More than 100 people stood shoulder to shoulder in Croydon town centre this week to walk in solidarity with victims and survivors of violence against women and girls. From school children to community leaders, Police to social workers – people of all ages and backgrounds united to call for an end to all types of abuse. We also hosted our first Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Conference at Croydon College.

Violence against women and girls has no place in Croydon and we were privileged to work with our partners and the community to hold these events, as part of the 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence. The campaign runs until 10 December and there are more opportunities to get involved – including free training sessions and workshops. See the Council website for details.

Creative Enterprise Zone opens in Centrale

We are proud to have a thriving arts and enterprise community in Croydon and we are working to create opportunities for learning and support through our Growth Plan. I was delighted to open the Creative Enterprise Zone space in Centrale on Wednesday – a new creative hub where local artists can work, meet other artists, have access to learning and to host events for residents. Thank you to Creative Enterprise Zone, Croydon Makers and Creators and all our other partners who made this possible. Find out more.

Cleaner, greener spaces

We have 127 parks and green spaces in Croydon, we are very fortunate to work with dedicated volunteers through Friends groups who are passionate about their local parks and give their time to protect and improve them. It was a pleasure to attend Friends of Lloyd Park AGM this week, to hear about the improvements they are planning and to answer their questions.

A Very Croydon Christmas

Croydon is looking very festive now, with the town centre, and the new Allders Parade, festooned with lights, providing a very warm and welcoming experience for Christmas shoppers. Do check it out and drop into the ‘Made By Croydon’ festive market in the new Creative Enterprise Zone – where you can buy hand crafted Christmas gifts until 24 December.

From Friday 5 to Sunday 7 December, our town centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland for ‘A Very Croydon Christmas’. It starts on Friday 5 December with carols and ceilidh dancing, by the Wandle Ceilidh Band. This will be followed by performances, pantomime ponies, children’s crafts and more, over the weekend. Do visit the town centre to enjoy this winter celebration for everyone in Croydon.

Sunday (30 November) is St Andrew’s Day and today the Civic Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Richard Chatterjee, raised the Saltire over the Town Hall to honour the event. Happy St Andrew’s Day to all of Croydon’s Scottish residents!

Have a good weekend.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon