Mayor of Worcester Blog

I read the Mayor’s Column this week. No, I mean I read it. Out loud. For the Talking Newspaper. Last week’s sounded great – one of my better ones I am sure you agree! The Talking Newspaper has been around Worcester for over 40 years and is doing a great job, adapting with technology and run by volunteers  (new volunteers are always welcome!) so that people with sight impairments can keep up with local news.

One of the more predictable events of this New Year, with all that rain, is of course the havoc it brings to our Severn flood plain. I hope those most affected have been able to develop some mitigation and prevention, and know where to go for support and advice. Natural and captivating, it is also worrying, unpleasant, dangerous even, for those caught up in it. And a cold snap will bring its own problems, especially in these financially challenging times.

In advance of Chinese New Year I hosted a small party of Chinese students this week. They are studying at our University which has a great reputation in China. With local businesses I visited our sister city of Huizhou a few years ago, along with Hezhou, the wider Guangdong Province and that area of the South China Sea. Really interesting experience and it was great to talk to these young people about their culture and their experiences of Worcester (all good by the way).

I also met the Conservation Officer of SAVE, a national heritage organisation, who lives in Worcester, to discuss various projects and their implications and opportunities. Ironically I had also been to look at progress inside the Scala Theatre. It is a beautiful building and this will be a fantastic resource when it is fully restored and operating as an arts venue.

 

 

Ever noticed how ‘resolution’ is only one letter away from ‘revolution’? I wonder if our resolutions can really bring revolutionary change to our lives – be nice to think so!

I’ve spent this week thinking and planning for the remaining few months before May’s curtain falls on my mayoralty. There are still plenty of things to do and opportunities to raise funds for my two charities.

Severn Arts have been doing lots of new work recently with the range of innovative young people in the city. They are really demonstrating how engaging in arts and cultural activity helps mental and physical wellbeing. OnSide work in mental health, social prescribing, wellbeing and support and are focused on empowering people to make fair and informed decisions. Everyone is entitled to fair treatment by what can often be bureaucratic challenges for the best of us. I have found working with both charities rewarding and eye-opening.

Just as long as I have still got bruised toes and a sore Achilles from the Run in September, my donations page at Just Giving remains open and will continue to support events this year: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mayorofworcesteruk.

My engagement diary is also filling up with visits to the Guildhall from local groups of all ages and abilities, as well as commitments for me to visit you – awards ceremonies, opening new businesses, celebrating and supporting our city and its residents and economy.

I joined some of my fellow councillors for a festive meal this week. Nothing fancy, just very good fare in a local independent restaurant. It may be dry January for some but there are still plenty of ways to support our amazing hospitality industry who have suffered so much in the last few years. In my 60th year I will certainly be doing my best to bolster their trade where I can!

 

 

 

Wednesday was the longest day. I had to get up half an hour before I went to bed and saw the sun set, on a hill with it in my hands.

In my determination to spread festive cheer I visited the City Council’s Warndon depot to thank the guys who empty our bins every day, rain or shine. They are collecting gifts you give them, for kids in hospital. Then it was on to the Street Scene crew, ready to go out cutting, trimming and tidying. It was still dark when I got home!

Next, the Art Gallery, with another crafty sneak at the Canalettos, and then opening the Parlour to greet the Council’s city-based staff, like the Enforcement Team.

In the dwindling daylight I held the Sun on a pole as revellers threw last year’s woes on the Solstice fire. And amazingly, it rose again on Thursday.

Emergency Services are quite rightly very much in the news at the moment and this was recognised at a packed Carol Service, led by the High Sheriff, with music from the Chamber Choir.

Carols again, by virtue of the Worcester News. As I read my passage about Narnia and the weakening of the Witch I could see rapt faces right to the back of the Cathedral. Thanks to Little Al for the mince pies afterwards.

The Made In Worcester film project aired in the Guildhall with the most extraordinary young talent showing variety and expertise, creating a nascent film industry here. I hope you get to see them more widely.

The week began not planting a tree in Cripplegate Park, and ended in The Commandery, via several of our city’s iconic sights, many captured in the films I mentioned. However you enjoy, or cope with, the next few days, take time out to appreciate what we have around us in Worcester. Ho ho ho.