A Celebration of Courage.

The Big Leaf Foundation invited me to join them for their celebration to mark National Refugee Week 2026 and what a joyful, vibrant, musical celebration it was!

Refugee Week is a large arts and cultural festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary in the UK. The theme for this year’s Refuge Week was “Courage” – a skill that was amply displayed by the extraordinary young people I met that evening. 

The Big Leaf Foundation seeks to help young refugees in Surrey to rebuild their lives after displacement from their home countries. It does so by providing a nurturing programme of activities, projects and events – for instance, the Big Leaf Foundation helps the young people to improve their English, prepare for GCSEs and other qualifications; and access local clubs to play sports, music, etc. These projects help to combat social isolation and assist the young people to build fulfilling new lives integrated into Surrey communities.

The celebration showed us what amazing effects the Big Leaf Foundation’s work has. The young people were quietly confident and had clearly established firm friendships within both the Big Leaf and the local communities. We were treated to an art exhibition of beautifully vivid felt bowls, which expressed each artist’s interpretation of the colour of “courage”.  This was followed by the most delicious Eritrean meal of injera – a fermented flatbread made from teff flour – topped with a variety of vegetable stews and a Big Band concert. Violins, drums, a keyboard, a trumpet and vocals performed a range of stirring folk songs embodying “courage” – one of the songs enjoyed its premier as it had only been composed by the band that afternoon.

It was a wonderfully uplifting evening which sent us all away with an extra spring in our step.

Vist the Big Leaf website at: https://www.bigleaffoundation.org.uk

Some Enchanted Evening in June!

After a week of rather autumnal weather, the clouds parted and the sun appeared just as the guests were arriving for the High Sheriff’s Summer Party.  What perfect timing!

The High Sheriff’s Summer Party seeks to acknowledge and celebrate individuals and groups who contribute to the community through public service, charity work, and voluntary efforts. It is therefore a party to celebrate the guests – to celebrate that each and every one forms a large part of Surrey life and works hard to make that life a little better for our fellow human beings – every day, all year round and very often in addition to a day job.

Before I became High Sheriff and started my Shrieval Year in April, I realised that Surrey was an active county and that an awful lot was being achieved and/or provided by its large voluntary sector. However, over the last two months I have already discovered that I had only realised a fraction of what was happening in the County.

Surrey’s voluntary sector is phenomenal. It provides services in all manner of spheres – services that people need and are dependent upon; whether it be mental health care; elderly care; education; domestic abuse, to name but a few. No national government will be able to deliver all the services the voluntary sector currently provides with such dedication and passion.

It is all our duty to support this important work, because this work is under threat – due to an insecure financial landscape and/or people not having the time to volunteer. Worryingly, however, the need for these services is on the increase.

One area where the voluntary sector in Surrey provides an exemplar service is Domestic Abuse. Sadly, the general perception that Domestic Abuse is rare in Surrey is not true. Statistics show that a third of homes in Surrey, as well as an increasing number of people younger than 16 are affected by it. I therefore want to use my Shrieval Year to help “break the cycle of domestic abuse” – both through working with children and young people and through working with perpetrators:  holding them to account and preventing them from becoming repeat offenders.

Dr Mike Kelly JP – the Under Sheriff and Chair of the Bench – and I are currently planning a workshop/conference on the prevention of domestic abuse in March 2027. Various organisations and people have said they are keen to get involved, so let’s hope we can organise a practical and effective event. We can shine a light on the good work that is being done in the County and – possibly more importantly – try to fill the gaps in the provision or areas needing improvement. More specific details will follow in due course.

Let’s raise a glass all Surrey’s volunteers – and the Police Cadets in particular for being immaculate parking attendants, waiters and ambassadors – without you the County would be a poorer place.

Duke of Edinburgh Awards Celebrate 70 Years of Adventure.

For seventy years, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards (DofE) have stood for youth empowerment, resilience, and adventure. Established in 1956 by HRH Prince Philip, the charity is now celebrating its Diamond Jubilee.

What began as a modest initiative to help boys bridge the gap between leaving formal education at 15 and starting National Service at 18, DofE has now evolved into a global phenomenon across more than 130 countries and territories helping young people aged 14–24 discover their potential.

The core ethos of DofE has remained unchanged: pushing personal boundaries, developing tangible life skills, and fostering a deep-rooted spirit of community service. Whatever their ability, interest or background, DofE offers young people the chance to strive for achievement, overcome obstacles, and set their minds to a personal challenge.

To celebrate this milestone in Surrey, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey – Michael More-Molyneux CVO – hosted a wonderful reception at Loseley Park on 11 June.

