Please find below a summary of news stories and photo opportunities from Merton Council. Please contact the press officer named for more information.

Anthony leads the way
Anthony Hopkins, a 26-year-old librarian from Donald Hope Library, has been chosen as one of England’s Top Ten 21st Century Librarians in a new national competition run by Love Libraries. The competition was aimed at finding and celebrating librarians under 30 who are bringing new energy to the public library service.

Anthony said: “Libraries are no longer a quiet place just for books, we are now a public service encouraging people to enjoy reading, increase their skills, use computers and other technologies.”

Full press release and photo available
Press Officer: Sapphira van Assema. Tel: 020 8545 3274

Merton’s carers recognised
Merton’s foster carers have been rewarded with a gala reception at the Cannizaro Hotel. A small number of carers also received long service awards at last month’s annual event, including Pam Galliers who has been a foster carer with Merton for 40 years.

Councillor Samantha George, Deputy Leader of Merton Council, said: “”Foster carers often welcome foster children into their homes with very little notice and go the extra mile in helping foster children.”

For more information about fostering, call 0800 073 0874.

An interview or photo of Pam is available upon request.
Press Officer: Amanda Connor. Tel: 020 8545 3274

Top of the class
A Ricards Lodge student is one step closer to winning a London Student Award after being declared the borough winner in a performing arts competition. Caroline Dick, a year 10 student, has performed in school productions, the Shakespeare Schools Festival and the National Shell Connection competition.

Alison Jerrard, Ricards Lodge headteacher, said: “Caroline has an amazing gift and her performance work is stunning. She has worked tirelessly to improve her own skill and knowledge of the art form but is always willing and able to support less able students.”

The London Student Awards is aimed at students in years 9 to 11, interested in performing arts, sport, creative writing, art and design, information communications technology, and science. Caroline will now go onto the Pan-London final to compete against other borough winners.

For more information or to arrange an interview with Caroline, call Alison Jerrard at Ricards Lodge on 020 8946 2208.

Press Officer: Amanda Connor. Tel: 020 8545 4654