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In October, over 100 delegates from prisons, polic

In October, over 100 delegates from prisons, police, probation, magistrates , councillors and representatives from various fabulous charities working in the field met up at Northampton University for The High Sheriff’s Rehabilitation Conference. The purpose of the gathering was to share knowledge around the subject of rehabilitation of prison leavers and recovering drug addicts.

The morning involved various speakers from all fields and the afternoon saw the conference break out into workshops to consider the following specific topics:

Housing
Employment
Mentorship and Community
Women’s rehabilitation

This term, we are continuing to develop these themes with online working groups to share knowledge and best practice and to forge new partnerships. If anyone is working in these fields and would like to get involved, please could you contact me at hs@highsheriffnorthamptonshire.com.

2025 High Sheriff Awards – Honours List - contin

2025 High Sheriff Awards – Honours List - continued

The High Sheriff is delighted to announce a further group of recipients of the 2025 High Sheriff Awards.

Darren Frost – Own Merit Darren Frost is honoured for founding Own Merit, a charity dedicated to supporting prison leavers to recognise their value, build confidence and achieve positive personal outcomes. Through mentoring, guidance and encouragement, Own Merit empowers people to overcome the challenges of rehabilitation and to nmove forward with purpose. Learn more at https://www.ownmerit.org/. 
Staff Keightley – Models for Heroes Staff Keightley is recognised for his work with Models for Heroes, a charity that supports military personnel, veterans and emergency service workers. The organisation provides wellbeing support, confidence building and helps servicemen and women rebuild their lives, particularly those suffering from PTSD. Learn more at https://www.modelsforheroes.co.uk. 
Dave Askew – Northamptonshire Walks Dave Askew receives this award for his work with Northamptonshire Walks, an initiative that promotes physical activity, mental wellbeing and social connection through organised walks across the county. By encouraging people to enjoy the outdoors and connect with others, the organisation plays an important role in improving mental and physical health and reducing isolation. Visit https://www.northamptonshirewalks.co.uk/ to find out more.

Rachel McGrath – Northamptonshire Community Foundation Rachel McGrath is recognised for her contribution to the Northamptonshire Community Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting grassroots charities and community groups across the county. Through grant-making, partnerships and community leadership, the Foundation helps ensure vital local projects can continue to support those most in need. More information is available at https://www.ncf.uk.com/. 
These awards were presented in October and November. The High Sheriff extends sincere congratulations and thanks to all recipients on behalf of the community.

I am delighted to formally publish the recipients

I am delighted to formally publish the recipients of the 2025 High Sheriff Awards.

Chris McGlone – Chapel Gym, Corby Chris McGlone is honoured for his work with The Chapel Gym, a community-focused charity gym in Corby that provides affordable fitness opportunities along with supportive activities designed to improve physical and mental wellbeing. Under Chris’s leadership, the gym has become a welcoming space where members not only build strength but also connect with others and find positive pathways forward. Learn more at https://www.thechapelgym.org.uk/. The Chapel Gym

Rachel Bott – The Doddridge Centre, Northampton Rachel Bott receives the award for her management of the Doddridge Centre, a vibrant community resource in Northampton that offers a wide range of services and activities, from social support and library access to space for community groups and events. The centre plays a pivotal role in fostering connection, reducing isolation, and supporting residents of all ages. Visit https://www.doddridgecentre.org.uk/ to find out more. Doddridge Community Centre

Julie Parsons – C2C Social Action Julie Parsons is recognised for her founding of and continued work with C2C Social Action, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals at various stages of involvement with the criminal justice system. C2C’s services include women’s centres, mentoring, practical support and opportunities to build confidence and skills, helping people move forward positively in their lives. Julie’s Award was collected by Michelle Shaw, CEO. More information is available at https://www.c2csocialaction.com/. C2C Social Action

Quinton Green – MMAP Workshops Quinton Green is honoured for his work with MMAP Workshops (Music, Mentoring, Arts and Poetry), which specialises in engaging and empowering young people and adults through creative expression, mentoring and educational intervention. The organisation works with individuals facing complex societal challenges, helping them find constructive paths, build resilience and work towards positive outcomes. Find out more at https://mmapworkshops.co.uk/. MMAP Workshops

These awards were made in September at Rushton Hall.

