Mayor of Worcester

Monday 26^th: We have long looked forward to the redevelopment of Lowesmoor that part of the City separated by the City Walls Road. The site of the old Vinegar Works is now an “ASDA” store with the historic buildings being sensitively incorporated. Paul McFarlane was nominated as the local hero for his work with children in care. Paul and I “cut the ribbon” to open the store which quickly filled with shoppers.

Cutting the ribbon

ASDA Coffee Shop overlooking the shop floor

The Worcester Technical College runs courses for people with acquired brain injuries. Debbie Morris brought a group of students to the Parlour to hear about the history of the Guildhall. I was impressed by their interest and the way in which they were not allowing disabilities to get in the way of their further education.

St. Peter the Great County Parish Council met this evening. I was asked to give a talk on “Being Mayor”. So much has happened it really is difficult to describe a representative picture of the year. However I hope, with the aid of slides, I gave a flavour of what the Mayor and Mayoress do.

Tuesday 27^th: I had the opportunity to practice my dozen or so Japanese words and phrases today when 27 young Japanese visitors came to the Guildhall. They were here on an annual visit arranged by the Shizuoka Prefectural Overseas Research Association.

Japanese visitors visting the Guildhall

This organisation was set up in 1972 with the support of the Japanese Overseas Cooperation Volunteers. The aim is to arrange excursions to foreign countries, foreign language education, international cultural exchange in Japan and promotion of international awareness with the help of the local government education ministry.

The Full City Council meeting this evening seemed to go pretty well and we managed the business in one minute short of two hours!! It could have been difficult given that we were discussing the review of the City Council’s Constitution. However we had planned a clear procedure which worked and still allowed a wide debate. Colleagues from all sides of the political spectrum respected that and for which I was grateful. This was my last Full Council to chair before Annual Council in May.

Wednesday 28^th: Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia, Spain. The city’s Cathedral has been a special place to visit throughout history because of the important 9th century medieval pilgrimage route, the Way of St. James. Since 1985 the Old Town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So it was especially interesting to welcome ten students on an exchange visit with the Worcester Sixth Form College.

Spanish students from Santiago de Compostela

View of Santiago de Compostela, Pico Sagro in the background (Wikipedia)

The Oxfam shop in Mealcheapen Street held an “Open Day” to enhance the profile of the organisation and the importance of the money raised to help some of the most needy people in the world. Jane and I have a particular interest in developing countries, and especially in Africa, so we were pleased to be invited by Julie Skipp and Maureen Cooper to the shop to see behind the scenes. The way in which items for sale are processed and made ready for attractive display was impressive. There really are some great bargains to be had. For more information about Oxfam see its website: www.oxfam.org.uk.

Since taking part in productions during my school days I have continued to enjoy Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas. It was a special pleasure to attend “Pirates of Penzance” (alternatively named “The Slave of Duty”) this evening at the Swan Theatre. The Great Witley Operatic Society, directed by Roberta Morrell and Donald Hunt as the Musical Director, put on a very entertaining performance. The Society is celebrating its 60th. Anniversary. For more information see www.gwos.net

Thursday 29^th: “Tea and cakes” in the Parlour and a tour with the Mayor and Mayoress always seems to be a popular prize in a raffle draw. Mrs. Rowberry was a lucky winner at a fundraising event in December and came along with some friends this afternoon.

The Poppy Appeal each year is crucially important. Many Countywide Cadets made huge efforts to raise money. This evening the cadets who had raised the most during the 2011 appeal were rewarded at a ceremony held in the Guildhall: this was the annual Lord Lieutenants’s Cadet Award evening.

Friday 30^th: The portrait of Hubert Aloysius Leicester, discovered in the store room of the City Library, has been hung in the Lower Hall of the Guildhall. He was Mayor of Worcester five times in 1904, 1905, 1913, 1914 and 1915. He was a life-long friend of Elgar, closely associated with the Worcester Festival Choral Society and the first flute and leader of the Elgar’s quintet which became known as “The Brothers Wind”.

Saturday 31^st: Over the centuries from the Iron Age through to  the present day Worcester has been part of royal journeys. An exhibition (open until 14^th July) has been created in the Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum that demonstrates these Royal Journeys. Jane and I were invited to the opening this morning and were really impressed. There is more information on www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk

Royal Journeys with my wife Jane and Worcester Museum & Art Gallery staff members

Monday 19^th: Doris White was born on 21^st. March 1912. Today Jane and I attended her 100 years’ birthday celebration in the Bromyard Road Methodist Church Hall. Doris has been a longstanding member of the West Worcester Live at Home Scheme. She still lives at home alone but with the dedicated support of her nearby daughter Carol. For 17 years she was secretary to the Head of Pitmaston School and later St. John’s School. Her husband, Randolph White, was a Worcester City Councillor and Alderman from 1938 until the mid 1970’s.

