My involvement with the celebrations for the Chinese new year continued a little longer as on Tuesday, local Chinese Association chairman Frankie Tsang had organised more lion dancing at his restaurant followed by dinner.
I did my best to eat the various dishes with chopsticks but somehow eating with a fork was that much easier and I seemed to be in good company, as many of the Chinese guests did likewise!
I also learned a bit of Chinese – how to say “happy new year” and “may you be prosperous” and hope when I used them later in my short speech, people understood me.
On Wednesday I welcomed Anna-Maria Fragiotta, her family and her teacher from St George’s RC Primary School to the parlour.
She won the Fairtrade Fortnight poster competition.
Fairtrade Fortnight begins this week with the aim of increasing the profile of Fairtrade products from around the world and copies of Anna-Maria’s poster will be on display in local shops.
I’m looking forward to attending the Fairtrade coffee morning in the Guildhall this Thursday.
Last Thursday it was an early start for me as I joined students and staff from the King’s School for their assembly in College Hall.
After the school notices, I was interviewed by head of English Andrew Maund about the role of mayor, my previous job as a solicitor and about being in politics generally.
I hope I managed to get over a few messages, though it was a bit embarrassing when talking about my theme of Worcester – City of Bells, the alarm bell went on my mobile phone, much to the amusement of about 600 pupils!
Later that day I went to Wolverhampton (as did mayors from across the Midlands) for lunch with the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain.
The guild is a close-knit organisation bringing together family owners of the travelling fairs which go round the country including visits to Worcester.
They keep alive a traditional form of entertainment and are very generous when it comes to giving to charities, so I hope they flourish. On Friday Carol and I had the opportunity to meet John Inge, Worcester’s new bishop, and his wife Denise.
His formal enthronement takes place at the cathedral this Saturday, following which he can conduct services and participate publicly in events.
I know they are looking forward to life in the diocese and I’m sure everyone will give them and their two daughters a warm welcome.
Finally on a sad note, following the death of Royal British Legion stalwart John Hewlett a fortnight ago, I shall be attending his funeral service in the cathedral tomorrow at 11am. I’m sure there will be many people there who will want to pay their respects.