MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE HIGH SHERIFF OF SURREY.
Find out more about Artventure at – https://www.art-venture.co.uk/
Surrey Youth Focus – The End of an Era.
Suzanne and I were delighted to drop in to say thank you to Cate Newnes-Smith and her wonderful team at Surrey Youth Focus, who are sadly closing their doors at the end of this week. Over the years, they have been worked charities, community groups, health, education, police and social care and more, from across Surrey and beyond. They have supported and delivered a wide range of initiatives that inspired new thinking and amplified lived experience, including The Big Chat, Hidden Talent, Time for Kids, Unheard Voices, CommuniLAB, Care Leavers, Inclusive Communities, the Surrey Wellbeing Partnership, VCSE Alliance, Peer Research with the University of Surrey, Communities of Practice, Coffee & Chats, Skill Sharing, Speed Dating events, and many more. Each reflects the power of connection, collaborative learning and collective action.
I am personally also very grateful for all the input and support Cate has provided for my Shrieval theme of helping to stop young people from becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) and I hope we see Cate and the other members of her team resurface soon in pastures new.
East to West – Bringing Hope to Young Lives.
I have been looking forward to meeting the ‘east to west’ team for a long time. Much of what they do chimes with my Shrieval theme of helping young people and their vision is of a world where every child, young person and family experiences hope through meaningful long-term relationships and restore, strengthen and help them thrive.
They operate in 48 primary schools, 28 secondary schools, 6 GP surgeries and a hospital and having started in Surrey they have now branched out into Greater London, Berkshire and Hampshire. In 2024/25 they undertook over 21,000 sessions positively impacting the lives of countless young people and their families through one to one and group interaction. 93% of the 2,865 children and young people they supported said that the help they had received had met their current needs.
Find out more at – https://www.easttowest.org.uk
A Temporary New Role Assisting St. Nicholas at a Ukrainian Christmas Party!
I achieved a life-long ambition when St Nicholas asked if I could help hand out the presents to the children at the Ukrainian Xmas Party held at The Lighthouse in Woking. It was a wonderful occasion with Ukrainian music, singing and food with craft activities, face painting and a puppet show. Hosted by Erik and Rebecca Jespersen and wonderfully choreographed by Irina and her army of volunteers, Suzanne and I were soon put to work, with Suzanne helping out in the kitchen and myself as part of the welcoming committee on the door. It was lovely to see so many traditional costumes and happy faces and when St Nicholas arrived with his sack full of toys and chocolates the excitement was palpable (and that was just me!). The support given to the local Ukrainian Community by the Lighthouse and their supporters is helping to alleviate some of the difficulties they are facing, but there were some tears as well as smiles. Suzanne and I welcomed in an Ukrainian family in the early stages of the conflict; they have become part of our family, and we have learned so much from each other. We are welcoming a second family in the coming weeks and it is reassuring to know that support from organisations like the Lighthouse will hopefully help them put their lives back together.
Artventure Trust – 41 Years of Helping Adults with Learning Disabilities, Physical Impairments and Autism to Build their Confidence & Self Esteem Through Art.
My family and I are very much lovers of art and one of my proudest moments during this past year has been witnessing the conception of ‘Guildford Festival of the Arts’ which was co-founded by our daughter Charlie.
It was therefore very fitting that the High Sheriff’s Christmas card this year was designed by one of the amazing artists – Nico, from the Guildford based day centre for adults with learning disabilities, physical impairments and autism – The Artventure Trust.
Our timely visit had two purposes – to meet and thank Nico for his wonderful design whilst recording a festive greeting and also to find out more about Artventure and meet more of the people who benefit from this brilliant organisation.
Suzanne and I were greeted by manager Mariann Kehrling, who escorted us to the purpose built facility in the grounds of St. Peter’s School in Merrow. From the moment you enter the building it is a visual delight with brightly coloured artworks occupying every space on the walls. The standard of the art is impressive with a wide range of media and subject matter and the environment is perfect for the artists who enjoy a safe space in which to be creative at the same time as making friends with a shared interest.
Founded in 1984, the charity which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year with a reception to launch an auction of artworks at West Horsley Place, (recently renovated and featured in the TV sitcom – ‘Ghosts’), now also has a branch at ‘Gosden school in Bramley. The dedicated staff of volunteers, some of whom have been in situ for many years, are all very passionate about their roles, adding to the stability of the charity. As well as Nico, we spoke with regular attendees, Peter, Tom, Amy and Sophie about their current projects and experiences and were very much inspired by their achievements. What an amazing facility and it is very obvious that having a place like Artventure gives the artists the chance to develop their creative and communication skills, building their confidence and self esteem – art really can make a big difference.
Find out more and donate at www.art-venture.co.uk.
Photos by Andy Newbold
Intergenerational Music Making Event at the United Reformed Church – Guildford. A Wonderful Interactive Christmas Event.
It was such a pleasure to take part in the Intergenerational Music Making (IMM) event at one of Guildford’s most active churches last week.
