Mayor of Worcester Blog

One thing I regret from my childhood is never being enthusiastic about sport.  I played tennis, hockey and netball in a fashion at school and did the exercises that P.E. expected of me, but it was never with any real enjoyment or success.  Time and again I am now reminded that in order to be healthy and look after myself, I should be doing regular exercise.

It was therefore with a certain amount of regret at my wasted youth that I opened the wonderful new tennis courts on Cripplegate park, not forgetting that there are two newly refurbished courts on Gheluvelt park too.  The facilities are fabulous with small courts for those young Roger Federers and Serena Williamses.   With some free or a very affordable £1.25 a week for family membership, it is very good value for money.  Many thanks to the Lawn Tennis Association for their generous funding and to our partners Freedom Leisure for making all this possible.

On Thursday Mark Jackson, the High Sheriff of Worcestershire and I spent four hours walking around and visiting Worcester’s wonderful heritage sites in preparation for Heritage Week which takes place from 11 to 20 September.

We visited the historic Commandery, Cathedral, Guildhall and Tudor House Museum and also called in to the newly re-opened Museum of Royal Worcester (Porcelain).  We finished our journey at the Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum, which also houses the Worcestershire Regimental museum.

On the way we stopped to see William Shakespeare’s Marriage Bond and other very precious treasures in the strongrooms down in the depths of the Hive.  Mark and I had a super time and I would love to tell you more about the things we saw and heard, but lack of space prevents that.   However you can see these things for yourself during Heritage Week and discover more about our very special City.  Many thanks to Harry our photographer who accompanied us all the way.

My thoughts this week have been with our young people who have been returning to school and college and those who will be going to university within the next few weeks. It is so important that they feel safe and secure in their place of learning, and I would like to thank all the headteachers and staff who have worked hard to ensure that the school environment is ready for the large number of pupils who will be arriving.  I hope it goes well for you all and wish you every success for the coming months of study.

I was born in Worcester and have lived here all my life. For some of you this may seem rather unadventurous, but I must say that Worcester is far from a dull place to live. I was very interested to hear from the Battle of Worcester Society members whom I met on Thursday evening about the extent to which Worcester was a very significant place in the English Civil War.

This year is the 369th anniversary of the last battle of the Civil War which was fought here in and around Worcester. I attended the Drumhead Service of Remembrance in Fort Royal Park on the site of the royalist fort, where a plaque is in place to remember the 3,200 soldiers who were killed in that last battle of the Civil War.

I tried to imagine what a terrible event it must have been. Soldiers were killed at the royalist fort and in the streets of the city, where it is said the streets ran red with blood. Those of the royalist army who were captured were imprisoned and often transported to New England, where they became slaves on the plantations.

We observed a minute’s silence in memory of those soldiers. It was an excellent and enthusiastic turnout from a group of people who are determined that this bloody and unhappy period of our history is not forgotten.

On to things more modern tomorrow, when I shall be present for the opening of the newly refurbished tennis courts at Cripplegate Park.  Any sport which involves the hitting of a moving ball has never been my forte so stand clear when I take up a racket tomorrow!

 

Summer seems to be coming to a close and the change in the weather from one day to the next makes planning for anything rather difficult.  This year is very different for the City Council and also for me as Mayor, because planning for events and the special civic occasions is tricky with some not happening or if they are being held, it’s in an alternative manner.  The Worcester Festival has been taking place over the last fortnight but mostly in a virtually; it will end on this coming Bank Holiday Monday.  I hope you have all had a chance to engage in the activities in some way.

A big event for Worcester has always been the University and Heart of Worcestershire College graduations at the Cathedral, but sadly they will not take place this year in their usual format.  I want to congratulate all students who would have received their degrees during September and October and say that even though the ceremony did not take place, that does not take away your achievements and success at graduation.  Well done and best wishes for success in your chosen career path.

Our children are going back to school next week and although there is still some uncertainty about how this will work in each setting, I am sure you would agree that our young people deserve to return to their schools and make the most of their education.

Finally, October is Black History Month and I urge people to share their photos, memorabilia and experiences of life in Worcester.  Get in touch with the Community Engagement team by emailing community@worcester.gov.uk .

The response we get will help us all to appreciate the culture of black lives in Worcester.  Through knowledge and understanding we can avoid the dreadful social unrest which has come about in parts of the U.S.A. – most recently in the riots which have engulfed Kenosha, Wisconsin following the shooting of Jacob Blake.  We must all take care in our lives, think of our neighbours and stay safe.

My first comment is to congratulate all those A level, GCSE and BTec students who have received their exam results in the last seven days.  Unfortunately, some BTec students are still waiting for their results, and the method of awarding A levels was flawed to begin with, but has now thankfully been corrected.  I am sorry that this has caused problems for some students applying for University places and hope this will be resolved as best as it can be.   I remember what an anxious time it is waiting for exam results to come out, both as a student, parent and teacher.  This year our young people have had so much uncertainty and anxiety whilst waiting for their results and need our best wishes and support.

Last Saturday was a very special day in the history of peace and freedom.  The 15th August 2020 marked 75 years since the surrender of Japan and the final end of the Second World War.  VJ day is a day when we remember the sacrifice and bravery of our armed personnel in the Far East, who continued fighting after peace had been declared in Europe.  I was joined by Brigadier Roger Brunt who is the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Mark Jackson who is the High Sheriff, Councillor Bob Brookes who is the Chairman of the County Council, Dave and Jean Waldron from the Royal British Legion, my Chaplain Sarah Northall and representatives from the armed forces and City Council.  A moving and meaningful act of remembrance took place in front of the Guildhall which was followed by a small parade to the Cenotaph outside the Cathedral where wreaths were laid.  I was proud to be part of this – thank you to those members of the public who joined us for this event.

I welcomed two guests to the Parlour on Tuesday.  They are old friends who it was a pleasure to meet up with again; we were able to discuss support for events which they are involved with in the community.  It is always encouraging to hear about acts of support and kindness to each other, which is so badly needed in these unprecedented times.