The Saturday List #14 - Famous people associated with the London Borough of Barnet

As we commence work on the sequel to A Tale of Two Barnets, here's a list of a few famous people with links to The London Borough of Barnet. It is not exhaustive, feel free to add anyone you think warrants a mention.

1. Charles Dickens - the workhouse in Oliver Twist was based on Barnet workhouse
2. Simon Le Bon - Used to live in Hendon
3. Lee Thompson - the flying sax player from the band Madness, lives in Barnet
4. Patrick McGoohan - lived in Mill Hill in his 1960's hayday
5. Amy Winehouse - Local girl, regularly rehearsed at Mill Hill Music Complex
6. Paul Gascoigne - used to train at Chase Lodge training fields with Spurs
7. James O'Shea - Paralympic Swimmer is a member of Barnet Copthall Swimming club
8. David Bedford - member of Shaftesbury Harriers atheletic club
9. Ken Loach - Award winning film director appeared in A Tale of Two Barnets
10. William Wilberforce - Built St Pauls church on the Ridgeway

This list is not exhaustive. There are many other famous people but my criteria for choosing this list is that at least once, everyone on this list has made me extremely happy through their exceptional talents and brought a ray of sunshine into my life.

A Tale of Two Barnets - A film you really must see

Every so often, someone tells you about an idea they've had or a project they are working on, which catches your imagination. Charles Honderick is an independent film maker born in Florida. He made a pop video for me a year or so ago and plays in a great band called the Hamptons. A few months ago, I asked him what he was up to on the film making front. "I really fancy doing something different. I am thinking of making a documentary about Barnet". I was rather surprised and enquired why. "Well, 2012 is the two hundredth anniversary of Charles Dickens birth and he set based his famous workhouse scene on life at the Barnet workhouse". He continued "Also in 2012, the eyes of the world will be on London, I think it would be fascinating to see what is going on in one part of London and what the concerns and interests of ordinary people are". I asked what format the film was likely to take "We all talk about reality TV, but what we see isn't really reality at all. Often so called reality TV shows are all about changing individuals situations, rather than chronicling them. People are selected because they look good for television, rather than because they have an interesting story to tell".

So having heard Charles explain his idea, I offered to help him put it together in any way I could. There were two ways in which I explained I could help him. First, as I run a studio, I offered him the use of all facilities we have and any technical backup I could provide. Secondly, through writing a blog and the charity work I do, I have a large list of contacts. I offered to try and introduce Charles to as many people as I could, who I felt had a story to tell. So I introduced Charles to a few people and off he went. Now as Charles is also an extremely nice guy, he took the list of people I gave him, interviewed them and then came back to me and said "Hey Roger, that guy who you suggested I should interview, well he gave me such and such's number and he's introduced me to such an such and you really should have a chat with them about your blog" - which is how I ended up with a whole new team of guest bloggers such as John Sullivan of CADDS, who I'd never met.

After interviewing a couple of dozen people, Charles turned up at the studio one day to show me the footage. I thought it was fantastic. He replied that he was really unhappy with it. Why? "Well there are some really great stories in there, but there is no balance and we get no feel for what sort of a place Barnet really is." Of course, if I was making the film, I'd be more than happy with this, but Charles said "Do you know anyone who could add some context, explain why the Council are doing what they are doing, explain what sort of a community we have?". So I gave it some thought. I have a pretty good relationship with Commander Neil Seabridge, who is the acting chief of Police in Barnet. I asked if he could say a few words about what sort of place Barnet is and what are the hot issues in 2012. Neil kindly agreed. Then I happened to be at a Barnet Council business breakfast, with the Leader of the Council, Richard Cornelius and CEO Nick Walkley. I though, "hell, why not ask them if they will appear in the film". So I did and to my amazement and their credit, they agreed. So Charles emailed them and went along and interviewed them. I was intrigued, how did the interviews go? "Really well, Richard Cornelius is a really nice chap. He was very friendly and we had a bit of a laugh about a few things". What about Nick Walkley "He was very businesslike". Charles showed me the footage. If it was me, I'd have put both interviews in their entirity on the web. They provide a fascinating insight into exactly what the people running the council think. Charles however was making a film and he wanted to make it work.

