MAYOR’S WEEK 13 – 19 JULY

MAYOR’S WEEK 13 – 19 JULY

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THIS week has been one of great contrasts as the Mayor of Worcester.

I have attended events remembering episodes of great sorrow and tragedy but also attended celebrations of joy and community.

I was honoured to speak at this year’s Srebrenica Memorial Day at the Guildhall. We came together to remember the 8,372 Bosnian Muslim men and boys murdered in July 1995 simply because of who they were.

The genocide in Srebrenica was the darkest chapter of the Bosnian War – a tragedy rooted in hatred, division, and silence.

This year’s theme, “Remember Yesterday, Act Today”, reminds us that remembrance must be active. We must challenge prejudice, educate future generations, and build a city where nobody is dehumanised or left behind.

Worcester is proud of its diversity — let’s protect it with courage and compassion. Never again must truly mean never again.

It was a real joy to open Worcester Carnival 2025 and see our city come alive with colour, music, and community spirit on a beautiful sunny day on Pitchcroft and throughout the city.

This year’s theme, “Myths and Legends,” celebrated the stories that shape Worcester’s identity – from ancient folklore to our rich cultural heritage.

The carnival parade was the highlight of the day – a vibrant, joyful procession of floats, dancers, musicians, and community groups filling the streets with energy, creativity, and pride.

A special congratulations to our Carnival King, Luke Robinson, and Carnival Queen, Beth Smith – two inspiring young people who truly represent the heart of our community through their volunteering and dedication. Worcester Carnival shows what we can achieve when we come together – proud, united, and full of joy.

I was also privileged to visit ASPIE, a remarkable support group for adults with Asperger’s and autism based at Vesta Tilley House in Worcester.

Founded in 2011 by Sarah Micklewright, ASPIE offers a safe, welcoming space where members can connect, rebuild confidence, and feel truly accepted.Three people stood in a line. Councillor Dr Matt Lamb stood in the middle wearing his Mayoral chain

From art therapy and drama to quizzes, workshops, and even their own football team – the ASPIE Avengers – there is something for everyone, with no pressure to take part.

It was inspiring to meet such a warm, inclusive community and see the positive impact this group has across the West Midlands. Worcester should be proud to have such a unique and compassionate organisation in our city.

MAYOR’S WEEK: 6 – 12 JULY

MAYOR’S WEEK: 6 – 12 JULY

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I HAVE always found history fascinating.

As George Santayana said: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Therefore, I was delighted to open the first Worcester Stuart History Festival at the Old Palace—an exciting addition to our city’s cultural life.

The Stuart age was one of revolution, civil war, and profound political change. Worcester stood at its heart, from the first skirmish of the Civil War in 1642 to the decisive Battle of Worcester in 1651.

These events shaped modern Britain and still echo in our politics today. Thanks to the Battle of Worcester Society and The Script Haven, this festival brought that history to life over two days through a series of expert talks including ‘Worcestershire during the Commonwealth’, the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the life of James 1st who created the role of Mayor of Worcester!

I also reflected on the sacrifice of the past and the service in the present of our armed forces when I visited Crich in Derbyshire with the Mayoress, Councillor Dr Zoe Cookson.

We attended the annual Crich Pilgrimage to honour those who served in the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment and its successors.

Held at the Crich Memorial Tower, the event brings together veterans, families, and civic leaders in remembrance.

Worcester shares a proud bond with the Worcestershire Regiment, now part of the Mercian Regiment. I was honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of our city—an emotional reminder of local sacrifice. Thank you to the organisers for preserving this important tradition and our shared military heritage.

As my mayoral theme is “learning,” reflecting my 28 years in education and my belief that learning is lifelong, I was honoured to join celebrations marking 40 years of Worcester University of the Third Age (U3A) at the Guildhall.

The U3A focusses on older members of our community and embodies that ideal: curiosity, connection, and personal growth well beyond school age. My late father, Tony Lamb, was a proud member—he loved the discussion, geology, and history groups. In an age of loneliness, U3A shows how community and learning can enrich lives. Congratulations on 40 fantastic years—Worcester is stronger, wiser, and more connected thanks to you.

MAYOR’S WEEK: 29 JUNE – 5 JULY

MAYOR’S WEEK: 29 JUNE – 5 JULY

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MY MAYORAL theme for the year is ‘learning’ and we are lucky in Worcester to have a whole host of high-quality educational establishments in the city.

Over the last week I have been fortunately to visit three very different schools and colleges which have been doing brilliant work with young people in Worcester.

I was delighted to be invited to be a judge at Carnforth School on Brickfields for their Rotary Junior Youth Speaks event.

Working with the Rotary Club this annual event sees pupils at the school read a poem or deliver a reading to the rest of the school.

The ability to speak in public is an important skill that many fear so it was great to see young people deliver their words with such confidence and style.

Councillor Dr Matt Lamb, Mayor of Worcester, part of the judging team at Carnforth School for their Rotary Junior Youth Speaks event.
Councillor Dr Matt Lamb, Mayor of Worcester, part of the judging team at Carnforth School for their Rotary Junior Youth Speaks event.

New College Worcester (NCW) is one of only three specialist schools in the UK for students with vision impairments. I was honoured to attend their recent Celebration Day—a moving and uplifting event that highlighted the exceptional achievements of their students.

Over 150 guests gathered to enjoy musical performances, creative displays, and inspiring speeches that reflected the college’s commitment to inclusion, opportunity, and excellence.

It was a particular pleasure to meet Eddy Eyad, a former student and now a successful musician, who shared his powerful story of resilience and ambition.

The day was a testament not just to academic success, but to the courage, creativity, and spirit of every young person at NCW.

From the morning concert to the afternoon rock gig, the college radiated energy, pride, and a sense of belonging.

Worcester is fortunate to be home to such an extraordinary institution.

It was also a privilege to attend King’s Day at King’s School Worcester—an annual tradition marking the departure of the upper sixth and celebrating the school’s heritage.

A service at Worcester Cathedral celebrated the work of the school over the preceding academic year.

Originally founded in 1541 by Henry VIII to educate cathedral choristers and 40 King’s Scholars, today King’s is a modern, inclusive school that continues to shape future generations.

King’s Day celebrates not only the past, but the school’s lasting place at the heart of Worcester’s educational and civic life.

MAYOR’S WEEK 22 – 28 JUNE

MAYOR’S WEEK 22 – 28 JUNE

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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.

People all stood in a line with an Acorns mascot and fundraising bucket

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.