The High Sheriff's Garden Party

Last night was a perfect summers evening for a garden party, and Padworth College's terrace was the perfect setting.

My predecessors had told me it would be fun, as it is a unique opportunity to meet the other Mayors of Berkshire and compare chains of office (especially fun since ours is the best!). They weren't wrong - it was a good evening, and its very easy to socialise when people keep coming up and asking where you're from. They assume I must be the most important person there, but of course I'm not! Left to right in the picture is the Alex, the Mayor of Thatcham, me, the Mayor of Reading, and the Mayor of Bracknell Town. I also met the chair of Wokingham, and the Mayor of Bracknell Forsest. I only discovered afterwards that John Madejeski was there too - my boss at work will be disappointed that I missed the chance to say hello to him, as he is a massive Reading Football fan!

My consort Stuart was pleased that some of his Gardner Leader colleagues were there - they sponsor the Mock Trials at the magistrates court each year for secondary school pupils, and the High Sheriff is always involved in these.