Recycling and remembrance

Waste and recycling were top of my agenda on Friday (18 November) when I visited the Envirosort plant at Norton. This is where all the recyclable material collected from your doorstep goes to be sorted and then sent for processing into new products.

A pile of recyclables ready for sorting with Fernando (the boss of the Envirosort plant), myself, Mark and Richard (Worcestershire County Council)

Steel cans go to South Wales for re-processing, aluminium goes across the West Midlands, mixed glass travels to Cheshire and is reprocessed into new glass bottles and aggregates for road construction, plastic goes to eight re-processors across the country and paper/cardboard goes to several places including a local business in Evesham.

Your recyling baled and ready to go for reprocessing

In the afternoon John and I visited the new energy from waste plant at Hartlebury. Although building work is still ongoing, the plant itself is now in use, although not 100% as yet.  I was absolutely amazed to learn how rubbish which until now has gone to the Hill & Moor refuse tip and is buried is now being burnt down to ash.

Safety first as we took a tour of the new energy from waste plant

A fantastic facility which surely must be the way forward for all the refuse we produce as a nation, with all the new houses coming on stream.

We also attended Pershore Tennis Centre for a night of family tennis fun in aid of Children in Need.  Lots of activities going on, mostly tennis related raising funds for this very worthwhile charity, so I decided to join in  the fund raising offering children (and one or two adults) the opportunity to wear the Wychavon chain of office for a photo opportunity – all for a £1 donation to Children in Need (under my supervision – can’t let the chain out of my sight).

Helping to raise funds for CIN at Pershore Tennis Centre

Not quite sure what was raised but somewhere in the region of £15-£20.  Total for the night was £1,000.

The last few weeks have also been a time to reflect and remember those who gave their lives in two world wars and other conflicts since.

On Sunday, 20 November we attended St Peter’s Church in Evesham for their annual Royal British Legion Remembrance service.  This is always one of my favourite services as many of the standards which last week were at their own services in the villages, come together to make quite a spectacle for this service, conducted by the RBL Padre and attended also by the Mayor and Mayoress of Evesham, Town Councillors, members of the RBL, youth organisations and veterans.

We will remember them

On Armistice Day itself we were present at Pershore High School’s Armistice Service at 9.30am in Pershore Abbey. Students from Pershore High, St Nicholas C of E Middle, Abbey Park Middle, Abbey Park First and Nursery, Cherry Orchard First and Holy Redeemer Primary Schools took part in the short commemoration, remembering all those who lost their lives in the First World War, including the Battle of Jutland and the Battle of the Somme.  The Exhortation, Last Post, Reveille and Kohima Epitaph all had their place in the ceremony with the Rev Claire Lording presiding.

Laying a wreath in memory of the fallen

Later that morning we went back to Evesham War Memorial for a commemoration at 11am where I laid a wreath on behalf of the Royal British Legion.

Crowds gathered in Evesham to pay their respects

We’d also been at Pershore High School on Thursday, 10 November for the Roll of Honour Act of Remembrance, which celebrated ex-pupils of Pershore High School who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

On Sunday 13 November, I attended the wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial, together with Lady Morrison (deputy Lieutenant), Nigel Huddleston MP and the Mayor of Evesham (Cllr. Fred Kaler) and laid a wreath on behalf of Wychavon, following which we processed back to All Saints Church for a service of Remembrance.

We will remember them

Celebrating the tree-mendous performance of our Rio 2016 stars

I was honoured to be able to join in the ceremony to honour Worcestershire’s Rio Olympic and Paralympic medallists at Evesham Rowing Club last Friday (28 October) 2016.

Alex Gregory MBE, Becky Redfern, Claire Cashmore, Lauren Rowles and Haj Bhania, head coach of the GB Men’s wheelchair basketball team, were all presented with a Worcestershire Black Pear Tree, grown by Pershore College and sponsored by Worcestershire County Council.

Becky, her mum, me and Sharon Bell, Group Principal of Pershore College.