1912: what a year in which to be born! The Republic of China was established, the African National Congress was founded in South Africa, Captain Robert Scott and his team reached the South Pole, the  “Titanic” sank and Lawrence Durrell (British writer), James Callaghan, (Prime Minister of the United Kingdom), Perry Como (American singer), Walter Sisulu (South African anti-apartheid activist) and Enoch Powell (British politician) were all born in that year.

Wednesday 21^st: The University of Worcester and the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) over the last two years have arranged an educational partnership. UMD’s “Study in England” programme is now based in Worcester. I was pleased to welcome to the Parlour UMD’s Chancellor Dr. Lendley Black and his wife Connie and also Dr. Kathryn Martin the retiring Chancellor. In the evening Jane and I attended a Reception for the Chancellor held in the Riverside Building. There is no doubt that this relationship between our universities is of great mutual benefit.

The Rotary Club of Worcester South invited Jane and me for lunch in the Worcestershire County Cricket Club Suite. I was the guest speaker and gave a talk based on a “scamper through my life”.

Thursday 22^nd: The team of three (Alan Stuttard, James Blackwell and Richard Hopkins) going to the Adentan Municipal Assembly in Ghana met this morning, with my Chairmanship, to finalise plans for their visit in three weeks’ time.  All is set now to take forward the Masterplan for the Adentan area and to draw together all the strands of this very successful Local Economic Development project funded by the DfID.

Dr. John Harcup, OBE (Chairman of the Elgar Society) is a longstanding friend. He was a General Practitioner in Malvern while I was a Consultant Physician in Worcester. John is an enthusiastic medical historian and came to the Parlour for a chat. He was particularly concerned as to how we can raise the profile of the Hurd Library in Hartlebury Castle. We had a number of ideas.

Hartlebury Castle

A quote from the web site (www.hurdlibary.co.uk): “The Hurd Library, founded in 1783 by Richard Hurd, Bishop of Worcester from 1781-1808, at Hartlebury Castle, Worcestershire, is open by appointment to students and scholars by kind permission of the Bishop of Worcester and the Church Commissioners. This magnificent and nationally important library is a unique example of a working library, formed by an 18th century Anglican bishop of wide interests, still on its original shelves in the room built for it. It holds some 5,000 volumes on extremely varied subjects, ranging in date from 1476 to the early 19th century, and includes over 40 volumes from the library of Alexander Pope.”

We also discussed the idea of an annual medical lecture for the people of Worcester and to demonstrate how much our City has contributed to medical science. The first lecture will be given by Professor Richard Lewis, FRCP, on 9^th. May in the Guildhall. It will tell the story of medicine in Worcester based upon the portraits in the old Board Room of the Worcester Royal Infirmary (now the City Campus of the University). We would like more ideas about medical topics but here is a “starter” list we have put together:

History of the Worcester Royal Infirmary.

• History of “Hospitals” in Worcester.
• Cholera.
• Tuberculosis.
• Campylobacter and gastroenteritis.
• Sir Charles Hastings.
• Medical Mayors.
• The first President of the Royal College of Surgeons from Worcester.
• Public health.
• Powick Hospital and the treatment of schizophrenia.
• Elgar and Medicine.
• The History of Nursing in Worcester.
• Worcester’s contributions to clinical trial research.
• Dr. John Wall.
• The medical books in the Hurd Library.

Friday 23^rd: The Rotary Club of Worcester had arranged with St. Barnabas’ CE Primary School to have “Junior Youth Speaks” and “Poetry Reading” competitions. This was a brilliant idea and enabled the twelve finalists to demonstrate their abilities. It is a great challenge to stand up in front of your school friends and speak for five minutes. Jane and I were two of the judges….a very difficult task judging on a wide range of factors including clarity of speech, smoothness of delivery, expression of ideas, richness of vocabulary, grammatical accuracy and general demeanour. The children and the school should be proud of themselves. The prizes and certificates were presented by Anne Pooley, President of the Rotary Club.

