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Towards New Year

Boxing Day was a free day for us to enjoy with the family, but from 27th to New Year it was hard graft on the float entry. The New Year's Day Parade is now 21 years old. Sutton usually enters a float. All the London Boroughs are encouraged to enter and twelve prizes are awarded from £7000 for the first prize, down to six prizes of £1000. The flatbed lorry was delivered to the St. Nicholas Centre underground delivery area just before Christmas and on 27th December a small group assembled in the dark, cold basement ready to start work. Peter and Phil, our stalwart rotarians got the scaffolding framework set up, while Val and Stan Coleman started painting the sides.

We had decided to take as our theme the re-introduction of commercial lavender growing in the Borough. At the turn of the last century all the land around Carshalton and Wallington was extensively used for lavender growing, but over the years rising demand for housing squeezed out the lavender - the largest area being given over to a sewage farm. However earlier this year Mayfield Lavender www.mayfieldlavender.com, near Oaks Park, Carshalton, harvested its first commercial crop. My wife and I attended the harvest and marvelled at the almost luminous purple of the lavender field.

Our float would represent distilling the lavender for essentail oil, using the oil for aromatherapy and the bees and honey that will be gathered from the lavender field. Phil cut out a number of bees to attach to the lavender field. Martin and Helen spent long hours painting them. They also travelled on the lorry as our beekeepers, providing their own outfits, and my wife and I hastily repainting one of our old beehives to make it look respectable. Lucy from the Carers' Centre make the dummy and Clive, Janet, Phil and Peter made the couch, the lavender still, produced the sound system and the smoke machine to pour smoke from the still chimney. By Saturday afternoon most of the work had been completed and while I visited the Angel Home's 10th anniversary party the remaining workers retired for a well earned rest. The lorry had now been transformed from a flat bed lorry to a lavender field, with real lavender plants growing along the edge.

Ready to go

Leaflets explaining the entry were produced courtesy of Rotary and Lorna May of Mayfield lavender produced 5000 scented lavender strips to be given out along the route. Stan Coleman cut out six large wooden letter spelling SUTTON. Sutton's girl guides, who always prove so helpful on Parade Days, once again provided a team, and Phil, Peter and Clive camd dressed as bees. The young carers dressed up as lavender fairies and beekeepers, and Councillor Janet Lowne came as a senior lavender fairy. Orchard Hill College provided a mini bus and the staff came dressed in academic garb.

The lavender fairies

 

                                                The bees

 

Councillor Janet Lowne as the Number 1 lavender fairy

With a team like that how could we fail.

My wife spent New Year's Eve where she spends it every year - on the end of a bell rope ringing in the New Year. One year I must get her out of the belfry and show her how the rest of the populationcelebrate New Year's Eve. As we left our friend's house after post ringing drinks the rain was pouring down, and the wind howling. We imagined ourselves a few hours from now plodding the streets of London with the rain pouring down and the odd brave spectator cheering us on.

 

Music for London Gala Concert

Every year the marching bands that come from America take part in a concert at Westminster Central Hall. This year's bands came from Minnesota, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. Before the concert the Lord Mayor of Westminster hosts a reception in the Mayor's Reception Rooms in Westminster City Hall - a magnificent eyrie on the 18th floor with magnificent views over London. It was nice to get together with other Mayors from the London Boroughs. Towards the end of the evening a television camera is set up and all the Mayors wish everyone a Happy New Year. These messages go out with the New Year's Day Parade footage.

A coach is provided to take everyone to Westminster Central Hall. The concert was excellent with a wide range of music.  A most enjoyable evening.

Christmas Day

As we had two visits to make this morning the family took charge of lunch.  Weeks before Christmas were spent co-ordinating menus, agreeing who should bring what, and who cook what. It ws an interesting logistical exercise organising a Christmas lunch from four different homes but they managed brilliantly.

We left for our first visit to the Salvation Army lunch in Carshalton with no qualms at all. We were met by Captain Christine Budding and spent our time wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas.

We then moved onto the Churches Together Christmas Lunch in the United Reform Church in Wallington. This was a huge affair, very well organised with everyone in their right place and knowing what they were doing. Again we chatted to the visitors, wished them Happy Christmas and chatted to and thanked all the helpers, meeting incidentally lots of familiar faces. Volunteers are rarely single issue people - the same people seem to pop up everywhere. Father Grant from St. Michaels Church, Wallington, said grace and then it was all hands to the pump to get the meal on the table. We said our goodbyes and went home to enjoy our own Christmas lunch.

Two clear days

Nothing in the diary now until Christmas Day. Mad dash around to get ready for Christmas, wrap and label presents etc. before joinging our daughter and the rest of the family for tea on Christmas Eve.

