Amber at Farm Place transforming young lives.

Midway on Surreys Southern border overlooking the beautiful countryside of Sussex sits Farm Place (home to the charity Amber) a historic house in nine acres of inspiring garden with magnificent individual tree species.This is the home for 30 young people, this is where they can find a life. In the space of 6-12 months Amber and its team will ensure that the young people are able to leave with a home for the future, work opportunities and interests. I was so pleased to meet Ruth from Watts Gallery outreach leading a painting session outside in the sunshine for the residents. Amber is sadly a much needed philanthropic initiative.


Ruth from Watts Gallery outreach and Paul CEO of Amber

Pigs and Poultry, Tortoises and Tomatoes

Change of Scene in Farnham had an open day today to showcase their fantastic farm. I visited along with Gordon Jackson, Chairman of the Surrey Hills Society, Rob Fairbanks, CEO of Surrey Hills and my husband Bill.

It is just incredible that 127 young people have been nurtured through the care of Change of Scene. The farm gives young people a special space to develop and grow, and their work is inspiring. Well done to Change of Scene.

Police Pass Out Parade in the paradise of Loseley Park

Eleven police probationers obtained their Independent Patrol Status today following a magnificent ceremonial parade watched by The Chief Constable and myself. The parade was followed by an awards ceremony. Four police received promotions and six police received 20 year long service and good conduct awards. It was a wonderful event, with families and friends, all being made to feel part of the Surrey Police Family. Huge congratulations to everyone involved.

Together We Can

Gomshall fire station was buzzing on Friday morning,as 5 young people graduated through Surreys Fire and Rescue Youth Engagement Scheme (YES).In 4 days the graduates from across SW Surrey learnt drill,discipline,skills and most importantly working together.Families, carers and friends, together with the amazing volunteers and our new Chief Fire officer were there to award ,recognize and celebrate .Together we can and together we have.

Watt an evening.

A happy evening at Watts gallery on Thursday when we could celebrate and thank the Community Foundation of Surrey’s (CFS) generous donors. £1.4 m has been awarded to help fund some critical work in our local communities this year.The message is clear -there is much more work to be done,the CFS plays such an important role in matching local giving with local need. Jim Glover (our well known previous High Sheriff) is stepping up to the mark again and taking over chairmanship of CFS on David Frank’s retirement-thanks David and to Jim and the CFS keep the message rolling thankyou.Local giving for local need

Sunny school visit to the farm

On Thursday, teaming up with The Country Trust, Hampton Estate welcomed 90, nine year olds, from Town Farm School, Stanwell and had a sun filled day enjoying with the children Slow beef,Science in action and Woodland habitat.What amazing children and staff, with lots of fun and enthusiasm and plenty of challenging questions!


High sheriff and team awaiting arrival of coaches

The Surrey Freemasons kindly provided the two large coaches to make the day possible.Nurture through Surrey’s Nature felt key throughout the day.

Surrey Magistrates Association (SMA) AGM

This Wednesday I thoroughly enjoyed the AGM of the SMA at the beautiful Guildhall in Guildford.The room was packed with magistrates including many new magistrates and we heard from the National Chairman John Bache reinforcing the association’s independent voice.The magistrates Mock trial competition for Schools nationwide continues, and good news as the Surrey SMA will continue with their exceptional organisation skills to run it again this year ,the winning school in Surrey will

be awarded The High Sheriff’s Shield !

Listen to The High Sheriff’s BBC Surrey Interview at Surrey Day

High Sheriff, Bridget Biddell took part in her first radio interview in role with Julia Abbott at Watts Gallery on the 4th of May during the ‘Surrey Day’ celebrations.

Sun shines on Guildford Civic service

Holy Trinity Church in Guildford held a beautiful and inspiring Civic service which included Councillor Richard Billington Mayor of Guildford, restating his promises of office and giving

the congregation an opportunity to hear about the two charities he is to support .Holly Bird told us about the work of the Royal Surrey County Hospital Charity and Stephen Langley The Prostate Project. As we processed from Holy Trinity to the Guildhall the sun shone and reinforced the feeling of hope and optimism that the service inspired.

Happy Birthday to the Clink!

I have just been to a wonderful 10th Birthday Party at The Clink Restaurant at HMP High Down where we had a delicious 3 course lunch with a special main course celebration chicken in green masala sauce – Perna enrolada de Franco cafreal -inspired by Cyrus Todiwala DL OBE.The results of their graduates speak for the success of the Charity with reoffending rates reduced by 49.6 percent. Employees are keen to recruit graduates from the Clink who have top rate training and City and Guilds NVQ’s. It is inspirational and a light in a dark tunnel within the prisons. Happy Birthday The Clink, HMP High Down. To Book a table please visit www.theclinkcharity.org