The Blogs of the year on the Barnet Eye

As ever at this time of year, we finish the old year and start the new year with a few rituals. We had a brilliantly successful Barnet Eye Community Awards Ceremony at The Chandos Arms. We hope you enjoyed our Xmas message. The next tradition is our blogs of the year. This is where we take a  look back at the four hundred and one blogs we've published this year and pick our favourites on a month by month basis. As years go, 2015 has been an exceptionally horrible one.

We've seen the rise of ISIS and some truly horrific attacks in France, starting with the Charlie Hebdo raids and ending with a night of terrible carnage. We've seen the political response which was for the UK to once more get embroiled in a foriegn war. Perhaps, like no other war we've ever been involved in, we are putting service personell at risk when none of the potential winners are offering anything which looks remotely like what we call a civilised government. The choices seem to be ISIS, Assad or God only knows what. At least this time no one is pretending that a civilised, democratic state is going to be the outcome.
In the UK political spectrum, we had a truly bizarre year. Up until May, it appeared that the consensus was that the coalition had done a decent job. Everyone expected another one. Sadly, it appears that everyone was mislead by pollsters, who it now emerges didn't actually bother to ask ordinay people what they thought. Ordinary people took an axe to the Lib Dems. They simply took the view that if you wanted a Tory government, then you vote Tory. The Lib Dems exited stage left and for a short while it seemed as if Cameron and Osborne were all conquering. Amazingly, we end the year with Osborne looking more and more like damaged goods as one key policy after another falters and is rejected, most notably tax credits.

The Labour Party did what the Labour Party is best at. They launched into an extended period of navel gazing. Labour members could not have been more clear who they wanted to lead the party. Sadly the Labour MP's disagree and seem determined to do everything they possibly can to stick two fingers up at the membership and their own democratic process. It appears to me that Labour is not actually functioning as a party at the moment. We have highly motivated activists on the streets, who are completely disconnected from the party machine. You don't have top be a genius to see what will happen next. My own view is that the Blairite fringe who are simply waiting for Corbyn to fall are deluded fools who need to get off their backsides and wake up. A divided party is a party that fails. Cameron is smart enough to see this, why aren't the Labour MP's?

On a  personal front, it has been horrible. A good friend lost his 20 year old son in a horrific accident in New Zealand. That has cast a long shadow. I've also had to come to terms with some unwelcome news in reference to my own cancer diagnosis.

Highights? Well there have been a few. From the perspective of my band, it has been a classic year. We've nearly finished our album, we've released a video on Youtube and we've played some classic gigs. We've also written several classic songs. My daughters have both started Uni, which has been a good experience for them. Anyway, without further ado, here is my choice for the blogs of the year.

 January

There could only be one. The big story in January. The biggest ever petition in the Borough. There were a few, but I believe this one pulls all of the themes together.

West Hendon Estate scandal in Pictures and Words - Please sign this petition

 

 

 

 

 

 

Save London Music - Support for our campaign

February

 For me personally, 2015 has seen me launch a major campaign. This was a response to the closure of over 40% of Londons key music venues in the last 10 years. The campaign has gone from strength to strength, with even Boris Johnson supporting it and setting up a task force. This is where it started.

Save London Music - Campaign Launch Friday 27th February

 
 March

Although my cancer diagnosis has caused me much grief throughout the year, this particular story was pretty left field. This is how The Holiday Inn Hotel group ruined my 20th wedding anniversary. They never apologised and they offered no explanation for their actions. I do a lot of travel and will be avoiding them like the plague until the day I drop dead.

Rog T's Cancer Blog - How Holiday Inn used Cancer as an excuse to ruin my 20th wedding anniversary treat

April

Sometimes you don't have to say too much to get a point across. Reading this blog again just reminded me of how simple it should be to get a message across whenb you are right.

