Irish Night

Last Friday, I held an extremely successful Irish Night at the Irish Centre in Wimbledon attended by over 150 people. This was a night of music and dancing with a band led by Mary Farrell, who has provided the entertainment for the Mayor's Irish night for many years.

It was also fantastic to have such great support from across the borough, but especially in the Irish community. The previous Tuesday I had attended the St Patrick's Night at the centre, and it was great to see so many people coming together and celebrating.

Being of Irish descent I am also immensely proud of my Irish roots, but also everything that the Irish community have achieved in Merton, many of whom, like my own parents came to this country back in the fifties and sixties to seek a better life. I also think it's important that the Irish community can come together and be proud of the identity and background; expressing it music and dancing is one way of doing this!

It was a great night, and thanks to everyone who helped make the night a great success.

Duke of Gloucester Visit to Merton

This morning Merton had a royal visit from the Duke of Gloucester who visited Bishop Gilpin School (which is celebrating 250 years) and Southside House in Wimbledon. At the school itself we had a performance from children at the school that displayed their musical talents; followed by a re-enactment of the history of the school performed by children at the school. This was one of the first schools established in London, and established at a time when there were few schools in existence. The children were a credit to the school, and afterwards I also met many of them in their classroom where they asked a number of questions about my role as Mayor, but also about my chain. To conclude the visit a stone was unveiled by the Duke to celebrate 250 years of the school, and also all the children joined hands round the school while singing 'Reach for the Stars'

Following on from this we had a reception and tour of Southside House (one of the most historic houses in Merton), it also has wonderful gardens and one of Wimbledon's hidden gems. Also at the reception were a number of representatives from both my charities and from the voluntary sector in Merton. It was great to be able to thank them for all their efforts, and also allow themselves the opportunity to talk about their work to the Duke of Gloucester.