Mayor of Worcester

Monday 20th: Our Armed Forces deserve all the recognition and thanks we can give them. So today Jane and I joined veterans from the Worcestershire and Foresters Regimental Association, with their standards, serving officers from the Army Careers Information Office and volunteers from 214 Battery RA (V) at Dancox House: we observed the raising of the Armed Forces Day Flag over the Guildhall. We shall fly this flag with pride during this week before Armed Forces Day on Saturday 25th June. As a family we know how important this is because Jane’s father, Air Vice Marshall Sir George Harvey, played an important role in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.

Basket Ball, through the University, is a very successful sport in Worcester. Therefore I was delighted to welcome a delegation from the Lithuanian Basket Ball Federation. Mindaugas Balciuna (Secretary General of the Federation) and Tony Gouga, (the main sponsor of Lithuanian basketball) were accompanied by Mick Donovan who is Head of the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Worcester. It is hoped that both the men’s and women’s Lithuanian basketball teams will come to Worcester for pre-Olympic training.

The Worcester Royal Grammar School has an excellent track record for its music. This was well demonstrated at the School’s Commemoration Service at the Cathedral which Jane and I had the pleasure to attend. The Headmaster, Mr. Andy Rattue, says on the school’s website “I am also very proud of our positive outlook and the balance we achieve between the serious and lighter facets of school life”. This shone through today and the Headmaster is rightly proud.

A fortnight ago I met the Editor of the “Worcester News” and said that the printed media was important for our community. So I was pleased to have an informal meeting with Tim Clarke from the “Worcester Standard”.

Tuesday 21st: Just because you are Mayor does not mean no other Council commitments. So today I had a meeting of the Smokefree Worcestershire Tobacco Control Alliance which is run through the Department of Public Health. As a previous Consultant Physician in Worcester I feel very strongly about the damage that tobacco does to the health of our citizens. We must do all we can to help those who want to give up smoking and make the whole population aware of the severe dangers.

Keeping in touch with the City Council’s activities is also vital. A regular meeting with the Managing Director (Duncan Sharkey) and the Leader (Cllr. Simon Geraghty) of the City Council is an important way of doing that… we met today.

Jane and I continue to be impressed by the talent of our young people. This evening we attended a production of “Aladdin” at the Royal Grammar School, The Grange. We were enthralled by the acting and confidence of these Years 5 and 6 pupils. They are a real credit to themselves, their parents and the school. Congratulations too to Mr. Gareth Hughes (the Headmaster) and his staff.

Wednesday 22nd: Thirty visiting French students (aged 15 – 16 years) are quite a handful when touring the parlour and Guildhall…a visit to the cells under the Guildhall and associated stories usually dampens the boisterousness. They were here on a “Language Education Course”.

The Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust held its last AGM in Isaac Maddox House under the Chairmanship of Neil Lockwood. The Trust will now be dissolved and transfer its services to the new Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust. It was clear that a great deal has been achieved forming a firm base from which the new Trust can move forward effectively. I wish them well.

Thursday 23rd: Our City Council link with the Adentan Municipal Assembly (Council) in Ghana has been in existence for almost a year. This project, entirely funded by the Department for International Development, is progressing well. The team of volunteers, from across all parties, is advising this Assembly on “Local Economic Development” (LED). Already we are seeing outcomes in terms of locally established committees for LED, and especially for “Women in Business”, a first self-funding business newspaper (“Adentan News”) and evidence of increasing employment in small businesses. Today I chaired the Worcester team meeting to discuss the next phase which will include the production of a master plan for Adenta, training for business management and the establishment of a “Federation of Businesses”.

Worcester City is twinned with Kleve in Germany (see “Blog” 13th. June 2011) so it was a particular pleasure to welcome twelve students (aged 13 – 16 years), on an exchange visit to the Royal Grammar School, for a tour of the parlour and Guildhall.

