'Mary's Knitting' – Surrey Hill's Innovative Nativity Performance

Led by Headteacher, Jennie Ratcliffe (my left), and coached by creative teachers (from left), Miss King, Miss Warren and Mrs Thompson, the excellent cast of “Mary’s Knitting’ delivered a very professional and highly entertaining Nativity performance which had the crowded audience on their feet time and again. A few of the successful participants were able to join our celebratory photo at the end (many thanks to Kate from the Good Shepherd Trust for stepping in as photographer!) In case anyone is worried by the plot – Mary did indeed finish her knitting in time, as you can tell from her smile!

 

Inspiring Awards Evening at Priory School!

Head Teacher, Rachel Gibb, with Head Students, Kiara and James, led a truly inspiring Awards Evening at Priory School in Dorking. The depth and breadth of young talent present, including many students returning after experiencing their first term at University, provided ample evidence that Surrey’s future is certainly in good hands! Congratulations also to the excellent staff and support team at Priory School for their energy, enthusiasm, professionalism and the amazing culinary skills evidenced on the night, in collaboration with all of the student chefs!!

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Carol Service at HMP Highdown

At the invitation of Governor, Sally Hill, and the R.C.Chaplain, Anna Cassar, a packed house thoroughly enjoyed a rousing Carol Service, sprinkled with excellent readings and a powerful Christmas Address from Revd Bob Wilson. My favourite item had to be ‘While Shepherds Watched’….sung by the High Down Music Group to the tune of House Of The Rising Sun (for a Geordie, such creative use of the old Animals music really struck a chord!)  

 

 

Winners of 'Headway' 2018 Photo Competition!

Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons, shared the duties as we presented prizes to the three finalists in this year’s competition. But no names at this point, because Headway Chairman, Keith Churchouse, and CEO, Sonja Freebody, would like everyone to buy the 2019 calendar, which includes the great pictures from our fine winners, to uncover the details!  

Mayor of Reigate & Banstead's Focus To 'Include' This Xmas

Mayor Dorothy (centre) and Jim Ross-Tomlin were supported by a first-class team of clergy, choirs and readers at last night’s Council Carol Service, held at the thriving United Reform Church in Reigate Park. Distinguished guests and all members of the congregation were enthralled throughout, and were particularly delighted with the beautiful singing from the pupils of Sandcross School and the wonderful crowd participation led by the ‘Include Choir’.

Deputy Mayor, Julian Ellacott (left) also greeted the Chairman of Mole Valley, Raj Haque (centre) together with the Mayor and Mayoress of Sevenoaks, Roddy and Mary Hogarth.

When chatting to the Include Choir, we discovered that no-one knew of any Makaton signing for ‘High Sheriff’, so I had to become ‘King of Surrey’ for the night!

 

 

Walton Charity Officially Opens 'Charities House'

Walton Charity’s Chair of Trustees, Nick Stuart, and CEO, Jackie Lodge (left), welcomed the Mayor of Elmbridge, Shweta Kapadia, and, Leader of SCC, Tim Oliver, to the official opening of these wonderful, newly-refurbished offices, all for the benefit of local charities.

This was the perfect opportunity to meet no less than 13 of the impactful charities working across Elmbridge, all now calling Charities House ‘home’! The message from everyone was the same – thanks to Walton Charity, there is now a sustainable base to work from, and a unique opportunity to network, share thoughts and increase effectiveness across the broad range of services and support represented. What a brilliant example of the ethos of ‘Local Giving For Local Needs’ being really taken to heart – take a well deserved bow, everyone at Walton Charity!

    

Mayor of Runnymede's Festive Civic Reception!

Mayor of Runnymede, Dolsie Clarke, and Consort, Brian Perry, hosted an uplifting Civic Reception at the prestigious Great Fosters Hotel. Many of the Surrey Mayors and Chairs, together with Deputy Lieutenant, Nick and Elizabeth Wood-Dow, were pleased to attend in support of Dolsie’s Charities of the Year.

 

Surrey Heath Veterans & Families Celebrate!

The Surrey Heath Veterans & Families Listening Project, now 5 years old, celebrated another successful year with increasing numbers of veterans and family members making use of this ideal organisation for meeting friends old and new, or simply getting great advice. With over 4,700 veterans in Surrey and 900+ in Surrey Heath alone, SHVFLP are often a vital lifeline, well supported by many partner organisations and professionals able to offer a diverse range of help and assistance. St Mary’s, Camberley, now provides the ideal meeting place, largely thanks to Centre Manager, David (left). Debs (centre), Roy (third left) and the committee of dedicated members joined the Mayor of Surrey Heath, Dan Adams, in giving a rousing vote of thanks!

Great entertainment from the talented ‘Champagne at the Blitz’ group – not sure about the new lead singers though!

          

  

St. Clements Danes Hosts The Meath Xmas Concert

The Meath Epilepsy Charity staged a beautiful Christmas Celebration last night in the magnificent setting of St Clement Danes, supported by the Band of the Honourable Artillery Company. The signing was superb all evening, led by the Choir of St Clement Danes and two excellent soloists, Tenor, Stephen Petch, and Bass, Brindley Sherratt, whose daughter Amy lives at the Meath and also entertained the packed church as a member of the unforgettable Meath Choir (so well supported by members of the Godalming Jazz Choir).

All dignitaries, families, friends and supporters had a delightful, emotional and thoroughly enjoyable experience – all thanks to Meath CEO, Lindsay Hill, Director of Fundraising, Tania Cantoni (below), Chair Mark Dumas, and all members of their executive and trustee teams. Special thanks also to coordinator Gemma – you should all take a bow, and please keep up the ‘outstanding’ work!

   

    

High Sheriffs Join 'Friends of Arundel Cathedral' for Advent Vespers

During four periods in recorded history (the latest between 1571 – 1635), the counties of Surrey and Sussex had a joint High Sheriff, and Chair of Trustees, Patrick Burgess, and his fellow Friends of Arundel Cathedral, have established the delightful modern tradition each year of inviting the High Sheriff of West Sussex (Caroline Nicholls), the High Sheriff of East Sussex (John Moore-Bick) and the High Sheriff of Surrey, to join Bishop Richard Moth and the congregation to celebrate Advent Vespers. Our thanks to everyone involved for a memorable evening!