Fresh from my trip abroad, it was straight back to business with the annual Pancake Race in the Cloisters, courtesy of the Dean and Cannon. For the first time in the event’s history the Mayor and High Sheriff were invited to lead the teams; I had some considerable ground to make up going into the last heat! I stepped up a gear and manoeuvred through the obstacles just in time for a Photo Finish; the inevitable steward’s enquiry deemed it a draw!

On Thursday I joined the Worcestershire Ambassadors for their Prostate Cancer screening event at Worcester Racecourse.  It’s a well-known fact that men are less likely to take their health seriously.  Men in their 40’s are increasingly likely to develop this form of cancer but if detected early enough, it can be treated and cured. The test procedure is straightforward and simple; you have nothing to fear.  It really is a no–brainer, so I urge all men in this age group to get tested!

Then I crossed over the river to the University, where I joined Members of Unison and academics to celebrate International Women’s Day.  We recognised the difficulties and hardships that women have had to go through to gain recognition and parity in the workplace. There’s still a long way to go but we are heading in the right direction. Thank you to the great women in my life (my mum and my wife) for making me the man that I am; without you I am nothing.

Giving young people the chance to shine and showcase their business skills is always important.  The Young Enterprise programme (www.young-enterprise.org.uk) is the perfect format for them to do this. Being a graduate of Young Enterprise myself, I realise its value and benefit in nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurial talent. I was delighted to award certificates and trophies to the winners of the Young Enterprise Fair held on the High Street last Saturday.  All the entries were of a high calibre and well thought out; they were a credit to Worcester and to the business mentors who guided them.

This city has shown incredible support and love to little Oscar Saxelby-Lee, by coming out in their droves to an event I hosted with the DKMS charity at the Guildhall on Saturday.  About a thousand people turned up to show their support and I can’t thank the volunteers, Guildhall staff and of course residents for turning out unselfishly, purely through the kindness of their hearts. If that isn’t the embodiment of my theme of Love Not Hate, then I don’t know what is. This city has shown time and time again during my mayoral year that we are a caring, understanding and unselfish community that goes out of its way to help others.  We come together in solidarity and unity in times of need.

I feel to a certain extent that I have achieved what I set out to do in this mayoral year as it nears its conclusion:  trying to unite the City and make it an even better, more pleasant place to live in, work in and enjoy.