Graduation day for LIFE (Local Intervention Fire Education) project

This is now the third LIFE graduation we have attended and it is always an impressive display.  It is a one week crash course in the dangers of arson and how it affects the Fire Service. The young people, recommended by their schools or by Social Service Departments, are offered a week's course. They are treated as beginner fire fighters, and wear the full uniform right down to the helmets and heavy boots. They learn how to find bodies in darkened rooms full of smoke, how to use the hoses and respirators, and climb ladders to first floor windows. On their final day they give a performance to their parents, siblings, friends and civic dignitaries. The last graduation we attended was in the summer, but today was bitterly cold, and the idea of running round with hoses and getting very wet did not appeal.

The demonstration of putting out a fire, lowering a body to the ground floor and then refitting the fire engine ready for the next outing was very impressive

After the demonstration the students were introduced by their trainers, given feedback on the week's work presented with their certificates, plus a letter of recommendation should they ever wish to join the Fire Service. Everyone then moved gratefully into the warmth indoors and enjoyed an excellent buffet.

A free day of sorts

Today there was nothing in the diary but with 1st January drawing ever nearer it was time to start assembling our float. Today's job was to collect 56 lavender plants from the local prison where they had been lovingly looked after by the gardens' staff. Downview Prison has been growing lavender now for many years, and although they no longer provide inmates to look after lavender in the community they still grow lavender and often make it available to the community. The lavender came up to the gate on a trolley and all my wife had to do was load the pots into the car - easier said than done. 56 lavender pots take up a lot of space. Having loaded it all she then had to do was drive home very carefully and unload the pots at the other end.

Cheam Priory Day Centre Christmas Lunch

This was our second visit to Cheam Priory Day Centre, and today's visit was to join the users of the centre for their  Christmas lunch. When we arrived everyone was sitting down waiting beneath some beautiful Christmas decorations. We are often asked how many Christmas lunches are eaten over the festive period and whether we get tired of turkey but this was our only 'turkey and all the trimmings lunch'. After the lunch the residents adjourned to the day room where entertainment was laid on for the afternoon.

Evening brough our last Citizenship Ceremony of the year.  There were new citizens from Ukraine, Iran, Sri Lanka, Ghana, the Philippines, South Africa, Israel and Poland. It was a nice ceremony with lots of children, but it will always go down in our memory as the 'mince pie evening'.

Before the ceremony tea, coffee and biscuits are provided for the new citizens, and my wife and I enjoy our coffee and biscuits after the ceremony. Being Christmas Helen had provided mince pies for us. However the children, collecting their coats after the ceremony, spotted the mince pies, and by the time we had finished the photo session all but one lonely little mince pie had disappeared, and a trail of crumbs led across the floor to the door!

Eversfield House Christmas Party and Frolic Mulled Wine and Mince Pie event

Eversfield House, residential home for the elderly, is always one of the first functions the Mayor attends in his year of office as their A.G.M. is at the beginning of the municipal year. Tonight, however, we were there to enjoy the Christmas party. All the residents were gathered in the large sitting room, which was adorned with the most enormous Christmas tree - being one of the original houses in Mulgrave Road it has the advantage of very high ceilings. It was nice to chat to the residents, friends and relations, and to wish them a Happy Christmas.

From here it was off to Carshalton for Frolic's (Friends of the Library in Carshalton) Christmas mulled wine and mince pie evening. It was nice to meet a number of old friends here including our M.P. Tom Brake and Chris Pennington a former Councillor and officer of Frolic. The mulled wine and mince pies were excellent. The raffle was drawn without mishap ie I managed not to draw my wife's ticket. She was then presented with a most beautiful bouquet of flowers which lasted right through the Christmas period, and looked lovely on the table on Christmas Day.

Speech Day - Wallington County Grammar School

We have been to a number of functions at Wallington Boys' School and always enjoy ourselves. Tonight's guest at speech day was Mr. Paul Deighton, an old boy of the school, and Chief Executive Officer for the London Olympic Games Organising Committee. Drinks were served in the Sixth Form Centre and then it was down to the serious business of prizegiving. The school always produces impressive results and this year was no exception. The report of the school year showed many wide ranging activites in the arts and sports as well as academic achievements. The list of boys going to university was a very long one.

The prizegiving concluded, Paul Deighton gave a most interesting and entertaining speech about his career since leaving Wallington.  One can quite see why the powers that be would want someone like him to be in charge of the Organising Committee for the London Olympics. We wish him every success.

