Category: Events

Posted on by — Leave a comment

After staging Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, High Barnet drama group to explore Charles Dickens’ rich literary association with Barnet and Finchley

Artistic director Siobhan Dunne takes the applause at the final performance of Macbeth at The Bull Theatre…and already she is planning the next production by the Blue Door Company, High Barnet’s highly acclaimed drama group.

Charles Dickens Comes to Barnet is to be the story line for another of Blue Door’s locally inspired plays which build on the town’s rich history and literary connections.

Writing and scripting for the new play is due to start in November ready for a premier performance at The Bull Theatre in April next year.

After a run of highly popular productions which have explored the impact of the Battle of Barnet, the importance of Barnet Fair and most recently the year that Dr David Livingstone lived at a cottage on Hadley Green, the new drama will explore Dickens’ connections with both Finchley and Barnet and bring to life local links to immortal Dickens’ characters such as Oliver Twist and Mrs Gamp.

Packed audiences at The Bull Theatre for the group’s imaginative and daring production of Macbeth demonstrated the strength and versability of High Barnet’s community theatre company which brings together total beginners alongside members with decades of performance experience, backed up by dedicated local professional artists.

On the closing night, Francesco Giacon, who played Macbeth, led the thanks to Ms Dunne for her inspirational leadership and declared:

“We encounter ye with our hearts’ thanks” – based on the line from the play when Macbeth greets his guests at the banquet and says to the first murderer, “See, they encounter thee with their hearts’ thanks.”

In response, Ms Dunne reflected the pride of the Blue Door Theatre Company in having pulled off their own original presentation of a Shakespeare classic. 

“We recognise it has been a real privilege to perform Macbeth here in Barnet.”

“We manage two shows a year and we have so many people to thank for helping us to keep community theatre alive in the town.”

Ms Dunne appealed to the audience – and the residents of Barnet and beyond – to recognise the challenge they faced in keeping the lights on at a venue which was 40 years’ old, and which was in need of an upgrade.  

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise a minimum of £10,000 towards the cost of updating theatrical equipment and protecting the future of The Bull Theatre.

www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-bull-theatre

 Blue Door’s production of Macbeth was another milestone for Blue Door. It was the first time Ms Dunne had led a full theatrical company in staging Shakespeare’s play about the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition and power.

With the help of their production team, Blue Door delivered a stunning performance which conjured up a supernatural atmosphere full of music, sound and eye-catching projections.

Composer Nick Godwin created an original music score for the chorus and musicians who won a special round of applause (see above) – Helen Brown (violin), Nick Godwin (guitar, bouzouki, bodhran, mandolin) and Ned Wilkins (bass ukelele).

In her programme introduction to The Tragedie of Macbeth, Ms Dunne reveals that their next production will explore the relationship that Charles Dickens had with Barnet and Finchley called – Between the Lines.   

Work on writing the script will start in November – a joint task for Claire Fisher, who played Lady Macbeth, and whose play Mary Livingstone, I Presume was staged earlier this year, and Sarah Munford, who was one of the three witches in Macbeth and who has been a regular cast member in productions by Blue Door and its sister company The Bull Players.

Rehearsals are due to start in January ready for the play to be staged next April.

Dickens paid many visits to Finchley and Barnet and the time he spent in the locality proved a great inspiration when writing his novels.

On a number of occasions, he was said to have taken his wife to dine at The Red Lion during the 1830s.

At the time he was writing Oliver Twist and Oliver is said to have met the Artful Dodger in Barnet High Street on the steps of what was the former Victoria Bakery.

It was there that Oliver “sat, with bleeding feet and covered with dust, upon a doorstep” after he had “limped slowly into the little town of Barnet”.

While crouching in the High Street, Oliver wondered at the “great number of public houses (every other house in Barnet was a tavern large or small), gazing listlessly at the coaches as they passed through”.

Highly acclaimed production of Macbeth at Bull Theatre, Barnet, to be followed next year by a drama with storyline about how Charles Dickens Came to Barnet

Ms Dunne – with Claire Fisher (above left) – said the Dickens’ play will definitely reflect the historic importance of the licensed trade in Barnet; so, expect references to The Mitre and The Bull as well as The Red Lion.    

There is also a strong chance that Dickens visited the former Barnet Union Workhouse – although this is disputed by some historians – and that this was the workhouse depicted in Oliver Twist.

A friend had urged Dickens to visit the workhouse after hearing one of its young inmates “ask for more”.

Barnet gets its own mention in Dickens’s Dictionary of London (1879): “A pretty and still tolerably rural suburb, but on the north side of London and on clay…The best part of Barnet, from a residential point of view, is the ring of villas round the common”.

Finchley also has strong connections with Dickens’ work. In 1843 he lived at Cobley’s Farm on Bow Lane while writing Martin Chuzzlewit and used to visit the Green Man in East Finchley.

It is recorded that during his walks in the lanes around Finchley with the writer John Forster that Dickens conceived the immortal character Mrs Gamp. 

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Campaign by St John Ambulance to increase public confidence in responding to cardiac arrests by using CPR techniques and defibrillators

Despite the widening public provision of defibrillators, the Barnet branch of St John Ambulance is keen to do more to increase people’s confidence in responding to cardiac arrests by embarking on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation treatment.

To help improve survival rates, members staged a Restart a Heart event at The Spires shopping centre where St John Ambulance nurse Emma Ball (above) gave a demonstration.

Currently less than one in 12 survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and the aim of the Barnet first aiders is to encourage community support and interest in first aid and to recognise that defibrillation can more than double the chances of survival.

Emergency responder Winnie Bacon (above right) of the Barnet St John community engagement team helped to organise the event so that volunteers could train people in key first aid skills.

“We want to familiarise people with defibrillators and so that one day, perhaps, they can save a life by having the confidence to step in if there is an emergency.”

Ruth McQuillin (left) insisted that the instructions inside defibrillators – and there is one on the wall at the entrance to The Spires – are clear and simple.

“There are diagrams showing where pads should be applied to the chest and a defibrillator gives spoken instructions on what to do.”

Alongside the demonstration was an exhibition showing the history of the St John Ambulance branch in Barnet which has a membership of 60 volunteers.

The display was compiled by archivist Stephen Krause (left), who joined the branch in Barnet 47 years ago.

He is a member of the St John Fellowship and chairman of the St John Ambulance Historical Society.

Barnet’s branch dates back to 1903 and, says Mr Krause, is one of the oldest in the borough.

