Events

Last Friday, I was invited to take part in the AI Skills Summit at Bracknell and Wokingham College. Initially, I thought it might be better suited to my predecessor, High Sheriff Sean Taylor of Redwood Technologies! However, after reading the brief, I realised it was a fantastic opportunity to contribute to an important discussion.

The panel explored how communities, partners and users can work together to harness AI for good.

One example that has stayed with me came from a workshop delivered by X-Forces Enterprise and the brilliant team at Active Plus. A delegate in his 60s, who had hidden his dyslexia for most of his life, was introduced to ChatGPT. Seeing how it could help him overcome a barrier he had faced for decades was a powerful reminder of AI’s potential to make a real difference.

Alongside experts Paul Towers, Michael Quick and Patrick Kelly-Goss, we explored both the opportunities AI presents and the need for caution. My thanks to our chair, Kim Blanchard, for bringing the discussion together.

Throughout my year as High Sheriff, I have seen the value of bringing education providers, employers and service organisations together to drive positive change. This event was an excellent example of what those partnerships can achieve.

I also enjoyed meeting students from the Uniformed Protective Services course, who volunteered at the event and shared their ambitions for the future. One even asked me who my favourite Disney Princess is. For the record, it’s Cinderella! 😉

Finally, it was great to bring Dan Flynn from my team along and hear his younger perspective on AI during the journey there and back. Reverse mentoring at its best!

Thank you to everyone involved in organising such an engaging event, and to the students who made such a positive impression.

#HighSheriffOfBerkshire #AISkillsSummit #Education #Partnerships #YoungPeople BerkshireCommunity ConveningForGood …

From the very beginning of my time as High Sheriff, my predecessors told me I would meet incredible people and organisations. They were right, from day one.

Yesterday was no exception. I spent time with Compass Recovery College and was in awe of the team and what they make possible. They bring people together to create safe, thoughtful and tailored pathways for those living with mental health challenges, helping each person discover their strengths and move towards the life they want.

I was privileged to join a panel with Lara from the Compass team, the Mayor of Reading, one of the College’s founders, Callum, who came to Compass as a beneficiary and is now a team lead, and his mum, whose journey took her from volunteer to member of the team. We also heard from someone who had been a beneficiary and is now volunteering. Each person shared a powerful story of connection, confidence and progress.

I’ll admit, after a busy day in the office, I wondered how I would fit in a couple of hours of attending this 10 year anniversary. I’m so glad I did.

Thank you, Team Compass, for filling my soul with light, making me smile and inspiring me. Your work gives us a glimpse of the kinder, happier society we can build when people come together and support one another.

You made my day. 💛 Happy 10th Anniversary and here`s to the next decade! …

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. …

Wasn’t today something special?

I’m still reflecting on a truly memorable Judicial Service for Berkshire, and I’ll share some more thoughts in the coming days.

For now, here are a few moments from today, alongside the poem I had the privilege of reading during the service.

Thank you to everyone who made today so meaningful. …

Twelve Specials. Twelve shiny new badges and certificates. And twelve very proud new volunteer police officers!

It was a privilege to join the Special Chief Officer and Thames Valley Police team for their Passing Out Parade.

The Special Constabulary is the volunteer police force, with officers giving their time alongside everyday jobs to support regular policing and help keep communities safe. Its proud history stretches back to 1831.

These officers began their journey on Friday 27 March, the very day I was sworn in as High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire. After seeing the video of their training, I felt incredibly proud to celebrate with them, their friends and families.

As High Sheriff, recognising those who uphold the law and strengthen connections between policing and the public matters enormously.

Congratulations to all twelve new Special Constables. Wear those badges with pride. You have certainly earned them!

#SpecialConstabulary #SpecialConstables #VolunteerPolice #ThamesValleyPolice #HighSheriffOfBerkshire …

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 …

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 …

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. 🇬🇧 …

A busy but very special week of engagements across Berkshire.

It began in the wonderful setting of Cliveden, supporting Jane Holmes and Building for the Future, an inspiring charity making such a difference to children with additional needs and their families.

