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What a real honour it was to join the Fire Service

What a real honour it was to join the Fire Service Long Service & Bravery Awards last night. I was truly moved by the courage, kindness, professionalism and dedication shown by all of our firefighters and staff. Listening to all the stories of bravery reminded me just how fortunate we are to have such incredible people protecting our communities. We also need to remember the sacrifice made by their families as they man our fire stations 24/7 every day of the year to keep us safe.

Please accept our heartfelt thanks and warmest congratulations for every award recipient — you make Northamptonshire proud.

If any of you are keen to support Children in Need

If any of you are keen to support Children in Need, please can I encourage you to sponsor Dave Askew and his amazing team at Northamptonshire walks. I had the pleasure of accompanying them this morning in the lashing rain. (It was incredibly good fun, actually, and I met some really lovely people.)

To sponsor, please copy and paste the following link into your browser:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/northamptonshire-walks?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Three new Magistrates sworn in…. It was an hono

Three new Magistrates sworn in….

It was an honour to attend the ceremony at Northampton County Court for the swearing-in of three new magistrates to the Family Court. The ceremony was led by Her Honour Judge McCabe KC and the Lord Lieutenant, James Saunders Watson.
All three have completed their training and will now begin serving alongside their fellow magistrates. It was inspiring to witness their commitment to serving our community and upholding justice. My warmest congratulations to all three of you—your voluntary dedication will make a real difference in Northamptonshire. I pray for wisdom for each of you in this role.⚖️✨

For more information on how to apply visit:

https://www.gov.uk/become-magistrate/apply-to-be-a-magistrate

Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2025 What a

Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2025

What a fantastic evening celebrating the incredible talent and passion that make our county’s food and drink scene so special! 🥂🍽️

It was especially inspiring to see so many young people represented — the next generation of chefs, producers, and hospitality stars leading the way with creativity and drive.

In what remains a very challenging trading environment for the food and beverage industry, it’s heartening to witness such resilience, innovation, and community spirit. Northamptonshire truly has something to be proud of. ❤️
Please support your local cafes, pubs and restaurants. If you are in need of inspiration the short listed nominees are summarised in the photos.
A huge thank you to the sponsors for their continued support, and to all those who give up their time to judge, mystery shop, and mentor the winners — your generosity helps make these awards so meaningful and impactful.

And of course, a special thank you to Rachel Mallows and her incredible team for organising such a brilliant event — now in its 17th year! Your hard work and commitment continue to shine a spotlight on Northamptonshire’s vibrant food and drink community.

Celebrity food presenter, Andy Clarke and the Northampton Male Voice Choir provided added sparkle to the evening too.

#NorthamptonshireFoodAndDrinkAwards #WNFAD#LocalBusiness #SupportLocal

My sincere thanks go to John May, High Sheriff of

My sincere thanks go to John May, High Sheriff of Oxfordshire for his invitation to The Court Sermon and Glove Ceremony at Christ Church Cathedral. The evening marked the opening of Oxfordshire’s legal year — a night of tradition, and reflection in the heart of Oxford.

It was a genuine pleasure to return to my old university. Christ Church College was the beautiful venue for the inauguration of Oxfordshire’s legal year — the Court Sermon and Glove Ceremony, a tradition that binds together city, university, church and the realm of justice in a single act of worship, symbolism and renewal.

The evening began with the magnificent procession of civic, judicial, academic and ecclesiastical representatives — gowns, robes and chains of office glinting in the light, each step a reminder of the shared responsibility we bear for justice and community.

The Glove Ceremony in Oxford is unique. This evening, Councillor Louise Upton, Lord Mayor of Oxford, presented white gloves to Mr Justice Bennathan, while Professor Heidi Johansen-Berg, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University, presented gloves to the sermoniser. These gestures, handed down through centuries, are not mere formalities. They represent the City and University extending trust and welcome to those charged with upholding justice and truth.

Also in attendance were my fellow High Sheriffs: Pippa Kirkbride, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire and Sean Taylor DL, High Sheriff of Berkshire. Their presence reminded me that, while each of us serves our own county, we are joined in a shared vocation — to uphold the law, to strengthen our communities, and to promote understanding between people.

