We had an enjoyable trip to the Bewdley annual Civic Service to support the Mayor of Bewdley, Councillor John Latham, and his partner on Sunday June 10. The weather was fine, allowing us to process to St Anne’s Church from the historic Guildhall.

I met with one of my charities, Maggs Day Centre on Mnday. We agreed a programme of events and I will highlight activities as they occur.

Later in the day I had tea with Georgia Smith of VisitWorcester and Duncan Starkey, Managing Director of Worcester City Council, to congratulate VisitWorcester on the successful Olympic Torch event.

An early morning meeting with my Chaplain Canon John Everest on Tuesday was followed by a meeting of The Trustees of The Bishop Lloyd Charity Lunchtime at The Lenchford, where I met old colleagues from Worcester Twenties Club.

In the afternoon I attended the annual general meeting of the Friends of Worcestershire Royal Infirmary and enjoyed a garden tour of Tutnall House in Claines – thanks to Eluned Smith. What excellent work and fundraising by this charity who are always extremely generous in supporting the WRI.

I hosted a joint visit of Spanish children and junior pupils from St George’s Primary School on Wednesday. They enjoyed a tour of the Guildhall, the cells and loved the opportunity to wear my mayoral chain and robes. This was part of an exchange visit with pupils from Toledo in Spain, which has been on-going for over six years.

I had an enjoyable visit to my other charity, St Paul’s Hostel, on Thursday. Jill and I were able to meet staff and some residents. We heard of the success of the “dry house” in St John’s and the importance of extensive support services run by St Paul’s throughout the county. We were very pleased to receive a lovely iced cake, which will be enjoyed by future visitors to the Mayor’s Parlour.

Next, I paid a quick visit to the Cathedral to practice my reading for Sunday’s Civic Service, before a visit to the University’s annual summer garden party, which this year had to be held indoors because of the inclement weather.

The day ended with a meeting of The Gorse Hill Forum at KGV Community Centre. This is the strategic body that oversees the Areas of Highest Need Project.

Friday brought an early start and a visit to The Three Counties Show in Malvern. We arrived surprisingly early and were able to make the most of the spells of better weather to see some of the displays.

Jill and I attended the opening ceremony, presided over by the President Bishop Of Worcester. I made a reply on behalf of the guests, and talked of the “Countryfile effect” which I believe is leading to a greater appreciation by “us townies” of the role of modern agriculture.

I opened the second annual Worcestershire Literary Festival at The Swan Theatre later in the day. It’s an interesting programme of events which I hope are well supported.

Jill and I stayed to watch the competition to appoint the poet laureate for Worcestershire. The standard was extremely high and congratulations go to Maggie Doyle from Bromsgrove – I hope we see her in the Mayor’s Parlour in the near future.

I had just one event on Saturday, a trip to Greyfriars to see the exhibition, Everything Old Was Once New. It was interesting to see how contemporary art was displayed in a very historic setting. What a gem this National Trust building is!

I was delighted with the turnout at my Civic Service on Sunday, held in the Cathedral. Jill and I were accompanied on the procession from the Guildhall by former Mayors of Worcester, as well as chairmen and mayors from neighbouring councils.

The service was also attended by Lord Faulkner, the Honorary Recorder Judge Juckes, representatives of the police and fire services, and many local charities, clubs, schools and businesses.

My chaplain, Reverend Canon John Everest, led prayers for the city.