The annual Barnet Civic Awards ceremony took place at Hendon Town Hall on 28 April. Several Barnet volunteers honoured at annual Civic Awards ceremony were recognised for decades of service that have shaped the local community across three categories: Lifetime Achievement, Outstanding Service, and Young Citizen awards.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Ceremony Date | 28 April 2026 |
| Venue | Hendon Town Hall |
| Lifetime Achievement | David Bone (65 years), David Lardi (50+ years) |
| Posthumous Award | Christine Shields (East Barnet Festival) |
| Team Recognition | Age UK Barnet Volunteering Team |
Sixty-five years of dedication to Barnet Market
David Bone received the Barnet Lifetime Achievement Civic Award for his 65-year tenure at Barnet Market. As a long-standing figure at the historic trading site, Bone was cited for his unwavering commitment to both fellow traders and the local customer base. His career spans over six decades of the market’s modern history, maintaining a presence in one of Chipping Barnet’s most enduring community hubs.
Musical leadership and posthumous community honours
David Lardi was also presented with a Lifetime Achievement award, marking over 50 years of involvement in amateur music-making. Lardi has served as the Music Director for several local institutions, including the Finchley Symphony Orchestra and the Finchley Chamber Choir. His work has been central to the borough’s cultural landscape, providing leadership for orchestral and choral performances over five decades.
A posthumous Lifetime Achievement award was granted to Christine Shields for her work with the East Barnet Residents’ Association and the East Barnet Festival. Her family attended the Hendon ceremony to accept the honour. Additionally, the Age UK Barnet Volunteering Team was recognised for their operational support of the charity’s local welfare initiatives.
Ceremonial proceedings at Hendon Town Hall
The Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Barnet, Martin Russell MBE DL, performed the reading of individual citations for each nominee. These citations detailed the specific voluntary contributions made by the awardees before the formal announcements. The Worshipful the Mayor of the London Borough of Barnet presented the awards to the winners.
The 2026 Barnet Civic Awards winners list is available through official council channels for those seeking the full register of this year’s recipients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Barnet Civic Awards and who is eligible to win?
The Barnet Civic Awards are the borough’s highest honors, presented annually at Hendon Town Hall to recognize individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional voluntary service. Eligibility covers anyone living or working in the London Borough of Barnet who has made a significant, unpaid contribution to the community. Awards are typically divided into three tiers: Lifetime Achievement (for decades of service), Outstanding Service, and the Young Citizen award for those under 25.
How can I nominate a local volunteer for a Barnet Civic Award?
To nominate a local hero, you must complete an official nomination form via the Barnet Council website during the open call period, which usually begins several months before the April ceremony. You will need to provide:
- The nominee’s contact details.
- A summary of their voluntary work and the specific impact it has had on the borough.
- Testimony or evidence of their long-term commitment (e.g., the 50+ years of service seen in the 2026 winners).
How do these awards impact local community groups like Age UK Barnet?
Recognition at the Civic Awards provides essential visibility that helps local charities and community hubs thrive. For groups like the Age UK Barnet Volunteering Team, winning an award validates their welfare initiatives, making it easier to secure grants and attract new volunteers. Similarly, highlighting figures from Barnet Market or the East Barnet Festival helps preserve local heritage and encourages residents to support these historic institutions.
Where can I find the full list of winners and info on the next ceremony?
The full register of 2026 winners, including those honored for musical leadership and community festivals, is maintained by the Barnet Council’s Governance Service. For updates on the 2027 ceremony or to view photos from the Hendon Town Hall proceedings, residents should monitor the ‘Mayor of Barnet’ section of the official council portal or follow local community news on Hiyastar for the next call for nominations.
Source: Barnet Council
