Mayor of Worcester

My first engagement as Mayor of Worcester was to attend the exciting launch of Worcester Stands Tall.  This is a promotion on behalf of St Richard’s Hospice where some very colourful model giraffes, that will receive sponsorship, will be seen in various locations around our City over the next couple of years.  I promise you that it will be unmissable!

Shortly afterwards I was invited to a lovely ceremony where Mrs Miriam Harvey, who has been so involved in promoting the heritage of Worcester, received the British Empire Medal from the Lord Lieutenant Sir Patrick Holcroft.

Last Friday I attended a sadder occasion at the Cathedral – the funeral of Mike Layland, a legend in the City of Worcester. The Dean, Peter Atkinson, was able to sum up all of Mike’s achievements which included serving as a councillor for 44 years and holding the office of Mayor twice.  This service was officially recognised in 2014, when Mike was made a Freeman of the City.

This last weekend brought the seventeenth annual Motor Festival to Worcester, with so many new, old, restored and classic cars.  The weather may not have been great but there were certainly plenty of people around admiring and reminiscing about these cars.  I should say a big thank you to all those who participated, helping to promote Worcester to both locals and visitors alike.

I was back at the Cathedral on Saturday afternoon, giving a short speech during a special service to bless animals.  With over a 100 dogs in attendance, an Eagle Owl, skunk and python, the sole cat present was considered by one and all to be rather brave.

Having attended two Council meetings in Kidderminster and Redditch where new Mayors were elected, I finished the week by visiting the branch of the Worcester Sea Cadets, while they paraded before a Naval Officer.  They took the opportunity of displaying their various seamanship skills before an audience of delighted parents and guests.  They also received awards, which I am sure they will be able to present to potential employers in the future.

Firstly, I do believe that I’m in for a very busy but exciting year as Mayor of Worcester – and I thank my fellow councillors for placing me in this very privileged position. That said, both my wife Alison and I intend to do all that we can to represent and promote Worcester.

During the 43 years of our marriage, we have lived in various places in the South of England, moving to this lovely City in 2007.  Our two daughters have given us four fabulous grandchildren, who we try to spend as much time as possible with.  My background has been in the police service but now as I am about to retire, we will be able to commit completely to this new role.

I must say thank you to Cllr Paul Denham who having just completed his term as mayor, has given me some valuable advice.  I do hope to live up to his and other former mayors’ achievements.

I thought long and hard about my ‘theme’ for the year.  During my time as Deputy Mayor, I came to realise the great worth of volunteers to the City.  They truly add so much to the lives of so many and with that in mind, I determined that ‘Valuing Volunteers’ would be the best way I could look to say thank you to them.  I aim to promote the role of volunteers in Worcester, and encourage others to step forward and join them.

Working with charities is an obvious way for volunteers to assist and I have chosen three to support in my Mayoral year.  They are:

Victim Support, which for no charge provides assistance to victims of crime.  Helping those who have been targeted by criminals and being supportive at such a time is all-important.

Headway, a charity which supports those suffering from acquired brain injuries.  Staff assist those experiencing such trauma, helping to renew their old skills as well as gaining new ones.

Onside Advocacy.  This group ensure that those having either physical or mental ill-health issues will be well represented, and are not discriminated against.

I look forward to a challenging but fulfilling year as Mayor of Worcester.