Home – High Sheriff of Berkshire

It was a real honour to attend the State Visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman, and to meet Their Majesties The King and Queen, followed by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales.

I had a lovely, slightly cheeky exchange with His Majesty The King. He said, “We’re keeping you busy in Berkshire,” and I replied, “Yes, Sir, our county is special!” It was a privilege to meet him as King. The last time I had the opportunity to speak with him, he was Prince of Wales, and we talked about enterprise and entrepreneurship.

I was honoured to greet His Majesty the Sultan and say, “It is a privilege to meet you, Your Majesty.” Although there wasn’t an opportunity to speak further, I was interested to learn more about Oman Vision 2040. Its focus on economic development and social wellbeing connects with the work taking place here in the UK to support growth and opportunity for our communities.

The Princess looked radiant. I send my very best wishes to Their Majesties and Her Royal Highness for continued good health, happiness and prosperity.

It was also lovely to catch up with our Lord Lieutenant, Andrew Try, and the Mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead, Sian Martin, both of whom I am privileged to know.

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It was a real honour to attend the State Visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman, and to meet Their Majesties The King and Queen, followed by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales.

I had a lovely, slightly cheeky exchange with His Majesty The King. He said, “We’re keeping you busy in Berkshire,” and I replied, “Yes, Sir, our county is special!” It was a privilege to meet him as King. The last time I had the opportunity to speak with him, he was Prince of Wales, and we talked about enterprise and entrepreneurship.

I was honoured to greet His Majesty the Sultan and say, “It is a privilege to meet you, Your Majesty.” Although there wasn’t an opportunity to speak further, I was interested to learn more about Oman Vision 2040. Its focus on economic development and social wellbeing connects with the work taking place here in the UK to support growth and opportunity for our communities.

The Princess looked radiant. I send my very best wishes to Their Majesties and Her Royal Highness for continued good health, happiness and prosperity.

It was also lovely to catch up with our Lord Lieutenant, Andrew Try, and the Mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead, Sian Martin, both of whom I am privileged to know. …

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The Judiciary and the Judicial Service

I promised to share some reflections on the themes of Berkshire’s Judicial Service, held on 9 October.
A week ago, we gathered at Reading Minster to mark the opening of the Justice Year. The service gives us a moment to recognise the work of the judiciary and everyone who helps justice to be served across our county. It also invites us to reflect on why that work remains so important today.

Judges carry a profound responsibility. They listen carefully, weigh the evidence and apply the law with independence and fairness. Their work calls for sound judgement and humanity: justice must be upheld, while mercy and compassion remain part of how we understand and serve one another.

As High Sheriff, I have a ceremonial role in supporting the judiciary. It was a privilege to welcome so many judges to the service and reception, and to thank them for their commitment to Berkshire and its communities.

Did you know that magistrates are volunteers? They give their time to hear cases and make decisions that affect people’s lives and communities. I’m grateful to them, and to everyone who serves the cause of justice across Berkshire.

I also want to offer my heartfelt thanks to Jonathan Gater, Under Sheriff of Berkshire and a partner at Blandy & Blandy. Jonathan has served as Under Sheriff for many years and has been a constant source of guidance and support to successive High Sheriffs, particularly on matters involving the legal system. His care in bringing the judges together and helping the day run so smoothly meant a great deal.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to all who work to uphold justice across Berkshire.

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The Judiciary and the Judicial Service

I promised to share some reflections on the themes of Berkshire’s Judicial Service, held on 9 October.
A week ago, we gathered at Reading Minster to mark the opening of the Justice Year. The service gives us a moment to recognise the work of the judiciary and everyone who helps justice to be served across our county. It also invites us to reflect on why that work remains so important today.

Judges carry a profound responsibility. They listen carefully, weigh the evidence and apply the law with independence and fairness. Their work calls for sound judgement and humanity: justice must be upheld, while mercy and compassion remain part of how we understand and serve one another.

As High Sheriff, I have a ceremonial role in supporting the judiciary. It was a privilege to welcome so many judges to the service and reception, and to thank them for their commitment to Berkshire and its communities.

Did you know that magistrates are volunteers? They give their time to hear cases and make decisions that affect people’s lives and communities. I’m grateful to them, and to everyone who serves the cause of justice across Berkshire.

I also want to offer my heartfelt thanks to Jonathan Gater, Under Sheriff of Berkshire and a partner at Blandy & Blandy. Jonathan has served as Under Sheriff for many years and has been a constant source of guidance and support to successive High Sheriffs, particularly on matters involving the legal system. His care in bringing the judges together and helping the day run so smoothly meant a great deal.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to all who work to uphold justice across Berkshire. …

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Today, alongside the Resident Judge and Chair of the Magistrates’ Bench, I was delighted to welcome 13 new magistrates as they were sworn in to serve the Royal County of Berkshire.