Oakleigh Day Centre Christmas Visit and a carol service

Today's functions started with a Christmas visit to Oakleigh Day Centre, a residential care home. The large day room on the first floor was crowded with residents, friends and families. We chatted to as many people as possible but it was perforce a brief visit as we had to be at the carol service by 5pm. However we shall be back at Oakleigh in the New Year for Mrs. Louisa Gare's 100th birthday.

The London Borough of Sutton's civic service was held at the Salvation Army citadel in July. After the service Major Richard Mingay offered to hold a carol service for the Mayor. It was an uplifting experience. The puppets, which had so entertained everyone at the Civic Service, were busy again, this time mostly joining in with the carol, but not being averse to giving the animal next to them at quick nip if they thought they could get away with it.

There was a splendid version on screen of the 12 days of Christmas, showing how awful the festive season can be if we let ourselves be swept away by the commercialization of Christmas, and forget its real meaning.  There were two splendid nativity plays, one by the small children, and one by teenagers pretending to be six year old. This one had everyone rolling in the aisles. The music whether from the band, the young people, or the choir was excellent. All in all an excellent evening.

1001 Arabian Nights

After yesterday's extremely busy day we were glad to have most of the day free for Christmas preparations. However late afternoon there was a trip to see 1001 Arabian Nights at the Secombe Theatre in Sutton.

Along with the well known stories from the Arabian Nights were several less known, and the costumes and sets were very beautiful.

Behind us were a trio of very well versed children who knew all the correct responses "He's behind you" and "Oh no he isn't" which they yelled with great enthusiam. Altogether an excellent evening.

A busy day

Today started with a visit to the Royal Mardsen Hospital. We are so lucky here in Sutton to have such an eminent facility. We visited Smithers Ward and talked to a number of the patients, most of whom were on their way home for Christmas.

Although there were a number of patients in the Bud Flanagan Ward most were behind closed doors as their treatment required isolation.

Then it was a trip to the radiotherapy department. It looked like something from star wars. One can see why the equipment is so expensive, but oh so impressive.

After a quick lunch it was off to visit the Homebase Staff in Wallington. They have spent some weeks collecting presents for children who would perhaps not receive any presents. Labels giving the sex and age of the child are made available, the staff take a label, buy a gift wrap it and place it under the Chrsitmas tree. When we arrived the tree was surrounded by gifts. A quick photo opportunity a chat to the staff and then off to Ludlow Lodge

Staff at Homebase with presents bought for children

We visited Ludlow Lodge last to celebrate Mrs. May Vincent's 105th birthday. Today she was resting, but we had a chat with other residents and wished them a Merry Christmas.

Next came the Carers' Christmas Party at Granfers Hall. We arrived just as Maggie was encouraging everyone onto the dance floor - what could we do but join in? This was the afternoon that the world finally decided I should not be called upon to draw the raffle. Out of the first four numbers I drew , three belonged to my wife. After that I asked her to draw the tickets and we had no more mishaps. Christmas presents were given out to every carer present and the party continued with great enthusiasm.

Getting into the party spirit

Our final visit of the day was to Bridge House Care Centre.  Last time we visited Bridge House was one of the hottest days of the year and the barbecue was busy. Tonight was cold and dark but inside eveywhere was  warm and cosy and decorated with the most amazing decorations in silver and blue. There was a delicious buffet, the centrepiece of which was a large ice angel slowly and gently dripping as he melted. We rather liked this little fellow

We chatted to the residents and all their friends and relations. After the truly enormous raffle was drawn we wished everyone a Happy Christmas.

Christmas visit to the Royal Hospital Chelsea

Every year the Royal Naval Association in Carshalton organise a Christmas outing to Chelsea to join the residents of the Royal Hospital in an evening of carol singing followed by a social evening.

Fortunately we did the singing before the drinking started in earnest. We took our pianist with us along with the drums and drummer, so that sorted out the music. Carol sheets were passed around and strong armed tactics employed on anyone who demurred. Eventually a goodly number were assembled on the stage at the end of the bar and the singing commenced. Plenty of volume if not a lot of finesse.

The social evening then started in earnest and if you have ever been out with the navy you will have some idea of how they can put it away.(My wife switched to tonic water early on in the evening). Once the evening got warmed up various members of the group were called upon to sing. The songs while extremely entertaining were nothing like the carols of the earlier part of the evening.

A great evening altogether - thank you Carshalton Royal Naval Association.

A new school hall, a Christmas party and an induction

Another busy day. First it was the opening of a refurbished school hall at Stanley Park High School. We were met by Jane Pascoe the Chair of Governors and the Headteacher David Taylor. The hall looks very nice with raked seating to enable everyone to see the new stage. Champagne was served and I drew back the curtain and officially declared the new hall open. After the inevitable photo opportunity we watched a shortened performance of Dickens "A Christmas Carol", mince pies made by the students were served and there was an opportunity to chat to the cast and audience.

