Lord Mayor’s Diary: My first month has been a bit of a whirl

A couple of photos from the Lord Majors procession. Standing on St Andrew's car park. (Image: © 2013 THammond photography)

Lord Mayor for a month and 40 events attended! I have felt in a whirl, not surprising when you consider some of my activities.

Opening the Eaton Parishes Garden Party I slid down an inflated slide, the Mayor of Cambridge held her reception at the Cambridge Midsummer Fair and I rode the dodgems, in the Clare Special School playground I was spinning on a roundabout, and at the SEND Schools Sports event at the UEA Sportspark I turned in circles as I tried my hand at wheelchair basketball with the Lowriders.

A special thanks to Joel who was bold enough to ask me to have a go rather than just watch.

It was only by sitting in a wheelchair and trying to manoeuvre it that I could have any understanding and appreciation of life from a different perspective.

Lowriders, part of British Wheelchair Basketball, give this opportunity to others through their corporate evenings – to have fun playing wheelchair baskekball and to increase awareness.

A great bunch of youngsters who look to give something back to the community.

The three big events include the installation of the new Dean to Norwich Cathedral.

This was a very special ceremony, including an opportunity for me to welcome the Very Rev Jane Hedges to Norwich on behalf of the City and to hear her speak her warm, inclusive, down to earth words as she gave her sermon.

At the Civic Service, an annual celebration of the community life of the city, there was a chance for the Sheriff and I to meet representatives from the institutions of the city and many friends – and the Dean again gave a sermon of such relevance to those attending.

The third important event was of course the Lord Mayor's celebration weekend. The collection in aid of this year's Civic Charity, Cruse Bereavement Care, raised an amazing £4,000.

As Lord Mayor I was immensely proud to see the city put together a programme of such creativity, especially with so many young performers.

The crowds showed their appreciation by the numbers that attended and the money raised.

There was a fantastic atmosphere with street theatre and the live music for all to enjoy.

The finale of the fireworks choreographed to music was a magical 10 minutes.

I so enjoyed being part of the procession that I am now thinking how I can participate next July. I would have to go a long way to beat the ideas and beautiful costumes of this years winners, Catton Grove Primary School's Midsummer Night's Dream.

I would encourage others, schools, community groups and charities to take part and team up with a business to provide sponsorship such as transport, a combination bringing benefit to both parties.

In between those events there have been others which have brought me into contact with organisations, volunteers and individuals whom I have found uplifting and inspiring, and who make Norwich what it is – a wonderfully diverse and creative city with a caring heart.

n the veterans Freddie Fitch and Eric Fox who work to help us all remember, in this special centenary year of the beginning of the First World War, the sacrifice given by so many in too many wars.

n the young refugees who sang and played with such enthusiasm to entertain the audience at the opening of the New Routes Centre, a centre for refugees and asylum seekers to come together with volunteers who through a very successful mentoring project help them adapt and find hope in their new surroundings.

n the pupils of the Catton Grove and Larkman Junior Schools playing in the Sistema Martineau Orchestra who gave an uplifting concert, youngsters new to music and performing but very much enjoying the experience.

I cannot wait to for what is in store for me next!