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. 

 

Boxing

 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

 

King's Shilling

 

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. 

Lunch with the Mayors

 

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. 

Shakespeare in a quarry

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 . 

 

 

Send Art

 

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”. 

Raising the Flag

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!