An Award for ‘Starfish’ – Providing Valuable Support to Schools in East Surrey.

Sparkfish – A Redhill Christian organisation that engages with young people in schools across Reigate, Redhill and Merstham, offering support in important areas of the curriculum and school life was awarded a grant from the High Sheriff Youth Awards last year and this week Ron Enticott from the HYSA, went along to the Sparkfish offices to present Director – Harriet Pearce, and helper – Tim Hills with a certificate from the High Sheriff in recognition of great and valuable services to the community.

The High Sheriff Youth Awards are an organisation who provide funding for a project or initiative for young people that will help reduce or prevent crime – and make communities stronger and safer by reaching out and helping others. Groups can apply for funding for a new or existing project provided that it meets the funding guidance set out on the HSYA website (http://www.surreyhighsheriff.org/willyouqualify.html)

SparkFish was launched in Autumn 2010. It soon became an independent charitable trust, supported by many local churches. Since then, the team has grown and their work has expanded to include the great majority of local schools, primary as well as secondary. The work of volunteers in a range of roles is also vital to their work. Some help in schools on a weekly basis, or get involved in special projects once a year. Others act as our Champions in local churches, raising the profile of schools’ ministry and encouraging practical support. SparkFish also offers opportunities for gap year volunteers who are interested in schools or youth work.

Congratulations Sparkfish on your many achievements and thank you for your contribution to the community.

Find out more by visiting the website – https://sparkfish.org.uk

A Visit to LinkAble in Woking.

I previously had the pleasure of meeting members of the LinkAble Team at the Sheerwater Community Day with Suzanne; so we were delighted to be invited to their main centre in Woking earlier this week to meet with CEO, Sue Stockman, and the rest of her team. We arrived just as the minibuses pulled in, Some bringing young people from school and another returning adults who had been out on a day trip.

LinkAble is a charity which supports people with a learning difficulty and autistic people and helps them lead the life they wish to live. Their weekly groups and holiday schemes offer engaging experiences for people with additional needs, along with essential short breaks for exhausted parents and carers. From sensory activities and days out to performing arts, socialising, and life skills. They are about to launch a new service called Livablity which will enable people to gain the skills and confidence they need to live independent lives and put them on a pathway to paid work or regular volunteering opportunities. Sadly, only about 7% of people with a learning disability are in work, when the majority aspire to have a job and this programme is intended to help them on their journey.

All the staff were amazing and the photo shows me with Sue, Millie (a team leader) and one of the youngsters enjoying the after school activities.

Walton Firs Activity Centre – 50 Acres of Outdoor Activity.

Suzanne and I were amazed when we were invited to visit Walton Firs Activity Centre and encountered over 50 acres of outdoor activities just outside of Cobham. Originally a scout camp, it was acquired in 2008, and since then has grown as a charity offering a wide variety of things to do for many different user groups. Last year over 32,000 young people used the space. They deliver outdoor education activity programmes for youth service providers (Scouts, Guides, Cadet Forces and informal youth groups), education providers (early years, primary, secondary and SEN schools) and young and adult volunteers (Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, National Citizens Service, individual work experience and volunteering activities). 

The Walton Firs Foundation Lead Patron, Derek Pollard, his wife Heather and the CEO, Chris Scott gave us a tour of the facilities and outlined that they are keen to find donors to help fund a new residential lodge and training centre on site. More information can be found at www.waltonfirs.co.uk

Surrey Volunteer Police Cadets Parade.

On Sunday October 12th Suzanne and I were treated to a parade by the Surrey Volunteer Police Cadets ahead of their Awards Ceremony. Deputy Lieutenant, Bridget Bidell and Chief Constable. Tim De Meyer and I inspected the cadets and then awards were given for Voluntary Service Recognition, Endeavour, Community Impact, Cadet of the Year and Cadet Leader of the Year.

Both my High Sheriff Cadets played an important part in the event with Grace handing out the winning envelopes and Imogen giving an excellent account of her time with the Police Cadets. 

Joining the Volunteer Police Cadets is free and offers amazing opportunities for young people. More information can be found here https://www.surrey.police.uk/police-forces/surrey-police/areas/au/about-us/in-the-community/surrey-police-cadet-scheme/

My Night as a Street Angel

Having lived in Guildford for over 25 years I have been aware of the wonderful Street Angels and the part they have played keeping people safe and with their presence helping to prevent incidents from occurring. Last night Suzanne and I joined them on their patrol. They go out every Friday and Saturday night from 10.30pm to 4am in two patrols of two or three volunteers, covering all areas from the station up to G-Live checking in with the pubs and clubs and looking out for people who may need assistance.

Friday night was especially busy with many people coming into town from the Oktoberfest event in Stoke Park. A number of friendly greetings and words of thanks from people out enjoying themselves demonstrated the respect the Street Angels have and a recognition of the good work they do especially towards the end of the night as people start heading home.

I learned that lollipops defuse a lot of aggressive or emotional situations, everyone likes being offered a lollipop and also offering flip flops to young ladies who have removed their painful heels is especially welcome. It was sad to record that there were five people we came across sleeping rough but the Street Angels offer them blankets if they do not want other support. 

