Category: General News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She readily acknowledges her good fortune.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He had a personal message for the pupils.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A ceremonial lighting of the beacon rounded off the evening.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The displays are the work of gardener Robert Fenton.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Barnet’s promotion to League Two of the Football League is being hailed as a boost to campaign to build new stadium at Underhill

After Barnet secured their return to the Football League with a decisive 4-0 win against Aldershot, supporters of the BringBarnetBack campaign hope it might strengthen the club’s chances of obtaining planning permission for a new stadium at Underhill.

There was a sell-out crowd for the last home match of the season (Saturday 26 April) at the club’s current stadium, The Hive, Harrow.

Their comfortable defeat of Aldershot ensured the Bees’s promotion to League Two of the English Football League.

Post-match celebrations for the team and spectators made the front page of The Non-League Paper (27.4.2025)

A largely unbeaten run had kept Barnet safely at the top of the Vanarama National League for months on end – a lead which extended for a time to nine points.

Barnet’s success – and a place back in League Two after relegation in 2018 – has boosted the efforts of supporters who have put up banners and posters around the town backing the club’s bid to build a new stadium at Underhill.

After seven years out of League football, securing promotion with a game in hand, has added further impetus to calls for Barnet residents and community groups to back the club chairman Tony Kleanthous who has promised to invest £14 million in a new stadium. 

Arrangements are already in hand by BringBarnetBack for a celebration in High Barnet to congratulate the club and manager Dean Brennan for turning around the club’s fortunes.

Barnet have only lost once this year and nine consecutive wins from February to March had already given the club a commanding lead.

Tickets sold out fast for the crucial match against Aldershot with 4,500 home supporters expected at the stadium together with away fans – for full match report see club’s website above https://barnetfc.com/

Two first half penalties by Mark Shelton and then two goals within four minutes in the second half by Callum Lee Stead sealed the match and promotion with a game to spare.

Victory over Aldershot put Barnet on 99 points (followed in second place by York on 93).

Barnet now have the chance in their final match of the season against AFC Fylde on 5.5.2025 to break the 100-point barrier.

After failing to gain promotion in the two previous seasons after being beaten in the play offs, Dean Brennan’s success in steering the team to automatic promotion does raise the club’s profile at a critical point in their future.

Since moving to The Hive in 2013, Barnet have failed to match previous attendances at Underhill.

The average gate in recent months has been around 1,800 and club officials believe a move back to Underhill could increase that to around 3,500 given the strength of local support.

Campaigners for Barnet FC to return to Underhill encouraged by club's promotion to League Two of the Football League

Discussions are continuing with Barnet Council’s planning department over the plan to return the club to “where it belongs” – a constant refrain of BringBarnetBack.

In February, Barnet FC completed another stage in its attempt to gain approval when its application to construct a 7,000-seat stadium on playing fields at off Barnet Lane was validated by Barnet council, a step which enabled the club’s consultants and architects to start discussions with planning officers.

There is no indication yet of how the talks are going and so far, no date has been set for when the application might be considered by the strategic planning committee.      

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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”.

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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.    

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Warm welcome on offer for new members at lawn bowls club at Victoria Recreation Ground in New Barnet

After being unable to play at home last year because crows had dug holes in their green, the East Barnet Valley Bowls Club is holding open days at weekends during the coming months in a bid to boost their membership.

Lawn bowls has been transformed in recent years as a family sport and the club’s green at the Victoria Recreation Ground is considered to be one of the hidden sporting gems of New Barnet.

New and experienced players are welcome. Coaching will be provided. The open days start the weekend of Saturday and Sunday 12-13 April (from 2-4pm) and continue into May and June.

After the club’s green was damaged repeatedly in the summer of 2023 by crows looking for larvae (leather jackets) of crane flies (daddy longlegs), the lawn had to be reseeded last year, and after considerable care and attention is now ready for play to resume.

Geoffrey Partridge (above, right), captain and treasurer, has been applying top dressing to help restore the grass to tip top condition after the disaster that befell the club in the summer of 2023.

