I have just started my 31st 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 200 events, visited 68 charities, been to prison once, court ten times, been to twenty Police events, five Fire Service visits, made 34 speeches and had seventeen dinners.

On 12 October I attended Sankalpo Chelmsford Durga Puja 2024. A warm welcome from hospitable hosts. I learnt about the annual Durga Puja Festival, met the organisers, gave some advice and tasted some very tasty food.  Thank you for making me so welcome.

10 November, Remembrance Day Service, The Cenotaph, Southend-on-Sea. I laid a wreath. The older I get the deeper this event impacts me. Lest we forget.

What’s next? Christmas is on the horizon! Carol service invites are coming in thick and fast.