May started with a visit to Shoreham Port which is a Charter Port and as such a not for profit organisation established in Victorian Times. The majority of goods received from over 1,000 shipping movements a year are used within the County of Sussex or East Hampshire which must be good for the environment. The Government has since the visit published a "White Paper" on the future of the Ports and with grant aid having recently been given the future of Shoreham as a Port seems secure.
On then, or is it back to Chichester and the Cathedral this time not for a service but Concert by the Eastbourne Symphony Orchestra and Choral Concert which was magnificent not only in terms of staging, we all sat with our backs to the Altar but the quality of talent and the musical programme. Apparently such a Concert is an Annual Event and worthy of support.
On the 8th May we were given a tour of the Borough of Worthing where we met the Mayor and Chief Executive, learning that contrary to popular belief Worthing's retired population now only account for some 12% of the residents. The Borough is vibrant and seeking to establish itself not only as a popular holiday resort - very different from Brighton but also as a commercial centre and is attracting and holding a number of world class companies.
We followed this with a visit to Shoreham Airport the oldest Airport in the country, which used to be jointly owned by Brighton and Worthing but is now managed commercially with plans to develop the passenger services and business park facilities on site as commercial flights, with what may be deemed "light aircraft" routes to French destinations. Additionally we met with the aircraft preservation team who are provided with hangar space and have a historical display of the airports past.
That evening it was off to Chequer Mead in East Grinstead for the County Final of Young Enterprise, of which I am proud to have been appointed Patron for the year. The enthusiasm and commitment of the teams with a variety of products and services made life for the Judges very difficult. In truth all were winners having got through to this point in the challenge which teaches through practice commercial skills. We now wait to see how our finalists get on at The Regional Finals in Horsham on the 20th June.
10 May saw us in Worthing again, this time on a tour of the "Custody Suite" where we were shown the charging processes, cells and exercise areas as well as the case management processes in bringing accused to court in the shortest possible period of time. That evening we went on to Chichester to Bishop Luffa School's Prizes Event which was a magnificent evening with tutors presenting their view of the students in their year groups, which was a real eye opener in terms of the talent of the pupils as well as the commitment they make to the community by volunteering and fund raising. They are an example to us all.
Saturday 12 May saw me almost on home ground for the North Downs Neighbourhood Watch AGM at the Maidenbower Community Centre where I met a considerable number of their members all committed to working in support of their local communities in providing information in support of the Police which has enabled them to achieve a reduction in Crime over the last year. Another positive benefit of community involvement and support.
Having accepted an invitation to the Gurja Hindu Union "Recital " to be held later in the year, I felt that I should learn more about the "Faith" and its work so Christine and I accepted the offer of a visit to their Temple in Crawley and enjoyed a wonderful evening of explanation and learned considerably more about the "Faith" the communities commitment to Crawley and their plans for a new Temple the fund raising focus for which will be the "Recital".
17 May provided us with an opportunity to join in a visit and tour of Chichester Harbour with both the Conservancy and Trust, the weather held good and the waterborne tour aboard the eco friendly floating classroom provided an excellent opportunity to see for ourselves the conservation areas acquired by the Trust as well as the challenges facing the Conservancy in support of the leisure sailors balancing their interests with those of conservation especially in the preservation of breeding grounds for sea and other bird and wildlife. That evening we joined the West Sussex Girlguiding movement for their Annual Review at Arundel Castle, learning of the demands of young people for places in their local groups where a shortage of volunteers is a handicap. We were entertained by the Choir and presentations were made to Queen's Guide Award Winners as well as recognising long service of volunteers.
Friday we were back to Worthing this time for their Historic Mayor Making Ceremony, which was a delight to be part of especially as there were a number of visitors from Holland who knew little of the History and were envious of the pageant having no such thing in their own Country!
Saturday evening we were invited to join a dinner party for the Limerick Civic Society who were on a reciprocal visit to our County, then Sunday it was back down to Worthing for the Civic Service where we learned of the difficulties the Salvation Army had suffered when establishing itself in the community over a hundred years ago. Such was the strength of feeling that the Riot Act was read on the Town Hall steps as part of the action to calm the bitter tensions which existed then, what a long way we have all come!
Monday 21 May I was fortunate to be offered a visit to the Crown Prosecution Service, a presentation from the Senior Crown Prosecutor on the work of the organisation and their endeavours to bring the accused to trial and the manner in which they work with the Police in casse preparation. We were introduced to Prosecutors and support staff like all Public Agencies it seems that lack of finance is a major problem in meeting the targets being set Nationally.
