First of all, hearty congratulations to Worcester Wolves for beating Newcastle Eagles at the University Arena last week. It was the first live basketball match I had attended and I knew Newcastle were top of the League so Worcester was up against it. However, I soon learned that only Worcester had beaten Newcastle this season, and they did it again. Worcester remained just marginally ahead throughout most of this nail-biting game. I must confess though, on occasion, the nerve-racking atmosphere did cause my verbal emotions to show through!

The 55+ Retirement Roadshow at The Guildhall was extremely worthwhile and I was very encouraged to see such a large number and wide range of stands offering advice for older people. It was organised under the umbrella of The National Careline which, through these exhibitions, offers free information about care and support covering the issues that concern people as they grow older. Of course, 55+ these days is not old so the range of stalls did not only include information about pensions and health, but also about volunteering, rambling, and U3A (University of the Third Age). A big thank you to Barbara Davies for organising it all again.

As an Honorary member, I was delighted to host the Worcester Lions Club Grant Scheme awards which gives money to local good causes, and hand the cheques to Severn Sound Festival; Mumsnet; Age UK; Asha; St. Paul’s hostel; Sons of Rest; Make Time Friendship group; and Powick Playing Fields Association. Very worthy causes. Well done Gordon Templeton, President of the Club, for maintaining this tradition.

Being Mayor carries the responsibility of representing our great City across Worcestershire and beyond, just as I routinely invite Mayors from other cities, towns, and districts to join in Worcester’s events. Collectively, we’re rather amusingly but accurately known as “The Chain Gang” because we all turn up wearing our chains of office! Recent events have included attending Worcestershire County Council’s Civic Service in the Cathedral; the Mayor of Pershore’s Charity Concert in Pershore Abbey; the Civic Service for the Mayor of Malvern Hills District Council in Great Malvern Priory; and a Charity Dinner for the Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council in Kidderminster.