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Queen Elizabeth's Foundation Annual General Meeting Wednesday 26th July 2006

It was a great honour for me to attend the AGM of the Queen Elizabeth Foundation.  My God-daughter, Katy Montgomery attended Dorin Court which is run by the Foundation.

I was met by Sue Mollor, P.A. to the Chief Executive, and was introduced to a number of other visitors.  The Chief Executive gave an interesting talk on the Foundation, telling us of the success of the organisation.

 

With the Mayor and Mayoress of Sutton and the Chair of Mole Valley Council

After the formal AGM and lunch we were able to brouse around the stalls

This was one of the Horticultural Stands

There was great music being played

Disabled people can do almost anything - sailing

Horse riding

 

Grow flowers, fruit, and vegetables

And are good carpenters.

A wonderful day.

Cricket KREC v RBK 22nd July 2006 Victoria Park Surbiton

This cricket match is an annual event and is between Kinston Racial Equality Council and the Royal Borough.  For the first time for a number of weeks we have had some rain - not enough to stop the game!

The gathering teams

This is the cup for which the teams are playing.

 

The Deputy Mayor has to play the opening shots!

I only missed one out of three

The ball is on its way to bowl John out!

Now for the serious play!

The final score was KREC 139, RBK 137

 

The Malden Fortnight Presentation Evening Wednesday 19th July 2006

 

The Malden Fortnight Presentation Evening took place in the Malden Golf Club on Wednesday 19th July.  The weather continued to be very hot and the venue was just the place to be.  I was met by Brenda Kelly, who had met me when I I camr to the Fortnight to judge the craft stalls.

Brenda reading out names of the winners

Another prize winner

Younger winners

Announcing the winners of the stalls

Finally the winner of the best dog in show.

The money raised will go to the Mount Primary School, I am certain the whole school will be really pleased.  I hope to visit when the project is in place. 

 

125th Anniversary of St Matthew's C of E Primary School 30th June 2006

St Matthew's School in Langley Road must be one of the oldest schools in the Royal Borough.  It was originally situated in what is now the Police Station in Ewell Road. There was a great display showing the history of the school.  The Head, Mrs Julie Ritchie had also located a few pupils who attended the school before the war, the oldest being in her nineties.  I managed to have a good chat with them.

The afternoon was most enjoyable.  The teachers and children all put on a wonderful show in a variety of period costume illustrating some of the decades of the 125 years.

Mrs Ritchie is in the centre and the staff are dressed in various costumes represented different times in the school's existence.

 

 

From left to right facing, Lord Deering, myself, the Head Mrs Ritchie, and Edward Davey MP.

Hawks Road Garden Competition Prize Giving. 24th June 2006

 Hawks Road Residents Association is one of the most active and friendly Residents Association I have encountered since being a councillor. So it was a great pleasure for me to name the various prize winners.

 

No 18 won joint second for 'best front garden'

No 35 won best pots

 

List of Winners

 Best front garden

1st                                    36

2nd/3rd  Joint 2nd               16 & 75   +   28 & 18

Best Pots

1st                                     35

2nd                                    55

3rd                                       3

Most consistently maintained garden

1st                                       36

2nd                                      16

3rd                                       18 & 28

Most Improved Garden

1st                                         3

2nd                                        9

3rd                                        75

Thanks was extended to the judges, Neill Phillpott and Peter Hitcham of Kingston Horticultural Society

 

 

KingstonCan Traditional Greek Evening Saturday 15th July 2006

It was a great pleasure for myself and David to be invited to the fund raiser for KingstonCan.  This time it involved the Greek Community.

 

All ready for the evening to start

 

Myself with Lally Malik, who helps to organise fund raisers for KingstonCan.  We have known each other for years.

Although there was not a lot of spare room as the hall was crowded, the Greek dancers still managed to perform.

Mr Ian Pay, the Campaign Director is on the left, and Cllr Steve Mama on the right.