It was an inspiring evening. CEO Ruth Marvel told us about the organisation’s plans to engage evenmore young people in the future, especially those who face the greatest barriers. The aim of DofE is that very young person, whatever their background, has the chance to discover what they are capable of and shape their future with confidence. We heard from three DofE participants how the awards had changed their lives; how HMP Bronzefield has implemented the scheme within its Rehabilitation and Recovery Programme for women prisoners; and we had an opportunity to speak to various Surrey charities who create volunteering opportunities for DofE participants.

The evening shone a light on the important benefits of participating in DofE. HRH Prince Philip once said: “There is more in you than you might think.” and the Awards help people realise that.

Royal Holloway Honorary Fellows Ceremony.

On 10th June, I felt honoured to be invited to the Honorary Fellows Ceremony at Royal Holloway, University of London.

It was a beautiful evening seeing the sun streaming into the golden chapel and listening to heavenly music by the Royal Holloway Choir performing pieces by Gerald Finzi, Jonathan Dove, Charles Wood and César Franck.  After the ceremony, the guests were treated to a performance by Yuting Zhao, a PhD student in the Department of Music, playing the “guzheng”, sometimes known as the Chinese zither or harp, in the splendid Picture Gallery of the University.

Many congratulations to the new Honorary Fellows: former High Sheriff of Surrey Shahid Azeem DL, Ann Ewing, Gerry O’Hagan and Jarmila Yu. Their commitment to Royal Holloway has been significant and -undoubtedly – they will continue to contribute to the academic life of the university for many years to come.  

A very well-deserved honour!

https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/honorary-fellows-programme

Fundraising Golf Day in Aid of the High Sheriff Youth Awards.

On 9 June, the immaculate West Hill Golf Club – once again – hosted the Annual High Sheriff Youth Awards (HSYA) Golf Day in aid of his wonderful charity. Judging by the smiles on all the golfers’ faces, the course provided its challenges, some competitiveness, but also a lot of camaraderie and fun.

HSYA was set up in 1993 and acquired charity status in 2004 (originally as the “High Sheriff Awards for Surrey”) with the purpose of making a tangible difference to the lives of young people across the county.

Over the years, HSYA has supported a wide range of projects and charities focused on improving outcomes for young people and contributing to safer communities.  The projects touch a variety of causes:

•           Mental health and general well being

•           Sexual violence

•           Displaced young people

•           Young people struggling with mainstream education

•           Crime

•           Anti-social behaviour

Last year, HSYA supported 15 local charities awarding some £53,000.  Funding has historically come from public authorities, including Surrey County Council (SCC), the Boroughs and Districts, the Police and Crime Commissioner, as well as charitable trusts and individual donors. In recent years, however, contributions have reduced significantly. With Local Government Reorganisation confirmed and the two new Unitary Authorities taking office in May 2027, the future funding landscape is uncertain. However, demand is ever increasing.

That is why the Golf Day and individual donors are more important than ever. On behalf of all the young people of Surrey whose lives the HSYA can touch and make a little better as a result – Thank you to all the players!

Huge thanks should also go to Folio 3 for sponsoring the event; Srixon for proving the equipment on the course; the team behind putting this day together being: Ken Schofield, Julian Wakeling assisted by Shahid Azeem, Chris Critchlow and Ron Enticott; as well as Mike Slee and Peter Metz for monitoring the “Hole-in-One” competition.

HSYA is equally grateful to Tony Jamieson for being such a highly efficient auctioneer, all the generous donors of prizes and auction items, and of course the generosity of all the bidders.

Finally, this Day could not have happened without West Hill Golf Club who invited us back and who were the most wonderful hosts.

@https://www.westhillgc.co.uk http://www.surreyhighsheriff.org

Care Trust Celebrates the Power of People.

On Friday 5th June, Surrey Care Trust (SCT) hosted a special evening at Denbies Wine Estate to celebrate the “Power of People” thanking its incredible volunteers for the life-changing impact they achieve together across Surrey.

For over forty years, the SCT has been working with volunteers to help vulnerable young people, families, and adults to improve their lives.  The SCT provides long term services that understand and respond to local people’s needs.

Most of the SCT’s beneficiaries live with multiple, complex issues like isolation and loneliness, poor mental health, unemployment, low skills, poverty, and family breakdown.  The SCT therefore seeks to offer a diverse range of holistic long-term support and confidence boosting skills training.  The SCT engages vulnerable people in nature-based activities, such as boating, gardening, and outdoor activities.  The SCT is a firm advocate of bringing people together – this makes our communities stronger and helps people break their cycle of disadvantage.

The evening also provided an opportunity for everyone to express their heartfelt thanks to Sir Adrian White CBE DL, who until February this year was President of the SCT, for his many years of dedication to the Trust and to welcome Richard Whittington DL as SCT’s new President.  

