September 23 News

September update – somewhat late! I’m in denial that we are halfway through our Shrieval year, which continues to afford fantastic opportunities to discover more about Hertfordshire, and appreciate the positive work and volunteering that goes on in our county. An incredibly busy month which began on the 4th with a 6.45am visit to Dacorum police station.

A brief summary (I’m not that good at brief!):

Love Hearts Day - Herts Community Foundation organised an excellent day visiting four charities in St Albans and Watford that HCF support.

Charities – good to meet those with lived prison experience who are being helped by HACRO at their award ceremony - great new initiatives that are making a difference. An interesting visit to the Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted and good to meet the clinical teams, as well as visiting their local bookshop which is very much community focused. The month ended with a town walk in Sawbridgeworth and a visit to their library.

Business – I spoke at the Herts Chamber of Commerce lunch about my working life, my charitable involvement and how I became High Sheriff. Wearing full Court Dress on such a hot day was challenging!

Faith – it was a pleasure to attend the Janmashtami Festival at Bhaktivedanta Manor in Watford, and to meet some of the 1,500 volunteers. The Coptic Church opened a hub in the City of London, and I was pleased to attend their service. My local church in Wigginton held a Battle of Britain service and cadets were there as a carpet guard.

Courts and Tribunal – I sat in on tribunal judgements and attended the Watford Family Courts, with some cases not easy to listen to. I hosted lunch for the judges at St Albans Crown Court and invited guests from a number of charities.

Young people – my first visit to a Scout camp with so many children having a fantastic time. Good to also attend St Albans police cadet award ceremony.

Garden party – it was a pleasure to host a garden party at Ashridge House to thank those who work so hard for their communities in Hertfordshire. Useful connections were made and once the rain eased guests could enjoy the fabulous gardens, and wander round the sculpture exhibition.

Councils – both Welwyn & Hatfield, and Hertsmere boroughs kindly organised tours.

Police, probation and Fire and Rescue – a visit to police stations in Hemel and Tring, and separately presenting awards to both members of Herts constabulary, Herts probation and members of the Herts Fire and Rescue Service.

Armed forces – interesting visit to the Army Reserve Centre in Hitchin and to meet cadets and volunteers.

Justice Service – Peter and I very much enjoyed the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire’s Justice Service and I attended the Bucks High Sheriff’s service, which was my first Quaker meeting.