He has been a council leader, head of the opposition, the mayor of Merton, dedicated ward councillor and countless other roles; now Councillor David Williams is marking 40 years of cumulative service to the borough’s residents.

Cllr David Williams outside the Civic Centre for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Cllr Williams is the longest serving sitting councillor in the borough, having been a ward councillor for 40 years. Aged 22, he was elected to the Cannon Hill ward in May 1974 and was hailed by prominent journalist Bryan Appleyard as a young Conservative trailblazer.

“In the early 1970s there was a lot of social change going on. I wanted to make sure young people had a voice in local affairs and I was interested in Conservative politics,” Cllr Williams said.

Cllr Williams was there until 1987 but then took a short break from Merton when he went to live in Hong Kong for business. In 1990, he returned to his Merton home and was re-elected the same year, this time as Hillside ward councillor in Wimbledon, where he has remained ever since.

Among his many roles, Cllr Williams has been Conservative council leader and member of the London Councils Leaders’ Committee (May 2006 to May 2010), mayor of Merton (May 2012 to May 2013) and leader of the opposition (1999 to 2006).

Cllr Williams with now-foreign secretary Boris Johnson at the ground breaking event for the Acacia Centre in Mitcham

He was the London Councils Representative on the London Waste and Recycling Board and chairman of their audit committee from 2008 to 2016. Since 1986 he has been a magistrate (and former deputy chairman) on the Wimbledon Bench (now the South West London Bench). He has held numerous posts at local schools, the Endeavour Youth Club in Morden and Wimbledon Round Table.

Unsurprisingly, he finds it very difficult to single out an overall highlight.

Cllr Williams said: “I have seen some extraordinary scenes in the council chamber and there have been very funny things that have happened too. My over-riding impression is it is such a privilege to have this position to help others and to make things happen.”

He said he did enjoy being leader for four years, being the mayor and deputy mayor, and having the opportunity to make changes and help residents.

Cllr Williams will be honoured at a Full Council meeting on Wednesday 23 November.

Council leader Councillor Stephen Alambritis said: “I’d like to congratulate Councillor David Williams on his 40 years of cumulative service in Merton. It has been a pleasure working with him and I look forward to working with him for many more years to come.”

Merton Park Ward Independent Residents group leader, Councillor Peter Southgate said: “To achieve 40 years as a councillor is really quite exceptional, but for Cllr David Williams it can be explained by his strong ethos of public service, evident also from his many years as a magistrate on the bench at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court. Both in opposition and as leader of the council, David has always put Merton first, considering what is best for the borough as a whole before party political interests. We are fortunate to be the beneficiaries of his unstinting service over so many years.”

Merton Conservative group leader Councillor Oonagh Moulton said: “I am proud to propose a motion at Full Council congratulating Cllr David Williams on his achievement of 40 years’ civic service as a councillor in the London Borough of Merton, firstly for Cannon Hill Ward and now for Hillside. He has served Merton residents with distinction and has held a number of posts and senior positions culminating in leader of the council between 2006 and 2010 and as mayor of Merton in 2012-2013 when our borough proudly marked the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics.”

Dedicated volunteers have given more than 35,000 hours of their time during the last year to help run Merton’s award-winning libraries.

Around 530 volunteers are involved in supporting the borough’s seven libraries as well as the home library service and other borough wide initiatives. These figures are some of the highest in the United Kingdom and the volunteering model is used as a best practice example.

The volunteers are responsible for a variety of tasks including supporting customers, delivering activities and promoting the library service. Volunteers come from all parts of Merton and reflect the borough’s diversity.

Volunteers were invited to an event at the Civic Centre in Morden on Thursday where certificates of recognition and awards were presented by the Mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser, the Cabinet Member for Community and Culture, Councillor Nick Draper and Khadiru Mahdi, Chief Executive of Merton Voluntary Service Council.

Janina Craske, who won the Outstanding Contribution Award said: “I have always loved books and reading and libraries. I enjoy volunteering at Raynes Park Library because it makes me feel part of the community.”

