I have just heard from Caroline, High Sheriff of West Sussex, that my unannounced incursion into her bailiwick to meet the Trust on Friday has been graciously overlooked. She did say, however, that if it happens again, I would have to walk the plank! As you all know from the recent High Sheriffs’ visit to Gatwick, Caroline is in the driving seat!! Many thanks for her understanding and support.
And not of the watery variety! The HS of Surrey has had to humbly apologise to the HS of West Sussex, Caroline Nicholls, for an unannounced venture into her bailiwick! The picturesque boat ride and short walk to Gennets Lock, organised by the Trust Directors, was fully booked and an excellent opportunity to see the substantial progress being made towards eventually developing the canal all the way through to Guildford, many years in the future. At the moment Gennets Lock is the West Sussex outpost in the south, just within sight of Surrey. The 300+ volunteers are doing a fine job restoring what will become an excellent community amenity for Surrey and West Sussex. Keep digging…!
The bench at the lock is fashioned from the old lock gates, and commemorates the 100s of navies who took just 3 years to create the 23 miles of original canal.
The perfect day to enjoy a detailed introduction to this great charity from Sue Weaver, Chief Officer. The interesting focus on making a ‘Life changing difference for a few, rather than a marginal difference for many’ means that there are never more than 16 young people on the register at any one time, but as Sue emphasises ‘we are always there for them, and forge lasting bonds for the future’. Change of Scene has many supporters, as I discovered when introduced by chance to a volunteer on a visit from the Surrey Community Foundation Katie Owen, in the “executive kitchen”!
One of the magnificent shire horses at the Surrey County Show brought together three old competitors who remembered their various dray horses with great nostalgia; Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons (ex Watney’s), High Sheriff (ex Tetley’s) and our show friends from Fuller’s!
What a superb day out at the Surrey County Show! It looked as if the whole of Guildford had turned out to see the great annual event, and everyone will wish to join me in recognising the backroom team who made the whole show ground a reality – our grateful thanks to Richard, Stan and the entire team; and to Bill Biddell for his continuous support.
Brilliant teamwork!
Brilliant weather for a memorable gathering for all supporters of Scouting in Surrey, hosted by County Chairman, Martin Gerrard. Tea, and cakes all added to the enjoyment, as did the impressive, award-winning Kingston & Malden Scout & Guide Band.
GLive was jumping last night when Deputy Mayor of Guildford, Richard Billington (2nd from rt), presented this prestigious award to Nour Altounji (third fr rt)) for her astonishing work with refugees in the Guildford area. Nour is a credit to both the University and her fellow students – supported below by Vice-Chancellor Max Lu (left), and Student VP Community, the irrepressible Helena Mason (3rd lft). Joining us is the Deputy Mayoress, Lynda Billington (rt).
A great pleasure to meet Rosemary (CEO) and Gill (Chair and Founder) of this well established charity providing long-term support and opportunities to people with aphasia, and their families. Our previous High Sheriff, Robert Napier, was keen to ensure that Dyscover are happy after their recent relocation, and I am pleased to report (alongside Tony, Vice-Chair of Surrey County Council) that they are ‘well settled’ and as busy as ever!
Could not resist taking the shot of proud ‘master’, Scott , with his two current apprentices, Maisie and Nathan – great service assured at all times!
Met up at this fine example of social enterprise with Oli Bell and other members of the highly regarded Leatherhead Youth Project team, to learn more about their work with young people across Mole Valley. The 9 members of LYP staff and 31 volunteers deliver over 1,800 hours of vital youth work throughout the year, and are a real part of the family for many in the local communities. Everyone is welcome to get connected and the coffee is excellent (the shop manager, Scott, did not like coffee at all when he joined – now he is a total convert!) A proud Scott joined Oli and Martyina for the pic with the HS – taken by Ken, a member of another excellent Surrey charity ‘Edge of Care’, who often drops into the cafe (not sure if he was joking, but Ken is apparently available to do weddings as well!!) Great gluten free options as well.