Local Societies Support WESTfest
An impressive number of local societies, organisations and artisans proudly supported the community celebration at WESTfest – many thanks to all for their excellent efforts!
Girl Guides Excel at WESTfest
The Girl Guides team provided great support for WESTfest – willing to get soaked by the High Sheriff, but providing excellent refreshments to keep everyone happy!
WESTfest Rocks
Superb weather for this Annual village festival, organised entirely by willing volunteers and supporters from the local community. Well done in particular to Anna and Naomi for pulling everything together. What better purchase than red-hot chilli sauce, home made (under Dad’s proud supervision!) by Maisie!
And making sure that we were all safe on such a scorching day, were our friends from St John’s Ambulance, who were delighted to confirm that all went well!
New Voluntary Police Cadets Take The Oath
The Cadet Attestation Ceremony was held today to celebrate a further 60 cadets being sworn in to join the current six Units across Surrey. This scheme is run entirely through volunteers, and has thrived under the leadership of Sgt Graham Kerslake. Strong support from the outset has been welcomed from the PCC, David Munro (centre), and Deputy Lieutenant (and previous High Sheriff), Robert Napier, who joined the current High Sheriff, and High Sheriff’s Cadet, Naeel Radha, in inspecting the cadets on parade.
Surrey Care Trust's Bid Yellow Duck Race
Brilliant weather and lots of local excitement (and sponsorship – many thanks!) for this annual fixture on Millmead Island. Elaine Tisdall (CEO) and husband Leslie were expertly supported by the Surrey Care Trust team, and given loads of encouragement from the Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons, and the High Sheriff.
History was also made as ardent Welshman, Mike, was seen to be supporting the Restore Duck, sporting the England team colours (totally beyond the call of duty!!)
Congratulations Surrey Care Trust – a great event!
'Pride' Unites Elmbridge Unit of the Surrey Volunteer Police Cadets
An inspiring visit this evening to the Elmbridge VPC Unit, and agreement amongst the cadre of cadets that ‘pride’ is the uniting factor! Staff Chris explained the background and success of this particular unit, based at Three Rivers Academy in Hersham. Our pic of Staffs and cadets just missed the rainbow hovering over us at the time, but fitted our thinking re ‘pride’ and inclusiveness, always at the foundation of our Units across Surrey;
SCARF – Even in The Hot Weather!
Lady Louise O’Connor and the High Sheriff, met Oaktree School Head teacher, Glen Alder, Mark Fisher (with the Giraffe!) and Coram Managing Director of Education and Wellbeing, Harriet Gill, to witness first hand this long-established programme of Safety,Caring, Achievement, Resilience and Friendship. The CEO of Woking Borough Council, Ray Morgan, is to be given great credit for retaining permanent funding over many years to ensure that pupils all get an opportunity to receive this special opportunity to learn skills for life; delivered by Mark, a true master, teacher and puppeteer extraordinaire!
Life Skills Focus at 'Outstanding' Oaktree School
Lady Louise O’Connor and the High Sheriff were welcomed to this ‘Outstanding-rated’ school in Woking, by Head Teacher, Glen Alder, and representatives from the ‘Owls’ and ‘Foxes’, who insisted on checking the HS’s business cards under Louise’s watchful eye!
Nishi and James Steal the Show!
Congratulations to all of Surry’s Universities and Colleges for presenting such a powerful display of excellent Outreach, Widening Participation and Volunteering activities at the High Sheriff’s Garden Party last night. There will be more detail to follow, but for the moment, everyone agreed that they really are the Pride of Surrey!
Volunteers from Patchworking Garden, Guildford Bike Project, The High Sheriff Youth Awards and The Surrey Volunteer Police Cadets were all working hard throughout the evening and impressed all the guests with their enthusiasm, dedication and sheer professionalism. Great adverts for the collective community spirit in Surrey.
Everyone agreed that, in terms of great entertainment, Nishi (Dance Shakti Troupe) and James (Academy for Contemporary Music) really did steal the show!
Modern Slavery in Surrey – Surely Not?
Well, as we heard at the seminar organised by Surrey Chambers of Commerce, and sponsored by Police and Crime Commissioner, David Monro, the sad fact is that it is indeed present and it is our collective responsibility (business, police and members of the public) to be a willing part of the solution. Powerful presentations from Assistant Chief Constable Jeremy Burton, Nicki Crayfourd (Compass Group – a huge employer in the UK and throughout the world) and Shayne Tyler (Manor Fresh), provided evidence and helpful ways forward for all interested parties. Support is available through Unseen UK and Stronger Together, two organisations with significant experience of this complex and distressing issue. ‘Be vigilant’ is the message from David and the High Sheriff!
