Mayor of Worcester Blog

The week has been dominated by the “near miss” from flooding in the city; our sympathies go to those who suffered.  I’ve also been very occupied with arrangements for the twentieth annual Christmas Fayre, which was launched in bright but cold winter weather.

On Monday I attended my last meeting of Nexus Housing association, where I was presented with gifts to acknowledge the 25 years of service I’ve given to the organisation.  But there was no time to get emotional!  It was straight on to the licensing and induction event for the Reverend Christine Turpin at St Wulstan’s in Warndon. It was a very warm affair, where I met congregations from both the old parishes and the new.  Jill and I look forward to working with Christine over the coming months.

The following day saw us joining forces with the British Legion to plant a tree in Gheluvelt Park, celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.  It was pleasing to welcome so many old friends at the nature reserve in beautiful, sunny but bitterly cold weather.

Later that evening I chaired a marathon meeting at the City Council, which lasted until after midnight.  Some fundamental decisions were made about the future role of the organisation at this session.

Wednesday saw Jill and I visiting ASPIE’s new headquarters in Sansome Walk.  This association is proud to help Asperger’s sufferers with the problems of unemployment, social isolation, in a warm and caring environment.

Afterwards we visited Worcester University where David Behan, the new Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission, gave an inspirational address on the subject of leadership.

On Thursday we joined  Cathedral and civic dignitaries in procession for the opening of the twentieth annual Christmas Fayre at Cornmarket.  What a great success the event is, now covering the whole of the city and bringing together partners and representatives from three of our twinned cities.  We have moved a long way from the first Fayre, which was solely in New Street and Friar Street!

The week ended with a whole series of celebrations.  I attended a party to celebrate Perrywood school’s 60^th anniversary, and then planted a time-capsule for future generations to discover.  The children thoroughly enjoyed the occasion, with a party for the whole school.

We made a quick return to the Parlour, where we showed Mayor Theodor Brauer and his party of councillors and partners some of the civic treasures.  They certainly enjoyed the history. It is amazing what we councillors have in common with Kleve!

We then toured the Christmas Fayre with VisitWorcester and met stallholders in a wonderful atmosphere. The quality of stalls has improved over the years and we were pleased to see so many people dressed in Victorian costume.  Great also to meet a huge number of local people enjoying the occasion.

Finally, Jill and I went to the annual Labour Party Bazaar, where we were joined with members of the Twinning Association.  In the evening we enjoyed a Christmas meal at the Hick Suite in the Cricket Ground. It was great to meet representatives of our three twin cities informally, and to enjoy their company.

Last but not least, on Sunday we presented prizes to stallholders at what must have been one of the most successful Christmas Fayres ever!

 

The week began with a short, moving service and wreath -laying ceremony at AstwoodCemetery, where we remembered the Prisoners of War who are buried there and those who lost their lives in World War I.  Thanks to the British Legion and Canon Paul Tongue for this commemoration, which has taken place every year for the last 20 years.

Jill and I welcomed a party of Head Teachers from the Diocese of Morogoro inTanzania on Monday, who are spending a week in the Diocese of Worcester.  They enjoyed the history of the Guildhall and we were impressed with their fortitude, teaching in classes of up to 60 students.

Then it was on to Gorse Hill Primary, where we opened the new ICT suite.  The children were incredibly enthusiastic and showed us their skills on the computer.  Jill was also given a tour of the school.

Later, we had a review of this year’s arrangements for Remembrance Day, which is being increasingly well attended by members of the public.

On Tuesday, the Friends of Worcester Museum welcomed us to the opening of the Laura Knight in Open Air exhibition at theCityMuseum andArtGallery. What a fascinating exhibition – how lucky we are to have it inWorcester – don’t miss it!

During the evening, Jill and I attended the West Midlands Ambulance Service Excellence in the Community Awards atTelford, presided over by the High Sherriff and Chief Officer Anthony Marsh. The role of the volunteer car driver,St John’s Ambulance, long service ambulance service staff and the first responder were all recognised.

The following day I managed to find time to attend a meeting of UNISON’s retired members at the Perdiswell Young People’s Club.  We welcomed Brian Draper who spoke “Of Water over his Wellies” – most entertaining!

Thursday saw me attending the opening of Wyre Forest House – the new office accommodation for Wyre Forest District Council, which combines all the accommodation previously scattered across the district.  Afterwards I attended meetings for the City Planning Committee and Twinning Association.

