Hidden Guildford was the theme of a reception sponsored by Anne Milton, Guildford’s MP, and hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons on 1 March. The Speaker wants to open the magnificent panelled State Rooms in the Speaker’s House to local voluntary organisations. Anne Milton was one of the first MPs to respond, and managed to secure the reception.
The Speaker hosted an event for local charities Guildford YMCA, The Matrix Trust and Chapter 1. Dr Helen Bowcock spoke about her report Hidden Surrey; Rosemarie Driver interviewed Corrina and Amy from Chapter 1; Joshua told of his Ready4Action volunteering; and John, who works at YMCA, recited a dramatic poem about spiralling deprivation and homelessness.
Then Anne said: “It was an honour and a privilege for us all to have a chance to see the Speaker’s magnificent apartments. It was also a fantastic opportunity to hear from Helen, the author of Hidden Surrey, which gave a stark contrast to our surroundings. We had striking contributions from 2 young people who had been helped by Chapter 1 and heard a very moving poem.
This was a chance to say thank you to all those who help so much in so many ways and also a chance to raise the profile of Guildford YMCA, The Matrix Trust and Chapter 1. Charities in Guildford need local support now, more than ever.”