A particularly busy week began last Sunday, with the licensing and installation of Reverend Jo Masson at Claines Church; she also carries responsibilities at St Georges in Barbourne. It was a warm occasion, well attended by worshippers from both churches and officiated over by the Bishop of Dudley, David Walker.

Students from Stuttgart, Germany, who are staying with families of children from Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College, came for a visit to the Mayor’s Parlour in the Guildhall on Monday.

Tuesday saw another trip to the Parlour, when we presented awards for the Worcester Vigornia Rotary Club’s Young Citizen Award. The winner, Joe Lovell, had a track record of running activities for young people and working for Youth Com local Radio. I was impressed with all the finalists who have led such interesting lives, putting so much back into our community.

There were more visits to the Guildhall on Wednesday – this time from Tim Berg of the Ball State University Indiana, who is currently visiting Worcester University; then followed by a visit from Worcester New College students. Despite their visual impairment, they thoroughly enjoyed wearing the Mayoral Chain and Robes and touching the Civic Sword and maces.

Later in the evening we joined a joint meeting of the Friends of Museums Worcestershire and Friends of Worcester Cathedral, with a lecture from Dr Noel Worley on the story of Alabaster. The next meeting will continue the story, with a presentation from Kim Fox.

On Thursday we welcomed two visitors from Palestine, who stopped in briefly to talk about Fair Trade. They were on a tour of the UK during Fair Trade fortnight, and kindly presented us with a package of locally sourced fair trade products. It was great to meet a real life olive producer, and learn how the fair trade premium is used for the benefit of local communities in Palestine.

Later in the evening we enjoyed an Elgar concert at Symphony Hall Birmingham, courtesy of the directors of CBSO and friends John and Anna Yelland. The CBSO Concert was fantastic, conducted by Mike Seal and narrated by Paul Rissman; only wish we could see more of the orchestra in Worcester!

Friday was the day of our Charity Banquet at the Guildhall. Over 140 guests commenced by enjoyed songs from the musicals, presented by the Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society’s Youth Section (WODYS). The young people set such a high standard, they really are excellent! After the meal we enjoyed various fundraising games, the judging of the fancy dress competition and an auction, courtesy of Charles Robinson. We are so grateful to our friends in the Worcester Rotary Club for their efforts, and to the large number of people and companies who donated money and prizes. It really was a great evening and the Rotary and mayoral charities will benefit from the proceeds.

On Saturday Jill and I drew the prize winning tickets in the Co-operative Group’s raffle, held at St John’s Store in aid of The Carers Trust. This is part of local fundraising for the Trust, which will continue for the rest of the year.