MAYOR’S WEEK: 5 – 11 OCTOBER 2025

This week has been a wonderful reminder of the strength, compassion, and generosity that make Worcester such a special city.
I was deeply honoured to welcome mum Hayley, Grandmother Julie, daughter Olive and her sister Ivy into the Mayor’s Parlour to talk about mitochondrial disease, which Olive lives with, and the vital work of The Lily Foundation. The charity supports families affected by mitochondrial disorders and funds pioneering research into treatments and cures. Hearing about Olive’s journey and the challenges faced by those with rare diseases was both moving and inspiring. Their courage, positivity, and determination to raise awareness are truly remarkable, and I want to do everything I can to help highlight the Lily Foundation’s important mission here in Worcester.
I also had the great pleasure of visiting the Open Door Café in Warndon for their third anniversary celebrations. In just three years, the café has become a real hub of community life – a place of warmth, welcome, and friendship that truly lives up to its name. It’s estimated that over this time, more than 5,000 meals have been served – 5,000 occasions where people have sat together, shared food, and shared company. That’s a remarkable achievement and a testament to the spirit of this place. None of this would be possible without the dedication and kindness of the volunteers, who give their time so generously each week and particular congratulations to Ed, Jill and all of the team. My heartfelt thanks go to them – and here’s to many more years of community, conversation, and connection at the Open Door Café.

I was also delighted to attend a special event marking the 175th anniversary of Worcester Shrub Hill Station, which first opened in 1850 linking our city to the railway network. It was organised by West Midlands Railway, GWR, and the Cotswold Line Promotion Group and as part of the celebration, we unveiled a replica nameplate from the Class 37 diesel locomotive number 37114 “City of Worcester”. After the ceremony, guests (including Lord Faulkner of Worcester) enjoyed refreshments and an afternoon of “Worcester Railways” with the Worcester Locomotive Society where I chatted to past railway workers and enthusiasts – a fitting tribute to our city’s proud and enduring railway heritage.