Category: Events

Posted on by

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on by

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

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

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

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

The displays are the work of gardener Robert Fenton.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on by — 2 Comments

Summer events planned at Barnet playing fields at Underhill include a circus and music and community festivals   

Zippos Circus will be at Barnet playing fields for five days in mid-May – one of several attractions to be staged this summer at a much-prized open space where Barnet Football Club has applied to build a new stadium.

Organisers who have previously presented music and community festivals at other nearby sites such as Trent Park and Oak Hill Park, are switching to the playing fields at Underhill because of what they say is excellent access to public transport.

Other events already being advertised at the playing fields for later in the summer are the Eagle Festival of music over the weekend of June 21-22; the Ghana Party in the Park festival and the Mauritius open air festival which will be staged separately on the Saturday and Sunday of July 12 and July 13.

So far there is no indication when Barnet Council will make a decision on the application to build a new football stadium at Underhill.

Opinion is divided with Bring Barnet Back campaigning for the club’s return but with equally strong opposition being voiced by those against the loss of such a large open space which is within the Green Belt and beside the Dollis Valley green walk.

Barnet Playing Fields to host summer events including a circus, music festival and community fairs

The potential appeal of the playing fields as a location for music festivals and large community events might well be one of the considerations that the planners take into account when deciding whether the site should be redeveloped.

Advertisements promoting events at Underhill – previously held at Trent Park and Oak Hill Park – say the playing fields off Barnet Lane are an ideal location with excellent public transport nearby including eight bus routes, High Barnet tube station and New Barnet rail station.  

Zippos Circus is currently touring locations in and around London with its new show Bravo!

It will be at Acton Green from April 30 to May 6 and East Ham from May 9 to May 12 before moving to Barnet Playing Fields for five days – May 15 to 19.

The Eagle Festival (June 21-22, from 12noon to 10pm) is billed as a two-day celebration of “music, community and unforgettable events” with 20 “incredible artists”.

Facilities installed at the playing fields for the weekend of July 12 and 13 are to be shared between the Ghana Party in the Park on the Saturday (12noon to 8pm) and the Mauritius Open Air Festival on the Sunday.

The Ghana Party claims to be the biggest gathering of Ghanaians in the diaspora and attracts support from across the UK and Europe.

The Mauritius Open Air Festival offers the best of “Mauritius culture, music and flavour”.

Posted on by

Wide array of attractions and refreshments promised for the return of Arkley village fayre and fun dog show

After the success of last year’s revived Arkley village fayre, the organisers are planning an even more ambitious event for Saturday 31 May at the village field in Brickfield Lane, Arkley.

An all-comers dog show will again be a highlight of what Hearts of Arkley are hoping will be another vivid demonstration of the friendly spirit and engagement within their community.

A host of events are being arranged including face painting, live music, children’s games plus a wide variety of refreshments.

The organisers are adding the final touches to the programme – seen above at the field village, from left to right, the Reverend Cindy Kent, vicar of St Peter’s Church, Arkley, Maureen Stevens, Karin Read, Iris Auburn and her dog Amber, Mel Garfield and Sue Rich.

Arkley Village fayre promises to be bigger and better than last year on Saturday May 31 starting at 12 noon

Last year’s fun dog show, which was run by Rachel Burke of dog groomers Beauty Barks of Borehamwood, has established itself as a firm favourite and once again locally owned rescue dogs might be among those competing for the rosettes.

Mel Garfield said they were determined this year’s fayre would be bigger and better than last May with an amazing array of attractions and hot food.

Raffle prizes will include items donated by Morrisons supermarket in Borehamwood which together with estate agents Statons is sponsoring the fayre.

For more information see www.arkleycommunityevents.co.uk or email info@arkleycommunityevents.co.uk

Proceeds from last year’s fayre are helping support several local initiatives including the construction of a safe, accessible entrance to the garden of rest of St Peter’s and the ongoing cost of maintaining the village defibrillator which is available for use 24/7 in Rockways, a cul-de-sac just off the Barnet to Arkley main road.

Karin Read, a trustee of the Arkley Association, said the fayre was the only summer event organised for the village and its revival last year had been widely appreciated by the local community.

Proceeds from the fayre also help to defray the cost of maintaining the village hall.    

Posted on by — 1 Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on by

Barnet parish church hosts launch of historical novel by painter and art lecturer with a lifetime’s interest in paintings by Caravaggio

A lifetime’s fascination with the work of the prominent early Baroque painter Caravaggio has led to an unexpected twist in the career of High Barnet painter and art lecturer Keith West.

Because of his frustration at the failure of art historians to provide answers to unresolved questions about Caravaggio’s troubled life, West has written an historical novel – Caravaggio’s Boy – in which he explores the meteoric rise and fall from grace of the greatest Italian painter of his generation.

