Nurturing at Normandy therapy Garden

The High Sheriff Youth Awards were delighted to make a grant to the Therapy Garden to assist with training members of the team that run the work with young people. Horticulture is helping, helping the young people in many ways, including for some finding employment in the horticultural industry.A huge thank you to the Trustees,staff and volunteers and I was delighted with Lesley Myles (HYSA) ,to present a certificate from the HSYA to reiterate our gratitude for making Surrey’s community safer and stronger.

Elmbridge Police cadets-share ideas for Walton Town Center

20 Volunteer Police Cadets and several Volunteer Leaders were thinking”out of the box” with ideas for reducing ASB in Walton.This followed a lively discussion led be the Borough Commander Inspector Bert Dean.Phil, VPC leader, took us through an instructive discussion on the Courts in Surrey, and Tom the senior cadet sent the leaders packing and gave the Cadets a chance to vote for the Elmbridge police cadet leader of the year.The winner from across the County will be announced at the Awards and Attestation ceremony in March. Despite an event packed evening we still had time for chat and the HS signature anzac biscuits!

Surrey Investiture of British Empire Medals

A wonderful way to start a Wednesday morning at Loseley House for the presentation of British Empire Medals,

Awards were made to five individuals, who had volunteered over a long period of time, in Surrey and beyond in a huge variety of ways. It was wonderful to celebrate with their families as Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey made the presentations,and Bill Biddell as a Deputy Lieutenant read the citations.

Runnymede Volunteer Police Cadets

A tuesday night at Fullbrook School with volunteer leaders,Paul,Amy,Elspeth,Emily,Gabriella and Silvie, and cadets old and new, leaves you feeling inspired and hopeful.The evening started with drill, in the gloom, instructed by senior cadet Holly, back inside, with thanks to Fullbrook school who host the cadets, some great education on “licensing” from the force lead licensing officer for Runnymede. I am so delighted to be Patron of the Surrey VPC’s.

Guildford Shakespeare Company-a poignant production of Macbeth.

Set in The Balkans, but staged in Holy Trinity Guildford, The Guildford Shakespeare Company yet again produced the most spectacular and chilling performance of Macbeth.

We are unbelievably fortunate to have such a wonderful theatre company based in Guildford who do so much for creative arts both in performances and incredible outreach work in the community.Thank you to Matt and Sarah and all at GSC.

Cardinals In The Community at Kings College Guildford

After a very wet day the sun came out, and it was a huge pleasure to present a High Sheriff’s Youth Award to Cardinals In The Community . The charity dedicates time and effort to engaging young people in Park Barn and Westborough in after school football. The mentoring involves drills and skills but also gives young people the chance to gain a qualification in volunteering in coaching and training skills,promoting good citizenship.

Thank you also to Kings College who host and support Cardinals in this valuable work.

Box Hill School works in the Community

It was a pleasure to see and hear about Box Hill School,its ethos as a founder member of Round Square.The school has a fantastic multipurpose Sports Hall and beautiful grounds which they make available to community groups and other schools and they are hoping to extend this to the creative hub when the new art school is built.

(Pic credit: Andy Newbold)

We Welcome Thirteen new Magistrates to Surrey Courts

On the 7th February, 13 new magistrates were sworn in at Guildford Crown Court. A ceremony that has formality as befits such an important step for those becoming magistrates.His Honour Judge Fraser and the Lord Lieutenant address the magistrates before they are formally sworn in.

Epsom and Ewell volunteer police cadets on form.

Radios, communication, brevity,drill,wink murder and uniforms for the new recruits, it was a privilege to spend a Thursday evening with a great group of young volunteer police cadets and their volunteer leaders.

Challengers and some…..

Where would we be without Disability Challengers.In Surrey we are so fortunate to have two centers in Farnham and Guildford.They provide the important things in life; for the young disabled.A place to play and so much more beside,and some time for the family and carers.

It was uplifting to see the play-very wet- with lots of water-and the fun, and the care and dedication for the children by the staff and volunteers at the Guildford Challengers.How this work needs our support.