I have always been a great supporter of local businesses getting involved with the community within which they are based and as Chair of Guildford Philanthropy we engaged with 44 local firms becoming our Corporate Ambassadors. I was therefore delighted to visit Stripey Stork in Reigate, a fantastic charity, which as a baby bank collects and redistributes baby and children’s items to families in Surrey and Croydon who are experiencing hardship, ensuring they have the essentials they need. Last year an opportunity arose for them to lease an adjoining building which would enable them to expand the help they can provide to the local community.
Helped by a National Lottery grant and the Community Foundation for Surrey, local businesses then made the project viable. Unum, based in Dorking agreed to cover the first year rent cost and Overbury completed the transformation of the warehouse in an amazing six weeks after assembling a team of skilled sub-contractors. As a result Stripey Stork already this year have helped 7,199 children. Suzanne and I enjoyed meeting the team of volunteers who help sort through the donations of goods received and make the bespoke packs that go to local families that need these essential supplies.
I had the privilege of cutting the ribbon at the new facility with Founder and CEO, Nicola Dawes, with all those that had helped make it happen there to see the result of a great collaboration between businesses and a local charity.
https://www.highsheriffofsurrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Stripeystork-1.jpg11251500Andy Newboldhttps://www.highsheriffofsurrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/TheHighSheriffofSurrey-weblogo.pngAndy Newbold2025-05-24 10:15:002025-05-27 11:38:17Stripey Stork – 7,199 Children Supported this Year so Far!
Suzanne and I visited a Construction Skills Classroom – part of SATRO’s Vocational Construction Skills programme which delivers practical, hands-on skills to small groups in mainstream, alternative provision, pupil referral units and special needs schools across Surrey and the surrounding counties. Their tutors, who have experience in the industry, teach, mentor and inspire young people in vocational construction and employability skills and increases their chances of progressing to further study or into work. The course is suitable for students interested in careers in the construction industry, those re-engaging in their education and for those learning independent living skills.
It was a very appropriate visit, hot on the heels of the Conference on Monday to address the NEET Crisis, and indeed SATRO are one of the organisations involved in the process. Suzanne and I were very impressed and encouraged by what we saw at the classroom, which was hosted at the Inclusive Education Trust in Leatherhead, and it was great to see first-hand an example of what was already being done to help young people to get on the right path for their future.
SATRO’s Chief Executive – Andrew Whitby-Collins said:
“We were delighted to welcome the High Sheriff to one of our Construction Skills classrooms today. The students proudly showed him their carpentry projects and talked about the skills they are developing.
“The High Sheriff’s theme for his year recognises the importance of building self-confidence and developing practical skills to open up more opportunities for young people and reduce the risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) in Surrey. Our programme plays a key role in raising aspirations and helping students gain the experience and confidence they need to succeed.”
“We are very grateful to the High Sheriff for raising awareness of SATRO’s purpose and the importance of creating opportunities for young people.”
Following the publication of a report I commissioned at the beginning of my term as High Sheriff in March – ‘Unseen Surrey – An Exploratory Overview of the NEET Crisis’; a conference to discuss it’s findings and next steps took place yesterday at The University of Surrey.
‘Next Steps for NEET’s’ – focussed on bringing together the various groups working to reduce the number of young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs), including representatives from local government, politicians, education and healthcare providers, police, charity and voluntary organisations and some past High Sheriffs, with a view to encouraging collaboration and the sharing of knowledge, data, experiences and ideas to hopefully provide a joined-up strategy to tackle the NEET issue going forward.
Keynote speeches were delivered by myself as High Sheriff, and Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, and the conference was expertly curated by the team at CBE Research (The Centre for Britain and Europe at the University of Surrey) who produced the report, led by Professor Amelia Hadfield.
After an initial review of the findings, the conference split into three breakout groups, guided by presenters, facilitators and rapporteurs to have a collective deep dive into specific topics, sharing current practices and frustrations and developing ideas for pilot studies and co-ordinated action going forward. I was greatly encouraged by the enthusiasm and engagement in the rooms, and the desire to create a community of practice going forward to build on these discussions and encourage further collaboration.
