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Fiery exchanges as Labour and Conservative councillors clash over accuracy of list of green belt sites for housing around High Barnet

Barnet's Labour and Conservative councillors clash over accuracy of a list of green belt sites which could be designated for new housing around High Barnet

Concern about threats to the green belt and the loss of popular open spaces dominated a question-and-answer session held at the annual meeting of Barnet Residents Association.

Councillor Richard Barnes (Barnet Vale), who is chair of Barnet Council’s planning committee  – see above with association co-chair Ken Rowland (left) and Emma Morgan, membership secretary  –  set out the options following publication of a draft plan for London which is proposing the construction of up to 7,000 new homes on green belt land within the borough.

He ended up getting caught in crossfire between Labour and Conservatives councillors as they argued about the authenticity of a list of sites – including playing fields, golf courses and cemeteries – which could be redesignated as grey belt with potential for redevelopment for housing.

The list emerged earlier this month with Labour councillors accusing their opponents of political scaremongering whereas Conservative councillors hit back accusing the Labour-controlled council of not coming clean with residents about the potential loss of precious amenity land and much-appreciated green spaces.

The controversial list – the wording of which Councillor Barnes insisted was “misleading and inaccurate” – includes sites such as Ark Pioneer Academy playing fields, King George V playing fields, Quinta Open Space, Hendon and Finchley golf courses, cemetery land at Edgwarebury and Hendon, land north of Totteridge Common Road and Hadley Common Road.

Councillors Barnes said these sites and others were listed as being “suitable for grey belt designation” but this wording did not exist in any official document.

“This description is inaccurate and perhaps deliberately so for political effect. The list includes sites like cemeteries and playing fields which are never going to be redeveloped.”

But he did acknowledge that the sites were listed in a 400-page London green belt assessment which was published alongside the draft London plan – a plan that was out for consultation and which he thought would take at least two years to implement.

He was supported at the meeting by Councillor Emma Whysall (High Barnet, Labour) who deplored the scaremongering taking place on social media.

An important point of the whole exercise was that some green belt land might be downgraded to grey belt while other sites might be upgraded to merit full green belt protection.

She maintained that many of the sites which had been listed were more than likely to be included in the council’s plans for a possible regional park which could be created to include green belt land around Arkley and Mill Hill.

She and Councillor Barnes were challenged by Councillor James Esses (High Barnet, Conservative) who insisted the list was part of formal document published alongside the draft London plan.

He thought it was wrong to suggest the list was “not official” when it was in the current plan. As it was unlikely the London plan would be revised, the Conservatives had voted against it.

Councillor David Longstaff (Barnet Vale, Conservative) said that Labour councillors were in no position to challenge the wording of the London plan which was clear that 7,000 houses would have to be built on green belt land within the borough.

The ten-year target set by the Mayor of London was for Barnet to build 32,000 new houses – a target which Councillor Longstaff predicted would see an increase in the borough’s population of 310,000 ten years ago to 430,000 in ten years’ time.

“If people don’t start objecting now in a big way, this plan will be steamrollered through, and an awful lot of the new homes will be one- and two-bedroom flats instead of family homes.”

Councillor Barnes agreed that housing development was likely on some of what is now designated as green belt, such as land in Arkley along Rowley Lane, Arkley Lane, and Galley Lane, and land north and south of the Stirling Corner roundabout.

Gordon Massey, who leads for the residents’ association on planning, warned of the consequences that lay ahead if there was extensive redevelopment in Arkley, especially in view of the London plan acceptance of the need for blocks of flats as high as nine storeys.

He thought there were as many as four sites in Arkley which were vulnerable, posing the threat that tower block could be built there.

“I hope you are wrong,” replied Councillor Barnes. “We would not support tower blocks in Arkley. Green belt at the edge of the borough needs to be protected and I have not heard of any plans to develop that land.”

Earlier Mr Massey criticised the failure of the Deputy Mayor of London to publish his reasons for overturning Barnet Council’s rejection of a Transport for London plan to build high-rise flats on the car park at High Barnet tube station.

He thought the failure to release the official notification – which could trigger a possible legal challenge – was down to the developers getting “cold feet.”

Major housebuilders were pulling out of Greater London schemes because the Mayor of London’s targets for the construction of affordable homes made these schemes unviable.

One high point of the meeting was news from several members that residents of Sunset View and Hadley Grove have been successful in their bid at an auction to buy half of a one-acre copse alongside Christchurch Lane.

A plan to build a large house on the site was rejected by Barnet Council and the residents made a joint bid to purchase half the site to ensure it remained protected woodland.

In view an offer from the Woodland Trust to maintain the small deciduous wood, the residents are hoping that Barnet Council, which owns the other half acre, might release it to the Woodland Trust.

The meeting was told that formal consultations are about to start on establishing a 20mph zone in streets in and around Alston Road and Stapylton Road.

Councillor Whysall said the plan was to create a safer zone in the streets in an area bounded to the north and west of Wood Street, High Street Road and St Albans Road.  

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High Barnet to have two community-inspired public houses within 300 yards of each other and each run by local residents

High Barnet to have two community-inspired public houses within 300 yards of each other and each run by local residents

A second High Barnet public house, The Sebright Arms, in Alston Road, is getting a new lease of life after another successful community-inspired bid to take over the tenancy.

Two of the Sebright’s former regular customers, Lex Deak (above, left) and Ben Dillon, who live round the corner in Wentworth Road, are planning a major refurbishment to create a community pub with a family friendly atmosphere.

Three hundred yards away from the Sebright is The Black Horse which was re-opened only four months ago by three of its former regulars who all live close by.

The Sebright’s new tenants say they are confident that despite their proximity there will be plenty of opportunities for two community-driven public houses to prosper.

Over recent years five pubs have closed in surrounding streets and the message from the new teams running the Sebright and Black Horse seems to be that the pubs which will thrive in the future will be those which are orientated towards the needs of the community and local families.

High Barnet to have two community-inspired public houses within 300 yards of each other and each run by local residents

An artist’s impression – see above – shows the kind of make-over which is planned for the yard at the rear of the Sebright which will include a covered terrace, planted spaces, a large screen for summer nights and a safe play space.

“What we will be offering at the Sebright is a family-first community pub with a proper play area in sight of the grown-ups, the kind of facilities which will demonstrate how pubs can respond to the family life of today,” said Lex Deak.

“Publicans have to adapt by creating a community hub, offering refreshments from coffee in the morning to Sunday lunch, and a venue which welcomes and can host local groups and activities.

“Barnet has a rich history of pubs but there have been closures all around the Sebright and now in an age when people are more disconnected than before, we think it’s important to bring people together in a community hub.

With the Black Horse just down the road, there will be even more reason for people to come out and support their local pubs. We are close friends with the team at the Black Horse and they’ve been very helpful.”

Ben Dillon said he and Lex had fond memories of the community spirit which was generated by pubs like the Sebright and they wanted to reinvent that to create a friendly, family space.

“I’ve lived around here for 30 years and we both knew the Sebright of old.”

High Barnet to have two community-inspired public houses within 300 yards of each other and each run by local residents

The Sebright was one of three High Barnet pubs which the Hertford brewers McMullen sold to Punch Pubs and Co earlier this year and the new tenants have taken on an initial lease.

High Barnet to have two community-inspired public houses within 300 yards of each other and each run by local residents

After being closed for several days for redecoration and immediate repairs – including new lights installed by electrician Chaz Smith – the Sebright has re-opened for drinks and initial service while the two new tenants work up their plans for what will be a full redesign and refit starting early next year.

They are currently assessing community feedback, listening to what the locals say, as they prepare their plans. To read more about their vision for the future see:  www.thesebrightarms.co.uk

In the weeks before the new tenancy was agreed, nearby regular Chris Nightingale had been working with residents to get 70 signatures for an application to renew an asset of community value designation for the Sebright.

“We are delighted to hear that Ben and Lex are taking over and the Sebright is back in safe hands.

“The fact we got all the signatures we needed so quickly demonstrates the loyalty of the Sebright’s customers.”

The Sebright Arms in Alston Road Barnet taken over two local residents determined to create a family friendly community pub -- following close behind another community inspired re-opening of the neary Black Horse public house

An insight into the successful transformation of the Black Horse over the course of the summer was given to the annual meeting of Barnet Residents Association by Danny Daly, one of three directors of Barnet Community Pubs Ltd.

The newly formed company negotiated a fresh tenancy for the Black Horse with Star Pubs (part of the Heineken group) after it had been closed since the previous September.

Together with his two fellow directors, Simon Anderson and Martin Taylor, they completed a speedy refit of the pub in time to open in late June and take advantage of a summer of near unbroken sunshine and events such as England’s matches in the FIFA World Cup.

“We were mobbed during the World Cup, five deep at the bar, and followed that up with a celebration on the night of the partial eclipse when we bought in 50 pairs of special glasses.

“We are trying to do as many interesting community events as we can – we had a Dolly Parton night and have a wine and cheese evening planned for November. On one charity day we raised £6,000.”

Nearby pubs which closed over recent years included The Alexandra in Wood Street, The Albion in Union Street. The White Lion in St Albans Road and The King William IV and Crown and Anchor in Barnet High Street.

