Mayor of Worcester

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.

 

When I was a child, I loved reading. I would spend hours lost in books – starting with Enid Blyton (the Secret Seven and Far-Away Tree were favourites) and Anthony Buckeridge’s Jennings stories, before moving on to John Wyndham, Robert Cormier, Douglas Adams and Spike Milligan.

Books gave me adventure, laughter and a lifelong love of reading. I passionately believe that reading is vital: it helps us learn, sparks imagination, and deepens our understanding of the world.

That is why it was such a joy to spend two afternoons at the Hive celebrating the Summer Reading Challenge. Open to children aged four to 11, the challenge encourages them to read at least six books over the summer – no small achievement.

This year, more than 700 children succeeded, and it was a privilege to meet them and their families, present medals, and hear about the books they had enjoyed.

It was wonderful to learn that alongside David Walliams and J.K. Rowling, some were still reading the very stories I loved more than 40 years ago. To all young readers, I say: keep reading, keep exploring, and treasure the journeys only books can take you on.

Community spirit was also at the heart of DinesFest, held at Honeywell Primary School in Dines Green.

The playground and fields were filled with families enjoying pony rides, football, bouncy castles, face painting, live music and a fantastic BBQ.

A highlight for me was meeting Sidney, the festival’s new mascot, who quickly won everyone over. But what stood out most was the warmth and togetherness of the community.

Volunteers, school staff and the Mercian Academy Trust worked hand in hand to make the day inclusive, affordable and welcoming.

My thanks go to Jess Hunt and the whole committee for their brilliant organisation. DinesFest truly showed Dines Green at its very best – roll on Christmas!

That same generosity was evident at the Lyppard Hub’s Macmillan Coffee Morning, where the Community Café was buzzing with chatter and laughter as more than 50 people came together to raise an incredible £400 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

With tea, homemade cakes and plenty of good company, it was a morning full of kindness and connection.

Cancer Care Co-ordinator Sharon from Worcester City Primary Care Network was on hand to offer advice, and I was delighted to drop in, lend my encouragement, and take a tour of the Hub to see the excellent range of activities it provides local people.

From books and festivals to coffee mornings, Worcester’s community spirit shines through in so many ways. It is always a privilege, as Mayor, to share in these moments of joy, generosity and togetherness that make our city so special.

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.

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.

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.