An insightful visit to the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Control Room to witness the incredible work happening behind the scenes. Handling Emergency Calls – From fires and water rescues to road traffic collisions and chemical incidents, the team works under immense pressure to ensure the right help reaches those in need. Incident Management – Coordinating fire engines, specialist vehicles, and personnel while providing crucial support to crews on the ground. Collaboration – Acting as the central hub, ensuring seamless communication between fire crews, police, ambulance services, and other emergency partners. The control room truly is the beating heart of emergency response, providing 24/7 support, 365 days a year. 🙏 A huge thank you to the dedicated team for their commitment, resilience, and hard work! 👏 #WarwickshireFireAndRescue #EmergencyServices #FirstResponders #FireControl #IncidentManagement #Teamwork #CommunitySafety #BehindTheScenes #PublicService #THANKYOUSOMUCH

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is thrilled to announce that applications for wholetime firefighters are now officially open! This is a life-changing opportunity for individuals from all walks of life to step into a career that’s exciting, rewarding, and truly makes a difference. Why becoming a firefighter?  Becoming a firefighter isn’t just a job; it’s a vocation that offers: Purpose and Fulfilment: Firefighters save lives, protect communities, and prevent accidents through education and outreach. Growth and Development: From world-class training to leadership opportunities, this is a career that evolves with you. Teamwork and Belonging: Join a diverse, inclusive team where each member is valued and supported. Who Are We Looking For?  For people who are passionate, determined, and ready to step up to the challenge of becoming a firefighter. Whether you’re 18 or 50, a seasoned professional or just starting out, this career could be for you. What matters most is your desire to help others, your willingness to learn, and your drive to make a difference. Applications Close on 17th Feb 2025. To Apply:  Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service - Community to Wholetime Recruitment ( Highlight our commitment to diversity and inclusion—working as a firefighter is a career for everyone. This is an exciting opportunity, but time is limited! Let’s work together to inspire people to take the leap and join Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service. If you know someone with the passion, determination, and drive to make a difference, encourage them to apply. Together, we can build a brighter and safer future for Warwickshire. For more information, visit Wholetime firefighters – Warwickshire County Council  or contact ffrecruitment@warwickshire.gov.uk

On a January morning, as I sipped my usual wake-up cup of tea and watched *Good Morning Britain*, I found myself deeply moved by the heartbreaking story of Jamie Rees shared by his mother, Naomi Rees-Issitt. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I felt her immense loss—and upon realising this tragedy happened in Rugby, I knew I had to meet Naomi and hear her story in person. In the early hours of New Year’s Day 2022, 18-year-old Jamie suffered a cardiac arrest while at a friend’s house, watching fireworks and welcoming in the new year. Jamie's friends acted quickly, calling an ambulance and performing CPR. There was a defibrillator nearby, but devastatingly, it was locked inside a school and out of reach. A police officer was the first emergency responder to arrive—he did not have a defibrillator in his vehicle. An ambulance arrived 17 minutes later. Though paramedics managed to restart his heart, the lack of oxygen had already caused irreparable damage. On January 5, 2022, Jamie's family had to say their final goodbye. Even in loss, Jamie was a hero. Having signed the organ donor register since the age of 16, he saved five lives. Determined to ensure no other family experiences this heartbreak, the OurJay Foundation was born on January 26, 2022—just weeks after Jamie’s passing. Their first goal was simple: raise £1,500 for a 24/7 accessible defibrillator at Ashlawn School. The response was overwhelming. Donations quickly doubled. Naomi and her family realised this mission needed to continue. 💛 To date, they have raised over £250,000 💛 Installed 129 public-access defibrillators 💛 Have 15 more ready to be installed across Warwickshire Defibrillators save lives. A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time, at any age. If a defibrillator is used within 8 minutes, survival rates can increase by up to 70%. In Jamie’s memory, the OurJay Foundation is ensuring more communities have lifesaving access to defibrillators. A tragic loss. A remarkable legacy. Jamie’s name will live on, making a difference and saving lives. #TheOurJayFoundation #DefibrillatorsSaveLives #JamieRees

