High Sheriff's Education Continues – Courtesy of Mayor of Spelthorne and Headteacher of St Paul's Catholic College!

 

 

 

 

An excellent briefing this afternoon from James McNulty (right), Headteacher of St Paul’s Catholic College (rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted), arranged by Jean Pinkerton, Mayor of Spelthorne (centre), on the subject of exclusions of pupils from school. St Paul’s has an impressive record on being inclusive towards all pupils, and James explained that such an approach has to be based on a culture of high expectations and standards, with a simple and clearly understood Behavioural Policy. It is good to know that James is instrumental in the NE Quadrant and is working with other experienced Heads to share best practice and agree a coordinated approach for submission to funders. When I asked for a photo, James was able to immediately round up teacher, Natalie (left), and enthusiastic pupils Kian, Keiran, Regan, Gabrielly, Peter and Thomas, who stated that the best words to describe St Paul’s were ‘Excellent’ and ‘Academic’ – I totally agree!

 

 

Thrive Dance Academy Graduates Provide Moving Finale to 'Dance Movement' Re-Launch!

Perhaps the wings in the Great Hall at Farnham Maltings is not the easiest location for a picture, but ‘Thrive’ performers (from left) Anne Marie, Mackayla, Lucie and Loui feel right at home there! Having graduated last October, all four received their certificates recognising their new qualifications, and celebrated by providing the perfect finale through their dance ‘Sunrise’. The High Sheriff Youth Awards supported the pilot of ‘Thrive Dance Academy’, which targeted young people struggling to succeed, identified by Waverley Training Services, SCC Looked After Children Service and ‘Step by Step’. The Dance Movement is now a fully recognised charity, and Programme Director, Rachel Deadman, and Dance Artist, Nicky Norton, can be justifiably proud of their great work in helping these four young people realise their own potential – with our collective support there will be many more to follow!

    

  

 

 

 

Young Adult Carers Given Full Support By Local Pharmacies

Today saw the launch of a Rosemont sponsored film on Medicine Management, targeted to help all carers, but particularly those who are children and young people. The very important role played by local pharmacies was highlighted throughout, having first been raised by the Young Adult Carers themselves in a survey first circulated in 2011.

The two ‘stars’ of the video, Maria (left) and Janice (second right), both Young Adult Carers, joined organiser Debbie Hustings, Partnership Manager (Carers) Surrey Heartlands ICS (centre) and Lisa, Partnership & Engagement Coordinator SYC (right) to explain just how appreciated local pharmacists are and how helpful their advice can be to young people who have to administer medicines to loved ones. Another stunning example of local companies, professionals and agencies working together to help support the unsung carer-superheroes in all of our communities! Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons (left), has Young Carers as one of his major themes for the year, and will be writing to all pharmacists across the Borough to say ‘thank you’ for their help and to promote use of the video itself. Brilliant work Mike!

     

Forest Estate Community Hub Thrives on Great Community Support!

Patrick, Development Management at Audley (left) and Dean, Balfour Beatty (right) joined Dr Brian Perry, Consort to the Mayor of Runnymede (get well soon Dolsie!), to cut the cake celebrating an excellent example of local companies joining local volunteers to provide improved facilities at this essential Community Hub on Forest Estate. Brian and Dolsie have worked tirelessly to support this charity, which provides such critical support to families, children and young people. Dean explained that many sub-contractors had also willing lent their support to the refurbishment, and Denise, Manager, was quick to point to the impressive list!

 

 

 

Police Cadets Maintain Order at the 'Dinner for the Judiciary'!

Although you may not think so given this disorderly pic! Sgt Graham Kerslake (my left) once again arranged for a hugely impressive team of Surrey Volunteer Police Cadets, this time from our Guildford Unit based at King’s College, to help High Sheriff’s Cadet, Naeel (second right), provide support throughout our thought-provoking and thoroughly enjoyable event at the University of Surrey.

Eikon Inaugural 'Winter Wonderland Ball' Glitters!

