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.