Mayor of Merton, Councillor Agatha Akyigyina held a festive afternoon tea with families from Shooting Star Chase.

Festivities took place in the Mayor’s parlour where Christmas music, festive decorations and a buffet full of food welcomed eight families from Shooting Star Chase.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor Agatha Akyigyina with Councillor Laxmi Attawar and families from Shooting Star Chase.

Father Christmas, with the help of the Mayor who dressed up as a Christmas elf, also made an appearance and gave out bags of presents to the children, which were generously donated by Paul Strank and his wife Irene who are both huge supporters of the charity. Onelife, a charity who provides essential life skills to young people through music and film, came to entertain the children and their siblings with games and activities.

The Mayor of Merton has been a big supporter of Shooting Star Chase since her family used the services of the charity during her daughter’s illness.

Councillor Agatha Akyigyina said: “The afternoon was brilliant. There’s no greater reward than to see the children and their families enjoying Christmas festivities in good company. I’m grateful to Paul and Irene and OneLife for their contributions and help on the day. Shooting Star Chase is a fantastic charity whose work ensures young people with life-limiting conditions are cared for and their families are supported.”

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Merton maintained form at London’s 2015 New Year’s day Parade, winning £6,000 for the Mayor of Merton’s charities, Shooting Star Chase and Merton Street Pastors.

New Year London Parade 2015 (click to watch the video)

With its specially designed walking bus, tube and London taxi, and its transport-themed song, the borough came second out of a total of 14 entries from across London.

The Younger Generation Theatre Group sang and danced to the song, On the Move, which was composed for the occasion by Councillor Linda Kirby.  Colour House team Peter Wallder and Charlie Shakespeare created the bus/tube and John Hawks built the taxi, tube and bus which were integral to the dancers’ routine. The project was co-ordinated by Councillor Geraldine Stanford.

Seventy volunteers took part in Merton’s entry: councillors, Younger Generation and families, The Colour House Children’s Theatre Team,  Merton and Morden Guild and regular Merton Parade faithfuls.  Breakfast was provided on the way up to central London in the early morning, courtesy of Mike Smith from McDonalds.

Merton has won the parade four times and has come second twice. A video of Merton’s entry can be seen here: http://youtu.be/I3MUkytjRCA

Mayor of Merton, Councillor Agatha Akyigyina said: “It’s fantastic news that we have once again gained recognition for the abundance of local artistic talent we have in Merton and that this talent has won my two wonderful charities £6,000. Through the charities’ work, a lot of people will benefit from the money and I would like to thank everyone who was involved in making Merton a winning entry.”

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Mayor of Merton, Councillor Agatha Akyigyina, is inviting community and faith groups to apply for funding from the Mayor of Merton’s Charitable Trust Grant.

This year, groups can apply to the trust for money to help them develop and improve the way their group contributes to the promotion or enjoyment of dance in the borough.

Entries should be submitted by midday , 2 March 2015. Decision on successful applicants will be announced the week of the 30 March 2015.

The maximum grant available is £500 and priority will be given to applications that:

• Meet genuine and demonstrable need
• Have been planned and prepared with the intended participants and do not replicate other events in the borough
• Create new audiences
• Represent good value for money
• Demonstrate the group has attempted to support their project through their own income generation such as ticket sales, sponsorship or funding from other sources

Application forms are on the council’s website: www.merton.gov.uk/mayor-trust-fund

In summer 2013 the trust ran a similar programme to support the promotion and enjoyment of music in Merton. Nine grants were awarded to organisations including the Attic Theatre Company, Endeavour Youth Club, Lantern Arts Centre and the Friends of Cricket Green School.

Mayor of Merton Councillor Agatha Akyigyina said: “This money can make a big difference to groups in the borough for promoting their very valuable work. I look forward to seeing the applications come in and to awarding grants to those that best meet the criteria.”

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Note to editors

The Mayor of Merton’s Charitable Trust was established in August 2012 at the instigation of the then Mayor, Councillor David Williams. The trust is managed by a board of trustees, chaired this year by Councillor John Sargeant.

The purpose of the trust is to collect and distribute charitable donations for the benefit of the residents of the borough. The focus will shift from year to year so that each year the trust can support specific organisations or themes such as young people, sport or the arts.

