Pelham Primary School in Wimbledon celebrated its 60^th anniversary today and officially opened its brand new school building.

Mayor of Merton Cllr David Chung with Leader of the council Cllr Stephen Alambritis and members of the school council at the official opening of the new Pelham Primary School building.

Mayor of Merton Councillor David Chung cut the ribbon and was given a tour of the new building, which is the latest to be opened as part of the council’s £80 million school expansion programme to provide more school places for local children.

The expansion at Pelham means that the school is now able to permanently provide for 60 pupil places per year. This will be a total of 420 places, an increase of 210 places. As well as more classroom space, the school now benefits from a new library, a second hall and a transformed outdoor  play area complete with climbing frame, space or ball sports and other play equipment.  There is also a larger staff room, and a quiet room where teaching staff can work when they are not in the classroom.

A popular talking point of the new-look school is the wall sculpture created by London-based artist Lee Borthwick for the entrance to the school using willow wood from the school grounds.

New Pelham school library

The school held a special assembly to celebrate the new school building as well as their 60^th anniversary. Children and staff came dressed in their favourite style, character or person from the past six decades following the research they have been doing into fashion, design, music, historical events, toys and popular culture from the past six decades.

Mayor of Merton Councillor David Chung said: “It is great to be celebrating both the new building and 60 years of a great school. I wish all the children well in their education here. It’s wonderful to see the school so well equipped to welcome more children for generations to come.”

Willow artwork

Merton Council cabinet member for education Councillor Martin Whelton said: “We should be proud of our £80m school expansion programme which will see more than 4,000 primary school places created by 2018 in our effort to meeting rising demand.

“It has been wonderful to see Pelham’s new building and facilities which will benefit children and create a great learning environment. Providing high quality buildings helps towards shaping young people’s education. It is important to have a firm foundation on which to build before the children move on to secondary school. Pelham is a great example of this and my thanks go to everyone involved in expanding the school.”

New school building

Headteacher of Pelham Maria Keenan said: “It is wonderful to see the new building ready for our children to enjoy and to benefit from. I am also happy to be celebrating 60 years of our school and it is very fitting that as we look back over six decades, we also look at the present day to the children who are here now and into the future to the generations of school children yet to come through our doors. Having more space and modern facilities will hugely benefit them all.”

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Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung, attended Merton’s Environmental Sub Group at the civic centre in Morden yesterday.

Mayor of Merton, Cllr David Chung, with (l-r), Agamemnon Otero (Repowering London), Giles Read (Thinking Works), Jon Buick (Merton Council), Tom Walsh (Sustainable Merton) and Lady Mayoress Irina Chung

At the meeting, which was co-ordinated by Sustainable Merton and entitled How should organisations in Merton be planning for a low carbon future?, Councillor Chung supported Sustainable Merton’s call for community organisations, individuals and businesses to take responsibility for the planet’s future. They highlighted the importance of grass roots action to effectively create a low carbon future for all.

Following the Paris UN climate change conference earlier this winter, Sustainable Merton invited CEO of Repowering London, Agamemnon Otero MBE, to speak about his experience of those talks and the potential of community-driven energy projects.

Merton Council is the home of the Merton Rule, which, in the early noughties, was groundbreaking planning policy adopted by national government to ensure at least 10% of a building’s energy was generated from renewable energy.  Today the council’s climate change projects officer Jon Buick spoke about the next steps in creating local energy opportunities. He focused on the potential of localised and decentralised energy systems to help meet Merton’s future energy needs and cut carbon emissions.

Mayor of Merton Councillor David Chung said: “I was very inspired by the speakers today.  Each and every one of us has a duty to look after our precious environment. The council is continuing to take steps to reduce its carbon footprint, using renewable energy where possible and installing energy saving devices in its buildings and street lighting. I am proud of Merton’s track record with developing innovative policy on climate change. But none of us can stand still and we need to be continually thinking of how we meet an increasing demand for energy, while minimising the impact this demand has on the environment.