Alex Gregory, (rowing gold) trained at Evesham Rowing Club, while Becky Redfern (a 16 year old Paralympian), who lives in Droitwich and trains at Worcester Swimming Pool won silver in the 100 metre breast stroke in the S13 class (visually impaired).

It was only in January this year that Becky was told she would be representing her country in Rio – her goal had been Tokyo in four years time. Claire Cashmore, born in Redditch but who grew up in the Wyre Forest area, won gold in the 4 x 100 swimming relay and silver in the SB8 class for 100m breast stroke.

Lauren Rowles, from Bromsgrove, won Paralympic rowing gold while Team GB’s wheelchair basketball team, which trained in Worcester, won bronze.

Olympians and Paralympians with their Black Pear trees

Rather than mark the achievement with a blue plaque or a gold painted post box, Worcestershire County Council decided to recognise the achievements of the group by making them the first ever people to be presented with their very own Worcestershire Black Pear Tree.

The Black Pear appears on the county’s flag. It can be seen in the Council Chamber at County Hall and it’s proudly worn by the county’s professional cricketers.

Me swopping “medals” with Alex Gregory (just for the picture, of course)

It was a real pleasure to meet these fantastic people, to hear their stories and to be present when they received their Black Pear Trees.

On Saturday, 29 October we paid a visit to the Norbury Theatre, Droitwich for an evening of swing band music and song with The Crown Phoenix Big Band in aid of the Mayor Droitwich’s charities.

The show was compered by Peter Tomlinson (who is a Wychavon councillor and formerly of TISWAS fame).  A foot-tapping success with music from the great American writers and songs sung by Julie who sang many of the American favourites.  Peter Tomlinson kept the audience enthralled with snippets of information about the famous song writers throughout the evening.

Back to school

I recently joined Evesham Street Pastors, supporters and congregation for a Thanksgiving and Commissioning Service for the work the tram does in the town. Street pastors are an inter-denominational group of volunteers who help with urban problems, engaging with people on the streets at night, to care, listen and help.  The idea of Street Pastors started in London in 2003 and there are now around 9,000 trained volunteers in over 25 teams around the UK who undertake this valuable voluntary service to the community.

Rev Dr. Pillar, me and John Darby

Evesham Street Pastors was set up by the churches in Evesham and is an independent charity led by trustees from churches in the town.  The day-to-day leadership, headed by John Darby, is organised by a team of co-ordinators from various churches and is supported and encouraged by the local police, Wychavon District Council, Evesham Town Council and many clubs, pubs, businesses and individuals in the town.

Although not a civic event, as a member of Wychavon’s Localism Panel, I was also recently invited along with other members to visit King George V Pavilion and playing fields to view the new facilities which New Homes Bonus money financed. I went to have a look at what had been achieved and was very impressed with what they have done. 

Me in the newly fitted out kitchen at King George V pavillion

On Sunday, 16 October I was present at Worcester Cathedral to commemorate the 800^th anniversary of the death of King John, whose tomb lies before the high altar. 

The tomb of King John

Professor Stephen Church of the University of Est Anglia gave an historical introduction to the life, death and burial of the king and the Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Rev Dr John Inge preached the sermon. Towards the end of the service clergy, choir and congregation were invited to lay lilies on the sanctuary steps close to King John’s tomb.  King John was ruler of England from 1199 until his death, during conflict with his barons, during the night of 18 October 1216 at Newark Castle in Nottinghamshire.  He was buried in Worcester Cathedral on 27 October and his tomb has been a central feature of the cathedral ever since.

I was also delighted to be able to visit Bredon Hill Academy for their Open Evening and after being greeted by the Headteacher Steve Charlton, (whom I knew when he was teaching at Evesham High School when I was Chairman of Governors just over 10 years ago), we met staff and governors to share refreshments before being introduced to Charlotte and Ellie who gave us a splendid tour of the whole school.  What lovely young ladies, quietly confident in the way they explained the different rooms and areas and very polite, a credit to both their parents and the school. 

