The highlight of the week was my official opening of our magnificent new swimming pool and extended leisure centre at Perdiswell.  A large number of invited guests from around the county and beyond arrived to celebrate this event, including the High Sherriff of Worcestershire and his wife, Sir Nicholas and Lady Caroline Letchmere. Local paralympic medalists Rebecca Redfern and Claire Cashmore were also on hand both to swim and explain how important this pool will be for competitive swimmers.

I was especially pleased to see two former senior officers of the City Council – Duncan Sharkey and Ruth Mullen. They were there at the beginning of the planning process and helped bring together the small team of people to drive the idea forward.

Worcester now has a competition standard, superb facility which adds to our existing, impressive sporting attractions. The pool caters for everyone, from learners to Olympic standard swimmers, including those with disabilities and their carers. The pool will attract both local residents and visitors to our city. If you haven’t yet seen our new pool, I encourage you to do so!

Professor David Green, vice-chancellor and chief executive of our rapidly expanding, very successful University of Worcester hosted mine and Lynn’s visit to its three locations in Oldbury Road, Castle Street and the Riverside. We were most impressed by the wide range of educational opportunities on offer and met existing and former students who have real enthusiasm for our city and university. Later, we attended an inaugural lecture to launch the new School of Law.

The Churches Conservation Trust visited The Guildhall to launch its appeal to improve St Swithun’s Church, our Georgian gem located between High Street and The Shambles. The plan is to restore this magnificent building, install heating and keep it open year-round for the benefit of our residents and visitors. We wish them every success.