“The green was inundated with crows which were digging holes in the grass with their beaks as they hunted for the crane fly grubs.

“For some reason, the crane flies like to lay their eggs in short grass and bowling greens are often a target.

“The damage was so bad we had to take the top off the lawn and then we reseeded it last year and hopefully the crows won’t come back.”

With the lawn restored ready for playing again, the club is anxious to build up its membership and hopefully by next year have enough members to enter teams in contests run by the Finchley and North London Bowling Association.

Club secretary Dave Mulford (above, far left) said East Barnet was a family-friendly club and offered an active sport for all ages.

In addition to the open days being held over coming weekends – see full list of dates below – the club can arrange other times by arrangement and is open for practice sessions throughout the season.

“We were only able to play away matches last year but now our lawn is back in use we are making a real effort to rebuild the membership – we have already delivered over 700 leaflets to surrounding houses.

“We have 13 playing members at present but we would like at least 20 so that we would have enough to field teams again in the local competitions.”

East Barnet’s clubhouse offers a warm welcome. Richard Aspden (above, left) who joined two years ago, is keen to encourage other parents with young children to become members.

“Hopefully we might have a family open day later in the summer. We are a very friendly group, and we do hope to do more on the social side.”

Colin Harris (above, right) who has been a member of the club for 56 years, can testify to the appeal of watching and playing lawn bowls.

“As a five-year-old my mother used to bring me along to watch bowls being played at the club. 

“I was fascinated watching the bowls – or woods as they were known then – rolling across the green grass.

“I joined the club myself when I was 17 – and here I am at 73 enjoying bowls just as did all those years ago.”

Colin, who was in the East Barnet team which won the local Prentice Cup in 2005, is seen with the club’s oldest member, Don Knight (left), who will be 90 in June.

Don was county president of the Hertfordshire Bowls Association in 1999 and in 2013 was awarded the Medal of Merit for services to bowls by Bowls England.

Another photograph on the wall includes former President Eric Partridge (father of current club captain Geoffrey Partridge) who was in the East Barnet team which won the Prentice Cup in the 1974.

The first home match to be played at East Barnet since 2023 will be in May against Metropolitan Bushey.

The East Barnet Valley club was founded members of East Barnet Urban Council in 1927 – a year after Barnet Council laid out its bowling green in the Old Courthouse Recreation Ground.

Unlike some clubs which are in prominent positions – such as Barnet Bowls Club just off Wood Street — East Barnet is tucked away in a corner of the Victoria Recreation Ground at the rear of the New Barnet Leisure Centre.

It is a six-rink green and was laid out in 1927 with Cumberland turf which was thought to be the best playing surface for flat green bowling.

The club hopes their programme of open days will help put them on the map:

Saturday Sunday 12-13 April, 2-4pm

Easter Monday 21 April 2-4pm

Saturday 26 April – 10am-12noon

Saturday 3 May – 10am-12noon

Tuesday 3 June – 5-8pm

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Inspiration award for years of support and assistance at Dollis Valley in sustaining foodbank and holiday lunch club for school children

A decade long association as a volunteer at the Rainbow Centre, the community hub for the Dollis Valley estate, has been rewarded with a Barnet Council “Inspiration All” award for Patricia Gay in recognition of her dedication and support.

Trish – as she is known to one and all – hopes her award will help publicise the campaign to end the continuing uncertainty over finding a permanent home for what is considered to be a vital resource for residents of the estate.

A weekly food bank and lunch club for children in the school holidays are just some of the many activities which could be threatened unless Barnet Council can find new premises.

Under existing redevelopment plans, the Rainbow Centre’s lease expires in May and the building is due to be demolished for the next phase of the housing regeneration scheme for the Dollis Valley estate.

“Unfortunately, we have been fobbed off time and again,” said Trish, who is a director of the Rainbow Centre’s users’ group.

“The council have assured us that they are actively searching for new premises for us but volunteers who give so much of their time to running a foodbank and children’s lunch club should not have to face uncertainty like this.”

