Honouring the fallen on Remembrance Sunday

The High Sheriff laid a wreath commemorating Surrey’s fallen at a beautiful Remembrance Service at St Michael and All Angels Church in Pirbright.

Following the service, conducted by the High Sheriff’s chaplain Reverend Beverley Hunt, Dr Llewelyn joined the procession to the War Memorial in the church grounds for the Act of Commitment and traditional two minutes’ silence.

She stood with Captain James Taylor, Warrant Officer 2 Wells and Staff Sergeant Peters from the Army Training Centre at Pirbright. As they waited to lay the wreaths, Philip Perratron, President of Pirbright Branch Royal British Legion, read out the names of those from Pirbright who died in the first and second world wars.

Dr Llewelyn said: “There was a poignant moment before the two-minute silence when we could hear the distant sound of continual gunfire from the Bisley range when then fell silent at 10.58am.”

Armistice Day 2021 marks 100 years since the  formation of the Royal British Legion.

Wreath-laying marks Armistice Day in Chertsey

Dr Llewelyn accompanied the Mayor of Runnymede Cllr Elaine Gill, Councillors from Surrey County Council and community groups in laying wreaths to mark Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day.

The wreath-laying ceremony was held at the war memorial in front of St Peter’s Church in Chertsey in memory of those who died in conflicts.

The Mayor laid a wreath on behalf of Runnymede Borough Council, resident Councillor Mark Nuti laid one on for SCC, and the High Sheriff’s paid respects to veterans and the emergency services.

The dignitaries joined the public in observing the traditional two-minutes’ silence at 11am.

Opening our eyes to dramatic benefits

Dr Llewelyn learned more about Guildford Shakespeare Company’s use of drama and the theatre to bring benefits to those who are struggling with a range of issues.

The Company works with disadvantaged schools to develop outreach projects using theatre to challenge social exclusion and mental health issues in our communities – subjects close to the High Sheriff’s heart.

During her visit, she spoke to the co-founder, Sarah Gobran, and Ant Stones and Rob Cann who both work on education and outreach. Dr Llewelyn heard about the bespoke workshops, talks and performances the GSC gives in schools and colleges in the south-east.

She said: “They do a great programme called ‘With my eyes’ where they work with children who are struggling at school and their families. They hope to run them again when funding is available.

“It was also interesting to hear how Shakespeare’s work provides an easily introduction to discussing issues such as bereavement, chaotic happenings and social isolation.”

Investiture ceremony for Surrey honours recipients

The High Sheriff attended the investiture of five Surrey residents who received their British Empire Medal (BEM), Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) at Loseley House.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, presented the honours on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen in the Great Hall.

Dr Llewelyn said: “It was a really lovely event and wonderful to be part of the ceremony, where deserving recipients received their honours with their families and loved ones watching.”

Each recipient had inspiring stories to tell and had made a huge contribution to their communities in different ways.

Staines Rotary awards for six potential future leaders

Dr Llewelyn presented six Year 11 secondary school students with their certificates for completing a week-long Staines Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) course in the summer.

The evening event at Staines Prep School saw four students from Matthew Arnold School, two from Magna Carta School and one from the Phoenix Project awarded for attending the intensive leadership experience run by Staines Rotary Club.

Surrey Outdoor Learning & Development (SOLD) developed the residential RYLA course, which runs over five days. The main campus is at High Ashurst in Surrey, with a marine base near Richmond.

SOLD focuses on youth development. During the course, the young people learn and develop communication and problem-solving skills and unlock their potential to ‘turn motivation into action’ as dynamic leaders while having fun and building connections.

Before Dr Llewelyn presented the certificates, individual students and groups delivered presentations about their experiences to the audience, including parents, Staines Rotary President Jonathan McCarthy, other Rotarians, and the Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey, Nick Wood-Dow.

Afterwards, Dr Llewelyn said: “It was inspiring to hear the students’ stories about the course, and I’m sure many of them will use their experience to become motivational leaders in the future.”

Historic Goldsmiths’ Hall hosts High Sheriffs’ AGM

The historic Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London made a splendid backdrop to the annual general meeting of the High Sheriffs’ Association as it celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Last year, the HSA held the AGM online. But this year, 220 High Sheriffs from England and Wales and their consorts, including Dr Llewelyn and her husband, were able to attend the AGM and lunch in person.

The consorts, including Dr Llewelyn’s husband, enjoyed a talk about the global role of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, one of the City’s 12 famous livery companies, and its history. They discovered that the word ‘hallmark’ comes from gold being stamped with the crowned leopard’s head at the assay office in the Hall in 1478.

At the AGM lunch, the High Sheriffs were read a letter from the Queen. Her Majesty said she recognised the value of their role and thanked them for their work. Then Dr Llewelyn took the opportunity to meet as many fellow High Sheriffs as she could.

Dr Llewelyn said: “It was great to share notes on how our year is going. I shared the digital system we have devised to post on this website and social media, which the High Sheriffs I met were all interested in hearing about.”

