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MAYOR’S WEEK: 24 – 30 NOVEMBER

MAYOR’S WEEK: 24 – 30 NOVEMBER

This week I had the opportunity to fully embrace Bulgarian culture at a charity event raising money for Kids Care Charity.

It was a delight to meet the local Bulgarian community and the money they raised will be used to help children in Bulgaria, with wood for heating and medicines.

I wore a traditional Bulgarian dress and arrived just in time to hear the host’s son play the violin, followed by a rendition of the Bulgarian anthem for which we all stood and observed.

There was lots of music and dancing that followed and I judged the colouring competition, no easy feat!

On Monday I presented a medal for the very first time, to a Nuclear Teat Veteran.

It was a real honour to present Maurice Hume with the Nuclear Test Medal, which commemorates personnel who participated in Britain’s nuclear testing programme in the 1950s and 1960s.

A real gentleman, Maurice arranged for Rev Lindsey Coulthard, family and friends to be at the Mayor’s Parlour for the presentation.

Stationed at Christmas Island, Maurice was one of more than 20,000 military personnel and there are estimated that just 1,500 of them are still alive.

On Thursday I was at the official opening of the Victorian Fayre and after the sadness of there not being a Christmas light switch-on this year, it was extra special.

There was a carol service first at the Cathedral, which continued to the opening ceremony in the Cornmarket.

There was a full house in the Cathedral and the Dean, Dr Stephen Edwards, led the service and the Voluntary Choir were beautiful to listen to.

During the opening speeches at the Cornmarket there was a small spattering of rain.

A timely reminder from mother nature of what a difference she can make, even when all the technology and weather forecasts predict otherwise.

Thank you to each and everyone who came along and seasonal wishes to all.

Mayor of Worcester, Mel Allcott, presenting Maurice Hume with the Nuclear Test Medal
Mayor of Worcester, Mel Allcott, presenting Maurice Hume with the Nuclear Test Medal
MAYOR’S WEEK: 2 – 9 November

MAYOR’S WEEK: 2 – 9 November

On Monday I went on a tour of the University of Worcester with consort Stuart Wild.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green, and the Pro Vice Chancellor Health and Science Professor, Sally Moyle, took us on a comprehensive tour including of the new Three Counties Medical School.

The facilities and technical equipment are second to none with the clever repurposing and design of the former Worcester News print building.

The space is light, airy, flexible and sound proofed. It was great to see a class in action and meet lecturers and students. This was also the case across the campuses.

On Tuesday I went to the Annual Apprenticeship Awards evening at Sixways with consort Mike Mullins, who was an apprentice at the start of his career.

The event was packed out with awards for apprentices across various disciplines including accountancy, commerce and engineering.

It is always great to help celebrate success, with my theme for the year being Youth Matters, and it was super to see so many young people making their way in life.

I must add, apprentices are mostly young but not all and it is never too late to learn new skills.

On Thursday I was at the Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service Awards at the Guildhall with consort Andrew Lee.

The Lord-Lieutenant, High Sherriff and Chair of the Board gave out awards, certificates and medals to fire officers across many disciplines.

Long service and bravery awards stood out, which included those who had saved others outside of the workplace and in one instance, outside of the country.

Awards were also given out to cadets and I wish them all very best, whether they decide to pursue a career or not in the fire service the experience and skills taught will stay with them for life.

Stood on the steps of the  University of Worcester's Charles Hastings Buildings are Picture caption: During the visit to the University of Worcester are (l-r): David Green, Mel Allcott, Sally Moyle; Mayor Consort Stuart Wild
Picture caption: During the visit to the University of Worcester are (l-r): Worcester University Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green; Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Mel Allcott; Pro Vice Chancellor Health and Science Professor, Sally Moyle; Mayor Consort, Stuart Wild
MAYOR’S WEEK: 11 – 18 May 2024

MAYOR’S WEEK: 11 – 18 May 2024

Thank you and goodbye.

Sadly, my time as Mayor has now come to an end. The chain of office has been handed over, a thank you and goodbye speech made at the Guildhall.

As they say, all good things come to an end. Katey and I have enjoyed the experience. It has been a real honour and a privilege, something that I’ll treasure forever. Thank you.

Last year I attended hundreds of events and helped to raise over £7,000 for Age UK. Last May I supported Worcester Community Trust to put on a Christmas meal at the Guildhall.

I’ve conducted scores of Mayor’s tours of the Guildhall to all manner of charities, schools and foreign visitors – sometimes several in one week. Each tour being perfected and honed, hopefully getting a little better as I gained experience.

At the beginning of the year, I made a pledge to attend every Mayoral event on my bike. I’ve always believed that leaders should lead.

Unfortunately, perhaps I should have consulted Katey before making that pledge.

There were a few ‘words said’ when, on more than one occasion, I insisted on us arriving at a posh charity event in evening dress and dinner jacket on our bikes.

One of the things that I’m most proud of was the Mayor’s Charity Fashion Show. When I say proud it’s actually more accurate to say proud of the team that made it happen and by that, I mean key Guildhall staff like Gill Preece but also Karel Bretveld from Age UK.

The team raised thousands of pounds and gave dozens of Worcester’s young people an amazing opportunity to show off their creative skills. And it was also a lot of fun.

Finally, I wish Mel Allcott all the best for her time as the city’s new Mayor. I hope she enjoys the experience as much as I did.