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Small stretch of Barnet Playing Fields at Underhill set aside for new Dollis Valley community orchard   

Small stretch of Barnet Playing Fields at Underhill set aside for new Dollis Valley community orchard   

Early next year volunteers aim to start planting what is destined to become a community orchard in Underhill situated in a corner of Barnet Playing Fields, between Ark Pioneer Academy and Grasvenor Avenue.

Along one side of the new orchard will be a freshly-seeded wildflower meadow – another of the initiatives backed by the Orchard Project which organised a display of apples and other fruit at the nearby Rainbow Centre.

Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson was shown the site of the new Dollis Valley Community Orchard by organiser Daniella Levene (above, far left) and Catherine Watling of the Friends of Underhill Green Spaces, who hope to help maintain the orchard.

There has been some mounting concern locally about the long-term future of Barnet Playing Fields in Barnt Lane, Underhill, following the publication of the London Plan and speculation that the status of Green Belt land could be downgraded to Grey Belt.

Barnet councillors for wards in and around High Barnet say they are keen to contradict misguided that claims that protected playing fields and open spaces along the Dollis Valley are at risk of being replaced with housing.

No final decisions had been taken about the future designation of local Green Belt land around High Barnet and whatever the eventual status there was no possibility of the council relinquishing community green spaces for housing.  

After being shown the site of the new community orchard, Mr Tomlinson said he looked forward to returning next February when volunteers hope to plant up to a dozen mixed fruit trees including apple, pear, quince and medlar.

“I am confident there is no chance that Barnet Playing Fields will be built on. Our green spaces are so important to the health and wellbeing of our residents.  We need to do all we can to enhance their protection.”

Small stretch of Barnet Playing Fields at Underhill set aside for new Dollis Valley community orchard   

Councillor Zahra Beg, the Mayor of Barnet – and an Underhill ward councillor – admired a display of autumn fruit. She was delighted to give her backing to the Orchard Project.

“I am proud to be here and support a new community orchard for Underhill.

“Local residents and children will want to see the planting of the fruit trees, and I am sure they will help take care of the wildflower meadow.” 

Small stretch of Barnet Playing Fields at Underhill set aside for new Dollis Valley community orchard   

Orchard Project communications manager Sarah Cossom – above, left with Rainbow Centre manager Sarah Snell – said the planting of a wildflower meadow was the first step in building up support and interest in developing a community orchard.

Spring flowers would help with pollination in the area and especially for the new fruit trees.

Small corner of Barnet Playing fields set aside for Dollis Valley community orchard at Underhill, an iniiative supported by Mayor of Barnet Councillor Zahra Beg and Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson

Daniella Levene, founder of the Community Harvesters project, was keen to show visitors a full range of the various varieties of apples, pears and other fruit which could be grown so easily in gardens at home.

She said that given warmer summers, pomegranate was one of the fruits which now fared well in the UK and could withstand prolonged dry weather.         

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New production at The Bull Theatre portrays how townspeople of Barnet lived through air raids and survived wartime restrictions   

New production at The Bull Theatre portrays how townspeople of Barnet lived through air raids and survived wartime restrictions   

All the stresses and strains – and sometimes laughter – of everyday life in Barnet during the Second World War are captured in an imaginative and often poignant production at The Bull Theatre.

A Nightingale Sang in Barnet: The Blitz and Beyond opened with a sell-out show for the first of four performances highlighting yet again the ability of the Blue Door Theatre Company to deliver original productions celebrating the town’s history and traditions.

Wartime comings and goings among the patrons and staff at the Barnet Odeon provide a constant thread around which there are scenes and story lines based on family memories and tales about the war years.

Seven members of the company wrote the script and based their contributions on their own research, aided by the recollections of local families.

The playwrights succeeded in bringing together what director Siobhan Dunne says is a patchwork quilt of human stories and dramatic events that occurred literally on their doorsteps in Barnet.

New production at The Bull Theatre portrays how townspeople of Barnet lived through air raids and survived wartime restrictions   

The Odeon cinema – now The Everyman – was chosen to frame the highs and lows for the townspeople of Barnet as they coped with air raid duties, bomb damage, food shortages and all the heightened security conditions that restricted day to day life.

All the action is rooted in and around the Barnet of the 1940s with storylines that highlight local street names and places – Wood Street, Union Street, Victoria Bakery, Sebright Road, Arkley, Trotters Bottom and so on – a litany of familiar points of reference. 

New production at The Bull Theatre portrays how townspeople of Barnet lived through air raids and survived wartime restrictions   

A focal point for the play is The Odeon’s bomb shelter which becomes a regular meeting place for cinema staff, patrons and local people – and a centre of intrigue involving numerous plot lines.

New production at The Bull Theatre portrays how townspeople of Barnet lived through air raids and survived wartime restrictions   

Two local wartime dealers in the black market, Ada and Benny Spratt (Janet Parker and Tony Nagle) incur the wrath of the Odeon’s manager Bill Pendleton (Steve Mays) when he finds them in the bomb shelter trying to sell eggs and two chickens to the assembled crowd.

Ada and Benny are undeterred and put up a spirited defence of the kind of action which was frowned upon during the war.

Much of the dialogue reveals the underlying fears within the community, such as the dread of hearing the hum of enemy planes overhead, receiving news of a death at the front, or the need to look out for suspicious behaviour and Fascist sympathisers.

New production at The Bull Theatre portrays how townspeople of Barnet lived through air raids and survived wartime restrictions   

Cinema usherette Ruby Wilson (Teresa Howell) doubles up as a secret listener at the wartime monitoring station at Arkley. After her shift at the Odeon, she cycles off for her hidden duties.

Interspersed between the family vignettes are renditions of much-loved wartime songs and tunes which are greeted with applause and whoops of delight especially for some of the sentimental numbers.

New production at The Bull Theatre portrays how townspeople of Barnet lived through air raids and survived wartime restrictions   

In a glimpse behind the scenes at The Odeon, ARP warden Gwen (Sarah Munford) builds up a friendship with cinema projectionist Danny (Chris Browning).

The Blitz and Beyond does not shy away from tacking potential conflicts facing Jewish refugees and Russian emigres.

The strains and stresses experienced by the Levin family provide a moving reminder of how lives had been upturned by the war – Avram Levin (Tim King), Chana Levin (Rafaella Golding) and Rivka Levin (Ann Moore).

New production at The Bull Theatre portrays how townspeople of Barnet lived through air raids and survived wartime restrictions   

Wartime romances are not forgotten. Alberto (Francesco Giacon) an Italian soldier from a prisoner of war camp at Trotters Bottom, has to say farewell to his sweetheart, recently widowed Rebecca (Brigid Hekster).

Local children have leading roles. Wartime restrictions on keeping pets imply that one’s boy dog is in danger of being put down.

A closing peacetime scene shows two local boys and a girl sitting at the top of King George’s Field gazing across towards the City of London musing on their futures, speculating on how they might be able to contribute to the post-war effort to rebuild the country. 

New production at The Bull Theatre portrays how townspeople of Barnet lived through air raids and survived wartime restrictions   

Threading the story together against a backdrop of an amazing collection of wartime photographs and some compelling clips from cinema newsreels is narrator (Tim King).

One of the film sequences is an account by William Boyes whose father, grandfather and great grandfather were solicitors at 20 Wood Street, Barnet.

He describes how his father – Edward Boyes – was standing in the doorway of 20 Wood Street when a stray bomb was dropped by a German plane on its home run.

Two houses on the opposite side of Wood Street were destroyed in the explosion. Edward Boyes was seriously injured, losing part of his lung, but his father Archie was safe inside the house.

He was unhurt and was photographed emerging into Wood Street holding the family pet’s budgie in its cage.

Blue Door's latest production at the Bull Theatre portrays how the townspeople of Barnet lived through the Second World War, survived air raids and maintained family life

The show’s finale provides Siobhan Dunne a chance to thank all those behind the scenes including her husband Nick Godwin who arranged the music.

Ms Dunne reminds the audience of Barnet’s good fortune in being able to deliver live theatre and she appeals for contributions towards an emergency appeal for £10,000 towards essential maintenance and running costs at The Bull Theatre. Nearly £3,000 has been raised so far.

For more details of the appeal and a donate button see: https://www.thebulltheatre.com/

A Nightingale Sang in Barnet: The Blitz and Beyond, at The Bull Theatre, High Street, Barnet, Friday 16 October, 7.30pm; Saturday 17 October, 2pm and 7.30pm,

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Barnet’s Conservative councillors issue plea to Labour to level with residents over likelihood of “enormous” rise in council tax next year

Barnet’s Conservative councillors issue plea to Labour to level with residents over likelihood of “enormous” rise in council tax next year

Barnet Council’s Labour controlled cabinet has been accused by Conservative councillors of “skirting around” the need to come clean with residents about what is almost certain to be a massive hike in council tax next year.

If the government gives approval for the council to exceed the 5 per cent cap on council tax increases – in order to start reducing Barnet’s £200 million budget deficit – householders could face average increases of anything from £8 to £12 a week.

After relying for the last two years on additional government funding to balance the books, the council has been advised it has no alternative but to increase its council tax to the national average – a step that would require a 32 per cent increase in Barnet’s council tax.

For the average property on band D that would mean a £500 increase next year to bring in the extra £70 million needed to take Barnet’s council tax revenue up to the national average.

The choice the council faces – again dependent on the outcome of talks with the government – is whether to push the increase through in one go or spread it over several years.

