Hampstead Highlights of 2011

And so, we come to the end of another year in Hampstead, and I thought it would be nice to take a glace at the events that have impacted Hampstead over 2011.

    Needless to say, not everything that happened in 2011 in Hampstead was positive, though it was always interesting! It emerged that the son of a certain dictator had a residence here. Needless to say that didn't last long, and protesters soon set-up camp inside. On that note, squatting was also the source of much contention in London, with Hampstead's empty mansions coming under the spotlight.

    There was also the surprising, and for many local residents, sad news that the Hampstead ponds would soon be closing for much needed repairs, and the likely (but eventually avoidable) closure of Heath Library. Yet there was success amongst Hampstead's schools, with Henrietta Barnett leading the charge and gaining some of the best results in the country. 

    One thing that's always interesting in Hampstead though is the celebrities, and this year say Michel McIntyre turning on the Christmas lights, whilst a-list stars such as Gwyneth Paltrow also visited. The best celebrity cameo came in the form of Sean Bean getting a little conflict outside The Hill Pub. A story that has become legend, and (most likely thanks to a little exaggeration) now involves him getting stabbed, walking back into the pub and requesting a first-aid kit and another pint.

    The big news of the year was of course the wedding and the riots. The wedding was embraced by Hampstead's community spirit, whilst that same community spirit made it's way onto Twitter during the riots and confused everyone.

    So an interesting year, and for me, one that featured events that really emphasised what a great place Hampstead is to live, particularly thanks to the Heath. The Kenwood House picnic concerts took up their usual residence, and here's hoping they return again next year, whilst a new event set-up home on the Heath in the form of the Affordable Art Fair (which turned out not to be that affordable!) It's nice to see the Heath's facilities being used to their full.

    So here's to an equally interesting and eventful 2012!