Earlier this week, I was very honoured to become Mayor of Worcester, with my husband, Phil, as consort. Last weekend, as Deputy Mayor, I attended the Young Fire Fighters’ passing out parade and a charity ball given by Mayor Ann Taft of Droitwich. The Young Fire Fighters demonstrated impressive discipline and teamwork. Their guests now know the proper way to deploy a fire hose and ladders.

We also joined the Royal British Legion for a special evensong at the cathedral to remember veterans of the Korean War, which proved a particularly moving experience.

On Monday evening, we attended the Mayor Making in Evesham and will be joining Evesham’s Mayor and Mayoress, Mark and Emma Goodge, again for their civic service this Sunday.

Worcestershire Action for Youth (WAY) held their AGM in the Medway Centre this week. They are going from strength to strength, thanks to a hard working team and the indefatigable leadership of Ian Craigan. WAY provide activities and resources for work with young people across the county in partnership with schools and charities.

At the Worcestershire Red Cross Volunteers Awards ceremony, Phil and I discovered that the Red Cross do so much more than first aid. They provide help and support for people coming out of hospital, wheelchairs and equipment, schools programmes, care in the home, first aid training and much more. We also met volunteers who have given years of service to the organisation, including one energetic lady, Helena, who was celebrating 50 years as a Red Cross volunteer.

Saturday saw the arrival of the third Worcester Motor Festival in the city centre. Memories of classic films, like the “Italian Job,” were evoked by the glamorous vintage vehicles. Racing driver Zoe Wenham was on hand with her Ginetta G50 – Zoe will be driving at Silverstone again soon. And there’s nothing quite like the romance of Worcestershire’s own Morgan cars – I learned the best way to climb in and out of a Morgan three-wheeler, which is easier than you might think.