She has arranged for Councillor Barry Rawlings, the Labour leader of the council to visit the centre, and she hopes the centre can finally get some clarity over what might happen.

“Ideally, we would like to stay where we are. We cannot understand why the building cannot be properly renovated or even rebuilt.”

Inspiration award from Barnet Council for dedicated volunteer at Rainbow Centre community hub for Dollis Valley estate

To the great disappointment of Trish – and Steve Verrall, director of the charity Barnet Community Projects – the council has withdrawn an earlier proposal to re-house the Rainbow Centre in a former cricket pavilion in Barnet Lane, Underhill.

This was first suggested four years ago.

There we high hopes as late as 2023 that the move would go ahead, but the council has informed the centre that this option would be too costly in view of the work needed to refurbish the pavilion, which has been vacant since construction of the Ark Pioneer Academy School on the site of the former Barnet Football Club stadium.

Trish said the volunteers at the centre – and other users such as a regular martial arts class – find the lack of any clear answer to the future extremely disconcerting.

“Let’s hope my Inspiration All award – which recognises the hard work of women and girls in supporting the community – will alert the rest of the council to our plight.”

Trish – who grew up on the Dollis Valley estate and who became a head girl at Ravenscroft School – started volunteering at the Rainbow Centre after she retired from her work as a secretary in the City of London.

“To begin with I helped at “Make Lunch” – our lunches in the school holidays for children who are on the free school meals register. In those days we were feeding anything from 50 to 60 children a day.”

Assisting with the weekly foodbank was another commitment. Donated food and other supplies are sorted and bagged up each Wednesday and then distributed each Thursday, helping up to 70 families a week.

Another project Trish helped with was a beauty course for young girls teaching them skills such as training to become nail technicians.

 Since becoming a director of the centre five years ago, Trish has helped resolve a range of troubling issues.

“There was a lot of anti-social behaviour around the centre. I contacted the Police and got that sorted. Fly tipping was another problem that had to be dealt with.”

Regular customers at the Sebright Arms in Sebright Road will be familiar with Trish’s regular fund-raising events.

Organising practical assistance is just as important. A Christmas Giving Tree at the Sebright encourages customers to buy and wrap up Christmas presents for the children of needy families on the estate.

Her latest pitch is to raise money for a computer for a Dollis Valley schoolboy who is about to take his A level exams in the hope of getting a place at Cambridge University to study engineering.

Trish was presented with her award by the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Tony Vorou, at a ceremony in March.

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Reliving the argument when Finchley and Hendon lost out to the three Barnets in deciding the name of the London Borough of Barnet

Information boards celebrating the 60th anniversary of the creation of the London Borough of Barnet are on display at Barnet Museum’s shop in The Spires shopping centre and at the Chipping Barnet Library.

Councillor Paul Edwards (above, far right), who opened the Barnet Museum display, recalled what it must have been like at the height of the disagreement about choosing a name for the new borough – especially when there was a real push at the time for Barnet to remain within Hertfordshire rather than become part of Greater London.

He believed that the Conservative minister at the time, Sir Keith Joseph, made the right decision in 1964 when the three Barnet urban district councils – Barnet, East Barnet and Friern Barnet – were amalgamated with Finchley and Hendon to establish what has become the London borough with the second largest population.

“When I used to work at Barnet Council there were still councillors who thought the Barnets should have stayed within Hertfordshire.

“I think it was the right decision to group them together within the Greater London Authority area.

“Keith Joseph made it happen. We can see now why the integration of the boroughs is crucial for the transport system and for the boroughs working together.”

Councillor Edwards was welcomed by museum curator Mike Noronha (above, left) and deputy curator, Hilary Harrison, who organised the collection and assembly of information for the display boards.

Such was the depth of the disagreement about what to call the newly created borough that a wide array of alternative names was put out for consultation – some of them made up from the local place names.

Instead of it being the London Borough of Barnet, it might have been the London Borough of Finchendon, Barnfindon, Northsex, North Ridge, Northern Heights, Dollis Valley or Grimsdyke, to name but a few.

