Monday Blog!

Councillor Phil Bateman MBE Mayor of the City of Wolverhampton said "Today has been quite a day here in Wolverhampton."

He went onto say "This morning we launched the 2006 Carver's Wolverhampton Marathon here in the Mayor's Parlour. It was well attended by a host of business all of whom are supporting the race and the organisation.

The Deputies were with Mary and myself as I welcomed the organisers, and I gave a speech that I hope supported the aims and the ideals that the Carver Marathon operated under.

There are not many Marathons of this stature left in the UK, and our race is one of the best. Even Edinburgh Capital of Scotland is having difficulty with their plans. It is against that background that Wolverhampton's Marathon is organised.

I have no doubt that we will have a successful day, because the people are experienced and enthusiastic. More than that they are committed in making this Marathon the best in the UK. I was pleased that Ed Doolan from Radio WM decided to highlight the work that we were doing.

He raised the issue of the Marathon today on his Show, and said some very kind words about the way that Mary and I had tried to raise the City's profile during our year of office.

I was greatly pleased that he raised the issue of Don McKinnon's Secretary General of the Commonwealth, visit to Wolverhampton on Friday the 3rd March. It isn't everyday that you get such a high profile and ranking politician and diplomat into our City.

Thanks Ed for again recognising how hard we all worked to get him here. I must admit a tinge of disappointment that the Express and Star did not carry a photograph to record the Secretary Generals historic visit to the City. But the Express and Star overall has recorded much of what has taken place here over the last municipal year.

Tonight we attend an event organised by TS Newfoundland here in the City we will report on that tomorrow!"