He explained about the footage he was using of Richard Cornelius "Too often, these films show politicians as purely two dimensional characters, purely using clips to show them talking about policies. I think it's interesting to see what amuses them, what worries them and how they perceive what they are doing". And the CEO? "He was a bit harder to bring to life as he was very focused on his job and he didn't really let out any insight into Nick Walkley the person." When I saw the cut and how the footage blended with the other cuts, I realised that Charles had got the balance right.

I suggested that Charles might like to interview Brian Coleman. Although I am not a fan, he invariably makes a good subject for anyone who points a camera at him. I suggested to Charles that as he's a Camden resident, he may like to approach him directly. Sadly Brian Coleman didn't get back to him at all. I think it is a shame. I suggested that he might also like to interview Andrew Dismore, who is running against Coleman. Charles replied "If Brian Coleman had agreed to appear, then I might have interviewed his rival, but without him to put his point, it wouldn't really be terribly relevant". Charles explained that the subject of Brian Coleman came up time and time again in interviews. He could have made the whole film about Brian Coleman if he'd wanted to, but as Coleman chose not to appear, Charles chose not to mention him at all. He said "It might be interesting to make a film about him if you could get all the people who like him to appear as well". He then made a good point "The film is really about the stories of the people in it, not about their opinion of someone who they perceive as the bogeyman".

Last night, I watched the near final cut of the film. Charles has spent about two weeks, locked away in his flat, editing the film, working on the soundtrack and trying to make it look as good as possible. I'd previously seen a very roughly chopped version, without the narration, titles etc. It is approx 25 minutes long. He has spliced in plenty of footage shot around Barnet. As Charles is a pennyless filmmaker, I spent a couple of days driving him around Barnet, filming all sorts of things, from signs displaying parking charges, to local landmarks such as the statue of "La Deliverance" at Henleys Corner (which Charles has used as the iconic image of the film), St Josephs College in Mill Hill, estates such as Beaufort Park. I also gave Charles the use of my video library of footage I've shot at council meetings, etc. Strangely much of what he chose to use to illustrate the story wasn't shot by me, but by my daughter Elizabeth for her various art projects. There are some lovely sequences she filmed as we drove around Mill Hill.

When Charles first explained how the film would start in the conversation that lead to our collaboration, he said "I want to start it with some scenes around Barnet, accompanied by the narrator reading the opening lines to "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens. In the final cut, the film actually starts with Richard Cornelius talking about La Deliverance. I asked Charles about this. He explained "There is no really universal image or landmark that people instantly associate with Barnet, such as Big Ben in London. It is a beautiful statue and films really well in the light as the sun goes down. There isn't much humour in the film or the subject matter, so it was the best place to put it in. Start on a humourous note. I hope we can really put the statue on the map".

One of the people Charles interviewed, knows iconic British Film director, Ken Loach. They mentioned Charles project to Ken and he expressed an interest in saying a few words about the film. As he is an extremely busy man, he could only be interviewed on a particular day. I got a worried call from Charles, he was in Florida visiting his parents at the time. I arranged for another filmmaker friend of mine, Joe Grahame to film the interview. Ken was very excited about the project and his interview is on the film website. This introduction will precede the film. As Chales couldn't be there and I wasn't 100% sure of what the film would be, Ken is really talking about the early rushes and my thoughts of what I hoped the film would be.

