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Celebrating Service Across Oxfordshire
ByJohn MayOn 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…
Celebrating Young Engineers – and the Power of Listening
ByJohn MayEarlier tonight, I had the great pleasure of attending one of the most uplifting events in Oxfordshire’s calendar – the High Sheriff Young Engineer Awards, now in their thirteenth year. Held at Abingdon and Witney College, and made possible through the generous sponsorship of Lucy Group, The Engineering Trust, and the College itself, the awards…
Three Declarations, One Purpose
ByJohn MayOver 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….
Walking Together for Peace
ByJohn MayTonight, Oxford once again demonstrated the strength and warmth of its interfaith community through the annual Peace and Faith Walk, a cherished tradition organised by the Oxford Council of Faiths. Beginning at the Synagogue in Jericho and winding through the heart of the city to the Bath Street Mosque, the walk brought together people of…
A Morning with the Rural Crime Taskforce
ByJohn MayMark and I spent a fascinating morning with Alasdair, a Police Constable with the Rural Crime Taskforce of Thames Valley Police, gaining a real insight into the challenges and realities of policing our rural communities. We began with a visit to W C Green & Son, a long-established farming business in the village of Combe,…
The story of the golden arrow
ByJohn MayAnyone involved in Scouting will tell you that it’s an organisation that puts great store by its history. I’m proud to have played a small part in a particularly special chapter. The story starts at the 3rd World Scout Jamboree, held at Arrowe Park, Merseyside in the United Kingdom, ninety years ago in 1929. 30,000…
