Many congratulations to incoming Mayor, Dan Adams (pictured), who was this evening ‘handed the baton’ from retiring Mayor, Val White, following her very successful year. It was a pleasure to be invited to attend – my first official visit to Camberley!
What a marvellous outcome to a mad dash (all within the limit!) across Surrey to meet Elaine Tisdall and the team at the Surrey Care Trust Learning Centre in Woking (pictured).
A real pleasure to meet the ‘up to 16’ year olds, and to engage in a range of animated discussions, from the role of the High Sheriff (and the Queen!) through to which course is best at NESCOT (close run thing for Lily between professional hairdressing or a music/drama challenge!) Whatever your dreams – go for it!
It was a close run thing, when the team (below) split into two for the Royal Challenge!
The winners looked well settled;
Just before their enthusiastic competitors completed the task!
Privileged to be invited to join HRH The Earl of Wessex and my predecessor, Robert Napier DL, to see examples of the impressive DofE activities undertaken by this enterprising school team, under the Weydon Multi Academy Trust. It was also a great opportunity to meet the new Mayor of Waverley, Denise Le Gal, and the Vice-Chair of SCC, Tony Samuels (pictured). We may even have found the new Mark Knopfler amongst the talented students! Many congratulations to Head Teacher, Clare Talbot and her impactful team!
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester officially opened the new nursery at Springfield Primary School, Sunbury today in glorious sunshine – the perfect setting for a real success story. The school was in special measures just three years ago, but the dedicated team led by Acting Headteacher, Julie Sherrington, have worked hard with the governors, parents and local community to complete a spectacular turnaround. No wonder last Autumn’s Ofsted visit noted the ‘excellence’ evident amongst the leadership team! Loved the use of ‘Inclusion’ and the focus on Great British Values ‘running through the heart of Springfield’
Many congratulations to Mike and Jean, with best wishes for a successful and enjoyable year. Mike’s focus will be on volunteering, and his chosen charities are Guildford Young Carers and Headway, who provide cognitive rehabilitation and support for people with traumatic brain injury. Mike is pictured with Headway Surrey CEO, Sonja Freebody;
The Tillingbourne Junior School Choir were brilliant at the Service!
Naeel Radha began his busy year providing assured and professional support for the High Sheriff throughout today’s Civic Service for the Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons, at Holy Trinity Church and afterwards at the Guildhall. As always Naeel received the enthusiastic support of his parents, Mo and Ummay, pictured below.
President of the University of Surrey Students’ Union, Saskia Cochrane, kindly invited me to join the new Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons, at the Colours Ball last night. In spite of being in post for only a matter of days, and with an early morning appointment rapidly followed by their Civic Service at 11.30 today, Mike and Jean did not hesitate in supporting the 900 strong students gathered for the Awards. Everyone at the University greatly values such recognition from Guildford Borough Council. Student Union VPs Ali and Helena (together with the superb behind-the-scenes team) deserve great credit for organising such a mammoth event!
Headmaster of the Royal Alexandra and Albert School, Mark Dixon, describes the development of such young people as being the Aim of the School. On the evidence of the Founders’ Day Commemoration & Prize Giving Ceremony today, that aim is being achieved big time!
I was privileged to be in the company of The Mayor of Reigate & Banstead, Roger Newstead; the Chair of SCC, Peter Martin; Chair of School Governors, William Gillen and Chair of the Foundation, David Frank, and we were all overwhelmed by the talent and ability being celebrated. Guest speaker Dr Tunde Okewale was highly entertaining – don’t miss hearing him if you get the chance!
The retiring duo of Head Girl, Katie Childs (pictured) and Head Boy, Angus Calder, are set to join the excellent Universities of Liverpool and Kent respectively – our collective best wishes to them both.
A reassuring and determined statement from Superintendent Justin Burtenshaw who leads the highly impressive teams looking after the safety of over 45m visitors and 30k staff, as Commander at Gatwick. The High Sheriff of West Sussex, Caroline Nicholls, organised a memorable day for the High Sherrifs of Kent, East Sussex and Surrey, as neighbouring and wholly involved regions served by, and indeed serving, this magnificent asset within the SE community. Special thanks to Justin and his colleagues – they would never say this, but they are role-models across Europe for the way they have forged such an effective partnership with all interested parties within and around Gatwick. Pictured are Caroline, Justine and the High Sheriff of East Sussex, John Moore-Bick, promoting the National Crimebeat charity;
