EVENTS started with the arrival of our friends from our Twin Towns, Evesham New Jersey, USA; Dreux in France and Melsungen in Germany, who wished to visit England to see how we make a Mayor. (Flour, butter, eggs, stirred well and cooked in the oven!)

The Mayor-making ceremony on Monday was the start of my year in office and I was very pleased and honoured to welcome so many people to the proceedings.

On Tuesday evening we attended our first official engagement - the inauguration of the new Mayor of Tewkesbury Borough at Down Hatherley, close to Gloucester. On Wednesday we attended the 21st anniversary of St Richard's Hospice - a thanksgiving service at Malvern Priory. The singing and readings were extremely moving.

On Saturday we were invited to an Open Day at Farncombe Conference Centre. They were extremely pleased that I was able to take our French and American visitors to view a very efficient and professional conferencing centre, high on Broadway Hill with glorious views of the Vale of Evesham.

Sunday was my Civic Service at All Saints, Evesham, which again was a most enjoyable and memorable event. In the evening I attended Birmingham Symphony Hall to celebrate youth music in Worcestershire, hosted by Worcestershire County Council, compered by BBC Hereford & Worcester Radio's Katie Johnson. What amazing talent these young people have in this county.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and assistance in what has been a very memorable first week as Mayor of Evesham.

FRANCES SMITH, Mayor of Evesham.