This evening, some time before the sun dipped behind Wittenham Clumps, I had the quiet privilege of attending one of Oxfordshire’s more unusual and charming civic traditions: the annual rose ceremony hosted by Oxfordshire County Council. Held amidst the ancient hills and nature reserve managed so beautifully by the Earth Trust, the event marks the…
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…
If you’d told me that one of the most entertaining moments of my Shrieval year so far would involve standing on a sun-scorched airfield near Banbury, chequered flag in hand, as sleep-deprived teams of pedal-powered racers whirred past me after 24 hours on the circuit — I might have raised an eyebrow. And yet, that’s…
Mark and I had the great pleasure of attending a beautiful service of Solemn Vespers at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford this evening, celebrating 500 years since Cardinal Wolsey founded what was originally Cardinal College on the site of St Frideswide’s Priory. Refounded by Henry VIII as Christ Church, the college has always been both…
This morning’s Armed Forces Day flag raising in Garth Park, Bicester, was a moving and meaningful moment—quietly dignified, and all the more powerful for it. The ceremony brought people together in recognition of the men and women who serve our country, often far from home and in challenging circumstances. His Majesty The King was formally…
Tonight, Oxford once again demonstrated the strength and warmth of its interfaith community through the annual Peace and Faith Walk, a cherished tradition organised by the Oxford Council of Faiths. Beginning at the Synagogue in Jericho and winding through the heart of the city to the Bath Street Mosque, the walk brought together people of…
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…
