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…
Yesterday, I had the privilege of leading a session with senior leaders from youth organisations across Oxfordshire, exploring the role of compassionate leadership in driving meaningful change. As we discussed our shared challenges and aspirations, I was asked to reflect on my own leadership journey and the ways in which compassion has been a guiding…
As John May prepares to take on the role of High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, he reflects on how a thousand-year-old office can still help address some of the most pressing challenges facing communities today. When John May takes office as High Sheriff of Oxfordshire this spring, he will do so with a theme that feels…
On 10th March 2025, the historic County Hall in Oxford played host to a heart-warming evening of celebration and gratitude as this year’s High Sheriff’s Awards honoured individuals whose selfless service and extraordinary contributions have made Oxfordshire a better, kinder place. Each award recognised the quiet power of commitment, compassion, and community spirit—qualities that shine…
On 3rd March 2025, County Hall in Oxford opened its doors for a very special event: the Oxfordshire Prison Service Awards. The evening brought together people from every corner of the prison system—officers, chaplains, educators, volunteers, support staff and more—all united by a shared commitment to rehabilitation, dignity, and hope. With recipients from both of…
Happy Founders’ Day and Thinking Day! It’s all about the apostrophe. Some would like one between the “r” and the “s”, to show possession by Robert BP alone. Others put it after the “s” to show possession by both Robert and Olave – which I prefer. Others leave it out completely, but the punctuation pedant…
Food has a remarkable ability to transport us back in time. A single bite of a childhood favourite can unlock a flood of memories—Sunday dinners at the family table, after-school snacks in front of the telly, or birthday parties filled with treats we’d long forgotten. A recent survey has revealed the UK’s top 40 “culinary…
It’s not often that I now get to congratulate young people on achieving their DofE, but last week I was able to spend an evening with parents, pupils and Award volunteers at Lord William School in Thame, doing just that. The school has a remarkable commitment to the Award, and more than half of their…
Today I was fortunate to be able to attend the Local Command Unit awards for Thames Valley Police in Oxfordshire. It was a privilege to hear of the selfless actions of officers and support staff. Here’s what I said to the gathered audience of colleagues and family members: Speech for the Awards Ceremony for Thames…