Tax - No one likes it until they need public services 

May

In May, the Tories won a massive victory both locally and nationally. I asked members of all  the parties to contribute guest blogs. By far the most illuminating and interesting was one from Stephen McKenzie, who is a young Tory activist. This got a huge response. I suspect that in years to come Stephen will be a name to watch in the Conservative party (assuming he isn't too put off by some of the unpleasant shenanigans we've read about in the press in relation to youth activists). Having seen both the Labour and Lib Dem local party machines at close hand over a number of years, it is pretty clear to me that the Tories have a far better and more organised approach, with a focus on what will get voters out (or keep opposition voters in). It is a bit ironic that despite Barnet having the worlds greatest local bloggers, none of us were engaged to help any of the opposition parties in the election campaign. Given the tens of thousands that read this blog every month, that is truly bizzare.

Guest Blog - Hendon Election Analysis - By Stephen McKenzie

June

In June my attention was 100% on the Mill Hill Music Festival. I wrote this blog primarily to capture all the details, to help me plan for the next one. In fact it has been a really successful edition, with people contacting me from far and wide for help and info and just to thank me for putting it together

How to plan a local music festival



July

We are now in the heady months of Summer. Seems like a long time ago, doesn't it. At the time I made a prediction that seemed absurd. I stated that I thought Jeremy Corby could and would win the Labour Leadership contest.  A couple of Labour Councillors at the time took the trouble to tell me I was off my rocker! A few days later a poll was published that said he was ahead in the polls. The rest is history.

Can Jeremy Corbyn win? Ask Margaret Thatcher

 August

In August we had a massive response to our blog about scrapping the Meals on Wheels sevice in Barnet. The whole issue fills me with sadness. That is all I can really say right now. It is an attck on the most vulnerable people in Barnet and the people who have sought to defend the decision disgust me.

Exposed - The inhumanity of Barnet Council in ending meals on wheens for vulnerable people

 
 September 

There really can only be one blog for September. The Barnet Libraries Childrens March. What a day, what a joyous event. Sadly our local politicians don't really seem to care, but what a great community we have.

Save Barnets Libraries Childrens March

 October

A rather personal blog, but one which means a lot to me. For you, dear reader, this may give some idea of my motivations.

Some things are worth fighting for 

November

How did London respond to the Paris atrocity? I wrote this blog about the England vs France football match which will probably be one of the most moving occasions I have ever attended.

A night at Wembley to be proud of 











 December

The big story in December was the shenanigans surrounding the election for the general secretary of UNISON. Local Barnet General Secretary John Burgess was seemingly on the end of some sharp practices from staff of the Union, who are meant to be impartial. The story has been picked up by Private Eye and The Guardian amongst others.

Barnet UNISON Rep John Burgess stitched up in dodgy Union election shenanigans

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That was the year. Lets hope for a better one in 2016.

The Tweets of the Week in the London Borough of Barnet - 26/12/2015

Here they are, we know you've all been waiting!

1. This has to be the tweet of the week in our neighbourhood. I am sure any of us would have been proud to post this! Well done to Tai

Tai ‏@Taomie_Okp Dec 24 Barnet, London

Burnt Oak smuggle in their meat? Bye

2. Any Expats from our neck of the woods may find this tweet and the associated video rather interesting. Some nice views of Mill Hill

Philip G ‏@NavZMetro 10h10 hours ago

I added a video to a @YouTube playlist http://youtu.be/eug3FRK3xq4?a  [British Bus Rides] Metroline 240 Edgware to Golders Green.

3. Wheely19 asks a question a few of us have been wondering

1. 1. wheely19 ‏@wheely19 Dec 21

      A southern police training centre of excellence chance missed?? @Alanw47: Remember Hendon? 

      
      

      
      

4. This one from ShepMichaels raised a bit of a smile

1. 1. Shep Michaels ‏@ShepMichaels Dec 18

      @diaryofamaddie this is what happens when they park it in Colindale.

5. Have to agree with Ian Dunn.

1. 1. Ian Dunn ‏@iandunndesign Dec 22

      The Torrington, North Finchley once looked like this! The real character of N12 continues to be deleted. 

