Elmbridge Community Link – 25 Years of Making a Real Difference!

And here’s what that success has meant to ECL Allsports young people! The Allsports evening is under the wing of Development Manager, Llinos John (hiding behind our two hockey stars in the centre!), and led by Coach, Debbie (in red on the right), helped by three excellent local volunteers (3rd; 4th and 5th from left, back row). Tuesdays session is a great opportunity for the young people to meet their friends and talk about what they have all been up to, and also get some fun exercise. A wonderful community asset, much appreciated by all parents and carers!

 

  

 

HRH The Duke of Kent Opens World-Leading 'Stokes Centre For Urology'

The dream has finally come true for Colin and Barbara Stokes (above), and their many volunteer friends at ‘the PROSTATE Project’, as HRH The Duke of Kent officially opened the magnificent ‘Stokes Centre for Urology’, jointly funded by the charity and the hospital Foundation Trust. RSCH CEO, Louise Stead, welcomed the Chair of SCC, Tony Samuels, and Deputy Mayor of Guildford, Richard Billington (below), to the celebration, where Professor Stephen Langley (the visionary who formulated the first plans for the facility over 10 years ago) explained that the Urology Department already ranks amongst the very best in Europe, and, together with the powerful research collaborations with Professor Hardev Panda and his team at the University of Surrey, this focus on prostate cancer by so many dedicated professionals is world-leading in many exciting areas. As Stephen observed ‘This outstanding centre of excellence is a beacon of what is possible in the NHS!

 

   

 

'All In A (hugely impressive!) Night's Work' In Guildford Town Centre

I was privileged to visit Guildford Police Station last night and witness Surrey Police at their very best – just follow this itinerary!

8.30pm – detailed explanation of CCTV suite, and the importance of such surveillance 

9.00pm – car patrol of Guildford centre, dropping in at Campus Security at the University to share information and maintain the good relationship

10.00pm – shift briefing, including substantial operations underway to tackle well reported issues of ‘County Lines’ and ‘Cuckooing’ (criminal drugs related activities)

10.30pm – foot patrol of Guildford Centre (Monday is a busy ‘student’ night in the clubs), including speaking to several rough sleepers, who knew and trusted the Officers (who in turn were well informed about all local services available to provide some support)

11.35pm – immediate response to a 999 call reporting intruders on the premises in a house on the town outskirts. On site within minutes, immediately followed by other cars who swamped the area (under the expert guidance from the Duty Inspector at the station). The burglar(s) had just fled, but the rapid presence of a police dog and handler soon led to a suspect being apprehended nearby

12.30pm – house owners understandably shocked by experience but much comforted by the quite extraordinary response from Surrey Police, who were at pains to explain that it is not always like this!

Well, it will be in my mind – we are proud of you all!

 

Mayor of Woking's Civic Ball Features Kitchen Orchestra!

Mayor Will Forster and Mayor’s Consort, Hannah Thompson (above), entertained a packed house at the H G Wells Conference Centre in Woking – all in aid of The York Road Project – working to ‘Defeating Homelessness in Woking’. Entertainment included a hugely entertaining opportunity for the entire gathering to join a collective orchestral rendition featuring kitchen utensils (it was actually a chance to make as much noise as possible!). Perhaps understandably, the table featuring the many other Mayors, Mayoresses and Consorts from across Surrey, definitely raised the biggest din (below – picture darkened to protect the miscreants!)

      

 

Ten New DofE Award Ambassadors!

Kirsty (right) and Nick (left) from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award team, were welcomed by Jackie (hiding behind Kirsty!), as DofE Leader at Royal Alexandra & Albert School, for an Ambassadors Training Day. The teams (all Bronze or Silver Award Holders) gave impactful presentations on ‘Communicating through Social Media’; ‘Explaining to Parents’; ‘Using School Assemblies’ and ‘The Bronze Award Expedition’ – as new Ambassadors they will soon be able to put theory into practise! One sentence from Kirsty really does say it all; ‘These young people want to ensure that all those who should be part of it, can be part of it’ – a wonderful message of inclusion!!   

