Mayor of Runnymede Identifies Ann Goodison for Special Award!

Mayor Dolsie Clarke had no hesitation in nominating Ann Goodison for a special High Sheriff’s Award for outstanding voluntary activity in Runnymede Borough. Ann makes and designs her own candles, jewellery and gifts for sale from her prominent location at The River Bourne Club (courtesy of the Manager, Simon, and his enthusiastic staff – superb support from this local company). Husband Brian does an excellent job in supporting Ann, whether through acting as chauffeur, or as the ‘Mr Fixit’ in terms of setting up displays etc. All of Ann’s growing sales go to Woking and Sam Beare Hospices, and her current fundraising has now topped a very impressive £6,700 – What a brilliant example of voluntary service!

  

 

 

   

Grand Opening of Drama Studio at Therfield School!

 Chair of Governors, Rob Hart (right), and inspirational Headteacher, James Malley (second right) welcomed a packed house of family, friends and dignitaries (inc local councillor Joe Crome, left) to a stimulating ‘first night’ in the new Drama Studio. Drama Teachers, Steph (left) and Sofie (centre), had arranged four excellent performances by the students, including the renowned year 10 version of Macbeth much admired lately at the Swan Theatre itself. As James emphasised, the entire teaching and support staff at Therfield act as one large team, ensuring that all pupils are fully included in a broad range of activities. This was recognised in the recent ‘Good’ Ofsted visit which specifically recognised this powerful approach towards ‘inclusion’. Special thanks to Headteacher’s PA, Catherine, whose superb skills in terms of organisation, catering and photography (above) were much appreciated!

  

   

  

 

Amazing Vocational Areas at St Piers College!

Assistant Principal, Franky (left), and Lead For Employability, Wendy (centre), proudly led a tour of the imaginative and inspiring vocational areas blossoming alongside the well established farm. All 110 students at the college will be able to become actively involved with a broad range of activities, from the new Tea Rooms (above – official opening in March) through to the excellent ‘Fleece to Fibre’ cabin where wool from the farm is processed and turned into imaginative articles for sale (just look at the impressive cushion in the photo!) Cllr Lesley Steeds (above) joined me for the visit, and we found out about the amazing ladies of the East Grinstead Spinners, who have kindly been guiding the St Piers College teachers in the almost forgotten art of spinning. I am assured that the ‘Spinners’ will be first on the list of guests to be invited to the opening!    

        

'What Will be Left For Mums With Babies & Toddlers Around Lingfield?'

This was the passionate question raised by all mums present at this morning’s busy session at St Piers Children’s Centre, which is scheduled to be closed later in the year. Several of the regulars became very emotional as they explained the crucial role Lidia (left), Charmaine (right, back) and the team have played in their lives – not just by providing great opportunities to meet other mums, but also as advisors and supporters through the often difficult phases in the lives of all young families. They also emphasised how essential it is to have other professionals present at the centre throughout the week, so that help was readily, and discreetly to hand. In spite of the depressing topic of conversation several of the young users and mums joined for a photo!

 Guidance that some facilities will be available after the closure in Caterham has been met with astonishment, as reaching such a location involves a one hour bus ride each way. Lidia is hopeful that a new provider organisation (charity or not for profit) will be found to help keep the Children’s Centre open – PLEASE, CAN ANYONE HELP?

 

Esher CofE High School Pupils 'Provide Optimism For The Future!'

A powerful statement from Mike Boddington, Headteacher (left), and wholly justified from the impressive approach taken to our visit by the two students who Mike selected to act as Ambassadors. They led the entire programme as I shared a memorable tour of the school with Dave Pearce (happy fourth birthday on site!), East to West’s Regional Support Worker (centre) and CEO, Ant Horton (an excellent photographer, as you can see). The students chose the specific site for the photo because they believe that the message of ‘welcome’ is what makes the school special – great creative thinking!

Mike and his team deliver an inspiring experience for all 1,100 pupils, and when asked how they achieve this difficult objective, Mike’s response is that ‘whenever we find ourselves faced with a challenging decision, we simply look up at the question on the wall’;

Wisdom indeed!

    

Surrey Fire & Rescue Service Recognises 8 New Graduates!

The 74th Youth Engagement Scheme (YES) course concluded today at Leatherhead Fire Station with the successful graduation of another 8 young people, bringing the total to nearly 620 across Surrey since this powerful scheme began. Proud parents and supporters were joined (left to right) by Chief Superintendent Surrey Police, Fiona Macpherson, Assistant Chief Officer, Surrey Fire & Rescue Service, Dan Quin, YES Scheme Leader, Mark Taylor, and Group Commander, Surrey Fire & Rescue Service, Nigel Gray. In spite of the driving rain and blustery wind, all 8 graduates performed three complex drills with precision and dedication – an impressive display of professional teamwork in action!

    

Reception For 12 Very Special Nominees!

The Patchworking Garden Project, Dorking, was one of a dozen Surrey Nominees for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) showcased last night at Loseley Park, courtesy of Michael More-Molyneux, Lord Lieutenant of Surrey. Another from Mole Valley is the South Holmwood Village volunteer group, below;

All twelve are very special charities and local organisations across Surrey who rely on the quite outstanding efforts of a huge range of volunteers to deliver their own unique services and support for their local communities. The final results across the country will be known from the national assessments later in the year, but for now Tony Samuels, Chair SCC (left) and Jean Parsons, Mayoress of Guildford (right) are convinced that our Surrey nominees are already the best!

 

 

GSC's 40th Show – 'Measure for Measure'

They have done it again! In addition to their powerful social inclusion projects, Sarah and Matt have found time to create a remarkable version of this complex play, with several of the roles gender-swapping at the interval to produce a performance highlighting many issues which feel eerily familiar in current life. I can do no better than allow Robert Cotton, Rector of Holy Trinity Church (atmospheric location for the play) the final words….’GSC is a real gift to the local community – always exciting, creative and entertaining’

  

 

Armed Forces Covenant Conference – ATC Pirbright

Lt-Col Rob Sandford (centre), Commanding Officer, welcomed the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux (third left), Chair of SCC, Tony Samuels (second left), Chair of Surrey Civilian Military Partnership Board, Peter Martin (third right) and many other officers and civic dignitaries to the Armed Forces Covenant Conference at ATC Pirbright. The conference heard of the excellent progress continuing to be made across Surrey, already an exemplar across the UK, and took the opportunity to focus on the specific issue of education for ‘service children’. Three experienced Headteachers shared their individual approaches to providing the broad spectrum of additional support such young people may require, and the presentations delivered by three cadets from the Combined Cadet Force at Ash Manor School were outstanding – we certainly ‘Heard From The Experts!’ Well done Sasha, Xav and Robbie – you are all a great credit to your school and especially to Captain Hudson!

   

 

Cathedral Evensong Celebrates WRAC 70th Anniversary

Fine reward for braving last night’s blizzard as we enjoyed another very moving Choral Evensong led by Dean Dianna at the Cathedral last night! The service was in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Women’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC) and Col Ali Brown (below right) and Trustee Barbara (below left) welcomed all members and friends who had journeyed from across the country to join the event. Mayor and Mayoress of Guildford, Mike and Jean (above left and third left), joined the special photo with proud Chelsea Pensioner, Marjorie Cole (one of the first three women ever to join that fine body), and National (centre) and Regional (flanking) Standard Bearers from the WRAC. The picture below gives a feel for the wonderful commemorative windows in the Cathedral which feature the history of WRAC back through the ATS, QMAAC and WAAC. What an amazing journey, all the way from 1917, and still as strong and essential as ever!