Fireworks display

Recently I was at both the firework displays at Morden Park on 1st November and Wimbledon Park on 5th November. Both were pretty amazing, and my appreciation goes to the Council officers who ensure that Merton has one of the best displays in London. The Morden Park event was a bit of a washout due to torrential rain but even in those adverse conditions was great to watch, and the firework certainly lit up the night sky and made it a night to remember. I also 'won' a number of teddy bears at the fun fair which was held alongside the fireworks, currently they're sitting in the Mayor's Parlour and will be raffle prizes at my next charity event, as mayor you certainly build up a collection of teddies some of which are pretty big!

Remembrance Sunday

On Sunday, I attended and laid a wreath as Mayor of Merton at remembrance services that took place at The Nelson Hospital and Mitcham Cricket Green. The day itself was very poignant, and in parts moving as we remembered all those who fought for our country in both wars in order that we enjoy the freedoms we have today, but also remembering all those who have lost their lives in more recent conflict across the world, including Iraq and Afghanistan.

At both services it was encouraging to see the number of people that turned up to remember those who had died serving their country, including the large number of young people attending. At Mitcham it was thought to be the largest turnout of people for many years. We also had the army cadets', air cadets, sea cadets' and the scouts in attendance and they all played an active role in the services.

I would also like to give a special thanks to the Royal British Legion for their support, along with the invaluable work that they do each year on behalf of ex-service families who benefit from the poppy appeal. They make a significant contribution in regonising those who have served our country and in giving them suppport.

The day ended with lunch at the new Territorial Army centre in Morden which was opened by Princess Anne recently. Many of the Territorial Army Unit had also served recently in Iraq and Afghanistan and were involved in the main cenotaph commemoration in Whitehall.

On Tuesday, I will also be participating in the Armistice Day service at the Civic Centre in Morden which will take place at 11 and will mark the 90th anniversary of the end of World War I.

London mayors' civic service

Earlier today I attended the annual London Mayors' civic service at Westminster Abbey. At the service, nearly all the mayors of London come together fully robed and in their regalia - it's certainly a sight to see and one that normally only happens once a year. The service also sees the mayors processing into the Abbey, behind their mace bearer.

At the service we had a number of hymns and psalms, sung by the wonderful choristers' at Westminster Abbey along with an excellent sermon by the former Bishop of Norwich, Rt Rev Peter Knott. Westminster Abbey is London's most historic church and going there makes you appreciate even more the historical significance of this great church, along with the role it has played over the centuries.

Wimbledon Guild annual meeting

I had the great pleasure of attending the annual meeting of the Wimbledon Guild last Tuesday at Drake House Wimbledon. The Guild is one of my chosen charities for my mayoral year, and does a huge amount of good work within Merton, along with helping many of those in need. The range of activities they undertake is vast, but includes small grants to those in need, or have fallen upon hard times; it may be a washing machine, a school uniform, an over but through these grants they've helped innumerable people in Merton. Likewise they provide a daily luncheon club for older people, along with providing a range of activities like keep-fit, art groups', needlework, music groups; the list is endless. They have also opened a state of the art family therapy suite in the last year which received lottery funding, and is an excellent resource.

My thanks goes to their chief executive, Russel Humphries, but also to their chair, Sheila Dunman who has just taken over from Adrian Barnes, chair for the past four years'. At the event, I made a presentation to Adrian Barnes, for being chair but also to Ron Goddard, the retiring treasurer. We are extremely lucky to have such a successful charity in Merton that does so much good for the people living in the borough. Their AGM was not just a meeting, it was also an exhibition of various voluntary groups in the borough, only when you're mayor do you truly recognise the invaluable role that the voluntary sector plays in the Borough and how their importance in providing services in the community, or in helping people. Like the Wimbledon Guild, their contribution is immeasurable.

Charity dog night

Last week I held a highly-successful dog night attended by over 80 people. The Dog night is a long-running charity event that the Mayor of Merton has organised every year, it was a night of great fun and enjoyment though sadly I did not have too many winners' on this occasion. At the event was a number of mayors from across London (or as we say in mayorspeak - the chain gang), it is quite a display when so many mayors' turn up at an event but it was great to have their support. All of the money raised from the night will all go towards my two chosen chairities - Wimbledon Guild and The Vine Project.

Trafalgar & CAMRA London pub of the year

On Thursday I was delighted to visit The Trafalgar pub in South Wimbledon which has just become the CAMRA(Campaign for Real Ale)London pub of the year. This is a fantastic achievement, and my congratulations go to David and Karen who run the pub for winning this award. They will now go forward to the national competition and hopefully will win pub of the year for the whole country.

The Trafalgar is a small pub, but specializes in serving many locally brewed beer's - indeed through it's diversity of beers it has attracted many people to the pub and this is no mean feat in a time when many small pubs are struggling to survive. The pub itself is small, but compact and despite the limited space is very much a community pub. I can also testify that beer is excellent, and I would certainly recommend a trip to the pub. Further details are on the link below.

http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/65/6588/Trafalgar_Freehouse/South_Wimbledon