My mayoral year is rapidly drawing to a close; however, the engagements continue and I’m pleased to say Alison and I are still welcoming some fantastic groups of volunteers at the Guildhall.  One of our latest groups of visitors was supporters of Cherry Orchard Primary School, who take it upon themselves to organise various events to provide extra funding.  Having children either at or having previously been to the school, they are keen to secure a bright future for all the pupils in attendance there.

On Friday evening we went to the Guildhall to take part in the Mayor’s Charity Quiz Night.  The questions were quite varied and there was a section all about Worcestershire.  I thought I knew a bit about our County, but it was surprising how many of the competitors knew a lot more!

Saturday morning was very interesting; I was asked to open the Young Enterprise Fair in the High Street.  The concept is brilliant – teach youngsters how to come up with entrepreneurial ideas, form a company, market and sell the product.  There were 14 stalls in the High Street, each manned by students from different local schools with some great ideas.  I got there quite early on in the morning, but they had all sold some of their items that they had made or bought by the time I arrived.

That afternoon, with my daughter Karen as Consort, I visited a local hotel where the Worcester South Rotary Club was celebrating its 50th anniversary.  It was a pleasure to be able to see their exhibition describing the many projects they had been involved with over the years.  Continuing to raise money and using different initiatives to provide services for those in need, both home and abroad, is central to their ethos.

The following day we were again at the Cathedral, this time to take part in the St. George’s Day service.  A small but very vibrant band provided the music for the afternoon and their performance really did add to the enjoyment.  After the service marching bands together with scouts and other youth organisations processed along the High Street.  Judging by the numbers of onlookers I really think that the people of Worcester do appreciate traditional pursuits.

Tuesday saw the last of the Mayor’s charity events with the Civic Society’s Lecture, which was given this year by Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Mark Jackson OBE.  The talk was all about the Worcestershire Regiment’s history and its connection with the county.  Some interesting facts were revealed, including how in 1770, a future US president, John Adams, defended British soldiers who were involved in the infamous Boston Massacre.  It was a fascinating talk, with money raised for my chosen charities as a welcome addition.