“Worcester Live”, under the directorship of Chris Jaeger, does so much for the culture of our City. It gives us enormous pleasure, it educates us and it attracts visitors from outside Worcester which in turn contribute to our local economy. This evening was “Patron’s Evening” at the Swan Theatre. It was an informal gathering giving us all the opportunity to chat with Lord Faulkner (the Patron) and Chris about the future. The product of “Worcester Live” is for everyone: support it and enjoy it!!

Friday 24th: Worcester is clearly popular with Germany. Another group of 30 students (aged 14 – 15 years), currently on an exchange visit with the King’s School, came for a tour of the Guildhall.

Each year we look out for the peregrine falcons on St. Andrew’s tower and the Cathedral. Children love the event and this was shown in a display of art from Oldbury Park School. I assisted with judging the contributions from the 7 – 8 year olds. The other judges were Claire Williams, Erica Burlace (Crowngate Manager), and Caroline Adams and Sharon Boardman both from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. It was not an easy task. The winners will be presented with their prizes on 1st. July.

Saturday 25th: By now many will know that I have a passion for Africa and in particular for Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and Ghana. Therefore it was a thrill for me to welcome visitors from Chumbageni School, Tanga in Tanzania. It gave me a chance to practice my “ten” words of Swahili. There is a link between Chumbageni and Somers Park Primary School (Malvern). St. James (Malvern), Hanley Swan, Leigh and Bransford and Northleigh are also linked with schools in Tanga. Find out more on www.globalgateway.org.uk/default.aspx?page=3416

Imagine a ”group” of over 100 singers on the stage at the Swan Theatre with an enthusiasm second to none and a packed house and you’ll get some idea of the atmosphere this evening. Voices Unlimited Contemporary Choir was founded by Ria Keen and Anne Bradshaw in 2008. They entertained us with songs and music from the 1940’s to the 2000’s. The event was in aid of research into Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Sunday 26th: The Worcestershire Army Cadet Force League was founded in 1859 because of the threats from Napoleon. The Force’s mission today is “to help people between ages of 12 and 18 develop both personally and physically by providing a large range of fun, exciting, challenging and adventurous opportunities”. The 5th. Annual Luncheon, held today at the Chateau Impney Hotel, was a great and enjoyable occasion with Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant, Mr. Michael A. C. Brinton JP, KStJ present.

Now that was a busy week!!

Monday 13th: The Mayor is Honorary President of the Worcester Twinning Association. A meeting was held this evening in the parlour to discuss plans for taking forward our relationships with our twinned cities. Worcester City is twinned with Kleve – Germany, Le Vesinet- France and Worcester (Massachusetts) – USA and most recently with Ukmerge in Lithuania. In 2006 Worcester entered into a friendship agreement with Vernon, in France, where the Worcestershire regiment established a bridgehead in August 1944. This led to the liberation of Northern France and the Low Countries. These links between communities are important as I have said before and will go on repeating! Understanding, culture, exchanges, sport, learning, language, politics, peace…… all aspects of a twinning arrangement. Membership of the Association is open to anyone interested in improving international relations. So if you are interested more information is online at www.worcester-international-link.org.uk

Tuesday 14th: The “Take Pride in Worcester 2011” campaign was launched this morning with Mike Harrison (Head of Cleaner and Greener City) and me squatting in front of a huge pile of rubbish outside the Guildhall. This was a heap that had been collected that day from the streets of the City. And the cost: £25,000 each week. The cost could be reduced massively if we all took responsibility and did not drop our rubbish!!

“Worcester Live” is renowned for its Shakespeare play productions and especially outdoors at the Commandery. “Twelfth Night” was no exception…it was superb. Chris Jaeger and his team are to be congratulated. A wonderfully balmy evening…some competition between the actors and rather loud blackbirds singing away in a nearby tree.

Wednesday 15th: The Battle of Worcester Society held a planning meeting this morning. This year is the 360th. Anniversary of the Battle of Worcester. This was the last battle of the Civil War and was fought on 3rd. September 1651. It was a pivotal point in our history and everyone should know about it. The celebrations, including battle re-enactments, later this year will help us all understand this time in history more clearly. If you would like to know more about the Society then log on to www.battleofworcestersociety.org.uk. Why not join?

