Those of you who were at the AGM will know that Mike Morfey has sadly resigned from the Executive Committee having moved away. Much as we shall miss him he is relocating to Watford to be nearer to his family. He will still keep up many of his south London interests, so we will still see him he assures me, because Thameslink trains provide a direct route!
Having been a familiar face in Streatham and more particularly in Sherwood Avenue where he took up residence in 1963. I thought it would be interesting to hear just how much Mike has contributed to the community over the years. He says his life of volunteering really started when he became a Road Steward for the SVPOA in 1990, role he only relinquished when he moved. He was always keen to promote the Association, making sure everyone who moved into his patch were provided with information about the benefits of membership, and welcomed to the community. He soon extended his work for the SVPOA by serving on the Environmental Committee. In particular, he was a regular on the monthly Walkabouts with our local councillors. Helping to point out problems great and small on the Vale Estate. Anything from broken kerbstones and missing rubbish bins to major planning issues were raised on our behalf. He became the main link with Lambeth organising Community Freshview days when skips come to The Vale and specific areas are cleared of rubbish by volunteers. He was also instrumental in arranging Road Watches, particularly on Streatham Vale, to combat speeding and dangerous driving.
!n 2003, Mike attended a meeting called to promote and support Streatham Vale Park. He joined what became The Friends of Streatham Vale Park. He was Vice-Chair and the meeting instigator Karen, took the role of Chair. Colleagues became friends and the relationship blossomed. They were married in 2009 at Woodlawns, the Streatham Derby and Joan Club. Theirs was the first wedding held at the premises after it was granted a licence to host weddings, Mike still retains close links with Woodlawns having become a trustee for the club and running a quiz morning for members every Monday.
In a personal capacity, in 2011, Mike became a Street Champion for Glenister Park Road , looking out for dumped rubbish, and a Snow Warden keeping pathways safe on the rare occasions we had snow. Mike also set up a Neighbourhood Watch group for Streatham Vale which ran successfully for many years. Since 2014 mike has chaired the Patient Participation Group for the Vale GP surgery.
Outside the Vale, Mike was involved with the Basaira Elderly centre which provided meals and a chance to socialise for elderly Asians. Mike has run 80 marathons, starting in London 1984 and finishing with London 2013, raising over £35,000 for charity. He still keeps fit but at a shorter distance, as Saturdays see him at Tooting Park Run, where he gives the introductory talk for first time runners and then takes up point acting as a Tail Walker. He is the Project Co-ordinator for Outings for Older South Londoners, helping to arrange varied trips to heritage sites, gardens, and days out at the seaside.
More recently, Mike became an enthusiastic member of Sing Streatham Community Choir., enjoying a chance to relax in a community group which he doesn’t have to organise. Over the years he has enjoyed the community life of the Vale. He fondly remembers the times where we have come together from our varied walks of life, such as the Community days in Streatham Vale, the Open day Barbecues at the Allotments and celebrations like the Jubilee Tea.
So thank you Mike for your many years of service in The Vale. Hopefully we will continue to see you at our social events for many years to come.