It is quite rare that you get to meet yourself when out and about!
I came across a drawing of myself, one of a set of drawings and painting created by the talented Nathalie Scott for her Faces of Guildford Exhibition; which are currently being exhibited in Jigsaw on Guildford High Street.
Nathalie is currently undertaking a huge mural on an outside wall in Chapel Street, which is looking amazing. Buy her a coffee if you are passing!
I had the opportunity to view Catalyst’s offices in Woking on their Open Day.
They are the largest home-grown charity in Surrey. They work to promote the mental health and wellbeing of people in Surrey, improving lives in terms of stability and wellbeing, with the aim of reducing harm to themselves, their families and the community and now provide support across 26 different areas. Many of these areas were represented at the Open Day and Suzanne and I had the opportunity to discuss the wonderful work they do.
They have recently produced a video which highlights their activities which is well worth a watch here. Meet Catalyst Support: Supporting Wellness Together in Surrey since 1989 – YouTube
You can find out more about Catalyst on their website HERE
[I am pictured here with His Honour Chris Critchlow DL (Patron) and Sue Murphy CEO].
Suzanne and I enjoyed a most enlightening visit to Crimestoppers.
We visited their national headquarters and met with Mick Duthie, Glenys Balchin, Lee Tinson and Phil Jebb from the executive team together with the Chair of Crimestoppers, and volunteer, Dr Lynne Hack. It was a very illuminating visit. Crimestoppers is an independent charity, not affiliated with the Police with over 100 staff and 350 volunteers. They guarantee 100% anonymity to anyone who contacts them. 80% of approaches are now made on-line and 20% by phone call. They are open 24/7 every day and handled some 750,000 approaches last year, of which over 200,000 contained information that was passed on to the Police. Anonymity is achieved as no contact information is requested.
Glenys and Phil look after Surrey with 14 volunteers and hold regular community events to publicise the service. Crimestoppers has a separate service called Fearless which is aimed at 10-18 year olds which is more geared to providing useful information to young people, although it also allows them to provide information anonymously as well. Extensive training is given to all operators handling calls and on-line reports and their diligence, together with the proactive action of members of the public, makes a significant difference in helping both prevent crime and identifying perpetrators.
Crimestoppers can be contacted online https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ and by phone on 0800 555 111
Our Fearless youth service https://crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless and by phone on 0800 555 111
I was delighted to be invited with Suzanne to attend the SCC Foster Carer’s Charter Launch at Woodhatch.
There are over 400 foster carers in Surrey and events are held by SCC to bring them together and share stories and receive support. There were more than 60 carers present at the launch of the Foster Carer’s Charter which sets out how the Council and foster carers will work together. Details can be found here https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/children/social-care/fostering/charter
Tina Benjamin, Director of Corporate Parenting addressed everyone present and expressed gratitude to all the foster carers (and the foster carer support team that) explaining how fostering transforms lives. Having friends ourselves who have been through the foster care system and other friends who have become foster carers, it was a privilege to be able to meet so many wonderful people who make such a difference to the lives of so many Surrey children.
Read more about the event HERE
On Sunday May 11th, I was honoured to be part of the VE Day 80th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving held in Guildford Cathedral. The Lord Lieutenant , Chair of Surrey County Council, Mayor of Guildford and I processed in behind Mrs Pat Clark a veteran of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. The service was led by The Very Reverend Bob Cooper, Dean of Guildford and the Bishop of Guildford, Right Reverend Andrew Watson gave the sermon. The Last Post and Reveille was rendered beautifully by Corporal Max Harris and the service was brought to a close, with the Standards and Union Flag processing out, by a solo hymn, Amazing Grace, sung amazingly by Sandra Gayer. All the uniformed cadet forces took part in the proceedings and the band of the Royal Army Medical Service regaled everyone outside the Cathedral after the service.
I was honoured to be introduced to Queenie, a centurion who had wanted to attend. She said how she caught a train to London form Chobham on VE Day and danced in the streets outside Buckingham Palace and said it was a day she could never forget. She also told stories of how the Canadian and American soldiers taught her the Jitterbug!
It was a wonderful occasion and the Lord Lieutenant remarked how great it was to see so many young people taking part and that he hoped that they would spread the word that we must never forget.
Our Day started at Brookwood Cemetery where my Wife Suzanne and I, accompanied by one of my two High Sheriff’s Cadets – Grace, were met by Avril Kirby, Kim Lowe and Paul McCue at the Chapel in the Civilian Cemetery, where we were told all about the history and importance of this incredible and important resting place; the large cemetery in the UK with over 250,000 people buried here. The Chapel is situated in a beautiful and very well maintained area with an arboretum of trees and an abundance of wildlife. It is a Grade 1 listed Historical Park. Then followed a tour of the American Cemetery, by Gail Anderson, which brought home to us the huge sacrifices made by our American allies. The graves here were for those US soldiers from the first world war which lost their lives in and around the UK waters whose families chose not to have their bodies repatriated, the second world war US cemetery is in Cambridge. We were then guided by Paul McCue in the surrounding Commonwealth Military Cemetery who regaled us with heroic, though sadly tragic, stories of some members of the Special Operations Executive remembered here. We left Brookwood Cemetery very humbled, and with a bigger appreciation of those foreign nations that helped win the war leading to VE Day 80 years ago this past week.