      
      

      

      
      

6. Huw Price doesn't seem to have much sympathy for slightly short sight motorists

1. 1. Huw Pryce ‏@HuwPryce Dec 23 Barnet, London

      The infamous Finchley Memorial Hospital rock. Invisible to litigious motorists apparently.

  

7. YEs James, indeed

James Caven ‏@JCTimesSeries Dec 24

It wouldn't be Christmas in Barnet without a parking story: http://www.times-series.co.uk/news/14166387.Bah_humbug__Driver_caught_out_during_free_Christmas_parking_period/?ref=twtrec …

8. Aditiya Chakrabortty recognised a true hero from our community in The Guardian

Aditya Chakrabortty Verified account ‏@chakrabortty Dec 21

My hero in 2015? The man with the plan to beat the cuts. My col. http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/dec/21/hero-2015-plan-beat-cuts-john-burgess … @barnet_unison

9. Pleased to see that our Barnet Charity of The Year were pretty made up to win!

ART AGAINST KNIVES ‏@ArtAgainstKnive Dec 19

ART AGAINST KNIVES

SO excited to be awarded 'Barnet Charity of the Year' by @Barneteye -THANK YOU (thanks @JuliaHines for nominating) 

10. And it seems our choice of Barnet Event of the Year was well received as well

Lindsay Bamfield ‏@LindsayBamfield Dec 19

Really pleased that @FinchleyLitFest was awarded 2015's best event in Barnet @Barneteye awards last night. Thanks to the judges.

------------------------- Thats All Folks - The Next Tweets of the week will be in 2016 ------------

Boxing Day Bucket List - I say aim high!

Lets have some festive fun! I thought I'd put together a festive fun bucket list. Here's a top twenty things I'd really love to do before I croak. I've set the bar pretty high though, so it may be difficult.

1. Look at Planet Earth through a telescope from another planet.
2. Stage a gig for the Mill Hill Music Festival featuring both of the might Boz's - Mr Scaggs and Boorer
3. Open a brewery and have a Mill Hill Stout in the range (dedicated to my mum of course)
4. Reopen Darlands Lake as a boating lake
5. Open a decent wine bar in Mill Hill Broadway
6. Open a decent Fish and Chippy in Mill Hill Broadway (I miss La Carp D'Ora )
7. Open a decent music venue in or near  Mill Hill Broadway
8. Reopen Woolworths in Mill Hill Broadway
9. Stage a Mill Hill Festival of Food and Drink
10. See Barnet FC move to Copthall
11. See the North London Light Railway opened, linking Finchley Central to Brent Cross via Mill Hill and Hendon (with a stop for Saracens at Allianz Park)
12. Reinstate pay and display cash parking machines in our High Streets
13. Design and install sound deadening panels for the M1 motorway through Mill Hill, reducing noise pollution by 30% and giving us a decent nights sleep.
14. Get the London Mayor to take proper responsibility and deal with air quality in Mill Hill Broadway Bus station  (the place with the worst measured air quality in Western Europe, where hundreds of school children breath noxious and dangerous fumes every day)
15. Stage a gig inside Apex Corner Roundabout
16. Reopen Mill Hill Open Air Swimming Pool (which should never have been shut in 1983 as the land was bequeathed to the people of Barnet to be used as a swimming pool).
17. See the footpaths improved in Arrendene open space so it is possible to walk dogs through the fields at this time of the year
18. See Dr Matthew Offord MP recognise his dream and open a good cheese shop in Mill Hill
19. See a good fishmonger open in Mill Hill Broadway
20. Watch Manchester City lift the Champions League Trophy

If I could see all of those things I think I'd be able to die very happy and I think Mill Hill would be a much better place to live in. It's sad really how many of the things are simply putting back things which have been lost.