Thursday 16th: Worcester has contributed significantly to medical care for almost a thousand years from the time of St. Wulstan. There have been many establishments for the care of the infirm and some of the buildings remain to this day for example The Commandery, St. Oswald’s, Berkeley’s Hospital, Wyatt’s and Nash’s, Queen Elizabeth House. Worcester was one of the first cities to establish a County Hospital on 11th. January 1746 by Bishop Maddox. The building, in Silver Street, is still there and it is hoped that it will be restored.

Eventually a new hospital was designed (by Anthony Keck 1767), built in 1771 and became our much loved Worcester Royal Infirmary in Castle Street. It served the city well for over 200 years. My time working there (1976 – 1998) was a very happy period.

My friend, Mr. John Black, came to Worcester as a newly appointed Consultant Surgeon in 1978. I had arrived as a Consultant Physician two years earlier. John has made an enormous contribution to Worcester. He has been the President of the Royal College of Surgeons for the last three years. Today he was welcomed back to Worcester for a special meeting in the Charles Hastings Education Centre. I had the honour of opening this event. The highlight of John’s and my collaboration began when, with Dr. Doug Rosewarne (Consultant Radiologist), we launched the “CT Scanner Appeal” in 1987. It was an amazing next two years during which we raised in excess of £2 millions. The “Evening News” (now the “Worcester News”) got right behind the campaign. I am so grateful to the “Worcester News” for providing me with a number of the original photographs taken during the campaign.

Friday 17th: A very busy day! I began by welcoming Cllr. Angela Altair. Angela is a councillor in the Williamstown Ward of Hobsons Bay City Council (Australia) and is the Founder and President of the Williamstown Literary Festival (www.willylitfest.org.uk) in Melbourne. She came to the parlour with Lisa Ventura, the Director of our Worcestershire Literary Festival. We talked about the initiatives in Australia and the excitement about our literary festival that is launched today.

This is National Eye Health Week. Jane and I were really pleased to attend the “Sight Concern” “Eyes Right” project team’s stand in Bell Square (Crown Gate): simple eye tests were carried out as well as the provision of advice on sensible diets that promote the health of our eyes. There are some important facts about which we should be aware: 50% of sight loss in the UK is avoidable!! Seventy three per cent of people with sight loss of working age are unemployed: that’s 15 times that of the general population. If you want to know more contact “Sight Concern Worcestershire”; www.sightconcern.co.uk

I launched officially the first “Worcestershire Literary Festival” in the Cathedral this evening. The initial event was to select from ten finalists the first Poet Laureate for Worcestershire, “Bard of Worcestershire”. Amazing poetry, performances and talent!! A tough choice for the judges. The winner was Theo Theobald. Over the next ten days until 27th. June there will be over 100 literary events to enjoy. Well done Lisa, we are proud of you and your team! More information on www.worcslitfest.com.

Saturday 18th: A “catching up” day!!

Sunday 19th: The Civic Service took place in the Cathedral today (also Trinity Sunday and Father’s Day!) It was a most wonderful occasion on a lovely day with the Cathedral bells in full peel. Fifteen Visiting Civic Heads, eleven past Worcester City Mayors and in all 25 current Worcester City Councillors joined the procession. It was also a great honour to have the High Sheriff and Lord Lieutenant with us. Jane and I were delighted. We are so grateful to the Clergy and staff of the Cathedral for all the work and preparation that went into creating this event. A special “thank you” to the choir and the Dean, The Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, for his sermon that included an emphasis on pride in our City. Indeed this was a day to make us proud of our City.

Monday 6^th: Thinking ahead is so important for the mayoral role. Today Jane, Susan O’Kane and I met the “Flower Ladies” in the parlour to consider the flower arrangements for the Mayor’s Inaugural Banquet on 22^nd. July. What will be the theme be this year? Well, that’s a secret at the moment but I think it’ll be a pleasant surprise.

