Y.E.S. Graduation – Leatherhead Fire Station

A most impressive display of fire-fighting skills from the 11 graduates as they successfully completed their tough week of training. I joined proud parents, teachers and referrers, as we celebrated their hard-earned achievements. Every graduate has made different personal advancements during their time with the Surrey Fire and Rescue team of volunteers – it really is the chance of a lifetime! All thanks to great leadership from Mark, Steve, Bryn and the hugely impressive volunteers from Surrey FRS, ably supported by Superintendent Chris Coley, and with consistent encouragement and funding from the various Councils (Louise, CEO Tandridge DC, pictured), the PCC and the High Sheriff’s Youth Awards:

 Great team effort, providing inspiration to a new generation!

 

Inspirational Honorary Fellows!

The setting in the famous Chapel was stunning, the music and choristers simply sublime and the distinguished histories of the three new Honorary Fellows, Dr. Claire Gobbi Daunton, Dr Doron Swade and Dr Klaus Vedder, truly inspirational and steeped in the recent history of Royal Holloway and Bedford New College! Bedford New College was, of course, the first higher education for women in the UK – a wonderful trail blazer.

Chair of Council Stephen Cox and Principal Paul Layzell  (pictured) have every reason to feel very proud of this moving event!

 

 

'Your Police, Your Community: Your Cadets – Be Part Of It!'

Very encouraging meeting with two key foundations of the Volunteer Police Cadet initiative in Surrey – Helen Hartley, Force Lead for Volunteering and the Champion himself, Sgt Graham Kerslake. The Cadets now have 6 thriving units, with the medium term objective of getting to the magic 11 – one in each borough/district in Surrey. As Grahams powerful message suggests, it’s up to all of us to get behind our Police volunteers and give them all the support they need!

 

 

Surrey Heath Mayor Making!

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!

 

 

'STEPS to 16' Open Day Success!

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!

 

 

Woolmer Hill DofE Experts in Race to Pitch Tents

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!

 

 

DofE Award in Action at Woolmer Hill School

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!

 

 

Nursery to Help Children 'Grow, Learn and Flourish'

 

 

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’ 

Civic Service for Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons

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!

High Sheriff's Police Cadet – Duties Underway!

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.