University of Birmingham Chancellor’s Dinner

It was a pleasure to attend the Chancellor’s Dinner at the University of Birmingham and celebrate the remarkable achievements of one of our region’s leading institutions. Recently ranked 10th in the UK and 68th globally, with an impressive 86% graduate employment rate, the University continues to excel in education and research. I was especially inspired […]

Collation of Rector Becky Reeve

It was a great privilege to attend the Collation and Induction of the Reverend Becky Reeve as Rector of Holy Trinity, Sutton Coldfield. The service was both joyful and inspiring, bringing together clergy, parishioners, civic representatives, family, friends, and members of the wider community to mark this important occasion in the life of the church. […]

Thursday Club with Rabbi Pink

I was delighted to visit the Thursday Club lunch at Solihull Hebrew Congregation, which has been a cherished part of the community for the past 35 years. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with warmth, friendship and a genuine sense of belonging. The Thursday Club provides much more than a meal; it offers […]

Midlands Economic Summit

Attending the Midlands Economic Summit was a valuable opportunity to join business leaders, community organisations, public sector representatives and policymakers in a conversation about the future prosperity of our region. The discussions throughout the day were both insightful and encouraging, focusing on how we can better support businesses to grow, create opportunities, and ensure that […]

Civic Service in Sutton Coldfield

On Sunday, I had the great pleasure of attending the Civic Service in the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, held at the beautiful Holy Trinity Parish Church. Civic services are always special occasions, bringing together people from across a community to celebrate service, commitment and the shared values that help our towns and cities thrive. […]

Sandwell College Learner of the Month Awards

It was a great privilege to visit Sandwell College recently to present the Learner of the Month Awards and to meet some truly remarkable students whose achievements left a lasting impression on me. The awards celebrated learners from a wide range of courses, backgrounds and stages of education, each with their own inspiring story of […]

Roshni Birmingham

As High Sheriff of the West Midlands, I am privileged to spend much of my year meeting organisations working to make life safer and fairer for women and girls. My recent visit to an event hosted by Roshni Birmingham was a powerful example of that commitment in action. This year, my theme is supporting women […]

A visit to Black Country Women’s Aid

I was delighted to visit Black Country Women’s Aid, my chosen Charity of the Year, to learn more about the incredible work they do across the West Midlands. During my visit, I met with CEO Sara Ward and members of her team to hear about the wide range of support they provide to women, children […]

West Midlands Police Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Eid Celebration

I was delighted to attend the West Midlands Police Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Eid event, where I also had the honour of speaking. The event was a wonderful celebration, bringing together colleagues and members of the community in a spirit of warmth, reflection and togetherness. It was a privilege to hear from others about what Eid means […]

Behind the Screens: A multi-agency conversation on online harms and harassment

I was pleased to attend Behind the Screens, a thought-provoking event that brought together professionals, practitioners and individuals with lived experience to explore the challenges of online abuse and harassment. As High Sheriff, one of my key priorities this year is supporting the safety and wellbeing of women and girls. Given the disproportionate impact that […]