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A night to savour at City of Oxford College
Following my official Declaration as High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, I had the great pleasure of celebrating the occasion with a dinner hosted by City of Oxford College. The evening brought together friends, colleagues, and community leaders in the heart of the city—and it was made truly special by the warmth, talent, and professionalism of the…
Christopher – and why we teach.
His name was Christopher. He was in my Y6 class in 1987, back when we called them 4th year juniors. He was attention seeking, usually using poor behaviour to get it, often grubby and his clothes often smelt of stale cigarette smoke from the flat in which he lived at the top of the tower…
Celebrating Service Across Oxfordshire
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…
Lessons from Australia
Yesterday, when my cousin, Professor Rory Medcalf, delivered the 2025 Sir James Plimsoll Lecture in Hobart, Tasmania, he discussed a compelling idea that has immediately resonated with me: progressive patriotism. Rory—who heads the Australian National University’s National Security College—spoke not just with academic insight, but with a real sense of civic purpose. His reflections, though…
A Visit to the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel, Pangbourne College
I was delighted to be invited to visit the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel at Pangbourne College by Nicky Beard, daughter of the Headmaster whose vision first brought this extraordinary place into being. Also joining the visit was Jane Cranston, a former High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, and Vivien Payne, widow of the late Michael, a former…
A New Chapter for Oxfordshire’s Hindu Community
It was a privilege to attend the opening of the new Oxford Hindu Temple and Community Centre in Marston, alongside the Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Marjorie Glasgow, and a number of fellow Deputy Lieutenants. The occasion marked the culmination of an extraordinary 18-year journey. More than 300 people gathered to celebrate the opening of a centre…
