Last weekend was easily one of the most enjoyable yet, mixing with so many people who were having a great time in the sun at two superbly well organised events.

On Worcester Artillery Day, after a Remembrance service at the Cathedral, I was honoured to take the salute with the Lord Lieutenant as 214 Battery Royal Artillery exercised their Freedom of the City to march through the city and commemorate their 150th Anniversary.

At the family fun afternoon that followed at Pitchcroft, I was pleased I could use the dignity of my office to decline an offer to get into a tank. I saw a man of similar shape get in beforehand, but I didn’t see how (or if) he got out.

The parachute drop was remarkable for the skill with which the men manoeuvred themselves to land bang on target, despite some banter from a “competitive” quarter in the army hinting that they would have to fish them out of the river instead

The day’s finale, the Beating of the Retreat, got people clapping to the music and, standing where I was, I can confirm that the firing of the guns was something you won’t forget. Pity, though, that it was not live ammunition – as the gulls only disappeared for a short while!

Thank you Worcester for supporting our heroes and showing how proud we are of them. The crowds were so deep outside The Guildhall that the vehicles could only just get through. The military will always get a most warm welcome while I’m mayor.

In opening the Floral Marquee at the Worcester Show in Gheluvelt Park, a massive queue of people rushed in to see the exhibits. Marrows the size of five rugby balls and cabbages the size of pillows were to be seen.

I was advised that the taste of the onions, the size of small footballs, was the same as the normal sized ones as were the tomatoes, but that the marrows and cabbages would not be edible. So I suppose the message is that, when it comes to flavour, size can matter.

I also learned from the Bonsai Society that man can almost precisely control the shape and size of any tree, but it may take some years.

Presenting the prizes was a tribute to so much excellence on display.