GSC's 40th Show – 'Measure for Measure'

They have done it again! In addition to their powerful social inclusion projects, Sarah and Matt have found time to create a remarkable version of this complex play, with several of the roles gender-swapping at the interval to produce a performance highlighting many issues which feel eerily familiar in current life. I can do no better than allow Robert Cotton, Rector of Holy Trinity Church (atmospheric location for the play) the final words….’GSC is a real gift to the local community – always exciting, creative and entertaining’

  

 

Armed Forces Covenant Conference – ATC Pirbright

Lt-Col Rob Sandford (centre), Commanding Officer, welcomed the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux (third left), Chair of SCC, Tony Samuels (second left), Chair of Surrey Civilian Military Partnership Board, Peter Martin (third right) and many other officers and civic dignitaries to the Armed Forces Covenant Conference at ATC Pirbright. The conference heard of the excellent progress continuing to be made across Surrey, already an exemplar across the UK, and took the opportunity to focus on the specific issue of education for ‘service children’. Three experienced Headteachers shared their individual approaches to providing the broad spectrum of additional support such young people may require, and the presentations delivered by three cadets from the Combined Cadet Force at Ash Manor School were outstanding – we certainly ‘Heard From The Experts!’ Well done Sasha, Xav and Robbie – you are all a great credit to your school and especially to Captain Hudson!

   

 

Cathedral Evensong Celebrates WRAC 70th Anniversary

Fine reward for braving last night’s blizzard as we enjoyed another very moving Choral Evensong led by Dean Dianna at the Cathedral last night! The service was in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Women’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC) and Col Ali Brown (below right) and Trustee Barbara (below left) welcomed all members and friends who had journeyed from across the country to join the event. Mayor and Mayoress of Guildford, Mike and Jean (above left and third left), joined the special photo with proud Chelsea Pensioner, Marjorie Cole (one of the first three women ever to join that fine body), and National (centre) and Regional (flanking) Standard Bearers from the WRAC. The picture below gives a feel for the wonderful commemorative windows in the Cathedral which feature the history of WRAC back through the ATS, QMAAC and WAAC. What an amazing journey, all the way from 1917, and still as strong and essential as ever!

            

 

 

 

'Topic of Cancer' Supports World-Class Immunotherapy Group at University of Surrey

It was a great privilege and pleasure to join ToC Chair, Nigel Lewis-Baker (above), for a brilliant lecture from inspirational Senior Research Fellow, Dr Nicola Assels (above). I learnt that ‘oncolytic (cancer killing) viruses’ are the new ‘biological battleships’ fighting the war against cancer, and that we have one of the leading research groups in the world developing that ground-breaking approach right here in Surrey, under the leadership of renowned clinical scientist and medical oncologist, Professor Hardev Pandha. As well as supporting this hugely promising research, Topic of Cancer also provides support groups for patients and their families. ‘ToCFit’ is located in Guildford and offers fitness and exercise classes (and the chance to relax over coffee!), while ‘ToCVoices’ perform as a choir some 50 strong and meet every Monday evening. ToC is a wonderful charity, run entirely by volunteers, and have already provided substantial funds for the research team (such as the multi-coloured gadget in the background – don’t ask me, Nicola has all the answers!). All support is greatly appreciated and goes directly to the front line battle against cancer.

       

 

University of Surrey Celebrates 'A World Of Collaboration'

The Annual Review last night provided the ideal opportunity for Vice-Chancellor Max Lu to explain how UoS ‘Measures Up’ in terms of impact and contribution, regionally, nationally and globally. The figures speak for themselves: – over £1.75bn contribution to the UK economy; 19,000 school & college students reached by the widening participation team; 2,470 active student volunteers, 4,500 employees on the Reseach Park etc. The area of critical importance to the High Sheriff’s theme around the issue of permanent exclusions of pupils from school, is the remarkable success of the university in collaborating with King’s College, Guildford, situated in a ward where an average of only 17% of young people choose to access higher education. In 2017-18, 91% of students at King’s College took part in at least one widening participation & outreach activity and 52% of parents had enjoyed personal discussions with the Widening Participation Coordinator, Hannah Trott (second left), placed in the school on a full-time basis by the UoS. Latest Ofsted is ‘Good’ – a quite remarkable turn around and a great example of ‘Collaboration’!