The Barnet Eye Christmas message 2015

'They say there's always magic in the air on (Mill Hill) Broadway'

May I take this oppportunity to wish all of my friends, family and readers of the Barnet Eye a marvellous and peaceful Christmas. Whatever your faith, or lack of it, I hope you have a lovely day and whatever wishes you may have had for Christmas are granted.

As is the tradition in my family, we attended the Childrens mass at The Sacred Heart Church in Mill Hill yesterday. The picture at the head of this blog was what I thought was a rather magical scene as I walked to the Church, A full moon rising over the Sacred Heart, the lights and a no 186 London bus on the way to Brent Cross. Maybe this rather blurry picture sums up what Christmas is in 2015. As you can see, the Church has been rather dwarfed by the new flats on the corner of Hartley Avenue. The £1 shop is still open and doing a roaring trade and the bus makes its winding way towards the palace of mammon that is Brent Cross. But despite all of this the rising moon lends a magical quality to the scene and reminds us that our little corner of London is really only a very tiny little sea of tranquility in a turbulent world.

I love the childrens mass at Christmas. The singing of carols and the telling of the story of the nativity is always rather special. It does no harm to also be reminded of those who are not quite so lucky in the world. Fr Kevin reminded us of those who are mourning, suffering and of those loved ones who have passed on in the last year. For many of us Christmas is the time of year when we feel such losses most acutely. We were urged to say prayers for those suffering in the Middle East and the refugees displaced across our continent. Whatever your beliefs of lack of them I am sure you will agree that those of us in rich Western nations have to some degree failed these people. I wonder if we'd spent just 10% of the money we spend on bombs on Universities, medicines and food for the poor, whether the hard hearted militants would hate us quite so much?

There is much talk of the Spirit of Christmas? Well what is it? Christmas symbolises birth and change. Whatever you think of the story of the birth of Jesus, there are a few lessons anyone can take (even if you don't believe the story).

1. Jesus was born out of wedlock. Joseph was not his biological father, but he accepted him and treated him as his son. He comes out of the story with a lot of credit. We should all show a bit of his tolerence and forgiveness. Did he doubt Marys story? He clearly loved her and that was enough.

2. Jesus had to flee Bethlehem for fear of persecution. When we criticise "ASYLUM SEEKERS" maybe we should consider the beginnings of the man who founded the state religion in the UK. Every time you slag off an asylum seeker, you are slagging off Jesus Christ as well (and for you atheists, that doesn't let you off the hook, we all need to be decent people).

3. Three wise men travelled "from the east" to visit the scene of the birth. We all have to "follow our star". If we have to do something, even if the journey is perilous, we must see it through.

4. The Sheperds on the hill also bore witness to the birth. I draw great consolation that the man who many believe to be the messiah was born witness to by ordinary blokes as well as Kings from the east. We all matter.

5. And perhaps the biggest one. Mary and Joseph were given shelter in a barn, where Mary gave birth. An act of small kindness by an innkeeper. Do we have a barn in our hearts, where we can give someone a little bit of shelter to someone who needs it? For the last year I've volunteered at a homeless centre. Is it right that 2,000 years after the birth in a barn of the man who founded our state religion, that people still have to sleep in barns, parks and doorways.

For each and every one of my readers, I'd love to give you all a special Christmas Present. As a musician and a music lover, here is my gift. To me this is perhaps the song that sums up the true spirit of Christmas. I hope you enjoy it.


A world that has given us Billie Holiday cannot be all bad, can it?

Merry Christmas

Christmas Greetings from The False Dots

The False Dots Christmas Show at The Chandos Arms

Most Barnet Eye readers know me as Rog T, the Barnet Blogger. Many also know I play guitar and write songs in a band called The False Dots. We write 'songs of love and war'. This year has been a great year for us. I am blessed to work with fantastic people and I'd urge everyone to make music, whether it is in a band a choir, an orchestra or even with your friends around the camp fire! It will make you happier and healthier. Here is our band Christmas Message to all our friends.

