Tuesday, 2nd July: I went to the Town Hall Evesham at 9am to meet pupils from Blackminster School to show them around the Town Hall and the Council Chamber. They were very well behaved and appeared to be interested in what I was telling them. They enjoyed trying on the Mayors Robe and Hat and looking at the Mayoral Chain.

At 10am I went to Swan Lane School to help judge them in the Schools in Bloom Competition. I am always amazed at how much work is done with the schools and the staff and pupils are to be congratulated on a fine floral display.

Wednesday, 3rd July: Again I went to the Town Hall Evesham to meet another class from Blackminster School to show them around and tell them some of the history of Evesham. The large quilt that was presented to the Town and hangs in the Town Hall came in very useful as it was far too wet to walk around outside so I used the pictures so wonderfully quilted to tell the pupils about our town's history. I think they enjoyed it. I know I did. and again they were very well behaved and well mannered.

In the evening after I had a lazy day trying to rid myself of a cough and a cold. I went with my eldest son John as my consort, to the Malvern Forum Theatre to see the Worcestershire Schools Drama Showcase. Some very talented children in Worcestershire and I was particularly delighted to see Evesham High School put on such a commendable performance.

Thursday, 4th July: Had hoped to get posters and letters written abut the Songs of Praise at Hampton Ferry on July 28th at 3pm but my computer has gone down and I couldnt get on with anything.

Friday, 5th July: Had a day out , went with friends to Sharpness Dry Dock to see a new invention that raises a caravan up out of the water as the river rises. They had two caravans one with the cantilever equipment and one without........one got well and truly flooded the other didnt. Will be a great boon to the Caravans in the flood plain.

Sunday, 7th July: I was asked to go to the demonstration that was being held at Throckmorton to protest about putting Asylum seekers on the disused airfield. I was impressed at how organised they were and also at how many people actually turned up. We were all asked to put a ribbon on the perimeter fence. a very peaceful but meaningful demonstration. I have every sympathy with genuine asylum seekers and cannot even begin to comprehend what leaving your homeland and starting again in a strange place with almost nothing would be like, but to be put in a camp miles from anywhere on a rotting burial ground from the foot and mouth diseased carcasses I consider it to be tantamount to cruelty and completely unacceptable to consider Throckmorton.

Monday, 8th July: At 11am went to St, Andrews School at Hampton to help judge the Schools in Bloom. We were made very welcome and several children showed us around the school and told us how they had planted and maintained the hanging baskets and pots that were all round the school. All very neat and clean and tidy and No litter anywhere. Well done St Andrews.

At 2-30pm went to Green Hill School to help judge the Schools in Bloom. The sun shone and it was very pleasant they have got a Wendy House for the children to play in and its got window boxes full of flowers. the children have also done a small garden beside the wendy house and its full of vegetables and flowers. looks lovely.

6-30pm and I was in the Chair at an Evesham Town Council Meeting. Several things to discuss.

Probably nothing in the World arouses more false hopes....... than the first four hours of a diet.

Diana Raphael.