Doug Hamilton-Cox was a sapper with the Royal Engineers. He has just begun an attempt to walk the 2,500 miles of the canal network of the UK. This current part of his challenge takes in the Worcester to Birmingham canal. So I was delighted to see him when he took time off to come to the Guildhall. With his other walks, including one from John O’Groats to Lands End, he has raised £50,000 for such charities as “Help for Heroes” and the Military section of the Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital Birmingham. For more information see Doug’s website www.dougwalking.co.uk. Donations can be made to Doug’s charities on www.bmycharity.com/hamiltoncox

Saturday 24^th: “St. John Passion” is one of the greatest works by J.S.Bach. It was performed in the Cathedral by the Worcester Festival Choral Society and the Westminster Chamber Orchestra and conducted by Adrian Lucas. The soloists were Nicholas Mulroy (tenor), Peter Savidge (Baritone), Julie Cooper (Soprano), Kate Symonds-Joy (Mezzo-soprano), Nicholas Sharratt (Tenor) and Robert Rice (Baritone). This was the last concert to be conducted by Adrian as the Society’s Director of Music. A most moving and enjoyable evening.

Monday 12^th: Another talk and tour of the Parlour and Guildhall. Twenty students from Spain on an exchange visit with Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College came. This is when I wish my knowledge of other languages was greater but at least it has taught me to speak using uncomplicated English.

Lunch with the Rotary Club of Worcester at the invitation of the President Anne Pooley and held in the Worcester County Cricket Club. We had a talk describing the huge amount of work undertaken by Rotary.

Tuesday 13^th: Philip Graeme H?tch died on 24^th February at the age of 83 years. Jane and I represented the City at his funeral held at the crematorium. Philip was a councillor for twelve years until 1996 and Mayor of Worcester between 1986 and 1987. He was a passionate musician joining the Worcester Symphony Orchestra in 1960. The twinning, in 1987, of Worcester with Kleve in Germany is also much to the credit of this many talented man.

Philip Graeme H?tch when he was Mayor of Worcester in 1986

The Support Group for Breast Cancer Patients from Worcestershire came to see the treasures of the Guildhall and tea in the Parlour.

Wednesday 14^th: It was a real pleasure to welcome fourteen sixth form students from Rheims who are on a visit to the King’s School to improve their English. So I hoped I was able to help when taking them around the Guildhall.

Rheims is a city in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France about 80 miles east-northeast of Paris. Its origins go back to the Gauls and it became a major city during the Roman Empire. It was the site of the coronation of the French kings. The Cathedral of Rheims is the equivalent of Westminster Abbey.

Thursday 15^th: Of all the things that irritate me (and there aren’t many!) littering is at the top of the list. As a child I was severely reprimanded if I were to drop the smallest piece of litter: “Put it in your pocket and take it home if you can’t find a litter bin”. Litter spoils our wonderful City, discourages visitors and costs a great deal of local tax payers’ money to clear it up. The problem is in the hands of all of us. I was pleased to welcome to the Parlour and congratulate Trevor Smith, franchise owner of the 3  local McDonald’s stores in Worcester, and his staff who have formed a partnership with the council in combating litter. The teams have conducted 8 joint litter picks so far since the summer and have now pledged to carry this on a monthly basis, and are doing their best to combat this antisocial problem.

Left ot Right: Taz, Myself, Trevor Smith (franchise owner), Trevor and James

As part of the Keep Britain Tidy, Love Where you Live campaign on Saturday 18^th February there was a major litter pick along the riverside paths (both sides) between the Sabrina and Diglis bridges. Staff from McDonald’s, players from the Hylton Road Rovers Football Club, students from the University and City Council Staff all took part. These 23 volunteers collected thirteen bags of rubbish. So if anyone would like to help in future do contact Sian Stokes, Worcester City Council’s Community Engagement Officer (01905 752974).

Friday 16^th: The Queen’s Royal Hussars is the senior United Kingdom light cavalry regiment. It was formed in 1993 from the amalgamation of The Queen’s Own Hussars and The Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars. The QRH will be parading through the City on 27^th June as part of the “Armed Forces Day” celebrations and to mark the regiment’s return from a tour of duty in Afghanistan.. I was therefore delighted to welcome to the Parlour Brigadier Andrew Bellamy, Colonel in Chief of the Regiment, to discuss the plans for what I am sure will be a momentous day.

Everyone is getting into the spirit of this Diamond Jubilee Year. Cllr. Anne Hingley, Mayor of Kidderminster Town, held her Diamond Jubilee Charity Ball in the magnificent Town Hall. An excellent evening.

