Mayor of Worcester

As we enter November, during the early part of this month we focus on remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedoms.  We also recognise and celebrate those who have gained their academic and vocational qualifications.

On Sunday the mayoress and I joined other dignitaries in Gheluvelt Park for the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association Service. The service was conducted by Rev Colin Butler and wreaths were laid at the memorial. Afterwards I joined members of the Regimental Association at Barbourne Ex-Servicemen’s Club.

On Monday I was at the University of Worcester Graduation Dinner in the Worcester Arena. It was a fantastic occasion – especially for the graduates from 2020 and 2021 at the dinner. I was seated next to Christopher Burdon, who was awarded a University Fellowship at the Graduation Ceremony in the Cathedral the following day.

It was a privilege to attend the following morning’s graduation ceremony and see the many nursing graduates receive their degrees. The University Chancellor HRH The Duke of Gloucester was in attendance and in my capacity as Mayor, I was honoured to be seated next to him on the platform. Before the graduation ceremony we were given a tour of the newly opened Undercroft at the Cathedral; this space is already proving its worth for educational and cultural activities.

On Wednesday it was time to recognise the achievements of apprentices across Herefordshire and Worcestershire at the Annual Apprentice Awards Evening at Sixways Stadium. Certificates were presented to apprentices in Commerce and Engineering, with special awards for those with outstanding performance. Due to Covid restrictions last year awards for both 2020 and 2021 were given out.

Finally, as I mentioned in my column last week, Worcester has just hosted the Elgar Festival. On Saturday the mayoress and I attended the Gala Concert in the Cathedral and heard a fantastic rendition of Elgar’s Enigma Variations performed by the Worcestershire based English Symphony Orchestra.

 

This week has been relatively quiet regarding mayoral engagements, probably a reflection on it being half term. On Sunday morning I joined members of the Worcester Vigornia Rotary Club in planting crocus bulbs in St. Andrew’s Gardens to mark “End Polio Now Day” – an annual event held on 24 October. The vaccine developed 65 years ago by Dr Jonas Salk has meant Polio has almost been eradicated worldwide and only exists in a few pockets where there is still resistance to the vaccine. Food for thought while we are advised to take our Covid and Flu immunisations.

On Thursday I was pleased to welcome Lord Richard Faulkner to the Guildhall to give the Mayor’s Annual Lecture on Railways of Worcester, Past, Present and Future. As a bit of a train buff myself, I was thrilled to hear his fascinating talk at this event that raised funds for my mayoral charities.

On Friday I opened the Severn Angels Housing and Support accommodation which supports homeless women in Worcester. After cutting the ribbon I gave a short speech about the homeless issue in Worcester and why we need to collectively come together to tackle this situation and improve the quality of life for these individuals. The event stressed importance of same-sex accommodation to help end homelessness for women.

Worcester loves a festival, and this weekend we celebrate the life and works of Sir Edward Elgar. This festival began in 2018 and came about as a result of a motion to Council from my previous fellow ward councillor Alan Feeney. On Friday evening I attended the Festival Launch Reception, followed by a concert featuring Elgar’s Strings with Raphael Wallfisch and the English Symphony Orchestra.

There are many events taking place over the weekend.  Further information on how to purchase tickets can be found on the festival website at https://elgarfestival.org.

This morning I am outside the Guildhall for the launch of the 2021 Royal British Legion Worcestershire County Poppy Appeal. This is always a moving occasion, where representatives from the British Legion are in attendance and the bugler sounds the Last Post.

 

Last Sunday the Mayoress and I were at St John’s Church in Bromsgrove for the Civic Service of Bromsgrove District Council, to support the Chairman, Councillor Rod Laight in his year of office.  On Friday we also attended his charity Wine Tasting and Grazing event, which was held at the Old Rose and Crown, Lickey.

On Tuesday I was delighted to re-open the newly refurbished outdoor pitches at Perdiswell Leisure Centre. The new, luscious 4G pitches at Perdiswell are a big improvement on the old AstroTurf.  After cutting the ribbon I met members of the Walking Football club who were using the facility. Walking football is an enjoyable way for older adults who enjoy football to socialise and keep fit.

The highlight of the week was on Thursday, when I attended Light Night Worcester 2021 – a free event that is part of the series of Arches Festivals that continue to take place around our city. The mayoress and I met Min Sowden from Severn Arts and the organisers and sponsors of the event at the Undercroft in the Cathedral beforehand.

When dusk fell, we joined the queue to see “Lilliput by imitating the dog” at the Old Palace. As both residents and representatives of Warndon Villages, it was a thrill to see local children from the Lyppard Grange Primary school being projected onto the façade of the Old Palace showing their imaginative ideas.

In Cathedral Square the crowds were entertained and amazed by two giant stag puppets that comprised “Ghost Caribou”, performed by the Thingumajig Theatre. Wearing my mayoral chain, I handed out mayoral badges to many happy children.

As Mayor I spent many hours in the Guildhall, and it was therefore fantastic to see “Ring the Changes” by Illuminos. This incredible illuminated display projected onto the front of the building told the story of Worcester’s past and some of the many Guilds the city used to have. There were a total of eight sets of projection art and performances around the city centre.

Finally, this morning I made a speech in the Guildhall to celebrate Black History Month. In my speech I acknowledged the hard history many black people have experienced, but also pointed out the many achievements they have made.

On Friday 8 October I had my first Royal engagement when the Mayoress and I went to St. Barnabas School and was presented to HRH The Princess Royal (Princess Anne). As part of the Queen’s Green Canopy Jubilee tree planting campaign, a tree was planted in the school grounds. Along with the excited school children who lined the playing field, I was joined by the Chairman of the County Council Steve McKay, the High Sheriff Richard Amphlett and other guests.

We also saw the Princess Royal later, at the Unlocking the Severn Project at Diglis. This included my first visit to the new fish pass viewing gallery, which is now open to visits. During our time by the glass viewing window, we spotted just one salmon. I was assured you would see more fish if you visited the viewing gallery at other times!

On Sunday my Civic Service was held in the Cathedral; one of the highlights of the mayoral year. This was originally going to take place in July, but with relaxed covid restrictions now in place, it meant the service could be held with a larger congregation and the singing of hymns. The title of the service “Coming Back Together” reflected my mayoral theme, with the sermon from the Dean and the Bishop in attendance, who gave the blessing.

After the service I hosted guests in the Guildhall. I also met two family cousins for the first time, who live in Malvern and are descendants from my Great Uncle, who was Chief Constable with the Worcester City Police for many years.

Finally on Thursday I went to Hartlebury to witness the auction of the elephants that decorated our city over the summer and brought so much pleasure after miserable periods of lockdown. By the time you read this, we will know how much has been raised for St. Richard’s Hospice.