October 23 News
Preparations have been underway for my Justice Service at St Albans Cathedral on 26th November and a symposium we’re holding at the University of Hertfordshire on 29th November to explore my theme of ‘Reading, Writing and Rehabilitation’. If anyone is interested in attending either event, please message me directly.
October has been a wonderful mix of engagements as summarised below:
Emergency services – St Albans fire training centre hosted an excellent fortnight for 1,200 Year 6 pupils who had to engage with safety of all aspects, including bedroom fire hazards, safety near water and road. Students from Oaklands College as well as members of Herts CC and Herts police also took part. Hemel Hempstead fire station arranged a training session as well as time to chat to Red Watch.
Councils – I had a full day visiting Broxbourne borough. Rivers Education Support Centre, Lowewood Museum, Goffs Oak Library and Cedars Park were well thought through & different locations.
Golf – the Lord-Lieutenant and I joined forces to take part in the Keech Hospice golf day. We were thankfully not propping up the leaderboard, but equally we weren’t far off!
Charities – it was a pleasure to attend the Community Alliance Broxbourne awards ceremony. Bobath Cerebal Palsy Centre in Watford carry out fantastic work and are leaders in research. I took part in a bag pack for Small Acts of Kindness – amazing how many bags we filled between us. Herts Asian Women’s Association offer a range of activities including exercise & literacy and some of those present had kindly prepared lunch. The Salaam Women’s Café helped me make a card, and asked me about the High Sheriff role before I joined a learning English session. New Hope in Watford have a number of different locations offering a range of services and I took part in the ‘Walk of Hope’. Irish Network Stevenage hold about 70 events a month and it was good to visit Bedwell Community Centre and see the different activities there. North Herts Minority Ethnic Forum held their 25th anniversary celebration with music and dancing. I attended the Stort Valley Rotary supper and learnt more about their work for Helping Herts.
Civic – I joined the Lord-Lieutenant at the BEM award ceremony at County Hall, and it was fantastic to hear the citations being read, and to meet those receiving awards and their families. Peter and I travelled to Norwich Cathedral for the Norfolk High Sheriff's Justice Service – our first time in this lovely cathedral. The Mayor of Hertsmere organised an excellent Civic Service with individuals from different faiths (and no faith) taking part. Peter and I attended the Leicestershire Justice Service (back in my home roots!).
Conferences/lectures – two very powerful days on Hate Crime Awareness, and Herts Black and Asian Police Association. It’s hard to listen to what individuals have experienced, and good to hear of the positive work the police are doing. The Vice Chancellor of Herts Uni spoke in his Annual Lecture about the global reach of the University, both in terms of students studying in the UK and the opportunities to study abroad.
Multi-faith – with so many troubles across the world, faith leaders joined the Lord-Lieutenant at St Albans Cathedral to pray for peace.
Military – we attended the Northwood Volunteer Bands 25th anniversary concert.
High Sheriffs Association – I attended their AGM and lunch at Drapers’ Hall which was a good opportunity to ask questions and hear about activities in other counties. Ensuring we remain relevant is important.
