This morning, the latest in our series of Breakfast Conversations took place in Blackbird Leys—a vibrant, diverse community with a rich history and a passionate group of professionals committed to the wellbeing of its young people. Gathered around the table were representatives from youth work, education, local government, the voluntary sector, and grassroots initiatives—all united…
I’ve just been reading a thoughtful post from my dear friend Dan Wood – a beautiful and quietly powerful reminder of why Pride is still necessary. Not as a corporate logo change or a party in the park (though there’s joy in both), but as something deeper: a moment of protest, visibility, and solidarity. This…
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…
Today, I had the privilege of visiting HMP Aylesbury with my fellow High Sheriffs – Sean from Berkshire and Pippa from Buckinghamshire (who had very kindly organised the visit for us). We were joined by our respective Chaplains, Shaun and Mark from the Oxfordshire Shrieval team, and Nick from South Bucks Hospice. We were all…
This evening, I had the enormous pleasure of joining African Families in the UK (AFiUK) as they celebrated their 10th anniversary – a remarkable milestone for a charity that has spent the last decade supporting, empowering, and standing alongside migrant families in Oxfordshire and beyond. The civic party included myself, The Lord Lieutenant and MP…
Last night I spent time with the young people and youth workers at Didcot TRAIN — a brilliant local charity that’s been standing alongside teenagers in the town for more than twenty years. It was an evening of conversation, laughter, and some sobering reflection. Above all, it was a chance to listen. TRAIN exists to…
Yesterday evening in Garth Park, I joined local residents, uniformed services, community groups and civic leaders for a quiet gathering to remember Jennie Logan, Martyn Sadler and Dave Chester—three lives lost in the recent fire at Bicester Motion. It was not a formal service, but a community coming together—simple, sincere, and respectful. Reverend Peter Wright…
Yesterday, when my cousin, Professor Rory Medcalf, delivered the 2025 Sir James Plimsoll Lecture in Hobart, Tasmania, he discussed a compelling idea that has immediately resonated with me: progressive patriotism. Rory—who heads the Australian National University’s National Security College—spoke not just with academic insight, but with a real sense of civic purpose. His reflections, though…
Yesterday evening, I had the privilege of attending the Sundown Ceremony at RAF Benson—a moving and dignified event steeped in tradition, carried out with all the hallmark precision and pride one expects from the Royal Air Force. As the sun began its slow descent over the Oxfordshire countryside, every detail was in place. The ceremonial…
This morning, I had the great pleasure of joining Oxfordshire Youth for the launch of our Business Guardians Council—a ground-breaking new initiative bringing together some of Oxfordshire’s most forward-thinking companies to support young people who need us most. We gathered in the Youth Innovation Centre, part of Oxfordshire Youth’s inspiring new base at the ARC…