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Flexible volunteering…
ByJohn MayA few months ago, a friend of mine tried to volunteer to become a Leader in his local Scout Group. His son was a Beaver Scout in the Colony and his enthusiasm for Scouting had quickly rubbed off on his dad. However, the Group didn’t want him. My friend wanted to work with the Scout…
Celebrating Service Across Oxfordshire
ByJohn MayOn Monday evening we gathered in the beautiful surroundings of Pembroke College, Oxford for the High Sheriff’s Awards 2026 – a chance to celebrate individuals and organisations whose courage, compassion and commitment strengthen communities across our county. My sincere thanks to The Rt Hon Sir Ernest Ryder PC DL, Master of Pembroke College, for his…
VJ Day
ByJohn MayA little over a week ago, I wrote a blog post on the anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I wrote of the victims and survivors of the bombs. I wrote of peace. At the time, I was in southern Japan, spending my holiday working with…
Disaster relief for Nepal…
ByJohn MayI’m running the London Marathon tomorrow. And, until today, Saturday 25th April, I’d decided that I was just doing it for fun. To prove to myself that I could still run 42.2km. But earlier today, Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake. I was there, just seven days ago, with an amazing bunch of young…
The Award in Cote D’Ivoire
ByJohn MayFifteen year old Marie-Ange smiles as she explains how participating in the Award has made a difference to her life. She has decided that she wants to be a teacher when she finishes school, having worked in her local primary school for the Service section of her Award. She’s kept fit by learning Handball and…
A letter to my 14-year-old self
ByJohn MayDear Johnnie, I know you won’t appreciate me calling you that, but it’s how I think of you, my younger self. You’re 14 right now. I’m 40 years older. I’m writing this letter to you because a colleague at work has suggested that I provide you with some advice that might help you to become…