There was also important planning for the Judicial Service with former High Sheriffs, before a moving Citizenship Ceremony welcoming 13 new British citizens to Windsor and Maidenhead. The room was filled with warmth, pride and a genuine sense of belonging. It was a privilege to share the occasion alongside the Mayor, Councillor Sian Martin.

Later that same day, I joined the Reading Legal Walk, bringing people together in support of access to justice across our community.

And finally, back to Reading Minster for more Judicial Service planning. With 9 October fast approaching, it is all becoming very real now!

A week that truly reflected my theme of Connecting Society, celebrating those who serve, support and strengthen our communities across Berkshire. …

What a wonderful afternoon at the Charvil Village Fete! ☀️

Warm sunshine, brilliant activities and a community coming together to enjoy themselves while supporting others. Connecting Society in action.

A huge thank you to the fantastic organisers whose hard work, energy and care made the day possible, as well as all the volunteers, stallholders, performers, sponsors and raffle prize donors. And of course, my Police Cadet Charlotte and I had a wonderful time meeting so many of the stalls, Fire & Rescue, new start-ups, Royal British Legion and having a fun game of Jenga to name just a few. of the stalls.

The photos hopefully captures the mood, connections and togetherness that was so evident yesterday.

It was a real pleasure, as High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire and a near neighbour, to officially open the fete.

Well done, Charvil. Keep supporting one another and celebrating everything that makes your village so special! ❤️

#CharvilVillageFete #ConnectingSociety #CommunitySpirit #HighSheriffOfBerkshire …

Some visits stay with you. My evening with Together As One (Aik Saath) in Slough was one of them.

Led by CEO Rob Deeks and his wonderful team, Together As One is a youth led charity that works with young people from every faith and background through youth work, training, and creative projects. Its name reflects its purpose perfectly: bringing people together to create positive social change.

I arrived at 7pm to find around 50 young people waiting to welcome me and ready to test me with an online quiz about the role of the High Sheriff and, you guessed it, me! It was fun, touching and very special.

But that was only the beginning.

Around my table were children and young adults who were also volunteers, some young carers, some with additional needs, some in or around the care system, and others simply looking for belonging, confidence and direction before life takes them towards an unfortunate statistic.

Together As One supports young carers, young people with SEND and those experiencing complex mental health challenges. Its work also includes youth violence reduction and helping young people find their voice, strengthen their confidence, and take an active role in their community.

What struck me most was that young people are not treated simply as recipients of support they are trusted to lead change by also helping others. How cool is that! Examples were provided by them and I quizzed them back.

One young person who requires support that I met had the warmest nature and the most infectious laugh. He spoke with such respect, confidence, and character that I came away convinced that, with his talents harnessed and encouraged by Together As One, he will go on to do something extraordinary with his “superpower”.

When I left at 9.30pm, the hours had simply flown by although I am not sure who should have been more tired, me or the youngsters! I was then presented with flowers as a thank you: my first during my year as High Sheriff and a gesture I will always remember.

Thank you, Rob and team, and my brilliant round table of young people (expert volunteers). You made me laugh, nearly made me cry and gave me moments for reflection, but most of all, friendship …

It was a pleasure to meet Edward “Lucky” and Katie at the Thames Valley Police Community Awards earlier this year. Their story resonated with me so much that I wanted to visit Lucky Gloves CIC and see their work in Slough for myself.

Of course, boxing is at the heart of what they do. They provide boys and girls with the facilities, coaching and encouragement to learn and train, and it was evident that some exciting future sporting talent is being nurtured there.

But there is a much bigger story behind the boxing.

Lucky Gloves is giving young people purpose: teaching them discipline, determination, and teamwork, while providing a positive outlet for their energy and making space for both physical and mental wellbeing.

When I was growing up, we had youth centres. Today, these seem increasingly rare or perhaps they are being replaced by more dynamic community spaces such as Lucky Gloves. Either way, it was wonderful to see young people being supported and given somewhere they can belong and grow.

The focus and commitment I saw are precisely the qualities we hope to see in our future employees, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.

Well done to the entire Lucky Gloves team. There is clearly a powerful story behind the story, and it was my privilege, as High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire, to spend time with you and see your impact first hand.

#HighSheriffOfBerkshire #LuckyGloves #Slough #YoungPeople #Community Boxing HealthAndWellbeing …