A night to savour at City of Oxford College

Following my official Declaration as High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, I had the great pleasure of celebrating the occasion with a dinner hosted by City of Oxford College. The evening brought together friends, colleagues, and community leaders in the heart of the city—and it was made truly special by the warmth, talent, and professionalism of the students and staff who brought it all to life.

Before the evening, I was presented with a beautifully handcrafted plaque that will hang in Oxford Crown Court during my year in office. Created from English sycamore by Rycotewood Furniture Centre’s current artist-in-residence and a talented alumnus—and gilded by an apprentice—it is a striking piece of work and a lasting reminder of the evening and all it represents.

The celebration continued with a superb three-course dinner, curated and served by students on the Professional Culinary Arts programme. Their attention to detail and pride in their craft was evident in every dish. Adding a touch of flair, two Music Production and Performance students provided the soundtrack to our evening, lifting the occasion with a thoughtfully chosen and beautifully delivered set.

Among our thirty guests were representatives from across Oxfordshire’s judicial and civic life, including Jason Hogg, Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, and High Court Judge The Honourable Mr Justice Garrido.

As the evening drew to a close, guests were each given a beautifully baked cake to take home—carefully prepared by students with special educational needs. These learners follow programmes that help them develop independent living and self-care skills, employability skills, digital literacy, and core subjects such as English and maths.

City of Oxford College, part of the Activate Learning group, plays a vital role in equipping young people and adults with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed. Offering a wide range of vocational and academic courses—including apprenticeships, T Levels, and degree-level study—the College is committed to learning that transforms lives. With a strong emphasis on practical experience, personal development, and partnerships with employers, it stands as a cornerstone of opportunity in our county, helping to build a skilled, ambitious and resilient local workforce.

My sincere thanks go to everyone at the College who played a role in making the evening such a joy. As one of Oxfordshire’s anchor institutions, City of Oxford College continues to demonstrate the value it brings to our community—championing skills, opportunity, and aspiration in every sense.

It was an honour to mark the beginning of my year as High Sheriff in such inspiring company.