Merton Council is celebrating 50 years of the London Borough of Merton over the next 12 months.

The London Borough of Merton formed in April 1965 following the Government of London Act of 1963 which designated 12 boroughs as inner London boroughs and 20 as outer London boroughs.

Mayor of Merton Councillor Agatha Akyigyina stands beside the new banners outside the civic centre to mark the anniversary with Merton Council’s longest serving member of staff Lew Block to her right. Lew started working at the council in 1965. Photographed also are Merton Council staff who turn 50 years old this year.

The formation of the London Borough of Merton brought together the former Urban district of Merton and Morden with the boroughs of Wimbledon and Mitcham to be a single governing authority.

As a unitary authority, Merton Council looks after services for residents across the whole of the borough including weekly rubbish collections, recycling, education, adult social case, children social care, housing needs and much more.

To celebrate the 50 years, the council will host its own anniversary event on 15 April prior to a full council meeting. Councillors and mayors past and present along with performers from Merton Music Foundation will be there, where the winner of the school competition to develop an anniversary logo for the council will be unveiled.

The council is also encouraging residents and businesses to join in the celebrations by organising their own events and add them to the calendar of events on the council’s website.

Mayor of Merton Councillor Agatha Akyigyina said: “As the 50th Mayor of the borough, I am proud to be part of the anniversary celebrations to mark this important milestone in local government. I know there will be many great events over the next 12 months and that the council and borough will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Chief executive of Merton Council Ged Curran said: “It is wonderful to be marking the 50th anniversary of the London Borough of Merton. Councils do a huge amount that affects the lives of residents. Some of the most important work is helping our most vulnerable residents including children and the elderly. Much has changed over the past 50 years in the way that the Council assists residents. We are constantly reviewing the services we deliver to the public so that we offer value for money to tax payers. It’s a challenge, but we are an innovative organisation and have proved ourselves in the awards we have won. Our main purpose is to serve the people of Merton in a place of growth and opportunity.”

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Fieldgate Lane in Mitcham has been given a makeover thanks to the council’s new Love Your Street campaign.

Working in partnership with Sustainable Merton and Barratt Homes, the council’s clean team helped local residents to transform the site, which was previously run down, littered and disused, into an urban orchard that can be enjoyed by the whole community for years to come.

Over the past few weeks, the council, Sustainable Merton and Barratt Homes have worked together to clear the site to make it ready for this family planting and clean-up event. In total, 50 people from Merton Council, Sustainable Merton, Circle Housing Merton Priory, Merton Chamber of Commerce, The Baitful Futuh Mosque and local residents came along to plant a variety of fruit trees and bushes including Merton variety apple trees, plum, pear, gooseberry, and raspberry, alongside flowerbeds containing herbs and other plants.

This event took place as part of a programme of Love Your Street clean up sessions. Starting last month and running until July, this programme of borough-wide clean-up events will see the council’s clean team working with Street Champions, Merton Matters, Sustainable Merton, community groups and residents to spruce up local neighbourhoods over the spring and summer months. The first spruce-up event took place in St Helier which saw over 30 bags of litter collected by volunteers and the council’s clean team.

The Love Your Street campaign, which is kindly sponsored by eddisonwhite estate agents, marks the council’s new approach in its ongoing fight against people littering and fly-tipping by boosting the positive work it does with residents, businesses, community groups and schools across the borough. As well as spending over £5million keeping Merton’s streets clean every year, educating people about the effects of environmental crime and being tougher on people who drop litter, this campaign is the latest initiative in the council’s anti-litter campaign. This follows the council’s partnership with environmental enforcement specialists, on-the-spot penalty charge notices, use of Glutton machines in town centres, the installation of special gum and cigarette butt bins across the borough and new high tech smart bins in parks.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor Agatha Akyigyina said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the family planting day at Fieldgate Lane. Well done to everyone involved and I hope the new urban orchard is enjoyed by the whole community.”

Director of Environment and Regeneration, Chris Lee said: “The Love Your Street campaign is all about the community working together to keep Merton clean and to take pride in where we live. This project at Fieldgate Lane is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when the council, community groups and residents work together. Well done to everyone involved and I would particularly like to thank Sustainable Merton, members of our clean team and Barratt Homes whose partnership working has helped to transform this piece of disused land into something the local community can enjoy for years to come.”

