I have just started my twenty-sixth 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 165 events, visited 54 charities, been to prison once, court eight times, been to seventeen Police events, four Fire Service visits, made 30 speeches and had twelve dinners.

Earlier this week I participated in unveiling of a statue in Chelmsford entitled ‘I am Love’. Luisa Di Marco, the organiser and inspiration behind the event, is determined to empower youngsters to make the right choices in life. On a damp, dark evening, between a busy road and railway line all sorts of people gathered to stand together, support and applaud her aspirations.

The Justice Service is the biggest event the High Sheriff is responsible for in their shrieval  year. We mark the beginning of the legal year by processing into Chelmsford Cathedral.  My thanks to Bishop Guli, Canon Janet Nicholls for a terrific sermon, High Sheriffs from neighbouring counties, my Police Cadets, the Under Sheriff and all those behind the scenes who made the event something to be proud of. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl0u7dlE7AY