MAYOR’S WEEK: 21 – 27 SEPTEMBER

MAYOR’S WEEK: 21 – 27 SEPTEMBER

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Last week was Heritage Week in Worcester and I had the real pleasure of giving guided tours around the Guildhall.

One of the highlights was being able to take people behind the door of the Mayor’s Parlour, which I’m lucky enough to use as my office during my year as Mayor.

Acting as a tour guide is one of my favourite parts of the role – the Guildhall is such a treasure trove, packed with stories of both our city and our country.

From Queen Victoria’s throne and Civil War armour to portraits of kings, queens, MPs and mayors beneath sparkling chandeliers, every corner has something fascinating to uncover.

I especially enjoy the portrait of Mayor Henry Clifton, who in 1831 read the Riot Act to protestors supporting the Great Reform Act and ended up being hit by a brick for his troubles!

Later in the week I was back in our magnificent Cathedral, this time for the graduation ceremony of Heart of Worcestershire College.

It was a special moment for me personally – I began my teaching career at the then Worcester College of Technology, later becoming a Head of Faculty, and I used to stand on that very stage reading out the names of new graduates.

Being part of the day again reminded me how transformative education can be.

It was wonderful to see so many students and their families celebrating such a milestone. Former England cricketer Ashley Giles gave a brilliant address, sharing the lessons he had learned from a long career in sport and management – a fitting reminder that learning never really ends.

Last Saturday afternoon I was delighted to host my Charity Concert in the beautiful Assembly Room at Worcester Guildhall.

It was a sell-out event in aid of Acorns Children’s Hospice, and I’m thrilled to say that we raised over £2,000 for this vital cause.

The concert featured the brilliant Voices Unlimited, whose 70 strong choir quite literally raised the roof with a stunning celebration of British music.

From Queen and David Bowie to Elton John and the musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, their energy and talent filled the Guildhall and had the audience clapping, cheering and singing along.

I am deeply grateful to Voices Unlimited and to everyone who came and supported Acorns. It was a truly joyful afternoon of music, community and generosity.

Voices Unlimited singing at the Guildhall

MAYOR’S WEEK: 14 – 20 SEPTEMBER

MAYOR’S WEEK: 14 – 20 SEPTEMBER

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Cycling is something I feel strongly about.

It benefits our health and wellbeing, reduces congestion and pollution, and helps us on the journey to a cleaner, greener Worcester.

This week I had the pleasure of visiting the Bike Worcester workshop to donate two of my old bicycles and collect a beautifully refurbished one.

The volunteers there are doing an outstanding job repairing and recycling bikes, turning unwanted machines into affordable, high-quality bicycles for people across the city.

The Mayor of Worcester with a bike

Their work is a shining example of how we can all reuse and recycle more, helping to reduce waste while at the same time making cycling accessible to those who might otherwise struggle to afford it.

I was really struck by the enthusiasm of the volunteers, whose efforts highlight the power of community spirit and the difference it can make.

Another highlight of the week was attending the University of Worcester graduation ceremonies at our magnificent Cathedral.

Graduation is always a special occasion, and this year was no exception. Hundreds of students crossed the stage to receive their degrees, cheered on by proud families and friends.

It was especially pleasing to welcome His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, the University’s Chancellor, to Worcester for the ceremonies.

The Cathedral provided a truly inspiring setting to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and achievements of the graduates.

It also reminded me of the university’s central role in the life of our city – not just as an educator, but as a source of innovation, energy, and opportunity for Worcester and beyond.

Finally, I had the great pleasure of welcoming around 300 pupils from Nunnery Wood High School to the Guildhall.

I showed them the Mayor’s Parlour and spoke about the history and responsibilities of the Mayoral role.

The pupils asked thoughtful questions and showed real interest in the traditions of the office.

Afterwards, Guildhall staff led a fun and lively quiz in the beautiful Assembly Rooms, testing their knowledge of Worcester’s fascinating history and heritage. It was a joy to see so many young people engaging with the city’s past while thinking about the future.

Together, these experiences showcased Worcester at its very best – active, ambitious, and proud of its heritage and its future.

