The mercury is falling - it's demonstration season in Barnet

What is it about us? In Barnet, we wait for the coldest months of the year, and then rush outside to wave our placards.

This time last year, we held the Barnet march against cuts. It's logical, given that those cuts are now working their way through, and individual services and groups of residents are directly feeling the squeeze, that this year there should be a number of small, single issue protests.

Tomorrow, to remind you again, the Save Friern Barnet Library campaign are joining in National Libraries Day, with a march from Friern Barnet (old) town hall -assemble 2pm - to Friern Barnet library. I hope to get along.

This Monday (6 February), some of the traders facing economic ruin as a result of the new parking charges and 'pay by mobile' (an attempt to 'optimise' revenue income by the council) will hold a demonstration. Details (via Barnet Eye Roger Tichborne):

North Finchley Traders are organising a protest against Barnet Council's extortionate car parking charges on Monday morning at 10am. The traders are holding a funeral for the local high street, together with coffin. The Master of Ceremonies will be dressed as Brian Coleman, the Councillor responsible for the parking charges.

For more details contact Helen Michael on 07835 133355.

Meet at Cafe Buzz, North Finchley, 9.30am.

Please make every effort to promote this protest and support your local High Street traders.

I will be leafleting early morning at North London Business Park to build public support for the strike by Barnet Unison on Thursday. I hope to get away to photograph the demonstration, as well.

In relation to social conflicts, the French often talk about a 'hot autumn'. Englishmen and women (and mad dogs?) like to march in the snow. At least, they do in Barnet.