High Sheriff awards family and community projects in Stanwell

Stanwell Family Centre was in full swing when Dr Llewelyn arrived for a packed programme, starting with a tour of the building where health visitors were doing 27-month baby health checks.

The Family Centre’s manager, Janette Breese, guided the High Sheriff at the start of her visit, explaining that Surrey Care Trust runs the centre in partnership with Surrey County Council.

Dr Llewelyn said: “There is an excellent range of statutory services and those provided by the charitable sector all operating side-by-side, which is beneficial for the local community.

“Families can benefit from how the partners all work together through all sorts of activities, such as a social club for 5-12 year-olds with autism, counselling services, a sensory room, free legal advice clinics, speech and language therapy. There is also an outreach team helping about 20 families with complex needs.”

Dr Llewelyn presented well-earned certificates to parents who had completed a parenting course called 123 Magic and a woman who had completed the Freedom course and worked especially hard to turn her life around.

In addition, Dr Llewelyn toured the community allotment run by the Local Conversation in Stanwell project. The centre works closely with the initiative, which Monica Runke manages and the Trust oversees.

Monica showed the High Sheriff where they grow produce and a section dedicated to families to relax after working in the allotment and watch the children in a safe play area. On the day of her visit, there was a lot of joyful muddy play, supervised by parents and carers enjoying a cup of tea.

Dr Llewelyn gave a High Sheriff award to the project for its outstanding contribution to the local community. The volunteers also gave her lovely fresh produce, including eggs from their hens, and a hand-painted stone saying ‘Bee happy’.

She said: “it was a hugely enjoyable day and a great privilege to spend the morning with such inspirational people doing so much for their communities.”

High Sheriff admires exceptional care at Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice

Dr Llewelyn welcomed the opportunity to chat with the staff at the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice in Farnham and learn more about the fantastic services they provide.

As an NHS hospital doctor, the High Sheriff was particularly interested in the medical care received by patients living with an advanced or terminal illness. But she was also struck by the sheer range of therapies, counselling and pastoral care provided at this welcoming hospice.

Phyllis Tuckwell is the only hospice care service across West Surrey and part of northeast Hampshire for adults living with cancer or another advanced or terminal illness and those closest to them. It gives patients the chance to remain independent and improve their quality of life through all stages of their disease.

Dr Llewelyn thanked chief executive Sarah Church and chair Dr David Eyre-Brook who guided her round for the incredible work that they and their teams do.

She also met inpatient services manager Jackie Johnson, community services manager Catherine vant Riet, medical director Cate Seton Jones, Living Well sister Rachel Copes, clinical nurse specialist Louise Dallain, and director of patient services Jayne Holland.

The hospice also offers bereavement counselling, which many people – young and old – find very helpful following the loss of a loved one.

Sarah Church (side on), Complimentary Therapy Team Lead Angie Shepherd, Rachel Copes, and Dr Llewelyn visit the Dove Lounge.

Royal visit supports Changing Perceptions

UN Climate Conference COP26 was the ideal context for a visit by Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and the High Sheriff to a community café and workshop on Godalming High Street that is doing its bit for the environment by upcycling old furniture.

Changing Perceptions is a social enterprise run by the Meath Epilepsy Charity, which supports people challenged by complex epilepsy and associated disabilities. It brings together volunteers, staff and those they support to upcycle and repurpose donated wooden furniture items then sold in Changing Perceptions’ showroom.

During the royal visit, the Countess of Wessex and Dr Llewelyn visited the excellent café. They chatted to the charity’s residents, their carers, staff and patrons before trying their hand at furniture upcycling.

Dr Llewelyn said: “Changing Perceptions has also increased local knowledge about Meath and the wonderful work it does to enhance the lives of those with epilepsy and its associated disabilities. The coffee and cake are delicious, and I strongly recommend the café to all residents.”

Return visit to reward Holy Cross Hospital

Dr Llewelyn was pleased to present an award to Holy Cross Hospital in Haslemere for its highly specialised services for patients who are severely disabled.

She presented the award to Charles and Adam, who oversee all kinds of creative and art activities and even take the time to take patients to their hospital outpatient appointments. They gave Dr Llewelyn a wonderful calendar of art works done by the patients under their creative guidance.

Dr Llewelyn said: “It’s clear that both staff and patients value them hugely. Indeed, all the staff go ‘above and beyond’ every day to provide excellent care for their patients, not only clinical care but also a wide range of other activities.”

CEO Ross White hosted the High Sheriff’s visit to the hospital founded in 1917 as a tuberculosis sanitorium by the Congregation of the Daughters of the Cross.

Today, many NHS hospitals refer patients with severe neuro-disabilities and complex needs to Holy Cross, where they receive treatment.

It’s the second time that Dr Llewelyn has had the pleasure of visiting Holy Cross Hospital. She formerly opened its wheelchair-accessible treehouse retreat in August.