A huge thank you to The University of Surrey for hosting the event and to everyone involved for their contributions.
‘Next Steps for NEET”s’ – Initiated by The High Sheriff of Surrey. Hosted by The University of Surrey and CBE Research
https://www.highsheriffofsurrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Next-Steps-for-NEETS-Conference-2025-001-scaled.jpg13652048Andy Newboldhttps://www.highsheriffofsurrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/TheHighSheriffofSurrey-weblogo.pngAndy Newbold2025-05-20 10:42:142025-05-20 11:21:47‘Next Steps for NEET’s’ Conference 2025
I was delighted to attend the Voluntary Police Cadet Attestation Ceremony on Saturday May 17th which was held at the University of Surrey. Suzanne and I heard from Helen Hartley, Head of Volunteering at Surrey Police, about the various activities the cadets had been involved in over the past year; which included action days with army cadets, time with the Police Rapid Response teams, Dog Teams, Air Ambulance, riot simulations, and testing shopkeepers adherence to the law on selling blades and alcohol to young people.
The cadets clearly enjoy their training and although many are considering a future career in the Police Force, it is not a requirement nor expected when the cadets join. The attestation is the cadets collectively reciting a declaration that they will attend meetings regularly, participate in unit activities, wear their uniform with pride, and advance their education and training to prepare themselves to be of service to their community.
I had the privilege of inspecting the cadets after they paraded and also addressing them before they collected their attestation certificates.
It is quite rare that you get to meet yourself when out and about!
I came across a drawing of myself, one of a set of drawings and painting created by the talented Nathalie Scott for her Faces of Guildford Exhibition; which are currently being exhibited in Jigsaw on Guildford High Street.
Nathalie is currently undertaking a huge mural on an outside wall in Chapel Street, which is looking amazing. Buy her a coffee if you are passing!
https://www.highsheriffofsurrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Jigsaw-Pieces-of-Art-feat-image.jpg320480Andy Newboldhttps://www.highsheriffofsurrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/TheHighSheriffofSurrey-weblogo.pngAndy Newbold2025-05-16 16:20:002025-05-20 19:35:15Jigsaw Pieces of Art – featuring Yours Truly!
I had the opportunity to view Catalyst’s offices in Woking on their Open Day.
They are the largest home-grown charity in Surrey. They work to promote the mental health and wellbeing of people in Surrey, improving lives in terms of stability and wellbeing, with the aim of reducing harm to themselves, their families and the community and now provide support across 26 different areas. Many of these areas were represented at the Open Day and Suzanne and I had the opportunity to discuss the wonderful work they do.
Suzanne and I enjoyed a most enlightening visit to Crimestoppers.
We visited their national headquarters and met with Mick Duthie, Glenys Balchin, Lee Tinson and Phil Jebb from the executive team together with the Chair of Crimestoppers, and volunteer, Dr Lynne Hack.It was a very illuminating visit. Crimestoppers is an independent charity, not affiliated with the Police with over 100 staff and 350 volunteers. They guarantee 100% anonymity to anyone who contacts them. 80% of approaches are now made on-line and 20% by phone call. They are open 24/7 every day and handled some 750,000 approaches last year, of which over 200,000 contained information that was passed on to the Police. Anonymity is achieved as no contact information is requested.
Glenys and Phil look after Surrey with 14 volunteers and hold regular community events to publicise the service. Crimestoppers has a separate service called Fearless which is aimed at 10-18 year olds which is more geared to providing useful information to young people, although it also allows them to provide information anonymously as well.Extensive training is given to all operators handling calls and on-line reports and their diligence, together with the proactive action of members of the public, makes a significant difference in helping both prevent crime and identifying perpetrators.
I was delighted to be invited with Suzanne to attend the SCC Foster Carer’s Charter Launch at Woodhatch.
