Praise for reformed gang member speaking at crown court opening

Chad Cox, a father of six, was invited by the Rt Rev Andrew Proud to describe how he had managed to turn his life around from involvement in a gang to the respected position he holds within his community now – so much so that his efforts were rewarded when he was presented to the Queen when she visited Henley as part of her diamond jubilee tour earlier this year.
The capacity congregation broke into spontaneous applause as he spoke of the impact of turning his back on a life led on the very edge of society to one in which he now plays a fulfilling and much-valued role.
The exchange between the two men, and the bishop’s further address, mirrored the theme chosen by the High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire, Charles Brims, for his term of office – to highlight the good work undertaken to reduce offending and re-offending.
The morning’s proceedings were led by Mr Brims, who lives at Brimpton, and the procession was led by the Under-Sheriff of Berkshire, Jonathan Gater, of Blandy & Blandy solicitors in Reading.

The procession featured the High Sheriff’s great nephew Luke Rose, as Sword Bearer. He carried the Sandhurst Sword of Honour awarded in 1910 to Mr Brims’ great uncle Lindsay Barrett. Six years later, at the age of 24, and as Major Lindsay Barrett MC, he was killed in action at Ypres.
Bugle fanfares were played by the Waterloo Band and Bugles. The singing was led by the Bradfield College Chapel Choir, directed by Ann Wright, and the organist was John Mountford.
Opening prayers were said by the chaplain to the High Sheriff, the Rev Becky Bevan, and Mr Brims gave the reading. Prayers were said by the Archdeacon of Berkshire, the Ven Norman Russell, and the rector and vicar of Reading Minster, Canon Brian Shenton.
Among those invited to the Minster were community leaders from across Berkshire supporting the High Sheriff’s initiative, together with those working to help offenders and ex-offenders. Representatives of the Thames Valley Police, the judiciary, and other agencies, were all present at the service on Monday, as were the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, the Hon Mary Bayliss, town mayors from across the royal county, visiting High Sheriffs, those who had previously served in that office, and the Lord Lieutenant’s cadets.
A retiring collection was divided between the Minster Church and the High Sheriff’s Fund at the Berkshire Community Foundation.