Events

See recent highlights of the High Sheriff’s work across Berkshire.

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Oct 31

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One of the big events in the High Sheriff’s calendar is the Judicial Service, which marks the start of the Judicial Year. It is a long tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. The event, held on 10th October at Reading Minster, brought together those who work in administering law, order and justice, as well as emergency services organisations, civic leaders, charities and voluntary groups in the Royal County of Berkshire and gave thanks for their valuable contributions to the community. Thank you to all who attended.

One of the big events in the High Sheriff’s calendar is the Judicial Service, which marks the start of the Judicial Year. It is a long tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. The event, held on 10th October at Reading Minster, brought together those who work in administering law, order and justice, as well as emergency services organisations, civic leaders, charities and voluntary groups in the Royal County of Berkshire and gave thanks for their valuable contributions to the community. Thank you to all who attended. …

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Oct 29

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One of the most interesting aspects of the High Sheriff's year is being able to sit in various Court sessions.
I have joined a couple of Coroner's inquests so far during my term.
Coroners are independent judicial office holders. They are a type of specialist judge who investigates and explains certain kinds of deaths.
The office of the coroner was formally established in 1194, originally as a form of tax gatherer. In the centuries since this has evolved and now the role of the Coroner is to investigate deaths if they have reason to suspect that:
The death was violent or unnatural; or
The cause of death is unknown; or
The deceased died while in state detention.
During my visits I also met Anita from The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS), which is an independent voluntary organisation whose trained volunteers offer emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending an Inquest at a Coroner’s Court. CCSS is a charity that does not receive central funding, and relies on grants and donations to be able to undertake their work.
This was an area of the Courts system I didn't know too much about and has been fascinating to learn.

One of the most interesting aspects of the High Sheriff`s year is being able to sit in various Court sessions.
I have joined a couple of Coroner`s inquests so far during my term.
Coroners are independent judicial office holders. They are a type of specialist judge who investigates and explains certain kinds of deaths.
The office of the coroner was formally established in 1194, originally as a form of tax gatherer. In the centuries since this has evolved and now the role of the Coroner is to investigate deaths if they have reason to suspect that:
The death was violent or unnatural; or
The cause of death is unknown; or
The deceased died while in state detention.
During my visits I also met Anita from The Coroners` Courts Support Service (CCSS), which is an independent voluntary organisation whose trained volunteers offer emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending an Inquest at a Coroner’s Court. CCSS is a charity that does not receive central funding, and relies on grants and donations to be able to undertake their work.
This was an area of the Courts system I didn`t know too much about and has been fascinating to learn. …

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Oct 26

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This morning I attended the REME Freedom of Wokingham Parade. The event started in Market Place where troops gathered and were presented to the Parade Inspection Party, which included a General and Brigadier Stephen Matthews DL (representing the Lord Lieutenant). I had the honour of inspecting the cadets. Thereafter, led by a 40-piece Military band, a 120-strong contingent of REME regulars, reserves, cadets and veterans exercised their Freedom of Wokingham by marching through the town, and joining back up at Market Place for speeches, presentations and The National Anthem.
REME (The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) is the maintenance arm of the British Army and is described as the “British Army’s professional engineers”. REME moved out of Wokingham (Arborfield) ten years ago, but still maintains strong links with the town.
It was a fantastic event and well done to the Town Council for organising with REME.

This morning I attended the REME Freedom of Wokingham Parade. The event started in Market Place where troops gathered and were presented to the Parade Inspection Party, which included a General and Brigadier Stephen Matthews DL (representing the Lord Lieutenant). I had the honour of inspecting the cadets. Thereafter, led by a 40-piece Military band, a 120-strong contingent of REME regulars, reserves, cadets and veterans exercised their Freedom of Wokingham by marching through the town, and joining back up at Market Place for speeches, presentations and The National Anthem.
REME (The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) is the maintenance arm of the British Army and is described as the “British Army’s professional engineers”. REME moved out of Wokingham (Arborfield) ten years ago, but still maintains strong links with the town.
It was a fantastic event and well done to the Town Council for organising with REME. …

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Oct 18

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On Tuesday evening I had the pleasure of attending The Court Sermon and Glove Ceremony at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford as the guest of the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, John May. This is Oxfordshire's judicial service and was a spectacular event.
High Sheriff's pictured with me are Jeremy Sharman of Northamptonshire, John May and Pippa Kirkbride of Buckinghamshire.
It was a lovely evening during which I met many new wonderful people who contribute to the Oxfordshire community and its surrounds.
Thank you again John for the invitation.