It was an inspiring evening, and I very much look forward to my day of volunteering on one of the SCT Swingbridge Community Boats – possibly donning overall and wellies rather than my High Sheriff uniform….

www.surreycaretrust.org.uk

DÉJEUNER SUR L’HERBE.

What a wonderful way to spend a Friday lunchtime in June: having a delicious picnic lunch in a beautiful wildflower garden in the centre of Farnham.

On 5 June I was invited to join Space2Grow’s – Farnham’s Community Wellbeing Garden – annual Big Lunch to celebrate the garden’s community, sharing food and friendship. 

Space2Grow is a volunteer-led wellbeing garden situated next to St Andrew’s Church in central Farnham.  The charity supports some of the most vulnerable people in Farnham; using outdoor activity, nature and supportive relationships to help individuals facing social, emotional and practical challenges. Through the garden and the changing seasons, Space2Grow strengthens resilience, confidence and connection across its community. It offers activities for pre-school children, teenagers, young carers and parents, alongside workshops and community support.  The site also hosts a Men-in-Sheds group, helping older residents reduce social isolation while contributing to wider community initiatives.

It was fascinating talking to Lou James, Space2Grow’s founder and a family psychotherapist with experience of working in the NHS and CAHMS (child and adult mental health services), about her vision to transform a neglected walled garden and use it to meet gaps and unmet need in the provision of emotional support and community connection. The garden is maintained by a group of incredibly dedicated volunteers and – as I witnessed – enjoyed by a large group of very happy children, who seemed to love running around the space, climbing on the climbing frame and making “vampire soup” in the Mud Kitchen!

www.space2grow.space

Memorial Day at Brookwood American Cemetery.

On 24 May, the American Battle Monuments Commission held a moving Memorial Day ceremony at the Brookwood American Military Cemetery to honour the memory of more than 230,000 U.S. service personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

Memorial Day originated in the 1860s after the US Civil War and was originally known as Decoration Day. In time, Memorial Day came to recognise all US military personnel who died while serving in the US armed forces, including those who fought, died or went missing during World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, among other conflicts.  

Current Military personnel, veterans and relatives of those who gave their lives, as well as Brigadier Julian Ladd TD DL representing HM The King, were in attendance. Wreaths were laid by representatives of the many countries and organisations participating in the ceremony.

Mole Valley Community Fund Celebration Event.

On 21 May, I was invited to join the Mole Valley Community Fund for a wonderful event at Fetcham Park to celebrate the important role the MVCF plays in the area.

The Fund seeks to provide sustainable funding to support community projects and voluntary groups in Mole Valley. It does so by bringing together donors and stakeholders who are passionate about their local community and who can together make a difference to the area in which they live.

Since its creation in the first quarter of 2024, the Fund has helped more than 3,500 voluntary and community organisations already – organisations which support and benefit local residents, and which provide the stepping stones to stronger, more resilient communities.  These organisations step in where need is greatest, often quietly and without fanfare, and they do so with compassion, skill and dedication.

Funds like MVCF ensure that this important work is supported, sustained and recognised.  Grants provided by the MVCF may fund existing services or facilities and new initiatives and can contribute to either capital costs or support on-going running costs.

The stories that we heard that evening from grant recipients, business ambassadors and fund supporters demonstrated something powerful: when local generosity is thoughtfully directed, it creates opportunity and connection. That is community at its very best.

The evening was both a celebration of what has already been achieved and an invitation to continue the good work!

Photography by Greg Hammond – https://www.instagram.com/greghammondphotography/

Foster Care Fortnight.

On 12th May, Surrey County Council’s Fostering Service invited me to join them for a coffee morning and lunch to mark “Foster Care Fortnight” and celebrate the vital role foster carers play in supporting children and young people across Surrey.

It was a lively and colourful event on a beautiful sunny morning in the garden of the Council’s offices, which brought together foster carers; members of the Council’s Foster Service; the Leader of Surrey County Council, Tim Oliver OBE; Helyn Clack, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning; and various partner organisations which work with the Foster Service.

It was a perfect occasion to recognise the incredible commitment shown by the foster parents and the Foster Service; to provide an opportunity for everyone to share their experiences; and to celebrate the positive impact of fostering. With so many children and young people in need, fostering is one of the most important roles within our communities and takes many different forms.  

Fostering can range from Emergency Fostering, where short-term care is provided, to General Fostering aimed at provide children with a stable, long-term home. Some foster parents support parents and babies during parenting assessments, or host children with additional needs for short stays to give their families some vital respite.  The Council’s Foster Service also cares for young unaccompanied asylum-seeking children needing safety and support and makes sure that it continues to support care leavers, since young adults do not automatically stop needing a stable basis of support once they reach 18.

Foster carers do a phenomenal job, providing stability and care for young people at some of the most challenging points in their lives.  

Photos by James Lynch