ALZHEIMER’S is a disease that is getting more attention these days and I’m glad the Worcester branch of the Alzheimer’s Society is doing well. On Tuesday I met some of their volunteers, including Dr David Battin and Ken Crump, and officially opened their new office in the Angel Centre.
In the afternoon, I attended the annual meeting of the Friends of the Worcestershire Royal Hospital chaired by retired surgeon John Black and with trust chairman Michael O’Riordan as guest speaker.
The friends have an important role raising money for extra equipment. It was held at the Charles Hastings Education Centre within which is the excellent George Marshall Medical Museum, a facility that was created only recently.
It’s open, free of charge, weekdays 10am to noon and 2pm to 4pm and if you’re not squeamish about how people were treated more than 100 years ago, it’s certainly worth a visit.
However, Thursday was the highlight of the week with the visit of the Duke of Gloucester to be installed as the founding chancellor of the university. I had given the parlour something of a spring-clean in readiness, since I’m noted for having papers strewn all around me! With vice-chancellor David Green and about 50 academics all in their colourful gowns in support, we all processed from the Guildhall to the cathedral for the ceremony, dodging the showers of rain. It was a magnificent occasion with the Cathedral full to capacity.
Earlier in the day, Carol and I had been formally introduced to the Duke when he visited the county council’s new children’s home in Merriman’s Hill now known as Green Hill Lodge. After an hour meeting staff and inspecting the facilities, we moved on to the Tolly Centre, which is the community focal point for Tolladine. We were shown round by Roger Berry and Rob Rich.
On Friday, I had an enjoyable time when the school council from Nunnery Wood Primary visited the Guildhall. We held a debate in the council chamber, the subject being whether pupils should eat nothing but healthy foods at home and school on Mondays to Fridays. The debate went backwards and forwards across the chamber just like the city council. In fact, I think some of the children could well be budding councillors of the future, which is a reason for encouraging these visits.
Saturday morning saw Carol and I visit Choice Worcestershire Royal Hospital Radio where we were met by their chairman Pete Phillips and secretary Barbara Deakin. I was then interviewed live for an hour by Tony Deakin about my year as mayor.