“Local governments are at the forefront of taking measures to reduce climate change and mitigate its potential catastrophic impact on local communities around the world. Their engagement in delivering the Paris climate change deal is essential. As the Mayor of Merton, I want to raise awareness of what each and everyone of us can do to stop the unnecessary death and disease that climate change is already causing in developing countries, and to protect our own future generations here in Merton.”

Sustainable Merton’s Tom Walsh said: “Paris was a turning point when governments from across the world came together and recognised the dangers of climate change and the need for nations to act for the future of the planet. But, governments can only do so much. Real change is in the hands of the people. It’s grass roots action that we need with community groups and individuals making small changes which, together, can have a huge impact on the future wellbeing of our environment. Organisations like Sustainable Merton and Repowering London play a vital role in being a bridge between the public and government.  It’s an old adage, but, if we all think globally and act locally, we can make a huge difference.”

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Notes to editors

1. Merton Partnership: www.merton.gov.uk/lsp
2. Repowering London is a not-for-profit organisation that specialises in facilitating the co-production of community-owned renewable energy projects.
3. Decentralised energy systems, including local heat networks are localised energy centres that generate and distribute heat and power via interconnected pipe networks. The Mayor of London set out his expectation in the London Plan for 25% of London’s heat and power to be generated through the use of local decentralised energy systems by 2025.
4. Shifting 25% of London’s energy demand to be supplied by decentralised energy could save up to 2.5 million tonnes of CO₂in London per year. London Plan (2015).
5. Find out more about the council’s sustainability and climate change activity: http://www.merton.gov.uk/environment/sustainability-climate

Merton Council’s Mayor Elect is Councillor Brenda Fraser.

Councillor Brenda Fraser

The Longthornton ward councillor will take over the role from fellow ward representative, Councillor David Chung at a special Mayor Making ceremony on 18 May.

Councillor Fraser was elected to Merton Council in 2010. She came to the UK 50 years ago, in 1965, from Jamaica and made her home in Mitcham.  She will be the borough’s first Jamaican woman mayor.  Councillor Fraser has two grown-up children and a grandson.

She has been an Open University lecturer in health since 2003. Previously, she worked in the health sector and for the Police.  Councillor Fraser is a magistrate, school governor and is on the board of South Thames College and is well known for her community work.

Councillor Fraser said: “I am honoured to be nominated Mayor of Merton for the coming year and am looking forward to working with community groups and individuals who continually make huge efforts and that are the foundation to Merton being such a great place.  I recognise the responsibility of being the borough’s first citizen and will carry out my duties, following in the footsteps of the many great Mayors before me.”

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The Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung, will be hosting his Annual Charity Ball Saturday, 2 April, at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon.

The Mayor’s Annual Charity Ball is an opportunity to promote and raise funds for his chosen charities, Merton Centre for Independent and Friends in St Helier. Guests will experience a memorable evening, starting with a warm Guyanese welcome at a sparkling open bar reception. Kwe Kwe dancers will provide entertainment whilst guests indulge in a delicious three course dinner served with wine.

Guests will have the opportunity to win some truly amazing prizes with both a live auction and silent auction taking place, as well as a lucky dip.

Tickets are now on sale for £90 and can be booked by emailing mayor@merton.gov.uk or by calling 020 8545 3517.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung said: “This event is one not to be missed, as it will be a fun filled evening with great food and entertainment and it’s all for an amazing cause to support the most vulnerable people within our community.”

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Following the sad news of the death of Councillor Maxi Martin, the council has opened a book of condolence and is inviting residents who wish to pay their respects to sign the book.

Mayor of Merton Councillor David Chung

The book of condolence is in the foyer of the civic centre, outside the entrance to Morden Library.

This morning, Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung, wrote his own message.

Leader of the council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, will hand the book to Councillor Martin’s family on behalf of the residents of Merton.

Mayor of Merton Councillor David Chung said: “The comments that have been left on the council’s Facebook page and on Twitter, following the announcement of Maxi’s death, show just how popular she was with the people she worked with and the young people whose lives she touched. She will be greatly missed.”

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Merton’s Mayor elect is calling on residents who share their 90^th birthday with the Queen (21 April), to get in touch with the Mayor’s office at the Civic Centre.

