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Future use of High Barnet’s historic Tudor Hall uncertain once again after Barnet Museum trustees withdraw their offer 

Barnet Museum’s trustees have had to withdraw their bid to save High Barnet’s historic Tudor Hall for community use because of a lack of financial resources to repair and then maintain the building.

An offer to purchase the hall – which is on the market with a guide price of £1 million – was accepted by Barnet and Southgate College earlier this year.

Prospective funding for the purchase had been secured from the Hadley Trust and the sale appeared to be going through subject to contract.

There was considerable relief among voluntary groups within the town when the museum obtained an exclusive right to buy what was originally the schoolhouse for a free grammar school granted a charter by Queen Elizabeth in 1573 and which later became part of Barnet College.

Bitter disappointment as Barnet Museum trustees have to abandon their bid to buy High Barnet's historic Tudor Hall for community use.

The hall, which is a grade II listed building by Historic England, is surplus to the college’s requirement and is on offer on a leasehold basis with vacant possession.

But the Trustees of the Barnet Museum and Local History Society say they are now “bitterly disappointed” to have announce that they cannot proceed with the transaction.

The Barnet Society understands that another offer to buy the hall for £1 million has been made to the college from a similar charity/community group.

When the hall was first put on the market in December 2023, the sales agents Colliers said it had received an offer of £1 million to purchase the building for educational use.

This led Barnet Museum to appeal to Barnet Council to declare the building an asset of community value so as to give the museum a chance to buy the hall for the use of the wider community.

After examining the cost of repairing, staffing and maintaining the building, the museum trustees say they have had to face the reality of being unable to find “additional funding within the available timescale”.

There were extensive discussions among the trustees and other interested groups as to how to maintain the Tudor Hall for community use but the stumbling block was the lack of additional finance.

Ambitious ideas included the possibility of the hall becoming a dedicated museum for the Wars of the Roses — centred on the town being the site of the 1471 Battle of Barnet — but the estimates were that a full refurbishment might cost up to £500,000.

The hall’s main room – see above – has on occasion been used for public events, but ongoing cost of simply maintaining the hall and keeping it available for public use was likely to be in the regional of £50,000 a year.

In their statement the museum trustees – John Hall, Scott Harrison and Guy Wheatcroft – say they have informed the college they cannot proceed with the transaction.

A feasibility study – which included a visit to what was the dormitory of the former schoolhouse – provided a “careful estimate” of further costs for repair, repurposing, staff and maintenance.

“Our attempt to source additional funding within the available timescale has shown the difficulties facing the heritage sector at this time, and the museum as a charity is not in a position to take on this burden of risk.

“The outcome if of course bitterly disappointing since the availability of such funding would have supported the opening of Tudor Hall to the community as a ‘Tudor Jewel’.

“We are very grateful to all those who have worked extremely hard to investigate Tudor Hall and prepare the feasibility study with such care and professionalism, and especially to the Hadley Trust for its generous offer to fund the purchase, subject to the condition of viability which sadly it has not been possible to satisfy.

“May we also extend our sincere thanks to those who participated in the public consultation meetings or volunteered help in many ways to support this important community initiative.”

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1st Barnet Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association awarded seven King’s Badges in exceptional year of achievement  

Seven Barnet winners of the King’s Badge – the highest award in the Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association – were honoured at a special service at Barnet United Reformed Church after an official presentation at Guildhall in the City of London.

The award of as many as seven King’s Badges is an unprecedented achievement for the 1st. Barnet Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association whose members have previously won a total of only four over the preceding 50 years.

They were congratulated on their success at a prize giving evening where awards and certificates were handed out by Dan Tomlinson, Labour MP for Chipping Barnet, and Martin Russell, representative Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Barnet.

Alan King, the brigade captain, said that in the 50 years that he had been with the brigade only four members had won what was the Queen’s Badge and is now the King’s Badge.

“We have usually secured one of the badges every ten years or so. Therefore, to get seven awarded in one year is very rare and very special for our brigade.”

Mr King said the success of the seven was down to the fact that they had worked together as a group and had taken part in every activity the brigade had to offer.

“Almost half of them joined as five-year-olds and they have been dedicated members for the last 12 to 15 years.”

Mr Tomlinson (above, left) added his congratulations to the King’s Badge holders and paid tribute to the work of Alan King and all the other volunteers.

“It is people like you Alan, and the people who run the brigade, who make our community stronger. As an MP there is nothing that I can do which can compare with the work you do day in and day out to make our community even stronger.”

Exceptional year of achievement for 1st Barnet Boys' Brigade and Girls' Association in being awarded seven King's Badges.

Among the other awards was the presentation by Martin Russell of the Deputy Lord Lieutenant’s certificate of appreciation to colour sergeant David Hay who had been a Boys’ Brigade member for over 12 years.

He congratulated David for an outstanding contribution to the brigade which included over 400 hours of voluntary service with the junior section.

Earlier in an address the minister, the Reverend Dominic Grant, said the presentation of awards was a testament to everything which united the world-wide fellowship of Boys’ Brigades and Girls’ Associations.

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Barnet Medieval Festival becoming a premier event in Wars of the Roses celebrations – and a fun day out for the whole family

Mock battles with weapons made from foam were one of the highlights for children attending the annual Barnet Medieval Festival at its new and enlarged site on farmland in Galley Lane.

A range of inter-active attractions for youngsters of all ages – including training for jousts on the battlefield, fencing, archery and axe throwing – reinforced the festival’s appeal as a popular family fun day out and an engaging community event.

After a record participation among military re-enactors and medieval traders — and the best-ever attendance — the festival organisers are already thinking ahead to 2026.

Barnet is well on the way towards establishing its festival as a premier event in the calendar of Wars of the Roses celebrations.

Crowds lined the event field for a packed programme including the much-anticipated re-enactments of the Battle of St Albans (1461) and – see above – the Battle of Barnet (1471).

Almost 500 re-enactors representing 40 different households and military companies – some from as far afield as Devon and Scotland – were brought together by the Wars of the Roses Federation.

Displays of medieval firepower were another of the highlights.

Master gunner Ben Godden, who was the compere for the display, and his wife Linda Godden, the festival event co-ordinator from the House of Bayard, were delighted to be back in Barnet after the cancellation of last year’s festival due to waterlogged ground.

“This has easily been the best ever festival,” said Linda.

“We can all see how popular it’s become. We had a very good crowd even when we had a little rain on Saturday but the turn out all day on Sunday was a record.

“We are all looking forward to next year already.”

For travelling players Myal Pyper – who kept the crowds entertained with medieval music – their second visit to Barnet had exceeded their expectations.

“We thought the atmosphere was wonderful the first time we came, but this year it’s been even more enjoyable.

“What is so special is that people come up and ask such interesting questions which makes it all worthwhile.

“It’s obviously a great community event as so many people seem to know each other and are busy chatting away and enjoying the day out.”

Another popular re-enactor away from the battlefield in the medieval campsite was Flossie, a 14th century warrener, who was looking after two ferrets to send down rabbit warrens.

Her two ferrets – Filthy and Grunt – had no shortage of admirers.

Flossie (in real life Felicity Pattenden from Norwich) said rabbit ferreters would have accompanied a medieval army and hunted as they went along to provide them with a supply of meat and fur.

Probably the youngest medieval re-enactor was 15-month-old Zina – from the 3rd company of Tudors — with her parents Eleri and Alex from Wolverhampton, who were enjoying a rest in their tent.

Zina was dressed in a linen shift over a double-sided linen kirtle; Eleri was wearing a linen shift with kirtle and a linen bonnet; and Alex was wearing split-leg hose, linen shift and skull cap.

“In Tudor times Alex would have been in the fighting force, and I would have been considered a camp follower, one of the women who looked after the men,” said Eleri.

Two re-enactors taking a well-deserved rest in a nobleman’s tent were Steve, a medieval archer, and Marion, who were from the Plymouth Medieval Society.

“It’s our first time in Barnet. It has been a really well organised festival with plenty of space for all the medieval tents. We do hope to be back next year.”

Inter-active events for youngsters including mock battles reinforced Barnet Medieval Festival's reputation for a family fun day out.

For farmers Daniel and Fiona Lewis – proprietors of Lewis of London Ice Cream at Fold Farm – hosting their first medieval festival had been a great experience and they too were looking ahead to think how it might be expanded and improved.

“This is a great event for the military re-enactors with lots of space for their displays, tents and activities,” said Daniel.

“We have loved seeing how much fun it is for the youngsters, training to be knights and then having a go in the battlefield. Wherever you looked there was something happening, even everyone having a go at medieval dancing.

