I have just completed three months as High Sheriff of Essex. To keep track of my adventures I have put up a map of the county in my office.  In addition to red dots on the map for where I have been on official duties, I also keep a few running totals.

The updated stats to date are that I have now clocked up 108 events, visited 35 charities, been to prison once, court six times, been at eight Police events, three Fire Service visits, made 22 speeches and had nine dinners.

Since my last post my opinion hasn’t changed that Essex is a marvellous place filled with remarkable people doing great work,  many of whom are volunteers. In my travels I have come to the conclusion that the area that is overlooked for funding is the justice system. I visited a magistrates’ court recently and noted its fabric wasn’t worthy of the good people that worked there. Many people won’t be aware magistrates preside over 90% of all cases and are volunteers. They deserve better.

The Knife Angel has been installed at the top of Southend High Steet. I was at the event to start its month’s residence. A powerful sculpture that I hope will make people think.  We all should ask people why they carry knives and be prepared to deal with their answer.