Attending the Christmas Memorial Service by the Friends of Astwood Cemetery was a very appropriate and comforting event, giving us time to reflect on the lives of those who are no longer with us – especially for those for whom this will be the first Christmas when one of their loved ones will be absent.

During this season of pantos and carol services, I enjoyed the RGS and King’s School concerts in the Cathedral – the dimming of the lights at the latter was very effective. I so enjoyed the Flippin’ Freezin’ panto at Tudor Grange that, as a thank you, I invited the student who played The Mayor in the show and some others of the cast to tea in The Parlour, in costume if they preferred!

And, of course, charity events continued apace with the Age UK Coffee Morning in the Cathedral run by University students; and how privileged I was to meet so many people at the Worcester Royal Hospital Volunteers ‘Thank You’ event, with carols sung by the Sing 4 Breath Choir. The volunteers give so much of their time, doing an invaluable job looking after the patients.

But the ordinary life of Council work goes on regardless.  I opened the Annual Landlords Forum in The Guildhall this week – particularly important as private sector rented housing now makes up an incredible 34% of the total stock.

Launching Deaf Direct’s Access Denied event in St. Peter’s Baptist Church reminded us of the rapid growth of hearing loss and the difficulties and even discrimination that many deaf or hard-of-hearing people face in their daily lives.

The following meeting between officials from the U.S. Embassy and local business people and decision-makers was a good opportunity for us to strengthen our tourist and investment links with our overseas friends.

Hosting the Mayor’s Charity Christmas Concert in The Guildhall and listening to a rare mix of carols and readings, brilliantly performed by the Elgar Chorale, provides me with the opportunity and pleasure to thank Malcolm Macleod, the choir and narrators for continuing with this wonderful Christmas tradition.