Parade triumph provides charity cash boost (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Merton New Year's Day parade triumph provides charity cash boost

11:00am Tuesday 12th February 2013 in News By Lauren May, Chief Reporter

A Wimbledon charity has reaped rewards after Merton Council took first place at this year’s New Year’s Day parade.

On January 1, the council came first for the fourth time in seven years for their entry "My Fair London" which featured a ship with a hot air balloon crafted by students from Wimbledon College of Art.

Children from the Younger Generation Theatre group accompanied the float, dancing to and singing a song composed by Councillor Linda Kirby, while Councillor Geraldine Stanford co-ordinated the project and provided costumes.

And last week, Councillor David Williams, the mayor of Merton, received a cheque for £7,500 which he will donate to his favoured charity, The Wimbledon Guild.

The Guild has 270 volunteers and provides a care home near Wimbledon Common, free independent and professional advice services for vulnerable people and a social centre and lunch club for over-65s on weekdays.