Thank you to Father Oliver Coss and all those invo

Thank you to Father Oliver Coss and all those involved in the wonderfully uplifting Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, last night.

I’d to extend my warmest wishes to everyone across our community. This is a time for reflection, gratitude, and togetherness, and it offers a moment to recognise the many people who quietly and consistently make a difference throughout the year.

My experiences this year have made me deeply thankful to all those who contribute so much to the life of our county — our volunteers, emergency services, charity workers, faith groups, public servants, community leaders, and neighbours who look out for one another. Your dedication, compassion, and sense of service strengthen the fabric of our communities and embody the very best of what we stand for.

May this festive season bring you peace, rest, and time with those you care about, and may the year ahead be filled with hope and continued kindness. With sincere thanks and very best wishes to you all.

✨🎄This evening, Fiona and I went to see the N

✨🎄This evening, Fiona and I went to see the Northamptonshire St. John’s Ambulance Cadets Nativity Play at the beautiful Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Northampton. It was lovely to see the talented cadets bring the Christmas story to life — with carols, costumes, and a lovely violin duet, all choreographed by the chaplain.

This special performance was put on by the St John Ambulance Cadets, representing units from all around the county. It was wonderful to see their hard work, teamwork, and festive spirit come together in such a beautiful church. Well done to all involved. The mulled wine and mince pies were lovely too!

Northamptonshire has some 800 St John’s Members in 12 units. For more information visit www.sja.org.uk

#NorthamptonshireCadets #StJohnAmbulanceCadets #nativityplay

Last night, I had the honour of reading at the Cha

Last night, I had the honour of reading at the Charity Concert Service for Maggie’s Cancer Charity. In October of this year, Maggie’s opened a new centre next door to Northampton General Hospital. In just the first two weeks, more than 450 people came to the centre - individuals living with cancer family members, friends and carers - each seeking comfort, advice, a listening ear or simply a quiet moment of peace.

Maggie’s have cancer support specialists with expertise knowledge about cancer and its treatment, psychologists, benefits advisers and qualified yoga and tai chi instructors that can help improve energy levels , mood, sleep and confidence. Statistics show that one in every two of us is likely to experience cancer as some point in our lives.

Many thanks to Father Oliver Coss for hosting the service which had a wonderful mix of readings, carols and entertainment. The highlight of the evening for me was a reading by Pam Ayers of A child in the Forest by Winifred Foley. A wonderful short Xmas story - get hold of a copy if you can.

Other readers and performers included:
All Saints choir
Northampton Male Voice Choir
Bounder and Cad
Ella Bevan- Chair of Northampton Saints RFC
Geri Halliwell
Felix Francis

Congratulations to the Maggie’s committee on an arranging a superb night!

What a privilege to attend the Northamptonshire Po

What a privilege to attend the Northamptonshire Police Annual Award ceremonies this afternoon and evening at Rockingham Castle. So many inspiring and humbling stories of bravery, professionalism and tenacity celebrating the dedication and courage of those who serve our communities every day.

From the frontline response teams who run towards danger, to the control centre staff who provide calm, critical support in moments of crisis, and the detectives whose tireless work behind the scenes bring justice and reassurance — every role plays a vital part.

The awards highlighted not only individual acts of heroism and excellence, but also the collective commitment across all areas of policing that so often goes unseen and unappreciated.

Huge congratulations to all those recognised, and sincere thanks to every officer, member of staff, and volunteer for the positive difference you make in our county.

My sincere thanks to Peterborough Cathedral for th

My sincere thanks to Peterborough Cathedral for the wonderful hosting of a beautiful traditional service of Lessons and Carols this evening, at the invitation of the Provincial Grand Master, Mark Constant. 🎄✨

The Cathedral Choir sounded absolutely magnificent throughout the service, filling the cathedral with rich harmony and festive spirit. The chorus of Hark the Herald Angels Sing was particularly stirring — marking a truly joyful and memorable conclusion to the service.

A wonderful and reflective evening in such a magnificent setting, bringing together music, tradition, and community at this special time of year.

