Businesses and schools in Worcester have been carrying on regardless this week, as water levels have risen on the River Severn. Although the city centre has been quiet, shops and businesses have been tweeting that they are open for business, so there is no need to feel under siege.  All of our main shopping streets are well above water level.

At the Guildhall, we are carrying on as normal, and Phil and I have continued to get to our engagements, with the exception of one at the cricket club.

On Monday, I welcomed a group of French students to the parlour. The students, who come from the celebrated cathedral city of Rheims, are visiting Kings School. It was a real pleasure to meet this polite and knowledgeable group.

The Guides celebrated 100 years of Guiding in Worcester this week, with a service and a wonderful historical pageant at the Cathedral. It was marvellous to see so many Guides together for this landmark event.

Thanks to Frankie Tsang and the hard work of the local Chinese Association, Worcester celebrated the Chinese New Year in style. The highlight was a spectacular performance from the Happy Panda acrobatic troupe.

Frankie Tsang and the Four Seasons team in Powick has had an exceptionally busy week. On Tuesday evening, they gave a sumptuous New Year Banquet in aid of the Mayor’s charities. Frankie’s guests came from as far away as Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham. Thank you to all of them for their tremendous generosity to Asha, Maggs and St Paul’s.