City of Oxford College public service students gather with veterans and service personnel for Afternoon Tea to celebrate the importance of community 

Military veterans and serving members of the emergency services were guests of honour at a special Afternoon Tea held at City of Oxford College and University Centre on Monday 1 December as part of its Community Service Week.  

Hosted by MindGreen, Activate Learning’s charitable fund dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of students and staff, across its college group, the MindGreen Community Service Week casts a spotlight on the importance of community with students engaging in acts of service all week long.     

Representatives from the Police, Army, NHS, Prison Service, Royal Navy, Oxford City Council and RAF gathered to enjoy the Afternoon Tea served by the college’s Public Services students, who took the opportunity to express gratitude to the dedicated individuals that form our local services community.   

Attendees were joined by the Lord Mayor of Oxford, 2025 – 2026, Councillor Louise Upton.  

Pastries for the Afternoon Tea were made by the college’s Professional Culinary Arts students, while attendees were also treated to Christmas carols sung by students.   

CEO of Activate Learning, Gary Headland DL and PC Pete Butt-Gow, of Thames Valley Police, were both presented with an award as a thank you for 40 years of public service, before Gary Headland and Councillor Louise Upton gave speeches.   

As part of the event, the Public Services students had the opportunity to be mentored by service men and women and veterans, who shared their wealth of knowledge and experience with them. 

Connor Room, Public Services student at City of Oxford College and University Centre, said: “I found the event resourceful. I met policemen, an NHS worker, the Lord Mayor, and I got an insight into careers. I think talking to them opened my eyes up to more career paths than I thought there were. 

“I think events like this are important because it brings those who want to join the forces, and those already in the forces, together. Talking to people that do the job is inspirational.” 

Lord Mayor of Oxford 2025 – 2026, Councillor Louise Upton, said: “Thank you, on behalf of all of us that you have treated today to this delicious tea and wonderful singing – you’ve made us all feel very appreciated.” 

Aiden Ley, a student at Oxford Brookes University and member of Oxford University Air Squadron, said: “It’s great to see all the students getting involved, from the catering students doing the food to the choir, and the uniformed Public Service students. It gives the students, and us as guest students, inspiration and encouragement.”