Orpheus Centre College – The Focus is on Ability!

An inspirational visit to The Orpheus Centre with founder, Sir Richard Stilgoe (centre), CEO, Graham Whitehead (left) and Head of Learning, Lynn Reddick (right). The College at Orpheus currently has 37 talented students, with 24 living on site as ‘tenants’ (with their own Tenants’ Association!) – all sharing a passion for performing and visual arts. With a dedicated team of over 80 staff and helpers on site, it is no wonder that the success rate in preparing the young students for independent living has now reached the astonishing level of 83% over the past three years. Next week, Orpheus will be giving a very warm welcome to their new CEO, Rachel Black; so collective thanks for all of your great work Graham, and best wishes for a happy ‘retirement’ (we know it will be an active one!)

Surrey's 'Total Respect' Initiative Wins First Prize at National Crimebeat Awards!

And not only that, our terrific team of young people also won the Burnett Award for Best Presentation on the day! The initiative was created by the amazing Tamara Cooper (third right), Public Protection Strategic Manager at Surrey Police, but led and implemented by our very own wonderful young people using their own experience of life in the care system. Over 500 police officers across Surrey have now experienced the programme and the impact has been astonishing. This is a great example of partnership working between the young people themselves, experts within Surrey County Council and Surrey Police – as was greatly appreciated by all distinguished guests present to cheer the Surrey team on!

             

 

Surrey Investiture of British Empire Medals

Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux (right), presented British Empire Medals to thirteen amazing recipients from across Surrey at a moving ceremony in the atmospheric setting of Loseley House. The BEM was reintroduced in 2012 and rewards sustained contribution or innovative high-impact work of a relatively short duration. Many congratulations to all – keep up your astonishing work!

  

Community Foundation for Surrey in 'Clink'!

 CFS CEO, Laura Thurlow, and Director of Philanthropy, Joe Crome, could not have selected a better venue for their latest Donor Gathering than the renowned ‘Clink Restaurant’ at HMP High Down. Now approaching their 10th year since foundation at High Down, Restaurant Manager Trainer, Sheena, explained that The Clink Charity now has 11 training projects; 4 restaurants; 2 gardens; 3 kitchens and one cafe, with more exciting developments already underway. The outcomes are most encouraging, with a 49.6% reduction in reoffending being achieved. And in case you are wondering, you will indeed love the hake!!

 

 

SCC 'Fly a Flag For The Commonwealth'!

A privilege to support Tony Samuels, Chair of Surrey County Council, at the ceremony at County Hall to mark the Raising of the Commonwealth Flag. This occasion is marked across the entire globe on 11 March each year, and the 2019 theme is ‘A Connected Commonwealth’ – highly appropriate in the current circumstances, and totally in keeping with the ‘powers’ of the High Sheriff to ‘convene’ and ‘connect’. It is comforting to realise that we have many friends across the world, linked by this powerful statement:

‘Our pledge is to support the Commonwealth, working together for a future in which there is freedom and justice and prosperity for all, with peace and understanding between peoples and nations’

  

  

 

Woking High School Triumphs at Mock Trials!

Gilly Crichton, Karon Goodfellow and John Small led the dedicated team of Surrey Magistrates who organised the Surrey Heat of the 2019 Mock Trials, held today at Guildford Crown Court. Seven schools competed magnificently, and it was Woking High School who overcame all comers to take the trophies (and a handsome cheque from renowned defence solicitor, David Castle, who has supported the Mock Trials for many years);

Lord Lieutenant, Michael More-Molyneux (back left), Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons (left), HHJudge Robert Fraser (third right) and High Sheriff’s Cadet, Naeel Radha (second right) all joined the Woking celebrations. St John’s Ambulance, The High Sheriff Youth Awards and Surrey Volunteer Police Cadets were present to support the event, and Crimestopper’s powerful ‘Fearless’ initiative was fully explained by Chair, Ian Chandler (left) and Fearless Youth Outreach Worker, Emily (right);

 

 

Surrey Clubs for Young People Annual Awards

Joyce Quinnell, CEO of SCYP, once again arranged a star-studded line-up of Award Winners from amongst the club members and volunteers who combine to make up this impactful charity, which touches the lives of over 60% of young people across Surrey. The Awards emphasised the impressive range of activities available for young people at the many clubs, from HSYA supported ‘What’s Cool For You’ arts programme winner, Darcy (below, – accompanied by long service Award winner Mary Sheldon, trustee at Hersham);

through to this terrific display of five national boxing champions, seen with the Chair of SCYP, the inspirational Tony Willis (right), and Peter Lee, DL (Left), having received their Awards from boxing superstar, Clinton McKenzie (centre);

 

 

A Second Family Member Addresses Westcott Women's Group!

Following in the professional steps of Cath (above), who delighted the Westcott Women’s Group last month, I was pleased to accept Ruth’s (below) request to describe what has been happening during my Shrieval year. Over 30 wise residents of Westcott readily joined in the questioning of the High Sheriff – great to share thoughts with the local community!

 

(Many thanks to Jacki for the excellent photo!)

 

Tandridge District Council – Civic Lunch

Chairman, David Cooley, and Consort, Pam Cooley, welcomed an impressive array of Mayors and Chairs from across Surrey, together with leading local dignitaries, to a lively Civic Lunch in Bletchingley. As can be seen from the delicious desert, the hospitality was of the highest quality!

 

Elmbridge Community Link – 25 Years of Making a Real Difference!

And here’s what that success has meant to ECL Allsports young people! The Allsports evening is under the wing of Development Manager, Llinos John (hiding behind our two hockey stars in the centre!), and led by Coach, Debbie (in red on the right), helped by three excellent local volunteers (3rd; 4th and 5th from left, back row). Tuesdays session is a great opportunity for the young people to meet their friends and talk about what they have all been up to, and also get some fun exercise. A wonderful community asset, much appreciated by all parents and carers!