On Tuesday evening I had the pleasure of attending The Court Sermon and Glove Ceremony at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford as the guest of the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, John May. This is Oxfordshire`s judicial service and was a spectacular event.
High Sheriff`s pictured with me are Jeremy Sharman of Northamptonshire, John May and Pippa Kirkbride of Buckinghamshire.
It was a lovely evening during which I met many new wonderful people who contribute to the Oxfordshire community and its surrounds.
Thank you again John for the invitation. …

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Oct 18

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Late afternoon on Monday I visited Crowthorne HopeZone. The charity has been operating out of the Baptist Church on Crowthorne High Street since October 2009, offering youngsters somewhere to meet. Its current main focus is a Monday afternoon drop-in for Year 6 pupils, called Zone 6, from 3:30 to 6pm, one of the aims being to support their transition into secondary school. There are some optional organised activities, such as craft or cooking, or the young people can just use it as a time to chat with their friends, do homework, watch DVDs, and play games.
I chatted with the children about the role of a High Sheriff and was impressed with some of the answers they gave to my questions and the questions they raised with me.
There are no photos of the children for safeguarding reasons but I'm pleased to have one with some of the wonderful volunteers who look after them.

Late afternoon on Monday I visited Crowthorne HopeZone. The charity has been operating out of the Baptist Church on Crowthorne High Street since October 2009, offering youngsters somewhere to meet. Its current main focus is a Monday afternoon drop-in for Year 6 pupils, called Zone 6, from 3:30 to 6pm, one of the aims being to support their transition into secondary school. There are some optional organised activities, such as craft or cooking, or the young people can just use it as a time to chat with their friends, do homework, watch DVDs, and play games.
I chatted with the children about the role of a High Sheriff and was impressed with some of the answers they gave to my questions and the questions they raised with me.
There are no photos of the children for safeguarding reasons but I`m pleased to have one with some of the wonderful volunteers who look after them. …

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Oct 16

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This afternoon I dropped by Launchpad Reading at their new offices at Merchants Place. Founded as a soup kitchen by University of Reading students in 1979, Launchpad has grown into a holistic homelessness charity, providing vital support for local people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home.
Many thanks to Su Hamblyn (CEO) and Kirsti Wilson (Head of Marketing and Fundraising) for taking the time to host and explain about the charity.

This afternoon I dropped by Launchpad Reading at their new offices at Merchants Place. Founded as a soup kitchen by University of Reading students in 1979, Launchpad has grown into a holistic homelessness charity, providing vital support for local people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home.
Many thanks to Su Hamblyn (CEO) and Kirsti Wilson (Head of Marketing and Fundraising) for taking the time to host and explain about the charity. …

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Oct 15

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Had a busy day today. Late morning I attended a citizenship ceremony in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Apologies that the photo is cropped and not many people are shown. There were attendees originally from Australia, Iran, North Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain and Zimbabwe. Congratulations to everyone on gaining British citizenship.

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Oct 15

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Started off the day as a keynote speaker at a Thames Valley Learning Partnership (TVLP) Student Leadership Conference, held at Slough and Eton CofE Business & Enterprise College, talking about my role as High Sheriff and also my journeys in the worlds of business and charity. Pictured here with Headteacher, Peter Collins.
Returned in the afternoon as one of the 'business dragons' to judge an entrepreneurship competition, where 16 teams, assembled from local schools, were pitching for seed funding for a project to support a charity.
Well done to Together as One and TVLP for organising this creative event, to my fellow dragons and especially to the students from Beechwood School, Eton College, Herschel Grammar, Langley Academy, Lynch Hill Academy, Slough & Eton, St Joseph's High School, St Mary's Ascot and Windsor Girls School.

