High Sheriff in Art
After my visit to Pennthorpe School the pupils painted pictures of me in my uniform. Now all on display.
Eikon
Great to make another visit to Chris Hickford at Eikon and receive an update on their latest activities. What they do in schools is so relevant to my interest in pupil exclusions. I am confident the services they and other charities in Surrey provide are making a positive difference to the life prospects of many children in the County.
Border crossing to Pennthorpe
With the permission of the High Sheriff of West Sussex I crossed the border from Surrey into West Sussex and advanced into West Sussex in full uniform 1,000 yards to visit Pennthorpe School where my two grand children are young pupils. I was invited to talk to early years and years 1 and 2 . Their principal interest was of course my sword which, with due attention to safety, I unsheathed. One young lad suggested the sword would be very useful for spearing a kebab. How could I disagree. I was made very welcome by staff and pupils and of course my grand children!
REAL BRAVERY
Invited by HHJ Robert Fraser the senior Judge in Guildford Crown Court to join with him in presenting Bravery awards to five individuals who in the view of the Court had demonstrated extreme bravery in assisting bringing felons to justice. It was a humbling experience to hear the citations read out by Robert Fraser. Villains may be bad and deserve what the justice system imposes but there are some really unsung citizens who make the world such a better place. I met five of them today. Pictured is Dr Edward Yates. Of uncertain age (older than me!) but what a trooper. He had been the victim of a violent robbery in his mobility scooter on a quiet street but had the nouse to note and remember the number plate of the car his attacker dove off in. This let to the latter’s arrest and imprisonment.
University of Law
Over recent years have passed the sign to the University of Law on the Portsmouth Road out of Guildford but until today never crossed the threshold. The Guilford campus is one of eight sites across the country of the University of Law with a total of 8,000 students of which some 700 are in Guildford. Met Sarah Pooley the Associate Professor and Dean of the Guildford and Reading campus. As the High Sheriff supports the Judiciary it was good to establish contact with this important centre of legal learning and to foster links with the other arms of the Law.
Incidentally, with 23 acres and a historic mansion at its centre it is a splendid site.
CORONER TRUTH
How much do you know about the work of a Coroner? I have just spent an eye opening two hours with HM Senior Coroner of Surrey, at the Coroner’s Courts in Woking, Richard Travers. The role of the Coroner is nearly as old as that of the High Sheriff dating from the 12th century. I was amazed to learn that of the c11,000 individuals who die every year in Surrey some 4,500 are referred to the Coroner to establish the cause of death. As Richard said “It is a body based jurisdiction”. Of the 4,500, the Coroner typically requires 40% to have a post mortem and 12/13% will be subject to an inquest, some with juries. The approach of a Coroners’ Court is very different from what I have seen recently in the Crown Court or the Magistrates Court being inquisitional not adversarial. As Richard said the question to be answered is: “What is the Truth?”. Fascinating and real for many bereaved families across Surrey, for whom I suggest the Coroner and his staff do a great and unsung and perhaps not understood job.
Police on Parade
Attended and took part in the inspection of the Surrey Police Pass out Parade for 42 Police Constables achieving Independent Patrols Status. A splendid occasion with the Band of the Paras and in front of justifiably very proud family members. A proper English afternoon tea for all preceeded the Chief Constable’s words and handing over of Certificates.
Catch 22
Catch 22 is a social business (and a registered charity) working nationally to change lives with a wide range of programmes. In Surrey they work for SCC with a Drug and Alcohol service for young people helping 325 pupils last year. I met Steve Bird and we had a great conversation about the work they do and how understanding and reducing substance abuse in schools is an important contributor to retaining pupils in schools and avoiding exclusions. It was a privilege to meet someone of such experience and commitment.
The Big Chat
Invited by Cate Newness-Smith, the Chief Executive Officer of Surrey Youth Focus to attend a workshop: “The Big Chat”. 60 + professionals were there to address the issue of young people struggling with mental health issues. Questions being asked and debated were around how can the energy and enthusiasm of young people be harnessed to support their own well being. A really important subject and a really informative debate ensued with plans to take the issue forward. My own interest in school exclusions is a relevant subset of this bigger agenda.
16 MAGISTRATES
Attended Guildford Crown Court for the swearing in of 16 new Magistrates along with the Lord Lieutenant, the Resident Judge HHJ Robert Fraser and Jane Macauley the Bench Chair.
A very “proper” and formal ceremony befitting the import of the appointments.