Eikon Chair of Trustees, Jenny Griffiths (centre), and CEO, Chris Hickford (second left) hosted a wonderful fund raising evening at Royal Holloway, with Deputy Lieutenant, Peter Lee (left) amongst a truly glittering array of influential guests. Eikon is all about Inspiration and Transformation for young people and plays a vital support role for vulnerable pupils in many schools. As Jenny emphasised, every pound raised is put to very best use – all volunteers and donors present fully agreed!

 

'Lakeside' the Perfect Venue for Annual Dinner for the Surrey Judiciary

Chef David’s creative skills were at their peak last night as Surrey’s judges, magistrates and civic dignitaries enjoyed an evening sampling the diverse strengths of the University of Surrey (all guests took pictures of David’s creation and I wanted to be among the first to blog – courtesy Andy Newbold!) The GSA Singers provided a stimulating programme of exquisitely delivered show songs and were their usual breathtaking selves – sincere compliments to Musical Director, Peter Roberts.

More details will emerge over coming days of the excellent, thought-provoking presentations and displays from Royal Holloway School of Law, The University of Law, The University of Surrey Law School and the Surrey Magistracy, which greeted guests on arrival. The diversity of activities around the research, teaching, volunteering and everyday practical impact of legal matters in our community was amazing to see when presented in such a coordinated fashion. Many thanks to Dr Alex Sarch for masterminding the educational side of the evening!

Final thanks must go to our guest speakers, HH Judge Robert Fraser (Resident Judge at Guildford Crown Court), Professor Bebhinn Donnelly-Lazarov (UoS School of Law), and Associate Professor and Dean, Sarah Pooley (University of Law) and particularly to Professor Max Lu, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Surrey, for embracing our event with open arms!

 (My own portion!)

 

 

Holocaust Memorial Day – Sunday 27 January: 'Torn From Home'

Chairman of Surrey County Council, Tony Samuels, convened a moving service in Surrey County Hall today to commemorate the victims of all holocausts, ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day this Sunday. The positive role played by many in Surrey in the 1930’s and 40’s was recognised , including Stoatley Rough School in Haslemere, where home was provided to so many children and young people escaping Nazi persecution. Rabbi Tony Hammond emphasised that we must also remember the genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and even today in Darfur. Two survivors of the Nazi persecution, Marcel and Ted, shared their own, powerful stories and provided astonishing insights into the dreadful suffering which remains with them.

 

 

HMP Coldingley – Working & Training Is The Daily Routine

 

Not the usual message from one of Her Majesty’s Prisons, but HMP Coldingley is renowned for training specialism. Of course, ‘Coldingley Industries’ have to adhere to carefully arranged rules in terms of ‘fair trading’ with local competitors, but the fact that many of the 400 prison residents are able to use these well-equipped opportunities to potentially gain qualifications recognised in the external workplace (eg advanced IT skills are supported by CISCO), provides genuine incentive to embrace the world of work. I was able to join Dan Adams, Mayor of Surrey Heath (left), as we were welcomed by Governor, Jo Simms, Head of Industries, Alan, and Residential Officer (and Key Worker), Julian(centre), who provided an in-depth visit to both the industrial/work and personal aspects of prison life. We were also able to share the views of many inmates (one studying for a OU degree, and others sharing a real passion for the various trades they were learning). An order for some printing is imminent from the High Sheriff!

Many thanks to Chris for the photo, and to Darren for some great coffee!  

 

  

  

 

 

 

Eikon Lifetrain Receive Award at Sunbury Youth Club

Arrived in a blizzard last night to join Paul (right) from Eikon Lifetrain to present the High Sheriff Youth Awards certificate to Lorraine, Sharon and Ryan for their great work in establishing the Tuesday evening ‘Bus-Shelter’ sessions so vital for young people in the area. Even in the dreadful weather, several local youngsters made it through the snow, determined to continue their boxing lessons from ‘Z’, the inspirational founder of ‘Youthbox’. Z works across Surrey from her base in Woking, and was more than willing to put Paul through his paces! 

Please all keep up the great work – how else will young Charlie (a keen member who lives close to the club and has just started at secondary school) develop into the boxing start we all know he has the potential to become?!