 

 

NESCOT Celebrates 11th Annual HE Awards at Epsom Downs Race Course

Chair of Governors, Prof Sam Luke, joined CEO & Principal, Frances Rutter, in welcoming Neil Dallen (left), Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, to this well-established annual celebration of outstanding success in degree courses for students of all ages, backgrounds and ambitions. Productive partnerships with the Universities of Greenwich, Kingston and Surrey ensure an impressive range of University level qualifications are available, with the Osteopathy courses a firm favourite with many talented students from Italy. Full marks to Deputy Principal, Maria Vetrone, who seamlessly moved from English to Italian when directing proceedings throughout the ceremony! 

  

  

  

Thomas Knyvett College 'Class of 2018' – 'Everything Is Possible!'

An inspirational evening spent with the TKC ‘Class of 2018’ at the invitation of Headteacher, Janise Marillat (left), the students much respected lead teacher, Abi Roger de Coverley-Smith (right), Head Girl, Emily, and Head Boy, Akasha. The entire student, staff and support body deserve great credit for their impressive collective achievements, but Janise asked that two individuals receive special High Sheriff Awards; Roxana (centre) for the student who made ‘Most Progress Whilst At TKC’, and to Abi herself for ‘Resilience And Determination For Self And Others’. Thanks also to Mr Bellamy who managed the tricky logistics of finding all of the GCSE Certificates and Awards, just in time for the handshakes!

  

 

Harvest Coffee Shop Officially Open!

This has to be one of the best examples I have encountered of true ‘community spirit’ involving all stakeholders – volunteers, businesses and local families alike. Located in the Harvest Community Church, the initiative was started by Claire (second right) and Tony (second left); encouraged by Pastor Nelson (right) and supported by Matt from Clarion Futures (the charity arm of Clarion Housing). Jane (left) is managing the cafe, whilst also preparing for her Ordination (or as her family has it ‘lamination’!) very soon – our collective best wishes for a wonderful day!

Claire and Tony run Mid Surrey Community Fridges, one of a growing number of such ventures throughout the country, and collect unwanted food from the supermarkets and offer it to locals in need of such support. And what about this for a brilliant summary of their offer for everyone;

‘Take what you like – Give what you can’

 

 

Goldsworth Primary School – Determined to be 'Inclusive'!

Headteacher, Gill (centre), and Assistant Head & Senco, Alison, shared their plans for doing all they can to welcome the growing number of children with EHCPs choosing Goldsworth Primary because of their acknowledged success with children who have additional educational needs. Such an impressive approach requires extra resources dedicated to ensuring that staff numbers are at the right level and special training is provided as required – not an easy task in the current budget-restrained times. Gill and Alison are finalising their thoughts and have asked that all possible High Sheriff ‘connections’ are utilised with relevant charities and other Heads successfully adopting such pragmatic but inclusive agendas – they will indeed be made!

I was fortunate to meet the Pupil Parliament, who provided some brilliant, thought provoking input – watch out for another blog over the coming days with the photos!

Surrey Hills Enterprises Awards Two Gold Trade Marks & Salutes Two 'Young Entrepreneurs'!

 

The Members Annual Event was held at the impressive Barnett Hill Hotel, and featured the presentation of well deserved Gold Trade Mark Awards to both Clandon Wood (accepted by Business Development Manager, Simon Ferrar) and Shere Kitchens (accepted by Ella Driscoll) for their inspirational collaboration designed to connect two populations of a rare butterfly.

The Young Entrepreneur Award for 2019 was split between two talented young people, living in the Surrey Hills, who have developed outstanding skills within their chosen field. Luke Whatley-Bigg of Photography Possibilities (left) and Jack Kerr of JK Forges: