A cold February evening is not the night for boating on the Thames. But it was very much the right night to be at TS Euryalus, home of the Oxford unit of the Sea Cadets. With the weather keeping everyone firmly ashore, cadets, volunteers, families and supporters gathered for the Unit’s annual awards evening –…
A real delight to visit Witney Buttercross Scout Group this evening and spend time with the Marlborough Cub Pack, one of five Cub packs within the Group. For those who do not know it, Witney Buttercross Scout Group is something of a powerhouse. With more than 400 young people and around 40 adults in uniform,…
Dear friends, July has been a month rich in meaning – full of vibrant festivals, powerful performances, quiet conversations, and deeply moving moments across Oxfordshire. Whether in a school hall, a prison corridor, a park, or a concert stage, I’ve seen time and again how much this county gives – and how important it is…
Dear Friends, As I come to the end of my third month in office, June has offered a powerful reminder of what civic life can look like when it’s rooted in visibility, listening, and meaningful collaboration. From Pride flags and pedal cars to peace walks and pizza-fuelled politics, the common thread throughout the month has…
Dear friends, As May draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a month that has brought moments of profound sorrow, stirring celebration, and powerful conversations. Each week has deepened my conviction that community lies at the heart of public service. And that young people, so often on the periphery of our decisions, must…
Dear friends, As I look back on my first month as High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, I am struck by the privilege and variety of experiences this role affords. From the solemnity of my Declaration to the inspiration of conversations with young people and the communities who support them, April has been filled with ceremony, service,…
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…
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…
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…