By next year Barnet will have the largest budget gap of any London borough unless action is taken. It is one of nine council’s relying of exceptional support from the government, totalling £135 million over the last two years.

Barnet’s Conservative councillors issue plea to Labour to level with residents over likelihood of “enormous” rise in council tax next year

When the cabinet met at the town hall in Hendon, cabinet member for finance, Councillor Simon Radford (above, second from left), was subjected to sustained criticism from Conservative group leader, Councillor Peter Zinkin, for failing to alert residents to the “massive implications” for household finances next year.

“When are you going to level with residents about the fact that you are asking the government for permission to raise council taxes to the national average,” asked Councillor Zinkin.

“Most of them don’t know enough about what will affect every family in the borough.

“They could face average council tax increase of £8, £10 or £12 a week which is a very material change.”

Conservative councillors accuse Labour group of failing to come clean over likelihood of massive council tax increase next year of around 30 per cent adding £8 to £12 a week to average property

Councillor Zinkin (see above) was supported by Councillors Richard Cornelius (Totteridge and Woodside) and David Longstaff (Barnet Vale) who both urged the council to let residents know they could be hit with an “enormous” rise of up to 30 per cent next.

In response, Councillor Radford insisted the council had been straightforward in letting residents know of the “very painful” decisions which would have to be taken if the council was to reduce its deficit and deliver a balance budget by March 2029.

He was anxious not to cause alarm and confusion about a large council tax increase until talks with the government had been completed.

Barnet would then know if permission had been given to exceed the 5 per cent cap and whether it should impose increases of up to 30 per cent, either in one go or phased over several years.

Until the conclusion of those talks, hopefully well before the end of the year, and until there were accurate forecasts about council spending next year and the level of government funding, he could not be specific.

There had already been consultations with the public, especially online, and residents could give their views on the various options at a Barnet Question Time on Monday 26 October (see details below).

“Obviously we are ready to discuss with residents whether the council tax increase should be all in one go or in stages,” said Councillor Radford.

“No doubt some residents would be happy to get it over with next year but other people would think there should not be such a huge jump in one year and that it would be better to spread it over several years, even though this would cost more over a long period.”

Councillor Zinkin persisted with his criticism: the council should be telling residents how massive the rise in council tax could be next year and how much it would be if spread over three years.

Earlier Councillor Radford had presented detailed proposals for a future programme to reduce the deficit by cutting spending and increase council revenue to find £200 million in savings.

Councillor Cornelius agreed that the council had to unite around a way forward.

“If we are making cuts next year, and if they don’t work, we must stop them. But I agree we must look at the cost of adult services, the children’s budget and schools.

“There will be a lot of pain, and it will mean real job losses which will be difficult.”  

For more information about Barnet Council’s budget engagement as it works towards financial stability see:

https://www.barnet.gov.uk/community/have-your-say-about-local-issues/engage-barnet/budget-engagement-working-towards-our-0

Residents can have their say on moves to put Barnet’s finances on a sustainable footing at the next Barnet Question Time on Monday 26 October.

To apply for tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/barnet-question-time-budget-special-meet-the-leader-and-cabinet-tickets-1998956822667?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Barnet Council opens UK’s first commercial estate agency with a promise to reinvest profits to help deliver council services

Barnet Council opens UK’s first commercial estate agency with a promise to reinvest profits to help deliver council services

New Barnet has been chosen as the location for the UK’s first local authority owned estate and lettings agency.

Bumblebee Property has an office in the parade of shops next to Sainsbury’s super store.

The agency is a subsidiary of the not-for-profit Barnet Group which is wholly owned by Barnet Council, and which also runs Barnet Homes which manages around 15,000 council homes and leasehold properties.

East Barnet Road was chosen as a site for high shop for Bumblebee Property because there are no other estate agents in the immediate vicinity.

Bumblebee, which provides commercial lettings services for Barnet Homes and other clients, has been operating online for the last eight years.

Opening a high street shop in the heart of New Barnet is described as an important step in bringing the agency’s services direct and in person to residents, landlords, buyers and renters, strengthening Bumblebee’s presence in the local community.

The agency says it offers personal advice and local knowledge to help people find, let or manage homes across North London and neighbouring areas.

Barnet Council opens UK’s first commercial estate agency with a promise to reinvest profits to help deliver council services

A ceremony was held in East Barnet Road to mark the official opening of what the council says is a commercial business with a social purpose. Bumblebee reinvests profits into supporting the delivery of Barnet Group’s services.

“What started as a vision for a fairer estate agency has developed into a trusted property service delivering real value across our communities.”

Barnet Council opens first commercial estate agency in New Barnet with pledge to reinvest profits in Barnet Group services such as Barnet Homes

In addition to providing commercial letting services on behalf of the council, Bumblebee works in partnership with the council’s environmental health team to bring empty properties back into use and oversees property disposals on behalf of both the council and Barnet Group.

During a recent survey, council officials visited 100 homes recorded as being empty – just some of the 5,361 long-term empty properties across the borough.

The aim was to ensure owners are paying the appropriate empty property premium – which can be up to 300 per cent of the normal council tax – and to explain the options for bringing them back into use when housing remains in high demand.

Owners of long-term empty properties may be eligible to a grant of up to £40,000 if they agree for their property to be let through Bumblebee Property to provide a home for five years.

Councillor Ross Houston, cabinet member for housing, hopes that by ensuring property owners realise the value of their assets, this could help reduce the demand for temporary accommodation.

“The council is facing a critical housing and homelessness crisis, leading to a massive increase to over 3,000 households living in temporary accommodation at a cost which has more than tripled since 2023.”  

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Public are invited to see an exhibition of sculptures and paintings by a Barnet care home resident  

Public are invited to see an exhibition of sculptures and paintings by a Barnet care home resident  

Leaving behind her sculptures and paintings was quite a wrench for artist Joy Feld, so Carlton Court Care Home in Bells Hill, Barnet, came up with the idea of staging an exhibition of her work.

Joy, now 97, looked on with delight from her wheelchair as her family, fellow residents, friends and guests admired her African tribal heads, paintings and drawings.

Joy, who studied at Barnet College, became a member of the Barnet Guild of Artists and Finchley Arts Society.

The exhibition of her work, which is in the reception area of Carlton Court, is to continue until 25 October and is open to the public from 9am to 6pm.

Family members were full of praise for the care home’s initiative in offering to stage the exhibition.

Joy was smiling again after her disappointment at having to move into care eight weeks ago and leave behind at her house artwork from the last 40 years.

Public are invited to see an exhibition of sculptures and paintings by a Barnet care home resident  

At a ceremony celebrating the opening of her exhibition a manager at the home, Moses Barnabas (above, far left) said Joy had been an inspiration to residents and staff since her arrival.

The strength of her passion for art was remarkable, and it was a great privilege for the home to show her work and place it on public display.

Sara Hassell (above, second from left) congratulated Carlton Court for giving her mother the chance to exhibit her work and share her brilliance with her fellow residents and friends in Barnet.

“Mum has been her for eight weeks and it is wonderful for her family to be part of such a joyous event. We never thought we would see her smile again. Mum is so pleased that she hasn’t had to leave behind her art.”

Max Hassell (above, with Joy) said the family had done all they could to help organise the exhibition of his grandmother’s work, especially the sculptures of the heads of indigenous African tribes.

Joy, who completed an art foundation course in Belfast where she grew up, worked as a designer in Belfast and London for the textile and carpet manufacturer Cyril Lord.

After moving to Barnet almost 45 years ago, she started courses in watercolour and drawing at Barnet College in the 1980s, under the tutelage of Leonie Bunn and W Huntley.

She also did a sculpture course at Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute where her tutor was the late acclaimed sculptor, John Brown, of the Bow House Gallery in Barnet.

Joy’s limited edition bronze resin sculptures have been exhibited at the Cato Gallery in Hampstead and the Lucy Kemp Welch Gallery in Bushey.

She shared a studio with her great friend and fellow sculptor Richard Chapman of the Sheridan Russell Gallery exhibiting at the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea.

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Firefighters to the rescue pumping in mains water to replenish Hadley Green Brewery Pond after fish suffocated from lack of oxygen

London Fire Brigade adds mains water to Hadley Green Brewery Pond after dead fish found on the surface. Anglers hope water in Totteridge Long Pond can be topped up too.

London Fire Brigade has stepped in to help save any remaining fish by adding up to a foot of water into the Brewery Pond on Hadley Green.

Barnet Council and the Environment Agency say they will consider whether any further steps can be taken to aerate the pond after a dozen or more carp were found floating on the surface.

Local anglers have praised the fire brigade’s initiative.

They hope more water can be added to the Totteridge Long Pond where some dead fish have also had to be removed and were again thought to have suffocated due to a shortage of oxygen.

Hadley Green residents appealed for help after dead carp were removed from their pond.

Harriet Duffield, Barnet Council’s biodiversity and conservation officer, has informed them that the fire brigade pumped water from the mains to refill the pond.

There are reports that some carp have survived, perhaps as many as six or seven, and it is hoped the refill and recent rain will improve the water quality.

Options to be discussed with the Environment Agency for increasing the dissolved oxygen in the water include the possibility of adding a chemical or aerating the pond with a pump.

“Hopefully we can come up with a method which will prevent this happening again as I am sure it will only become more common with increasingly hot and dry summers,” said Ms Duffield.

