Community Foundation for Surrey in 'Clink'!

 CFS CEO, Laura Thurlow, and Director of Philanthropy, Joe Crome, could not have selected a better venue for their latest Donor Gathering than the renowned ‘Clink Restaurant’ at HMP High Down. Now approaching their 10th year since foundation at High Down, Restaurant Manager Trainer, Sheena, explained that The Clink Charity now has 11 training projects; 4 restaurants; 2 gardens; 3 kitchens and one cafe, with more exciting developments already underway. The outcomes are most encouraging, with a 49.6% reduction in reoffending being achieved. And in case you are wondering, you will indeed love the hake!!

 

 

SCC 'Fly a Flag For The Commonwealth'!

A privilege to support Tony Samuels, Chair of Surrey County Council, at the ceremony at County Hall to mark the Raising of the Commonwealth Flag. This occasion is marked across the entire globe on 11 March each year, and the 2019 theme is ‘A Connected Commonwealth’ – highly appropriate in the current circumstances, and totally in keeping with the ‘powers’ of the High Sheriff to ‘convene’ and ‘connect’. It is comforting to realise that we have many friends across the world, linked by this powerful statement:

‘Our pledge is to support the Commonwealth, working together for a future in which there is freedom and justice and prosperity for all, with peace and understanding between peoples and nations’

  

  

 

Woking High School Triumphs at Mock Trials!

Gilly Crichton, Karon Goodfellow and John Small led the dedicated team of Surrey Magistrates who organised the Surrey Heat of the 2019 Mock Trials, held today at Guildford Crown Court. Seven schools competed magnificently, and it was Woking High School who overcame all comers to take the trophies (and a handsome cheque from renowned defence solicitor, David Castle, who has supported the Mock Trials for many years);

Lord Lieutenant, Michael More-Molyneux (back left), Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons (left), HHJudge Robert Fraser (third right) and High Sheriff’s Cadet, Naeel Radha (second right) all joined the Woking celebrations. St John’s Ambulance, The High Sheriff Youth Awards and Surrey Volunteer Police Cadets were present to support the event, and Crimestopper’s powerful ‘Fearless’ initiative was fully explained by Chair, Ian Chandler (left) and Fearless Youth Outreach Worker, Emily (right);

 

 

Surrey Clubs for Young People Annual Awards

Joyce Quinnell, CEO of SCYP, once again arranged a star-studded line-up of Award Winners from amongst the club members and volunteers who combine to make up this impactful charity, which touches the lives of over 60% of young people across Surrey. The Awards emphasised the impressive range of activities available for young people at the many clubs, from HSYA supported ‘What’s Cool For You’ arts programme winner, Darcy (below, – accompanied by long service Award winner Mary Sheldon, trustee at Hersham);

through to this terrific display of five national boxing champions, seen with the Chair of SCYP, the inspirational Tony Willis (right), and Peter Lee, DL (Left), having received their Awards from boxing superstar, Clinton McKenzie (centre);

 

 

A Second Family Member Addresses Westcott Women's Group!

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!)

 

Tandridge District Council – Civic Lunch

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!

 

Elmbridge Community Link – 25 Years of Making a Real Difference!

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!

 

  

 

HRH The Duke of Kent Opens World-Leading 'Stokes Centre For Urology'

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!

 

   

 

'All In A (hugely impressive!) Night's Work' In Guildford Town Centre

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 of Woking's Civic Ball Features Kitchen Orchestra!

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!)