Take a look at what I've been up to this past month plus the places and people I've been visiting and meeting below...
Don't forget to keep re-visiting my blog to keep up-to-date with my year as Mayor and If you would like to donate to my charities go to: JustGiving Waverley Mayor.
Best wishes and thank you.
Hoppa 20th Anniversary & Launch of Electric Vehicle - 22 July (am)
The Mayoress and I, visited the Wormley Headquarters of the Hoppa where we met a number of the drivers and backroom staff. Over refreshments the general manager, Richard Davies gave us an insight into the history and current operations of the service and Rob Stansbury, the Chairman of the Trustees, talked about the current financial position and their future ambitions in which he was supported by a number of other Trustees. I then ceremonially cut the ribbon to formally launch their first electric vehicle, after which its various features were demonstrated by their transport manager.
It was great to join in their birthday celebrations! The charity has made a fantastic impact over the last 20 years in Waverley and we look forward to future decades of providing safe, affordable and sustainable local transport...
Tales of the Great Wood - 20 July (pm)
The Mayoress and I, along with the Deputy Mayor of Guildford, attended a performance of 'Tales of the Great Wood' a play put on by an energetic duo to educate and interest younger people in environmental issues as part of the Mayor of Godalming’s Charity.
Surrey Mayors’ AGM Garden Party - 17 July
The Mayoress and I attended this annual function held this year in the attractive grounds of Parkside School, Stoke D’Abernon in the Borough of Elmbridge. They and a number of current (new) and past Mayors were welcomed to the AGM by the President and afterwards given Afternoon Tea and allowed to explore the grounds.
Creative Response Exhibition 'Episodes' - 14 July
I was honoured to attend an exhibition put on at the Farnham Potteries by Creative Response, one of my charities. It was entitled “Episodes” and showcased the work of one of their clients, Kate Kennington Steer. Kate was diagnosed with ME at the age of 17 and now has been diagnosed with a wider Functional Neuroglial Disorder (FND) which manifests itself in seizures or 'episodes' that in addition to being extremely painful, render her speechless and virtually unable to move anything except her right index finger. She uses an App on her iPad, similar to one used by David Hockney, to achieve art works on her iPad when she is having a seizure. This helps her through these episodes and the resultant artworks give her a source of income.
FAOS Musical Theatre - 14 July
As part of the Farnham Fringe Festival, the Mayoress and myself attended the Farnham Amateur Operatic Society performance of Mel Brooks very non-PC Musical, The Producers (Audience 13+ only). Brilliantly directed by Sue Sampson, who we met before the show, the acting, singing and dancing were so very entertaining, cleverly brining out the best of the dialogue and choreography. A thoroughly enjoyable evening and a great way to round of the Fringe.
Elmbridge Civic Service - 10 July (am) The Mayoress and I attended this service at Christ Church Esher along with a number of other Surrey Mayors. The event was part of the normal Parish Eucharist Service and the Address was given by Sir Simon Hughes. Afterwards there was tea and cakes but no photographs.
Haslemere Civic Service - 10 July (pm)
The Mayoress and I attended this service at St. Bartholomew’s Church Haslemere. The service was attended by a number of local Mayors and a choral rendition was given by the Choir of Shottermill Junior School.
Ordination of New Pastor - Saturday 9 July
The Mayoress and I attended the Ordination and Induction of Joao Bolzan as the new Pastor of the Chidlingfold Baptist Church. The service was very different from an Anglican Induction, involving a number of representatives giving accounts of various parts of the new Pastor’s life together with a video from his native Brazil.
Ahmadiyya Muslim, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration Event - 8 July
I attended the Ahmadiyya Muslim Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration Event at Islamabad, Tilford and was welcomed by a number of senior members plus given a personal tour of the Mubarak Mosque and their Jubilee Exhibition. Myself, along with the Lord Lieutenant and the MP for Woking, were granted the privilege of a private Audience with His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the world-wide Leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslims. His Holiness was fascinated to learn that I had previously twice addressed their Jalsalana and been the Chairman of the planning committee that originally approved the building of the Mosque.
Afterwards, I gave an interview for the Ahmadiyya’ World-wide TV channel before proceeding to the formal dinner which was attended by over 400 people from the surrounding area as well as selected VIPs. I was seated next to Dr. Sir Iftikhar Ahmad Ayaz KBE who gave the opening speech in praise of Her Majesty. I then spoke about the close bonds that existed between the Ahmadiyya Community and the local people, especially in Farnham in preparation for Britain in Bloom judging.
Reigate Civic Service - Sunday 3 July
The Mayoress and I attended the Reigate Civic Service at Holy Trinity Church Redhill. The event which was combined with the parish morning service was attended my a number of other surrey Mayors.
The Farnham & Alton Talking Newspaper Celebration - Saturday 2 July (pm)
I attended the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Farnham & Alton Talking Newspaper at the Farnham house Hotel. I was welcomed by the President, Dame Elizabeth Anson, and enjoyed mixing with the other guests before tea was served during which the 50th Anniversary cake was cut. I congratulated the volunteers in keeping the facility going and quickly adapting to new technology as it appeared. Having been associated with FASTN for some time it is a magnificent achievement from volunteers to keep producing local news for visually impaired people. Well done to all!