“Alfred Mosley, an entrepreneur, sponsored a hospital in South Africa during the Boer War and he was so impressed by the dedication and skill of the St John volunteers that he decided to pay for a branch to be set up in Barnet.

“At the time there were lots of accidents in workplaces, especially on the railways and in mining, which St John volunteers attended.

“The Barnet branch has always had a high profile, and we’ve become very well known.

“For 38 years we provided first aiders at Barnet Football Club matches at the old Underhill stadium.”

Winnie Bacon joined the Barnet branch in December 2020 to help with covid injections after St John Ambulance secured a contract with the NHS.

“Today you can see St John Ambulance volunteers at all sorts of events, such as the London Marathon and here in Barnet at events like East Barnet Festival and the Barnet Christmas Festival.”

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Care minister’s visit to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice brings confirmation of continued government funding

Stephen Kinnock, Minister of State for Care, called in at the brightly lit sensory playroom at the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice in Byng Road, Barnet, when he met staff and parents.

During his visit he confirmed the financial settlement for the next three years for children and young people’s hospices under government funding from NHS England.

Mr Kinnock, who was accompanied by Noah’s Ark’s chief executive Sophie Andrews, met Rose Charles whose granddaughter Sophie Charles, aged 19, has a life-limiting genetic condition and who attends the hospice.

Rose, of Whetstone, praised Noah’s Ark for the support it had given her granddaughter whose brother Ben died in 2014 from the same condition.

“The difference that having Noah’s Ark has made is that Sophie is still experiencing a positive life.

“We have been supported in so many ways by the hospice since 2008. Everything the staff do is tailored to the individual.”

Having seen at first hand the work done by Noah’s Ark and the “extraordinary impact” it had, Mr Kinnock said he was determined that children needing the support of hospices should receive the “excellent, wraparound care they deserve”.

Under the three-year settlement, children and young people’s hospices will be provided with £26 million each financial year to 2028-29.

Noah’s Ark was allocated £882,000 under the 2025-26 settlement, which represented 13 per cent of its income.

Care minister's visit confirms continued government funding for Noah's Ark children's hospice in Barnet

Sophie Andrews said Mr Kinnock’s confirmation of funding for the next three years marked “a significant step forward”

“Whilst thing funding is welcomed and will give us a more solid foundation for the next three years, we will still rely heavily on the generosity of our community for the majority of our income.

“We thank every supporter who continues to stand by Noah’s Ark, helping us to be there for more children and families.”

Mr Kinnock’s confirmation of the three-year settlement was welcomed by Nick Carroll, chief executive of Together For Short Lives.

Continued government funding would help ensure seriously ill children and their families could continue to access vital hospice care.    

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Community events at High Barnet Islamic Centre to include a monthly soup kitchen with a warm welcome and refreshments   

After a busy first year organising social events, volunteers at the High Barnet Islamic Centre are planning their next initiative to reach out to the local community – a monthly soup kitchen for homeless people and needy families.

Underhill Councillor Zahra Beg (left) was one of a group of Barnet councillors who gave their support to the work of the centre in strengthening inter-faith relations within the local community.

Councillor Beg – seen at the centre’s open day above left with Ruby Choudhury and Hui An Zainab – said she believed there was demand within the locality for initiatives like soup kitchens where needy people could get together for refreshments and company.

“Unfortunately, there is a cost-of-living crisis and there are homeless people who would love nothing more than a chance to get together, have something to eat and enjoy socialising.”

Anjim Iqbal, the Islamic centre’s events co-ordinator – seen above with the chair of trustees Shujaulhaq Siddiqui – said that once she was given the go ahead the monthly soup kitchen could be up and running within weeks.

“We have the volunteers all lined up to prepare the food. Local businesses have promised us the supplies we need.

“From what we understand there is a lot of demand for the chance for people to sit in the warmth and have some food, even if it just soup and bread and some other refreshments.

Since the centre, which is in Bath Place, just off Barnet High Street, opened in May last year, it has run a range of inter-community and multi-cultural events such as bazaars and open days.

A group of councillors, led by Barnet Council leader Barry Rawlings, were welcomed at the open day and brought up to date on the centre’s work in establishing links across local communities and faiths.

“We must stand together and one of the strengths of the London Borough of Barnet is that we have a multi-faith community which works together,” said Councillor Rawlings (above, third from left).

“But we must work at it all the time and stand up to people who try to create division.

“Barnet is a tolerant place. We celebrate our different faiths, and we all know we are much stronger together.”

Dan Tomlinson, MP for Chipping Barnet and Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, joined the councillors at the open day. (above, second from right).

He congratulated the centre on opening its door to the community and proposing an initiative like a monthly soup kitchen where there would be a warm welcome, refreshments and company.

“I have been to the High Barnet Islamic Centre a couple of times since it opened last year, and I have been really impressed to find a community which is so outward facing and welcoming.

“It is so heartening to see the Muslim community, like the other religious communities in Barnet, uniting in their efforts to bring people together and create a strong community.”

High Barnet Islamic Centre to expand its programme of community events with a monthly soup kitchen for homeless and needy people.

High Barnet Islamic Centre is one of several which have been established across the borough with similar centres at Mays Lane, Underhill, and with others at East Barnet, North Finchley, Edgware and West Hendon.

It opened in May last year after the Darul Noor charity, previously based at the Rainbow Centre on the Dollis Valley estate, raised £1.8 million to purchase the Bath Place centre from the Template Foundation.

Trustee chair Shujaulhaq Siddiqui said the centre was expanding its activities and the opening a monthly soup kitchen would add to a programme of events which included a youth club, table tennis and classes for children.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Family open day at Barnet fire station — exciting for children and for mums and dads to understand challenges faced by rescue services  

Youngsters queued up to sit in the cab of a fire engine and try on a firefighter’s helmet when Barnet Fire Station held its family open day – and it was also an opportunity for parents to learn about other challenges facing the emergency services.

Advances in fire prevention have led to a marked reduction in the number of fires but there is no fall off in rescue callouts to assist ambulance crews and paramedics and to help at other emergencies.

Firefighters of today must be skilled in cutting out injured passengers from crashed cars or gaining entry to houses where the occupants might have collapsed inside.

Barnet’s crews often assist at the aftermath of high-speed crashes on roads such as the M25 and A1.

Long-serving Barnet firefighter Nick Russ showed Barnet Vale Councillor Richard Barnes the heavy-duty metal cutter needed to cut through the bodywork of a crashed car, take off the roof and free injured passengers.

