Chinese New Year Celebrations went off with a bang – a very loud bang, in fact quite a lot of loud bangs; I wasn’t ready for them at all! When I had calmed down I joined those watching the rousing of the dragon, Kung Fu dancing and a variety of dances and songs both outside the Guildhall and in the lower hall.  Performances were by Chinese students studying at the University of Worcester, supported by the Worcestershire Ambassadors and hosted by Frankie Tsang.  It was a both lively and graceful; quite an experience for us all.

Three retail stores opened: the new Sainsbury at Foregate Street; a joint venture comprising Curry’s, P.C. World and Car Phone at Blackpole Retail Park; and an impressive Lidl located just off Windermere Drive. The Lidl is a completely new page in their offer – a bright, well laid out store with a comprehensive product range, well signed and easy to shop. I was impressed! It is great to see such investment in our City and I wish them all every success in the future.

During a visit to Titania, an IT security company based in Barbourne Road, I met an American Police Officer called Bryn Platz from Minnesota. Brian was here in the UK, as a guest of Titania, to introduce the concept of Worcester becoming a “Heart Safe Community.”  The idea is based around CPR training and automated external defibrillators populated throughout the City.

Bryn is a very dedicated man who describes compelling reasons why this project should be promoted. I was convinced and having listened to him, seen the videos and had brief training, I believe we should promote this idea here in Worcester and aim to be registered as a “Heart Safe Community”. The cost is relatively low and the potential benefits are huge.  For more information and access to the videos please go to:- http://www.ci.coon-rapids.mn.us/875/Heart-Safe-Coon-Rapids  It’s very well worth taking a few minutes to view their website; please take a look!

Blessed Edward Oldcorne College achieved another stage success with their superb production of The Sound of Music; beautifully staged and brilliantly performed. During my Mayoral year I have been to a number of school productions and I always been impressed by the talent we have in our young people and the way it is developed and nurtured by our teachers.  Well done Blessed, it was a great evening!