Mayor of Worcester

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.

 

When I was a child, I loved reading. I would spend hours lost in books – starting with Enid Blyton (the Secret Seven and Far-Away Tree were favourites) and Anthony Buckeridge’s Jennings stories, before moving on to John Wyndham, Robert Cormier, Douglas Adams and Spike Milligan.

Books gave me adventure, laughter and a lifelong love of reading. I passionately believe that reading is vital: it helps us learn, sparks imagination, and deepens our understanding of the world.

That is why it was such a joy to spend two afternoons at the Hive celebrating the Summer Reading Challenge. Open to children aged four to 11, the challenge encourages them to read at least six books over the summer – no small achievement.

This year, more than 700 children succeeded, and it was a privilege to meet them and their families, present medals, and hear about the books they had enjoyed.

It was wonderful to learn that alongside David Walliams and J.K. Rowling, some were still reading the very stories I loved more than 40 years ago. To all young readers, I say: keep reading, keep exploring, and treasure the journeys only books can take you on.

Community spirit was also at the heart of DinesFest, held at Honeywell Primary School in Dines Green.

The playground and fields were filled with families enjoying pony rides, football, bouncy castles, face painting, live music and a fantastic BBQ.

A highlight for me was meeting Sidney, the festival’s new mascot, who quickly won everyone over. But what stood out most was the warmth and togetherness of the community.

Volunteers, school staff and the Mercian Academy Trust worked hand in hand to make the day inclusive, affordable and welcoming.

My thanks go to Jess Hunt and the whole committee for their brilliant organisation. DinesFest truly showed Dines Green at its very best – roll on Christmas!

That same generosity was evident at the Lyppard Hub’s Macmillan Coffee Morning, where the Community Café was buzzing with chatter and laughter as more than 50 people came together to raise an incredible £400 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

With tea, homemade cakes and plenty of good company, it was a morning full of kindness and connection.

Cancer Care Co-ordinator Sharon from Worcester City Primary Care Network was on hand to offer advice, and I was delighted to drop in, lend my encouragement, and take a tour of the Hub to see the excellent range of activities it provides local people.

From books and festivals to coffee mornings, Worcester’s community spirit shines through in so many ways. It is always a privilege, as Mayor, to share in these moments of joy, generosity and togetherness that make our city so special.