The select few who have seen the (nearly completed) version of the film have been highly impressed with what they've seen. It isn't Hollywood, it isn't even Elstree. What it is though, is an extremely powerful film about real people in Barnet. I think Charles has succeeded beyond my  greatest expectations (pardon the pun) in showing that you don't need to be an oil painting, if you have a story to tell, to make a good cinematic subject.The film also shows that you don't need a huge budget to tell a story. I think that the film is a template that every community should copy. Under Mike Freer's leadership, Barnet Council commissioned a film company to "interview local residents" to show what sort of a place Barnet is. You can see the fruits of their efforts here - http://www.youtube.com/Barnetcouncil1 - although I think it is a good idea for Councils to use this medium to get information across, I despair at the sterile stilted tone of the videos produced. When you see the film Charles has made, you will see a film made by someone with a passion for movie making. I long argued that the money the council has wasted making these films would have been far better spent, by giving it to local schools to encourage film making. Give the kids a camera, editing software and unrestricted access to Councillors and council premises and I believe we'd get fantastic films which are actually watchable.

Which brings us to the Premier of the film. This will be on the 19th March at the Iconic Phoenix Cinema in Finchley at 6pm. The Phoenix is one of the finest cinemas in London, if not the world. It is only fitting that the film be shown here. We are hoping that as many people as possible will come to see the film.

Charles has made a film that anyone who is interested in life, people and communities will find fascinating. Whilst I believe the appeal of the film will be go far beyond the boundaries of the Borough,  if you live in the London Borough of Barnet, are at all interested in the place and the people who live here, you really shouldn't miss it, because this is your town.

You can find out more about the film at the official film website. Please pass this on and tell all of your friends about it. The website will be added to constantly as more information, footage, stills, trailers and clips are added.


http://ataleoftwobarnets.yolasite.com/

A tale of two Barnets - Freedom of Information requests - ASBO's in Barnet Part 1

In this Dickensian anniversary year, we have a tale of two Barnets. We have the world of Barnet Council, in their Halcyon towers of North London Business Park and we have the rest of Barnet.I am currently researching an article on ASBO's in Barnet.

I sent two FOI requets off on the 31st January. One to Barnet Council

----- Original Message -----

From: Roger Tichborne

To: Freedom of Information Act

Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 9:29 AM

Subject: Freedom of information request

Dear Freedom of Information at Barnet Council,

 

Please can you provide me with the following information for the years 2007-2011 (ie last five years)

 

a) The number of Asbos applied for on a year by year basis by Barnet Council

b) The number of Asbos granted on a year by year basis by Barnet Council

c) The number of complaints of persistent anti social behaviour complaints referred to Barnet Council

 

I would appreciate an answer ASAP.

 

Regards

Roger Tichborne

-----------------------------------------------

 

 And one to the Metropolitan Police. 

The Metropolitan Police in Barnet have responded. Here is what they said :-

TICHBORNE 2 Final Reply Borough Commander

Barnet Council also replied. This is what they said :-

From: L******, C****

To: Roger.Tichborne@btinternet.com

Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 4:53 PM

Subject: Freedom of Information Act 2000

Dear Mr Tichborne,

 

Thank you for your request received on 31st January 2012. We are processing this request in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

I am writing to ask you to clarify the third point of your request. This is because we need further details from you in order to identify what information you are seeking.

 

Therefore I should be grateful if you would be able to further explain what you intend by 'c) The number of complaints of persistent anti social behaviour complaints referred to Barnet Council', specifically how you are defining 'persistent'.

Please note the 20 working day response period will only begin once we have received your further clarification. Please contact me if you need assistance with this.

Regards,

C***** L*******
Administration Assistant
Environment, Planning and Regeneration
London Borough of Barnet, North London Business Park, Oakleigh Road South, London N11 1NP

---

From: Roger Tichborne

Sent: 31 January 2012 09:30
To: Freedom of Information Act
Subject: Freedom of information request

Dear Freedom of Information at Barnet Council,

Please can you provide me with the following information for the years 2007-2011 (ie last five years)

a) The number of Asbos applied for on a year by year basis by Barnet Council

b) The number of Asbos granted on a year by year basis by Barnet Council

c) The number of complaints of persistent anti social behaviour complaints referred to Barnet Council

I would appreciate an answer ASAP.

