It was a huge pleasure for us to support the Lord-Lieutenant, Michael More-Molyneux, yesterday as he presented the Awards to celebrate the often unsung achievements of our young people across Surrey. All winners are in the next issue of Surrey Life!
I enjoyed my first ever visit to Royal Holloway and was welcomed by the inspirational Principal, Professor Paul Layzell. The Founders building can only be described as stunning, while the Chapel certainly lives up to the billing of ‘one of the most spectacular university buildings in the world’. From being one of the very first institutions to provide women with access to Higher Education well over a century ago, the impact of Royal Holloway continues to be felt within the community. From strong and effective links with Bronzefield prison to the 250 partnerships with businesses and, of course, the hugely impressive efforts of the student volunteers. Keep it up – the county is proud of you all!
As a Coeliac, I was most encouraged to discover that gluten-free alternatives are always available at the brilliant cafe at the Meath. Nigella Lawson’s recipe, expertly cooked by Sue, resulted in the best Lemon Polenta cake I have ever enjoyed – perfection!
No wonder CQC rated the Meath as ‘Outstanding’ after their latest unannounced visit! As CEO Lindsay Hill describes it “We take you by the hand, encourage you to do the best you can, and give you the biggest hug when you need it – a real family!” Head of Fundraising & Communications, Tania Cantoni also explained about the excellent volunteer force of around 150 at Meath, and how their superb efforts save this wonderful charity over a quarter of a million pounds per year. ‘Outstanding’ does not do it justice!
I tried my best to explain what a High Sheriff is to the pre-school class (a great place for disabled and non-disabled children to learn together) at Challengers this morning, but was getting nowhere until CEO Laura Sercombe provided the ideal explanation, understood by all:
‘He is the Surrey version of Woody from Toy Story!’
What a stunning declaration from Laura Sercombe, CEO at Challengers! Meeting Laura and the team for the first time was a privilege and a great pleasure. The dedication, commitment, professionalism and passion is evident in all of the staff on site at Stoke Park, and the fact that they willingly take on the most difficult of challenges, knowing that they are often the last resort for families with disabled children, makes their efforts almost super-human! Astonishingly, nearly 65% of the 1400 children attending Challengers have been excluded from other settings, so the staff, volunteers and supporters deserve all the credit possible. Keep up the great work!
Wonderful to see the effort, determination and enthusiasm amongst the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Public Services students at East Surrey College, who joined the YMCA initiative a few weeks ago to focus on the problem of homelessness, by building their own temporary accommodations in the College grounds and raising money for the cause. I had to take copies of their posters to share – some powerful messages from some caring and action-oriented students!
What a terrific introduction to East Surrey College, and particularly to their very successful ‘Springboard’ programme for 14-16 year old students, who remain on the school registers but are able to study with the specialist teachers at the College. An encouraging example of the significant impact that ESC is having in close partnership with 10 or so schools nearby, and a further 50 spread throughout the adjoining areas. My sincere thanks to Jayne (Principal and CEO), Kevin (Deputy Principal), Frances (Assistant Principal) – all in the photo – and to the entire senior team, and their engaging ranks of teachers, lecturers and assistants. I can only apologise to the students for not arriving on a horse, and for not bringing my sword!
What a great start to my meetings with our College Leaders across Surrey! As Principal and CEO of Guildford College Group, Jacki Hughes has been working hard over the past 18 months to develop impactful solutions for all her students, and particularly for the hundreds studying English for Speakers of Other Languages, and the many High Needs Learners. Jacki will be in post right up to the merger at the end this year, and I look forward to enjoying further opportunities to help support their efforts to improve outcomes for all of their students.
A fascinating visit to another of our impressive colleges in Surrey. This time to meet Principal and CEO of NESCOT, Frances Rutter, who has been working tirelessly with her team to create their vision for the future. It is still very much under wraps, but I was able to share some of Frances’s thinking and have to say that I would certainly be attracted to the ‘College of Choice for Students, Staff and Employers’! Great campus, wonderful facilities and a growth agenda quipping students with the skills needed by employers around Surrey. The Enrichment Programme for students, supported and driven by student volunteers themselves, is a particularly powerful initiative and well worth finding out more about. Looking forward to the Open Day in June!