Councillor Brenda Fraser, who is set to start her mayoralty in May would like to invite residents celebrating their 90^th birthday on the same day as the Queen, to the Mayor’s Parlour for afternoon tea in June, to tie in with the national, official celebrations.

Anyone who is 90, or has a relative who turned 90 on 21 April and lives in the borough, should contact the Mayor or Merton’s office on 020 8545 3517 or email mayorofmerton@merton.gov.uk.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung, has completed 110 lengths and has so far raised £400 for his charities, Friends in St Helier and Merton Centre for Independent Living.

Mayor of Merton, Cllr David Chung takes to the water to raise money for his charities

Councillor Chung has completed his target number of lengths but is continuing to swim to raise awareness of the importance of exercise, especially for older people.  There is still time to sponsor Councillor Chung. Deadline for donations is 18 May, when he completes his Mayoral year.

The mayor, who is partially paralysed and a wheelchair user, swam the lengths over four days at the Canon’s Leisure Centre, Mitcham.

Councillor Chung said: “I wanted to do this as a challenge for myself and to raise money for my chosen charities, which do so much for the vulnerable and the disabled people in our borough. Swimming is such good exercise for the whole body and you are supported in the water, making it such an accessible sport for many people. I want to get the message out there that sport is a good thing, and that people of all ages and physical abilities should get out there and give it a go. We have some great gyms and pools in the borough and our outdoor gyms in our parks are there for everyone to use.”

To donate to the mayor’s charities, people should get in touch with the Mayor’s office by phone on 020 8545 3517 or email mayor@merton.gov.uk

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Councillor Brenda Fraser was officially elected Mayor of Merton 2016-2017 at tonight’s annual council meeting (18 May 2016).

Following Councillor David Chung’s year as Mayor for 2015-2016, Councillor Fraser has been appointed First Citizen of the Borough after being a councillor for Longthornton ward since 2010. She will be the first ever female Jamaican mayor in Merton. The Mayor’s chosen charities for her tenure are Age UK Merton and The Avanti Club (a mental health support group). Councillor Fraser will be supported by her husband, Lloyd Fraser, and daughter, Gillian Fraser.

New Deputy Mayor for 2016-2017, Councillor Stan Anderson from Lower Morden, will support the Mayor in her duties over the coming year. Councillor Anderson will be supported by his wife, Jennifer Anderson.

The annual council meeting also recognised the work completed by Councillor David Chung during his year in office, including more than £40,000 he raised for his charities, Friends in St Helier and Merton Centre for Independent Living.

As a mark of respect for a much-loved councillor, leaders of all the representative political groups in Merton, Councillors Stephen Alambritis (Labour), Oonagh Moulton (Conservative), and Peter Southgate (Merton Park Independents), spoke fondly of Councillor Maxi Martin, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Councillor Martin was remembered as a passionate advocate for children and young people in Merton in her role of cabinet member for children’s services. Her dedication to public service, how she represented her St Helier ward constituents and raised the profile of the armed forces also featured in the leaders’ addresses, as did her work to highlight the issue of domestic violence.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser said: “I am honoured to have been elected Mayor of Merton and am looking forward to the year ahead. I will be focusing particularly on supporting the most vulnerable people in the borough.  Along with my councillor colleagues, I am extremely grateful for all the wonderful work done by outgoing Mayor, Councillor Chung. In this special council meeting, where we heard about the work of our late colleague Councillor Maxi Martin, I would like to pay my personal respects to her as a former Mayor for the borough. She was an inspiration to many people. I will uphold this wonderful tradition to the best of my ability as I follow in the footsteps of those who have held this position before me.”

Outgoing Mayor, Councillor Chung said: “I have hugely enjoyed my year as Mayor of Merton. It was an honour to represent this great borough at so many wide and varied events. I have met so many inspirational residents who do such great work for Merton and the wellbeing of the people who live and work here.

“I would like to thank my wife the Mayoress for her invaluable support. Without her support I could not have carried out my function as the Mayor. I thank my family for their love and patience. Thanks to the Mayoral staff for the excellent work they do.

