Having lived In Croydon for some 33 years, I believe I can say with some heartfelt justification that Croydon is a place to be proud of. And yet, when reading the various blogs, letters to the editor and news items submitted by readers, everyone seems so bitter and cynical about our town – public and politicians alike.

Here's a toast to some of the things which each of us should be truly proud of, and may have perhaps forgotten…

We have unique transport links and can be in the centre of town or heart of the countryside in a matter of minutes.

Our schools are improving, and many Croydon schools are reporting higher GCSE A*-C grades including English and Maths.

Our Parks (which sadly a few years ago had been neglected and forgotten) are back in business and blooming.

Tram facilities have been upgraded with new carriages planned.

Our Parish Church has been granted Minster status and offers a wealth of services to Croydon citizens.

The Fairfield Halls and Ashcroft Theatre continue to draw A-class acts, thanks to the hard work of the management team there. We have nurtured the arts over the years, producing such talents as Cecily Mary Barker, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Jacqueline Du Pre to name but a few. We have our own resident Opera Company "Surrey Opera" which offers a refreshing alternative to the West End as well as nurturing local talent. Our Excellent College has developed such talent as Malcolm McLaren and John Rocha. Celebrities such as Kate Moss, Ian Wright and Sue Perkins grew up here as teens, when the town was their stomping ground.

World class architects such as Will Alsop, Ken Shuttleworth and Piers Gough hare flocking to our town because they see the potential of our borough and are keen to share in its future.

I could go on…

Having seen Croydon last summer at its very worst, it is now time to celebrate Croydon at its very best. What are you proud of?