Denbies Vineyard Visit.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Denbies Wine Estate kindly hosted by Chris White CEO, where I also met Sweet c’s Handcrafted Chocolates by Caroline Hill, along with Surrey Hills Physiotherapy ran by Helen and Massimo Barcellona with Markus Dell Photographer and Chimney Fire Coffee owned by Dan Webber, and in particular to hear about their challenges in the current climate.

Whilst learning about the challenges  they are all facing, it was refreshing to hear how positive they all were in their outlook for the future.

The weather was glorious, whilst practicing  the standard  social distancing, it was great to hear from Chris White CEO of Denbies Wine Estate  on how they have adapted to the current situation, where they have increased their on-line presence, with Wine and gifts, Opened the “Hatch on the Lawns”, along with Garden centre, hopefully starting turs, as well as hoping to open the hotel business, where the occupancy from 95%  and dropped down to zero with the lockdown.. these are challenging  times, but it was great to see how they have adapted to  the needs.. I was most impressed after my 3 hour visit to find Sir Adrian White going around the Lawns with his black bin bags and emptying bins.

https://www.denbies.co.uk/

Sweet C’s Handcrafted Chocolates,  well what can you say about this incredible company, that hand makes every piece of chocolate hand crafted and made in surrey for feasting. All carried out from Caroline’s House in Bookham, again apart of Surrey Hills enterprise. The cocoa beans imported from Columbia , where farmers and enterprise are encouraged and supported by many organisation as part of their corporate Social Responsibility  to support local families, I have to say the Milk chocolate for diabetics was the best I have tasted. I would encourage you to check-out the website and please support these independent retailers. https://sweetc.co.uk/ @sweet_cs-Chocs

It was great to learn from Dan Webber on his enterprise Chimney Fire Coffee, where Dan spent many years n Africa researching and classifying coffee beans before setting up his business in his shed in 2016. Again I encourage you to check-out Dans website and I would particularly recommend Peru Classic Espresso (chocolate). Dans workshop is in Ranmore Common where he has his team roasting, tasting and distributing coffees to individuals, as well as corporates, biscuit Blackberry. I would encourage you to pay a visit to their Ranmore Common roasting place https://www.chimneyfirecoffee.com/

I was totally amazed to find Surrey Hills Physiotherapy based at Denbies Wine Estate providing  Physiotherapy, Pilates and specialising wellbeing, addressing joints, bones, muscle and backpain business that is family owned by Massimo and Helen Barcellona. As someone who is involved in sports and played sports, the amount of time I have spent in physio room with ligaments and other pans, I have to say the setting, the treatment and rehab room are the best I have ever seen. The building dates back to 1800, and Barcellona’s have retained the woods and settings from 1800, it truly is a wonderful place, where technology and nature come together.. during the Covid19, the company has been teaching virtual classes including free access as well as supporting many housebound individuals. With Massmio specialism in ACL, I can see many football clubs using their services.

Markus Dell running the social media and live streaming contents along with his excellent photographer, please do visit them https://www.surreyhillsphysiotherapy.co.uk

Finally a huge thank you to all for hosting me and your valuable time showing me around.. It was a very unique experience.. Thank you and I will be visiting you soon.

Earl & Countess of Wessex join volunteers at Woking’s Shah Jahan Mosque

Royal arrival follows recent visits to Woking Food bank and St Peter’s Hospital

The Earl and Countess of Wessex joined volunteers at Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking, England, this week to help pack emergency food parcels for vulnerable people across the borough.

As part of a private visit, they also delivered a personal video message for the local and wider Muslim community to mark the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid Mubarak celebrations this weekend.

With the generous support of local churches, businesses and all the community, and spearheaded by mosque manager Mohammed Habib, it has already delivered more than 700 parcels to help local residents through the crisis.

Shahid Azeem, current High Sheriff of Surrey, said:

“The Earl and Countess of Wessex were warmly welcomed back to Woking and we were delighted with their help getting much-needed supplies out to those most impacted by the crisis.

“We were also proud to share our story and to show them the remarkable, collaborative effort being undertaken by the entire community here.”

Prince Edward and Sophie also met with Imam Hafiz Hashmi and his wife Kawther Akhtar, who spearheads Surrey Faith Links, an organisation which promotes engagement, support and good relationships with faith groups and other organisations across the country.

The royal couple, who live in Surrey, have been carrying out vital volunteer work with a string of local organisations in recent weeks.

In April, Woking Foodbank welcomed HRH The Countess of Wessex to their local facilities to join volunteers in support of this important community cause providing emergency food parcels and essential baby supplies.

Earlier this month, on International Nurses Day, Sophie also volunteered to help pack food packages for healthcare staff and meeting nurses and midwives at St Peter’s Hospital in nearby Chertsey.

In 2015, Prince Edward officially opened a memorial garden in Woking in honour of Muslims who fought for Britain during two world wars. A beautiful, tranquil space, the Muslim Burial Ground Peace Garden at Horsell Common is now a major national heritage site which is popular with the local community, as well as national and international visitors.

The first mosque to be built in the UK and Northern Europe, and a vital community focal point for the local Muslim community, the Shah Jahan Mosque was last year awarded historical Grade 1 listed-building status.

A registered charity, the mosque celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2019.

Seeing for Myself – Surrey’s Heroes in Action.

I recently joined the Lord Lieutenant on a visit to Surrey Police HQ to spend the few hours with Chief Constable Gavin Stephens and see the Strategic Team and the Tactical Team in action managing Covid-19. We saw the true partnership between Public, Private and Tri-services (Army-Navy-Air Force) along with retired officers who have volunteered their services with their vast experience. It gave me huge confidence that whilst in these unchartered waters that we are in safe hands.

