Introduction to the 'Link' Alternative Learning Provision in Dorking

Based in the Malthouse Youth Centre in Dorking (above), the Link ALP is providing opportunities for up to 10 young people from surrounding secondary schools to develop their own skills and levels of learning on an individual basis – all overseen by Sandra, Co-ordinator (above). I was joined on my introductory visit by James, Headteacher from Therfield School (left) and Chris, Joint Head of School, Ashcombe – two of the SE Quadrant Heads who hold such ALP facilities, and the support of SCC, as crucial in the fight to ensure that no young person is lost to education. 

 

 

  

Ashcombe School's 'First Give' Final!

Head of Year 10, Katie Palmer (right), presented the judges with eight impressive and highly persuasive teams of Year 10 students (above), who passionately explained their cases for receiving funding from First Give, for their own particular charity. The winning team was 10YS, and they received £1,000 as a donation to Halow; but all of the powerful submissions were a great credit to Ashcombe School and demonstrated that these fine young people really are ‘Building a Culture of Giving’ as volunteers in our community. The judges (l to r below; Izzy, Head Girl; Katie; proud Head of Year!; Chris, Joint Head of School; Joyce, CEO Surrey Clubs for Young People and Max, Head Boy) were overwhelmed with the professionalism and dedication on display, whilst winners Luke and Felix were simply delighted with their success!

   

 

Most Wanted Alert Issued by Mayor of Runnymede!

The Wanted Poster above was posted following the Mayor of Runnymede’s successful Charity Ball. The likeness has been issued as a general alert – although harmless, the individual has a strange accent and has apparently been attempting to raise awareness of the issues faced by pupils excluded from schools across Surrey. Only approach if you have a high boredom threshold! 

'Live at the Arnaud' Stars Support Mayor of Guildford!

What better way to spend the evening of Mother’s Day than at this star-studded variety performance organised by Nick Wyschna (‘guildford fringe theatre company’), on behalf of Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons’s charities – Guildford Young Carers; Headway Surrey and the Mayor’s Local Distress Fund?! Nick and the acts all deserve enormous thanks for a simply brilliant night – well supported by many of the Surrey Mayors, Mayoresses, Deputies and Consorts;

L-R; Linda (Consort, Spelthorne); Jean (Mayor, Spelthorne); Shweta, (Mayor, Elmbridge); Jean (Mayoress, Guildford); Mary (Deputy Chair, Mole Valley); Cath and Linda (Deputy Mayoress, Guildford). A most appropriate photo for this special day!

 

Mayor of Runnymede's Britannia Charity Ball!

Mayor Dolsie Clarke (centre), with magnificent support from Consort Dr Brian Perry (left), hosted a patriotically themed Charity Ball for over 150 local dignitaries, friends and supporters at The Runnymede Hotel. Another very welcome opportunity for us all to enjoy the wonderful singing of 16 year old Liberty Grant (centre) – what a voice!

The evening raised substantial funds for the Mayor’s charities, including Ashford & St Peter’s Hospital and 1st Chertsey Scout Group, and was supported by many of the other Surrey Mayors, mayoresses and Consorts – a great team effort!   

 

RAAS Co-Curricular Ambassadors Present Charity Choices!

Royal Alexandra & Albert School has over a dozen Ambassadors who work within their own year groups and houses (often helped by sixth from mentors) to identify their favourite charities and to create innovative ways to support that organisation, and raise awareness of the issues they address. Eleven of the students (seven pictured above) delivered highly professional presentations of their choices, together with well developed plans for taking future voluntary actions to provide consistent support in the future. The excellent list of charities identified is a testament to the careful analysis undertaken by the Ambassadors; Sleep Easy YMCA; Wheels For All; Stripey Stork; Little Roo Neonatal Fund; Shooting Star; Open Arms Malawi (a long standing School partnership); School Foundation (and the unique nature of the association with RAAS) and The Lucy Rayner Foundation – what a brilliant collection! Congratulations to leaders Jo (right, below), Deputy head of Co-Curriculum, and parent volunteer Matthew, a very knowledgable charity volunteer with close connections to ‘Wheels For All’

   

 

Mayor of Elmbridge Visits Local Community Champion, Toni Izard!

Mayor Shweta Kapadia (right) had no hesitation in nominating Toni Izard, champion of the local community in Long Ditton, for a High Sheriff’s Award for Exceptional Service, and last night many friends and Borough dignitaries joined the enthusiastic young members of the Long Ditton Youth Club to recognise Toni’s wonderful contribution to local life! Toni has been involved in the Youth Club from the very start some 15 years ago, and has been Chair for much of that time. Based now at St Mary’s Junior School, her impact on hundreds of young people has been enormous, but of course Toni simply emphasises the importance of the brilliant team she has around her – our best wishes to you all – keep up the great work! (Just look at what some lucky Mums will be receiving tomorrow!!)

 

 

Cedar Court Residents Share Shrieval Reflections!

Michael Gains (centre), holder of an Award For Outstanding Contribution To Social Care, has been organising nearly twenty different events for Cedar Court residents each week for the past 10 years. Today we investigated the history of the role of High Sheriff, and shared some of the many experiences from the current Shrieval year. Two of the experienced audience were pleased to join a photo on behalf of their fellow residents, and to give the High Sheriff a break from the many questions!

  

 

ExxonMobil The Perfect Location For The High Sheriff Youth Awards Annual Celebration!

ExxonMobil hosted the HSYA event for an incredible 26th year last night, and provided superb hospitality for everyone attending – distinguished guests, charities and in particular the young people involved with the various projects funded through HSYA during the past year. Thirteen individual stands were on display, and three excellent presentations were delivered with passion and professionalism by Eikon, the Guildford Shakespeare Company and Thrive Youth Dance Company. Live interviews were also held with students from Woking High School (who won the Mock Trials competition held at Guildford Crown Court – much to the delight of an ex-student, Will Forster, now Mayor of Woking!) and some of the enthusiastic young people from Bushey Hill Youth Club, run by the Matrix Trust team. A celebration of exceptional talent indeed!

  

 

Cookie Bar, Hindhead – Inspired By Harvard!

Sparked by discussions at Harvard; designed by Debbie (centre) and her team; proud membership of Surrey Hills Enterprises and supported by students from Stepping Stones School, this brilliant example of a successful social enterprise is now in it’s eighth year and thriving!

The Cookie Bar was packed this morning and Alison (right) and student Ollie were rushed off their feet meeting the demand – no surprise because the cookies, cakes and gifts all lived up to the stringent requirements of a Surrey Hills Brand Mark Holder – excellence in terms of local provenance and quality! (Yes – the gluten free cakes were superb!) Alison is responsible for all events and promotions, and keen to discuss any ways in which to use the facilities (there is even a renowned London bus which can deliver all of the excellent products and service to locations across Surrey!)