Education, graduation, awards, the economy, the arts, charity, faith and peace.

With the summer holidays well and truly over, mid-September has been a whirlwind of fantastic events and visits.

I visited Newbridge School and had the opportunity to say hello to quite a few students, teaching staff plus a cute dachshund dog called “Bean”, every school should have one!

I enjoyed the return of the University of Worcester Graduation Dinner and the final day of the Graduation Ceremony, which included a visit from HRH The Duke of Gloucester at the Bishop’s Palace.

I also enjoyed the Heart of Worcestershire Graduation Ceremony and time afterwards in the St Andrew’s Building, with super views of our riverside. It was great to be in the traditional processions, following the sword, the lead and mace bearers.

Both Bishop Perowne and Nunnery Wood students visited the Guildhall.  Bishop’s brought German exchange students and Nunnery came as a whole year group. The council staff came into their own with tours and quizzes and I helped out in the Mayor’s Parlour.

Art events included the Young Writers Final, the Worcester Male Voice Choir Concert and a screening of “Outrun” on the opening night of Worcester Film Festival.  All were outstanding.

A Business Improvement District (BID) exhibition was an opportunity to see its proposals to improve and promote our city centre as a place to live, work, visit and invest.  Meanwhile, environmental charity shop Worcester Remade celebrated its first anniversary in the Crowngate Shopping Centre, I cut the cake.

I also attended the annual Health and Social Care Awards evening plus the County Council Chairman’s Charity quiz.

Last Saturday (21 September) was the International Day of Peace, dignitaries spoke, communities came together and a peace flag was raised.  People from all faiths and none also came together at a Faith Conference.