Another congested week, starting off with the Worcestershire Education Awards! All winners were deservingly recognised by the inspirational Duncan Goodhew MBE – well done to Worcester News for organising.

This week I invited Daisy the Dog to the Parlour for a special recognition ceremony, appreciating her services to keep Worcester clean.  Daisy has been picking up cans and bottles and puts many of us to shame.  Quite rightly I have granted her full civic honours – Daisy has received a mayoral certificate and medal to go along with it!

I was privileged to be invited to the Britannia Square Garden Party – an event that has been a regular in my calendar.  It’s a great occasion for all the community in the area to come together and celebrate the year; an uplifting and joyous occasion.

Monday marked the beginning of Armed Forces Week.  I was joined by the High Sheriff of Worcestershire, Cassian Roberts; members of the armed forces; veterans; cadets and members of the public to officially raise the flag above the Guildhall.  It was a respectful ceremony, followed by a beautiful prayer read by Chaplain Malik Fayaaz.

As the mercury rose and we basked in glorious sunshine, spare a thought for the Guildhall staff and poor councillors last Sunday! They (not to mention myself and the High Sheriff) were in their civic regalia, sweating it out in on the way to the Civic Service at Worcester Cathedral, where I was formally welcomed to my new mayoral role.

The coolness of the knave, and the inspirational sermon delivered by the Dean Reverend Peter Atkinson, brought home my theme of Love not Hate, on what was a truly heartening occasion.

We saw people of all faiths and none celebrate, mingle and laugh, enjoying one another’s company, exactly as I had hoped and envisioned.

Bless you all, stay safe, stay happy and remember that love not hate makes the world go around.