Attended the Honorary Fellows Dinner at Royal Holloway University last evening. A great celabratory occasion at this leading academic institution in Surrey with a great past and a great future! The campus has stunning Victorian and modern buildings.
I was invited to their annual Reception last night. What a success story in marshalling philanthropy in Surrey. Raised £18 million over 10 years to support many deserving charities in Surrey. Visit www.cfsurrey.org.uk
Was invited by the High Sheriff of East Sussex to attend her Judge’s Service in Lewes yesterday. It was held in the Parish Church of St Anne’s a fine Grade One Norman Church, circa 1160. A fine location for a very powerful service in support of the Judiciary.
Visited the charity Eikon and met their inspirational leader Chris Hickford. They do a wonderful job helping Surrey’s vulnerable young people and transforming their lives. I look forward to visiting some of the schools and communities where they work
In Camberley Theatre last evening with the Mayor of Surrey Heath to present well earned Duke of Edinburgh awards. We were entertained by the Gordon’s Pipes and Drums, a great sound in an enclosed space!. Awards won by very impressive young people from Collingwood, Tomlinscote and Gordons schools.
Attended the annual Surrey Youth Focus, Surrey Young Superstars event in Guildford on Sunday. Many congratulations to the Superstars and in particular to the Superstar of the Year, Jasmine Dhaliwal. It was a humbling honour to announce her accolade. Do visit www.surreyyouthfocus.org.uk.
Was invited to attend the ceremony for the appointment of the new Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Nigel Manning. An impressive event in the Guildhall, all steeped in history and tradition. I wish Nigel and his Mayoress Councillor Marsha Moseley all success in their year.
With my fellow Watts Gallery Trustees I yesterday visited the proposed site of the sculpture Physical Energy in a stunning location beside the A3 . The casting its in progress and once in place it will truly be a Beacon for Surrey.
Have you seen the wisteria growing up to 100 feet on trees at Wisley? We did today, an amazing sight well away from the crowds, on a bank holiday Monday at Wisley.
Did you know Chinese wisteria grows anti-clockwise, Japanese clockwise?
Wisley gardens, another “Jewel of Surrey”.
I visited Waverley Abbey yesterday. What an inspiring place. The original Abbey was built in 1128 when the High Sheriff of Surrey was someone called Fulk, nephew of Gilbert the Knight who had been High Sheriff from 1106 to 1125. We must assume Full and his successors had been regular visitors to this site until the Reformation.
What is left of the Abbey is very atmospheric in a glorious location next to the river. Definitely one of the “Jewels of Surrey”. I hope to highlight more “Jewels” in the months ahead to celebrate what is great about living in Surrey.