Youth Restorative Intervention

This leading programme involves experienced Surrey Police officers working closely with experts from the Restorative Practice Team at Surrey County Council to decide how best to provide positive solutions to young offenders who have admitted guilt, but whose offence is not serious enough to warrant an indictable-only sentence. 

The process began in 2011 and has produced strong evidence in terms of reduced reoffending, and even of young lives turned around.

I was able to witness the impressive weekly process whereby each individual case is carefully considered by a small panel, who then agree the most appropriate way forward for that particular young person. 

A genuine learning experience for the High Sheriff, delivered by

 

 a thoroughly professional team of experts – my sincere thanks to all!

 

High Sheriff Entertained By Robin Hood!

Another magical performance by Guildford Shakespeare Company at the atmospheric Rack’s Close next to Guildford castle (UNTIL 30 JUNE!). Co-Founders, Sarah and Matt have assembled another sparkling cast, and all cast, crew and support members really have provided us with a true showstopper! After enduring an entire evening of repetitions of the chorus ‘Down With The Sheriff’, the High Sheriff consoled the Sheriff of Nottingham with a handshake (next to the Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons, in the picture with the entire cast)

 

 

Learning For Life with Magistrates In The Community

Glebelands School, Cranleigh was the setting for this impactful session for pupils organised by teacher Laetitia Rys-Kent (committed and determined ‘Learning For Life’ programme leader) with Adult and Youth Magistrates, Tim Hurley JP and Jane Sweetman JP. The session involved following a crime through from scene to sentencing, when the pupils themselves had to decide the final details. Gripping drama throughout, with added background and detail of the Courts system and the importance of the magistrates themselves, who hear 95% of the cases in the county (with the others going to Crown Court and above). And, of course, our magistrates are all volunteers – a great example of exceptional service to our community!

Pictured (l t r); Tim (who also finds time to be a school governor!), Jane and Laetitia

 

 

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!!