Sustainable Merton’s Tom Walsh said: “I am particularly pleased with this project because it shows just how much can be achieved by genuine partnership. As well as all those mentioned, we had vouchers from Asda and Lidl as well as a very generous donation of plants from Wyvale Garden centre. The actual event allowed people from all parts of the community to work together to create something beautiful from a once fly tipped waste land and all who took part felt a pride in doing that. Through the Dig Merton and Love Your Street campaigns, there is no reason why this story can’t be repeated across the borough.”

Photos from the event can be seen on the council’s Flickr page.

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Note to editors

Other upcoming Love Your Street events:

• Saturday 9 May, 10am-12pm: Figges Marsh, Framfield Road and Manship Road meeting at Framfield Road junction with Figges Marsh
• Wednesday 27 May, 10am-12pm: Merton High Street service slip road, Haydon Road Recreation Ground, Trafalgar Road meeting at Haydons Road Recreation Park in Haydons Road
• Wednesday 3 June, 10am-12pm: Moreton Green and surrounding area meeting at the play area
• Saturday 4 July, 10am-12pm: Area around Dundonald Road tram stop and Dundonald Park, meeting at Dundonald Park by the pavilion

All of the clean-ups are open to everyone and to attend, people can show up on the day or let the council know by calling 0208 545 3189 and leaving a message.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor Agatha Akyigyina, raised over £20,000 at the recent Mayor’s charity ball. 

The event held at the renowned All England Lawn Tennis Club had entertainment on the night provided by singer songwriter Hannah May, Shidda Culture Dance Troupe, the Rockafellas and DJ Staga. Fundraising activities on the night included an auction, a tomboloa and two raffles.

Guests on the night included local councillors and Mayors from the London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Greenwich, Kingston, Hammersmith and Fulham and Wandsworth.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor Agatha Akyigyina said, “Thanks to everyone who attended the ball. It was a fantastic night with great entertainment and I was pleased to see so many familiar faces and other Mayors from across London coming to show their support and enjoying themselves.”

“I’d also like to thank everyone who generously donated money, which my charities will be very grateful for.”

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The Rt Hon Sir John Wheeler JP DL was presented with a motion of thanks from Merton Council in recognition of the work he has done to represent the borough as Representative Deputy Lieutenant over the last 18 years.

Sir John Wheeler with Mayor of Merton Councillor Agatha Akyigyina

Here is the full citation that the Mayor of Merton Councillor Agatha Akyigyina presented to Sir John Wheeler at Wednesday night’s council meeting:

Resolved unanimously: that the Council places on record its sincere thanks and appreciation to The Rt Hon Sir John Wheeler, JP, DL for the dedicated manner in which he has served as Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Merton during the period 1997-2015.

Sir John was initially appointed in 1989 as a Deputy Lieutenant in Greater London and has lengthy service in that capacity but in Merton, as Representative Deputy Lieutenant since 1997, he is the longest serving Deputy Lieutenant in the 50 year history of the Borough. He has accomplished that role with a quiet but determined dignity, fitting of his Office. Sir John has always believed in the principle of public  service and has taken an especial pleasure from supporting the Mayors, Leaders and Councillors, in their work for the community in Merton over the last 18 years.

As residents in Wimbledon Park, Sir John and Lady Wheeler and their family have lived in the Borough for many years. Sir John has actively engaged himself in the affairs of the local community, where he is recognised for his contribution. This has led him to meet many Merton residents engaged in volunteering. Sir John has taken special pleasure in gaining recognition for the volunteer organisations in Merton and in particular supporting applications for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

One role of the Representative Deputy Lieutenant has been to nominate residents for attendance at Buckingham Palace Garden Parties in recognition of their contribution to the life of the Borough and to contribute to the review of nominations to national honours. Many people in Merton have benefited from his direct engagement and on one occasion Sir John promoted a mini-Garden Party at Southside House, Wimbledon in the presence of HRH Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, to expand the number of residents able to attend such events.

Over his years of service Sir John has welcomed many members of the Royal family to Merton, including HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. In 2012 Sir John played an instrumental role in supporting the Borough and the Lieutenancy Office when Her Majesty The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visited South London during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and took lunch at St. Mark’s Academy, Mitcham.

