Events

A real pleasure to attend the South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association Annual Meeting.

For me, the strongest message was the importance of supporting our Cadets and Adult Volunteers, especially here in Berkshire.

So much good work is already happening on the ground. The opportunity now is to build on it, strengthen it, and bring more people together in service of our young people, our communities and our county.

As High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire, I am humbled to see the commitment of so many who give their time, energy and care to others.

Berkshire has a proud tradition of service. Now let’s continue to turn that commitment into action.

#HighSheriffOfBerkshire #Berkshire #BerkshireCommunity #Cadets #AdultVolunteers SERFCA ReserveForces CommunityService YoungPeople Volunteering Service …

On Sunday I had the privilege of attending the Newbury Royal British Legion Women’s Section Re-Dedication Drumhead Service, marking their 80th Anniversary.

It was moving, special and deeply meaningful.

From the moment I arrived to the moment I left, there was such a strong sense of service, friendship and family. Speaking with the women, the families, those who had served, and those whose loved ones had served, was a powerful reminder that service is never carried by one person alone.

Those at home may not always wear uniform, or be recognised as serving in the formal sense, but women and families have always stood shoulder to shoulder with those who do. Thank you.

One story stayed with me in particular. A lady said: “When our husbands were away, we had each other. Whether in moments of company or moments of concern, we were family. We always felt united.”

That simple sentence said everything.

It was wonderful to see the Deputy Lieutenant, the Town and Borough Mayors, and so many guests come together to mark such a special Sunday and honour the enduring contribution of the Royal British Legion Women’s Section.

There was also something especially close to home for me. At the end of the room was a table filled with shoeboxes for the Christmas Shoebox Appeal 2026, which the women are supporting alongside my unit in Hermitage.

I could not have felt prouder, or more humbled.

As High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire, this is exactly the kind of initiative I would love to support. It brings together service, community, generosity and care in the most practical and heartfelt way.

I am definitely in and look forward to promoting and supporting the shoeboxes this Christmas.

If you can support, or would like to know more, please DM me. We can do this together.

And as for the women themselves, they were quite simply fabulous. Full of warmth, purpose and humour. In fact, their persuasive powers are so impressive that I have now been signed up to the Royal British Legion Women’s Section. I am delighted.

A truly special day, and one I will remember.

Thank you to the Royal British Legion for keeping these chapters going and making such a difference …

Tuesday 12 May brought one of those moments that will stay with me forever.

It was incredibly moving to be at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford for the Armed Forces Covenant signing by the Diocese of Oxford. Attending both as High Sheriff of Berkshire and as a serving Reservist.

To spend time with the Bishop, the Archdeacon and their guests in such a sacred and beautiful space was deeply special. The Diocese of Oxford is home to one of the largest Service communities of any diocese, it includes the HQ of the RAF, the Defence Academy and major training establishments, making this public commitment especially meaningful.

Set within one of Oxford’s most iconic and historic buildings, the Cathedral provided a deeply powerful backdrop.

Christ Church is not only a place of worship, learning and heritage, but a symbol of continuity, reflection and service. To stand in such a remarkable setting, surrounded by centuries of history, made the significance of the Covenant signing feel even more profound.

The signing was witnessed by General Peter Rowell MBE, who gave a deeply moving keynote address on service, community and duty. Sincere thanks also to Defence Relationship Management for the vital work you do supporting new signatories and all those committed to the Covenant.

This was a day of duty, faith, kindness and neighbourliness. I felt truly blessed to be there as High Sheriff, as a Reservist, and as myself. …

The Royal County of Berkshire has certainly been busy, despite last week being a Bank Holiday week.

The East Berkshire @thamesvalleypolice commendations were nothing short of inspiring. My speech touched on the fact that, for most of us, we never truly see the depth of work undertaken every single day by the entire policing family. To witness those acts of dedication, compassion and service being recognised was incredibly humbling.

A lovely gathering followed with the High Sheriffs in Nomination, before attending the Thames Valley Police Community Fund Awards the next day. Seeing meaningful funding granted to local charities and CICs, enabling them to continue their life changing work across our communities was genuinely special. I’m looking forward to visiting several of them over the coming weeks to further support and amplify their reach.

And, of course, spending time with my fellow High Sheriffs from Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire is always a joy. I simply adore these two.

Then it was a quick drive back for a site visit to Camp Mohawk with recent funders, time with @readingstreetpastors on Saturday evening, and Sunday spent at the Mayor Making for Wokingham.

A very full High Sheriff diary but one filled with purpose and perspective. Berkshire and its people are incredible, and I feel very fortunate to play a small part in serving our county.

#HighSheriff #Berkshire #Recognition #Encouragement #Convening …

Last week was full throttle, filled with special moments, important conversations, and deep reflection.

