Visiting schools

Over the last week visiting schools has been the most prominent engagement in the mayoral diary and in the last week I've visited eight schools across Merton. After all that you'd think I'd have had enough of going to schools, but nothing could be further from the truth, and I've found many of my visits to be both inspiring and in some cases even inspirational.

The events I've attended have varied, but include various prize givings and attending end of year productions. This year also see the first intake who've been at primary schools from reception to year six, this followed a reorganisation of Merton schools a few years ago which saw Merton move the age of transfer to 11. For many headteachers it's also an emotional time as they've now seen children coming in at 4 and leaving now, at 11, for secondary.

Many of the end of year productions I've seen have been first class, and it is clear hours of work have gone into them. Likewise the prize givings have been very rewarding, one child was given an award for 100% attendance from reception class to year six, 21 terms without missing a day of school, a quite remarkable achievement. Also as well, I have given out various prizes for achievement in schools be it in sport, music, IT, science, maths, english etc, but also awards for behaviour and attendance.

In many schools it is quite clear that the teachers have done a remarkable job, and I've found them to be both dedicated and committed to the education of their children. Likewise many parents have been very supportive of schools and have been present to share the success of their children. I hope both teachers and students enjoy a well deserved Summer break ready for another school year in September, my best wishes also goes to all those students transferring to high school in September.

Mitcham Eastfields station opening

Last Thursday, I attended the opening of the new Mitcham Eastfields Station in Mitcham - the first new to station to open in Outer London since the war. At the opening was various dignatries including the Minister, Tom Harris MP, Siobhain Mc Donagh MP, Council leader David Williams and councillors. Also in attendance was representatives from Network Rail, Southern, First Captial Connect and Tfl.

Although it was the official opening, the station has been operating now for over seven weeks. As a local resident, and someone who commutes to London for work I have found the station has made my journey to work that much easier, and quicker. I have also noticed the increased usage at the station, the 0807 which I catch regularly to work usually has over 100 people waiting to board, the station has certainly proved to be a great success in a short period of time.

With the new station, it has also put Mitcham on the map and made it much more accessible to the outside world. It has taken over 70 years' for the new station to happen, but at last it's here and making a real difference locally.

Ahmadiyya charity walk

Yesterday I was involved in charity walk organsied by members of Ahmadiyya community which is based at the Batul Fatuh mosque in Morden. The walk took place along the River Wandle ending at Wandsworth. Over 3,000 people took part,and they raised over £250,000 for charity, a quite phenomenal sum.

My mayoral charities(The Wimbledon Guild of Social Welfare & The Vine Project), also received a cheque of £3,500, a figure way beyond my expectations and I'm extremely grateful for their support and contribution. Many other charities also gained from the walk, including £30,000 for a well project in Africa which will provide running water to some of the most needy in the world, along with a whole host of other charities.

At the end of the day when the amounts were announced, I also made a speech at the Batul Futuh Mosque in Morden, with over 1,000 people present. What impressed me so much was their ability to work with a wide range of other organisations to raise money, and ensure that a number of different organisations benefit from their work. These events really bring people together, and many who took part came from across the country. My appreciation, as well, goes to the organisers and all those that took part, it was a wonderful day and raised a great deal so for charity.

Wimbledon tennis

With today being the first day of Wimbledon tennis, I had the pleasure of being a guest in the royal box of Wimbledon. Having been a tennis fan for many years this was amazing experience, and a very memorable occasion. Thankfully the weather held(which is untypical of Wimbledon) and it was a glorious summer's day. The day itself included watching some great tennis, including another comprehensive performance from Roger Federer who cruised through to the second round. I also saw Ana Jackovic put on a performance that shows why she is the no 1 seed at Wimbledon. Also on display was Novak Djokovic, who ran out a 3 sets to 1 winner.

Being in the royal box gives you the best view in the house, and an brilliant vantage point to watch the tennis. Among the guests in the royal box was HRH Duke of Kent, HRH Duchess of Kent, Jackie Stewart and former Wimbledon champion, Richard Kraijeck. This year also seen the return of a roof to Centre Court, and the new retractable roof that will be ready for 2009 Championships is nearly in place. When finished the days of rain stopped play at Centre Court will come to an end.