“Since I started as a firefighter 25 years ago, the number of callouts to fires has gone way down because fire precaution procedures are so much better.

“But we now have new challenges at serious road crashes or when people who are injured and who might have collapsed and are locked inside their own homes.

“We have the kit to gain entry to a house or flat and it is a task we do for ambulance crews and paramedics.”

Barnet fire station holds family open day with youngsters queuing up to sit in fire engine can and mums and dads learning about challenges for rescue services.

Councillor Barnes congratulated the fire station staff for welcoming local families to the station and allowing children to try on a firefighter’s helmet and sit inside the cab of the big pump fire engine.

“Only the other day I was speaking to one of the Barnet firefighters who told me he visited Barnet fire station with his grandfather – and now he works there!

“That illustrates the importance of us all getting to know why it is so important to have a local fire station that can deal not only with fires but also assist at terrible car crashes and rescue people in emergencies.”

Barnet fire station has a complement of 28 firefighters who are split into four watches of seven – so on anyone day there would be seven fighters on duty. Firefighter Nick Russ said he and his colleagues were delighted to have the chance to answer questions about what they did and allow children to climb into the fire engine and try out the equipment.

“The thrill of sitting in a fire engine never dies for some people. Only the other day the Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson came along to see us and asked if he could climb into the cab.

“He said that as a child he had always wanted to get inside a fire engine but never had the chance.”   

The family day was in aid of Macmillan cancer charity – one of the charities which the Barnet station supports, together with the charity for injured firefighters.

During the summer, a fire engine from Barnet can often be seen visiting schools or at a fete, all part of the outreach from the station.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

An “apple and pear celebration” in New Barnet – and a chance to turn crates of surplus fruit and windfalls into apple juice

An abundant crop provided an ideal opportunity for the chance to turn surplus fruit into apple juice at an autumn open day in New Barnet organised by the campaign group Incredible Edible.

Each crate of apples produced around a litre of juice – and that required plenty of volunteers to cut up and then prepare the apples ready for pressing.

Wendy Alcock, founder of a Barnet-wide campaign to encourage home cultivation in gardens and on unused land, said apples and other fruit had all benefited from a wet winter and warm spring and summer.

“What better way could there be of using up surplus fruit and windfalls than turning them into apple juice”, said Wendy seen above at the cutting up table, with from left to right, Janet Smith, Wendy Alcock, Elaine Jackson, Sue R and Sue Taylor.

What had been billed as an “Apple and Pear Celebration” was held in the community garden established by Incredible Edible on former spare land beside St John’s United Reformed Church in Mowbray Road.

Campaigning group Incredible Edible organises apple juicing day at New Barnet to take advantage of bumper crop of apples and pears

After cutting the apples into pieces the next task was to crush them in what is known as scratter, a crusher which was in the capable hands of Dave Ford (left), assisted by Daniella Levene, founder of the group Community Harvesters.

Daniella and Wendy were both delighted with the abundance of fruit this year, including apples, pears, plums and peaches.

So far this autumn Community Harvesters have collected around 750 kilos of apples and pears for distribution to local foodbanks.

The apples have been slightly smaller than some years, due to the drought, but there had been plenty of sweet fruit.

Incredible Edible organised a morning of activities for children all based around apples, including cutting out apples for printing shapes in different colours.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Fine summer results in excellent flavour for Barnet honey but beekeepers’ association faces difficult times after move from Whalebones  

Honey of exceptional quality collected this summer has been a bonus for members of the Barnet and District Beekeepers’ Association during what has been a year of uncertainty for a well-established society.

Senior judge Fiona Dickson-Wood (above, left) was full of praise for exhibits at the association’s 111th annual show at the Hadley Memorial Hall when she was welcomed by show secretary, Linda Perry.

She congratulated the entry from Adam Armstrong whose honey won best in show for its clarity, depth and flavour. 

Adam also won the prize for the best mead. Such was its quality, that he was encouraged to exhibit nationally as well at his local show. 

Entries were lower than expected although beekeepers have been the beneficiaries of a good spring and fine summer weather which has produced honey with high density and velocity.

Overall, 2025 has been a troubling year for the association which is on the point of leaving its longstanding headquarters on the Whalebones estate in Wood Street and is having to move its equipment to temporary storage at a farm in Arkley.

For decades the stable block at Whalebones had been home for the beekeepers’ association.

It was left for their use by the late Miss Gwyneth Cowing who built an adjoining timber-framed studio used by members of the Barnet Guild of Artists.

However, last year the Miss Gwyneth Cowing Will Trust and Hill Residential were granted planning permission for build 114 houses at the farm and fields adjoining Whalebones House (which had been the Cowing family home, and which is now in private ownership).

A new studio for the artists is to be built by the trustees and a lease for its use is about to be signed by the artists’ guild. It has acquired charitable status to meet its enhanced responsibilities.

Miss Cowing’s trustees’ original proposal was that the artists and beekeepers would share the new building to be constructed in Wellhouse Lane, next to Well Cottage, and directly opposite the bus terminus outside Barnet Hospital.

But after lengthy discussion members of the beekeepers’ association have decided that the potential financial liabilities of signing a lease – and the need to establish charitable status – were too onerous for such a small organisation.

Instead, the beekeepers have been offered temporary storage space in a container at a farm in Akley while the association looks for a more permanent base.

Once the beekeepers have moved out of the stable block the building will be transferred to the private owners of Whalebones House.

If all goes to plan, the guild will move to its replacement studio towards the end of 2026.

Once the new building is up and running, work is expected to start preparing the Whalebones fields for redevelopment.

Preparatory work will include demolition of the artists’ studio and the adjoining agricultural buildings which made up Whalebones farm, a small holding run by a former tenant farmer, Peter Mason, who died last year.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Open day held at St Mary’s Monken Hadley to encourage future generations of church organists

Young trainee organists had a chance to try their hand at the keyboard of the 135-year-old church organ at Monken Hadley during an open day held as part of the 2025 “Play The Organ Year”.

Jonathan Gregory (above, far right), a retired professional choirmaster and organist, who is director of music at St Mary the Virgin, Monken Hadley, organised the event which concluded with a Bach recital.

Over the years he has introduced generations of boys and girls to the organ and is keen to encourage the organists of the future.

He learned to play himself at the age of 14 and is no stranger to organ music: his father was an organist and so were his two brothers.

