Home – High Sheriff of Berkshire

A little recce at Reading Minster ahead of the Judicial Service next Friday, 9 October.

And just look at it! What an absolutely beautiful setting for what is shaping up to be a very special day.

The plans are coming together, the excitement is building and there may be one or two lovely surprises along the way. I am trying very hard not to give too much away!

For now, it is back to the lists, timings and making sure I remember exactly where I am meant to stand. No pressure then… 😊

A huge thank you to everyone helping to bring it all together. We are nearly there!

#HighSheriff #RoyalCountyOfBerkshire #ReadingMinster #JudicialService #ConnectingSociety Berkshire

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A little recce at Reading Minster ahead of the Judicial Service next Friday, 9 October.

And just look at it! What an absolutely beautiful setting for what is shaping up to be a very special day.

The plans are coming together, the excitement is building and there may be one or two lovely surprises along the way. I am trying very hard not to give too much away!

For now, it is back to the lists, timings and making sure I remember exactly where I am meant to stand. No pressure then… 😊

A huge thank you to everyone helping to bring it all together. We are nearly there!

#HighSheriff #RoyalCountyOfBerkshire #ReadingMinster #JudicialService #ConnectingSociety Berkshire …

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A fascinating morning at the Thames Valley Police Contact Centre in Kidlington, alongside the High Sheriffs of Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. It is always lovely when we can come together across our three counties.

High Sheriff Nikki Ross, with her policing background and previous experience at TVP, added another layer to our visit, sharing valuable insight into how the service has evolved and the exciting, state-of-the-art plans for the future.

A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to show us around and, most importantly, to the remarkable team working behind the scenes. They manage almost one million calls and contacts over 12 months, responding with impressive speed, professionalism and care, often when people are at their most vulnerable.

Personally, it was reassuring to see the dedicated policing infrastructure supporting the public across our counties. It was also a privilege to recognise some of the unsung heroes whose calm voices, quick thinking and commitment make such an important difference every day.

As usual, I had lots of questions: how AI may be used in the future; what happens when a serious incident needs to be escalated quickly; and, importantly, how the team themselves are supported when dealing with complex and sometimes distressing situations. I was pleased, although not surprised, to hear how seriously their wellbeing is taken and that support is there for those who spend their working lives helping others.

Thank you to my fellow High Sheriffs for all that you do. Spending the morning together was both valuable and great fun!

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A fascinating morning at the Thames Valley Police Contact Centre in Kidlington, alongside the High Sheriffs of Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. It is always lovely when we can come together across our three counties.

High Sheriff Nikki Ross, with her policing background and previous experience at TVP, added another layer to our visit, sharing valuable insight into how the service has evolved and the exciting, state-of-the-art plans for the future.

A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to show us around and, most importantly, to the remarkable team working behind the scenes. They manage almost one million calls and contacts over 12 months, responding with impressive speed, professionalism and care, often when people are at their most vulnerable.

Personally, it was reassuring to see the dedicated policing infrastructure supporting the public across our counties. It was also a privilege to recognise some of the unsung heroes whose calm voices, quick thinking and commitment make such an important difference every day.

As usual, I had lots of questions: how AI may be used in the future; what happens when a serious incident needs to be escalated quickly; and, importantly, how the team themselves are supported when dealing with complex and sometimes distressing situations. I was pleased, although not surprised, to hear how seriously their wellbeing is taken and that support is there for those who spend their working lives helping others.

Thank you to my fellow High Sheriffs for all that you do. Spending the morning together was both valuable and great fun! …

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What an emotional and uplifting week it has been in the Office of the High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire.

Preparations for the Judicial Service are gathering pace, with hymns, readings and poems all beginning to come together. I am so grateful to the wonderful team supporting me, including Richard, our Deputy Lieutenants, former High Sheriffs, the Town Hall team, my XFE colleagues and, of course, the brilliant Penny. It really does take a team, and mine has been fantastic.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Stefan and learning more about the vital work of the Probation Service, supporting rehabilitation, protecting our communities and helping people rebuild their lives.

On Thursday, I met an extraordinary group of women from across Berkshire at Donnington Grove Hotel. Between them, they support so many good causes, from soup kitchens and horse therapy to creating networks where women champion, encourage and stand alongside other women.

As a prelude to Friday’s engagement, I had the privilege of presenting the Mock Trials Award to Trinity School for winning the overall heats, accompanied by my good friend and magistrate Simon Mitchinson JP.