Professor Jeremias Adams-Prassl’s sermon on humanity, justice, law and artificial intelligence was a highlight of the evening. He spoke of the need for the law to keep pace with technology while remaining rooted in compassion, and of the dangers of allowing algorithms to erode human judgment, and the opportunity for grace to promote genuine remorse and potential rehabilitation.

After the service, we were privileged to be given

After the service, we were privileged to be given a tour of the tomb of Richard III. The last English king to die in battle, Richard was originally buried in Greyfriars Friary in August 1485. The friary was dissolved during the Reformation and later demolished. Richard’s remains then lay undiscovered underneath a carpark close to the Cathedral until an archaeological dig in August 2012. The body was laid to rest in the cathedral in 2015. The motto on the Tomb, “Loyalte me lie” means “loyalty binds me”. This was King Richard’s personal motto.

The tomb weighs nearly 3 tonnes and is carved from stone originating in Swaledale, Yorkshire. Edward Attenborough, High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire was particularly interested to see the Ammonites and other fossils within the stone. (See image). No doubt these would have been of interest to his distant cousin, David too!

Thank you Stephen Bryan JP for hosting a super Jus

Thank you Stephen Bryan JP for hosting a super Justice Service in Leicester Cathedral, yesterday. A Justice Service is held in most counties once a year to pray for all those involved in presiding over the dispensation of justice in our country. In attendance were many judges, police and civic representatives, the Chief Constable,The Lord Mayor of Leicester, The Lord Lieutenant and six High Sheriffs from the East Midlands region.

The Lord Bishop of Leicester gave a beautifully woven sermon on the theme of Justice and Love. The choir led the congregation in traditional hymns including a wonderful rendition of Zadoc the Priest. Prayers were led by Stephen himself.

We continue to pray for all those involved in these important and difficult roles which are a bedrock of our society.

A big thank you to Cllr Alison Eastwood, chair, fo

My sincere thanks to Anne Pember for a fascinating

My sincere thanks to Anne Pember for a fascinating (and sobering) morning at the Coroners Court in the Guildhall.
The Coroners Court investigates suspicious deaths and presents their findings to the court. Bereaved families are often in attendance. Sadly, the cases presented were all too indicative our society today. They included two young men who had lost their lives due to drug related issues, one old lady who tragically fell and died in her home and no-one founded her for two months and a man who likely fell asleep at the wheel on Christmas Eve last year when travelling to see his family after a full day on the early shift.
As reports were read out and witnesses took to the stand, I was struck by how professional our emergency services are in their duty of care. We are blessed with police, doctors, fire, ambulance and air ambulance service personnel in this country who are not only professional, but who really care.
The Coroners court plays an important role in the grieving process for families of the deceased. Thank you also to the volunteers who work in the Coroners Court who freely give up their time to comfort the bereaved, often in harrowing circumstances. This is a service to be proud of.

https://coronerscourtssupportservice.org.uk

Last week, I spent a morning witnessing a number o

Last week, I spent a morning witnessing a number of hearings in the juvenile court. I was inspired by the dedication of our magistrates and lawyers working within the juvenile court system. Their work demands not only a deep understanding of the law, but also compassion, patience, and a genuine belief in the power of second chances. Every decision they make shapes young lives and strengthens our communities. Their quiet commitment to fairness and rehabilitation reminds us that justice, at its best, is both firm and kind. ⚖️

I was also extremely impressed by the work of Jane Deamer and her team at Youth Court Solutions. This Northamptonshire based charity plays a vital role in supporting young people who come before the youth court. The service provides a calm, welcoming space within the court reception area where trained staff and volunteers meet with young defendants and their families. They listen, offer guidance, and connect them with practical support — whether that’s education, mentoring, housing, or wellbeing services. By focusing on early intervention and positive engagement, Youth Court Solutions is helping young people take responsibility, make better choices.

