Supporting the Crown and the judiciary remains a central element of the role of High Sheriff, and I was grateful for the opportunity to join His Honour Judge Fraser, Resident Judge and Honorary Recorder for the Borough of Guildford, at his morning sitting in Guildford Crown Court. I was also able to informally join the other Judges to learn more about their dedicated and impressive work on behalf of our community. Pillars of our society is not too fanciful a description!
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It was a great pleasure for us both to be present at Croydon Minster to join the large congregation in celebrating Andrew’s new appointment. Many friends from the University of Surrey, Guildford Cathedral and the broader Surrey community were delighted to be able to wish Andrew, Alice and the family the very best of good fortune and happiness in their new home. We were all grateful for the opportunity to thank Andrew for his exceptional contributions to our County during his time with us – we will miss you!
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The ‘Around The World’ Family Fun Day at Christopher’s, Shooting Star Chase was a huge success. The entertainment was superb throughout, and families all enjoyed a warm welcome from the Ukulele Band at the entrance;
followed by the beautiful singers of the Family Choir (an excellent rendition of Happy Together!)
The staff, supporters and volunteers were all united in making this a day to remember for all of the families attending. Special thanks to Anne, Head of Care (on mic) and Jax (great Around the World attire!) for their exceptional efforts;
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Well it is! The exciting Summer Fun Day is now well underway, and the Fairy Yurt is just one of the many attractions, stalls, exhibitions and events – every sector of the Merstham community seems to be involved. I was most grateful for the friendly invitation and welcome from Tracey, (Leader), Chris (Chair of Merstham Community Facility Trust), Bob (Trustee), and their entire team of Trustees, volunteers and, as Chris describes them, ‘our foundations’! The Friends of Merstham were out in force to greet local residents, young, old and new, and to encourage them to say exactly what they wanted and expected from their local community hub facility. Chris is making sure that the charity is based on sound, sustainable principles and financing, so that the next step of expanding activities can be driven by members of the community themselves, according to local priorities. There is even a ‘Community Cash Box’, which is able to make grants to fund local activities, and it was a great pleasure to be able to present the first cheque from Carlotte (left) and Caroline, on behalf of the charity, to Sarah Hart from Little Harts Music. Sarah will now be providing a musical therapy group for mums and their new babies. And if all that is not enough – try the cafe; the tea and gluten free cakes are excellent!
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This is the determined request from the Governor, Robin Eldridge, on behalf of the women residents at the prison, where all of the extensive team of staff, teachers and specialist partners support his goal of “Changing The Lives of Women – for Good”. To achieve this goal, an impressive curriculum of activities is constantly being enhanced to provide training and life-changing opportunities through partners such as the London College of Fashion, Max Speilman Academy and the Clink restaurant/production kitchen project. I was given a thought-provoking, enlightening and positive introduction to HMP Downview by experienced Custodial Managers, Hannah Fielder and James Abbott, who ensured that I was able to meet a superb artist (brilliant mural!); an expert baker (I have been promised a gluten-free victoria sandwich cake on my next visit!) and enjoy a tea break with experienced residents who were able to explain just how important all of the activities were. I also met two of the ‘Listeners Team’, all inmates trained to a high and exacting standard (by the Samaritans) providing constant support and counselling to individuals whenever required – a service recognised by staff and residents alike, as being very effective. It was clear that the chance to become involved in such a trusted and important role was equally valued by the two individuals themselves. Changing lives indeed!
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A fine cohort of new citizens were formally recognised this morning by Deputy Superintendent Registrar, Clare (centre), assisted by another DSR, Nicola.
Particularly pleasing to be able to welcome so many families – all with many questions for the High Sheriff!
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A simple and powerful message to all members of the Walton-on-Thames and broader Elmbridge community from Jackie Lodge, Chief Executive of this very special, and long established charity. Jackie and her team are focused on ‘local solutions for local needs’, and welcome new ideas and potential partnerships within the statutory, corporate and third sectors. The Walton Charity has roots going back some 800 years, and David Nish, a Trustee, has published an excellent book (below) providing the historical perspective;
The Charity makes grants to individuals, community projects, the food bank and to residents and tenants in the local community. The key areas of identified local need are affordable housing, transport and childcare, but other issues such as poverty, debt, poor health, domestic abuse, food and fuel poverty are firmly on the agenda!
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There was great support from across Surrey for Nick Wood-Dow, President; the hard-working Committee and their wonderful volunteers at Egham Royal Show as rain failed to dampen spirits on the celebration of 160 years since foundation.
Surrounding the ‘throned’ Nick are (L-R) Julian Ellacott, deputy Mayor, Reigate & Banstead; Mary Sheldon, Deputy Mayor, Elmbridge; Dolsie Clarke, Mayor, Runnymede; Jean Pinkerton, Mayor, Spelthorne; Dan Adams, Mayor, Surrey Heath; Raj Haque, Chairman, Mole Valley and Peter Martin, Chairman, SCC. (All present wished Nick and Elizabeth very best wishes for their forthcoming wedding in October)
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The Women’s Support Centre in Woking is a great example of all elements of expertise, professional specialism and support for women (and their families) coming together under one roof. This pioneering initiative undertaken by Woking Borough Council, and led from the top by CEO Ray Morgan, is now some 12 years old and goes from strength to strength. It is supported by WBC, SCC and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, David Munro. I was welcomed (from left) by Carole (Women In Prison), Donna (Surrey Family Services, SCC) and Camilla (WBC), and heard about the free and confidential services available for all women in Surrey, as well as some of the latest, impactful work around Women’s Justice Intervention and other UK-leading activities designed to ‘transform women’s justice’. The painting also has a story – the artist is a very talented young woman from the Sliding Doors group working programme, sponsored by SCC. Carole was keen to emphasise that self-referrals are very welcome, and there is no fixed period of time for any of the support – it is all designed around the needs of the individual.
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As a record of the inaugural Summer Camp of the Surrey Volunteer Police Cadets, this superb shot from a Surrey Police drone, expertly piloted by Graham, takes some beating! Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey, Robert Napier, called in to start the games session, and winning individuals and team were presented with awards at the end of the Camp. Thanks from all went to Sgt Graham Kerslake and Helen Hartley, Surrey Police, for their excellent leadership, and to Laura for her great organisation.
Helen joined me in thanking Graham, expert drone pilot, for his superb support.