Merton’s cricket-themed float wins third prize in New Year’s Day Parade

Merton was bowled over at the famous New Year’s Day Parade in London, after winning third prize with the Mitcham Cricket Club themed float.

The New Year’s Day Parade is made up of thousands of individuals in a procession of 150 floats, bands and entertainers, which parades through the streets of London. Over 20 volunteers from Merton’s community contributed towards the floats success. There were also around 3000 visitors from America taking part in the parade, including cheerleaders and bands.

The theme of Mitcham Cricket Club – the first MCC – was chosen for the float because it is an important part of Merton’s heritage. Mitcham Cricket Green is the oldest in the world, with cricket played on the green for over 400 years.

The £4000 prize-money will go to the Mayor’s Charities, Macmillan Cancer Relief and Merton Volunteer Bureau. Merton will also receive a share of the money collected by volunteers during the parade through the streets of London.

The Mayor of Merton, Councillor Stuart Pickover said: “I am delighted with our success at this year’s New Year’s Day Parade. The prize-money will benefit the Mayor’s charities enormously and I would like to thank everyone in the community who helped make this possible.”

Mitcham Cricket Club has recently been named as Merton’s Golden Jubilee Project and throughout the year they will be organising a number of events to raise a significant sum and to create a Trust to buy or build a permanent pavilion for the Club.

For further information on the Mayor’s Charities please visit http://www.merton.gov.uk/mayor/charities.asp.