St Mary’s church organ, which dates from 1890, was built in Hull by Forster and Andrews and is said to be a fine organ for playing Baroque music.

It was installed at Monken Hadley in 1999 after having been restored following a fire at a church in York.

Noah Morley (above), who learned to play the organ at Queen Elizabeth’s Boys School, is gaining further experience at local churches, including Barnet parish church of St John the Baptist, where he has played at services several times a month.

Noah (16) was delighted to have the chance to take part in the Monken Hadley open day.

“Some people think that playing the organ is old fashioned, or perhaps rather exotic, so it is great to have an open day like this with presentations and demonstrations.”

Yuna Arao (14) was equally enthusiastic about the chance of get hands-on experience playing on such a majestic church organ.

Demonstrations and visual displays were provided by Duncan Paulson who helps to organise musical activities at St Mary’s and who often plays at the church. 

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Leading pioneer in renewable energy – and fellow of Women’s Engineering Society – is guest of honour on return visit to QE Girls’ School  

An award-winning engineer in the development of offshore wind technologies, visiting professor Emily Spearman – who grew up in High Barnet – returned to Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School to present prizes at the annual celebration of excellence.

Securing an A in GCSE mathematics at QE Girls in 1996 had been the springboard for Emily’s career – a career that included her nomination last year as one of “100 women brilliant in renewable energy.”  

She was delighted to congratulate Ejona Hasani – above, left – on winning the school’s 2025 trustees’ prize for outstanding achievements in maths.

Ejona – also an Abbott prize winner – is taking up a place at Warwick University to study economics.

Recalling her five years studying at QE Girls, where she remembered rushing through the corridors from one class to the next, Emily said was a chance to reflect on what school life had taught her – lessons she was keen to pass on to the pupils of today.

She had a strong sense of purpose; she knew what she liked and didn’t; she found English and history hard work; but was always curious and she gained an A in maths GCSE which secured her a place at Woodhouse sixth form college and then Nottingham University.

“One of the teachers in the maths department at QE (Mrs Sheena Duncan) recognised my potential.  She believed in me and recognised in me what others hadn’t. Through her support I have been able to achieve what I have.”

Pupils always had to fight for themselves, find sponsors and advocates, as everything achieved was a springboard to the next achievement.

“QE Girls was my springboard to college and university.”

Emily, who became an environmental officer for her university, found herself at the age of 21 as the only woman on an oil rig off Aberdeen, assisting in research and the collection of deep-sea data.

Other assignments included making environmental assessments on major construction projects across the world and, after eight years, she returned to academic life gaining an MBA in global energy at Warwick University.

Currently she is a senior leader of a BP offshore wind company, where she is working on offshore technologies such as drones and robots, and a visiting professor in energy and power at Loughborough University.

Emily’s return for the prize giving was a chance to meet up with Nigel Royden (above, left), her history teacher at QE Girls in the early 1990s, who taught at the school for 36 years, and who was presented with a long service award on his retirement.

Members of the Spearman family are no strangers to QE Girls: her father Jeffrey was chair of the school governors when the school hall was rebuilt after being destroyed in an arson attack in 1991 and her sister Jessica was also subsequently a chair of the school trustees.

Former QE Girls' School pupil, now leading pioneer in renewable energy,, presented awards at annual celebration of excellence.

Head teacher Violet Walker (far right) welcomed the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Danny Rich.

As guests mingled after the presentation, Emily – at the suggestion of the Barnet Society – agreed that given her role in the development of renewable energy –and as a judge in climate change awards – perhaps she would like schools to do more to encourage a greater interest in the subject.

One idea would be for an annual prize for the pupil devising the most imaginative strategy for tackling climate change – a suggestion Mrs Walker agreed was a possible innovation.

Posted on by — 20 Comments

Transport for London bans flats protest rally outside High Barnet station – but across the road residents launch their “New Battle of Barnet”

A mass protest against plans for five high-rise blocks of flats on the car park at High Barnet tube station attracted over 250 residents who were greeted with toots of support from the horns of passing motorists.

London Transport moved swiftly to warn of prosecutions if protestors gathered around the station entrance, so the rally was switched to the other side of Barnet Hill.

Fifteen posters warning of the consequences of any “unauthorised protests or gathering or loitering” had been fixed to walls and fences all around the lower entrance.

A posse of four members of London Underground staff stood at the station forecourt and were on hand in case of any breach of Transport for London byelaws.

Despite the ban on meeting in the area around the station’s lower entrance, the groups organising the protest – Barnet Society, Barnet Residents Association and Hands Off high Barnet – were determined to show the strength of opposition to a redevelopment they argue is the “wrong scheme, in the wrong place”.

As supporters were marshalled back up the slope of the station entrance to cross the road to the grassy bank on the opposite side of Barnet Hill, there were muttered protests at what was seen as TfL’s high-handed approach in banning a rally on their land.

In particular, the wording of the notices – suggesting their presence might lead to prosecutions – led some residents to complain that TfL seemed to be turning High Barnet into a police state where free speech and protest were being suppressed.

While remaining friendly and approachable, the four London Underground staff on duty outside the station entrance were a clear indication that TfL meant business – the rally had apparently been banned on grounds of health and safety.

As the crowd of protestors continued to grow in size – approaching 250 people or more on some estimates – the organisers said they were delighted by the turn out.

Four thousand leaflets had been distributed calling for support, reminding residents they had until Friday 19 September to register their objections with Barnet Council.

Gordon Massey, who analysed the scheme on behalf of Barnet Residents Association, told the crowd they had to recognise that TfL – through its subsidiary Places for London – was determined to build as many homes as possible on spare land at London Underground stations.

“283 flats on this site are far too many and the design of them is absolutely dreadful. Just listen to the noise from the road and think what it will be like living there.”

He praised the joint effort there had been with the Barnet Society whose planning and environment spokesman Robin Bishop said the society’s team approach would allow them to present Barnet Council with “a substantial submission” detailing the faults in the scheme.

As the rally continued, hand-made posters held up by the grandchildren of Jane Ouseley (far left) amused passing motorists who tooted their horns in support of the message: “No tower blocks in High Barnet”.

Summing up the defiance of the crowd was a slogan on one of the posters: “The new Battle of Barnet”.

Another poster on the roadside at the entrance to the station left passers-by in no doubt about what the protest was all about.

Ken Rowland, chair of the residents’ association, said the size of the crowd showed why residents felt so strongly about an “appalling and monstrous” development.

