Today I thoroughly enjoyed attending the annual Oxfordshire Scouts Awards Day at Youlbury Scout Camp, a celebration of commitment, achievement and community spirit. This remarkable event gathers young people from every Scout District across the county – and this year was no exception. With over 1,000 young people present, it was truly inspiring to witness…
Yesterday, on VE80 Day, we were honoured to represent the Oxfordshire Shrievalty on a Peace Walk alongside fellow members of the Lieutenancy and a distinguished group of faith leaders from across the county and beyond. John, the High Sheriff, was sadly unable to attend due to a long-standing business engagement outside the county, but sent…
Yesterday, The Branch Trust in Chipping Norton hosted a powerful Breakfast Conversation convened by the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire. Part of a county-wide series under the banner Hearing the Young Unheard, the event brought together professionals from across education, policing, local government, health services, and the voluntary sector to explore one of the most urgent…
This evening, I had the privilege of attending a special reception at Pembroke College to mark the 71st anniversary of one of the greatest moments in sporting history: Sir Roger Bannister’s legendary sub-four-minute mile. It was a particular honour to gather in the college where Sir Roger served as Master from 1985 to 1993. His…
It was rather brilliant to see High Sheriff’s Cadet Sofia (@dcoty_thames.valley) marching with confidence and pride down The Mall in London today, taking part in the national VE80 parade. She represented Oxfordshire with grace and distinction, joining fellow young people from St John Ambulance and other uniformed youth organisations from across the country. VE80 marks…
Today I had the enormous pleasure of joining the people of Shrivenham as they celebrated the 100th anniversary of their much-loved Parish Hall at their ‘Party on the Rec’—a building that’s not only architecturally impressive (that glorious triple-hammer beam ceiling still takes your breath away!) but one that continues to serve as a true beating…
It’s not often you can say that your morning coffee was paid for by a drugs baron. But today was that day. This morning, I had the privilege of attending the Thames Valley Police Community Fund presentation event—an inspiring occasion recognising grassroots organisations working tirelessly to make our communities safer, more resilient, and more compassionate….
Today, alongside Pippa and Sean—the High Sheriffs of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire—I had the privilege of visiting Thames Valley Police Headquarters in Kidlington. Together, we represent the three counties served by the force, and this visit offered a comprehensive insight into the operations and challenges faced by Thames Valley Police. A Warm Welcome Our day began…
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,…
On 29 April 2025, an influential group of education leaders, youth workers, and community advocates gathered at SOFEA in Didcot for the second of eight Breakfast Conversations being held across Oxfordshire. Hosted by Richard Kennell of SOFEA and chaired by High Sheriff John May, the morning was not about organisational flag-waving, but about honest dialogue…