In the end, when the five district councils failed to agree on a name, Sir Keith had to step in.

Both Finchley and Hendon were insisting they should be the borough’s designated name, but the minister opted for Barnet, despite the combined population of the outer districts failing to exceed either Hendon or Finchley.

In welcoming Councillor Edwards, Mike Noronha explained why there was every justification for naming the borough after Barnet.

The town was granted a charter in 1199 to become a market town; in 1471 it was the scene of the Battle of Barnet; in 1588 it gained a charter for Barnet Fair; between the 1820s and 1940s Barnet became an important transport hub for London with the opening of a rail station at New Barnet and then High Barnet; trams and then trolley buses ascending Barnet Hill; the tube station opening in 1940; and became a football town when Barnet won the FA Cup in 1946.

A Royal Commission in 1921 was the first to recommend the amalgamation of the outer districts around London but no action was taken because of World War II and a second Royal Commission established in 1957 by Harold Macmillan made fresh proposals for amalgamation.

In 1963, Sir Keith began the process of choosing a new name for what became the London Borough of Barnet.

After he rejected all the various alternatives – and the claims of Finchley and Hendon – the Queen approved the name Borough of Barnet in January 1964.

The first elections for the new authority were held in May 1964 and they met for the first time on 1 April 1965 – a total of 56 six councillors and nine aldermen.

London Borough of Barnet celebrates 60th anniversary of its foundation with displays featuring controversy about choosing the name

The museum’s display boards for the 60th anniversary feature photographs of the various former town halls – in Union Street and Wood Street, Barnet; and for East Barnet and Friern Barnet.

Among the newspaper cuttings is a feature based on Hertfordshire County Council’s plans to rejuvenate Barnet if the town had stayed within the county: one project was the construction of a town centre by-pass across St George’s Fields from the ponds on Hadley Green direct to Meadway.

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 Emerging from behind hoardings on the Great North Road will be new premises for what is said to be Barnet’s oldest cafe

Barnet’s popular roadside cafe, The Hole in the Wall, will have a prominent position on the Great North Road (A1000) if Barnet Council approves plans for redevelopment of the Meadow Works industrial estate at Pricklers Hill.

Instead of being hidden behind a line of hoardings, the cafe would be at the road frontage a new self-storage depot which will replace a group of workshops and other industrial and commercial premises.

An application by Compound Real Estate to regenerate the Meadow Works site with what it says will be a state-of-the-art self-storage facility, co-working spaces, and new premises for the Hole in the Wall Cafe, is now open for comment on the council’s planning website.

Support for the project has been indicated by the Barnet Society.

Robin Bishop, lead on planning and the environment, described the contemporary style of the new structure as “refreshingly restrained” for a self-storage facility, which was “nicely landscaped” along the A1000.

Although the original Meadow Works, midway between High Barnet and Whetstone – which started life as the Meadow Hand Laundry – was of historical interest, the society welcomed the improvement the project would deliver to the Pricklers Hill neighbourhood.

In seeking planning approval, Compound Real Estate say the replacement of a cluster of ageing and dilapidated light industrial buildings with a new self-storage facility and flexible co-working spaces will support local small businesses and entrepreneurs.

It calculates that the scheme will support the creation of up to 140 local jobs and deliver an annual financial uplift of £2.4 million to the local economy.

Compound say their scheme reflects the interests of surrounding residents and businesses by “replacing low-quality, temporary structures with a high-quality permanent development that addresses ground contamination, improves safety and enhances the environment.”

One immediate improvement for nearby residents will be the closure of the Dale Close access to Meadow Works, removing commercial service vehicles, to create a residential cul-de-sac.

Residents and interested parties can comment on the application until late April via the council’s planning portal (planning reference 25/1262/FUL) or by emailing planning.consultation@barnet.gov.uk

Planning application for new self-storage facility on Great North Road now open for comments on Barnet Council website

Kevin Callaghan, owner of the Hole in the Wall – established in 1935 as a popular stop off for traffic heading out of London — says he is delighted that the cafe will have a new permanent home.