“An annoyance of mobile phones”, “A sample of statisticians” and a “Buffoonery of orang-utans” are just a few collective terms (perhaps somewhat humorous). But what is the collective term for a group or gathering of coroners? Any suggestions would be gratefully received.  The West Midlands and Central Wales Coroners’ Society met for lunch, to which I was invited, and its Annual General Meeting in the Guildhall.  Most interesting conversation at a most enjoyable occasion. During the AGM proceedings three of the ladies came on an informal tour of the Guildhall…the more of these tours I conduct the more I realise how lucky we are in Worcester to have such a fantastic building. If the front doors of the Guildhall are open anyone can walk in and look around. If the parlour door is open do come in!

Tuesday 7^th: As Mayor you become one of the Governors of the Bishop Lloyd Charity. We met today in the Chapter Office of the Cathedral. The charity assists children in need of help with certain education costs.

The “Power Park” Play Builder Play Area in St. Peter’s has been completed. It is based on the theme of the Civil War and Battle of Worcester in 1651. The children of Cherry Orchard Primary School had the idea so it was great that the children, with their head teacher, Jeremy Harwood, were there when I opened the play area. It was funded through the Government’s Playbuilder Scheme and the Health Leadership Fund and will be a valuable asset for the community.

The Office of Justice of the Peace celebrates its 650^th. anniversary this year. To this end there was a Judiciary Service and Evensong in the Cathedral. It was an honour for Jane and me to attend taking the traditional places, for the first time, for Mayor and Mayoress. It is a daunting experience to be in the front of such a large congregation in this vast building.

Wednesday 8^th: David Clark (past City councillor and Mayor) has a great interest in the history of the Guildhall. When he was Mayor (2001 -2002) he wrote some notes which are a valuable resource for successor mayors. Today David brought a group from the “Keenage Club” and with me took the members on a tour of the Guildhall finishing with “tea in the parlour”.

Twinning with overseas towns and cities is important. It contributes to our mutual understanding of each other, our cultures and problems. The City of Worcester is now officially twinned with Ukmerge Municipality in Lithuania. Councillor Jo Hodges, chairperson of the Worcester Twinning Association, and Terry Cole have recently made a visit to Ukmerge. They were wonderfully received and returned with the “Declaration” of our twinning which now has the signatures of the two Mayors. The “Declaration” states: “The most important aim of this twinning is to promote the peaceful relationship which exists between our two countries. This will involve the fostering of social and cultural relationships, to work for a better understanding between our two peoples. Above all we wish to encourage our young people to get to know one another through mutual visits, and by forming friendships through sport, cultural and other activities”.

Katie Love is in the BBC show called “So You Think You Can Dance”. She is through to the final on Saturday 11^th June. Good luck Katie, Worcester is rooting for you!! Katie’s parents, John and Susan Love, came to the Guildhall with many friends and supporters for a photo-opportunity to encourage Katie. It was a particular surprise to me because Susan Love and I found we had worked together many years ago at Ronkswood Hospital.

Thursday 9^th: As Mayor you still have City Council responsibilities and today that included a meeting of the Planning Committee.

The High Sherriff of Worcestershire, Lady Morrison, lives in a magnificent part of the countryside: Madresfield Court, Malvern. Jane and I enjoyed a drinks party there this evening. It was such a pleasurable opportunity to meet so many people in all varieties of public life.

Friday 10^th: The local printed media are so important for our City so I was pleased to have an informal chat, in the parlour, with Peter John (Editor) and David Paine of the “Worcester News”. We covered a wide range of issues and in particular the need to get everyone on board in taking pride in Worcester. I know newspapers have to sell to remain viable and hence the style of “headlines”. But I was encouraged by Peter’s and David’s genuine wish to promote the City.

The Friends of the Worcestershire Royal Hospital raise funds that add just that important extra to the comfort and care of patients. They held their AGM this evening in the Charles Hastings Postgraduate Centre. It was a fascinating event with Professor Richard Lewis giving a talk on the portraits that now hang in the Board Room of the old Worcester Royal Infirmary (Castle Street). These portraits tell the story of healthcare in Worcester from the time of Bishop Maddox who founded the first County Hospital in Silver Street in 1746.

