May 23 News
I am thankful that May was a largely dry month, and my ‘velvet and feathers’ were able to be worn when requested.
I’ve already been asked what my highlights have been, which is difficult to answer as every day is so different. The Herts County Show was a fabulous day, and it was fantastic to see so many families enjoying the wide variety of activities and shows, as well as watching the livestock and equestrian competitions taking place, wandering round the trade stalls and having a go at playing music and making pizza.
A special mention would have to go to the Coronation weekend, and on the day itself I enjoyed a very happy visit to Royston Fire Station, who had created a wonderful community fun ‘palace’, complete with carriage, King on his throne, train, huge TV screen, and lots more. It was lovely to see the crowns and bunting that had been made by children at local schools. It was very positive to have been invited by the Lord Lieutenant to a multi-faith Coronation tea at Bhaktivedanta Manor, as a result of which I was invited to help create a ‘Love and Care’ pack, which was organised by Shimrad Rajchandra Dharampur UK in Bushey. On the Monday afternoon I opened the Berkhamsted street party, which again had hand-made bunting by local groups. I tried my hand at bellringing at St Peter’s Church, and enjoyed meeting members of the Scouts, Police and St John Ambulance.
May is traditionally the month when Mayor’s hand over their chains of office and I attended both services and Mayor Making ceremonies. Peter and I had a chilly but positive visit to the Go Vol Herts volunteering day in Hitchin, and chatted to volunteers from about 25 charities, who do so much good in our communities. It was pointed out on many occasions how much individuals benefit from volunteering, as well as helping those in need.
It was lovely to be back in the Old Bailey for a reception of current High Sheriffs, and to catch up with some of the Judges, as well as meeting HS’s and consorts who are not in our area. Continuing with justice I grateful for a visit to the Tribunal Service in Watford, and separately I met the new Governor at HMP The Mount, and was fortunate to spend time with the Road Policing Unit at Stevenage.
I have learnt a huge amount from a number of charities, including Ascend, Herts Welcomes Refugees and One Vision, who help vulnerable individuals, and I hope that we may be able to help some to improve their literacy. I was invited to be interviewed on Tring Radio about the role of the High Sheriff and my theme of ‘Reading, Writing, and Rehabilitation’, and I will continue to explore the possibilities of how we can achieve greater literacy as well as help ex-offenders back into work.
