It has been a great week with youngsters. There was a first this week when Joe Parton was invested into Worcester 20th Scouts during a parlour visit.
Andy Fox had brought his troop into the parlour to learn a little of the history of Worcester; real hands on learning too, with the sword and maces.

Congratulations Joe and many happy years scouting. We are looking forward to visiting the troop BBQ next month.
Joan and I were with the Scouts in the Cathedral for their annual St George’s Day service and parade.
They filled the Cathedral to overflowing; a sight to behold.
The service was innovative too, with Worcester 9th taking the lead.
The highlight for me was the two Beaver Scouts, Ewan Potter and Tom Essex, leading the opening prayer. They were somewhat smaller than the microphone stand but so confident and clear.
The march past was wonderful. I know so many Scouts now they waved as they passed by; wonderful.
We spent a superb morning at Thornton House where we joined the pupils in their classes for lunch; a very nice chilli cooked by Tracey Widdows whose birthday it was that day. That’s the first time Joan and I have sung happy birthday in a school dining hall!
It’s always a pleasure to visit the school and spend time in the classes as there is such a wonderful caring atmosphere about the whole place. Hugh Thomas, the headmaster, does a wonderful job and will be missed when he retires in July.
Prizes were the order of the day when we went to the Pump House in Barbourne, home of the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust.
The “recycle it” poster competition first prizes went to Billy Johansen-Berg, Beth Hayward and Amelia Hatfield.
It was also a day to remember when St Peter’s Baptist Church celebrated their opening this week.
The church was overflowing and the service had to be relayed to the hall downstairs. Congratulations to the minister, Martin Hodson, and the congregation; it is not every day a new church opens.
The preacher was David Coffey, president of the Baptist World Alliance, who gave as good a sermon as any I have ever heard, and I’ve heard a few.
He is a Chelsea supporter, however, and I am sure I heard him pray for three points when they played Newcastle on Sunday.
He will be disappointed – they only managed a draw!