Everyone is a volunteer and the Street Angels are always on the look out for more volunteers. The commitment is to be available one Friday or Saturday a month after having undergone some training sessions. It is very rewarding when you know you have helped someone and frequently letters or social media posts praise the Street Angels for their interventions. The camaraderie is great and McDonalds even offer you free food! 

If you would like to enquire about volunteering please email streetangels@gtcc.org.uk or call 07717 876853

Photo from left to right – me, Tony, Sharon, Susanna, Suzanne and team leader Jo

A Visit to The Meath Epilepsy Charity.

Suzanne and I had a wonderful time meeting the residents at The Meath Epilepsy Charity in Godalming either this week. Lucy Miguda, Head of fund-raising, was our guide and we were engrossed by her knowledge of the history of the Meath, her ability to explain the complexity of the medical conditions, her recall of the names of every resident and member of staff we met and her compassion and respect for all. There are 80 residents and over 200 staff who deal with over 7,500 epileptic instances a year. Most of the residents had become epileptic due to being involved in serious accidents and whilst many still retained strong mental faculties, there is a need for constant monitoring and supervision.

The Meath is a beautiful Grade II listed property in wonderful grounds which the residents can enjoy. We enjoyed meeting Michael who spends most of his days maintaining the gardens. We were also delighted to meet a family friend, Phoebe Gayden, who comes in weekly to lead the Meath Choir, who we joined for some singing and Makaton signing.      

A Space for Young People in Mole Valley – The Leatherhead Youth Project.

I had an enjoyable visit to the Leatherhead Youth Project earlier this week. It must have been about eight years ago that I last visited and it was good to see it thriving. Launched in 2008 they provide much needed services for young people in North Leatherhead and more recently Bookham and across Mole Valley helping young people be safe, resilient and able to make positive changes in their own lives and in the community.

In North Leatherhead they offer an after school hub with a variety of activities, with experienced youth workers and counsellors available to provide guidance if required. They also provide food for those that attend and offer opportunities to go on trips, volunteer and run activities to help with the transition form primary to secondary schools and tuition help.

It was great to be shown around by CEO Jude Crome and Marketing & Community Fundraiser, Laura Dicken and also meet some of the young people having a great time.

ACS International Schools STEAM Event at Thorpe Park.

It is a long time since I went to a theme park, so I was very excited to be invited to the ACS International Schools STEAM 2025 event at Thorpe Park.

I joined the Lord Lieutenant in seeing almost 10,000 8-18 year old school children undertaking STEAM (Science technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) challenges prepared and supervised by an array of companies, to earn stamps. Five stamps resulted in a free ride! The enthusiasm of the young people was plain to see and it was interesting to note that many just wanted to get as many stamps as possible rather than enjoy the rides. 

It is a wonderful way to open the eyes of young people to opportunities in the STEAM related industries which ultimately is equally as rewarding for the companies involved as some of these young people may become their future employees. We were escorted round by Tim Cagney, CEO, and Graeme Lawrie, Partnership Director, who has orchestrated bringing together over 100 schools and community organisations to co-create and collaborate on a large number of projects to enrich pupil’s learning beyond the classroom of which STEAM 2025 at Thorpe Park is the flagship event.

Next time I hope I can stay a little longer to collect some stamps!

Recognising People who go the Extra Mile in our County – Investiture of British Empire Medals.

I had the pleasure of once again attending the ‘Surrey Investiture of British Empire Medals’ this week. There were five recipients from across the County who were presented with their medals by the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux on behalf of HM The King. Ms Angela Cogbill BEM, for services to Children with special education needs and adults with disabilities,  Mr Bryan Kenneth Cross BEM, for services in the Community in Surrey, Mrs Jayne Audrey Lightfoot BEM, a teaching assistant, for services in Education, Ms Meredith McCammond BEM, a chartered Tax adviser for services to vulnerable groups, and Mr Jonathan Richards BEM, an emergency response volunteer for the British Red Cross. 

Listening to the citations which were read by the Vice Lord Lieutenant – Mary Cresswell, I was inspired by the stories of each recipient, and it is heartwarming to see them going the extra mile for people in their county. Following the ceremony and official photographs I had the chance to chat to them and their families over tea and cakes in the stunning setting of Loseley House. 

Photos by Andy Newbold.

The Fountain Centre’s Fashion Show – Over £8k Raised for Cancer Support.

Suzanne and I were delighted to attend the Fountain Centre’s Fashion Show at the Harbour Hotel in Guildford on October 4th. The Fountain Centre is an independent cancer charity and each month they have some 1,400 people coming through their doors for counselling, complementary therapies, exercise and information. The cost of providing this service is over £600,000 a year and fund-raising events like the fashion show, which has been running for a number of years, are vitally important. It must be nerve-wracking for anyone to get up on a catwalk, but the models this evening were some of the people that are currently undergoing cancer treatment and are beneficiaries of the Foundation Centre. Understandably nervous but with the raucous support of family and friends and an upbeat soundtrack they were soon strutting their stuff modelling outfits  from one of the main sponsors, Elphicks department Store in Farnham. Nick Hobson, the Chairman, looked after the Mayor of Guildford, his wife, Debbie, and ourselves and we had a most enjoyable evening which raised over £8,000.