Last Thursday the mayoress and I were invited to an exhibition of Botanical Treasures at the Worcester Porcelain Museum. Inspired by nature, this special collaborative exhibition has been created in partnership with the Gloucestershire Society for Botanical Illustration.  As well as porcelain and drawing exhibits, it also features artist demonstrations, talks, and workshops – it runs until 31 October 2021.

On Sunday it was an early start at the Morgan Motor Company, where I saw the Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive begin. There were many classic cars taking part in a drive from Malvern across Herefordshire to the Welsh borders. Monty our long-haired miniature dachshund dog had his picture taken, sitting in a three-wheeler Morgan car! I presented awards for the best car, best dressed driver and biggest charity fundraiser. The event raised over three thousand pounds in aid of men’s health.

On Monday evening my wife and I attended a meeting of the Worcester Rotary Club and I was inducted as an honorary member – a tradition for Worcester mayors dating back many years. The President of the Worcester Rotary, Paul Denham, is also a past mayor of Worcester.  As a current Rotarian with the Worcester Vigornia Club I have worked alongside them on various activities in recent years, including the distribution of Christmas parcels.

The following day the mayoress and I had the privilege of attending the Friends of KGV Grandee Club Birthday celebration of Biddy Furlong. Biddy is 103 and has worked tirelessly for the organisation over the years; her longevity is an inspiration to all of us.

Yesterday the Mayoress and I went to the Guildhall. Firstly, I met Stuart Minchin for a donation handover of monies raised at the Worcester Show in August, for my mayoral charities Aspie and the Stroke Association. Afterwards I visited the Worcester Volunteer Expo, also in the Guildhall, to promote volunteering and the voluntary sector. It was an opportunity to see how many different voluntary sector organisations are working in the city and the many differing volunteering opportunities.

Afterwards it was off to Perry Wood Primary School in Ronkswood, where we attended the Perry Wood Primary School Charter 400 whole school event. This included the children drawing portraits of me wearing the mayoral chain.