The City of Dreaming Spires has a new addition to its iconic skyline Mark and I were pleased to attend the launch of the Red Hall at Oxford North this week – a striking new building that has already become a landmark in the north of the city. The Red Hall is the centrepiece of…
This evening brought a particular joy, and a trip down memory lane, with a visit to the 1st Langford Village Cubs. It was working with Cubs in Bristol in the early 1980s, as service for my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, that set me on the path of more than 40 years of volunteering with…
Over the past week I’ve been in touch with senior colleagues in Thames Valley Police about the climate of fear being stirred nationally around asylum hotels and migrant communities. I asked for a clear-eyed picture of what’s really happening here in Oxfordshire – and I want to share some of that with you. Chief Superintendent…
Yesterday I joined the Lord Lieutenant on a visit to Trax, a charity that has been serving young people in Oxfordshire for more than thirty years. Founded in the early 1990s as a “motor project” to teach mechanical skills, Trax has grown into a well-established alternative education and training provider, helping young people who might…
I try not to use the word inspirational too often in this blog, but to be honest it’s quite difficult not to. The people I am meeting around the county this year – and the causes they champion – are genuinely inspirational. It is not hubris that makes me write this, rather genuine awe at…
At tonight’s Oxfordshire Scouts County AGM, I had the great pleasure of hearing our High Sheriff’s Cadet, Emily, speak about her experiences during her first six months in the role. In just a couple of minutes, she captured beautifully what the Cadetship has meant to her so far. Emily spoke about joining me at events…
Today I visited the Civil Nuclear Constabulary at their headquarters in Culham – a very useful and informative meeting with Chief Constable Simon Chesterman, followed by time with the force’s newest recruits. As part of the new officers’ induction, I was asked to explain the role of the High Sheriff and its history. I kept…
Last night, Mark and I spent a deeply powerful evening with Survivor Space Oxfordshire as they gathered supporters and friends for dinner at St Hilda’s College, Oxford. It was wonderful to see Sally Scott at the event, former High Sheriff and now championing the Lieutenancy’s support for combating domestic violence. Survivor Space Oxfordshire is the…
Last night I had the great pleasure of attending the installation of the Revd Martin Little as Vicar of Holy Trinity, Headington Quarry. The church was packed to the rafters, a sure sign of the warmth of the welcome awaiting him and the depth of affection for the parish. The atmosphere was one of celebration…
Last night, my Chamberlain, Mark Johnson, represented the Oxfordshire Shrievalty at the BBC Make a Difference Awards at Oxford Town Hall. It was an evening that reminded us of the extraordinary good that happens quietly in our communities every day. A young writer, a fitness instructor and even a much-loved therapy dog were among those…