“This is a real vote of confidence in small, local businesses. The site needs to be regenerated, and it is great that Meadow Works will be given a new lease of life.”

The switch to a self-storage depot was welcomed by the former owners of Meadow Works, James and Duncan Morris.

“We are pleased that the site will continue its industrial heritage and continue to support small and medium enterprises within Barnet.”

Jo Winter, development manager at Compound which specialises in developing and operating self-storage facilities integrated with co-working light industrial, said the company was committed to working with the local community and Barnet Council.

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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

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Desperate search for new town centre premises for High Barnet’s free book shop which distributes unwanted books

Yet another smiling recipient…but the days are numbered at High Barnet’s free book shop which is desperately looking for new premises as it is under notice to leave The Spires shopping centre.

Unless another vacant shop or a community space can be found by Saturday 12 April the Global Education Trust will have to close its doors much to the disappointment of the 20 or so volunteers who hand out anything up to 100 free books a day.

Dean Masters (above) was delighted to find a free copy of a book by golfing legend Jack Nicklaus – a reminder of his younger days when he regularly played golf himself.

Book shop manager Jackie O’Brien (right) – seen with volunteer Emma Newby – says that she and her team of assistants are keeping their fingers crossed in the hope that the trust can find alternative premises somewhere in High Barnet town centre.

“We exist on donations and are run entirely by volunteers, so we can’t afford to pay rent.

“We rely entirely on the generosity of landlords to let us use an empty shop or vacant premises where we can display our books.

“We have been so lucky to have had nearly a year at The Spires and the success of what we have achieved speaks for itself.”

At anyone time the trust is operating around 20 free books around the country and they all distribute unwanted books which would otherwise have been pulped or gone to landfill.

Urgent hunt for new empty premises in town centre for Chipping Barnet's popular free book shop

Ms O’Brien said that on most days the shop in The Spires has been giving away anything from 50 to 100 books, all of which have been donated to the trust.

Usually, the shop attracts at least 50 customers a day, but it can be double that at weekends and school holidays.

When it opened in May last year the trust stocked the shop with books from its central warehouse, but the organisers predicted the shop would soon become self-supporting because of fresh donations of books from within the community.

“What is so rewarding about volunteering at the shop is to see how much we are appreciated by local children who can hardly believe that they can take away free up to three books.

“Some of the children are really excited about coming to the shop. Perhaps they are on the hunt for a Roald Dahl or Jacqueline Wilson book

“It is then that we realise what it means to them, because some youngsters come back and donate to us all the books they have grown out of.

“Because all of the stock is donated lots of it is pretty dated or out of print and when older customers come in, they can’t believe their good fortune in finding a book they have always wanted.”

The free book shop is under notice to quit because the unit it is using – formerly a Costa coffee shop – is to be re-opened as a Greek cafe.

Fresh donations of books are no longer being accepted and unless another vacant shop or perhaps unused community space can be found, the shop will close on 12 April allowing a week to shift the stock to the Global Education Trust’s warehouse before vacating the premises on 19 April.

“Unfortunately, we have been told by The Spires that they have no space for us and our only hope is that a landlord might come forward and offer us another temporary home.

“We have asked the Chipping Barnet Town Team to help us relocate so perhaps we might be lucky,” said Ms O’Brien.  

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Transport for London grilled at public meeting on its proposals for High Barnet Station car park

Chipping Barnet constituents filled most of the pews in St John the Baptist’s Church on Thursday evening, 20 March 2025, to tell Transport for London (TfL) what they thought about their proposal to build 300 flats next to High Barnet Station. After a passionate and occasionally acrimonious meeting, the TfL team will have no illusions about local opposition to their development. But the audience were also left in no doubt that – barring unforeseen constructional challenges or political events – we have little chance of securing more than a few tweaks to the design of the buildings or their outdoor spaces.

The plans were exhibited for public consultation at the end of February and presented at a TfL webinar on 4 March. They can be viewed online here, as can the Barnet Society’s response to them.

