Phew! So many things, so much excitement. Picnics, concerts, fetes, fairs, in glorious profusion. There was, now and then, lubrication in the shape a little light rain (nay, heavy rain, torrential rain). But nothing, no nothing, was there to spoil the general enjoyment throughout the Parish in celebration of the Jubilee. It was particularly pleasing that we were three together - St. Mary's, John Innes and the Residents' Association.

Such events as these bring out the personalities. I think of David Cowie in command of the grass, in full mastery of the grass machine; of Sheila Martin, inspiring that exquisite flower display; Janice Wick, with copper plate handwriting (how I admire it - I could never write, myself), writing out certificates at the children's races; then Krysia Williams, leading on to the Summer Fair. There were many others: just so many people to whom we are indebted, making up the Parish; so much enjoyment.

And it isn't finished. Oh no, not a bit. You may have noticed, on reading these pages over the past several issues, a sustained endeavour to bring up to speed on Admiral Lord Nelson. Such has been essential, bearing in mind the events that lie ahead of us as a Parish.

Readers will know just how time flies. Year 2005 is only just round the corner. I do not remind residents of the Parish of Merton of the significance attaching to 2005. Who can tell just what sort of junketings (nothing unseemly or out of keeping, I hope I can assure you) will be on the agenda for such a time?

Shall we see, on our streets, HMS Victory brought before us: some sort of replica knocked up in the Parish, drawn with ropes, Gulliver-wise, by volunteer parishioners, suitably attired, in glorious progress: giving to the length and breadth of the Parish? Shall we hear, as in times past, long since gone, canon sounding from Canon Hill Common? I trust that we shall.

Even as I write, I see it all before me: dances danced, drinks drunk, lunches lunched, teas teased. Perhaps - who knows - kisses kissed?

Yet, even more immediate - more immediate by far I have to alert you - we have this very month, as ever was, as by way of preparation for 2005, a glorious foretaste of described above. On Saturday night 20 July an event will take place within the Parish at which will be present notables and talent such as rarely seen within the Parish since Lord Nelson himself would grace our table.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am constrained to say: The Merton Nelson Concert is about to take place. It would be nice to see you there. More details.

CHRISTIAN AID

A word about Christian Aid Week. Our collection in May was successful as ever. The total collected is still not quite certain at the time of writing. There are extensive procedures that have to be worked through; and, believe it of not, further donations still trickle in. We know, however, that the total collected is some £3,300 (with tax back to add in).

I am very grateful to everyone concerned: all those who gave, and particularly those who did the collecting, and those who did the counting. David Reeves gave invaluable help with distribution and Joyce Clay with the overseeing of the counting operation.

It may be of interest to know the way in which the total collected steadily increased over the past seven years. The figures are:

• 1995 £2182.96
• 1996 £2197.08
• 1997 £2335.74
• 1998 £2453.48
• 1999 £2740.42
• 2000 £3042.63 plus £277.52 tax back
• 2001       £3364.64 plus £229.38 tax back.