Surrey Day 2025 - Saturday 10th May 2025

Benson & Blossom – All Ready for Surrey Day

As part of this year’s Surrey Day celebrations, on Saturday May 10, the organisers of Surrey Day – ‘Visit Surrey’ in collaboration with ‘BBC Radio Surrey’ and The ‘Surrey Lieutenancy’ are asking you to ‘Take the Lead’ and share your favourite local dog walks and dog-friendly destinations in our County. Benson & Blossom are pictured getting ready for their Surrey Day Walkies by sporting the ‘Surrey Day’ logo – lets see your pooch pics enjoying their Surrey walks and if you need ideas there are suggestions for dog friendly events happening on Surrey Day HERE. Please tag Tag @visitsurrey on social media and use the #SurreyDay hashtag and so that Benson and Blossom can see them too why not add #highsheriffofsurrey.

Information on the events happening during Surrey Day can be found at – https://www.visitsurrey.com/whats-on/surrey-day/

VE Day - The High Sheriff remembers around the County of Surrey

The 80th Anniversary of VE Day – Full of Happiness, Reflection, Remembrance & Hope for the Future.

It was an honour to be the incumbent High Sheriff of Surrey and participate in the celebration and remembrance on the 80thAnniversary of VE Day.

Both my parents witnessed the Blitz in London and experienced evacuation and both my grandfathers fought in the war, one in North Africa and the other manning the barrage balloons in London. I grew up hearing their stories and their recollections of VE Day and marking the anniversary is so important to ensure future generations never forget the selflessness of those who gave up so much for their freedom. My wife and I had the privilege of meeting some veterans on our visits across the County and sharing in many happy moments and poignant reflections on our travels; including in Guildford having a wonderful chat with a resident of Merrow, proudly wearing his father’s medals who participated in the D-Day landings on Juno beach.

Our first event was the flag-raising ceremony at the Guildhall in Guildford, where I was privileged to be on the balcony with Colonel (retired) Patrick Crowley MA MBE DL, the Mayor of Guildford, Howard Smith, the Revd Canon Simon Butler, veteran Ian Chatfield, Simon Persin (who played the fanfare and God Save the King) and the Town Crier, David Peters who made the following proclamation:-

Oyez, Oyez, Oyez

Eighty years ago today the United Kingdom and its allies from around the globe celebrated VE Day – the end of the war in Europe.

Today as we come together to commemorate what came to be known as VE Day our thoughts turn to thanksgiving and remembrance of those millions that gave so much to achieve the freedom we all enjoy today.

We remember those we lost, those who were wounded or scarred, those whose lives were forever changed by war. Nobody was immune from the impact of that terrible conflict.

Let us pause to remember their sacrifice.

We reflect too upon the words of our late and glorious Queen, Elizabeth – “Never Give Up, Never Despair”.

And so we offer thanksgiving for the selflessness of those who gave up so much in order that future generations should enjoy the blessings of freedom, democracy and peace.

God Save the King

Suzanne and I next travelled to Cedar Court in Cranleigh where we were welcomed by Michael Gains and Kathryn Thompson, both resplendent in 1940’s dress, as were all their fellow staff members. The sun was shining brightly and all residents and many members of their families were sitting outside at table decked with Union Jacks and bunting overhead. It was so special for Suzanne and myself to be able to spend time hearing their many and varied stories. There was a wonderful celebratory mood, which was a testament to what high regard all the residents hold the management team in and the deep affection that is reciprocated. I read out the proclamation that the town crier had made in Guildford earlier that day.

We then moved on to The Hive in Park Barn in Guildford where there was a very jolly sing-song in progress. Mayor, Howard Smith was also present as we sung songs from the 1940’s and 50’s including My Old Man’s a Dustman and I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles! Suzanne spoke with a lovely gentleman, who showed a photo of his school in Enfield which had been destroyed by a doodle-bug bomb. He had luckily been off school sick that day and the other pupils had safely made it to the air-raid shelter, but sadly one teacher was not so fortunate. I again read out the proclamation the town crier had made at the flag-raising ceremony at the Guildhall in Guildford that morning.

Our final trip visit was to Farnham to participate in the beacon lighting in the evening. Held at Gostrey Meadow, there was a large crowd being regaled by the Alder Valley Brass Band when we arrived. There was a parade made up of the Farnham Royal British Legion, Veterans, Reservists, Uniformed Personnel, Cadet Forces and Uniformed Sections which formed up behind  Mayor of Farnham Cllr Brodie Mauluka, the Mayor of Waverley John Ward and his wife,  Deputy Lieutenants Bill and Bridget Biddell (also past High Sheriffs) and ourselves.  Bill Biddell then read out a Tribute written for the occasion after being introduced by the Town Crier, Michael Stephens.