Dan Tomlinson MP called this meeting on The future of High Barnet station car park to give residents another chance to ask questions and pass their comments on the scheme directly to the developers. These are TfL’s property company Places for London and their house-building partner Barratt London. Patrick Clark headed their panel, which included members of their design team.

Opening the meeting, Mr Tomlinson explained that he himself is neutral about the scheme. Barnet’s recently adopted Local Plan designates the site for 292 homes, and the Labour Government and Mayor of London are committed to delivering much-needed new housing. If the Council refuses the scheme it will go to the Planning Inspectorate, who are almost certain to approve it.

But Mr Tomlinson wanted to ensure that, if it is approved by Barnet’s planning committee, the developers will have listened directly to people who live in Chipping Barnet, and the designs made as good as they can be. As an example, he pointed to the public footpath ramp that he has insisted must be improved with better lighting and benches. He also said that TfL has agreed in principle to move the northbound bus stop closer to Station Approach.

During a brief overview of the scheme by Patrick Clark, the mood of the audience quickly became apparent. His remark, ‘This will be a car-free scheme’ was greeted by hollow laughter and his promise of ‘four drop-off points’ by ironic applause.

Mr Tomlinson then invited questions from the audience around three topics: transport and connectivity, the design (particularly its height) and other issues including car parking.

A question about the impact of building work on the neighbourhood was answered by reassurance that a Construction Management Plan would be agreed with the Council, and that ‘just-in-time’ management of construction vehicles would minimise disruption. The added difficulties if Barnet Football Club stadium is built nearby at the same time were not addressed, however.

Members of the audience commented that the six proposed Blue Badge bays are not enough for current, let alone future, needs.

The panel was asked where residents of new flats will park. The reply that they will not be allowed to apply for Resident Parking Permits did not go down well.

A questioner noted that the Northern Line links High Barnet to many hospitals, and many nurses and other staff members use the tube early or return late after night shifts. Women in particular need the security of using their own cars at those times of the day. 

Another questioner deplored TfL’s reluctance to embrace any of the wider opportunities offered by the project such as improving cycling experience and safety.

Gordon Massey asserted that the current proposals ‘will take us back to 1872’ when there was no car park. It was in 1934 that the Barnet Residents Association first called for the lack of a bus stop on the station forecourt to be remedied.

A member of the audience speculated that TfL’s ruling out of buses on the station forecourt was driven not so much by technical constraints but by their wish to protect the bus schedules. That prompted a burst of clapping.

An even bigger round of applause followed another speaker’s observation that ‘It’s clear to me that this is a done deal.’

Regarding design, Mr Tomlinson and others pointed out that the Local Plan states that seven storeys is the maximum height for this location in Barnet. The planning consultant on the panel replied that London Plan Policy D9 allows greater height if certain criteria are satisfied.

There was universal agreement that TfL’s team must supply visualisations to prove their contention that the buildings would not interrupt key views. Mr Tomlinson strongly supported this request.

Katy Staton, a landscape architect, said the drawings were not adequate for this stage; more detail is essential. She also asked if the designs take into account the new building safety requirements such as for two staircases. The panel’s architect assured everyone that the buildings would comply with the latest Building Regulations.

Under other matters, a questioner asked what would be done to relieve pressure on local services. Mr Tomlinson said that he had already asked the Council for, and had been given, data on pupil numbers and the ability of local schools to accommodate them. Due mainly to the decline in the local birth-rate, there would be spare capacity. He reminded the audience that the Government is already investing heavily in the NHS. He is in regular dialogue with local GPs and assured us that additional funding would be available. If health services don’t improve by the next election, he quipped, ‘I’m a goner’.

Another questioner was worried about the safety risks to the 200 or so children likely to be living in the flats, especially from vehicles, since the plans showed no provision for emergency access, deliveries or visitors.

Nick Saul, a retired civil engineer, drew the panel’s attention to the fact that most of Barnet hillside was an artificial construct, and that the best structural advice should be obtained before a final commitment was made to proceed with the project.

