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Author: Mayor Mel Allcott

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: 28 OCTOBER – 2 NOVEMBER 2024

MAYOR’S WEEK: 28 OCTOBER – 2 NOVEMBER 2024

The last Saturday of October began with the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal launch at the Guildhall and Sunday was home to two very special ceremonies.

The first was the memorial service for the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Gheluvelt. The sun shone and there was a lovely turnout. The Mayor of Zonnebeke in Belgium was in attendance and we were able to exchange gifts afterwards at the Guildhall.

The second was the Shrievalty service for the High Sherriff of Worcestershire, Charles Moyle. The readings were relevant and the music uplifting. I was privileged to take part in the procession and be seated at the front alongside my consort, Andy Lee.

On Monday I was able to visit two charities, Pathfinder and the Monday Night Club.

Pathfinder stood out as a charity aimed at young people which perfectly fits my theme for this year, Youth Matters. Pathfinder is a leading young driver road safety charity and it reduces the risk of a driving accident in the first year after passing a test, from the national average of 20 per cent to an impressive five per cent. Thought up one evening by a group of car enthusiasts and run entirely by volunteers, this charity teaches young drivers how to drive safely from scratch in three off-road locations, the nearest to Worcester being The Three Counties Showground.

The Monday Night Talent Club was a delight to attend and it was a relief not to be one of the judges, as picking first, second and third, would certainly have been a difficult job!

On Thursday I was able to help democracy with brownie Lois Burd cutting the ribbon on a new black and green bin (BELOW), which came about because Lois saw a need and successfully petitioned the City Council. It’s fabulous to have a young activist in our midst!

The Mayor and Brownie Lois Burd cutting a ribbon that is tied around a black litter bin and a green recycling bin

MAYOR’S WEEK 21 – 27 OCTOBER 2024

MAYOR’S WEEK 21 – 27 OCTOBER 2024

Having been Deputy Mayor for a year and Mayor for roughly four months now (would have been six months but suspended due to General Election restrictions), I have a much better understanding of the Armed Forces and have met quite a few veterans in Worcester, also in Vernon, for the 80th anniversary of the battle.

On Saturday 19 October I hosted the now annual Veterans’ Conference at the Guildhall. Councillor Pat Agar is the Armed Forces Champion for Worcester City Council and did a sterling job of putting the event together and running it on the day.

Veterans were invited to give feedback on how Worcester City Council can best support veterans.

Speakers from a variety of charities and organisations were able to give out advice and information at the event.

On Monday 21 October I was able to give out lots of medals plus a trophy, to winners from the Worcester Show, who were not available on the day to accept their prizes.

Pupils from Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College all received medals for their school’s entry.

They had worked brilliantly together and it was great to hear they will be putting in an entry next year.

I will not be Mayor by the summer of next year, but I will certainly be at the Worcester Show to look at all the entries.

Natasha Lee received a trophy and a certificate for winning the Under 18’s Section (see picture below).  Natasha was unable to accept the prize at the Show as she was actually away in Mexico working with turtles.

Under the circumstance Natasha can clearly be forgiven for not being available on the day!

Thank you to all Worcester Show entrants, those who were available on the day to collect and those who were not.  We have fantastic talent in Worcester.

The Mayor presenting a certificate to a girl in school uniform
The Mayor and Natasha Lee
MAYOR’S WEEK 13 – 20 OCTOBER 2024

MAYOR’S WEEK 13 – 20 OCTOBER 2024

It is the middle of October and I have been at a lot of planning meetings.

Not planning as in planning committee, but planning as in preparation.

November is nearly here and so will Remembrance.

Being involved in the preparation I can see how much thought and work goes into Remembrance.

The Royal British Legion poppy launch will held be at the Guildhall next Saturday (26 October) at 10.30am.  Please do come along and say hello if you are free.

My week began with the matinee performance of Sister Act at the Swan Theatre.

Every show is a sell-out as the WODS (Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society) produced a fabulous show with a special feel.

The singing is top calibre, the set and props spot on and the costumes are both in keeping and sparkly.

The original film launched in 1992, with a sequel Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit in 1993 and Sister Act 3: Kicking the Habit has been in the offing for a while.

My week ended with an evening performance of Animal Farm.

The Worcester Repertory Company brought cruelty, tension, and the full weight of sadness for humanity, to George Orwell’s classic novel.

Published in 1945 it is an allegory of the Russian Revolution of 1917. The characters and the fall of the farm certainly brought to life the brutal regime of Stalin.

For me this was also a reminder of the importance of the lessons of history.

In the middle of the week, I hosted the Civic Society Annual Lecture where we were privileged to have James Stourton as the speaker.

A renowned arts historian and prolific author, James did not disappoint. Saving our heritage, crisis, hope and regeneration, it was a fascinating lecture on a national and a Worcester perspective.

Worcester’s history and heritage is as important now as it ever was.