WINCHESTER JUSTICE

Invited by the High Sheriff of Hampshire to join her in sitting in  Court viewing a trial being taken by a London High Court Judge in Winchester. Winchester has many more High Court judge trials than Guildford serving all the south-east coastal counties. The court buildings are on a larger and grander scale than Guildford with a fantastic view of Winchester Cathedral and also very comfortable Judges Lodgings. The case we witnessed was the 20th day of a murder trial with four in the dock. It has been well reported in the press involving a burglary that turned into murder. Very interesting to hear top class barristers at work. 

 

 

Surrey Care Trust and Exclusions

One of the great charities in Surrey. I was invited to draw the raffle at their Christmas  Celebration.  After we eliminated multiple winners and Trustee winners (!) I said a few words about how the charity is addressing the issues of school exclusions which is my HS preoccupation. Their interventions are broad ranging from the Stanwell Children’s’  Centre to their Steps programme helping young people who are out off education (which I have witnessed first hand) to their mentoring work with children who are in school. All good stuff making a real difference. Well done to the boss Elaine Tisdell and the new chairman Denis O’Connor. 

 

 

Epilepsy@St Clement Danes

By special permission of the High Sheriff of London I was permitted to wear my uniform outside Surrey to attend the Meath Epilepsy Charity Carol service at St Clement Danes in the Strand in London and say some words about the charity. I quoted words from “Hark the Herald Angels” we were about to sing : “Hail the son of Righteousness, Light and Life to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings”. I then said “That is what the Meath charity does . You are bringing healing to those in your care”.

I need say no more. www.meath.org.uk. Do support them. 

 

VESPERS

Attended Pontifical Sung Vespers at Arundel Cathedral along with the High Sheriff of West Sussex.The Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton covers Sussex and Surrey. Pontifical means the Bishop was presiding and indeed he preached a powerful Homily. The choir singing and organ playing were magnificent in the acoustics of the Cathedral. A very memorable occasion. 

 

 

Photo opportunity

 

 

Presided at this morning’s Citizenship Ceremony at County Hall with 30 individuals swearing allegiance and becoming citizens of the United Kingdom. It was great to meet them all in what is a very dignified occasion. My uniform was in demand for photographs! 

Transform Carols

Transform Housing (read earlier blog) had their annual Carol Service last evening at St Mary’s Church, Fetcham. This was the Church that last week had a whole footpath of York stone stolen by night robbers all as reported in The Times. During the Carol Service I said a few words about Transform and their amazing staff who help many men and women take the journey from despair and homelessness to a better life of a home and self respect. And at this time of year Transform will be opening shortly their new winter shelter in Walton for individuals with no housing options during these cold winter months. Transform deserves all our support. 

 

 

Surrey Magistrates

Invited to speak at the Surrey Magistrates’ Christmas Celebration held in the magnificent Guildford Guildhall.  Having spent time seeing the magistrates at work in court I said how impressed I was with their professionalism and humanity in face of  so much human badness and sadness. Magistrates (160+in Surrey’s) are unpaid volunteers who give of their time and experience of life. What they do is critical to the maintenance of law and order across the County. The people of Surrey have a lot to be thankful for.

 

 

Transform Warming

Visited the new Transform Housing winter shelter in Elmbridge, opening shortly, which will be run by the estimable Aisling Devine (picturedwith the Transform CEO Paul Mitchell and donated food supplies). The shelter will provide much needed accommodation for men and women who otherwise will have no roof over their heads. A vital service for this time of year with the prospect of changing for the better the lives of these  people. Transform needs all our support

 

 

Young Carers' Weekend

The High Sheriff Youth Awards supported a weekend away for six young (13 year olds) who have the day to day challenge at home of caring for parents and/or siblings with significant needs. The residential weekend at Grangewaters in Essex provided the opportunity in their own words: “We did high ropes, a night walk, canoeing, problem solving, a leap of faith and lantern making. We learnt team building, about each other more, our abilities and to become more independent”.  I had the privilege of meeting these young people last evening at the Lakers Youth Centre in Woking and and the devoted staff from Surrey Family Services who masterminded the weekend in Essex. All credit to them led by Sandie Bolger. An HSYA award well spent. 

 

HSYA award well spent. 

 

 

 

Turner in Surreynorthorn

Visited  the Lightbox in Woking to view the “Turner in Surrey Exhibition”.

 

 Although the geographic definition of Surrey is Surrey as it was in Turner’s day  not the truncated Northern border we know today! However some great oil paintings and sketches, well worth a visit.