WE have had a reasonably quiet week this week but what we have done has been very enjoyable. On Saturday we attended the High Street to open up the extension of the Saturday market.

There will be new stalls coming soon and they will look really smart out in the open where passers by will be able to see that Evesham has a Charter Market and hopefully the High Street will be brought back to life by the increased footfall.

An hour later we were at the Offenham Royal British Legion Club to open a charity display of hand-made teddy bears.

All proceeds went to the local church for restoration work.

Later that evening, Pat and I welcomed our guests at the Vale Golf Club for our Mayor’s Christmas Charity Ball. We would like to thank everyone who supported us, especially the local traders who very kindly donated the raffle prizes.

Everyone seemed to have had an enjoyable time, and we were able to raise money for my local charities.

On Sunday, we attended Evesham Arts Centre for the Christmas Concert of the Avonbank Brass Band.

They put on their usual excellent show. But this year there was an addition to the show – the band was accompanied by the Evesham Community Choir.

Now, I am told that this choir only formed in September this year. They are led and conducted by Andy Johnson who some of you will know is the music master from Evesham High School.

Considering the short time they have been together they performed in a very professional manner.

It was good to see and hear the band and choir perform together.

I understand that there may be a repeat performance next year.

I would strongly recommend that you go and hear them. They are well worth it.

It looks like we will be busier next week. Among several other fixtures we will be switching on the Tree of Light in Workman Gardens on Thursday. This should be a really good opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit so why not come along and join in with the carol singing? You will all be very welcome.

Kind regards to all, Jim Bulman, Mayor of Evesham.