Well, it’s here again. For the thirtieth year, Worcester’s fantastic Victorian Christmas Fayre is back. And yes, I still feel pleased at being part of the decisions back then to have a go at a huge public festive event, and I am of that part that thinks bringing 100,000 people and millions of pounds into the local economy over one weekend is a good thing.

Only a week ago I was “turning on” the city lights as Santa’s little helper. This week, the fayre. It’s beginning to feel a lot like…

Thirty years is a long time but you have to plan for the future. That’s exactly what we were doing on Brickfields Park where with the help of children from Tudor Grange, members of the Afro-Caribbean Society, Worcester Community Trust and funded by Ward councillors, we planted a range of trees as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy to improve our environment.

In another event planning for the future of our young people, we supported the Army Cadets Association and particularly the instructors and leaders who encourage youngsters to challenge themselves and their environment. And I was also really pleased to give out awards to teaching assistants in local schools at an event sponsored by my own trade union, UNISON. TAs are as much supported by their teachers as supporting them in the classroom these days and it was great to demonstrate that recognition.

As mayor you sit as a trustee for the year of the Royal Worcester Porcelain Museum and it was really interesting to see the workings of such a fascinating and popular local independent museum steeped in Worcester’s social, artistic and industrial history. Some modern art was on show at the Artery Gallery, one of the Arches that are rapidly becoming part of the wider city arts milieu and a key part of the opening up of the railway arches walk from Foregate Street Station to the riverside.

Finally, in keeping with the Season, Full Council was a mix of pathos and pantomime. And loud car horns. Catch it on youtube while you still can!