Browsed by
Category: 2021-2022 Mayor Stephen Hodgson

Mayor’s Week: 8 – 14 October 2021

Mayor’s Week: 8 – 14 October 2021

On Friday 8 October I had my first Royal engagement when the Mayoress and I went to St. Barnabas School and was presented to HRH The Princess Royal (Princess Anne). As part of the Queen’s Green Canopy Jubilee tree planting campaign, a tree was planted in the school grounds. Along with the excited school children who lined the playing field, I was joined by the Chairman of the County Council Steve McKay, the High Sheriff Richard Amphlett and other guests.

We also saw the Princess Royal later, at the Unlocking the Severn Project at Diglis. This included my first visit to the new fish pass viewing gallery, which is now open to visits. During our time by the glass viewing window, we spotted just one salmon. I was assured you would see more fish if you visited the viewing gallery at other times!

On Sunday my Civic Service was held in the Cathedral; one of the highlights of the mayoral year. This was originally going to take place in July, but with relaxed covid restrictions now in place, it meant the service could be held with a larger congregation and the singing of hymns. The title of the service “Coming Back Together” reflected my mayoral theme, with the sermon from the Dean and the Bishop in attendance, who gave the blessing.

After the service I hosted guests in the Guildhall. I also met two family cousins for the first time, who live in Malvern and are descendants from my Great Uncle, who was Chief Constable with the Worcester City Police for many years.

Finally on Thursday I went to Hartlebury to witness the auction of the elephants that decorated our city over the summer and brought so much pleasure after miserable periods of lockdown. By the time you read this, we will know how much has been raised for St. Richard’s Hospice.

 

Mayor’s Week: 2 – 8 October 2021

Mayor’s Week: 2 – 8 October 2021

Last weekend I realised how fortunate I am to be Mayor for this year, as the City celebrated the 400th anniversary of the creation of its Charter.

As I wrote last week, I had my portrait painted by children from Perry Wood Primary School and on Saturday morning I was able to view their pictures on display in the Guildhall, alongside other pieces of work created as part of their studies linked to the Charter Celebrations.

The events at the Guildhall included the play “400 Years of Worcester…in 39 minutes,” written by Kit Hunter and directed by Chris Jaeger.  I watched the performance alongside my dog Monty. Afterwards I made an address from the balcony overlooking the Lower Hall in the Guildhall, welcoming those taking part – including a number of history and heritage organisations.

 

The Charter was read by Phillip Leach (who also was a cast member of the play); then Aleena and Leila from Perry Wood school read out their newspaper report about the Charter.

Later I was joined by past mayors of Worcester, including my wife the Mayoress, who was mayor in 2008/9, for a photograph and Civic Reception in the Assembly Room. Afterwards an organ recital was held in the Cathedral which included a work by Tomkins, dating from the period the in which the Charter was granted.

On Sunday the mayoress and I attended the Farmers’ Harvest Service organised on behalf of the Chaplaincy for Agriculture and Rural Life. During the service representatives from the County’s Young Farmers Clubs brought various products to be blessed at the altar and the address was given by the Reverend Mark Betson, National Rural Officer for the Church of England.

On Monday the mayoress and I were back in the Cathedral for a celebration and thanksgiving for the life of the Hon Lady Morrison DL. The service was attended by numerous dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire and the Chairman of the County, Councillor Steve McKay.  Music was under the direction of Adrian Lucas and featured the State Trumpeters of the Band of the Coldstream Guards.

 

Mayor’s Week: 26 September – 2 October 2021

Mayor’s Week: 26 September – 2 October 2021

Last Thursday the mayoress and I were invited to an exhibition of Botanical Treasures at the Worcester Porcelain Museum. Inspired by nature, this special collaborative exhibition has been created in partnership with the Gloucestershire Society for Botanical Illustration.  As well as porcelain and drawing exhibits, it also features artist demonstrations, talks, and workshops – it runs until 31 October 2021.

On Sunday it was an early start at the Morgan Motor Company, where I saw the Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive begin. There were many classic cars taking part in a drive from Malvern across Herefordshire to the Welsh borders. Monty our long-haired miniature dachshund dog had his picture taken, sitting in a three-wheeler Morgan car! I presented awards for the best car, best dressed driver and biggest charity fundraiser. The event raised over three thousand pounds in aid of men’s health.

On Monday evening my wife and I attended a meeting of the Worcester Rotary Club and I was inducted as an honorary member – a tradition for Worcester mayors dating back many years. The President of the Worcester Rotary, Paul Denham, is also a past mayor of Worcester.  As a current Rotarian with the Worcester Vigornia Club I have worked alongside them on various activities in recent years, including the distribution of Christmas parcels.

The following day the mayoress and I had the privilege of attending the Friends of KGV Grandee Club Birthday celebration of Biddy Furlong. Biddy is 103 and has worked tirelessly for the organisation over the years; her longevity is an inspiration to all of us.

Yesterday the Mayoress and I went to the Guildhall. Firstly, I met Stuart Minchin for a donation handover of monies raised at the Worcester Show in August, for my mayoral charities Aspie and the Stroke Association. Afterwards I visited the Worcester Volunteer Expo, also in the Guildhall, to promote volunteering and the voluntary sector. It was an opportunity to see how many different voluntary sector organisations are working in the city and the many differing volunteering opportunities.

Afterwards it was off to Perry Wood Primary School in Ronkswood, where we attended the Perry Wood Primary School Charter 400 whole school event. This included the children drawing portraits of me wearing the mayoral chain.

 

 

Mayor’s Week: 18 – 24 September 2021

Mayor’s Week: 18 – 24 September 2021

On Wednesday the mayoress and I went to Claines Lane to meet the Under 15 Youth section Cup winning team from last season on the pitch at half time. It was my first visit to City’s new home. Thank you to the directors of the club, including Colin Layland, who showed us their new facilities before the game, which was well attended with a big win to boost.

Friday night was one of the highlights of the mayoral year; my Inaugural Banquet was moved from late Spring to September to reflect the welcome easing of Covid restrictions. The Guildhall Assembly room looked splendid with floral table decorations provided by the Worcester Floral Arrangement Society. The flowers were on a purple theme to reflect my two nominated charities, Aspie and the Stroke Association, with table names dedicated to famous people who either had Asperger’s or were stroke survivors.

I would like to thank my two main speakers, Mr Neil Bucktin and the Lord Faulkner of Worcester, who spoke about the many positive aspects of our city.

On Sunday the mayoress and I were at the Commandery for the ‘Pearl Blades & Painted Silks’ book launch. Leena Batchelor described how she had been inspired by her childhood to publish the book. Several speakers read poems – including Faith Taylor from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire’s Young Poet Laureate for 2021.

A meeting of the Council took place on Tuesday, which as mayor I chair. The Deputy Mayor and I announced the details of the 400th Charter celebrations that will take place during the weekend of 2nd October. On display for the first time were the two Wentworth Pewter bowls, replacing the ones lost in the English Civil war, and the Edward Hurdman blue plaque which will be installed next to All Saints Church. After the meeting a special photograph was taken of all the Councillors, civic officers, and senior management of the City Council.

On Wednesday I popped into New Road where the Grassroots Cricket Awards were being presented.  I met Ian Martin, Head of Disability Cricket at the England & Wales Cricket Board, who told us of exciting new plans for the sport at the University.

Finally on Thursday I helped the Soroptimists, a volunteer movement which aims to to transform the lives of women and girls, to plant two trees at Fort Royal Park to celebrate 100 years of the organisation.