This week has been a little less busy than the last, a time for pausing and reflecting on what is now nearly six months of mayordom. Quite a bit has happened since May, we were reflecting at this week’s Twinning Association Tea Party.

In many ways though, it is not the comings and goings of monarchs and politicians that seems most significant, but the opening up of events and places. The desire to go to something, to be with people. The slow but sure return to embracing things to do, people to see.

Of course, Covid is not over, it has not gone away and there are other things out there as well. And more vulnerable people continue to take care – but they are now, unfortunately, more obvious amongst the wider population than before. Let us continue to respect their space and to be careful with ours.

This mood was seen this week at the Launch of the Poppy Campaign by the Royal British Legion at the Guildhall, and at the annual Service of Commemoration at Gheluvelt Park, in memory of the men of the Worcestershire Regiment in October 1914. This year will see the RBL continuing to raise money for its causes, around the care and welfare of veterans and their families of all ages and conflicts, many of whom are in groups particularly affected by the cost of living crisis.

The desire to congregate and mix was also seen during the Rising Festival, a project part of the Arches Festivals, focussed on young (18-30) people. What an event they made of it! Enthusiasm, business acumen, creative talent, sharing. Owned and organised by young people in the Rising Voice themselves. Hopefully only the start of activities which carry on and bring vibrancy and something different to Worcester’s cultural heritage.