The Wednesday Poem and Barnet Cultural Round Up - 30/10/2019

Woolworths

Winfield boots and pic and mix,

Pots and pans and evostick,

Foam filled teddies and polar bears, 

cushions, fans and dolls house chairs.

Woolworths, where have you gone?

the palace of so much fun,

the Jewel in our town High Street

It's all become just so downbeat.

Iceland just don't cut the mustard,

Frozen pies and tins of custard,

Woolworths, Woolworths, please com back

Gives us all the magic back!

Copyright 2019 Roger Tichborne

#MillHillBroadway 1994 - Remember this? pic.twitter.com/OMxBRZdV6o

— A Better Mill Hill (@ABetterMillHill) February 10, 2018

What it's all about....
Just looking in an old diary. 20 years ago, my then three year old daughter had successfully swam a width of the swimming pool at David Lloyds in Finchley. Her reward? I told her that when she managed it, she could go to Woolworths and I'd buy her anything in the shop she wanted, but only one item. After about ten minutes deliberation, she chose a milk shake maker. When her elder sister had been given the same choice, she'd chosen a big bag of pick and mix. We had a ritual on Sunday. They would go to ten O'clock mass. After, we'd go to Woolies and they'd be allowed a selection of pick and mix. They'd be allowed two scoops each. I'd buy records their, paint, glue, cheese graters etc. I knew the company secretary of the Woolworths group, who lived in Finchley. The company was not killed by changing shopping patterns, it was killed by asset stripping which ruined the business model. Sadly the money men who ran it and destroyed it, propagated the myth that it was an out of date business. When my kids have kids, there will be no such fun. I don't have a problem with Iceland, which is a decent enough shop, full of decent bargains, but High Streets need shops like Woolworths. I miss it and I think it's demise is yet another example of the way we are squeezing all of the fun out of everything.  Woolworths was an icon and a jewel.

The Borough of Barnet Cultural Diary

Here's this weeks round up. A few rather tasty treats!

Amazing Jazz at the Mill Hill Jazz club tonight!

Val's Jazz Jam - 30 October - The last Wednesday of every month sees MHJC filled to the brim with Jazz singers, players and listening aficionados who flock to the club to give of their best for the sheer joy of all. Please RT.

— Mill Hill Jazz Club (@millhilljazz) October 28, 2019

This weeks gigs in Barnet

The Arts Depot

Not long until we launch our Spring 2020 Season on Wed 6 Nov - and it's going to be a tasty one! Whet your appetite with a glimpse of what's to come... https://t.co/cL5SmKykzE pic.twitter.com/m5KkjGNrKJ

— artsdepot (@artsdepot) October 30, 2019

Board games for over 55's

Lovely first over 55s Games Afternoon yesterday. Venue has changed to @Bohemia_N12 in North Finchley and will now be held every Monday from 2.30-4.30pm.

Fancy a game of Rummikub? Just turn up or contact us on 020 8432 1422 or barnetconnect@ageukbarnet.org.uk to book a place. pic.twitter.com/OmymmMMmyn

— Age UK Barnet (@ageukbarnet) October 29, 2019

The Bohemia

Lovely first over 55s Games Afternoon yesterday. Venue has changed to @Bohemia_N12 in North Finchley and will now be held every Monday from 2.30-4.30pm.

Fancy a game of Rummikub? Just turn up or contact us on 020 8432 1422 or barnetconnect@ageukbarnet.org.uk to book a place. pic.twitter.com/OmymmMMmyn

— Age UK Barnet (@ageukbarnet) October 29, 2019

Hampstead Theatre

Writer @Chino100percent’s poignant and life affirming new play #HTUnknownRivers opens Downstairs THIS WEEK and we can't wait! 🙌

Take a look at these exclusive new pics straight from the rehearsal room to whet your appetite...📸

See full gallery 👇https://t.co/F5TttTgAWX pic.twitter.com/cLsH1BMSLv

— Hampstead Theatre (@Hamps_Theatre) October 28, 2019

Live music in Mill Hill

One for the billboard! We’ve got the 40th anniversary of the opening of our studios on Fri 1st at @AdamAndEveNW7 pub. Live music with The Ron Lewis Partnership & The False Dots + Rog T’s Ska/Reggae DJ set - all for free pic.twitter.com/ZYBKEchs5E

— MillHillMusicComplex (@MillHillMusicCo) October 26, 2019

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