From there it was a short drive to Franklin House on Roundshaw for their Christmas party. The room was full of residents and visitors enjoying tea. Later we were entertained by a spirited young lady playing the violin. The audience were invited to join in some of the more popular songs which they did with gusto. Towards the end there was just time for a quick look round the home before leaving for -

The institution and induction of The Rev'd Darren Miller as Team Rector at St. Dunstan's Parish Church Cheam.

Another interesting evening. As Mayor it was my job to welcome Darren on behalf of the local community. The BIshop of Southwark Dr. Tom Butler conducted the induction and Darren was welcomed by Paul Burstow M.P. for Sutton and Cheam.

The service finished everyone adjourned to St. Dunstan's school for refreshments. Welcome to Cheam Darren and I hope your stay will be a happy one.

Christmas visit to Bawtree House, launch of the Carers' Forum and DMS Management Graduation Ceremony

Christmas is obviously coming and the number of functions is rising. Today started early with a visit to Bawtree House. Bawtree House is a short term home to assist the elderly regain the ability to lead an independent life after a term in hospital. Intensive physio is given to those who have suffered broken bones, and respite is available to those who need it. My wife and I chatted to the residents and wished them all a Merry Christmas.

Later we attended the relaunch of the Sutton Carers' Forum. As Sutton Carers is one of my charities we were only too happy to attend. The main address was given by Councillor Jaynbe McCoy, the Carers' Champion, who pointed out the differences between caring for children, where a huge range of services and financial help is available, and caring for older people where finding help can be very difficult.

The Mayor together with Paul Burstow M.P., Councillor Jayne McCoy the Carers' Champion and David Harris

After a break for lunch the meeting continued with details of emergency cards for carers. These ensure that should anything happen to the carer, information about the cared for member of the family is available.  Details were also given about a joint initiative between the carers and Citizens' Advice Bureau, where carers are given information about  their entitlement to benefits.

After the carers came the DMS Management graduation ceremony. Three advanced managements project teams had completed projects and we were there to congratulate those who were awarded advanced management certificates and also managements practice certificates.

 

4th Worcester Park Scout Group Senior Residents' Party and St. Helier Congregational Church carol service

Every year the 4th Worcester Park Scout Group give a party for the senior residents of Worcester Park. It is held in the Scout HQ in Braemar Road, and provides tea and entertainment for the senior citizens, who judging from our afternoon there greatly enjoy themselves. The tea was excellent as was the entertainment with everyone from the Beavers upwards providing a turn.

Last year, as Deputy Mayor, my wife and I attended the annual carol service at St. Helier Congregational Church. We enjoyed it so much we were very glad when this year's invitation arrived. Traditionally both the Mayors of Merton and Sutton read a lesson. The music is always excellent and the items by the Korean choir were excellent.

After the service there was the opportunity to join the congregation for refreshments.

Rotary, Arthritis Care Christmas Party and Sea Cadets

Today was a pretty busy day by any standards. Every year Carshalton Beeches Rotary Club hire Wallington Public Hall and encourage local charities to set up stalls to raise money. We arrived at 10.00 to find a hall absolutely full of stalls. I gave a brief speech encouraging people to support the venture, and then spent time chatting to the various stall holders, many of whom we had met at other functions.

During the afternoon we visited the Merton and Morden Branch of Arthritis Care to help them celebrate their Christmas Party. There was a short service organised by the members themselves, followed by an excellent tea. Once everyone was seated a piper entered the hall and paraded up and down giving us a medley of Scottish tunes. This was followed by one of the members playing the piano, and she despite her age was an absolute whizz on the piano. Tea finished, the raffle was held which took some time as everyone "won" a prize. Then it was home and a quick change before -

setting out for St. Mary's Church Beddington for "A Musical Evening for The Captain", a presentation of nautical songs and music presented by Absolutely Opera. The concert was in aid of Sutton Sea Cadets and was absolutely fabulous. Five incredibly talented musicians, one pianist and four singers entertained us royally with everything from Purcell - Sound the trumpet to Gilbert and Sullivan. If you ever get a chance to go and see Absolutley Opera grab it with both hands you are in for a treat.

The cast of Absolutely Opera together with Lieutenant Turner of the Sutton Sea Cadets

Avenue Nursing Home Christmas Party

Today we were guests of the Avenue Nursing Home as they celebrated their Christmas Party. When we arrived the home was looking very festive with yet more Christmas decorations appeaaring all the time as the staff contiued decorating. It was nice to chat to the residents and their families. There were drinks all round followed by an excellent buffet. Although the invitation was marked from 5.30 until late we had to leave before the party became too riotous as we had a parade meeting back at the Civic Offices.

