There’s no doubt that Saturday, June 2, will go down as a day to be remembered in Worcester’s cultural life and indeed in mine because it marked the high point of the Elgar 150th birthday celebrations.
It began when I hosted a lunchtime reception for many of the sponsors and supporters of the Elgar Festival, including their guest of honour Dame Janet Baker. Councillors then processed to the cathedral, which was packed to capacity.
We were all thrilled by the programme of Elgar works, conducted by the enthusiastic and charismatic Donald Hunt, with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra together with choirs from Cape Town, Liverpool and Leeds plus our local Elgar Chorale. In total there were about 200 of them and they really raised the roof, along with Julian Lloyd Webber, who performed the famous Cello Concerto with great style and panache.
The birthday party continued with a banquet in the Guildhall arranged by the festival committee where we toasted Elgar and his contribution to English music. I sat beside Dame Janet and it was a privilege to learn about her career as one of Britain’s most successful classical singers until her retirement a few years ago.
The day before, the Guildhall had hosted the volunteer fun day. In charge was Sally Ellison, who runs the Volunteer Bureau in the Tything. I was amazed how many organisations now exist each with their own specialism to help people of all ages with differing needs, but they all desperately depend upon volunteers. So if you think you could help and have some free time, do contact her.
After the Elgar events, Carol and I managed four days away in the Isle of Wight. Judging by the mayoral diary for the rest of the year, this might be our only time away until next May!
Back again on Saturday, we were treated to some Gilbert and Sullivan and showtime music by the Great Witley Operatic Society, who kindly put on a concert to raise funds for the Worcester Twinning Association in the Guildhall. They really do enjoy their music and I look forward to their next production at the Swan.
Then this Sunday it was down to Pitchcroft to start the Race For Life to raise money for Cancer Research. Some 5,000 or so women took part in the 5km run around the racecourse and then up into the city centre.
It was a pretty warm morning and congratulations to the winner, who got around in about 21 minutes. Carol entered and so became the first Worcester mayoress to do the run. All credit for her time of 35 minutes – being somewhat unfit, I would have taken twice as long!