These are some of the people who were the main driving force by providing a great meal and some lovely dancing. We all say thank you to their hard work.

I will be interested to find out how much the event raised. 

The Multi Cultural Festival for Korean & British Youth in the U.K. Saturday 15th July 2006

This festival was held at the United Reform Church, Cavendish Road, New Malden.  Rev. Stuart is the Minister.  I was met by Mrs Song and Rev Stuart.  Very soon we were being entertained by some very talented young people.

A wonderful welcome

Watching the amazing dancing and singing by the various groups.

 

The dancing was absolutely stunning

This was the costume for another beautiful traditional Korean Dance.

After the wonderful show with the Korean  traditional dancer, the break dancing and the music provided by Oxygen it was time for a good meal with interesting company.

Time to say good bye.

Good luck to Mrs Song and her Association 'Rose of Sharon' and good luck to her daughter, who I met when teaching at Coombe Girls' School

 

 

Kingston & Merton Science & Technology Challenge Day Thursday 13th July 2006

I was invited to attend the Kingston & Merton Science & Technology Challenge Day held at Kingston University on 13th July, 2006. 

The company MCS Projects are holding these challenge days across over half of London Boroughs.  Each day involved the gifted and tlented pupils from a number of schools.  The teams are formed on the day and the challenge is supervised by a team of university students.

Students grappling with making a bouy

Students making a car watched by the teacher and myself

It was good for Kingston that half the winning team were from Tolworth Girls' School

The Herb Garden Wednesday 12th July 2006

It was a great pleasure for me to attend the 'Herb Garden Project' at Chessington Garden Centre.  I was met by Lindsay Shepherd, (a surprise as I have known Lindsay quite a long time) Project Manager, and Denise Hoggett, the Education Liaison Manager. 

 

For a number of years Chessington Garden Centre has provided generous support to schools across Kingston, and following the merger of the Kingston & Merton Education Business Partnerships, Joylon Martin and his team have extended their scope to include Merton schools.

St Mary's School, Chessington

This is Hollyfield School's input.  It was good to meet up with an ex-colleague from Coombe Girls' School, on the left.

This is Lovelace School's display

 Another most interesting visit, good luck for next year's theme which is???

 

 

Cream Tea Weekend Sunday 9th July 2006

 The Cream Tea Weekend was not just about sitting around eating scones and cream, there was a very serious side to the afternoon.  It was to raise funds and promote the Lunchbowl Network.

Two girls, Ellie and Lottie Gomes wrote to the Mayor

 

 

 

These young girls are the two girls who wrote the letters  They are Ellie and Lottie

Mrs Gomes, very busy preparing the Cream Teas

I am with Sally McGreevy, Chair of Lunchbowl.  Sally explained just what the charity is about.

So, what is the Lunchbowl Network?  It is a school based charity set up in response to the plight of orphans in the Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya.  There are thousands of children living in the Kibera who, through no fault of their own, find themselves living in abject poverty, without access to sanitation, medication and water.  This situation is compounded by an extreme lack of food together with the deep emotional loss of their parents.

Lunchbowl Network is aiming to give 450 children one meal a week.  Funds raised goes straight to the local organisers so there is no chance of money being filtered off for personal use.

If you or your school would like to help please write to  The Lunchbowl Network, Vine House, 7 Mostyn Road, London SW19 3LH.

 

Farewell John Attfield St John's Church 8th July 2006

The above is the front and back page of the programme for the Concert in honour of John Attfield who is retiring as Head of the Junior School, Elm Road, New Malden.

John was a very good teacher and I met him on various committees.  He and his wife are starting a new life in Norfolk.  He will be sadly missed but everyone wishes him a very good retirement.

The music was beautiful and so well played, it was a delight to be there.

Kingston Regatta Saturday 8th July 2006

The Kingston Regatta is one of the oldest traditions on the River Thames and next year celebrates its 150th anniversary. This year there are 350 races, and in adition there is live music, children's activities, craft fairs, and boats on display in Charter Quay.

