Mayor’s Diary: 20 – 26 January 2018

Mayor’s Diary: 20 – 26 January 2018

While over the past year I have spent a considerable amount of time at our wonderful Cathedral, last Saturday I was invited to a smaller but just as inviting place of worship at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Severn Street. The occasion was for an investiture and to give their young Adventurers and Pathfinders (the equivalent of Scouts) awards for their achievements. The congregation thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and the children were delighted to receive their certificates and badges.

On Monday I was privileged to host the annual lunch for the trustees, volunteers and staff of the Royal Worcester Porcelain Museum. Normally held at the museum itself, while refurbishments were taking place it was considered that the Guildhall would be the perfect alternative. If you didn’t already know, while it is being renovated, the museum shop is also situated in the Guildhall, so if you are in the High Street take a moment and pop in.

That afternoon the Mayoress and I entertained a young couple in the parlour whose baby was born some 20 seconds into Christmas Day. Alison and myself met them in the hospital that day and were very pleased to see that their baby, Klara was doing so well. Dad had done some research and believed Klara was probably the first born in the country on that day, but he’s yet to confirm it.

Tuesday evening was different again, as we were invited to the Swan Theatre by Kays Theatre Group to see their production of Aladdin. Widow Twanky with ‘her’ brilliant Midlands accent who thought everything was ‘Bostin’ was brilliant to watch. It was a great performance by all the cast and the theatre group, now into their 64th panto season, are already looking forward to staging Jack and the Beanstalk next year.

The next day it was cutting a ribbon once again. This time it was to open the new Oasis Hub in the grounds of the Academy School in Warndon. Once an old bungalow for a caretaker, it has been transformed by the work of Fortis Living and many Worcester companies. Once again people have given up so much of their time to bring a project together that will benefit children, teachers and the community as a whole.

And finally Thursday evening was spent at the Guildhall at the Take Pride in Worcester event, celebrating the work of volunteers throughout the City. In the past year they have given some 5,000 hours of their time on parks and green spaces alone. That’s 1,000 more than the previous year, showing that even more people are getting involved. That’s not counting all the associations, charities, schools etc – when they’re included, the figure is increased incredibly. If you would like to consider being involved please use the Worcester City Council’s website.

Thanks for helping the city and being community conscious.

Mayor’s Diary: 12 – 19 January 2018

Mayor’s Diary: 12 – 19 January 2018

As we move towards the end of January, my diary is starting to fill up for this new year!

This week I was able to catch up with representatives from my chosen charities to talk over the up and coming events which I hope will raise money for their causes.

There were a number to talk about: a concert brass evening, a medical lecture, a quiz night and my Charity Dinner – the latter will be held on 23 March at the Guildhall.  Entertainment for the evening will be provided by Starbuck Theatre Company from Birmingham, singing songs from the West End and Broadway Musicals.  An auction and raffle will be held on the evening and tickets are available for £30 each.  If you would like to book tickets or need further information, please email civicoffice@worcester.gov.uk

Wednesday afternoon was really enlightening; we entertained four Year 7 children from Worcester’s New College.  One young lady was partially sighted, and the three boys had no vision.  They wanted to visit the Parlour to discover more about the role of the mayor and councillors, as well as to learn about the history of Worcester and Guildhall in particular.

The children held various artefacts in the Parlour, discovering their shape and texture.  On an embossed wall carving they could recognise the castle and three pears that symbolise Worcester.  I think the children particularly enjoyed being able to wear the Mayor’s robes and chain.

Continuing with my focus on volunteering, Alison and I also entertained the ladies of the Worcester Floral Arrangement Society in the Parlour.  They give their time generously to arrange flowers for the Cathedral and sometimes the Guildhall too.  Additionally they hold ‘Junior’ mornings (third Saturday of every month at Hallow Community Hall) where young people are encouraged to learn this art.