Evelina Sliauteryte was named Young Volunteer of the Year. She said: “I enjoy volunteering at Mitcham Library because I like meeting new people and helping them to find the books or other resources they are looking for. Volunteering has made me more confident in talking to people.”

Councillor Draper said: “This event was our opportunity to say thank you to all the dedicated volunteers who give their time to provide an excellent service for library members. Their hard work and commitment has helped to ensure that our library service is among the best in London.

“The nationally recognised volunteering model of Merton libraries plays an important role in supporting our volunteers to develop new skills which have helped some back into employment and enabled others to get more involved in their community. I am proud to be a library volunteer myself and would encourage others to get involved too.”

For more information about volunteering in Merton libraries, visit our volunteering opportunities webpage.

For photographs from the event, visit our Flickr page.

This fluffy panda is looking for a new home this Christmas, with money raised in a social media auction set to be donated to the mayor of Merton’s charities.

The panda, complete with its own Christmas cracker and scarf, was donated to the mayor of Merton Councillor Brenda Fraser to raise money for her charities, the Avanti Club and Age UK Merton.

Merton Police organised an online auction on its Facebook page, with people invited to make bids in the comments section below a photograph of the bear. The highest bidder will be chosen by the police and the winner will be able to take the bear home in time for Christmas.

The mayor of Merton Councillor Fraser said: “I hope lots of money is raised for my chosen charities through the online auction of this panda. I would urge everyone to get their bids in as soon as possible to benefit two very worthy causes.”

Superintendent Steve Wallace, of Merton Police said: “We have already had an encouraging reaction to the social media auction and we are hoping for even more bids to raise as much money as possible for the mayor’s charities before Christmas.”

The deadline for bids is Friday 16 December. The winner should be available at 11am on Wednesday 21 December to collect the panda and have a photograph taken. To make a bid, visit www.facebook.com/MertonPolice

Tickets are now on sale for a winter showcase of international music and dance held to raise money for the mayor of Merton’s charities.

Musicians of all ages from Merton Music Foundation and the local community will perform an eclectic mix of instrumental and choral music from around the globe to celebrate the rich diversity of cultures in our borough.

There will be Irish folk songs, Indian dance music, Polish music, steel bands and big band swing to get the audience’s feet tapping.

The event will raise money for the mayor’s charities the Avanti Club and Age UK Merton.

The mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser, said: “The Winter Warmer concert promises to be a fantastic celebration of international music and I would urge as many people as possible to book tickets to avoid disappointment.

“Money raised from the event will go to my two chosen charities – the Avanti Club and Age UK Merton.”

The mayor of Merton’s Winter Warmer concert will be held on Saturday 28 January from 6pm to 9pm at St Mark’s Academy in Acacia Road, Mitcham. Tickets cost £6, with children under five going free.

To book tickets, email mayor@merton.gov.uk or call 020 8545 3517.

This fluffy panda will brighten up the Christmas of a five year-old girl in hospital with pneumonia after £100 was pledged in an online auction in aid of the mayor of Merton’s charities.

Generous businesses based in Centre Court Shopping Centre in Wimbledon donated £100 which won the auction hosted by Merton Police’s Facebook page to raise money for the mayor of Merton’s charities the Avanti Club and Age UK Merton.

From left: Centre Court staff and auction winners Emily Palmer and Kelly Gibbins,  Mark Roberts of Merton Police and the mayor of Merton Councillor Brenda Fraser.

The panda, complete with its own Christmas cracker and scarf, was donated to the mayor of Merton Councillor Brenda Fraser.

It will be going to five year-old Emma Gibbins, who will be spending Christmas in Kings College Hospital with pneumonia. Her aunt Kelly Gibbons works at Centre Court Shopping Centre and when she saw the auction could not resist putting a bid in.

The mayor of Merton Councillor Fraser said: “I am very happy the panda has found a new home in time for Christmas. Thank you to everyone at Centre Court Shopping Centre for the generous donation and Merton Police for hosting the online auction.”

