I attended the HMP Highdown Carol Service. 100+ inmates took part including a great Music Group helping us all sing “While the Shepherds watched their flocks by night” to the tune of The Rising Sun (1964). The other guests included three Bishops and an Archbishop who variously extolled the Christmas message for all people whatever their circumstances. After the Service we mingled as inmates and guests alike for refreshments.
This is not a High Sheriff blog but I hope still of interest. We attended in the Lambeth Palace Chapel the Licensing of Lt Colonel the Revd Nicholas Mercer as Rector of the Parish of the Falkland Islands and Priest-in-Charge of Christ Church Cathedral Stanley. We know Nicholas and his family through various Rudgwick and Scottish connections but more importantly were able to advise him about the role in the Falkland islands before he decided to accept the challenge. We had visited the Falkland Islands a number of times 10+ years ago and became friendly with the then Rector who on return to the UK became Chaplain of Sedbergh School (when I was Chairman of the Governors). We wish Nicholas all the best.
HRH The Princess Royal visited the facilities near Shackleford of CUBIC Vocality .Their very clever technology allows people, businesses and government agencies across the globe to securely connect with each other in the most unlikely of places. A jewel of expertise in the Surrey countryside.
Visited Weybridge Children’s Centre for the Christmas party held jointly with Home Start. The latter is the charity that so effectively provides volunteers to help in homes with parenting of young families. There were at least 40 very young children (quite difficult to count!) at the party and one Father Christmas. A great time was being had by all. Congratulations to the staff of the Children’s Centre and the volunteers of Home Start.
Peter Martin chairman of Surrey County Council hosted an excellent Christmas party in the splendid setting of Fetcham Park. The highlight was carols sung by the Surrey Youth Choir. this choir had also sung at my Judicial Service, Surrey is very blessed to have such an accomplished choir in our midst.
Attended a splendid Christmas party hosted by the inestimable Mayor of Runnymede Iftikhar Chaudhri and his charming wife Aleema and their children at Great Fosters in Egham. The highlight (in addition to great company and great food) was the delightful singing of carols by a primary school choir. They were warmly congratulated by all present.
Invited by the High Sheriff of Hampshire to join her in sitting in Court viewing a trial being taken by a London High Court Judge in Winchester. Winchester has many more High Court judge trials than Guildford serving all the south-east coastal counties. The court buildings are on a larger and grander scale than Guildford with a fantastic view of Winchester Cathedral and also very comfortable Judges Lodgings. The case we witnessed was the 20th day of a murder trial with four in the dock. It has been well reported in the press involving a burglary that turned into murder. Very interesting to hear top class barristers at work.
One of the great charities in Surrey. I was invited to draw the raffle at their Christmas Celebration. After we eliminated multiple winners and Trustee winners (!) I said a few words about how the charity is addressing the issues of school exclusions which is my HS preoccupation. Their interventions are broad ranging from the Stanwell Children’s’ Centre to their Steps programme helping young people who are out off education (which I have witnessed first hand) to their mentoring work with children who are in school. All good stuff making a real difference. Well done to the boss Elaine Tisdell and the new chairman Denis O’Connor.
By special permission of the High Sheriff of London I was permitted to wear my uniform outside Surrey to attend the Meath Epilepsy Charity Carol service at St Clement Danes in the Strand in London and say some words about the charity. I quoted words from “Hark the Herald Angels” we were about to sing : “Hail the son of Righteousness, Light and Life to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings”. I then said “That is what the Meath charity does . You are bringing healing to those in your care”.
I need say no more. www.meath.org.uk. Do support them.
Attended Pontifical Sung Vespers at Arundel Cathedral along with the High Sheriff of West Sussex.The Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton covers Sussex and Surrey. Pontifical means the Bishop was presiding and indeed he preached a powerful Homily. The choir singing and organ playing were magnificent in the acoustics of the Cathedral. A very memorable occasion.