And finally, hoping you won’t get bored with hearing about this, I’m on a countdown of approximately six weeks until my Tandem Skydive.  No butterflies setting in yet – other than to say now it’s getting nearer, the notion of being pushed out of the aircraft is fast moving from concept to reality!  Iff you would care to sponsor this ridiculous behaviour then please go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SteveMackay  It really is appreciated –Thank you.

 

 

Mayor’s Week: 5 – 11 January 2018

Mayor’s Week: 5 – 11 January 2018

Last Saturday I enjoyed a pleasant evening in Bewdley.  The Mayor there, Mrs Anna Coleman, has a Russian heritage and so in an effort to raise funds for her chosen charities, arranged a Russian Christmas Celebration evening for guests.  All the food was prepared by her and her son, while the entertainment was made up of everyday games played in Russian homes. A very good idea, with the proceeds going to help local people.

Reverend Doug Chaplin and I met this week to discuss Worcester’s Holocaust Memorial Day Service, which will be held at the Guildhall at 10.30am on Saturday 27 January.  Please come along and join us for this moving ceremony – people all over the world will be attending similar events in their local community.

Later in the week Alison and I were invited to attend the Blessed Edward Oldcorne School Career Fair.  This event has run for the last three years and judging by the interest shown by the students, it was a real success.

The emphasis was on the digital market with not only Oxford University, local colleges and local industries aiming to recruit individuals, but also the armed forces.  Speaking with both representatives and the students themselves, it is apparent that not only is it important to have jobs available but also for information about them to be easily accessible, to help students make the best career choices.

From now until the end of my mayoral year in May I will be focusing on raising more funds for my chosen charities: Headway, Onside Advocacy and Victim Support.  There will be a Mayor’s Charity Dinner featuring Broadway Music from Starbuck Theatre Group on 23 March; a Concert Brass evening on 13 April and a Medical Lecture on 17 April.

If you would like to come to any of these you would be most welcome! Additionally I’m doing a Charity Skydive on 7 March – just trying to raise a few extra pounds and probably lose a few (in weight) through fear. I am still seeking more sponsors so if you did feel able to make a donation, please go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search for Steve Mackay, where any amount may be pledged. Thank you.

 

Mayor’s Week: 28 December – 4 January

Mayor’s Week: 28 December – 4 January

Well first of all, A Happy New Year to you all and I wish everyone a healthy 2018.  From what I’ve heard and seen so far, this season seems to be no different from last year with people going down with ‘flu, colds and generally feeling unwell, so good luck in avoiding those bugs!

The last couple of weeks haven’t been quite so busy for me but those engagements I have attended have been quite exceptional. The Worcester News held their carol service at the Cathedral, while children and staff from Cherry Orchard Primary School performed their Nativity Service there; both quite different, but sharing a traditional happy theme with the congregations really enjoying the moment.

It was a pleasure to be invited to the 100th Birthday of Vera Keenan of Worcester, a lady who has given so much of her time to helping others in various roles over the years.   Now only having partial sight she appreciated the party put on by her daughters, relatives and friends at the hall in St George’s Church.  Some very nice tributes were paid to Vera regarding her charitable work.

On Saturday 23 December I visited the Worcester Countryside Park to start the Park Run.  I was genuinely surprised at the numbers of people who turned out on this cool morning to take part in the run (a few hundred on this occasion), and once again how many volunteers also arrived to act as stewards to facilitate it.  This is yet another event that would not take place without their support.

Since Christmas there have only been a couple more events which I attended with Alison, as well as my children and grandchildren.  The first was the Big Swan Feed at South Quay.  Here again a number of people turned up with their children to feed all the swans in the sanctuary.  They don’t do quite so well for food at this time of year, so all help is gratefully received by the Swan Sanctuary Volunteers.

And finally to the Swan Theatre (see what I did there?) where Dame Ginny and the cast of Sleeping Beauty put on an excellent performance.  The audience were enthralled, the children totally engaged, and me suitably embarrassed by the attentions of the said Dame.

Congratulations to them all.