If you follow me on Facebook, you will see that my brother asked me how I rated my chances on Thursday. Here is my response
"If you'd asked me six months ago I'd have said zero. Now I'd say 50/50. Always hard to tell, but when we compare canvass returns to 2018, many people we describe as Soft Conservative, who wouldn't entertain us at the last Council election are saying they've already dropped Postal Votes for us. I think that the local Conservatives are making the same mistake Labour has made since 1998, which is running the same campaign they ran last time they were elected. Labour are not actively campaigning in Mill Hill, so we are picking up support from both sides. The problem with us Brits is we are polite, so people often tell you what you want to hear because they don't want to upset you, but in 2018 it was very polarised post Brexit and with Corbyn whereas people are back to thinking about local issues and being cross with Boris, which has made an enormous difference."
Such things can be hard to gauge, but there are a few things I've noticed. We posted a video on Sunday explaining our strategy to get to grips with the local pothole plague. Quite a few people have seen it. They all asked the same question. It's not a party political issue, so why aren't the other parties doing this or suggesting this? The answer is simple sadly. They are a bit lazy and unimaginative. I've got a friend who works for one of the largest civil engineering companies in the world. They don't do work in Barnet, but he lives locally. I asked him what could be done. He explained. He also told em of other councils that do this, so I randomly belled a couple of councillors at these authorities. They were quite happy to share their experiences. If you want lazy, unimaginative councillors, then by all means vote for the incumbents, but I really think the London Borough of Barnet deserves better.
One other final word. The Local Tories are claiming they will protect the Green Belt. How do they explain this then? Check the thread
It must be something in the air. This week has seen the very best of Twitter in the Borough of Barnet. The last few weeks have seen some amazing tweeting both by our regulars and by accounts new to me. To be a successful tweeter, to my mind, means posting interesting content. I hope you'll agree some of this weeks contributions are spectacular! I'd suggest that you have a look through the time lines of these wonderful accounts. I've followed four new accounts today, which may be a record for this feature!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed putting this together. As for my week? Been a bit quiet. Everyone in the house apart from me is isolating. I've tested negative thus far, but I cancelled a couple of arrangements just to be on the safe side. The highlight was Echo and the Bunnymen at the Roundhouse on Monday, then all down hill from there!
1. I'll start with this brilliant thread from @Time_NW, with a fantastic contribution from the rather wonderful @IanMcGreevy on the subject of the Old Welsh Harp pub, demolished in 1971, the site of which is a sliproad to the Edgware road at Staples Corner
With so many pubs closing, it can be very easy to always mean to go to a particular one, and then it's too late. Luckily, I have been to the Ye Old Fighting Cocks in St Albans, however, there is one legendary pub that I would never have had a chance to go to.....
#LoveLondonWalkLondon in Burnt Oak this afternoon (1st time I've ever got on/off a tube here) to check out the Silk Stream & the 'Homes for Heroes' inter-war Watling Estate https://t.co/ArmwxP8oPs & I'm not even looking for a new England but I would like to change the world 🚶♂️👣 pic.twitter.com/P36jk4crEr
3. Another rather wonderful new account for me. A wonderful picture from one of the hidden gems of Edgware, that I'd guess 99% of locals are unaware of
Statue of #StScholastica at Benedictine Community of St Mary at the Cross, Edgware Abbey. 🙏 Feast Day of St Scholastica, twin sister of St Benedict. 🌹 pic.twitter.com/YWXr27XqNK
5. This is wonderful. I was an alter boy at The Sacred Heart at the time of the Jubilee. I've got a copy of that programme somewhere. I especially love the old adverts. I remember Letts well and Derek Tyne (who featured in Richard Wilkinsons list of top Mill Hillians) who owned Mill Hill Television was a mate of my Dad's. I decorated his house when I left school.
Very reasonably priced souvenir programme from Sacred Heart and Mary Immaculate Roman Catholic Church with 1970s Mill Hill adverts @sacred_rcpic.twitter.com/GGuR0d2Xg3
7. Did you know London's first nightbus ran from Cricklewood to Liverpool St? You do now, thanks to @Historygirl
London's first ever night bus outside Piccadilly Circus Underground. The 94 from Cricklewood to Liverpool Street Station in 1913 Photo is probably taken outside the old Haymarket entrance. A few more services were introduced over the following decades, but all stopped during WW2 pic.twitter.com/8kubUtaVPc
8. This is another new 'stumble across' that I found putting this together. I'd strongly recommend checking Gordons tweets, they are amazing.
