MAYOR’S WEEK: 23 – 29 NOVEMBER

MAYOR’S WEEK: 23 – 29 NOVEMBER

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This week I had the pleasure of visiting Surviving the Matrix, a mental health support group that meets every Thursday from 11am to 2.30pm at the Quaker Meeting House on Sansome Walk.

Stepping inside felt like entering a warm harbour in the week – a place shaped by kindness, routine and shared understanding.

I met the volunteers whose steady commitment keeps the doors open, and members who come for conversation, company, reading, art, games or simply a filling hot meal that carries its own quiet comfort.

What stayed with me was the ease of the space: people free to talk, create, laugh, reflect, or simply sit with a newspaper, all held within a gentle sense of belonging. Their trips, celebrations and year-round support radiate community at its most human. My visit reminded me how vital groups like this are in helping people feel seen, supported and never alone.

The Mayoress, Zoe, and I were delighted to join the Malaysian pop-up evening at Mix Café – a night that felt like stepping into a bright swirl of flavour, warmth and community spirit.

People say around a table eating

The café was alive with the energy of volunteers whose generosity makes these events possible, and with diners gathered around shared tables, discovering dishes that carried both spice and story.

Mix Café hosts these pop-up nights not just to celebrate great food, but to shine a light on the wider work of ONSIDE across Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

Every plate served helps raise awareness and vital funds, supporting people with learning disabilities and mental health challenges to build skills and confidence in a nurturing environment.

It was wonderful to see how food can become a bridge: bringing people together, supporting a brilliant charity, and showcasing the café’s inclusive ethos. We left full – of both flavour and admiration.

I was also proud to host our Veterans’ Conference at the Guildhall – a gathering that filled the Assembly Room with purpose, reflection and resolve.

Bringing veterans, charities, service organisations and community partners together under one roof reminded us that support works best when it is shared, honest and practical.

This year’s 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day cast a long, thoughtful light across the event, grounding our discussions in the courage and sacrifice of those who secured peace and of all who have served since.

I spoke of the enduring responsibilities we carry as a society, and of the need to ensure that gratitude is matched by action in mental health support, housing, employment and the transition to civilian life.

Special thanks were due to Cllr Pat Agar, whose dedication made the conference possible. Together, we reaffirmed Worcester’s commitment to valuing veterans not only in ceremony, but in everyday support.

 

 

MAYOR’S WEEK: 16 – 22 NOVEMBER

MAYOR’S WEEK: 16 – 22 NOVEMBER

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Last week reminded me once again of the remarkable community spirit, creativity and resilience that defines Worcester.

Three very different events – a FoodCycle community meal, the relaunch of Business Buzz Worcester, and the monthly Bike Worcester Critical Mass ride – each showed our city at its best.

I began by visiting the FoodCycle session at the Tolladine Centre, where volunteers turn surplus food into freshly cooked meals every Thursday evening.

FoodCycle’s approach is simple but powerful: great food, shared together, can tackle loneliness, support well-being and reduce waste.

Speaking with volunteers and guests, I was struck by the warmth and sense of belonging that has grown around the meal. People talked honestly about the pressures they face, from rising costs to social isolation, but also about how much difference it makes to have somewhere welcoming to go each week.

As organiser Alison Robinson told me: “The weekly meal gives people a chance to get together and enjoy good food and company.”

I am grateful to the volunteers whose dedication makes this lifeline possible.

The Mayor with people at the FoodCycle event

Later in the week, I attended the relaunch of Business Buzz Worcester – celebrating a new host, a new venue and a refreshed chapter for this growing networking community.

Since its arrival in 2023, Business Buzz has become a valued meeting place for small business owners from across Worcester and Worcestershire. What makes it special is its simplicity: no membership, no pressure, just open and friendly conversation.

During the event I spoke with entrepreneurs about their ambitions, challenges and hopes for the future.

As I said on the day: “Business plays a vital role in Worcester’s story… Events like this strengthen that fabric – not just through commerce, but through community.”

The Mayor of Worcester with people at the Business Buzz Worcester event

My thanks and congratulations go to the new hosts, Nina Fortuna-Franks and Cristina Fitzer, for bringing renewed energy to the network. The group now meets at the Cosy Club every second Wednesday of the month.

The week ended on two wheels as I joined around 20 cyclists for Bike Worcester’s monthly Critical Mass ride. Wearing my helmet – and even the Mayoral chain – I rode through the city on my refurbished Bike Worcester bike to show support for safer, more accessible streets.

Critical Mass is a visible and positive statement that cycling should be a realistic option for everyone. After the ride, I said: “Taking part isn’t just about cycling – it’s a statement that we need safer, more welcoming streets for everyone who wants to ride.”

I want to thank the Bike Worcester volunteers for their tireless work promoting active travel, refurbishing bikes and campaigning for better infrastructure.