Superintendent Steve Wallace, of Merton Police, said: “We are always delighted to support the mayor of Merton’s charities and are very pleased the online auction got such a positive response from generous members of the public and local businesses.”

The panda was collected by Centre Court staff Emily Palmer and Kelly Gibbins from Cllr Fraser and Mark Roberts of Merton Police on Thursday 22 December at Centre Court Shopping Centre.

The mayor of Merton helped to brighten the Christmas and New Year of a hospitalised five year-old girl after Centre Court Shopping Centre staff and businesses clubbed together to win a social media auction.

Emma Gibbins, five, in hospital with Serena the panda. 

Generous businesses based in Wimbledon’s Centre Court Shopping Centre donated £100 to win the auction hosted by Merton Police’s Facebook page to raise money for the mayor of Merton’s charities the Avanti Club and Age UK Merton.

The panda, complete with its own Christmas cracker and scarf, was donated to the mayor of Merton Councillor Brenda Fraser, who put it up for auction for the good causes.

From left: Centre Court staff and auction winners Emily Palmer and Kelly Gibbins,  Mark Roberts of Merton Police and the mayor of Merton Councillor Brenda Fraser.

Five year-old Emma Gibbins, who spent Christmas in Kings College Hospital with pneumonia, was delighted to have been given the panda by her aunt Kelly Gibbins who works at Centre Court.

The panda was named Serena by Emma, who left hospital on New Year’s Day.

The mayor of Merton Councillor Brenda Fraser said: “I am delighted the panda has brought so much joy to a little girl who was in hospital for Christmas. The money raised will go towards helping two fantastic charities continue their vital work for people in Merton.”

Ms Gibbins said: “We at Centre Court were delighted that we raised enough to win the Merton Police and mayor of Merton’s panda. It made a very unwell girl happy on Christmas Day when she met and named her Serena.”

How can life go on after the Holocaust? That is the theme for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day event at Merton Council featuring guest speakers from across the faith and local community.

Residents are invited to the free event on Tuesday 24 January which marks Holocaust Memorial Day, remembering the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27 1945.

The evening’s programme to be held at the council chamber at the Civic Centre in Morden from 7pm to 9pm, includes a presentation from a member of the Second Generation Network and contributions from local politicians, community representatives, religious leaders and the Wimbledon Synagogue choir.

This year’s theme is ‘how can life go on’ and urges us to reflect on our responsibilities after such crimes and how survivors are supported to rebuild their lives.

The mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser who will be leading the event said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives through the atrocities of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides and honour the survivors.

“In Merton we are proud of our diverse community where people from different backgrounds get on well together. The event shows our commitment to continuously working to erase hatred, prejudice and discrimination in the borough.”

The council also has an exhibition in the Civic Centre reception displaying information on the Holocaust and other genocides. It will be there until January 27 and is free to visit.

For further information on Holocaust memorial events visit www.merton.gov.uk/holocaustmemorialday

How can life go on after the Holocaust? That is the theme for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day event at Merton Council featuring guest speakers from across the faith and local community.

Residents are invited to the event on Tuesday 24 January which marks Holocaust Memorial Day, remembering the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27 1945.

The evening’s programme to be held at the council chamber at the Civic Centre in Morden from 7pm to 9pm, includes a presentation from a member of the Second Generation Network and contributions from local politicians, community representatives, religious leaders and the Wimbledon Synagogue choir.

This year’s theme is ‘how can life go on’ and urges us to reflect on our responsibilities after such crimes and how survivors are supported to rebuild their lives.

The mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser who will be leading the event said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives through the atrocities of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides and honour the survivors.

“In Merton we are proud of our diverse community where people from different backgrounds get on well together. The event shows our commitment to continuously working to erase hatred, prejudice and discrimination in the borough.”

The council also has an exhibition in the Civic Centre reception displaying information on the Holocaust and other genocides. It will be there until January 27.