Saturday 11^th: The Church of St. Martin in the London Road achieves its Centenary of consecration and dedication this year. To celebrate a Sung Eucharist was held today on the Feast of St. Barnabas the Apostle. The Celebrant was The Right Reverend Dr. John Inge, Bishop of Worcester, who preached on the theme of “Friendship”. Jane and I were especially pleased to have been invited: so many of our friends were there from the Worcester South East Team of churches and the Rector, The Reverend Canon Ken Boyce, who is my mayoral chaplain.

Sunday 12^th: The Worcester “Race for Life” (over 5km.) took place this morning from Pitchcroft to Angel Place. A cold wet day but still competitors came in their thousands…yes! thousands! Jane and I helped at the start of the race and greeted everyone at the finish with a medal: we were drenched but this mattered not. The support for this women-only fundraising event was tremendous showing just how important the community regards research into the management of cancer. This “Race for Life” began in 1994 and has made huge contributions to Cancer Research UK. One in three of us is likely to be affected by cancer at some stage in our life. Worcester as usual is playing its part by being involved in trials to find the best treatment for a type of leukaemia and drug and radiotherapy after breast cancer surgery.

Wychavon District Council held its Civic Service this afternoon in St. Michael’s Church, Salwarpe. Councillor Tony Miller is the new Chairman. Jane and I were pleased to join Tony and his wife, Katherine, for this celebration. The Rev. Jeff Porter (the Chairman’s chaplain) was the preacher in which he used the theme “Always treat others as you would like them to treat you” (Matthew Ch. 7, v.12). Maybe the world really would be a better place if we did just that.

The “Take Pride in Worcester 2011” campaign (13^th June – 16^th July) is a partnership initiative between the City Council and the “Worcester News”. The next “Britain’s Cleanest City” competition will be run in 2013. So “come on Worcester” let’s claim the award! It can be done if we work together throughout our communities.

By the way, have you heard?!! “Worcester has been chosen for the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Route. The world’s most prolific sporting event (has become) a little closer to home with the announcement that the famous Olympic Flame will be carried through Worcester in the final run up to London 2012. An Olympic torchbearer will arrive in Worcester on Thursday 24 May 2012.”

Monday 30th: No Mayoral engagements on this Bank Holiday so I had time to do some catching up and especially on the City Council’s Local Economic Development project with the Adentan Municipal Assembly in Ghana. It is progressing well at zero cost to Worcester and fully funded by the Commonwealth Local Government Forum through the Department for International Development. I am so grateful to the team (20 or so) of Worcester City Councillors, Officers and others who have volunteered to assist. The visit to Ghana in October last year was a great success as was the visit by an Adentan delegation in February. Already we are seeing fruits for our joint efforts and the programme has been running for only 10 months: groups set up to oversee business development and especially “Women in Business”, a Business Newspaper, monitoring of increase in employee numbers and we are hoping to assist with a Master Plan for this 150,000 populated district which has been an administrative assembly (i.e. a district council) for only four years.

Tuesday 31st: Worcester City is twinned with Worcester Massachusetts. Lord Faulkner of Worcester undertook a visit to Worcester Massachusetts last August. He “was greeted with great warmth by everyone (he) met, and without exception were keen to establish new contacts and renew existing ones”. There are so many opportunities and suggestions: sport, cultural, business, churches, schools and colleges, the University, councillor visits, Rotary Club links, etc. I was so pleased to meet Lord Faulkner with William O’Brien (an attorney serving on the International Centre’s Committee in Worcester Massachusetts) and Councillor Jo Hodges, chairman of the Worcester Twinning Association in the parlour this morning. We considered many issues. As someone who is passionate about international links I will do all I can to assist.

In the Randall room of the Guildhall we have on display a letter dated 2^nd April 1999 from President Bill Clinton in which he says:

“….. This special relationship reflects the warm friendship between our two nations, based on shared values and ideals. We have the same commitment to liberty and a common belief in the promise of peace and prosperity and we share the same hope for a bright future. I am confident that your Twin City status will offer all your citizens an exciting opportunity to learn more about our common bonds and strengthen the ties of friendship that have linked our two countries for so long.