“My thanks also go to the many people who have supported me and helped me raise money for my chosen charities. I know that the work they do benefits many older and disabled people in the borough. Councillor Fraser, my fellow Longthornton councillor, will do an excellent job as Mayor and I wish her the very best for her mayoralty.”

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Merton’s Leader Councillor Stephen Alambritis  presented the former Mayor of Merton, Councillor David Chung, with a cheque for £200 earlier this week.

Leader of the council, Cllr Stephen Alambritis, presenting £200 pounds to former Mayor Cllr David Chung and former deputy mayor Cllr Pauline Cowper

As part of his commitment to lose weight earlier this year, Councillor Alambritis promised to donate £50 to the Mayor’s charities, Friends in St Helier and Centre for Independent Living, for every time he put on weight during his diet.

Councillor Alambritis said: “Overall I’ve lost a stone, or 10 kg, but I had a  few bumps on the way when I put on a few grams. I was encouraged to lose weight by NHS One You campaign which is all about getting people to make healthier choices when it comes to food and lifestyle. I feel better from being a bit more trim. All I have to do now is keep the weight off.”

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The Mayor of Merton, Cllr Brenda Fraser was among thousands of fans who witnessed AFC Wimbledon lift the trophy after the team put in an incredible performance at the League Two Play Off Final, winning promotion to Division 1 next season.

AFC Wimbledon defender Barry Fuller lifts the trophy and celebrates promotion to Sky Bet League 1 at the end of the Sky Bet League 2 play off final match between AFC Wimbledon and Plymouth Argyle at Wembley Stadium, London, England on 30 May 2016. Photo Credit: Stuart Butcher from Pro Sport Images

Over 20,000 fans turned out to support AFC Wimbledon at Wembley on Monday including Leader of the Council, Cllr Stephen Alambritis

Mayor of Merton, Cllr Brenda Fraser said: “The atmosphere at Wembley was incredible with thousands of many fans turning out to support AFC Wimbledon. As Mayor it was an honour and privilege to be invited to Wembley and be one of the first to congratulate the players personally for their amazing achievement. In return, I am inviting the club’s management, players, staff and volunteers to join me for a Mayoral reception later this summer to thank everyone involved – AFC Wimbledon is the pride of Merton.”

AFC Wimbledon Chief Executive, Erik Samuelson said: “We are on top of the world and want to thank the thousands of fans who came out to support us. The Final was the last game of what has been a very long season. The players have worked incredibly hard and went on a well-deserved break immediately after the game, before training starts ahead of next season. When the players return, we plan to organise an event in Wimbledon with the help of the council at the beginning of July, so we can show off our new silverware and invite fans to share in our success.”

Heavy rain did not put off hundreds of carnival-goers who packed into Mitcham to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s 90^th birthday at the weekend.

From left: Councillor John Dehaney, the Mayor of Merton Councillor Brenda Fraser,  Councillor Marsie Skeete and the Mayor’s consort, Lloyd Fraser. (Picture: Councillor Edith Macauley)

A conga line snaked its way through Three Kings Piece in Commonside West, Mitcham, as Stavros Flatley, below, took to the stage to entertain the crowds.

There were 100 stalls featuring local charities and businesses alongside the fun fair, Zorb Football and dog show.

The main stage featured British Empire Wrestling and Stavros Flatley, a father and son duo who danced their way to the Britain’s Got Talent final in 2009 with their Greek/Irish dance style.

Sports Blast, an initiative that looks to promote healthy living for young people in the borough by providing sports opportunities, offered children the chance to play football, netball, BMX and other sports throughout the day.

The popular carnival was held on Saturday, June 11, at Three Kings Piece in Commonside West, Mitcham, between 12 noon and 5pm.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser said: “It was another fantastic year at the carnival and I was very happy to see so many people enjoying the day despite the rain.”

Cabinet member for community and culture, Nick Draper, said: “It was great that residents came to celebrate the Queen’s 90^th birthday at the Carnival, as they did throughout Merton all weekend, rain or shine.  The Carnival was great fun, happy and well attended too – I look forward to seeing all of you, and more still, next year.”

