WRAC Centenary 'Royal' Reception at Cathedral Begins 'Grand Reunion' Weekend!

HRH Countess of Wessex joined the Reception at Guildford Cathedral this afternoon to officially commence the ‘Grand Reunion’ weekend in this memorable ‘Centenary/Seventieth’ year for the WRAC Association. We were reunited with Marjorie (centre) and her fellow Chelsea Pensioners;

 And shared secrets with other members in terms of fancy dress choices for tonights ‘famous women’ themed celebration in Southampton (I cannot divulge the secret, but have been promised a ‘team’ photo for the website!)

 All 400 of you are famous women to us – have a great weekend!!

 

Surrey Fire & Rescue Complete 'Youth Engagement Scheme' No 75!

Walton Fire Station was the scene of the Graduation of 11 students from the 75th Course of the well respected YES Scheme, run entirely by volunteers from Surrey Fire & Rescue. 

The High Sheriff Youth Awards is proud to be one of the sponsors for this impactful initiative, and High Sheriff in Nomination, Bridget Biddell (fourth left) was pleased to be able to join the celebrations, ahead of her Shrieval year commencing in April. Great support as always from Surrey Police, with experienced Superintendent, Andy Rundle (second left), a firm advocate of the effectiveness of this long-standing programme for local young people. Two senior officers from Surrey Fire & Rescue were attending their final YES event before retiring after exceptional service to our county; Area Commander Steve Burnell (extreme right) and Group Commander Nigel Gray (extreme left) – we wish them the very best wishes for the future!

 

Guildford Borough Council Hosts National Honours Dinner at The County Club

The Mayor, Mike Parsons, welcomed over thirty guests to the renowned County Club in Guildford for a celebration dinner for local recipients of national Honours and those recognised for outstanding achievement. Cllr Nigel Manning addressed the guests and confirmed that no less than six local voluntary organisations have been recognised with Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service – an outstanding number for one Borough within the UK and testament to our wonderful local volunteers! Congratulations to everyone at GBC for their generosity of spirit in arranging such a memorable evening.

  

Bushy Hill Youth Club Thriving – Thanks to 'Matrix'!

As can be seen, young people and Matrix staff alike are delighted to be able to enjoy getting together at Merrow Methodist Church to share different activities – believe it or not, reptiles and spiders (huge) were amongst the delights last night! The High Sheriff Youth Awards are proud to be one of the sponsors ensuring that Matrix are able to offer this great opportunity for local young people. (The very well deserved Award was delivered by an over-dressed High Sheriff en route to another special event – more later!)

 

EdAble Social Kitchen's Thursday Lunch Special at Addlestone Community Centre

The kitchen was buzzing with professional enthusiasm as the EdAble Social Kitchen team finished preparation of the delicious lunch menu. Suzanne (middle, back) was overseeing the activity, as always, and welcomed many members, local workers and the Mayor, Dolcie Clarke (below), who are all keen to see this great enterprise flourish! A Shrieval tip – the chilli was excellent!

 

 

Brooklands College Provides Elmbridge Mayor's Consort With Ideal Venue for 'Holi' Celebrations!

 

Mayor’s Consort, Ramesh Kapadia (above), welcomed 40 guests to last night’s Men’s Supper at Brook’s Restaurant on Brooklands College campus (highly recommended as a venue – the students serve an excellent meal in great style!). Tales were swapped; facts uncovered; knowledge tested and funds raised (for the Mayor’s excellent charity, Elmbridge Rentstart) as everyone enthusiastically joined Ramesh in celebrating Holi – ‘The Festival of Colours’ – hence the striking addition to the High Sheriff’s attire, personally created by my own Consort, Cath! 

    

North Spelthorne Local Family Partnership Continues to Thrive!

Following their creation last September, the latest Family Partnership Meeting took place today in the Spelthorne Borough County Chambers, with activities and networking continuing to grow at quite a pace. In addition to learning more about the various initiatives addressing adult mental health issues, from Dr Giselas Unsworth from ‘Mind Matters’ (Surrey & Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust), members were able to see at first hand the huge potential of making use of the Family Information Service Directory. As always, the Mayor, Jean Pinkerton, and several Councillors were in attendance to provide active support. The Community Foundation For Surrey were also present to find out more about this important Borough. A great community effort!

 

Crimestoppers Ambassadors' Reception Embraces 'Fearless' and a Birthday Cake!

 Surrey CrimeStoppers Chair, Ian Chandler,and CEO, Mark Hallas welcomed an enthusiastic crowd of current and potential Ambassadors to Reigate Town Hall, courtesy of Mayor, Dorothy Ross-Tomlin. Guest speakers included David Munro, PCC, and Danielle Gyseman, Head of Intelligence Operations at Surrey Police (grateful recipients for all of the essential and anonymous information passed from Surrey CrimeStoppers). The main question of the evening came from Fearless Worker, Emily Drew, who demonstrated one of the techniques used with young people to convince them to help – WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

   

 

Rotary Club of Shepperton & Sunbury Shares Thoughts on The Shrieval Year!

Our great friends, Carl and Irene Phillips, suggested that this renowned Rotary Club would welcome the opportunity to learn more about the role of the High Sheriff, and share thoughts on the Shrieval year to date. We were joined by Mayor, Jean Pinkerton (third left) and Mayor’s Escort, Linda Burton (second right), and also Joe Crome (back right), Director of Philanthropy at the Community Foundation for Surrey (who was keen to get to know Spelthorne in greater depth, given the essential, Surrey-wide role of CFS). A thoroughly enjoyable evening was kindly hosted by Rotary Club President, Richard Black (back), and Shepperton Aurora Club President, Norma Kent (front). Richard Walsh’s moving vote of thanks was also much appreciated!

 

Spelthorne Hosts Chief Scout’s Gold Award Presentations

County Commissioner, Joe Rogerson (left), and Assistant Chief Commissioner, Paul Iverson, welcomed families, friends and leaders to St Hilda’s Church to celebrate the presentations of Chief Scout Gold Awards to over 60 exceptional scouts from across Surrey. I was escorted by the Lord Lieutenant’s Scout Cadet, Rory Gunner (above), and we were delighted to be able to congratulate Paul on receiving his surprise award for 20 years of excellent service to the movement. Many thanks to the President of Spelthorne Scouts, Suzy Webb (below), and her impressive team, for hosting this memorable occasion.