Members of the Millridge Angling Club in Totteridge Lane have become increasingly concerned about the low level of water in the Long Pond where fishing has been suspended because of the drought.

The Long Pond, which is regularly stocked with fish including carp, roach and tench, is one of three ponds along Totteridge Lane.

London Fire Brigade took a large quantity of water from the Hadley Green Brewery Pond in May last year when fighting a large fire across the green at Hollybush House.

Residents say the water level did not fully recover during the winter and the drought and prolonged dry spell this summer reduced the water level to the lowest level since the drought of 1976 when fish were taken from the pond and moved to a large pond on the Wrotham Park estate.

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Walkers on Hadley Green shocked to see carcases of fish thought to have died through lack of oxygen in Brewery Pond

Walkers on Hadley Green shocked to see carcases of fish thought to have died through lack of oxygen in Brewery Pond

At least a dozen large fish had to be removed from Brewery Pond on Hadley Green after they were found floating on the surface having died most probably due to the summer drought and a prolonged lack of rainfall.

Brewery Pond’s water level is at an unprecedented low level and the fish – thought to be carp – are thought to have lacked sufficient oxygen.

Barnet Council has asked the Environment Agency, which is responsible for waterways and pollution, to remove the carcases and examine what might have caused their death.

Brewery Pond, which is filled by a spring, has not dried out entirely unlike the other ponds on Hadley Green which are filled by surface water.

Walkers on Hadley Green shocked to see carcases of fish thought to have died through lack of oxygen in Brewery Pond

Once the dead fish were seen floating on the surface, they were removed by nearby residents and anglers to await disposal.

David Chapman of Hadley Residents Association said Barnet Council’s greenspaces department had called in the Environment Agency to remove the dead fish and to look into what had happened.

“We knew there were some very large fish in the Brewery Pond and in all probability the cause is a lack of oxygen in the water.

“However, we would like the water to be checked out to see whether there is any underlying pollution or another cause.”

Mr Chapman said the Residents Association will see if it could help improve the quality of the water by the installation of a machine to aerate the water.

Walkers on Hadley Green shocked to see carcases of fish thought to have died through lack of oxygen in Brewery Pond

A large quantity of water was taken from the Brewery Pond by the London Fire Brigade in May last year when fighting a large fire nearby in Hollybush House, a large Georgian property which faces on to the green.

“Unfortunately, the level of water in the pond didn’t recover fully last winter and it has now fallen to an unprecedented level due to the summer drought and months without any significant rain.”

Carcases of fish awaiting disposal after being removed from Brewery Pond on Hadley Green after dying through lack of oxgen following drop in water lelvel due to summer drought

Another casualty of the drought is Joslin’s Pond – a favourite Hadley Green duck pond – which dried out completely during the summer and like other ponds on the green and Hadley Common is desperately in need of being replenished.

Water levels in wildlife ponds at Barnet Environment Centre in Byng Road are lower than normal but are being topped up thanks to the installation of giant storage tank for water draining from the centre’s roof.

“Our ponds have dried up considerably, but we can pump in extra fresh water from our giant water butt, and it really has proved to be a wonderful resource,” said Dick Elms, vice chair of the Friends of Barnet Environment Centre.

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Community offer to assist after four e-bike vandals chased on golf course and photographed by a dog walker

Community offer to assist after four e-bike vandals chased on golf course and photographed by a dog walker

After four youngsters on e-bikes and e-scooters caused fresh damage to greens at the Shire London golf course, a group of High Banet residents are hoping to discuss with the club’s management ways to prevent further vandalism.

Dog walkers and other locals are anxious to preserve uninterrupted access to a perimeter path around the 27-hole course which is set in 220 acres of Green Belt land just north of the Barnet boundary.

Nearby residents are seeking a meeting with the club’s director Tony Menai after contacting neighbourhood police officers to pass on information from dog walkers who witnessed the latest incursion.

Community offer to assist after four e-bike vandals chased on golf course and photographed by a dog walker

Four youngsters wearing balaclavas, riding three e-bikes and an e-scooter, were seen speeding across the greens, leaving deep cuts in the turf.

Two members of the staff drove round the course to try to stop them.

“Their bikes were reaching speeds in excess of 40mph, and we were unable to catch them,” said Mr Menai.

Later, when the youngsters were seen stationary on the perimeter path, they were confronted by a woman walking her dog.

She took close-up photographs of them –without their balaclavas – in the hope this might deter them.

Community offer to assist after four e-bike vandals chased on golf course and photographed by a dog walker

Regular dog walker Chris Nightingale is helping to organise a community response in the hope of co-operating with the golf club to come up with a joint solution to curb vandalism while maintaining access to the path.

A meeting attended by dog walkers and local residents agreed to write to the club seeking a meeting and inform Hertfordshire County Council which is the footpaths authority for the golf course site.

“We should be able to work together,” said Mr Nightingale who has been discussing what to do following complaints after access to the golf course path was blocked by eight-foot-deep trenches in a bid to thwart the e-bikes.

“We have informed neighbourhood police officers about what has been happened in the latest incident and told them that we have photographs and two witnesses.

“We fear that if the youngsters go onto the course again it might lead to an horrific accident. It is only too easy to imagine one of them falling off while golf club vehicles are in hot pursuit.”

Mr Nightingale’s initiative is aimed at defusing a rapid deterioration in relations between the golf club and local walkers who enjoy using a permissive path which was agreed when the golf course, designed by Steve Ballesteros, was granted planning permission in the early 1990s.

After the first incursion by e-bikes the club dug eight-foot trenches at the boundary between the golf course and Byng Road playing fields to prevent e-bikes entering the site.

Community offer to assist after four e-bike vandals chased on golf course and photographed by a dog walker

Club director Mr Menai said that a wooden pallet was placed across the trench, and this provided access for another incursion by e-bikes riders.

“The damage which they are causing is devastating. This cannot continue any more as it is having a serious impact on our business.

“We also have a legal responsibility and duty of care to our members, staff and visitors from dangerous situations caused by kids wearing balaclava and riding illegal e-bikes.

“Over the years we have continually had kids draw phallic symbols on the greens with sticks, stealing flags and tee markers, and throwing them into the lakes around the course.

“We have also had dogs off their leads attacking swans and killing cygnets.

“Surely the question should be how can we protect the golf club and the wildlife from this nonsense? How can we as a community stop these abuses and protect what is a haven for wildlife?”

Community offer to assist after four e-bike vandals chased on golf course and photographed by a dog walker

Dog walkers and others also have complaints. They claim that fallen trees and trenches are being used to block the perimeter path.

Mr Nightingale said he hoped a meeting with Mr Menai would be a chance to explain that the community wanted to work together with the club.

“I am sure that neither of us would want to return to the bad old days of the early 2000s when we were having to contact Hertfordshire County Council frequently about lorry movements and blockages to the perimeter path.

“Our hope is that by meeting Mr Menai we can resolve these issues in a spirit of helping each other.”

Photos of e-bike damage to golf course greens courtesty Shire London Golf Club

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E-bike vandalism at Shire golf course leads to closure of entry points to a popular footpath upsetting local dog walkers

E-bike vandalism at Shire golf course leads to closure of entry points to a popular footpath upsetting local dog walkers

Turf on three of the greens at the Shire London Golf Club off St Albans Road has been churned up and damaged by youngsters riding e-bikes on recent evenings.

To prevent further vandalism, several access points to the public footpath around the perimeter of the golf course have been closed off including two well-frequented entry points from the Byng Road playing fields.

Walkers and dogs on leads are still welcome to use the perimeter path around the course but Tony Menai, director of Shire London, told the Barnet Society that malicious damage to the greens was proving costly to repair and could not be tolerated.

“We have eyewitness accounts of how three e-bikes ridden by sixteen and seventeen-year-olds wearing balaclavas have been speeding around the greens purposely cutting deep tracks.

“The Police have advised us that the only way to prevent e-bikes and other vehicles getting on to the course is to close off and secure all the unofficial access points along St Albans Road and along the boundary hedge with Byng Road playing fields.

“People are welcome to walk around the course. They should use the main entrance on St Albans Road and keep their dogs on a lead.”

E-bike vandalism at Shire golf course leads to closure of entry points to a popular footpath upsetting local dog walkers

Geoff Arnett, who walks his dog across the playing fields and who has regularly used one of the access points to the golf course perimeter path, described his shock and outrage at seeing that two eight-foot-deep trenches had been dug across the two access points.

He acknowledged the challenge facing the golf course management over malicious damage but was disappointed there had been no warning, explanation or any kind of consultation.

“The footpath beside the golf course provides a lovely walk to a bluebell wood near Trotters Bottom and a route further on towards St Albans Road and the Green Dragon public house.

“For years now, dog walkers and other people have accessed the footpath from Byng Road playing fields and it can’t be right to deprive us all of access from roads like Byng Road or Cavendish Road.

“It is no answer to say we should access the footpath by the Shire main entrance on the St Albans Road – that’s a mile away and would mean going along a busy main road.”

Access points on Byng Road playing fields to popular path around Shire London golf course blocked off to dog walkers after e-bike vandals damage turf of greens

Mr Arnett said that if unauthorised vehicular access was the problem, a solution might be to provide a kissing gate or stile so that there was access for pedestrians but not for vehicles.