Popped over to Brent Cross Shopping Centre in NW4 today, Sat 12 Feb 2022 at 10.30am. I haven't been there for approx three years. The view from the car park looks like Disneyland📸 pic.twitter.com/AKagiIYCmz
That's all folks apart from a little plug for a video by my Band, The False Dots, which I think contains some excellent footage of Mill Hill in the early 1970's even if I say so myself.
The year becomes stranger as we go. Yesterday we heard that they were going to shut the pubs so that the schools could open during the covid crisis?????? This strikes me as mighty unfair on the teachers. I recall my days at FCHS, the only thing that kept our teachers sane was a crafty pint at the Swan and Pyramids during lunch break and when the day finished. Sadly, like many institutions, The Swan and Pyramids has gone and I suspect the mental health of the FCHS teachers has not improved. One institution that is still with us is the Tweets of the week! Here is our round up of the best from our local.
1. You may wonder why the reminiscences of FCHS. I stumbled across this tweet by @Joef_E17. Funnily enough my old m,ate Brian Shillibeer found a pair of our old football socks recently! I commend Joe on his memory. There was however only one house - Thomas Moore (1973 intake). The others simply didn't cut the mustard ;). My eternal thanks to Alison Shuttler for being our form tutor and putting up with what was officially the worst class in the history of the school.
Thanks to Joe for putting a smile on my face!
Feckenham, Challoner, John Fisher, Bourne, Bampfield, Thomas More@ChairmanArthur@fchslondon did I get them all?
2. On the subject of misspent youth, many of us spent many happy hours in the Sparrowhawk in Edgware. This was a great music pub in the 70's with a great Rockabilly scene as well as amazing gigs organised by Friends of The Earth. Sadly, as we were too punk Rock for either promoter, the False Dots never played there. Thanks to @Time_NW for the memory
The Sparrowhawk public house, Broadfields, Edgware, in the early 1960s, and yesterday afternoon. (1/2)
3. A lovely tweet from one of or favourite tweeters featuring a very nice picture of a tweeter. Funnily enough, I saw this chap on my travels yesterday but couldn't get a decent pic, so thank you Samuel.
Good to see that the Totteridge Valley has had another successful year for raptors with 7sp breeding. It was a pleasure to experience this Kestrel hovering above the footpath, showing just how still they can keep their head whilst looking for prey as its the only bit in focus 😂 pic.twitter.com/eRqRjpGuX4
5. Like the Swan and Pyramids, the Hendon Hall Hotel is no longer with us. Back in the day, it hosted the World Cup winenrs. This is a lovely tweet. But can you imagine booking your wedding, only to find out that it was the day England were playing in the World cup final? Thanks to Stephen Hunt for the amazing memory
A friend of mine just posted these pictures. Hendon Hall Hotel 50 years ago. After winning the World Cup, the England team interrupted her aunt's wedding. pic.twitter.com/HCgoj3NKfS
8. And whilst we are in Cricklewood, did you know this was the original home of Bentley motors?
#WOBentley established Bentley Motors Limited in Cricklewood, North London, in August 1919, although prior to that,the first Bentley was built at an unassuming Mew’s property, 47 Chagford Street, Marylebone. London pic.twitter.com/v3y8Ys8yKD
9. This isn't the sort of tweet I normally feature here, but a shout out for Councillor Alex Prager for using twitter properly and using it to get across some useful community based information. I had wondered why the dustmen woke me up early, but in the circumstances well done to Barnet Council for taking care of staff wellbeing
PSA West Hendon/Hendon/Colindale residents - due to the hot weather expected this Friday refuse collections will start at 5am ☀️
So we are still in Lockdown, we had the most muted of celebrations for the 75th anniversary of VE Day and just about b******r all else happened in our sleepy Hamlet, or did it?
Here is my pick of the best tweets from around the Borough of Barnet in the last week.
1. Now if there'd been a picture, this could have been the Tweet of the Year
In Burnt Oak we now officially live in the Twilight Zone. Just went past the Salavge Shop and I can only guess it's the owner of the shop selling bog rolls off a wall paper table dressed in a Hazmat Suit.