A very merry Xmas to all our friends.
We look forward to the New Year. It will be a special year for The False Dots. We will be releasing our Album "Songs of Love and War" in the spring. We've already started working on the follow up project! 2015 has been a great year for the band. We've had some cracking shows, notably at The Fiddlers Elbow in Camden, The Chandos Arms in Colindale and The Midland Hotel in Hendon. We've written and recorded some classic new tracks with"Please Myself" perhaps being the pick of the bunch. We also released our first video of Winter in Your Heart, which I think is a classic, if you haven't already seen it, have a look. 

I think that is the strength of the songwriting partnership I have with Allen. We both really love writing songs that capture the important emotions in our life. e I've ever met. He's engineered all of our recordings and watching him leap off tables on Friday just summed up his sheer joy of performing. Graham on drums has always been a fine drummer. It can be hard for a drummer to make too much impact on a band, but Graham is one of the most dynamic and original drummers I've ever seen. He brings something to the music which is simply irreplacable.We are also blessed to have Fil on bass. He is one of the most musically talented peoplPlaying in a band has always been a very special thing for me.

Playing with Allen Ashley, Fil Ross and Graham Ramsay is a privelidge and an honour, as well as a lot of fun. I've played with many musicians over the years, but to work with three other people so committed to making great music and who always give 100% to ensure every show is as good as possible is just amazing. There have been many small things which have made me proud of what we do, one example that springs to mind was at the recent gig at The Chandos. After we played a chap came up to me and said "That football song you do (Saturday) is the best song about football I've ever heard. I've come down to watch Huddersfield play tomorrow and its the first song that captures what it is really like to be a fan". For me as a musician and a writer such moments are as high an accolade as can be given. It says in the Koran "To Save One Person is to Save The whole world". I honestly believe that being a musician has saved me, that is why as a band we have fought so hard for music, musicians and music venues, and are proud to support the Save London Music campaign. Music is something that can change your mood, change your day and change your life for the better. That is why I believe it to be so important. What would Christmas be like without the carols, a far less joyous occasion no doubt? It is all part of a wider picture which is why it is vital that musicians of all genres and styles are supported. The False Dots work hard to avoid being pigeonholed. The gigs we've promoted this year have included African music bands and Brazilian Bossa Nova musicians to name a few styles. We yearn for the glory days of Top of The Pops, when the whole family would watch music together and see an eclectic mix of artists and styles, rather than today where each genre has its own narrow minded channel.

As a band, we are musically promiscuous. Allen works with First Edition, who do great Jazz and Poetry Shows. Fil plays lead guitar and sings with Rock and Roll Sons and Graham plays drums in a great party band called Tell The Others. We are all driven individuals on a mission!

I believe that music has the power to overcome social and personal barriers between people. It brings people together and is the soundtrack to our lives. As a band, we work tirelessly to promote the values of love, peace and community. We are al tremendously proud of the work we do and we hope that we've brought some joy into your heart this year.

We'd all like to wish all of our friends a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful safe and Happy New Year.

Is John Burgess a left wing looney?

Yesterday Aditya Chakrabotty wrote a blog about Barnet Unison branch seretary John Burgess

(My hero in 2015? The man with the plan to beat the cuts) detailing just why he admires John Burgess so much. It seems to me that John, who I consider to be a top man, is a bit of a Marmite character. People either love him or hate him. I've been copied in a couple of email chains of people congratulating John on being recognised in a national paper. The comments of local campaigners and residents of Barnet, have been glowing with pride that "our man" has been picked out as man of the year. There are however a group of people who seem to have a radically different view. 

