I have just started my twenty-second week 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 143 events, visited 45 charities, been to prison once, court six times, been at fourteen Police events, four Fire Service visits, made 28 speeches and had eleven dinners.

Since my last post my opinion hasn’t changed that Essex is a marvellous county, and having spent several more days with Essex Police I realise more than ever how well the county is policed.

In Essex we have an impressive culture of volunteering.  At a recent event I presented Colin Cooper with a High Sheriff’s Award,  recognising his 61 years as a volunteer helping the visually impaired. What a remarkable man.