Looking back, my first week as Mayor, was incredible!

I joined in with Vyshyvanka Day (International Embroidery Day) at Cripplegate Park. The Ukranians wore beautiful embroidered clothes, a display of strong their culture and colours.

Headdresses created from locally sourced flowers were worn, a feast of traditional food enjoyed, with music and dancing enjoyed outdoors.  I love spending time with our city’s Ukranian community, their warmth shines through.

It was a joy to celebrate Worcester City Football Club’s incredible season! There was a question and answer session with the owner, Simon Lancaster, the coach Chris Cornes and the team captain Adam Mace. The team had been promoted into the next league and awards were presented. It was great to have the opportunity to present the Club Person of the Season award – congratulations to Kevin Preece!

I also spent time at the Maggs Day Centre, where the staff, trustees and volunteers were both trained and knowledgeable and it was a particularly informative event. The homeless are some of the most vulnerable in our society and there are many factors driving homelessness and the trajectory a homeless person may be able to take, including local health, public and community provision.

The Men United in Song concert at the Swan Theatre was an evening to remember. Worcester Male Voice Choir had advertised for men to come forward to sing as a choir and raise funds for prostate cancer and I had been able to support the adverts.

Over £25,000 had been raised before the concert and with less than 10 weeks rehearsal, Men United in Song had a terrific sound! The event encouraged men to talk and act upon health concerns and I am sure will save many lives.

The General Election meant that all mayoral events suspended, but I am fully back to all my mayoral duties. Worcester, let’s have a brilliant year!