Mayor of Worcester

This extremely hot week brought with it new experiences for me. On Sunday I was joined by many others at the Cathedral for my Civic Service.  It was a great day with theRev. Michael Brierley delivering the perfect sermon to exemplify my theme of ‘Valuing Volunteers’.  A lot of people worked very hard to make it the successful day it was, for all concerned.

More recently I was in another place of worship – the Tallow Hill Mosque, where I joined worshippers at ‘Iftar’, a ceremony to break the fast for the day.  This was a delightful occasion with a number of people from different communities and religions coming together to enjoy a meal. A number of speeches were made, all of which related to the spirit of unity needed to overcome the intolerance and hatred demonstrated by a few.

Last Monday, on Armed Forces day, representatives of the Council joined with me and Army Reservists, Sea Cadets and the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association to pay tribute to those servicemen who are in the front line, who act as peacekeepers and who provide remarkable assistance at times of humanitarian crises.

The Samaritans also held their AGM this week.  Here the committee and guests heard not only of the skills of those who receive calls from very desperate people, but also of volunteer inmates of prisons who carry out a similar but face to face role.  Once again, it’s right to point out that these are all volunteers.

I also had the opportunity of a sneak preview of WODY’s West End Musical production of Whistle Down the Wind, when I went to one of their rehearsals.  This was musical theatre at its best, with excellent singers.  I can only suggest that if you like musicals, then get a ticket as soon as possible.  The show will be staged at the Swan Theatre between 1st and 5th August; you won’t be disappointed!

 

After attending the count of the General Election in to the early hours, I was lucky my next engagement was not until late Friday evening, at The Literary Festival Awards. I was pleased to be able to give prizes to the young finalists in the Flash Story category.  Their tales of a Digital Future were superb – well thought out, rehearsed and told.

That same evening I heard some thought-provoking poetry.  This year the Worcestershire Poet Laureate was judged to be Nina Lewis.

Saturday started with a photo call outside the Guildhall with members of the Rotary Club, who later paraded through the streets with A Boards, making more money for charitable causes.  That afternoon I went to the University and saw just how many volunteers are engaged in assisting elderly people.  Age UK is dedicated to ensuring those in their later years receive wide support.

We enjoyed a real treat on Saturday evening, listening to the Elgar Voices at St George’s RC Church.  Judging by the applause, I’m sure everyone there felt they had heard the choir in extremely good voice.

On Monday I held a meeting with leaders of the city’s Mosques, the managing director of the city council and police officers.  I wanted to ensure that members of our Muslim community, who are sided with everyone against those committing the recent atrocious acts in London and Manchester, did not feel isolated and to demonstrate a show of unity amongst Worcester’s communities.

This was followed by a visit by students from Kleve, our twin city in Germany, who enjoyed a tour around the Guildhall.  In the evening I chaired the AGM of the Worcester Scouts, where again it was pointed out that volunteers were needed to assist their organisation.  I heard a similar plea from the Friends of the Worcester Royal Hospital, who I met later in the week.  Raising money for extra hospital equipment takes commitment.  They too would like to meet anyone who could help.

On Tuesday I attended a commemoration service for the Royal Grammar School at the Cathedral, followed by a visit to St Pauls Hostel where I heard of some of the causes of homelessness and the harrowing accounts of individuals there.  Last but not least, the week concluded with an awards ceremony for some very well deserving teachers in Worcestershire.  Accounts from their pupils and their peers showed how they went that extra mile to give our children the very best start in life.

I have been meeting some great people involved in community work, during a busy week.

As well as spending Sunday attending the Civic Service for the Mayor of Droitwich, on Monday I met with Moira Groves and the General Director of DHL Sainsbury’s at their Warndon distribution depot. They’re a company keen to promote environmental issues, and I helped plant a Black Pear Tree in their grounds for World Environment Day.

On Monday lunchtime I was at Cripplegate Park where judges were visiting to agree whether the prestigious Green Flag status would be awarded once again. They were also visiting Fort Royal Park, which we are all keen to see awarded a Green Flag for the first time. Although it was rather rainy, the park itself looked excellent and very well-tended.

Early Monday evening saw me at the King George V Community Centre where I was really pleased to welcome walkers Jude and Jane, who are taking part in the Big Walk in memory Jo Cox MP. Their leg today was Alvechurch to Worcester, some 22 miles in not very pleasant weather. I hope the warm welcome they received from all present raised their spirits.

Later that evening I attended a meeting of Worcester’s Twinning Association where a resident of our twin town of Kleve in Germany was also in attendance. Discussions regarding alternative visits took place along with planning for the Christmas Fayre.

Tuesday was completely different. I received international medical students from Birmingham University in the Mayor’s Parlour and gave them a tour of the Guildhall. This was in addition to being present at the launch of two new businesses in the City. The first was Swirly Joe’s in Silver Street, a café/restaurant dedicated mainly to serving fantastic desserts. This was followed by seeing the work of Jilly Oxlade-Arnott of Architectural Impressions, whose paintings depict notable buildings.

Finally on Wednesday I was able to promote my theme of Valuing Volunteers by helping Worcester Community Action at The Hive. They signed up a number of people there and then who were interested in volunteering and will look to match their skills and experiences with the right organisation.

The University of Worcester has had a major impact on our city in both economic and social terms. Last week I was privileged to be amongst those students who have been working toward a Worcester Award. They have given up their time to help others as well as taking part in paid employment while studying.

All the more, companies are looking at their potential employee’s social skills and commitment to tasks as well as their academic achievements. 253 students attended the Worcester Award ceremony where they received certificates for taking part in these extra-curricular activities. These are awards they will be able to rely upon as a testament to their commitment when they come to do job interviews.

Coming at a time when I have just announced that my year as mayor will celebrate the idea of Valuing Volunteers, being present at this ceremony was my first opportunity of actually supporting the concept.

The charities I am supporting in my year as Mayor also show the value that volunteers bring.

Victim Support provides assistance to those targeted by criminals and helps them recover from the traumatic effects. To look after young and elderly victims and provide specialist support, the charity requires considerable resources.

Being treated fairly and not suffering discrimination is something most of us take for granted. Onside Advocacy ensures that those who are disadvantaged through learning difficulties or mental ill-health will be represented to safeguard their rights.

My third charity is Headway Worcester, which provides a hub for sufferers of brain injuries. With the likelihood of 1,000 people in Worcestershire receiving such an injury each year it is important that carer support, rehabilitation programmes and social re-integration are in place to help.

As Mayor I’m hoping to attract funds for all three of these excellent causes, but I am also planning an exciting fundraising initiative of my own – and a most unusual one for a Mayor too! I’ll be revealing more very soon.