Last Saturday the Mayoress and I were in Malvern to join in the Civic Service in a celebration of friendship. This was a joint event for Cllr Nick Houghton, the Mayor of Malvern, and Cllr Cynthia Palmer, the Chairman of Malvern Hills District Council. The service, which included a mixture of hymns, popular songs and entertainment, was held at The Church of St Matthias in Malvern Link. The music was provided by Malvern Hills Brass Band with a performance from SassCappella, a three-piece A’ Cappella group from Malvern.

There were several mayors and civic chairs from across the county, and we have all been to various events over the past year. As our year in office is coming to a close, a group photograph was taken of us with our mayors and consorts.

On Wednesday evening, the mayoress and I were at the Shirehall to attend the Declaration of Office for the next High Sheriff of Worcestershire. The significant events in our civic calendar are usually attended by office bearers from the Worcestershire Lieutenancy (The Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, and his Vice Lord-Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenants) and the High Sherriff. The latter position, like most mayors, is appointed annually.

Richard Amphett has accompanied me at several events over the past year, and he has handed over the Office as High Sheriff of Worcestershire to his successor Andrew Richard Manning-Cox. The ceremony was held in the number one courtroom and included trumpet fanfare at the beginning and end of the formal ceremony performed by a police officer from the West Mercia Constabulary. The Right Honourable Sir Andrew McFarlane, a senior judge, was present acting as the witness on behalf of her Majesty the Queen.