Despite tonight’s deluge, it was a tremendous privilege and pleasure to attend the ceremonial Colours and Prize-giving of the Guildford Sea cadets. We couldn’t get out on the river at Dapdune Wharf but saw some fantastic activities and drill. The cadets were polished to perfection, looking so smart in their uniforms. Amazing volunteers and staff, led by the inspiring Colour Sergeant Dave Thomas and the Unit Chairman Jim Robertson.
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The First ever ‘Surrey Day’ took place on May bank holiday Saturday which is an initiative set up by a partnership comprising of ‘Visit Surrey’, ‘BBC Radio Surrey’ and ‘Surrey Life Magazine’ to showcase the county at its best. Many venues took part including the ‘Sculpture Park’ in Churt, ‘Silent Pool & Albury Vineyard’, ‘Priory Farm’, ‘Leith Hill Tower’ and ‘Watts Gallery and Artist’s Village’ which was visited by the High Sheriff who was interviewed by BBC Surrey. Bridget met up with Director – Alistair Burtenshaw for a photograph at the Wisteria clad entrance of the main gallery, before joining the visitors in the galleries and in particular the impressive ‘Physical Energy’ Sculpture, a replica of which will soon be installed near to the A3 promising to be the south equivalent to the Angel of the North. The celebrations included a street party at the Silent Pool Distillery which attracted large crowds and wrapped up with a beacon lit on the hill above Priory Farm near Reigate. @surreylife @bbcsurrey, @visitsurrey
This morning the High Sheriff joined DL Robert Napier and Chief Constable Gavin Stephens in welcoming new recruits of the Surrey Volunteer Police Cadets. Many other dignitaries came along to show their support to what is a rapidly growing force in the county.
An enormous privilege and personal pleasure to hand over the badge of office to our new High Sheriff of Surrey, Bridget Biddell, at Guildford Cathedral yesterday. Thanks to His Honour Judge Robert Fraser, our Presiding Judge at Guildford Crown Court, we were delighted to welcome Her Honour Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb (right), who kindly agreed to preside over this ancient ceremony.
Two new Shrieval traditions were firmly established during the evening. A new High Sheriff’s Police Cadet, Meghna Singh, takes office as successor to Surrey’s very first holder of the role, my own High Sheriff’s Cadet, Naeel Radha. The second is that Surrey now has a Shrieval Sword, inscribed ‘High Sheriff – County of Surrey’, and Naeel arranged a smooth hand over to Meghna (below);
Every Thursday evening, Shepperton Youth Centre is the venue for this popular Youth Club, organised by inspirational Eikon Leader Chelsea (with certificate) and her wonderful team of volunteers (in purple) and ‘Role Models’ (in blue). The impressive Role Models certainly live up to their title, and are older members who volunteer to help with the younger members during their early evening session. A brilliant model of operation which empowers everyone involved, and is much respected and enjoyed by the young people themselves, as we can see!
The High Sheriff’s Certificate recognises the great and valuable services to the local community made by Eikon/Shepperton Youth Club, and was wholly endorsed by all of the parents I met last night. Indeed, several of them volunteer themselves, and I understand that small fishing trips may be a possibility in the future! No better way to round off such a great evening than sharing a home-made snack:
Mayor of Reigate & Banstead, Dorothy Ross-Tomlin (centre), together with Mayor’s Consort, Jim (right), nominated Voluntary Action Reigate & Banstead for a High Sheriff’s Award in recognition of their great and valuable services to the community. Chief Officer, Nina (centre), was proud to accept the certificate on behalf of the executive team and all volunteers, including trustees Alisdair (Chair, third left) and Anne (right);
VARB’s role is to help other local organisations by providing training, information, support for trustees and funding advice. They also assist with recruiting, managing and (very importantly) thanking volunteers. To everyone involved at VARB, on behalf of the community and the Mayor, – Thank You!
Brigadier Tom Bateman, Commander 11th Infantry Brigade, introduced Colonel James Sunderland, Commander Army Engagement, and his impressive team to a packed house at Denbies. The evening was supported at the highest level across Surrey (Chairman of Mole Valley, Raj Haque, right, and Vice-Chair SCC, Helen Clack) and by Lieutenant-General Urch, Commander Home Command (left).
We all agreed to ensure that schools across Surrey are fully aware of the opportunities offered through the Youth Engagement strategy in terms of Schools’ Challenge Days and the impactful Schools’ Engagement Programmes for 14-16 year olds, run over 6 weeks and delivered on site, with an additional day spent in an Army Barracks. Congratulations to all senior officers who took part in one of the best Q & A sessions I have witnessed – potentially explosive questions answered in a frank, open and logical manner.
Following the productive discussions around tackling the complex issue of exclusions of pupils from schools at the recent Conference of Surrey Primary Headteachers, Justin (back), Headteacher, was keen for me to visit Tadworth Primary School to meet Governors Maggie (Chair of Standards Committee, second right) and Helen (Chair of the Resources Committee, left), to discuss the challenges they face as they determinedly support the impressive teaching team in their focus on the inclusion of all pupils, whenever possible. Fiona, (Deputy Head and Inclusion Leader, right) and Hilary, (Bursar, back left) also explained the often bewildering and unintended consequences of being such a successful school in terms of inclusion. Justin highlighted one strange example – the intended new build replacement of a very old building cannot – under the formula applied – apparently include the current, highly effective work spaces housed there which allow the staff to successfully teach and develop the pupils who struggle in the normal classroom or playground environment. Appeals to common sense at a regional and national level will surely prevail.
In the meantime, the two inspirational School Ambassadors (above) explained every detail of Tadworth Primary School as we enjoyed a tour of the entire site and were able to describe specific and compelling reasons why ‘inclusion’ of all of their friends is so important to their community. We must all support the Governors and Teachers of this successful school as they endeavour to maintain their ‘inclusive’ approach.
This beautiful artwork from Millie, a pupil at Town Farm Primary School, was chosen by the judges last night to be the logo for ‘Spelthorne in Bloom’ during this memorable 30th birthday year! Chairman Nick Wood-Dow DL welcomed the Mayor of Spelthorne, Jean Pinkerton, civic dignitaries and Police Inspector Maxine Cilia to Notcutts Garden Centre to celebrate the launch and discover the winners of the Poster Competition for pupils of all ages. I was honoured to present first prize in the Special Needs Category to Eamon, together with a High Sheriff’s Certificate to acknowledge the wonderful work undertaken by everyone at Manor Mead School.