We sang I Vow to thee my Country and the National Anthem before I was extremely honoured to close the evening by lighting the beacon which connected this event to numerous others around the country. Suzanne and I would like to extend our thanks to Iain Lunch, the town clerk, for escorting us throughout.

It was a joyous day to be a part of; full of happiness, reflection, remembrance and also of hope for the future; as days like this help to bring communities together to share experiences, renew friendships and ensure we never forget.

The Following photos, taken in Farnham have been submitted by Natalia Sharomova – a Farnham based photographer.

Sallie Baker MBE hands over the Reins to Howard Smith, after a busy year as Mayor of Guildford.

It was a pleasure to attend the Mayor-making ceremony with my wife, Suzanne, at the Guildhall in Guildford today.

After a very busy and successful year, Sallie Barker handed over the reins to Howard Smith. Howard is keen to promote good social housing and education for children and young people. Sallie commented that she had been involved in over 500 meetings and made over a hundred speeches during her year, raising a record £105,000 for local good causes. I enjoyed working with her, as Chair of Guildford Philanthropy, putting on the Mistletoe Ball which raised over £76k in December. 

I wish Howard and his wife Debbie an enjoyable year and look forward to seeing them along the way!

Find out more about the new Mayor of Guildford HERE

Surrey History Centre

Surrey History Centre – Dedicated to Preserving the County’s Heritage.

I greatly enjoyed visiting the Surrey History Centre in Woking with my wife, Suzanne on May 6th. It was fascinating to learn how much of the County’s important records and artifacts are catalogued, archived and in some cases meticulously restored here. We were shown round by Dr David Taylor, Chairman of the Surrey History Trust, Mike Page, County Archivist; and Julian Pooley, Public Services and Engagement Manager. We also had the pleasure of meeting Gary Topp, Director of Painshill Park Trust who was being shown some of the records held on Painshill Park.

We were also able to review a number of documents relating to and written by past High Sheriffs dating back many years and still in a remarkably good state of preservation thanks to the dedication of the team at the Surrey History Centre.

You can find out more about the Surrey history centre HERE

University of Surrey - Graduation Ceremony

Graduation time at the University of Surrey.

I was delighted to part of the Graduation Ceremony on May 1st for the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences at the University of Surrey.

The Ceremony was held in Guildford Cathedral, followed by a reception on Campus and then a small dinner hosted by Vice-Chancellor Max Lu in the University Restaurant. My wife, Suzanne and I took the opportunity to speak to a number of graduates who clearly had enjoyed their time at the University and  were very complimentary of their tutors and the courses they had been studying.

John Mullen (pictured with myself and Max Lu) who is the Chairman of Quantas received an Honorary degree recognising his many achievements since graduating from the University.

46 Surrey Scouts Attain Highest Award – The Chief Scout’s Gold Award.

Suzanne and I were delighted to be invited to the Chief Scout’s Gold Award ceremony at High Cross Church, Camberley on Saturday April 26th.

There are around 18,000 members of Scouts in Surrey and over 3,500 dedicated volunteers. The Gold Award is the highest honour in the Scouts and it takes successful young people 2-3 years to attain it, having undertaken 9 different challenges, each requiring dedication and application across a number of different work programmes.

It was a privilege to award certificates to the 46 scouts who had achieved the gold award and to learn of their achievements from Joe Rogerson the County Commissioner and Martin Gerrard DL, County Chairman for Surrey Scouts. I was able to address the recipients and offer my congratulations and some words of advice including my favourite quote, from Mohammed Ali, “Don’t Count the Days, Make the Days Count” 

Find out more about the Chief Scout’s Gold Award HERE

Surrey Hills Community Radio – Winners of a King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

A popular community radio station founded in 2014, was one of the nine Surrey organisations awarded with a King’s Award for Voluntary Service late last year and on Monday evening (28th April), my wife Suzanne and I went along to see the award being presented by The Lord-Lieutenant – Mr Michael More-Molyneux to co-founder and station manager – Dave Smith at ‘The Stockroom Society’ in Leatherhead.

Following the official citation read out by Deputy Lieutenant – Neelam Devesher DL, Dave made an emotional speech acknowledging the many people who had been responsible for the station’s success –“This award is not just for the radio station – it’s for every single person who has given their time, their talent, and their voice to make Surrey Hills Community Radio what it is today. We are so grateful to all who have been part of our journey.”