“We need to stop this…the children living in homes in these blocks will not be able to open the windows…they will be overlooking an electricity sub station and railway tracks, and it is not the appropriate place for a development of this size.”

Kim Ambridge, a founder member of Hands-Off High Barnet which fought successfully against a 2019 plan – later withdrawn – for high-rise flats, deplored the loss of the station car park.

Her concern was reinforced by Barnet Vale Councillor David Longstaff who thought that by building over a well-lit car park, TfL was failing to acknowledge the fears of women arriving at the High Barnet station late at night.

At the end of the rally the crowd showed their contempt for TfL’s ban on the protest outside the tube station by marching up the High Street to the parish church of St John the Baptist.

Mass protest rally against tower blocks of flats at High Barnet tube station goes ahead despite Transport for London ban on gatherings outside the station entrance

A final photo-opportunity underlined another message of from the rally – that the proposed 11-storey block of flats at the station would break the historic skyline of High Barnet and compete with the commanding presence of the church tower.

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Work underway to stabilise precarious brickwork in fire-ravaged Hadley Green house before reconstruction starts

A massive crane has been brought in by contractors to help install scaffolding and internal braces to stabilise the walls of a large Georgian house on Hadley Green which was gutted in a disastrous fire over the May bank holiday.

Seventy firefighters supported by ten fire engines fought the blaze at Hollybush House, but the roof collapsed and all that was left was the shell of the Grade II listed building and its chimney stack.

Plans are now being prepared for the repair and restoration of the house, which was built in around 1790 and which the owners say they recognise is an important part of the historic heritage of Monken Hadley.

An application has been submitted to Barnet Council for the post-fire reconstruction, including repairs to the walls, high-level masonry, windows, doors and roofs and the reinstatement of historic stairs and rooms.

Work starts on reconstructing Hollybush House, a Georgian property on Hadley Green which was gutted in dramatic May bank holiday fire.

A report to the council by architects and historic building consultants Donald Insall Associates says masonry at a high level and in some areas at the rear of the property was left structurally unstable and needed to be stabilised.

Work is due to start on the reconstruction in October and should be completed by March 2027.

Because the internal floors and fabric of the building were totally destroyed, the architects say it will only be possible to recreate the original appearance of the house.

The rebuilding would go “as far as it is possible” to restore the significance of the Grade II listed building and its contribution to the character and appearance of the Monken Hadley Conservation Area.

Hollybush House is one of several Grade II-listed buildings along the east side of Hadley Green, including Wilbraham Almshouses and Grandon to the north-

east, and Livingstone Cottage, Monken Cottage, Monkenholt, and Fairholt to the south-west.

The houses along Hadley Green Road are all located within the registered battlefield for the 1471 Battle of Barnet, a defining conflict of the Wars of the Roses.

Hollybush House is described in the consultants’ report as a modest country house formed of an amalgamation of 18th century domestic buildings and later additions.

It is thought that the site began as an early-18th century cottage, which was extended in the late-18th century with a classic Georgian country house façade.

The main house, which retained the majority of the historic features and decoration, suffered the worst damage.

However, there are some surviving historic items – a few sashes, shutters, and doors – which were temporarily removed for repair and refurbishment, but the loss of original historic fabric meant that the significance of the house had been permanently diminished.

Soon after the current owners purchased Hollybush House in 2020, they applied for planning permission to restore the building.

After 18 months of restoration work, which included installing a new roof and windows, the refurbishment was due to have been completed sometime in early 2026 – until fire broke out in one of the rooms in the early hours of Bank holiday Monday and spread to the roof.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Smaller apples than usual but plenty of surplus produce on its way to foodbanks as volunteers tackle fruit-laden trees

A bumper crop of apples and plums is being collected for foodbanks across the London Borough of Barnet by volunteer fruit pickers from Barnet Community Harvesters who save and redistribute surplus produce.

Despite record summer temperatures and a prolonged drought, many trees have been fruiting far better than expected.

On their fifth visit of the season, volunteers picked 103 kilogrammes of cooking and eating apples from three adjoining gardens in Sebright Road, High Barnet.

Three crates with 45 kilogrammes of fruit were delivered to Chipping Barnet Foodbank and the rest went to Colindale Foodbank.

This is in addition to over 200 kilogrammes already donated Colindale and the Finchley Foodbank.

Organiser Daniella Levene (above, centre) who established the group five years ago – seen with volunteers Chris Schwarz (left) and Sue Goodwin – said the exceptionally hot and dry weather had advanced the fruit harvest by at least two weeks.

“Usually, we do our fruit pick at Sebright Road in early September, so to be here in the last week of August just shows the impact of climate change.

“We have noticed how fruit is ready for picking earlier and earlier each autumn but there has been a real change this year.

“When there is a drought, the trees do get stressed and can produce more fruit.”

Daniella said apples they were picking tended to be smaller but often sweeter than usual.

There was plenty of fruit on the trees and especially good crops of plums and damsons.

Surplus apples and plums on their way to Barnet's foodbanks as volunteer fruit pickers from Community Harvesters get to work

The visit to Sebright Road was hosted by Helen Harte (left, above) who was delighted that surplus apples from trees in three adjoining gardens would be going to foodbanks.

“There are far too many apples for us and otherwise they would have to go into our green bins which is such a waste.

“Unfortunately, there is a limit on the amount of fruit we can leave out on our doorsteps, so we are delighted the fruit is being picked in top condition and then going straight to foodbanks.”

Daniella said the fruit collected by Community Harvesters’ volunteers was always gratefully received at the foodbanks.

“Colindale is one of the busiest in London and fresh produce is so expensive in the shops, so our initiative is really appreciated.”

Although delighted by this autumn’s crop of fruit, Daniella doubted the group would match their record year of 2022 when the harvesters donated 1,800 kilogrammes of fruit to local foodbanks.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Glitzy evening in City of London is next big fundraiser for Noah’s Ark Hospice organised by award-winning events manager

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, which provides palliative care for over 350 children from its base in Byng Road, Barnet, depends on a continuous programme of fund raising together with community financial support from across north London and parts of south Hertfordshire.

The next event is a Glitz and Giving evening to be held in the heart of the City of London on Saturday 20 September.

Running costs at the hospice of £20,000 a day could not be met without the contributions made through sponsorship, major fund-raising events and donations.

