There are moments in this role when you can feel something beginning to shift. Last week at Broughton Castle, I had the privilege of attending the launch of The Sun Fund – a bold, business-led initiative aimed at tackling youth disadvantage in Banbury and opening up real pathways into employment for young people. What struck…
Last thing on Sunday evening, I had the pleasure of joining Radley College for the opening concert of its splendid new Music School – a wonderful way to end the weekend. It was a memorable occasion, with HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh attending as guest of honour and unveiling a suitably elegant plaque to mark…
There are few things guaranteed to keep one grounded in public life, and a primary school assembly is right up there. On Friday afternoon, Mark and I joined Windale School for their end-of-week celebration assembly – a school very much at the heart of its community, with a strong emphasis on inclusion, encouragement and helping…
I spent an inspiring morning today at the Oxford Combined Court Centre watching the Oxfordshire round of the Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition. For those unfamiliar with it, the competition gives young people aged 12–14 the chance to take part in a realistic courtroom experience. Working in teams, students take on the roles of lawyers,…
On Monday evening we gathered in the beautiful surroundings of Pembroke College, Oxford for the High Sheriff’s Awards 2026 – a chance to celebrate individuals and organisations whose courage, compassion and commitment strengthen communities across our county. My sincere thanks to The Rt Hon Sir Ernest Ryder PC DL, Master of Pembroke College, for his…
There are moments in a year as High Sheriff when a number of threads suddenly come together. Today felt very much like one of those moments. For the past twelve months my shrieval theme has been Hearing the Young Unheard. Not because young people lack a voice. Quite the opposite. Spend any time in schools,…
There are few things more joyful, more life-affirming, than a Scout and Guide Gang Show done well. Tonight I had the enormous pleasure of attending the Oxfordshire Gang Show at ’s theatre – and what a show it was. For those who may not know, the Gang Show tradition began in 1932, when brought together…
Last night’s Annual Dinner of the Oxford University Officers’ Training Corps was one of those occasions that manages to feel both timeless and thoroughly contemporary. Held in the magnificent surroundings of Balliol College, the dinner brought together more than one hundred officer cadets and their guests, filling the hall with that distinctive mix of ceremonial…
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,…
