This morning, on Shakespeare’s birthday, I had the great pleasure of joining friends and supporters of the Oxford Preservation Trust in one of Oxford’s most remarkable hidden spaces: the Painted Room at 3 Cornmarket Street. Tucked above a mobile phone shop and unnoticed by most who pass it daily, the Painted Room is a treasure….
This morning, I had the privilege of attending a fundraising coffee morning at Weston on the Green Village Hall. The hall was packed with people from the village and far beyond, all showing their support for Bob and Paula Hessian following the devastating fire that destroyed their family home just a week ago. It was…
On 15 April, we held the first in a series of High Sheriff’s Big Conversations—a countywide programme of early morning gatherings designed to listen to the needs of young people and the adults who support them. This first conversation took place in the historic Thame Town Hall, thanks to the kind support of Thame Town…
Earlier today, I had the enormous pleasure of attending one of the great traditions of British sporting life – The Boat Race – as the Blue boats of Oxford and Cambridge went head-to-head along the Thames. It was my first time watching the race in person since 1982, when I stood on the towpath as…
Following my official Declaration as High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, I had the great pleasure of celebrating the occasion with a dinner hosted by City of Oxford College. The evening brought together friends, colleagues, and community leaders in the heart of the city—and it was made truly special by the warmth, talent, and professionalism of the…
Over the past four days, I’ve had the rare pleasure—and, dare I say, the privilege—of attending not one, not two, but three High Sheriff Declarations. Mine in Oxfordshire on Thursday. Pippa’s in Buckinghamshire on Friday. And Julie’s in Gloucestershire today. Each one utterly unique. Each one equally meaningful. And all three leaving me truly delighted….
John made his Declaration to serve The King and Oxfordshire on the 3rd April 2025, in the Old Assizes Court in Oxford. My Lord, Lord Lieutenant, Ladies and Gentlemen, friends and colleagues, It is an extraordinary honour to stand before you today as I take on the role of High Sheriff of Oxfordshire – an…
John May talks to Sophie Law on BBC Radio Oxfordshire about becoming the High Sheriff
On Saturday 22nd March, Oxford Magistrates’ Court was filled not with the usual defendants and legal professionals, but with the sound of impassioned argument and carefully constructed cross-examinations from some of Oxfordshire’s brightest young minds. Schools from across the county and slightly beyond gathered to take part in the Oxfordshire heat of the Magistrates’ Court…
