MAYOR’S WEEK: 15 – 21 DECEMBER 2024

20/12/2024 Mayor Mel Allcott Comments 0 Comment

Carols, art and sporting Santa

Tuesday was the annual Worcester News carol service. Thank you to the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress for attending on my behalf. I was at the Policy and Resources Committee at the same time and fortunate in that it finished in time for me to catch some of the guests in the Mayor’s Parlour afterwards.

This annual event, for me, is a reminder of the importance of local journalism. It is easy to take for granted every day local news, whether a traditional paper version or online copy or news alerts. Without our local journalists and editors I believe our local world would be a very empty space.

We don’t live globally, or nationally, or online (not physically at least). We live locally, in our communities. Let’s celebrate our local communities and support our local journalists and editors.

On Thursday afternoon I viewed the Worcester Society of Artists Exhibition (WSA) at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum. There was a fantastic mix of styles and mediums. We clearly have some exceptionally talented artists in Worcester. After much deliberation I chose my favourite, Dark Flowers, by Marion Yeo (see below).

Thank you to the Chair of WSA, Chris Phillips, for taking me around the exhibition. It’s very worth a visit over the Christmas break and perfect for a break from all the traditional festivities (please check the festive opening times). Chairs are available to sit and ponder, and quite a few of the paintings are for sale.

On Thursday I was able to join Father Christmas, Mrs Christmas and Elf with volunteers from the Worcester Lions Club charity outside Perdiswell Leisure Centre. Although it’s a super-busy time, we were able to join in with the spin class and Father Christmas and Elf achieved some pretty impressive bounces on the trampoline!

Merry Christmas everyone!

The Mayor standing next to a painting of Dark Flowers — The Mayor with Marion Yeo’s painting, Dark Flowers

MAYOR’S WEEK: 24 – 30 NOVEMBER

29/11/2024 Mayor Mel Allcott Comments 0 Comment

This week I had the opportunity to fully embrace Bulgarian culture at a charity event raising money for Kids Care Charity.

It was a delight to meet the local Bulgarian community and the money they raised will be used to help children in Bulgaria, with wood for heating and medicines.

I wore a traditional Bulgarian dress and arrived just in time to hear the host’s son play the violin, followed by a rendition of the Bulgarian anthem for which we all stood and observed.

There was lots of music and dancing that followed and I judged the colouring competition, no easy feat!

On Monday I presented a medal for the very first time, to a Nuclear Teat Veteran.

It was a real honour to present Maurice Hume with the Nuclear Test Medal, which commemorates personnel who participated in Britain’s nuclear testing programme in the 1950s and 1960s.

A real gentleman, Maurice arranged for Rev Lindsey Coulthard, family and friends to be at the Mayor’s Parlour for the presentation.

Stationed at Christmas Island, Maurice was one of more than 20,000 military personnel and there are estimated that just 1,500 of them are still alive.

On Thursday I was at the official opening of the Victorian Fayre and after the sadness of there not being a Christmas light switch-on this year, it was extra special.

There was a carol service first at the Cathedral, which continued to the opening ceremony in the Cornmarket.

There was a full house in the Cathedral and the Dean, Dr Stephen Edwards, led the service and the Voluntary Choir were beautiful to listen to.

During the opening speeches at the Cornmarket there was a small spattering of rain.

A timely reminder from mother nature of what a difference she can make, even when all the technology and weather forecasts predict otherwise.

Thank you to each and everyone who came along and seasonal wishes to all.

Mayor of Worcester, Mel Allcott, presenting Maurice Hume with the Nuclear Test Medal

MAYOR’S WEEK: 17 – 24 NOVEMBER

22/11/2024 Mayor Mel Allcott Comments 0 Comment

It was an honour to open the Worcester Community Rail Partnership annual event for the second time. The Partnership is all about linking rail stations and communities, so as a self-confessed fan of all things rail, I thought there was absolutely nothing here not to like!

I then zipped to Crown Gate, where the Worcester Ukulele band and Pudsey were in full swing. Looking to raise £20,000 for Children in Need, I could see that this lively band were clearly doing well!

That evening I went to Worcester Musical Theatre production of Stand By Me at our Swan Theatre – a vibrant array of colour, sound and talent, with the raffle proceeds going to Perdiswell Young People’s Leisure Club, my charity for the year. It was fascinating to meet attending members of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association too.

I went to the Lollipop Youth Theatre production of Frozen at the Norbury Theatre. It boasted a large cast, clever choreography and stunning solos, and having met Olaf the snowman I am now very much in the Christmas spirit!

I joined the Mothers’ Union Worcester Diocese Festival Service at Worcester Cathedral to celebrate long service awards and a birthday during a very uplifting service with freshly brewed tea and coffee in the lovely Cloister Café afterwards.

The next day I opened Bizfest, hosted for the second time in our city, this time in the Army Reservist Centre. Small business do a large amount for the economy and it was great to be there to support our local entrepreneurs.

That afternoon I listened in on the Worcester Primary School’s debating competition at St Barnabas CE Primary School. Eight fantastic teams entered, and Nunnery Wood Primary School won with the hosts as runners-up.

MAYOR’S WEEK: 2 – 9 November

08/11/2024 Mayor Mel Allcott Comments 0 Comment

On Monday I went on a tour of the University of Worcester with consort Stuart Wild.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green, and the Pro Vice Chancellor Health and Science Professor, Sally Moyle, took us on a comprehensive tour including of the new Three Counties Medical School.

The facilities and technical equipment are second to none with the clever repurposing and design of the former Worcester News print building.

The space is light, airy, flexible and sound proofed. It was great to see a class in action and meet lecturers and students. This was also the case across the campuses.

On Tuesday I went to the Annual Apprenticeship Awards evening at Sixways with consort Mike Mullins, who was an apprentice at the start of his career.

The event was packed out with awards for apprentices across various disciplines including accountancy, commerce and engineering.

It is always great to help celebrate success, with my theme for the year being Youth Matters, and it was super to see so many young people making their way in life.

I must add, apprentices are mostly young but not all and it is never too late to learn new skills.

On Thursday I was at the Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service Awards at the Guildhall with consort Andrew Lee.

The Lord-Lieutenant, High Sherriff and Chair of the Board gave out awards, certificates and medals to fire officers across many disciplines.

Long service and bravery awards stood out, which included those who had saved others outside of the workplace and in one instance, outside of the country.

Awards were also given out to cadets and I wish them all very best, whether they decide to pursue a career or not in the fire service the experience and skills taught will stay with them for life.

Stood on the steps of the University of Worcester's Charles Hastings Buildings are Picture caption: During the visit to the University of Worcester are (l-r): David Green, Mel Allcott, Sally Moyle; Mayor Consort Stuart Wild — Picture caption: During the visit to the University of Worcester are (l-r): Worcester University Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green; Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Mel Allcott; Pro Vice Chancellor Health and Science Professor, Sally Moyle; Mayor Consort, Stuart Wild

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