We welcomed students fromTudorGrangeAcademy on Friday, who became ‘Corporate Directors’ at the City Council as part of the national Children’s Takeover Day.

Students from Tudor Grange Academy –  Left to right: Bharati, Grace, Alex, Mellisa, Jess

We were able to show them around the Mayor’s Parlour before departing forFortRoyalSchool.  There we met Phil Vickery who opened the new outdoor play area provided by Wooden Spoon, the rugby charity.  We were then shown around the new school where we enjoyed meeting students and seeing the impressive new facilities.

Later I attended a ceremony to mark the retirement of Doreen Porter, Legal and Democratic Services Manager, from the City Council’s service.

Despite the inclement weather on Saturday, we were welcomed to the Bank House where we attended the 43rd anniversary dinner for Worcester Lions Club.  The Lions provide an excellent charity fundraising role and provide stewards for local events.  They have raised a considerable sum of money for local charities over the last 43 years.

This has been quite a hectic week!  It began with a meeting of the Mayor’s two charities to support the homeless: St Paul’s and Maggs Day Centre.  We were able to finalise the fundraising programme and confirm arrangements for the next fundraising event, which is a concert by The Elgar Chorale on Thursday December 13th (7.30pm at the Guildhall).

The following day, we welcomed nearly 60 members of our U3A local history group to see and learn about the history of the Guildhall.  I later met students from France, Germany and Holland, who are on the Comenius exchange programme.  They had spent the morning helping with a street collection for Shelter Boxes, which are provided by the Rotary Club for use in disaster areas.  The students are on a five day visit which is part of the European Economic Community’s Lifelong Learning programme.

On Tuesday evening, Jill and I attended a consultation and exhibition for the Old St Martin’s development project. This is particularly timely as the city is currently looking at this area for potential development, particularly now that the St Martinsgate development is coming to fruition in Lowesmoor.

It was followed by an enjoyable dinner with Friends of the Museum Of Royal Worcester, in the enchanting surroundings of the Museum. This gem is well worth a visit and deserves much wider recognition in the city.

On Wednesday I attended a meeting of the Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust at Evesham Hospital, as part of my health scrutiny duties.  In the evening Jill and I attended a reception at Tudor Grange Academy, prior to attending the annual prize evening at the Cathedral.

Thursday saw us attending the opening of the marketing and information suite for Latimer Court Nursing Home at the former Ronkswood hospital site.  We were so impressed with the standard of accommodation in what will become a home offering 100 beds, due to open in February. We were pleased to meet relatives who are looking for accommodation, as well as other interested parties.

In the evening we were joined by students from Stanley Road School to help switch on the Christmas lights outside the Guildhall; a large crowd turned out for this festive occasion.  Prior to that we had entertained them with a visit to The Mayor’s Parlour, where they quizzed us about our roles as Mayor and Mayoress. It was obvious by their questions how much they had enjoyed the trip. 

 

The next day I joined my U3A walking group for a stroll around  Eckington, before joining with the crowds to support young Charlie Harris -Beard at Cathedral Plaza – a very brave little boy who is battling with cancer.

Following a meeting I chaired with the Planning Committee to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of World War 1, we joined other civic  leaders to attend the annual St Richards Lights of Love 2012 evening service in the Cathedral and St Andrew’s Gardens.  It was good to mingle over a cup of tea afterwards, with people at the Guildhall.

On Saturday we attended an awareness-raising event at The Hive in aid of the Experiment in International Living – a programme which promotes greater cultural understanding through visits abroad, often hosted by families.   It was great to meet staff, volunteers and to hear the experiences of young people who have already participated.

I’ve had such a busy fortnight, I haven’t had time to post to the blog until today.  Here’s what I’ve been up to over the last two weeks.

Sunday 28 October, we attended the 98^th Anniversary of the 1914 Battle of Gheluvelt and service, at the memorial in Gheluvelt Park. I laid a wreath together with other dignitaries. I was impressed with the attendance of members of the public and gave a short speech, thanking those for taking part in what proved to be an emotional ceremony.

Afterwards we had lunch at the British Legion Club, where we met local members of the British Legion and representatives who had attended from South Wales.

The following day I was able to catch up with some gardening, clearing up the leaves and re-potting plants ready for winter. It is quite relaxing, getting some mud on my boots and planting tulip bulbs!

