This last week has been a fascinating and memorable one. Shrove Tuesday came early this year, but continuing the recent tradition Worcester South Rotary Club organised a successful pancake race at lunchtime outside the Guildhall.
It was a competitive affair with 20 or so teams entered, each having raised some sponsorship money to hand over to Rotary charities. I'm delighted to say that the eventual winners were a team from the city council. Well done to them. It wasn’t fixed – honest!
While we were waiting for the races to begin I gave class 13 from Fort Royal Community Primary School an impromptu tour of the parlour and its exhibits.
They were so excited by everything and never stopped asking questions but as usual it was the mayor’s chain and the 350- year-old sword that attracted most attention. However, it was Wednesday which was the day that Carol and I will remember for a long time to come.
We had been invited to Clarence House in London to an evening reception, concert and dinner hosted by HRH Prince of Wales along with about 30 members of the Elgar Foundation/Birthplace Museum of which he is patron.
It was a super occasion, informal and intimate.
Naturally there were several people invited from Worcester so we felt in good company but the Prince of Wales is an excellent host and he ensured he made time to speak to everyone individually.
He enquired about how Worcester had managed during last year’s floods and the more recent ones of this year and their effect on homes, businesses and the county cricket ground.
Talking of flooding and good food, it was a coincidence that on Friday I had been invited by Browns Restaurant on South Quay to re-open their premises which had been closed since the summer floods.
Though they have a wonderful position next to the river they are vulnerable to rising waters so I hope that the defences that they have installed to prevent water getting inside will prove successful.
The link with food and drink continued on Sunday evening when Carol and I went along to the official re-opening of Hodsons coffee house in the High Street.
Those who have lived in Worcester a long time will regard Hodsons as quite an institution as it has been there 35 years.
So although it has just been refurbished and rebranded and now has an evening menu.
I’m glad to say although they will still serve coffee and light meals during the day.
This week I have no meeting with present day members of the Royal Family. I note on Saturday, King Charles II is due to make an appearance at the Guildhall as part of Living History Day.
Citizens of the Faithful City please come along!