I’ve got many memories of my year as city mayor

7:07pm Friday 16th May 2008

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AFTER a proud year, the Mayor of Worcester Stephen Inman has removed his gleaming chains of office for the final time.

Mr Inman, who also stood down from his seat on Worcester City Council this month after 13 years at the Guildhall, told your Worcester News his year as mayor was one of the most memorable of his life.

"It's been a wonderful year, and a truly unforgettable one," he said.

"I shall have many, many good memories of the things my wife and I have done during the year."

Mr Inman, aged 54, was voted in as mayor by his fellow councillors in May 2007, and said his year in office had coincided with some particularly important moments for Worcester.

He said: "There have been some really key events during my time in office, like the Elgar 150th anniversary celebrations, and the return of the West Mercian regiment from Afghanistan."

Hob-nobbing with royalty has also been a key part of Mr Inman's year as Mayor - right from his first day in office.

"We got off to a quick start, because the Duchess of Gloucester was opening the Acorns Children's Hospice on my very first day," he said, "I had no time to think about things - it was straight into it.

"We also met the Princess Royal, the Duke of Gloucester twice, and even Prince Charles during one trip down to London.

"They were all great occasions, and it's nice to be able to promote Worcester to members of the Royal family." Promoting the city, of course, is a big part of what the mayoralty is all about, and Mr Inman said it is still important to have a figurehead for Worcester who represents the city at events around the country.

"It's about talking to people from outside the city about Worcester, and showing it to them in a positive light," he said. "It's also important when we have visitors from elsewhere to have someone who can give a sense of the history and importance of the place."

And anyone who thinks being mayor of Worcester is a cushy number should think again.

"The work can be seven days a week at times," Mr Inman said. "We totted it up and I've had 531 different engagements over the course of the year.

"But they've all been interesting in their way, and I certainly wouldn't have wanted to miss out on a moment."