“Perhaps in future we could get even more themed events and activities for the children. Another innovation might be more themed food. I really do think the festival has great potential for the future.”

For festival director Dr Susan Skedd there was a sense of mission accomplished.

“It really has been overwhelming to see so many people coming along to the festival and clearly having a wonderful time. It has made it so worthwhile for all the volunteers who put so much into making the festival such a success.”

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New attraction at Barnet Playing Fields: a fusion of abstract art and a sport for a refurbished basketball court

Greater London’s first 3×3 basketball court – with a vibrant blue playing surface — has been opened at Barnet Playing Fields off Barnet Lane, Underhill.

3×3 basketball – for six players instead of the usual ten – is growing in popularity.

The refurbished, fully accessible court has been installed by Barnet Council with the help of England Basketball.

Designer Martin Dyan (above right), founder of Rise 3×3 Basketball, and North London artist Darren John, who specialises in large-scale public murals, attended the official opening of the court.

Sited next to the children’s playground, the vivid blue surface of the court immediately attracted the attention of passersby, and especially local youngsters anxious to start playing.

Keen to try it out were Yugi Koiz (left above) and Isaiah Saiona who both said it was a real fun.

Isaiah, who is now 15, has been playing basketball since he was 11. “The court that used to be here was rubbish, so it’s great to have this new court so close to where I live.”

Darren John, whose London mural team is based at Absolutely Studio, said blue had been chosen because it was the most vibrant colour, kept its appearance, and lasted longer for a playing surface.

A previous sport-related commission for Darren was to paint the skateboard area for the Paris Olympic Games. He believes the fusing of art with sport increases can help increase participation.

“Abstract art works well in a sporting or public setting because it has a wider appeal than a particular theme and tends to attract more visitors.”  

Martin Dyan said that 3×3 basketball had been growing in popularity because six could play on a court half the usual size.

After running a 3×3 charity event in 2017 he realised the potential for the sport because it was so accessible and so easy to play.

His consultancy, launched last year, advised Barnet Council on the best way to refurbish the existing court at the playing fields and bring it up to Olympic standards.

It has been resurfaced with fresh asphalt and a new hoop system installed with a backboard made from reinforced acrylic and a new flexible net.

The importance of the vividly painted surface was that it showed the court was being taken care off – and added a splash of colour to Barnet Playing Fields.

New addition at Barnet Playing fields is London's first 3x3 basketball court for a sport growing in popularity.

Underhill war councillor Zahra Beg praised what she said was a wonderful addition to the playing fields.  

After the launch of the new 3×3 court, Councillor Anne Clarke, Barnet Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure, arts and sports, said the borough had a great tradition of supporting Olympic athletes and she was proud the council was helping to provide opportunities for the growth of a new Olympic sport.

3×3 basket ball is a variation of basket ball played three-a-side, but with one backboard and in a half-court but with specific lines and measurements — as seen in this photograph of the new court from Barnet Council.

“3×3 basket ball is a game that has been played on full courts for decades,” said Councillor Clarke.

“It began to take shape as its own sport from the early 2000s and has been an Olympic sport since 2020 and a Commonwealth Games sport since 2022, where England’s men’s team won a gold medal and the women’s team won silver.”

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Award-winning garden from Chelsea Flower Show has found a new home at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice in Barnet

Garden of Noah's Ark Children's Hospice, Barnet, chosen as new home for an award winning design at this year's Chelsea Flower Show

A container garden which won an award at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show has been recreated at the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice in Byng Road, Barnet.

The aim of the layout is to provide a calming sophisticated space – an ideal amenity for the hospice garden.

Joshua Fenton, winner of numerous prizes for designing and building gardens, cut the ribbon at the official opening ceremony at Noah’s Ark.

He hopes his garden, which won the silver-gilt medal in the container garden section at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, will offer a calm sanctuary for children, families and staff.

“I cannot think of a better place for my work than a children’s hospice. I am honoured to have created a space at Noah’s Ark for some much-needed peace and reflection.”

As well as being wildlife friendly, the garden has two other key environmental objectives – carbon sequestration and water recycling.

The garden promotes three ways to remove carbon. It uses bio char, which not only improves the soil but takes carbon out of the carbon cycle; uses charred oak as the material used to make planters; and for planting chooses fast growing trees and herbaceous perennials.

Joshua’s garden was sponsored by Navium, a subsidiary of the Fidelis Partnership, who are corporate partners of Noah’s Ark.

Since it started supporting the hospice in 2021, Fidelis has donated over £325,000 to Noah’s Ark.

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Mays Lane residents are increasingly concerned about the continuing failure to restore the derelict Quinta Youth Club building

After being boarded up for the last 20 years a fresh attempt is about to be made to see whether it might be possible to get the abandoned Quinta Youth Club in Mays Lane, Barnet, refurbished or rebuilt and returned to community use.

After their success in obtaining and maintaining protected status for Quinta Village Green — which adjoins the derelict clubhouse — residents are increasingly concerned about continuing vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Barnet Council and representatives of other local groups are to be sounded out by the Quinta Village Green Residents Association to see what could be done to restore a sadly neglected building.

Planning approval was given in 2021for use of the clubhouse to be changed from community use to become a store for the library service for schools in the Borough of Barnet.

Although said to be “derelict and in a poor condition” and vacant since 2006, the council proposed to refurbish the existing single-storey building, install new doors and windows, and use it for the storage, archiving and dispatching of library books as part of the borough’s Schools Library Resource Service.

But nothing further has happened to the building in the intervening four years, prompting residents’ concerns about continuing vandalism, resulting in their appeal for more thought to be given as to its future use. 

After the being re-established and named after Quinta Village Green, the residents’ association has been engaged in several campaigns against threats to the Green Belt and is seeking better consultation on road safety schemes in Mays Lane.

Residents to launch fresh attempt to see whether derelict former Quinta Youth Club in Mays Lanes can be restored for community use.

Gina Theodorou, the first chair of the newly formed association, promoted their work with a stall at the Arkley Village Fayre.

“Given all that we have been doing to strengthen the Quinta village community, we do think it is perhaps time to see whether something can be done about the abandoned youth club.

“As it has been boarded up for the last 20 years, we are now reaching out to Barnet Council, who own the building, and to other local partners to explore opportunities for restoring it and bringing it back into community use.”

Currently the association is crowdfunding for the cost of legal representation at a public inquiry into an application for a travellers’ caravan site on Green Belt land in Mays Lane.

So far, a crowdfunded appeal has raised half the cost, but the association still needs to raise almost £7,000.

After getting the village green registered as a public open space, the association liaises with the council to ensure maintenance of the green and to ensure that fly tipping is removed.    

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An all-comers dog show again a highlight at the annual Arkley village fayre

Arkley’s annual village fayre attracted even more entrants than last year for its all-comers dog show – and the class for golden oldies among local canines proved especially popular.

First prize went to Tracey with Teabag, her eleven-year-old Bichon Frise.

Another old timer, Raffi, took second place – Sue’s 15-year-old Chinese crested hairless.

Katie’s nine-year-old Pomeranian Nala was awarded the rosette for third place by judge Ruth Treweeks.

Rachel Burke (right) of dog groomers Beauty Barks of Borehamwood, who organised the dog show, said the turnout for their second year at Arkley had been great.

Show volunteer and organiser Mel (left) with her eight-year-old English bull terrier Arnie, was delighted with the support they had received from residents and traders

Dog show again the highlight of Arkley annual village fayre.

Vicar of St Peter’s Arkley, the Reverend Cindy Kent, spent much of the afternoon behind a microphone as a show compere.

She stressed the important contribution made by the annual village fayre.

“It is a lovely event on the field at the village hall and really does bring the community of Arkley together.”

Organisers said the fayre raised “a significant sum” which will be split among community projects such as the cost of maintaining the village hall and field; providing an accessible entrance to the garden of rest at St Peter’s Church; and cost of maintaining the defibrillator installed by the Hearts of Arkley in Rockways, a cul-de-sac just off the Barnet to Arkley main road.

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Eight summer concerts for Barnet music lovers – a festival of chamber music and outdoor opera at Jack’s Lake 

Opening the fifth annual High Barnet Chamber Music Festival will be a family concert at St Mark’s Church, Barnet Vale, a new venue for this summer’s event.

The first of the festival’s four concerts will be free to the public at St Mark’s on Saturday June 7 at 3pm with a programme specifically to appeal to young audiences.

In addition to the festival of chamber music, there will be another musical attraction this summer – four outdoor concerts beside Jack’s Lake at Monken Hadley Common starting on Saturday June 14 at 7pm.

Organised by the internationally acclaimed opera singer Ilona Domnich, the Jack’s Lake concerts are sponsored by the Monken Hadley Common Trust.

