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Romeo (the donkey), me and the MP for Itchen, Darren Paffey were honoured guests last weekend at Oak Lodge care home by Freemantle Common, on the occasion of Grace Gatland's 103rd birthday. An amazing milestone and great celebration organised by the lovely BUPA care staff.

More celebrations of the lunar new year (Chinese year of the wood snake) a few weekends back in the Chapel Central Hall with some cracking performances from the City's 7,000 strong Chinese Students and Scholars Association

We don't forget them. On this date in 1917 over 600 troop members of the South African Native Labour Contingent perished on board the SS Mendi which sank in the Solent off the Isle of Wight. I was moved today to lay a wreath on memory of their sacrifice in Hollybrook cemetery.

What a great show that was a few weekends back grace a the Vedic Society/ Hindu temple in Radcliffe Road, Northam. My big disappointment was missing the post production feast - due to another Mayoral commitment!

I was reminded earlier today by someone who knew him well that it has been ten years since Southampton boy Del Singh was sadly taken from us by fanatical terrorists in Afghanistan where he was an aid worker. Terrible loss. He's still remembered in our hearts.

A bumper turnout last Friday night at St. Mary's Stadium for the Master Mariners ('Cachelots') annual Sea Pie Supper. Loads of important and influential people from right across our maritime community and associated civil society organisations.

What a pleasure it was last week to play host to two groups of Chinese students from QuangDong province - here on a study tour as guests of Itchen College - who greatly appreciated their tour of the Mayor's offices and Council Chamber

The Civic Centre was audibly livened up on Monday evening ending with a visit to the Mayor's Parlour of the 11th Scout troop Beavers. Full of energy, enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge. Who knows they might include in their midst a future Lord Mayor?

Just to follow up my retweet of Amanda Barnes Andrews post, I'd like to add my thanks to the fantastic Southampton Music Service and the strings orchestra for a great evening's entertainment last Saturday night at the Central Hall. We've some real musical talent amongst our youth

Once again, the Chinese Association of Southampton brought our city centre to life as they ushered in and celebrated the Year of the (wood) Snake. Fantastic displays and performances in the West Quay shopping centre. Big thanks to Michael Ng and Vikki Cheng for their organising.

Last week I was very pleased to be the guest of Southampton University's International Women's Group where we had an enjoyable discussion about the Lord Mayor's role and my charities this year: SoCo Music, Southampton National Park City and Paintings in Hospitals.

.Last week, I introduced Southampton's Holocaust Memorial at the Unversity's James Matthews building. Organised by the Parkes Institute we heard from Janine Webber MBE who - as a Jewish person from Lviv - miraculously survived with help from others. So moving. Never ever again.

One of my supported charities this year is Southampton National Park City and they've asked me to draw attention to their excellent young place makers initiative. Check them out at:

A wonderful experience for our young musicians at Central Hall this evening. Thanks to all the students who performed with great talent and confidence. Thanks to staff at @MusicHubSouth for arranging this fabulous concert.

It was the start of the lunar (Chinese) new year last week and things got off to a flying start on Sunday with some smashing performances at the University's Turner Sims Hall by our local Chinese Arts Society. Thanks to Ping Hua for organising things and getting me an invite.

How uplifting it was last Saturday night - after a disappointing day at St. Mary's - to be the guest of the Peartree Players at their pantomime performance of the Princess and the Frog. Great performances and huge fun for all the family in this great little community.

Having passed the old 11 plus in 1969 I entered King Edward VI Grammar School in September that year. We went our separate ways in 1974, so I was touched to be invited to a 50th anniversary at the school last Friday. Even more surprised to bump into old form tutor Dave Dykes!

What a great job our local NHS has done with the new Shirley Health Centre. It transferred in July from its previous location in Grove Road to the former Lidl building off Shirley Road but formal opening ceremony took place last Friday where I and the lead GP led proceedings.

A very good year for Mayflower Academy Ltd. celebrated last week at the MAST studios. Some marvellous young talent, too, as exemplified by the cast of the smash hit Wind in the Willows.