Testing my skills during the open day

We listened to students in the music room, shared an experiment in the science room (no I didn’t set fire to the school) and found our holiday destination on a map of the world and even had a go at a maths puzzle, which I completed eventually (maths wasn’t my best subject at school!)  A really enjoyable and informative evening.  This school is certainly working hard with its pupils to maintain a high standard, having gained an “outstanding” in their 2014/15 Ofsted.  Most pupils from here go on to learn at Prince Henry’s in Evesham.

Other events in a busy couple of weeks have seen John (my husband and consort) and I attend the opening of a newly transformed warehouse on Davies Road, for use by teams4u to pack and store shoeboxes destined for vulnerable children in places like Romania. 

Some of the boxes ready for filling

This initiative was originated by Dave Cooke some 25 years ago, who opened the warehouse in the presence of local MP Nigel Huddleston and the Mayoress of Evesham. A fantastic initiative to help underprivileged children.

We also attended the Poppy Concert at No. 8 Pershore. A great evening which started with the reading of the poem In Flanders Fields.  Standard bearers were carried with pride and laid-up at the side of the stage whilst the band of the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service played the Royal British Legion march.  The concert continued with music from the band, and then the Pershore Town Choir sang five pieces followed by the D Day Dolls (Georgia, Hayley & Jessica) who sang several well-known songs from war days. 

Pershore Town Choir performed as part of the event

The second half was similar in content but with the Exhortation by Mr. Simon Dudfield, the Last Post, a Poppy drop and Reveille.  The standards were marched off and after closing remarks by Mr. Dudfield, the audience sang Rule Britannia, Land of Hope and Glory and We’ll Meet Again with the help of the choir and the D Day Dolls.  A really enjoyable evening.  Well done to Pershore RBL. 

There was also a twinning visit from our Twiners in Dreux, France.  During their three day stay they visited Blenheim, enjoyed a walk-about in Evesham, then stopped off at Evesham Town Hall for a lunch provided by Evesham Twinning Association.  As John is Chairman of the Twinning Association we enjoyed fitting in hosting our friends with civic duties. 

Our twinning guests and those who greeted them at Evesham Town Hall

Finally (phew!) I must mention the fantastic day we had at Worcester Racecourse where I presented medals to returning cyclists who had taken part in the Worcestershire Tour Ride.  Some cyclists had undertaken the 40 mile ride whilst others had gone for the 100 mile ride.  Two of Wychavon’s own staff, Fiona Narburgh and Mark Williams, took part in the ride. 

I enjoyed talking to participants and getting their comments on the whole day, some were locals and others came from further afield but all appeared to enjoy their cycling and certainly there were lots of compliments for the way the event had been organised and for the beautiful scenery.

Me and John with Wychavon’s own Fiona Narburgh and Mark Williams

All the fun of the fair

I was recently invited to attend the opening of an Evesham tradition which has been taking place in the town for about 700 years.

Evesham Mop began in 1546 when Sir Philip Hoby, who owned the abbey ruins and lands, was granted the right to hold three annual fairs.  The only charter fair that remains in Evesham to this day is the Autumn fair and is traditionally held on or around Old Michaelmas Day (29^th Sept).

I successfully hooked a duck

The original “Mop Fair” was primarily used by local landowners to hire employees to work on their land from October to October.  At the end of the employment they would attend the Mop Fair dressed in “Sunday best clothes”, carrying tools of their trade and a “tassle” worn on their lapel showing what that trade was.  This is where the term “Mop Fair” originated.  A person with no particular skill would carry a mop head.

Employers would discuss experience and terms and once agreements were made the employee would receive a small sum of money and the “tassle” would be removed and a bright ribbon attached to signify they had been hired.  Modern Mop Fairs do not hire employees and since the last war mop fairs have undergone major changes.  New attractions such as dodgem cars, ghost trains and the “thrill” rides have been added to the more traditional big wheel, helter skelter and the still much-loved carousel.

