Archive for category: Uncategorized

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!)

 

 

 

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!  

 

  

  

 

 

 

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!  

 

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!

 

 

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!