SATRO Host 'TEENTECH' – 'Inspiring Tomorrow's Innovators'!

Chair, Howard Railton, and over 40 SATRO volunteers welcomed 340 year 8 students from schools across Surrey and even further afield, to the Surrey Sports Park to be inspired by 35 local companies. The creative and imaginative STEM challenges presented to the students in interactive sessions by the willing company experts had to be seen to be believed – just look at these towers (one beginning to wilt somewhat!) made from spaghetti and marshmallows, built at the Fluor exhibit to withstand the weight of two hefty chocolate slabs!

And on the Pirbright stand, led by a great combination of academic and support staff from the Institute, students could see mosquito larvae and adults (below – the larvae pictures on the monitor are screened from the microscope camera), and even design a lego version with altered DNA so that malaria transmission would be impossible – Terrific use of STEM subject thinking!

When the excitement got too much, the Chair of SCC, Tony Samuels, joined me in ensuring that this teacher received expert attention!!

 What a brilliantly inspiring day – many thanks SATRO!  

 

'Friends of Change of Scene' Gather In Support!

 Founder, Sue Weaver, welcomed a packed house to the launch of the supporters group, to be known as ‘Friends of Change of Scene’. CoS has been making life changing differences for local disadvantaged children for over 10 years and the time is now right for a more structured approach to ensure future sustainability. Trustees, Tania and Joanna, explained how regular income streams could be created with the ‘Friends’ voluntary support, and made the request for applications to the key positions of Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. Some exciting thoughts were shared by the CoS team around fundraising (Andrea), crafts (Erica), skilled volunteering (Janine) and marketing/publicity (Luke) – so there are many ways in which volunteers can help support this amazing charity!

 

DoC Awards for 22 Outstanding Young Volunteers at Northdowns School!

No wonder they were all cheering! The Duke of Cornwall Community Safety Awards were given in recognition of the achievements of all of these fine young volunteers in completing the detailed training course run by Brockham Emergency Response Team (BERT Trustees, Zoe and Issy are back left), all under the leadership of teacher Rona Ottawa (right, punching the air!) all fully supported by Headteacher, Jane Douglass. The pupils now know all about different possible emergencies, and what they can do to help their local community should any of them ever happen. Great support from the Frederick Wheeler Lodge, Surrey Mason Reps – completes a shining example of how communities can work together!

 

 

New Citizens Welcomed At County Hall!

Jacqueline, Deputy Superintendent Registrar (centre), led a moving ceremony as the latest group of citizens were welcomed at the Citizenship Ceremony held this morning in Kingston. Family values were strongly emphasised throughout the event, with several entire families encouraged by Jacqueline to collectively attend to pledge their futures to our country, and indeed our fine county.

The very best of good fortune to them all!

   

  

  

 

'Mamma Mia' – Charity Dancing Queens!

Mayor of Spelthorne, Jean Pinkerton (centre), arranged a sell-out ‘Mamma Mia! Sing Along’ evening at Shepperton Studios on behalf of her chosen charities, and received enthusiastic support from the Mayoress of Guildford, Jean Parsons (right), and Cath, who even managed to find an appropriate dress she had made for our eldest daughter 20 years ago! The Mayor had the excellent support of Andrew Smith, Corporate Affairs Director, Shepperton Studios, and Kathryn Maidment, Group Community Liaison, Pinewood, who both do so much for their local community in Spelthorne – thanks to you all for a great event – and a special mention for Mayor’s Consort, Linda Burton, for her delicious catering!

  

 

 

 

 

 

GBC Economic Briefing Well Received!

 Leader of Guildford Borough Council, Paul Spooner (left), welcomed a large gathering for this morning’s breakfast briefing at Guildford Harbour Hotel. GBC Director of Finance, Claire Morris (above), gave a comprehensive update on the Council’s budget for 2019/20, and although austerity certainly appears to remain with us, there was confidence that the budget was balanced and that current development plans were supported. An excellent briefing from HSBC Head of Economics, Mark Berrisford-Smith, on the Outlook for the Economic and Financial Markets in 2019, provided remarkable insights into likely repercussions from Brexit – if you get an opportunity to listen to his observations, seize it!

 

  

 

15 New Appointments To The Magistracy

Magistrates play a critical role in our judicial system, and the Surrey ranks of these dedicated volunteers were swelled by a further 15 at a Swearing-in Ceremony in the Crown Court this afternoon. Our new magistrates are proudly standing behind the seated panel (from left; Mrs Jane Macauley, JP; HH Judge Fraser, Honorary Recorder of Guildford; Michael More-Molyneux, Lord Lieutenant of Surrey and Mrs Karen Goodfellow, JP). Clerk Richard Hunt (standing right) provided excellent guidance and oversight throughout the entire proceedings, and all family and friends were delighted to join the panel members in saying ‘Thank You’ to these wonderful recruits to the Magistracy!

Amazing 'History of Royal Patronage' – Royal Alexandra and Albert School

Trustee, Governor and former Foundationer Scholar at RAAS, John Billingham (right), has recently completed an amazing ‘History of the Royal Patronage’ (1850 – 2018) which has been fundamental to the successful growth and development of the school over those years. Chair of Governors, Bill Gillen (left) encouraged John’s drive to record this unique element of RAAS’s heritage, and the document will be lodged with the Surrey History Centre to allow access by all devotees of such unusual insights into the history of our county. Students and parents will also be keen to share such details, and John promises a pocket-sized, summarised version in the near future!  

Three Rivers Academy – 'Preparing All Pupils For Life'

An inspiring day organised by Lady Louise O’Connor (second left), with the support of Rhona Barnfield, CEO, Howard Partnership Trust (right) and Anne-Louise Payne, Headteacher, Three Rivers Academy (centre), and great input from the four Deputy Heads (Steve,left, and Kate, second right, joined the photo call – many thanks to Zoe for her photography skills!)

The key challenges for Anne-Louise have been the legacy of poor performance (the school has been in special measures); retaining/developing and attracting the right staff team (interestingly, all four Deputy Heads are longer serving members of staff) and ensuring the right level of funding (which, in real terms, means having the complete skills required – both teaching and pastoral staff working as a team) The impact of the Howard Partnership Trust has been substantial, and the impressive efforts on ensuring INCLUSION (through the Inclusion Hub – Heidi, SENCO, Kirsty and the team, together with the belief that all teachers have an SEN culture) lends real credibility that high expectations are the norm for all pupils.

Keep up the great work!

  

 

 

 

Effervescent Collaboration – Southern Pro Musica and GSA Singers!

Congratulations to Jonathan, Peter and Julian for a wonderfully inventive and thoroughly enjoyable evening of sheer exuberance! Needless to say, with the combined talents of Southern Pro Musica and GSA involved, it was also of the very highest quality (my favourite song was Ascot Gavotte; and just wait until you hear the special encore – emotions run riot!)

As Julian emphasised, great credit must go to Guildford Borough Council for their ongoing support for the SPM ‘Music For Guildford’ programme, nurturing and sustaining the Arts throughout the Borough.