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.