The Meath Supports International Epilepsy Awareness (Purple!) Day In Style

Amongst many supporters from far and wide helping CEO, Lindsay Hill (centre), and The Meath team promote ‘PurpleDay’, were Surrey’s first purple Mayor and Mayoress, Dan and Sarah Adams (left) from Surrey Heath! Dan and Sarah have selected The Meath as one of their charities for the year, and spent the entire day helping Lindsay, Tania and the many supporters to raise funds for their wonderful organisation.

The High Sheriff and the Mayor of Guildford looked very dull in comparison, with yet another purple Mayor, Denise Le Gal, soon to join the enthusiastic gathering!

 

 

 

GSC's 'Spirit of Youth' Version of Romeo & Juliet Delights!

An intergenerational drama project from Guildford Shakespeare Company, ‘Spirit of Youth’, tackles social isolation within local communities by bringing together 10 children from Weyfield Primary School and 10 residents from The Queen Elizabeth Park Care Home, to deliver their own unique interpretation of ‘Romeo & Juliet’! 

The informal photo captures the spirit of the performance, which delighted everyone present – including Kate (left), Community Foundation for Surrey (thanks for the funding!), and Fran (fifth left) and Ant (extreme right) who directed this talented ‘cast’. GSC Co-founders, Sarah and Matt, deserve enormous credit for creating this astonishingly powerful vehicle which clearly means so much to young and not-so-young alike!

 

    

'Music With A Heart' (and Soul!) At Mayor of Elmbridge's Charity Concert

Mayor of Elmbridge, Shweta Kapadia (centre) and Consort Ramesh, were joined by Mayor of Spelthorne, Jean Pinkerton and Michael Aspel, for a truly unforgettable evening of superb entertainment from Surrey Music – Elmbridge Ladies Choir (led by Chris Parker) followed by the full Elmbridge Choir, featuring the irrepressible Cliff van Tonder. And all in support of Shweta’s chosen charity, the impactful Elmbridge Rentstart, represented by Tracey (below left) and volunteer Pippa. Shweta, this was a wonderful event – many congratulations to Amanda, Pastor Chris and everyone involved in making it all possible!

 

   

 

University of Surrey Hosts Year 10 Graduation Ceremony!

 

 

Over 70 year 10 students from schools across Surrey received their certificates after completing an intensive 6 month course run by Hollie (right), Amy and the team in the University Widening Participation & Outreach Department. The ten Student Ambassadors proudly introduced their students, who were each selected by schools and teachers. The increased confidence, attainment and motivation amongst the cohort was evident to all, particularly proud parents and supporters!

       

 

YMCA DownsLink 'Sleep Easy 2019' Underway!

Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons (back second right), and Mayoress Jean, provided Borough support and encouragement for over 30 incredible volunteers willing to brave the conditions and raise funds for such a worthy cause by sleeping out all night in the castle grounds in Guildford.

One volunteer is now on her fourth ‘Sleep Easy’, provides warm drinks for the other volunteers as well as sleeping rough with them, and is determined to continue until she reaches 80 – now that is exceptional commitment; Jill Bird, take a bow!!

 

 

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!