Jacqueline, Deputy Superintendent Registrar (centre), led a moving ceremony as the latest group of citizens were welcomed at the Citizenship Ceremony held this morning in Kingston. Family values were strongly emphasised throughout the event, with several entire families encouraged by Jacqueline to collectively attend to pledge their futures to our country, and indeed our fine county.
The very best of good fortune to them all!
Mayor of Spelthorne, Jean Pinkerton (centre), arranged a sell-out ‘Mamma Mia! Sing Along’ evening at Shepperton Studios on behalf of her chosen charities, and received enthusiastic support from the Mayoress of Guildford, Jean Parsons (right), and Cath, who even managed to find an appropriate dress she had made for our eldest daughter 20 years ago! The Mayor had the excellent support of Andrew Smith, Corporate Affairs Director, Shepperton Studios, and Kathryn Maidment, Group Community Liaison, Pinewood, who both do so much for their local community in Spelthorne – thanks to you all for a great event – and a special mention for Mayor’s Consort, Linda Burton, for her delicious catering!
Leader of Guildford Borough Council, Paul Spooner (left), welcomed a large gathering for this morning’s breakfast briefing at Guildford Harbour Hotel. GBC Director of Finance, Claire Morris (above), gave a comprehensive update on the Council’s budget for 2019/20, and although austerity certainly appears to remain with us, there was confidence that the budget was balanced and that current development plans were supported. An excellent briefing from HSBC Head of Economics, Mark Berrisford-Smith, on the Outlook for the Economic and Financial Markets in 2019, provided remarkable insights into likely repercussions from Brexit – if you get an opportunity to listen to his observations, seize it!
Magistrates play a critical role in our judicial system, and the Surrey ranks of these dedicated volunteers were swelled by a further 15 at a Swearing-in Ceremony in the Crown Court this afternoon. Our new magistrates are proudly standing behind the seated panel (from left; Mrs Jane Macauley, JP; HH Judge Fraser, Honorary Recorder of Guildford; Michael More-Molyneux, Lord Lieutenant of Surrey and Mrs Karen Goodfellow, JP). Clerk Richard Hunt (standing right) provided excellent guidance and oversight throughout the entire proceedings, and all family and friends were delighted to join the panel members in saying ‘Thank You’ to these wonderful recruits to the Magistracy!
Trustee, Governor and former Foundationer Scholar at RAAS, John Billingham (right), has recently completed an amazing ‘History of the Royal Patronage’ (1850 – 2018) which has been fundamental to the successful growth and development of the school over those years. Chair of Governors, Bill Gillen (left) encouraged John’s drive to record this unique element of RAAS’s heritage, and the document will be lodged with the Surrey History Centre to allow access by all devotees of such unusual insights into the history of our county. Students and parents will also be keen to share such details, and John promises a pocket-sized, summarised version in the near future!
An inspiring day organised by Lady Louise O’Connor (second left), with the support of Rhona Barnfield, CEO, Howard Partnership Trust (right) and Anne-Louise Payne, Headteacher, Three Rivers Academy (centre), and great input from the four Deputy Heads (Steve,left, and Kate, second right, joined the photo call – many thanks to Zoe for her photography skills!)
The key challenges for Anne-Louise have been the legacy of poor performance (the school has been in special measures); retaining/developing and attracting the right staff team (interestingly, all four Deputy Heads are longer serving members of staff) and ensuring the right level of funding (which, in real terms, means having the complete skills required – both teaching and pastoral staff working as a team) The impact of the Howard Partnership Trust has been substantial, and the impressive efforts on ensuring INCLUSION (through the Inclusion Hub – Heidi, SENCO, Kirsty and the team, together with the belief that all teachers have an SEN culture) lends real credibility that high expectations are the norm for all pupils.
Keep up the great work!
Congratulations to Jonathan, Peter and Julian for a wonderfully inventive and thoroughly enjoyable evening of sheer exuberance! Needless to say, with the combined talents of Southern Pro Musica and GSA involved, it was also of the very highest quality (my favourite song was Ascot Gavotte; and just wait until you hear the special encore – emotions run riot!)
As Julian emphasised, great credit must go to Guildford Borough Council for their ongoing support for the SPM ‘Music For Guildford’ programme, nurturing and sustaining the Arts throughout the Borough.
University of Surrey Students’ Union President, Alex Harden (left), joined us for the presentation of a High Sheriff’s Certificate for Outstanding Service to Julian Frank, who really should have his name up in lights! With the enthusiastic support of Alex (and CEO Alan Sutherland), Julian volunteered to produce the powerful video screened at the Surrey Primary School Headteachers’ Conference earlier this week, explaining the challenges faced by excluded pupils and their parents. Julian handled this complex and emotional issue with great skill, and the video was the highlight of a very successful conference. Many thanks Julian!
Our grateful thanks to CEO, Clive Stone, for suggesting a repeat visit to catch up with old friends, including Lucy, who was one of the IT Graduates I met last August, and is now a star on the football team – Go Lucy!
Cath had a wonderful opportunity to discuss her favourite hobby with Master Upholsterer, Steve, and I enjoyed updates from Clive and Amanda about the significant ‘connections’ now developing with many of the educational institutions in Guildford. Indeed, I learnt that the Students’ Union at the University of Surrey have chosen Oakleaf as one of their charities to benefit from ‘rag week’ events – brilliant support! The demand for Oakleaf’s specialist services continues to grow – as Amanda emphasised “Mental Health is an Equal Opportunities Mongrel”, anyone can be effected from any sector of the community.
Nick Ephgrave, Chief Constable for Surrey Police, hosted a small gathering at Headquarters to say ‘adieu’ (we all refuse to accept ‘goodbye’!) to senior supporters from across the county. The Lord Lieutenant responded on behalf of the guests (including three of the four High Sheriffs who have been delighted to serve throughout Nicks tenure) and expressed the enormous gratitude of everyone in the county for Nick’s outstanding service. We certainly feel great regret at losing such a successful Chief Constable, but also great pride as Nick begins his new role as an Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service. We are very fortunate to have a hugely experienced Deputy Chief Constable, Gavin Stephens, available to immediately step up as Temporary Chief Constable – safe hands indeed!