Delighted to attend ‘Aspire & Thrive’ Open Day in Nuneaton! I gained valuable insights into therapeutic practices, new courses, and engagement opportunities for children and young people, whether individually, in groups, or within schools. The Mentoring Project UK and Aspire and Thrive were thrilled to partner in launching the incredible Growth Mindset program, inspired by the book authored by Jack Cudworth. This initiative is available to young people through schools, early help, and broader youth engagement services. It was fantastic for the Aspire and Thrive team to receive training from the author, for success with a delivery plan that strongly aligns with the founding vision. #ThriveOpenDay #GrowthMindset #YouthEngagement #AspireAndThrive #MentalHealthMatters #EmpowerYouth #CommunitySupport #InnovativeLearning #NuneatonEvents #TherapeuticPractices

Delighted to attend Lawrence Sheriff School in Rugby to present the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. The DofE program, launched in 1956, has been a beacon of opportunity for young people —challenging them to discover new strengths, build resilience, and grow as individuals. Every year, it inspires hundreds of thousands to develop skills, confidence, and determination that last a lifetime. The Award’s four sections—Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition—push boundaries and create well-rounded individuals. For those achieving Gold, the Residential section adds an extra layer of adventure and independence. But DofE is about more than just awards—it’s about the journey. From learning to cook (even if the first attempt is slightly crispy), picking up photography, or giving back to the community, every challenge helps shape future leaders. We all know the last few years haven’t been easy for young people. From online schooling struggles (when Wi-Fi became the biggest enemy) to the cost-of-living crisis, life has thrown plenty of challenges in the way. But through it all, they’ve shown resilience, grit, and determination—climbing literal and metaphorical hills (sometimes in the rain, with a backpack bigger than themselves!) to achieve something extraordinary. Whether it was impressing the community by picking up litter, navigating “slightly off-track” expedition moments, or surviving a weekend of camping food, these young people have proven they can tackle challenges, think on their feet, and thrive—even when life is unpredictable. Huge congratulations to all the awardees — absolute stars! Let’s keep the DofE spirit alive. #DukeOfEdinburghAward #ProudMoment #YouthLeadership #Resilience #DofE #SkillsForLife #FutureLeaders #CommunityImpact #ChallengeAccepted #MakingADifference

Holocaust Memorial Day is marked every year and is a national commemoration day in the UK dedicated to the remembrance of those who suffered in The Holocaust under Nazi Persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur. Today, at the War Memorial in Warwick, The Mayor of Warwick laid a wreath in memory of all those who suffered and died in the Holocaust and other genocides. 🙏🙏 “Loving God, we come to you with heavy hearts, remembering the six million Jewish souls murdered during the Holocaust. In the horrors of that history, when so many groups were targeted because of their identity, and in genocides which followed, we recognise destructive prejudices that drive people apart. Forgive us when we give space to fear, negative and hatred of others, simply because they are different from us. In the light of God, we see everyone as equally precious manifestations of the Divine and can know the courage to face the darkness. Through our prayers and actions, help us to stand together with those who are suffering, so that light may banish all darkness, love will prevail over hate and good will triumph over evil “ 🙏🙏 #HolocaustMemorialDay #WeRemember #NeverAgain #HolocaustRemembrance #LightInTheDarkness #StandTogether #StopHate #GenocideAwareness #WarwickRemembers #PeaceAndUnity

