A pleasure and privilege to join Aimee and Anne (Head of Care, below) at (Shooting Star Chase) Christopher’s this morning. and see first hand the wonderful support, love and care provided by this highly trained team and their many volunteers. Can’t wait for the Family Fun Day on Sunday 2nd September – the High Sheriff will be presenting some prizes in official uniform, to help keep everyone entertained!
Headteacher Mark Richards at St John’s School, Dorking, firmly believes that the impressive turn around in fortunes at this community-based school is all due to his unshakable belief that the six very clear School Values have to be ‘lived’ all day, every day, by everyone. Every member of the staff is trained to adopt a consistent nurturing approach, which really does deliver results! His determination to ensure that all young children get the best possible individual support to thrive in an inclusive educational environment, led to a very close working relationship with Dorking Nursery School and Children’s Centre, with Heads, Governors and Advisors all working across schools to ensure appropriate help and seamless transitions for all children. A wonderful example of teamwork, and even a team photo (kindly taken by Louise)!
Head of Dorking Children’s Centre, Donna Harwood-Duffey (left), has a simple and highly effective approach – ‘Get the power of education to work early and you will entirely change outcomes for young children!’ Donna and Helen (right) work together tirelessly to ensure that this wonderful facility delivers an ideal means of tackling the isolation often felt by all new Mums, by providing the additional comfort of having dedicated and highly trained staff on site to help, and just talk, if that’s what is required. Indeed, Health Workers are based at this Goodwyn’s Road site all day every Thursday, and are keen to provide support to everyone in the local community. Donna works closely with Mark Richards, the amazing Head of St John’s School next door – but more of that in my next blog. Lady Louise O’Connor, DL(centre), kindly arranged for this illuminating and uplifting visit – well done Donna, Helen and all staff and volunteers!
An impressive number of local societies, organisations and artisans proudly supported the community celebration at WESTfest – many thanks to all for their excellent efforts!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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;
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!
