Jawaid Malik - High Sheriff of Oxfordshire 2026/7

09/04/2026

High Sheriff of Oxfordshire 2026–2027 | Official Declaration Ceremony

08/04/2026

Some Shrieval Reflections... -

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05/04/2026

There are some things that probably shouldn’t matter - and yet somehow do.

This morning, at 9.30am on Easter Sunday, I joined a small group (including the Mayor of Abingdon and local Freemasons) to unveil the new monk on the Marcham Road roundabout in Abingdon.

It must have looked a slightly odd scene - a cluster of us in high-vis, timing our dash across the traffic - but it marked the return of a much-loved local character.
The original monk, carved from a single tree trunk, had stood there for years as a quiet nod to Abingdon’s Abbey heritage. Weather and time finally caught up with him, and for a while the roundabout felt strangely empty.

Today, thanks to a community effort led by local Freemasons and the craftsmanship of Mike Burgess, a new monk stands in his place - this time built to last.
It’s a small thing. But it speaks to pride of place, to continuity, and perhaps - on Easter morning - to renewal.

04/04/2026

Wishing you all a very Happy Easter.

Whether today is a moment of faith, family, or simply a pause in the pace of life, I hope it brings a sense of renewal and hope.

Across Oxfordshire, I continue to be inspired by the kindness, generosity and quiet determination of those working every day to support others - especially our young people. It is that spirit of care and community that feels particularly fitting at this time of year.

With thanks to all who give so much of themselves.

04/04/2026

Chuffed to bits to have opened BrownieMacs in Bicester this weekend.

I’ve been buying Charlie’s brownies since he started selling them on Bicester’s Friday market - a stall, trays of brownies, and a young entrepreneur building something one customer at a time. So to see that journey turn into a shop of his own feels properly special.

This hasn’t happened overnight. It’s been years of early mornings, late nights, constant refinement, and the courage to keep going. And what I admire most is that Charlie has done it entirely in his own way - with flair, personality, and a real sense of joy in what he creates.

And that personality matters. Charlie brings a bit of theatre to the whole experience - a flamboyance that is warm, engaging, and completely authentic. It draws people in, lifts the mood, and turns a simple transaction into something memorable. You leave not just with a box of brownies, but with a smile. In a world where so much can feel transactional, that human touch really stands out.

The baking is exceptional. Not just good - properly good. From the OG Triple Chocolate and Salted Caramel through to Oreo Crunch, Chocolate Orange, and the brilliantly named “Bisc-off (they’re mine)”, there’s real confidence and creativity in everything he does. And the blondies are just as strong - the Sicilian Lemon and Pistachio & White Chocolate are well worth a try.

Standing in the shop on Saturday, with a queue forming and a real buzz in the room, you could feel what this meant - not just for Charlie, but for Bicester. This is what supporting young enterprise looks like in practice.

And the best bit? He’s still going to be at Bicester’s Friday market as well.

If you’re local, do go and support him - whether at the shop or the market. You won’t regret it.

02/04/2026

Over the past year as High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, I’ve had the privilege of spending time with young people, schools, charities, police, businesses and communities across the county.

One thing has come through again and again: real change doesn’t start with systems or strategies. It starts with relationships.

I’ve been reflecting on the idea of “relational intelligence” - and how often I’ve seen it in action across Oxfordshire this year.

You can read the full blog here:

Relational intelligence - hearing the young unheard | The High Sheriff of Oxfordshire https://share.google/4Dt5ybrRZ0fmJVXVB

29/03/2026

March Shrieval Newsletter -

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29/03/2026

Really encouraged to be at the launch of The Sun Fund at Broughton Castle last week - a practical, business-led initiative to tackle youth disadvantage in Banbury.

With a clear ambition of 100 internships and 5,000 hours of skills training in its first year, this is about more than good intentions. It is about creating real opportunities for young people aged 16–25 to build confidence, skills and a pathway into work.

Good to see the involvement of Oxfordshire Youth, building on the Business Guardians model, and to hear from Emmy O’Shaughnessy and the Lord-Lieutenant, Marjorie Glasgow, about the power of partnership between business and the youth sector.

Importantly, this was already well in motion before our recent Breakfast Conversation in Banbury - but it strongly reflects the same message: if we are serious about early intervention, business has a vital role to play.

A nice touch too that the lunch was prepared and served by Activate Learning students - a reminder of the talent already there when opportunity is given.

This is not charity. It is an investment in Banbury’s future.

As ever, I left encouraged.

21/03/2026

Back to primary school on Friday - and promoted to the benches (though I was kindly given a chair).

A brilliant celebration assembly at Windale School, with Paddington Bear stories, thoughtful questions about the role of High Sheriff, and plenty of interest in the sword and shiny shoes.

The highlight was presenting certificates to children supported by Quest for Learning, who are making fantastic progress in reading and maths - confidence growing alongside capability.

And yes… I did have to wear an astronaut helmet to move reading rockets across the hall display.

Huge thanks to Ms Katie Geran-Haq, her team, the Quest for Learning tutors, and the children for such a warm welcome.

20/03/2026

Eid Mubarak

To my Muslim friends across Oxfordshire – Eid Mubarak.

I know this is a moment of real joy – of family, generosity, and community. And it matters that it is celebrated openly and proudly.

At a time when some may feel uneasy, I simply want to say this: you belong here, and you are valued.

In all that I see across our county, your contribution, your kindness, and your community spirit make Oxfordshire stronger.

With warmest good wishes for a peaceful and joyful Eid.