His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey visited Nescot in Epsom with a large delegation of Deputy Lieutenants and community leaders to hear directly from students about their experiences, concerns and ambitions.
Mrs Neelam Dharni Devesher MBE toured the college yesterday, meeting students across subjects ranging from hair and beauty and bricklaying to robotics, motorsport, performing arts and catering.
The visit also gave students the opportunity to raise issues affecting young people in Surrey, including the cost of living and difficulties travelling around the county by public transport.
A panel discussion entitled “Being a Youth in Surrey” formed a central part of the visit. Students spoke about their experiences and aspirations, with their views intended to help inform the Lord-Lieutenant’s work during her term of office.
One student told the delegation: “It’s really important for young people to have opportunities to speak up like this about the things that affect us.
“Transport is a big issue for me. Getting to college can be expensive and it isn’t always easy to get around Surrey using public transport.
“The cost of living is another concern, because when you’re studying, everyday things like travelling to college and getting a good meal can really add up.”
Mrs Devesher said one of the most rewarding parts of her role was meeting young people and hearing about their lives and ambitions.
She said: “I was hugely impressed by the students at Nescot, whose enthusiasm, talent and aspiration was evident throughout.
“The visit gave us the chance to listen to what matters to young people today and to understand how we can help reflect that in the work we do across Surrey.”
The Lord-Lieutenant and her delegation also toured Nescot’s teaching facilities, including its immersive classroom and Institute of Technology.
Visitors were greeted by “Nes bot”, the college robot, which presented them with their visitor lanyards.
Performing arts students provided entertainment, Nescot’s motorsport team displayed its vehicle and catering students prepared food for the visitors. Public services students also took part in a parade and flag-raising ceremony.
The delegation was hosted by Nescot Principal and CEO Julie Kapsalis MBE and members of the college’s leadership team.
Ms Kapsalis said: “It was an honour to welcome the Lord-Lieutenant and her delegation to Nescot.
“With such a large group, we got to showcase the extraordinary breadth of learning that takes place across our campus, from advanced technology and construction trades to performing arts, hospitality and childcare.
“Most importantly, it gave our students the chance to share their views and experiences directly with civic leaders.”
The Lord-Lieutenant is the King’s personal representative in Surrey. The unpaid and politically neutral role includes supporting community organisations, arranging and attending Royal visits, presenting honours and promoting voluntary, business and military organisations across the county.
Nescot, the North East Surrey College of Technology, offers vocational and technical courses for school leavers and adults from its campus in Ewell.
Courses include motor vehicle studies, animal care, hair and beauty, computing and IT, performing arts, childcare, health and social care and construction.
Further information is available at www.nescot.ac.uk.
Guests accompanying the Lord-Lieutenant included:
Emma O’Donnell, Deputy Clerk to the Surrey Lieutenancy
Jacqui Archer, PA to His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey
Andrew Canale MVO, Deputy Lieutenant
Dr Beccy Bowden, Chief Executive, Community Foundation for Surrey
Bridget Biddell MBE, Co-Director, Hampton Estate and former High Sheriff of Surrey
Carol Magras, Magistrate
Sir Denis O’Connor CBE QPM, former Chief Constable of Surrey and lecturer at Cambridge University
Giles Verity, Deputy Lieutenant
James Babbington OBE, Deputy Lieutenant
John Machin, Deputy Lieutenant
Jonathan Freeman MBE, CEO, Charity for Civil Servants
Joosje Hamilton, High Sheriff of Surrey
Kristina Murrin, Deputy Lieutenant
Lady Louise O’Connor, Deputy Lieutenant
Mark Carter, Deputy Lieutenant
Mark Tantam, Deputy Lieutenant
Mary Zoeller, Deputy Lieutenant
Dr Michael Kelly JP, Under Sheriff of Surrey
Nick Brooks, Deputy Lieutenant
Shaded Azeem, Deputy Lieutenant
Timothy Wates, Deputy Lieutenant
Peter Lee, Vice-President, Surrey Clubs for Young People
Michael Hayman MBE, Lieutenancy Business Group and Lieutenancy Communications Group
Reverend Clare Marren, Chaplain to the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey
Dr Vanessa Lawrence CB, Location International