Tuesday 22 May was a lifetime's experience as Christine and I were invited to join the community of Lancing College for the Dedication of the New Memorial Window to Bishop Trevor Huddlestone, a former pupil. The Service was led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu who having met Trevor drew on his personal knowledge of the man and his work in bringing about the downfall of apartheid. What a man and what a service certainly something I shall remember for the rest of my life!
What better way to end such a day than with the West Sussex Voluntary Youth Service AGM in Horsham where we learned of the work being done in the voluntary sector to engage with and support the youth of our community. We were entertained by a group of young people from Crawley with song and dance and some young solo singers seeking to work their way through to the National Competition. A great learning experience and one which set the seal on the day.
A continuing theme is developing and that is the need for more people to give of their time as volunteers to help enhance the community and lives of all living within West Sussex.
Crawley was our next Borough Visit on the 23 May where with the Chief Executive and Mayor we were informed of the vision for the future, given a tour of the Borough, introduced to business leaders and the voluntary services which have been brought together working from one location. Then it was off to Bosham to their Fire Station which has been under threat of closure through lack of volunteers, but have been granted a reprieve as three young and very committed young people have joined and were expected to pass their initial competency tests at the end of the week.
Thursday 24 and a meeting of Sussex Crimestoppers in Lewes.
Friday 25 St john Ambulance HQ at Brighton and the official opening by HRH The Duke of Gloucester and later that evening the opening of the East Grinstead Scouts Centenary Camp
The Bank Holiday weekend, we will all remember for the sudden drop in temperature and heavy rain, saw us back in Chichester for the Italy Star Association Service of Thanksgiving and Rememberance in the Cathedral
29 May and off to Southwater to meet the Community Police Volunteers at one of their regular update and briefing meetings.
Youth Offending Service Volunteer Centre in Littlehampton followed on Wednesday when the work of that part of the organisation was explained together with the challenges of finding suitable volunteers to help young people when they are at their most vulnerable!
Sunday 3 June St Margarets Church here in the village where my Chaplain for the year, our Parish Priest, organised a service around the Shrieval appointment after which we entertained and thanked the volunteers of the villages.
Monday 4 June started with the "Change Up" Conference bringing together, for the first time, all connected with the minority groups from across the County and whilst I was unable to stay beyond the keynote addresses, I subsequently learned that the day had proved a great success in sharing knowledge and opportunities to work together rather than in isolation.
Tuesday 5th it was down to Littlehampton to meet the Directorate of the Youth Offending Service and learn of the roles and responsibilities of members of the team, where the focus and drive is in the prevention of crime through intervention at an early stage, this being preferred to the punishment responsibilities once caught.
Sunday, 10 June 2007
Thursday, 26 April 2007
One Month on
With the Easter break a dim and distant memory, the duties started again on the 11th April with a visit to Ford Open Prison where we saw the work being done in training "inmates" by providing them with skills that would see them into employment on release. The skills ranged from commercial and industrial cleaning and motor vehicle valetting through horticulture to decorating and heavy machining with such extras as forklift operation as well. Wherever possible qualifications are taken as an aid to employment on leaving. All vocational training was based upon demand for skills throughout the County. The visit was long and and informative in very many respects and a welcome break was in sharing a plate of chips from the luncheon menu whilst being shown the kitchens. I am grateful to the Governor for allowing us the opportunity to visit.
Next day we were back in Chichester (is there a theme developing here?) this time as guests of the Mayor of the City of Chichester Cllr Rob Campling who showed us around the City Hall, Chichester being the oldest City in West Sussex and one of, if not the oldest on the South Coast!
Chichester holds a special place in our family - Christine's Uncle and Aunt Jesse and Alice Eastland were, each in their own right, Mayor (47 & 49) and Mayoress (52 & 53) of the City and both were made Honorary Freemen of the City in 1959. Public service is not new to the family.
Colin's Father, still alive at 87, served in the Yeomanry and was part of the British Expeditionary Force with his embarkation Service taking place at Chichester Cathedral. subsequently our youngest Charlie attended a Judicial Service in the Cathedral on his return from serving with the TA in Iraq by way of thanksgiving. It was our family who built and operated the Crematorium in Chichester until 1994 and suffered the problems of the flooding of the river Lavant, in 2000, on whose banks it is built.
That same evening we were entertained by the Worthing Guides and Scouts in their "Gang Show" at the Pavilion Theatre Worthing and what a great evening that was, with much enthusiasm of all who took part including leaders and helpers - with the audience joining in a roof raising rendition of "Ging Gang Gooly" Well done all and thanks for a great night out.
