Mayor of Worcester Blog

As we move towards the end of January, my diary is starting to fill up for this new year!

This week I was able to catch up with representatives from my chosen charities to talk over the up and coming events which I hope will raise money for their causes.

There were a number to talk about: a concert brass evening, a medical lecture, a quiz night and my Charity Dinner – the latter will be held on 23 March at the Guildhall.  Entertainment for the evening will be provided by Starbuck Theatre Company from Birmingham, singing songs from the West End and Broadway Musicals.  An auction and raffle will be held on the evening and tickets are available for £30 each.  If you would like to book tickets or need further information, please email civicoffice@worcester.gov.uk

Wednesday afternoon was really enlightening; we entertained four Year 7 children from Worcester’s New College.  One young lady was partially sighted, and the three boys had no vision.  They wanted to visit the Parlour to discover more about the role of the mayor and councillors, as well as to learn about the history of Worcester and Guildhall in particular.

The children held various artefacts in the Parlour, discovering their shape and texture.  On an embossed wall carving they could recognise the castle and three pears that symbolise Worcester.  I think the children particularly enjoyed being able to wear the Mayor’s robes and chain.

Continuing with my focus on volunteering, Alison and I also entertained the ladies of the Worcester Floral Arrangement Society in the Parlour.  They give their time generously to arrange flowers for the Cathedral and sometimes the Guildhall too.  Additionally they hold ‘Junior’ mornings (third Saturday of every month at Hallow Community Hall) where young people are encouraged to learn this art.

And finally, hoping you won’t get bored with hearing about this, I’m on a countdown of approximately six weeks until my Tandem Skydive.  No butterflies setting in yet – other than to say now it’s getting nearer, the notion of being pushed out of the aircraft is fast moving from concept to reality!  Iff you would care to sponsor this ridiculous behaviour then please go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SteveMackay  It really is appreciated –Thank you.

 

 

Last Saturday I enjoyed a pleasant evening in Bewdley.  The Mayor there, Mrs Anna Coleman, has a Russian heritage and so in an effort to raise funds for her chosen charities, arranged a Russian Christmas Celebration evening for guests.  All the food was prepared by her and her son, while the entertainment was made up of everyday games played in Russian homes. A very good idea, with the proceeds going to help local people.

Reverend Doug Chaplin and I met this week to discuss Worcester’s Holocaust Memorial Day Service, which will be held at the Guildhall at 10.30am on Saturday 27 January.  Please come along and join us for this moving ceremony – people all over the world will be attending similar events in their local community.

Later in the week Alison and I were invited to attend the Blessed Edward Oldcorne School Career Fair.  This event has run for the last three years and judging by the interest shown by the students, it was a real success.

The emphasis was on the digital market with not only Oxford University, local colleges and local industries aiming to recruit individuals, but also the armed forces.  Speaking with both representatives and the students themselves, it is apparent that not only is it important to have jobs available but also for information about them to be easily accessible, to help students make the best career choices.

From now until the end of my mayoral year in May I will be focusing on raising more funds for my chosen charities: Headway, Onside Advocacy and Victim Support.  There will be a Mayor’s Charity Dinner featuring Broadway Music from Starbuck Theatre Group on 23 March; a Concert Brass evening on 13 April and a Medical Lecture on 17 April.

If you would like to come to any of these you would be most welcome! Additionally I’m doing a Charity Skydive on 7 March – just trying to raise a few extra pounds and probably lose a few (in weight) through fear. I am still seeking more sponsors so if you did feel able to make a donation, please go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search for Steve Mackay, where any amount may be pledged. Thank you.

 

Well first of all, A Happy New Year to you all and I wish everyone a healthy 2018.  From what I’ve heard and seen so far, this season seems to be no different from last year with people going down with ‘flu, colds and generally feeling unwell, so good luck in avoiding those bugs!

The last couple of weeks haven’t been quite so busy for me but those engagements I have attended have been quite exceptional. The Worcester News held their carol service at the Cathedral, while children and staff from Cherry Orchard Primary School performed their Nativity Service there; both quite different, but sharing a traditional happy theme with the congregations really enjoying the moment.

It was a pleasure to be invited to the 100th Birthday of Vera Keenan of Worcester, a lady who has given so much of her time to helping others in various roles over the years.   Now only having partial sight she appreciated the party put on by her daughters, relatives and friends at the hall in St George’s Church.  Some very nice tributes were paid to Vera regarding her charitable work.

On Saturday 23 December I visited the Worcester Countryside Park to start the Park Run.  I was genuinely surprised at the numbers of people who turned out on this cool morning to take part in the run (a few hundred on this occasion), and once again how many volunteers also arrived to act as stewards to facilitate it.  This is yet another event that would not take place without their support.

Since Christmas there have only been a couple more events which I attended with Alison, as well as my children and grandchildren.  The first was the Big Swan Feed at South Quay.  Here again a number of people turned up with their children to feed all the swans in the sanctuary.  They don’t do quite so well for food at this time of year, so all help is gratefully received by the Swan Sanctuary Volunteers.

And finally to the Swan Theatre (see what I did there?) where Dame Ginny and the cast of Sleeping Beauty put on an excellent performance.  The audience were enthralled, the children totally engaged, and me suitably embarrassed by the attentions of the said Dame.

Congratulations to them all.

 

 

As the year draws to an end, Alison and I are spending more time in churches; however, it’s not all been carol services, mince pies and mulled wine!

Earlier in the week we visited St Martin’s in London Road where a joint Friendship Party was being held for local people.  The Rotary organisation had brought together members of the church, mosque and local community to share a lunch and have a general ‘get together’.  This has been happening for the past few years and really seems to have generated a lot of community spirit.  I do hope it is continued in the New Year.

And at the Bromyard Road Methodist Church on Saturday morning I opened their ‘Live at Home’ fundraising event.  Various craft stalls were selling items to raise money for this well deserving charity which helps more people to retain their independence by staying in their own homes through times of adversity.

The Friends of St. Swithun’s Church were this week celebrating receipt of a £1.6 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to secure the building’s future.  The roof, the heating and the toilets all need considerable attention, after which the building will be used to create a new space for sound and art.  This will add yet another dimension to Worcester’s cultural landscape.

Also this week we visited Bishop Perowne School where All Sorts of Performing Arts were putting on their performance of Peter Pan.  This is a not for profit organisation which teaches drama to those aged between three and eighteen years of age.  This was a great show which adults and children (including my grandchildren!) really enjoyed.

Then last Friday was a night to help raise money for my charities.  The Guildhall was home for the evening to the Elgar Chorale, and what wonderful carol singing we heard.  The Chorale was in fine voice and their singing was interspersed with various readings both humorous and serious, making it a great evening.

Of course it would be completely wrong to forget to mention my visits to Worcester Cathedral this week.  Not only were we treated to a lovely carol service from the Worcester Scouts, but were also privileged to be at the opening of the Christmas Tree Festival.  Entry is free but there is a request for donations to the DaisyChain Benevolent Fund which raises money to benefit the health of children and young adults in Worcester.  I really do recommend a visit.