Visit by HRH The Princess Royal to Riding for the Disabled in Coventry

Amanda and I were delighted to join the Vice Lord-Lieutenant Louise Bennett OBE and the Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor Rachel Lancaster and her consort Meredith, in welcoming HRH The Princess Royal to Coventry for the AGM of The Riding for the Disabled Association. As well as the formal business of the AGM, we heard […]

Visit to St John Ambulance in Halesowen

I had a most enjoyable evening at the St John Ambulance Cadet unit in Halesowen, where I had the opportunity to observe various aspects of the training that is provided to enable the cadets to provide vital medical support to the public in emergency situations. It was also an honour to be asked to present […]

Sandwell Aquatics Centre

I had a really enjoyable visit to the Sandwell Aquatics Centre, which is one of the significant legacies from the Commonwealth Games held in the County in 2022. It was really encouraging to see how the Centre has evolved to be used by the communities across the Black Country. As well as a 50m Olympic […]

Birmingham Interfaith Week

I was delighted to join the West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner Simon Foster in participating in a debate as part of Birmingham Interfaith week, that had been organised by Patricia and David Earle and was hosted by the Al Mahdi Institute. I spoke about the principles of justice and mercy that underpin the role […]

Blitz Memorial Service in Coventry

I was honoured to attend a Service at Coventry Cathedral to mark the 85th Anniversary of the Coventry Blitz. It was an extremely moving occasion, with poignant addresses by DL Les Ratcliffe, the Lord Mayor of Coventry Councillor Rachel Lancaster and the Dean of Coventry, the Very Reverend John Whitcombe. I was struck by the […]

Remembrance Sunday

I was honoured to attend a Remembrance Service at Holy Trinity Church in Sutton Coldfield alongside DL Abbie Vlahakis, the Mayor of Sutton Coldfield, Councillor Cindy Yip and the Right Hon Sir Andrew Mitchell, MP for Sutton Coldfield. The service was led by the Rev Canon Becky Stephens, with a sermon from Bishop Esther of […]

Solihull and Coventry & Warks Chambers of Commerce

I am most grateful to the Solihull and Coventry & Warwickshire Chambers of Commerce for giving me the opportunity to attend recent networking events at which I have been able to talk to Patrons and members about the role of the High Sheriff. I have explained how I see opportunities for the business community to […]

Jericho Foundation

I was delighted to visit the Head Office of the Jericho Foundation in Balsall Heath and catch up with the Chief Executive Katie Webb to learn more about the work that is being undertaken across the West Midlands. The Charity has operated for over 30 years and currently operates 7 different social enterprises in the […]

Walsall Magistrates Court

As part of my plan to visit as many of the main courts in the West Midlands during my Shrieval year, I visited the Magistrates Court in Walsall. I observed a number of the cases that were being heard in the Criminal Court and had an opportunity to catch up with two of the Deputy […]

James Brindley Association

It was a real pleasure to vista the James Brindley Foundation at their offices in Aldridge to learn more about the vital work that they are undertaking in educating and supporting young people in Walsall and surrounding areas in relation to the issue of knife crime. I really enjoyed observing a pilot workshop for young […]