Mayor of Worcester

This week I had the privilege of attending, and helping to open, the powerful exhibition Between Life and Death: Holocaust Rescue Stories, now on display at The Hive in Worcester.

The exhibition opened just a week after Holocaust Memorial Day, a time when we pause to remember the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered in the Holocaust, alongside the millions of others persecuted by the Nazi regime. That timing is significant. Remembrance cannot be confined to a single day; it must be something we continue, deepen and renew through learning, reflection and dialogue.

The opening event itself reflected that shared commitment. Speeches were given by several attendees, including the organisers of the exhibition, Worcestershire Interfaith Forum, Louis Stephen, Chair of Worcestershire County Council, and myself as Mayor of Worcester. We were also honoured to be joined by Professor David Green, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester, whose address underlined the vital role of education and research in challenging distortion, denial and hatred.

It was particularly special to welcome Beata Drzazga, one of the exhibition’s organisers, who flew from Warsaw to attend the opening in person. This exhibition exists in only two versions worldwide: the other is currently displayed at the United Nations in New York. Worcester is only the second location in the UK to host it, which is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Another deeply moving contribution came from Samantha Lewkowicz, Holocaust Education Officer at the Union of Jewish Students. She spoke powerfully about the challenges still facing those working to preserve the memory of the Holocaust, especially as the number of survivors and direct witnesses continues to decline. Her words were a stark reminder that remembrance cannot be taken for granted.

In my own remarks, I reflected on my personal connection to this history. I studied History at the University of Worcester, and the Holocaust has been an enduring interest of mine since childhood. One of the books that left a lasting impression on me was The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer, which opens with George Santayana’s warning: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” That sentence has stayed with me ever since.

What makes Between Life and Death especially compelling is its focus on rescue. Spanning 14 European countries, it tells the stories of individuals who, in the darkest of times, chose humanity over fear. These were often ordinary people faced with extraordinary moral choices, whose actions meant the difference between life and death.

The exhibition is free to visit at The Hive until 28 February, and I would strongly encourage residents and visitors alike to engage with it thoughtfully. By remembering stories of rescue, we honour those who survived, those who helped them, and the enduring importance of never forgetting.

Holocaust Memorial Day is always a moment of deep reflection, and it was an honour to welcome residents, pupils and guests to the Guildhall for Worcester’s 2026 Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration.

We gathered to remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered in the Holocaust. We also remembered the millions of others persecuted and killed by the Nazi regime, including Roma and Sinti people, disabled people, gay men, political opponents and others whose lives were destroyed by hatred and exclusion.

This year’s theme, “Bridging Generations,” felt particularly resonant. As time passes, fewer Holocaust survivors are able to share their experiences in person. Their voices have shaped our understanding in ways no textbook ever could. As those voices grow quieter, the responsibility of remembrance does not diminish – it grows. Memory must be carried forward by future generations, and by all of us.

Bridging generations means ensuring that these histories do not become distant or abstract. The Holocaust was not a single event, but the systematic destruction of lives, families and entire communities. Whole generations were wiped out, and many left no descendants to tell their stories. Their legacy now rests in testimony, education, and in our collective commitment to remember.

The event powerfully reflected this theme. Pupils from local schools took part alongside our guest speaker, the Reverend Tony Rindl, whose father escaped Nazi Germany and came to the UK on the Kindertransport. I found Reverend Rindl’s account of his father’s experience both deeply moving and profoundly inspiring. It was a reminder of the fragility of freedom, but also of the compassion shown by those who offered refuge in humanity’s darkest moments.

It was especially important to see so many local schools and the University of Worcester involved in the commemoration. Pupils and students from the Royal Grammar School, Nunnery Wood High School, King’s School, Bishop Perowne CE College, Tudor Grange Academy, Christopher Whitehead Language College and New College Worcester all took part. Their presence showed how remembrance is being actively carried forward by younger generations.

I was grateful for the involvement of the Worcestershire Interfaith Forum, and I would particularly like to thank the Reverend Catherine Lack for her contribution and support. Events like this demonstrate the power of faith communities, schools and civic institutions working together.

The Holocaust did not begin with murder; it began with prejudice, lies and the gradual erosion of empathy. Remembering this challenges us to stand firmly against antisemitism, racism and intolerance in all its forms.

By coming together, Worcester honoured those who were murdered, bore witness to history, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to compassion, justice and human dignity.

One of the quieter pleasures of the festive season is the opportunity to slow down and enjoy Worcester at a gentler pace. On 29 December, with Christmas behind us and the New Year just ahead, I spent some time by the River Severn feeding the swans – a simple act, but one that felt deeply connected to the history, character and rhythm of our city.

The swans are such a familiar and much-loved sight along the river, yet they never fail to stop people in their tracks. Families out for a winter walk paused to watch them glide across the water, children counting them excitedly as they gathered near the bank. Even on a cold December day, the Severn felt alive and welcoming, offering a moment of calm after the busyness of the Christmas period.

The event was organised by the Swan Food Project (more information at www.theswanfoodproject.co.uk), a local initiative dedicated to helping feed and care for Worcester’s swans throughout the year. The project works with the help of committed volunteers, local residents and visitors, and is funded entirely through generous donations. Their work ensures that the swans are fed appropriately and responsibly, while also encouraging people to engage positively with the river and its wildlife.

As Mayor, I am often reminded how important the River Severn is to Worcester – not just as a geographical feature, but as a shared space that brings people together. Feeding the swans was a gentle reminder of our responsibility to care for the natural environment that shapes our city, and of the pride Worcester takes in its wildlife. It is reassuring to know that so many people quietly give their time and resources to protect something that means so much to our community.

The swans themselves symbolise continuity. Generations of Worcester residents have grown up watching them along the river, just as generations before us did. In a season that encourages reflection, it felt fitting to spend a little time appreciating something so enduring and reassuring – a reminder that some things remain constant even as the year turns.

As we enter the New Year, moments like this highlight the value of community, stewardship and looking after the things we sometimes take for granted. Whether through large civic occasions or small, peaceful moments by the river, Worcester continues to be a city rich in tradition, warmth and shared responsibility.

I hope many of you found time over the festive period to enjoy the Severn and its wildlife, and I wish everyone a happy, healthy and hopeful New Year.