The opening concert in the chamber music festival has the title Birdsong and is described as a playful introduction to chamber music for families, featuring Hannah Gillingham on flute and Luke Lally Maguire on piano.

Joshua Balance, the festival’s artistic director, says that while the flute and piano programme of the opening concert will appeal to everyone, there is a particular emphasis on introducing the over-sevens to chamber music.

For the second concert on Friday June 20 (8pm), the contemporary ensemble Mad Song will make a return visit to the Barnet parish church of St John with New Zealand baritone Jonathan Eyers. Music will include Peter Maxwell Davies’s theatrical Eight Songs for a Mad King.

A Sunday afternoon concert will be held on Sunday June 29 (3pm) at the Friends’ Recital Hall at Queen Elizabeth’s Boys School with baritone Hugo Herman-Wilson and pianist Richard Gowers, featuring music by Vaughan Williams and Madeleine Dring.

The festival ends with a final concert to be given by Ensemble Pro Victoria, with music by Monteverdi, Strozzi and le Jeune, at the parish church on Saturday July 5 (7.30pm).

Tickets for the chamber music festival are on sale at www.hbcmf.co.uk/2025

Summer concerts of chamber music and opera to entertain Barnet music lovers.

Another summer of concerts by Jack’s Lake opens on Saturday June 14 (7pm) with an evening performance entitled Voices in Nature.

Opera singer Ilona Domnich, who established the concerts with the Monken Hadley Common Trust, will appear with singer Emma Kershaw and Charles Mutter on violin and piano.

Jack’s Lake concerts are free with a suggested donation of a minimum of £10 towards the preservation of the common and a bursary for a young musician.

Another three Jack’s Lake concerts will be held on Sunday July 6 at 7pm; Sunday July 20 at 6.30pm; and Sunday August 3 at 6.30pm

Use entrance in Northfield Road, New Barnet, to reach Jack’s Lake.

Enquiries: ilonadomnich@gmail.com

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Plans to speed up introduction of 20mph speed limits prompting complaints about lack of enforcement of existing restrictions

Barnet Council is preparing a new procedure to allow residents to apply for a 20mph speed limit on side roads where they think driving is too fast and poses a danger to pedestrians and a risk of traffic accidents.

Stapylton Road – see above – and Salisbury Road are two residential streets close to High Barnet town centre which are thought to be at the top of the list for a reduction in the limit from 30mph to 20mph following speed surveys conducted last year.

A draft policy to allow residents to apply for lower speed limits has been agreed at a council cabinet meeting and is about to go out for public consultation.

While the council’s recognition of the need for more speed limits has been welcomed, residents in some roads where there is already a 20mph limit or traffic calming measures complain bitterly about a lack of enforcement.

Householders in Mays Lane, which is covered by a 20mph limit from the bottom of Barnet Hill and on through Underhill, complain regularly on social media about how many drivers take no notice.

They say that before the council agrees to any further 20mph zones it should install more repeater signs; more illuminated warnings of excessive speed; and investigate the possibility of installing speed cameras.   

Once the new procedure for 20mph zones is in place, residents will be able to make an application via the council’s website as is already the case when people report potholes, damaged pavements or abandoned vehicles.

East Barnet councillor Simon Radford – cabinet member for finance – said the new process would finally give Barnet residents the ability to ask — and outline the case — for a 20mph zone in the roads where they live.

He had been working with residents to reduce speeding in East Barnet, and he hoped their concerns could now be addressed with an assessment by council staff as to where there should be signs and road markings or perhaps additional traffic calming measures such as a road narrowing or speed hump.

Speed humps have recently been installed on Mays Lane (at the junction with Manor Road) where for many years previously there had been a metal barrier enforcing a width restriction.

Removal of the width restriction has angered some householders who say large vans and small lorries — which had previously been prevented from using that section of Mays Lane – are again travelling too fast and posing a danger to pedestrians, especially to customers using the Mays Lane parade of shops.

There are two sets of illuminated speed warning signs along Mays Lane but for much of its length there are few if any reminders of the 20mph limit – except for the freshly-painted signs on the road outside Underhill School and Children’s Centre.

Queens Road – leading to Queen Elizabeth’s Boys’ School and the Queen’s Road Estate – is another road where residents complain about the lack of enforcement of a 20mph speed limit.

There is only one reminder sign halfway along the road and a 20mph sign painted on the road which is so worn down it is barely visible.

Salisbury Road and Stapylton Road are likely to be prioritised by the council for a 20mph zone because of long-standing concern about speeding.

Stapylton Road by-passes Barnet High Street and is a heavily used link between the roundabout at the Black Horse public house and St Albans Road.

When parking spaces are full, the curve on the carriageway makes it difficult to see fast approaching vehicles on what is a popular cut through.

Plans for more 20mph speed limits in side roads but Barnet Council criticised for lack of enforcement of existing restrictions.

The lower section of Salisbury Road – from Stapylton Road to High Street – is largely one way but busier than the upper section because it is on the route for five bus services – 234 (Spires-Archway); 326 (Spires-Brent Cross); 383 (Finchley Memorial Hospital); 384 (Edgware-Cockfosters); and 399 (Hadley Wood).

Lowering the existing 30mph limit on Salisbury and Stapylton Roads would extend the 20mph limit which already applies in Alston Road (from the junction with Marriott Road to Salisbury Road) and the 20mph limits on Wentworth Road and Byng Road which serve Foulds and Christ Church primary schools and the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.

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Franchise operator announces plans to keep Barnet Post Office at the heart of the High Street and local community

Franchise operator announced for Barnet Post Office with UOE retail group pledging to keep it at the heart of the Barnet community.

The UOE Store group which operates a chain of franchised Post Offices around London and the Home Counties – including at Potters Bar and East Finchley — is to take over the operation of Barnet Post Office.

The High Street branch is one of the last 108 Crown offices which are being closed by the Post Office when it ceases its retail operations later this year.

In a statement UOE says Barnet is one of 30 post offices being transferred to the company in August as it expands its network.

Elliot Jacobs, who is chief executive and Postmaster for the franchised business, told the Barnet Society that the UOE network was “really proud to be taking on Barnet Post Office and enhancing this essential service at the heart of the community”.

“As a local independent business, we’re here for the long term – excited to play our part in the vibrant Barnet community.”

By 2026 the additional 30 branches will be “transformed into UOE’s award-winning format – integrating essential Post Office services with trusted retail experiences that put community at the heart of the High Street.”

Already included in the UOE network are Post Offices and banking hubs at Potters Bar, East Finchley, Camden, Crouch End, Hertford, Muswell Hill, Stoke Newington, Ware and the Ware banking hub.

Among the 30 to join the group in August – as well as Barnet – are post offices in Golders Green and Hampstead,  

The Barnet Society understands that the Post Office will remain in its current High Street premises initially for at least year.

UOE says its franchised Post Offices offer a range of other services: stationery, greeting cards, packaging, craft supplies, as well as printing, copying, scanning, binding, laminating, faxing and digital passport photos.

The group says its mission statement is that together UOE and the Post Office will “deliver a retail experience that’s rooted in trust, driven by purpose, and built for the future of the High Street.”

Mr Jacobs says that by late 2025 UOE will have a 40-branch network which will combine “high-footfall Post Office locations with UOE’s award-winning retail format – creating modern, multi-service stores that meet the evolving needs of customers and reinvigorate the High Street.”

He believes the “integrated UOE store and Post Office model” is a concept that has proved to be successful commercially and remains community focused.”

UOE expects its 40 franchised Post Offices will be attracting over 9 million customer visits in 2026 and many might open seven days a week.

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Ten fire engines and 70 firefighters tackled blaze that swept through historic house being renovated on Hadley Green

Fire engines and crews from around north London were called to a massive fire which engulfed one of the large Georgian houses beside Hadley Green.

Such was the ferocity of the blaze that for several hours water had to be pumped from Brewers’ Pond just across the green.

Hours after the fire was brought under control just before 5am on Bank Holiday Monday morning, a fire crew on turntable ladder was still damping down smouldering roof timbers.

Hollybush House, a Grade II listed mansion which it is thought went for an estimated £4.5 million when last sold in 2020, was in the process of being renovated and refurbished. A new roof had recently been completed and new windows installed.

Ten fire engines and 70 firefighters were called to the fire in Hadley Green Road, close to the junction with Sydney Chapman Way at around 1am.

Next door neighbour Richard Holmes, who lives in another historic property attached to Hollybush House, was woken by fire crews at 1.10am. 

“I was in bed, fast asleep and was amazed to find what was happening. It was what firefighters call a ten-pump shout, there were fire engines everywhere.

