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.
Waverley/UCA Film Event - 29 June (pm)
I was pleased to be asked to the Film Waverley networking event held at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA). The speakers were enthusiastic and the short film was well put together showing the multiple sites available for filming in the Farnham area.
Haslemere Players - 29 June (Eve) Myself and the Mayoress joined the audience for an updated version of the “Half a Sixpence” musical play that originally shot Tommy Steele to stardom. It was well directed with fine singing by the cast and enthusiastic support from the orchestra.
Waverley Civic Service - 26 June This is one of the main events of my Mayoral year and when I make my public Promise of Office. I was delighted that over 100 people joined us, with a dozen Mayors, Chairs and delegates to offer their support at the beginning of my year of office. The service was also attended by our local MP, Jeremy Hunt, and the Leader of the Council, Paul Follows, together with other Waverley and local Councillors. The service was very efficiently conducted by the Curate, the Rev, Sandy Clarke, with the Address given by the Rt. Rev Christopher Herbert, former Bishop of St. Albans. Thank you to everyone who came and to those who donated to my retiring collection which raised £364.50 for my nominated charities this year. To read more go to my blog post here: My Civic Service.
Cranleigh Lions Carnival - 25 June (am) Myself and the Mayoress were delighted to be invited by the Cranleigh Lions to attend their annual Carnival. This takes the form of a “Walking Carnival” as some time ago the organisers decided to have a Green event. In addition to presenting prizes we were persuaded to lead the procession along Cranleigh High Street accompanied by the local MP, Angela Richardson, and the Carnival President.
Farnham Carnival - 25 June (pm) A busy day of carnivals! This time we went to Farnham, as invited by the Carnival President to watch the procession from his reserved balcony above the Botanist bar & restaurant. It was, as usual, a colourful event with well decorated floats and over 40 individual entrants. Badshot Lea Village Infant School won a well deserved 'Best in show' this year with the theme being the 'Queen's Jubilee'.
Elstead Marathon Race - 24 June
Both the Mayoress and myself attended this 100 year old event and enjoyed watching the competitors splashing their way out of the river at the culmination of their run. As well as the adult race, there was a shorter one for the younger competitors who were equally as keen. This is the main fundraiser for the local Scouts and was well run and excellently marshalled. Once all the runners were “home” we presented prizes to the winners of the various categories.
High Sherriff's Garden Party - 23 June (pm) The Mayoress and I, along with other Surrey Mayors and local people attended the High Sherriff’s Garden Party held in the grounds of the Surrey University Veterinary College. The weather was kind and so it was an interesting outdoor event with many stalls set up by local charities.
Surrey Libraries Open Studios - 23 June (eve) Great to attend this event (open to members of the public) and see the art work created by young artists who took advantage of the Artists in Residence workshop days held recently. There were a number of interesting exhibits which also indicated the many uses that can be made of Library premises in the modern era.
Armed Forces Flag Raising in Farnham - 22 June (am) I attended the Farnham Town Council Armed Forces Flag Raising, accompanied by Rob Douglas DL and a number of local dignitaries and members of the British Legion and the PWRR and other Armed Forces.
Surrey Network Meeting - 22 June (pm) Accompanied by the Mayoress, I attended the Surrey Networking Event hosted by Surrey CC at their new offices in Reigate. After initial introductions, the Lord Lieutenant and the High Sherriff gave interesting insights into their respective Offices, followed by the Borough and Town Mayors explaining their ambitions for their year and their choice of Charities. Interestingly, there was a constant focus on mental health amongst the many choices of charities to sponsor. Afterwards the Mayors were given a quick tour of the Surrey offices followed by light refreshments.
Armed Forces Flag Raising at Waverley Borough Council - 20 June
Myself and other Councillors plus members of Staff attended the Waverley Borough Council Armed Forces Flag Raising. I gave an opening address which was followed by prayers led by Andrew Smith a licenced Lay-Reader. The Flag was then ceremonially raised...
Forces Cathedral Service - 19 June (am) Myself and the Mayoress attended a service at Guildford Cathedral to mark Armed Forces Week and the 40th Anniversary of the Falkland Islands Conflict. The event was organised by the Surrey Joint Services Charities and was attended by a number of Surrey Mayors. The Lessons were read by the Lord Lieutenant and the Chair of Surrey County Council. After the service there was a parade of local cadet forces with the salute taken by the Lord Lieutenant. There was then time to relax on the lawns and enjoy picnic boxes supplied by Surrey CC.
Godalming Civic Event - 19 June (pm) Instead of a formal civic Service in a Church the Mayor of Godalming hosted a Civic Event (Tea Party) cantered on the Bandstand. Myself and the Mayoress, along with other local dignitaries enjoyed music and poems, many locally written, followed by cream teas.
I attended the Surrey Youth Games at the Surrey Sports Park on Saturday, 18 June. After an introduction by the organisers and a few words from the sponsors (SpecSavers), some of the participants told us of their very real successes due to their involvement. It was good to meet the Waverley officers who were helping our youngsters and watch our “Street Basketball” team of 3 girls in their purple Waverley shirts play so enthusiastically and skilfully, winning 8 out of 9 of their matches - very well done!
Farnham Civic Service – 12 June
Myself & the Mayoress attended the Civic Service of the Mayor of Farnham, Cllr Alan Earwaker, at St. Andrew’s Parish Church on Sunday 12 June. There were a great number of town and Borough mayors in attendance at a happy service. The weather was kind and so the reception was outdoors at the adjacent St. Andrew’s School.
Creative Response Exhibition – 11 June
Myself and the Mayoress, opened the summer exhibition of Creative Response in Vernon House, Farnham. This is one of my charities for my mayoral year and had an interesting and varied number of items made by its clients. There were also poetry readings and some live music. I joyfully told everyone that we have a painting from Creative Response on our bedroom wall and encouraged others to do likewise!
Surrey Mayors’ Welcome Party – 10 June
On the evening of 10 June, myself and the Mayoress attended the Surrey Mayors’ Association welcome party for new Mayors at the Old Council, Chamber in Reigate. This was well attended by most of the “new” Mayors together with a sprinkling of Parting Mayors. It was a useful occasion for those recently elected to get to know each other.
Lord Lieutenant’s Jubilee Service – 5 June
In the afternoon of Sunday 5 June, I attended the Lord Lieutenant’s Jubilee Survive in Guildford Cathedral. In addition to the Lord Lieutenant and the Bishop, a number of Mayors and Consorts from across Surrey were in the Congregation. It was a joyous occasion with every participant being given a picnic box as they left the Cathedral. Many took advantage of this to sit on the grass outside and chat to friends whilst enjoying the mini-feast.
Godalming Gala Concert – 4 June
Myself & the Mayoress, along with the Mayor of Godalming, attended the Godalming Gala Concert at Charterhouse School on Saturday 4 June. This was a co-operative event put on by the Godalming Choral Society and the Godalming Band., both of which were enjoying their first public performance since Lockdown. It was a lively, patriotic performance and during the interval the we took the opportunity to meet and chat with some of the performers.