Death of the Mayor of Croydon - Cllr Jonathan Driver

This morning I heard the very sad news that the Mayor of Croydon Cllr Jonathan Driver had died on New Year's Eve. During my time as mayor I had met Jonathan on many occasions and found him to be a great ambassador of Croydon, he had also attended charity events in Merton including a quiz night in September in which his team won. He was extremely competitive and we shared some friendly banter that night, but it was in a friendly nature and he was a person who had a great sense of humour. My deepest sympathies extend to all his family on their loss and may he rest in peace.

Merton wins 1st prize in New Year's Day Parade

Well the New Year got off to a winning start with our entry in the New Year's Day Parade 'Winter Wonderland' winning 1st Prize and in the process winning The Let's Help London Challenge which all the 23 competing London borough's had entered. For my charities it has also meant winning a prize of £7,500 for my charities, along with a huge glass trophy which will have pride of place in the Mayor's Parlour. To say I am elated is an understatement, I thought we'd do well and get a prize but to come out on top is beyond my wildest dreams. This has to be possibly my best moment since becoming Mayor of Merton last May. In all twelve prizes were awarded and it was counted down from 12th, the award ceremony was for me very nerve wracking and when it was announced all the Merton party were overjoyed at our success.

I would like to thank each and every person involved in the winning Merton entry, I am so proud of everyone and what we have achieved today. Many hours of toil has gone into our success but all the work has been worth it and as a result both my charities; The Wimbledon Guild and The Vine Project will benefit as a result of winning 1st prize.

In terms of the Parade itself it was a fantastic day despite the cold weather, the marching bands from the States were brilliant along with many of the entries into the parade. The New Year's Day Parade is a great spectacle to welcome in the New Year and I would like to thank the organisers of the event for putting on such a wonderful and joyous occasion.

Please click her for a link to New Tube which is a film of the day and of our entry: http://video.google.co.uk/videosearch?hl=en&rlz=1T4GGLR_enGB283GB283&resnum=0&q=Youtube%20%2B%20Merton&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wv#hl=en&rlz=1T4GGLR_enGB283GB283&resnum=0&q=Youtube%20%2B%20Merton&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wv&st=day