“They were lined up all along the road. The fire crew on the top of the turntable ladder were being supplied with additional water from Brewers’ Pond just across the green.

“The crews did a great job. They managed to stop the fire at the wall of my house which is attached to Hollybush House.

“At one point they feared they might have to take the slates off my roof, but they have now said it is ok. There is no sign of the fire having spread to my roof timbers. I have had the all-clear.”

Mr Holmes’ house, close to the Wilbraham’s alms houses, has a blue plaque commemorating the time when Fanny and Anthony Trollope resided at the property.

Nearby on the other side of Hollybush House is Livingstone Cottage where the Victorian explorer Dr David Livingstone and his wife Mary lived in 1857.

Hollybush House, built in the late 1700s, was in the process of being renovated by Seacon Ltd, specialists in refurbishment projects.

Work began at the house – which is surrounded by protective hoardings – 18 months ago. The property had nine bedrooms.

London Fire Brigade — which released this picture on Twitter of the scene at the height of the fire — said later In a statement, that the entire roof, as well as the first and ground floors, were alight and that subsequently the building suffered a partial collapse, but there were no reports of any injuries.

Helping to guide the crew on the turntable ladder was one of two drones being operated by London Fire Brigade.

Roads leading across the eastern side of Hadley Green and through Monken Hadley all had to be cordoned off.

The crew that operated the pump taking water from Brewers Pond – which was once part of Hadley Brewery — said that even after two to three hours the level of the pond was about the same.

“It seems the pond must be replenished naturally all the time by the ground water level or a spring,” said one of the crew.

Fire engines and firefighters from around North London tackled blaze which swept through historic house being renovated on Hadley Green.

 

Crews from New Barnet, Southgate, Finchley and other surrounding fire stations were called in to tackle the blaze.

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Community gardens developed over 70 years ago together with meadows and hedgerows are now a wildlife haven

Tucked away at a wildlife site in the Barnet green belt is an enchanting array of community gardens which were developed in the 1950s, and which played a part in the early development of organic gardening.

Brookdale Wildlife Garden Community was established in 1951 when a group of a wartime allotment holders from Islington secured the lease of a ten-acre field on farmland owned by the Byng family at Wrotham Park.

Together with her friends who were also keen gardeners, Hilda Brooke, had grown fruit and vegetables on Hampstead Heath on what were known as “Dig for Victory” allotments.

When Hampstead Heath was reinstated after World War Two, they had to find a new site.

They moved to Barnet with the help and support of the Soil Association which was founded in 1946 to campaign for sustainable food production because of concern about the impact of intensive farming and resulting soil erosion and depletion.

An entire ten-acre field – which had formed part of a wartime decoy airfield to the north of Barnet — was leased to the exiled group of gardeners by Lady Elizabeth Byng for a first annual rent of £20.

Today, rather than concentrating on cultivation of produce, the Brookdale plot holders cherish their cluster of community gardens which have become a haven for wildlife.

Their individual gardens, community meadows and an ancient hedgerow — which are a designated wildlife site and are protected by an area tree preservation order — were visited recently (see above) by members of the Barnet Environment Centre who maintain the nature reserve in Byng Road.

During a tour of the gardens, they admired several of the small clay-lined ponds which are ideal for aquatic plants, attract dragon flies and provide a home for among others for frogs and great crested newts.  

After so many years of care and attention each plot is distinctive and in the case of Michael Bruce – who has the distinction of being Brookdale’s longest tenant – his garden is a much-cherished refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Islington.

Michael has a much-loved summer house, well-tended borders and numerous features which he has developed during 33 years at Brookdale.

An archway at the end of his plot looks out onto a community meadow. Just visible in the far distance is an obelisk, which Michael made from wood and which he brings in each winter to avoid unnecessary wear and tear during bad weather.

Christine Klein, who is a member of the Barnet Society and has been a plot holder since 2017, enjoys her personal haven of tranquillity and encourages the growth of wildflowers and shrubs.

“Unfortunately, I find it too difficult to grow vegetables. We get rabbits, muntjac and foxes visiting the plots and it would be hard work keeping them at bay.”

Just a step away from one of the community meadows is a former World War Two control bunker, a relic of the days when the site was a one of the decoy airfields intended to attract enemy bombers destined for the RAF Fighter Station at Northolt.

John Nicholls, a former vice chair of the group’s organising committee, seen above with his daughter Becky Nicholls, Brookdale’s membership secretary, said the bunker would have been a centre of operations for the decoy airfield.

“Dummy planes and painted canvases would have been laid out on the grass. We know that at night there were lights laid out to make it look like a landing strip.

“One story which we have been told is that the Germans found out it was a dummy airfield and even dropped a wooden bomb on the field to let everyone know.”

An official history of the decoy airfields says that the fuselages of about half a dozen Hurricanes mounted on wheels and with engines removed were used at Barnet.

Airmen moved about the field periodically at night riding bicycles fitted with lights to imitate aircraft movements.

Wartime gardeners from Hampstead Heath set up a group of community gardens at Barnet in the early 1950s which are now a wildlife haven.

The challenge today for Becky Nicholls is to ensure the long-term future of their garden community after all the efforts over the years by her father and her mother Anna (above).

Whatever the pressures might be on the green belt, the group believe their wildlife credentials and charitable status should give them an assured future.

Brookdale was awarded “wildlife site” status within the Hertsmere local development plan in 1997 and the gardens are covered by an area tree protection order.    

Currently Brookdale has 60 full members and eight associates.    

“We are open to new members and in recent years more of the plots have been taken by people living in and around Barnet,” said Becky.

“This does ensure the gardens are used more regularly than is sometimes the case with those members who still live in Islington or further afield.

“We are happy to welcome volunteers, especially young people doing the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, to help with the management of the habitat which takes a lot of effort.”

For further information contact Becky Nicholls at email bmnicholls101@gmail.com        

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Enfield flood drainage work helping to create a wetland habitat in woodland on Monken Hadley Common

Reeds and other wetland grasses and flowers have been planted along the edges of flood relief drainage work in Hadley Woods which has been carried out by Enfield Council with the help of volunteers from Monken Hadley Common Trust.

New pipework and other excavations are designed to end flash flooding in Parkgate Avenue, off Camlet Way, and improve badly drained marsh land close by in the woods which is often inaccessible in wet winter weather.

Plans were first drawn up in 2018 to relieve flooding in nearby houses.

After discussions with the Common Trust and Barnet Council, Enfield gave the go ahead for the construction of a new surface water drainpipe under the footpath that leads to the common at the junction of Parkgate Avenue and Crescent.

A wetland cell – or holding pond – has been created along with a water course through the woods which connects up to Green Brook and leads on to the stream that runs close to Jack’s Lake.

Footpaths around the area have been raised and laid out with wood chips so as to provide year-round access through the woods.

Michael Shorey, Enfield’s senior engineer in water courses, briefed volunteers before they set to work.

He explained that the aim of the scheme was to divert excess flood water through the new pipe under the footpath so that it entered the wet land cell and could then spill into a floodable landscaped wetland area reducing the flow into Green Brook.

Martin Jones (far right), a landscape architect with Enfield Council, said the importance of wetland and marginal aquatic planting was that it enhanced the water quality and added to biodiversity.

A range of pond-edge plants and wildflowers could be used in such locations and could tolerate periods of dry weather.

Roger De La Mare, co-curator of Monken Hadley Common, welcomed the completion of Enfield’s sustainable drainage scheme for Parkgate Avenue and the chance to carry out aquatic planting.

“We have had to lose several mature trees to make way for the pipework and the holding pond, but it has opened up an area which now has great potential, especially with the new raised footpaths.

“The tree canopy in much of the common does make it very dark below and that leaves us with a lot of brambles and holly, so a wetland area like this which has been laid out with aquatic plants is very appealing.”

A chance to take part in the scheme was an opportunity for Anna Colligan (left) to work with Enfield engineer Sarah Dillon to discover more about urban drainage schemes.

Anna is studying water management and the environment at Queen Mary University and was keen to volunteer.

Two Trust volunteers – Peter Davies (left) and David Littlewood – said they were pleased to see such a good turn out as it helped to get across the message that they wanted local people to get involved in looking after Monken Hadley Common.

Wetland habitat is being created within woodland on Monken Hadley Common after Enfield complete flood drainage work in Parkgate Avenue.

Nearby residents Maurice and Esther Kurland said the completion of the drainage scheme would be a great relief to some of their neighbours who had suffered from flash flooding in their properties.

“At long last there is now in place a drainage system to take the surplus water and we know how much that will be appreciated.

