Family, small or extended, is important in maintaining support for us. We met two grandmothers this week with a Grandparents’ Quilt of Hope, campaigning to support people who suddenly become cut off from grandchildren when a family breakdown happens.

We also met a father and daughter, both with autism, walking the length of Britain on a Spectrum Adventure. Eve was amazing, aged just seven but deciding how far and which way to go each day of the trek.

The Canoe Championships, a great event to be held here, demonstrated the importance of family in supporting all the athletes, in organising the events, and showing the continuation of paddling tradition within families, all competing at the highest levels.

One area where family, history and lineage is so important is to those affected by the International Atlantic Slave Trade and I was honoured to be asked to speak at Worcester’s first day of remembrance on 23 August, along with young people from the local BLM group. Hopefully this event will grow annually as all of us educate and confront ourselves more widely on this heinous part of our history.

A link with more modern Africa came with the launch of the autobiography by ex-Councillor David Tibbutt, recounting his family life working there. I am very keen to read his chapter on being Mayor!

We met family of the renowned sculptor and Freeman of Worcester, Sir Thomas Brock unveiling a Blue Plaque in front of his statue of Victoria at the Shirehall. Most famous for his statues of the Queen, one was removed in Agra after the partition of India in 1947. Not the only statue to be the source of contention!

Finally, a family of 15 mayors, their consorts, and friends paid tribute to recently retired Swordbearer, Frank Southam at the Guildhall. Well done Frank, and on behalf of us all, thanks. That sword is heavy, but I wish I’d seen you fillet a salmon with it.