July round-up
Armed Forces Week
As part of Armed Forces Week at the end of June, I attended two notable and inspiring occasions.
I was honoured to be at the Armed Forces Parade and Drumhead Service, which was an uplifting commemoration and thanksgiving event. The service was led by Dean of Leicester Cathedral, the Very Revd Karen Rooms, and took place in Jubilee Square, in Leicester. The salute was taken by HM Lord-Lieutenant Michael Kapur, and the Station Commander at RAF Wittering, Wing Commander Nicola Duncan. The High Sheriff’s Police Cadet Olivia Robinson attended, and veterans’ organisations were also represented.
I also attended the Flying a Flag ceremony at County Hall along with HM Lord- Lieutenant Michael Kapur, and the Chairman of the County Council Paul Harrison. The flag was raised by Elizabeth Lee, an RAF veteran who represented the UK in the 2023 Invictus Games.
Princess Royal
HRH The Princess Royal was in the county recently, when she attended the Security Institute Experience Day at Girlguiding Leicestershire’s Topstones base near Billesdon. She was formally received by Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Colonel Richard Hurwood, Deputy Lieutenant, Eileen Perry, Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, Paul Harrison, and myself. The Princess Royal was escorted on the day by members of the Security Institute and Girlguiding Leicestershire. As part of the occasion the Security Institute introduced young people to security careers in the civilian, military and intelligence sectors.
Rural Police Unit
I spent a very interesting day with PC Mike Statt from the Rural Policing Team of Leicestershire Police. We visited Water Bailiff Stephen Fry who told me all about the anti-poaching systems in place on our rivers. I saw PC Statt giving advice to the farming community on driving large agricultural machines on the highways during the busy harvest period. And we also met the Local Beat Team in Market Bosworth. There are incredible demands on our rural officers, and they give outstanding service, which I would like to thank them for.
Help the Homeless Leicester
Help the Homeless Leicester offers food and clothing, practical and emotional support and an advocacy service for homeless people in Leicester. I visited the team at the charity recently and was impressed with their selfless commitment and dedication. It was truly humbling. I’m pictured here with CEO Arif and Services Manager Vanessa.
Osprey Cruise for Warning Zone
The High Sheriff of Rutland Lt Col Richard Chesterfield and I jointly hosted a memorable event at Rutland Water in aid of a very important local children’s charity.
The event was the annual High Sheriffs’ Osprey Cruise at which ornithologists from the Wildlife Trust gave a fact-filled running commentary about osprey activity at Rutland Water while we and our guests enjoyed refreshments and the summer sunshine.
The engaging company, delightful food and fantastic weather made it an evening to remember – and the event supported one of my official charities, Leicester-based Warning Zone.
This organisation provides timely support for children aged 10 and 11 years old, teaching them vital life skills and educating them on a range of topics including risks, peer pressure, anti-social behaviour and online safety.
Packington C of E Primary School visit
It was a nostalgic day for me when I visited Packington C of E Primary School as I was a pupil there myself in the 1950s.
My consort Jane Bryan and I met headteacher Ruth Burton as well as governors, staff, parents and pupils. We were entertained by a performance from the school choir as well as talented solo musicians playing the piano and guitar. I also had the opportunity to speak to the children about working hard to achieve your full potential in life.
I was impressed by the commitment and resilience of everyone there. The event was full of smiles, and I am very grateful to the school for inviting me to visit. It was a very special day for me.