Sir John remains in service to Her Majesty as a member of the Privy Council.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor Agatha Akyigyina, with Sir David Brewer and Claire Whelan OBE, today signed a book of condolence to show support for the people of Nepal in the aftermath of the earthquake which hit the region earlier this week.

Mayor of Merton Cllr Agatha Akyigyina with Sir David Brewer, HM Lord Lieutenant of Greater London and Claire Whelan OBE, incoming representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Merton leaving their messages of support

A book is available in the entrance to the civic centre for visitors to sign and leave a message of support for the people of Nepal.  The book will be sent to the Embassy of Nepal, Friday 8 May.

Support available to those who have family and friends in Nepal

According to the 2011 census, there are 370 Nepalese residents in Merton. For anyone worried about friends and family in Nepal, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has set up a helpline – 020 7008 000.

It is also possible to send details online through https://overseas-crisis.service.gov.uk or email help@fco.gov.uk. The Red Cross is also offering support to those who have lost contact with family members following the earthquake.

If you would like to donate to the disaster appeal, the Disaster Emergency Committee is one organisation which you can support.

Mayor of Merton Councillor Agatha Akyigyina said: “We have all seen the television coverage of Nepal which has been devastated by the earthquake and its aftershocks. I know that there are many in our community in Merton who are from the region and who will have family and friends there. We also have colleagues at the council who have been touched directly by the disaster.  We are thinking of them all and our book of condolence will serve to demonstrate our support for Nepal and the work they have ahead to rebuild the area as well as to recognise their huge loss at this very difficult time that the country faces.”

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Councillor David Chung was officially elected Mayor of Merton 2015-2016 in this 50^th anniversary year of the London Borough Merton at tonight’s annual council meeting (13 May 2015).

Following Councillor Agatha Akyigyina’s year as Mayor for 2014-2015, Councillor Chung has been appointed First Citizen of the Borough after being a councillor for Longthornton ward for 13 years. The Mayor’s chosen charities for his tenure are Merton CIL (Centre for Independent Living), FiSH (Friends in St Helier) and he will also be supporting children’s charity One Life and the Alzheimer’s Society.

New Deputy Mayor for 2015-2016, Councillor Pauline Cowper from Cannon Hill, will support the Mayor in his duties over the coming year. She will be supported by her husband Michael Cowper. The Mayor will be supported by his wife Irina Chung.  His three consorts are his daughters Karen Chung, Kim Randell and Kerrianne O’Callaghan.

The annual council meeting also recognised the work completed by Councillor Agatha Akyigyina during her year in office, including £65,000 she raised for her charities.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung said: “It is a great honour to have been elected as the Mayor of Merton and I am looking forward to the year ahead. During my time as Mayor I will be focusing particularly on the work of my charities along with the work of young people and the schools. Along with my councillor colleagues, I am extremely grateful for all the wonderful work done by outgoing Mayor, Councillor Akyigyina.”

Outgoing Mayor, Councillor Akyigyina said: “I have had such a wonderful year as Mayor and was honoured to represent Merton at many events both in the borough and across London. My thanks go to the many people who have helped me raise thousands of pounds for local charities. There are many residents who benefit hugely from the work the charities do. I know Councillor Chung will do an excellent job as Mayor and I wish him the very best for, what will be a fantastic year for him.”

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Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung, officially opened the new Mitcham Fire Station yesterday.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung officially opening the new Mitcham Fire Station alongside the chairman of the London Fire Emergency Planning Authority, Gareth Bacon AM and the commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, Ron Dobson CBE.

Crews have been relocated from Lower Green West, where they were based for almost 100 years, to a new state-of-the-art station on London Road. Firefighters began operating from the new station on London Road in February.

The new station will provide a modern working environment for crews, space for two fire engines and training facilities including a drill yard, four storey training tower and an area for road traffic collision training.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung outside the new Mitcham Fire Station alongside the chairman of the London Fire Emergency Planning Authority, Gareth Bacon AM, the Director of Operations, David Brown and the commissioner of the London Fire Brigade, Ron Dobson CBE.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung said: “It is fantastic to see the regeneration of Mitcham Fire Station. This new facility will both house and train fire fighters as well as giving the local community the opportunity to gain vital fire safety advice.”

