Last week's events: On Thursday, I had the pleasure of welcoming more than 20 French students and their teachers to the Town Hall. I showed them around the council chamber (and town hall) and they were given the opportunity to try on the council robes, which they all jumped at. The students were on an exchange programme with Prince Henry’s and it was a pleasure to host them for an hour. On Saturday, I attended the much anticipated ‘Show Time’ concert at the Arts centre in aid of the Bell Tower Appeal. It was a fabulous night of entertainment. Most acts came from the town and the Vale Dancers stood out as a class act along with many others - a great night and helping us ever closer to the £500,000 needed to restore the historic tower. Lastly on Sunday, I had the privilege of attending a service of celebration of NHS Worcestershire Staff at Worcester Cathedral - a grand event for a very important group of people. We often hear of the negative sides of the NHS so I welcomed the opportunity to celebrate the dedication of NHS staff to their jobs often in very difficult circumstances.

This week's events: I had a great start to my week, attending the winning Pie Lunch at Evesham Hotel. The Festive Pie the winner of the recently held Pie and Ale festival was served up by the head chef and Richard Jones, the pies’ maker. I had a very enjoyable lunch with some of the festival organisers. On Thursday, I had the privilege of opening the Mop Fair. Did you know the Mop Fair has been coming to Evesham for over 500 years? Mr Danter, the Mop Fair organiser, guided myself and fellow town councillors around the fair and treated us to some of the rides after which we enjoyed a warm buffet and drinks at the Royal Oak. On Saturday, I was asked to present certificates to over 300 children at Evesham Library. The children had taken part in a summer long reading challenge which tasked each child with reading six books. Testament to the success of the challenge was the number of children present. It was a pleasure to be there and congratulate each child individually. Lastly on Sunday, I attended the Mayor of Droitwich’s Civic Service. A collection of other Mayors and council chairmen were also present and we were treated to some wonderful music and an interesting sermon."

CHARLIE HOMER