Local financial support, which is another vital income stream, topped £320,000 in the last financial year with contributions from events and donations from across the London boroughs of Barnet, Enfield, Camden, Haringey, and Islington and Hertsmere.

Award winning special events manager for Noah's Ark Children's Hospice, Barnet, organising glitz and giving fund raiser in City of London

Rachael Messer, who became special events manager for Noah’s Ark in October 2023 has just won national recognition for all her efforts in organizing events which have raised £1.1 million since her appointment.

She was given an honourable mention and singled out for special recognition at the annual Emmas Award which celebrate creativity, innovation and impact in helping to finance charities and their work.

The Glitz and Giving event, sponsored by V Jewellers of Cockfosters, is to be held at The Otherist, a cocktail bar and restaurant in Broad Street, on Saturday 20 September from 7 to 11pm.

Tickets cost £80 for what Noah’s Ark says will be an unforgettable evening of “elegance and excitement plus food and bubbles” and a raffle for a dazzling one-carat diamond.

Special guest will be the radio DJ and tv presenter Melvin Odoom.

Book tickets by contacting:

https://noahsarkhospice.org.uk/support-us/fundraising/special-events/glitz-giving-2025-2

Posted on by

Blue Door theatre group aims to recreate dark, supernatural world of Macbeth for autumn performance at Bull Theatre, High Barnet

High Barnet’s acclaimed drama group is busy rehearsing for their autumn production — an imaginative presentation of The Tragedie of Macbeth, William Shakespeare’s play about the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition and political power.

Macbeth is a classic tale about a murderous medieval king which director Siobhan Dunne says seems so relevant to the events of today in a world troubled by despots, bullies and tyrants prepared to murder to get power.

Her innovative production aims to break new ground with original live music and projections designed to recreate the dark, supernatural world of the weird sisters – the three witches who appear to Macbeth and Banquo.

After several recent sell-out productions retelling the history of Barnet, the Blue Door Theatre Company are determined that their interpretation of Macbeth will be another milestone for one of the Bull Theatre’s most exciting and original community theatre groups.

There will be four performances from Thursday 16 October to Saturday 18 October – just the right timing for any local students for whom Macbeth is a set text for GCSE English.  (Tickets £15 via www.thebulltheatre.com)

For Siobhan Dunne this will be a first – the first time she has produced Macbeth with a full theatrical company.

Together with other members of her production team – above, from left to right, movement director Naomi Richards, Siobhan Dunne and composer Nick Godwin — they are planning a performance which will conjure up a supernatural atmosphere full of music, sound and eye-catching projections.

“Shakespeare’s intention in Macbeth was for us all to hold a mirror up to ourselves and what better time to delve into the corrupting effects of war and power-hungry despots,” said Siobhan.

“For anyone studying Macbeth, our production should be particularly exciting and rewarding as the key features of the story are perfectly underlined.”

The two lead characters — Macbeth (Francesco Giacon) and Lady Macbeth (Claire Fisher) — recognise the challenge they face in getting to grips with two of the most demanding theatrical roles.

Francesco agrees that it is no easy task trying to understand Macbeth’s character and then think how best to play the part.

“I am having to make a personal assessment of how to portray a complicated and perplexing role, someone who is ambitious, a murderer, paranoid and resigned to his fate, but then defiant when he realises the game is up.”

Claire Fisher, whose first play Mary Livingstone, I Presume? was performed at the Bull Theatre earlier this year, is relishing the chance to perform a celebrated Shakespearean role.

“I am trying to find the right balance between Lady Macbeth’s ambition for Macbeth and for herself, and she is not a very nice person.

“Together we have some intense scenes, and we have to pitch it right. We are a married couple in a very tempestuous relationship egging one another on to destruction.”

Claire said that after the challenge of writing the drama about the ghost like presence of Mary Livingstone, inside Livingstone Cottage on Hadley Green, she was so enjoying the opportunity to take part in Macbeth.

“Shakespeare’s words and poetry have such a wonderful rhythm. They are certainly easier to learn than anything I might have written.”  

In Shakespeare’s day there were not many props in his productions as most of the interpretation was through the acting but over the years scenery has had an increasingly significant role, which has presented a challenge for another Blue Door stalwart.  

High Barnet drama group to stage Macbeth at Bull Theatre and aim to recreate the dark, supernatural world of a Shakespearean tragedy.

Sculptor and artist Cos Gerolemou (above) who has worked behind the scenes on so many of the company’s productions, has been preparing some blood-thirsty props – including Banquo’s mask.

“Perhaps the grisliest of all is Banquo’s head in a sack. I think it is pretty realistic.

“What has been so fascinating for me is thinking whether Shakespeare would approve of what I’ve created.

“There weren’t many props in Shakespeare’s day but with the passage of time there is greater interpretation of his works and that’s where props and scenery play their part.”

Siobhan is sure the audience will be wowed by the amazing masks which Cos has made.

“One of the key aspects of Macbeth is that the characters don’t show their true selves.

“So, to have hooded or masked characters is a classic Shakespearean ploy for people who are not presenting themselves as they truly are.”

Another innovation for the production is the original musical score composed by Nick Godwin who plays guitar for the North London group The Silencerz.

“I hope what I am creating with the music and chorus is the right mood for a Shakespearean tragedy like Macbeth,” said Nick.

“All the texts are there for the songs in Macbeth but the music that was played at the time of those first performances has disappeared over the years.

“So, it is a real privilege for me coming at this afresh and trying to put music to the words.

“The musical score has a real part to play. For example, the three witches are played in so many different ways. They can be fairly childlike or frightening and intimidating. So, the composer has a choice.”

Nick has put together a team of musicians including violinist Helen Brown and bass player Ned Wilkins.

Siobhan says the Blue Door group is also so pleased to have support and advice from Naomi Richards who has become movement director for the production.

“For ten years, Naomi performed and toured with the percussion group Stomp, so she knows all about the importance of physical theatre.

“This will be of real help in advising the cast. We are all trying to recreate the dark surroundings and supernatural world of Macbeth. We are determined our audiences will get to see a unique production.”

Posted on by — 2 Comments

Pub of the year award regained by The Mitre as Barnet’s real ale enthusiasts voice concern over closures in neighbouring Enfield

After missing out on the award for several years, Barnet’s oldest hostelry Ye Olde Mitre Inne has been voted pub of the year for 2025 by the Enfield and Barnet branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.

At a presentation evening, CAMRA members said they were pleased to be back at The Mitre which has recently been refurbished by the brewers Greene King.