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Notes to editors

Construction of the new fire station began in September 2013 and was completed in early February.

Mayor of Merton Councillor David Chung formally dedicated the bridge in Bewley Street, Colliers Wood to the late Councillor Gam Gurung. Helping him unveil the plaque at the dedication was Mrs Gurung.

Leader of the council Councillor Stephen Alambritis was also there with ward councillors and the President of the South London Nepalese Association as well as  Colliers Wood Chorus.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung alongside the Gurung family and councillors.

A former Gurkha soldier, the late councillor had been a leading light in the Nepalese community in Britain for many years. He was the country’s first ever Gurkha Labour Councillor and was a tutor at Carshalton College in Surrey.

The bridge was completed following the council’s successful bid for funding from Transport for London, The Wandle Valley Trust and transport charity Sustrans last year. It joins Wandle Meadow Nature Park with Bewley Street.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung with Mrs Gurung unveiling the plaque

Mayor of Merton Councillor David Chung said: “It was wonderful to be with Councillor Gurung’s family at this very special event. Councillor Gurung was a popular councillor who represented his residents for three years in Merton and it was great pleasure to have known and worked with him.”

Wife of the late councillor, Mrs Gurung said: “I am very proud of all that Gam achieved in his life, and dedicating this bridge to his memory is a wonderful honour for us.”

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Former Mayor of Merton and councillor Joyce Paton sadly passed away on Thursday 18 June.

Joyce served the residents of Merton for seven years. She came to office in June 1995 following a by-election in what was then Durnsford Ward, now known as Wimbledon Park Ward. Between1995 and 1998 Joyce concentrated on her council work. She was elected Mayor of Merton for 1999-2000 having already served as Deputy Mayor to Councillor Linda Kirby, when she was Mayor 1998-1999.  Joyce was involved in charity work and was behind many fundraising events for Victim Support Merton and the Ethnic Minority Centre, such as the charity cricket match on Mitcham Cricket Green or her charity bridge tournament.

Ms Paton’s funeral will be held at Kingston Crematorium on Tuesday 7 July at 1.40pm, followed by a wake at Pembroke Lodge in Richmond Park from 2.45pm.  Those wishing to attend are asked to leave a message on 020 8398 6000 or email j_boullin@o2.co.uk

Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung, said: “Joyce will be remembered for her commitment to serving the people of Merton as a ward councillor, Deputy Mayor and Mayor of the borough. Indeed, she will go down in history as the borough’s millennium Mayor. On behalf of everyone at Merton Council, I’d like to pass on my condolences to her family and friends at this sad time.”

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Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung was among a number of guests to meet Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at Barking and Dagenham’s 50^th anniversary celebration on Thursday 16 July.

Councillor David Chung said: “It was a pleasure to meet Her Majesty The Queen as first citizen of the London Borough of Merton and to represent the people of our wonderful borough.”

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Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung, joined the Majlis Ansaralluh United Kingdom to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitar in Morden Library last week.

The purpose of the Eid celebration is to bring together people from all different backgrounds to promote mutual understanding and community cohesion.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung alongside the Mayoress and the Majlis Ansaralluh community.

The Eid celebration was attended by over 200 visitors, all of whom enjoyed a large host of Asian foods including Samosa’s, Pakoras and Chicken Biryanis. Visitors then enjoyed their food in the company of the community, who gathered together and shared stories as well as providing further information for those looking to learn more about Eid. A talented Henna artist was also offering stunning Henna tattoos on the day for children and adults alike.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung said: “I always enjoy joining the Majlis Ansaralluh community for celebratory events. Eid is a special day which was made even more so by the number of people from different backgrounds communing together, enjoying fantastic company and amazing food. Events such as these are great for anyone who would like to learn more about their community and the work that groups of people are undertaking to make life better for others.”

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Notes to editors

Majlis Ansarullah, an auxiliary organisation of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, has been at the forefront in organising charity events here in the UK. During the past 27 years, they have raised over £1 million which has been distributed to well over 115 UK based charities including Age UK; British Heart Foundation; Great Ormond Street Hospital; Action for Children; Save the Children.