Notes to editors: Please credit photographs to Carol Fenton- Balch unless otherwise stated.

Videos available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/myhappyplaces/albums

Cheering fans lined the streets of Wimbledon on Sunday, July 3, to celebrate AFC Wimbledon’s promotion to League One.

From left: Mayor’s consort, Lloyd Fraser, the Mayor of Merton Councillor Brenda Fraser and Council Leader Stephen Alambritis

An open top bus carrying the first team squad,  club’s management, the Mayor of Merton and Merton Council’s Leader paraded through the packed streets of Wimbledon where they were met with a sea of blue and yellow.

Both the Mayor and the Leader  addressed the crowds with the Mayor naming the club ‘the pride of Merton’.

Merton Council’s Leader Councillor Stephen Alambritis gave an impassioned speech on the club’s proposed new stadium in Plough Lane, calling on new Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to approve the plans to bring the Dons home.

The council unanimously approved the stadium in December 2015.

The Mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser, left, with AFC Wimbledon Chief Executive Erik Samuelson.

The bus laden with club’s management, as well as Councillor Alambritis, the Mayor of Merton Councillor Brenda Fraser and players, toured from Wimbledon Village to the town centre, where the Piazza in The Broadway was packed with cheering fans who turned out to congratulate their club.

Captain Barry Fuller and manager Neil Ardley held the League 2 play-off trophy aloft to the delight of onlookers.

The victory parade organised in partnership between Merton Council and AFC Wimbledon, was followed by the launch of AFC Wimbledon’s new kit in Centre Court Shopping Centre.

Councillor Alambritis said: “It was an absolutely fantastic day and I want to congratulate AFC Wimbledon once again on their success.

“Merton Council was delighted to help organise the successful event and we are very glad so many fans turned out to support the club on the day.”

Mayor of Merton Councillor Brenda Fraser held a special celebration in the Mayor’s parlour this week (11 July 2016) in recognition of the contribution school governors make to school life in Merton.

School governors in the Mayor’s parlour

Twenty-seven primary, secondary and special educational needs schools in Merton each put forward one governor to be honoured for excellence in their work at their school over the academic year 2015/16.

The nominees received a pin badge of the Merton crest in recognition of their voluntary work in the local community.

Councillor Fraser said: “Our schools have a lot to be proud about. Only last week were our maintained primary and secondary schools listed among the top performers in England for pupil improvement. Along with the teaching staff and families, our governors play a vital role in supporting and challenging senior leaders in the running of the schools.”

Merton Council cabinet member for education Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah said: “Our governors give up a significant amount of their time to help raise standards in our schools, agreeing budgets and appointing the right staff. It is right that we should formally recognise their hard work.”

(l-r) Mayor of Merton Councillor Brenda Fraser with director of children, schools and families Yvette Stanley

Anyone interested in becoming a school governor in Merton should visit the Merton Council website or email governor.support@merton.gov.uk for further details.

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Former Mayor of Merton Councillor David Chung presented 24 charities across the borough with donations yesterday (27 July 2016) at the civic centre in Morden.

The two charities he formally supported during his mayoralty, Friends in St Helier and Merton centre for Independent Living, were both presented with cheques for  over £13,000. More than £10,700 was shared among 22 other charities.

Charities which benefited from fundraising by Cllr David Chung during his mayoral year at the civic centre, Morden, yesterday

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 Notes to editors

Charities represented at the presentation were:

1. Friends in St Helier
2. Merton centre for Independent Living
3. One Life UK
4. Colour House Children’s Theatre
5. Perseid School
6. Cricket Green School
7. Faith in Action
8. St John Ambulance
9. Ethnic Minority Centre
10. BAME Voice
11. Merton Seniors Forum
12. YMCA – The Homeless Project
13. Workshop 305
14. Alzheimers Society Merton Dementia Hub
15. Merton and Morden Guild
16. Age UK Merton
17. The Squad Club
18. Voyager Club
19. Merton Tutoring Service
20. African Educational Cultural health Organisation
21. West Indian Families and Friends Association
22. The Acacia Centre
23. Commonside Community Development Trust
24. Churches together in Mitcham

Traditional Jamaican dishes and plenty of dancing raised £3,500 for the Mayor of Merton’s charities at an event attended by more than 150 people.

