Many thanks to Mike Parsons, Mayor of Guildford, and Jean, Mayoress, for their excellent hospitality today throughout the resounding victory for Surrey as they go top of the league!
The serious aspect of the day was The Mayor’s support for one of his chosen charities, Headway Surrey, and Mike and Jean were delighted to welcome Headway’s most recent arrival as Trustee, Roy Fiander (pictured)
Guildford School of Acting’s press night Gala Performance at the Charing Cross Theatre was a huge success!
This production by the first graduating group of BA Actor-Musicians has made it all the way to the dizzy heights of the West End thanks to Ashley Herman, Sean Sweeney and Steven Levy.
Seam McNamara, Head of GSA, and his entire team of professional staff deserve great credit and will be justifiably proud of this memorable achievement.
And as for the entire cast of Surrey superstars – THEY WERE ALL SIMPLY BRILLIANT!
At the invitation of Peter Martin, Chair of Surrey County Council, and Michael More-Molyneux, Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, the High Sheriff , Mayors and Chairs of all the 11 Boroughs and Districts of Surrey, were invited to County Hall to share their plans and priorities for the year ahead. A most helpful initiative to ensure that we can all provide support for the very worthy causes and themes identified across our County.
Such a good time was had by all, that Rachel Martin, Chairman’s Consort, decided that many of the Mayors and Chairs (together with the High Sheriff) had to be ‘taken down’ and an official record kept of the decision! The cells really are as spartan as they appear…….
Young pupils from Cranleigh joined Navy, Army, Merchant Navy, RBL Standard Bearers, RBL members and the residents of Cedar Court,to take part in this moving ceremony of remembrance to all who served in the Great War.
It was particularly appropriate that the Commonwealth was represented by WO Clark from the New Zealand High Commission, and his Maori greeting was appreciated by all in attendance!
The old songs were sung with gusto, and the excellent marching of the pupils provided a real highlight!
Behind all triumphs there is always a star, and that person is Michael Cains, who received a touching Award from Cedar Court for his support over the past 10 years. Pictures with Michael is the Mayor of Waverley, Denise Le Gal, and her Consort, Polly Russell-Stracey.
So grateful to Principal, Jayne Dickson, and Priyankia Patel, Marketing Officer,
for this wonderful opportunity to meet so many fine students and present their hard-earned awards.
Gwen, Associate Director for Student Support, and Sally, Programme Manager-Supported Learning, deserve huge recognition for their excellent work with all of the Course Leaders, Job Coach, Assistants and Technician. This really is a fine team effort, and the students receiving their awards were all very grateful for their support, advice and wise counsel. Families and friends were simply so proud and delighted to be in attendance – just like me!
I asked the Police Cadets how best to describe the Runnymede Voluntary Police Cadets, and a founder cadet, Emily, suggested that ‘Family’ was the word – all cadets felt really welcome, comfortable and able to talk openly together. They all certainly look happy on the photo!
A great credit to Staff Paul Woodhouse (Cadet leader of the Year in Surrey) and Head Cadet, Holly (who was the youngest Head Cadet, when appointed). Also greatly involved as Cadet leader is Connor, who was himself a Police Cadet, before returning to join the leadership ranks of volunteers.
What a team!
This leading programme involves experienced Surrey Police officers working closely with experts from the Restorative Practice Team at Surrey County Council to decide how best to provide positive solutions to young offenders who have admitted guilt, but whose offence is not serious enough to warrant an indictable-only sentence.
The process began in 2011 and has produced strong evidence in terms of reduced reoffending, and even of young lives turned around.
I was able to witness the impressive weekly process whereby each individual case is carefully considered by a small panel, who then agree the most appropriate way forward for that particular young person.
A genuine learning experience for the High Sheriff, delivered by
a thoroughly professional team of experts – my sincere thanks to all!
Another magical performance by Guildford Shakespeare Company at the atmospheric Rack’s Close next to Guildford castle (UNTIL 30 JUNE!). Co-Founders, Sarah and Matt have assembled another sparkling cast, and all cast, crew and support members really have provided us with a true showstopper! After enduring an entire evening of repetitions of the chorus ‘Down With The Sheriff’, the High Sheriff consoled the Sheriff of Nottingham with a handshake (next to the Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons, in the picture with the entire cast)
Glebelands School, Cranleigh was the setting for this impactful session for pupils organised by teacher Laetitia Rys-Kent (committed and determined ‘Learning For Life’ programme leader) with Adult and Youth Magistrates, Tim Hurley JP and Jane Sweetman JP. The session involved following a crime through from scene to sentencing, when the pupils themselves had to decide the final details. Gripping drama throughout, with added background and detail of the Courts system and the importance of the magistrates themselves, who hear 95% of the cases in the county (with the others going to Crown Court and above). And, of course, our magistrates are all volunteers – a great example of exceptional service to our community!
Pictured (l t r); Tim (who also finds time to be a school governor!), Jane and Laetitia
Well worth a second blog to encourage everyone in the local community to visit the event today and call in at the Museum. The way in which the entire High Street has embraced the theme of Suffrage is highly impactful (100 years since some women were allowed to vote in 1918 – over 30, married and/or owners of property – but a further 10 until all women, and indeed men, were given this basic right of citizenship)
100 years ago the High Sheriff was probably attempting to maintain law and order against the background of action being taken by the Suffragettes, but today we were all able to be great friends!
So pleased to be welcomed by the Mayor of Runnymede, Dolsie Clarke, who was able to proudly sport an excellent Suffragette flag on her cheek!