Last week, I attended the Magistrates AGM at the w

Last week, I attended the Magistrates AGM at the wonderful Wellingborough Museum. Many long service awards were handed out by James Saunders Watson, the Lord Lieutenant. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our magistrates who give their time and expertise so freely and generously.
I heard how the court system is under significant strain with a shortage of resources and often lengthy times between offences and court hearings.

I also gave a short talk on the origins of the High Sheriffs emblem. This depicts two swords, one sharp and one blunt. The sharp one signifies the sword of Justice and the other the sword of Mercy. Magistrates have to balance these two swords very day they are in court. Justice must be served but it should also be tempered with Mercy. Long term rehabilitation of offenders is the aim so often community sentences and support are preferred whenever possible to try to rehabilitate offenders rather than sending them to prison.

Last week, I had the honour of attending the retir

Last week, I had the honour of attending the retirement service for Bishop John Holbrook at Peterborough Cathedral. John was the serving Bishop of Brixworth and served most churches in Northamptonshire during his ministry.
He retired as Bishop of Brixworth on 30 September 2025, after 39 years of ordained ministry.

Amongst his many duties, John chaired the committee for the appointment of High Sheriffs. John was a much loved Bishop in Northamptonshire and will be sorely missed. We wish him and his wife, Elizabeth, a wonderful retirement in the West Country.

I had the privilege last week to attend the Northa

I had the privilege last week to attend the Northamptonshire Scouts AGM. The passion, energy and commitment on display from the young people and their volunteer leaders was truly inspiring. It was wonderful to see all of the different units from across the county working together and enjoying activities at the Sir John Lowther Scout Centre in Kettering. The young people were enjoying the weekend together in many activities from improving their skills on rifle and archery ranges, axe throwing and camp making. (Rather worryingly, I found out my wife is rather good at knife throwing as well (see video))
The Scouts make a tremendous difference across our county. There are approximately 6,000 youth members in Northamptonshire and more than 2,000 adult volunteers supporting them.
At the AGM itself, I heard many stories of adventure, community service, skills development, and personal growth. From outdoor expeditions and camping to leadership training and local projects — the Scouts are shaping confident, resilient young leaders of the future who give back to their communities.
To all the leaders, assistants, trustees, and volunteers — thank you. Your dedication is the backbone of this movement. And to the young people: keep exploring, keep learning, and keep leading.
If you’ve ever thought about getting involved — either as a young person or as a volunteer — now’s a great time to reach out to your local Scout group

Yesterday, I had the privilege of joining fellow H

Yesterday, I had the privilege of joining fellow High Sheriffs from across the East and West Midlands at the National Memorial Arboretum, as guests of the Lord-Lieutenant and High Sheriffs of Staffordshire. 🌳
The day began with a poignant and moving remembrance service, followed by a brilliant guided tour of the many remarkable memorials and remembrance sites. Surrounded by beautiful trees and peaceful landscapes, the Arboretum offers a special place for everyone to reflect on the sacrifices made in service of our country.
Set in 150 acres at the very heart of the country, the National Memorial Arboretum has become a place of national significance since its creation. It has welcomed numerous visits from His Majesty The King and other members of the Royal Family, underlining its importance as a living centre of remembrance.
We were also treated to a wonderful lunch and had the chance to explore the excellent Visitor Centre — a perfect way to complete such a meaningful and memorable visit. 🌿✨
A truly inspiring and special place on our doorstep that everyone should visit.

Yesterday, on a beautiful September morning on the

Yesterday, on a beautiful September morning on the steps of Northampton’s Guildhall, we proudly raised the flag to mark Emergency Services Day (9th September).

Various senior representatives from the community come together to recognise and thank all those in our emergency services – past and present – for their courage, dedication, and selfless service to our communities. From those on the frontline to the many who work tirelessly behind the scenes, your commitment makes a huge difference to keeping us safe every single day.
We were honoured to hear heartfelt words from Dominic Goble DL, the Mayor of Northampton, Cllr Jane Birch, and the Chair of West Northants Council, Cllr Allison Eastwood, each paying tribute to the incredible men and women who keep us safe. Father Oliver Coss led us in prayers.

