Dear friends,
As May draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a month that has brought moments of profound sorrow, stirring celebration, and powerful conversations. Each week has deepened my conviction that community lies at the heart of public service. And that young people, so often on the periphery of our decisions, must be brought to the centre. Highlighted links below take you through to my blog entries on various events…
Grief and Grace in Bicester
The devastating fire at Bicester Motion in the middle of the month took three lives—Jennie Logan and Martyn Sadler, two brave firefighters, and David Chester, a much-loved local businessman. I visited Garth Park to sign the books of condolence and joined a quiet, respectful gathering in the same park just days later. The community’s response has been nothing short of extraordinary: flowers, messages, silence, and shared grief. Oxfordshire will, in time, build a permanent memorial. But already, love and remembrance fill the space.
Remembering and Renewing on VE Day
VE80 saw Oxfordshire participate in national and local acts of remembrance. Though I couldn’t attend The Lord Lieutenant’s Peace Walk from Bladon to Blenheim, I was proud to be represented by members of the Shrieval team and touched to see High Sheriff’s Cadet, Sofia, marching with dignity down The Mall in London as part of the national celebrations. Her presence reminded us that the spirit of public service, born in the hardships of war, lives on in the energy and commitment of today’s youth.
The Big Conversation Grows
Our Breakfast Conversations—part of my theme, Hearing the Young Unheard—gained new momentum in Chipping Norton and Banbury. In Chipping Norton, we confronted the hidden trauma of domestic abuse and its lifelong effects on young people. In Banbury, we explored how to build a stronger sense of belonging for those aged 13 to 24. Common threads emerged: the need for safe spaces, for work that feels meaningful, for adults who listen rather than judge. In every conversation, young people’s voices are not only being heard—they are guiding us.
Moments of Celebration and Ceremony
May was also a month of joyful civic life. The Shrieval Team joined the towns of Bicester, Banbury, Henley, Wallingford and Abingdon for their Mayor-Making ceremonies. These are more than traditions—they are declarations of continued faith in local democracy and leadership. New mayors stepped forward. Youth cadets were honoured. The spirit of service felt alive and well.
In Shrivenham, I attended the 100th birthday of the village’s Memorial Hall, a community treasure still beating with purpose. In The Queen’s College, I sat at High Table during the Fettiplace Gaudy, a centuries-old tradition that honours gifts made in faith and fellowship. Both events were reminders that heritage can still inspire fresh connections. In Faringdon, I attended the town’s civic church service. With the Lord Lieutenant, I had the enormous pleasure of joining African Families in the UK (AFiUK) as they celebrated their 10th anniversary, and of attending a special reception at Pembroke College to mark the 71st anniversary of one of the greatest moments in sporting history: Sir Roger Bannister’s legendary sub-four-minute mile.
Also with The Lord Lieutenant, I attended the Thames Valley Police Community Fund presentation—an inspiring event, entirely funded through assets seized from criminals, celebrating grassroots organisations working to make our communities safer, more resilient, and more compassionate through crime prevention, rehabilitation, and youth development.
Listening to Young People—Everywhere
Throughout May, I have had the privilege of spending time directly with young people. In Didcot, I listened to teenagers describe being moved on by security guards while simply riding bikes. In Aylesbury Prison, I met young (and older) men gaining purpose through a bike refurbishment project. At the launch of Oxfordshire Youth’s Business Guardians programme, I saw companies choosing not just to sponsor, but to mentor and believe. At Lucy Group Head Office, I joined a distinguished panel to judge the entries for this year’s High Sheriff’s Young Engineer of the Year Award—a celebration of ingenuity, creativity, and the inspiring potential of Oxfordshire’s young people.
And of course, I joined the Scouts at Youlbury to celebrate their award winners. None was more inspiring than Albie, a Cub Scout whose advocacy for PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) has touched national leaders and earned him a Silver Blue Peter Badge.
Civic Service and Personal Milestones
This month also brought a personal honour: being invested as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order at Windsor Castle by HRH The Prince of Wales. I was joined by my husband, Mark, and shared a laugh with His Royal Highness about a mop-related mishap at Highgrove many years ago. It was a joyful, humbling moment in a month filled with both solemnity and service.
Looking Ahead
As we move into June, I remain deeply committed to Hearing the Young Unheard. The themes are clear: early intervention, trusted adults, safe places, and the right to be taken seriously. These are not luxuries. They are lifelines.
To everyone who has shared a story, hosted a visit, or offered a warm welcome—thank you. And to every young person who has spoken their truth: I am listening. And so are many, many others.
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