Multi Faith Service For Chairman of Mole Valley District Council

Chairman Raj Haque decided that a Multi Faith Service was the ideal form of Civic Ceremony to officially recognise his year in office, which Ian and the MVDC team delivered in real style to the delight of the many faith leaders, civic dignitaries (below) and community members present.

 Raj and Nasima invited Imam Joynal Ahmed (Epsom & Ewell Islamic Society); Martin O’Donovan (Chairman of Ashtead Churches Together); Rabbi Kath Vardi (North West Surrey Synagogue); David Savage (Humanists UK) and Meeta Joshi (Hindu Chaplain, University of Surrey) to speak, and all delivered consistent messages of unity. The Imam captured the spirit of the occasion perfectly by identifying the word PEACE (Positivity; Empathy; Appreciation; Communication; Equality) as the means to administer fair justice for all members of our community. A powerful thought indeed!

We were delighted to see Meeta’s daughter, Nishi, deliver another exquisite dance performance to round off the perfect ceremony:

 

 

Matrix 18th Birthday Banquet!

Supporters turned out in force, and great style(!), last night to celebrate the Matrix Trust’s ‘coming of age’ with a superb banquet in the Guildhall, Guildford. The evening was a huge success and allowed Matrix CEO, Misty, with her team of executives; Simon (Acting Chair), Ian and their fellow Trustees and the many volunteers, to share the numerous successes and achievements over the past 18 years, and to look forward with great enthusiasm to building upon this strong foundation in the future. Most important of all, of course, are the many young people who Matrix support through their impactful activities in schools and in the community, and it was a real pleasure for everyone on the night to be able to meet the impressive representatives seen below from George Abbott School and the Albury Youth Club,

 

 What a wonderful future lies ahead!

'Headway' Wine Tasting at the Guildhall

An educational and thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by all at the packed Guildhall, courtesy of Headway, hosted by Mike and Jean Parsons, Mayor and Mayoress of Guildford, and featuring renowned Master of Wine, John Downes (apologies about the picture quality, John!)

 Headway CEO, Sonja, and Chair of Trustees, Keith, together with their expert team of executives and trustees, emphasised just how important the charity’s work is for people with brain injuries, and the Mayor explained the very personal reasons for his selection of Headway as one of his Charities of The Year. Can’t wait to hear how much was raised!

 

Matrix Getting Ready To Celebrate!

Matrix Trust are 18 years old and from their base in Allen House Pavillion, they direct many impactful activities in schools and through youth clubs/drop-in/one-to-one sessions which offer expert support to young people in the Guildford area. I enjoyed a detailed insight today with Misty (centre), CEO, and Fiona, Fundraiser, and am delighted to be joining the formal celebratory dinner at the Guildhall tomorrow evening.

 

 

'KEEPOUT' – Creating The Legacy

 

This highly regarded charity was closed during 2017, following over 20 years of activity, so it was most encouraging to learn during today’s final conference at the University of Surrey (hosted by Prof Karen Bullock), that all of the associated, extensive learning will soon be available through a dedicated web site. As well as the Legacy Document, there will be access to an explanatory film, and details of all of the programme delivery. More details soon!

RBL Helps Us All To Remember Them!

 

The Royal British Legion have an impressive set of ‘Silent Silhouettes’ which allow everyone to say Thank You to ‘all who served, sacrificed and changed our world’ 100 years ago. We chose the RAF/RFC Airman and the Suffragette, but there are many others. Please help this appeal in whatever way you can – thank you!

Great Civic Support for Provincial Grand Lodge Service of Thanksgiving

 

Guildford Cathedral was the scene this afternoon for the Provincial Grand Lodge Of Surrey annual Service of Thanksgiving, under Provincial Grand Master, Ian Chandler (below). The many Civic Dignitaries were led by Deputy Lieutenant, Paul Ryder.

 One secret from recent fundraising efforts – Ian is now also Provincial Grand Master Chef! (so bookings may now be a problem)

 An ideal opportunity for us to say ‘thank you’ on behalf of our county for the very significant contributions made by all members of the Provincial Grand Lodge Of Surrey to our local community.

 

13 Miles For Surrey Care Trust!

Perfect weather for the SCT 5 Peaks Hikeathon, and we were able to complete our 13 miles half hikeathon (but only with the active encouragement of  SCT Chair, Sir Denis O’Connor, and his family over the last few miles!) The beautiful Surrey scenery between Bramley and Abinger Hammer (via St Martha’s Church and Newlands Corner) was a real pleasure and reminded us all just how lucky we are to live in this terrific county. All proceeds raised go to the charity thanks to the continued sponsorship of Broanmain Plastics – a much appreciated contribution to our community.

Denis joined us to record our triumph with Elaine Tisdall, CEO (who was not able to join the walk itself because of the organisation required – apparently!), and we all had great respect for the two-thirds of all walkers, who were not happy with a ‘half’ and went on to complete the full 36 miles! Well done to all of the staff, trustees and volunteers who made it all possible – great way to raise funds, even if it is exhausting!

 

 

Permanent Exclusions From School – Guidance From The Experts!

My theme for the year has been given a substantial boost, thanks to advice and guidance from David Blow (Head at Ashcombe School, left), Ben Bartlett (Head at Hinchley Wood School, right) and Lady Louise O’Connor during a highly productive informal session this morning.

 As I approach the end of the first half of my Shrieval year, it was important to establish exactly what additional activities may now take place to help further highlight this important, and very complex issue (without me getting in the way!) The expert advice received was greatly appreciated, and will help create the foundation for the second half of my year – watch this space!!

 

'New Beginnings' from Women In Prison

The Women’s Support Centre (well done Karen, Camilla, Donna and all the staff!) and the Trustees of the Lightbox, Woking, combined forces once again to present this thought-provoking exhibition, ‘Hear My Voice’. This awards scheme inspires women whose lives have been impacted by the Criminal Justice System to express themselves, very powerfully, through art. ‘Women In Prison’ Chair of Trustees, Yvonne Roberts and CEO, Kate Paradine, welcomed a packed audience to the Lightbox, including many of the participants in the renowned ‘Sliding Doors’ programme, who also contributed the ‘Red Bus’ work in the exhibition (must be seen!) The Mayor and Mayoress of Woking, Will and Hannah, are giving their full support to this impactful project, together with WBC – CEO, Ray Morgan, and ensured that many of their Mayoral friends from across Surrey were also on the guest list to spread the word!(see below).

 The exhibition can be seen until 14 October, when it moves to Horley Library, then Caterham Valley Library, Farnham Maltings, Cranleigh Arts Centre and finally Epsom Library next February – so opportunities for all in Surrey to see the great work.