“It is the responsibility of Shire London to secure the golf course and, at the same time, allow access to the footpath.”

In response to complaints about the closure of the playing fields’ access to the footpath, the Barnet Society has notified Barnet Councillors, the Ramblers Association and Hertfordshire County Council’s footpaths department as the golf course is over the Barnet boundary into Hertsmere.

E-bike vandalism at Shire golf course leads to closure of entry points to a popular footpath upsetting local dog walkers

Tony Menai said the damage to the greens caused by the e-bikes was the most persistent and most serious since the club was established in 1994.

“We have been so tolerant over the years and recognise that kids will be kids. There has been vandalism and damage in the past but our success as a club depends on the quality of our 18 green course and our nine academy greens.

“If the greens are going to get churned up like this, it will put the Shire out of business.”

E-bike vandalism at Shire golf course leads to closure of entry points to a popular footpath upsetting local dog walkers

Chris Nightingale, another regular dog walker, promised to look into it further with Hertsmere Council and Hertfordshire County Council.

“One of the conditions of planning permission for the course is that the owners should maintain a public path around the perimeter, from the St Albans Road entrance round to another St Albans Road entry point closer to the Green Dragon.

“Residents in the roads around Byng Road and further afield have always accessed that perimeter path from the Byng Road playing fields and those two entry points should not have been blocked off without at least some consultation with those living in the neighbourhood.”

Photos of e-bike damage to the golf course greens courtesy of Shire London Golf Club

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Imminent sale of abandoned and derelict former Quinta Youth Club has added urgency to fund raising for new community hub in Mays Lane  

Imminent sale of abandoned and derelict former Quinta Youth Club has added urgency to fund raising for new community hub in Mays Lane  

With a rapidly approaching deadline of mid-October, a fund-raising campaign has taken on new urgency as Mays Lane residents prepare their community bid to take over the derelict former Quinta Youth Club.

Their target is to raise £10,00 in small donations to demonstrate to Barnet Council and potential charity donors the strength of local support for a new community hub.

At the latest count just over 80 people have donated nearly £2,500 towards the £10,000 target.

“What Barnet Council and our charity supporters need to see is evidence that we have real community backing with local people prepared to make a contribution,” said Gina Theodorou (see above), who is chair of the Quinta Village Green Residents Association.

Imminent sale of abandoned and derelict former Quinta Youth Club has added urgency to fund raising for new community hub in Mays Lane  

Quinta Youth Club, which was originally constructed by the Underhill community, and which has been derelict for the last 20 years, is to be sold by Barnet Council for £300,000.

Two charities – Hadley Trust and Common Nature – have told the residents’ association that financial assistance might well be available towards the purchase and reconstruction of the youth club if the local community unites around the plan and succeeds with its bid.

Barnet Council has been forced to wait until 17 October before selling the property after a successful application for the building to be nominated as an asset of community value gave the community six months to prepare their application.

“We are not the only bidder and there is fierce competition, but we are the community which the building was originally created to serve,” said Ms Theodorou.

“We walk past it every day, and we believe the people who live here should be the ones who decide what happens at Quinta.

“The number of people who give towards our fundraiser – https://gofund.me/70e0fe9c2 matters more than the total.

“Even £5 or £10 from someone locally adds another person to the evidence that the residents want to see the building brought back into use.”

Imminent sale of abandoned and derelict former Quinta Youth Club has added urgency to fund raising for new community hub in Mays Lane  

Quinta Village Green, now established as a community interest company, has commissioned feasibility work on developing a single-storey community hub with the option of first floor accommodation.

A community survey  https://forms.gle/Ynmib6DYGKxCTcoD7 is underway to reveal local needs and has already had around130 responses.

Ms Theodorou says they would welcome more responses from local young people, and they hope to run a focus group with students at Totteridge Academy to get their ideas.

“We want Quinta to help address the lack of youth provision in the north of the borough identified in Barnet’s own youth strategy work while still remaining a multi-generational hub.”

Possible options include a café looking out on to Quinta Village Green (registered as a public open space), rooms for local charities and organisations, and space for activities for teenagers.

Architectural options are being developed by architect Simon Kaufman and chartered surveyors Graham + Sibbald are carrying out cost assessment.

Much of the professional consultancy work has been funded by the Hadley Trust which has written to the council confirming serious interest in supporting the purchase of the former clubhouse.

Imminent sale of abandoned and derelict former Quinta Youth Club has added urgency to fund raising for new community hub in Mays Lane  

Ms Theodorou says the trust’s support has made an enormous difference.

In a statement, the founders of the trust, Sir Philip and Lady Hulme, say the proposed Quinta community hub is one of the more promising local projects they have seen.

“It is locally led and we have been greatly impressed by their professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment.

“We have funded the professional feasibility work and, subject to a satisfactory outcome and our normal due diligence, we expect to go on supporting the acquisition and development of the building.

“Projects like this are strongest when funders and the local community come together, and we would encourage others to join us.”

A second charity, Common Nature, has also written to the council confirming possible support through a community land purchase facility, co-invested with the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.

To promote the plans for the Quinta community hub a “vision and stakeholder” night is to be held on Wednesday 30 September at 7pm at the clubhouse of the East Barnet Old Grammarians. The aim is to build up support before the bid goes to Barnet Council.   

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/quinta-help-us-bring-it-back-vision-evening-tickets-2001273193996?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Dame Theresa Villiers withdraws from political life to return to an academic career of university teaching and research

Dame Theresa Villiers decides not to stand again as a Conservative candidate for Chipping Barnet to focus instead on an academic career

Former Chipping Barnet Conservative MP Dame Theresa Villiers has decided to leave the political fray of competitive politics to focus instead on an academic career undertaking advanced postgraduate research at University College London.

She has told members of her local Conservative Party that she will not be putting her name forward as a candidate at the next general election.

Despite her defeat in 2024 when the Chipping Barnet constituency elected Labour MP Dan Tomlinson, Dame Theresa remained active in the politics of the Barnet area.

She campaigned on behalf of the Conservative candidates in recent council elections, attended numerous political events, and appeared to have left open the possibility of standing again.

Her decision to focus and writing and her academic career of university teaching and research has disappointed many of her admirers.

Posts on social media expressed regret at her withdrawal from local politics.

She was described as having been “a great local MP” who had every chance of being elected once gain. Well-wishers said they hope she enjoys academic life.

In her statement she said after careful reflection she had decided not to put her name forward when Chipping Barnet Conservatives start the process in a few weeks’ time of selecting a new parliamentary candidate. Nor would she apply to stand in any other constituency.

“I believe the Conservatives have a great chance of regaining Chipping Barnet, but it is time to hand over to someone new to tackle that challenge.”

Dame Theresa, who was made Dame Commander of the British Empire by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle last December, said she was grateful to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for having included her in the Conservative candidates list.

“I strongly back Kemi’s leadership. I will continue to campaign energetically for the Conservative cause, in Barnet and beyond.”

During her two decades as an MP at Westminster – after previously serving for six years as a Member of the European Parliament – Dame Theresa was frequently in the national news.

Her roles as a cabinet minister included nearly four years as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. She became a leading and much-quoted supporter of Brexit.

She thanked Chipping Barnet Conservatives for having chosen her as candidate in five successive general elections.

“I feel immensely proud to have been given the opportunity to serve the community in which I live as its MP.

“Now I will be focussing on the writing and academic career – university teaching and research – to which I have returned after my stint in elected office.

“I am delighted to say that this will include research for an MPhil/PhD at University College London in October.”

Image: Dame Theresa Villiers’ Facebook page

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Concern over added pressure which new housing developments in Barnet area will place on already busy GP surgeries

Concern over added pressure which new housing developments in Barnet area will place on already busy GP surgeries

New housing developments around High Barnet and New Barnet are likely to lead to an increase of well over 2,000 in the local population but residents’ groups say there is no sign of health authorities delivering on promises to boost capacity at already over-stretched doctors’ surgeries.

Of the five GP practices within a two-kilometre radius, three already have fewer doctors than recommended by the British Medical Association.

Long-standing Save New Barnet campaigner, John Dix –above – says assurances given by developers when recent planning applications were approved have turned out to be misleading and so far, have not been honoured.

Despite the absence of any plans to expand GP practices, developers are continuing to claim that these five local surgeries are accepting new patients indicating that there is “some spare capacity in the local area”.

Concern over added pressure which new housing developments in Barnet area will place on already busy GP surgeries

Mr Dix told the Barnet Society that these assurances are not supported by the latest Barnet-area statistics from the General Practice Workforce for the ratio of patients per doctor.

A failure to get meaningful replies from the integrated care board for north Lonon highlighted what he believes is the failure of the health authorities to address the extra demand being placed on doctors’ surgeries by the scale of housing redevelopment underway in High Banet and New Barnet.   

When permission was given for nearly 500 new flats which are being built on the site of New Barnet’s former gas works, local residents were led to believe that there were proposals to merge three nearby doctors’ surgeries to create a combined practice to be housed at the East Barnet Health Centre.

Concern over the extra demand which will be placed on doctors' surgeries in High Barnet and New Barnet as a result of new housing developments adding over 2,000 to local population.

To his consternation Mr Dix has discovered that the original proposal to increase the number of doctors and enlarge East Barnet Health Centre – at an estimated cost of £1.4 million – appears to have been shelved.

He has now been told by the integrated care board that it disputes whether there was ever a proposal to merge The Addington and The Village surgeries with the practice at the East Barnet Health Centre.

“Apparently the developers Fairview did offer some of the retail space in the Park Quarter development for a new GP surgery, but this was considered unsuitable and the board said it did not get the money it needed to enlarge the East Barnet Health Centre.

“So, the net outcome is that we are going to have 486 new flats at Park Quarter   and no additional GP services for 1,000-plus new residents.”

Mr Dix said the GP shortfall had been acknowledged by Berkeley Homes when it obtained planning approval for 80 new homes next to Park Quarter on the site of the former gasometer.

“Berkeley Homes’ consultants recommended that Barnet Council should undertake measures to increase GP capacity through the use of community infrastructure levy money, but again there is no sign that any action is being taken.”

The GP shortfall in New Barnet is likely to be mirrored in High Barnet where major housing developments could add nearly 600 new homes – 145 in Moxon Street; 115 at Whalebones in Wood Street; and 328 at High Barnet tube station.

There is still the possibility of a High Court challenge to the decision by the Deputy Mayor of London to approve the construction of five blocks of flats on the station car park and adjoining land, but Mr Dix says consultants for Transport for London relied on the same assurances given by other developers.

A consultants’ report for TfL’s subsidiary, Places for London, said there were “five GP surgeries within 2 kilometres of the site, all of which are accepting new patients”, and that any increase in demand could be offset through financial contributions from Barnet Council’s income from the community infrastructure levy.

Mr Dix believes the failure of the integrated care board and Barnet Council to address the local GP shortfall results from their concentration of resources into the provision of primary care facilities for major housing developments at Brent Cross and Colindale.

“Unfortunately, the health authorities and the council are failing to look at the bigger picture and recognise that all the infill developments around High Barnet and New Barnet are having a significant cumulative impact on already over-stretched GP services.

“To be fair, the integrated care board insists it continues to keep local primary care capacity under review and remains interested in exploring future opportunities to expand services at East Board Health Centre should funding become available.

“The new draft London Plan says we need to build 32,730 new homes in Barnet so there is real concern that the health infrastructure, including hospital beds, will not be in place to meet the demand.”

General Practice Workforce statistics published in June indicate the strain current demand is placing on GP services at the five surgeries which the developers have referred to in their planning applications:

(The British Medical Association recommendation is 1 full-time equivalent qualified GP per 1,800 patients.)

The Old Court House Surgery, Wood Street – 10,239 patients; 5.2 full-time equivalent qualified doctors; 4.2 qualified doctors; ratio of patients to qualified GP, 2,420.  

Longrove Surgery, Vale Drive Primary Care Centre – 17,186 patients; 11.5 full-time equivalent qualified doctors; 9.5 qualified doctors; ratio of patients to qualified GP, 1,793.

The Village Surgery, New Barnet – 6,339 patients; 3.1 full-time equivalent qualified doctors; 3.1 qualified doctors; ratio of patients to qualified GP, 2,016.

Addington Medical Centre, New Barnet – 9,806 patients; 3.4 full-time equivalent qualified doctors; 3.4 qualified doctors; ratio of patients to qualified GP, 2842.

East Barnet Health Centre – 11,290 patients; 7.1 full-time equivalent qualified doctors; 6 qualified doctors; ratio of patients to qualified GP, 1,859.

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Mayor Khan’s proposed London Plan puts pressure on Barnet

view of derelict Green Belt land near Stirling Corner
Mayor Khan’s proposed London Plan puts pressure on Barnet

Barely five years after Mayor Khan’s current London Plan came into force, he’s consulting on a new one. The good news is that it will be a lot slimmer than the present version. The bad news for Barnet is that he’s upping his target for new homes in our borough, and he’s identified places in the Green Belt where some of them could be built.

The draft new Plan was published in July and is open for comments until 15 October. Its housing target for Barnet is to build 32,730 new homes between 2028 & 2037 – a 38% increase on the present London Plan. That still won’t be enough to deliver the Labour government’s pledge of 1.5 million new homes over the lifetime of this parliament. The Mayor and other Labour politicians are increasingly keen to pull any levers that might boost housing supply.

Since brownfield sites within Barnet are limited and more expensive to build on, the Mayor wants the Council to build 7,000 homes in its Green Belt (see map below). He states a preference for using those parts of it deemed ‘Grey Belt’, which could include derelict land in Arkley such as the site illustrated above. But he acknowledges that some greenfield areas will have to be sacrificed.

Mayor Khan’s proposed London Plan puts pressure on Barnet

On his election as MP for Chipping Barnet, Dan Thomlinson said, ‘Our green spaces and the beautiful Green Belt here in this constituency is something that I will always fight for and protect’. We hope he still keeps that promise.

The Plan would require at least 50% of new homes in the Green Belt to be ‘affordable’, or 35% in the case of schemes for 10-35 homes. (Developments of fewer than 10 homes are exempt.) These are ambitious targets, significantly higher than normally offered by developers. If they can be achieved, the Barnet Society might consider that a reasonable trade-off for the loss of some poor-quality Green Belt.

The Plan would subject any residential development in the Green Belt to conditions. Notably, the vast majority of the new homes would have to be located either within 400m of an eligible bus route or 1.2km – 15 minutes’ walk – from one of seven ‘well-connected’ rail and tube stations in Barnet. But that puts most of the constituency of Chipping Barnet in the frame, i.e. from Arkley to Hadley, and from New Barnet to Whetstone.

In addition to these seven ‘broad locations for growth’ (BLGs), the draft Plan also identifies ‘future industrial-led Green Belt candidates’ around the A1 at Borehamwood. This could include the extensive tract of land north-east of Stirling Corner (pictured at the top of this post).

Other industrial-led sites are by the M25 in Enfield, possibly associated with a 21,000-home new town at Crews Hill. That proposal is supported by the government and the Mayor of London, though – since the May local elections – no longer by Enfield Council.

The Plan also sets out strategic criteria for the construction of additional data centres across London to meet the growing demand. These are typically enormous boxes that consume large quanties of electricity and water (for cooling).

The draft London Plan makes no mention of the proposal in Barnet’s Local Plan to create a new Regional Park on the Green Belt and Metropolitan Open Space stretching between Arkley, Scratchwood and Mill Hill. Unless kept to the absolute minimum necessary for sustainable management of the Park, residential or commercial development within this zone would defeat its whole point.

You can read more about these threats and opportunities in my previous web post on the Green Belt.

Barnet Council has declared its objection to the Mayor’s proposals for housing and the Green Belt, which contradict the Local Plan that it adopted only last year. Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, Cllr Ross Houston, said:

“Barnet Council will carefully assess the detail of the draft London Plan before submitting its formal response to the consultation and we will continue to work with residents, communities and partners to ensure any future growth delivers the homes, opportunities and neighbourhoods that people need and want to see.”

Cllr Houston, the Barnet Society would be delighted to work with you, especially on the existential threat to our Green Belt.

Mayor Khan’s proposed London Plan puts pressure on Barnet

Above: Cllr Ross Houston speaking at a Barnet Society public meeting on housing in Barnet in 2023

You can view the draft Plan here. Tell Mayor Khan your views by doing one of the following:

– complete the online survey,
– email londonplan@london.gov.uk(External link

– write to Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, Draft London Plan, London Plan Team, Planning & Regeneration, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, London, E16 1ZE.

The deadline for comments is 5pm on Thursday, 15 October 2026.

Mayor Khan’s proposed London Plan puts pressure on Barnet
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Family stories of life in Barnet during Second World War brought back to life in autumn production at The Bull Theatre

Family stories of life in Barnet during Second World War brought back to life in autumn production at The Bull Theatre

Cast members are going through their storylines before rehearsals start in September at The Bull Theatre for a new play which aims to portray the life and times of the townspeople of Barnet during the Second World War.

Much of the action revolves around the wartime comings and goings at Barnet Odeon (now the Everyman) – both in the cinema and a bomb shelter where patrons and staff gathered during air raids.

In mid-October the Blue Door Theatre Company will be staging four performances at The Bull of A Nightingale Sang in Barnet – all about the blitz and beyond.

Director Siobhan Dunne, see above right with cast members Val Golding (far left) and Jan Parker, said they hoped to capture the drama and uncertainty of wartime in Barnet.

“We have five writers working on the play and some of the scenes are based on verbatim stories of family memories and others are imagined scenarios.

“But because we are portraying wartime experiences not all the story lines have a resolution so that adds to the drama and poignancy of the production.”

Jan Parker has the role of Mrs Sprat who is a wartime dealer in the black market and operates with her son.

“Mrs Sprat is the brains behind her black-market business swapping and selling things like eggs for cigarettes or whatever.

“We see her selling a chicken in the bomb shelter – the very kind of activity frowned upon during the war.”

By contrast Val Golding’s role as Mrs Leonard is a reminder of the legacy of the First World War.  Her husband was killed at the Somme, and she is very upset by the renewed outbreak of war across Europe.

Ms Dunne said they had all jumped at the chance to build a production around Barnet in the 1940s and extend Blue Door’s well-earned reputation for delivering sell-out shows that celebrate the town’s history.

