Mayor of Worcester

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!