I had the enormous pleasure of visiting the children of Bletchingdon School this week—and what a thought-provoking and joyful visit it was. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was greeted not only by beaming smiles but also by Merlin, the school’s beautiful assistance dog, who made it quite clear that I was…
This afternoon, I had the great pleasure of visiting Rycotewood Furniture Centre—part of City of Oxford College and the wider Activate Learning network—for a private viewing of their Summer Show: a stunning celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and commitment to excellence. I was shown around by Josh Hudson, the college’s inspirational furniture lead, whose passion for…
You get to do some pretty amazing things as High Sheriff—and today, I had the honour of attending one of Oxford’s most cherished traditions: the University’s annual Encaenia ceremony. It’s hard to describe just how extraordinary it is to witness this ancient event from inside the Sheldonian Theatre, seated close to the new Chancellor himself,…
This evening I had the absolute pleasure of attending the Summer Celebration Concert presented by the Oxford Bach Choir and young singers from four Oxfordshire secondary schools: Cheney School, Europa School UK, Fitzharrys School, and Gosford Hill School. Held in the breathtaking surroundings of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin in Oxford, the…
This morning, beneath the soaring flagpoles in the shadow of Oxford Castle’s ancient stone walls, we gathered to mark the beginning of Armed Forces Week in Oxfordshire. With the County Council building just steps away, the ceremony felt deeply rooted in our civic and historical heart — a fitting place to reflect on service, sacrifice,…
On what turned out to be the hottest day of the year – with just a few tiny spots of rain to keep us on our toes – I crossed the county boundary into Buckinghamshire to spend the afternoon at Art in the Park, the vibrant celebration of Islamic arts, heritage and culture held in…
What a truly wonderful evening. Dorchester Abbey was alive with music, joy and youthful energy as children from across Oxfordshire came together to celebrate a very special milestone—the 40th anniversary of the Oxfordshire Festival of Voices. For four decades, this remarkable event has united schools and communities in the shared experience of massed singing. Tonight’s…
Tonight, Mark and I had the enormous pleasure of being guests of RAF Brize Norton – and what an evening it was. The highlight? A breathtaking display of precision parachuting from the RAF Falcons, Britain’s only military parachute display team. Watching them descend from the skies in perfect formation, trailing smoke and landing bang on…
I spent a delightful morning with the Key Stage 2 pupils at Woodcote Primary School—and what a thoughtful, articulate, and curious group they are. The visit began with a whole-Key Stage assembly, during which I was peppered with incisive questions from pupils right across the year groups. Everything from “Why do you carry a sword?”…
Earlier tonight, I had the great pleasure of attending one of the most uplifting events in Oxfordshire’s calendar – the High Sheriff Young Engineer Awards, now in their thirteenth year. Held at Abingdon and Witney College, and made possible through the generous sponsorship of Lucy Group, The Engineering Trust, and the College itself, the awards…