An exciting week this one, starting with a Procession from the Guildhall to the Cathedral together with the Mayors of Gloucester and Hereford to mark the opening of the Three Choirs Festival. The Cathedral choir were in excellent voice which everyone appeared to enjoy it.

We followed this with a visit to an exhibition at the Guildhall opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, detailing the WWI battle at Gouzeaucourt, France. This French town and Worcester have links going back many years when Worcester residents helped to restore services there.

What a great week for Worcester when we have visits from two members of the Royal Family in one day!

On Tuesday HRH the Duchess of Gloucester attended the New Hope Children’s Centre to see for herself the magnificent work being carried out by Jean Wilson MBE and the staff there. The After School and Holiday Centre run activities for children with special needs. The Duchess saw children enjoying themselves and being encouraged to join in a number of pursuits.

That same day saw the arrival of HRH the Prince of Wales who was visiting the Cathedral to watch a performance of Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius, part of the Three Choirs Festival. This was a brilliant performance, obviously enjoyed by His Royal Highness, who took the time to speak with all those in the orchestra and choir before leaving.

However, meeting distinguished guests to our city didn’t stop there. Previously on Sunday while starting the Go Dad Run race in aid of Cancer charities, I was able to thank Colin Jackson for coming to Worcester to support the event which drew a record number of runners.

Also this week I met trustees of Aspie’s, the charity that runs a day centre for adults with Asperger’s syndrome. Speaking with a number of those who were benefitting from the service it provided, it was apparent that they enjoyed the setting where they were able to meet others in a similar situation and have time to themselves.

My week ended with a full council meeting when I announced that to help raise money by way of donations for my chosen charities I will do a tandem Skydive later in my year in office