On Thursday afternoon the Queen died peacefully, at home. She is mourned by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, like so many of our families. But so much more she is mourned across the world as a part of our lives and a symbol of a generation. There are increasingly few of us who remember a time before her. There are few of us who were not touched by her. I was privileged to meet her, as a child, and on three more occasions, the last time, at The Hive opening, to speak with her.

Thursday was a surreal day. Initially shock, after seeing those pictures of meeting the new Prime Minister, then a slowly dawning realisation that this was serious. And then the inevitable announcement.

As we, in formal organisations, observe appropriate protocols, to say and do the right things, let’s not forget that someone has died. Someone whom many people felt they knew. It is unlikely that we will see her like again.

The future is full of uncertainty, of anxiety and concern. The bills still need to be paid. But the future is also one of opportunity and renewal. In projects like the Green Canopy that is exactly how The Queen saw things, and if we mourn and respect her today, it is those principles we would do best to uphold as we move into a new age.

Let me thank everyone who donated and supported our efforts in Worcester’s 10k Run last weekend. A marvellous occasion as always, and one I can now say, I have completed. Still hobbling a little but never mind. The donations page is still open at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mayorofworcesteruk

Lastly, I was pleased to be part of the launch of a new generation of learners at the new Honeywell school in Dines Green, centring on the theme of worker bees, industrious and environmentally aware.

Now, if you will excuse me, I am off to make a marmalade sandwich.