The early part of the week was dominated by the annual meeting of the City Council, where its share of the annual Council Tax bill was set.  The meeting of full Council was transferred to the Assembly Room to accommodate the large numbers of the public expected – although in the end only three were present, along with several members of staff.

It was my role to chair the meeting and despite the close votes, the controlling Party carried the day – although for the first time in my memory, they were outvoted on two resolutions by the opposition. Afterwards I hosted a late night drinks reception in the Mayor’s Parlour, where councillors recovered and found things upon which we all agree.

On Wednesday Jill and I attended Cecil Duckworth’s opening of Latimer Court, on the former Ronkswood site. It is a fine development, welcome in the City, and designed to meet all needs of the elderly who require residential care.

Later during the evening we attended a reception at the Kings School Boathouse, to mark the merger of Guise Jones and Sawyer to form GJS Dillon.  It is always nice to see local partnerships developing, yet preserving their local experience.

On Thursday I attended the opening of the Skipton Building Society, which is still a mutual, in their new premises at 2 The Cross.  They had previously been located at Broad Street for over 18 years. It was nice to inspect the premises and meet customers, many of whom I had known over the years.

On Friday, after my regular walk with the U3A Walking Group, Jill and I welcomed the forty- strong All Saints Chapel Choir from the Rikkyo University in Tokyo during the afternoon. They were really interested to see the City’s heritage and even entertained us to one of their spirituals! They performed later on Saturday at St Martins Church London Road – I only wish we could have been present to hear them again!

Saturday saw us supporting a Fairtrade information stall outside The Guildhall in what was really bitterly cold weather.  It was a good opportunity to meet members of the Worcester Fairtrade Group, in preparation for our own coffee morning next Friday 1 March at 10.00am at The Guildhall.

Tickets are still available for our annual Charity Banquet on Friday 8 March in The Guildhall. Come and join us for a great night out!  Cabaret entertainment will be provided – please contact Susan O’Kane on 01905 722001 for tickets.