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Author: Mayor Dr Matt Lamb

MAYOR’S WEEK: 18 – 24 MAY 2025

MAYOR’S WEEK: 18 – 24 MAY 2025

This week, I had the great honour of seeing first-hand the incredible work our city’s volunteers do.

On Sunday, I attended a fantastic fundraising tombola in support of New Hope Worcester, a brilliant children’s charity based in Ronkswood.

Founded in 2010 by Jean Wilson, after she struggled to find suitable care for her daughter Emily, New Hope has become a lifeline for many families.

New Hope Founder Jean Wilson stood with Cllr Matt Lamb
New Hope Founder Jean Wilson stood with Cllr Matt Lamb

It offers weekend respite care for children aged six to 18 with disabilities and complex health needs, providing a safe, nurturing environment with facilities like a multi-sensory room, soft play zone, and outdoor play area.

The tombola was fun and full of energy, but more importantly, it helped raise funds for a truly vital cause.

It was inspiring to see our community come together in support. I’m proud to champion charities like New Hope and incredibly grateful to everyone who took part and showed such generosity.

The wonderful work done by volunteers was also celebrated in the City Council’s annual Volunteer Celebration held at the Guildhall on Wednesday night.

Now in its 11th year, it was a great opportunity to thank volunteers from across the city for all the brilliant work they do.

The evening recognised a whole range of resident’s associations, horticultural volunteers, those who support events, environmental sustainability activists, community volunteers and friends groups.

As Mayor, I had the honour of opening the evening and speaking about the huge contribution volunteers make to Worcester.

Across our city, volunteers are quietly transforming lives—offering their time, energy, and compassion not for recognition, but because they care.

Whether it’s supporting vulnerable families, protecting green spaces like Laugherne Brook and Cripplegate Park, or helping run our cultural events, volunteers are truly the beating heart of Worcester.

I also spoke about how volunteering is evolving. We’re seeing more flexible roles, younger people getting involved, and digital volunteering making an impact.

What hasn’t changed is the spirit—volunteers continue to build a kinder, more connected city. Thank you to each and every one of you.

MAYOR’S WEEK: 11 – 17 MAY 2025

MAYOR’S WEEK: 11 – 17 MAY 2025

It is the greatest honour to be elected as Mayor of Worcester this week.

Having lived in our beautiful city for more than 24 years both I and my Mayoress, Cllr Zoe Cookson, are looking forward to a year representing Worcester and championing all the wonderful things that go on in our city.

I have already served my apprenticeship as Deputy Mayor and I was so proud to attend the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day last week when our city remembered those who fought, served and worked to keep our country safe and protect the freedoms that we cherish so much.

I attended the events both at the Guildhall and Fort Royal Park and was also privileged to attend a drum head ceremony at the Royal British Legion in Claines. We must never forget the sacrifices made.

I have hit the ground running since taking on the role at Mayor on Tuesday. I have met with the Worcester Twinning Association to explore how we can continue to celebrate the links we have with our twinned cities of Kleve, Le Vesinet, Worcester Massachusetts, Vernon, Ukmerge and Gouzeaucourt.

We will continue to mark our links with our fellow European countries on Saturday when I attend the Euro-Worcester event at the Guildhall. This event will celebrate Worcester’s enduring connections with Europe and all the richness those ties bring to our community.

In a time when too much attention is placed on what divides us, Euro-Worcester reminds us of all that unites us: our shared humanity, creativity, stories and the spirit of celebration.

Closer to home I have also been helping other towns in Worcestershire mark the start of their civic years.

On Monday I attended the mayor making in Evesham and on Thursday I was delighted to return to Kidderminster, where I lived for 18 years, to attend the making of their mayor and to catch up with old friends and colleagues. It is going to be a busy but very rewarding year!

Councillor Dr Matt Lamb at the commemoration event at Fort Royal Park marking the 80th anniversary of VE day
Councillor Dr Matt Lamb at the commemoration event at Fort Royal Park marking the 80th anniversary of VE day