The Barnet Society welcomes Becky Glenister as Hon Secretary and Derek Epstein as Chair of the Planning & Environment Committee, following the retirement of David Lee. The new Chair, Judith Clouston, and new Vice-Chair, Gail Laser, acknowledged David’s outstanding contribution over the last 15 years. Refer to Contacts page if you wish to send messages to any of the Committee.

We are delighted to note the welcome return of flowers in hanging baskets that, once again, adorn our High Street and we thank Barnet College for grasping the nettle (or should that be geranium?) and footing the bill.  We are sure you will agree that they make the place look better and we hope this is just the first of a number of initiatives to brighten up our town centre.  And congratulations to Victoria Bakery on winning Smooth Radio's Love London Awards for Best Local Shop!

On 3 July the Barnet Society had its final visit to the interior of the new Barnet College prior to it being handed over to the College for fit-out, ready for the new students arriving in September. And very impressive it is. The outside works and formation of the new public square will continue over the summer holidays, as will work on Tudor Hall, which we were able to see for the first time. The latter is a splendid building and we look forward to holding talks and meetings inside when it’s finished.

Progress on the town centre strategy moves slowly forward – during June there were 5 themed sessions held with the Council and representatives  of local groups and organisations.