'Your Army' Impresses At Denbies!

Brigadier Tom Bateman, Commander 11th Infantry Brigade, introduced Colonel James Sunderland, Commander Army Engagement, and his impressive team to a packed house at Denbies. The evening was supported at the highest level across Surrey (Chairman of Mole Valley, Raj Haque, right, and Vice-Chair SCC, Helen Clack) and by Lieutenant-General Urch, Commander Home Command (left).

We all agreed to ensure that schools across Surrey are fully aware of the opportunities offered through the Youth Engagement strategy in terms of Schools’ Challenge Days and the impactful Schools’ Engagement Programmes for 14-16 year olds, run over 6 weeks and delivered on site, with an additional day spent in an Army Barracks. Congratulations to all senior officers who took part in one of the best Q & A sessions I have witnessed – potentially explosive questions answered in a frank, open and logical manner. 

Tadworth Primary School – Always 'Inclusive' (In Spite of the Challenges!)

Following the productive discussions around tackling the complex issue of exclusions of pupils from schools at the recent Conference of Surrey Primary Headteachers, Justin (back), Headteacher, was keen for me to visit Tadworth Primary School to meet Governors Maggie (Chair of Standards Committee, second right) and Helen (Chair of the Resources Committee, left), to discuss the challenges they face as they determinedly support the impressive teaching team in their focus on the inclusion of all pupils, whenever possible. Fiona, (Deputy Head and Inclusion Leader, right) and Hilary, (Bursar, back left) also explained the often bewildering and unintended consequences of being such a successful school in terms of inclusion. Justin highlighted one strange example – the intended new build replacement of a very old building cannot – under the formula applied – apparently include the current, highly effective work spaces housed there which allow the staff to successfully teach and develop the pupils who struggle in the normal classroom or playground environment. Appeals to common sense at a regional and national level will surely prevail.

In the meantime, the two inspirational School Ambassadors (above) explained every detail of Tadworth Primary School as we enjoyed a tour of the entire site and were able to describe specific and compelling reasons why ‘inclusion’ of all of their friends is so important to their community. We must all support the Governors and Teachers of this successful school as they endeavour to maintain their ‘inclusive’ approach.    

Launch of 'Spelthorne In Bloom' 2019

This beautiful artwork from Millie, a pupil at Town Farm Primary School, was chosen by the judges last night to be the logo for ‘Spelthorne in Bloom’ during this memorable 30th birthday year! Chairman Nick Wood-Dow DL welcomed the Mayor of Spelthorne, Jean Pinkerton, civic dignitaries and Police Inspector Maxine Cilia to Notcutts Garden Centre to celebrate the launch and discover the winners of the Poster Competition for pupils of all ages. I was honoured to present first prize in the Special Needs Category to Eamon, together with a High Sheriff’s Certificate to acknowledge the wonderful work undertaken by everyone at Manor Mead School.    

  

 

Introduction to the 'Link' Alternative Learning Provision in Dorking

Based in the Malthouse Youth Centre in Dorking (above), the Link ALP is providing opportunities for up to 10 young people from surrounding secondary schools to develop their own skills and levels of learning on an individual basis – all overseen by Sandra, Co-ordinator (above). I was joined on my introductory visit by James, Headteacher from Therfield School (left) and Chris, Joint Head of School, Ashcombe – two of the SE Quadrant Heads who hold such ALP facilities, and the support of SCC, as crucial in the fight to ensure that no young person is lost to education. 

 

 

  

Ashcombe School's 'First Give' Final!

Head of Year 10, Katie Palmer (right), presented the judges with eight impressive and highly persuasive teams of Year 10 students (above), who passionately explained their cases for receiving funding from First Give, for their own particular charity. The winning team was 10YS, and they received £1,000 as a donation to Halow; but all of the powerful submissions were a great credit to Ashcombe School and demonstrated that these fine young people really are ‘Building a Culture of Giving’ as volunteers in our community. The judges (l to r below; Izzy, Head Girl; Katie; proud Head of Year!; Chris, Joint Head of School; Joyce, CEO Surrey Clubs for Young People and Max, Head Boy) were overwhelmed with the professionalism and dedication on display, whilst winners Luke and Felix were simply delighted with their success!

