. 

 

The next day I joined my U3A walking group for a stroll around  Eckington, before joining with the crowds to support young Charlie Harris -Beard at Cathedral Plaza – a very brave little boy who is battling with cancer.

Following a meeting I chaired with the Planning Committee to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of World War 1, we joined other civic  leaders to attend the annual St Richards Lights of Love 2012 evening service in the Cathedral and St Andrew’s Gardens.  It was good to mingle over a cup of tea afterwards, with people at the Guildhall.

On Saturday we attended an awareness-raising event at The Hive in aid of the Experiment in International Living – a programme which promotes greater cultural understanding through visits abroad, often hosted by families.   It was great to meet staff, volunteers and to hear the experiences of young people who have already participated.

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.