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…
The Oxfordshire Shrievalty was out in force today, representing the High Sheriff at three civic services across the county. Sadly, we couldn’t quite manage them all – apologies to the Mayor of Banbury, whose invitation clashed, though the invitation from Bicester had arrived first. It was an early start in Henley-on-Thames, gathering at the Town…
Last night I joined the launch of Oxford Open Doors at Rhodes House – the perfect start to a weekend of exploration and discovery. The sense of welcome was tangible, and it set the tone beautifully for what followed. At its heart, Oxford Open Doors is about throwing open the doors of our city’s most…
This afternoon I had the opportunity to visit Huntercombe Prison, accompanied by Shaun, the High Sheriff of Berkshire, his Chaplain Gareth, my Chaplain Anne, and Mark, Oxfordshire’s Shrievalty Chamberlain. Huntercombe has a long history, having originally opened in the 1940s. Today it operates as a Category C prison holding adult men, all of whom are…