There are over 400 foster carers in Surrey and events are held by SCC to bring them together and share stories and receive support. There were more than 60 carers present at the launch of the Foster Carer’s Charter which sets out how the Council and foster carers will work together. Details can be found here https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/children/social-care/fostering/charter
Tina Benjamin, Director of Corporate Parenting addressed everyone present and expressed gratitude to all the foster carers (and the foster carer support team that) explaining how fostering transforms lives. Having friends ourselves who have been through the foster care system and other friends who have become foster carers, it was a privilege to be able to meet so many wonderful people who make such a difference to the lives of so many Surrey children.
https://www.highsheriffofsurrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/SCC-Fostering-Service-Charter-Launch-Feat.-image.jpg10011500Andy Newboldhttps://www.highsheriffofsurrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/TheHighSheriffofSurrey-weblogo.pngAndy Newbold2025-05-13 12:43:422025-05-16 12:56:38Surrey County Council Foster Carer’s Charter Launch.
On Sunday May 11th, I was honoured to be part of the VE Day 80th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving held in Guildford Cathedral. The Lord Lieutenant , Chair of Surrey County Council, Mayor of Guildford and I processed in behind Mrs Pat Clark a veteran of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. The service was led by The Very Reverend Bob Cooper, Dean of Guildford and the Bishop of Guildford, Right Reverend Andrew Watson gave the sermon. The Last Post and Reveille was rendered beautifully by Corporal Max Harris and the service was brought to a close, with the Standards and Union Flag processing out, by a solo hymn, Amazing Grace, sung amazingly by Sandra Gayer. All the uniformed cadet forces took part in the proceedings and the band of the Royal Army Medical Service regaled everyone outside the Cathedral after the service.
I was honoured to be introduced to Queenie, a centurion who had wanted to attend. She said how she caught a train to London form Chobham on VE Day and danced in the streets outside Buckingham Palace and said it was a day she could never forget. She also told stories of how the Canadian and American soldiers taught her the Jitterbug!
It was a wonderful occasion and the Lord Lieutenant remarked how great it was to see so many young people taking part and that he hoped that they would spread the word that we must never forget.
https://www.highsheriffofsurrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/VE-Thanksgiving-Feat-image-1.jpg10671600Andy Newboldhttps://www.highsheriffofsurrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/TheHighSheriffofSurrey-weblogo.pngAndy Newbold2025-05-11 11:00:002025-05-13 17:16:39VE Day 80th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving at Guildford Cathedral
Our Day started at Brookwood Cemetery where my Wife Suzanne and I, accompanied by one of my two High Sheriff’s Cadets – Grace, were met by Avril Kirby, Kim Lowe and Paul McCue at the Chapel in the Civilian Cemetery, where we were told all about the history and importance of this incredible and important resting place; the large cemetery in the UK with over 250,000 people buried here. The Chapel is situated in a beautiful and very well maintained area with an arboretum of trees and an abundance of wildlife. It is a Grade 1 listed Historical Park. Then followed a tour of the American Cemetery, by Gail Anderson, which brought home to us the huge sacrifices made by our American allies. The graves here were for those US soldiers from the first world war which lost their lives in and around the UK waters whose families chose not to have their bodies repatriated, the second world war US cemetery is in Cambridge. We were then guided by Paul McCue in the surrounding Commonwealth Military Cemetery who regaled us with heroic, though sadly tragic, stories of some members of the Special Operations Executive remembered here. We left Brookwood Cemetery very humbled, and with a bigger appreciation of those foreign nations that helped win the war leading to VE Day 80 years ago this past week.