For further information on Holocaust memorial events visit www.merton.gov.uk/holocaustmemorialday

How can life go on after the Holocaust? That was the theme for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day event at Merton Council featuring guest speakers from across the faith and local community.

Moving tributes were paid to victims, prayers from different faiths were read out and the melodic tones of the Wimbledon Synagogue Choir rang out to mark the 72^nd anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Residents were invited to the event on Tuesday 24 January which marks Holocaust Memorial Day, remembering the anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27 1945.

The evening’s programme was held at the council chamber at the Civic Centre in Morden and included a presentation from David Clark, a member of the Second Generation Network and contributions from local politicians, community representatives, religious leaders and the Wimbledon Synagogue choir.

Never Shall I Forget from Holocaust survivor and Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel’s novel Night was read out, alongside Anthony Parker’s Would You Speak if They Came For Me? and a poem about the children of Rwanda by Reverend Francois Murenzi.

This year’s theme is ‘how can life go on’ and urges us to reflect on our responsibilities after such crimes and how survivors are supported to rebuild their lives.

The mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser who led the event said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives through the atrocities of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides and honour the survivors.

“In Merton we are proud of our diverse community where people from different backgrounds get on well together. The event shows our commitment to continuously working to erase hatred, prejudice and discrimination in the borough.”

The council also has an exhibition in the Civic Centre reception displaying information on the Holocaust and other genocides. It will be there until January 27.

For further information on Holocaust memorial events visit www.merton.gov.uk/holocaustmemorialday

Hundreds of music lovers braved the rain on Saturday to enjoy an international concert by young musicians which raised £1,500 for the mayor of Merton’s charities.

The audience of 280 were transported to the golden sands and warm sunshine of Caribbean islands by the sounds of the Panash Steel Pan Youth and Community Orchestras who skilfully interpreted songs such as Wise Men Say and Israeli folk song Hava Nagila. They won the Croydon Performing Arts Festival last year and will be performing nationwide throughout the year before returning to Merton to be based at Stanford Primary School.  

Panash Steel Pan Youth and Community Orchestras perform for the audience

Gaelic folk music led into the Merton Music Foundation’s Young Voices, together with children from the Maria Sklodowska-Curie Saturday School, who sang a traditional Polish song and others from around the world.

Performances from Crown Lane Percussion Groups and the Merton Youth Jazz Orchestra joined traditional Indian cine and folk dancing on the bill for the evening.

The concert on Saturday January 28 at St Mark’s Church of England Academy, Acacia Road, Mitcham, was in aid of the mayor’s charities, Age UK Merton and the Avanti Club and raised the funds in ticket sales, a raffle and donations. 

The mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser, said: “The concert has not only showcased the wealth of musical talent but the different styles of music from around the world which we are lucky to have within our community. I would like to thank the parents of the children who performed and the Merton Music Foundation, particularly Soo Bishop for all her hard work in putting on this wonderful concert.”

The mayor of Merton visited children at Haslemere Primary School in Mitcham to hear what they had learnt about staying safe online with advice from the council as part of Safer Internet Day.

The mayor of Merton, Councillor Brenda Fraser, with school children from Haslemere Primary School.

The mayor, Councillor Brenda Fraser, enjoyed listening to the children’s ideas at the school on Tuesday February 7.

The children presented their ideas on what they thought staying safe online meant, and learnt how to use technology positively and stay safe when using the internet on mobile phones, at home or at school.

Schools across the borough are taking part in activities to promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.

Globally, Safer Internet Day is celebrated in more than 100 countries, coordinated by the joint Insafe/INHOPE network, with the support of the European Commission, and national Safer Internet Centres across Europe. In the UK it is coordinated by the UK Safer Internet Centre.

Cllr Fraser said: “It was a pleasure to visit Haslemere Primary School and take part in their Safer Internet Day activities. The children had some very impressive ideas on how to promote the safe and responsible use of the internet which I hope they will remember for many years to come.”

Cabinet member for education, Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah said: “Staying safe online is incredibly important and I am delighted children in Merton are being encouraged to use the internet responsibly and safely in this way.”

