text: I think if I could go back to the 50s, I would rather be in that cuddy cabin with the cute girl in the pretty white dress than trusting that old life vest. My Grandma had one of those. She couldn’t swim. Thank god she never had to use it. Bill are those 75 Johnson’s on that Hydro ?
  Ya,story goes that it was made by brothers that worked for omc, they made 2 ,i got destroyed,,it is all 1/4 plywood,nephew said they tried short shafts but design didnt let them get the speed,so then went to long shafts,If this was in a race it didnt win,,but I know it will do 85mph,,,,,,inside my trailer behind my truck coming home
  
  The new Parkway train station will be the big thing of course. Now with most of the hard work done and with it, an end to the worst of the traffic nightmares, we can get on with the crucial job of developing Worcester and maximising the city’s endless potential. Result? An increase in population and its diversity, and a raise in our standards and aspirations.
  If my opening duty as mayor is to herald things to come, then bring it on! Saturday’s high-action classical and colourful community cultural event staged by some three hundred members of South Indian families that have made their home in and around the city, left me and my wife Naseem impressed beyond words. I’ve visited Nunnery Wood High School on many an occasion but rarely have I left so speechless with admiration. Quite magical!
  On Tuesday this week, yet another reason for my boundless confidence in the city’s future was brought home – the induction of new employees to the City Council. Numbers are not increasing, but at this crucial period in the development of the city, all the pointers are that the calibre and promise of new staff is – the implication being that Worcester is still good at attracting new blood from outside – and that speaks volumes for our future.
  It’s not often I look to Birmingham to show Worcester the way ahead, but I found myself edging that way on Wednesday when I was invited to The Second City to hand over the prizes at the Ashiana Community Projects’ Cricket League presentation. The ACP League, created some fifteen years ago to enhance the quality of life in some of the more deprived Birmingham quarters, is absolutely inspirational, and now includes more than 40 teams, all getting along just fine. Now that’s got me thinking….!
  The generosity of Worcestershire folk never ceases to amaze me, and few days go by that I’m not left truly humbled by the actions or the sentiments of people here in a city and county that I never view as anything less than wonderful. As an illustration, the hundreds of Christmas cards I’ve received, not only as mayor but also as a private individual. For which, my sincerest thanks.
  I’m additionally grateful for this opportunity to wish you all – with no exception – the happiest and most joyful Christmas ever. It’s a time for bridging those small differences in race and religion. A time for peace and harmony. And a time for family. Be assured that just as you and your family come together over the festive days, so will mine and the other non-Christian families, all as one in marking this very special time of the year.
  This too is a time of hope. For the immediate, a hope that you will be celebrating the occasion in the manner that befits its importance and that you will extend your generosity to your neighbours, many of whom may be facing their Christmas alone and friendless. So my most fervent hope is that you will show them that they are neither.