Lightbox 10.

Great tea party this afternoon to celebrate 10 years of the Lightbox. It is a hugely successful gallery, museum, 

 

shop and cafe which has transformed the cultural life of Woking. It is very community orientated with an extensive education programme making culture accessible to all generations. Well done to Marilyn Scott the Director for the last ten years. Good luck to her and to the Trustee Chairman Aileen McLeish (an old colleague of mine) for the next ten years. The Lightbox is in good hands. www.thelightbox.org.uk 

Sandhurst dining

Visited Sandhurst for first time at Surrey Heath Civic Dinner hosted by the Mayor, Cllr Valerie White. We dined in the wonderful setting of the Indian Army Memorial Room. Delighted to meet Major Kumar Gurung (2nd i/c of RMAS) of the Gurkhas, a great solder with an array of impressive service medals.  A memorable evening, thank you Valerie. 

 

 

In custody

Spent the afternoon at the Eastern Division HQ of Surrey Police at Reigate police station. Was warmly welcomed by Chief Superintendant David Miller. He and his SMT were generous with their time  in explaining how policing is having to constantly adjust to changing social behaviour as evidenced by immigrants running from lorries at the M25 service station and organised crime creeping into Surrey from London and never mind internet crime (and budget reductions) . Their theme was they had to catch and prosecute criminals but equally important is their community activity to work with those at risk of entering the judicial system.  I was very heartened by this rigorous  intellectual approach but with some heart and lots of innovative approaches. Also visited

 

their Salford Custody unit and was taken on the journey from arriving in a police car to being locked in a custodial cell: not to be recommended!

 

  

YES

 

The Surrey Fire Service have a Youth Engagement Scheme which runs 5 day programmes with practical firefighter activities. It is aimed at those young people who show risk factors  such as low school attendance and at risk of offending. All a real contribution to my theme of supporting organisations which work to reduce school exclusions. I look forward to attending a session in November. 

Fire Power

Had the privilege of spending some time 1:1 with Russell Pearson the Chief Fire Officer of the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service. He has been in post since 2007 and has a record of innovation. In a previous role he introduced an award winning mobile data system now in use nationally in every fire engine. He showers you will impressive and valuable analytical statistics which demonstrate his continual innovation and commercial approach to running the Service. But plenty of challenges ahead with more budget cuts to come. 

 

 

Prison Art

Attended the Lightbox Woking opening  of their New Beginnings art exhibition and awards

 

of work by women who have been impacted by  the Criminal Justice System. We were entertained by a brilliant short one woman play (Peer Productions) of “What Women Face” which was very realistic. All organised by The Women’s Support Centre in Surrey. Do go and visit the exhibition. newbeginnings@womeninprison.org.uk 

Downview Burgers

Visited Downview a woman’s prison in north Surrey with Peter Wintgens my HS Chaplain. We were very warmly welcomed by the staff and also met many prisoners. We were highly impressed by the attitude of both staff and prisoners, who seem to have an very 

 

positive relationship with each other. The workshops where the woman are learning life skills are so impressive – cooking (including our lunch burgers) photography, dress making etc. The High Sheriff and his Chaplain say well done to the committed staff of  Downview. 

Curry for lunch

Great Curry lunch at the Royal Alexandra & Albert School in aid of ABF the Soldiers’ Charity. A wonderful location in the glorious Capability Brown gardens of Gatton Park (all funded by mustard- the Coleman family). Also a really worthwhile charity offering a lifetime of support to soldiers’ families in need. Well done Peter Bruinvels! 

 

 

Cobham has Heritage

Cobham Heritage day: a great community ocassion with a hundred plus volunteers arranging interesting stands, good eats and old cars and music and attracting thousands of visitors. I did, not stay for the duck race (although did of course sponsor a number of ducks) when 8,000 ducks are tossed into the River Mole. I am waiting to hear whether mine won! A wonderful atmosphere with net proceeds for the Cobham Conservation and Heritage Trust, again all run by volunteers. The Committee for the Day was prior High Sheriff, Elizabeth Kennedy. Well done her and all her volunteers.  www.cobhamheritage.org.uk

 

 

70

Surrey Clubs for Young People celebrated  their 70th anniversary with a reception in the House of Commons last evening. A great way to mark their incredible support for over 100 youth clubs, largely within Surrey. Thriving youth clubs provide young people with a place for fun activities but also a secure environment by establishing boundaries for individuals’ personal development. 70 years is an impressive record of supporting thousands of young people, many from the more challenged communities in Surrey. Well done to the Chairman Tony Willis and the CEO Joyce Quinell. www.scyp.co.uk