Welcome
Following the Extraordinary Council meeting in January, I welcome you all to our first scheduled Council meeting of 2025. Despite January often being associated with doom and gloom, it has been a very eventful and positive start to the year.
King’s New Year Honours List
Surrey has seen a remarkable number of its residents recognised in the King's New Year Honours List for 2025. The volume of awards highlights the county's strong commitment to excellence and public service, showcasing the impact of its residents on both local and national levels.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all the honourees. Your dedication and contributions to various fields have made a significant impact, and we thank you for your service. It is truly inspiring to see so many people from Surrey being honoured for their hard work and dedication.
You can find a full list of all award winners via The Gazette Official Public Record.
Chair’s Visits
· Surrey’s Fostering Event: I attended Surrey’s Fostering Annual Winter Event, it was a privilege to celebrate the enormous contribution our foster carers make to the lives of Surrey's Looked After Children. We recognised carers who have reached specific milestones in their fostering careers and provided an opportunity for them to come together and socialise with other foster carers.
· Installation of Dean of Guildford: I was honoured to attend the installation and welcome of the Dean of Guildford, The Venerable Bob Cooper. Bob brings extensive experience and a passion for community engagement. He will lead the cathedral’s mission, ensuring it continues to be a beacon of faith, outreach, and cultural enrichment in Guildford and beyond. I wish the Dean every success in his new post.
· Jewish Commemoration & Reconciliation Day: I joined the Mayor of Guildford and the Lord Bishop of Guildford to mark the 750th Anniversary of the expulsion of the Jews of Guildford. The day was dedicated to recommitting ourselves to diversity, freedom of religion, and belief, especially in this time of surging antisemitism and Islamophobia.
Chair’s Events
Community Champions Reception: I would like to thank the Members who nominated residents who do exceptional work in their districts for the Community Champion Reception set to take place this Spring. My office will be in touch in due course, and I very much look forward to recognising, thanking, and celebrating each and every worthy individual.
Holocaust Ceremony: This year, for the first time, we held the Holocaust ceremony at the Surrey History Centre in Woking. I was joined by guest speakers, Holocaust survivor Ted Truscoe, our very own Paul Deach, and Rabbi Alex Goldberg in the lighting of the candle. This year's theme, "For a Better Future" was at the forefront, encouraging us to learn from the past and consider what we can do to create a better future. We focused on bringing people together to reflect, speak up against Holocaust and genocide denial and distortion, challenge prejudice, and encourage others to learn about the Holocaust and recent genocides. The ceremony was complemented by an exhibition open to the community to honour the memory of the Holocaust victims.
As always – thank you!
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all Members for their unwavering dedication and hard work. Your commitment to improving our community is truly inspiring and deeply appreciated.
Minutes:
The Chair:
· Highlighted that Surrey had seen a remarkable number of its residents recognised in the King's New Year Honours List for 2025, he extended his heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all the honourees.
· Noted the recent Holocaust Memorial Day at the Surrey History Centre to remember all the victims.
· Noted that his full announcements could be found in the agenda.