Mayor of Worcester

I AM busy raising money for my worthy mayoral charity for this year which is Acorns.

It is great that local businesses are also joining in to lend a hand.

Dr Stanimira Stavreva-Stassi of the Reindeer Court Dental Practice in Worcester ran an event that I attended as mayor which offered free dental check-ups in exchange for a donation to Acorns.

In this she was aided by her whole team, the Acorns mascot but just as importantly by her son, Alexander, who played his violin for delighted passers-by. All this hard work raised £930 for this brilliant cause.

If you want to donate to Acorns, we have a QR code prominently displayed outside the mayor’s parlour in the Guildhall which allows you to donate via PayPal.

I was proud to raise the Windrush flag in honour of a generation whose courage, resilience, and service helped rebuild Britain after the Second World War.

On 22 June 1948, the Empire Windrush arrived with hopeful Caribbean passengers who would become vital to our NHS, transport, education, and public services.

Despite hardship and discrimination, they enriched our national life. Worcester shares in that legacy. Windrush descendants are part of our schools, our faith groups, our culture.

It was a real privilege to host members of the Windrush generation in the mayor’s parlour and tour an art exhibition inspired by their experiences. As the flag flies, we remember: our strength lies in diversity — and in the stories we choose to tell.

I was also honoured to lead the Armed Forces Flag Raising Ceremony — a tribute to the dedication, bravery, and sacrifice of those who serve and have served in our military.

This year’s event is especially poignant as we mark the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day, remembering the courage that secured our freedoms.

Worcester’s proud military heritage lives on through those who serve today, and we also recognise the vital role of their families.

This flag symbolises our respect, gratitude, and commitment to supporting our armed forces community — past, present, and future. May it fly high over the Worcester Guildhall as a reminder of the duty and courage that continue to protect us all.

One of the most visible aspects of being Mayor of Worcester is when you are involved in formal civic events.

On a few memorable occasions the mayor parades “in state” through the centre of Worcester, usually from the Guildhall to the Cathedral.

Examples include Remembrance Sunday in November and the Civic Service held last weekend in the beautiful surroundings of Worcester Cathedral, which marked the formal start of the civic year.

On these occasions the mayor will dress in formal gowns and parade with councillors, local mayors, city judges, members of Parliament, members of the House of Lords and other local dignitaries.

It is a spectacular sight especially as the mayor is accompanied by the Sword-Bearer and the Mace Bearers.

Local residents and tourists, who enjoy the pomp and spectacle of these special occasions, often ask who these figures are and what they do?

Worcester’s rich civic traditions are embodied in its historic regalia, each item steeped in symbolism and ceremony.

The Sword of State, granted by King James I in 1621, is a powerful emblem of mayoral authority.

Though it was stolen in 1651 and remade in 1657, the sword continues to lead major civic processions today. In 1698, the royal arms of William III were added, and it was refurbished in 1996 to preserve its splendour.

The role of Sword-Bearer, created alongside the sword in 1621, carries its own prestige. The bearer wears the Cap of Maintenance, a rare honour once granted by the Pope to European monarchs, and now held by only seven UK cities.

Worcester’s cap, decorated with three ostrich feathers possibly linked to Prince Arthur—buried in the cathedral—symbolises high civic honour. Tradition once entitled the bearer to collect free eggs and a halfpenny per salmon sold at the old fish market.

The city’s four civic maces, originally weapons favoured by clergy, have been used in Worcester since 1461 as symbols of authority.

The current silver set was purchased in 1760 after the originals were sold. Carried by four mace bearers, the maces rest crown-up on the right shoulder to indicate the devolved authority of the crown.

When the monarch is present, they are reversed—crown down, on the left. Together, these ceremonial items reflect Worcester’s deep-rooted civic identity, shaped by centuries of history, tradition, and pride.