Treasurers

I don’t know what the collective noun is for a room full of County Council Treasurers. “A Treasure of Treasurers”?. Sheila Little is the estimable Treasurer of Surrey County Council and is this year’s President of the Society of County Treasurers. She invited me to address  their annual conference dinner in Cobham last evening. Having 40 years ago (!)  been a company Treasurer I hope I entertained them with some horror stories of bad financial management. I told them that they understand figures but so many other people think they do but don’t and thus the key part of their jobs was to speak truth unto power; and that  there is no such thing as financial  alchemy

 

, instead you will run of of cash. Nice photograph of Sheila with Julie Fisher who has been appointed acting Chief Executive of Surrey CC on the retirement of David McNulty. 

STEMX

F or those who don’t know, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. The educational charity SATRO provides real life experience of the working world in STEM subjects. What is so powerful is that they do so with with academically gifted children through to those disengaged with education: I have seen them at work. At their awards on  Wednesday evening, I presented one of the awards and spoke about the opportubites  for STEM  careers in Surrey, citing Connevans (see a previous blog), MRI Solutions, WWF and of course Surrey University. Congratulations to all the young people and the volunteers who were applauded that evening. 

 

 

Kane FM

Was interviewed on Kane FM about the role off the HS. Good to get the word out there.

More importantly learnt about the work Kane FM do with young people who have issues and are “struggling” at school by providing them with experience of working in the radio studio, pre recording,  using video cameras etc.  As a result, many get an Arts Award qualification, their employability and confidence are improved as are their social skills.  Kane FM is run by the committed, experienced and  inspiring Jenniann Davies. Their music may not be to my taste but I do applaud their social work supporting  50 young people very year.

 

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW HERE: https://www.mixcloud.com/KaneFM/the-culture-and-community-show-25th-september

(scroll to 55min,55 sec)

Oakleaf

Visited another amazing Surrey charity. Oakleaf are a mental health charity working as a social enterprise providing vocational training – horticulture, upholstery, IT – for those with mental health issues.  Their clients gain qualifications, practical experience and increase their confidence levels. They also run evening safe havens and are providing a counselling service in George Abbott School for young people who need support.  They are, under the experienced leadership of Clive Stone,  helping over 500 individuals every year. Really badly needed support. www.oakleaf-enterprise.org 

 

 

YOUNG FUN

The young people of North Leatherhead are very fortunate to have the Leatherhead Youth Project on their  doorstep. Was there as 25+ boys and girls came into the Club after school this afternoon and were clearly very much at home with  a great welcome from the staff. The LYP has a very strong relationship with Therfield School to the huge benefit of their pupils. As well as this after school club the LYP provide a wide range of other activities ranging from 1:1 counselling to visits to Romania working with charities in the poorest villages. The LYP model of focus and a very close relationship with the Leatherhead community merits I suggest  replication elsewhere in Surrey.

 

Joe Crome is the star who is making all this happen.  www.leatherheadyouthproject.com 

Amazing Fire Men

I was invited to present the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service  Annual Awards last evening. It was a privilege to meet so many dedicated fire men. Awards for long service, outstanding conduct, bravery and recognising individuals and crews. Some harrowing stories of life saving including what they did at Grenfell Tower. I was very pleased that the crew of my local Fire Station  in Cranleigh won an award. I warmly congratulated all the award winners and my final words were:

 

“To all the recipients tonight, Surrey is proud of you”. 

 

 

THREE COLONELS

Attended the Beating of the Retreat at Pirbright last evening. The Band of the Royal Logistic Corps playing, including “Sunset” just as the sun was setting with braziers around the field. Magic. The Three Colonels in Pirbright know how to host a great party. 

 

 

Family Affair

Duke of Gloucester visited Connevans Limited in Merstham yesterday. They manufacture and supply equipment for those who are hard of hearing. Being in that category I was very interested in their products, many of which are very clever.  Connevans is an independent family company founded 50 years ago. The average  employee service is 20 years. The business is run by the son, daughter and granddaughter of the founders. Yesterday we met the next generation 3 week old granddaughter, Lottie. The Duke duly presented long service awards. A great Family Business. 

 

 

BEM

Delighted to be present at the Lord Lieutenant’s ceremony for the award of BEMs to eight very deserving recipients in the Great Hall at Loseley. There were all  heroes in their local communities with amazing citations of what they have contributed. All very inspiring and wonderful to meet,

 

with the 95 year old to the fore!   

Glorious Setting

Glorious evening sunshine over the trees, village green and old houses as we entered the 900 year old St Mary’s Church in Chiddingford. We could  only be in England. We were there for  the Civic Service of the Mayor of Waverley Simon Inchbald 

 

(Ilive in his Borough) and the service was also splendidly British with hymns and lessons we knew, a short powerful sermon and two verses of the Nation Anthem (note: I can now sing the second verse without looking) and fundraising for the Mayor’s charity: The Meath Epilepsey Charity.