It was an absolute pleasure this evening to watch High Sheriff’s Cadet Emily run a cracking Scout meeting at the 43rd Oxford Group in Old Marston. The place was buzzing from the moment we walked in — loud, busy, full of energy, and enormous fun. Emily had set up three activity bases and kindly roped…
It was a real delight earlier this evening to pull back the curtain on a brand-new commemorative plaque at The Leys College – a moment that marks not just a change of name, but a renewed sense of purpose for this important place of learning in the heart of the Oxfordshire community. Until recently, the…
This morning brought one of those quietly special moments that remind me just how extraordinary our county can be. I had the pleasure of joining fellow civic leaders at RAW – a remarkable Oxfordshire social enterprise that uses creativity, upcycling and purposeful work to support people facing significant barriers in their lives. The Duchess of…
This morning I had the real pleasure of attending the Oxford Independent Book Fair at the University of Oxford’s Examination Schools. It is hard to imagine a better setting for a celebration of stories: the high ceilings, long corridors and historic staircases of that remarkable building – normally the preserve of students sitting Finals –…
On Friday, I had the pleasure of attending the Thames Valley Police and Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Fund ceremony at Reading Town Hall – a celebration of local initiative, civic spirit, and the extraordinary power of communities to keep one another safe. The Community Fund is, in itself, a remarkable idea. Money recovered from…
This morning I had the privilege of attending the Oxfordshire Commendation Ceremony for Thames Valley Police – a moment to recognise officers, staff and members of the public whose actions have made a profound difference to people’s lives across our county. As High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, my role is rooted in supporting the judiciary, upholding…
Walking into the Life and Mind Building yesterday afternoon, I had that rare sense of arriving somewhere that really will change things. Rising up between the University Parks, the science area and the city, the new building feels at once vast and surprisingly human. Its soft stone façade, patterned with that extraordinary “brainwave” motif captured…
Today’s Road Death Memorial Service at St Mary the Virgin Church in Thame was one of the most moving gatherings I have attended in my shrieval year. Organised with great care by Thames Valley Police, it brought together families, friends, members of the emergency services and those who support them, all united in remembrance of…
I was delighted to join colleagues at Monkey Island today for our mid-year gathering – always a highlight of the Shrieval calendar. Although I had to slip away after the first course to reach an afternoon engagement, the time I spent with the group was enormously worthwhile. Pippa and Sean offered thoughtful and energising mid-year…
Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Oxford Preservation Trust Awards at St John’s College – one of those evenings when you are reminded just how special this city is, both in its deep heritage and in its restless creativity. It is very easy in blogs like this to open with the familiar…