Me with various cuddly toys

John and I were welcomed by Edward Danter and later met up with his wife Ellen, who showed us two very interesting books on the history of fairs and “Danter’s Travels” about the Danter Family Funfair Transport, depicting 60 years of fun fairs from 1952 to 2012, which we enjoyed whilst sharing a buffet supper.

Attending Mop Fairs brings out the “child” in all of us and looking at these books certainly brought back many memories of fun fairs of yesteryear. I’m pleased to report I successfully hooked a duck for which I won a cuddly dog on a lead. It was a really fun night and well supported by the public.

It was part of a busy few weeks for me which has involved, amongst other things, hosting a civic lunch for Mayors and Town Clerks at the Evesham Hotel.  It was a very informal lunch with lots of chatter, a few tall stories and fun shared with our civic counterparts from the district.

We also attended a fascinating lecture at the University of Worcester Arena entitled – Invisible Spirits in Tudor & Stuart England – given by Professor Darren Oldridge.

Me and Prof Oldridge

Professor Oldridge has spent 20 years exploring society’s relationship with witchcraft and evil spirits, including good and bad angels.  The lecture considered the impact of the English Reformation on attitudes towards spirits and examined the tendency to emphasise the invisibility of supernatural agents and explored the reasons why angels and demons became invisible during this period and the implications for the history of the supernatural more generally.

I also enjoyed my first game of bowls as part of a charity afternoon at St John’s Social Club in Kidderminster at the invitation of the Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council.

Me in bowls action

None of those present had ever bowled before and the Mayor of Kidderminster was given a pair of shoes 2 sizes too big and because the green was a little wet she rolled her trousers up to her knees so that she could bowl. We were not sure who won but it was an afternoon with lots of laughter and something a little different.

Me and some of the other guests at the charity bowls match

Later on we travelled to Worcester Cathedral for the Worcestershire County Harvest Festival service of thanksgiving for the produce of the land, the hard work of the farming community and a reminder of the way all of us are dependent upon agriculture.  Representatives from Worcestershire Young Farmers Clubs made presentations of soil, seed, fruit and vegetables, animal produce such as wool and leather and flowers from the vineyard.

Then on Monday, 3 October, I was presented to HRH The Princess Royal at Sixways Stadium.

Waiting for HRH

HRH has been patron of YSS since 2008, an intensive support scheme for young people which was celebrating 30years since its inception.  YSS provides community based support services for children, young people, adults and families who are vulnerable, have complex needs and who face difficult challenges. HRH gave a keynote speech and presented three awards to volunteers.

HRH arrives

The Romans are coming

I had the privilege of opening Droitwich Saltfest on Saturday. This is a major community event for Droitwich and involves a weekend of celebrations around the town’s salt producing heritage.

The Romans were very aware of the importance of salt and this was represented by the presence of the Roman Military Research Society.

The Romans are coming!

After the official opening, the Sir Cadets band led us off on a procession to Vines Park where there were lots of stalls, charity stands and food.

There were performances by stilt-walking pirates, bubble blowing and making balloon models.  Vines Park hosted live music and entertainment, face painting a dog show and ferret racing.

Our host for the trip on the canal on the Daisy May.

John and I enjoyed a trip on the canal on the Daisy May before saying our goodbyes to move on to Pershore Tennis Centre where we were joined by Harriet Baldwin MP and Wychavon’s Managing Director Jack Hegarty for presentations of Club finalists and their 10^th anniversary celebrations.

We watched a very tight challenging men’s singles final before Harriett presented trophies to the winners of the ladies and men’s singles matches.  Jack and I then had a bit of fun in a “doubles” match against the lady chairman of Pershore Tennis Club and one of the coaches.  Don’t think we will be challenging the Murray brothers any time soon, but Jack and I agreed we were the winners.

Anyone for tennis?

Continuing with the sporting theme and Saturday also saw us attend Evesham Cyclefest at The Valley.

