Mayor of Worcester

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.

No autographs please…!

I had the great honour of both opening and closing the 10th anniversary Realtime International Film Festival last weekend – a truly global celebration of creativity, storytelling, and community, which we were proud to welcome to Worcester for the second time.

Over three inspiring days, the festival brought together filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals from across the world, showcasing Worcester as a city alive with imagination and cultural energy.

This milestone year featured 200 films from 51 countries and concluded with a glittering awards ceremony where 30 awards were presented to filmmakers and artists whose work moved, challenged, and inspired audiences.

I was even fortunate enough to make a very brief cameo appearance in one of the films – Ambient Nemesis – proving that Worcester not only hosts talent but occasionally produces it (though I promise not to start demanding my own trailer just yet!).

It was wonderful to see Worcester’s streets buzzing with visitors, conversation, and creativity, and I offer heartfelt thanks to the organisers, sponsors, volunteers, and filmmakers who made this landmark year such a success.

It was also a great pleasure to welcome everyone to the 2025 Our Cultural Heritage Celebration at Worcester’s historic Guildhall.

Now in its third year, this vibrant event continues to celebrate the incredible skills, talents, and contributions of the Black African and Afro-Caribbean community to our city’s cultural life.

This year’s theme, “Walk a Mile in My Shoes,” invited empathy, understanding, and solidarity – reminding us that by seeing the world through the eyes of others, we can better appreciate both their challenges and their achievements.

The day featured poetry, music, art, and discussion, including the presentation of the Benjamin Zephaniah Trophy, honouring the legacy of the late poet and activist.

It was a privilege to welcome two of Benjamin’s sisters to Worcester for the celebration. My thanks go to the Worcestershire Black Cultural Association for their dedication and passion in organising this powerful and uplifting event.

Finally, I was delighted to attend a Parliamentary reception at the House of Lords, hosted by Lord Faulkner of Worcester, to celebrate the remarkable work of New College Worcester, which provides outstanding education and support for young people with visual impairments.

The event shone a light on the college’s transformative impact, with inspiring contributions from staff, students, and alumni – including BBC North America correspondent Gary O’Donoghue, whose story exemplifies the confidence and opportunity the college fosters.

It was also a pleasure to meet local MP Tom Collins, who joined us in recognising the college’s vital role in empowering students to achieve their full potential and continue Worcester’s proud tradition of inclusion and excellence.

This week has been a wonderful reminder of the strength, compassion, and generosity that make Worcester such a special city.

I was deeply honoured to welcome mum Hayley, Grandmother Julie, daughter Olive and her sister Ivy into the Mayor’s Parlour to talk about mitochondrial disease, which Olive lives with, and the vital work of The Lily Foundation. The charity supports families affected by mitochondrial disorders and funds pioneering research into treatments and cures. Hearing about Olive’s journey and the challenges faced by those with rare diseases was both moving and inspiring. Their courage, positivity, and determination to raise awareness are truly remarkable, and I want to do everything I can to help highlight the Lily Foundation’s important mission here in Worcester.

I also had the great pleasure of visiting the Open Door Café in Warndon for their third anniversary celebrations. In just three years, the café has become a real hub of community life – a place of warmth, welcome, and friendship that truly lives up to its name. It’s estimated that over this time, more than 5,000 meals have been served – 5,000 occasions where people have sat together, shared food, and shared company. That’s a remarkable achievement and a testament to the spirit of this place. None of this would be possible without the dedication and kindness of the volunteers, who give their time so generously each week and particular congratulations to Ed, Jill and all of the team. My heartfelt thanks go to them – and here’s to many more years of community, conversation, and connection at the Open Door Café.

I was also delighted to attend a special event marking the 175th anniversary of Worcester Shrub Hill Station, which first opened in 1850 linking our city to the railway network. It was organised by West Midlands Railway, GWR, and the Cotswold Line Promotion Group and as part of the celebration, we unveiled a replica nameplate from the Class 37 diesel locomotive number 37114 “City of Worcester”. After the ceremony, guests (including Lord Faulkner of Worcester) enjoyed refreshments and an afternoon of “Worcester Railways” with the Worcester Locomotive Society where I chatted to past railway workers and enthusiasts – a fitting tribute to our city’s proud and enduring railway heritage.