A special memorial service was held at South Manchester Crematorium this week in honour of the first woman to be Mayor of Merton.

Councillor Vera Maud Bonner, Mayor of Merton 1973-1974

Mrs Vera Bonner, who sadly passed away towards the end of last year, was mayor for the year 1973/74. A member of the Labour Group, she served on Mitcham Council 1963-1965 and was ward councillor for Mitcham North from May 1971 until she retired in May 1978.  Mrs Bonner sat on many committees including the Establishment, Libraries and Baths Committee, the Works Staff Joint Committee, Wimbledon Theatre Committee, Parks Committee and the Recreation and Arts Committee.

Anyone wishing to leave a message of condolence should contact the Mayor’s office at Merton Civic Centre, Morden.

Current Mayor of Merton Councillor Brenda Fraser said: “My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Bonner’s family. As the first woman to be Mayor of Merton, she broke the mould. Her invaluable work on the many committees covering a broad range of council business meant that she was involved in a wide variety of services valued by our residents.”

Leader of Merton Council Councillor Stephen Alambritis said: “As we think of Mrs Bonner’s family at this sad time, we can also reflect on a lifetime of dedicated public service. As the first woman to be Mayor of Merton, she will always hold a special place in our borough’s history.”

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Mitcham schools celebrated recent staff and student successes in an uplifting award Ceremony at St Marks Academy.

The programme consisted of an Award ceremony for staff and pupils from Mitcham Town Community Trust Schools, music entertainment from Cranmer and St Thomas of Canterbury school choirs and an art display from the Shed 13.

The Celebration event was the fifth yearly event showcasing hard work, efforts and positive attitude in over 60 students in Mitcham Town. This year acknowledge the resilience, kindness and good will in members of staff who make schools the best they can be.

Mayor of Merton Brenda Fraser, Cllr Caroline Cooper-Marbiah and Director of Education Yvette Stanley attended the event which was sponsored by Taylor Family Foundation.

Mayor of Merton Councillor Brenda Fraser said: “These students have done exceptionally well and it’s only right we acknowledge their hard work and dedication. This event demonstrates what our young people can achieve with the right support behind them.”

Cllr Caroline Cooper-Marbiah said: “MTCT is a great example of several organisations coming together with one goal – raising educational standards and life chances of young people within the community and creating ongoing learning opportunities. This collaborative work ultimately leads to inspirational teaching and improved pupil attainment that creates a community with high aspirations able to reach their full potential.”

Kristina Burton, MTCT Development and Project Manager said: “It is a true pleasure being a part of such a united group of schools and inspirational leaders. I am very proud of all our achievements and look forward to offering even wider range of new and exciting learning opportunities to the whole community.”

Former Mayor of Merton, Honorary Alderman Ron Haddow JP, has died aged 97. He passed away peacefully at St Christopher’s Hospice on Friday 10 March. 

Cllr Ron Haddow, Mayor of Merton 1979-1980

Councillor Haddow was a Labour councillor for Mitcham South and Ravensbury Ward from 1971 until 1986.

He was Mayor of Merton in 1979-1980 and Leader of the Opposition from 1981-1985.

He served on many committees including Policy and Resources, Town Planning and Development, Social Services, Appeals, Emergency, Merton Police Liaison and Merton Safety Group, and on many committees outside of the council including Merton Citizens Advice Bureau and the Mitcham Common Conservators.

The funeral will take place at 11am on Wednesday 5 April at St Peter’s and St Paul’s Catholic Church, Mitcham, followed by a short service at North East Surrey Crematorium.

The family have asked for donations to St Raphael’s Hospice instead of flowers.

Current Mayor of Merton Councillor Brenda Fraser said: “Ron served his local community in so many ways over the years and his efforts are greatly appreciated by all of us.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. I met Ron a few weeks ago at a reception in the Mayoral Parlour. His memory will stay with us for a long time. Rest in peace.”

