The importance of a volunteering culture – an article for PublicNet
Similar Posts
Another month in office…
Dear friends, As May draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a month that has brought moments of profound sorrow, stirring celebration, and powerful conversations. Each week has deepened my conviction that community lies at the heart of public service. And that young people, so often on the periphery of our decisions, must…
Walking the Wall – Day 5
Day 5 – Gilsland to Brampton A very gentle walk today to finish the week. The landscape became more and more gentle as I walked into Cumbria – farmland that has been cultivated for generations, rather than the barren moorland of the previous days. I hadn’t planned on visiting the ruined Lanercost Priory, but I’m…
One World Family
There are some weekends that remind you exactly why community matters. Today was one of them. I had the great pleasure of opening the One World Family Festival 2026, a vibrant celebration of the many communities and faiths that call Oxfordshire home. This year’s theme was Nature – a wonderfully unifying choice. After all, whatever…
In Praise of Old-Fashioned Volunteering
Walking around the Leys Festival in Blackbird Leys at the weekend, I was struck by just how much society depends upon volunteers. The festival itself was created through a partnership between local residents and the University of Oxford’s Cultural Programme, bringing together community organisations, performers, sports coaches, artists and many others for a day devoted…
The Joy of Opening Doors
One of the quiet joys of being High Sheriff is being asked to open things. This evening I had the pleasure of doing just that at Wesley Memorial Church in Oxford – though there was no ribbon to cut, only the rather more meaningful opportunity to open a door and welcome everyone present into the…
