Opening the Victorian Christmas Fayre was pure enjoyment, and although my mounting of the horse on the carousel after the formal opening was, I suspect, less than elegant, that only added to the moment of fun. My walkabout visiting the stalls on Saturday afternoon confirmed that this year’s event was the biggest and best so far. That people were here from Yorkshire, Essex and Lancashire, to name but a few, shows why it must now be the nation’s number one Christmas market – up from second place. But why can’t this wonderful spirit of happiness last beyond Christmas?

I’d like to say a very big thank you to Tommy Wilson for your most generous donation to the Mayor’s Charities, for the benefit of those in need and who are less fortunate than others.

The Be My Guest programme offering a tour, tea, and chat in The Parlour for schoolchildren is blooming with the latest visitors from Hollymount, Perrywood, Perdiswell, Pitmaston, St. Josephs, and Blessed Edward Oldcorne schools. Many of the children’s drawings depicting what they liked best about the visits are displayed in The Guildhall foyer. They’re absolutely delightful, so do come in and have a look. There’s even one of me which actually makes me look thin!

Recognising the international dimension of the Mayor’s role, I hosted a reception for the Mayor of Ukmerge in Lithuania, with which Worcester is associated; and I attended the Ushakov Medal Ceremony with the Russian consul to reward those heroes who manned the wartime Arctic convoys.

Supporting charity fundraising took me to the Friends of the Museum of Royal Worcester Annual Dinner where, sitting amongst the former factory’s ware over the centuries, I kept wondering how the company could have closed. But the museum lives on and you can get some special Christmas presents in the superb gift shop.

I was most impressed by the first Graduation Ceremony of the Worcestershire Children’s University, whereby children graduate if they gain the necessary points for doing extra-curricular work. I have agreed that The Guildhall will become the first (and only) validation centre for Worcestershire.

My first Christmas Lunch was hosted by The Friends of KGV – Thanks to Biddy and Mal Furlong, the organisers.