Peter Graham (above, right), chair of the Enfield and Barnet branch, handed over the award to Harrison Smith, team leader of the bar staff.

Since the Enfield and Barnet branch was established in 1975, The Mitre has won the pub of the year award more than any other local pub, its reputation for real ale having been well established by a previous landlord Gary Murphy.

Mr Murphy relinquished the lease in 2021 after spending 13 years building up The Mitre’s offer of real and craft ales.

He became a cheerleader for publicans across the country and campaigned against the plight of 15,000 tied landlords struggling against exorbitant rents and additional beer charges.

In presenting the award, Mr Graham said it was great to be back at The Mitre. They still missed Mr Murphy but were keen to congratulate the staff on winning the award.

In a poll of members, The Bohemia in North Finchley was placed second and third was The Elephant Inn, also in North Finchley.

Mr Graham – seen here with fellow CAMRA members – said that real ale pubs in the Barnet area seemed to be trading more successfully than those in the Enfield area.

“We have had some closures recently of pubs around Ponders End and Enfield Wash and this is of concern, so we are pleased that across in Barnet the pubs do not seem to be struggling as much.”

The only current closure is of The Lord Nelson in West End Lane, Barnet, but the tenancy is being advertised by Punch Pubs and CAMRA members hope it will be trading again before the end of the summer.

Harrison Smith said customers at The Mitre thought its recent refurbishment had been a success.

“Some people were worried when they heard that improvements and alterations were being made to such an historic old pub, but once they were back inside, they seem reassured.”

New beer pumps were installed and improvements made in the cellar. The original windows facing onto to the High Street were retained and the opportunity take to repair a stained-glass window at the front of the pub.

Posted on by

Armed forces open day gave Barnet’s army reservists and cadets a chance to welcome residents to look around St Albans Road reserve centre

Displays and training demonstrations by reservists and cadets filled the parade ground at the Army Reserve Centre in St Albans Road, Barnet, in celebration of Armed Forces Day.

Members of 240 Transport Squadron of the 151 Royal Logistics Corps were on hand to welcome visitors to their first open day since a restoration of public events following the covid emergency shutdown.

Sergeant Major Mark Smith said the 50-strong Barnet reserve squadron – who all have full-time jobs – had been looking forward to the chance to show residents the range of their military equipment, training and activities.

Members of the Barnet squadron march on Remembrance Sunday from the St Albans Road reserve centre along the High Street to the war memorial at Barnet Parish Church and they said the open day was a valuable opportunity to reach out to the town.                                                                                                                  

In addition to being a base for the reservists, the centre is also home of Barnet Army Cadet Force.

Sergeant Anya Wallis (above, right), an instructor in resuscitation techniques took her fellow cadets through the procedures for CPR and the use of a defibrillator.

Anya, a former pupil at Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School, joined the Barnet force of 30 or so cadets seven years ago and trained as an instructor.

“We teach first aid at different levels and there are a range of qualifications which are available to the cadets.”

A group of new recruits described how valuable they were finding the sessions – above, from left to right, Marie Iacovou, Ben Newton, Sharaddha Kori and Nuen Wang.

The Barnet force, which is attached to the Middlesex and North-West London Cadet Force, offers places for youngsters up to the age of 18. They get a taste of life in the armed forces, and some go on to join the regular army.

Marie and Sharaddha said they liked the experience of being army cadets.

Their lead instructor Captain David Cawrey (above) – a teaching assistant in civilian life – said their aim was to open up opportunities for Barnet’s youngsters.

“Most of the new recruits join by word of mouth, perhaps after hearing about us from friends or fellow pupils at school.

“We are a community cadet force, and we offer the cadets a range of experiences, with lots of activities.

“If they are interested in signing up to the forces, we can point them in the right direction and hopefully the training they receive will enhance their job prospects in civilian life.”

A demonstration which attracted intense interest was a display of the armaments used by the squadron by Corporal Chris Hatt (above), who has been a reservist for over 20 years. 

All the weapons were safely secured – a machine gun, personal weapon, pistol and night sight for use during exercises.

Another eye-catching display was of the latest CBRN combat kit for the hazards of modern warfare providing protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks.

The display intrigued Barnet resident Roger Hedgecoe, a former parachute officer and major in the Royal Signals, who left the Army in 1992. “I am very impressed by the kit they are issued with today – far better than in my day.”

Above, from left to right, Sergeant Major Mark Smith, CBRN instructor, Sergeant Jason Smith and Roger Hedgecoe.

Armed Forces open day first chance for some years to look around St Albans Road Army Reserve Centre and see training for Barnet's reservists and cadets.

The reservist on duty at the St Albans Road entrance to the reserve centre is training to become a vehicle mechanic – a far cry from her civilian job as a data analyst.

“I joined the reserves eight months ago and completed the basic training. Now I am training to become a vehicle mechanic and building up my experience on military vehicles.

“The attraction of being a reservist is that it gives me a chance to add to my skills set plus the time outside, the adventure training and chance to make new friends. The camaraderie and friendships are important.”     

Posted on by

New initiative from Barnet’s Incredible Edible campaign – a festival to celebrate the brilliance of the humble bean

A celebration of the joy of growing and eating beans organised by members of Barnet’s innovative Incredible Edible campaign group was a journey from start to finish – from seed to plate.

Despite the sustained drought of recent weeks, a patch of runner beans in a community garden beside St Mary’s Church in East Barnet was in great shape with the first beans almost ready to eat.

Wendy Alcock (above left), founder of a much admired local initiative to encourage home cultivation in gardens and on unused land, had organised what she described as a celebration of the brilliance of beans.

St Mary’s community halls in Church Hill Road presented a beanfest — starting with advice on sowing and growing beans followed by cooking demonstrations and a tasting competition for a range of dips.

“We wanted to hold the event when there is still time to plant beans and get a crop by the late summer.

“We also wanted to demonstrate the great versatility of what is a favourite vegetable for so many people.”

Betty Greenwood (above left) and Elaine Jackson were on hand to describe the many varieties to choose from. Their plant display included borlotti beans, dwarf French beans and white runner beans.

They agreed it had been a difficult year because of the lack of rain. Bean plants needed to be watered regularly, and their water butts were nearly exhausted.

“If we go on getting such dry summers perhaps, we shall have to switch to some of the French and Italian varieties which adapt better to sustained hot weather,” said Betty.