An honour to officially open the New Foundry Gym in Warwick🏋️‍♂️ This facility represents more than just a place to exercise; it’s a vibrant space for our community to build physical and mental resilience. Foundry Gym offers people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to embrace a healthier lifestyle—something so vital in our fast-paced world. Beyond fitness, this gym serves as a cornerstone of community strength, providing a positive outlet for our youth. It’s a safe and supportive environment where they can channel their energy, learn discipline, and set meaningful personal goals. For Warwickshire, initiatives like this are simply invaluable. 👏 A huge congratulations to Sunny, Jat & Aran—the driving force behind this fantastic venture! Your vision, hard work, and dedication have truly paid off. This isn’t just an investment in equipment; it’s an investment in the health, happiness, and future of Warwickshire’s people. Brilliant turnout, I wish Foundry Gym every success in its journey to inspire and empower! Here’s to building stronger bodies, stronger minds, and a stronger community together. #FoundryGymWarwick #CommunityWellness #YouthEmpowerment #MentalHealthMatters #HealthyLifestyle #WarwickshirePride #GymOpening #StrongerTogether #ResilienceInAction #FutureGenerations #FitnessForAll

It was a pleasure to attend the University of Warwick Winter Degree Celebrations, a momentous occasion to recognise and applaud the incredible achievements of this year’s graduates. 🎓 This celebration is undoubtedly the highlight of the University calendar, bringing together dignitaries, staff, and students from across Warwickshire. It beautifully reflects the vital role the University plays in shaping and strengthening the communities we are all a part of. Following the ceremony, we gathered at the Piazza to kick off a special milestone—the 60th anniversary of the University of Warwick. 🎉🎂 Chancellor Bience Gawanas, Vice-Chancellor Stuart Croft, and SU President Enaya Nihal officially launched the year-long celebrations with a vibrant countdown, setting the tone for a year filled with reflection, gratitude, and ambition for the future. Here’s to 60 years of excellence, innovation, and community impact! 🏫 #Warwick60 #DegreeCelebrations #ProudToBeWarwick #CommunityMatters #WarwickGraduates #AnniversaryMilestone #CoventryAndWarwickshire #InspiringFutures

Great success and turnout for the second student-led crime prevention workshop at Rugby High School. Building on the momentum from December's first workshop, students worked collaboratively to develop the ideas raised earlier. The goal of this session was to: - Help students think through the details of their initiatives, including timelines and costs. - Encourage individuals to take ownership of specific aspects of the work. - Signpost students to partner/supplier organisations that can support their efforts. - Emphasise the importance of engaging with their 'customers and investors' to test and refine their concepts. A huge thank you to everyone who supported this workshop, including: - Mayor of Rugby, Cllr Simon Ward - Simon Jones, Myton School - Mervyn Kimberley, Crimebeat Committee - Gillian Fletcher, organiser of the Warwickshire Young High Sheriff competition and leader of these impactful workshops. 👏 Well done and thank you to all involved! Together, we’re empowering young minds to take action and make a real difference. #LetsBeatCrimeTogether #CrimePrevention #YouthLeadership #StrongerTogether #CommunitySafety #RugbyHighSchool #Warwickshire #YouthEmpowerment #HighSheriff2024 #Teamwork #SaferCommunities

Had an informative meeting with Langar Aid, whose mission is to support the homeless, vulnerable, and those struggling with poverty. Beyond their local efforts, Langar Aid plays a crucial role in global projects, providing vital food and water to those in need during emergencies caused by natural disasters, wars, and civil conflicts. Not only do they feed the hungry, but they also work to reduce food waste by partnering with supermarkets to distribute surplus food. It was inspiring to hear how Langar Aid collaborates with schools to raise awareness about homelessness. Their projects are rooted in the Sikh principle of Vand Chhakna (sharing with others), which promotes equality and compassion. Additionally, Langar Aid delivers meals to vulnerable individuals, supplies breakfast to churches, and operate breakfast clubs in schools. They also provide food packages to families in need, based on referrals from organisations such as Watch and the Job Centre. It was a privilege to gain insight into the amazing work they do. A big well done to Langar Aid—keep up the fantastic work! #LangarAid #EndingHunger #ZeroWaste #HomelessnessAwareness #EqualityForAll #CommunitySupport #FoodForAll #GlobalImpact #NoOneGoesHungry #SikhValues #CompassionInAction

