We had an absolutely lovely start to our week with a visit to Cherry Orchard School, having been invited to their Harvest Celebration.  The pupils from each school year gave performances of singing and dancing and as this included a ‘Samba,’ there were comments from staff about the possibility of some being future ‘Strictly’ contestants!  There was obviously a great deal of time and commitment put in by teachers and assistants to get them to the standards they achieved.

That same day Alison and I entertained volunteers from the Tudor House Museum in Worcester to congratulate them on receiving their recent award.  Having been first nominated and then shortlisted as a Family Friendly Museum, they won an Achieving Excellence award.  Obviously proud of their accomplishments, their work goes a long way to promoting Worcester as a tourism ‘hotspot’ – long may it last.

On Saturday evening we were at the Guildhall hosting the first of the Mayor’s charity events.  The exceptional Worcester Male Voice Choir performed a number of pieces for our audience, with ticket sales benefitting the Headway, Victim Support and Onside Advocacy Charities.  In addition to the choir we heard four young soloists who were also able to display their considerable musical talents. All in all, a very successful and enjoyable evening.

The following afternoon at the Cathedral we were invited to a Civic Service on behalf of the High Sheriff of Worcestershire, Mr Stephen Betts.  The origins of the Office date back to Saxon times, when the ‘Shire Reeve’ was responsible to the king for the maintenance of law and order within the shire.  The office is still in existence to support both the Crown and the Judiciary.  Interestingly the Dean, the Rev. Peter Atkinson, managed to deliver a sermon with lots of references to Shakespeare’s ‘Othello,’ which just happened to be performed in the Cathedral that week!

On Tuesday we visited New College Worcester to be involved in the opening of their new multi-gym which will benefit the resident visually impaired students.  This is a great new building which will make a far safer environment for those who will use it to keep fit.

Finally on Wednesday we managed to see the aforementioned ‘Othello’ – another excellent production by Ben Humphries, with brilliant acting from all involved.