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Three Declarations, One Purpose
Over the past four days, I’ve had the rare pleasure—and, dare I say, the privilege—of attending not one, not two, but three High Sheriff Declarations. Mine in Oxfordshire on Thursday. Pippa’s in Buckinghamshire on Friday. And Julie’s in Gloucestershire today. Each one utterly unique. Each one equally meaningful. And all three leaving me truly delighted….
A Night Under the Moon
Last night, in the beautiful surroundings of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, I had the privilege of attending — and saying a few words before — a quite extraordinary concert by the Polish pianist and composer Marcin Masecki. The event formed part of this year’s Oxford Science and Ideas Festival, and it…
Honouring Service and Dedication in Oxfordshire
I try not to use the word inspirational too often in this blog, but to be honest it’s quite difficult not to. The people I am meeting around the county this year – and the causes they champion – are genuinely inspirational. It is not hubris that makes me write this, rather genuine awe at…
Back to Primary School – and Straight on to the Benches
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…
Local government is changing. What might that mean for youth work?
Local government reorganisation is, by its nature, a conversation that can very quickly become dominated by structures. Which councils will exist? Where will the boundaries fall? Who will be responsible for what? How will services transfer? What will the new governance arrangements look like? All of those questions matter enormously. Here in Oxfordshire and West…
