The Launch Of The East Surrey Poverty Truth Commission

A first for the South East Of England-A Poverty Truth commission-made up of 15 Community Commissioners and 15 Civic and Business Commissioners. There were over 120 guests to witness the launch of this 18 month project for the Community Commissioners to share their thoughts on ways of reducing poverty (and the growing use of food banks), for the civic and business commissioners to listen with care and empathy to see how to help with this.Thanks to Jonathan lees for getting this Commission up and running. As Bill Gates said “I believe that if you show people the problems,and you show them the solutions they will be moved to act”-The commission aims for this and a cultural change to understanding poverty.

Guildford Philanthropy Meet in the old dungeons of Guildford Castle

A special evening to celebrate the Fifth anniversary of Guildford philanthropy given by The Mayor of Guildford and the chairman of Guildford Philanthropy Peter Cluff. It was a very buzzy evening, thanking the donors for making it possible to match local giving with local need in Guildford. The Fund has now established a health endowment fund but the fund is to keep growing to enable more help to be given to crucial Guildford needs. Jim Glover (chairman of The Community Foundation for Surrey) was at the event as Guildford philanthropy uses the CFS to manage the fund.

Iftar (Breaking of Fast)


The beautiful Shah Jahan Mosque & guests of the Woking Asian Business Forum

A special evening experiencing Iftar at the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking, where the Chairman of the Woking Asian Business Forum, Shahid Azeem DL, invited guests to share Iftar. It was a wonderful evening where we were welcomed with such warmth and generosity by the Imam and congregations.

A First – SCAS Rogation Service at The Cathedral

Rogation Sunday was celebrated at the Cathedral, combined with prayers and thoughts for the Surrey County Show, held the next day. This was the first year it was celebrated in the Cathedral, and I am sure it will become an annual tradition, with many Surrey farmers there to enjoy the beautiful music and thoughtful sermon. A thoughtful sermon was preached by Rev Dr Mark Betson (National Rural Officer for the Church of England), filled with wise and hopeful words.

A Stonking Surrey Show!

It was fantastic to enjoy such a brilliant day at the Annual Surrey County Show. The crowds flocked to Stoke Park to see Surrey’s farming enterprises and learn more about their wonderful countryside. The police were out and about, some even on horseback (see below!) with a wonderful interactive display. It was great to see some of Surrey’s finest cows, pigs and sheep, all on fine form. Thank you so much to the Surrey County Agricultural Society and everyone who took part in organising such a feat of an event.


Surrey Police Demonstration Area was heaving with Excitement

An Honor to be With The Honorary Fellows at Royal Holloway University

We are so privileged to benefit in Surrey by having some of the finest Universities.

I enjoyed an inspiring evening in the magnificent surroundings of Royal Holloway Chapel and the Picture Gallery where I witnessed the recognition of four new Honorary Fellows.

We were treated to some fine choral music from the talented University choir and a wonderful welcome and huge hospitality. Another facet Surrey can be so proud of.

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.