There will be four performances – Thursday 15 October, 7.30pm; Friday 16 October, 7.30pm; Saturday 17 October, 2pm and 7.30pm. Tickets at £19 plus booking fee now available via www.thebulltheatre.com

Drama portraying life and times of townspeople of Barnet during Second World War to start rehearsals at The Bull theatre in September

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Appeal to Barnet residents to train as volunteer advisers for local drop-in sessions held by Citizens Advice Barnet

Citizens Advice Barnet launches recruitment campaign for residents to train as voluntees for drop-in advice sessions at Chipping Barnet Library and St James Church, New Barnet

Citizens Advice Barnet has launched a recruitment campaign for new volunteers and is keen to appoint new advisers for its two local drop-in advice sessions at Chipping Barnet Library in Stapylton Road and at Jim’s Café at St James Church, New Barnet.

No previous experience is required, and new recruits are offered full training as volunteer advisers.

Citizens Advice Barnet is undertaking its biggest recruitment drive and is aiming to recruit 25 people into its advice services team who hold advice sessions across the borough – see above stall run by Mallika and Samuel.

The two local sessions are held every other week with the next drop-in at Chipping Barnet Library on Tuesday 11 August (10am to 1pm) and at Jim’s Café, St James Church, New Barnet, on Wednesday 12 August (9.30am to 12.30pm).

All volunteers will be given full training to equip them to give high-quality advice on a range of problems.

Due to the extensive training needed, the minimum commitment for the role is two working days a week for at least nine months.

Nadya Bari, head of advice services, says that many more people need advice than they are able to help and to address this Citizens Advice Barnet has launched its biggest recruitment drive.

Benefits from volunteering include gaining “nationally recognised, sought after training”, being part of a welcoming and supportive team, and securing life skills and hand-on experience.

Volunteers who later move on to other occupations and employment said they learned so much about advice work and the privilege of being part of an organisation dedicated to helping people.

To find out more information and apply to volunteer, visit: https://barnetcab.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/

Or volunteer@barnetcab.org.uk

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New play at The Bull Theatre aims to celebrate life and times of townspeople of Barnet during the Second World War

New play at The Bull Theatre aims to celebrate life and times of townspeople of Barnet during the Second World War

Wartime comings and goings among patrons and staff at Barnet Odeon contribute to storylines in the latest production by the Blue Door Theatre Company to be staged at The Bull Theatre in October.

A Nightingale Sang in Barnet – all about the blitz and beyond – is based on memories and tales about life in Barnet in the 1940s during World War II.

Barnet Odeon – now the Everyman – opened in 1935 and the cinema became a popular venue during the war years.

The newly built picture house and a dusty, makeshift air raid shelter are two of the settings for what director Siobhan Dunne says will be backdrops allowing the cast to weave “a rich tapestry of verbatim stories and imagined events”.

New play at The Bull Theatre aims to celebrate life and times of townspeople of Barnet during the Second World War

For at least four members of the Blue Door company, the new production is a personal affair as they have family stories of life in Barnet during the Second World War.

They aim to recreate a Barnet where some say they continued to hear the nightingale sing when life in the town was “ruled by the skies, the sirens, the thrum and the silence”.

Ms Dunne said they had all jumped at the chance to build a production around Barnet of the 1940s and extend Blue Door’s well-earned reputation for delivering sell-out shows that reflect the town’s history.

“We visit the newly built Odeon. A flickering projector mirroring the heartbeats of people who work and visit the picture house of dreams.

“A magic lantern bringing light to break the shadows, respite for all the strangers brought together as a family in a dusty, makeshift shelter.” 

Writing what is billed as a “fascinating and moving production full of war time drama and classic songs” has been a team effort by Sarah Munford, Hannah Gerolemou, Rafaela Golding, Claire Fisher, Dominique Carruthers-Reeve, Francesco Giacon and Brigid Hekster.

Music has been arranged by Nick Godwin.

There will be four performances – Thursday 15 October, 7.30pm; Friday 16 October, 7.30pm; Saturday 17 October, 2pm and 7.30pm. Tickets at £19 plus booking fee now available via www.thebulltheatre.com

New play at The Bull Theatre aims to celebrate life and times of townspeople of Barnet during the Second World War

A photograph from the Barnet Museum collection shows a children’s street party in Crescent Road, New Barnet, celebrating Victory in Europe Day on 8 May 1945.

What would they have eaten is the question which was posed when the photograph was reproduced in the museum’s 2018 calendar.

“There would have probably been a lot of sandwiches and at least one ‘eggless’ fruit cake since eggs were rationed.

“It is likely that hoarded tinned fruit and similar treasures would also have appeared at this party.

“Certainly, the happy young mothers portrayed would have pooled their rations and exercised a great deal of ingenuity to make a treat that the children would remember for a very long time.”

Barnet Museum’s photograph of Barnet Odeon – see above – is dated 1937. The cinema was opened on 15 May 1935 before an audience of 1,110, including the architect, Edgar Simmons.

Its façade is an example of Art Deco architecture, and it was awarded Grade II listing in 1989.

There were four local cinemas in the 1940s and 1950s – the Odeon; Cinema Palace which opened in Barnet High Street in 1912 and was later known as the Barnet Cinema and then the Gaumont; New Barnet Kinema in Lytton Road which later became the Regal; and the Dominion, opened in 1938 in East Barnet village to come the Essoldo in 1950.

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Redevelopment of Dollis Valley estate due to restart in September after three-year delay in demolishing vacant flats

Redevelopment of Dollis Valley estate due to restart in September after three-year delay in demolishing vacant flats

Completion of the redevelopment of the Dollis Valley estate – where blocks of flats and maisonettes have been awaiting demolition for the last three years – is finally to go ahead with access to a £58 million grant from the Greater London Authority.

Regeneration of the estate was stalled in 2023 because the developers Vistry said the scheme previously agreed with Barnet Council for 126 new privately-owned and 95 affordable homes was no longer viable.

A revised plan approved at a cabinet meeting will now provide for the construction of 208 affordable homes which will be managed for the council by Barnet Homes.

The new Dollis Valley houses – 187 for social rent and 21 for key workers – will provide what is described as a “significant” contribution to Barnet’s target to deliver 1,000 new council homes.

But by abandoning the previously agreed construction of over 100 new private homes, the council has angered owners of new Dollis Valley houses who fear this will alter the balance of an estate which was supposed to be a 50/50 split between private and social ownership.

Despite what was described at the meeting as the “potential guilt” felt by some councillors for letting down the private owners, the cabinet decided there was no other viable option than to accept Vistry’s latest proposal.

To qualify for access to £58.85 million of GLA affordable housing grant, construction of the new houses has to start by September this year.

Redevelopment of Dollis Valley estate due to restart in September after three-year delay in demolishing vacant flats

If the council failed to meet the deadline one option would be to demolish the vacant flats and maisonettes and retain the empty site until the housing market improved but that would expose the council to further financial risk.

The first three phases of the Dollis Valley regeneration have delivered over 400 new houses in what the council describes as “a low-rise, gentle density garden suburb style development dominated by houses with gardens and traditional streets.”

Dollis Valley regeneration to restart after Barrnet Council agrees new deal with developers Vistry for 221 new homes

The final two phases of the scheme – which would result in the demolition of the vacant Garrowsfield and Mill Bridge blocks – were originally intended to provide 126 private and 95 affordable homes.

Poor market conditions and increased construction costs were said to have made this “significantly unviable” which resulted in Vistry proposing the construction of 208 affordable homes at “a fixed price” and 13 private homes, the scheme which has now been approved.

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First summer pick your own flowers day at Grow, Totteridge Academy school farm, where monster crop of pumpkins is under cultivation

First summer pick your own flowers day at Grow, Totteridge Academy school farm, where monster crop of pumpkins is under cultivation

A bumper crop of 1,000 or more pumpkins is expected at Grow, the school farm at The Totteridge Academy, where volunteers are having to water the crops to cope with the drought during the summer holidays.

Eve Rogers, the newly-appointed managing director of the farm – see above – surveyed the crop in one of several large plots devoted to pumpkins.

The aim is to have them all ready to harvest in time for Grow’s Pumpkin Time celebration on Saturday 24 October – just one of several summer events being held at the farm.

“Given the length of the drought, our volunteer watering teams have been tremendous.

“They start at 7am and we could not have survived without them as there is no irrigation system for the farm and the watering has to be done by hand.”

First summer pick your own flowers day at Grow, Totteridge Academy school farm, where monster crop of pumpkins is under cultivation

Already looking like a possible prize winner for the largest pumpkin is a rapidly maturing squash which has been grown by one of the families benefiting from Grow’s popular community programme supporting low-income families with no outdoor space.

“This amazing pumpkin has been grown by a grow-cook-share family and children who come every week to look after vegetables in their raised bed,” said Eve.

Grow supports families living below the poverty line with a project helping them to grow, cook and share their own produce.

First summer pick your own flowers day at Grow, Totteridge Academy school farm, where monster crop of pumpkins is under cultivation

The farm’s first Pick Your Own Flowers event proved highly successful with families allowed to walk through the farm and choose their flowers.

First summer pick your own flowers day at Grow, Totteridge Academy school farm, where monster crop of pumpkins is under cultivation

Three more are planned for the rest of the summer – on Saturday 8 August, Saturday 5 September and Saturday 19 September.

First summer pick your own flowers day at Grow, Totteridge Academy school farm, where monster crop of pumpkins is under cultivation

A new event in Grow’s summer calendar are weekends for volunteering when parents and children can visit the farm and help with the cultivation – starting on Sunday 23 August.