   

 

Most Wanted Alert Issued by Mayor of Runnymede!

The Wanted Poster above was posted following the Mayor of Runnymede’s successful Charity Ball. The likeness has been issued as a general alert – although harmless, the individual has a strange accent and has apparently been attempting to raise awareness of the issues faced by pupils excluded from schools across Surrey. Only approach if you have a high boredom threshold! 

'Live at the Arnaud' Stars Support Mayor of Guildford!

What better way to spend the evening of Mother’s Day than at this star-studded variety performance organised by Nick Wyschna (‘guildford fringe theatre company’), on behalf of Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons’s charities – Guildford Young Carers; Headway Surrey and the Mayor’s Local Distress Fund?! Nick and the acts all deserve enormous thanks for a simply brilliant night – well supported by many of the Surrey Mayors, Mayoresses, Deputies and Consorts;

L-R; Linda (Consort, Spelthorne); Jean (Mayor, Spelthorne); Shweta, (Mayor, Elmbridge); Jean (Mayoress, Guildford); Mary (Deputy Chair, Mole Valley); Cath and Linda (Deputy Mayoress, Guildford). A most appropriate photo for this special day!

 

Mayor of Runnymede's Britannia Charity Ball!

Mayor Dolsie Clarke (centre), with magnificent support from Consort Dr Brian Perry (left), hosted a patriotically themed Charity Ball for over 150 local dignitaries, friends and supporters at The Runnymede Hotel. Another very welcome opportunity for us all to enjoy the wonderful singing of 16 year old Liberty Grant (centre) – what a voice!

The evening raised substantial funds for the Mayor’s charities, including Ashford & St Peter’s Hospital and 1st Chertsey Scout Group, and was supported by many of the other Surrey Mayors, mayoresses and Consorts – a great team effort!   

 

RAAS Co-Curricular Ambassadors Present Charity Choices!

Royal Alexandra & Albert School has over a dozen Ambassadors who work within their own year groups and houses (often helped by sixth from mentors) to identify their favourite charities and to create innovative ways to support that organisation, and raise awareness of the issues they address. Eleven of the students (seven pictured above) delivered highly professional presentations of their choices, together with well developed plans for taking future voluntary actions to provide consistent support in the future. The excellent list of charities identified is a testament to the careful analysis undertaken by the Ambassadors; Sleep Easy YMCA; Wheels For All; Stripey Stork; Little Roo Neonatal Fund; Shooting Star; Open Arms Malawi (a long standing School partnership); School Foundation (and the unique nature of the association with RAAS) and The Lucy Rayner Foundation – what a brilliant collection! Congratulations to leaders Jo (right, below), Deputy head of Co-Curriculum, and parent volunteer Matthew, a very knowledgable charity volunteer with close connections to ‘Wheels For All’

   

 

Mayor of Elmbridge Visits Local Community Champion, Toni Izard!

Mayor Shweta Kapadia (right) had no hesitation in nominating Toni Izard, champion of the local community in Long Ditton, for a High Sheriff’s Award for Exceptional Service, and last night many friends and Borough dignitaries joined the enthusiastic young members of the Long Ditton Youth Club to recognise Toni’s wonderful contribution to local life! Toni has been involved in the Youth Club from the very start some 15 years ago, and has been Chair for much of that time. Based now at St Mary’s Junior School, her impact on hundreds of young people has been enormous, but of course Toni simply emphasises the importance of the brilliant team she has around her – our best wishes to you all – keep up the great work! (Just look at what some lucky Mums will be receiving tomorrow!!)