There is a recording doing the rounds, which has an official of Johns own union implying that John is a dangerous left wing looney. As John is a bit of a thorn in the side of the local Conservatives, you may have expected them to be in the "loathe" camp as well. In actual fact, I've yet to meet a Barnet Tory who has a bad word to say about John. Even John Hart, who is an old school right wing Tory, recently told me that he thinks John is an excellent chap, even if they disagree on how the council should conduct its business. No Barnet Tory has ever called John a Left wing looney. The reason is that they have seen how he works for the members of his Union. John doesn't do shouty sloganeering. He makes his case in reasonable terms and tries to engage with those he is seeking to convince. The Union official alleged that his campaign is run by the SWP. In all of the campaigns I've been involved with alongside John, I've never seen the SWP directing anything. I've no idea if any of the people I've campaigned with are SWP, but if they are, they've been very quiet about it. What I have seen is ordinary people such as John Sullivan, who has a disabled daughter supporting John, as he seems to be the voice of reason for disabled people in Barnet. I've seen local traders such as Helen Michael, who runs Cafe Buzz and is the chair of North Finchley traders working with John to improve parking policies. I've seen John working with the CPZ campaign to ensure ordinary people don't get ripped off. I've seen John working with the library campaign to keep our local librarys open. Is this left wing looneyism? I don't think so.

I do wonder if the people who are in the "I hate John Burgess" camp actually know him? I suspect that they are more driven by self interest, preserving comfy jobs and not having to work too hard for their members than by anything else? Is John a left wing looney? Well he certainly isn't a right winger, but as far as I am concerned he is one of the sanest, most hard working and decent people I've ever met. I'm not a member of a trades union and I run my own business. I think I am pretty objective about the matter. Barnet workers have not got a history of pointless wildcat strikes. They simply have fought for their jobs and for a good deal for Barnet. I doubt any reasonable person considers that looney, do you?

I don't need to write a blog today

I don't need to write a blog today. Aditya Chakrabotty has said everything I want to say on page 37 of today's Guardian

My hero in 2015? The man with the plan to beat the cuts | Aditya Chakrabortty | Opinion | The Guardian 

Refugees in Barnet this Christmas

I saw a note in the Sacred Heart Parish magazine this weekend which struck a bit of a chord. It said

Knights of Columba Christmas Mile 10.00: This year the Knights are responding to the call of Pope Francis and are asking for sponsors to run or walk on their Christmas Mile on Christmas Morning at Mill Hill Park. The funds will be donated to assist Sacred Heart Parish to respond to the plight of the refugees.

I immedately thought what a marvellous idea. Christmas is the start of a story of a baby who became a refugee, fleeing to Nazereth, to escape persecution at the hands of an unjust King. Whether or not you believe the story, the sad truth is that in the Middle East many babies are having to flee. We saw the sad death earlier in the year of a young boy, who fell into the sea from a dodgy boat. For a small period, we all got back in touch with our humanity.

Whether or not you want to join the Knights of Columba, do your own walk, or just make a donation to help refugees in our neighbourhood, please give it a thought. The Barnet Refugee service is an excellent charit - http://www.b-r-s.org.uk

Their website says this

Welcome to Barnet Refugee Service

BRS is an independent registered charity working to improve the quality of life for refugees and asylum seekers who live, work or study within Barnet and surrounding London boroughs. We work in partnership with local agencies and the greater community to promote the physical, social and mental well-being of our clients. We do this by working to reduce health inequalities, social exclusion and poverty that overwhelm this group of individuals.

 Please give it a bit of thought.

Mad Friday, more like a mad weekend!

I am writing this before I turn in for the night. I am absolutely shattered. I have been on the go since about 6:30 am Friday, when I got up to see building contractors, who are starting a job for a family business. As we had the Barnet Eye awards on Friday night, the day was spent making last minute arrangements. My band, the False Dots were also appearing, so there was a lot of work to do and equipment to be delivered. As it was the evening was a phenomenal success. In previous years, the awards were just something I casually put together for a bit of fun. This year, we did it properly, sought nominations and had a system of judging, giving proper citations.i think this was a great success. I think the awards were brilliant and the recipients excellent. Of eight categories, only one was my nomination. I've learned a lot in the process.  Perhaps the biggest lesson is that if you want people to receive their certificate, you don't arrange the ceremony for 'mad Friday'. The gig was packed and amazing. I am blessed to play with three fantastic musicians.