A buffet of jerk chicken, curried goat and fried plantain were all enjoyed by guests at the Afro-Caribbean themed evening on Friday, August 19.

It was the Mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser’s first fundraising event for charities Age UK Merton and The Avanti Club, which offers mental health support.

After dinner at the Tooting and Mitcham Community Sports Club in Morden, guests took to the dance floor to enjoy music by DJ Zain.

The total was raised from ticket sales, donations and a raffle.

Cllr Fraser said: “I would like to thank everyone who supported the night including those people who were unable to attend but generously donated to my charities.”

You are invited to the free family-friendly Colliers Wood Summer Party to celebrate the launch of a new outdoor space in an important milestone for the area.

Baltic Close, next to the Charles Holden pub in Colliers Wood High Street, has undergone a stunning transformation by Merton Council after complaints of anti-social behaviour, abandoned vehicles and fly-tipping there.

Baltic Close, where the party will be held, is pictured above. In the background are the Charles Holden pub and the Brown and Root Tower. 

The fun event on Saturday 10 September marks an important milestone in the regeneration of Colliers Wood.

Merton Council has been working with partners Transport for London and the Greater London Authority to deliver a package of public realm improvements jointly funded by the Mayor of London’s Regeneration Fund and Merton Council.  This is known as the Connecting Colliers Wood project.

The summer party, to celebrate the opening of Baltic Close, will have food and drink from the Wimbledon Brewery, Charles Holden Cocktail Bar, Whipsmiths Liquid Nitrogen Ice Creams and Mama’s Jerk Station. The Pantonic Steel Orchestra will provide live music.

The Mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser, will officially open the area.

Councillor Martin Whelton, cabinet member for regeneration, environment and housing, said: “I would urge as many people as possible to come along to the Colliers Wood Summer Party.  It promises to be a fun-packed, family-friendly event marking the completion of key elements of the regeneration of Colliers Wood by the council and its partners.”

Other parts of Connecting Colliers Wood that have been completed include new paving and public space, new river landings and a resurfaced footpath along the River Wandle and a major redesign of road junctions to improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists. The final stage, the new wall to the edge of Wandle Park, is under construction and nearing completion.

In addition, there are other improvements to Colliers Wood taking place. Building work is underway on the new Colliers Wood Library in the High Street and the Brown and Root Tower.

Notes to editors:

The Colliers Wood Summer Party is free and will be held from 12pm to 7pm on Saturday 10 September.

For more images of the site, please visit Merton Council’s Flickr page on flickr.com/photos/mertoncouncil/

Merton school children got a taste of local politics during Local Democracy Week this week as the council and local MPs laid on events to demonstrate democracy in action.

Children from West Wimbledon Primary School visit the mayor’s parlour on 11 October

All of this week, pupils are being given tours of the Civic Centre, which includes viewing the council chamber to see where local decisions are made and a talk by the mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser in her parlour. A quick stop on the 14^th floor of the Civic Centre in Morden allows schoolchildren to identify key London landmarks.

Siobhain McDonagh MP hosted a tour of the Houses of Parliament for the ninth consecutive year for 100 children from schools in Mitcham and Morden, whilst Wimbledon’s MP Stephen Hammond visited Hillcross Primary School in Morden, All Saints CofE School in Colliers Wood and the Priory School, Wimbledon.

In addition to the activities held during Local Democracy Week, in January 2017 Merton Children’s Council will welcome Merton councillors for a talk on local democracy followed by a question and answer session.

Cabinet member for children’s services, Councillor Katy Neep said: “We are delighted to welcome young people from across the borough to look behind the scenes of how the council in Merton operates.

“Enabling the active participation of all of our young people, be it through democracy week, youth parliament, Children in Care Council or our Young Inspectors, it is something we take great pride of here in Merton.”