Delighted to attend the passing-out ceremony for 22 detectives joining Warwickshire Police 🎉 My heartfelt congratulations to each of the students for successfully completing their initial training. This milestone reflects incredible dedication, resilience, and determination to meet the high standards that policing demands. An immensely proud day for all involved! 👮‍♂️ These budding new officers will now embark on the next stage of their journey—the tutor phase—where they’ll enhance their skills, gain invaluable practical experience, and deepen their understanding of what it truly means to serve and protect. 🙏 Wishing them the very best of luck on their journey and looking forward to seeing them safeguarding the community of Warwickshire. #WarwickshirePolice #NewDetectives #ServingOurCommunity #PoliceTraining #ProudMoment #FutureLeaders #CommunitySafety #LawEnforcement #PoliceGraduation #ProtectAndServe

Happy New Year 2025 ! 🎉 Here's to new beginnings, exciting adventures, and endless possibilities. Wishing everyone health, happiness, and success in the year ahead. #HappyNewYear2025 #NewYearVibes

For many years, the dedicated team of Legal Advisors have served the Leamington Justice Centre, providing invaluable assistance not only to court users but also to the magistrates they collaborate with daily. Their commitment to excellence has made a significant impact on the local justice system. The team work tirelessly to manage the endless paperwork and address any challenges that arise, ensuring that the service level remains high. Their patience and unwavering dedication to supporting families in the area is truly impressive and deeply appreciated by all magistrates, advocates, and service users alike. It was a genuine honor to present each team member with a High Sheriff Award, recognizing their outstanding hard work and commitment to justice. This acknowledgment highlights the vital role they play in fostering a supportive environment within our legal system. #LegalAdvisors #JusticeCentre #CommunitySupport #HighSheriffAward #Dedication #LeamingtonJustice #Magistrates #FamilySupport

Delighted to be part of the celebrations for the first anniversary of People Arches Limited trading McDonald’s, on Emscote Road, Warwick ! I was honoured to get a behind-the-scenes look at their meticulous food preparation processes, ensuring top-tier hygiene standards. But what truly stood out was how this McDonald’s has become more than just a restaurant—it’s a beacon of community support. Over the past year, People Arches has worked tirelessly to make a positive impact: - Food Security - Monthly donations to local food banks, ensuring families in need have access to essential resources. - Environmental Stewardship - Staff walked 1,200 miles through Warwick, collecting 800+ bags of rubbish, keeping our town clean and green. - Volunteerism - 945 hours dedicated to local causes, strengthening community ties. - CPR Training - Partnered with Warwickshire Hearts to host free training sessions, equipping residents with life-saving skills. - Mental Health Support - Collaborated with Mind Charity to provide free, monthly mental health pop-up sessions in a welcoming space. - Promoting Local Economy - Produced a film showcasing 20 Warwick businesses and attractions to boost tourism and support local growth. - Festive Contributions - Donated 64 pantomime tickets to children and captured the magic of Warwick’s Christmas lights in a heartfelt video. A huge thank-you to the dedicated staff at People Arches for their unwavering commitment to Warwick’s well-being. Your efforts inspire pride and gratitude. Well done! #CommunityFirst #WarwickPride #SustainableLiving #MentalHealthAwareness #FoodSecurity #LocalHeroes #McDonalds #Warwickshire #VolunteerImpact #EnvironmentalCare #CPRTraining #GivingBack #SupportLocal #StrongerTogether

