Suffrage in Egham

Well worth a second blog to encourage everyone in the local community to visit the event today and call in at the Museum. The way in which the entire High Street has embraced the theme of Suffrage is highly impactful (100 years since some women were allowed to vote in 1918 – over 30, married and/or owners of property –  but a further 10 until all women, and indeed men, were given this basic right of citizenship)

100 years ago the High Sheriff was probably attempting to maintain law and order against the background of action being taken by the Suffragettes, but today we were all able to be great friends!

 

So pleased to be welcomed by the Mayor of Runnymede, Dolsie Clarke, who was able to proudly sport an excellent Suffragette flag on her cheek!

 

 

 

Magna Carta Day – Egham

A great pleasure to be taken around the delightful Egham Museum by Sarah and her team, who have done such an effective job over the years with this wonderful community asset on Egham High Street.

Lady Louise O’Connor gave a passionate speech to open the event, on the subject of Suffrage, and the large crowd were highly engaged throughout.

(Louise’s husband, Sir Denis, did a brilliant job with the camera!)

Sarah and everyone at the Egham Museum deserve our thanks and active support.

 

 

Archers at the Ready!

Every High Sheriff dreams of being able to say those words!

I was able to do so this morning when I officially opened the Annual Veterans Archery Competition, organised by the Veterans Support Association.

Very interested to meet Sarah, a Surrey University student, who is working with military families and post-18 year olds in particular, as part of her degree. Anyone who fits the bill and would like to be involved – let me know! (Thanks for taking the pic, Sarah)

Pictured are a few of the Veteran archers, their families and friends – have a great day in the sun!

 

 

 

Veterans Support Association deserves our support!

This well-loved association (soon to become a charity) organises many events and regular meetings, promoting health and well-being for veterans, their families and friends. This is often through sporting activities, and the Annual Veterans Archery Competition is a great example.

Hats off to SSAFA for sponsoring the activity and providing the impressive trophies. SSAFA was the only military charity in existence during the Great War, and they have been doing so much for the Armed Forces ever since. Surrey County Council are also proud supporters, and the Chairman, Peter Martin, will be presenting prizes later today.

Congratulations to John Joyce (pictured) and his fantastic volunteers.

 

 

High Sheriff Grilled by Epsom Unit Volunteer Police Cadets!

The Epsom VPC Unit is now 33 strong, and the majority took the opportunity earlier tonight to ‘interrogate’ the High Sheriff! The questioning was intense and well targeted, and the cadets now know as much about the history and modern role of the High Sheriff as I do!!

Great ‘class photo’ with their Patron, taken by Staff Mark, a visitor volunteer from Reigate & Banstead Unit (always in charge of any situation)

 

 

Academy of Contemporary Music – Electric!

We met in the Electric Theatre and had to try the coffee – Greg, it was brilliant!

Breathtaking visit to ACM, kindly arranged by Oli, supported by Lee and Chris, to find out more about this innovative, inclusive and hugely successful institution. The work undertaken by ACM to attract students from across the spectrum, entirely according to their personal drive, ambition and interests, led to my use of the word ‘breathtaking’. I am sure that many people living in Guildford, and across Surrey, will have little appreciation of just how much outreach activity ACM undertake, and how highly student wellbeing features on their agenda. 

Important to get a photo of us with members of the impressive Student Services Team (nice one Jen!)

 

 

'Thrive' at University for the Creative Arts

Spent an exhilarating hour or so this morning at the Farnham campus learning all about the innovative ‘Thrive’ programme run by UCA. This impactful outreach programme targets young people, irrespective of background, who may be ideal candidates for a ‘creative’ career, and highlights just what broad and exciting possibilities exist in this rapidly changing area. As V-C, Prof Bashir Makhoul, explained, the creative arts must never be forgotten as areas of career opportunity for young students. Who would have thought a few years ago that the UK digital games industry would have its heart in Guildford, employ over 1,000 people and turnover hundreds of £millions each year? And the skills required cover all of the creative arts areas found in the UCA prospectus. Andy suggested that we consider a ‘Creative Careers Conference’ later in the year, with the High Sheriff using his ‘power to convene’.

Any thoughts from interested parties will be gratefully received!

In case you wonder whose brilliant artwork we are pictured in front of, let me give you a clue – it is the V-C himself!!

 

 

Chief Constable's Award Ceremony

It was a real privilege to Join the CC, Nick Ephgrave, and the PCC, David Munro, in recognising the exceptionally talented individuals receiving awards for long service (both officers and staff) and Chief Constable’s Commendations for effort beyond the call of duty. Great to see that several staff from Surrey County Council were also recognised as key members of the broad Police teams tackling some of the most difficult crimes faced by our county.

A privilege also to meet Dennis and Carol Gunn, who were present as sponsors of the Richard Gunn memorial Award, this year presented to PC Will Nicholas, an outstanding Area Patrol Team Officer. As Dennis observed, Will is very much in Richard’s style, and a most appropriate recipient of the award (photo)

 

 

Surrey Hills School Superstars!

Fantastic weather for a great Westcott sporting event! The pupils, family and friends all turned out to support this exhibition of determination and talent – lots of future star track athletes in evidence, but the thing that really stood out to Mrs Radcliffe, Head, and her team of teachers and support staff, was the exceptional team work on display amongst all the young people. 

Special thanks to a very special teacher who makes it all possible behind the scenes, and who is such a sporting inspiration to all the pupils (the majority have now had the chance to represent their school) – Carolyn Stowell (below)

 

 

New Citizens; New Opportunities!

Today is a special day for 21 new citizens of the UK, as they enjoyed the Citizenship Ceremony at County Hall. Anne, Deputy Superintendent Registrar, led the proceedings (Photo) and Jean ensured that all signatures were correctly recorded – a most professional event to formally mark the great occasion!