Listening to Young Voices

I’m indebted to the 7th Bicester Scouts who welcomed me so warmly to their meeting last night. It was a real pleasure to be grilled (gently!) by such an inquisitive and thoughtful group of young people. They asked incisive questions about the role of the High Sheriff—what I do, why the role exists, and what difference it can make. And whether I have to wear my uniform all the time, is it hot (it is!), and whether it's possible to eat Spaghetti Bolognese neatly when wearing a lace jabot.

I was also thoroughly spoilt by their hospitality. I enjoyed some truly excellent home-made veggie scones—including non-dairy and gluten-free options. I’ll admit I went for the full-fat version, and have no regrets!

As part of my visit, I asked the Scouts to help me think about how we might all work to create a better Oxfordshire for them to grow up in. They responded by working together in groups to explore four themes, and their suggestions were as creative and compelling as any adult consultation I’ve heard.

A Greener Oxfordshire

• Fill our bus stops with plants and flowers

• Install more power points across the county for hydro and electric cars

• Use energy-creating paths (yes, these exist—in Japan!)

• Plant more trees

• Reduce the production of meat to protect the environment

A Healthier Oxfordshire

• Ban vapes and cigarettes altogether

• Pick up litter from our streets

• Improve health education

• Encourage more people to become doctors

• Enforce age restrictions on alcohol sales and check IDs properly

A Fairer Oxfordshire

• Ensure fair pay across all jobs

• Promote gender equality

• Make interviews for jobs truly unbiased

• Provide equal access to technology—such as Chromebooks—for school students

A Better Connected Oxfordshire

• Introduce more rental bikes

• Build more cycling routes and footpaths

• Expand train services

• And, most importantly of all… open a frozen yoghurt shop in Bicester (alongside a few more Starbucks)!

Their mix of ambition, practicality, fairness—and humour—was refreshing. These are young citizens who care deeply about their community and the future. If we really are serious about Hearing the Young Unheard, we must listen to what they are telling us and do what we can to act on it. I'll be sharing their ideas with the County Council's Future Generations team, who are gathering ideas from young people right across Oxfordshire.

Thank you again, 7th Bicester. I left inspired, well-fed, and optimistic.