It’s usually times of adversity and triumph that reveal a city’s true character.  I am proud that the residents of Worcester have come out in support of the family and friends of missing teenager Thomas Jones. Worcester residents have taken to Thomas as one of our own and have shown warmth, kindness and a willingness to help.  Thomas’s family has remained dignified and graceful and have shown real strength throughout this terrible time.  As a City we stand as one with them. Please, please, if you have any information at all, regardless of how trivial you think it may be, contact the Police by calling 101.

On Friday I hosted the Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority awards.  As always it was an amazing evening where officers of the H & W Fire Brigade, as well as the Police and Ambulance services, are commended for their acts of bravery and for long service. The Lord Lieutenant handed out awards to our brave officers and emergency service staff, to the delight of assembled friends and family.  This recognition is thoroughly deserved and warranted.

Saturday saw the eightieth birthday of the Worcester Soroptimists Club. Sajeeda and I enjoyed a lovely evening with Club members from across Europe sharing the great memories, achievements and charitable contributions that have been made by women in the city and county.

Despite the best efforts of the weather to spoil the day, I was privileged enough to lead the first Pride March through Worcester last Saturday. Hundreds joined in and the Carnival atmosphere and party feeling in the City were self-evident, as the colours of the Rainbow flag flooded the streets.

As I said in my speech on the day, Love Not Hate must transcend all our communities.  True love and equality can only be achieved when we respect the rights of others, celebrate our differences, tolerate those that we may disagree with but ultimately view each human life as equally special and valuable as our own – regardless of race, religion, creed, gender or sexual orientation.

I hope you have a lovely weekend.