ELYSIAN-fields – “a blissful state”

Thank you to Charlotte for the amazing work that Elysian is doing in a quiet corner of Surrey.There are many different animals from cows to goats to emus and hens and even snakes, all who, with the help of experienced dedicated individuals, provide therapy for children and young people in Surrey. At its peak over 100 young people were attending over a week and at the same time as the animal therapy teaching core subject and obtaining some qualifications is happening.Thank you to Charlotte,Lottie and Megan for an inspiring morning. check out https://elysianuk.org/

If we could all be Educated Like Rita.

A fantastic performance of Educating Rita at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford and an opportunity for Joanna Read, Director and Chief Executive to explain the role and importance of theatre in Guildford, and the exciting developments that they see for the Yvonne Arnaud and the local community going forward. Dame Penelope Keith shared some of the magic and history of the Yvonne Arnaud with us.

Such fantastic developments and then bang -Corvid -19- strikes, our support will be 100% increased when life returns to normal.

History and tradition in The City of London.

It was a treat to be part of the service of dedication and thanksgiving for the foundation of Bridewell Royal Hospital, Fleet Street, now King Edwards School Witley. Founded on 26th June 1553, and now enabling pupils with particular needs to be educated at KES Witley.

It is sobering to reflect on the history of 450 years ago and to find that the needs that still exist today are being provided by philanthropy that started so long ago. A great reassurance for today’s philanthropists.

Surrey school’s Mock Trials held at Guildford Crown Court on Saturday

The Courts were buzzing as nine schools with young people aged 13 and 14 took part in a highly competitive mock trial in one of the three Crown courts – a daunting experience even for the bold.Acting for the defense or the prosecution, being a magistrate, witness or a steward each had to act the part and show an understanding of court processes and be judged on their performance. To the regional’s next, and then the finals. Huge thanks are in order to all the volunteer Surrey magistrates, judges, St Johns ambulance, the volunteer police cadets , the council members of the High Sheriff Youth awards, Crimestoppers , Castle Hill Practice and the fantastic executive Committee who organised the day-brilliant all round.

Uplifted by a warm spring morning and RHS Wisley’s Outreach work.

To meet again with Claire at Wisley, and hear of the expanding outreach work RHS Wisley is doing was very exciting.At this stage the work is predominately in Guildford and Woking, with families and communities benefiting from gardening and horticulture. How incredibly lucky we are in Surrey to be able to enjoy all that the RHS is offering,not to mention the new building and the well being garden opening at the end of this year-see Claire with volunteer Amanda in front of the poster advertising the garden.

An inspirational conference for Surrey Armed Forces Covenant

The Army Training Centre at Pirbright hosted a fascinating conference .The morning focused on the Armed Forces Covenant ,and there was much praise and acknowledgement of the developments and work being done by the Surrey Civilian Military Partnership Board.

Cookie Bar In Hindhead -an incredible social enterprise.

The Cookie Bar is a special place for a delicious coffee or tea and a sensational cookie.But it is so much more besides. Stepping Stones school, in walking distance, and providing a unique school environment for 100 children has the opportunity for young people to learn cooking and customer service skills at the Cookie Bar.What an uplifting Friday morning to see Stepping Stones school and hear about the Cookie bar, its boxes of biscuits for businesses,its double Decker Cookie bar bus and the opportunities for students and apprentice schemes.A gem. www.thecookiebar.co.uk

Surrey hills Enterprises-Gold Trade Mark Winner

It was a delight to spend an evening through the kind generosity of The Burford Bridge Hotel, with Surrey Hills Enterprises and Corporate partners, culminating in the delights of presenting the prestigious Gold Trade Mark 2020.This is presented to The Surrey Hills Enterprise- business- that has excelled in environmental sustainability, been an excellent collaborator with other Surrey Hills Enterprises and gone above and beyond in enhancing the landscape,heritage or rural economy of the Surrey Hills.This year it was won by Ian, Maureen and Sarah of Hill House Farm-many congratulations and check out the website for some wonderful farm to fork delicacies and much else. www.learnlandleisure.com

Huckleberries Nurture Farm is set to open in its new woodland site in April 2020.

Huckleberries has been based in Elstead for its first 9 months.The nurture that it has provided has exceeded expectation and a move to a larger site was needed.

Huckleberries is now on the move, but not far just one mile up the road to its new woodland site. The first working party weekend took place on sunday with family and friends-well done Bev. Work is about to start on new stables and a bell tent to make a special place for groups of 6 to 8 children aged 5-12 years old who will come for two hours a week for 12 weeks.The innovative and proven intervention in the peace and tranquility of the countryside can start at this early stage,See www.huckleberries.co.uk

Into The Wild and much more from Leatherhead Youth Project

Extraordinary youth work to help young people through a continuum from the initial hello to adulthood. It is an inspiring charity and in 2019, 471 young people took part in so much that is offered.The youth cafe the coffee shop and into the wild are just a small part -check out their website www.leatherheadyouthproject.com .It was a privilege to meet Jude CEO and Mikey who amongst other things annually takes a group of young people to the wild places of Wales and The Surrey Hills, spending the night in a hammock -what adventures.