The London Borough of Merton values its position as the host borough; its the largest sporting event held in Britain every year and while the influx of people does transform Wimbledon Village and causes some logistical issues, nevertheless, its part of our history and is a source of great pride to the Borough.

I would also like to thank the Chairman of the All England Club, Tim Philips for his hospitality and for making me so welcome. It was a great day, and a day I'll remember the day for a long time to come.

Summertime at the Royal Albert Hall

This evening I attended Summertime at the Royal Albert Hall. This was a concert put on by various schools throughout London, including Bishopsford in Morden. At the concert the schools from throughout London put on a variety of different dances; in the case of Bishopsford it was street dance. Other schools performed dances that included salsa, bollywood, hip hop and ballet. After all the schools had performed, they all came together and performed Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin. This was a stunning display which included ballet, and was a rousing finale to the evening.

The performances in itself were amazing, and it was fantastic to see so many children having the opportunity to perform at The Royal Albert Hall. I've no doubt it will be a memory that will stay in their mind for ever, hopefully some will even go on to do even greater things in the course of time. The time and effort that went in to the performances is also worth mentioning, many have spent months preparing for this and I have to say it was a perfect 10 both for Bishopsford and for many other schools.

I also find it greatly rewarding that they've had the opportunity to perform dance, the activities add a great deal to the school curriculum and it's clear that many have gained a great deal from their participation in dance. Credit also has to go to their instructors who've helped them get to this level; their time and commitment has opened the door for many to get involved in dance and in performing on the big stage. The involvement of the English National Ballet and Imperial Society of Teaching of Dancing has also been of great benefit to those involved. It also shows that exam results are not everything, and that other activities can give children a very rewarding education. Tonight was a great enjoyment to watch and my congratulations goes to Bishopsford and others on such a fantastic performance.

Mitcham Carnival

On Saturday, I participated in the Mitcham Carnival and the parade from Figges Marsh to Three Kings Piece. The parade was an enormous success with many different floats, along with hundreds of people on the side of the road cheering the parade on. The Carnival itself is always one of the highlights of the mayoral year in Merton, and this year was no exception. At the end of the parade, I had to pick the winning float, and after careful consideration I chose Blue Starz, a dance and cheerleading outfit. They received a trophy, with the other participants all getting certificates.

At the Carnival itself, along with my consort for the day Catherine O'Neill, I visited various stalls along with meeting many different people in the course of the day. As happens on nearly any other mayoral engagement, my attendant Carl was busy taking photographs of the day; it is something I've got very used to in my month as mayor but it'll provide a great memento of my mayoral year when it's all over!

After a short visit to attend an environmental fayre in Wimbledon, I returned to present the prizes in the little league football competition. Mike Smith, manager of McDonalds Mitcham donated the trophies and he also supplied food, which was certainly appreciated by myself as finding time to eat is not an easy task in the course of the day. His generosity and commitment is greatly appreciated by myself.

In all, I would like to thank everyone involved in organising such a wonderful carnival, the mayoral office in Merton co-ordinates the carnival but it's a huge logistical operation to get everything right and ensure that it works properly. It was also a great joy to see so many people having such a good time and enjoying the day.

I feel exhausted, but I've certainly enjoyed myself today.

Mayoral reception at Morden Park house

On Thursday night, I hosted a civic mayoral reception in the grounds of Morden Park House attended by over 200 people. Although I became mayor three weeks, Merton decided a few years ago to have a separate reception after the mayor making rather then have it on the same night. At the event were a variety of guests including Merton Council colleagues, officers, family, and friends along with people who have contributed to the Borough of Merton and have been of assistance to the mayoral office. The venue itself is beautiful, and even more so on what was the idyllic summer evening. The reception an ensemble from Merton Music Foundation, who performed a medley of music. I would like to thank everyone in the mayoral office for making the event such a success, it seemed from feedback that people had a good time and enjoyed the evening.