Mayor of Worcester Blog

We managed to snatch a few days away in Torquay at the beginning of the week and so my able Deputy, Pat Agar, stood in for me on two occasions.  Unfortunately our weather was rather misty but we enjoyed the break and return fresh for the fray!

We attended the Annual General Meeting of St Pauls at Maggs’ new activity centre in Copenhagen Street. I was impressed by the large attendance and the genuine support there is for this vital charity. In my speech I was able to recount my experiences as a social worker, which fuelled my engagement in politics and promoted my support for the disenfranchised in society.  I am genuinely concerned at the funding prospects for local charities with regard to some of the more detailed points contained in the Government plans for “welfare reform”.

After attending a funeral in Stratford of a distant relative, we helped organise a fundraiser at Spires Restaurant in the Worcester College of Technology.  I was hosting a gourmet evening with the cooking and service provided by second year students. They are only to be praised for the quality and variety of the food, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The County’s Poet Laureate Maggie Doyle delivered a meaningful poem on homelessness and Robbie Porter, Chair of St Pauls, debunked many of the myths about homeless people.  Yes, we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly and also raised nearly £700.

On Friday, Jill and I attended a fundraiser for Breast Cancer UK at The Firefly in Lowesmoor.  John James from Stamford Cakery had organised Cakoustic, with live bands who all gave their services free to raise funds for  Breast Cancer.  Great to see the spirit of fundraising embraced by so many younger people.

Jill and I joined members of Worcestershire Royal British Legion the following day to launch the Annual County Poppy Appeal for 2012 at the Guildhall.  The atmosphere on a cold but bright morning was unbelievable, especially when the poppies floated down on those assembled, and were swept away in a gust of wind.

We were impressed with the attendance, particularly passing local people who stood to attention when we had two minutes’ silence.  It is so important that we contribute to this vital cause.

Later we attended a fundraiser for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity held at St Stephen’s Church in Barbourne.  The singing from the Hereford Police Male Choir was exceptional, as were the two soloists Sian Haines and David Coulson.  It was pleasing to see so many local people enjoying the evening and at the same time raising much needed funds for The Air Ambulance, which receives no government or lottery funding.

Jill and I attended the Annual Shrievalty Service in the Cathedral on Sunday. It was a colourful occasion, with the attendance of two High Court Judges. It was interesting to meet so many people representing many walks of life. Afterwards, we had tea in the Chapter House, when it was possible to meet people.

I attended a meeting to discuss potential sources of funding for Worcester’s proposed WWI Comemorations. It is interesting to note that Worcester is well ahead, with plans, and well-placed to apply for funds that the Government is to make available.

Afterwards I welcomed Paul Zigan, an independent Council Member from Kleve, Germany, to see the parlour and many City treasures. It is interesting to hear how many similarities there are between the two Councils. It was good to see also in attendance George Milton and Les Tunley from the Worcester Twinning Association.

On Tuesday My Local  U3A History Group welcomed a speaker from the Battle of Worcester Society who informed us of the role of Oliver Cromwell in the Battle of Worcester.

In the evening Jill and I attended the opening night of  The Worcester Operatic Society’s production of “The Producers”. What an excellent evening. The cast and principals are to be congratulated on such an enjoyable production. It was fast, funny and truly fantastic! The society is in its 120th year, and are to be congratulated on performances of such a consistently high standard, a true tribute to the City of Worcester!

On Wednesday I attended in Manchester a meeting of Trustees of  The Co-operative Foundation who are funding 7 projects in 7 Cities to promote “The Truth about Youth”. It is an attempt to counteract some of the negative publicity associated with the younger generation.

Later, The Mayoress and I took a large group of the 2nd Worcester Pack on a tour of the Guildhall and cells. It was particularly relevant to us as our two sons, when younger, had joined this pack and got so much out of it. The yougsters were extremely interested and clearly enjoyed their visit with many questions and laughs; they also enjoyed putting-on the Mayoral robes and chain!

Well, we are over five months into our twelve-month term and have enjoyed every minute. If your group would like a visit, have a special occasion to celebrate, we are keen to meet as many people as possible, and diary willing, will be happy to join you. Contact me through the Mayor’s PA Susan O’Kane at the Guildhall or send me a message via the ‘Contact the Mayor‘ page on this blog.

