Surrey’s Outdoor Learning Treasures hidden in the beautiful Surrey hills

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

No amount of rain could dampen spirits at Jamie’s Farm.

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.

Prison Fellowship provides a ray of hope at HMP High Down

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

HRH The Princess Royal Visits Surrey spectaculars.

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 .

Volunteer Police Cadet Leaders come together to celebrate.

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.

The 7th VPC Unit Is Up and Running.

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.

Police Passing out Parade

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 .

Sayers Croft-nurturing in the heart of Surrey

What an amazing treasure- a most beautiful site just outside Cranleigh with opportunities for all to enjoy a stay or day visits in the nurturing environment of a nature reserve and plenty of outdoor activities and opportunities.The site is fascinating and Sayers Trust provides wonderful opportunities to be immersed in stunning woodland with beautiful hardwood trees with bluebells and streams of clear running water.See www.sayerscrofttrust.org.uk

A triumph -a new Scout HQ

Congratulations to Chertsey scouts, for thirteen years of hard graft have created a magnificent new HQ in Chertsey. The building was badly needed and will provide a wonderful centre for Chertsey Scouts,Explorers and Beavors.

Magic at The Woodhouse Centre

I spent a wonderful morning in the heart of Oxted Community at The Woodhouse Centre. There were over 30 happy ladies and gentlemen crafting wonderful objects from birdhouses to jerseys and of course poppies for this years Remembrance Day.The enjoyment and friendship was palpable,and I felt this was a true expression of community.Such wonderful stories of what The Woodhouse centre meant to both the young and the older who were there. In addition the centre has links with Waitrose and other organisations in Oxted, just brilliant. A huge thank you to the volunteers and the Committee for all the time and thought and care that you give. thewoodhousecentre.org.uk