3. Some great work from the students at my old school
Box office beware. Here are some of the play and film posters from our students who were asked to design a new play or musical based on the global pandemic #wellbeingWednesdaypic.twitter.com/RzLRY9SShc
4. I sort of like the concept that the train driver rocks up at Cricklewood and pics the one he likes the look of most!
A choice of HSTs at cricklewood. Like a kid in a candyshop I choose the middle one please. 43060 and 43089 was a fantastic choice 😁 lovely drive in the sunshine to Sheffield today. #HSTthursdaypic.twitter.com/br2r27nAZr
6. And on the subject of inspirational local female aviators
This Pilots licence belonged to Mrs Winifred Bulller, who served as a Deputy Administrator (F/O equivalent) in the WRAF 1919-1920. c1912 she was the English ladies cross country flying champion and worked as a test pilot for the British Caudron Co, Cricklewood nr Hendon. pic.twitter.com/hUaOF8kOoK
Island platform at Colindale station Colindale Underground station, Colindale Avenue, Barnet, NW9 by Topical Press, 29 Jun 1935 LTM pic.twitter.com/9RVgzpv9ot
10. And finally, many people are doing their bit for local covid19 relief schemes, hats of to you all
We may be closed as a music studio, but we were open today as a food distribution point for a local Covid food distribution scheme. pic.twitter.com/Wzx2TZ5Bj2
— #MillHillMusicComplex (@MillHillMusicCo) May 6, 2020
Every Thursday, the Barnet Eye takes a look at the local news stories that have caught our eye. Here's our pick.
Huge Mill Hill Flytip in the news
If you caught ITV London news last night, then you'd have seen the appalling story of the UK's largest flytip at the back of Pentavia retail park. This is a huge, rotting, fly and rat infested pile of rubbish, some of which contains asbestos and other dangerous items. The land is owned by TFL and the Highways agency. We believe that they should make every effort to identify the source and prosecute anyone who uses illegal flytippers. That is the only way to stop this
One of our members being interviewed on national television last night, talking about the mega dump in Mill Hill #millhillflytip
A great run in the FA Cup came to an end for Hadley FC on Saturday. They lost 3-0 away at Havant and Waterlooville, a team several rungs higher in the league structure. The team had amazing support from the travelling fans. If you missed out on the fun, why not join us on the terraces on Saturday!
The @HadleyFC supporters @HadleyBricks making most of the noise so far here today. About 60-70 supporters have come down to the South Coast to support their team today pic.twitter.com/YL5JetUa5G
The residents of Marsh Drive, the last block standing on the West Hendon estate are suffering appalling conditions as the building has been allowed to deteriorate. Whilst most reasonable people would be appalled, the leader of Barnet Council, Daniel Thomas has told them that this is all perfectly satisfactory. We disagree.
Marsh Drive is the only block still standing on the West Hendon Estate and it’s been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair. We are forced to live with rodents and pests - cockroaches have bitten our children and invaded kitchens making them unusable pic.twitter.com/OLYzjcJMZy
— Association of Marsh Drive Residents (@Westhendonnw9) October 7, 2019
Stop School Cuts nursery campaign update
The Stop School cuts campaign have started a petition to oppose cuts to nursery services in Barnet. We urge you to take a look and support this.
Celebration of 40 years of Mill Hill Music Complex
Mill Hill Music Complex, Londons leading independent music studio complex is 40 years old this year. They cordially invite you to the Adam and Eve pub on Friday 1st November for an evening of music and fun, and it's all free.
Join us for a the 40th Anniversary Party of Mill Hill Music Complex at The @AdamAndEveNW7 Mill Hill - 8pm Friday November 1st - Free Entryhttps://t.co/RSeVdUSHzb
Live music with The Ron Lewis Partnership and The False Dots + Rog T's Ska/Reggae DJ set pic.twitter.com/Hrm5bH8rCh
If you are a Roman Catholic in Mill Hill, or know someone who would like to attend mass, but cannot, the Sacred Heart Church now have a live feed every Sunday on Youtube, If there are any other churches or other religious institutions locally broadcasting services, please let us know.
On Thursday night, Nick Walkley, CEO of Barnet let me in on a little secret. He shares my interest in a certain genre of music. Here's one for you Nick :-
Any excuse to play a bit of the Stranglers (not that I really need any excuse at all). I suppose one good thing about being a blogger rather than the CEO of Barnet is that I can spend ALL DAY watching punk rock videos if I want. The upside of not getting in is that it allows me more time to devote to Beer, Punk Rock and Football.
