Worcester University hosted a Question Time event with a panel drawn from the police and probation services, politics (myself) and the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Barrie Sheldon. A lively and well informed discussion followed on such matters as the privatisation of probation services, the role of the Police and Crime Commissioner, and so on.

I spent a wonderful morning at the Worcestershire Festival of Competitive Arts at the Royal Grammar School. Young performers played or sang with great enthusiasm. This festival just gets better every year!

Worcester flew the flag for Commonwealth Day, courtesy of our local army reservists. I was honoured to read a message from her Majesty, the Queen.  Many thanks to Captain Morgan and 214 Battery for hosting this event, with flair and dignity.

At Worcestershire Group Training Association, I made a tour of the facilities, and met with staff and apprentices. Apprentices are able to earn while they learn, and said they had definitely chosen the right route into the world of work.

The 11^th Worcestershire Guides visited the Parlour this week. Family members should watch out for photos of Guides wearing the mayoral regalia – they looked very elegant.

Phil and I watched Worcester Wolves win through to the finals of the National basketball League against reigning champions, the Sheffield Sharks. It was a tense match, as Wolves lost their team mojo, found it, lost it and found it again!

I also presented trophies to the university sports teams and the golden ball for Coach of the Month to Wolves coach, Paul James. Congratulations to all of them.