The next stop was the RAF Memorial near Egham – an impressive monument designed by Sir Edward Maufe (who also designed Guildford Cathedral) with incredible views towards London and Windsor. The memorial commemorates by name over 20,000 men and women of the air forces operatin in the Uk and North and Western Europe who were lost in the Second World War and have no known graves. We were welcomed by Megan Maltby and student tour guide Tilly who recounted many stories associated with names engraved on the white structure unveiled by HM The Queen in 1953. The engraved glass and painted ceilings were designed by John Hutton and a poem engraved on the gallery window was written by Paul H Scott. The overall effect was of a place of peace and serenity – a place of quiet remembrance.
Tilly told us a story of Noor Inayat Khan GC who was born in Moscow of an Indian Father and and an American Mother. The family moved to London and then Paris where in 1942 she was recruited by the SOE as a radio operator and sent into occupied France where she was betrayed and captured. Sent to a concentration camp she refused to divulge information and tragically was executed. In 1944 she was posthumously awarded the George Cross for her Bravery. It was reassuring that stories like this, of which there would be many more linked to the names on those walls, was recounted by young people all these years later – the importance of education about the effects of war can never be underestimated.
Our next visit was to Runnymede Meadows – the site of the signing of the Magna Carta, managed by the National Trust where we met Grenville Cheganis, General Manager, Surrey Landscapes Portfolio and his colleague, Jamie, for lunch, followed by a walk through the meadows stopping at various interesting points. We learned about the site and the installations that were featured there, the most important of which of course was the commemoration of the site of the sealing of the Magna Carta by King John in 1215. I felt very honoured to be present as the current High Sheriff of Surrey knowing that the original signing was witnessed by a predecessor High Sheriff of Surrey.
The symbolic significance in the story of democracy meant that the site was also chosen for the UK’s memorial of John F. Kennedy following his assassination on 14th May 1965. At the entrance to this particular memorial was a carved wooden gate funded by a lottery grant and created by a master craftsman who was working with young offenders at a prison – As the High Sheriff part of my responsibility is to support the judiciary and the work they do which includes the Judges, the prison services and the Police authority and I was pleased to learn that the feedback from the young offenders was that project was brilliant and they really loved it.
Another highlight was the inspiring architectural artwork by Mark Wallinger and Studio Octopi – ‘Writ in Water’ which was commissioned to mark the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta and reflects upon the founding principles of democracy and provides visitors with a space for quiet contemplation. It really is worth a visit and the interior is unexpected and very cleverly created.
We then met two handlers from the Battersea Dogs Home branch which is based by Runneymede and is currently home to 80 dogs and 45 cats. We were delighted to meet Stan, a retired racing greyhound and Spider a small black puppy, both of whom we were pleased to learn have been found new homes. We bought them doggie ice creams to cool them down on this very hot afternoon.
Finally we travelled to D’Oyly Carte Island for the finale of Surrey Day 2025, where many others involved with the event met up to talk about their experiences and enjoy tea and cakes on the stunning island in the River Thames near Weybridge. Suzanne and I joined the Lord Lieutenant, the team from Visit Surrey, guests and BBC Surrey’s Mark Carter who conceived Surrey Day in the first place several years ago. Of course I had the chance to talk with him about my day live on air too. We were also lucky to be given a tour of the amazing and very unique house by owner Andy Hill who told us of its connection with Gilbert & Sullivan and the history of this really special place.
It was a lovely wrap up to a wonderful day celebrating the County in which we live and if you would like to share in our day you can watch this special video featuring all of the visits mentioned above.
Video/Photography – Andy Newbold.
As part of this year’s Surrey Day celebrations, on Saturday May 10, the organisers of Surrey Day – ‘Visit Surrey’ in collaboration with ‘BBC Radio Surrey’ and The ‘Surrey Lieutenancy’ are asking you to ‘Take the Lead’ and share your favourite local dog walks and dog-friendly destinations in our County. Benson & Blossom are pictured getting ready for their Surrey Day Walkies by sporting the ‘Surrey Day’ logo – lets see your pooch pics enjoying their Surrey walks and if you need ideas there are suggestions for dog friendly events happening on Surrey Day HERE. Please tag Tag @visitsurrey on social media and use the #SurreyDay hashtag and so that Benson and Blossom can see them too why not add #highsheriffofsurrey.
Information on the events happening during Surrey Day can be found at – https://www.visitsurrey.com/whats-on/surrey-day/
It was an honour to be the incumbent High Sheriff of Surrey and participate in the celebration and remembrance on the 80thAnniversary of VE Day.
