Our local citizens’ advice service, CAB-WHABAC, were outside Asda this week to promote Energy Saving Week. They had a range of information about how to save money and use less energy in your home or get help with energy bills. Their winter checklist and energy saving booklet are really useful.

I recently met with artists Caro Sweet, Amanda Lewis and Anne Renshawe. Caro will be exhibiting her sculpture at the Guildhall soon. Amanda will be painting my portrait – watch my blog in a few weeks’ time for the finished result.

The energetic Anne Renshawe is also hoping to bring the Worcester Festival of Young Singers back to Worcester in 2016. They will be singing Faure’s Requiem and Five Days That Changed The World. If you want to hear the young choirs before that, they will be singing The Armed Man at the Royal Albert Hall on September 28 this year. Over 300 young people from Worcestershire will be taking part.

It was a real pleasure to welcome the Samaritans and Ronkswood volunteers to the Mayor’s Parlour at the Guildhall for tea and a tour. Thank you to both groups for all that you do for our community.

Les Miserables at Blessed Edward Oldcorne College was spectacular! The students brought pathos, passion and comedy to a sustained three-hour performance. It was a wonderful show. I felt tired just watching them.

Worcester University Arena was formally opened by Sir Philip Craven, Chair of the International Paralympic Association. Sir Philip goes back to Sochi in a few days’ time to prepare for the Winter Paralympics. Sir Philip also presented a trophy to the Tudor Grange Basketball Inclusive Zone team for winning the local schools BIZ competition.