The week began by joining the annual Worcestershire Battalion Boys’ Brigade for their annual Founders Day parade past Sansome Walk Baptist Church.  It was great to see so many young people attending from all over Worcestershire.

Later we listened to the final concert of the Worcester chamber music series, held at St Oswalds Chapel in The Tything. What a fine evening, and congratulations to Shulah Oliver and Kelly McKusker from the Astaria String Quartet who have worked so hard to make this weekend a great success.  Such energy and enthusiasm add so much to Worcester’s cultural life.

On Tuesday I helped out at the City Council staff induction programme where I spoke about the role of the Councillor and Mayor, then took new employees on a tour of the parlour and former cells.

Later I hosted a City Council tribute to the late George Randall, Freeman of this City. It was great to welcome his family to the Randall Room in the Guildhall and see so many former councillors and mayors who worked with George.  His death is a true loss to the City; he was one of Worcester’s ‘true men of the people’.

Raise your glasses to George Randall (Mayors Parlour)

Mid-week, Jill and I attended the annual Worcestershire Ladies Acorn lunch at Sixways.  It was great to meet Kay Alexander from BBC Midlands Today and ladies from the fundraising Committee.  I never cease to be amazed by the amount of voluntary effort there is in the city and county.

On Wednesday evening we thoroughly enjoyed the Worcester Gilbert and Sullivan Society’s production of The Mikado at The Swan Theatre.  What a fantastic performance, and congratulations to the cast, who must have spent so many hours in rehearsals, to produce such a successful   updated version of this G&S favourite.

The following day Jill and I attended a Positive Friends open day at Horizon Community Centre in aid of World Mental Health Day.  We enjoyed mingling and sampling coffee and cake,  freshly-cooked that morning.  How essential it is to provide positive daytime opportunities for people who are recovering from health problems.

Friday saw Jill and I attending the 15th Annual General Meeting for the Worcestershire Association of Carers.  The pressures on carers should not be underestimated and it is vital that the county provides adequate financial support to carers, who save society so many thousands of pounds every year.

Later I planted a tree with Councillor Alan Amos in Patterdale Drive, celebrating the completion of a £3.5 million flood alleviation scheme in Warndon.   The community has suffered from many days’ inconvenience for this essential work, which has been so successfully completed by Severn Trent.  I am confident it will prevent the serious incidence of flash flooding that residents have experienced in the past.

The week began with a special visit to one of our nominated charities,  Maggs Day Centre, where Jill and I met service users and opened the refurbished building.  It is great to see the facilities open seven days a week, with the development of many activities during the day for homeless people staying there.

The following day I visited St Stephens Church on the Droitwich Road with members of U3A’s Local History Group.  Afterwards I met Councillor Chris Cawthorne to plan a Homelessness Action Day which will take place in January.

On Wednesday we opened a new NHS dental surgery on the Malvern Road in St Johns.  It was great to meet the staff and hear of the intentions to attract more patients. St Johns is a large and important community and certainly merits the provision of a full range of community facilities like this.

Afterwards I met Alec Mackie to discuss his plans to participate in the celebrations of WWI in two years’ time.

Thursday saw Jill and I meeting exhibitors at the Eastern European Enterprise Conference – organised by Worcester and Wychavon Councils – at The Guildhall.

We had to leave early to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Worcestershire Council for Voluntary Services at The Hive.  This important organisation has had to make significant adjustments to meet a reduced budget.  It was pleasing to hear from young people about their activities and highlighted for me the need to support this age group.  Professor David Green gave a stimulating address on his work with young people at the University.

On Saturday I joined the Battlefields Trust for their Battle of Worcester Walk.  It was led by Tony Spicer who spoke about the Battle of Powick Bridge in 1642 and the western part of the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

We then went to the Ketch viewpoint and confluence of The River Teme where we concentrated on the centre of the Battle of Worcester, where Cromwell built his “The Bridge of Boats”. Thanks to all the participants for an extremely informative morning.

In the evening Jill and I attended an evening to celebrate 150 years of St Stephen’s Church, and a presentation of the history of Barbourne over the last two centuries.  Congratulations to Ann Moore who produced and wrote a fantastic play, which was so well performed by The Lavender Players.

Photo courtesy of ‘Britain from Above‘ website showing St Stephen’s Church on February 1920.