We welcomed the new Dean of Worcester, Peter Atkinson, this week. Joan and I took him, and his lovely wife Lynne, for a tour of the city centre to introduce him to some of his new ‘flock’.

We also attended his installation in thecathedral where I welcomed him officially on behalf of the Faithful City. We all wish Peter, Lynne and family a long and happy stay in Worcester.
It was a privilege to have two judges, their Honours Alistair McCreath and Toby Hooper, lead the way on Sunday as Joan and I, together with the chief constable, Paul West, Inspector Andy Smith and a large number of fellow councillors, mayors and chairmen from Worcestershire, Gloucester and Herefordshire processed to St George’s Catholic Church for a Civic Mass of thanksgiving for our year in office.
It was a wonderful occasion with our grandchildren David and Emily reading and Christopher helping out with his mum and dad elsewhere in the Mass. Our other daughter, Louise, completed the UK branch of the family. Andy Ballett and the choir were in superb form and Father Paul, as always, inspirational.
We joined the WAGs this week, not the England football team wives etc, but the Worcester Male Voice Choir WAGs when we attended the St George’s Day concert at Huntingdon Hall.
I did enjoy it and the patriotism too. Sam Pagett, a young sax player I have mentioned many times before, and vocalist Debbie joined them. Good to see Sam’s mum Jill too. They have been very supportive to me over the year. I shall miss them, especially Sam’s cheeky grin. The choir featured on my selection of discs on a hospital radio broadcast. Now that would keep the patients awake and hinder their recovery! (sorry boys.)
Talking of St George’s Day, I joined Rosemary Henman as she sold roses in aid of Acorns. It is a bit of a tradition with her now. How I wish all were as patriotic.
CSO Guiseppe Facchiano and his wife prepared a lovely lunch at Riverside School in an effort to raise funds for a first responder kit for Heather Jones, a teaching assistant at the school. It was all organised by PC Paul Green. A first responder is someone in the community who attends medical emergencies and gives aid until an ambulance arrives.