Mayor of Merton’s rider Tony Richards cycled 100 miles in the Prudential Ride London this weekend (2 August), crossing the finishing line in The Mall six hours and 24 minutes after leaving the start line at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium early Sunday morning.

Tony raised over £1,600 in sponsorship which will go to the Mayor’s charities Friends in St Helier and Merton Centre for Independent Living.

Mayor Of Merton Councillor David Chung said: “This is fantastic news. It was great meeting up with Tony on the day, when he stopped for a well-deserved refreshment break in Wimbledon after conquering Leith Hill and box Hill. Well done to him and to all the other riders. I know a lot of money was raised for many good causes. And it’s wonderful that my chosen charities are set to benefit too. Thank you to everyone who sponsored Tony.”

Tony Richards said: “Completing the event is a huge reward and I am very proud to have been chosen to represent the Mayor of Merton’s charities this year. It was great to ride alongside so many talented cyclists, most of whom are riding for their own charitable causes. Spectators gave massive amounts of support throughout the ride, especially in Merton, where hundreds of supporters were cheering. This gave me a much needed boost for the last 10 miles to the finish.”

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Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung is inviting senior residents in the borough to join him for tea at a free special event to celebrate the contribution of older people to society.

The mayor is calling on residents to nominate a relative, friend, neighbour or someone living near them to join him on the day for the special tea to be held on Silver Sunday, 4 October, 3pm at Tooting and Mitcham Community Sports Club.

Activities on the day include entertainment provided by singers from the Attic Theatre Company, refreshments and the opportunity to speak to organisations that provide services for those living on their own.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung, said: “We can never overstate the important role older people play in society, especially in Merton. Our tea on Silver Sunday is one way in which we can show our appreciation of the contribution they have made over the years.”

To nominate someone for the tea, visit www.merton.gov.uk/teawiththemayor, contact the Mayor’s office at mayor@merton.gov.uk or call 020 8545 3517

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Notes to editor

Silver Sunday is marked on the first Sunday in October to recognise the value and knowledge older people contribute to the community as well as highlighting the issue of loneliness and isolation. The campaign was launched in 2012 by the Simon Milton Foundation together with the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Stristabel Flight.

A record number of children from Merton were praised for the successful completion of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge at a ceremony in Mitcham Library on Thursday 1 October 2015.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung, congratulated the children who took part in the competition and the 2,115 who completed the “Record Breakers” themed challenge, for their record-breaking participation this year. He also presented the children with certificates and prizes to mark their achievement. A special performance by Aesop’s Touring Theatre Company brought some theatrical magic to the event.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung, said: “It is great to see so many children reading and taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge. Reading is the greatest gift that could be given to a child. It is the key to opening the mind. It is an everlasting gift that remains with the individual throughout their life. Each year the Summer Reading Challenge goes from strength to strength. Thanks to the children, the parents, the teachers and all those who actively support the scheme.”

Councillor Nick Draper, Cabinet Member for Community and Culture, said: “I’m so glad we’ve been able to keep all our libraries open and vibrant in these difficult times, and once again I’d like to thank the many volunteers who make it possible to deliver this tremendous reading campaign result. Children and parents, keep reading, and look out for exciting new things coming to our libraries in the coming months. Next year, the Summer Reading Challenge will be even better, and I’m looking forward to it already!”

Summer Reading Challenge completer, Katie Wildgoose (10) said: “I love the Summer Reading Challenge, I take part in it every year. It inspires children to read and visit their local library. I enjoyed the award ceremony and it was fun to meet the Mayor of Merton. I feel really special knowing that I completed the challenge & I hope it inspires other children to take part next year.”

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Editors notes:

We would like to thank the sponsors, which helped contribute to the success of this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

Sponsors include:

• Chipotle
• Morden Islamic Community Centre
• Halfords
• Explore Learning
• Deen City Farm
• GLL leisure centre
• Colourhouse Theatre
• Polka Theatre
• New Wimbledon Theatre
• Entertainer
• WHSmiths
• Eddie Catz
• Learning Resources and Elys Wimbledon
• Tesco

Over 100 people aged 65 and over had afternoon tea with the Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung to mark Silver Sunday (October 4).

