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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! 💙

🏰 An Evening of Honour at Rockingham Castle 🎖️

My sincere thanks to the Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire for hosting a glorious and truly memorable evening with the Royal Anglian Regiment at the magnificent Rockingham Castle.

It was a privilege to learn more about the vital work our Army does, both at home and overseas, and to meet the remarkable men and women who serve with such dedication and courage.

The evening was brought to a stirring close with a spectacular performance by the Pipe and Drums Marching Band of the Royal Anglian Regiment, joined by the inspiring Gurkhas Marching Band—a proud display of military tradition and precision.

If you’re inspired to explore a career in the Army, visit 👉
www.army.mod.uk

#RoyalAnglianRegiment #RockinghamCastle #Gurkhas #BritishArmy #Northamptonshire #HighSheriff #LordLieutenant #MilitaryPride #PipeAndDrums #ServiceAndSacrifice #ArmyLife #CommunityAndCountry #JoinTheArmy

🎓 Celebrating Excellence at Northampton College

🎓 Celebrating Excellence at Northampton College 🎉

A huge thank you to Northampton College for inviting me to attend your Annual Awards Ceremony—what a truly inspiring evening!

Congratulations to all the award winners for your hard work, determination, and achievements. Your success is a credit not only to your talent, but also to the incredible staff who support and guide you.

A special mention must go to the performing arts students, whose fabulous performances lit up the evening with energy, creativity, and professionalism—what a showcase of emerging talent!

Thank you again for a memorable celebration of all that makes Northampton College such a vital part of our community.

👏🎭🎶 #NorthamptonCollege #StudentSuccess #PerformingArts #EducationMatters

🌟 Ambulance Long Service Awards🌟 It was a t

🌟 Ambulance Long Service Awards🌟

It was a true privilege to join Judge Mayo DL in presenting the Ambulance Long Service Awards. These awards recognise the outstanding commitment, courage, and professionalism of our ambulance service personnel—many of whom have dedicated 20 or 30 years to saving lives and serving the public.

Every day, the East Midlands Ambulance Service responds to over 3,000 emergency calls—bringing expert care and reassurance to those in crisis. Thousands of lives are saved each year thanks to their incredible work.

To each and every award recipient: thank you for your service, your skill, your patience and your compassion. Northamptonshire is so grateful to you.

If you’re ever considering a career where you can make a real difference, visit 👉
www.emas.nhs.uk/join-us

👏🚑

🌟 A heartfelt thank you to Bishop Deborah Selli

🌟 A heartfelt thank you to Bishop Deborah Sellin and all the staff at Peterborough Cathedral for a truly beautiful Evensong service in thanksgiving for the generous benefactors who help preserve this magnificent building.

It was a real pleasure to attend alongside my fellow High Sheriffs of Rutland and Cambridgeshire — a special evening made even more memorable by the warmth of the welcome, the stunning choir, and the reverence of the occasion.

With its origins dating back over 900 years, Peterborough Cathedral stands as one of the finest Norman cathedrals in England — a place of worship, heritage, and community through the centuries. It is thanks to the continued generosity of benefactors and the tireless work of its staff that this remarkable building remains a living symbol of faith and history.

🙏 Thank you all. ✝️

#PeterboroughCathedral

https://peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/giving/

✈️🇬🇧 An Honour and a Privilege 🇬🇧✈️
Last week, I had the immense honour of visiting RAF Wittering together with my High Sheriff colleagues from Leicestershire, Rutland and Cambridgeshire.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the outstanding men and women serving at this and all other RAF bases.
From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed and deeply impressed by the professionalism, dedication, and teamwork on display. It was a privilege to meet those who serve with such commitment—both on the ground and in the air.
A particular highlight was getting up close with the legendary Harrier Jet Fighter — a true icon of British aviation history. To have a tour such a remarkable aircraft, steeped in innovation and courage, was a moment I will never forget.
Thank you again to everyone at RAF Wittering for an unforgettable visit and for all that you do in service of our country.

For anyone considering a career in the RAF, start your journey by copy and pasting recruitment.raf.mod.uk into your browser.

It was a great honour to officially open the new b

It was a great honour to officially open the new building for The Souster Trust — a charity that continues to have a remarkable impact on the lives of young people across East Northamptonshire.

This new space marks an exciting chapter in the Trust’s journey. It was particularly moving to recognise the vision and legacy of Barbara Souster, the charity’s founder. Her heart for young people and commitment to their wellbeing lives on through the incredible work being done here every day.

Thank you to the whole Souster Trust team, volunteers, supporters, and the wider community. You are creating a wonderful safe place of hope, support and opportunity.

#SousterTrust #BarbaraSouster #Thrapston #YouthEmpowerment #CommunitySpirit #NorthantsTogether #OpeningDay #LegacyOfHope

It’s been busy two weeks for the High Sheriff wi

It’s been busy two weeks for the High Sheriff with official visits punctuated most beautifully by the arrival of our first grandchild, Lily Joy.
The experience reminded me of how amazing and precious every life is.

Curry night special in Corby! This weekend I had

Curry night special in Corby!

This weekend I had the privilege of introducing St John’s Church, Corby to The Bethesda LIfe Centre. This wonderful charity runs a children’s home for widows and orphans in Goa, India. The charity has provided homes and education for over 800 children over the last 24 years. The charity also works to feed and empower HIV infected women to learn new trades to help them out of the sex industry and also works with the police and schools with anti trafficking programmes.

