Mayor’s Week: 18 – 25 November 2012
The week began with a short, moving service and wreath -laying ceremony at AstwoodCemetery, where we remembered the Prisoners of War who are buried there and those who lost their lives in World War I. Thanks to the British Legion and Canon Paul Tongue for this commemoration, which has taken place every year for the last 20 years.
Jill and I welcomed a party of Head Teachers from the Diocese of Morogoro inTanzania on Monday, who are spending a week in the Diocese of Worcester. They enjoyed the history of the Guildhall and we were impressed with their fortitude, teaching in classes of up to 60 students.
Then it was on to Gorse Hill Primary, where we opened the new ICT suite. The children were incredibly enthusiastic and showed us their skills on the computer. Jill was also given a tour of the school.
Later, we had a review of this year’s arrangements for Remembrance Day, which is being increasingly well attended by members of the public.
On Tuesday, the Friends of Worcester Museum welcomed us to the opening of the Laura Knight in Open Air exhibition at theCityMuseum andArtGallery. What a fascinating exhibition – how lucky we are to have it inWorcester – don’t miss it!
During the evening, Jill and I attended the West Midlands Ambulance Service Excellence in the Community Awards atTelford, presided over by the High Sherriff and Chief Officer Anthony Marsh. The role of the volunteer car driver,St John’s Ambulance, long service ambulance service staff and the first responder were all recognised.
The following day I managed to find time to attend a meeting of UNISON’s retired members at the Perdiswell Young People’s Club. We welcomed Brian Draper who spoke “Of Water over his Wellies” – most entertaining!
Thursday saw me attending the opening of Wyre Forest House – the new office accommodation for Wyre Forest District Council, which combines all the accommodation previously scattered across the district. Afterwards I attended meetings for the City Planning Committee and Twinning Association.
We welcomed students fromTudorGrangeAcademy on Friday, who became ‘Corporate Directors’ at the City Council as part of the national Children’s Takeover Day.
Students from Tudor Grange Academy – Left to right: Bharati, Grace, Alex, Mellisa, Jess
We were able to show them around the Mayor’s Parlour before departing forFortRoyalSchool. There we met Phil Vickery who opened the new outdoor play area provided by Wooden Spoon, the rugby charity. We were then shown around the new school where we enjoyed meeting students and seeing the impressive new facilities.
Later I attended a ceremony to mark the retirement of Doreen Porter, Legal and Democratic Services Manager, from the City Council’s service.
Despite the inclement weather on Saturday, we were welcomed to the Bank House where we attended the 43rd anniversary dinner for Worcester Lions Club. The Lions provide an excellent charity fundraising role and provide stewards for local events. They have raised a considerable sum of money for local charities over the last 43 years.