Copacabana played to a packed house at the Swan Theatre last Thursday, with the young cast producing some fine character acting to go with Barry Manilow’s music. The song and dance numbers sparkled, the costumes were lavish and the young performers of the Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Youth Section were genuinely impressive. I can’t wait for the Swan’s next musical extravaganza, “Anything Goes” – it will be a real treat for Cole Porter fans!

Friday was very different – I welcomed forty burly rugby players to tea and a tour of the Guildhall. Many of them were from our twin town of Worcester, Massachusetts. They were extremely polite and very smart in their club blazers, and delighted to be in Worcester, UK. In their professional lives, they are teachers, engineers, medical and care professionals etc. – all sharing a love of the game with rugby-loving Worcester, UK.

Phil and I also attended a gala dinner with the players at Worcester Rugby Club, and I spent a thoroughly enjoyable Saturday afternoon watching a friendly match between teams from the two Worcesters.

We also attended a final presentation by young people who have followed a Prince’s Trust course. They demonstrated a stellar array of new skills and a strong sense of teamwork. Along the way, they raised the funds and did the work necessary to complete a charity project in the local community. Congratulations to them, and best wishes for the future.