Mayor of Worcester

It was a great honour to represent the city of Worcester on a recent mayoral visit to our twin city of Worcester, Massachusetts in the United States.

It was an occasion that highlighted not only the warmth of our transatlantic friendship, but also the deep historical ties that connect our two communities.

From the outset, the visit was marked by extraordinary hospitality. Worcester Mayoress, Councillor Dr Zoe Cookson, and I were warmly welcomed by the Mayor, Joe Petty, council members and residents, whose kindness and generosity made a lasting impression.

The visit included a number of memorable engagements that brought to life the vibrancy and civic pride of Worcester, Massachusetts. At Doherty Memorial High School, we were delighted to meet Principal John Staley and to spend time with students and staff. A particularly moving moment came when members of the school choir sang both The Star-Spangled Banner and God Save the King. It was a thoughtful and generous gesture that captured perfectly the spirit of friendship between our two nations.

We were also privileged to visit the Worcester Art Museum, where we were given a personal tour by its Director, Dr Matthias Waschek. Although the museum is usually closed on a Tuesday, it was specially opened for our visit – an act of great generosity for which we are most grateful.

Among the many treasures we were shown was a Royal Worcester porcelain vase, a striking and symbolic reminder of the craftsmanship for which our own city is renowned, and a tangible link between the two Worcesters.

At Worcester State University, we met President Barry Maloney and discussed the strong and growing links between the university and our own University of Worcester. It was encouraging to hear about the collaboration already taking place and the potential for further academic and cultural exchange in the future. Education is clearly at the heart of Worcester, Massachusetts, just as it is in our own city, and this shared focus offers real opportunities for partnership.

Speaking in the council chamber at City Hall at the end of our day, I reflected on the shared story of our two cities and the wider relationship between Britain and the United States, particularly in this year marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.

During the council meeting itself, staff from the British Consulate in Boston added a thoughtful and symbolic touch by bringing a selection of Union Flags, one of which was displayed in the chamber alongside the Stars and Stripe- an understated but meaningful reminder of the connection between our countries.

It is always special to visit a place that shares Worcester’s name, but this connection goes far beyond that. Our cities have been formally twinned since 1999, yet the links between us stretch back centuries, rooted in shared traditions, language and history.

There are, of course, differences. Worcester, Massachusetts, with a population of over 200,000, is more than twice the size of what we affectionately call the Faithful City. Whilst Worcester in the US only became a town in 1722 and a city in 1848, Worcester in England can trace its origins back nearly two thousand years to a Roman settlement on the banks of the River Severn.

Yet despite these differences in scale and age, the parallels are striking. Both cities were shaped by industry and craftsmanship. Worcester in England became renowned for its porcelain, glove-making and Worcestershire sauce, while Worcester, Massachusetts built its reputation on steel, wire, shoes and clothing manufacturing.

Today, both cities have successfully adapted to the challenges of economic change. Like many industrial centres, Worcester, Massachusetts experienced significant transition in the late twentieth century. What is so impressive is the way the city has reinvented itself as a hub for education, healthcare, biotechnology and research.

Worcester in England has followed a similar path, with our own economy increasingly centred on education, culture and health services. In that sense, we share not only a past, but a story of resilience and renewal.

Our shared heritage also extends into the political and constitutional history that underpins both our nations. Worcester in England played a key role in the English Civil War, with the first battle fought nearby at Powick Bridge in 1642 and the final, decisive Battle of Worcester in 1651.

These events formed part of a longer journey towards the principle that power must be limited and accountable – ideas that would later inspire and shape the American Revolution 250 years ago. In the years since, men and women from our two countries have served alongside each other in conflicts like World War One, World War Two, Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan in the defence of freedom.

Ultimately, what this visit reinforced is that the connection between our two Worcesters is about more than history. It is about people, ideas and a shared commitment to the values of democracy, liberty and community.

Two cities, with one shared name, united by centuries of history and friendship across an ocean.

I am deeply grateful to the Mayor and people of Worcester, Massachusetts for their outstanding hospitality, and I look forward to our Worcester continuing to build on this special relationship in the years ahead.

Worcester is fortunate to have a thriving high street, and one of its real strengths is the range and character of our independent shops. These businesses give our city its personality, and they deserve to be celebrated and supported. With that in mind – and given my sweet tooth – I was delighted to visit Mr D’s Olde Sweet Shop on High Street for the launch of a new range of locallyinspired confectionery.

Mr D’s is a family-owned and family-run business, and stepping inside is like stepping back in time. The shelves are filled with an extraordinary array of sweets that will be familiar to many, and it certainly took me back to my own childhood. The new creations are a wonderful tribute to Worcestershire. The Malvern Hills Mint Drops reflect the freshness of our iconic landscape, while the Worcestershire Mix celebrates the county’s reputation as the “fruit basket of England” with a colourful assortment of traditional boiled sweets. It is exactly this kind of creativity, rooted in local identity, that makes our independent businesses so special.

From tradition to enterprise of a different kind, I was also pleased to attend the Young Enterprise Trade Fair held outside the Guildhall. It was inspiring to see students from local schools and colleges, including Worcester Sixth Form College, presenting their business ideas with such confidence and enthusiasm. The range of products and the professionalism on display were genuinely impressive.

