Bravo, DOCTOR Ashley Herman!

Delighted to attend the University of Surrey Graduation Ceremony for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and celebrate the award of an Honorary Doctorate to Ashley Herman. Ashley, a prolific theatre entrepreneur (responsible for producing/co-producing/identifying funding for over 30 hugely successful West End shows in the past 20 years) has somehow also found the time to be a tireless expert advisor, Council member, supporter and great friend to the University. His work with disadvantage young people at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, and through our own Guildford School of Acting, has been exceptional. Ashley confirms that the activity will continue with renewed vigour following this ceremony!

 

 

Respect & Total Involvement at Guildford VPC Unit!

 

Another great session with the Surrey Volunteer Police Cadets, this time at the Guildford Unit based at King’s College. The words of description were agreed by the cadets themselves. Thoroughly enjoyed the energetic discussion to identify the Unit priorities for helping in the local community – a perfect example of the volunteering spirit found right across our county. HS attempted an ambitious ‘selfie’, but all agreed that the basic skills leave a lot to be desired!

Catch-Up With Connor at Merrist Wood!

A welcome opportunity to visit Merrist Wood and deliver the well-earned High Sheriff’s Certificate, from their outstanding team effort at the Garden Party. Proudly accepting the certificate is none other than Connor, famous winner of the bike!

 

I also enjoyed a personal tour of the impressive Animal Management Centre, courtesy of Jo and Graham, and offered congratulations on the recent award of the Zoo Licence. This significant achievement will greatly enhance the scope of activities and learning opportunities at Merrist Wood. What a place to study and learn!

 

 

Stanwell Children's Centre – At The Heart of The Community

A most instructive and enjoyable visit to meet Janette Breese, Manager, and her team at the Stanwell Children’s Centre, and also to chat to many of the families using the varied facilities and programmes available on site. From Play and Learn, Adult learning Courses, Family Health & Well-being right through to many areas of Specialist Advice, the Centre really does cater for all the needs of children, and their families. What a community asset!

 

 

Graduation Week at University of Surrey in Full Swing!

The Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons, and the HS (with HS’s Police Cadet, Naeel Radha in close support) were greeted outside Guildford Cathedral by Pro-Chancellor Kim Tan, as we were honoured to be invited to process at the Degree Ceremonies with Kim and, later in the day, with the Chancellor of the University, HRH The Duke of Kent. What an occasion!

 

 

'Our Time' Exhibition at HMP Send

The second day of this excellent exhibition of the Residents Artists impressive artwork takes place today between 4pm and 7pm at HMP Send. To whet the appetite, here is the picture we purchased as a reminder of this inspiring event!

 

 

'Our Time' Sequel Exhibition at HMP Send

 

The text really does say it all – another uplifting exhibition by the Artists in Residence. As Carlene Dixon, Governor at HMP Send, emphasised, the statements from the Artists (Ann, Caroline, Dena, Justine, Natasha and Nerissa) are powerful examples of the effectiveness of this innovative programme with Watts Gallery.

Good Listening & Great Questions at St Paul's Pre-School!

The High Sheriff was very well received by all the young pupils at St Paul’s Pre-School, Dorking, during his official visit to explain the role. Of greatest interest seemed to be the sword and the colour of the velvet, although one young man suggested that the uniform was reminiscent of Voldemort! Many thanks to Tanya, Jacqui, Mark and Maggie for their kind invitation, and for all of their great efforts on behalf of the appreciative pupils (and families!)

 

 

Civic Service in Haslemere

A beautiful setting (and weather!) at All Saints Church, Grayswood, for the Civic Service for Councillors David Round and Melanie Odell, Mayor and Mayoress of Haslemere.

 

The Mayor of Waverley, Denise Le Gal, and the Mayor and Mayoress of Godalming, Nick Williams and Jeanne Williams, were also present to support David and Melanie at the beginning of their year. Reverend Barbara Steele-Perkins delivered a stimulating Address, with an underlying message taken very much to heart by this High Sheriff  (subject – the importance of helping entire communities to ‘smile’)

Muslim Burial Ground Peace Garden Commemoration Service

A great honour to be asked by Will Forster, Mayor of Woking, to join the Commemoration Service and lay a wreath in memory of all Muslim soldiers who gave their lives for Britain in both World Wars. Sheikh Abdul Wahab, the first soldier to be buried at the Woking Garden, was also honoured in the service. A moving poem by Omer Tarin, a family member of Sikandar Khan who was buried at this site, was read quite beautifully by Madeleine McClements, a student from Woking high School.