On behalf of His Majesty King Charles III, congratulations to each of you. Our county is grateful for the compassion, sound judgement and time you are giving to this important role.

You are now part of the wider judiciary, helping to uphold justice and serve our communities. We wish you every success as you begin this commitment, and warmly welcome you to the magistracy in Berkshire. Thank you for your service.

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Today, alongside the Resident Judge and Chair of the Magistrates’ Bench, I was delighted to welcome 13 new magistrates as they were sworn in to serve the Royal County of Berkshire.

On behalf of His Majesty King Charles III, congratulations to each of you. Our county is grateful for the compassion, sound judgement and time you are giving to this important role.

You are now part of the wider judiciary, helping to uphold justice and serve our communities. We wish you every success as you begin this commitment, and warmly welcome you to the magistracy in Berkshire. Thank you for your service. …

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Words really cannot capture the feeling and the dynamic of last night’s experience alongside Nishkam SWAT. ❤️

100 bags of food, distributed to people who needed them. Many were without a permanent home or navigating complex circumstances. I’m deliberately avoiding labels, because that isn’t the point. These are people, each with their own story.

What stood out for me most was the quiet dignity of everyone we met. No one took a bag unless they needed one. Some simply offered a quiet, head-down “thank you” before moving on. Others shared a little banter, were smiley and clearly familiar with the team. One person wasn’t quite sure where their tent would be pitched that evening, but was hopeful it would be dry tonight. You can’t help but return that hope with a big, toothy, cheery smile. 😊

I slept well last night. Perhaps it was the satisfaction of doing something that really matters, perhaps sheer exhaustion after a long few weeks, but I suspect it was also the privilege of witnessing something rather special.

This post is about the Nishkam SWAT team. I came away filled with admiration for their compassion, their commitment and, above all, the humanity with which they treat everyone they meet.

Here’s just one of the many conversations I overheard:

“Hello, lovely. How are you today? Hope your wife is OK after having the baby. Ren, put some extra fruit in that bag, vitamins needed. See you on Sunday, lovely. We’ll be here and look after your wife & baby, bless you’’

Just think about that for a moment. ❤️

Remembering someone’s circumstances. Asking after their family. Making sure they have a little extra fruit. Reassuring them that the team will be there again on Sunday.

This is so much more than handing out food. It’s consistency, care, connection and community. It’s making sure people feel seen, remembered and valued, whatever their circumstances.

To the whole Nishkam SWAT team, thank you. What you do matters more than words can say.

#NishkamSWAT #Community #CompassionInAction #Homelessness #Berkshire KindnessMatters HighSheriffOfBerkshire

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Words really cannot capture the feeling and the dynamic of last night’s experience alongside Nishkam SWAT. ❤️

100 bags of food, distributed to people who needed them. Many were without a permanent home or navigating complex circumstances. I’m deliberately avoiding labels, because that isn’t the point. These are people, each with their own story.

What stood out for me most was the quiet dignity of everyone we met. No one took a bag unless they needed one. Some simply offered a quiet, head-down “thank you” before moving on. Others shared a little banter, were smiley and clearly familiar with the team. One person wasn’t quite sure where their tent would be pitched that evening, but was hopeful it would be dry tonight. You can’t help but return that hope with a big, toothy, cheery smile. 😊

I slept well last night. Perhaps it was the satisfaction of doing something that really matters, perhaps sheer exhaustion after a long few weeks, but I suspect it was also the privilege of witnessing something rather special.

This post is about the Nishkam SWAT team. I came away filled with admiration for their compassion, their commitment and, above all, the humanity with which they treat everyone they meet.

Here’s just one of the many conversations I overheard:

“Hello, lovely. How are you today? Hope your wife is OK after having the baby. Ren, put some extra fruit in that bag, vitamins needed. See you on Sunday, lovely. We’ll be here and look after your wife & baby, bless you’’

Just think about that for a moment. ❤️

Remembering someone’s circumstances. Asking after their family. Making sure they have a little extra fruit. Reassuring them that the team will be there again on Sunday.

This is so much more than handing out food. It’s consistency, care, connection and community. It’s making sure people feel seen, remembered and valued, whatever their circumstances.

To the whole Nishkam SWAT team, thank you. What you do matters more than words can say.

#NishkamSWAT #Community #CompassionInAction #Homelessness #Berkshire KindnessMatters HighSheriffOfBerkshire …

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The High Sheriff of Berkshire

Welcome

Meet the High Sheriff and Team

Ren Kapur MBE

Jonathan Gater

Reverend David Chislett

History of the High Sheriff

The High Sheriff’s Awards

Events Attendance

Events

Contact the High Sheriff