Surrey Day 2024 – A Fantastic Day themed as ‘Surrey from the Sky’ (and very Blue it was too!) – Celebrating our County in Style.

My Day started early at Reigate’s Priory Park where I was to start the ‘Park Run’ and the great weather was an added bonus. People of all ages took part which is a free weekly 5k event open to anybody! My job was to operate the Vuvuzela to get the runners running and to greet them at the finishing line. Thanks to Colin Smith for chaperoning me and well done to all – community events like these are important not just for health and fitness but as a way of socialising with other local people. (To find out more go to www.parkrun.org.uk/reigatepriory.)

My Next stop was Oxted, where I was met by Sophie Martin – Marketing, Communications & Events. The OXTED BID Limited (“Love Oxted”). I visited the new Super access library which will have 24/7 access where members can use the facilities, with access to IT, Printing, research, Wifi and a warm place. I met people from various local groups – ‘Knit and Natter’ ‘Warm Hub’, lots of activities for the kids and and a new ADHD Support group. I also met drone pilot and photographer, Matthew Cuzen (@matthewcuzen) where we did a ‘wave to the sky’ at 11am before meeting the Oxted Band and local business owners. I finished off this leg of the day at the new ‘Master Park Hub’ which is funded by local charity, Your Fund Surrey, and local CUL money. Here I also learned about ‘Athletix Kids’ promoting fitness and Athletics to young Children.

(Photo; @matthewcuzen

To the Surrey Hills and ‘Mandira’s Kitchen’ – situated alongside the stunning ‘Silent Pool’, just off the A25 in one of the most beautiful parts of the County. Mandira and her team are an award winning business which prepared ready made and authentic Indian meals delivered to your door. Their amazing food is hand made in small batches from family recipes, and is a fine example of a thriving Surrey Family business. I was treated to a fine lunch in the sunshine. I can thoroughly recommend a visit to this unique place where you will be very much welcomed. for more information go to https://www.mandiraskitchen.com (Photos from www.facebook.com/MandirasKitchenSurrey)

My next ‘Surrey Day’ destination was Woking for the SMEF (Surrey Minority Ethnic Forum’) Event where I was treated to brilliant performances by SMEF Members. Because of my busy schedule I did not see some of the earlier offerings but have included some photos here. It was great to see the creativity of the groups involved which included dance, music and poetry. There was also cake and refreshments and lots of happy faces. The Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey – Mary Creswell and I, then presented the children with gifts and met some of the performers. (www.smef.org.uk)

Photos by www.instagram.com/andynewboldphot/

And finally it was off to Brooklands where the wrap up event was to be held and where people involved would meet up for a photo call and refreshments. A highlight for me was to see Concorde again –  I Can’t believe the Concorde was 1960’s technology. It still so advanced even 50 years later! One of the speakers was also veteran Concorde pilot – Mike Bannister. My last job of the day was a live interview with @BBCRadioSurrey presenter – Mark Carter DL, who along with his team had been busy throughout the day as the media partner for Surrey Day 2024, alongside @VisitSurrey and @TheSurreyLieutenancy. Well done to everyone involved in showcasing our County in such a great way – It really was a great Surrey Day. Finally, a huge thank you for al the members of public I met, it truly shows how diverse Surrey is a county I am very proud to have lived all my life

Photos by Darren Pepe & Andy Newbold

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