The first month of my tenure as High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire has been a truly inspiring and humbling experience. Travelling across the county, I have had the distinct privilege of meeting some 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. It is clear that countless hours of tireless work are being 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 I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to contribute and shine a light on more of these incredible efforts throughout the coming year.
Here are some of the amazing people I have had the pleasure of meeting over the past month:
Declaration Ceremony
Pippa was sworn in as the new High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire. The Declaration Ceremony was held at the Jubilee Hall, home to the 2nd Amersham on the Hill Scout Group. Pippa’s vision for the year is twofold: to support the young people of Buckinghamshire, aiming to provide them with the best start in life and to foster a lifelong love of volunteering within the community.
Freemasons
My first engagement as High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire was to attend the Freemasons celebration event on behalf of the Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, alongside the Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire. It was a wonderfully uplifting afternoon, where we heard from 16 local charities who have benefited from the Freemasons charitable giving.
Annual Scouting Dinner
On April 12th, I had the pleasure of attending the Annual Scouting Dinner, along with the Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire. What a wonderful evening celebrating the diverse and fantastic achievements of the King’s Scouts, the Queen’s Guides, Duke of Edinburgh Award Holders and all the Scouting Volunteers across the county. Thank you to everyone who made me so welcome and to Horwood House for a delicious dinner.
Scannappeal Walk
As Vice President for Heart of Bucks the Community Foundation this year, it was my pleasure to join them on their second 25th Anniversary walk in Amersham and Chesham. Scannappeal works independently of the NHS with the sole aim of raising funds to provide lifesaving and life changing equipment for Buckinghamshire NHS hospitals and community health services.
Talkback Talent Show
What a truly uplifting afternoon at the Talkback Talent Show where I had the privilege of presenting awards to so many talented participants. Talkback supports people with autism and learning disabilities, enabling them to embrace new opportunities and providing them with constant growth. Thanks must go to Jay, Tish and each and every valuable supporter who made the event possible. Well done!
Wellbeing Hub
Alongside the Lord-Lieutenant, I was lucky enough to witness extraordinary kindness amongst the Buckinghamshire Community Wellbeing Hub as they handed over their beautiful collection of handmade items to the neonatal unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. The group brings together those who have a passion for knitting, but also enjoy the benefits of supporting each other through their hobby. It builds friendships and combats loneliness.
Amersham Football
Thank you to Amersham Football for explaining how the funding from Heart of Bucks has paid for much needed rewiring and improvements to the clubhouse. As a result, a sustainable space has been created for use by the wider community. We were lucky enough to witness this as during our visit we also had the pleasure of joining the meeting of Cafe 23. This wonderful group provides a welcome space for people living with dementia.
Movers and Shakers
What fun to join Movers and Shakers in Chesham and to join them for their weekly exercise routine. Drawn predominantly, but not exclusively from the Southeast Asian community, the men have been coming together for many years for exercise, intellectual and recreational activities to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Thank you to Mohammed Waris and the group for such a warm welcome.
Chesham Youth
Thank you to Chesham Youth Centre for welcoming us to their wonderful community space. Their primary purpose is to provide a safe space and facilities for young people to develop their physical and mental health so that their conditions of life may be improved. What a hidden gem in Chesham the Centre is and thank you for for your hospitality The next leg on the Heart of Bucks 25th Anniversary walk was with Kathryn Graves from Chesham Town Council. A recent grant from HOB to replace a sluice gate has had such a great impact on local houses, businesses and recreation spaces by reducing the flooding that had become a regular occurrence. (It was such a fun visit in my high heels and ostrich feathers viewing the sluice gate) Who knew!!