Founders, Beena and Martin Philip cook a wonderful curry too!

For more information, please copy www.blc.org into your internet browser.

This Saturday, I had the great honour of officiall

This Saturday, I had the great honour of officially opening Souster House in Thrapston – a beautiful new home for the vital work of the Souster Youth Trust, as they marked an inspiring 10 years of service to young people across North Northamptonshire.
It was a privilege to join the celebration and to meet the dedicated team behind this much-needed support for 11–19-year-olds. Through school-based wellbeing groups, workshops, and now the welcoming after-school drop-in at Souster House, the charity addresses real and urgent needs – from anxiety and grief to low self-worth, self-harm, and bullying.
At a time when one in five young people are living with a probable mental health disorder, this kind of compassionate, consistent support has never been more essential.
💛 A special tribute was paid to Barbara Souster, whose vision, heart, and tireless dedication laid the foundations for all that the Trust has become. Her legacy is living on powerfully through this new space and the countless lives already touched by her commitment to care, faith, and hope.
Souster House is more than just a building – it is a haven of belonging and a beacon of light for young people navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges.
Congratulations to the whole team. Here’s to the next decade of impact and inspiration.
Learn more: www.sousteryouth.org
#SousterHouse #SousterYouthTrust #BarbaraSouster #HighSheriff #Northamptonshire #MentalHealthSupport #YouthWellbeing #FaithInAction #10YearsOfHope #CommunityCare

🔔🇬🇧 Rowell Fair 2025 – A Proud Traditio

🔔🇬🇧 Rowell Fair 2025 – A Proud Tradition 🇬🇧🔔

It was an absolute honour to be part of this year’s Rothwell Civic Service and the Rowell Fair Proclamation.

My heartfelt thanks to Rothwell Town Council and the Rowell Fair Society Committee for so warmly involving me in this historic and much-loved tradition. The spirit, community pride, and joy on display in Rothwell was truly inspiring — a testament to the strength of our county’s heritage and people.

Long may the cry ring out:
“God save the King and the Lord of the Manor!” 👑📜

#RowellFair #NorthamptonshireTraditions #HighSheriff #CommunityHeritage #Rothwell #FairProclamation #CivicTradition #HistoricNorthamptonshire

Standing United Against Knife Crime Yesterday I

Standing United Against Knife Crime

Yesterday I had the great honour of opening the LCFCPG Knife Crime Summit, hosted by the remarkable team at Springs Family Centre in Northampton. It was deeply moving to witness the power of community, faith, and collaboration in addressing one of the most urgent issues facing our young people today.

There are over 50,000 knife crimes reported every year in England and Wales and every one of them is a personal tragedy. It is one of the major issues blighting our towns and cities.

From grassroots youth projects to national outreach initiatives, this summit showcased bold, hope-filled action from organisations transforming lives on the frontlines, including:

Springs Family Centre, Northampton – using music and mentoring to lift young people out of cycles of violence.
XLP – supporting young people in inner-city London with long-term mentoring and youth outreach.
The Message Trust – Respect ME – delivering powerful, award-winning school sessions across the UK.
London City Mission: Operation Forgiveness – bringing stories of pain, hope, and forgiveness into schools to inspire healing and change.
Christian Men’s Network - discipling men towards their roles as servant-leaders in their families, church and culture.
Northamptonshire Community Foundation – supporting local projects with funding and guidance to build a safer future for all.

Together, we listened, learned, prayed, and committed to action. The goal is clear: save lives, empower youth, and bring lasting change to our streets.

Thank you to Clive Ireson and your team at Springs Family Centre and all speakers, volunteers, and attendees. Let’s continue the conversation and the mission. Our young people deserve nothing less.

#KnifeCrimeSummit #YouthViolence #HighSheriffNorthamptonshire #CommunityAction #FaithInAction #SpringsFamilyCentre #XLP #TheMessageTrust #OperationForgiveness #ChurchUrbanFund #NorthamptonshireCommunityFoundation #LCFCPG

A huge thank you to the organisers of the Ketterin

A huge thank you to the organisers of the Kettering Armed Forces Parade on 8th June 2025 for putting together such a fantastic event. It was a privilege to witness the dedication, discipline, and pride shown by all those who took part.

Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment, and the Corps of Drums from the 1st and 2nd Battalions, joined forces with 1000 Cadets to march through the streets of Kettering. Well-wishers lined the streets to welcome the guard of honour and colour party of the 3rd Battalion.

Events like this remind us of the vital role our Armed Forces play in our communities and provide a brilliant opportunity to come together in recognition of the sacrifices made and also in celebration.

If you or someone you know is inspired to get involved and would like to learn more about joining the Armed Forces Cadets, visit:

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/organisation/cadets-and-youth
https://www.armycadets.com
https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets/
https://www.royalanglianregiment.com

to find out how to start your journey. Whether it’s adventure, skills, or service you’re after—there’s a place for you in the cadets. 🇬🇧
@royalanglianregiment

Thanks to Martin Hammond, Kettering Town Clerk; Corporal Major Palmer, Parade Marshal; Colonel Robert Blomfield and Mark Kearney of Greencore for generously feeding the troops.

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