I've been asked to select some of the highlights of my year as Mayor, but it's really very difficult as everything was so spectacular. As it was the millennium year it was more than usually busy so it's only now that I am beginning to relax and remember all the wonderful functions that I attended. The engagements for all the London Mayors were really great - the London Eye, St Paul's Cathedral, Guildhall, and so on, but some of the very best were within Merton.

I enjoyed the welcome from all the voluntary societies, with their dedicated helpers, and the invitations to various ethnic minority functions, and was able to reciprocate by inviting them to receptions in the Mayor's Parlour. Visits to schools were great fun, especially to my old school Gorringe Park, which on a play with some wonderfully talented youngsters. Switching on the Christmas lights in Wimbledon Park was an honour, as was setting off the fire works in Wimbledon Park, accompanied by my youngest escort, Bridget Sheeran, aged just six.

Oops, I nearly forgot meeting the Queen Mother. The mayor has to greet royalty whenever they come into the Borough and I met her twice; opening the Blue Cross Hospital for Animals and at the Mitcham Citizens Advice Bureau, which she opened sixty years ago.

When I narrow it down, the most touching and emotional occasion was a play put on by the Voyager Gateway Club. This is a club for teenagers with various learning difficulties but they made "A Gateway Through Time" a real triumph.

All last year my job was to represent you - the people of Merton - and I thank you for the honour and the happy memories.

So greetings to everyone in Wimbledon Park! I'm almost back to normal now - don't ask about the weight! I'm enjoying being in touch with residents again, but have decided not to go back to my monthly surgeries. Everyone seems to find it much more convenient to write, telephone or grab me in the street. I look forward to having feedback and suggestions from you. You know my number - or write c/o the Civic Centre. I will always do my very best to help.

            Joyce Paton.