“Looking ahead to 2026, my resolution as your MP is to continue using my convening power to strengthen the ties in our community.”
Dear Resident,
With the festive season in full swing, I’ve loved seeing Finchley and Golders Green transform with celebrations. Christmas lights are up on the high streets and the Chanukiot are lighting up the constituency. It’s a time of hope and shared joy – and I want to thank all our residents who have got me into the festive spirit this year!
I’ve been to St Jude’s Christmas market in Hampstead Garden Suburb, the tree festival at All Saints in Childs Hill, and welcomed constituents to Parliament for end of year drinks. I joined Chabad for a poignant lighting of the Chanukiah in Victoria Park and at Golders Green following the Bondi attack, and enjoyed doughnuts and treats at Sage Nursing Home. I also took time to thank our local ‘heroes’ who will keep our community safe and well over the holidays – popping in to thank the volunteers at Finchley Foodbank, the staff at Finchley Memorial and our wonderful local posties!
December is a time to reflect on the year past and look ahead to what’s to come in 2026. I love serving as your MP every day, but a few moments from 2025 have stuck out to me as real highlights:
·Helping keep our precious community spaces open – saving the Artsdepot in North Finchley by securing a 50 year lease and supporting Bishopswood Bowls Club in HGS.
·Securing £15,000 in compensation for Granville Road Estate residents in Childs Hill after they went weeks without water.
·Working with local councillors to secure a date (12th January 2026!) for a pedestrian crossing to be installed at Hoop Lane to improve safety.
·Fighting for better CCTV in the Causeway in East Finchley after residents complained of feeling unsafe when walking home at night.
·Securing commitments to lock B&Q car park in Cricklewood after residents raised security concerns.
·Welcoming our local Ukrainian community, alongside those volunteers who have supported refugees, into Parliament.
·Meeting many of you at the 5 coffee mornings, 7 streets surgeries, and 3 parliamentary events we have hosted! Not to mention the 145 other events I’ve attended with local community groups, schools and charities this past year.
Looking ahead to 2026, my resolution as your MP is to continue using my convening power to strengthen the ties in our community. When things feel divided, building bridges and making connections and common cause with neighbours is our best way to defeat darkness.
And now, the fun bit – because it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Finchley & Golders Green Festive Quiz:
(Please email me your answers and we will announce the winner in the next newsletter!)
On a Christmas visit to Finchley, what did former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher say was her favourite part of Christmas?
For how many years has the Menorah been lit at Golders Green station?
Wham’s George Michael is one of the many famous faces from East Finchley. But what year did Wham’s hit Last Christmas first achieve a Christmas no.1 in the UK charts?
What pantomime is on show at Artsdepot this year?
According to polling, what is the UK’s favourite Christmas song of all time?
FGG Fuel:
CJ’s Bakery in Finchley Central! If you’re looking for baked goods for the festive season, this is the place. They make cakes, bakes and bread whilst providing work opportunities for adults with learning disabilities. I visited their kitchen earlier this year and got to take home some delicious treats!
Community Champion:
17-year-old Talia who has launched a campaign to regenerate the basketball courts at Lyttleton Playing Fields! Her passion for sport and our community is inspiring – I can’t wait to see what she achieves.
Photo of the Month:
Celebrating Christmas Jumper Day with staff at Tesco in Finchley Central where I held a pop-up supermarket surgery whilst residents did their festive shopping!
Wishing you a peaceful and joyful festive season, however you celebrate. Here’s to 2026!
Sarah Sackman
Member of Parliament for Finchley and Golders Green