A special thank you to our emergency service heroes: 👮 Police, 🚒 Fire Service, 🚑 Ambulance crews, and the amazing volunteers of our 🧭 Search & Rescue charities.

📍 The Guildhall, Northampton 📅 9th September – Emergency Services Day
#999Day #EmergencyServicesDay #Northampton

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting one of

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting one of the two East Midlands Air Ambulance bases on the A46 in Leicester with my fellow High Sheriff colleagues from across the East Midlands.

Many people don’t realise that this life-saving service is a charity. It receives no government funding and relies entirely on public donations to operate.
The Air Ambulance is there for the most critical, acute emergencies—bringing hospital-level care directly to the scene, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In 2024 alone, crews responded to 3,779 missions across the region. That’s over 10 every single day!! 🚁

The level of skill and dedication on display is truly awe inspiring. A heartfelt thank-you to the dedicated teams who put themselves on the front line every day to save lives.

If you would like to support this vital service, you can make a donation here 👉 www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk/donate

Thank you to Stephen Bryan, High Sheriff of Leicestershire for organising the visit and to Karen Lynch MBE, High Sheriff of Warwickshire for arranging the colour co-ordinated jabots!!

#HighSheriff #Northamptonshire #EastMidlands #AirAmbulance #SavingLives #24/7Service #Charity

🚒🔥 My wife and I had an inspiring visit last

🚒🔥 My wife and I had an inspiring visit last week to Corby Fire Station alongside Nikki Watson, Chief Fire Officer for Northamptonshire. Corby has one of the main simulated fire facilities in the County.
It was a privilege to see first-hand the dedication and preparedness of our firefighters who work tirelessly and train meticulously to keep our communities safe. (I couldn’t believe how heavy some of their equipment is).💪
📊 Over the past year, Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service attended:
* 1,500+ fires across the county
* 700+ emergency rescues from vehicles, helping save lives on our roads
* 200+ flooding incidents, providing vital assistance during severe weather
Behind these statistics are brave men and women ready to respond at a moment’s notice, sometimes putting their own lives at risk — to protect us, our homes, and our families.
Thank you to all the crews at Corby and across Northamptonshire for your professionalism and courage. 🙏🚨

What a spectacular, prestigious and colourful occa

What a spectacular, prestigious and colourful occasion — the presentation of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service to the Wellingborough District Hindu Association by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

I was honoured to witness Mr Vinod Patel receiving the award on behalf of the Association. This award is a testament to the incredible dedication, unity, and selfless service of the volunteers who continue to enrich the community and uphold the values of seva (selfless service).

This was a proud day for Wellingborough and for the wider Hindu community — I pray this recognition inspires continued service, togetherness, and growth.

(P.S. Some wonderful dancing too!)

#KingsAward #VolunteerRecognition #PrincessRoyal #WellingboroughHinduAssociation#RoyalVisit

I was honoured this weekend to have been invited t

I was honoured this weekend to have been invited to speak at the Magistrates’ Association AGM ⚖️🙏

A big thank you to the Association for the warm welcome and the chance to meet such passionate, committed, skilful and experienced individuals who give their time freely to serve justice in our communities. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.

Special thanks go to Justice Lucking KC for her fascinating overview of the Leveson Report — a thought-provoking and timely reflection on reform and the future of the criminal justice system.

Thank you also to Wellingborough Museum who hosted the event. It is well worth a visit if you haven’t been before!

#MagistratesAssociation #JusticeInTheCommunity #LevesonReport #AccessToJustice

Walking 10K for justice! 💼🚶‍♂️ I was

Walking 10K for justice! 💼🚶‍♂️

I was honoured to have joined lawyers, judges, and legal professionals from across Northampton for the #LegalWalk — raising an incredible £10,000 to support access to justice for those who can’t afford legal representation.

Every step helped fund vital legal advocacy services for the most vulnerable in our community. 🧑‍⚖️⚖️

Many thanks to Carolyn from the Law Society, Dominic Hopkins and Jo Hobbins for organising such a fantastic event. 🙌 Also, a big shoutout to the first responders for keeping us safe and to HCR for your generous hospitality at the finish line! 💙

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