Mayor of Worcester

Worcester University marked World Mental Health Day with an art exhibition and a talk by Art in Mental Health (AIM).The Shrub Hill based charity encourages people with mental health issues to express themselves through art. This seems to help and certainly produced a wonderful exhibition of work.

 Later the same day, again at the university, I was impressed by Chris Husband’s neatly phrased description of teaching as “a matter of complex decision making” and a “deliberative practice.” In other words, good teachers think well on their feet and are thoughtful planners, too.

On Saturday evening, Phil and I sampled gourmet burgers at Worcester’s newest restaurant, The Green Room, in Crowngate. They were excellent! Clearly, this is the burger you can trust.

The Merchant of Venice in the Cathedral was a delight. Liz Grand gave us a clever and flirtatious Portia, Ben Humphrey was hilarious as her frowning Spanish suitor and suitably dignified as the Duke.  Robert Myler delivered an elegantly detailed performance as Shylock. Playgoers may remember the wonderful Jewish actor, the late David Kossoff. I suspect it was Kossoff’s distinctive musical phrasing that gives Myler the key to his character.

Democracy Week at the Guildhall means that we welcome groups of children to the Parlour to hear what a Mayor does and try on the regalia. This year, children from Pitmaston and Gorse Hill Primary Schools visited the Guildhall. They were extremely polite and asked a lot of really interesting questions.

Phil and I attended an exuberant dinner and dance in aid of St Richard’s Hospice on Friday evening. Our hosts, Mr and Mrs Saladino, and many of their guests were Italian. The atmosphere was warm and friendly, and party goers were very generous with their support for St Richards.

Local Samaritans gathered to celebrate their 50 year anniversary for delivering their service in Worcester. Bishop John Inge arrived on his racing bike. He was wearing his Petrel Cross, as worn by his predecessor at the Samaritans’ opening fifty years ago. The Samaritans’ helpline offers a listening support to people experiencing substantial emotional distress, and is available 24/7.

We spent much of Sunday at the Cathedral for the Shrievalty Service and the County Harvest Festival Service. The first was very grand and dignified, while the second was quite informal with members of the farming community participating.

I had a lovely afternoon on Tuesday, presenting awards to children who took part in the Summer Reading Challenge at St John’s Library. Two hundred children had taken part and each young person who succeeded in reading six books received a medal and a certificate of achievement.

Warndon Parish Council had a lively meeting to discuss matters of local interest, including play areas, and their wish to be more involved in planning for play in the neighbourhood going forward.

 

Worcester Lifestyles volunteers were presented with certificates and qualifications at their annual meeting this week.  It was a special morning and for some, an occasion for a good hug.  Lifestyles offers opportunities to people with disabilities across Worcestershire. Upcyclers can always find something of interest at their shop in Lowesmoor, and support this hard working charity at the same time too.

Diversity Night with Age UK was as exciting as always. We were treated to a whistle-stop world tour in a single evening, featuring dance styles from India, Turkey, Ireland, the Philippines and Cuba. The Afro-Caribbean Association sang the African-American spiritual Swing Low, Sweet Chariot and a young Romanian lady sang a folk song in her native language.

Friday was a cupcake day with the Macmillan volunteers. Their Guildhall coffee morning to raise funds for cancer support was a great success.

St Swithun’s Church is one of Worcester’s hidden gems. You can see it from Mealcheapen Street, but the main door is on a secluded alleyway. This lovely Georgian church hopes to become better known and is looking for ideas for its future use. I had a tour of the organ loft, and got to meet a Harris Hawk and a Gyr Hawk up close and personal too!

On Thursday afternoon, I visited Acorns and was able to chat with families who use the hospice.  Acorns do a superb job of caring for children with life limiting conditions, and families say it has transformed their lives. Some of the children were being entertained by a beautiful golden retriever and his folk singing owner – a good time seemed to be had by all.

 

The Family Fun Day and Dog Show at Worcester Woods was the funniest event of our week. Phil and I struggled to judge the “Cutest Puppy” category. All of them were such stars! The winner was so friendly, he wriggled from end to end when he wagged his tail. Dogs of all shapes and sizes vied for prizes – and all in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind.

WorcesterUniversity’s high tech pollen lab provides the daily pollen count for the BBC weather forecast. The lab is also doing ground breaking research on airborne allergens and diseases. Their climate controlled room is used to test products in all conditions. You can pretend to be an Arctic explorer in sub-zero temperatures or simulate tropical heat and humidity.

Barry North opened the Friends of the Swan Variety Show with the Harlequin Stage School Juniors. They performed the Sandman Dance, while Barry sang “The Old Bazaar in Cairo.”  We were treated to show songs, operatic arias and pop songs. There were dance performances from the AcademyDanceSchool and Harlequin Juniors. Barry North’s Cheeky humour and comic characters had the audience in stitches.

Worcester City Sports Awards 2013 honoured sports heroes of all ages and abilities. England rugby player Heather Fisher gave an inspirational talk about the ups and downs of her sporting career.  Luke Sugg, who captains England’s disabled cricket team, was honoured for his outstanding achievements and I met two rising stars of triathlon, Nixie Turner and Ann Price.