VSO Celebrates 60 Years!

 

Peter Martin, Past Chairman of Surrey County Council, welcomed Kathryn Gordon, Executive Director of VSO (above), to a reception in County Hall to celebrate this great landmark in VSO’s illustrious history, and to enable all VSO graduates from across Surrey to catch up with old friends. The full house heard from Kathryn that VSO is just as relevant these days as it was 60 years ago, with the largest number of volunteers coming from the 18-25 age group. However, Kathryn emphasised that adult volunteers of all ages are well represented within the ranks! 

Eikon; 'Supporting Young People's Future, Today'

A powerful vision statement that says it all! Another invaluable day of learning with two of the acknowledged experts in the sector, Chris Hickford (right) and Paul Wilkinson at the Eikon HQ;

We discussed the issue of permanent exclusions from school, and once again confirmed the importance of early intervention (particularly through the critical Children’s Centres across the county) and providing support through schools before initial problems turn into real crises. Of course, this is easier said than done in today’s world, and charities such as Eikon, with their impressive delivery of positive results over many years, will have a huge role to play in improving outcomes for struggling young pupils. Chris also explained the current project to develop land adjacent to their site at Fullbrook School into a stress-free outdoor retreat for young people – as you can see, the usual Eikon passion is ever present! 

 

 

50 Years of Arboriculture at Merrist Wood!

The first College in the UK to offer Arboriculture celebrated 50 successful years in the most appropriate way possible – by planting a new tree! Sally, Head of Arboriculture, and Jacki, Principal, were on hand to do all of the hard work. Many congratulations to everyone at Merrist Wood and best wishes for the next 50 years!

Thrive Dance Academy Graduation Performance

And what a performance it was from the young people! A polished, professional and moving routine which brought tears to the eyes of everyone in the packed audience. The entire team at the Dance Movement charity, based at Farnham Maltings, deserve huge credit for this successful pilot and the High Sheriff Youth Awards team are delighted to be supporters. The inspirational Programme Director, Rachel Deadman, received the HSYA Certificate on behalf of everyone involved with bringing such inspiration to the young dancers;

The Deputy Mayor of Farnham, Cllr Paula Dunsmore, joined Rachel in presenting the Graduation Certificates to the proud students;

 

 

Launch of Gatwick Draft Master Plan

I joined Caroline Nicholls, the High Sheriff of West Sussex (left), at the Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee (GATCOM) meeting to discuss the Draft Master Plan 2018, which will replace the previous Master Plan published in 2012. Helyn Clack, Vice-Chair of Surrey County Council (second left) and Cllr Lesley Steeds (Tandridge DC) both emphasised the need for opportunities for surrounding communities within Surrey to be able to visit one of the exhibition days planned as part of the 12 week consultation process, which will run until 10 January 2019.

 

 

Queen's Award Presented to Swingbridge Volunteers

The Swingbridge volunteers at Surrey Care Trust were presented with the Queen’s Award For Voluntary Service by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, at a packed ceremony at Guildford Baptist Church, adjacent to the two Swingbridge  barges resting almost alongside on the canal. Reading the inspirational citation is Lesley Myles, the creative driving force behind the entire Swingbridge project:

Surrey care Trust CEO, Elaine Tisdall, explained that since the commissioning of the first boat, some 93,000 hours of volunteer activity have been provided to help support the wide range of clients – what a magnificent contribution to our community!

Wonderland In Guildford; Courtesy GSC!

Co Founders Matt and Sarah at Guildford Shakespeare Company have another huge success on their hands, as they lead the audience through an interactive Wonderland of Louis Carroll (real name Revd Charles Godson) inspired local landmarks, including the Museum and the Castle Keep. I will not spoil the story, albeit so well known, but at our performance ex-Mayor, Cllr Nigel Manning, was definitely guilty! (BOOK NOW TO SEE WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!)

 

 

Lord Toulson Law Library – The Perfect Setting!

 The Lord Toulson Law Library at the University of Surrey was the ideal location for my first meeting with Dr Alex Sarch, current Head of The School of Law. Our picture (courtesy of Diane!) shows the portrait of Lord Toulson, who was appointed to the Supreme Court of Justice in 2013, and was also a Distinguished Visiting Professor here at the university. Alex is providing expert guidance (together with Dean Sarah Pooley at the University of Law in Guildford) to identify and enable even more opportunities for interaction between law students and Surrey’s judges and magistrates. Watch this space!

 

Law Sunday at Winchester Cathedral

High Sheriff of Hampshire, Mark Thistlethwayte (right), welcomed no fewer than six neighbouring High Sheriffs to join this historic Choral Mattins, ‘Law Sunday – The Twentieth Sunday After Trinity’, in this wonderful cathedral. From the left are Jacqui Swift (Dorset), Graham Barker (Berkshire) and Nicky Alberry (Wiltshire). Somehow, Charles Martel (Gloucestershire) and Gioia Minghella-Giddens (Isle of Wight) escaped the photographer! Sincere thanks to Frank Pearson, Mayor of Winchester, for his kind hospitality over lunch, and to Mark and Melissa for a truly memorable occasion!

 

Leatherhead Youth Project Gala Evening Sparkles!

A truly memorable evening was enjoyed by everyone in the packed Old Chapel at St John’s in Leatherhead. The highlight of the celebrations was a deeply moving and powerful explanation from Harriet Williamson (above) as to why LYP has meant so much to her over the years – a brilliant example of just how much the impressive work undertaken by this vital charity can support all young people living across Mole Valley. LYP CEO, Oli Bell (above), Chair Rob Stevens and fellow trustees were all delighted with the success of the evening, and are determined to ensure that the great work continues to grow in scale and effectiveness. And don’t forget – the coffee at Allsaints really is superb!