Following in the professional steps of Cath (above), who delighted the Westcott Women’s Group last month, I was pleased to accept Ruth’s (below) request to describe what has been happening during my Shrieval year. Over 30 wise residents of Westcott readily joined in the questioning of the High Sheriff – great to share thoughts with the local community!
(Many thanks to Jacki for the excellent photo!)
Chairman, David Cooley, and Consort, Pam Cooley, welcomed an impressive array of Mayors and Chairs from across Surrey, together with leading local dignitaries, to a lively Civic Lunch in Bletchingley. As can be seen from the delicious desert, the hospitality was of the highest quality!
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!
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!
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 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!)
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!!
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!
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!
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’