SCC Cabinet Member for All-Age Learning, Julie Isles (left), joined me in listening to the ‘rave reviews’ from the three students about changes over the last two years. Significantly, all were convinced that there was no better school anywhere! 

  

Royal Visit to Sunbury Embroidery Gallery

HRH Princess Alexandra made a much-anticipated visit to this wonderful example of voluntary activity situated in the stunning 18 century walled garden in Lower Sunbury. The entire venue is a remarkable asset for the local community, and houses the unique Millennium Embroidery. To a layman, the main village panel is almost impossible to appreciate as the details are so exceptional and intricate – much better to seek advice from the expert volunteers!

   

  

Surrey Judiciary Appreciate Breadth of Law Related Teaching, Research & Volunteering

The annual Dinner for the Judiciary, held at Lakeside Restaurant at the University of Surrey(UoS), was the perfect opportunity to show-case the impactful work (teaching, learning, research and volunteering) associated with law which is undertaken across the county. Clockwise from top; The School of Law, UoS (research in jurisprudence, restorative justice and specific areas such as the Court environment); The Surrey Magistracy (additional volunteering activities such as ‘Magistrates in the Community’ and ‘Mock Trials’); The School of Law, Royal Holloway (highlighting their substantial volunteering efforts in the community) and The University of Law (explaining their excellent pro-bono work in Guildford). The High Sheriff’s Police Cadet, Naeel Radha, was on hand to assist in the presentation of well-deserved certificates of appreciation. 

 

 

 

 

High Sheriff's Education Continues – Courtesy of Mayor of Spelthorne and Headteacher of St Paul's Catholic College!

 

 

 

 

An excellent briefing this afternoon from James McNulty (right), Headteacher of St Paul’s Catholic College (rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted), arranged by Jean Pinkerton, Mayor of Spelthorne (centre), on the subject of exclusions of pupils from school. St Paul’s has an impressive record on being inclusive towards all pupils, and James explained that such an approach has to be based on a culture of high expectations and standards, with a simple and clearly understood Behavioural Policy. It is good to know that James is instrumental in the NE Quadrant and is working with other experienced Heads to share best practice and agree a coordinated approach for submission to funders. When I asked for a photo, James was able to immediately round up teacher, Natalie (left), and enthusiastic pupils Kian, Keiran, Regan, Gabrielly, Peter and Thomas, who stated that the best words to describe St Paul’s were ‘Excellent’ and ‘Academic’ – I totally agree!

 

 

Thrive Dance Academy Graduates Provide Moving Finale to 'Dance Movement' Re-Launch!

Perhaps the wings in the Great Hall at Farnham Maltings is not the easiest location for a picture, but ‘Thrive’ performers (from left) Anne Marie, Mackayla, Lucie and Loui feel right at home there! Having graduated last October, all four received their certificates recognising their new qualifications, and celebrated by providing the perfect finale through their dance ‘Sunrise’. The High Sheriff Youth Awards supported the pilot of ‘Thrive Dance Academy’, which targeted young people struggling to succeed, identified by Waverley Training Services, SCC Looked After Children Service and ‘Step by Step’. The Dance Movement is now a fully recognised charity, and Programme Director, Rachel Deadman, and Dance Artist, Nicky Norton, can be justifiably proud of their great work in helping these four young people realise their own potential – with our collective support there will be many more to follow!

    

  

 

 

 

Young Adult Carers Given Full Support By Local Pharmacies

Today saw the launch of a Rosemont sponsored film on Medicine Management, targeted to help all carers, but particularly those who are children and young people. The very important role played by local pharmacies was highlighted throughout, having first been raised by the Young Adult Carers themselves in a survey first circulated in 2011.

The two ‘stars’ of the video, Maria (left) and Janice (second right), both Young Adult Carers, joined organiser Debbie Hustings, Partnership Manager (Carers) Surrey Heartlands ICS (centre) and Lisa, Partnership & Engagement Coordinator SYC (right) to explain just how appreciated local pharmacists are and how helpful their advice can be to young people who have to administer medicines to loved ones. Another stunning example of local companies, professionals and agencies working together to help support the unsung carer-superheroes in all of our communities! Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons (left), has Young Carers as one of his major themes for the year, and will be writing to all pharmacists across the Borough to say ‘thank you’ for their help and to promote use of the video itself. Brilliant work Mike!