Brookwood CemeteryWith our hosts at the Civilian CemeteryThe American CemeteryCadet – Grace who joined us for the dayWith Paul McCue in the American Cemetery
The next stop was the RAF Memorial near Egham – an impressive monument designed by Sir Edward Maufe (who also designed Guildford Cathedral) with incredible views towards London and Windsor. The memorial commemorates by name over 20,000 men and women of the air forces operatin in the Uk and North and Western Europe who were lost in the Second World War and have no known graves. We were welcomed by Megan Maltby and student tour guide Tilly who recounted many stories associated with names engraved on the white structure unveiled by HM The Queen in 1953. The engraved glass and painted ceilings were designed by John Hutton and a poem engraved on the gallery window was written by Paul H Scott. The overall effect was of a place of peace and serenity – a place of quiet remembrance.
The RAF MemorialWith Megan and Tilly and a spectacular viewBeing interviewed for BBC Surrey
Tilly told us a story of Noor Inayat Khan GC who was born in Moscow of an Indian Father and and an American Mother. The family moved to London and then Paris where in 1942 she was recruited by the SOE as a radio operator and sent into occupied France where she was betrayed and captured. Sent to a concentration camp she refused to divulge information and tragically was executed. In 1944 she was posthumously awarded the George Cross for her Bravery. It was reassuring that stories like this, of which there would be many more linked to the names on those walls, was recounted by young people all these years later – the importance of education about the effects of war can never be underestimated.
Megan Maltby So many names
Our next visit was to Runnymede Meadows – the site of the signing of the Magna Carta, managed by the National Trust where we met Grenville Cheganis, General Manager, Surrey Landscapes Portfolio and his colleague, Jamie, for lunch, followed by a walk through the meadows stopping at various interesting points. We learned about the site and the installations that were featured there, the most important of which of course was the commemoration of the site of the sealing of the Magna Carta by King John in 1215. I felt very honoured to be present as the current High Sheriff of Surrey knowing that the original signing was witnessed by a predecessor High Sheriff of Surrey.
The Magna Carta Commemorative Monument‘Writ in Water’The John F. Kennedy Memorial
The symbolic significance in the story of democracy meant that the site was also chosen for the UK’s memorial of John F. Kennedy following his assassination on 14th May 1965. At the entrance to this particular memorial was a carved wooden gate funded by a lottery grant and created by a master craftsman who was working with young offenders at a prison – As the High Sheriff part of my responsibility is to support the judiciary and the work they do which includes the Judges, the prison services and the Police authority and I was pleased to learn that the feedback from the young offenders was that project was brilliant and they really loved it.
Another highlight was the inspiring architectural artwork by Mark Wallinger and Studio Octopi – ‘Writ in Water’ which was commissioned to mark the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta and reflects upon the founding principles of democracy and provides visitors with a space for quiet contemplation. It really is worth a visit and the interior is unexpected and very cleverly created.
We then met two handlers from the Battersea Dogs Home branch which is based by Runneymede and is currently home to 80 dogs and 45 cats. We were delighted to meet Stan, a retired racing greyhound and Spider a small black puppy, both of whom we were pleased to learn have been found new homes. We bought them doggie ice creams to cool them down on this very hot afternoon.
Finally we travelled to D’Oyly Carte Island for the finale of Surrey Day 2025, where many others involved with the event met up to talk about their experiences and enjoy tea and cakes on the stunning island in the River Thames near Weybridge. Suzanne and I joined the Lord Lieutenant, the team from Visit Surrey, guests and BBC Surrey’s Mark Carter who conceived Surrey Day in the first place several years ago. Of course I had the chance to talk with him about my day live on air too. We were also lucky to be given a tour of the amazing and very unique house by owner Andy Hill who told us of its connection with Gilbert & Sullivan and the history of this really special place.
It was a lovely wrap up to a wonderful day celebrating the County in which we live and if you would like to share in our day you can watch this special video featuring all of the visits mentioned above.
https://www.highsheriffofsurrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Surrey-Day-2025-The-High-Sheriff-286.jpg6671000Andy Newboldhttps://www.highsheriffofsurrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/TheHighSheriffofSurrey-weblogo.pngAndy Newbold2025-05-10 19:00:002025-05-13 10:23:59Surrey Day – What a memorable day that was and with such amazing weather too!