The event was a national celebrating of older people for their contribution to the community. Guests enjoyed a selection of sandwiches kindly donated by the Wimbledon and Raynes Park branches of Waitrose. An array of cakes were donated by the women’s group of the Ahmadiya Muslim Association, entertainment from the Attic Theatre Company, professional entertainer Janet Beal and traditional Tamil dancing from the South London Tamil Welfare Group.

Merton’s MASCOT Telecare team along with Wimbledon, Merton and Morden Guild and AGE UK volunteered on the day and spoke to guests about the services they provide.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung, said: “I would like to sincerely thank the volunteers who contributed to making the first ‘Silver Sunday’ event in Merton such a success. It is very important not to forget the older people of our community.”

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Notes to editor

Silver Sunday is marked on the first Sunday in October to recognise the value and knowledge older people contribute to the community as well as highlighting the issue of loneliness and isolation. The campaign was launched in 2012 by the Simon Milton Foundation together with the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor The Lady Christabel Flight.

Remembrance Day services in Merton will be held on Sunday 8 and Wednesday 11 November.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung, Deputy Mayor Councillor Pauline Cowper and Leaders of all political parties will be attending the services.

On Sunday 8 November ceremonies will be held at the following locations:

Venue: Nelson Health Centre, Kingston Road

Time: 9am

Attended by: The Mayor of Merton, civic representatives, chief executive of the Merton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and representatives from the Royal British Legion.

Venue: Wimbledon War Memorial

Time: 10.40am

Attended by: The Mayor of Merton, Deputy Lieutenant, Ms Clare Whelan OBE, civic representatives, the Wimbledon branch of the Royal British Legion and the 210 Transport Squadron.

Venue: Mitcham War Memorial

Time: 10.40am

Attended by: The Deputy Mayor of Merton, Councillor Pauline Cowper, civic representatives and members of the Mitcham branch of the Royal British Legion.

On Wednesday 11 November ceremonies will be held at the following locations:

Venue: Civic Centre, Morden

Time: 10.50am

Attended by: The Deputy Mayor, civic representatives and members of the Morden branch of the Royal British Legion.

Venue: Mitcham War Memorial

Time: 10.50am

Attended by: The Mayor of Merton, civic representatives, schools and members of the Mitcham branch of the Royal British Legion.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung said: “I hope all residents can make it to the service nearest to where they live to honour and pay tribute to all the men and women we lost during the two world wars. We owe them and their families so much.”

For more information, merton.gov.uk/remembrance

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Merton Libraries held a special thank you event to honour the contribution volunteers have made to its service.

The event held in the council chamber (22 Oct) paid tribute to the exceptional impact volunteers make on a day-to-day basis to make library services great for residents. Over 120 volunteers were given certificates of recognition, with special certificates given by the Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung to the volunteer of the year, outstanding contribution, special recognition, young volunteer of the year and volunteer team success.

Volunteers carry out a wide variety of roles in Merton Libraries including meeting and greeting, supporting children’s activities, helping customers use the IT facilities and helping to promote libraries in the community.

Over 530 volunteers have contributed their time to one of the seven libraries in Merton over the last year with almost 35,000 hours completed, which is the highest volunteer contribution in any London library service. The initiative is a partnership between Merton Libraries and Merton Voluntary Service Council (MVSC). This volunteering model has proven to be very successful and previously won the Team London ‘Building Stronger Neighbourhoods’ award for best practice in volunteer management and was also recognised as a Volunteering England good practice model.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung, said: “I congratulate everyone who was awarded for the tremendous effort they put into making Merton Libraries some of the best in the country. Thank you all for giving up your own time and making a difference to our libraries.”

Merton’s cabinet member for community and culture, Councillor Nick Draper, said: “Our libraries are among the most highly-regarded in all of London, and Merton’s library membership is the highest in London.  At the same time, they’re easily the cheapest to run in London, which means that while other boroughs are closing libraries, we have kept all of ours open and for longer.  That success is down to the enthusiasm and hard work of our fantastic army of volunteers, as well as that of our brilliant permanent staff. I want to thank every one of them for making Merton libraries great!”

To find out more about volunteering opportunities in Merton Libraries, visit merton.gov.uk/libraries
ENDS