Regards

Roger Tichborne

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now I have redacted the name of the poor unfortunate who sent me the email as I'm sure she was "just following orders" from her bosses.  I would like to draw their attention to the answer to section D from the Metropolitan Police and particularly this sentence  - However, Section 16 of the Freedomof Information Act 2000 (the Act) places a duty on us to assist where we can   -  a section which has clearly escaped the attention of Barnet Council.

I will keep you informed of this. I would like to commend the Metropolitan Police for their prompt and helpful response. I will let you know how my complaint to the ICO against the "obstructiveness and delaying tactics" used by Barnet gets on.

Dickens wrote A Tale of Two Cities. Any price on A Tale of Two Barnets? Surely there is a book and a film in that?

 

Charles Dickens links with Barnet

The cabinet of Barnet Council discuss bringing back the workhouse

Today was the 200th Birthday of Charles Dickens. Dickens had many links with Barnet, you may be interested to know Charles Dickens opinion of the area :-

Victorian London - Directories - Dickens's Dictionary of London, by Charles Dickens, Jr., 1879 - "Barnet"

Barnet.—A pretty and still tolerably rural suburb, but on the north side of London and on clay. Perhaps the best situation on that side and standing high, its fell name being, in fact, High Barnet. Locally it is considered “the highest ground between London and York.” In September (4th to 6th) there is a huge horse and cattle fair, one of the most important in the kingdom. The best part of Barnet, from a residential point of view, is the ring of villas round the common. Rents, compared with those in choices spot on the south side, fairly moderate, From King’s-cross, Ludgate-hill, Moorgate, and Broad-street (about 37 min.), 1st, 1/6, 2/6; 2nd, 1/2, 1/10; 3rd, -/9.  

Charles Dickens (Jr.), Dickens's Dictionary of London, 1879

Local legend has it that Charles Dickens used to drink at the Red Lion.

Barnet is the home to many pubs, and it was even recognised for this in Charles Dickens novel, “Oliver Twist”, it became the location where Oliver first met the Artful Dodger. Barnet workhouse is said to have been the inspiration for the workhouse in the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist after a friend of his paid a visit to the establishment and heard one its young inmates "ask for more".

It is a matter of great sadness to the Barnet Eye that so many young people are completely unaware of the rich history of Barnet. Everyone should visit Barnet Museum (sadly still under threat of closure from philistine cuts by Barnet Council - website http://www.barnetmuseum.co.uk/ ).

As I read "A Tale of Two Barnets Cities" I was shocked by the way the current round of cuts and austerity echoes today. These are the opening lines of the book

It was the best of times,

it was the worst of times, 

it was the age of wisdom,

it was the age of foolishness,

it was the epoch of belief,

it was the epoch of incredulity, 

it was the season of Light,

it was the season of Darkness,

it was the spring of hope, 

it was the winter of despair, 

we had everything before us, 

we had nothing before us, 

we were all going direct to Heaven, 

we were all going direct the other way

There was a theme which ran through all the works of Charles Dickens. It was that unfairness and social injustice is never acceptable. Although we view Dickens as a writer of novels from a bygone age, the enduring nature of his stories, the strength of the characters in his works and the message are still relevant today. The following text is from the wikipedia entry for Charles Dickens. He is one of my role models. I make no claim that my writing is in any way a patch on his, but he is an inspiration, one I believe we should all look to :-

Dickens highlighted the life of the forgotten poor and disadvantaged within society. Through his journalism he campaigned on specific issues—such as sanitation and the workhouse—but his fiction probably demonstrated its greatest prowess in changing public opinion in regard to class inequalities. He often depicted the exploitation and oppression of the poor and condemned the public officials and institutions that not only allowed such abuses to exist, but flourished as a result.

I hope that those of you who regularly read this blog recognise some echoes of the great mans influence in what I write. How sad is tt that 200 years after the great mans birth, we are still talking about these issues