Having taken part in Young Enterprise myself some 40 years ago, I know how valuable the experience can be. It equips young people with skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, helping to build confidence for the future. It was a pleasure to present the awards and to speak with the students about their ideas. They are a real credit to our city.

Finally, I had the great privilege of visiting the University of Worcester to open the Brenda Sheridan Room. Brenda made a remarkable contribution to our community through both education and public service. She worked at the University for 25 years and was deeply committed to widening opportunity and supporting students to succeed.

Her legacy continues in a particularly meaningful way. Through a generous bequest in her will, a fund has been established to support students facing hardship – ensuring that others can benefit from the opportunities she believed in so strongly.

Brenda also served the city as a councillor for 16 years and as Mayor of Worcester, always demonstrating warmth, generosity, and dedication. It is entirely fitting that her name will live on at the University, inspiring future generations.

Taken together, these visits highlight what makes Worcester such a special place: strong local businesses, ambitious young people, and a deep respect for those who have served our community so well.

This week at the Guildhall has been a wonderful reminder of the sheer variety of people and stories that pass through this historic building, each bringing something unique to the heart of our city.

On Monday, I had the pleasure of meeting Queen Victoria – or rather Polly Parsons, whose remarkable portrayal of the great monarch brings history vividly to life. It was a real joy to show her the magnificent portrait of Queen Victoria that hangs in the Assembly Room, a striking piece that always captures visitors’ attention. We also spent time in the Mayor’s Parlour with Queen Victoria’s throne, a fascinating artefact used by the monarch during her visit to Aston Manor in Birmingham in 1858 and later gifted to the city in 1870. This historic chair has even travelled internationally, forming part of an exhibition of 50 world thrones at the Palace of Versailles in 2011 – an extraordinary journey for a piece so closely tied to Worcester’s civic story.

Tuesday brought a very different but equally enriching experience, as I welcomed a group of students from Okinawa, Japan, who are spending two weeks in Worcester. It was a privilege to give them a tour of the Guildhall and to share something about our city’s history and traditions. We rounded off their visit with refreshments in the Parlour, where the students were fascinated by the mayoral regalia and kept me on my toes with some interesting questions! Encounters like this highlight the importance of international friendship and the role Worcester can play in fostering it.

On Wednesday, I was honoured to receive a group of women army veterans at the Guildhall. Their visit was both humbling and inspiring. After a tour of the building, we gathered for tea and cakes – kindly provided by Councillor Pat Agar, the Council’s Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, who joined us for the occasion. It was a valuable opportunity to listen, reflect, and recognise the contribution these women have made through their service. The Guildhall felt exactly as it should in that moment: a place of welcome, respect, and community.

Taken together, these visits reflect the Guildhall at its best – not simply as a historic building, but as a living space where history, culture, service, and international friendship come together.

Finally, I would encourage residents to support a fantastic upcoming concert: Beyond the Barricade, taking place at the Swan Theatre on Thursday 16 April at 7:30pm, in aid of Acorns Hospice. It promises to be a superb evening of music from the world of musical theatre, all while supporting a truly vital local charity. Tickets are available via the Swan Theatre website, and I hope to see many of you there supporting such an important cause.

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of beginning the day in Cathedral Square for Worcester’s annual celebration of Commonwealth Day with the raising of the Commonwealth of flag. It was a simple but meaningful ceremony, marking our city’s connection to a global community of nations bound together by shared history, co-operation and a commitment to mutual progress.

This year’s Commonwealth theme is “Unlocking Opportunities Together for a Prosperous Commonwealth.” The theme focuses particularly on creating opportunities through education, skills and entrepreneurship, with a special emphasis on young people and women. It is a reminder that the strength of the Commonwealth lies not only in its shared past but in its ability to work together to build a better future.

The Commonwealth is an organisation that I personally feel remains hugely important, and one that we perhaps do not always celebrate as much as we should. It connects 56 counties and 2.7 billion people across every continent, representing an extraordinary diversity of cultures and peoples, yet united by common values such as democracy, partnership and opportunity. At a time when the world can often feel increasingly divided, those principles matter more than ever.

I was very pleased that the Leader of the Council, Lynn Denham, was able to join the ceremony. Moments like these remind us that Worcester is not only a historic city with a strong local identity, but also part of a much wider international family.

Later in the week I had the honour of attending another very special event in the magnificent surroundings of Worcester Guildhall. Together with Ian Smith, the High Sheriff for Worcestershire and Louis Stephen, Chair of Worcestershire County Council, we joined the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Beatrice Grant, for the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets Awards Ceremony.

This annual event recognises outstanding young people from cadet units across Worcestershire who have been nominated by their organisations to serve as the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets for the coming civic year. In this role they assist the Lord Lieutenant in carrying out official duties throughout the county, supporting civic and ceremonial occasions that bring our communities together.

One of the most inspiring parts of the evening was hearing reflections from last year’s Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets, who spoke warmly about their experiences over the past 12 months. Their contributions highlighted not only the pride they feel in representing their units and their county, but also the confidence, leadership and sense of service that the cadet forces nurture in young people.

It was wonderful to share the occasion with family, friends, members of the armed forces and the cadets themselves. Events like this remind us that the future of Worcestershire is in very good hands indeed. The dedication, discipline and enthusiasm shown by these young people is truly inspiring, and it was a privilege to celebrate their achievements.