TRANSFORMING LIVES

Visited withTransform Housing and Support a number of their housing projects which care for individuals overcoming alcohol and drug dependancy. I was privileged to talk to a number of the residents (see photo) and heard the stories of their journeys into addiction and the wonderful help they are receiving from Transform in these “dry” houses on their journey to independent living. Well done to Paul Mitchell the CE of Transform and his dedicated staff who really are transforming lives. www.transformhousing.org.uk

 

 

GASP

Visited the GASP Motor project workshop near Albury where six young people were learning from scratch basic motor mechanics (take a vehicle to bits!) and practical engineering. The students are in the 14 to 19 age group and typically have found it difficult to thrive in mainstream education. GASP runs daytime, after school and evening sesions with qualified engineers as the tutors. Over 200 young people a year benefit from these programmes with very high retention rates and most achieving an AQA accreditation. As well as gaining practical skills they gain life skills of concentration, team working, improved self esteem and self confidence. GASP is making a real difference to the lives of these

 

young people. Congratulations to Sally Varah (Chairman), Henry Curwen (CE) and the staff and volunteers. www.gaspmotorproject.org 

Gym Jewell

 

Spelthorne Gymnastics is a Jewel of Surrey. I visited this  recently built new gym (£3million cost) with 40 staff which is host to over 1,000 young people a week from age 5 upwards. The gym is a UK (and further afield) centre of excellence in acrobatic and tumbling acrobatics. Extraordinary to watch as in the photo. They produce medal winners from age 10 . In many categories they are the most successful gym in UK competitions. 22 young people will shortly be going to Poland for a European competition. Probably (in my view)  more important than medals is the discipline and personal confidence the training at the gym is instilling in these young individuals. This is especially relevant to the attendees at the gym who come form Priority Places like Stanwell. The gym is on the doorstep of this challenged community. All credit to Bob and Alison Cooper the inspiration and creator of this amazing place. www.spelthornegymnastics.com

Battle of Tewkesbury

Read on www.highsheriffofsurrey.com a new History section with stories of past High Sheriffs of Surrey. I reckon I am the 796th named High Sheriff since one Ansculf de Picquigny in the reign of William I 1066-1087. Some had fame and fortune especially High Sheriff brewers from Southwark (then in Surrey) or Albert Sandeman (1872) who became High Sheriff when only 39 and went on to be the Governor of the Bank of England. 

The year 1471 was not good for High Sheriffs of Surrey. John Lewknor (HS 1450) was slain on 4th May 1471 at the Battle of Tewkesbury and Thomas Tresham (HS 1458) who had been Speaker of the House of Commons was captured at the Battle and beheaded two days later. Read more .

FISH and CHIPS

 

Visited FISH: Fun in School Holidays, an  amazing service run by Guildford Borough Council (the estimable Amanda Pick) with the support of charities like SATRO. Over four weeks of the summer holidays they provide entertainment and all sorts of experiences for over 500 young people who would otherwise be watching TV at home or at risk of being on the streets; they gain skills and confidence whilst having fun. Next door is CHIPS, a charity (www.chipsholidayplay.co.uk) , running  a very similar programme but for much younger primary school children (150 over the summer) with the financial support of Guildford Borough Council, local companies and other charities. The atmosphere at both FISH and CHIPS is warm and very friendly with very devoted and caring staff providing such wonderful support to all these young people. A holiday beacon within Surrey for our young.  

Youth crime

Visited Guildford Police Station today to learn more about the very successful Youth Restorative Justice approach led jointly by Surrey  Police and Surrey County Council.The intent is to prevent reoffending by under 18 year olds with the  offenders being encouraged to admit their crimes and respect the needs of their  victims to “put right” the consequences of their offence. One to one support sessions are provided and over 1,000 young people in Surrey are helped through this process every year. The consequence has been a sharp reduction in the number of such youths entering the formal Court Justice System. Surrey is acknowlddegd to be a leader in this field. Congratulations. 

 

 

PASSENDALE 100

 

31st July was the 100th anniversary off the first day of the third battle of Ypres, or Passendale (Passchendaele) in which the two Surrey Regiments fought. I was present at the Menin Gate in Ypres on the 31st at the evening ceremony of the Last Post and as as High Sheriff (in uniform) laid two “official” wreaths in memory of the many names of the fallen of the  Queens Royal Regiment (West Surrey) and the East Surrey Regiment. In addition my daughter laid a Black Watch wreath in memory of my Grandfather (also Robert Napier) who was killed a few miles north of Ypres on the 31st July 1917. Being the 100th anniversary it was a very special Last Post occasion with a large crowd, dignified and very moving. 

 

Brooklands

Sadly no time to visit the Museum (that is for another day to see such a Jewel of Surrey). The same young craftsmen who produced the Memory Boxes (see below)  are also volunteers at the Brooklands Museum for a variety of tasks from gardening

 

 to feather dusting the exhibits. In their off site workshop they made traditional wooden barriers for the Museum, see the photo. Congratulations to Allan Winn the boss of the Museum who welcomes these volunteers and who tells me they really mix well with his older volunteers. 

Neo Natal

Visited St Peters Hospital hosteed by Aileen Mcleish the soon too retire very successful Chairman of the Trust. We were in the Neo Natal unit to see the Memory Boxes given by the Bereavement Counsellor to parents of babies to enable them to keep treasured memories of the baby who has sadly died. These boxes are made in an off site workshop by young people as part of the Surrey Youth S

 

upport Service reparation scheme run the estimable Ellie Paterson MBE. Grieving parents are very appreciative and the young craftsmen know that have done something which is really worthwhile. 

Air Ambulance

Visited the main base of the Kent Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Trust at Redhill Aerodrome. They are flying patients in acute trauma, typically after an accident, to receive urgent medical care. The Trust employs very skilled helicopter crew who are experienced in landing day or night in  fields, car parks etc. close to the incident. Amazing! On board will be highly qualified medical staff appraising and giving life support help to the patients. They are transporting close to 2,000 such patients each year. The Trust is a charity without which this life saving emergency service would not happen. kssairambulance.org.uk