Sutton Luncheon Club and Adults with Learning difficulties.

Today I was invited on my own to lunch with a group of business men and women from Sutton. The lunch was held at Ricci's in Sutton and was most enjoyable.

In the evening my wife and I attended the award of certificates to students with learning difficulties at Scola (Sutton College of Liberal Arts). It was a most enjoyable evening. In an attempt to make it really special for the students I wore the robes and took along the mace. All the students were delighted with their certificates after which I gave a brief talk about the role of the Mayor

Ladies (1959) Luncheon Club, The Giving Tree and Citizenship

Today was a busy day although only my wife, as Mayoress, attended the first event, the Ladies (1959) Luncheon Club. The Club was formed in 1959 for ladies involved in voluntary work to let them get together four times a year and discuss issues. They usually invite the Mayoress for their Christmas lunch held at Sutton United Football Club. There was just time for a quick chat with Father Christmas and the chance to buy raffle tickets before we sat down for a very nice lunch, which did not involve either chicken or turkey! There was however a very nice mince pie with cream for pudding.

After the lunch (to prove there is no such thing as a free lunch) they asked my wife to say a few words about my charities. Finally the raffle was drawn and my wife with almost predictable inevitability won two prizes (both "recycled" in raffles for our own charities).

On returning to the Civic Offices we started the enormous job of signing some 600 Christmas cards.

Later it was off to the St. Nicholas Centre for a review of the Giving Tree appeal. This occurs every year in Sutton, and encourages shoppers to buy toys for children who will be spending Christmas in refuges rather than at home.We met a number of the staff at the St. Nicholas Centre and various from business people around the town who are supporting the scheme.

Then it was more Christmas cards before the final event of the day - citizenship ceremony at Russettings. Another delightful ceremony and this South African family now living in Sutton.

Walking the Loop - 9 - Chigwell to Harold's Wood

This morning started early, as Loop mornings usually do. Today we had arranged to visit Chigwell School, where I taught more than 40 years ago. It was especially nice to have Cllr. Peter Wallis and his wife Mary with us again today for my look back into history. We arrived at Chigwell just after 10a.m. and made our way back to the point we had left the Loop the previous week before going on to the school. At the school we were met by the Headmaster, David Gibbs, for coffee and photographs followed by a tour of the school.

  Chigwell School stands on the High Street right beside the church - just opposite the King's Head, the pub frequented by the staff in my day! It was founded about 1623 and the original building

 

Cllr. Peter Wallis, Mary Wallis, Susan Bailey, David Gibbs, the Headmaster of Chigwell School and Richard Bailey.

 

 

 

 

 

is behind us in the picture. In this building one of the school's most famous old boys, William Penn (of Quaker and Pennsylvania fame) was taught. Today it houses the library. It was fascinating to see how the school has changed in the last forty five years. The school is now co-educational, and has increased considerably in size since my day. The hut where I taught biology has long since disappeared and many new buildings, including a new junior school and multi-purpose theatre have been built. .

Then it was off, rather later than intended, round the Loop. We thought last week was muddy, but this walk was even muddier, although the rain held off until the very end of the day. The early part of the walk was across farm land to Chigwell Row. Just beyond Chigwell Row we found this young lady working in the Hainault Forest Country Park

 From there we crossed the country park, got lost on a golf course, and finally found our way into Havering Country Park, where there is the second largest plantation of giant sequoias in England. We ate our lunch on a bench just outside Havering-atte-Bower, a delightful little village, but time was pressing and there was no time for a stop at the Royal Oak pub. More fields, even muddier followed, until we finally arrived at a little lane called Paternoster Row. By now it was getting dusk, and we realised we could not reach Harold Wood before dark, so decided to end our walk at the Bear pub, whence we caught a bus to Harold Wood, a train to Stratford, the underground to London Bridge, and then home to Wallington.

 

The Mayor of Merton's charity dinner

Cllr. Geraldine Stanford's charity dinner was held at the Restaurant in the Park, with food prepared and served by the students of Merton College. It was a very enjoyable evening. Both food and service were excellent and it was nice to sit and chat with the Mayor of Kingston Councillor Mary Reid and also to catch up with Councillor Peter Southgate whom we had klnown when he was Deputy Mayor of Merton last year.

 There was the usual raffle with an array of lovely prizes - Mary won the elephant.

Mary Reid, Mayor of Kingston with her raffle prize