South East Interfaith Forum – 12 Years to Save the Planet

I attended a very interesting day at Surrey University, where many different faiths were represented by inspirational and wise speakers. The topic in discussion was ’12 Years to Save the Planet’. The interfaith strength was enormous. There was urgency in the need to collaborate and cooperate in order to combat the despair over our increasingly problematic world caused by the globe’s rising temperatures.

I must now look at Jem Bendell’s paper ‘Towards Deep Adaptation’.

Service of Thanksgiving at Guildford Cathedral

On Sunday I was privileged to attend a packed service of Thanksgiving for the Surrey Freemasons in Guildford Cathedral. The service was to receive a blessing of thanksgiving for their fundraising efforts, and what has been achieved over five years of hard work in raising 3.25 million pounds for charity.

The Provincial Grandmaster R.W. Bro. Ian Michael Chandler welcomed us and the service was led by the Very Rev Diana Gwilliams.

Cobham Heritage Day

I opened the Cobham Heritage Day to the sound of church bells ringing and the town crier calling throughout the village. Its an impressive community event, stretching across the village and through the church. With everything from coconut shys to Brookland’s motor museum, the event had it all and was a real celebration of local voluntary groups, charities and small businesses.


The best children’s vegetable display I’ve ever seen!

Guildford Heritage Day

On a sunny Saturday afternoon it was a pleasure to attend the Heritage Day at St Mary the Virgin Worplesdon. It was the first of its kind, a day to celebrate not only the beautiful thirteenth century church, but also to celebrate the natural heritage of the church yard, the ancient trees and diverse flora and fauna.

A delicious tea was put on by the long established Christmas bakers, and an opportunity to visit the Sime art gallery in the nearby Memorial Hall. This was a true hidden treasure, which I would thoroughly recommend.

Surrey Magistrates

I was fascinated to spend the morning at Guildford Magistrates court. To be part of the busy hustle and bustle of the courts and see just how much is going on was very impressive. Two courts were dedicated to traffic cases, and it was interesting to see the technological developments across the courts.

Our voluntary magistrates and all the court staff are so dedicated in their work, ensuring a smooth court process for everyone involved.

Chief Constable’s Award Ceremony

A wonderful evening of awards at Loseley, Surrey’s Chief Constable Gavin Stephens presented his Promotion Certificates, Long Service Awards, Chief Constable Commendations, Special Constable of the Year, Police Support Volunteer of the Year and PCSO of the year awards.

A showcase of all that our amazing police service does for us, and the bravery, courage and dedication shown by so many.

It was lovely to be able to enjoy the evening alongside my Police Cadet Meghna.

Shah Jahan Mosque, Woking

Thank you to the head Imam and his wife Kauser for another opportunity to hear more about the role of the mosque within our community and to see again the wonderful and peaceful mosque and its surrounding gardens with its fascinating history.

Perfect Patchwork Gardens

I enjoyed a visit to the amazing volunteer-run Patchwork gardens outside Dorking. A really inspirational place, where daily, 25 people have the opportunity to garden and enjoy creative activities outdoors under the beauty of Boxhill. This walled garden gives them strength and self-confidence for life. 3 years ago, the walled garden was a jungle of bramble and bind weed, today it is a place full of healing creativity and diversity, blooming in colours and care. Thank you to all the volunteers and wonderful founder Carmel. Nurture through Nature in action under Boxhill.

New Beginnings Women’s Amazing Art

This was one of those moments of a ray of light at the Lightbox in Woking. A coming together of the women’s support centre, the Lightbox and Woking Borough Council to host an evening of creativity. The performances started with a short drama from a few very brave women dramatizing their ‘journey within’. We were then treated to an amazing art exhibition by women whose lives have been impacted by the criminal justice system. Thank you to everyone for such an important annual initiative.

AMT Marketing Awarded Prestigious Queens Award for Enterprise

At AMT’s offices at Loseley Park, the Lord Lieutenant presented the Queens Award for enterprise, the citation being ready out by the Vice Lord Lieutenant. It was a very happy afternoon hearing about the business and its growth.