“Sorting out the drainage and building up the footpaths is a great improvement as this part of the common is often impassable in the winter because of all the mud. Hopefully that will all be sorted and the landscaping and planting will be a real improvement.”

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MP joins in congratulations for contribution of Barnet Environment Centre towards introducing children to nature and wildlife

Barnet Environment Centre’s three wildlife ponds are one of the most popular attractions for school pupils and students who visit the seven-and-a-half-acre nature reserve and environment education centre off Byng Road.

Robyn Stern (above), a science and biology teacher, who takes children around the reserve, was praised for her inspirational work at an event celebrating the centre’s 50th anniversary.

Guest of honour Dan Tomlinson, MP for Chipping Barnet, congratulated Robyn on her contribution to the centre’s mission of introducing and explaining the importance of nature conservation and wildlife.

“I’m the lucky one,” said Robyn. “I get all the fun from seeing how excited children get when they see things for the first time.

“Pond dipping gets an amazing reaction as the children discover what lives just below the surface of the water.

“One child rushed over claiming he had just found a baby dragon. It was a baby newt which he had never seen before.

“He and the rest of his class were amazed to discover all the tiny larvae and beetles that were living in the pond.”

One disappointment this year is the absence of frog spawn – a worrying development said volunteer Tony Pearson who helps manage the ponds – and is working with volunteers on constructing a fourth.

“We do have lots of newts again this year, although sadly no frogs but there is still lots to see once the children dip into the ponds.

“There are water beetles, larvae of dragonfly, midges as well as caddisfly larvae and damselfly nymphs.” 

Bernard Johnson, a vice chair of the centre, welcomed guests including members of Barnet Council, to join in the 50th anniversary celebrations and to tour the nature reserve to see the work they did giving children an experience of nature.

Again, this academic year the centre expects to be visited by around 2,500 children from 30 plus local schools and colleges.

Students on BTEC, GCSE and A level courses are among the visitors as well as Scouts and Guides – and soon Brownies – who want to complete badge work.

One recent improvement was the installation of a rubberised footpath around the reserve which was wheel-chair friendly and increased the accessibility for children next door from the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.

Mr Johnson thanked the Hadley Trust and the Elstree Masonic Lodge for all their financial support; without their assistance the centre would not be the success it was.

In congratulating the centre on its work, Dan Tomlinson, MP – who cut the 50th anniversary cake – said it was an amazing achievement to think that 2,500 children a year were getting the chance to visit the reserve and study nature.

“A chance to be outdoors at a place like this is so important for today’s youngsters. It is why we should cherish a nature reserve like this.”

Mr Tomlinson called for a round of applause for the volunteers who assist Robin Stern during school visits, helping to clean up afterwards and keep the centre tidy for the next visit.

Praise for role of Barnet Environment Centre in introducing local school children to nature and wildlife at centre's 50th anniversary party

He also praised the management of the centre which is currently being shared by its three vice chairs (from left to right), Dick Elms, Dan Tomlinson MP, Bernard Johnson and Geoff Lee.    

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Barnet’s deputy mayor parades along the High Street in an open top Bentley on his way to classic car show at The Spires

Riding along in an open top Bentley, Barnet’s Deputy Mayor Councillor Danny Rich just about made it to the top floor of The Spires Car Park for the official opening of the 10th annual Barnet Classic Car Show.

So packed was the show with a near record turnout of 147 vintage and classic cars and motorcycles that the Bentley was getting a little hot by the time it had finished the parade through the High Street and reached the top of the car park.

“Luckily we got the mayor there just on time,” said Paul Griffin, owner of the 3-litre Bentley.

“The parade of cars was rather slow going up from Barnet Playing Fields and she was getting rather hot, but luckily didn’t boil over.”

Councillor Rich, who was accompanied by the Deputy Mayor Laura Lassman and Councillor David Longstaff (Barnet Vale), described what he said had been an exciting journey up Barnet Hill and along the High Street.

“We were being cheered all the way, which is unusual for a councillor – but of course, the cheering was for the magnificent Bentley car and not for me.”

Howard Pryor, one of the show stewards welcomed Councillor Rich, who said he was delighted to open the classic car show which had become a real local institution, run entirely by volunteers who enjoyed organising such a popular event.

A display of Jaguar cars – many from the 1960s and 1970s – was this year’s highlight.

There were plenty of admiring eyes looking inside John Bishop’s 1969 Jaguar E type 4.2.

Joekan Kanaan (right), who used to be a Jaguar specialist calling himself Jaguar Joe, complimented Mr Bishop on the car’s condition. “It is in immaculate order,” he said.

Deputy Mayor of Barnet Councillor Danny Rich arrives in open top Bentley to officially open 10th annual Barnet Classic Car show at The Spires

Stewarding the cars on their arrival at The Spires was long-time club member Paul Johnson (above) who now lives in Cirencester but returns every year for the show.

“I love coming back to Barnet for the show and seeing everyone. It is a wonderful club, so friendly, and great fun to help with the show.”

Chris Martin, one of the show organisers, said the final count of the cars and motorcycles on display was 147 which was an exceptionally good turnout.

“We were vastly overbooked this year and had to turn people away – that’s an indication of how popular the show has become.”

Proceeds from the event were in aid of the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.

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Ample space for car parking and a free shuttle bus service for visitors to Barnet Medieval Festival over June 7 and 8 weekend

Moving the Barnet Medieval Festival – to be held on Saturday and Sunday June 7 and 8 – to a new site on farmland off Galley Lane has attracted heightened interest among military re-enactors who are looking forward to having more space for Wars of the Roses camp sites and displays.

Promotion of this year’s festival – which is being supported by a free shuttle bus service from The Spires shopping centre – is in full swing.

Festival director Dr Susan Skedd – seen above with supporter Peter Brown – believes the stage is set for what could be the largest medieval camp and re-enactment display staged in the town since the start of recent events to commemorate the 1471 Battle of Barnet.

A 12-acre field at Fold Farm – home of Lewis of London Ice Cream – offers access via Galley Lane which can be approached by re-enactors and visitors without having pay the ULEZ charge.

Moving to a new site for Barnet Medieval Festival -- to be held on Saturday and Sunday June 7 and 8 -- is attracting heightened interest among military re-enactors.

A free shuttle bus to the festival site will leave every 15 minutes from a stop in  Stapylton Road at the rear of The Spires between 10.30am and 6pm – pre-booking advised via www.barnetmedievalfestival.org

There will be a full programme on Saturday and Sunday of battle re-enactments, displays by mounted knights in combat, cannon firing and archery together with living history encampments and a medieval market, craft stalls and food and drink.

A special feature will be an exhibition of medieval art by Graham Turner.

Organisers hope the enlarged festival site at a new location with ample space for car parking will make up for the disappointment following the forced cancellation of the event last summer.

Dr Skedd said the move from the Byng Road playing fields to farmland off Galley Lane has given the organising committee an ideal opportunity to grow the festival and widen its appeal.

Entry is free for children under 12 years; £5 for children aged 12 to 17; £10 for adults.

Tickets sold on the gate or in advance via the website.

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Amid East Barnet’s Edwardian houses is an amazing new self-build home – an ideal solution for downsizing to a smaller property

Being able to downsize to a smaller property – and a chance to stay in the same locality – is an aspiration shared by many of the established residents who have homes in and around High Barnet.

Kathryn Finlayson, a long-time resident of East Barnet, has pulled off this feat in style.

She has moved to a new, smaller, eco-friendly house which is next door to what had been a family home for 60 years, midway between Church Hill Road and Oakleigh Park Station.

She readily acknowledges her good fortune.

Kathryn did have a house to sell and space alongside large enough for a new architect-designed property complete with a bedroom, living area and the facilities she needs all on the ground floor, with two bedrooms above.

Her achievement, at the age of 83, has won national acclaim.

Her ambitious, high spec self-build won glowing praise from television presenter Kevin McCloud when he visited the house for his programme Grand Designs, which was followed by an expansive feature spread in House Beautiful.

Kathryn decided to see if she could downsize – and still live nearby – after the death of her husband Jon, who was a prominent East Barnet architect.

He designed St John’s United Reform Church at the corner of Somerset and Mowbray Roads, New Barnet, which was opened in 1968 and won a Civic Trust award.

“After Jon died in 2022, I decided with the family to see if we could build a new house on our plot next door.

“Our family house was too big for me, expensive to run, and needed a lot of improvement like a new boiler and electrics.

“Jon had built a music room on the plot, and I knew it was big enough for a house as developers searching Google earth were always wanting to buy it.”

Kathryn’s son introduced her to architect James Mak who came up with the idea of a living area and bedroom on one level with two bedrooms above for family members.

“His drawings and design for the house were lovely. It seemed like the dream solution as I would end up living in the same street in a new super-efficient, low-cost home.”