Saturday we were back in Worthing at the Assembly Rooms for the West Sussex Youth Orchestra's Easter Concert. The young musicians from across the County had completed a week's Easter Schooling in order to improve their already high level of performance the culmination of which was a very excellent concert with the first half showing of the skills of the Brass and woodwind, Strings and Percussion sections in individual pieces. What a feast of music and well done to all especially the music teaching team who had given of their time. Another excellent yet different night out in Worthing.
We started the following week with a visit to Turners Hill Fire Station which is a "retained" station meaning that all of the team are volunteers and have to be available to answer a call within four minutes! We learned so much from them as to the work they do within and for the community apart from fire fighting and rescue services. They even have their own gym in order to keep fit, not a demand made of High Sheriffs!
Tuesday I was on the beat in Horsham and surrounds with a PCSO in order that I could appreciate for myself the work that they do in support of both the community and the regular force. That evening after a change into full uniform I attended and presented the Prince's Trust Awards for a group of young people who had committed to working as a team in order to enrich their lives as a first move in personal fulfilment and a step toward employment, having as part of their challenge raised a significant amount of money for the Springboard project and took responsibility for a number of young persons on an Easter Egg hunt as part of their charitable commitment. What a wonderful achievement - I was as proud of them as were their family and friends. Well done.
The following evening we were on our way back toward Chichester for the District Council's Chairman's reception at West Dene a most beautiful property nestling under the Downs where we were able to network and set up a few more future appointments.
With the week nearly over we joined members of the Army Benevolent Fund for a Curry Lunch at Baker Barracks Thorney Island, (the home of and by permission of the Commanding Officer 47th Regiment Royal Artillery) before Colin had to head back to Crawley for a Saturday evening's night patrol with E section of Crawley Police finishing in the not so early hours of Sunday morning having seen all clubbers safely away to their beds. I am full of admiration for the Police for the manner in which they showed great consideration and care for members of the community and handled those who felt that agression was the way to resolve anything and that was before we arrived at the scene. I just wonder why and where personal respect has gone - seemingly lost in blur of excess alcohol.
So Sunday was back to Chichester for the Scout and Guide St George's Day Parade and what a marked contrast in attitude and behaviour, from the night before, all smartly turned out with pride and polish for "Our English Day"! and all this in the Centenary year of the establishment of the Scouting movement, still the biggest youth organisation in the world. Well done all.
Guess what Monday saw us back in the Cathedral for the Royal Sussex Regiment's St George's Day Service at which the Dean of Chichester, just back from Germany preached a most meaningful sermon. This was followed by a buffet lunch in City Hall where Christine and I had the opportunity of meeting many of the members of the Regiment and listening to their tales of the past. Of particular delight was meeting the younger members of families, with no other commitment other than to Parents, who had taken time off in order to bring them to the service.
A meeting to assist in Fund Raising for St Wilfrid's Hospice in Chichester and then home.
Tuesday we were fortunate enough to have been invited to Muntham House School which is a very special place caring for those with educational behavioural difficulties where we learned a lot from the Chairman of Governors Mrs Carol King and Headmaster Richard Boyle - a visit which will last for a long time in our memories. Then off to St James's Palace for the Church Army "One to One" reception in the presence of the Earl of Wessex where we met a number of young people living on "inner city estates" where drugs and crime were common place. These young people had rejected the gang influences and found support through the Church Army to concentrate on education, support for others with one telling us that he was an enrolled Police Cadet. Great people and an experience to share with them. Certainly a day to remember!
Then on Wednesday evening we were guests of the Caravan Club at a reception and dinner held at Firle Place as part of a conference they were holding for similar support associations with which they were associated from around the world - have now been offered a warm welcome in Ugand, The Sudan, Turkey and many other Countries of the world all of whom were fascinated by the history of the Office of High Sheriff.
A meeting with the Chairman and Organiser of Crimestoppers, the number to ring to report anything or anyone with anonymity guaranteed, to see what can be done to raise awareness and tomorrow Friday 27 April a visit to Lewes Prison.
So it seems that one month and a very full diary of commitments that we have gone full circle and apart from the location and type of prison we are back where we started!
Next day we were back in Chichester (is there a theme developing here?) this time as guests of the Mayor of the City of Chichester Cllr Rob Campling who showed us around the City Hall, Chichester being the oldest City in West Sussex and one of, if not the oldest on the South Coast!