Honoured to attend the presentation of the King's Award for Innovation. From a humble garage, a young entrepreneur's vision reshaped the automotive industry with groundbreaking ideas. Founded in 2017 by graduate Mitchell Barnes, RYSE 3D is revolutionising automotive manufacturing. From its early days in a Warwickshire garage, the company now supplies production components to top-tier brands like Lotus and Aston Martin. RYSE 3D delivers cutting-edge parts—from HVAC systems to brake ducts and wing mirror vision systems—powering the future of next-generation vehicles. With an eco-conscious strategy, the company utilises innovative materials like plant-based, engineering-grade nylon made entirely from 100% castor beans delivering durability while keeping sustainability in focus. A big congratulations to Mitchell Barnes and the RYSE 3D team. Proof that big dreams can start in small garages! 👏 #Innovation #KingsAward #FutureOfAutomotive #Sustainability #EngineeringExcellence #Hypercars #Entrepreneurship #TechForGood #MadeInTheUK #InspiringSuccess #GreenTech #AutomotiveInnovation #StartupSuccess 🚗🌱"

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is attending UK citizenship ceremonies. Another inspiring event as we welcomed new citizens into our country, each contributing unique skills and viewpoints. The ceremony commenced with a heartfelt introduction, emphasizing the important significance of this achievement for those who have worked diligently to attain British citizenship. As part of the proceedings, attendees took the Oath of Allegiance, and I had the honor of presenting their certificates—a testament to their dedication to the values and traditions of the United Kingdom. Hearing the diverse backgrounds and personal stories of our new citizens served as a powerful reminder of the richness that diversity adds to our society. It was truly heartwarming to see families and friends gather to celebrate this significant milestone, reflecting the community spirit that makes our nation so extraordinary. #CitizenshipCeremony #ProudMoment #CommunitySpirit 🇬🇧❤️

Excited to announce the successful launch of the student-led crime prevention workshops at #RugbyHighSchool The workshop welcomed enthusiastic students who raised important issues, including hate crime, vaping, shoplifting, homelessness, and county lines, to name just a few. The goal of these workshops was to: - Discuss and identify crimes they want to prevent. - Highlight crimes that directly affect students. - Debate ideas to reduce and avoid these crimes. - Anticipate challenges and develop solutions. - Create a delivery plan to present to Crimebeat. This initiative emphasised the importance of hearing and valuing young voices. Their ideas and insights are crucial for creating meaningful change. I’m excited to see the projects these talented students have produced ! A huge thank you to everyone who supported this event, including: - Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner Emma Daniel - Mayor of Rugby, Cllr Simon Ward - David Kelham, Deputy Lieutenant and former High Sheriff - Simon Jones Myton School - Mervyn Kimberley, Crimebeat Committee - Gillian Fletcher, organiser of the Warwickshire Young High Sheriff competition and lead for the crime prevention workshops. Well done and thank you to all involved! Together, we can make a difference. #CrimePrevention #StudentVoicesMatter #YoungLeaders #CommunitySafety #CountyLinesAwareness #EndHateCrime #YouthEmpowerment #StopKnifeCrime #RugbyHighSchool #Crimebeat #StrongerTogether

Delighted to attend the Alcester Male Voice Choir Concert at St Peter’s in Wootten Wawen dedicated to supporting the beautiful church. Such gatherings, regardless of our faiths, highlight the importance of our communities. Since 1974, the Alcester Male Voice Choir has offered its remarkable musical talent voluntarily, not only in Warwickshire but also in performances at the Menin Gate and in various cities across Spain and Italy.  Their dedication enables events like this evening to raise much-needed funds for vital causes.  Alongside the choir, a devoted group of friends and supporters—many of them partners of the choir members—has grown over the years. They tirelessly handle countless tasks to ensure the success of each concert, all on a voluntary basis.  My heartfelt gratitude and a big Thank you. All the efforts of these choir members enrich the communities of Warwickshire and beyond.  In recognition of their 50th year since formation, their exceptional talent, and their invaluable fundraising contributions, I was delighted to present the High Sheriff Award to Judith Land MBE on behalf of the Alcester Male Voice Choir.  #CommunitySpirit #VolunteeringMatters #AlcesterMaleVoiceChoir #MusicForGood #WarwickshireEvents #HighSheriffAward #ChoirLife #50YearsStrong #MakingADifference