Walking in the rain

Woking Asian business Forum joined us at Hampton for a walk in the woods and plenty of time to discuss forestry and climate change. It may have been a damp morning but no one was deterred from a very happy gathering and a delicious biryani.

Gardening at HMP Send with the Clink

The Clink and their garden initiative at HMP Send has already featured in my blog. To give women prisoners the opportunity to garden,to grow vegetables for The Clink restaurant, to learn,to gain qualifications and to have a skill when released is essential. So it was a great pleasure to accompany Claire from RHS Wisley outreach team,and Liz from the Clink to HMP Send to meet Gary and The governor and others .See https://theclinkcharity.org/

The FT has this weekend a wholesome article on the vocation for ex prisoners and it has been featuring on radio 4 this week.

Surrey Reservist and Cadet Awards

Held at Denbies Wine estates,the presentation of annual awards to cadets and reservists . The evening was inspirational, as we shared in the achievements of the dedicated and committed reservists, cadets and cadet leaders.Her Majesty’s Lord -Lieutenant made the presentations and his three cadets for the year 2019-2020 were announced.

Remarkable Kent,Sussex and Surrey Air Ambulance

2 helicopters, 2500 missions per year, 24/7 operations,£38,740 per day, highly trained and dedicated aviation and medical teams and 200 volunteers-This is the Air Ambulance Kent Surrey and Sussex, and 89% of the income to operate this leading world class service is raised from the public.This is a highly technical, sophisticated, and critical service saving lives.

With my fellow High Sheriffs from Kent and East and West Sussex we had the opportunity to see how from Redhill Aerodrome this unbelievable service is run.

Next year will celebrate 30 years of the Air Ambulance and the opportunity for further profile and fund raising.

Thank you to the AAKSS.

Sunnydown School – soils, foraging, cows and forest bathing

It was very special to be able to share with the pupils of Sunnydown School, Caterham on the Hill, the secrets of growing worms and grass, herbs and vegetables and Sussex cows and calves at Hampton.After enjoying lunch of burgers and kebabs made by the students we had a relaxing afternoon forest bathing in the woods and exploring the relationships and connectivity between the forest trees and flora.

The Matrix Trust-and its exciting plans

The Matrix Trust, in the beautiful surroundings of Eastgate Garden Guildford has exciting plans for a social enterprise cafe for Guilford folk to enjoy,and importantly giving opportunities to young people to enjoy learning new skills.

The cafe will turn seamlessly into a youth cafe in the evening, and a discovery center for young people to engage in training through their community .It was exciting to hear the plans from the team including CEO Misty Blower -good luck and please find out more and support in anyway you can. www.matrixtrust.com

Company of Animals barks with pride

Dr Roger Mugford Welcomed HRH The Duke Of Kent to Ruxbury Farm. Chertsey where the Company of Animals established in 1979 was to receive The Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

The citation was read out by Bill Biddell the Vice Lord -Lieutenant and Dr Roger Mugford and the directors received the prestige award .

It was great to see The Company of Animals creations, some fascinating toys, the halti harness and leads to enable successful handling of dogs.

Congratulations to another Surrey business.

Lunch on the Lawn – A Taste of Mole Valley

A special celebration of local food at Hill House Farm in aid of the Chairman of Mole Valley District Council’s chosen charities, Leatherhead Youth Project, Belong, and PSDS. A great way to celebrate and raise funds enjoying a picnic and delicious spit roast hoggit.

Service For The Surrey Judiciary

The Guildhall, Guildford High Street and the Holy Trinity church again provided the perfect place for celebrating and acknowledging the importance of all those who help ensure the good ordering of Surrey. The tradition of trumpeters,the fine Surrey Youth choir, and the Civic and High Sheriffs procession serve to reinforce the importance and gratitude for the judiciary, magistrates, emergency services, police, prison governors and community service.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service awards

Thank you to Cannon for hosting, in Reigate, the important awards for Surrey Fire and Rescue services.

It is a special evening, when friends and families gather to support their partners and mums and dads in receiving awards recognizing hard work,outstanding dedication and long service in the fire and rescue service.

The Lord lieutenant, Councillor Denise Turner-Stewart and I had the privilege of presenting the Long service and good conduct medal awards.