Chichester holds a special place in our family - Christine's Uncle and Aunt Jesse and Alice Eastland were, each in their own right, Mayor (47 & 49) and Mayoress (52 & 53) of the City and both were made Honorary Freemen of the City in 1959. Public service is not new to the family.
Colin's Father, still alive at 87, served in the Yeomanry and was part of the British Expeditionary Force with his embarkation Service taking place at Chichester Cathedral. subsequently our youngest Charlie attended a Judicial Service in the Cathedral on his return from serving with the TA in Iraq by way of thanksgiving. It was our family who built and operated the Crematorium in Chichester until 1994 and suffered the problems of the flooding of the river Lavant, in 2000, on whose banks it is built.
That same evening we were entertained by the Worthing Guides and Scouts in their "Gang Show" at the Pavilion Theatre Worthing and what a great evening that was, with much enthusiasm of all who took part including leaders and helpers - with the audience joining in a roof raising rendition of "Ging Gang Gooly" Well done all and thanks for a great night out.
Saturday we were back in Worthing at the Assembly Rooms for the West Sussex Youth Orchestra's Easter Concert. The young musicians from across the County had completed a week's Easter Schooling in order to improve their already high level of performance the culmination of which was a very excellent concert with the first half showing of the skills of the Brass and woodwind, Strings and Percussion sections in individual pieces. What a feast of music and well done to all especially the music teaching team who had given of their time. Another excellent yet different night out in Worthing.
We started the following week with a visit to Turners Hill Fire Station which is a "retained" station meaning that all of the team are volunteers and have to be available to answer a call within four minutes! We learned so much from them as to the work they do within and for the community apart from fire fighting and rescue services. They even have their own gym in order to keep fit, not a demand made of High Sheriffs!
Tuesday I was on the beat in Horsham and surrounds with a PCSO in order that I could appreciate for myself the work that they do in support of both the community and the regular force. That evening after a change into full uniform I attended and presented the Prince's Trust Awards for a group of young people who had committed to working as a team in order to enrich their lives as a first move in personal fulfilment and a step toward employment, having as part of their challenge raised a significant amount of money for the Springboard project and took responsibility for a number of young persons on an Easter Egg hunt as part of their charitable commitment. What a wonderful achievement - I was as proud of them as were their family and friends. Well done.
The following evening we were on our way back toward Chichester for the District Council's Chairman's reception at West Dene a most beautiful property nestling under the Downs where we were able to network and set up a few more future appointments.
With the week nearly over we joined members of the Army Benevolent Fund for a Curry Lunch at Baker Barracks Thorney Island, (the home of and by permission of the Commanding Officer 47th Regiment Royal Artillery) before Colin had to head back to Crawley for a Saturday evening's night patrol with E section of Crawley Police finishing in the not so early hours of Sunday morning having seen all clubbers safely away to their beds. I am full of admiration for the Police for the manner in which they showed great consideration and care for members of the community and handled those who felt that agression was the way to resolve anything and that was before we arrived at the scene. I just wonder why and where personal respect has gone - seemingly lost in blur of excess alcohol.
So Sunday was back to Chichester for the Scout and Guide St George's Day Parade and what a marked contrast in attitude and behaviour, from the night before, all smartly turned out with pride and polish for "Our English Day"! and all this in the Centenary year of the establishment of the Scouting movement, still the biggest youth organisation in the world. Well done all.
Guess what Monday saw us back in the Cathedral for the Royal Sussex Regiment's St George's Day Service at which the Dean of Chichester, just back from Germany preached a most meaningful sermon. This was followed by a buffet lunch in City Hall where Christine and I had the opportunity of meeting many of the members of the Regiment and listening to their tales of the past. Of particular delight was meeting the younger members of families, with no other commitment other than to Parents, who had taken time off in order to bring them to the service.
A meeting to assist in Fund Raising for St Wilfrid's Hospice in Chichester and then home.
Tuesday we were fortunate enough to have been invited to Muntham House School which is a very special place caring for those with educational behavioural difficulties where we learned a lot from the Chairman of Governors Mrs Carol King and Headmaster Richard Boyle - a visit which will last for a long time in our memories. Then off to St James's Palace for the Church Army "One to One" reception in the presence of the Earl of Wessex where we met a number of young people living on "inner city estates" where drugs and crime were common place. These young people had rejected the gang influences and found support through the Church Army to concentrate on education, support for others with one telling us that he was an enrolled Police Cadet. Great people and an experience to share with them. Certainly a day to remember!