West is well known locally for his own religious paintings which over the years have been displayed at Barnet Parish Church, St Alban’s Cathedral, St Martin-in-the Fields, St Margaret’s Church, Westminster, and other settings and galleries.

His oil painting depicting the 1471 Battle of Barnet was unveiled at the Barnet Museum shop in 2019 during the 30th anniversary celebrations for The Spires shopping centre.

Holding the High Barnet launch of Caravaggio’s Boy at the parish church was an added honour because West’s painting Majestas Domini (Christ in Glory) is about to rehung in the parish church’s Ravenscroft side chapel which will also display his next painting, a newly commissioned Madonna and Child.

West (77), a long-time High Barnet resident, was formerly a lecturer and head of arts at the Camden Institute.

He came up with the idea of writing an historical novel about Caravaggio during the Covid lockdown, after his retirement from teaching.

“Since a teenager, I have always been fascinated with work of Michelangelo Merial de Caravaggio and his model Cecco de Caravaggio.

“I had acquired so much material during my research and preparation for lectures, that I realised I should have a go myself at answering some of the unresolved questions about his life.

“In the many books about Caravaggio, art historians offer their individual take on the who, when, where and what about Caravaggio, but they don’t answer the why, and they fail to explain why he became such a violent, touchy and provocative man.

“I realised I should not try to write another biography but attempt to fill in some of the gaps in Caravaggio’s life story and the background to the incidents that sent him into exile.

“By choosing the form of a novel I had the opportunity to speculate about the background to his paintings and the role of his favourite model, Francesco Boneri, who was known as Cecco.”

In recommending the book, the Very Reverend Jeffrey John, formerly Dean of St Alban’s Cathedral, said West had “imaginatively and convincingly” filled in some of the gaps in knowledge of Caravaggio’s life and that of Francesco, his model, student and lover.

“It is a rollicking story which vividly brings to life the violent contrasts of their time: the opulence and squalor, piety and corruption, sophistication and degradation of 16th and early 17th century Italy.

“Against this backdrop West’s expertise in art and art history gives fascinating insights into the genesis and genius of Caravaggio’s paintings.”

West’s painting Majestas Domini — which is waiting to be rehung in the Ravenscroft chapel at the parish church – is his reconfiguration of the famous Graham Sutherland tapestry, Christ in Glory, which is on display at Coventry Cathedral.

His commission for the painting came from the Rector of St Margaret’s Church, Westminster, where it was on show as part of the Festival of Christ the King in 2012. Later it was displayed at St Alban’s Cathedral and then gifted to Barnet parish church.

An earlier series of eight paintings by West, The Story of the Passion, was first shown at St Alban’s Cathedral in 2008, then St James’s Church, Picadilly and St Margaret’s, Westminster.

He is now working on a new small oil painting of Madonna and Child which has been commissioned for St John’s by the team vicar Father Sam Rossiter-Peters, and which will be hung in the Ravenscroft chapel together with his other painting, Majestas Domini (Christ in Glory).

“Father Sam wants the Madonna and Child to be culturally correct. I have just done the drawing. The baby’s arms are up which would be an anticipation of the crucifixion, and which would marry my Christ in Glory painting.”

West’s lifetime fascination with religious paintings began at the age of 16 on a school trip to the National Gallery when he first saw Caravaggio’s The Supper at Emmaus and realised it was different from every other painting in the gallery.

“When I became an art student, I went all over Italy to see every Caravaggio I could find, as well as to Dublin and New York. I think I have seen everyone.

“There are quite a few gaps in Caravaggio’s life story with all the tensions his immense talents and unique vision caused him throughout his career.

“From envious competitors who resented his popularity and cardinals who recognised his genius but objected to casting the poor as saints and a prostitute as the Virgin Mary.

“Art historians can’t speculate about these gaps and incidents, but a novelist can.”

Cecco, Caravaggio’s model, was the only companion of his Roman years to accompany the master into exile after the duel in which Caravaggio’s opponent, Ranuccio Tomassoni was killed.

It was after he was abandoned in Naples when Caravaggio left for Malta, that Cecco appears to have begun painting commissions.

West’s novel brings Cecco to life in an imagined career pulled together from scraps of information and a catalogue of paintings which indicated he was a talented painter.

Historical novel about famous Italian painter Caravaggio written by High Barnet artist and painter is launched at Barnet parish church

Caravaggio’s Boy, published by Vanguard Press, £14.99, available from Waterstones and Amazon

Posted on by

Adventurous programme of lakeside concerts is planned for this summer in support of Monken Hadley Common 

Preparations are well underway for the most ambitious programme so far for the popular summer season of concerts beside Jack’s Lake at Monken Hadley Common.

Since the festival was launched in 2021, there has been ever growing support for the open-air musical evenings which are held in a woodland glade beside the lake.

Ilona Domnich (above right), the New Barnet opera singer whose idea it was to give people an opportunity to enjoy music and nature in a magical setting, has arranged dates for four concerts over weekends in June, July and August.

