Mayor of Worcester

Now I’m no sports journalist – I’ll leave that to the professionals – but how do I do justice to the game we watched last Friday at the University Arena?

Worcester’s Severn Stars Netball team played Manchester Thunder and came within a cat’s whisker of winning.  The play was fast with continuous attack, and aggressive with a sheer determination to win. The Stars who only came together in 2017 were winning at half time but lost by one point in the closing seconds of the game.  Disappointing for them I’m sure, but an incredibly exciting game for the spectators. Ten out of ten for their efforts.

As I wrote last week, the variety of mayoral engagements is huge, and this week was no different.  In contrast to the game, on Tuesday I met with the Rev. Doug Chaplin, who was responsible for arranging the Holocaust Day memorial event at the Guildhall last month.  He was truly surprised at the numbers of you who came to watch and take part in what was a very moving ceremony.

On Tuesday Alison and I also entertained a group of volunteers from the Worcestershire Parents and Carers Association.  This is a group concerned with not just children with disabilities, but the families who look after them – ensuring there is assistance available to help prevent isolation.  It was a pleasure to entertain them and I do believe that they enjoyed the visit.

The Mayor, at the beginning of their term in office, selects charities to support.  In doing so there are various events put on throughout the year to raise money for them, and of course this takes quite a bit of organisation.  So this week I met with representatives from Headway, Onside Advocacy and Victim Support to co-ordinate some up and coming events.

Catering, entertainment and volunteers to assist all have to be arranged.  I really do appreciate all the very professional help I get with this from those volunteers and our own Civic Office.  I do hope you will be able to support these occasions.  Please keep a look out at www.worcester.gov.uk for the dates and times and if you have the opportunity, come on down to one, I’m certain you will enjoy the evening!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I became Mayor of Worcester, previous incumbents told me that it would not only be the busiest year of my life but also the quickest.  They have been proved right!  I have been genuinely surprised at the number of engagements which I have been invited to undertake – and the time really has flown. Alison and I have done everything from meeting members of the royal family and attending formal Annual General Meetings, to opening a local fast-food outlet.  I believe that the Mayor is there to promote Worcester itself – and I’m happy to help raise the profile of local businesses and organisations in any way I can.

In May a new Mayor will be appointed – so I want to continue to work to value our local volunteers in the remaining time.  If any organisation out there wants to give something back to their volunteers, I’d be happy to host them in the Mayor’s Parlour for afternoon tea and a tour of the Guildhall.  You can contact me via civicoffice@worcester.gov.uk to arrange this.

This week I was very pleased to see students from our twinned town Kleve, Germany, visiting the City.  I was able to tell them a little about Worcester’s history, and they were keen to mention similarities with their home town and suggest we could look to a greater association.

On Friday there were two engagements.  The first was at The Hive where we viewed the designs of the giraffes for the “Worcester Stands Tall” event, which St Richard’s Hospice is hoping to raise money through sponsorship.  The artistry was excellent, making it extremely difficult to choose the pattern of the giraffe that should represent Worcester City.  They will be there this weekend, if you would like to take a look.

That evening we were treated to piano recitals by senior pianists at the Royal Grammar School.  They were exceptional – as was Ms Marina Staneva, an international soloist who played a number of pieces by European composers.

There’s only four weeks to go now until my Tandem Skydive.  No real nerves yet – just pure fear setting in!  If you would like to sponsor me to raise money for my chosen charities Headway, Onside Advocacy and Victim Support, please visit the website Virgin Money Giving and search for Steve Mackay.  Thank you.

 

 

I do believe that the Mayor’s role is all about inclusiveness: not forgetting smaller groups in society who appreciate support but are not always in the public eye.  Therefore it was a pleasure to visit the Ex-Servicemen’s Club in Barbourne last Friday to help celebrate the work of those in the community prepared to assist previous members of our Armed Forces.  If you were in any of the services and would like to make contact, then you would be made most welcome there.

On Saturday I was pleased to host the Holocaust Memorial Day at the Guildhall.  Organised by Rev. Doug Chaplin and ably assisted by James Atkinson, the morning was spent listening to readings from students of Bishop Perowne School and a remarkable account from Barbara Winton of the work of her father, Sir Nicholas Winton, who became known as the English ‘Schindler’.  Through his work many children were rescued from Czechoslovakia on the eve of the Second World War.  It was not only a moving ceremony but also informative, acting as a reminder of what can happen if people do not speak out against tyranny.

During the week the Guildhall was also used by members of Sight Concern to hold their AGM and supporters meeting.  We heard from a young lady who is working hard to overcome her sight loss with the help of Sight Concern.  Their services are allowing her to become more engaged within the community.  After this came an explanation on how technology is supporting those who have little or no vision – such as computer applications which not only give verbal information but can also control electrical devices around the home.  Such advances are invaluable for many with disabilities.

On Friday afternoon Alison and I hosted volunteers from the Citizens Advice Bureau at the Guildhall.  This was a large group who provide a great deal of free confidential information to the public on financial, legal, consumer and other issues.

Now returning to the subject of inclusiveness: during the evening we visited the Yelland Theatre at the Worcester University to hear Lord Christopher Holmes (a superb Paralympian) speak on that very subject.  As a teenager Lord Holmes lost his sight practically overnight.

 

He had been a keen swimmer but after this tragic event in his life, he chose to overcome the boundaries and take on those that would exclude people with disabilities.  As well as winning Gold medals in Spain he took on a huge role in organising the 2012 Paralympics in London.  There really is not enough room in this column for me to describe how his involvement made the Games the success they were.  Suffice to say it has made me think of how we as a council must continually address the needs of all.