Built London Ltd started construction in September 2023 and Kathryn moved in in November last year.

“Here I am living in an ideal position close to so many friends, near the station, and just a short walk to East Barnet village and lots of bus routes, which will be so important if I have to give up my car.”

The construction costs of over £800,000 were met from the sale of the family home next door, a four-bedroom Edwardian house built in 1908.

Kathryn was rather pensive for a moment when asked whether the whole exercise had all been a little daunting for an 80-year-old.

“Yes, I would do it again. The new house is so well insulated, with triple-glazed windows, and the energy use is so much more efficient, and I am delighted with the result.

“Perhaps if I was starting out again, I would think carefully as to whether it should all have been to such high spec.

“But then I did want it all to be as eco-friendly as possible and to save what material we could from Jon’s music room.

“He put down a wonderful elm floor and that wood has been used again in fitting out the kitchen and in building a new bookcase so that gives me real pleasure.”

Down sizing to a smaller eco-friendly property has been achieved in style by long-standing East Barnet resident still in same street after 60 years.

“I suppose my experience is an example as to how it is possible to downsize if you are fortunate enough to already own a property which can be sold to finance a new build.”

“I never thought we would attract the attention of Grand Designs but appearing on television has really raised my profile.

“I am very amused by the number of people who now say, ‘I’ve seen you on tv’ and who like to stand and admire the house.”

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Re-opening of Prince of Wales public house will help “restore” the heart of East Barnet village after over a year’s closure

After fearing the worst when the Prince of Wales closed its doors in February last year, residents of East Barnet village now have access to a public house and dining area which has been extended and refurbished as a result of multi-million-pound investment.

Kitchen staff joined the rest of a newly recruited workforce of around 60 full-time and part-time employees who were ushered in by general manager Rory McMonagle on the first day of business.

He told them to enjoy the experience of helping to launch the latest pub and restaurant to be opened by the Heartwood Collection which is expanding its chain of licensed premises with dining areas.

Early last year it had seemed touch and go when there were fears as to whether the former owners, Stonegate Group, might sell pub and its site for residential or commercial development.

So concerned were local residents they might lose the last pub in the village that East Barnet councillor Phil Cohen (above) worked with East Barnet Residents Association to raise a petition with over 3,000 signatures calling for it to be saved.

Barnet Council stepped in by registering the Prince of Wales as an asset of community value – a move which gave local councillors and residents time to see if they could find a way of rescuing the pub.

“The community campaign was so important because we think it helped persuade Stonegate that the Prince of Wales should be handed on to another pub group rather than sold for redevelopment,” said Councillor Cohen.

“It demonstrates how community groups and their representatives can have a real influence.

“Luckily Stonegate sold it to Heartwood who specialise in rescuing pubs facing closure and then in redeveloping their dining areas.”

Mark Derry (second from right), chairman of Heartwood, said he made the decision to recommend the purchase of the Prince of Wales because it was at the heart of a real community, and he thought that with the right investment it had great potential.

“We are very much a food-led business, and we are partners with Brasserie Blanc so we are a food-led business with a great tradition of cooking every meal from scratch.”

Mr Derry was joined for the opening ceremony by Councillor Cohen, East Barnet Councillor Edith David and Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson.

Councillor Tony Vourou, Mayor of Barnet, cut the ribbon to open the pub – aided by the Mayoress, Mrs Caroline Vourou, and general manager Rory McMonagle.

The Prince of Wales has a restaurant with 90 covers plus another 70 to 80 covers in the bar and terrace outside.

Mr McMonagle said he could assure East Barnet village that everything had been done to ensure that local residents would feel at home.

“We have kept the traditional bar area with the same layout as before, so it will be familiar to regular customers.

“Our bar has reasonable prices, in line with the local licensed trade, and our bar menu is affordable.

“We know that the Prince of Wales has always been a great community pub – a place where there have over the years there have been countless family celebrations, birthday parties and wakes.  So, we are here to welcome everyone.

“We have around 40 full-time and part time staff in the front of house and 20 in the kitchen and at least 80 per cent of the staff live in the locality and probably know the area and the community.”

After the official opening there was a ceremonial pulling of the first pint – led by Dan Tomlinson under Mr McMonagle’s guidance.

Councillor Edith David said she was delighted the Prince of Wales had been saved.

“It’s a pub at the heart of the community. It’s where generation after generation have enjoyed a drink and some food whether after a wedding or some other family event, which explains why we were all so anxious to save the Prince of Wales.”

Prince of Wales re-opens after closure for over a year and East Barnet village regains its long lost public house after multi-million refurbishment.

There is now a new sign for the pub which is on a site – close to the junction of Church Hill Road and Cat Hill — where there have been licensed premises since 1876.

The first licensee was William Jackson who built houses in the adjoining Jackson Road.

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Pupils share Hindu and Muslim affirmations of faith at Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School commemoration day service at Barnet parish church

Barnet Parish church nave and chancel were filled with the orchestra and choir of Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School for the annual commemoration day service.

Under their musical director, Mrs Gabrielle Wong the congregation was treated to an ambitious and well-accomplished programme including performances by the full orchestra, string quartet, piano quintet, chamber trio and a piano solo.

Team vicar Father Samuel Rossiter thanked all the performers and singers who had led the service “so beautifully”.

In his welcome, he congratulated QE Girls’ for the school’s excellence in education, music and community relations, attributes which he said were all the more important in a world which devalued the relationships which held people together.

He had a personal message for the pupils.

“There are girls like you who do not have schoolteachers and education support, girls who are not allowed to go to school, and who don’t have safety and fairness.

“Even here in the United Kingdom and the USA the world does not always feel kind or just.

“When you go out into the world, realise you have privileges, that you will have the power to change things, and that you will have the voice to decide whether countries should have schools for girls.

“So, use your privilege to make the world fairer than my generation is manging to.”

Father Sam said QE Girls’ should be congratulated for its diverse community where there were many beliefs, beliefs which were shared with a shared affirmation of faith during the commemoration service.

Nidhi Singh, a year ten pupil, affirmed her belief as a Hindu in the teachings from the Ramayan, one of Hinduism’s greatest scriptures.

An affirmation of the Muslim faith was given by year-eight pupil Tawakol Abdessalem who explained to the congregation that charity was important and that one of the five pillars of their faith was to give to the poor, needy and other causes.

For the act of commemoration, headteacher Mrs Violet Walker, read from a text first delivered at the school’s commemoration day service in 1923 – a custom which has been followed in recent years.

Mrs Walker’s recognition of the importance of the annual service of commemoration is shared by leaders of the Queen Elizabeth’s Guild, which represents former pupils at the school.

Barnet parish church nave filled with orchestra and choir for annual commemoration day service for Queen Elizabeth's Girls' School

Judy Wilson (far left), who is keen to keep the title guild chairman, and guild secretary Gill Williams (far right), were welcomed by the Mayor Barnet, Councillor Tony Vourou and Mayoress, Mrs Caroline Vourou.

The two former pupils who now lead the guild said they started together on the same day in the autumn term of 1957.

“Back in those days the school had only 600 pupils and we could all be accommodated quite easily in the church,” said Judy.

“We used to parade up the High Street to the church with the Police stopping the traffic.

“We were so pleased when Violet (herself a pupil at QE Girls’) became headteacher and started bringing back the old traditions. They do mean so much today.”

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Tea and cakes at Barnet parish church after climbing the tower – just one of the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of VE Day

There could hardly have been a better way to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day than to climb the tower at Barnet parish church, admire the view, and then round off the visit with a glass of Pimm’s or a piece of cake and a cup of tea.

There was a steady stream of parishioners and visitors walking up the spiral stone steps to enjoy a special VE Day celebration at St John the Baptist Church.

Sunny weather in the late afternoon and a light wind ensured almost perfect conditions to look out over London and Hertfordshire with magnificent views of landmarks such as The Shard, Canary Wharf and the Wembley stadium arch.

Keeping busy on the cake stall – see above – were Catherine Liu (left) and Kris Webb with the support of the team vicar, Father Sam Rossiter-Peters.

Whenever the tower is open to the public there is usually no shortage of people ready to climb to the top catching their breath halfway up in the bell ringing chamber.

Resting before the final climb were Bruno Roncarati – see above –who at the age of 90 was determined to take in the view. With him was his son Paolo.

Two guides at the top of the tower – Ian Peacock (left) and Jim Jenkins – were on hand to point out the sights.

Opening the tower to visitors was just one of the VE Day celebrations organised by local churches.

The anniversary was celebrated at the Monken Hadley Church of St Mary the Virgin with an evening concert of music and songs dating back to the 1945 with plenty of wartime numbers.

