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.

 

 

Mothers' Union

Delighted to be invited to participate this morning  in the annual Mothers’ Union  Lady Day Diocesan Festival Eucharist at Guilford Cathedral and reading the first lesson. The refurbished Cathedral looked magnificent with sunshine streaming through the windows. I was very impressed with the ladies of the Mothers’ Union carrying in and out of the Cathedral splendid (heavy ) banners as in the photograph.Patricia and I enjoyed being included in the Festival. 

 

 

Community Foundation

Invited to attend a donor event of the Community Foundation for Surrey  and had the opportunity to talk about the role of the High Sheriff and in particular my interest during my Shrieval year in the troubling issue of young people being excluded from schools. This was very relevant as the CF have recently established an Education Fund. Since its establishment in 2005 the CF has raised an amazing  £22million to help those in need in Surrey. 

 

 

Guildford FISH

FISH = Fun In School Holidays and is a week of activities run by Guildford Borough Council for 120 young people. Visited today at Kings College Park Barn and saw a huge range of activities from climbing to art to sport all under the watchful eyes of trained staff. A great atmosphere with relaxed and confident looking attendees, many from families on benefits. The charity SATRO (supported by the High Sheriff Youth Awards) was present with their Mobile Construction Classroom brilliantly managed by Robert Mancini to the great benefit of the participants. 

 

 

Dorking: YMCA

 

YMCA East Surrey is active in the Goodwyns Estate in Dorking working with 30+ 12-16 year olds living in that area. Under the enthusiastic leadership of Tina Antwi we witnessed an art and craft session with girls who were very engaged. They were clearly enjoying and benefitting from the YMCA staff support. 

Staines Police

Visited Staines Police Station yesterday, HQ of one of the three Divisions of Surrey Police. Was warmly welcomed by Chief Superintendent Lynette Shanks and her colleagues. Lively conversations included topics of community behaviour orders, child exploitation,  offenders’ management, burglary and neighbourhood policing. All very encouraging that such committed and experienced Police Officers are keeping the Surrey public safe.

 

Afternoon Tea

Delightful afternoon tea (proper home made scones) with some of the residents of the Hatch Mill Residential & Nursing Home in Farnham, an Abbeyfield Home. Made very welcome by the residents and their very professional and dedicated staff in the Home, which has a particularly welcoming atmosphere. Great chat around the tea tables. 

 

 

British Empire Medals

 

 

I read the citations for two gentlemen who received their British Empire Medals from the Lord Lieutenant with their proud families in attendance. John has worked tirelessly for the people  living in the Old Dean Estate in Camberley and Richard  for the residents of the Parish of Ewhurst. Congratulations to them both.