I took a break from my mayoral functions over the August Bank Holiday weekend and my wife and I enjoyed a relaxing cruise around the Scottish islands.

As soon as we returned, we were straight into mayoral duties with a visit to the home of the High Sheriff of Worcestershire Mr Richard Amphlett, just outside Tenbury Wells. It was a glorious late summer evening and many prominent people around the county were in attendance. This year’s High Sheriff’s fund is supporting mental health charities in Worcestershire.  Any donations would be very welcome – you can make one online at www.justgiving.com/campaign/high-sheriff-Worcestershire

In the evening I was fully robed up to process to Fort Royal Hill, via the Commandery, for the Drumhead service organised by the Battle of Worcester Society. This year is the 370th anniversary of the Civil War Battle that did so much to define our nation’s history.

On Saturday morning I had two mayoral functions.  The first, at the Guildhall, was a charity showcase organised by Worcester Rotary Club. I was met by club president Paul Denham, who is a former mayor of Worcester and spoke to many of the local charity representatives who were there. Afterwards the mayoress and I went to Pitchcroft to see the end of “Families on Track” – a new Worcester City Run event developed by marathon record breaker Paula Ratcliffe, who we met afterwards. Fifty-five families took part, and I was able to present prizes to some of the winners.

In the evening the mayoress and I attended the Battle of Worcester Society’s Anniversary Dinner in the Guildhall, which featured a speech from the Rt Hon Nigel Evans MP, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, on William Lenthall, who was Speaker at the time of the English Civil War. I would like to thank Richard Shaw, Chairman of The Battle of Worcester Society for the invitations to both this and Friday’s Drumhead service.

My final role, on a busy weekend, was to start the Worcester City Run Half Marathon and other events including the 10K and Junior race. All the weekend’s outdoor activities were gifted with wonderful weather, and it is good to see people once again enjoying everything that Worcester has to offer.