City has much to be proud of insists mayor

Buy photos » Panning the opposition - Coun Tibbutt sets the pace in the annual pancake race which was won by his team. Picture by Nick Hands 0812015NHR5

OUTGOING Mayor Dr David Tibbutt believes Worcester has plenty to be proud of as he prepares to hand over the historic chain of office.

After an exhausting 12 months which has seen him complete about 500 engagements, Coun Tibbutt will end his term as mayor next week.

And the 71-year-old said it had only reinforced his view that Worcester had plenty to shout about despite its detractors.

"One of the highlights for me has been the comments people make about the city, " he said.

"They are enormously positive, particularly from visitors from outside the city. One lady from Gloucester came into the parlour and said she came to Worcester every week. When I asked her why she said it was because she loves it here.

"So many people try and dumb down Worcester but we have an enormous amount to be proud of."

During the past 12 months Dr Tibbutt has welcomed Royalty including Princess Anne and Prince Edward, as well as hosting about 70 tours of the Guildhall with groups from as far afield as Australia and Japan.

Coun Tibbutt said he had also been awestruck by the city's incredible musical tradition after attending events like the Three Choirs Festival, Worcester Music Festival, Cathedral Choir concerts and numerous carol services.

"It's very difficult to say what have been the highlights," he said.

"The things that stick in one's mind are the pageantry like the civic service at the Cathedral and Remembrance Sunday particularly, where we had more people out on the streets than I can ever remember.

"Worcester also has an amazing track record of music which unless you are in this position you don't necessarily see and appreciate.

"It has been a fantastic year with a huge variety of events and people."

Coun Tibbutt and his wife Jane have had to put their lives on hold for the past year, during which time they have had only three days holiday, but he insisted it had been worth it.

"I wouldn't have missed it for anything - it has been a great experience," he added.

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