Veterans of the Home Guard joined me for tea in the parlour this week. Although they are aged 90 plus, they still display the sense of humour, fighting spirit and comradeship that saw them through World War II.

Some of them are trained engineers, who took on a variety of work, including working in munitions factories. Apparently, the young women on the munitions production line were at least as dangerous as the enemy.

In case readers were wondering, most of the Home Guard veterans and their families are huge fans of Dad’s Army. Will we ever forget, “Don’t tell them, Pike!”

Last week, Phil and I attended the installation of the Bishop of Dudley in Worcester Cathedral. The Bishop of Dudley brings a wide range of experience to his new role from both this country and abroad.

My guests this week also included a lively group from Soroptimist International. This high-powered sisterhood has a keen interest in philanthropy, their community and world events. All of this makes them formidable fundraisers and lobbyists for good causes, as well as tireless community workers. And they seem to have a lot of fun doing all of it too!

On Sunday, Phil and I attended the Mayor of Upton’s civic service, which celebrated Upton’s festivals through folk song, jazz and blues, and were charmed by the choir of the local primary school.

We spent the previous evening at a very pleasant charity dinner given by the Mayor of Droitwich, Councillor Tom Noyes. I acquired a spa voucher in the charity auction and plan to have a pampering day sometime soon.