“I am delighted to extend warm greetings to the citizens of Worcester, Massachusetts and Worcester, England as you officially establish your Twin City relationship”

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is a major supporter of heart (cardiac) diseases research and those who suffer from them. I used to be a consultant cardiologist at the Worcester Royal Infirmary and many years ago president of the Worcester Branch of the BHF. I met Jemma Curran (Regional Events Organiser of the BHF) at the Guildhall for a photo call to advertise the Worcester Bike Ride that will take place on Sunday 26^th June. Heart diseases affect thousands of people of all ages from childhood to old age. We all know someone. So much more can now be done effectively…what a change I have seen since I came to Worcester in 1976!! If you would like to know more or get involved then contact the BHF Events team on 0800 1693672 or go online at www.bhf.org.uk/worcester

The Mayor’s parlour is a treasure trove of wonderful objects and children love coming in to see them: the ceremonial sword (1655), the maces (1760), the Mayor’s chain and Mayoress’ chain and the Silver Tank which originally contained the scroll of honour for Colonel Hankey when he received the honorary freedom of the City in December 1917. Mrs. Isobel Maher brought her two grand-daughters, Hatty and Elizabeth, to the parlour for a brief tour and “cup of tea”.

This evening I attended the Countess Huntingdon Hall with Lord Faulkner and William O’Brien for a “private” performance of a thirty minutes play by Chris Jaeger about the Battle of Worcester. Brilliant with a minimum of props: an important history lesson. The ‘Worcester City of Liberty’ project is a Heritage Lottery Funded project that is the result of a partnership between The Battle of Worcester Society and “Worcester Live”. The project utilises a TIE Schools Tour, Street Theatre, Guided City Walks, and a Radio Docu-drama to engage members of the public with the heritage surrounding the Battle of Worcester and its ramifications. The project is being delivered by Worcester Live and is completely free of charge to take part in as a school or member of the public. For more information please visit http://www.worcester-cityofliberty.t83.net

Wednesday 1st: I called into the Castle Street campus of the University to take some photographs of and within the old Worcester Royal Infirmary (WRI) buildings for a talk I am to give on 16^th. June. John Black FRCS, PRCS, (President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England) will be making his last Presidential visit to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital. John was a Surgeon for almost the same period as I was a Physician at the WRI. This is a great opportunity to highlight what Worcester has contributed to medical care.

Thursday 2nd: The Queen’s coronation took place 58 years ago today: 2^nd June 1953.

Friday 3rd: This is Volunteers’ Week and a Volunteering Fair was held in the Guildhall today. Sally Ellison (Worcester Volunteer Centre) guided Jane and me around the thirty stands so we could meet the representatives and hear more of their work. They deserve our support as their contributions to our communities are huge. More help is always needed. So if anyone would like to get involved then find out more from www.worcestervolunteercentre.org.uk. To quote from the website: “Volunteering is about giving some of your time to help others in the community.  Develop new skills, feel valued, meet new people, improve existing skills”

Saturday 4th: There is nothing like music and singing to bring the community together and that is what happened in the Cathedral this evening. The English Association of Male Voice Choirs (hosted by the Worcester Male Voice Choir) with 250 choristers gave a concert to a packed audience in aid of St. Richard’s Hospice and Acorns. James Landale, the BBC’s Deputy Political Editor, was the celebrity compere and all supported by Claire Bessent, the Guest Soloist and Holborne Brass, the Guest Brass Ensemble, with Darren Hogg as Guest Organist. A perfect evening in a glorious setting that Jane and I thoroughly enjoyed.

Sunday 5th: An emotional day saying our farewell to Ellie and Duncan Ballard from St. Philip and St. James Church (Whittington) and St. Mark’s in the Cherry Orchard. The Rev. Duncan Ballard will be greatly missed. We wish him and Ellie all happiness in their new work at Hampton in Arden (where he will be installed on 5^th July) and as Chaplain to Birmingham Airport.