From a wonderful dinner with colleagues at Sandhurst, with thanks to our generous hosts, to a visit to Kidlington with my fellow High Sheriffs, @highsheriffoxfordshire and @hisheriffbucks, where we had the opportunity to better understand the work of Thames Valley Police and those serving on the frontline.

Friday was especially full and meaningful. I visited Elizabeth Fry, alongside Rev Lucy Bowley, and saw first-hand the important work they do in supporting women. We then moved quickly on to meet Building for the Future, whose work with children with disabilities and their families is truly inspiring.

The week ended in the most uplifting way at the @mayor_of_rdguk charity fundraiser at the Town Hall, with a fantastic evening of diverse performances from across Reading.

A full week, a reflective week, and a reminder of the many people and organisations quietly doing great things across our county.

Enjoy the concert clip. Everything is going to be alright. …

Many will remember PC Andrew Harper, who tragically lost his life in 2019 while responding to a burglary.

Today, a memorial was unveiled in his honour. A lasting tribute to his courage, his service, and the ultimate sacrifice he made to protect others.

It was a real honour to represent the Royal County of Berkshire alongside DL Stefan Fafinski and fellow High Sheriffs from Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. A moment that will stay with me.

Andrew’s bravery reminds us of the risks faced every day by those who serve our communities.
We also recognise the strength of his wife, Lissie Harper, whose campaigning led to Harper’s Law, ensuring his legacy continues to shape justice and protect others.

Thinking of Andrew’s family, friends and colleagues today. He will not be forgotten.

[photos from ITV] …

Friday, Saturday and then Sunday, a moment to reflect & rest.

On Friday morning, alongside Andrew Try, Lord Lieutenant for the Royal County of Berkshire, and myself as High Sheriff, we had the privilege of swearing in 12 new Magistrates at Reading for the Family Court. Spending time with the judges, clerks and wider team was a powerful reminder of the strength and care within our justice system. Most moving of all was seeing the pride of families there to witness such an important moment.

The evening then took us to Thatcham for the Mayor’s Awards, where the wonderful Petra reflected on an extraordinary year of over 220 civic engagements. Recognising the people behind the scenes, including her husband and consort Justin, was a fitting tribute to the spirit of service that keeps our communities thriving.

Saturday began with a visit to the Hindu Temple in Slough, my first and certainly not my last. A deeply spiritual and beautiful space, with a kind blessing from the priest and a chance to quietly prepare for a more formal visit in the months ahead.

And to close the week, the Berkshire Youth Music Trust Choir at Douai Abbey. Truly extraordinary. This is a charity I will hold close well beyond my Shrieval year. Why? Because this is about so much more than music. It builds confidence, opportunity, growth and belonging. Watching these young people perform, regardless of background, circumstance or challenge, is a powerful reminder of what happens when we invest in potential.

This is what makes Berkshire beautiful. …

It was an honour to attend the Magistrates Association meeting at Crosfields School, Berkshire, on Thursday 16 April.

Did you know that magistrates are unpaid volunteers, giving their time, professionalism and commitment to support both our county and the justice system? They are a powerful example of the spirit of service and volunteering that runs so strongly across Berkshire.

We were also joined by Thames Valley Police and Wokingham Prevention & Youth Justice, who both gave excellent keynote contributions on the positive work they are doing to support young people across our communities.

It was a pleasure to hear from the Patron of the Magistrates Association, Lord-Lieutenant Andrew Try, who spoke so well about the importance of joining the dots across our county and recognising just how much good is happening through the collective efforts of so many agencies and individuals.

Thank you to everyone who was there, and in particular to our magistrates, who give so generously of their time in service of others.

And finally, thank you to ABF for inviting the Royal County of Berkshire to the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry. It was wonderful to see so many familiar and new faces. As always, the love for the armed forces, cadets and volunteering alike stands out at these events and the curry wasn`t bad either! …

The Post Office – Glitch! is a must-see.

Powerful, moving, and thought-provoking, this production may be intimate in scale, but its impact is huge. With a full house and a completely captivated audience, the emotion on stage was impossible to ignore.

For anyone interested in justice, injustice, and the importance of truth being able to stand up to power, this is a production worth seeing. Young or old, it is the kind of theatre that stays with you and starts important conversations. In my view, it deserves a West End stage.

It was also a real privilege to meet and speak with former sub-postmistresses Pam Stubbs and Seema Misra.

Thank you to founder and Artistic Director Toby Davies, his team, and cast for such an important evening. It is one that will stay with me and no doubt shape many conversations over this coming shrieval year.

And, as ever, it was lovely to see former High Sheriffs Graham Barker and Simon Muir too.

#PostOfficeGlitch #Justice #Truth #Theatre #PowerAndTruth HighSheriff Berkshire …

Last week’s Declaration as High Sheriff of Berkshire was a very special moment.

I’m pleased to share some of the official photographs from the day.

Thank you to everyone who supported the occasion. I’m looking forward to the year ahead. …