The Showmen’s Guild is the organisation which runs funfairs around the UK, including those which come to Worcester. Tommy Wilson operates the fair at the Cornmarket during the Victorian Christmas Market. We were delighted to be invited to their Midlands annual lunch last week and to share a table with Tommy so that I could thank him personally for his generous donation to my Mayor’s Charity Fund.

On Saturday teams from thirteen local schools had stalls in our High Street, selling a wide variety of goods. They were competing for prizes in the young enterprise competition which enables young people to learn skills needed to run successful businesses. I visited all the stalls and chatted to very enthusiastic young people who had clearly gained a great deal from this experience.  Four business people judged the competition, which must have been a difficult job. Congratulations to all the winners.

Worcester Male Voice Choir invited us to their annual Awards lunch. I was delighted to present certificates to a number of long serving members of this wonderful choir and we were repaid with some excellent musical entertainment.

Our overseas visitors this week included French exchange students invited by Worcester Sixth Form College and the vice chancellor of the University of Minnesota Duluth, invited by our own University. I always enjoy showing off The Guildhall and doing my best to raise Worcester’s profile on the international map.

Winners of the Fairtrade Fortnight poster competition arrived in the Parlour on Wednesday, and I awarded prizes to the overall winners.

On Thursday I met Dr David Webster who is giving a talk entitled Blood and Mud – a Bush Doctor Remembers, which will focus on time he spent in Uganda. This event will take place on 18th April to raise funds for my mayoral charities – it promises to be a fascinating evening!