Saturday was just as hectic, another early start, with a hangover! Much running round collecting gear, I had to speak to Robert Elms about Save London Music. I also had to drop off and rig a PA system in West Hampstead for the James Hunter gig in West Hampstead for my buddy Lyn Boorer. This involved another late night and more beer! We got a great sound after early hiccups. We finished up home at 2am. 

This morning we got up early, took the dogs across the park, I went to a Mass (always good to keep on the right side of the Almighty in Xmas week). Lovely service with about 50 small children singing away in a manger. You'd need a stone heart not to well up. Then we drove to Burnham on Crouch for my god sons 24th Birthday. He's grown into a fine young man. He's a teacher at a local comprehensive school, the one where he was educated. I think he gives a good role model to the kids.

We had to get back for 6pm as Jazz legend Ian Shaw was playing at The Chandos in Colindale. It was a great gig. I love the pub and its owners Ara and Emily. They gave regenerated a clapped out failing pub and deserve the support of all the community.

And now I sleep, goodnight

The Barnet Eye Community Awards 2015

Full Roll Call

Barnet Person of the year

– Polly Napper (Library campaigner)

– Nominated by Julia Hines (Charity Campaigner)

"Polly has worked tirelessly campaigning to preserve

 and maintain the library service in Barnet in the face 

of budget cuts. This award recognises the need for 

champions in our community for our heritage and

cultural life"

Barnet Charity of the year

– Art Against Knives

– Nominated by Julia Hines(Charity Campaigner)

"Art Against Knives are a ground breaking and innovative 

charity working with young people to provide creative

alternatives to violence and gang culture. This 

award recognise the essential work they have 

done and will continue to do in our community"

Barnet Pub of the Year

– The Chandos Arms

– Nominated by Roger Tichborne (The Barnet Eye)

"The Chandos Arms has established itself as the best grassroots

music venue in the London Borough of Barnet. It has been regenerate

into a welcoming and friendly community hub and become a key 

element of the Colindales community.

Barnet Comedy patron of the Year

– Polly Penter

– Nominated by Emily Kollviet (Pub/Venue Owner)

"Polly has put comedy on the map in Barnet, giving 

opportunities to up and coming talent and bring 

established comedians to a part of London that had

previousy been a comedy desert"

Barnet Band/Artist of the Year

– Little Em

– Nominated by Emily Kollviet (Pub/Venue Owner)

"Little Em is one of the oustanding artists of the new generation. 

Tipped for great things in 2016!"

Barnet Teacher of the Year

– Susi Earnshaw

- Nominated by Allen  Ashley (author/poet/teacher/singer)

"Susi has dedicated her life to giving young people the 

opportunity to realise their dreams of acting. Thousands

of young people have been able to realise and develop their

potential due to her hard work and inspiration" 

Barnet Restaurant of the Year

– Haven (Whetstone)

– Nominated by Helen Michael (Café Owner and chair of North Finchley Traders)

"Haven is an excellent restaurant, with outstanding food and service.

It is also a key supporter of many charities and good causes, supporting

hosting numerous events and acting as a hub of the community"

Barnet Event of the Year

- Finchley Literary Festival

- Nominated by Allen Ashley (author/poet/teacher/singer)

 "The Finchley Literary festival is a jewel in the cultural crown of our

Borough. It is built on the hard work of an excellent team and gives us 

an opportunity to enjoy the work of many great authors and writers 

in our community in some fantastic venues"

The Barnet Eye wishes to thank all of the above for making 2015 a truly special year in our Borough. The people and organisations listed above have all made a massive contribution to the lives and happiness of people living in the London Borough of Barnet. It is only right and proper that they get some recognition for their efforts. Many thanks to everyone who contributed nominations, to our team of judges who evaluated the process and especially to The Chandos Arms for allowing us to hold our awards ceremony and Christmas party at their fantastic venue. 

Congratulations to all.