WORCESTER City Council’s Sport, Art and Play Development Team have once again excelled this year, organising coached sports at 14 different venues across the city for two to 18-year-olds. Having visited one such event at Gheluvelt Park, I can honestly say they are a great success. At this particular venue Jo Pavey MBE came along to meet the children and add a certain magic to the event. Jo won the 10,000m gold medal at the 2014 European Championships in Zürich and has represented Britain in both the World Championships and the Olympic Games. It was great to have her present.Hannah Cox heads the council’s sporting offer and I really must congratulate her on this and all the other sport and play events around the city. She and her team provide a high level of service and the kids thoroughly enjoy these events.

The Mayoress and I were invited to the Swan Theatre for a delightful production of Annie by WODYS, the award-winning youth section of Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society. They were great, 61 performers took part aged from eight to 18 years of age and between them produced a wonderful evening of first class entertainment. WODYS were formed in 1982 and have performed at the Swan since 1992.

Auditions were still being held in January with rehearsals every Saturday morning starting February 15 and all performances were sold out. Look out for next year’s show which will be Les Misérables School Edition. Book early as tickets will sell out quickly.

A group of Chinese students attending an English course at Worcester University came to the Guildhall for the awarding of their certificates of achievement. Not only were they over here to study English, but also cricket, baking cakes and the wonderful heritage our Cathedral City has to offer. They were a lovely and appreciative group who genuinely seemed to love Worcester, the people and its history.

The Worcester Beer, Cider and Perry Festival offered close to 200 types of beer, over 100 ciders and around 30 different choices of perry. I’m not all that keen on the ciders and perry, but some of the beers were very good indeed!

I don’t think I’ve seen a beer festival quite that big before and the marquees were just enormous. Food was available and being blessed with good weather helped tremendously, with everyone seeming to be having a good time.