When we arrived the contest was well underway.  It was quite wet underfoot (and wheel) and many of the competitors came back looking as if they had a mud bath.

One of the competitors

There were several spills, but everyone looked as if they were enjoying the event, even the children were taking part.

Me having a go on the smoothy bike

This was the second year of this event and it is hoped that this will become an annual affair.  The event continued on the Sunday when Olympic gold medallist Chris Boardman was present.

Enjoying the fruits of my labour

Rain fails to dampen carnival fun

Saturday 3^rd September was Merchant Navy Day, set up to honour the brave men and women who kept our country safe during both world wars and celebrates our dependence on the merchant seafarers of today who are responsible for 95 per cent of the country’s imports.  This includes half of what we eat. 

Megan and I with the Red Ensign . It was officially raised on Saturday morning by a member of our CCTV team.

Because Saturday is not a working day for the council we decided to hold our own “flag raising” ceremony a day earlier so my cadet (Mean Newbury) and I did the honours, posing with the Red Ensign, the UJ Merchant Navy’s official flag, which was to be flown on public buildings and landmark flagstaffs across the UK.  Local councils were all invited to take part.

Friday evening, John and I attended the inaugural charity dinner and ball of Pershore Rotary Business Twilight Club in a marquee in the grounds of The Angel Hotel.  Harriet Baldwin MP and the Mayor and Mayoress of Pershore were also present. 

Harriett Baldwin MP, Darren Eden (Chairman of the Pershore Rotary Business Twilight Club) and me.

It was a very relaxed evening with excellent food and wine, great company and live entertainment with very generous participants in a charity auction and draw in aid of those in the community, not as fortunate as us, who need help and support.  We both thoroughly enjoyed the evening, meeting new and old friends in a really lovely atmosphere.  Well done Pershore Rotary.

On a rather wet and miserable Saturday John and I travelled to Stourport to take part in their annual Carnival.  We started off with a pre-parade drink and nibbles at the Civic Centre before walking down to The Old Beams Public House to join the procession across Stourport Bridge and round the town to the former Magistrates Court where we stopped off so that we could view the carnival floats. 

Band getting wet at the start of the procession

Sadly it rained for most of the procession and unlike us, who had brollies, the band and many of the participants got rather wet.  Such a shame.

Me with some members of the Egyptian float during one of the official stops along the way, to allow the police to manage traffic

At 3pm we were invited by the Mayor to witness the crowning of the Carnival Queen, before joining him and his other civic guests on private cruisers for a trip on the river.  Thankfully the rain had mostly stopped at this point so we could enjoy the delights of the river banks and other craft, including some decorated cruisers.  We were invited to the Yacht Club for a splendid buffet which was followed by another trip on the river to view the decorated boats ending with a firework display.

One of the collectors

The organisation of the day was undertaken by the Carnival Committee, the river cruises and the meal by members of the Yatch Club.  On behalf of all the other Civic guests I expressed a public thank you to everyone for their hard work.  Hope they made lots of money for charity.

The carnival queen

Hook, line and plums

It’s been a busy weekend with two of the highlights of Wychavon’s social calendar taking place – the Plum Festival in Pershore and the Angling Festival in Evesham.

Despite weather warnings the Pershore Plum Festival got off to a good start on Saturday morning with Mark Stinchcombe from Eckington Manor opening the event.

Mark Stinchcombe and me

Mark was a winner of Master Chef – the Professionals and had a stall selling candy floss flavoured with plum which attracted much attention.  John and I joined the Mayor and Mayoress of Pershore to have a walk around, particularly in the Town Hall which housed a First World War exhibition and cake tasting.

Prunella the Pershore Purple Plum and Eggbert the Pershore Yelow Egg plum were on hand with Queen Victoria, the Plum Princess and her attendants.  This is a three day event packed with fun things to do, activities and entertainment.  Well done to Angela Tidmarsh and the tourism team at Wychavon for all the hard work.

