Goodbye 2008, hello 2009

Another year draws to a close in a few hours time, a year that for me has been a very rewarding one but also one that has gone in a flash. As I look back over the period since I become Mayor in May - I certainly have learned a great deal and have many great memories from 2008.

Anyway, tomorrow sees the dawn of 2009 and as mayor I am off to watch the New Year's Day Parade in London and also support Merton's entry in the parade which is themed around 'Winter Wonderland'.

The entry from Merton will be a spectacular one and will include a bike-riding reindeer will pulling a white sleigh carrying the snow king and queen who will be joined by snow people, elves, fairies, polar bears and two giant stilt walkers. It is all very colourful and hopefully it we will do very well as any prizes we gain go to my charities which are The Wimbledon Guild and The Vine Project.

My colleague and past Mayor of Merton, Cllr Geraldine Stanford has also done a fantastic job in co-ordinating the float, and getting so many people involved in our entry. I also have others to thank including Peter Walder from Abbey Mills, Russel Humphries from the Wimbledon Guild, Cllr Linda Kirby for putting together the the Winter Wonderland theme song(and fantastic to hear) and also everyone involved in putting together the costumes. I would also like to thank all the children involved in the parade which has included students of Wimbledon Chase school recording the Winter Wonderland theme song. Also as well to the countless number of people participating on behalf of Merton, at the last count it was 40+, my appreciation is extended to everyone involved.

It will be an exciting start to 2009, but one I am looking forward to despite the predicted freezing weather(at least the forecast is for dry weather!)My fingers are crossed for success tomorrow, but whatever the result I am very proud of the effort everyone has put in.

I hope everyone in Merton has a very Happy New Year and all the best for 2009!

Merry Christmas

I would just to like to wish everyone in Merton a Merry Christmas, it is also the season of goodwill along with thinking of others and on Christmas Day I will be visiting St Helier Hospital in the morning, followed by a lunch in Mitcham parish church centre.