A ceremonial lighting of the beacon rounded off the evening.

Celebrations for 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day included visits to the top of the tower at Barnet parish church.

Brookside Methodist Church in East Barnet hosted an impressive display of wartime posters by members of the Barnet U3A painting group.

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Around 80 classic and vintage cars to parade though Barnet High Street ahead of annual show on the top floor of The Spires Car Park

A display of Jaguar cars will be the highlight at this year’s Barnet Classic Car Show on Sunday 18 May on the top deck of the car park at The Spires shopping centre. It will also be a special moment for club stalwart, Chris Nightingale.

In previous years, Chris has usually been busy assisting as a steward, but this year’s show will be a chance to exhibit his rare New Era Mini which is already looking spick and pan – see above — in preparation for the day.

A recent edition of the magazine Mini World devoted several pages to the history of the car — one of three versions of an early variant of the mini and the only one of its kind still in existence.

Preceding the show, which opens at 11am, will be the traditional parade of classic and vintage cars along Barnet High Street starting from 10.30am.

The final car in a parade of about 80 vehicles will be a 1930s open top Bentley which will have as passengers the Deputy Mayor of Barnet, councillor Danny Rich, and councillor David Longstaff.

Organiser Chris Frost is expecting about 150 cars to be on display on the top floor of the car park and the Deputy Mayor will open the show.

After giving pride of place last year to a display of Lotus Cars to highlight Barnet’s link to the Lotus founder Colin Chapman, the club is keen to display a range of Jaguar cars, a firm favourite with classic car enthusiasts.

One of the club’s Jaguar owners, Emile, is the proud owner of a Jaguar 420 which he purchased in 1994 as a rolling shell in which he installed an engine and manual gearbox.

He had the car repainted from Balmoral green to BRG green and has made other adjustments to update the car without compromising its integrity.

Display of Jaguar cars to be highlight of Barnet Classic Car Show after 80 cars parade along Barnet High Street.

Chris Nightingale’s entry, his New Era Mini — registration number POP 22 – was one of the early minis.

It was converted by his father Kenneth Nightingale at his garage in Birmingham which specialised in re-tuning cars.

When the mini was launched in 1959, Kenneth developed three prototypes of what he hoped would be a retuned and modified mini.

“My father specialised in tuning and body conversions and with the help of some panel beaters from the Austin factory at Longbridge, he streamlined the body work at the front of the mini and hoped to build up a successful range of mini variants.

“Unfortunately, my father was unable to attract sufficient investment so there were only the three prototypes and POP 22 is the last of the line – and can claim to be the only one of its kind in the world.”

Chris started the show in 2014 with the help of the club’s founder Owen Jones and says that such events are unmissable for classic car enthusiasts.

“For the enthusiast, the chance to look over a classic or vintage car is a moment of nostalgia, jogging the memory and taking us back to happy days.”

As in past years, the show will raise funds for the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.

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Garden decoration helps to highlight High Barnet events to commemorate 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day

Celebrations for VE Day marked with impressive garden decoration at High Barnet's historic alms houses

There is no mistaking an imaginative commemoration for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day on the lawns of the historic Wood Street alms houses of Jesus Hospital Charity in High Barnet.

A large V incorporating the figure 80 has been laid out on one lawn with a massive poppy on an adjoining lawn.

The displays are the work of gardener Robert Fenton.

His floral decorations are widely admired not only by residents of the alms houses but also passers-by in Wood Street who have been treated over the years to a succession of impressive displays for major state occasions.

A royal cypher and crown were marked out on the lawn to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III in June 2023. 

Robert, who is helped by fellow gardener Brian Hewitt, works to scale drawings prepared by his partner Kate Walsh.

“The VE display of the V and the figure 80 is the official design and it has to be done to scale. My partner Kate makes sure they are dead right.”

Robert uses the charity’s 100-year-old hand-pushed cylinder lawn mower to cut the grass extra short so that the display stands out.

“It is hard work, cutting back the grass, and keeping it looking good, but every so often it is great to commemorate the big events, and we know how much these commemorative displays are appreciated by local people.”

In addition to King’s Coronation display, Robert marked out the Olympic rings for the 2012 games in London, did displays for the late Queen and one for Prince Harry and Meghan – an H and M with a heart in between.

Robert has been a gardener at the alms houses for over 20 years and takes care of lawns and gardens in Wood Street, Monken Hardley, Potters Lane, and Grasvenor Avenue.

Barnet Parish Church of St John the Baptist is commemorating VE Day with a tower opening from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday 8 May with a glass of Pimm’s, cakes and tea to follow.

A concert of music and songs dating back to 1945 with plenty of wartime numbers is being held that evening at the Monken Hadley Church of St Mary the Virgin followed by the ceremonial lighting of the beacon at 9.15pm.

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Changing face of Barnet town centre with refurbishment of historic premises and creation of flats above High Street shops

Planning applications have been approved for changes to several of the iconic buildings at the historic heart of High Barnet’s conservation area.

Work is to start in late April on a “makeover” at the town’s oldest coaching inn, The Mitre.

Further up the High Street, closer to the town centre, approval has been given to build a flat above the traditional sweet shop, Hopscotch.

Work has already started converting the first and second floors of the former Barnet Press office – now a Costa Coffee shop – into five self-contained flats.

Refurbishment of the Costa Coffee premises has also resulted – at long last — in the clock at the front of the building telling the right time.

Another very noticeable change is at the Mama Fifi restaurant — at the entrance to The Spires shopping centre – which is now resplendent with a full-length spring display of Sicilian lemon blossom.

Hopscotch, a single-storey shop constructed in the 1930s, is like a missing tooth along the High Street but, under a design approved by the council, the gap – as seen above – would be filled by the addition of a one-bedroom home over the sweet shop.

Simon Kaufman Architects say the scheme has been carefully designed to preserve the character of the Wood Street Conservation Area and will provide a high-quality living space above the existing retail unit.

The project embraces a lightweight construction approach with only minimal internal strengthening to provide “a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to rebuilding from scratch” which is in full compliance with heritage and conservation policies.

Michael and Alice Kentish, proprietors of Hopscotch, say they are thrilled that planning approval had been given as they believe providing homes above High Street shops is one way of revitalising town centres.

“There are so many under-developed properties along Barnet High Street and there is so much residential accommodation which could be provided within existing buildings.

“What we need is for the government and Barnet Council to adopt a regime which encourages the use of empty space above shops. It would provide much needed homes and help increase business along the High Street.”

Hopscotch and its rear garden are a designated area of archaeological significance as the previous medieval buildings on the site formed part of the narrow street of shops and inns beside Barnet Parish Church which was known as The Squeeze.

Until its demolition in 1933 – and the construction of the present single-storey shop – 88 High Street was a Dutch-style timber building with a gabled façade and distinctive Oriel windows.

Work has already started on the refurbishment of the upper floors of the Costa Coffee shop which will provide five self-contained flats.

P2M Coffee, which has the High Barnet franchise, says the frontage of the building will be repainted. It promised that the clock, which dates back to the days when it was the home of the Barnet Press, would be repaired as soon as scaffolding was in place to allow access for a clock repairer.

True to their word, the clock was telling the right time within days — although when this picture was taken, the clock face, just visible behind the scaffolding, was still stuck at 12.34 as it had been for several years!

What is described by brewers Greene King as a “makeover” to give The Mitre a “fresh look” will result in the pub being closed from Monday 28 April to Friday 23 May.

Several suggestions made by the Barnet Society regarding the refurbishment were accepted by Greene King and the company’s willingness to engage with local groups was welcomed by Robin Bishop who leads for the society on planning and the environment.

Etched glass bay windows which were going to be removed will now be retained. Although only 20th century, the etched glass is attractive in its own right and illustrates the “fascinating evolution of High Barnet’s oldest inn”.

An investigation to date the timbers in the ceiling and roof has now been conducted by Historic England. If the tests indicate the timbers date from around 1360 — similar to those discovered in the neighbouring building, Elisana Florist — it could be that together with the Mitre, they represent the oldest group of timber-framed buildings in London, predating Westminster Hall.

Enfield and Barnet Campaign for Real Ale has announced that The Mitre has been voted pub of the year for 2025 – and will present the award in May.

Mama Fifi restaurant – which won the 2024 prize for the best High Barnet Christmas window competition – is again attracting plaudits for its latest display.

Mural artist Alessandra Tortone has decorated the side windows in the entrance to The Spires shopping centre with a spring design of Sicilian lemon blossom.

Alessendra is seen with her team after the competition of the mural – from left to right, Alessandra, Roberta Piras, Kateryna Vilkul, and Radhika Ganapathe Ulluru.