The United Reformed Church caters for people of all ages and faiths and the minute we walked in, the Christmas spirit was abundant, mainly due to around 40 beautifully decorated Christmas trees – an annual festival to raise funds for local causes.
This set the scene perfectly for the morning of music making which involved local people and two groups of school children. Intergenerational Music Making (IMM) is a national not for profit organisation working with people and communities of all ages. Rooted in music and creativity, they co-design programmes that bring generations together, reduce loneliness and improve health and wellbeing. Their work builds intergenerational solidarity and creates stronger, more connected places where everyone feels they belong.
IMM’s Charlotte Miller on guitar, supported by a piper, pianist and saxophonist delighted young and old alike, encouraging plenty of interaction and the first groups of young local school children delighted the audience with Christmas carols and of course we all lent our voices too! Soon after they were joined by the juniors complete with Christmas hats.
Suzanne, Myself and one of my cadets – Imogen, who had joined us for the days visits, had a great time and the music session ended up with Imogen having Santa hats piled high on her head by the mischievous children much to everyones amusement! To wrap up the morning I had the honour of presenting ‘High Sheriff Youth Awards’ certificates, with Trustee Ron Enticott, recognising the grants awarded by the HSYA to IMM, ‘Big Leaf Foundation’ and ‘The Matrix Trust’ – Three wonderful organisations who do so much for our community.
Find out more about IMM at https://www.imm-music.com
Photos by Andy Newbold
University of Surrey hosts a Prestigious International United Nations Event.
I was delighted to attend a prestigious event at the University of Surrey, attended by the Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations, Michelle Gyles-McDonnough. The University is one of only 32 International Training Centres for Authorities and Leaders, called The CIFAL Global Network. These centres are co-ordinated by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) each operating as a hub for innovation and knowledge exchange, offering high impact training that brings together government officials, the private sector, academia and civil society to promote sustainable development and empowering local leaders to address global challenges.
CIFAL Surrey was launched last year and already has had a significant impact under Founding Director, Amelia Hadfield, who also choreographed the day’s events. The new Vice Chancellor of the University, Stephen Jarvis, addressed the conference together with Alexander Mejia, Head of CIFAL Global Network and Michelle Gyles-McDonnough. There was an opportunity to tour the Institute for Sustainability and meet the CIFAL staff and students before enjoying a networking dinner.
A Festive Evening with the Surrey Magistrates
.Suzanne and I enjoyed a very festive evening at the Guildford Institute with the Surrey Magistrates who had taken the theme of wearing something red very seriously. Also present was the Lord Lieutenant, legal advisors, ushers and rota admin staff, and it is one of the only occasions when all parts of the Magistrates team are gathered together.
As High Sheriff one of my responsibilities is to support the Judiciary and all who uphold the Kings Peace, so it was a fitting occasion to be able to thank them for their unwavering dedication and service. They often have to sit for long hours making difficult decisions that require not only legal knowledge but also compassion and understanding. Over 90% of all cases start and finish in Magistrates Courts.
Magistrates are all volunteers and they have to give up time to be trained, sit in court and often undertake extra admin and other responsibilities to keep the courts running. Amazing some 60% fit in this public duty around their paid employment. I enjoyed meeting some of the magistrates I met at their swearing in ceremony earlier this year and congratulated others that the Lord Lieutenant presented with long service awards. It was also wonderful to catch up with Dee Wilkinson JP, the Surrey Bench Chair, and the person who performed the official duties at my Installation Ceremony earlier this year.
Christmas Carols in the Inspiring Great Hall of Farnham Castle.
We had a day of contrasting carol services this week when, after enjoying singing with prisoners in the chapel at HMP High Down, Suzanne and I travelled to Farnham Castle where, together with the Lord lieutenant in the inspiring Great Hall, we enjoyed singing carols again and also listening to the amazing Farnham Youth Choir. We were also joined by the Mayor of Farnham and the Mayor of Waverley; and the evening also raised money for the wonderful local charity Headroom, who Suzanne and I had met back in June. They help young people together with their parents or carers who need support with anger management or other issues. It was lovely to see Sue Evans, the CEO, and her team again and to see the local community coming together to give them support. It was out first visit to Farnham Castle but certainly will not be our last. It is open to the public for tours every Wednesday.
https://www.farnhamcastle.com/
https://www.headroomcharity.co.uk
A Contemporary Interpretation of Old Favourites for the Emergency Services.
Attending a number of carol services could become repetitive, but the Emergency Services Christmas Carols at St Saviour’s Church in Guildford provided a modern twist as the church’s band and singers provided a contemporary interpretation of old favourites. The service was led by Rector Graham Shaw and Associate Minister Lucy Webb and representatives of all the emergency services were in attendance. I was joined by Imogen and Grace, my Police Cadets, whilst other police cadets performed admirably in serving drinks and mince pies to everyone. We managed to grab a photo of them all and also a photo of a number of the wonderful Street Angels who were also there, catching up with some of the people we went on patrol with earlier this year.
