How fantastic to start the week with a Spring Concert of music from film and stage, performed by Worcester Concert Brass in The Guildhall for the Mayor’s Charities. It certainly was a magnificent musical moment, leaving the audience with many magical memories from the mood-defining melodies. Our City is indeed fortunate to have such talented musicians under the very able direction of Chris License – thank you all so much for a cultured and charming evening.

More civilized activity when I hosted the AGM of the Oxford University Society, of which I am a member, in the Mayor’s Parlour. It was so good to reminisce about those golden years of my life and open new memories of my time at Oxford. I met Robert Garvin again, a contemporary from St. John’s College, who reminded me – all those years ago – that I helped him carry his trunk up to his room on our first day. Oh happy days!

I have really come to enjoy and value the evening lectures I have been hosting in The Guildhall lately, the last one being the Worcester Civic Society’s Mayor’s Lecture on “Listing 20th Century Buildings”. Michael Bellamy from English Heritage gave a fascinating talk; and thank you to Chairman Phil Douce for maintaining this traditional lecture.

As I have come to expect, a very high class and polished event at the dinner hosted by 214 (Worcestershire) Battery Royal Artillery in Dancox House. Our troops know they can always count on my strong support and loyalty and I’m pleased to see that they are keeping alive a great English tradition of celebrating St. George’s Day.

The Mayor has to be versatile in carrying out his duties so it was a first when I participated in the All Creatures Great & Small Pet Blessing Service in the Cathedral, to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Retired Greyhound Trust. It was quite a sight to see so many dogs in the pews in what was a packed service, reflecting how important pets are to people, in particular as company for the elderly.

I ended my week of culture at a sold-out opening night performance of West Side Story at The Swan where the enthusiasm of the audience was matched by the energy of the cast, which I just sat back and absorbed. Well done Peter Brown, President of W.O.D.S.