Mayor of Worcester

Holocaust Memorial Day is always a moment of deep reflection, and it was an honour to welcome residents, pupils and guests to the Guildhall for Worcester’s 2026 Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration.

We gathered to remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered in the Holocaust. We also remembered the millions of others persecuted and killed by the Nazi regime, including Roma and Sinti people, disabled people, gay men, political opponents and others whose lives were destroyed by hatred and exclusion.

This year’s theme, “Bridging Generations,” felt particularly resonant. As time passes, fewer Holocaust survivors are able to share their experiences in person. Their voices have shaped our understanding in ways no textbook ever could. As those voices grow quieter, the responsibility of remembrance does not diminish – it grows. Memory must be carried forward by future generations, and by all of us.

Bridging generations means ensuring that these histories do not become distant or abstract. The Holocaust was not a single event, but the systematic destruction of lives, families and entire communities. Whole generations were wiped out, and many left no descendants to tell their stories. Their legacy now rests in testimony, education, and in our collective commitment to remember.

The event powerfully reflected this theme. Pupils from local schools took part alongside our guest speaker, the Reverend Tony Rindl, whose father escaped Nazi Germany and came to the UK on the Kindertransport. I found Reverend Rindl’s account of his father’s experience both deeply moving and profoundly inspiring. It was a reminder of the fragility of freedom, but also of the compassion shown by those who offered refuge in humanity’s darkest moments.

It was especially important to see so many local schools and the University of Worcester involved in the commemoration. Pupils and students from the Royal Grammar School, Nunnery Wood High School, King’s School, Bishop Perowne CE College, Tudor Grange Academy, Christopher Whitehead Language College and New College Worcester all took part. Their presence showed how remembrance is being actively carried forward by younger generations.

I was grateful for the involvement of the Worcestershire Interfaith Forum, and I would particularly like to thank the Reverend Catherine Lack for her contribution and support. Events like this demonstrate the power of faith communities, schools and civic institutions working together.

The Holocaust did not begin with murder; it began with prejudice, lies and the gradual erosion of empathy. Remembering this challenges us to stand firmly against antisemitism, racism and intolerance in all its forms.

By coming together, Worcester honoured those who were murdered, bore witness to history, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to compassion, justice and human dignity.

One of the quieter pleasures of the festive season is the opportunity to slow down and enjoy Worcester at a gentler pace. On 29 December, with Christmas behind us and the New Year just ahead, I spent some time by the River Severn feeding the swans – a simple act, but one that felt deeply connected to the history, character and rhythm of our city.

The swans are such a familiar and much-loved sight along the river, yet they never fail to stop people in their tracks. Families out for a winter walk paused to watch them glide across the water, children counting them excitedly as they gathered near the bank. Even on a cold December day, the Severn felt alive and welcoming, offering a moment of calm after the busyness of the Christmas period.

The event was organised by the Swan Food Project (more information at www.theswanfoodproject.co.uk), a local initiative dedicated to helping feed and care for Worcester’s swans throughout the year. The project works with the help of committed volunteers, local residents and visitors, and is funded entirely through generous donations. Their work ensures that the swans are fed appropriately and responsibly, while also encouraging people to engage positively with the river and its wildlife.

As Mayor, I am often reminded how important the River Severn is to Worcester – not just as a geographical feature, but as a shared space that brings people together. Feeding the swans was a gentle reminder of our responsibility to care for the natural environment that shapes our city, and of the pride Worcester takes in its wildlife. It is reassuring to know that so many people quietly give their time and resources to protect something that means so much to our community.

The swans themselves symbolise continuity. Generations of Worcester residents have grown up watching them along the river, just as generations before us did. In a season that encourages reflection, it felt fitting to spend a little time appreciating something so enduring and reassuring – a reminder that some things remain constant even as the year turns.

As we enter the New Year, moments like this highlight the value of community, stewardship and looking after the things we sometimes take for granted. Whether through large civic occasions or small, peaceful moments by the river, Worcester continues to be a city rich in tradition, warmth and shared responsibility.

I hope many of you found time over the festive period to enjoy the Severn and its wildlife, and I wish everyone a happy, healthy and hopeful New Year.

As Christmas draws near, I am always reminded that this season is at its very best when it brings people together.

Over the last week, it has been a real privilege to join so many festive events across Worcester and beyond, each one reflecting the generosity, kindness and community spirit that define our city.

One of the most joyful moments was meeting Santa himself at the Christmas DinesFest in St John’s. This wonderful event once again demonstrated how Worcester pulls together to support our local communities.

The atmosphere was full of warmth, laughter and goodwill, and it was a pleasure to see so many volunteers working tirelessly to make the evening special for others.

That same spirit was very much in evidence at the Warndon Open Door Café Christmas lunch. Sharing food and conversation with guests and volunteers was a powerful reminder that simple acts of kindness can make a huge difference, particularly at this time of year.

Music has been at the heart of much of this festive season. I greatly enjoyed attending a beautiful Salvation Army carol service in Droitwich, where traditional carols and uplifting reflections captured the true meaning of Christmas.

Equally memorable was a Polish carol concert at St George’s Catholic Church here in Worcester, celebrating both faith and cultural heritage. I was delighted to show members of the choir (many of whom were visiting the UK for the first time) around the Guildhall and share a little of Worcester’s civic history with them.

Choral music continued to impress at the Worcestershire Male Voice Choir’s Christmas concert in the stunning setting of Pershore Abbey. The combination of powerful voices and such a historic venue made for a truly moving evening.

Closer to home, I had enormous fun helping Santa on his tour of Nunnery, made possible with the invaluable support of Worcester Lions and the Guides. Seeing children’s faces light up as Santa arrived was a reminder of the simple magic that makes Christmas so special.

I also attended the Worcester News Carol Service at Worcester Cathedral, a fittingly grand and reflective occasion that brought together voices from across our community in one of the city’s most iconic spaces.

Finally, no festive season would be complete without saying thank you. I was delighted to take mince pies to hardworking Worcester City Council staff across the city, whose dedication keeps our services running not just at Christmas, but all year round.

As Mayor of this wonderful city of ours I want to wish everyone in Worcester a very happy Christmas and a peaceful new year.