There are 65 presenters currently involved and a team of dedicated people make sure everything works, is done with professionalism and care, and the station’s philosophy of ‘bringing people together through the power of local radio, community collaboration and shared stories’ is realised. Judging by the many local people who had turned up to help celebrate the award which included the vice-chairman of Mole Valley District Council – Cllr Roger Adams, and Helen McGuire MP, Surrey Hills Community Radio has become a valued asset to the County and it is great to see the efforts of so many people honoured with this award.

Left to Right – Neelam Devesher DL, Helen Maguire MP, The Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey – Mr Michael More-Molyneux, Phil Wessell – Dave Smith, Nicola & Dan Joyce and Kayleigh Arunasalon (Core Management of SHCR), The High Sheriff of Surrey – Mr Peter Cluff and Vice-Chairman of Mole Valley District Council – Mr Roger Adams.

One of the highlights of the evening was the children of Claygate Primary School singing a couple of radio themed songs – they are one of the many schools that have benefited from the educational support the radio station provides at the studio in North street. Later someone else who had been helped along in their career through the ‘new music’ programme – Millie Jane Franks – a local singer/songwriter treated the audience to a performance too – a moving reminder of the station’s impact on local talent and creativity.

An added bonus was the choice of venue which was much bigger than the nearby studio. The Stockroom Society, situated in the Swan Shopping Centre generously offered the space so that more people would be able to celebrate – a community business itself, it was a great collaboration and their art is fabulous. Congratulations all on a great evening and for serving the music and creative community.

Find out more about Surrey Hills Community Radio, including how to listen in to its exclusively online shows a www.surreyhillsradio.co.uk

Photography by Andy Newbold

Dave Smith – Co-Founder/Station Manager.
Councillor Tim Hall and Mary Huggins
Dave Smith – Co-Founder/Station Manager
Reception at The Stockroom Leatherhead
Dave with some of the presenters/guests
Children from Claygate Primary School
Millie Jane Franks
The Lord Lieutenant’s speech
The Presentation of the Award
The Presentation of the Kings Award for Voluntary Service

The Revelaires Variety Group receive the Kings Award for Voluntary Service

A King’s Award for Volunteer Performers – Revelaires Variety Group!

I was very honoured to join HM Lord-Lieutenant and Caroline Breckell MVO DL in presenting The Revelaires Variety Group with the Kings Award for Voluntary Service recently. They are an Amateur Variety group founded in 1953 who for the past 72 years have been providing free musical entertainment to care homes and dementia units in Spelthorne, Elmbridge and Runnymede from Sept to March and have a fundraising show once a year at Riverside Arts Centre, Sunbury-on-Thames. They are one of nine organisations that received the Award in the County in 2024.

Do watch the presentation video which is available on their Facebook page HERE

The Amber Foundation – Transforming Lives.

I enjoyed an informative visit to The Amber Foundation in Ockley on April 16th with my wife Suzanne and Patricia Lees, the Resident Judge from Guildford Crown Court. We were escorted round my Louise Cheung, Fundraising Manager, who showed us the facility which can house up to 30 young people aged between 18 and 30 years ago offering support to help them transform their lives.

Celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, they have four locations in Devon, Wiltshire, Kent and Surrey.  The focus at the centre is on health and well-being, personal development, independent Living and education and employability. The average stay is six to nine months, during which the young people progress through three stages;- induction, development and move-on, with the aim that at the end of their time at The Amber Foundation, they leave to start employment which the Foundation helps arrange together with their living accommodation. I had the pleasure of meeting some of the residents who were enthusiastic about the support they were receiving and enjoying their time at The Amber Foundation. Having recently received a grant from Your Fund Surrey the Foundation are about to commence building an outdoor covered space to provide additional facilities.

To find out more about the Amber Foundation click HERE

Spelthorne Litter Pickers awarded with a Kings Award for Voluntary Service!

The Kings Award for Voluntary Service – Spelthorne Litter Pickers

I was delighted to attend the presentation of the Kings Award for Voluntary Service to the Spelthorne Litter Pickers at Spelthorne Council Offices on April 15th. The award was presented by the Lord Lieutenant at a reception hosted by the Mayor of Spelthorne to Shirley Lunn the Co-Founder and Chair of Spelthorne Litter Pickers. Set up during COVID they now have some 1,200 volunteers across the Borough with five trustees co-ordinating their activities and collection by the Council. They are one of just nine volunteer organisations in Surrey which were awarded the Kings Award for Voluntary Service this year.

The Kings Award for Voluntary Service - Spelthorne Litter Pickers.