In another room, community nutritionist Filomena Komodromu (above right) had prepared three different dips from beans and pulses – from green peas, red lentils and white beans and visitors were asked to rate them.

“My role is to advise people how to eat healthily and, on a budget, and beans and pulses are a great source of protein, they have lots of fibre, iron and Vitamin B.

“The one tip I always give people is that when they use tinned beans, they should be thoroughly rinsed first before eating.”

Beside the church halls is the council owned Church Farm Open Space where Wendy Alcock has established a community garden, one of four developed across the borough with the help of Barnet Council.

“We got funding for this project last year and the aim is to develop more community gardens across Barnet after people have been on a free eight-week course to gain experience of growing plants and vegetables.”

Jennie Bradford (above, left) signed up last year for the East Barnet course, and has taken on the leadership this year.

Wendy said the aim of this initiative – “Ready, Steady, Grow!” – was to show people how to grow vegetables in their gardens or public spaces.

“We do now have four new community gardens across the borough, but I would like to see many more.”

The July course is fully signed up but there are vacancies for the course in September. Further information and a sign up available at www.yourhealthbarnet.org or email food@barnet.gov.uk

Posted on by

Relaunch of Barnet’s folk dancing club to focus on widening interest and appeal of Balkan folk dance culture  

Barnet’s long-established international folk dance club is being relaunched to take advantage of the growing popularity of the traditional folk music and dancing of the Balkans with the hope of attracting a wider membership.

Their experience in recent years – despite having built up a repertoire of hundreds of folk dances from around the world – is that Balkan dancing continues to attract by far the greatest interest.

In future the club will be known as Dunav: Barnet Dances Balkan and a revamped programme kicks off with their annual summer party at 7.30pm on Friday 25 July at Church House, High Barnet.

Two long-standing members, Margaret Luck (above left) and Irene Nichols have been helping to organise and promote the event – an evening of live Balkan music and buffet to which all are welcome. (Entrance fee £10).

Barnet International Folk Dance Club was established in 1962, initially meeting in Hendon, before moving to High Barnet, and from the start the founder members were fascinated by the intriguing rhythms of Balkan dances.

With the gradual opening up of travel to Eastern Europe, and with the freedom of movement following g the enlargement of the EU, group members began visiting countries in the Balkans and became even greater admirers of their folk-dance culture.

Such was the club’s interest that their sessions at Church House regularly featured an appearance by leaders of a Bulgarian ensemble — artistic director and dance teacher Iliana Bozhanova and music director and accordion player Tudor Yankov (see above).

Brian Dowsett, who led the Barnet group for many years, helped to establish a flourishing Balkan dance scene in London which now features a monthly Balkanplus event at Cecil Sharp House in Camden, home of the International Folk Dancing Society.

Charlotte Clare, a member of the Barnet club, teaches simplified versions of Balkan dances with live music from the band Ygra.

Barnet's long established international folk dancing club is rebooting to celebrate popularity of Balkan culture of folk dancing and music

Another band that often visited Barnet was Dunav – see above – that specialised in the music of south-eastern Europe.

Irene Nichols said that for their regular dance evenings – on the second and fourth Fridays of the month – they take advantage of a mini-iPad which is loaded with a full range of music.

“Balkan dancing is by far the most popular and Charlotte teaches accessible versions on their dances.

“Our great admiration of Balkan dancing was reinforced by a trip we made to Bulgaria.

“We went around the villages which have still have an active folk dance culture – so we experienced at first hand dancing together in village squares with local residents and their brass bands.”

Margaret Luck, a founder member of the Barnet club, said they hoped that by focusing on Balkan dancing they could build up the membership of the group.

“We are hoping to attract new members, and for example, we would love to welcome residents of the Bulgarian and Romanian communities living here in Barnet and around North London.

“They know the music and understand the rhythms of the dances.”

Another event in the club’s rebooted programme is a visit in September by Ziko, a famous Serbian accordionist.

For more information about joining the club or attending the summer party email: irene.nichols@gmail.com

Posted on by

Looking for inspiration through the windows of High Barnet’s historic buildings was challenge for Festival of Architecture art workshop  

An art workshop arranged as part of the London Festival of Architecture combined the idea of dreams and visions seen through notable window frames of historic buildings in and around High Barnet.

Just visible looking out from an appealing window in the High Street were some of the swifts which swirl around high above the town each summer – an expression of the freedom of nature which was the inspiration for a painting by Eric Moules (above).

Eric was one of the participants in the workshop held by the Loop the Loop Art Club at The Stable in Salisbury Road.

For the club’s founder, Heather Ellis (far right), this was the second mixed media art workshop she has organised as part of the Festival of Architecture.

This year the challenge was Windows of Dreams: linking ideas for dreams to the architecture and history of High Barnet.

To help those taking part, she had photographed the windows of historic buildings such as the Tudor Hall, the parish church, houses at Monken Hadley and for more modern designs the windows of The Spires shopping centre and geometric windows above Iceland supermarket.

Another source of inspiration were the voices of significant women with strong connections to High Barnet – Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the hospice movement; novelist Fanny Trollope, who lived on Hadley Green; local school founder Elizabeth Allen; Julia Hyde, who established the Hyde Foundation Library in Church Passage; and Gwyneth Cowing, whose family owned the Barnet Press.

The life of Miss Cowing, who lived at Whalebones in Wood Street – where arched whalebones stand at the entrance — fascinated architectural student Aravin and inspired his contribution to the workshop.

Framed by a gothic window from a house opposite Monken Hadley parish, his illustration included a whale and the face of the High Street clock above the front door of what was the Barnet Press office and is now Costa Coffee.

Heather Ellis said the idea for the Windows of Dreams challenge had come from the early life of Dame Cicely Saunders who nursed a Polish Jewish refugee who bequeathed her £500 in 1945 to be “a window for her dreams”.

She used the money to help build the hospice movement and founded St Christopher’s Hospice in Sydenham where her work is commemorated with a “window of dreams”.

Art workshop celebrating London Festival of Architecture reflected inspirations seen from historic windows in High Barnet

Harvey Roe — above right with Carolyn — chose a window in The Spires to frame his dreamy picture of a scene in the countryside.

Illustrations produced during the workshop will be on display at The Stable in

Salisbury Road during June.

Posted on by

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.

Posted on by

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.

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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.

Posted on by

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.”

Posted on by

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.    

Posted on by

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.

Posted on by — 1 Comment

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.

Posted on by — 1 Comment

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.

Posted on by

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.”

Posted on by

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.