The “Faithfuls”

Our splendid Worcester Cathedral hosted the City Civic Service on Sunday. Traditionally run at the start of the Mayoral year in Spring, last year the 2024 General Election put paid to the event. All Mayoral and Deputy Mayoral duties were suspended from the May to July!

With busy schedules, Remembrance in the Autum and Christmas at the end of year, January became the next available slot. Being very British about the weather I did not foresee January as a problem and despite a wet and windy run-up, the procession from the Guildhall stayed dry and the skies cleared.

It was lovely to see so many in the Guildhall afterwards and I just wish there was more time, as there is never enough, to spend with everyone!

The service was excellent, the choir sounded beautiful and thank you to Jatinderpal Loyal, for the reading and being my chaplain for the service.

It is heartwarming to see different faiths represented in our Cathedral.

Reverend Canon John Paul Hoskins talked about our faithful city and the series The Traitors. I have not watched but it was fascinating to pick up on the analogy between the series and real life and be reminded of all those faithful around us.

Nestled on the journey between our Cathedral and Guildhall, is St Helen’s Church, with its entrance on Fish Street. Reordered, repaired and reopened in October 2023, this church is an elegant light space inside and with under-floor heating there is no need to wrap up in the winter.

On Thursday evening, I attended with the High Sherriff of Worcestershire to support the Trustees of The Trussell Trust in thanking the volunteers of the Foodbank. Not all were able to attend and whilst the volunteers far from expect a thank-you, they certainly more than deserve one.