Mayor of Worcester

Yet another diverse week, giving me the opportunity of meeting individuals and groups from both locally and afar.

While one evening saw me entertaining a group of ‘Rainbows’ (young Brownies) at the Parlour and giving them some of the more entertaining history of Worcester (complete with a trip to the cells), another afternoon was spent with visitors from Halmstad University, Sweden.  The Vice Chancellor there, Stephen Hwang, was visiting Worcester University with a group of colleagues on a fact finding trip.  They took time to visit the Guildhall to discover a little more about Worcester, and commented that it was not dissimilar to their own city.

And that was not the only group of visitors from abroad this week.  I was able to welcome members of a friendship and business delegation from Hezhou, in the Guangxi Zhuang region of China.  This is not the first time their city representatives have visited Worcester in a bid to both preserve and foster cultural and economic relationships.

On Saturday Alison and I were at the Perdiswell Swimming Pool where the first Open meeting, since the pool became operational, took place.  There were some very exciting events from swimmers across the country with a ‘Skin’s’ Competition, which basically means some very fast swimming by male and female contestants.

In contrast we visited Claines Church at the weekend to hear a number of pieces of Chamber music performed by Astaria.  This quartet is very supportive of young people throughout the county becoming more involved with music and actually taking up instruments.  I hope their Festival weekend was a success.

This week we were also at the Hive Library which had been selected to host the School Librarian of the year award.  This attracted visitors from London, Scotland and Dublin.  All those who I spoke to were very impressed with this facility marvelling at the space available, the assistance provided and selection of books available.

And finally we visited the premises of Worcestershire Parents and Carers Community in Worcester.  While having three part time paid staff the centre which provides support and respite assistance to parents is effectively run by a group of volunteers, all dedicated to providing the best possible service.

 

 

Last Friday coffee mornings were held across the land, with proceeds going to Macmillan’s Cancer Support charity.  I indulged myself at Anja Potze’s shop in Friar Street and at a second event arranged by Rotary Club at the Guildhall.  Too much cake, but all in a good cause!

Then at lunchtime Alison and I headed to Fort Royal Community Primary School, which was celebrating its tenth Birthday.   This is a fantastic school catering for children with special needs.  Teachers, volunteers and support from Tesco’s (as well as many other groups) made this a great day, with numerous stalls providing entertainment for the children.

That afternoon I opened the new premises of Worcester Wheels, which does so much to combat loneliness among those less able to get around via ordinary transport.  Again, it is volunteers who provide this great service, which enables people to get out of their homes.

That evening we were at the University supporting the Worcester Wolves Basketball team in their first game of the season.  Sadly the London Lions proved the better team on the night, despite the Wolves putting up a very spirited challenge.

On Saturday night we visited the Cathedral to watch a performance of Elgar’s Cello Concerto followed by the Armed Man, composed by Karl Jenkins.  This was a magnificent performance by the excellent local Orchestra of the Swan. This music – a Mass for Peace – was very moving and was made even more effective by the singing of a choir comprised of Worcestershire children.

The following day was spent in various religious settings.  At midday I attended the opening of the Al-Madina Jami Masjid Muslim centre, with other councillors and community leaders.  The community there have waited many years for the completion of their own centre and are very pleased with the new building.

I then went to the Sansome Road Baptist Church where the Worcestershire Boys Brigade was celebrating 100 years since the formation of their unit.  Their salute and march past was received by Mr Andrew Grant, a Deputy Lord Lieutenant.

That evening saw us again at the Cathedral, on this occasion celebrating the County’s Harvest Festival.  Once again, a really nice service with a sermon reflecting on times past – and those still to come.

 

Last Wednesday started with me giving a tour of the Guildhall to some visiting French exchange students who were being hosted by the Blessed Edward Oldcorne College.  They showed considerable interest in the building and were really enjoying their time in Worcester.

That afternoon at the Cathedral, l attended the funeral of Mrs Hope Rowden, a former City Councillor and Mayoress.  Some lovely tributes to her life were paid by her husband Robert, daughter Anne and son Julian.

That evening Alison and I were at the Vesta Tilley studio of the Swan Theatre to see a brilliant performance by Liz Grand in Chris Jaeger’s play, Where is Mrs Christie?  The eleven days Agatha Christie went missing in 1926 has been subject to much speculation but I think Mr Jaeger’s research may have captured much of the truth.  Well done to all those involved.

I was privileged to be asked to open Worcester’s first Pride event and so on Saturday I visited South Quay where the ‘party’ took place.    The organisers were keen to show that no-one should suffer discrimination and that all hate crime should be reported to the appropriate authority.  But this serious message was just part of the proceedings which included music, poetry and speeches, all much enjoyed by those that were there taking part in this significant occasion.

Then later that day I was at Shrub Hill Industrial Estate where I opened the newly refurbished premises of the Worcestershire Martial Arts club.  This is yet another group run by volunteers which provides youngsters with new skills and physical activities outside of school. Some good equipment there and really dedicated leaders.

And finally that evening, Alison and I were entertained by the Worcester Male Voice Choir at College Hall.  This was on the occasion of their annual concert, which proved to be a very enjoyable evening with the choir in very best voice.

This Wednesday the Guildhall hosted the Worcester City Allotment Award Ceremony.  The number of allotment holders that attended was surprising but just goes to show what a popular activity this is, with quite a competitive spirit among the participants.  Well done Timberdine Allotment Holders, on gaining the Best Site Award!

 

 

A busy few days began last Thursday evening, with the City of Worcester Sports Awards 2017 seeing a number of honours being awarded to those contributing to sporting activities. The University of Worcester hosted partners, sponsors and recipients, with the prizes being given by Steve Cram CBE.  At the conclusion both he and his partner Allison Curbishley answered questions from the audience.

On Friday morning I was pleased to open the Festival of Business in Worcester.  Now in its fourth year this event, organised by Stuart Allen, is all about businesses in the City showing what they have to offer, and being on hand to give advice to start-up companies.  This includes the City Council, which offers similar assistance as well as financial support to new businesses.

That evening I visited the Museum and Art Gallery in Foregate Street, where the Worcester Society of Artists opened their annual exhibition.  Their works in different mediums really showed off their talents.  I was allowed to choose a picture to display in the Mayor’s Parlour and selected Steve Letchford’s Castle Path, Weobley: a lovely water-colour.

Saturday morning saw me visiting Perdiswell Fields, where the newly refurbished football pitches were officially opened. The work has been funded by Section 106 money from developers – refurbished changing rooms will soon be added too..

And then moving from sports to the Arts, Alison and I listened to a performance by the excellent Worcester Concert Brass in the evening at Nunnery High School.  This included a great rendition of ’76 Trombones’ which was certainly appreciated by the audience.

Sunday morning brought about the starting of the Worcester Half-Marathon, 10K and junior races.  There really was a wonderful atmosphere at Croft Road for this event, which was so well organised.  Everyone was enjoying themselves and all those taking part showed real determination.  I also had the pleasure of meeting Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, who took part in the event.  And not to forget, a big thank you to all the volunteers that helped out on the day, making the events possible.

That afternoon we went to the Cathedral to take part in a service which commemorated the 150th anniversary of the birth of Stanley Baldwin MP, three times Prime Minister of this country.