Mayor of Worcester

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

It was a great honour to host the launch of this year’s Poppy Appeal at the Guildhall, here in the heart of Worcester – a building that has stood for centuries as a place of service, remembrance, and civic pride. Within its walls, 4,981 names commemorate those from our city and county who served during the First World War – 741 of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.

This year’s appeal holds particular significance as we mark the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day, the moments that brought an end to the Second World War in Europe and the Far East. Since then, British servicemen and women have continued to serve in conflicts and humanitarian missions across the globe – upholding peace, protecting freedom, and standing for what is right.

The poppy remains our unifying symbol of remembrance and hope. It reminds us of those who gave their lives, those who returned changed forever, and the families who carried the burden of loss. The funds raised through the Poppy Appeal provide vital support to veterans, service families, and those still serving today. Every poppy worn, and every penny given, makes a real difference.

On Sunday I also had the privilege of attending and speaking at the annual service marking the 111th anniversary of the Battle of Gheluvelt. Each year, Worcester gathers to remember an act of extraordinary courage that helped shape the course of history.

On 31 October 1914, at a desperate moment in the early stages of the First World War, the 2nd Battalion of The Worcestershire Regiment was ordered to counterattack and retake the village of Gheluvelt near Ypres. Outnumbered, exhausted, and under relentless fire, they advanced without hesitation. Their success halted the German advance and saved the British line from collapse.

Field Marshal Sir John French later declared that “The 2nd Worcesters saved the British line, and possibly the British Army” – words that have echoed with pride across generations. Gheluvelt Park, named in their honour, stands as a living memorial to that day – a place where families gather, children play, and history lives on.

It was deeply moving to join veterans, families, and residents in paying tribute. Together, we remembered their courage and renewed our commitment to the values they fought for – courage, comradeship, and service to others. In Worcester, remembrance is not only a reflection on the past but a continuing pledge to honour those who serve and to uphold the peace they sacrificed so much to secure.