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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tucked in The Surrey Hills beside Silent Pool, is a special home to three Surrey producers; Silent Pool Gin, Norbury Farm Cheese and Mandira’s Kitchen – all very worth a visit. Delicious home made Indian food.
What a celebration we enjoyed at the Guildford Spectrum – thanks to Freedom Leisure, to mark the presentation by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, of The Queens Award for Voluntary Service to The volunteers of The Friday Swimmers.
For 50 years the volunteers of The Friday Swimmers have assisted swimmers with disabilities, to enjoy and recoup in the swimming pool.There are 23 dedicated volunteers with qualifications and experience who give time each Friday morning to help others. It is an amazing example of volunteering and so deserving of the Queens Award For Voluntary Service.
It was a wonderful gathering of swimmers, volunteers, and many guests including the delegation from Freiburg who are twinned with Guildford. We were packed tightly into a small room off the ice rink and there was lots of laughter and fun.
Congratulations to The Friday Swimmers.
Thank you to Jamie’s Farm, an amazing charity which has benefited over 7,000 young people in the 10 years that its four farms have been running. I was invited to a very special evening in the barn at Waterloo Farm in SE1, where 7 young ambassadors were interviewed by Jonathan Dimbleby (a founder Trustee of the Charity) on the issues facing their generation and how a five day stay at Jamie’s Farm had transformed their lives – inspirational.
“You are you at Jamie’s you can’t put a filter on”- a reference to the agonies of social media.
Click here for Jamie’s Farm Website.
A wonderful visit to The Meath epilepsy charity with Lucy,Tania and Lindsay. An inspirational home for 82 residents with so much happiness and activity in such beautifully cared for surroundings. I so enjoyed seeing the new initiative with mothers, children and babies for the residents to spend time with. Heart warming and fun for all. I hope to be able to share in some of the Tuesday orienteering groups with the residents, maybe even entrusted as a picnic carrier.