I compiled an overview of the top stories making the news in Ham & High for each month of the year. This was published in print as a 5-page spread on December 31st 2015.
Front-page stories:
East Finchley nursery was put into lockdown as shots were heard ringing out nearby. Several boys were heard screaming before the shots were fired. No children or staff members were hurt during the incident. Several parents living nearby the school heard the shots but thought they were the noise from fireworks. (The original article can be viewed here)
Pupils at the Hornsey School for Girls showed their support for Paris shootings victims by holding a protest against terrorism. During a lunchtime ceremony the students held up placards including messages such as “terrorism does not have a religion” and “turn fear into courage”. Neighbouring schools, businesses and town halls in Camden, Barnet and Haringey also chimed in holding one-minute silence vigils or flying the French flag. (The original article can be viewed here)
Light-hearted: Laura Marks, founder of the now-annual multi-faith Mitzvah Day, was delighted with the success of the charity day that recently celebrated its 10th year. A cooking event was held at the JW3 community centre in Hampstead with various government and department members from different faiths with all the food given out to the homeless. Another was held at the Belsize Square Synagogue where food was cooked for their neighbours. More than 40,000 people were involved in this year’s event.
Controversy: MPs and firefighters are angered at the prospect of London Fire Brigade losing 13 fire engines due to budget cuts. Stations in Hornsey and Hampstead was set to be hit with the reductions putting more pressure on engines coming out of nearby Camden and Haringey.
Lillian Altman 