It was also encouraging to learn how the public have come forward to help – whilst at the meeting the operation team were receiving calls from Surrey University offering hundreds of students for volunteer services to the cause. Vice-Chancellor Max Lu also converted part of the veterinary school into a temporary mortuary .. fantastic effort and support from Surrey University.

We listened to retired Assistant Chief Constable – Jerry Kirby and his team who talked about how handling a number of deaths in Surrey attributed to Covid-19 as well as other deaths, dealing with funeral directors, multi-faith groups, burial services providers, the Coroner and dealing compassionately with deceased family during these challenging times.

Chris Moon spoke about leading the Logistics on working nationally on PPE procurement, which is not an easy task and also Peter Gillett who is controlling the finances.

I was given an overview from Assistant Chief constable, Jon Savill regarding identifying and checking n around 21,000 people that have not responded to the NHS vulnerable list, fantastic meticulous work being carried out by Police to ensure nobody is left out.

It was great to see the Army led by Laura along with Royal Navy and Royal Airforce being part of the Strategic and Tactical team. On a lighter note, it was Capt. Philips 33rd birthday, but was sacrificing, like many others their time supporting the team.

All of the above was lead by Gold Team, which includes Joanna Killian from SCC, Gavin Stephens Surrey Police along with Steve Owen-Hughes from Surrey Fire Brigade.

It was evident that there so many individuals here in Surrey who were providing vital support for the community during this crisis. I have used many words such as “amazing”, Fantastic, compassionately, sacrificing, but these words are inadequate to describe the work, commitment and dedication provided by not just the above, but many groups in and around Surrey, to all the unsung heroes, we are truly indebted to you. Thank You all!

Woking Radio interview with Jon Andrews

April 22nd 2020 – Woking Radio HS Shahid Azeem DL interview with Jon Andrews.

My First job as Surrey’s New High Sheriff – by Shahid Azeem DL.

This morning I observed the work of the Surrey Police Neighbourhood team headed by Sgt Edward Lyons along with PC Tony Charles – my first official visit as Surrey’s new High Sheriff and of course taking all precautions and adhering to the government’s guidelines.I first met up with Woking Resilience Group hosted by Douglas Spink with Geoff MacManus and number of staff from Woking Borough Council.It was great to get feedback on the challenges that WBC is facing during the Coronavirus situation and what measures they are taking to deal with it, giving great assurance for vulnerable people.Whilst observing the social distancing protocols, PC Charles we visited a number of individuals who were on a checklist, having not responded to letters etc.Again very assuring and satisfying to see such great work being carried out by Surrey Police.We then visited a number of shopping outlets and parks and I was pleased to see that everyone was so respectful on all fronts.I would like to say a big thank you to all and in particular to Tony and Ed for allowing me to be part of the team – it is important to highlight all of the work I have seen today and be in a position to pass this information on to the people of Surrey.

The High Sheriff’s Installation 2020-21

In light of the current Coronavirus situation, this year’s installation will be conducted via video conferencing and will be able to watch on the website home page at 6pm tonight (6th April 2020). The official ceremony will also be aired on the High Sheriff’s Facebook page where Mr Shahid Azeem will be installed as the new High Sheriff of Surrey for 2020-21.

“Zooming” In with Woking Volunteer Police Cadets.

The Volunteer Police Cadet Woking Unit are continuing their weekly unit meetings under the brilliant leadership of Unit Commander Bennetts and the use of Zoom .Some serious training, and some innovative games as well as a chance to keep in touch as a unit through meetings on zoom is demonstrating their resilience .Thank you Woking VPC for inviting me to join you on Wednesday evening,I thoroughly enjoyed the hour, and as your Patron I am so prud of what you achieve along with our other seven Volunteer Police Cadet Units.

Reigate and Mole Valley Police

My last engagement on 12th March before Covid stuck-, last but by no means least, to visit Reigate Police station , and Mole Valley Station in Dorking. An insight into neighbourhood Teams and the rural work of the PCSO’s and much more. At this moment I just wish for all our front line services strength and health.

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Birthday Celebrations – celebrating just in time.

I have been so lucky to have had an inspirational Volunteer Police Cadet, Meghna, as my cadet, supporting me as High Sheriff since April 2019. With all engagements ending a month early I have not had the opportunity to publicly thank Meghna for her tremendous support this last eleven months.

Meghna has been the most wonderful support ;she has carried the Shrieval sword, walked beside me in processions: on Remembrance Sunday , the Service for the Judiciary and the Civic services, accompanied me into Court, kept me watered with tea, looked after my guests at the Garden party, straightened my hat and badge, entertained Judges, welcomed new magistrates, attended mock trials, (and the real thing), been at police Passing out parades and the Chief Constable awards ceremony and many other things beside. And so it is a big disappointment, that Meghna, having taken the role on like a fish to water cannot finish with a huge and celebratory big splash.

At least we could celebrate her birthday before movement and social interaction became to impossible. Bill and I enjoyed a delicious family dinner cooked by Meghan’s mum. Thank you to Meghna and your wonderful family

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Few will know of this incredible work.

In the A and E departments at the Royal Surrey County Hospital and St Peter’s Hospital Chertsey the small Christian team of Emerge advocacy is providing on the spot support for young people struggling with self harm or suicidal feelings. The youth workers continue to provide ongoing critical support following the initial work in A and E. Sadly the need for this work has been growing and Emerge are now a highly valued in the Accident and Emergency wards. The dedication and commitment as the volunteers and youth workers spend their nights in A and E speaks for itself.See www.emergeadvocacy.com

I was so pleased to be able to give to Joy and Bethany a cheque and certificate from The High sheriff youth awards to acknowledge the work they do in making Surrey Communities stronger and safer.