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Irrepressible Centre Manager, Dee Graham (second left) and Sarah (centre) welcomed the Chairman of Tandridge, David Cooley, and Consort, Pam, as we all paid a visit to the now-famous Woodhouse Centre in Oxted. The charity was founded by Betty Woodhouse all the way back in 1971, and is still as popular as ever, maintaining their proud position in the community as ‘The Local Charity that Supports Local People’. All retired and disabled people are made to feel right at home and the tales they can tell will keep you entertained for weeks on end! We even met a couple who have now become engaged, having met at the Woodhouse Centre – our very best wishes for their future together. Becoming almost as well know is the ‘Men in Sheds’ initiative, enabling men (or indeed women!) to get together and carry out any practical initiatives they are interested in. More pics will follow, but for now here is what a ‘Men in Sheds’ strategy session looks like – I was told that their most important tool is a mug!

An impressive ‘posse’ of past, present and future High Sheriffs, partners and Under Sheriffs gathered for the SE Regional Forum yesterday, held at the University of Surrey.

The counties of Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex and the Greater London bailiwick were all represented, and guest speakers included Hugh Tollemache (third row, left), Chair of the High Sheriffs’ Association (HSA) of England & Wales, and Elizabeth Hunter (first row, left), HSA Council Link to the Regions. A particular focus of the annual gathering is to provide support, counsel and inspiration to High Sheriffs in Nomination, who will begin their terms of office in March/April. We were extremely fortunate to be addressed by Surrey’s finest (HH Judge Robert Fraser; HH Judge Alison Raeside; Karon Goodfellow JP; ACC Nev Kemp, Sgt Graham Kerslake and Lady Louise O’Connor), who made this humble citizen of the county very proud indeed! A very successful event was Chaired by my predecessor Robert Napier DL (front, second right), and Patricia was a true star of the gathering as she shared the secrets of the role of ‘consort!’

Royal Holloway University of London (RHUL) Community Research Hub has a new home with Egham Museum, all courtesy of The Literary Institute, Egham. This great example of community cooperation was the brainchild of Emilio (left), Team Leader at RHUL’s Volunteering Team, who also raised the necessary funds from the RH University Student Opportunities Fund and The Community Foundation For Surrey. Phil (right), Volunteering Manager, and Louise (second right), Volunteering Project Coordinator, joined Sarah (left), Egham Museum Curator, in welcoming local charities, non-profit organisations and social enterprises – all of whom can now consider making use of the research services offered by the talented RHUL students on a pro-bono basis.

All present enjoyed an excellent lunch provided by the EdAble Social Kitchen team from Addlestone Community Centre – definitely on the HS’s agenda for a visit!

 Chair of Governors, Rob Hart (right), and inspirational Headteacher, James Malley (second right) welcomed a packed house of family, friends and dignitaries (inc local councillor Joe Crome, left) to a stimulating ‘first night’ in the new Drama Studio. Drama Teachers, Steph (left) and Sofie (centre), had arranged four excellent performances by the students, including the renowned year 10 version of Macbeth much admired lately at the Swan Theatre itself. As James emphasised, the entire teaching and support staff at Therfield act as one large team, ensuring that all pupils are fully included in a broad range of activities. This was recognised in the recent ‘Good’ Ofsted visit which specifically recognised this powerful approach towards ‘inclusion’. Special thanks to Headteacher’s PA, Catherine, whose superb skills in terms of organisation, catering and photography (above) were much appreciated!