I had a fun afternoon visiting the chapel Gym in C

I had a fun afternoon visiting the chapel Gym in Corby an organisation which does incredible work at the heart of the community. More than just a gym, it provides a positive, welcoming space that supports physical health, mental wellbeing, and personal growth for people of all ages.

The Gym was hosting a Xmas themed gym challenge to raise awareness of mental health issues and to encourage more people to come and try the gym community. Many of those struggling with addiction or recent prison leavers are provided with bursaries to encourage the to join their community and to develop a healthy lifestyle. A number local North Northants Councillors and members of the public took part in the various challenges.

The charity Andy’s Man Club was also on hand to tell people about the vital work they do to support men’s mental health. 💙 Andy’s Man Club runs free, confidential peer-to-peer support groups across the UK, providing a non-judgemental space for men to talk openly about their challenges. By encouraging conversation, connection, and understanding, they help break down stigma and save lives. Creating safe spaces for men to talk, listen, and know they are not alone is more important than ever.

Look up www.andysmanclub.co.uk to find out more and to contact your local group.

Also www.thechapelgym.org.uk.

What a wonderful start to the day I had, with a vi

What a wonderful start to the day I had, with a visit to the Rock UK Frontier Centre, where I had the pleasure of seeing firsthand the incredible work this team does to support young people, schools, and community groups across Northamptonshire. 🌿

Rock UK is a charity which works young people in the County and beyond.
From high-adventure activities to leadership development and confidence-building experiences, the centre offers life-changing opportunities for thousands of children each year. Thank you to Richard Sewell and your team for hosting Dominic Goble DL and me. Your stories were a wonderful reminder of the positive impact outdoor learning can have.

Your work strengthens our communities and enriches the lives of so many. I look forward to working with you to see how we can help with the rehabilitation of disadvantaged young peoples lives, in particular.
👏💙

#RockUK #FrontierCentre #Community OutdoorLearning

For more information on how you can get involved, please visit www.rockuk.org

It was a real honour to visit Wootton Hall and the

It was a real honour to visit Wootton Hall and the Northamptonshire Police Control Centre yesterday. 🚔
 It was inspiring to see the dedication, professionalism, and calm focus of the teams who work around the clock to keep our communities safe. The centre handles around 100,000 calls a year — and dispatches officers to thousands of incidents across the county.

I was able to listen in to a number of calls and was struck by the range of incidents that were skilfully triaged by the call operators.

They included:
A potentially fraudulent roofer
Online racial harassment
Aggressive driver behaviour
A 16 year old son reporting violent behaviour by his drunk mother
An elderly gentleman setting off his pendant alarm by accident
Public self harming incident in a town centre
Alleged rape
Potential suicide
An elderly person taken ill outside and no available ambulance
 A heartfelt thank you to everyone working behind the scenes to co-ordinate our duty police force officers— you are the unsung heroes of Northamptonshire. 👏

#Northamptonshire #Police #CommunitySafety

It was an honour to join the Northampton community

It was an honour to join the Northampton community on Armistice Day at the Northampton War Memorial at All Saints Church for our Act of Remembrance.

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the whole community observed two minutes’ silence and we laid wreaths to honour and remember the bravery, sacrifice, and service of all those who gave their lives in conflict.

The Armistice, an agreement to end the fighting of the First World War as a prelude to peace negotiations, began at 11am on 11 November 1918.
Armistice is Latin for to stand (still) arms.

#Remembrance #LestWeForget #ArmisticeDay

On 10th September, Fiona and I had the honour of a

On 10th September, Fiona and I had the honour of attending a Remembrance Service in Five Wells Prison. Due to extreme inclement weather, the service was held in the prison chapel although wreaths were laid at the war memorial outside by the Lord Lieutenant, James Saunders-Watson.

After the service we spoke to many inmates about their experiences. We should do well to remember that many of our ex-servicemen have been discharged with PTSD having experienced horrific incidents in their line of duty. If they are not properly looked after they can often fall into a very difficult and vulnerable lifestyle which can sadly eventually lead them to committing offences.

We need to thank and honour all those who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe.

Thank you to Prison Chaplain, David Spademan for arranging the service.

