The first month of my tenure as High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire has been a truly inspiring and humbling experience. Traveling across the county, I have had the distinct privilege of meeting some remarkable individuals and witnessing the extraordinary dedication behind numerous vital causes. These encounters have filled me with immense pride for Buckinghamshire and the strong sense of community that thrives within it. It is clear that countless hours of tireless work are being invested to foster safer and more inclusive environments for all who live and work here. While celebrating these achievements, I also recognise the ongoing needs within our communities, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to contribute and shine a light on more of these incredible efforts throughout the coming year.

Here are some of the amazing people I have had the pleasure of meeting over the past month:.

At the end of my first month, in the presence of the Lord-Lieutenants, High Sheriffs, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley and the Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police, I attended the Community Fund Presentation Event at the Ridgeway Centre in Milton Keynes. Money from the Community Fund is created from the proceeds of the sale of items seized from criminals that cannot be returned to their rightful owners.

On a beautiful spring evening last Thursday, I was delighted to attend the Grand Opening of the newly refurbished, fully accessible Action 4 Youth building at the Caldecotte Xperience.
I look forward to returning in the summer and seeing the building in action. Thank you @Jenifer Cameron for your welcome and hospitality.

Last Wednesday I spent an amazing day, along with fellow High Sheriffs from Berkshire and Oxfordshire with the Thames Valley Police at their Headquarters South in Kidlington.
Thank you to Chief Constable Jason Hogg, the Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber and their teams for such a full and informative day.

This week I had the privilege of attending the Coroners’ Court in Milton Keynes and witnessed the diligence, integrity and care taken by the Senior Coroner Tom Osbourne, his team and the Coroners’ Courts Support Service. The latter is an independent charity staffed by trained volunteers offering free confidential, emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending an inquest.

Accompanied by my police cadet Molly, I had the pleasure of attending the Cygnet Youth Awards at the Elgiva Theatre, Chesham. It was so inspiring to see young change-makers, trailblazers and visionaries making such a difference in their communities and being with them to celebrate their extraordinary achievements. With special thanks to Emily and Tom from The Youth Council, Ninia Benjamin and Emily and Alan from Chesham Town Council.

On Saturday afternoon I had the pleasure of attending the official presentation of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service to the Redway Runners. In the presence of The Countess Howe His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire we celebrated this wonderful achievement with this amazing running club. Volunteering, kindness, friendship and community at its best.

I had the joy of meeting Sarah Clarke DL, the Chair of the Milton Keynes Rose Trust at the Rose, which is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. The Milton Keynes Rose is a vast and impressive open-air circle with markings based on the mathematical beauty of a flower. 106 granite pillars of varying heights emerge from the surface, many of which are inscribed with dates of events that have local, national or international significance.

Our final location with Kathryn Graves on the Heart of Bucks Anniversary walk was to the Bois Moor play area where a grant from HOB has contributed to the refurbishment of the storm damaged playground and equipment. Witnessing how valued and loved this area is by children and adults alike was a joy to see. A special mention goes to Sarah McDermott (a mum at the local school) as she was instrumental in driving the project.

The next leg on the Heart of Bucks 25th Anniversary walk was with Kathryn Graves from Chesham Town Council. A recent grant from HOB to replace a sluice gate has had such a great impact on local houses, businesses and recreation spaces by reducing the flooding that had become a regular occurrence. (It was such a fun visit in my high heels and ostrich feathers viewing the sluice gate) Who knew!!

Thank you to Chesham Youth Centre for welcoming us to their wonderful community space. Their primary purpose is to provide a safe space and facilities for young people to develop their physical and mental health so that their conditions of life may be improved. What a hidden gem in Chesham the Centre is and thank you for for your hospitality

What fun to join Movers and Shakers in Chesham and to join them for their weekly exercise routine. Drawn predominantly, but not exclusively from the Southeast Asian community, the men have been coming together for many years for exercise, intellectual and recreational activities to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
Thank you to Mohammed Waris and the group for such a warm welcome.

Thank you to Amersham Football for explaining how the funding from Heart of Bucks has paid for much needed rewiring and improvements to the clubhouse. As a result, a sustainable space has been created for use by the wider community. We were lucky enough to witness this as during our visit we also had the pleasure of joining the meeting of Cafe 23. This wonderful group provides a welcome space for people living with dementia.

As vice President for Heart of Bucks the Community Foundation this year, it was my pleasure to join them on their second 25th Anniversary walk in Amersham and Chesham. Scannappeal works independently of the NHS with the sole aim of raising funds to provide lifesaving and life changing equipment for Buckinghamshire NHS hospitals and community health services.

Alongside the Lord-Lieutenant,I was lucky enough to witness extraordinary kindness amongst he Buckinghamshire Community Wellbeing Hub as they handed over their beautiful collection of handmade items to the neonatal unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. The group brings together those who have a passion for knitting, but also enjoy the benefits of supporting each other through their hobby. It builds friendships and combats loneliness.

What a truly uplifting afternoon at the Talkback Talent Show where I had the privilege of presenting awards to so many talented participants. Talkback supports people with autism and learning disabilities, enabling them to embrace new opportunities and providing them with constant growth. Thanks must go to Jay, Tish and each and every valuable supporter who made the event possible. Well done!

April 12th, I had the pleasure of attending the Annual Scouting Dinner, along with the Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire. What a wonderful evening celebrating the diverse and fantastic achievements of the King’s Scouts, the Queen’s Guides, Duke of Edinburgh Award Holders and all the Scouting Volunteers across the county. Thank you to everyone who made me so welcome and to Horwood House for a delicious dinner.

My first engagement as High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire was to attend the Freemasons celebration event on behalf of the Buckinghamshire Masonic Centenary Fund at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, alongside the Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire. It was a wonderfully uplifting afternoon, where we heard from 16 local charities who have benefited from the Freemasons charitable giving.

Pippa was sworn in as the new High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire. The Declaration Ceremony was held at the Jubilee Hall, home to the 2nd Amersham on the Hill Scout Group. Pippa’s vision for the year is twofold: to support the young people of Buckinghamshire, aiming to provide them with the best start in life and to foster a lifelong love of volunteering within the community.