Mayor of Worcester

I HAVE always found history fascinating.

As George Santayana said: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Therefore, I was delighted to open the first Worcester Stuart History Festival at the Old Palace—an exciting addition to our city’s cultural life.

The Stuart age was one of revolution, civil war, and profound political change. Worcester stood at its heart, from the first skirmish of the Civil War in 1642 to the decisive Battle of Worcester in 1651.

These events shaped modern Britain and still echo in our politics today. Thanks to the Battle of Worcester Society and The Script Haven, this festival brought that history to life over two days through a series of expert talks including ‘Worcestershire during the Commonwealth’, the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the life of James 1st who created the role of Mayor of Worcester!

I also reflected on the sacrifice of the past and the service in the present of our armed forces when I visited Crich in Derbyshire with the Mayoress, Councillor Dr Zoe Cookson.

We attended the annual Crich Pilgrimage to honour those who served in the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment and its successors.

Held at the Crich Memorial Tower, the event brings together veterans, families, and civic leaders in remembrance.

Worcester shares a proud bond with the Worcestershire Regiment, now part of the Mercian Regiment. I was honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of our city—an emotional reminder of local sacrifice. Thank you to the organisers for preserving this important tradition and our shared military heritage.

As my mayoral theme is “learning,” reflecting my 28 years in education and my belief that learning is lifelong, I was honoured to join celebrations marking 40 years of Worcester University of the Third Age (U3A) at the Guildhall.

The U3A focusses on older members of our community and embodies that ideal: curiosity, connection, and personal growth well beyond school age. My late father, Tony Lamb, was a proud member—he loved the discussion, geology, and history groups. In an age of loneliness, U3A shows how community and learning can enrich lives. Congratulations on 40 fantastic years—Worcester is stronger, wiser, and more connected thanks to you.

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.

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.

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.