Mayor of Worcester

This week was a serious and thoughtful one, taking in Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

On Sunday morning, Phil and I joined members of the armed forces, veterans and dignitaries for the annual service of remembrance in the cathedral. The Dean, Rev. Peter Atkinson, spoke movingly of a family’s grief, and of the need for remembrance and reconciliation.

We also remembered those shot at dawn for what was once called cowardice. Though in “a more compassionate era,” said the Dean, we now understand the toll taken by battle stress on mental health, as well as physical health.

Crowds of Worcester people turned out in brilliant sunshine for the wreath laying ceremony and two minutes’ silence at the war memorial, followed by the customary parade past the Guildhall.

During the afternoon, we gathered in St John’s Cemetery to honour the Rev Studdert-Kennedy, whose courage and compassion earned him the soldiers’ nickname, Woodbine Willie. Prayers were said, along with his poems on the waste of war and the kind of England that existed in that era. It was not a pretty picture, according to Woodbine Willie.

Woodbine Willie received special mention in the national television broadcast of the service of remembrance at the cenotaph this year. Of course, most Mayors of Worcester would think of him every day, because his photograph is displayed in the parlour.

Most of this week, I have struggled with a virus and finally gave in when I lost my voice. Phil attended Old St Martin’s Church to hear their plans for a new city garden and how they would fit into a regenerated Corn Market.

Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor, Paul Denham, attended a production of Top Of The World at the Swan Theatre and Tudor Grange Awards evening at the cathedral. Many thanks to Paul and Phil for their support.

Last week, local history teacher Andrew Trickett launched his sponsorship campaign for a bicycle ride from Worcester to Gheluvelt in Belgium.  He will be making the trip in October 2014, to mark the centenary of the outbreak of World War 1.  Proceeds will go to Acorns Hospice. Good luck to Andrew and his fellow cyclists!

 British Empire Medals were awarded to local men and women who have given outstanding service to the community. It was a proud moment for family and friends, as recipients were presented with their medals by the Lord Lieutenant.

Attendees will probably also remember the occasion because of the drilling, which started on the scaffolding outside just as the ceremony began. Happily, the builders agreed to desist until the presentations were over!

Later that day, a small delegation from Children in Need visited Worcester Cathedral on a whistle stop tour of English cathedrals. Phil and I met Pudsey and listened to a beautiful organ recital. The organiser was an impressive young lady, aged sixteen, who had given up her half-term to fund raise.

The Mayor of Stourport’s ukulele evening in aid of Acorns was a great success, despite the awful weather. The band played favourites from the sixties and seventies.

Saturday evening was eventful, as Phil and I dashed between the Round Table Bonfire and the Worcester Volunteer Centre dinner. Both were hugely enjoyable and well attended.

I was told that I would not be asked to detonate anything (a bit of a relief!) just count down and point dramatically. It seemed to work. The bonfire was spectacular!

Volunteer Centre diners enjoyed a three course meal and a thoroughly entertaining speech by BBC Hereford and Worcester’s Dave Bradley, rounding off a hectic week.

The Royal British Legion Poppy appeal launch marks the start of our season of remembrance. The last post sounded and standards were lowered as a rain of poppies fell in front of the Guildhall. Poppies continued to fall during the two minute silence that followed.

This week also saw the 99^th anniversary of the Battle of Gheluvelt, when the gallant action of the Worcestershire Regiment changed the course of World War One. Canon Paul Tongue led the gathering in a service of remembrance for the local men and women who served and who continue to serve in our armed forces.

Worcester Swimming Club held its 17^th Annual Meet on Saturday. Lap times in the ”skins” races were fast and exciting. The “skins” is an elimination contest, with the last swimmer in each round dropping out. Contestants never know which stroke they will be required to swim in each round until it is drawn out of a bag. Families and friends roared them on from the gallery and there were some impressive Worcestershire victories.

Phil and I spent Wednesday with the Women’s Institute, who held their Annual Meeting at the Three Counties Showground. Contrary to the stereotype, the WI is a modern organisation that nevertheless honours its traditions. They began by singing Jerusalem and went on to an interesting review of the WI year. Celebrity speakers included Kate Bliss of Antiques Road Trip and author Jane Robinson, whose history of the WI, A Force to be Reckoned With, is currently on the book stands.

The opening night of Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society’s production of Anything Goes brought the house down. There was strong character playing from the leading cast members, who made the most of Cole Porter’s sparkling lyrics. Buy your ticket today! You won’t want to miss the last night.

 Sarah Gilhooley as Reno is an undoubted vocal star. Steve Miller was excellent as the romantically inclined Billy Crocker. Peter Baio’s hilarious character owed more than a little to Snozzle Durante and Steve Miller’s hapless Lord Evelyn was a hoot.  Leila Moore had huge fun as the vivacious Erma, with Ann Mayor and Andrew Bartlett ably sustaining the comedy.  Louisa Ford, a sweet soprano, was Hope Harcourt, a romantically confused ingénue.

 Worcester University opened its new Clinical Simulation Centre this week.  Medical professionals will use the centre to practise a range of techniques on life-like, responsive dummies before being let loose on real patients.

 600 local ladies took part in the Twilight Race for Life this week. Worcester’s ladies are leading the way in fundraising to make cancer history, with more participants than either London or Manchester.  The evening raised an estimated £50, 000.

 Worcestershire Regiment veterans, the Duckworth Trust, Friends of Gheluvelt Park and City Council parks staff gathered at the Pump House to unveil plaques commemorating the regiment. This week also sees the 99^th anniversary of the Battle of Gheluvelt and the gallant charge that turned the course of World War 1.

 A ceremony of commemoration will be held in Gheluvelt Park tomorrow at 11.30 a.m.