Mayor of Worcester Blog

It is so nice to have the opportunity to write to everyone at this time when it is impossible to come out and meet people face to face.  Through this column I can wish for your continued health and well being, and keep in touch.

Monday will be a big day for Worcester businesses when the majority of our shops open to the public.  Many of you will be looking forward to this as much as I am!  While we will all feel a sense of relief towards a return to a normal way of life, I would urge you all to take the greatest of care when going out and remember to maintain social distancing to protect yourselves and other shoppers and shop staff.

The re-opening of shops is the next step to get back to our old way of life, but the coronavirus is still out there and dangerous to us all, so we must not forget the basic rules to keep us safe.  Signs will be out in the city centre reminding us and offering advice.   Perhaps have your first trip out later in the week, rather than on the first day of opening.

On Saturday a Black Lives Matter rally will be held in Worcester. I wholeheartedly support the message being given by this rally and hope that the day will pass safely and peacefully for all demonstrators and police – with social distancing being observed, so that the very important message being made is not overshadowed.

We have seen in other rallies around the country that protestors can demonstrate without any uncivil behaviour and without endangering each other’s health by breaking coronavirus safety advice, and I am sure that Worcester demonstrators can do the same.

As the easing of lockdown moves on a step further with the joyful news that people in single households can now join a family ‘bubble’ with another household indoors, I am reminded how these little things, that we used to take for granted, mean so much to us.  It encourages us to consider what is really important in our lives, and to treasure friends and family.

 

 

It is just over two weeks since I became the 399th Mayor of Worcester – and I would like to say thank you to all the people who have contacted me to offer their congratulations and good luck messages.

It is a strange time to be taking on a role which is essentially about being out and about with Worcester people, supporting and encouraging them.  Because of coronavirus restrictions I have been out very little, and I’ve had to show my support by writing messages of encouragement rather than attending events.  Unfortunately the launch of the Elgar Festival and Elgar concerts have been cancelled;  it is so sad to miss the opportunity to celebrate the music of one of the greatest composers of our time, who was born at Broadheath here in Worcestershire.

This week has been National Volunteers’ Week and whilst we were not able to celebrate the event with the usual Volunteer Exhibition, I have praised and thanked Worcester volunteers for being the heroes that they are through social and local media.  The present restrictions on our lives have meant that we have relied on our wonderful volunteers more than ever.  Thank you for everything that you have done during this difficult time.

Next week is National Carers’ Week – an opportunity to acknowledge the huge contribution all our carers make to society.  I was pleased to be able to send a message to our young carers who, at a very young age, selflessly give their time and energy to look after friends and family.  They are an example to us all.

Stuart Inglis, Principal of All Sorts Performing Arts, contacted me to say how hard he and the other teachers and volunteers at the Academy are working to ensure that the young dancers and performers there are able to gain their certificates.  Well done to all you performers.  I was also pleased to be able to send a message to the Wildgoose weekly newsletter “Gander at the Goose,” which is supporting students who would normally attend in person at the Wildgoose Rural Training and Nature Reserve in Hallow.

I am looking forward to a gradual return to a more normal life – and the chance to come and meet more of you as my mayoral year continues.