A ‘stealthy’ surprise guest flew all the way from the USA to ‘salute’ the 100th Anniversary of the RAF at the Royal International Air Tattoo. The day’s flying was spectacular and another day of excellent weather awaits!
Congratulations to everyone at RAFCTE for a superb celebration;
Over twenty children ‘graduated’ this afternoon from Bright Horizons Active Learning, under the watchful eye of Becka, Manager (next to HS) and her impressive team of professionals. Becka summarises the pleasure of her role as ‘Watching them all Grow and Learn’. One graduating ‘star’ is grand-daughter Grace, who has ‘loved’ her time at the centre!
A lone spitfire dipped wings last night in salute at the Final Beating Retreat at this world-leading Rehabilitation Centre. Commanding Officer, Gp Cpt Teresa Griffiths, spoke with passion in recognition of the glorious history of Headley Court, and with enthusiastic optimism for the future awaiting at Stanford Hall. Many civic dignitaries were present from the new East Midlands home to ‘accept the baton’ from Surrey, and all were keen to emphasise the welcome guaranteed from the local community as they keenly anticipate the arrival of the DMRC specialists. Teresa spoke of the importance of the Headley Court approach; ‘We don’t look back – we are not travelling in that direction’, but was proud to accept that Surrey will always be a great friend and supporter, as this superb facility grows and develops over the coming years. ‘DMRC will always be ‘where Magic meets Science!’
..together with around 2,500 Primary School children from Sussex and Surrey, all gathered at the impressive Showground at Ardingley. Brilliant educational day out enabling all the young people to experience farm life for real. Congratulations to all of the Trustees, staff and volunteers – for me, this is the best way to learn! Great to see the Merrist Wood team flying the Surrey flag, as always, and to meet Bill Biddell, Vice-LL of Surrey, who is also passionate about education through experience on and around farms.
Chairman David Clinton (ardent England fan below!) described how the entire organisation pulled together throughout 2017 to overcome major adversity, including a devastating fire, to record another successful year as the 40th anniversary approaches. Powerful addresses from Alison (parent’s perspective), Cress (one of the incredible Leaders, centre) and Ash (Centre Manager, right) provided a wonderful window into the activities undertaken on a daily basis by the fantastic Challengers team. Manager Paul (left), joined Cress and Ash to emphasise a critical fact to the High Sheriff – ‘We Never Exclude a Child’ – What A Brilliant Message!
The Children’s Trust, Tadworth is described by Dalton Leong as a ‘Tardis’, and no surprise when you visit this huge site, and appreciate just how many facilities and amenities are available for children with brain injuries, all in a beautiful setting (see below). Future growth and expansion is very much on the cards for this ‘Outstanding’ CQC rated charity, but that requires genuine partnerships across the entire country – all businesses, community groups, local authorities and hospital Trusts who are interested need only contact Dalton and his executive team for discussions to begin!
A stimulating evening with cadets new and long-standing at Warwick School, coached by the excellent cadre of Police volunteers. Indeed, we enjoyed the great news that another serving officer has decided to join – welcome to the the team, Nicola, you can see what it means to us all!
The shears proved a difficult weapon when opening the beautiful new garden at Headway (one of the charities chosen for his year by Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons) but eventually everyone was able to enjoy tea and cakes in the relaxing surroundings! Sonja, CEO, and Keith, Chair (above) explained how helpful both the Community Foundation of Surrey and the Christim Beck Community Fund had been in funding the project, whilst the efforts by staff and volunteers alike had been amazing. The new facility will certainly be well used by clients, as all in attendance were delighted with the finished product.
A pleasure and privilege to join Aimee and Anne (Head of Care, below) at (Shooting Star Chase) Christopher’s this morning. and see first hand the wonderful support, love and care provided by this highly trained team and their many volunteers. Can’t wait for the Family Fun Day on Sunday 2nd September – the High Sheriff will be presenting some prizes in official uniform, to help keep everyone entertained!
Headteacher Mark Richards at St John’s School, Dorking, firmly believes that the impressive turn around in fortunes at this community-based school is all due to his unshakable belief that the six very clear School Values have to be ‘lived’ all day, every day, by everyone. Every member of the staff is trained to adopt a consistent nurturing approach, which really does deliver results! His determination to ensure that all young children get the best possible individual support to thrive in an inclusive educational environment, led to a very close working relationship with Dorking Nursery School and Children’s Centre, with Heads, Governors and Advisors all working across schools to ensure appropriate help and seamless transitions for all children. A wonderful example of teamwork, and even a team photo (kindly taken by Louise)!
