In every community there are those who act as a kind of glue to stick everyone together. They are the ones who make it their business to know everyone, who are expert at putting people together and who promote the general good.

The Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Hugo Brunner, is one of those people. Hugo Brunner is much more than the Queen's representative in Oxfordshire.

His role is to represent the Queen in the county and to ensure that all the preparations are made for royal visits. He has done that and much, much more.

Whatever has happened in Oxfordshire these last dozen years, Hugo Brunner has been at the heart of it, quietly encouraging and helping with his unfailing politeness and diplomacy. The Queen could not have asked for a better representative and, as he prepares for retirement, his will be a hard act to follow.