Similar Posts
A Carol Concert Full of Joy, Laughter and Leaping Lords
Yesterday afternoon brought one of those moments that perfectly captures the spirit of a civic Christmas. I was delighted to be a guest of the Lord Mayor of Oxford, Louise Upton, at her annual Carol Concert at Oxford Town Hall. Over the past few months Louise and I have shared a number of public engagements,…
An Evening of Emotion and Excellence
It was a real joy to attend the Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra’s Summer Concert last night at the Centre for Music in Oxford. The performance was held separately from the main Oxfordshire Music Service gala, as the Orchestra is heading to Birmingham today to take part in the National Youth Music Festival. Under the baton…
Fifteen perfectly normal British habits that leave visitors completely bewildered
I have spent a good part of my working life travelling, working with people from other countries and, from time to time, trying to explain Britain to them. That is not always easy. The country we describe abroad is often tidier than the one in which we actually live. We talk about parliamentary democracy, ancient…
A Mid-Year Gathering with Fellow High Sheriffs
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…
Bicester in Mourning: A Visit to Garth Park
Earlier today, I visited Garth Park and the offices of Bicester Town Council to sign the three books of condolence opened following the devastating fire at Bicester Motion. I was joined by Miranda Markham DL, representing the Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, and the Revd Peter Wright from St Edburg’s Church, who offered words of quiet reflection…
Carols for All
A real joy this evening to join the Oxford Bach Choir and friends from the Oxfordshire County Music Service for their Carols for All concert at the Sheldonian Theatre. This time, I managed to turn up on the right night – a marked improvement on my slightly over-enthusiastic arrival a fortnight ago, two weeks early,…
