What a glorious performance at the Yvonne Arnaud by The incredible Guildford School Of Acting,singing ,dancing and performing the Rodgers and Hammerstein Classic in the very best of West End style-a glorious evening -The Yvonne Arnaud was buzzing….
The University of Surrey kindly hosted Surrey Hills Enterprise for an inspiring evening of presentations looking at the practical steps that some of Surreys finest businesses can take to achieve the triple bottom line of sustainability. The 150 participants enjoyed Dr Xavier Font from the University and Mr John Reeves from the World business Council for sustainable development as well as local businesses,it was a pleasure to make the opening address. The evening was full of exchanges of possibilities and ideas with many Surrey Hills Enterprises displaying what they do. Hampton Estate were present with a well displayed sod of turf ,the message being the importance of improving our soils particularly as part of our pasture fed beef!
The Mayor and Consort of Elmbridge,Mary and John, filled The Emperor in Hersham with all the local clubs and groups for a delicious dinner and much chat.This was an evening all about local community and funds were raised for The Mayors Charity -Elmbridge Mencap.
Martin and Rob and the team at High Ashurst near Box Hill, are providing amazing opportunities for outdoor learning. Surrey Outdoor learning, SOLD runs three incredible centers at t High Ashurst , Henley Fort and Thames Young Mariners with 38,000 young people enjoying learning experiences in the outdoors. These are valuable treasures in Surrey , with activities that are used to meet the learning outcomes which are selected by and for the young people see the learning tree above. www.surreyoutdoorlearning.uk
In the wet and windy squall we arrived at Jamie’s Farm near Lewes, tucked in the folds below the South Downs
.Despite the inclement weather Bill and I felt so uplifted and excited by everything we saw and heard; from cooking scotch eggs to the SOS decor in the house, the lambs and nanny goats to the lavender bombs and home pressed countryside tiles not to mention the racks of boots, the big dining room table and the welcoming home and home team and the dripping wet but enthused and animated young people -so so special.This is an amazing place.Each week 12 young people are nurtured in the ways of the countryside and it has some amazing results.I cannot possibly describe this in a blog, please go to the website to understand the incredible work of this charity-support it if you will, and spread the word of their fourth and newest farm near Lewes www.jamiesfarm.org.uk.
A huge thank you to the committed volunteers of Prison Fellowship who run The Sycamore Tree Course at HMP High Down. Session 6 is the final session when 22 men completed the restorative justice course.
It was a very sobering privilege to witness the prisoners concluding the course, with the opportunity to make a symbolic act of restitution.
Where would we be without the unsung volunteers in Surrey. www.prisonfellowship.org.uk
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 .
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.
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.
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 .