Evesham’s three day fishing festival attracts top anglers from across the UK and Europe and carries a prize fund of £17,950, making it one of the richest river fishing events in the country.

Saturday was the Evesham Championship (sponsored by Hobgoblin brewery from Witney) with 35 invited star anglers and 35 qualifiers competing for prizes.  Sunday saw the Wychavon Championship (sponsored by Wychavon District Council) with local club champions and qualifiers taking on the biggest names in match fishing and Bank Holiday Monday’s event being the Match Fishing Team Championship with eight invited teams and six qualifying teams battling for one of the richest prizes in UK team fishing.

Colin Townsend (Evesham & District Angling Association) gave John and I a tour of the grounds where all sorts of fishing kit was on sale together with plants, crafts and clothes .

I was challenged to try my hand in a fly-casting competition at which I failed miserably.

I compete in the fly casting competition with predictably disappointing results

Then I tried out one of the many long pole rods on display but I think John looked more at home doing this than me.

I tried out one of the long pole rods

John was more of a natural than me

 

Colin explained the “weigh-in” procedure with a close-up of one of the best catches.

Colin explains the weigh-in procedure

A close up of one of the best catches of the day

Third place, with a weight of 14-7-0 fishing on peg 44 was Wayne Swinscoe.

Wayne Swinscoe came third

In second place, with a weight of 15-8-0 fishing on peg 1 (thought to be one of the best pegs to fish [positions on the river) was Leigh Gardner.

Leigh Gardner was second

The winner, with a weight of 17-3-0 fishing on peg 46 was Alan Scotthorne (pictured below)

 

Shawn Riley, Evesham Business Partnerships Manager, also  presented me with a beautiful bouquet on behalf of the Evesham Fishing Festival committee.

A lovely surprise from Shawn Riley on behalf of the Evesham Fishing Festival Committee

A lovely end to a lovely day, with beautiful weather showing off Evesham’s River Avon, the Bell Tower and surrounding area to its best.

 

 

Remembering VJ Day and army cadets on parade

I attended a very moving ceremony last week to commemorate VJ Day.

 

The VJ Day service was simple but moving

 

The wreath laying service, organised by Evesham RBL, took place at the Burma Star Memorial in front of the Evesham Almonry.  Members of the Royal British Legion and Legion standards were present, the service was taken by Canon Birch and the Last Post was played by Sue Sollis.  Members of the Legion laid wreaths.

I was also involved in something very different from the normal Chairman’s events when I attended the Hereford & Worcester Army Cadet Force Annual Camp visitors’ day at Longmoor Training Camp at Liphook, Liss.

John and I were amazed to see what a large area of MOD land was used as the training area.  Arriving at the Guardroom gate we were shown to the Officers’ Mess, where we enjoyed a welcome cup of coffee after a three hour journey.  We then had a 45 minute presentation by Major Taylor (who will shortly be retiring) on how the camp was organised and what sort of activities the cadets would encounter during their week at the camp.

This was followed by a short trip in a mini-bus to the “garrison area” – a mock-up of what soldiers could expect on active service, containing look-out posts, storage and rest areas. On the way we passed a tank used in some of the exercises.

We met a group of cadets who had just returned from an exercise where they had been required to search a vehicle and deal with “enemy” attempts to infiltrate the area.  We also saw a group of houses used as a training area for search and rescue from a built-up area in the face of enemy attack.  We then travelled on to the firing range area where several cadets were trying their hand firing at fixed targets, whilst another group rested before taking their turn on the range.

Cadets on the firing range

We enjoyed lunch outside under the shade of trees talking to cadets and instructors then spent the afternoon visiting various groups doing First Aid, how to pack bags to go on exercises, map reading and how to survive in the open/overnight, with the help of professional instructors/current army personnel.  We returned to enjoy a cup of tea before saying our farewells and a final picture with John, Lord Lt. of Worcestershire and Major Taylor, CO responsible for the Camp.

