The annual ceremony at Hendon Town Hall on 28 April recognized individuals and organizations for their long-term voluntary contributions. The event saw Barnet volunteers honoured at annual Civic Awards ceremony proceedings, highlighting those who have dedicated decades to local causes across three distinct categories.
| Award Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Ceremony Date | 28 April 2026 |
| David Bone | 65 years at Barnet Market |
| David Lardi | 50 years of musical direction |
| Categories | Lifetime Achievement, Community Service, Young Citizen |
Decades of service at Barnet Market and local orchestras
David Bone received the Barnet Lifetime Achievement Civic Award for his 65-year tenure at Barnet Market. Bone has remained a consistent figure for both traders and customers, maintaining the market’s presence in the local economy. David Lardi was also recognized for over 50 years of dedication to amateur music. Lardi has served as Music Director for the Finchley Symphony Orchestra and the Finchley Chamber Choir, contributing to the borough’s cultural landscape.
Posthumous recognition for East Barnet community work
A Lifetime Achievement award was granted posthumously to Christine Shields for her work with the East Barnet Residents’ Association and the East Barnet Festival. Her family attended the ceremony at Hendon Town Hall to accept the honour. Additionally, the Age UK Barnet Volunteering Team was recognized for providing essential support services to the borough’s elderly population.
Civic citations and mayoral presentation
Mr Martin Russell MBE DL, the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Barnet, read the individual citations for each nominee. These documents detailed the specific voluntary contributions of the awardees prior to the official announcement. The trophies were presented by The Worshipful the Mayor of the London Borough of Barnet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Barnet Civic Awards and who is eligible to receive one?
The Barnet Civic Awards are the borough’s highest honors for unpaid voluntary service, presented annually at Hendon Town Hall. Eligibility is split into three categories: Lifetime Achievement (for decades of service), Community Service (for impactful local work), and Young Citizen (for those under 21). To qualify, nominees must have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the London Borough of Barnet, such as David Bone’s 65-year tenure at Barnet Market or David Lardi’s 50 years of musical leadership.
How can I nominate a local hero for the next Barnet Civic Awards?
Nominations are typically submitted through the London Borough of Barnet’s official website via a formal nomination form. You will need to provide a detailed ‘citation’—a written summary of the nominee’s voluntary contributions and the specific impact they have had on the community. Ensure your nominee is not being paid for the service you are highlighting, as these awards are strictly for voluntary, non-commercial excellence.
How do these awards benefit the local Barnet economy and community services?
By recognizing individuals like the Age UK Barnet Volunteering Team, the awards provide essential visibility to local support networks, often leading to increased volunteer recruitment and donations. Furthermore, honoring figures at Barnet Market helps preserve the borough’s historical trading identity, encouraging residents to shop locally and supporting the economic sustainability of traditional market spaces.
Where can I find the full list of winners and information on the next ceremony?
The complete list of winners and their official citations is maintained by the Mayor’s Office at the London Borough of Barnet. For those looking to attend or participate in the 2027 proceedings, updates are usually published in the ‘Council and Democracy’ section of the Barnet Council website. You can also contact the Representative Deputy Lieutenant’s office for guidance on protocol and nomination deadlines, which typically close a few months before the April ceremony.
Source: Barnet Council
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