(Photographs supplied by HMP Five Wells. Unfortunately, due to prison guidelines, no photographs of prisoners are permitted)

Gretton Remembrance Service was held in the Baptis

Gretton Remembrance Service was held in the Baptist Church. Although not as large as Corby or Kettering, the service was well attended as usual. After the service, the parade marched through the High Street led by the British Legion and the Gretton Silver Band for the laying of wreaths at the war memorial on the village green.

In the late afternoon gloom, I couldn’t help wondering how many villages and towns are gathering today to pay their respects to those who gave so much for our freedom.

This year was particularly special as it marked the retirement of a very special person. Shirley Fursden has recently reached the age of 90 and has been serving the British Legion for over 70 years. Shirley has recited the poem at our Remembrance service for as long as anyone can remember.

“They shall not grow old as we grow old,
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemned,
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.”

Kettering’s Remembrance Day parade was similarly

Kettering’s Remembrance Day parade was similarly impressive and notable for the attendance of some 200 cadets. Air Vice-Marshal Christopher James Luck MBE DL took the salute as the parade marched through the town to the market square which provided a perfect auditorium for proceedings.

The parade was followed by a Drumhead Service, a traditional military religious ceremony often held for Remembrance Day commemorations. In this service, military drums are stacked and draped with flags to serve as a temporary”drum altar”. The drums, flags and laid wreaths provided a particularly moving and poignant image as the military band played “Nimrod”.

The service was attended by well over 1000 citizens and was a fitting tribute to those members of the Armed Forces that we owe so much to.

I’m reflecting, this weekend, on each of the fiv

I’m reflecting, this weekend, on each of the five poignant remembrance services, I had the honour to witness and attend. Each one different and special in its own way.

First was Corby on a cold and crispy morning. The day started with a tour of the Army Reserve and Royal Air Force Cadets Centre. This was followed by a parade to St John’s Church accompanied by an impressive marching band. Wreaths were laid at the war memorial, the traditional last post bugle and reveille calls and a bagpipe lament was played.

The service was attended by well over 1000 people reflecting the Corby Community’s deep respect and gratitude for all those who laid down their lives for our freedom. It was also an opportunity to pay tribute to those who serve in our Armed Forces today.

Thank you Corby.

We will remember them.

Thank you to Laura Atkinson, headteacher, and to C

Thank you to Laura Atkinson, headteacher, and to Chris Lore for a fascinating visit to Hampton Bridge School today together with Dominic Goble DL and Cllr Kathryn Shaw. Hampton Bridge, is part of the Spaghetti Bridge Group of Special Education Needs schools. The school caters for children with neurodiversity such as Autism or ADHD, speech language and communication needs, trauma and attachment issues, and moderate learning difficulties.
The school opened this year and most of its pupils had previously been out of education for significant periods. Most children had been excluded from previous schools or have refused to attend schools for extended periods of time. The children in the school benefit from significantly better teacher to pupils ratios than traditional schools (6:1). The curriculum focus on developing life and relationship skills alongside a traditional academic education at pace in line with their development. The school works closely with community partners such as the Northampton Saints foundation and Cadets so that the pupils to assist with their emotional development, to develop relationships with inspirational role models and also to provide inspiration for potential future careers. Although the school is at an early stage of its development, there was a high level of engagement from pupils and undoubtedly each one has a far higher chance of finding a productive vocational place in society as a result.
Any organisation wishing to get involved with this inspirational project can find more information at www.hamptonbridgeschool.co.uk

Thank you to Daniel Stone and Jamal for showing me

What a fabulous evening it was at the Northamptons

What a fabulous evening it was at the Northamptonshire Community Foundation Annual Awards at the Royal and Derngate Theatre last night.

I had the honour earlier in the year of sitting on the Judges panel and hearing all about the 20 Northamptonshire charities that had been shortlisted for Awards. We really do have some amazing charities in this county and every single one deserves to be celebrated. You can find a list of those shortlisted in the programme in the attached photos.

The evening was expertly hosted by John Griff DL and complemented by two wonderful musical performances from the Sikh Community Centre and Youth Club and a terrific ukulele solo from Paul Mansell.

Thank you, Rachel McGrath and all of your super team at NCF. This was a thoroughly professional Awards process from start to finish. You do a great job highlighting all of our unsung heroes! Bravo!

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.

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