The High Sheriff’s Annual Summer Celebration held at Brooklands Museum.
It is traditional that the High Sheriff holds a garden party or summer celebration during their Shrieval year as a way of acknowledging individuals and groups who contribute to the community through public service, charity work and voluntary efforts, and I am delighted as the 804th High Sheriff of Surrey to be continuing the tradition. The event is also an opportunity for a High Sheriff to raise awareness of their Shrieval theme or a particular cause they wish to highlight; and for me that is helping to prevent young people in Surrey from becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). I was therefore delighted to hold the event at the Brooklands Museum where they do so much to inspire young people outside the conventional classroom through their Innovation Academy, in partnership with the Bourne Education Trust and the many education visits and summer activities they organise.
I was delighted to welcome the Lord Lieutenant and his wife Sarah, many Deputy Lieutenants and past High Sheriffs together with the Chair and Leader of Surrey County Council and many mayors of the Boroughs and Districts. Also present were a number of recent recipients of grants from the High Sheriff Youth Awards. These grants support charities that encourage young people to get involved in activities providing structure, focus or enjoyment that previously have been lacking in their lives. My guests were able to talk with representatives from Eikon, Surrey Care Trust, Emerge Advocacy, South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Service, Guildford Shakespeare Company, Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre, Bespoke Youth – West Molesey and Surrey Clubs for Young People in addition to seeing a demonstration from SATRO who provide vocational training support to young people. Everyone was also able to have a tour round the wonderful automobile, motor cycle and aviation exhibits at this wonderful home to British engineering and innovation.
I was delighted that so many people attended who have been actively participating in my shrieval theme, which started with the Centre for Britain and Europe at the University of Surrey being commissioned to research the different cohorts that make up the NEET population in Surrey. This has been followed up with two conferences which have emphasised the need for a collaborative response to the problem and a sharing of knowledge, data, experience and ideas between those all working to improve the lives of young people in Surrey. I look forward to continuing discussions and developing alternative and earlier intervention pathways during the remainder of my time in office. I was delighted that so many police cadets were able to help my guests throughout the event and I would like to thank them all for their dedication and service and finally I would like to profusely thank Alex Patterson and his team at the Brooklands Museum for their wonderful hospitality and support. Photos; Andy Newbold
