Mayor of Worcester

I have always been committed to supporting the work of our armed forces- both veterans and serving members.

Therefore, it was a privilege to join the Worcester Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club as they celebrated their 10th birthday last Saturday where I was joined by the city’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Pat Agar.

The Breakfast Club meets at the Crown Pub on the first Saturday of the month. From just 10 people meeting together, the club has grown into a remarkable community of 100 veterans.

That growth tells its own story – one of comradeship, mutual support, and the unbreakable bond that exists between those who have served.

This is more than just a breakfast. It is a place of belonging, where laughter, friendship, and sometimes difficult memories are shared among those who truly understand.

Worcester is richer for this club and the contribution its members make to our city. As Mayor, I have met many veterans at commemorations and civic events, and it is always humbling.

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who serve and have served. As a city and as a nation we must continue working to ensure that service is recognised, celebrated, and supported.

There was further celebration of those who make such a difference to our city and our county when I and the Mayoress attended the Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards at the Bank House at Bransford.

I was honoured to be one of the judges, which was no easy task given the outstanding calibre of nominees working tirelessly across health and social care.

It was a glistening evening, with fabulously dressed nominees, guests and sponsors gathered to recognise dedication, compassion and commitment.

I was especially pleased to present the Mental Health Award to Stepway, a Worcester-based charity doing outstanding work supporting veterans. Their success was richly deserved and a reminder of the difference our city’s organisations make in people’s lives.

The awards also highlighted Worcester nominees such as the Mortuary Team from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals, named NHS Team of the Year, and Sensory Matters Worcestershire, who received the Health Care Employer Award.

Worcester can take great pride in these local heroes, whose compassion and commitment reflect the very best of our community.

It was a privilege to celebrate them all and witness such a powerful reminder of the care and kindness that underpin our city.

I continue to be blown away by the support shown to all members of our community here in Worcester.

On Monday evening I had the great pleasure of visiting the Monday Night Club at Henry Sandon Hall at the Royal Porcelain Works.

The club provides a fantastic opportunity for people with learning disabilities and autism to meet their friends, dance, and enjoy each other’s company in a safe and welcoming space.

Proudly run by its members, for its members, the Monday Night Club shows how much can be achieved when people come together.

This week was “Strictly Night,” with music, glitter, and plenty of enthusiasm on the dance floor!

I was delighted to present a cheque for £733 raised by Trustee Sam Wilkes through her recent birthday fundraiser, joined by Laura Gill, the club’s inspirational founder.

It is important to remember that as Mayor I continue to play an important role in the governance of our city.

On Tuesday I had the privilege of chairing a meeting of full council in the Guildhall.

We discussed a range of important issues for the city, including transport in Worcester, the value of maintaining our allotments, and the future shape of the council as part of wider Local Government Reorganisation.

These are weighty matters that affect the lives of many residents and the character of our city.

I have always been passionate that, whatever form reorganisation eventually takes, the role of the Mayor and the majesty of the Guildhall must be preserved.

They are symbols of Worcester’s civic identity and heritage, and it is vital they continue to play a central role in our city’s story.

That history and heritage was underlined on Wednesday when I was honoured to take part in the annual Drumhead Ceremony to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Worcester, fought on 3rd September 1651.

I paraded with Civil War re-enactors from the Guildhall to Fort Royal Hill, where the ceremony took place.

The event was a moving reminder of the battle’s place in our city’s history and the many lives lost.

A minute of silence was held and its beginning and end was marked with musket fire that echoed across the hill.

After the service, I joined the re-enactors at the excellent Cardinal’s Hat Pub, where stories of the battle were shared with real passion and knowledge.

It was an inspiring way to remember Worcester’s past and those who preserve it.