Cranleigh Arts Centre

Living only three miles away I went  too catch up with the latest developments at the Cranleigh Arts Centre. I met the Kary Backhouse the Centre Manage and Bob Wild the Chairman of the Trustees. I was so impressed by the range of activities that they lay on- crafts, exhibitions, music for all tastes, drama , live streaming  . Even on a Monday when the Centre is supposed to be closed there was a lot going on. This really is a jewel of Surrey to be enjoyed by all.  www.cranleighartscentre.org 

 

 

Surrey Heath Civic service

 

Cllr Valerie White Mayor of Surrey Heath hosted the Civic Service at St Anne’s Church Bagshot yesterday. A powerful declaration of her resolve for her year of office. A reception that followed was a good opportunity to meet many of the new Borough Mayors from across Surrey who, like me, have recently taken up office. I need to do more to learn the second verse of the National Anthem!

 

 

Surrey Clubs for Young People

Visited this charity yesterday and met the Chairman Tony Willis and the CEO Joyce Quinnell. They do a great service supporting over 100 youth clubs in Surrey (and “former” Surrey) helping over 2,500 young people a week to grow in confidence in their journey to adulthood. 

www.scyp.co.uk 

The Children's Trust

HS with Dalton Leong CE of the Children's Trust

 

Visited the Children’s Trust at Tadworth today and met the Chief Executive, Dalton Leong, members of staff and volunteers working with the children in their care. Children under their care have generally  acquired brain injuries and are undergoing rehabilitation therapy to enable a better quality of life. There is a wonderful happy atmosphere with families very much welcomed and involved. The staff are incredible. As it is National Volunteers Week I met  a volunteer affectionally known as “granddad” who had a grand daughter who benefitted from the care of the Trust and now himself is there helping two days a week. This is truly a place of hope. www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk 

Catalyst

 

Visited the charity Catalyst today in Guildford. They do very impressive work on a very personalised  basis with individuals struggling with alcohol and drug addiction and mental health issues. They are non judgemental and very caring. Wonderful staff and volunteers. 

Photo of I , Lady Louise Connor Patron and two long serving volunteers with over thirty years each of commitment to the cause. www.catalystsupport.org.uk 

Bishop of Dorking

Met Bishop Jo today and I look forward to co-operating with her in the Priority Places across Surrey. 

 

 

Surrey County Show

 

Terrific occasion. Very well organised with lots to do and see and plenty of farm animals to enjoy. Wonderful to see young people, largely from an urban environment, learning  about milking, about bee keeping etc. Best was watching the pig marshalling competition!

High Sheriff Youth Awards

On Tuesday chaired my first meeting of the High Sheriff Youth Awards Council Council. We were privileged to have David Munro the Police and Crime Commissioner of Surrey to address us. I look forward to visiting the projects that the HSYA support. Organisations that are “Helping young people make Surrey safer” should apply to www.surreyhighsheriff.org  

Surrey County Council

On Tuesday I was asked by the retiring Council Chairman, Sally Marks, to be the guest speaker at her farewell lunch with  the 81 councillors. My words will be posted on this web site. I now look forward to working with Sally’s successor as Chairman , Peter Martin. 

East to West

Visited this successful charity on Monday and met the inspiring Chief Executive of East to West, Anthony Horton. They are doing great work in schools in the north of Surrey helping young  people in schools on a 1:1 basis with issues and difficulties they are facing. We visited two schools (Town Farm Primary and Thomas Knyvett College). www.easttowest.org.uk