Mock trials are vital as they bring justice to life for young people. They help them understand the courts and the rule of law while developing confidence, teamwork, critical thinking and public speaking skills. They also create a valuable connection between our young people and the judiciary, encouraging them to see that the justice system belongs to and serves us all.

Celebrating these young people, encouraging them further and speaking with them about the transferable skills they are developing was a real honour.

Finally, on my way home, I stopped for coffee with Beard Construction and heard more about all they are doing to support communities and create a positive local impact.

Thank you to everyone I have met this week. You have touched my heart and reminded us that the very best of humanity can so often be found in the simple acts of caring, encouraging and supporting one another.

#HighSheriff #RoyalCountyOfBerkshire #ConnectingSociety #YoungPeople #MockTrials #Justice #Community #WomenSupportingWomen

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Open post by berkshighsheriff with ID 18114803059825586

What an emotional and uplifting week it has been in the Office of the High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire.

Preparations for the Judicial Service are gathering pace, with hymns, readings and poems all beginning to come together. I am so grateful to the wonderful team supporting me, including Richard, our Deputy Lieutenants, former High Sheriffs, the Town Hall team, my XFE colleagues and, of course, the brilliant Penny. It really does take a team, and mine has been fantastic.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Stefan and learning more about the vital work of the Probation Service, supporting rehabilitation, protecting our communities and helping people rebuild their lives.

On Thursday, I met an extraordinary group of women from across Berkshire at Donnington Grove Hotel. Between them, they support so many good causes, from soup kitchens and horse therapy to creating networks where women champion, encourage and stand alongside other women.

As a prelude to Friday’s engagement, I had the privilege of presenting the Mock Trials Award to Trinity School for winning the overall heats, accompanied by my good friend and magistrate Simon Mitchinson JP.

Mock trials are vital as they bring justice to life for young people. They help them understand the courts and the rule of law while developing confidence, teamwork, critical thinking and public speaking skills. They also create a valuable connection between our young people and the judiciary, encouraging them to see that the justice system belongs to and serves us all.

Celebrating these young people, encouraging them further and speaking with them about the transferable skills they are developing was a real honour.

Finally, on my way home, I stopped for coffee with Beard Construction and heard more about all they are doing to support communities and create a positive local impact.

Thank you to everyone I have met this week. You have touched my heart and reminded us that the very best of humanity can so often be found in the simple acts of caring, encouraging and supporting one another.

#HighSheriff #RoyalCountyOfBerkshire #ConnectingSociety #YoungPeople #MockTrials #Justice #Community #WomenSupportingWomen …

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It was a privilege to be at Windsor Guildhall this morning for the Battle of Britain wreath-laying ceremony, representing the Office of the High Sheriff of Berkshire on behalf of His Majesty the King. I was honoured to walk alongside the Deputy Lieutenant and the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

It was moving to see the RAF Cadets, military band (again), veterans, serving personnel and so many members of our community come together to remember and honour those who served and sacrificed.

Laying the wreath was a very special privilege, a moment to pause and remember the courage and sacrifice of `The Few` and all those who stood behind them. Especially after the event on Thursday to wrap up some of that emotion a few days later is sobering.

What was also special about today is that Windsor has its own Battle of Britain story: Sydney Camm designed the Hurricane, and John Grandy, whose Hurricane is commemorated here, later became Governor of Windsor Castle and of course we know the current Governor which makes it even more poignant. The connection between Windsor and the Battle really is extraordinary.

Lest we forget. 🇬🇧

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It was a privilege to be at Windsor Guildhall this morning for the Battle of Britain wreath-laying ceremony, representing the Office of the High Sheriff of Berkshire on behalf of His Majesty the King. I was honoured to walk alongside the Deputy Lieutenant and the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

It was moving to see the RAF Cadets, military band (again), veterans, serving personnel and so many members of our community come together to remember and honour those who served and sacrificed.

Laying the wreath was a very special privilege, a moment to pause and remember the courage and sacrifice of `The Few` and all those who stood behind them. Especially after the event on Thursday to wrap up some of that emotion a few days later is sobering.

What was also special about today is that Windsor has its own Battle of Britain story: Sydney Camm designed the Hurricane, and John Grandy, whose Hurricane is commemorated here, later became Governor of Windsor Castle and of course we know the current Governor which makes it even more poignant. The connection between Windsor and the Battle really is extraordinary.

Lest we forget. 🇬🇧 …

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The High Sheriff of Berkshire

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Ren Kapur MBE

Jonathan Gater

Reverend David Chislett

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