Both my parents witnessed the Blitz in London and experienced evacuation and both my grandfathers fought in the war, one in North Africa and the other manning the barrage balloons in London. I grew up hearing their stories and their recollections of VE Day and marking the anniversary is so important to ensure future generations never forget the selflessness of those who gave up so much for their freedom. My wife and I had the privilege of meeting some veterans on our visits across the County and sharing in many happy moments and poignant reflections on our travels; including in Guildford having a wonderful chat with a resident of Merrow, proudly wearing his father’s medals who participated in the D-Day landings on Juno beach.
Our first event was the flag-raising ceremony at the Guildhall in Guildford, where I was privileged to be on the balcony with Colonel (retired) Patrick Crowley MA MBE DL, the Mayor of Guildford, Howard Smith, the Revd Canon Simon Butler, veteran Ian Chatfield, Simon Persin (who played the fanfare and God Save the King) and the Town Crier, David Peters who made the following proclamation:-
Oyez, Oyez, Oyez
Eighty years ago today the United Kingdom and its allies from around the globe celebrated VE Day – the end of the war in Europe.
Today as we come together to commemorate what came to be known as VE Day our thoughts turn to thanksgiving and remembrance of those millions that gave so much to achieve the freedom we all enjoy today.
We remember those we lost, those who were wounded or scarred, those whose lives were forever changed by war. Nobody was immune from the impact of that terrible conflict.
Let us pause to remember their sacrifice.
We reflect too upon the words of our late and glorious Queen, Elizabeth – “Never Give Up, Never Despair”.
And so we offer thanksgiving for the selflessness of those who gave up so much in order that future generations should enjoy the blessings of freedom, democracy and peace.
God Save the King
Suzanne and I next travelled to Cedar Court in Cranleigh where we were welcomed by Michael Gains and Kathryn Thompson, both resplendent in 1940’s dress, as were all their fellow staff members. The sun was shining brightly and all residents and many members of their families were sitting outside at table decked with Union Jacks and bunting overhead. It was so special for Suzanne and myself to be able to spend time hearing their many and varied stories. There was a wonderful celebratory mood, which was a testament to what high regard all the residents hold the management team in and the deep affection that is reciprocated. I read out the proclamation that the town crier had made in Guildford earlier that day.
We then moved on to The Hive in Park Barn in Guildford where there was a very jolly sing-song in progress. Mayor, Howard Smith was also present as we sung songs from the 1940’s and 50’s including My Old Man’s a Dustman and I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles! Suzanne spoke with a lovely gentleman, who showed a photo of his school in Enfield which had been destroyed by a doodle-bug bomb. He had luckily been off school sick that day and the other pupils had safely made it to the air-raid shelter, but sadly one teacher was not so fortunate. I again read out the proclamation the town crier had made at the flag-raising ceremony at the Guildhall in Guildford that morning.
Our final trip visit was to Farnham to participate in the beacon lighting in the evening. Held at Gostrey Meadow, there was a large crowd being regaled by the Alder Valley Brass Band when we arrived. There was a parade made up of the Farnham Royal British Legion, Veterans, Reservists, Uniformed Personnel, Cadet Forces and Uniformed Sections which formed up behind Mayor of Farnham Cllr Brodie Mauluka, the Mayor of Waverley John Ward and his wife, Deputy Lieutenants Bill and Bridget Biddell (also past High Sheriffs) and ourselves. Bill Biddell then read out a Tribute written for the occasion after being introduced by the Town Crier, Michael Stephens.
We sang I Vow to thee my Country and the National Anthem before I was extremely honoured to close the evening by lighting the beacon which connected this event to numerous others around the country. Suzanne and I would like to extend our thanks to Iain Lunch, the town clerk, for escorting us throughout.
It was a joyous day to be a part of; full of happiness, reflection, remembrance and also of hope for the future; as days like this help to bring communities together to share experiences, renew friendships and ensure we never forget.
The Following photos, taken in Farnham have been submitted by Natalia Sharomova – a Farnham based photographer.
It was a pleasure to attend the Mayor-making ceremony with my wife, Suzanne, at the Guildhall in Guildford today.
After a very busy and successful year, Sallie Barker handed over the reins to Howard Smith. Howard is keen to promote good social housing and education for children and young people. Sallie commented that she had been involved in over 500 meetings and made over a hundred speeches during her year, raising a record £105,000 for local good causes. I enjoyed working with her, as Chair of Guildford Philanthropy, putting on the Mistletoe Ball which raised over £76k in December.
I wish Howard and his wife Debbie an enjoyable year and look forward to seeing them along the way!
Find out more about the new Mayor of Guildford HERE
I greatly enjoyed visiting the Surrey History Centre in Woking with my wife, Suzanne on May 6th. It was fascinating to learn how much of the County’s important records and artifacts are catalogued, archived and in some cases meticulously restored here. We were shown round by Dr David Taylor, Chairman of the Surrey History Trust, Mike Page, County Archivist; and Julian Pooley, Public Services and Engagement Manager. We also had the pleasure of meeting Gary Topp, Director of Painshill Park Trust who was being shown some of the records held on Painshill Park.
We were also able to review a number of documents relating to and written by past High Sheriffs dating back many years and still in a remarkably good state of preservation thanks to the dedication of the team at the Surrey History Centre.
You can find out more about the Surrey history centre HERE