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“Dame on the doorstep!” – Dame Theresa Villiers celebrates honours award out campaigning in Barnet Council by-election

Former Secretary of State Theresa Villiers, who was Conservative MP for Chipping Barnet until she lost her seat in last year’s general election, has been made a Dame Commander in Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours.

Four of her ex-colleagues were promoted to the House of Lords.

Ms Villiers is among a group of former Conservative ministers whose honours, including knighthoods, are in line either with their continuing status as MPs or are perhaps a reflection of the possibility that they might wish to seek re-election to the House of Commons.

The day after her Damehood was announced, she was celebrating her new status when out campaigning for the Conservative candidate in a by-election in Whetstone for a vacancy on Barnet Council.

“Dame on the doorstep” was the heading for a post on her Facebook page which contained numerous congratulations for “a well-deserved honour” and expressed the hope that she might one day return to Westminster as the Chipping Barnet MP.

Her website – www.theresavilliers.co.uk – gives details of the speeches she has made since losing her seat and outlines her wish, as a resident of Arkley, to continue taking an interest in community issues and events within the constituency.

A recent example of her engagement in local affairs was joining a LoveWhetstone litter pick in support of the Keep Britain Tidy Campaign.

In responding to the award – Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire – she made it clear it was an honour she believed she would never have received without the support and hard work on her constituency staff and volunteer helpers.

She was re-elected four times as the Chipping Barnet MP – in 2010, 2015, 2017 and 2019.

Her ministerial appointments included serving for four years as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland under David Cameron and then as Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under Boris Johnson.

Former Chipping Barnet Conservative MP Theresa Villiers is made a Dame Commander by Rishi Sunak in resignation honours

Dan Tomlinson, who won the Chipping Barnet constituency for Labour in last July’s general election, added his congratulations.

The image above is by High Barnet caricaturist and cartoonist, Simon Ellinas (simonelli@me.com) who was in the audience – and who set to work — when Mr Tomlinson appeared at a question-and-answer session hosted by the Barnet Society.

In applauding Mr Sunak’s announcement that his predecessor was now Dame Theresa Villiers, Mr Tomlinson told the Barnet Post that he wanted to add his congratulations to the recognition she had received for her 19 years’ service as the Chipping Barnet MP.

“No matter our political differences, I’m genuinely heartened to see two decades of commitment to Chipping Barnet and public life recognised in this way.”

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Decision on future operation of Barnet Post Office is likely by the autumn as part of a switch to franchising the business  

Barnet Post Office is to become a franchise operation along with another 107 crown offices across the country where the Post Office is to cease its own management and staffing.

Applications to run these businesses as a franchise are currently being considered. New owners could be in place by the end of September.

So far there has been no announcement about the precise future for a franchise for the crown office branch in High Street, Barnet.

The Post Office says it hopes that a majority of the remaining 108 crown offices will continue in operation at their existing locations, but some buildings could be closed if a franchise operator moves to different premises.

Over the coming weeks the company hopes to supply local communities and stakeholders with more detailed information.

By switching to a franchise model – which is already the case with other local post offices – the company says it will mean that towns like Barnet which “currently have a directly managed branch in their area will continue to be able to access Post Office services.”

Over 4,000 applications – from 500 different bidders — have already been received to take over the 108 crown offices.

Among the groups which have expressed an interest in taking over some of the larger branches are Tesco and the stationery retailer Ryman.

Dan Tomlinson, Labour MP for Chipping Barnet, welcomed the announcement by the Post Office that it would continue to provide services to the local community in High Barnet.

He said he had spoken to the Communication Workers Union – which represents Post Office staff at Barnet – and he understood their concern about the switch to franchise operation.

“I will continue to work with and support union members as we find out more from the Post Office about the exact nature of future plans.”

Mr Tomlinson declared that it was his petition – “Save Barnet Post Office” which attracted over 2,500 signatures – which had ensured “victory” in his campaign to save the High Street branch from closure.

“This is a tremendous victory for our community after months of campaigning with residents.

“The Post Office is vital to High Barnet and serves thousands of residents. “Working with residents across Barnet, we have demonstrated what can be achieved when a community unites behind an essential service.”  

The closure of the remaining 108 crown offices – which together employ around 1,000 staff but are said to be losing £40 million a year — was announced last November when the management indicated it was seeking applications from franchise operators.

There are mixed views locally about the level of service offered in post offices around High Barnet which are already being operated on a franchise basis but in some cases, it is said to be quicker and more friendly than in the past.

Barnet Post Office – which was rebuilt in 1905 – has a distinguished history having been a regular stopping off point for mail coaches heading out of London for Scotland and the north.

In more recent years it has regained importance following the closure of several High Street banks and the development of the Post Office’s banking services.

The current building, which bears the ER motif of King Edward VII, was designed by Jasper Wagner.

Franchise operator to take over Post Office in High Street Barnet. Future likely to be decided by the autumn.

Set in the wall, just above the pavement, between the front door and the letter box, is one of the original boundary stones of the ancient parish of Chipping Barnet – which is pointed out during the annual ceremony to mark the Beating of the Bounds of the parish of Barnet

Until the 1930s Barnet was one of the best-known coaching towns on the outskirts of London.

When the mail coach for Scotland left St Martins-le-Grand one of the first stops on the Great North Road was Barnet post office where it picked up mail

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Barnet High Street about to become a much-admired showcase once again for the historic Battle of Barnet banners  

Recently restored and repaired medieval banners commemorating the 1471 Battle of Barnet will once again decorate the High Street during the summer months after Barnet Museum intervened with financial support.

A contractor will start the two-day process of hanging the banners from lampposts the length of the High Street from the evening of Monday 14 April – the 554th anniversary of the battle.

Each of the 76 heraldic banners illustrates the coats of arms of royalty and noblemen whose troops fought in the battle just to the north of Barnet on what is Greater London’s historic battlefield.

The return of the banners is a timely reminder of the annual Barnet Medieval Festival which is being held over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday June 7 and 8 at a new location on farmland off Galley Lane.

A 12-acre field will offer more space for Wars of the Roses re-enactments and camp sites for the opposing Yorkist and Lancastrian armies.

Organisers hope it will be the largest celebration in the town since the start of the recent events to commemorate the battle as more military re-enactors are expected to attend than ever before.

This summer’s re-appearance of the banners along the High Street had been touch and go because Barnet Council’s street lighting contractor told the museum that it was no longer able to afford the installation cost.

After the council found an alternative contractor who offered to do the work at a much-reduced rate, the museum agreed to fund the work from its reserves on a one-off basis.

Barnet High Street about to become resplendent once again with display of historic banners from 1471 Battle of Barnet

Museum trustee Scott Harrison – seen above in the museum’s shop in The Spires shopping centre – said there had been great uncertainty as to whether it would be possible to hang the banners in the High Street for what will be their sixth year on display.

“We have been so fortunate in the past in having the annual installation cost met by the council’s lighting contractors, but we were told earlier this year that the company had decided this was no longer a sustainable expense.

“Barnet Council found another contractor who would hang the banners at a much-reduced cost, but the museum is having to fund the bill of several thousand pounds.

“We have agreed to pay up this year, but we will have to find a sustainable source of funding. Perhaps we can arrange an appeal each year or find sponsors who will meet the cost.

“We do hope the people of Barnet value the banners so much that they will help to contribute towards the expense involved in hanging them along the High Street.”

As well as the 76 banners that will decorate the High Street, others from the collection of 107 banners will be on display in The Spires and at the museum.

A team of volunteers led by the museum’s deputy curator Hillary Harrison spent the winter repairing and repainting the banners. Those on display in the High Street are also reglazed each year to given them an extra coat of protection.

Each banner with its emblems or coat of arms belonged to an individual who took part in the battle and the challenge for the museum’s historians has been to bring to life each member of the royalty, nobility and gentry whose troops fought at Banet.

Sometimes symbols were used to represent people’s names or occupations and indicate their wealth and status.

The research conducted at Barnet – and so vividly displayed each summer in the High Street – has attracted considerable interested.

The latest group to visit Barnet for a walk along the High Street to identify – and admire the banners – are members of the Anglia Heraldry Trefoil Guild who are planning a visit in July.

Barnet Museum’s celebration and commemoration of the Battle of Barnet is not without cost. Currently the museum is applying to the National Heritage Lottery Fund for a £50,000 grant towards the cost of installing a new heating system and repairing leaky windows.

Because of the museum’s inability to maintain the correct humidity an exhibit on loan from the British Museum – displaying the Earl of Warwick’s seal and arrows from the Battle of Barnet – has had to be returned until the heating system has been fixed.