Last Friday morning our four mace-bearers, our sword-bearer, the mayoress and I joined the principal of the Heart of Worcestershire College and other academic leaders in procession to the Cathedral.  This annual event precedes the splendid graduation ceremony.

It was wonderful to see so many proud young people being presented with their hard-earned degrees and diplomas.

In the evening we visited the studio of Caro Burberry, a local sculptor whose work is critically acclaimed both at home and abroad. There were many fine examples of her work on display, which were much admired.

On Saturday we attended a charity riverboat cruise from Stourport-on-Severn, at the mayor’s invitation.  This helped raise money for Midlands Air Ambulance, which is one of my own mayoral charities.

In the evening, we travelled to Wolverhampton to watch the final of the Nuneaton and District Junior Swimming League. Teams of swimmers aged 8 to 12 compete to win the prizes. This year, Worcester Swimming Club’s junior team were not only in division one, but made it to the final. Congratulations to them all for their effort and for bringing home a couple of trophies. I’m sure they will do even better in future with the advantage of training at Worcester’s new swimming pool, which will open in the New Year.

Charlotte Whitehead, Callum Strickland and Tom Banks rescued a man in trouble in the River Severn in Worcester on 3 July.  I welcomed these Pershore High School students to the parlour and presented them with Bravery Awards on behalf of our city. Their parents and school are rightly proud of them.

Later, I attended a meeting of City Parish Relief in Need Charity, where I am a trustee. My week ended with a visit of French students on an exchange visit with Edward Oldcorne RC College.

The presentation of the annual community sports awards at the University Arena rounded off our week.