We enjoyed meeting Earl & Countess of Darnley, the Commanding Officer of 4 Mercian Regiment (Lt.Col. Mulholland), Lt. Col. Stuart Hickman (who visited us at Wychavon for our Council meeting on 3^rd August), Ken Tallis (Chairman of H&W Cadet Force Charitable Trust from Pershore) and Major Lisa Glover, whom we first met at Droitwich a few weeks ago.

We were very impressed with all we saw.  The young cadets have every opportunity to progress their careers and were polite, confident and very focussed on what they wanted to do.  A great compliment to the H & W Army Cadet Force.

Commemorating the Battle of Evesham

We marked a special occasion on Saturday (6 August) as I joined in commemorating the 751^st anniversary of the Battle of Evesham. I was joined in Evesham’s Abbey Park by Nigel Huddleston MP for Mid Worcestershire, the Mayor and Mayoress of Evesham Cllr Fred Kaler and Sue Amor, members of the Simon de Montfort Society and the public.

Mayoress Sue Amor, Mayor Fred Kaler, me, Nigel Huddleston MP and Iris Pinkstone, Chairman of the Sumon de Montfort Society at the monument to Simon de Montfort

After a short service and wreath laying ceremony we enjoyed coffee and biscuits in All Saints Church.  Tony Spicer of the Battlefield Trust invited  those who wished to join him on a Battlefield Walk ending at the Battlewell site on Greenhill.

The wreath laid by Nigel Huddleston MP

The following day, by kind permission of Cllr  and Mrs Rob Adams, I held a fund-raising picnic at Aston Hall farm.  The weather was glorious and despite it being a bit breezy those who attended enjoyed a picnic, followed by a trailer tour around the farm, taking in fields of cows, horses and various crops.  In the farmyard six geese had a noisy  greeting to anyone who peered into their pen, whilst next door a ewe and her lamb were mesmerised by folk looking at them.

This lamb was a late birth (twins but sadly the other lamb had died) so had been isolated from the rest of the herd of sheep which could be seen happily munching away around the corner.

Farm implements were also on display to the delight of the many children who were allowed to sit on them.    I am very grateful to Kate & Rob Adams for allowing me to invite people to see their farm and for all the hard work in arranging a great day.

t wasn’t just the children having a sit on the tractor – Rob Adams (host) in the foreground with me.

Watching Team GB warm up for Rio

I recently had the privilege of watching the Great Britain ladies wheelchair basketball team in action as they prepare to compete at the Paralympics in Rio in September.

They were taking on Canada in the Continental Clash 2016 at the University of Worcester’s The Arena. I’m delighted to say they were victorious by seven points.

Great Britain beat Canada by 7 points

The sheer hard physical work displayed by the ladies of both teams and the competitiveness was so evident in the no-holds-barred match which often saw chairs being tipped over and flipped back.

I also got the chance to meet four members of the reserve GB men’s team before the match.

Me with GB reserve squad members Mark Fosbrook, Joe Beswick, Matt Byrne and George Bates .

They explained the tactics used in substitution, worked out by the coaches according to the disability of the player eg.  Someone who is very severely disabled has a (1.0) ranking whilst a player not so disabled with more mobility is ranked (4.5).  It was a real pleasure to watch these very talented people who have not let disability get in their way, with no histrionics – they just got on with their game and through sheer determination provided a first-class match.

Presentations at the end of the match

Other teams taking part as well as Canada and GB, were Netherlands, France and Germany.  These matches culminated in Bronze and Gold play-offs on 4 August. 

I was also delighted to show Archdeacon Robert Jones around the Civic Centre in Pershore recently. Although he lives in Wychavon he had never visited and so I invited him to meet our Managing Director Jack Hegarty.

The Archdeaon was very appreciative of the offer and we all enjoyed a chat over a cup of tea and cake before Jack gave our guest a brief conducted tour of the Civic Centre, taking in the CCTV facility, Planning Dept. the Council Chamber and Committee rooms. He was most interested in how the council functioned.