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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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