I was reminded of a TV ad a few years ago where a team loses the FA cup final and they all look as miserable as sin as they sup champagne. They then pan over to the losing teams dressing room and they are all ecstatically happy as they drink beer (Carlsberg I think) as they can have what they want to drink. I won't be missing any World Cup matches to attend meetings of the Pencil Sharpener Procurement committee. It's true to say that I took the defeat of my beloved Manchester City by Spurs as an omen of doom for the election (us City fans are probably the most superstitious of any). I must say that Chelsea winning the league is an omen that things can only get better from here on in.
Onwards and upwards to a stress free world cup for me. As I looked at some of the people Mr Walkley has to contend with as CEO, I must say that I realised Don't Call Me Dave's criticism of his salary is a tad unfair. He deserves it for putting up with that lot.
As I drink my Sunday Morning cup of tea, I was reflecting on what sort of a place we live in. In some ways, we are lucky to live in such a special place. Let me tell you about the day I had yesterday and explain why.
The day started with a trip to Hendon Reformed Synagogue for the Bar Mitzvah of one of my best friends sons. Harris is the middle son and was born on the same day as my daughter Lizzie. They are both a little bit mad in their own way. Whereas his elder brother Sam gave a serious, intelligent and thoughtful reflection when reading his Bar Mitzvah speech (sorry I don't know the correct term), Harris sought to entertain us (although being no less intelligent). Rabbi Simon Katz joined in, cracking a joke at his Dads expense. Harris sought to add dramatic effect to his bible reading, using his best Burt Lancaster voice for passage spoken by God. I've known Harris since he was a baby and I was proud of him. His Mum and Dad were beaming at his command performance. The Jewish community has a great sense of family and I felt honoured to attend such a celebration. It is the culmination of 18 months of hard work and helps young Jewish people find their identity, know who they are and grow into adults. I was made to feel welcome at the Synagogue and I must say that I also felt lucky to live in a place where I could attend such a joyous occasion without giving it a second thought.
After the service, it was off to my studio. A serious conversation ensued with a customer who was asking my opinion of the news that the Polish Prime minister had been killed in a plane crash visiting Katyn. This is the site of a massacre of Polish soldiers by the Soviet army in 1940. It seems that this sad place will occupy a further sad chapter in Polish history. Are some places just unlucky?
At six pm, I took myself down to the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Mill Hill for another joyous occasion. Whereas the celebration for Harris was celebrating someone starting out on adulthood, a ceremony was being held honouring three parishioners for a lifetime of dedication to the community and their hard work and service for it. One of the people being given this, Kay Lavelle, is the mum of an old friend of mine. Kay is a lovely lady, originally from Ireland. She is one of a team of people who keep the church running, doing all of the little background task that generally go unnoticed (and unthanked) in a large busy parish. She is a lovely person who will always pass the time of day with you. When I was a teenager, her house was one where there was an open door for all the local youngsters. Teas, lemonades and biscuits would be proferred, if you looked hungry a more substancial sandwich would miraculously appear. The house was always filled with young people coming and going and was always happy.
Although Kay still lives in Mill Hill, it was great to see the rest of the family, most of whom had moved away. It was also great to see a packed hall for the reception. Often such ceremonies and awards are given to "the great and the good". It was great to see such a ceremony for someone who thoroughly deserved it and would never have asked for it. One of the other recepients, Stella Vanek exclaimed "I can't believe it" when she received her award. I can and I was pleased to share in the day.
My last port of call was the Mill Hill Tandoori restaurant. A fine meal was had with my beloved wife. Mill Hill is blessed to have two fantastic Indian restaurants, in the Mill Hill Tandoori and the Day of the Raj. Both are run by hard working members of the Muslim community. Both of whom have become good friends over many years.
As I contemplate my cup of tea, I thought to myself "How many places in the world would I attend a Bar Mitzvah, a Roman Catholic service of thanksgiving and then have a fine meal in a restaurant run by a Muslim friend and not think anything of any of it". Sadly the answer, even in the year 2010 is "Not enough places". Even in this country, there are places where the Jewish community, the Roman Catholic Community, The Irish Community and The Muslim community are viewed with fear and suspicion. Happily The London Borough of Barnet is not one of them. What sort of a place is the London Borough of Barnet? A place I'm proud to live in and a place where I feel very much at home.
