The first six weeks of my tenure as High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire have been truly inspiring and humbling, as well as extremely busy. I have had the distinct privilege of meeting remarkable individuals and witnessing the extraordinary dedication behind numerous vital causes. These encounters have filled me with immense pride for Buckinghamshire and the strong sense of community that thrives within it. Countless hours of tireless work are invested to foster safer and more inclusive environments for all who live and work here. While celebrating these achievements, I also recognise the ongoing needs within our communities and eagerly anticipate contributing further, connecting people, and shining a light on causes that require greater visibility.
Reflecting on my role as High Sheriff, I am guided by three core principles:
1. Upholding and supporting the principal organs of the Constitution
Upholding and supporting the principal organs of the Constitution — the Royal Family, the judiciary, the police, the prison services and other law enforcement agencies, the emergency services, local authorities, and all recognised church and faith groups.
Highlights so far include time spent with members of the judiciary and the police. I have visited the Coroner's Court and Family Court in Milton Keynes sitting with Judge Perusko and a District Judge. In the coming month I will be attending magistrates' courts in Milton Keynes and High Wycombe and the FDAC in High Wycombe. Meetings with Debbie Gibbs, JP, and Mary Tucket, JP have been educational in understanding the challenges facing the Magistracy. Valuable support from Dennis Murray has enabled me to connect with police youth leads. A familiarisation day at Thames Valley Police HQ proved fascinating, followed in the same week by the Community Fund presentation.
I also met with Kevin Marshall Clark, Governor of HMP Aylesbury, and later this month will be visiting the prison to discuss improving access to purposeful work for the prisoners.
It is now the height of the Mayor making season and when we meet, I will have attended three events all very different including the traditional honour of being weighed-in at High Wycombe.
The ultimate privilege and honour during my first six weeks has been to participate in VE 80 commemorations. On 8th of May in High Wycombe I attended the flag raising ceremony, joined a town walk where I laid a wreath and took part in a commemorative church service. The day concluded with the lighting of the beacon at Tom Burt's Hill. On Saturday 10th of May I was honoured to attend the Military Cadet Parade at RAF Halton and on the 19th of May a Sea and Royal Marine Cadets, Royal Naval Parade at Henry Flod School, Aylesbury.
2. Supporting and encouraging the voluntary sector
Supporting and encouraging the voluntary sector, particularly those connected with crime prevention.
Since taking office, I have done two more Heart of Bucks anniversary walks in the county, visiting charities in Amersham, Chesham, and Princess Risborough. As vice president of Heart of Bucks this year it is a pleasure to celebrate their 25th anniversary visiting charities who have received grants and spotlighting the work they do.
Volunteer Spotlight
"Volunteering combats stress, reduces isolation, and provides a sense of purpose. My own experience, finding a new chapter at Citizens Advice after redundancy in my fifties, attests to this."
Other highlights have been the Talkback Talent show, The Knit and Natter showcase, Redway Runners (KAVS) and the Freemasons event.
3. Upholding and enhancing the ancient office of High Sheriff
Upholding and enhancing the ancient office of High Sheriff, making a meaningful contribution to the county during my year of office.
My first theme for this year is providing young people with the best possible start in life and letting them be heard. To support this, I have met with representatives from Milton Keynes College, Bucks College Group, Waddesdon School, and Wycombe Grammar School. I have also visited Cafe Democracy, Aylesbury Youth Council, and various charities that amplify young voices, The Cygnet awards led by Chesham Youth Council being a particular highlight.
Building on my declaration ceremony held at the Scout's wonderful Jubilee Hall in Amersham, I attended the county's annual Scouting dinner and attended a county-wide awards ceremony for the cubs and scouts with the Lord Lieutenant last Saturday.
Molly Dixon, my police cadet has accompanied me on several visits, with others planned in the coming months.
My Themes for the Year
Young People First
Providing young people with the best possible start in life and ensuring their voices are heard.
Promoting Volunteering
Celebrating volunteers who are the fabric of our county through recognition and storytelling.
My second theme is promoting volunteering, wherever I go celebrating those volunteers who are the fabric of our county. I am working with Chris Hall on a photography and storytelling initiative called Heart of Buckinghamshire. Over the next six months, Chris is travelling the county capturing images and stories of volunteering in all its forms. He has already documented several inspiring stories from a wonderfully diverse group of volunteers. We plan to exhibit these photographs and stories in public places over the autumn.
Beside these activities, in conjunction with Nikki Ross and Dr Julie Mills OBE DL, I have moved the Buckinghamshire shrieval website highsheriffofbuckinghamshire.com to a new hosting organisation and have been getting it up to date and functional. For a more detailed view of all the activity of the past weeks please follow the Instagram account, @hisheriffbucks which I am using as a diary of record for my year.