Archive for category: Uncategorized

 

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 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”

 

 

 

 

What a great way to spend Xmas Eve! Welcomed by Chairman, Andy Field (centre – cool jumper!), CEO, Suzanne Rankin (left), and reception staff Jo (centre – winner of the jumper competition!) and Jillie, we were invited to join Dolsie Clarke, Mayor of Runnymede, with Consort, Dr Brian Perry, as they toured the hospital to meet the outstanding members of the St Peter’s team, many of whom will be on duty throughout the holiday period. 

The hospitality everywhere we went was amazing, not least in the Children’s Centre;

We were also able to see some of the quite amazing entrants into the ‘doors’ competition run across both Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals. The skill, imagination and sheer creativity on display was astonishing, as you can see;

In Audiology, with Alex, above;

And Endoscopy, where each member of staff had cut out their own handprints, and included ‘baubles’ of genuine patient comments. 

Our thanks to you all for a wonderful visit!

 

Dad, Mo, and Mum, Ummah, ensured that Naeel’s birthday celebrations were a closely held secret between family (travelling from far and wide, some from Mauritius itself!) and friends, who gathered at Ruxley Church to surprise the unsuspecting High Sheriff’s Police Cadet!

 

Many friends from the Epsom & Ewell Volunteer Police Cadet Unit also joined the throng and shared the stage with Naeel. Younger brother, Zinedine (on my right), who is also a Cadet, proved to be an expert baker – Naeel’s impressive Birthday cake was all Zin’s own work!

   

 

 

 

Delighted to be invited with Lady Louise O’Connor (back), to join Kate Keane (Chair of Primary Phase Headteachers Group, left), Mary Ellen McCarthy (Vice-Chair, next) together with Kerry and Anne from SCC, to discuss this critical conference planned to ‘shine a light’ on the complex issue of the permanent exclusion of pupils from primary schools. It will be a seminal conference, so get booked in now! Collective best wishes to Kerry as she begins a new career in the HE sector – we will all miss you Kerry, many thanks for all of your invaluable support and guidance!