Last weekend I attended a charity event for Worcestershire’s Children First fostering service. It was an event organised by Kyle Daisley, county councillor and Chairman of Worcestershire County Council. I’ve attended many charity events during my Mayoral year. Every event is a chance to learn something new. We heard about how foster parents help and […]

It’s been a varied week. Last week I had the pleasure of giving some of the Worcester Wheels volunteers a Mayoral much deserved ‘thank you for everything you do’ tour of the Guildhall. Worcester Wheels helps older and less able-bodied people get around the city to get to hospital appointments and social events where the […]

During my year as Mayor I have met so many interesting organisations and this week was no exception when I came across Worcester Language Exchange. Speaking to Frances Burton who set it up she said; “It was an accident really.” That’s the truth to how Worcester Language Exchange began. Fran had moved to Worcester from […]

In recent years, the term “fast fashion” has become synonymous with affordable and trendy clothing, churned out at lightning speed to meet consumer demand. However, behind the facade of convenience and low prices lies a host of negative issues that have far-reaching consequences for both people and the planet. The industry is notorious for its […]

Last week I unveiled a bench with Worcester’s u3a in memory of their former member, Elizabeth Coxon. The new bench is positioned on the riverside near the Watergate ferry steps for the benefit of residents and visitors wishing to sit for a while. Liz loved watching clouds so the bench plaque is simply inscribed “Sit […]

Last week was a varied but quieter week for Mayoral engagements. The Mayoress and I had the pleasure of being invited to a Bulgarian dancing community group. We received a warm welcome of traditional bread that guests dip in a pot of honey, washed down with a glass of Bulgarian red wine. It was evidently […]

Last weekend it was Chinese New Year celebrations in Worcester. Well over a thousand people attended – it was a truly spectacular occasion. There was a dragon dance, food, Chinese tea drinking, music and lots of entertainment for children of all ages and it was all free to access. I have to confess that despite […]

In the captivating world of cinema, a concerning trend persists: the low representation of strong leading women both on screen and in roles behind the camera. Despite strides in gender equality, female filmmakers still face significant hurdles entering the industry. Societal norms and institutional biases perpetuate the stereotype that filmmaking is a male-dominated field. This […]

It’s so easy, perhaps natural, to want to turn away from uncomfortable issues but as the Harvard philosopher Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” This week, together with the Worcestershire Interfaith Forum, I hosted the annual International Holocaust Memorial Day event at the Guildhall. The theme of this […]

As Mayor you get to learn about the many and varied parts of Worcester’s varied cultures. I recently attended the Malayali Christmas celebrations that happen in January each year. It was a riot of sarees, food, music and dance with an amazing Father Christmas throwing sweets and dancing his way through a cheering crowd. There […]