Started off the day as a keynote speaker at a Thames Valley Learning Partnership (TVLP) Student Leadership Conference, held at Slough and Eton CofE Business & Enterprise College, talking about my role as High Sheriff and also my journeys in the worlds of business and charity. Pictured here with Headteacher, Peter Collins.
Returned in the afternoon as one of the `business dragons` to judge an entrepreneurship competition, where 16 teams, assembled from local schools, were pitching for seed funding for a project to support a charity.
Well done to Together as One and TVLP for organising this creative event, to my fellow dragons and especially to the students from Beechwood School, Eton College, Herschel Grammar, Langley Academy, Lynch Hill Academy, Slough & Eton, St Joseph`s High School, St Mary`s Ascot and Windsor Girls School. …

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Oct 12

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This morning I joined the Lord-Lieutenant and Newbury Town Mayor and Mayoress as guests of S/Lt (SCC) Anthony Battrum RNR at the Berkshire District Sea Cadets' Trafalgar Parade in Newbury Town Centre. I inspected one of the platoons, with cadets present from Henley, Maidenhead, Newbury, Reading and Windsor & Eton.
One interesting fact I learned from the Lord-Lieutenant's speech is the bullet that killed Admiral Nelson is held at Windsor Castle.
The parade was a fitting way to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar and well done to all the cadets who took part.

This morning I joined the Lord-Lieutenant and Newbury Town Mayor and Mayoress as guests of S/Lt (SCC) Anthony Battrum RNR at the Berkshire District Sea Cadets` Trafalgar Parade in Newbury Town Centre. I inspected one of the platoons, with cadets present from Henley, Maidenhead, Newbury, Reading and Windsor & Eton.
One interesting fact I learned from the Lord-Lieutenant`s speech is the bullet that killed Admiral Nelson is held at Windsor Castle.
The parade was a fitting way to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar and well done to all the cadets who took part. …

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Oct 10

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This morning, along with HHJ Campbell, I was delighted to present Simon Miles with a High Sheriff's Award for bravery. Mr Miles fended off and then apprehended a man who confronted him with a 'lethal barrelled weapon'. The assailant appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This was a random assault, with Mr Miles acting instinctively to protect his granddaughter, who I believe referred to him a cross between John Wick and Spiderman (apologies if I misheard that bit!).
It was a pleasure to meet Mr Miles and his granddaughter.

This morning, along with HHJ Campbell, I was delighted to present Simon Miles with a High Sheriff`s Award for bravery. Mr Miles fended off and then apprehended a man who confronted him with a `lethal barrelled weapon`. The assailant appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This was a random assault, with Mr Miles acting instinctively to protect his granddaughter, who I believe referred to him a cross between John Wick and Spiderman (apologies if I misheard that bit!).
It was a pleasure to meet Mr Miles and his granddaughter. …

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Oct 9

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This evening I attended the Lord-Lieutenant's Awards ceremony at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. A British Empire Medal was presented to Ms Anne Thorpe and in conjunction with SERFCA (South East Reserve Forces' and Cadet's Association) a number of Volunteer Reserves and Cadets received awards.
It was a fitting way to celebrate the recipients' achievements.

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Oct 8

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This evening I was the guest of Chief Superintendent Felicity Parker at the the LCU Commander's Ceremony at Sulhamstead Police Training Centre. The awards ceremony celebrated exceptional performance by police officers and there was also an award to a member of the public, more of which I will cover this Friday.
Afterwards I was hosted by Ken Wells and Richard Buckingham at the Sulhamstead Museum.
Thank you to the many police officers who were so welcoming. It was a pleasure to be part of the event.

This evening I was the guest of Chief Superintendent Felicity Parker at the the LCU Commander`s Ceremony at Sulhamstead Police Training Centre. The awards ceremony celebrated exceptional performance by police officers and there was also an award to a member of the public, more of which I will cover this Friday.
Afterwards I was hosted by Ken Wells and Richard Buckingham at the Sulhamstead Museum.
Thank you to the many police officers who were so welcoming. It was a pleasure to be part of the event. …

berkshighsheriff

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Oct 5

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On Friday afternoon I attended @hisheriffbucks Justice Service, held at St Mary's Church Amersham. It was a lovely event, with The Address read by the UK Chief @scouts @dwaynefields Nice to see fellow Thames Valley friend @highsheriffoxfordshire and get to know @highsheriffofleicestershire.
Well done Pippa!