The biggest boo of the evening followed a comment from the floor that TfL had admitted that a proportion of the flats could be sold to overseas investors. But 90 minutes was up and no time was left for a satisfactory answer to this or many other questions, though Mr Tomlinson invited the audience to let him know about any other concerns.

Additional reporting by Frances Wilson

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Mayor of Barnet pays tribute to the “amazing achievement” of the founders of a welcoming home for overseas students  

A small village community of flats and bungalows established by two Holocaust survivors has provided a home over the decades for hundreds of students from all over the world – an achievement celebrated with a visit by the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Tony Vourou.

Barnet Overseas Students Housing Association, which is based at Nansen Village in Woodside Park, will be celebrating its 55th anniversary next year, to the great delight and satisfaction of the surviving co-founder Charlotte Weinberg.

Charlotte, who is 94, and her late husband Kurt — who was rescued by the Kindertransport – began a life-time mission to welcome and help provide accommodation for foreign students staying in London, first by hosting students in their home and then by building the village in Woodside Avenue. 

Their dream was to create a community where overseas students arriving in London could live together while completing their university studies – a vision which Councillor Vourou said had become the couple’s lasting achievement.

Councillor Zahra Beg, chair of the Nansen Village trustees (above, left) joined the mayor and Charlotte, who is 94.

Councillor Beg is a ward councillor in Underhill and Barnet’s cabinet member for equalities and the voluntary and community sector.

She said that once Kurt and Charlotte began looking after students from around the world, they marvelled at the sense of togetherness generated by young people from different religions and cultures sharing their lives.

“We know there are generation after generation of students who tell us they won’t ever forget their time living here at Nansen village – a legacy from the dream of Kurt and Charlotte that is continually being taken forward.

“As trustees we have tried to ensure that the focus of the founders stays true and that a community from diverse backgrounds can come together and share that experience.”

Brian Trainor (above, far left), chief executive of the housing association, took the mayor on a guided tour of the village which was established on what was once the site of two Victorian houses and which is named after Fridtjof Nansen, the explorer, humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

With the help of a grant from the British Council, two blocks of flats and some bungalows in the gardens were constructed in the late 1960s and in 1971 the first tenants moved into the first 66 homes to be completed.

Currently there are 130 students in residence, 35 of whom have families with children. Since its opening, 380 children have been born to parents at the village.

The majority of students are currently from South America and the Middle and Far East.

The housing association is organised on a non-profit basis and rents are kept as low as possible to accommodate students on low incomes, with or without children (under the age of eight).

Laila Kasuri, who is in the second year of a PhD at Imperial College, expressed thanks on behalf of the students residing in the village and congratulated Charlotte and Kurt on what they had been achieved.

She and her husband — and their two children aged five and two – were originally from Pakistan and had moved to London from Canada so that she could complete her studies in water governance.

“I am so grateful as a young parent for all the support I get at Nansen Village. The community here is very special.

“Last year we had a visitor at our bungalow from California. He said he was two when he lived in the very same house.

“He was the child of a PhD student then living at Nansen and said his childhood in the village was the best five years of his life. 

“Apparently, he was always in the playground and the sandpit. My children are often out there too. All the children know one another socially and together we all have such a rich social life.”

Mayor of Barnet joins celebration of work of community village for overseas students at Woodside Park

After being congratulated by the mayor for all she had done to encourage students from different cultures and religions to live together, Charlotte said she did feel proud of what she and Kurt had achieved given all the troubles in the today’s world.

“I often wonder what so many of the students who have lived here are doing now.

“Our aim is to give them a sense of security, especially when facing life in a big city and we hope they have taken the name of Nansen Village around the world.

“People who survived the Holocaust don’t forget the support that we were given, and that ethos became our driving force.”

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Vandalised ULEZ camera pole left littering grass verge at Arkley – a reminder of the campaign of sabotage around High Barnet

Arkley’s much admired volunteer litter picker is having to admit defeat when confronted with an abandoned ULEZ camera pole which was left lying on the grass verge after being cut down during a wave of sabotage.