Leader of Merton Council Councillor Stephen Alambritis said: “Ron was a true stalwart and strong in his support for fairness and gentle in his work for residents.

“I was honoured to have been his councillor in Ravensbury where he lived. I picked up many tips from him on how to be a better councillor. He always championed those seeking help. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

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Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, announced at this week’s full council meeting (12 April 2017) that he will be nominating Councillor Marsie Skeete as the Mayor of Merton for 2017-2018.

The Longthornton ward councillor is expected to formally take over mayoral duties from the current mayor and fellow Longthornton ward representative, Councillor Brenda Fraser, at a special mayor making ceremony on 17 May at the civic centre.

Councillor Skeete was elected to Merton Council in 2014. She works as a lecturer in English at HMP High Down Prison in Belmont.

Councillor Skeete said: “It is a great honour to have been chosen Mayor of Merton for 2017-18 and I am very much looking forward to working with our many wonderful community groups and residents in the borough over the coming year.  We are very lucky to be home to so many residents who really care about the borough and the people who live here. I appreciate the great responsibility of representing Merton. Councillor Fraser has done such a great job as first citizen of the borough over the past year and I hope to be a worthy successor.”

The Union Jack flag outside the civic centre has been lowered to half mast in memory of those who have died as a result of the Manchester attack last night.

Leader of the council Councillor Stephen Alambritis signing the book of condolence today

A book of condolence has been opened at the entrance to the civic centre in Morden, which all are welcome to sign. Mayor of Merton, Councillor Marsie Skeete, will send the messages of support to Manchester City Council as a token of respect from the people of Merton to the people of Manchester.

Councillor Marsie Skeete was elected the new Mayor of Merton at the council’s annual general meeting.

She takes over the mayoral duties from outgoing mayor Councillor Brenda Fraser after being elected to Merton Council three years ago to represent the residents of Longthornton Ward.

The mayor, who works as an English lecturer at HMP High Downs Prison in Sutton, said: “It is a great honour to have been chosen and I look forward to working with our many wonderful community groups and residents in the borough during the coming year. 

“We are lucky to be home to so many residents who really care about the borough and the people who live here. I appreciate the great responsibility of representing Merton.

“Councillor Fraser has done a great job as first citizen of the borough over the past year and I hope to be a worthy successor.”

The new Deputy Mayor for 2017-2018 will be Councillor Judy Saunders. It will be familiar territory for Councillor Saunders who has  previously been both Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the borough.

The mayor’s charities for the year will be Merton Mencap and the Commonside Development Community Trust which improves the lives and environment for the local community.

​​​Food lovers are invited to a taste of something exotic at A Touch of Guyana, a three course dinner organised by the Mayor of Merton Councillor Marsie Skeete on June 23.

The alcohol free event will be held between 6pm-midnight at the Chak89 Restaurant in Bond Road, Mitcham, CR4 3HJ with a dress code of smart/Guyanese colours.

Guyana is recognised as a one of the friendliest countries in the world and guests at the mayor’s fund-raising event are promised an equally warm welcome.

Tickets cost £30 with proceeds going to the mayor’s chosen charities of Merton Mencap and Commonside Community Development Trust

Bookings via merton.gov.uk/charityevents. For more information, email mayor@merton.gov.uk or ring 020 8545 3517.

There will be a minute silence tomorrow morning (6 June) at 11am to remember those who died in the terror attack in London on Saturday evening. Residents are invited to stand alongside council staff outside the civic centre in Morden from 10.50am.

The Mayor of Merton’s Chaplain, the Reverend Gerry Stanton, will lead proceedings.

Book of condolence

A book of condolence is at the entrance to the civic centre which all are welcome to sign.

The Union Jack remains at half mast following the Manchester attack two weeks ago.

A minute’s silence was  held outside the Civic Centre at noon today in remembrance of those affected by the terrorist attack in Finsbury Park last Monday.

The Union Jack flag was lowered to half mast by Deputy Mayor, Councillor Judy Saunders.

There is a book of condolence at the entrance to the Civic Centre which all are welcome to sign.