Mayor of Worcester

The marking of the first anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine was a sombre reminder that we live in a dangerous world. A large number of displaced people with uncertain futures gathered with us at the Guildhall in respect and defiance, many of whom I had the pleasure of meeting last summer. But it is a shame that they still have to be here.

The Military Service Cadets’ awards evening passed off with  precision mid-week, but I feared a little for the boots on the floor of the Guildhall Assembly Room. Congratulations not only to the cadets but also to their instructors and units.

The range of musical and cultural endeavour was on show too, with the Ukelele Band putting up with me strumming again, this time in support of Acorns, and then the launch of Sound and Art at St Swithun’s Church, the newly-restored building now an arts venue, supported by the Churches Conservation Trust.

I had seen behind the scaffolding while the work was going on and the restoration is wonderful, bringing back into life a close link with the Mayors of the 1700s who have a chair and sword rest below the pulpit.

My main visitors to the Mayor’s Parlour were two young people from New College Worcester who enjoyed the detail of the mayor’s chain, sword, maces and robes. It was a privilege to show off our heritage, with no barriers to access.

And talking of heritage, Rotary celebrated 100 years since Sir Arthur Carlton – my predecessor and famous for having the only mayoress to be shot out of a cannon and naming a tank after his daughter, Cynthia – established a club in Worcester.

Finally, I caught up with Steve Cram and Paula Radcliffe promoting this year’s Worcester Runs amongst the business community. I joined after their jog for a pastry and coffee, but the running shoes are still on ice.

Spring must be on its way as Light Night was back this week – hopefully not for the last time. Some great creativity on show, loads and loads of people, and the city showing off how well it gets this immersive culture. Desk lamps took us back to the 70s and there was real fire!!

One of my charities, Severn Arts leads this part of the Arches Project. Now we look forward to fully opening up the Arches from Foregate Street.

Shining a light on the city’s finances, this was budget week and I chaired the Council voting on the coming year’s plans. Not as argumentative as some years but not unanimous either. And we debated a few other issues of import you can read about elsewhere.

I had tea and cake with Alderman Liz Smith as she and her husband kindly donated a goblet made to mark the anniversary in 1971 of Worcester’s Charter. They seem very scarce and I was pleased to receive one for the City a couple of years after we celebrated that 400th Anniversary of James I making my predecessor, Edward Hurdman, first mayor.

After visiting some more community art and creativity, this time with Crave Arts in my own Ward on KGV, I showed a group of the Worcestershire Parent and Carers’ Community, a local charity that supports nearly 300 children with disabilities/additional needs, around the Guildhall. A fun and interesting visit where we all learned something I think.

I was given a taste of the Michael Parkinson experience too when an old friend of the Council, Robin, interviewed me about my life and experience of being a councillor and Mayor. An ambition realised for both of us I think.

And sharing a learning point from the Mayor Ale Trail round two, find food.

 

 

I went to one of those events this week that helps bring some perspective. A cup of tea with the Young at Heart charity which supports families of children with heart conditions. Closely linked to Birmingham Children’s Hospital they of course have members across our county offering advice and support, and even setting up a Dad’s Club.

History was alive and well in Worcester over the weekend with re-enactors popping up around every corner. From Saxon to GI the Living History event engaged 5000 visitors and residents at Tudor House, Greyfriars, the Commandery and the Guildhall. Authenticity is key, and the chance to see and touch things really fleshes out what we know from the written words of history. I love to see a Marmaluke taking a selfie!

Despite being a relatively small city, Worcester still has a number of strong pocket communities, one of which, the Arbo, was lit up recently with windows adorned with a range of images, fairies, stiltmen on bicycles, and the sound of steam trains. The eponymous trees were bathed in different colours and everyone wandered round the mild evening in complete safety. This lovely event also featured Dancefest and really shows a great community spirit.

I received a visitor to the Parlour from the north-east and finished the week chairing Worcester’s Twinning Association. They are getting back on their feet again after the restrictions in movement across borders imposed by Covid. The Association have an impressive programme for the coming year, of visits and links in Europe, and always welcome new members.

We were back to the start again after the formal business, as Richard from the Battle of Worcester Society gave his take on the English Revolution and Charles’ (then only King of Scots) escape from Worcester and the last battle of the English Civil Wars.

 

Worcester has been entertaining students from its twinned town of Kleve in Germany these last two weeks. It was good to get these links back up and running after the pandemic and to see international visitors touring the Guildhall.

We had some locals in as well, with an event all about the history of the Guildhall and its origins since 1227 for Worcestershire Ambassadors. Served with local pies and local cheese, they got a taste of life in the cells too, before seeing the magnificent Assembly Rooms. We have only four years to crack on with plans to mark the 800th anniversary.

The front of the Guildhall is ornate, detailed and eye-catching, but in style and age the Old Bishop’s Palace on Deansway is very comparable, and has a much better view of the river – even in the dark! The Bishop was kind enough to invite a few of us to mix and network and I came away with quite a list of things to do and people to contact, both for work and the Council.

I have attended two funerals this week of men significant not just in their own communities but also for the wider Worcester. Jem Richardson, who I propped with many times in my rugby days, was a newsagent et al of St. John’s, passionate, genial, avuncular and well-liked. He was a stalwart of the rugby club. And then Ali Asghar, a founder of the Muslim Welfare Association and Racial Equality Council. Another friendly, genuine man who crossed the boundaries of the city. Both sadly missed, before their time.

Finally, my Mayor-Ale Trail kicked off successfully in The Tything this week. Pubs give support and social contact to people and are often the heart of a community but are suffering through the cost-of-living crisis, coming after the closures of the pandemic. I won’t bore you with a tale of each one every week but keep your eye on Twitter and join me!