Perdita's Farewell

Yesterday was the end  of  thirteen years of Perdita Hunt running the Watts Gallery. But she didn’t just run the Gallery. She saved the Gallery. When she arrived as Director, a brilliant appointment by the Chairman Richard Ormond, the Gallery was in a poor physical state, random visitors and no profile. Now, thirteen years later, the Gallery has been completely refurbished, without losing its magic, Watt’s house across the road has been acquired as has a long lease on the Watt’s Chapel. It is not just a Gallery but “Watts Gallery Artists Village”.Its reputation is now National and indeed further afield. Well done Perdita. Do visit the Watts Gallery. www.wattsgallery.org.uk

 

  

Another day another Prison: Hardman Trust

Another day another Prison. At HMP Downview invited by the Hardman Trust to present awards to prisoners from around England. The awards  are given to prisoners close to the end of serving long sentences to pay for equipment/training etc  to prepare for life outside prison. It was an honour to meet the 20 or so recipients and hear how grateful they are for this help and for the boost to their self esteem and confidence that the awards mean. Hardman also produce a Directory e

 

very year full of really practical information for prisoners about to leave prison. Well done the Hardman Trust! www.hardmantrust.org.uk 

Families visiting prisons

I was at Coldingley Prison to learn about the work of the charity PACT. They work in 58 prisons to improve the access families have to prisoners by providing support both in the homes and in the prisons.  We heard testimonials from three Colindgley prisoners for whom PACT has changed their lives by improving their relationship with their partners and importantly with their children.  PACT seems particularly adept at the latter. A national statistic: prisoners that have constructive relationships with their families are 39% less likely to re-offend. A great quote from a prisoner: “I am learning to be a Dad even in a prison.” Well done PACT www.prisonadvice.org.uk 

Prison no 3

My third Prison visit in 8 days. At Coldingley, which is a men’s prison, the Governor is Jo Sims and they have amazing facilities for education and employment for the prisoners, the latter including a large engineering workshop with a lot of equipment and a large printing facility with both producing products  for external commercial customers. Over 95% of the prisoners are gainfully employed. Very impressive as is the statistic that in a recent Inspection 76% of the prisoners said “they had hope”. Coldingley truly is a REFORM prison.  

 

40 Degreez

The charity 40 Degreez in Farnham has a great building right in the centre of  the town where they run youth clubs for different age groups and rent space to other organisations with similar objectives. I heard about their plans for next year when they will be launching a Health Club. With  statutory funding in short supply 40 Degreez are providing a key service for the youth of Farnham 

 

 

Mayor of Woking

Attended the Civic Service in St John’s Church Woking for the new Mayor of Woking, Graham Cundy. A service with a powerful sermon, contributions from other Faith  groups and two delightful musical interludes. And a great  tea party afterwards. Thank you Mr Mayor. 

 

 

Trapped

Had a bit of fun

 

at the rally and show of military vehicles at Loseley when I was encouraged to sit inside an armoured patrol vehicle then couldnt get out as the door handle broke! Had to scramble over gear levers and large brake handles to escape! Also met the good people of the Surrey Infantry Museum still reeling from the fire at Clandon Park where they were based. They were very helpful clarifying the history of the Surrey regiments for whom I will be laying wreaths at the Menin Gate memorial in Ypres at the end of July.

Fast Cars

On the way home from Guildford remembered that The Children’s Trust Tamworth (which I visited recently, see earlier blog) were running their annual Supercar Event at Dunsfold Park and I was nearby. It was great to meet the staff again and thank some of the volunteers for the great work they do. I resisted the temptation to be driven around the track in a very fast car. Well done to the Children’s Trust for organising such a successful fund raising event.  

www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk 

 

 

Armed Forces Day

 

Pirbright ATC received the Freedom of Guildford today in a great Military Parade.It was inspiring to see the young cadets marching to a band up the High Street and be so warmly welcomed by the large local crowd. As an officer told me the cadets themselves will remember the experience. Well done the Mayor of Guildford.  

Bronzefield Prison

Ian Whiteside the Director (note not “Governor”) of Bronzefield Prison, very generous with his time, spent the morning explaining his approach to running the prison and showing me around. There are 570 women residents (note not “prisoners”) of whom 40% are on remand (and stay for typically two weeks) with the rest being long term residents many with complex needs. Ian’s sees his task, in addition to the normal needs of security and safety, as that of rehabilitation with a powerful ethos embedded in all the staff of treating their residents with decency and preparing them for release. A recent government white paper said “Bronzefield  leads the way  in training and qualifications”. I saw this in action with residents active in art workshops, a commercial call centre, a beauty parlour and the kitchens. Ian really believes they “are making lives better and these women will contribute to society on their release”. It was a privilege to spend this time with Ian and his staff.