June round-up

Barney & Bella RSPCA vet practice

I had a chance to find out about the dedicated work of the RSPCA in Leicestershire when I attended the official opening of the new Barney & Bella veterinary practice on Scudamore Road in Leicester.

All the profits from the independent practice go directly to supporting the RSPCA Woodside Animal Centre next door. After the official opening, which was conducted by the Lord Mayor of Leicester Cllr Teresa Aldred, I met the centre’s supporters, staff and volunteers as well some of the animals in their care who are in need of loving new homes.

Tissington Well Dressing

I was one of five East Midlands High Sheriffs to attend the Tissington Well Dressing recently. This ancient tradition involves the decorating of wells and springs in the Derbyshire village with natural materials including petals, leaves and seeds, and it was a beautiful spectacle. A big thank you to Sir Richard FitzHerbert, the High Sheriff of Derbyshire and Chair of the Tissington Well Dressing Committee, for inviting us to this wonderful event.

Police recruits religion training

I met some of our Leicestershire Police recruits recently and was impressed with their dedication, commitment and enthusiasm for the careers that lie ahead of them. The occasion was a Religion and Belief Training session which I attended with my Consort Jane Bryan. The training was delivered by the fantastic team from Leicester’s St Philip’s Centre and hosted by Gurdwara Guru Panth Parkash in Leicester. I’d like to say thank you to all of the new recruits for choosing to become police officers.

Carpenter’s Arms

What a fascinating and uplifting experience it was to visit the Carpenter’s Arms residential addiction recovery service in Leicestershire. The service works with men dealing with addiction, tackling the causes and the challenges it creates. I had the privilege of meeting the charity’s CEO Richard Spence as well as other staff and residents during my visit. I heard inspiring stories of how lives have been and are being rebuilt there. The commitment and dedication to rehabilitation was nothing short of humbling. A wonderful testament to the human spirit. I’m glad to have seen it and to have met those involved.

Lord Mayor of Leicester Civic Service

I attended the civic service for the new Lord Mayor of Leicester Councillor Teresa Aldred which took place at Leicester Cathedral. It was a wonderful occasion on a beautiful summer’s day. Pictured above are some of those who attended outside the impressive new Heritage and Learning Centre, which opened just the day before.