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.

MAYOR’S WEEK: 15 – 21 JUNE

MAYOR’S WEEK: 15 – 21 JUNE

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One of the most visible aspects of being Mayor of Worcester is when you are involved in formal civic events.

On a few memorable occasions the mayor parades “in state” through the centre of Worcester, usually from the Guildhall to the Cathedral.

Examples include Remembrance Sunday in November and the Civic Service held last weekend in the beautiful surroundings of Worcester Cathedral, which marked the formal start of the civic year.

On these occasions the mayor will dress in formal gowns and parade with councillors, local mayors, city judges, members of Parliament, members of the House of Lords and other local dignitaries.

It is a spectacular sight especially as the mayor is accompanied by the Sword-Bearer and the Mace Bearers.

Local residents and tourists, who enjoy the pomp and spectacle of these special occasions, often ask who these figures are and what they do?

Worcester’s rich civic traditions are embodied in its historic regalia, each item steeped in symbolism and ceremony.

The Sword of State, granted by King James I in 1621, is a powerful emblem of mayoral authority.

Though it was stolen in 1651 and remade in 1657, the sword continues to lead major civic processions today. In 1698, the royal arms of William III were added, and it was refurbished in 1996 to preserve its splendour.

The role of Sword-Bearer, created alongside the sword in 1621, carries its own prestige. The bearer wears the Cap of Maintenance, a rare honour once granted by the Pope to European monarchs, and now held by only seven UK cities.

Worcester’s cap, decorated with three ostrich feathers possibly linked to Prince Arthur—buried in the cathedral—symbolises high civic honour. Tradition once entitled the bearer to collect free eggs and a halfpenny per salmon sold at the old fish market.

The city’s four civic maces, originally weapons favoured by clergy, have been used in Worcester since 1461 as symbols of authority.

The current silver set was purchased in 1760 after the originals were sold. Carried by four mace bearers, the maces rest crown-up on the right shoulder to indicate the devolved authority of the crown.

When the monarch is present, they are reversed—crown down, on the left. Together, these ceremonial items reflect Worcester’s deep-rooted civic identity, shaped by centuries of history, tradition, and pride.

People walking during the Civic Service

MAYOR’S WEEK: 9 – 13 JUNE

MAYOR’S WEEK: 9 – 13 JUNE

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It has been another full and inspiring week for myself and the Mayoress, Councillor Zoe Cookson—a week that once again reminded us what a vibrant, generous, and compassionate city Worcester truly is.

We began with a very special evening at the Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven, where we were welcomed by Chair of Trustees, Mrs Fiona Charny. The unit is a calm, welcoming and uplifting space, and the work being done there is simply remarkable.

The team provides vital care, advice, and support to people across Worcestershire affected by breast cancer. It was a privilege to meet the staff and volunteers who dedicate themselves to such a vital cause, and to thank them personally for their service to our community. Their compassion and professionalism are inspiring.

Education has always been close to my heart, and as someone who has worked in the sector for 28 years, I’m always interested in new ways to support young people’s learning.

That’s why I was so pleased to attend and officially open Mathnasium Worcester, a fantastic new maths learning centre based in the Old Fire Station on Copenhagen Street.

I didn’t find maths easy at school and had to retake my “O” Level, so I know how difficult and even frightening the subject can feel.

But Mathnasium is a place that takes away that fear. It helps children build skills step-by-step, gain confidence, and even enjoy maths—something that can change the course of their education and their lives. I wish the whole team every success as they begin this exciting journey in Worcester.

We also had the opportunity to visit the powerful Refugee Week Quilts and Textiles exhibition at The Hive, which runs until 28 June. Created in partnership with Worcester City Welcomes Refugees and the University of Worcester, it showcases quilts made by women seeking asylum in Wychavon—through Evesham Vale Welcomes Refugees—alongside work by the Worcester Craftivists.

Each piece tells a deeply human story of loss, hope, and resilience. Refugee Week, running from 16–22 June, celebrates the contributions of people seeking sanctuary—and this exhibition beautifully reflects the theme of ‘community as a superpower.’ It’s a powerful reminder that Worcester’s strength lies not in turning away, but in opening our hearts.

When we welcome people in need, we don’t just offer them shelter—we offer dignity, and we are enriched in return. Let’s continue building a city where everyone belongs.

Cllr Matt Lamb with volunteers at the Refugee Week Quilts and Textiles exhibition