In the evening Jill and I attended the Monday Night Club’s first birthday party in Barbourne, where we judged the fancy dress competition and met members of the Club, who really know how to enjoy themselves!

On Tuesday I attended my University of the 3^rd Age history group meeting, where Jeff Carpenter was the speaker on Victorian Worcester. His local knowledge is quite fantastic.  Later I met with The Managing Director and Leader of the City Council, for an update on council affairs.

During the evening Jill and I attended the last event in Bosch’s 50^th Year celebrations at the Cathedral. We thoroughly enjoyed listening to the Bosch Orchestra, who were preceded by Voices Unlimited – a local contemporary choir.

Jill and I attended Worcester Community Trust’s free annual fireworks display at KGV Playing Fields on Thursday evening. The attendance was estimated to be in the region of 7,000 people.  Thanks are due to LMS Events who provided their services at the display. We enjoyed meeting local people and were pleased with the increase in attendance this year.

On Friday I attended the Co-operatives United World Festival and ICAEXPO in Central Manchester – the culmination of the International Co-operative Alliance’s events in the UN’s International Year of Co-operation. It was a great honour that the UK was selected for their annual conference, and to meet so many international co-operators who had attended.

At the weekend I attended Worcester Round Table’s annual charity bonfire and fireworks display at Pitchcroft, and was asked to light the bonfire by means of an electronic button. I was pleased to attend, as when our children were younger this was an annual family event and I had always wanted to light the fire.

It is so important to support this display, as all the money raised is distributed to local charities. Thanks to the volunteers who make this event a success, despite the frequent inclement weather.

The week commenced with an interesting meeting with the Rotary Club to plan the annual Charity Banquet.  Jill and I then departed for the Cathedral, for a rehearsal ahead of Sunday’s Remembrance Day events.

The following day I attended a meeting of the joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, where we heard of delays to the announcement about the Joint Service Review, which is causing so much anxiety for staff and public alike.

Wednesday saw me attending a property inspection with colleagues who are trustees of the Worcester Consolidated Municipal Charity.  Over the years we have disinvested in agricultural holdings and invested in providing accommodation for local charities or commercial properties.  Incomes have accordingly increased, to the benefit of recipients of this vital charity.

Later Jill and I attended Free Radio’s annual presentation evening at the Rugby Club. I was asked to present an award to a local lady who had fostered children for nearly 30 years, and who has done a great deal to help her local community in Malvern. The whole evening was a tribute to the generosity of people and highlighted how youngsters have made so much of their lives, despite so many health problems. Congratulations to all the winners!

On Thursday Jill and I attended the Shrub Hill Workshop’s open day, and were pleased to hear presentations from service users who were moving on to paid employment, work experience, full-time education or engagement with local community projects. This NHS Centre has a fine record of achievement and we were both impressed with the interesting activities that are taking place there.  Thanks for the opportunity to see such interesting activities and  meet local people.

Jill and I met HRH the Duke of Gloucester for coffee on Friday, prior to attending Worcester University’s Graduation Ceremonies.  He was most interested in the Parlour’s treasures and clearly enjoys local history.

Afterwards I joined the University Procession to the Cathedral and enjoyed seeing so much hard work being recognised at the event.  These two final ceremonies were well attended by past students and families.  Fellowships were presented to Mrs Angela Brinton, Mr Les Bailey and Chris Jaegar.  The role the university plays in the life of the City is becoming increasingly important and is a major economic driver in these difficult times.

The weekend saw us at birthday celebrations for Former Mayor Brenda Sherridan.  On Saturday evening we were pleased to be guests on the last night of the Worcester Musical Theatre’s production of “Flying High” at The Swan Theatre. What a lot of hard work has gone into this production; we were left breathless! Congratulations to all concerned and thanks to Dick Saunders and Aileen Haden for their hospitality.  The local Air Ambulance benefitted from over £2,000 which was raised from the nightly raffles!

Remembrance Sunday turned out to be a fine sunny autumn day, and was well attended by the public who thronged to line the streets of the City.

Together with others, I laid a wreath and thoroughly enjoyed the Dean’s thought-provoking sermon.  It is pleasing to see the support from the public increasing annually.

Afterwards we welcomed participants into the Guildhall for hospitality.

In the afternoon Jill and I lunched at the TA centre in Lowesmoor and then attended the “Woodbine Willie” service in St John’s Cemetry.  It was well-supported on a lovely afternoon; thanks go to Canon Paul Tongue and British Legion colleagues.