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

MAYOR’S WEEK: 1 – 7 JUNE

MAYOR’S WEEK: 1 – 7 JUNE

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As my favourite band, The Smiths, sang: “There is more to life to books you know, but not much more.”

As a confessed bibliophile (as well as 1980’s indie music fan) it was a great pleasure to open Worcester’s new Alchemy of Words Festival – a vibrant celebration of literature, creativity, and community in the heart of our city.

Books have always meant a great deal to me. Growing up in the 1970s, I often found comfort and meaning in stories, starting with Enid Blyton and Anthony Buckeridge, and later discovering Orwell, Greene, and Hemingway.

The festival was a chance to honour that magic – and Worcester’s proud literary tradition – with writers, poets, publishers, and our wonderful bookshops like Script Haven leading the way. It was wonderful to meet Leena Batchelor (owner, spoken word artist, published author, poet and former Worcestershire Poet Laureate) from Script Haven who helped make it all happen. We also crowned our first Worcestershire Literary Champion, Pete Thompson. This is a role designed to inspire a love of reading and writing across the county and I look forward to working with Pete. With panels, performances, workshops and debate, there was something for everyone. We came together to celebrate the voices that challenge and inspire us – and the books that open our minds. Watch out Cheltenham and Hay: there is a new literature festival in town!

The festival also fitted in with my mayoral theme for the year which is learning. Part of my goal for the year is to promote learning in all its forms and across all ages.

Therefore, it was great to do my first guided tour of the Guildhall and the Mayor’s parlour with a group of 24 German students from Stuttgart on an exchange visit to Worcester.

The Guildhall is a literal treasure trove of historical artifacts housed in a beautiful building. Even though I have lived in Worcester for 24 years there were things about our city that I learnt for the first time doing my homework.

I really enjoyed showing our visitors round the building and explaining all the aspects of our rich and varied history which make Worcester such a special place. If you fancy having a tour, please apply via the council website.

Pictured l-r are (l-r): Mayoress Zoe Cookson, Pete Thompson, Mayor Dr Matt Lamb and Leena Batchelor
Pictured l-r are (l-r): Mayoress Zoe Cookson, Pete Thompson, Mayor Dr Matt Lamb and Leena Batchelor
MAYOR’S WEEK: 25 – 31 MAY 2025

MAYOR’S WEEK: 25 – 31 MAY 2025

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Worcester is a city which comes together for those in need.

I had the honour of attending Worcester Woods Countryside Park for a very special Family Fun Day fundraiser in support of Cancer Research UK and Fanconi Hope.

It was a joyful occasion, filled with games, face painting, and laughter, but above all, it was a celebration of community spirit and resilience.

At the heart of this event was Eluned Allen, whose courage and compassion in the face of personal loss inspired us all.

Her brother Stephen’s battle with cancer and Fanconi anaemia brought people together—not only to raise funds, but to raise awareness.

Eluned’s determination to create something hopeful out of heartbreak reminds us of the strength we can find in unity.

Mayor of Worcester Matt Lamb (left) with Eluned Allen (right)
Mayor of Worcester Matt Lamb (left) with Eluned Allen (right)

Events like this show Worcester at its best: people coming together to support a cause, to share kindness, and to offer hope.

Whether through a donation, volunteering, or simply showing up, every action made a difference.

Thank you, Worcester, for standing together—and for reminding us all of the power of community.

Thanks to the dedication and hard work of Eluned the event raised £2,215.70 towards these worthy causes. You can still contribute here:  https://www.justgiving.com/page/eluned-allen-5

Each year, the Mayor of Worcester supports a local charity, and I’m proud to be championing Acorns Children’s Hospice during my term.

Based in Worcester, Acorns for the Three Counties provides essential care to around 260 children and families living with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

In a warm, home-like environment, children can experience moments of joy through arts, crafts, hydrotherapy, and therapeutic play — bringing comfort and normality to their lives.

But Acorns does more than care for children; it supports whole families with bereavement counselling, advocacy, and dedicated groups for parents, siblings, and grandparents.

Their extraordinary work is mostly funded by donations and community fundraising — a true reflection of our region’s compassion.

Through my mayoral year, I aim to raise not just money but also awareness, helping ensure Acorns can continue to be there for families when they need it most.

Together, we can show that no family should face such a journey alone.