I have been out and about in Barnet meeting constituents and developing my “prescription for change” for a happier, healthier, safer and fairer Barnet for all.
Here is what I have done in June 2023:
CST Visit in Hendon
Thank you to Community Security Trust (CST) for taking the time to meet with me recently. CST is a charity that works to protect British Jews from antisemitism and related threats. It has over 90 full and part-time staff based in offices in London, Manchester and Leeds and provides security advice and training for Jewish communal organisations, schools and synagogues. It was very interesting to hear about the serious and important work CST does in Barnet across numerous programmes and initiatives and also its work with other charities like Tell MAMA and Gallop. However, it was worrying to hear that CST has recently lost some grant funding from the London Mayor and the impact this may have on its work.
The Barnet community is a mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives It is essential that we celebrate and embrace this diversity and work together to build understanding and confront intolerance. Local community organizations, schools, and religious institutions need to work harder to build cross-cultural understanding, and create opportunities for collaboration and shared experiences.
The London Festival of Architecture in Edgware
It was a real treat to be invited by Rev Simon Rea, Cllr Lucy Wakeley and Cllr Nick Mearing-Smith to this historical tour around Edgware. A group of local residents met at St Margaret's church on Station Road for a light breakfast before setting off to the award-winning Grade II refurbished Almshouses. It was lovely to hear from some of the occupants of the Almshouses and to be welcomed inside. Lunch was served afterwards at One Stonegrove community centre where I had the opportunity to speak to local residents as they set up for their Summer Party.
RAF Museum
I had a very interesting visit to the Royal Air Force Museum in Edgware as part of the commemoration of Armed Forces Day. In addition to seeing the permanent exhibits in this fascinating museum it was great to see some Veterans and Cadets on parade and take some time to reflect on the sacrifices those that serve make to protect our freedoms.
Hustings in JW3
It was great to meet so many members and residents at the recent hustings for our Mayoral candidates in the fabulous JW3 Community Centre. The mayor has a small budget for healthcare so, amongst other things I was particularly keen to understand how the different candidates would use this to improve facilities in our borough.
