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Making a triumphant return for the second year, the wonderful ‘Guildford In Harmony’ concert was introduced by Oakleaf Patron, Dame Penelope Keith, and presented by the irrepressible co-founder of Guildford Shakespeare Company, Matt Pinches. Oakleaf ‘make life work with mental illness’, and no better way than to assemble five magnificent choirs and enjoy an inspiring evening of great song. The choirs all deserve special mention; Guildford Vox; Guildford Jazz; Guildford County School; Bellow Fellows (all the way from North London!) and the recently formed Everyman Choir. Everyman (below) are an all-male choir formed through Oakleaf itself, and are led by the fantastic Roger Pinsent. Roger was ill and could not attend, but all present wish you a speedy recovery Roger – they did you proud! (and thanks to Dom for standing in at short notice). A great evening of entertainment, with a friendly welcome for all from Trustee, Paul Charlesworth (left) and CEO, Clive Stone, (second right). We can see that Matt (front) is rather used to being in photos!!

 

 

Excellent diary planning (by Gill!) ensured that the address by The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett, to the AGM of the Association of High Sheriffs of England & Wales in London on Wednesday, was followed by my introduction to the Family Court in Guildford on Thursday. Lord Burnett identified his key priorities as Modernisation; Improvement to Infrastructure and Recruitment. Throughout my memorable visit to Guildford Family Court, organised by His Honour Judge Peter Nathan, Designated Family Judge for Surrey, I was able to fully understand the essential nature of those three priority areas. I spend time throughout the day with many of the Circuit and District Judges, and was able to express sincere thanks on behalf of all Surrey residents for their dedication and service to our community. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Her Royal Highness The Duchess Of Gloucester visited RAAS today as part of the activities to celebrate the founding of the school 260 years ago, and to formally reopen the newly refurbished Gatton Hall Boarding House, now home to the very appreciative members of the Sixth Form!

Headmaster, Mark Dixon (left), and Chair of Governors, Bill Gillen, were supported throughout by Madie, Head Girl, and Kieron, Head Boy. As always the hospitality was excellent, and the meal in the ballroom for ‘dignitaries and ‘Foundationer’ pupils, past and present, just what was needed on a cold winter day! One other 260 year old was observing lunch – the Act Of Parliament Clock (so-called because the internal cogs were made of wood, to avoid a tax on metal all those years ago) – wonderful history!

   

 

County Commissioner, Joe Rogerson (left) and Assistant County Commissioner, Paul Iverson, welcomed Dorothy Ross-Tomlin, the Mayor of Reigate & Banstead, to the third Chief Scout Gold Award ceremony of the year, held this time in Reigate District. Proud families, friends and leaders gathered to celebrate the achievements of the 57 young people receiving the Gold Award. An ideal opportunity to say ‘Thank You’ to the 3,400 adult volunteers across the Surrey Scouts movement for their priceless service to our community!

 

 

Sir Stephen Lamport, Vice President of the Community Foundation For Surrey, is also Receiver General of Westminster Abbey, and generously arranged for CFS Chairman David Frank, CEO Laura Thurlow, Director of Philanthropy, Joe Crome, and the CFS team to utilise this magnificent venue as an opportunity to highlight the activities of this essential county-wide charity, raising Local Philanthropy for Local Needs!