University of Law

Over recent years have passed the sign to the University of Law on the Portsmouth Road out of Guildford but until today never crossed the threshold. The Guilford campus is one of eight sites across the country of the University of Law with a total of 8,000 students of which some 700 are in Guildford.  Met Sarah Pooley the Associate Professor and Dean of the Guildford and Reading campus. As the High Sheriff supports the Judiciary it was good to establish contact with this important centre of legal learning and to foster links with the other arms of the Law.

Incidentally, with 23 acres and a historic mansion at its centre it is a splendid site. 

 

 

 

 

CORONER TRUTH

 

How much do you know about the work of a Coroner? I have just spent an eye opening two hours with HM Senior Coroner of Surrey, at the Coroner’s Courts in Woking, Richard Travers. The role of the Coroner is nearly as old as that of the High Sheriff dating from the 12th century.  I was amazed to learn that of the c11,000 individuals who die every year in Surrey some 4,500 are referred to the Coroner to establish the cause of death. As Richard said “It is a body based jurisdiction”. Of the 4,500, the Coroner typically requires 40% to have a post mortem and 12/13% will be subject to an inquest, some with juries. The approach of a Coroners’ Court is very different from what I have seen recently in the Crown Court or the Magistrates Court being inquisitional not adversarial. As Richard said the question to be answered is: “What is the Truth?”. Fascinating and real for many bereaved families across Surrey, for whom I suggest the Coroner and his staff do a great and unsung and perhaps not understood job. 

 

Police on Parade

 

Attended and took part in the inspection of the Surrey Police Pass out Parade for 42 Police Constables achieving Independent Patrols Status. A splendid occasion with the Band of the Paras and in front of justifiably very proud  family members.   A proper English afternoon tea for all preceeded the Chief Constable’s words and handing over of Certificates. 

Catch 22

Catch 22 is a social business (and a registered charity) working nationally to change lives with a wide range of programmes. In Surrey they work for SCC  with a Drug and Alcohol service for young people helping 325 pupils last year. I met Steve Bird and we had a great conversation about the work they do and how understanding and reducing substance abuse in schools is an important contributor to retaining pupils in schools and avoiding exclusions. It was a privilege to meet someone of such experience and commitment. 

 

 

The Big Chat

 

Invited by Cate Newness-Smith, the Chief Executive Officer of Surrey Youth Focus to attend a workshop:  “The Big Chat”. 60 + professionals were there to address the issue of young people struggling with mental health issues. Questions being asked and debated were around how can the energy and enthusiasm of young people be harnessed to support their own well being. A really important subject and a really informative debate ensued with plans to take the issue forward. My own interest in school exclusions is a relevant subset of this bigger agenda. 

 

16 MAGISTRATES

Attended Guildford Crown Court for the swearing in of 16 new Magistrates along with the Lord Lieutenant, the Resident Judge HHJ Robert Fraser and Jane Macauley the Bench Chair. 

A very “proper” and formal ceremony befitting the import of the appointments.  

 

New Year Greetings

 

As a Scostman, New Year was always more important than Christmas  so I send warmest best wishes for health and happiness in 2018 to all my followers. The photograph is of my favourite Christmas card. Guess from whom?

Christmas Greetings

Best wishes to all of you who are regular readers of my blogs. I hope they have educated, amused and entertained you. Blog production will restart in January.  In the meantime enjoy a blog free and peaceful Christmas. 

 

 peaceful  Christmas. 

Later Life Carols

Age UK Surrey  (motto: Supporting you in Later Life) Carol Service today filled Guildford Cathedral, and for good reason. Two choirs – Guildford Cathedral Singers – and Surrey Cantata (and they sang a lovely carol “The Lamb” composed by their own conductor) – both sang on their own and led the congregational singing, all to great effect.  A wonderful start to the Christmas celebrations. It was also great to be back in the Cathedral post scaffolding and looking absolutely magnificent!

 

 

Send Christmas Message

Invited to HMP Send Christmas Carols this evening. The singing was led by a great choir of inmates with good voices. Send Prison is blessed with a team of Chaplains led  by the inspiring resident Chaplain, Lesley Mason. More generally, Send has over 80 volunteers who are supporting in may different ways the women in Send. As we all recognise, Christmas is not an easy time for those in Prison  and the Christmas message of hope and love was very to the fore in tonight’s service.