'Happy Diwali' From Elmbridge!

Mayor Of Elmbridge, Shweta Kapadia, enthusiastically supported by Ramesh, welcomed an expectant full-house to her Charity Diwali Ball last night. It was a marvellous occasion, and to quote one of the civic dignitaries ‘wonderfully different!’. Our first Diwali celebration was unforgettable, but more importantly a huge success for the Mayor’s Charity, Elmbridge Rentstart, whose objective of ensuring that no-one sleeps rough in Elmbridge, inspired all present to contribute their full support.

 

 

St Piers – A Very Special School Indeed!

Many thanks to Cllr Lesley Steeds for arranging this opportunity to visit the amazing St Piers School, and to meet the inspirational Principal, Richard Gargon. The school was built by the Young Epilepsy charity on their Lingfield campus in 2016, with the help of Surrey County Council and the many philanthropic ‘STARS’ on the above wall. What an asset for Surrey and to all of those young people who are able to fully utilise the specialist facilities! Can’t wait for my next visit when I will be introduced to the St Piers College and to all of the talented students. In the meantime, our gratitude to Olya, Head Teacher, for inviting us to the Friday assembly – I haven’t sung so much for ages!

 

'Safe Drive Stay Alive' – A Stunning 13th Year

Dorking Halls was packed today with sixth formers from across Surrey as they experienced another powerful performance from the SDSA team. During this 13th year in Surrey, SDSA will be attended by 12,000 students over the 19 sessions. The impressive partnership between Surrey Fire & Rescue; the Highways team at Surrey County Council; Surrey Police; South East Ambulance Service and the professionals from St George’s and Frimley Park hospitals ensures a truly unforgettable experience for all present. The volunteers are outstanding, and the six speakers from today’s performance deserve special mention; from left to right – Rowan, Abi, Simon, Trevor, Lesley, Kevin and Magda. Such bravery and commitment – everyone in Surrey is proud of you! 

 

  

Inspirational Visit to Coram Campus

 Lady Louise O’Connor (left) and Lady Hamilton of Dalzell (second right), organised a most welcome opportunity to meet with Carol Homden, CEO, and Harriet Gill, MD Education & Wellbeing (centre) at Coram to learn more about this wonderful charity, founded 350 years ago by the philanthropist Thomas Coram (above). The Coram Life Education arm is now supporting over 40 primary schools and 14,000 pupils across Surrey, and we were fortunate to be joined by Ray Morgan, CEO, Woking Borough Council (right), a long-time champion of Life Education in schools across his Borough. 

 

Insight Into Staines Magistrates Court

Sincere thanks to 20-year veteran John Small, Deputy Bench Chair, and even more experienced Legal Team Manager, Ruth Goodger, for their invaluable introduction to daily life at Staines Magistrates Court, one of two such locations within our county. It is often forgotten that the 180 magistrates across Surrey, such as John, are volunteers and perform critical roles within the much-respected British legal system. Magistrates face the same levels of substantial change in terms of digital reform, and both John and Ruth see many possibilities for making the tried and tested legal processes and procedures, even more efficient. Much more use will soon be made of video-links between the police, court and prison systems, saving much time, stress and resources for all involved. All criminal cases brought before the courts begin life in the Magistrates Court, and the recruitment and development of our volunteer magistrates is of critical importance. John and Ruth agree that developing awareness of our unique court system amongst the public (particularly new generations of schoolchildren) and encouraging diversity amongst applicants for the Bench, are two key areas of focus. 

 

1408 Squadron Annual Inspection

A highly impressive afternoon of celebration for the Dorking and Cranleigh Air Cadets of 1408 Dorking Squadron, and their family and friends at Glebelands School, Cranleigh. The showers thankfully spared the excellent parade, with the cadets own Continuity Drill a particular highlight.

 Her Majestey’s Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux inspected the parade, and is seen above with No 1 Flight, accompanied by Cadet Warrant Officer, Lisa Baker. Lisa is completing her year as one of the Lord Lieutenant’s own cadets, and was also a prize winner during the Awards Ceremony following the parade. Deputy Mayor of Waverley, Mary Foryszewksi, was pleased to continue her association with the Air Cadets, and joined all cadets, officers and dignitaries for the group picture;

  

  

 

Halloween Highlife in Tandridge!

Chairman of Tandridge District Council, David Cooley, and Chairman’s Consort, Pam, welcomed civic dignitaries and friends to an excellent Dinner, and generous entertainment at Woldingham Golf Club. All proceeds went to the Chairman’s Charity, Woldingham Church Hall. Cath enjoyed reviving her role in the ‘Westcott Witches’ for the evening! (Our thanks to expert lensman, Richard Billington, Deputy mayor of Guildford!)

 

 

Surrey Poppy Launch at University of Surrey

On behalf of the University, Provost Professor Michael Kearney (second left) welcomed Lord Lieutenant Michael More-Molyneux, Dame Penelope Keith, Deputy Lieutenant, and Father John McCarthy, Catholic Chaplain, as members of the procession to formally commence this memorable occasion. 

A moving introduction from Brigadier Donald Thwaites, President Royal British Legion Surrey; wonderful reflections and poems from Dame Penelope, and poignant closing remarks from the Lord Lieutenant, were enhanced by thought-provoking prayers from the Chaplain, before there were tears in all eyes as Natasha Rae sang a beautiful version of ‘True Colours’.

Everyone at the University were proud to have helped our friends at RBL to stage this special launch – none least than the excellent Lakeside catering team, including many new students amongst their number. A great way to start your studies at Surrey!   

  

 

Spelthorne Natural History Society Triumphs!

The Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux presented the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to Spelthorne Natural History Society for their wonderful restoration activities at the Splash Meadow in Shepperton (and in the woods on the other side of the M3!) Irvin Lord accepted the Award on behalf of the 25 volunteers supporting this local society, and all Friends Of Ash Link (FOAL). 

 

 

Cedar Court Launches Poppy Day Appeal!

Once again, and in this special year of remembrance, Michael Cains excelled in planning the annual ‘Poppy Day’ ceremony at Cedar Court. Representatives of the RBL, together with members of the Navy, Army and Merchant Navy were proudly in attendance, and Rev Ian (centre) completed the line-up as an ex-member of the RAF! Michael was a great master of ceremonies, as always, and kept guests and residents fully involved throughout. He also pulled off his usual trick of disappearing for the photo – but we all know that our thanks must go to him and all of the terrific staff at Cedar Court! And special mentions to Tony and Wendy for their wonderful song, and to Jacapo (third from left) for his impressive and faultless delivery of the Last Post.