Last Saturday evening the mayoress and I were guests of WODS (Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society) to see their performance of the musical Half a Sixpence at the Swan Theatre. The story is based on the H.G. Wells novel Kipps: The Story of a Simple Soul and this new version of the musical features new music and lyrics by George Styles and Anthony Drewe. The president of WODS, Mike Astles, made us welcome and afterwards I spoke to some of the cast including Toby Edwards who played Kipps, the principal character. This production was originally meant to take place in 2020 but was put back due to Covid.

On Sunday afternoon the mayoress and I were delighted to be guests at the afternoon tea as part of the Worcester and Hereford Grenadier Guards Association Centenary Celebration. I met old soldiers and there were guardsmen in full uniform. The Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Lt Col Patrick Holcroft, a former Grenadier was in attendance. The loyal toast was proposed by Hamish Grey-Cheape, president of the local association, and the response by Col. Richard Aubrey-Fletcher, the national president of the Grenadier Guards Regimental Association.

On Wednesday evening we were at the Huntingdon Hall to attend the Worcester Repertory Company Show: My Dearest Mr Coward, based on the words and wit of Noël Coward. The Worcester Repertory Company were joined by stars of the West End fresh from national and international tours including Hairspray and The Rocky Horror Show to name just a few!

Thursday was election day, and I would like to thank the residents of Warndon Parish North for re-electing me. Congratulations to all those who were either elected or re-elected to the City Council, and commiserations to those who missed out. I look forward to meeting my new council colleagues when I hand over the chain at the Annual Council.