Her aim this summer is to feature more singers from musical theatre, to explore the versatility of the voice, and to include a greater variety of instruments for the chamber music.

Andrew Walker (above, left), chair of the Monken Hadley Common Trust which hosts the concerts, believes the expanded programme will appeal to a wider section of the community and increase attendance.

“We hope the concerts will bring along people who perhaps have never been to the common before.

“That will help us spread the word that the Hadley Common Trust which cares for the woods and lake is run entirely by volunteers.”

The concerts are free, but cash and card donations (£15 suggested minimum per adult) will be collected.

Proceeds will be shared between the trust for the upkeep of the common and for a bursary for a young musician at the World Heart Beat Music Academy in Nine Elms.

The four concerts will be on Saturday 14 June at 7pm; Sunday 6 July at 7pm; Sunday 20 July at 6.30pm; and Sunday 3 August at 6.30pm.

This summer’s theme is to explore different genres with concerts which explore the versatility of the voice in opera and musicals and bring in more musical instruments.

Ilona will be accompanied by Charles Mutter, leader of the BBC Concert Orchestra as well as other talented musicians. All being well they will include a harpist and an accordionist.

“We want the concerts to appeal to a wider audience and attract people who have never been before.”

Each summer Ilona finds the concerts are introducing people to classical music for the first time, including the anglers from the Hadley Angling and Preservation Society who share use of the lake.

“Often, after the concerts, anglers fishing around the lake come along and thank us. One told me that he usually listens to hard metal or rock but had loved the classical music and opera.”

For more details about the Jack’s Lake contacts: https://ilonadomnich.com/projects/hadley-woods-festival-music-on-jacks-lake/

Andrew said the importance of the concerts was that they introduce more people to the common and that gives the trust a chance to spread the word about how the upkeep of the common depends on volunteers.

“There is always a new challenge for us, trimming trees, maintaining footpaths, and looking after the dam to the lake and the weir – all sorts of different tasks.”

“The trust is a charitable institution, and it is the members who elect the trustees who are responsible for the common, so we are always looking for new members to come and join us.

“Holding concerts beside the lake is just one of the ways we can raise our profile and attract the attention of people who can give us financial support or join a working party.

“What better way to get to know Hadley Common than bring along a picnic and a bottle of wine or whatever and sit beside the lake and listen to amazing classical musicians.

“It is a chance to make a donation towards caring for the commons and supporting a bursary for a young musician.”

For details on how to join the Hadley Common Trust or to become a benefactor or concert sponsor go to the trust’s website www.mhctrust.org.uk or email treasurer@mhctrust.org.uk

Posted on by

Fundraising Dinner

Join the Barnet Society for a fun evening, of delicious food, a raffle and a chance to meet like minded people to talk about local issues.

On Tuesday 21 March at 7pm we will be holding a fundraising dinner at Melange 135 High Street in High Barnet. The cost of the three-course meal will be £35 which includes Starter, Main Course, Dessert, service charge and your donation to The Barnet Society. (As our costs have increased, we have sadly had to raise our price slightly.)

Payment can be made here by credit or debit card or through your PayPal account. Alternatively, if you wish to pay by cheque or bank transfer, please email info@barnetsociety.org.uk to arrange.

Once you have paid, please email info@barnetsociety.org.uk to confirm your attendance and to receive the menu.

The deadline for reservations and menu selection is 14 March so please reserve your places soon to avoid disappointment. Raffle prizes will include some fine wines and delicious treats. All money raised will go towards the work of the Barnet Society to support our local community. We look forward to seeing you at Melange on the 21st March!

Posted on by

Advice wanted on widening the Bull Theatre’s repertoire

There could hardly be a more opportune moment for a determined push to host new productions and attractions at the Bull Theatre in the hope they might appeal to audiences in High Barnet and widen public support.

In view of the nationwide theatre shutdown imposed by the coronavirus crisis, numerous events will have to be rescheduled and organisers are being reminded that there is an ideal town centre location available for hire.

Continue reading Advice wanted on widening the Bull Theatre’s repertoire

Posted on by

Battle of Barnet: beaten by coronavirus

Barnet’s highly successful medieval festival, due to have been staged during the last weekend in May, is just one of the many local events that are having to be postponed or cancelled because of the coronavirus crisis. 

Organisers have rescheduled this year’s festival from its original date of May 30-31 to the weekend of September 19-20.

Continue reading Battle of Barnet: beaten by coronavirus

Posted on by — 2 Comments

Former Barnet MP dies

Family, friends and constituents have been paying tribute to Sir Sydney Chapman, the former Conservative MP for Chipping Barnet for just over a quarter of a century, who died in early October.

His funeral was held (22.10.2014) at St Mary’s Church, Lower Heyford, Oxfordshire, where he had lived for some years since his retirement from politics.

Continue reading Former Barnet MP dies