Big School Curry – Supporting ABF, The Army's National Charity

An excellent curry was had by all at the Royal Alexandra & Albert School, with resulting funds all raised on behalf of the ABF, to support their great work in helping soldiers, veterans and their immediate families. Congratulations to Canon Peter Bruinvels (Civilian and Military Liaison Advisor for Surrey and Kent CCs, on right) for all of his considerable hard work in organising the event, and to Vice-Lieutenant Bill Biddell (left) for hosting proceedings. Brig Ingrid Rolland was guest of honour – Ingrid has been a physics teacher at the school for several years, and has substantial experience of the crucial role it plays in the lives of many military families.

 Another notable success for Peter in his unending quest to support the military across Surrey!

 

Surrey Federation of WIs 100 Not Out!

 A real pleasure to join the Lord Lieutenant, Michael More-Molyneux and Sarah, for this uplifting celebration at Guildford Cathedral, courtesy of Chairman Jane Randell, who delivered a magnificent address encouraging everyone in the Surrey Federation to embrace change and look to the next 100 years. Jane certainly convinced me(!) and the other speakers, Vice Chairman Chris Butterfield and Kate Nash from Chaldon WI, were equally powerful. Needless to say, the scones (yes – mine were indeed gluten free!) were quite superb.

 

Cobham Heritage Day Underway!

Elizabeth Kennedy (centre), Chair of Cobham Heritage Day and past High Sheriff of Surrey, kindly invited this year’s High Sheriff to open this wonderful annual event. The Mayor of Elmbridge, Shweta Kapadia (my right), also provided great support, and joined me in thanking all of the volunteer members of the Cobham community (we see two manning the Heritage stand below, but the total number is over 100!) who have ensured that this terrific example of community spirit, local fundraising and family entertainment goes from strength to strength every year.

 The many stalls, exhibits and displays were testament to the enormous amount of hard work and effort that goes into the smooth organisation of such an event, and local partners were particularly appreciated. The vintage cars (and an early aeroplane even! – from Brooklands Museum) were a real crowd pleaser. 

 

Spelthorne Mayor's Murder Mystery Solved!

All guests enjoyed a hilariously entertaining evening at Mayor Jean Pinkerton’s charity evening in Stanwell. Jean (below) was supported as always by Linda and the many members of Jean’s family who so expertly took many of the key roles, alongside other Borough friends.

 In case you wanted to know, it was the Wife who did it, and the only person on our table who guessed correctly was Shweta Kapadia, Mayor of Elmbridge! Many thanks for a memorable evening Jean!

 

Godalming Museum Records Canadians at Witley Camp During WW1

As part of the commemoration of the integral role the Canadians had alongside the British and the Allies during the First World War, Godalming Museum, working with Natural England, have assembled an astonishing and memorable display of artefacts from Witley Camp (often from sifting through old rubbish tips!)

 Alison Patterson, Curator, is holding one of the fascinating pieces – in case you are wondering, it’s the remains of an ice hockey puck! Don’t miss the chance to see the rest of the exhibits at the museum.

 

New Canadian War Memorial on Milford Common

 A privilege to be present today at the unveiling of a new war memorial to commemorate the Canadian soldiers based at Milford Common during World War 1. Mayor of Waverley, Denise Le Gal, and her fellow Councillors (together with SCC and indeed National Trust support) have worked tirelessly to make today’s poignant ceremony a possibility, and such a great success! Visit the cairn as soon as you can, and join us in recognising the magnificent friendship, past present and doubtless future, between Canada and the UK.

 

Celebration of a New Ministry at St Andrew's, Cobham

 An uplifting and energising celebration yesterday of the Licensing of the Revd Dr Mike Branscombe by Bishop Jo Bailey Wells, and his Installation by Archdeacon Paul Bryer. Mike, Margaret and their daughters Ella and Grace were very warmly welcomed by the packed congregation, who (at the enthusiastic prompting of the Bishop!) also serenaded Ella with a rousing chorus of ‘Happy Birthday!’ St Andrew’s is an energetic, thriving church at the very heart of the Cobham community, and many representatives of that community, from all backgrounds and walks of life, were delighted to welcome Mike and his family to their new home.

 

Viewpoint Centre – 'When Just Talking Isn't Enough'

Inspired by the Horse Course in Dorset, and utilising Parelli Natural Horsemanship, this new Dormansland-based charity is providing fully trained support for 8-24 year olds who may be struggling with multiple problems and be living in difficult situations. Referrals currently come from Tandridge District Council, SCC, Reigate Valley College, several local schools and now direct from GPs. The driving force, supported by Emily with dedicated staff and trustees, is Founder, Katie Dockery (below), and her plan is to now cater for referrals right across Surrey;

 The young people on ReStart attend a 5 day course and receive a Level 1 award from Parelli assessors in the USA upon successful completion. Outcomes are carefully monitored, and there are already many recorded instances of lives being totally changed through this contact with the horses. Local Councillor, Lesley Steeds, is a strong supporter, as are many members of the local community, some of whom recently completed a walk in Europe and presented a cheque for well over £1,000 – great effort!

 

HMP Send: 20 Years 'Enabling' Women Prisoners

And that approach starts from the first moment that the woman prisoner enters HMP Send – above are just some examples of the information, support and advice provided through the remarkably integrated Chaplaincy, together with the experienced staff team and many volunteers.

Governor Carlene Dixon explained the importance of an enabling culture and positive approach from everyone on site to producing the impressive results achieved at the prison over it’s 20 year life working with women prisoners. The vital role played by peer advisors, mentors and listeners was emphasised, and the opportunity to talk to just one soon-to-graduate member of the Psychologically Informed Planned Environment (PIPE) project, supported most successfully by the NHS, was enough to show just how fundamental the changes can be.

Most encouraging to hear of the great involvement of Pret a Manger in providing training within the prison, work experience as women reach the end of their terms and full time jobs when appropriate on release. It is this sort of positive approach from businesses across Surrey which Carlene is determined to develop further. Just get in touch!

 

 

 

Surrey Mayors and Chairs Unite!

 The Lord Lieutenant, Michael More-Molyneux and Sarah; Under Sheriff, Caroline Breckell and Martin; and Surrey County Council Vice-Chair, Tony Samuels, joined us in welcoming this year’s Mayors and Chairs of Surrey for dinner at the renowned Lakeside Restaurant at Surrey University. Apart from the usual excellent food, this was a great opportunity to share together how individual activities were progressing around all of the various themes and chosen charities, as we all approach the half way point in our years in office. We found much in common and identified many ways of working together to improve impact and effectiveness across the entire county. It was also a really enjoyable evening – what more could we ask for?! Watch this space for updates on some of the initiatives we highlighted…….