Mayor of Worcester Blog

My time as Mayor is rapidly coming to an end. I’ve met with dozens of community groups and attended several major events in Worcester which simply could not function without the support of volunteers.

People who volunteer tell me that they do it because they want to make a difference. However, what has also really struck me is just how much volunteers get out of the experience too – and this is something I think we do need to shout about to encourage others to come forward.

Volunteering helps to combat isolation as people make new friendships; and people who volunteer learn new skills and get a confidence boost, which can help them get a job or be beneficial in other areas of life.

Volunteering often involves physical exercise, but above all, I think it gives people a massive mental health boost to know that they are part of the community and are making a positive contribution to it.

Many volunteers I’ve met are extremely modest about their achievements, and they often have a tendency to shy away from the limelight. However, I think it’s high time we shouted about the enormous difference they are making both to Worcester as a place and to the people who live here.

I’ve tried to play my part – a thank you goes a long way. It’s been my pleasure to welcome many hundreds of volunteers for a guided tour of the Guildhall to be followed by tea in the Mayor’s Parlour.

Do you know of an unsung volunteer hero who might appreciate a thank you tea with the Mayor? Please let me know at civicoffice@worcester.gov.uk.

During my year as Mayor I have met so many interesting organisations and this week was no exception when I came across Worcester Language Exchange.

Frances Burton, who set it up, told me: “It was an accident really. That’s the truth to how Worcester Language Exchange began.”

Fran had moved to Worcester from Lincoln and was missing after work live jazz, where she met with friends. She had got used to the luxury of being immersed into the weekend by Friday at 5:30pm! At the time of her arrival in Worcester, Covid had locked down many social groups and so she started a French and wine group on a Friday straight after work. Through links made on the Nextdoor App, a French table formed in a local café. It became the highlight of her week.

Soon, along with French, they had German, Spanish, Korean and Welsh seakers. One day, they even had a Japanese table. It grew so quickly. Not only that but people came for so many unexpected reasons: diagnoses of early onset dementia, recovering from a head injury, bereavement, needing friendship. We all know what it’s like to be a broken chariot at times. In this age where individualism is more extreme than we have ever known it in our lifetimes, what we seek is community. The Worcester Language Exchange goes a long way to providing it and they hope everyone feels more than welcome.

So, whether you want to brush up on your lingo or support the English speaking table, come over to The Granary in St Martin’s Quarter. Bring some food or drink to share. Join a table or tables of your choice: French, German, Spanish, Welsh, Ukrainian, British Sign Language English as a Second Language. The table will run when people come!

Despite Brexit, it’s great to see organisations such as the Language Exchange and the Twinning Association thriving.

Worcester Language Exchange meet on the second and fourth Friday of the month at 5:30pm-7:30pm. Google them for more information.

Last week I unveiled a bench with Worcester’s u3a in memory of their former member, Elizabeth Coxon.

The new bench is positioned on the riverside near the Watergate ferry steps for the benefit of residents and visitors wishing to sit for a while. Liz loved watching clouds so the bench plaque is simply inscribed “Sit awhile and watch the clouds.”

Thank you to Worcester u3a for making this bench possible. For very many older people and those with disabilities, a bench and ideally a series of benches, is the difference between being able to go for a walk and not.

Benches are so important – they are truly amazing things. A simple bench enables; walking, sitting, meditating, looking at the passers-by, the swans, people rowing or running past. A bench is somewhere to nurse a child, perhaps for lovers to meet, a tourist to eat chips or a shop worker to eat a lunchtime sandwich. A bench and somewhere to sit is at least some dignity to the homeless.

Ever thought of the etiquette of bench sitting? Sitting in the centre says, ‘go away’. Sitting at one end says, ‘there’s room one more’ and invites a ‘Is it OK for me to sit here?’ The humble bench makes all this happen.