Ash Manor Revisited

 

I was keen to revisit this school in Ash, along with my Chaplain, as last time there was not the opportunity to have a proper conversation with the Head Teacher or look round the school. This time we did both and I also addressed an Assembly of 250 of the 950 11-16 year olds at the school. The Head, the wonderfully Scottish and inspirational Agnes Bailey (on the right in the picture, on the left, Miss Nicholls runs the unit for children with special educational needs)  has only been in post for just over two years  and has made a real difference to the School which was known by some locally as Trash Manor. No longer! A lot of staff changes, clear boundaries for discipline, relentless focus on teaching standards and a lot of support for children with learning difficulties and those with disciplinary issues. This was a very appropriate school to be my last school blog in my Shrieval year. I wish Agnes and her staff all continued success. 

 

Amazing GASP

Visited Dunsfold aerodrome to see two entries from GASP taking part in the Green Power Formula 24 event. There were 40+ organisations taking part with 11-16 year olds driving these small racing cars. The two GASP vehicles had been built from kits by the young people under the tutelage of the dedicated GASP staff. Today’s event was for testing of the cars and 15 drivers from the GASP project took their turns at the wheel. The vehicles, powered by batteries, were running well and it was a great sight see them and many others speeding round the Dunsfold circuit. What a great opportunity for these young people to have fun and to learn how to work as a team. An amazing occasion. 

 

 

Walton Firs

Attended a charity auction and dinner last evening at the Burhill Golf Club in aid of the Walton Firs Foundation. Ten years ago they raised £800,000 to acquire a great site for outdoor activities for young people from camping, archery, caving,  to rope climbing and much fun and satisfaction. “A time for Adventure”. Thousands of youngsters, many living in difficult circumstances, gain confidence and friends through this experience every year. A good organisation. 

 

 

Boxing revisited

As my Shrieval year ticks away, meeting John Edwards on Wednesday evening triggered that I had intended to revisit Guildford City Boxing Club before the end of my year to celebrate the great work that he does. Yesterday evening the Club was the usual hive of activity with some thirty young people in training (see the photo). Also met “Pink Tyson” aka Kallia Kourouni who ranks 15th in the world for female boxers who is a coach and trainer at the club. John and his fellow coaches do a fantastic job with the young people with many advancing to be professional boxers but all of whom enjoy the challenge and camaraderie of the Club. It is all run on a shoe string and deserves support. 

 

 

Dyscover

Visited Dyscover a small but”perfectly formed” charity providing support and help to individuals who have aphasia. Typically 30% of stroke patients will exhibit symptoms of aphasia.  Every  sufferer is different with varying degrees of difficulty in understanding language and that is why the care provided by Dyscover is so effective.  I met 30 or so individuals with this condition and heard first hand how much they value the support they receive from Dyscover. Well done to Rosemary Townsend,the Chief Executive,  her staff of speech and language therapists and over 30 volunteers. They receive no statutory funding. 

 

 

Clubs for Young People

Attended a Reception at County Hall hosted by Peter Martin the Chairman of SCC to celebrate  the work of the charity Surrey Clubs for Young People and to present awards to volunteers. I was pleased to present the Club News Award to Michelle Watson of Beare Green Youth Club which is very enterprising with their communications and with their involvement of the young people in the running  of the Club.  

 

 

Furzefield Revisited

I made a second visit to Furzefield Primary School in Merstham today and was invited to entertain 200 or so primary children in a question and answer session about the role of the High Sheriff.  The questions varied from “do you get paid?” to “do you have a gun?”.  The answer to both was no!  It was delightful to spend time with Susan Chrysanthou, the inspiring Headteacher, who is a firm believer in inclusivity and in children not being excluded from school.

 

 

6th VPC UNIT

The Reigate and Banstead Volunteer Cadet Unit was the 6th and last of the Surrey units to visit. Last but not least, a fine group of young people on parade this evening. Some had been cadets for over a year and were proudly in their uniforms and others had been cadets for only a few weeks and were still in mufti under the tutelage of local Police Officers very committed to their training and personal development. Next Monday evening is the  High Sheriff’s Award Ceremony for Volunteer Police Cadets. Watch this space. 

 

 

Family Court

Guildford Family Court was one of my last visits (my Ex-tillation is in seven days time) of my Shrieval year. As in previous visits to the Magistrates Courts and to the Crown Courts I was made very welcome. Spent the morning sitting in on two interesting cases. Family Court Judges have a challenging job frequently  dealing with family problems and issues with children the focus of the Court decisions. Currently the Family Courts are also facing 

the demands of increased case load but limited personnel and physical capacity. Had an educational and enjoyable sandwich lunch with the Judges. 

 

 

Gold Scouts

There are 4,000 scouts across Surrey. I, in the company of the County Commissioner Joe Rogerson, presented the annual Surrey wide Chief Scout Gold Award Certificates to some 50 young people last evening at a great and well organised ceremony in Oxted. The scouts were all very smart looked you in the eye and had good handshakes.  All supported by justifiably very proud parents. A very happy evening  for all concerned.