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…….

 

Crown Court Session With HHJudge Fraser

 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!

 

Celebrating With Revd Canon Dr Andrew Bishop

 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!

 

Shooting Star Chase Spectacular!

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;

 

 

 

Merstham Hub – Can It All Be Real?!

 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!

 

 

 

'Don't Write Us Off'

 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!