Hendon Town Hall hosted the annual Barnet Civic Awards on April 28, celebrating the individuals who form the backbone of the borough’s voluntary sector. The ceremony, led by the Worshipful the Mayor and the Representative Deputy Lieutenant, Mr Martin Russell MBE DL, highlighted contributions ranging from half a century of musical direction to decades of market trading.
These awards recognise those who have gone above and beyond through fundraising and volunteering to improve the local quality of life. The 2026 ceremony specifically focused on long-term commitment and the preservation of Barnet’s cultural and commercial heritage.
| Award Winner | Contribution Highlight |
|---|---|
| David Bone | 65 years of service as a stalwart of Barnet Market |
| David Lardi | 50+ years of musical direction for Finchley orchestras |
| Christine Shields | Posthumous honour for East Barnet Residents’ Association |
| Age UK Barnet | Exceptional team support for vital elderly services |
Decades of dedication to Barnet Market and local music
David Bone received the Barnet Lifetime Achievement Civic Award for his 65-year tenure at Barnet Market. His presence has been a constant for generations of traders and shoppers, maintaining the market’s role as a vital local institution.
In the realm of culture, David Lardi was honoured for over 50 years of service to amateur music-making. As the Music Director for the Finchley Symphony Orchestra and the Finchley Chamber Choir, Lardi has been instrumental in sustaining the borough’s classical music scene and providing a platform for local musicians.
Community legacies and voluntary support systems
The ceremony included a poignant posthumous award for Christine Shields. Her family accepted the honour on behalf of her extensive work with the East Barnet Residents’ Association and the East Barnet Festival. These organisations are central to the social fabric of the East Barnet area, providing residents with advocacy and cultural engagement.
The Age UK Barnet Volunteering Team also took the stage. Their work is increasingly critical as the borough’s demographic shifts, providing essential support services that the local authority often supplements through these voluntary partnerships.
Mr Martin Russell MBE DL read the individual citations for each nominee before the Mayor presented the awards. The Barnet volunteers honoured at annual Civic Awards ceremony represent a collective commitment to the borough’s resilience and social cohesion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Barnet Civic Awards and why are they significant?
The Barnet Civic Awards are the borough’s highest honours, designed to celebrate individuals and groups who have provided exceptional, long-term voluntary service. These awards specifically recognize those whose contributions—often spanning decades—form the ‘backbone’ of the local community, ensuring that vital services, cultural institutions, and historical landmarks like the Barnet Market continue to thrive for future generations.
How can I nominate a resident or group for a Barnet Civic Award?
To nominate a local hero, you must submit a formal application via the Barnet Council website during the annual nomination window (typically opening in late autumn). You will need to provide a detailed account of the nominee’s voluntary achievements, evidence of their impact on the borough, and confirmation that their work is unpaid. Nominations are reviewed by a panel including the Mayor and the Representative Deputy Lieutenant.
How do these awards directly benefit the Barnet community and local businesses?
These awards provide critical visibility to local causes, which often leads to increased volunteer recruitment and funding opportunities. For example, recognizing 65 years of service at Barnet Market helps drive footfall to local traders, while honoring groups like Age UK Barnet raises public awareness for essential elderly services. This recognition reinforces the social fabric and economic stability of the borough by celebrating the people who maintain its heritage.
Where can I find the official list of winners and information on the next ceremony?
The full list of winners and their detailed citations are published on the official Barnet Council news portal and displayed at Hendon Town Hall. For those looking to participate in or attend the 2027 ceremony, keep an eye on the Mayor’s official announcements starting in January, or visit the ‘Civic Awards’ section of the council’s website for the most current deadlines and eligibility criteria.
Source: Barnet Council
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