Summer seems to be coming to a close and the change in the weather from one day to the next makes planning for anything rather difficult.  This year is very different for the City Council and also for me as Mayor, because planning for events and the special civic occasions is tricky with some not happening or if they are being held, it’s in an alternative manner.  The Worcester Festival has been taking place over the last fortnight but mostly in a virtually; it will end on this coming Bank Holiday Monday.  I hope you have all had a chance to engage in the activities in some way.

A big event for Worcester has always been the University and Heart of Worcestershire College graduations at the Cathedral, but sadly they will not take place this year in their usual format.  I want to congratulate all students who would have received their degrees during September and October and say that even though the ceremony did not take place, that does not take away your achievements and success at graduation.  Well done and best wishes for success in your chosen career path.

Our children are going back to school next week and although there is still some uncertainty about how this will work in each setting, I am sure you would agree that our young people deserve to return to their schools and make the most of their education.

Finally, October is Black History Month and I urge people to share their photos, memorabilia and experiences of life in Worcester.  Get in touch with the Community Engagement team by emailing community@worcester.gov.uk .

The response we get will help us all to appreciate the culture of black lives in Worcester.  Through knowledge and understanding we can avoid the dreadful social unrest which has come about in parts of the U.S.A. – most recently in the riots which have engulfed Kenosha, Wisconsin following the shooting of Jacob Blake.  We must all take care in our lives, think of our neighbours and stay safe.