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Sep 25

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Earlier this afternoon I visited Dingley's Promise at their Wokingham centre.
The charity supports children aged 0-5 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.
Kate Martin (Head of Fundraising) and Jenny Heath (Wokingham Centre Manager) were my hosts.
Dingley's Promise has now expanded outside Berkshire and currently has 10 sites.
Well done for the great work they carry out supporting around 1,000 children and their parents.
Finally, thank for the teddy (third picture)!😊

Earlier this afternoon I visited Dingley`s Promise at their Wokingham centre.
The charity supports children aged 0-5 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.
Kate Martin (Head of Fundraising) and Jenny Heath (Wokingham Centre Manager) were my hosts.
Dingley`s Promise has now expanded outside Berkshire and currently has 10 sites.
Well done for the great work they carry out supporting around 1,000 children and their parents.
Finally, thank for the teddy (third picture)!😊 …

berkshighsheriff

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Sep 24

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Earlier this month I visited Number 22 Community Counselling Services in Maidenhead, where I was hosted by CEO Emily Warburton and members of the team.
Number 22 provides counselling and well-being services to young people and adults in Windsor, Maidenhead and Slough. The organisation supported over 3,000 people in the past year.
I wish them all the best as they celebrate their 50th anniversary next year.

Earlier this month I visited Number 22 Community Counselling Services in Maidenhead, where I was hosted by CEO Emily Warburton and members of the team.
Number 22 provides counselling and well-being services to young people and adults in Windsor, Maidenhead and Slough. The organisation supported over 3,000 people in the past year.
I wish them all the best as they celebrate their 50th anniversary next year. …

berkshighsheriff

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Sep 23

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Last Wednesday I was honoured to be amongst the VIP guests at the Beating Retreat ceremony for the US state visit. I was pleased to be sat next to the Chief of the Air Staff, who explained the coordination effort required for the Red Arrows to perform with such precision at the event.
Unfortunately there were no photos during the ceremony, so the grainy first is a press one and the other two are from during set-up, one with the Governor of Windsor Castle and the next with the Lord Lieutenant, the Mayor and the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police.

Last Wednesday I was honoured to be amongst the VIP guests at the Beating Retreat ceremony for the US state visit. I was pleased to be sat next to the Chief of the Air Staff, who explained the coordination effort required for the Red Arrows to perform with such precision at the event.
Unfortunately there were no photos during the ceremony, so the grainy first is a press one and the other two are from during set-up, one with the Governor of Windsor Castle and the next with the Lord Lieutenant, the Mayor and the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police. …

berkshighsheriff

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Sep 21

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This morning I attended a Battle of Britain Sunday Civic Service in Windsor. It commemorated 'The Few' and the many who bravely defended our country during the Battle of Britain.
In the picture are the Mayor, the Armed Forces Champion for the Council, the Parade Commander, the Mayor's Consort and the Deputy Lieutenant representing the Lord Lieutenant.
It was an honour to be able to take part.

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Sep 15

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Last Thursday I joined @highsheriffoxfordshire on a visit to HMP Huntercombe. With HMP Maidstone and HMP Morton Hall, this is one of the UK's three foreign national prisons. It is a Category C facility, housing foreign nationals with 3-36 months left to serve.
The visit was extremely insightful, with time spent with the leadership team, prison officers, staff and prisoners. The dedication of all the staff we met was tremendously impressive, maintaining the difficult balance each of their roles demands.

Last Thursday I joined @highsheriffoxfordshire on a visit to HMP Huntercombe. With HMP Maidstone and HMP Morton Hall, this is one of the UK`s three foreign national prisons. It is a Category C facility, housing foreign nationals with 3-36 months left to serve.
The visit was extremely insightful, with time spent with the leadership team, prison officers, staff and prisoners. The dedication of all the staff we met was tremendously impressive, maintaining the difficult balance each of their roles demands. …

berkshighsheriff

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Sep 10

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Last Friday I enjoyed a visit to Watlington House, Reading's oldest occupied building. The original section dates back to 1688 and today is managed by Watlington House Trust.
Canon Brian Shenton was my host and I met members of The Mills Archive, Berkshire Youth and WhitArts Community Group charities, who all have offices there.

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Jul 9

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I was honoured to be in the receiving line for the King and Queen and then President Macron and Madame Macron during the start of yesterday’s French state visit to the UK.

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