From shared meals to shared ideas to shared miles on the road, the week captured the best of Worcester: connected, compassionate and forward-looking.

The Mayor of Worcester with people on bikes at the Bike Worcester event

MAYOR’S WEEK: 9 – 15 NOVEMBER

MAYOR’S WEEK: 9 – 15 NOVEMBER

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Last week was one of the most moving periods in Worcester’s civic year, as our city came together to honour courage, service, and sacrifice.

It was a privilege as Mayor of our city to stand alongside residents, veterans, and community representatives at a series of remembrance events that embodied reflection, gratitude, and unity.

The weekend began with an Act of Remembrance at the graveside of the Reverend Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy – better known as Woodbine Willie – in St John’s Cemetery.

A Worcester priest, poet, and military chaplain who was awarded the Military Cross during the First World War, he became famous for his compassion on the front line, offering both cigarettes and spiritual comfort to soldiers in their darkest hours. His legacy of kindness and courage still speaks to us today.

On Remembrance Sunday, thousands of people lined the streets for Worcester’s traditional Remembrance Parade, as veterans, serving personnel, and cadets marched proudly to Worcester Cathedral for the annual Service of Remembrance.

I was honoured to lead the civic procession from the Guildhall, before joining the congregation for prayers, hymns, and readings that reminded us of the cost of conflict and the strength of community.

Following the service, wreaths were laid at the Worcestershire County War Memorial, and as the city fell silent, we remembered not only those from Britain, but also the many Commonwealth, Polish and Czech servicemen whose graves in our cemeteries remind us that the price of war is shared, and that peace depends on reconciliation.

Over the duration of the weekend the Light and Shade Veterans’ Exhibition at the Guildhall provided a creative and emotional reflection on remembrance. Curated and created by veterans, the artworks and poetry explored the contrasts between the darkness of conflict and the light of recovery, resilience, and hope.

On the 11 November itself a particularly special moment came with the arrival of the London bound Poppy Train at Foregate Street Station which I met together with members of the Royal British Legion.

The Mayor of Worcester and military dignitaries with the Poppy Train
The Mayor of Worcester and military dignitaries with the Poppy Train

The train carrying wreaths and tributes from across the region, linked Worcester’s remembrance with communities nationwide.

It was a powerful symbol of how remembrance connects us all – across generations, regions, and backgrounds.

The day concluded with a service for Armistice Day at the Cathedral War Memorial. Once again, the city paused in silence – a simple act that unites us in memory and in our shared determination to build a more peaceful world.

The Mayor of Worcester during Armistice Day
The Mayor of Worcester during Armistice Day
MAYOR’S WEEK 2 – 8 NOVEMBER

MAYOR’S WEEK 2 – 8 NOVEMBER

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As Remembrance Sunday approaches, it was a privilege to visit St Nicholas Church in Warndon Villages and see the incredible poppy display created by the local community.

More than 3,000 hand-crafted poppies now cascade down the church’s ancient walls, forming a moving tribute to those who gave their lives in service.

This remarkable project has brought together people of all ages – from children at Lyppard Hub Youth Club who painted poppies from recycled bottles, to local craft groups who have been knitting since January.

There are even purple poppies to honour the animals who served, and white poppies for peace. The result is a stunning and heartfelt memorial, a testament to the creativity, respect and togetherness of the Warndon community.

I would encourage everyone to visit St Nicholas Church and see this beautiful tribute for themselves during this season of remembrance.

People stood by the poppy display at St Nicholas Church

This week I also had the great pleasure of attending The Monday Night Club Has Got Talent show at the Swan Theatre.

The Monday Night Club is a wonderful social group for adults with learning disabilities or autism, organising inclusive activities and events that bring people together across Worcester.

The evening was a joyful celebration marking 14 years since the club was founded, and it was fantastic to see so much enthusiasm, creativity and confidence on stage.

The show featured singing, dancing, comedy and plenty of fun, with every performance cheered on by a packed audience.

Alongside the Sheriff of Worcestershire and the Lord Lieutenant, I was honoured to watch the incredible talent on display.

The judges faced a very tough decision, but in the end Owen Prince took the top prize – but every performer received a well-deserved medal for taking part.

Finally, it was a real pleasure to attend the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Group Training Association (HWGTA) Annual Apprentice Awards Evening at Sixways, celebrating the achievements of some of our county’s most talented apprentices.

Apprenticeships play a vital role in developing the skills our economy needs and in helping young people build rewarding careers right here in Worcestershire.

HWGTA, an Ofsted “Outstanding” training provider, continues to go from strength to strength – with its biggest ever intake this year.

It was wonderful to see the pride and enthusiasm of apprentices, employers and families coming together to mark their success. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees – your dedication and hard work are an inspiration.

Across all these events, one theme shines through: Worcester’s sense of community, creativity and shared purpose.

From remembrance to celebration and opportunity, our city continues to show what can be achieved when people come together.