Because of High Barnet’s position as an entry point to the ULEZ zone, roads in and around the town were regularly targeted by vandals protesting at Transport for London’s £12.50 charge on vehicles failing to meet the new ultra-low emission standards.

After two poles were felled in Rowley Lane, Arkley, close to the junction with the A1 fly over, TfL finally gave up in August 2023 – but the last pole to be erected, minus its camera, was left on the verge, and was partly submerged in last summer’s undergrowth.

Lying there forlornly, the abandoned pole is an eyesore – and TfL’s failure to take it away does hamper the work of Peter Lassman who does all he can to keep Rowley Lane free of rubbish.

Peter, who lives in Rowley Lane, has been a volunteer litter picker for the last ten years and takes great pride in keeping one of the main approaches to Arkley as free of rubbish as possible.

“As one of the older residents I’m very happy to do my bit trying to keep Arkley clean and tidy. I do my best to collect litter all along Rowley Lane right up to Barnet Road.

“Most of the rubbish is discarded cans and bottles together with a lot of plastic waste. The verges look so much better after a clean-up, especially now that spring is coming, but there’s not much I can do about the camera pole.”

Mr Lassman’s dedication is a reflection of the community spirit within Arkley which prides itself on its village identity – a point which is reinforced with the Arkley village signs on the main approach roads.

Volunteer litter picker at Arkley finds unexpected item -- an abandoned ULEZ camera pole lying on a grass verge

After giving up on its attempt to install a ULEZ camera at the A1 fly over end of Rowley Lane, TfL erected a substitute at the junction of Rowley Lane and Rowley Green Road which has remained standing for the last nine months.

At the height of the anti-ULEZ protest, camera poles were cut down with angle grinders last year at the junction of St Albans Road and Stapylton Road and on Hadley Green at the junction of Drury Road and Sydney Chapman Way.

There were numerous cases of vandalism to the cameras in the summer and autumn of 2023.

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Main through route from High Barnet to Arkley closed to traffic as Thames Water repair collapsed sewer

Motorists and bus passengers are facing severe disruption for the rest of March because of the closure for sewer repairs of Barnet Road, Arkley – the main road from High Barnet towards Arkley and Borehamwood.

A collapsed sewer between the junctions with Rowley Lane and Barnet Gate Lane means that this section of Barnet Road will be closed until at least Friday 28 March.

The closure has prompted widespread complaints because of the absence of clear directions for alternative routes and the withdrawal of bus services along Barnet Road.

Through traffic is having to make a lengthy diversion either via Quinta Drive, Mays Lane and Barnet Gate Lane or via Rowley Lane and the A1 Barnet bypass.

Three bus routes are also on diversion – the 107 (New Barnet-Edgware), the 384 (Cockfosters-Edgware) and 614 Uno (Hatfield-Queensbury).

Diversions needed as main road from High Barnet to Arkley closed to through traffic for sewer repairs

Residents living in the vicinity say there was a lack of advance notice and consultation, and they are worried about the inability of large vehicles such as fire appliances to enter side roads such as Rockways.

Bus passengers have been facing confusion, due the lack of clear advice on diversionary routes and alternative bus stops.

The well-used 107 service has been diverted in both directions via the St Albans Road and the A1 Barnet bypass.

Motorists have deplored the absence of clearly signposted alternative routes. Lorries and large vehicles are having to make larger detours as some of the roads on nearby alternative routes – such as Rowley Lane and Mays Lane – have width restrictions and barriers.

Contractors working for Thames Water have put up a sign at the junction with Wood Street and Well Lane warning of the closure ahead along Barnet Road until March 28 but there are no clearly signposted alternative routes.

Residents say their calls to Barnet Council, Transport for London and Thames Water have largely resulted in buck passing with no-one taking responsibility, although Thames Water have now said their traffic management team has been alerted.

There has been considerable congestion at rush hour with traffic jams caused by reversing cars and lorries.