On the 5th December I joined Deputy Staffordshire Commissioner, Sue Arnold, on a visit to New Era Support Services. New Era Support Services is a holistic domestic abuse service operating across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Established in 2018, it offers help to all those affected by domestic abuse, providing free and confidential support for victims, perpetrators […]
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Enjoying scouting festivities at Kibblestone
It continues to be my honour to support and promote the hard work and initiatives of our county’s scouting movement; so, having the opportunity to share in the festive fun at Kibblestone International Scout Camp near Oulton on the 4th of December was a privilege indeed. I was invited to the event by Clive Leader […]
Sounding the drum for the Scouts. We need volunteers!
You don’t have to be Bear Grylls to volunteer. The Scouts need tea makers, activity planners, tidy-uppers and helpers for as little or as much time as they can spare. There are 600 young people waiting to become Scouts, Beavers, Cubs or Explorers in Staffordshire. We now need more adult volunteers to help them achieve […]
Celebrating our cadets
On the 29th November, I was invited to the new Lichfield Police Station on Eastern Avenue to celebrate our county’s cadets and hear about the experiences of two particular cadets. Ella Venables gave an extremely touching presentation about how joining the cadets has changed the direction of her life for the better, providing opportunities that […]
Experiencing the next chapter in the story of Uttoxeter’s Museum
Redfern’s Cottage, the Museum of Uttoxeter Life, has recently reopened after undergoing a complete refurbishment partially funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and JCB – and I was fortunate enough to be given a personal guided tour! One of the oldest buildings in Uttoxeter, Redfern’s Cottage has a long and varied history. The oldest […]
Re-elming the British Countryside’ at the National Memorial Arboretum
As many of us are aware, the population of British native elm trees was devastated by Dutch elm disease in the 1960s. Therefore, I felt particularly privileged to have been invited to join Hillier Nurseries and the National Memorial Arboretum at a special event to plant the first strand of elm trees as part of […]
The Cheadle Academy Choir
While I was visiting the Cheadle Youth Club on the 27th November, I met a lady called Mrs Green who spoke to me about a choir her son was a member of – I was intrigued and wanted to learn more! Later that day her son, Todd Green, contacted me and explained the story of […]
Visiting Cheadle Youth Club
At the beginning of 2015, Staffordshire County Council closed all youth clubs in the region. Since then members of our community have been working hard to resurrect these clubs for the benefit of our county’s young people. One success story is the Cheadle Youth Club. Started by Staffordshire Clubs for Young People (Staffs CYP) with […]
Sounding the drum for the Scouts. We need volunteers!
You don’t have to be Bear Grylls to volunteer. The Scouts need tea makers, activity planners, tidy-uppers and helpers for as little or as much time as they can spare. There are 600 young people waiting to become Scouts, Beavers, Cubs or Explorers in Staffordshire. We now need more adult volunteers to help them achieve […]
A day at the races!
On the 24th November, Keith Flunder, Chairman of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, and I organised a joint charity race day at Uttoxeter Racecourse, with the aim of raising money for the Chairman’s Charity Fund and the High Sheriff of Staffordshire’s Charity Fund. We entertained over 70 guests, who enjoyed a lovely meal, a raffle – […]
The Staffordshire Magistrates Annual Bench Dinner
On the 22nd November my wife, Alison, and I attended the Staffordshire Magistrates Annual Bench Dinner, which was held at the Moat House in Acton Trussell. I was invited to give a speech on the history of the High Sheriff of Staffordshire, as well as providing an overview of the role of a modern-day Sheriff […]
The Staffordshire scouting movement NEEDS YOU!
I am a huge advocate of the scouting movement for young people and their families. It’s a fantastic organisation that gives children the opportunity to develop their confidence, increase responsibility, and make a broader set of friends – whilst having the chance to experience adventure and independence. Having recently attended Staffordshire Scout’s annual general meeting, […]
Christmas celebrations with Catherine Care
Catherine Care is an amazing organisation that offers a wide range of services for adults with learning difficulties, helping them to live their lives to the fullest. With fully trained, experienced staff and specialist sites in Cannock and Great Wyrley, Catherine Care provides the care, activities and opportunities it knows make a difference to people […]
The High Sheriffs’ Association of England and Wales Annual General Meeting
Fishmongers’ Hall, London Bridge, London was the stunning location for the 48th Annual General Meeting of the High Sheriffs’ Association of England Wales. The meeting covered several topics including a review of the Chairman’s Annual Report and the Honorary Secretary’s Report, as well as a discussion on the national Crimebeat Report and plans for the […]
Taking a tour of Staffordshire Fire & Rescue
On the 18th November I had the honour of spending the day with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. I was met in the morning by Bob Preston, Head of Learning & Development, who welcomed me to the Service HQ, and we had an opportunity to discuss call recruitment and training. I also met with Glynn […]
A service to mark the beginning of the Legal Year in Cheshire
On the 3rd November, The High Sheriff of Cheshire, Mr Mark Mitchell DL, and the Sheriff of Chester, Councillor Gill Watson, held their annual Service to mark the start of the Legal Year. I was honoured to be part of the service, which is held every year at the historic Chester Cathedral for Her Majesty’s […]
Tackling County Lines crime at the Staffordshire Branch Magistrates Conference and AGM
On the 2nd November the Magistrates Association for Staffordshire held its Annual General Meeting for members at the Western Road Academy in Stafford. In conjunction with the AGM, it also organised its first ever conference for non-members, to which I had the honour of being invited. The event focused on local justice and was designed […]
Celebrating SCYVS!
SCVYS (Staffordshire Council of Voluntary Youth Services) Annual General meeting took place on Thursday 14th November at Rising Brook Community Church in Stafford. Around 100 members and supporters, along with myself and the Chairman of Staffordshire County Council, Kath Perry, attended the meeting, which also included presentations of the Les Simmons Youth Impact Awards, held […]
Remembering our lost heroes at the National Memorial Arboretum
On the morning of Monday 11th November I was honoured to be able to join several other dignitaries – including High Royal Highness The Duke of Kent; Mr Ian Dudson, Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire; Vice Admiral Chris Gardner, Chief of Materials with the Royal Navy; Major General Duncan Capps, General Office Commanding Regional Command with the […]
Celebrating our county’s young farmers
On the 8th November, I was kindly invited to the Staffordshire Federation of Young Farmers Club’s Annual AGM and award ceremony. It was a highly entertaining evening, especially the speech from outgoing President Polly Baines, in which she talked about her year in office and the many experiences she has had along the way! Congratulations […]
