The British Legion Poppy Appeal was launched in The Guildhall this week and I was proud to participate.

It was the first time it has been launched in such a high profile manner and it was quite a spectacle.

After speeches in the Lower Hall we all went out onto the steps for the Last Post and Reveille while poppy petals rained down from the roof. The Legion does a wonderful job helping ex-servicemen and women in all manner of ways.

It is not so well known but they do a lot for dependants too.

Please be generous this year. We owe such a lot to our armed forces.

Joan and I attended four graduation ceremonies in the Cathedral this week as proud graduates were presented with their hard-earned degrees.

Sitting on the stage I could see them as they approached the vice-chancellor and their faces reflected the sense of achievement.

The last ceremony on Friday was the loudest of the week as the performing arts departments celebrated. What a climax.

Good to see Adrian Gregson, a fellow councillor, being awarded Master of Philosophy. Congratulations Dr Gregson.

We were guests of the Droitwich Catenians on Thursday night.

They think the Mayor has a dignified role in civic life, and I suppose I do a lot of the time, but after telling them of hanging upside down from Debenhams roof and a few other humorous incidents I think they have a better insight now into the real me!

It was the real me on Saturday night when Joan and I, together with our granddaughter Emily went to light the bonfire at the Round Table's firework display.

There is something satisfying in setting fire to a huge bonfire and watching the flames shoot up into the air. Thank you Nigel Hall for the opportunity, it was great.

Let's hope they raised plenty of money for their worthy causes.

Talking of money, I was given the final total on Friday for the abseil. We raised £7,755.25.

That is magnificent and more than double what I hoped to achieve.

Thank you all very much indeed. A big pat on the back to you all.

Finally, a mention for a forthcoming concert by Worcester Male Voice Choir, arranged by Councillor Pam Clayton, on November 25, in aid of the Pakistan Relief Fund.

Tickets, priced £5, are available from the Tourist Information Centre, next door to the Guildhall.