The first half of August has been spent very much in the centre of our city of Worcester.

Consort Andy and myself attended the Stevie Stones Inaugural Annual Charity Ball. Founded on the back of personal tragedy, this charity is truly amazing. Its aim is to ensure bereaved parents have access to funding to provide a headstone for their child, helping with financial stress, in the most difficult of circumstance. Do view their website at steviestones.co.uk.

The ball was hosted at our beautiful New Road cricket ground. The Got2Sing choir were, as ever, a treat to listen to, and lots of fundraising events took place including a silent auction and a live auction. I secured a signed Manchester United 23/24 squad signed football – although I am a West Bromwich Albion fan. Please judge as you may!

I have had the honour of opening both the Worcester Festival and the Worcester Show, a real community event. With the awful recent riots in other cities, it was particularly heartwarming to be able to attend and enjoy this event. It was the busiest I have ever seen it, the weather was fabulous and I was able to present trophies to some very talented people, adults and youngsters alike.

Consort Andy and myself also attended the WODYS (Worcester Operatic and Drama Society Youth Section) matinee performance of The Addams Family. The cast were stunning and with the live orchestra and atmospheric stage, we were very much transported into the world of Addams.

The story is very clever, with all the dark humour you would expect around a supernatural musical. Yet behind this, there is the story of two families, of different generations, of family life. Time moves on and family life changes. The production brings this home with an immensely talented young cast who can act, dance and sing. Find out more at www.wodys.com.