Archive for category: Uncategorized

A happy evening at Watts gallery on Thursday when we could celebrate and thank the Community Foundation of Surrey’s (CFS) generous donors. £1.4 m has been awarded to help fund some critical work in our local communities this year.The message is clear -there is much more work to be done,the CFS plays such an important role in matching local giving with local need. Jim Glover (our well known previous High Sheriff) is stepping up to the mark again and taking over chairmanship of CFS on David Frank’s retirement-thanks David and to Jim and the CFS keep the message rolling thankyou.Local giving for local need

This Wednesday I thoroughly enjoyed the AGM of the SMA at the beautiful Guildhall in Guildford.The room was packed with magistrates including many new magistrates and we heard from the National Chairman John Bache reinforcing the association’s independent voice.The magistrates Mock trial competition for Schools nationwide continues, and good news as the Surrey SMA will continue with their exceptional organisation skills to run it again this year ,the winning school in Surrey will

be awarded The High Sheriff’s Shield !

Holy Trinity Church in Guildford held a beautiful and inspiring Civic service which included Councillor Richard Billington Mayor of Guildford, restating his promises of office and giving

the congregation an opportunity to hear about the two charities he is to support .Holly Bird told us about the work of the Royal Surrey County Hospital Charity and Stephen Langley The Prostate Project. As we processed from Holy Trinity to the Guildhall the sun shone and reinforced the feeling of hope and optimism that the service inspired.

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.

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