I spent a wonderful day in the sunshine at The Fleece in Bretforton on Sunday to mark St George’s Day and the launch of this year’s asparagus festival.
Morris Dancers provided other entertainment together with Eddie Grundy (from The Archers) who introduced the Vicar of St/ Leonard’s Church (right), Bretforton who blessed the asparagus crop.
A film crew from Countryfile were on site to film the event, especially the several Morgan cars on show who would make the trip to Worcester Cathedral with a Hundred of Asparagus.
Gus the asparagus man was on hand to chat to a very lively crowd and had a ride on the trailer of a miniature steam engine (below right).
Later in the day John and I travelled to Pershore Abbey to take part in the Pershore District St George’s Day Act of Worship. The Abbey was full of children of all ages and from Beavers and Cubs, Guides and Brownies, Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Network Scouts their adult leaders and past scouts who joined in enthusiastically with the hymns. Some of the older children took part in telling the story of “Scouting Adventure”.
What better place to be than in Wychavon when the sun is shining, sharing countryside pursuits and our famous asparagus. It was a real treat to be interviewed and filmed by Countryfile – we now wait to see how the filming comes over at the end of May.
Celebration has been a theme of the last few weeks. It started with a visit to Inkberrow for the opening of the ‘Village of Culture’ event.
This idea came about when Cllr Audrey Steele queried with Wychavon officers why there wasn’t a Village of Culture (similar to the City of Culture), so she decided that she would promote Inkberrow as a Village of Culture with the help of Jane Neal. They have put together a programme of events for the year to suit all tastes and ages to integrate the new residents with the longer established villagers, bringing together all members of the community.
The first event was a concert by Tarantara in Inkberrow Church which was packed. Tarantara is an auditioned mixed choir comprising over 60 enthusiastic members whose aim is to enjoy themselves singing and performing to the highest standard. They certainly did that with a wide repertoire of songs sung by the whole choir, with several solo pieces and even a piece of poetry by Pam Ayres.
I wish Cllr Steele and the others involved a very successful 12 months promoting Inkberrow as a Village of Culture. A great idea.
I also attended two presentation services held by West Midlands Ambulance Service in Brierley Hill. Among those being recognised was Phillip Crowther of Evesham who received his Retirement Certificate for more than 40 years service. (I was delighted earlier in my year to be able to present Phillip personally at a Council meeting with a gift in recognition of his long service).
Later on the Excellence in the Community Awards took place. This ceremony recognised the many acts of dedication and kindness undertaken by members of the public as well as the Blue Light Service personnel. There were one or two which involved young children taking care of their sick mothers after calling for an ambulance. Some amazing stories – quite an emotional evening.
It was an honour to attend these award ceremonies and once again have the opportunity to thank staff on their ‘Outstanding’ achievements. Without the exceptional skill and dedication such a high standard would not be possible. We owe thanks to all the blue light services for their commitment to keeping us all safe.
Earlier this month I had the pleasure of officially opening the new mooring at The Angel Hotel, which will be a great improvement to the riverside and bring boating visitors to the town and the Mayor of Pershore and I sprinkled a bottle of beer over the mooring area (right).
The mooring was dedicated to Ambrose Emerson who, for many years has been involved with the Avon Navigation Trust but who sadly died earlier this year. It was lovely to be able to speak with his widow who was also present at the ceremony
Everyone concerned with this project can be justly proud of what they have achieved.