Saturday 17^th: Since its formation in 1997 the Worcester Male Voice Choir has helped raise over £120,000 for worthwhile causes. Jane and I have heard the choir on several occasions and they just get better and better. This evening the choir performed a concert in Norton Parish Hall in aid of the Worcester Heart Support Group. The Guest soloist was Margaret Gregg-Peters. Great entertainment.

Sunday 18^th: The Friends of Astwood Cemetery had organised a Service for Mothering Sunday held this afternoon in the Crematorium Chapel. It was conducted by The Reverend Canon Dr. Stuart Currie (Vicar of Barbourne St. Stephen). A simple and inspiring service to mark this very special day.

Myself, The Mayoress and Reverend Canon Dr. Stuart Curry in The Garden of Remembrance

Flowers left in The Garden of Remembrance at Worcester Crematorium

This Christian festival of Mothering Sunday falls on the fourth Sunday in Lent. Its history goes back to Roman times when the festival called Hilaria honoured the mother goddess Cybele. Later as Christianity spread the liturgical calendar included it to honour the Virgin Mary and the “mother church“. In more recent times when domestic service was commonplace servants were allowed this one day off to visit their Church often with their mothers and families. Children would pick wild flowers to give to their mothers. This festival has had other names which include Refreshment Sunday, Pudding Pie Sunday, Mid-Lent Sunday, Simnel Sunday, Rose Sunday and “the Sunday of the Five Loaves”, from the traditional Gospel reading for the day.

Fifty years ago (1962) 70% of men and 40% of women smoked. The work carried out by Sir Richard Doll and his associates in Oxford established the link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer and “coronary thrombosis”. The prevalence of smoking is now down to 21% for both sexes. A fantastic achievement but we need to do more to help those who want to quit. I am concerned especially about the developing world where tobacco is being “pushed”: already this is having a serious effect on health on top of all of the tropical diseases and AIDS with which these countries have to cope.

Monday 5^th: Tim Clark, Editor of the “Worcester Standard”, and I had our regular chat in the parlour.

Tuesday 6^th: The Worcester Masonic Ladies Friendship Club was a delightful group who came to the Parlour for a tour. Several had links with past mayors and civic officials at the Guildhall so they taught me a few extra historical facts.

Thursday 8^th: The Fresenius Medical Care Dialysis Centre in the Great Western Business Park opened in June 2009 and provides a high standard service for 63 patients with chronic kidney failure. These patients attend three times each week for a dialysis session that lasts about five hours. Jane and I visited the centre as part of “World Kidney Day”. We were most impressed and especially how well the patients were. Such an enormous contrast from the early days of dialysis when I was working on the Kidney Unit in Oxford over 40 years ago.

The 2012 “World Kidney Day” Campaign focuses on the positive outcome of kidney transplantation and the life-saving aspect of organ donation. The slogan for this year’s campaign is “Donate  –  Kidneys for Life  –  Receive.” For more information see www.worldkidneyday.org

International Women’s Day (IWD) began in the early 1900’s and was celebrated today.

Sarah Blaine and her colleagues had set up an exhibition in the Guildhall to raise awareness of the role of women in the world and of Fair Trade. IWD is a national holiday in many countries including Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cuba, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Russia, Uganda, Vietnam and Zambia. The tradition sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends and colleagues with small gifts. There is no doubt that the participation of women, especially in developing countries such as Rwanda, is increasing rapidly with a beneficial impact on society. Great changes have come about. There are female astronauts and prime ministers, school girls are welcomed into university, women can work and have a family and women have real choices. The nature of IWD has moved from just a reminder about the negatives to a highlighting of the positives. For more information: www.internationalwomensday.com

Friday 9^th: More work on planning for Armed Forces Week in June. It is fitting that we enhance our celebrations particularly during this Diamond Jubilee Year. Hard work for all those involved but it will be worth it.

Mrs. Margaret Renney and Mr. John Quibell-Smith met with me in the parlour to go through the final plans for the English Speaking Union competition tomorrow.

Le Vésinet, in France, is one of our twinned towns so it was a special pleasure to welcome thirty students from Collège de Cèdre. They are on an exchange visit with The King’s School.

Le Vésinet (from Wikipedia)

The day was rounded off with a Civic Dinner, hosted by the Mayor of Pershore, Cllr. John Grantham, MBE, and Mayoress Mrs. Sheila Grantham, at the Berkeley Arms, Egdon. This was to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen. A most enjoyable evening that also raised funds for the “Midlands Air Ambulance” and “Acorns”.