MAYOR’S WEEK 7 – 13 SEPETEMBER

MAYOR’S WEEK 7 – 13 SEPETEMBER

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I have always been committed to supporting the work of our armed forces- both veterans and serving members.

Therefore, it was a privilege to join the Worcester Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club as they celebrated their 10th birthday last Saturday where I was joined by the city’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Pat Agar.

The Breakfast Club meets at the Crown Pub on the first Saturday of the month. From just 10 people meeting together, the club has grown into a remarkable community of 100 veterans.

That growth tells its own story – one of comradeship, mutual support, and the unbreakable bond that exists between those who have served.

This is more than just a breakfast. It is a place of belonging, where laughter, friendship, and sometimes difficult memories are shared among those who truly understand.

Worcester is richer for this club and the contribution its members make to our city. As Mayor, I have met many veterans at commemorations and civic events, and it is always humbling.

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who serve and have served. As a city and as a nation we must continue working to ensure that service is recognised, celebrated, and supported.

There was further celebration of those who make such a difference to our city and our county when I and the Mayoress attended the Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards at the Bank House at Bransford.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Worcester
The Mayor and Mayoress of Worcester

I was honoured to be one of the judges, which was no easy task given the outstanding calibre of nominees working tirelessly across health and social care.

It was a glistening evening, with fabulously dressed nominees, guests and sponsors gathered to recognise dedication, compassion and commitment.

I was especially pleased to present the Mental Health Award to Stepway, a Worcester-based charity doing outstanding work supporting veterans. Their success was richly deserved and a reminder of the difference our city’s organisations make in people’s lives.

The awards also highlighted Worcester nominees such as the Mortuary Team from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals, named NHS Team of the Year, and Sensory Matters Worcestershire, who received the Health Care Employer Award.

Worcester can take great pride in these local heroes, whose compassion and commitment reflect the very best of our community.

It was a privilege to celebrate them all and witness such a powerful reminder of the care and kindness that underpin our city.

MAYOR’S WEEK: 31 AUGUST – 6 SEPTEMBER

MAYOR’S WEEK: 31 AUGUST – 6 SEPTEMBER

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I continue to be blown away by the support shown to all members of our community here in Worcester.

On Monday evening I had the great pleasure of visiting the Monday Night Club at Henry Sandon Hall at the Royal Porcelain Works.

The club provides a fantastic opportunity for people with learning disabilities and autism to meet their friends, dance, and enjoy each other’s company in a safe and welcoming space.

Proudly run by its members, for its members, the Monday Night Club shows how much can be achieved when people come together.

This week was “Strictly Night,” with music, glitter, and plenty of enthusiasm on the dance floor!

I was delighted to present a cheque for £733 raised by Trustee Sam Wilkes through her recent birthday fundraiser, joined by Laura Gill, the club’s inspirational founder.

Matt Lamb presenting a cheque at the Monday Night Club

It is important to remember that as Mayor I continue to play an important role in the governance of our city.

On Tuesday I had the privilege of chairing a meeting of full council in the Guildhall.

We discussed a range of important issues for the city, including transport in Worcester, the value of maintaining our allotments, and the future shape of the council as part of wider Local Government Reorganisation.

These are weighty matters that affect the lives of many residents and the character of our city.

I have always been passionate that, whatever form reorganisation eventually takes, the role of the Mayor and the majesty of the Guildhall must be preserved.

They are symbols of Worcester’s civic identity and heritage, and it is vital they continue to play a central role in our city’s story.

That history and heritage was underlined on Wednesday when I was honoured to take part in the annual Drumhead Ceremony to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Worcester, fought on 3rd September 1651.

I paraded with Civil War re-enactors from the Guildhall to Fort Royal Hill, where the ceremony took place.

The event was a moving reminder of the battle’s place in our city’s history and the many lives lost.

A minute of silence was held and its beginning and end was marked with musket fire that echoed across the hill.

After the service, I joined the re-enactors at the excellent Cardinal’s Hat Pub, where stories of the battle were shared with real passion and knowledge.

It was an inspiring way to remember Worcester’s past and those who preserve it.