Visited Guildford City Boxing Club. One of Guildford’s “best kept secrets”. Run by the extraordinary John Edwards (the small guy in the picture) providing training and coaching for 120 young people a week offering “Boxing for All”. Based in Park Barn it does as John says keep these young people “out of trouble and gives them confidence” . John who has 9 grandchildren is himself a GB boxing coach and has inexhaustible energy. An inspiration to all. www.guildfordcityboxingclub.com
Was a guest at Cedar Court Care Home (near Cranleigh) where in front of the residents I, a retired military Chaplain, serving soldiers and veterans handed out “5p pieces” (aka “the King’s Shilling”) to some 50 children invited from Cranleigh School as we told them about events on the Western Front 100 years ago. I was able (briefly, it was very hot) to talk about my grandfather, killed on the first day of Paschendale 31st July 1917, whose name is inscribed on the Menin Gate, Ypres as he has no known grave. I will be returning there on the 31st July to lay a wreath in his memory but also, as High Sheriff, wreaths for two Surrey Regiments.
Invited by the Chairman of Surrey CC to join the annual get together of the 9 Borough Mayors 2 District Council Chairman and 4 Town Council Mayors from across Surrey. As we have all been recently appointed a great opportunity to put faces to names. And Surrey CC staff handed out a small pamphlet with photos should we forget.
The Guildford Shakespeare Company performed A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Racks Close, an old quarry site, off Quarry Street in Guildford. an inspired location as the action moved between different sites within the old quarry (which is now a rather secret tree-covered public park). A great performance by really talented actors all much appreciated by the audience. Congratulations to Sarah Gobran and Matt Pinches, the founders of the GSC. Do go and see the play. www.guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk .
An amazing exhibition of the paintings by the women of Send Prison in an exhibition I visited yesterday. Thus was the inspiration of the women themselves and of Sally Varah (High Sheriff in 2008). The project was keenly supported by the Governor Carlene Dixon. The weekly Watts Gallery workshops at HMP Send (funded by the Michael Varah Memorial Fund and reaching 2,000 women over 10 years) ) were a key ingredient to building the skills and confidence of the artists. A very high standard of art was on display and for sale. I succumbed to “To Infinity and Beyond”.
Hosted by Simon Inchbald the Mayor of Waverley Borough (I live in this Borough, albeit at an extreme edge!) the Flag was raised in support for the Armed Forces in a short Service in Godalming
led by Rev Sarah Brough, the Mayor’s Chaplain. All very dignified and meaningful. Well done Waverley!
A special Mattins service at Guilford Cathedral with the Cadet Forces of Surrey on parade and in the Service. The Lord Lieutenant took the salute and he, I and the Chairman of Surrey CC inspected the cadets on parade. Wonderful to see so many young people enjoying the experience of being cadets. I enjoyed talking to some of them during the inspection even though I held up the ceremony by chatting to too many for too long!
At Surrey University Sports Park watching 2,000 young people representing individual Boroughs competing across 15 different sports. Great day for the volunteers who coach them, for the children and their families. But it was hot spectating never
mind taking part, but I was rather foolishly wearing a tie! www.activesurrey.com/SYG
Invited to the Peer Production “Losing It” at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre in Woking. Peer Productions is a charity specialising in the social welfare education of young people through the medium of theatre. Over ten years plays have been presented in schools on difficult topics like mental health/self harm, teenage pregnancy and drug misuse. Last night’s powerful play was about sex and relationships and didn’t shy away from issues around same sex, transgender, sexting, internet grooming, pornography, rape and more. This play is now being shown to 13 year olds in schools across Surrey in the belief and expectation it will answer questions that that age group struggle to understand. We enjoyed the play as a work of art brilliantly performed by young actors and were really impressed with how cleverly the content is aimed at 13 year
olds Huge congratulations to the Artistic Director Nina Lemon. www.peerproductions.co.uk
Had the priviledge of meeting the Chairman (Chris Brewer) and the Chief Executive (Ian Burks) of YMCA East Surrey. What a great organisation leading the field for the whole
YMCA movement with a great focus on young people and particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with disabilities. Visited a number of of their centres. All very impressive. www.ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk