Dear Friends,
As I come to the end of my third month in office, June has offered a powerful reminder of what civic life can look like when it’s rooted in visibility, listening, and meaningful collaboration. From Pride flags and pedal cars to peace walks and pizza-fuelled politics, the common thread throughout the month has been a deepening commitment to hearing the young unheard—and strengthening the bonds of community.
Here’s a round-up of the month’s highlights. Web links are included to take you to the full stories on our website.
PRIDE, PROTEST AND PRESENCE
Oxford Pride may have been dampened by drizzle, but not by spirit. I was proud to walk alongside civic colleagues to affirm that Pride still matters—not just as a party, but as a protest.
[Why Pride Still Matters – as Protest, Not Just Party]
[Flying the Flag – Even in the Rain]
THE BIG CONVERSATION CONTINUES
Our series of Breakfast Conversations grew in strength and insight this month, with powerful gatherings in Blackbird Leys and at Thames Valley Police HQ.
In Blackbird Leys, we explored aspirations, technology, youth work and safe spaces—and committed to practical, local action.
[Read the Blackbird Leys story]
At TVP HQ, the focus turned to belonging, school transitions, hidden vulnerabilities, and the need to move from knowing to doing.
[Read the Kidlington story]
Both groups will reconvene in March 2026 to track real-world progress.
CELEBRATING YOUTH TALENT AND VOICE
We’ve heard from some remarkable young people this month—through invention, inquiry, and inspiration:
At the High Sheriff Young Engineer Awards, students aged 12–18 amazed us with creativity, empathy, and design brilliance.
[Read about the winners]
The 7th Bicester Scouts imagined a greener, fairer Oxfordshire (and requested frozen yoghurt in Bicester!).
[Read their ideas]
At Woodcote and Bletchingdon Primary Schools, children asked smart questions—and dreamed up smart solutions for a more connected county.
[Read the school Woodcote story]
[Read the school Bletchingdon story]
A visit to Rycotewood Furniture Centre’s Summer Show offered a powerful reminder of the value of vocational education, as students showcased bold, beautiful work that fused technical skill with creative vision—supported by passionate educators and a deep belief in what young people can achieve
[Read about the visit]
FUTURE GENERATIONS – THINKING LONG
A conversation with Oxfordshire County Council’s Future Generations team revealed how long-term thinking is being rooted in schools, communities and policy. From classroom workshops to “Pizza & Politics” evenings, this is youth engagement done well.
[Listening to the Future]
FAITH, PEACE AND COMMUNITY
This year’s Oxford Peace & Faith Walk reminded us that unity can be quiet and powerful. The Oxfordshire Shrievalty was well represented on the route—ending with reflection and shared food at the mosque.
[Walking Together for Peace]
I also had the pleasure of joining Art in the Park in Milton Keynes, a festival of Islamic arts and refugee welcome, full of warmth and joy.
[Belonging in the Sunshine]
HONOURING SERVICE AND SACRIFICE
We marked Armed Forces Week with flag-raising ceremonies in Oxford and Bicester, honouring those who serve our country—and celebrating a new civic connection with HMS Diamond.
[Oxford Flag Raising]
[Bicester Ceremony]
An evening at RAF Brize Norton introduced me to the astonishing skill of the RAF Falcons—and the deep civic pride embedded at the heart of the station.
[An Evening with the Falcons]
FAITH, HISTORY AND HARMONY
Christ Church Cathedral marked its 500th anniversary with Solemn Vespers in a newly composed setting of the Magnificat by Errollyn Wallen. A glorious evening of music, memory, and reflection.
https://highsheriffofoxfordshire.co.uk/an-evening-at-christ-church
It was an honour to attend this year’s Encaenia at the Sheldonian Theatre—Oxford’s annual ceremony celebrating academic achievement, tradition, and the conferral of honorary degrees—reminding us once again of the enduring power of scholarship and service.
TEAMWORK ON WHEELS
The Shenington 24 Hour Race was blisteringly hot—but brilliantly inspiring. Scouts and others raced through the night in a display of human-powered tenacity, leadership, and camaraderie.
[Reflections on the Shenington Race]
YOUNG VOICES
The Oxfordshire Festival of Voices celebrated its 40th anniversary in Dorchester Abbey with joy, harmony, and some beautiful moments of personal reflection.
[Read: Forty Years of Song]
June’s Summer Celebration Concert brought together the Oxford Bach Choir and talented young singers from Cheney, Europa, Fitzharrys, and Gosford Hill for a joyful evening of music and community harmony.
[Read: A Summer Celebration in Song]
A FINAL THOUGHT
Everywhere I’ve been this month—from courts to classrooms, race tracks to abbeys—I’ve heard the same quiet refrain: young people want to be taken seriously, and they repay our attention with insight, imagination, and truth.
Thank you for walking alongside me. We’re just three months in—and already, it feels like momentum is building.
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