I was met by John White (on the right) who proved to be a very good host.

John arranged for Brian to take us for a trip down the river, I am with Chrissie and Barry.

Near Charter Quay

A good view of the quay

We are following the race, but they were too fast for us!

It is my pleasure to give out the trophies to the winners

And more prizes.

Yet another!

There are a lot more to go!

The end of a memorable afternoon, it was good fun and some excellent races and winners, some were from Belfast!

Malden Fortnight 8th July 2006

Malden Fortnight takes place very year.  It was my task to judge the stalls.  There were two categories, commercial and non-commercial, and the theme was Around the World'.  I was met and taken around by Brenda Kelly

Brenda is in the centre.

 

The benefits of growing your own!

After the judging of stalls I watched a gymnastic display by Coombe Girls' and Coombe Boys', and some country dancing by Junior pupils.

A good way to spend an interesting morning is to have a cup of coffee with residents.

 

Rotary Club of Kingston Upon Thames Election of New President. 6th July 2006 Hotel Antionette

I was delighted to ba asked to the election of the new president to Rotary of Keith Waller.

Rotary Club of Kingston Upon Thames     6^th July 2006.

Presidents, past and future.                       Ladies & Gentlemen

Tonight is the night when the President Keith Maund hands over the Presidency to Keith Waller.

It is my pleasure to thank Keith Maund for all his hard work whilst President.

I have it on good authority that you have worked very hard and your presidency has been very successful.  The charitable work of your organisation has helped many residents in the Borough including the young and the elderly, throughout the year.

In particular I would like to thank the club for organising the 5^th Dragon Boat Challenge, and I know the Mayor had a great time when she handed out the prizes.

I would also like to thank you for funding the new clock which is to be placed at the entrance to Castle Street.  At the Kingston Town Neighbourhood we were all delighted at the design of the clock and were pleased to hear of the very low maintenance costs.  We feel the clock will enhance the area beautifully.

Now it is my pleasure to welcome Keith Waller as your new President.  I have known Keith for sometime now, we met under challenging circumstances, and Keith impressed me by his tenacity.  I am sure he will make an excellent President during this coming year.

Good luck Keith

London Youth Games 2006 Crystal Palace 6th July 2006

This was a very good day out.  To see all the children from the London Boroughs competing in the Mini Games was a delight.  Kingston did well in most of the events I witnessed.  Thank goodness the hot weather was no more, as it would have been difficult for young children to compete in temperatures of 26-28.  I was met by Sandie Barker, Sports & Recreation Development Officer.

 

Sandie and myself on our way to the swimming pool.

The successful Netball team

The Hockey Team

Rugby

Football

Swimming

Swimming

 Well done everyone to took part in the Games.

 

 

 

Chamber of Commerce, Kingston University Business School Warren House 28th June 2006

 Press release issued by Kingston Chamber of Commerce

Forty years on, Footie World Cup makes billions for business

The latest evidence shows the soaring financial impact of this year's World Cup. Professor Tom Cannon - the leading expert of football finance - estimates that the economic impact has broken through the £10bn mark and is surging up towards £15 even £20bn.

Even the direct revenues from attendances, sponsors and visitors is well over the £3bn mark, Tom told an audience at a joint Kingston Business School/ Kingston Chamber of Commerce corporate event, held at Warren House, Kingston Hill in Surrey.

The contrast between 1966 , when England last won the cup against Germany 4-2 and 2006 was revealed in his detailed and provocative talk based on the latest research.

He stated that direct revenues for the 1966 World Cup was just £250million (at today's prices), yet the forecast for 2006 is closer to £3 billion. The economic impact in 1966 was £500 million compared to over £10 billion today and rising.

This is largely due to media and technology advances with the 1966 World Cup being watched by 100 million people world wide compared to today's estimate of 2.5 billion viewers. It's this reach that makes football such a powerful and vibrant business - although not all of the wealth well-deserved, or responsibly managed, the audience of local business leaders were told.

