This has been quite a hectic week!  It began with a meeting of the Mayor’s two charities to support the homeless: St Paul’s and Maggs Day Centre.  We were able to finalise the fundraising programme and confirm arrangements for the next fundraising event, which is a concert by The Elgar Chorale on Thursday December 13th (7.30pm at the Guildhall).

The following day, we welcomed nearly 60 members of our U3A local history group to see and learn about the history of the Guildhall.  I later met students from France, Germany and Holland, who are on the Comenius exchange programme.  They had spent the morning helping with a street collection for Shelter Boxes, which are provided by the Rotary Club for use in disaster areas.  The students are on a five day visit which is part of the European Economic Community’s Lifelong Learning programme.

On Tuesday evening, Jill and I attended a consultation and exhibition for the Old St Martin’s development project. This is particularly timely as the city is currently looking at this area for potential development, particularly now that the St Martinsgate development is coming to fruition in Lowesmoor.

It was followed by an enjoyable dinner with Friends of the Museum Of Royal Worcester, in the enchanting surroundings of the Museum. This gem is well worth a visit and deserves much wider recognition in the city.

On Wednesday I attended a meeting of the Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust at Evesham Hospital, as part of my health scrutiny duties.  In the evening Jill and I attended a reception at Tudor Grange Academy, prior to attending the annual prize evening at the Cathedral.

Thursday saw us attending the opening of the marketing and information suite for Latimer Court Nursing Home at the former Ronkswood hospital site.  We were so impressed with the standard of accommodation in what will become a home offering 100 beds, due to open in February. We were pleased to meet relatives who are looking for accommodation, as well as other interested parties.

In the evening we were joined by students from Stanley Road School to help switch on the Christmas lights outside the Guildhall; a large crowd turned out for this festive occasion.  Prior to that we had entertained them with a visit to The Mayor’s Parlour, where they quizzed us about our roles as Mayor and Mayoress. It was obvious by their questions how much they had enjoyed the trip. 

 

The next day I joined my U3A walking group for a stroll around  Eckington, before joining with the crowds to support young Charlie Harris -Beard at Cathedral Plaza – a very brave little boy who is battling with cancer.

Following a meeting I chaired with the Planning Committee to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of World War 1, we joined other civic  leaders to attend the annual St Richards Lights of Love 2012 evening service in the Cathedral and St Andrew’s Gardens.  It was good to mingle over a cup of tea afterwards, with people at the Guildhall.

On Saturday we attended an awareness-raising event at The Hive in aid of the Experiment in International Living – a programme which promotes greater cultural understanding through visits abroad, often hosted by families.   It was great to meet staff, volunteers and to hear the experiences of young people who have already participated.