Mayor of Worcester Blog

Phil and I would like to thank everyone who has invited us to share their events and special occasions in recent months, and to wish the people of Worcester a happy New Year ahead in 2014.

 One of the highlights of my Christmas was reading Woodbine Willie’s Poem, Christmas, at the Worcester News carol service in the cathedral. Thank you to all of you who gave so generously to the collection for the Mayor’s charities on that occasion.

 “Meet me at the Friends’ Door at 11.13 p.m.” – the invitation sounded like something out of a spy film. Actually, Phil and I were being invited to ring in the New Year with the Cathedral bell ringers. It was an energising experience! The bell-ringing chamber high in the tower swayed and trembled as the bell ringers pulled on the ropes and counted the changes.

 Aladdin at the Swan Theatre was a riot! Ben Humphrey had fun as Widow Twankey in totally outrageous costumes. Regulars included Fiona McGregor as a lively Genie of the Lamp; Liz Grand was suitably autocratic as the Empress of China; Gary Ellis made me feel tired just watching his high energy performance as Wishee Washee; and Graeme Brookes as Abanazer hugely enjoyed playing his first villain. Sergeant Ping Pong, alias Rob Leethem, chased around the auditorium, followed by a line of diminutive policemen from the DanceAcademy, and Aladdin himself was played with charm and humour by James Kenningdale.

 Apparently, they are doing Beauty and the Beast next year and I will definitely be there.

 

 

 

 

It gives me great pleasure, as Worcester’s Deputy Mayor, to be asked by the mayor to write this first message of 2014.

My wife Lynn, who is Deputy Mayoress, and I have had a busy few months attending lots of events which the Mayor Pat Agar couldn’t fit into her much busier schedule. Six carol services rounded off last year for us, which we thoroughly enjoyed.  Some of them were less grand than others but, among the highlights were wonderful choirs and music from the Women’s Institute, Worcester Male Voice Choir and the King’s School choir and musicians. Worcester has, quite rightly, a great reputation for its musical performances and our Cathedral is a magnificent venue for such events.

Our hard-working Mayor attended sixteen carol services so she and her consort, Phil, ought to know just about every Christmas carol off by heart now! She has certainly earned a week off writing this column.

One of the most important jobs of the mayor is to help raise money for charity and, especially at this time of year, we think about the plight of those without a home. Many would be sleeping on the streets, cold and hungry, without the help of charities like Maggs Day Centre, St Paul’s Hostel and the YMCA. So the mayor deserves our support and gratitude for her unstinting efforts all year round to raise our awareness of this need – as well as money to help local charities to do their vital work.

Let’s hope 2014 is a Happy New Year for everyone in our great city – with no-one being left behind.

It would not be exaggerating to say that the audience at Friday’s Elgar Chorale concert was ecstatic. With Donald Hunt and Malcolm Macleod conducting, the chorale sang a beautiful programme of carols and Christmas music, interspersed with a variety of readings. Elgar was clearly right: the centre of music in this country is not in London, but 120 miles north. Thank you to the chorale for their glorious singing and for their generosity to the mayor’s Charities.

 My favourite Christmas cracker joke so far has come from Reverend Hazel Charlton, during St Matthew’s carol service in Ronkswood:     

How did King Wenceslas like his pizza?

          Deep pan crisp and even!

 Nice one, Hazel!

 Phil and I were charmed by Perry Wood Primary School choir and by Ronkzy Starz shadow puppet version of the nativity, in which bad old King Herod was chased away by Superman and Flash.

 I joined Ronkswood Snack and Chat group and Sight Concern for their Christmas lunches. Both are very friendly groups with a huge sense of fun. I always enjoy their company.

 The City Council’s Take Pride event saw over 100 environmental volunteers receive awards for their service to the community in our parks and allotments. Special thanks are due to the Friends of Gheluvelt and CripplegateParks, and to the Duckworth Trust.

We also attended carol services with BishopPerowneHigh School, the Chair of the County Council and Worcester Scouts. There were beautiful performances from Bishop Perowne dancers, choir and instrumentalists, rounded off with a toe tapping finale from the accordionist from Granny’s Attic.

 

 

 

 

On Friday, the Guildhall flag was lowered to half-mast, at my request, to honour the memory of Nelson Mandela. He taught us so much about political courage and reconciliation.

Phil and I spent a lot of time at the Cathedral this week. We heard a really wonderful performance of The Messiah, switched on the lights at the Christmas Tree Festival and attended carol services for RGS the Grange and the RoyalGrammar School.

We also attended carol services with the St John’s Ambulance Service and with the Mayor of Kidderminster, who bakes his own mince pies!  How does he find the time?….Actually, I have it on good authority that he baked them at 10.00 p.m. at night.

I was honoured to present Certificates of Service to St John’s volunteers for the many hours of voluntary service that they give. Thank you to all of these fantastic people for all their hard work.

Maggs Fundraising Ball at the Guildhall was a big success. Attendees were very generous and raised a substantial amount of money for the charity.

Students from Blessed Edward Oldcorne School visited the Parlour a few days ago. They were fascinated by the mayoral regalia, and helped to serve tea.

Ice Fine jewellers opened their new shop this week – a glittering Aladdin’s cave in Crowngate. They will even design a unique piece of jewellery for you while you wait!

The Great Worcester Showcase event at the Guildhall last Friday discussed the future of the city, focusing on how we can make the most of Worcester’s unique character and opportunities.