An award ceremony for all those that took part in this year’s highly successful New Years Day parade, took place last week. Merton’s float came fourth out of 30 boroughs, winning £1000 for the Mayor’s charities.

The Mayor of Merton, Councillor Maxi Martin, presented a medal to each and every person that contributed to making the day such a success. The Mayor’s theme for her year of office is, ‘Celebrating Young People in Merton’, and this was reflected by the entertainment on board the float, which was all supplied by youngsters.

The float itself was designed and built by students from the Wimbledon School of Art. The Uptown Dance Group, which is based in the High Path Centre, performed throughout the procession, as did the Destiny All Stars Cheerleaders, who are from Morden. Pupils from Raynes Park High School also played the drums.

The Mayor expressed her sincere thanks to everyone who took part. She said:

“Having a float in the London Parade was something I knew I wanted to do since my first day in office back in May 2003. But I couldn’t have done it without these incredibly talented young people. It was their energy and enthusiasm that won us the prize. Well done all of you!”

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