USSU's 'Star' Video Producer, Julian Frank, receives Award!

University of Surrey Students’ Union President, Alex Harden (left), joined us for the presentation of a High Sheriff’s Certificate for Outstanding Service to Julian Frank, who really should have his name up in lights! With the enthusiastic support of Alex (and CEO Alan Sutherland), Julian volunteered to produce the powerful video screened at the Surrey Primary School Headteachers’ Conference earlier this week, explaining the challenges faced by excluded pupils and their parents. Julian handled this complex and emotional issue with great skill, and the video was the highlight of a very successful conference. Many thanks Julian!

 

Oakleaf Revisited!

Our grateful thanks to CEO, Clive Stone, for suggesting a repeat visit to catch up with old friends, including Lucy, who was one of the IT Graduates I met last August, and is now a star on the football team – Go Lucy!

Cath had a wonderful opportunity to discuss her favourite hobby with Master Upholsterer, Steve, and I enjoyed updates from Clive and Amanda about the significant ‘connections’ now developing with many of the educational institutions in Guildford. Indeed, I learnt that the Students’ Union at the University of Surrey have chosen Oakleaf as one of their charities to benefit from ‘rag week’ events – brilliant support! The demand for Oakleaf’s specialist services continues to grow – as Amanda emphasised “Mental Health is an Equal Opportunities Mongrel”, anyone can be effected from any sector of the community.

 

 

'Adieu' To Our Chief Constable!

Nick Ephgrave, Chief Constable for Surrey Police, hosted a small gathering at Headquarters to say ‘adieu’ (we all refuse to accept ‘goodbye’!) to senior supporters from across the county. The Lord Lieutenant responded on behalf of the guests (including three of the four High Sheriffs who have been delighted to serve throughout Nicks tenure) and expressed the enormous gratitude of everyone in the county for Nick’s outstanding service. We certainly feel great regret at losing such a successful Chief Constable, but also great pride as Nick begins his new role as an Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service. We are very fortunate to have a hugely experienced Deputy Chief Constable, Gavin Stephens, available to immediately step up as Temporary Chief Constable – safe hands indeed!

 

 

Thank you, Surrey Primary School Headteachers – Your 'Inclusive' Conference Was Much Appreciated!

It was a privilege and great pleasure to be invited by Primary Phase Chair, Kate Keane (second right) and Vice-Chair, Mary Ellen McCarthy (below, third right), together with my predecessor, Robert Napier (centre), to share our progress on our joint theme of ‘Shining a Light’ on the complex issue of Permanent Exclusions of pupils from our schools. We have been well supported by many professionals, including Anne Halliday (left), who is conducting longitudinal research on the topic, which will be continued over coming years to ensure that we understand the full impact on the lives of the children involved. Kate also invited Phil Minns, OfSTED Specialist Advisor and Lead for Surrey (right), who explained the new OfSTED Framework 2019, and provided illuminating professional insight into Exclusion and Challenging Behaviour. Our collective message above said it all: ‘You Can’t Delete A Child’, and we much appreciated this unique opportunity to share the views of our dedicated Headteachers – please keep the feedback coming!

Thanks must also go to the Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons (left); Jean Pinkerton, Mayor of Spelthorne (my left) and Helen Clack, Vice-Chairman, SCC, for their powerful support.      

 

Introduction to HM Coroner's Court, Surrey

 

 The Chief Coroner of Surrey, Richard Travers, and the Area Coroner, Simon Wickens (above), generously found time in their hectic diaries to introduce me to life in our Coroner’s Court in Woking, and also provided an invaluable opportunity for me to briefly meet their highly impressive team of dedicated professionals. The ‘coroner’ is one of the oldest judicial roles in the country, and Richard, Simon, the Assistant Coroners and all of the Officers and staff, go to admirable lengths to ensure that bereaved love ones are put at the very heart of the system. The volunteers of the Coroners’ Courts Support Service also provide much appreciated emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending Court.

The building is modern and sympathetic to the needs of the members of the public using the service, but the real difference is made by the thoughtful contributions of every member of the team. An active recruitment process is currently underway to swell the ranks to meet the rising demand, and all interested applicants will be assured of a warm welcome!    

Ed Phillips, Queen's Scout, Celebrates at the Lightbox!

Ir was a privilege and great pleasure to be invited by Ed (centre),  together with the Mayor of Woking, Will Forster (my right), to join his special evening to celebrate the presentation of both his DofE Gold Scout badge, and the highly prestigious Queen’s Scout badge, from Deputy County Commissioner, Trisha Griffin. The Lightbox was packed with family, friends, and members of the Scouts movement, and was hosted by District Explorer Scout Commissioner, Brian Pinto (left). The perfect opportunity to thank all of the dedicated volunteers who make the Surrey Scouts movement the impactful organisation it is today, and to recognise Ed as the latest in a hugely impressive list of Explorer Scouts from Woking who have achieved the Queen’s Scout Award, the very pinnacle of success! Collective thanks from all guests to ‘interviewers’, Michael and Tom (both past Queen’s Scouts), and the very talented entertainers “Scouting for Guides’, Amy, Sam and Byron (who are my hot tips as Queen’s Scouts of the future!) – your support for Ed was brilliant!

 

YMCA Guildford – 'Transforming Young Lives'

 

Head of Operations, Paul Napthine, provided great insight into how such a well known organisation, who have had a powerful presence in Guildford for over 160 years, is moving with the changing times and remains a vital asset within the local community. Whether it is supported accommodation for 30 vulnerable young people each night at the Foyer site, or student accommodation at the iconic Bridge Street location, YMCA Guildford is certainly living their mission of ‘Transforming Young Lives’. The well publicised cuts in local authority funding certainly present challenges, but Paul and the team are determined to be self reliant where at all possible. This often involves local companies and individuals who recognise the essential support being provided for our young people, and respond by sponsoring individual rooms or communal spaces. Great help for young people to ‘Thrive: Contribute; Belong’!

'The Guildford Spice' and Mayor, Mike Parsons, Entertain Local Friends

What better way to start the New Year than to welcome all local friends to lunch, irrespective of means, all courtesy of renowned restaurant ‘The Guildford Spice’, supported by Mike Parsons, Mayor of Guildford?! Many fellow councillors, local businesses and residents joined Mike (second left) and owner, Sam (left), to welcome in 2019 with outstanding generosity of spirit!

Entertainment was provided free of charge by the up and coming sensation, Straight Circles (above), supported by a truly superb team of roadies (ie Mums & Dads!) Thanks to all for their brilliant efforts!

 

 

Season's Greetings To Surrey!

The words on the badge worn by the High Sheriff of Surrey deliver the perfect message for us all at this time of year;

“More blessed to give than to receive”

 

 

 

 

St Peter's Birthing Centre A Revelation!

What incredible facilities available as an integral element of the great NHS service provided by St Peter’s Hospital to all appropriate mums-to-be , supported by a dedicated team of midwives and professional support staff. No wonder Suzanne, CEO (left), is so proud of leading this initiative!