Much of the money in the beautiful game comes largely from sponsors and merchandising rather than the fans themselves, who almost seem to have become an afterthought, in the cash rich world of players, agents, FIFA, EUFA and the FA.

"If the latest sales figures claimed for this year's official AdidasTeamgeist ball are right, that is a whopping 15 million - at £60 plus, this gives sales of almost £1bn alone" says Prof Cannon

With these income levels more should be invested in the sport and the communities that the sport can develop and unite. Only the top 10% of young players ever make the grade, which leaves a huge wasted talent pool most of whom have a bleak future, having had poor education and with low prospects of economic stability and careers outside the game.

Another intelligent insight by Professor Cannon was that the world cup uniquely inspires many women to watch, who normal shun the game at national level. If this feminine appeal could be cultivated and developed further (and the suggestion was that if more women leaders got involved in the business side of football it would) the game might grow to yet more staggering levels - and stand a chance of being responsibly and competently managed.

William Freeman, President Kingston Chamber of Commerce welcomed the collaborative event with Kingston Business School, one of the foremost business schools in the country, saying, " The Chamber has long established ties with Kingston University, yet this opportunity to bring the benefits  of academic insight from the Business School specifically to local business leaders, is an innovation we will develop further."

The Head of Kingston Uni, Prof Tom Cannon, the President of the Chamber of Commerce and myself.

Lisa Gigliani, David and myself, outside Warren House.

 

 

 

Christ Church School Summer Fete 1st July 2006

Another beautiful afternoon spent at Christ Church Summer Fair.  I was proudly shown around the school, the 'Ground Force' garden and all the stalls that had been set up to tempt the visitors to spend their money!

Here I had to hit the rat as it came out of the pipe - I was told it was successful!

The most interesting part of the visit was to watch part of the talent show.  The pupils had put their acts together in their own time, and was their own work. 

This young man had a beautiful voice and sang 'Somewhere over the Rainbow unaccompanied with great confidence.  He throughly deserved third prize.

A well deserved second prize for these gymnasts.

These two girls certainly deserved first prize.  I have never heard someone so young to play the drums like the girl on the left, ably accompanied by bongo drums as played by the girls on the right.  Very impressive.

All the various acts I saw were very good and another that stood out besides those mentioned above, were the two girls who performed belly dancing, very talented.  It is amazing just what talent young people have. 

Good luck to you all at Christ Church Jnrs in the future.

Lunch at the Hampton Court Flower Show 3rd July 2006

Getting the invite to the Hampton Court Flower Show is a real bonus.  We had a good lunch with stimulating conversation with those on our table.  It was good to look at the displays, then to see them on the TV programme about the show.  This picture is of David and myself outside the Daily Mail house.  This is one of the main features of the show.

These are three of the beautiful floral displays

This is one for which I have no words

One of the residents in my ward enters her display and this is this year's entry.  She often gets prizes but sadly this year she was unlucky, however it was beautiful.

It was a great pleasure to have been able to attend the Hampton Court Flower Show.

 

Citizenship Ceremony 1st July 2006

The Citizenship Ceremony is one of the great surprises of my role as Deputy Mayor.  Each month a number of people become British Citizens.  These people swear allegance to the Queen and to the United Kingdom and many are clearly moved by the experience, including me.  Below are two Palestinians who are now British citizens.  However they still have family in Palestine and do what they can to help them.

Reception before Full Council, 29th June 2006

The Mayor, Councillor Mary Reid, held a small reception to honour recipients of Queen's Birthday Honours, and to recognise the success of James Witt as the British Champion in Karate for his class.

RECEPTION 29^TH JUNE 2006

at 6.45PM in THE MAYOR'S PARLOUR

Recipients of Queen's Birthday Honours

Dame Jane Campbell DBE + guest - Mr Roger Symes

Miss Ginny Clarke CB

Witt Family to celebrate Karate Achievements

Mr Tony Witt

Master James Witt

James and Mr Witt listening to some words of wisdom from Mary