HRH The Princess Royal Visits Surrey spectaculars.

On 4th February Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal was received at Redhill Aerodrome by staff,Trustees, funders, beneficiaries and guests of AAKSS.

The sun shone, HRH arrived by helicopter and a busy and fascinating tour of all that happens at AAKSS followed. Celebrating thirty years of operation, the skill, commitment , technological advances and empathy are incredible. And all this from an organisation that has next to nothing in public funding but a huge commitment not only from all the staff and Trustees but from their volunteers and supporters.

Invaluable and critical work which needs our continual support and which her HRH and many guests were able to share in celebrating.

On then to Biwater,

and finally a wonderful visit to The University of Surrey Veterinary Medical School. So many surprises in store as The Vice Chancellor guided the way through the different parts of the school seeing horses,cattle,pathology,clinical works and finally opening the large animal clinical school .

Volunteer Police Cadet Leaders come together to celebrate.

An evening of thank you’s, dinner, and games, to mark my appreciation for the tremendous dedication and huge commitment of all the leaders of the volunteer police cadets.You are invaluable.

The 7th VPC Unit Is Up and Running.

Excitement as a further unit of Surreys Volunteer Police Cadets opens at Kings International College in the borough of Surrey Heath.Thank you to all the new volunteers leaders, and to Kings International college who have made the space available for the Unit to meet weekly.

30 cadets are now part of the unit -fantastic.

Police Passing out Parade

As impressive as always, despite the cold grey murky afternoon Loseley house was the superb back drop to the Police Passing Out Parade of an incredible forty one probationers, celebrating independent patrol status. It was a wonderful celebration of a very important event .

Sayers Croft-nurturing in the heart of Surrey

What an amazing treasure- a most beautiful site just outside Cranleigh with opportunities for all to enjoy a stay or day visits in the nurturing environment of a nature reserve and plenty of outdoor activities and opportunities.The site is fascinating and Sayers Trust provides wonderful opportunities to be immersed in stunning woodland with beautiful hardwood trees with bluebells and streams of clear running water.See www.sayerscrofttrust.org.uk

A triumph -a new Scout HQ

Congratulations to Chertsey scouts, for thirteen years of hard graft have created a magnificent new HQ in Chertsey. The building was badly needed and will provide a wonderful centre for Chertsey Scouts,Explorers and Beavors.

Magic at The Woodhouse Centre

I spent a wonderful morning in the heart of Oxted Community at The Woodhouse Centre. There were over 30 happy ladies and gentlemen crafting wonderful objects from birdhouses to jerseys and of course poppies for this years Remembrance Day.The enjoyment and friendship was palpable,and I felt this was a true expression of community.Such wonderful stories of what The Woodhouse centre meant to both the young and the older who were there. In addition the centre has links with Waitrose and other organisations in Oxted, just brilliant. A huge thank you to the volunteers and the Committee for all the time and thought and care that you give. thewoodhousecentre.org.uk

The Matrix Trust – all smiles

At the top of the High Street in Guildford is the Pavillion where the Matrix Trust runs programs for young people.

It was a pleasure for HSYA Council member Janet Tait and I to present to The Matrix Trust a certificate from the High Sheriff’s Youth awards in recognition for what they do to make Surreys communities safer.

YMCA East Surrey-inspiring work

Tucked into Redhill is YMCA’s sports and community Center buzzing with activity centered on health and well being,it was an uplifting start to a morning which included seeing the fantastic work with young people that the YMCA takes responsibility for.The Sovereign center was busy with yoga for young people with disabilities and then onto Hillbrook House,home for 44 16to 18 year olds,where support and mentoring is provided.

Thank you YMCA for your dedication and determination and to your long standing Patron Chris..

Cadets Combine for a successful pilot

Guildford Volunteer Police Cadets and St John Ambulance Cadets undertook a successful 4 week pilot training program, hosted at Guildford fire station and organised in conjunction with Surrey Fire and Rescue Service. It was great to be able to enjoy the culmination of the training program and witness the healthy rivalry between the cadets at Guldford fire Station.