Then on Wednesday evening we were guests of the Caravan Club at a reception and dinner held at Firle Place as part of a conference they were holding for similar support associations with which they were associated from around the world - have now been offered a warm welcome in Ugand, The Sudan, Turkey and many other Countries of the world all of whom were fascinated by the history of the Office of High Sheriff.
A meeting with the Chairman and Organiser of Crimestoppers, the number to ring to report anything or anyone with anonymity guaranteed, to see what can be done to raise awareness and tomorrow Friday 27 April a visit to Lewes Prison.
So it seems that one month and a very full diary of commitments that we have gone full circle and apart from the location and type of prison we are back where we started!
Wednesday, 11 April 2007
Hitting the Ground Running
The week just passed in a flash as I and my East Sussex counterpart together with her husband and my wife visited Ford Open Prison on Wednesday for a fascinating and most interesting tour and detailed explanation of the working of the prison and the efforts being made to settle the residents back in to the community and employment.
Thursday saw Christine and I in Chichester for a meeting with the Mayor Cllr Rob Campling who showed us around the Council House, introduced us to the crafts on show from the City's twinning partners.
We saw the history inscribed in panels on the walls of the Council Chamber where Christine was able to see her Aunt and Uncle recorded not only as Mayor and Mayoress, each in their own right, as well as the record of their Freedom of the City.
It was a long time ago that I visited the Council House, it was the judging of the competition for the etched glass at the then new Chichester crematorium which my family built for the community.
We enjoyed an escorted tour of the City with Rob and his wife Liz and visited the Butter Market where there are plans to revitalise the facility.
That evening found us in Worthing for the 40th Scout and Guide gang show at the Pavilion Theatre and what entertainment it proved to be with skilled performances from talented young people and a delightful family fun evening.
Saturday evening Easter Concert by the West Sussex Youth Orchestra in Worthing once more this time at the Assembly Rooms. The musicians had completed a week's intensive study culminating in the Concert which commenced with pieces showing the skill of the Orchestra working together and sectional pieces for Brass, Strings and Percussion before the second half concert.
What a wealth of talent and what wonderful music
Well done to all for a great week.
Thursday saw Christine and I in Chichester for a meeting with the Mayor Cllr Rob Campling who showed us around the Council House, introduced us to the crafts on show from the City's twinning partners.
We saw the history inscribed in panels on the walls of the Council Chamber where Christine was able to see her Aunt and Uncle recorded not only as Mayor and Mayoress, each in their own right, as well as the record of their Freedom of the City.
It was a long time ago that I visited the Council House, it was the judging of the competition for the etched glass at the then new Chichester crematorium which my family built for the community.
We enjoyed an escorted tour of the City with Rob and his wife Liz and visited the Butter Market where there are plans to revitalise the facility.
That evening found us in Worthing for the 40th Scout and Guide gang show at the Pavilion Theatre and what entertainment it proved to be with skilled performances from talented young people and a delightful family fun evening.
Saturday evening Easter Concert by the West Sussex Youth Orchestra in Worthing once more this time at the Assembly Rooms. The musicians had completed a week's intensive study culminating in the Concert which commenced with pieces showing the skill of the Orchestra working together and sectional pieces for Brass, Strings and Percussion before the second half concert.
What a wealth of talent and what wonderful music
Well done to all for a great week.
Monday, 9 April 2007
Early Days
I made my Declaration before His Honour Mr Justice (Sir Jeremy) Cooke in the Crown Court in Lewes on the 26th March 2007.
Since that time I have attended the Declaration of my friend and former business associate Adrian Scott as High Sheriff of Dorset and that was followed by attendance at the Declaration of Nigel Wheeler a near County neighbour as High Sheriff of Kent.
The Lord Lieutenant and Chairman of the County Council Dined me in 0n 4th April 2007 at the same time as we "Dined Out" Charles Fraser my predecessor.
The following evening I accepted an invitation of the Commanding Officer 47th Regiment Royal Artillert to attend the Regimental "Victor Ludorum" boxing championships.
Since that time I have attended the Declaration of my friend and former business associate Adrian Scott as High Sheriff of Dorset and that was followed by attendance at the Declaration of Nigel Wheeler a near County neighbour as High Sheriff of Kent.
The Lord Lieutenant and Chairman of the County Council Dined me in 0n 4th April 2007 at the same time as we "Dined Out" Charles Fraser my predecessor.
The following evening I accepted an invitation of the Commanding Officer 47th Regiment Royal Artillert to attend the Regimental "Victor Ludorum" boxing championships.
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