Mayor of Worcester Blog

Vigornia Rotary Club members got up with the birds for a breakfast meeting this week. They positively fizz with energy and friendliness, even at 7.30 a.m. It is impressive! Even more impressive is their support for reading programmes in local schools and Rotary’s efforts to wipe out killer diseases like polio across the world.

Wednesday brought the biggest surprise of the week, when I met with Canadian academic, Dr Daniel Fischlin, and local historians. This dedicated group were researching the history of a local family and hoped to see important civic portraits in the Guildhall. In actuality, they were researching the provenance for what may be a contemporary portrait of William Shakespeare. Are we really going to find out what the bard looked like after centuries of speculation? Check out their website for more:

http://canadianshakespearenews.wordpress.com/2011/02/27/sanders-portrait-of-shakespeare-provenance-an/

The British Heart Foundation is continuing its campaign to help us all lead healthier, heart-friendly lifestyles.  I was pleased to help launch their appeal this week to collect 2,000 bags of unwanted clothes, books and toys to sell in the Worcester shop.

Two new Worcester businesses opened their doors recently at “The Learning Zone” on New Street. “Jumping Clay” helps children to learn through play – I particularly liked their pink dinosaur! And Worcester Tutors provide tuition for all ages in their bright and airy workroom.

Local people flocked to the St Johns Traders’ Association event on Saturday. I spent a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon chatting with stall holders and drawing the raffle. Sunshine Radio provided music and commentary, and a good time seemed to be had by all.

 

 

Worcester Flower Show was a delight, from the giant vegetables and succulent fruit to the gorgeous dahlias and spectacular carnivorous plants. But it was much more than a flower show. Stall holders sold a variety of enticing foods……I went for the cup cakes, which were delicious! You could buy anything from flowers to handbags or jewellery, or support a local charity. The hand crafts were up to WI standard and the photography competition was a feast for the eyes. I particularly liked the peacock photos, and one of a cheeky toddler.

It was a pleasure to meet members of the Worcestershire Royal Infirmary League of Nurses at the MedicalMuseum. We reminisced over tea and knitting at the “Call the Midwife” event and raised money for the African Maternity Health Link. One in eight women die in childbirth in Sierra Leone, rising to one in five in rural areas. This shocking maternal death rate is the highest in Africa.

There was also a fascinating array of ancient Roman surgical instruments, not that different from some modern equipment and a display of medieval medical herbs.

I am pleased to report that Worcester has recently been re-awarded Fair Trade City status. We marked the occasion with a small reception in the parlour, at which Anthony Wood of Fair Trade Worcester presented me with our Fair Trade certificate.

The Whizz Kids Cycle Tour reached the Arena on Wednesday afternoon, on their two week cross country challenge ride from Lands End to John O’Groats. Whizz Kids provides mobility equipment for disabled children across the UK.

Worcester Festival has a week still to run and has been thoroughly entertaining so far. The Gugge 2000 band blasted us out of our socks outside the Guildhall to launch the 17 days of events, activities and fun. Gugge 2000 are festival regulars and are always invigorating.

Festival mascot, Percy the Peacock, was dancing and strutting his/her stuff. Does anyone know if Percy is really a boy or a girl? If you find out, let me know. Whatever the answer, Percy certainly adds to the atmosphere.

Phil and I thoroughly enjoyed the festival launch at the Swan Theatre. I am planning to do some of the Cathedral tours. They sound utterly fascinating. Secret Egypt at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum sounds spooky. I may also try that. A Midsummer Night’s Dream has been an absolute delight for audiences at the Commandery – and thank goodness the weather has been kind. At this point, I haven’t even begun to look at the music festival events, which would be a pity to miss.

The week would not be complete without international visitors to the Mayor’s Parlour at the Guildhall. This week, we welcomed a charming group of Japanese students who are visiting Worcester University.

We rounded off the week with bell ringing at Old St Martin’s. The bells of St Martin’s are quite an experience. They are a mix of old and new, with five pre-Georgian bells, an old Sanctus bell and a new ring of ten bright modern bells. The sound was glorious! I was not surprised to learn that the bells of Worcester are among the best in the world.

Copacabana played to a packed house at the Swan Theatre last Thursday, with the young cast producing some fine character acting to go with Barry Manilow’s music. The song and dance numbers sparkled, the costumes were lavish and the young performers of the Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Youth Section were genuinely impressive. I can’t wait for the Swan’s next musical extravaganza, “Anything Goes” – it will be a real treat for Cole Porter fans!

Friday was very different – I welcomed forty burly rugby players to tea and a tour of the Guildhall. Many of them were from our twin town of Worcester, Massachusetts. They were extremely polite and very smart in their club blazers, and delighted to be in Worcester, UK. In their professional lives, they are teachers, engineers, medical and care professionals etc. – all sharing a love of the game with rugby-loving Worcester, UK.

Phil and I also attended a gala dinner with the players at Worcester Rugby Club, and I spent a thoroughly enjoyable Saturday afternoon watching a friendly match between teams from the two Worcesters.

We also attended a final presentation by young people who have followed a Prince’s Trust course. They demonstrated a stellar array of new skills and a strong sense of teamwork. Along the way, they raised the funds and did the work necessary to complete a charity project in the local community. Congratulations to them, and best wishes for the future.