Local Democracy Week aims to increase democratic participation at a local level, encouraging young people to get involved. To find out more, visit www.merton.gov.uk/localdemocracyweek.

Notes to editors:

More pictures available on the council’s Flickr account www.flickr.com/photos/mertoncouncil

The Mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser spent last week visiting care homes, day centres and lunch clubs across the borough, to mark Silver Sunday; a national celebration of older people and their contributions to our community.

Last Wednesday (5 October), the Mayor hosted afternoon tea in the Mayor’s Parlour for a group of residents who live in local care homes.

The Mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser, said: “It was wonderful to tour the borough and meet some of the people who have made such a valuable contribution to life in Merton. I was delighted to host afternoon tea in the parlour as part of the celebration. The whole experience allowed me the opportunity to meet older people from all over the borough and hear their stories.”

More photographs are on our Flickr account: www.flickr.com/photos/mertoncouncil

Services of remembrance will be held across Merton to mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.

Armistice Day

Friday 11 November 2016

Commencing at 10.50am outside the Civic Centre, London Road, Morden

Attended by the Mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser, civic representatives and members of the Morden branch of the Royal British Legion.

Commencing at 10.50am at Mitcham War Memorial

Attended by the Deputy Mayor of Merton, Councillor Stan Anderson, civic representatives, schools and members of the Mitcham branch of the Royal British Legion.

Remembrance Sunday

Sunday 13 November 2016

Commencing at 9am at the Nelson Health Centre, Kingston Road, SW20 8DA
Attended by the Mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser, civic representatives, the Chair of Merton Clinical Commissioning Group and the Morden Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Commencing at 10.40am at Wimbledon War Memorial in Wimbledon Village
Attended by the Deputy Mayor of Merton, Councillor Stan Anderson, civic representatives, members of the Wimbledon branch of the Royal British Legion and members of the 210 Transport Squadron will be in attendance. Following the service, the Deputy Mayor and Major Alex Hamilton of 210 Transport Squadron will take the salute.

Commencing at 10.40am at Mitcham War Memorial, Lower Green West, Mitcham
Lower Green West, Mitcham

Attended by the Mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser, the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Merton, Clare Whelan OBE, civic representatives and members of the Mitcham branch of the Royal British Legion. Following the service, the Mayor of Merton and the Deputy Lieutenant will take the salute.

The parade will follow a slightly different route this year. The parade will set off at 10.35am from the Canons Leisure Centre onto Madeira Road, then into Cricket Green turning right onto London Road and left on the one-way system to the Mitcham War Memorial, in Lower Green West.

The Mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser said: “We will gather to remember all the members of the armed forces who have given their lives for their country and those who have been injured in conflicts since the First World War. We will never forget their bravery and we honour them for protecting our freedom.”

For more information, visit: www.merton.gov.uk/remembrance

The mayor of Merton is looking for young dancers to perform in front of millions at London’s New Year’s Day Parade and festival in the capital.

Young people from Merton have excelled at this event over the last ten years, winning Best Entry and prizes worth thousands of pounds.

The parade, now in its 31^st year, attracts 8,500 performers representing 20 countries, with entries from all 32 London boroughs competing for a share of the prize pot for charity.

This year’s parade theme is theatrical – Lights, Camera, Action.

The mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser, said: “We have a brilliant concept for this year’s parade and all we need now is a group of dancers to help bring it to life.

“It is a truly spectacular event and a chance to be a part of something very special indeed.”

Entries are open to dancers over the age of 16 years. The council provides costumes, transport and breakfast on the day of the parade, Sunday 1 January.

So if you are a dancer and are available for a couple of rehearsals this month and in December and for the New Year’s Day parade itself, this could be the perfect way to start your New Year.

For more information contact the mayor of Merton’s office by email on mayor@merton.gov.uk or telephone 020 8545 3517. The deadline to get involved is Friday 18 November.

Notes to editors

View Merton’s entry to London’s New Year’s Day Parade 2015 on YouTube.

Pictures: Merton’s previous entries.