SurreyHills Enterprises – 'Bringing Together Our Local, Inspiring and Exciting Businesses'

The exact description outlined so passionately by Wendy Varcoe, Executive Director, and enthusiastically endorsed by Simon Whalley, Chairman during my introductory visit today!

 SH Enterprises is a Community Interest Company, established in 2012 as part of the Surrey Hills family, with our Lord Lieutenant, Michael More-Molyneux, as Patron. The Aims are threefold; Support the Rural Economy; Raise Awareness of the Surrey Hills; Promote, Protect and Enhance this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Simon explained that the foundations are now firmly established, and the ambitious Business Plan is to significantly increase levels of support and awareness. A high-profile Trade Mark has been developed and is now being issued under licence as a mark of quality and local provenance. An excellent way of supporting and promoting Local produce; Local Services and Local Businesses. Watch out for the many organised events, conferences and festivals over the coming months, and lend your support to this excellent initiative for our magnificent Surrey Hills!

 

New Citizens Welcomed by High Sheriff and High Sheriff-In-Nomination

Delighted to be joined by Bridget Biddell, High Sheriff Of Surrey-In-Nomination (to Cath’s left), for the latest Citizenship Ceremony at County Hall. Another hugely enjoyable and happy event for all of the new citizens, their families and friends. 

 The Ceremony was convened by Anne, Deputy Superintendent Registrar (on my right) with Nicola once again ensuring that all signatures were officially entered into the records!

 

Fish, SATRO Style!

 

 Great to meet Alex, from SATRO, at one of the summer FISH sessions held at Kings College.

 The High Sheriff Youth Awards support SATRO to provide three sessions a week through their mobile unit – much to the delight of Amanda Pick (below) who organises the entire FISH programme with her team of dedicated staff workers and volunteers.

 This wonderful initiative is now in it’s 18th year in Guildford, providing much needed holiday activities for young people across the Borough, County and beyond. 160 young people aged between 10 and 16 years old attend, many staying on board throughout their entire early and mid teens, with some five to six returning each year when over 16 to volunteer. Well done Guildford Borough Council for maintaining this excellent programme of events! As Amanda explained ‘Every young person is unique; their needs and interests are unique, and Fish enables us to meet as many as we possibly can’ Just look what the staff have to endure……

 

 

Abinger Cricket Club Festival Finale!

Abinger are one of the few remaining Cricket Clubs in Surrey who still hold an Annual Cricket Festival, the highlight of which is the President’s Match, held in perfect weather yesterday.

 Thanks to John Philpin, Chairman, Abinger Sports Club, and Janet for inviting us to join this ‘Quintessentially Surrey’ scene, and to Barry, President, for assembling such an impressive team of athletes for the game! Abinger CC was founded in 1870 and relies upon the enthusiastic support of many local volunteers and members – wonderful Surrey tradition.

 

Welcome to New Citizens!

Another enthusiastic and very proud group of new Citizens were welcomed to Surrey by Jenny, Deputy Superintendent Registrar, and the High Sheriff, together with the High Sheriff’s Chaplain, Revd Alan Jonas. Throughout the Citizenship Ceremony at County Hall in Kingston, the High Sheriff was supported by High Sheriff’s Police Cadet, Naeel Radha. 

 

 

Ride London – Surrey Police Motorcyclists Excel!

Persistent rain has not dampened spirits amongst the supporters, or prevented Surrey Police professionals from providing their usual exceptional service!

 

 

 

Dorking Children's Centre Fun Day A Complete Sell Out!

Over 250 children and families enjoyed the superb weather and wonderful facilities, attractions  and entertainment available at the Centre on Goodwyns Road. Donna, Helen and the entire team deserve great credit, with Sophie having the lead role in terms of organisation of the event – well done to all!

Parents, grandparents and supporters were all adamant that this facility is a vital part of the local community and provides support on a daily basis to many young families. It was great to see the Surrey Fire Service visiting, and to welcome the tireless volunteers from the Dorking Food Bank. 

Before the crowds arrived, we had the chance to take a quick group photo of many of the Children’s Centre team;

 

 

East to West – 'Bringing Hope To Young People'

An afternoon very well spent with Anthony Horton, CEO and Ian Smith, Head of Ops (right), at East to West at their HQ in Egham. They explained the evidence-based impact the organisation is having on the lives of young people, and kept the HS up to date with a specific project funded by the High Sheriff Youth Awards, which is providing appropriate professional support for students within 8 schools across Spelthorne, Runnymede and Elmbridge. As always, the power of East to West’s activities comes from the excellent staff (all pictured behind us on the wall!), who work an average of 22 hours/week and make such a difference to the pupils they support.

East to West is 21years old – let’s ensure that the next 21 provide similar positive outcomes for young lives!

 

 

11 Young Leaders Achieve Level 2 Awards

At the Addlestone Youth Centre, the Young Leaders themselves had these words to describe their journey together over the past nine months – ‘Inspirational’ ; ‘Determination’ ; ‘Amazing’ (coz we are!); ‘Commitment’. And all expressed their sincere thanks to the Youth Workers across Surrey who made the entire programme possible. The High Sheriff Youth Awards provided some financial support, and the summary from talking to the young people and their families/friends, is that it was money very well spent indeed!

 

 

On Board Swingbridge 2 With Surrey Care Trust

An instructive and productive day with Rita, Probation Service, and four offenders undertaking their hours of service in the community – all courtesy of Caz, Adult Learning Manager at SCT, and our second skipper, Alan, whose exceptional impact over many hours each week, is all as a volunteer. We painted one side of a long footbridge, and prepared the other side for painting next week, as well as learning about handling boats, dealing with locks (the watery variety!) and keeping the rivers and canal systems efficient and accessible. The chance to talk informally with everyone involved, emphasised the impact this opportunity is having on many lives.