At the first of this summer’s Pick Your Own events a stream of visitors left the farm in Barnet Lane with bunches of flowers and vegetables.

First summer pick your own flowers day at Grow, Totteridge Academy school farm, where monster crop of pumpkins is under cultivation

“Here I am coming away with two wonderful bunches of the freshest possible flowers,” said Jo, see above left, with Grow Farm trustee Sam.

“Totteridge Academy cannot be praised enough for encouraging what is a great initiative – a school farm supported by the local community.”

Grown, school farm at Totteridge Academy holds its first pick your own flowers event and prepares for a monster harvest of pumpkins

Another happy purchaser was Robert with a bag of tomatoes and another of new potatoes.

“I have an allotment myself and I now have allotment envy seeing what wonderful fruit and vegetables are being produced here by Grow.

“I have to admit I am jealous just looking around the farm at all their crops. It is an amazing achievement by the Totteridge Academy pupils, parents and volunteers.”

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A well-attended open-air service in Ravenscroft Park was held by Christ Church, Barnet, to reach out to the community     

A well-attended open-air service in Ravenscroft Park was held by Christ Church, Barnet, to reach out to the community     

Ravenscroft Park was the setting for an outdoor service held by Christ Church, Barnet, allowing the congregation and passersby to take advantage of a sunny Sunday morning.

“Church in the Park” was the first service of its kind organised by Christ Church as part of its ongoing commitment to reach out to the community.

Worshippers were invited to stay on for a picnic lunch under the shade of the park’s mature trees – and an ice cream van was on hand as well.

A well-attended open-air service in Ravenscroft Park was held by Christ Church, Barnet, to reach out to the community     

Andy Rimmer, the Christ Church vicar, said it was the first time they had organised an open-air service.

They were determined to take advantage of the exceptional summer weather.

Open-air service held by Christ Church Barnet in Ravenscroft Park takes advantage of exceptional summe weather

“Our ‘Church in the Park’ event builds on our church in the community programme.”

In recent years Christ Church has organised well attended Christmas carol concerts in Ravenscroft Park.  

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Planning Inspector dismisses appeal to build mansion in Christchurch Lane spinney

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An Inspector has dismissed an appeal by developer Christchurchgrove Ltd against Barnet Council’s refusal of its planning application to build a 5-bedroom house in a wood in Chipping Barnet. The decision concludes a successful campaign by local residents, with help from the Barnet Society, to save a cherished natural habitat in the Monken Hadley Conservation Area. It also sends a message to developers about the Council’s commitment to protecting green spaces in Barnet.

Although only one acre in area, the spinney beside Christchurch Lane forms a link in a green chain connecting Old Fold Manor golf course and Hadley Green, both in the Green Belt. Both are also designated Areas of Particular Importance for Biodiversity in the Mayor of London’s Nature Recovery Plan. Many trees in the wood are subject to Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and it is a haven of wild life, for example the Muntjac deer and her fawn in the photograph above (courtesy of neighbour Marianne Nix).

Planning Inspector dismisses appeal to build mansion in Christchurch Lane spinney

Concerns arose two years ago, when it emerged that the Council had authorised the sale of the part of the spinney that it owns for £430,000, subject to the buyer obtaining planning consent. But its own planning and biodiversity officers took issue with aspects of the preliminary ecological appraisal commissioned by the developer and breaches of Barnet’s Local Plan.

In parallel local residents monitored wildlife in the wood, photographing and recording a fascinating range of birds, bats and animals coming and going within 200 metres of Barnet High Street (as reported in our web post on 31 January). A petition to Save Chipping Barnet Woodland was started in September 2025, and within a few months had been supported by over 2,250 signatures. 

A planning application was eventually submitted in January this year. It comprised a new mansion, designed in the Arts & Crafts style of existing houses in Sunset View, with a private garden and an enclosed swimming pool. In response to Society suggestions, the house boundaries were softened to integrate the garden more closely with the existing vegetation, and a plan was offered to manage the whole of the spinney. Despite constructive pre-application discussions between the developer and the Society, however, the final proposals did not go far enough to safeguard the existing environment and we objected to them – as did 278 other members of the public. Not a single comment was submitted in support.

Barnet planners recommended refusal of the application. Not only did the application breach several policies in its Local Plan (adopted only last year), it would have contradicted the Green Manifesto which had formed part of Labour’s platform in the 2022 local elections. Perhaps with an eye on the impending May local elections, the Council rejected the application on 10 March.

Almost immediately, the developer appealed against the Council’s decision.

The Planning Inspectorate’s verdict, published on 10 July, is unambiguous:

‘…the development of the site would have a harmful impact on the character and appearance of the area…and would fail to preserve the character or appearance of the Monken Hadley Conservation Area [MHCA]’, as well as being contrary to policies in The London Plan and the Barnet Local Plan.’

The Inspector echoed the opinion of local residents:

‘The sense of depth and scale that the woodland currently possesses is of considerable value…It provides a characterful wooded setting to the adjacent development and ties these roads into the wider landscape character of the MHCA…’

S/he also noted that,

‘This impact would be exacerbated by the proposed design…the proposed dwelling would appear to sit within an overgrown garden without a clear visual and spatial connection to the road or the sense of grandeur that many dwellings in the area possess.’

Regarding the hedge proposed around the site perimeter, the Inspector commented,

‘It is however highly doubtful that it would be possible to plant and successfully establish a continuous hedge in this location given the number of trees that would be retained around the edges of the site and their scale.’

Furthermore,

‘…the value of the woodland and the presence of a veteran tree, have not been accurately assessed, resulting in an unreliable biodiversity net gain calculation.’

The Society and campaigners have welcomed the Inspector’s decision. Retired GP Richard Norris commented,

‘Very definite rejection from Planning Inspector Tucker, very detailed, gives me faith in our institutions.’

Marianne Nix, who was instrumental in setting up the Save Chipping Barnet Woodland website and petition said,

‘I am delighted and hugely relieved that the Planning Inspectorate has dismissed the Appeal. The local community has worked together tirelessly to raise funds to publicise and to fight the potential destruction of this precious pocket of green on our doorsteps. Together we have gained the support of thousands of Barnet residents as well as petition signatures from all parts of the UK and even overseas. The World is waking up to the fact that we need to protect even the smallest pockets of nature and biodiversity that we in Barnet are lucky enough to enjoy.’

She thanked everyone who had objected to the planning application. But she went on to warn,

‘Although the veteran trees and wildlife are safe for now, I have a feeling there will be another application, this time with two or three houses.’

So we can’t relax. The Barnet Society was founded specifically to protect London’s Green Belt and the wider environment, and these are under greater threat than ever. We need funds to continue doing so. If you haven’t done so already, please join us or donate – just go to the top of this page.

Planning Inspector dismisses appeal to build mansion in Christchurch Lane spinney
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The Barnet Society mourns the passing of its remarkable President

The Barnet Society mourns the passing of its remarkable President

Aubrey Rose CBE, proud President of the Barnet Society, died on 26th June 2026 aged 99. He was a great supporter of the Society, always ready with encouragement and advice. He helped secure The Bull as a community resource, and his experience of town planning was a help to the Society’s planning and environmental work. Jenny Remfry, our Vice President, writes the following appreciation:

The Barnet Society committee sometimes met at Aubrey’s house, Monken Holt on Hadley Green. In 1995, as part of the celebrations of the Barnet Society’s 50th anniversary, we held a garden party there.

He was elected President in 2005, succeeding Sir Sydney Chapman MP, who had been unseated by Theresa Villiers in the 2005 General Election, and Gwyneth Cowing, the Society’s Co-founder and first President. 

Aubrey was modest in appearance and gentle in manner, but jovial and very sociable. He was a wise man to whom one could take one’s problems. He would listen intently, think deeply, then answer in a kindly way.     

Aubrey was born in 1926. His parents had come as immigrants from Poland to London’s East End in the early 20th century, and their experience gave Aubrey a sympathy for immigrants, particularly those from Commonwealth countries. In the 1940s, after a couple of years in the army, Aubrey became a lawyer the hard way, starting as an articled clerk while studying for the exams to become a solicitor. In 1951, at the age of 25, he set up his own practice – half a room furnished with a desk, one chair and a filing cabinet – in Fleet Street.

His first client was a young woman and her aunt who were opening a dress shop. The young woman was Sheila, whom he married in 1954 and with whom he lived happily until her death in 2007. He built up his business, taking on assistants and partners and was the Senior Partner from 1971 to 1995.

Aubrey tells the story of his life as a solicitor with great humour in his book ‘Brief Encounters of a Legal Kind’ published in 1997. Many of his early clients came from Poland, Ireland and the Caribbean. But that was just the start of a remarkable career.

In the 1950s, one of his clients was a confidence trickster – the father of John le Carré. In the 1960s, he advised on the development of Carnaby Street in the heart of ‘Swinging London’.

In the 1970s he was the legal advisor to the Hosein brothers accused of kidnapping Mrs Muriel McKay.

In the 1980s he advised the enquiry into the Brixton riots that led to the Scarman Report.

In the 1990s he was involved in the legal conundrum of whether the London Electricity Board had the right to build an electricity substation under Leicester Square. (In the end, they did.)  Also in the 1990s, Aubrey was involved in the setting up of the National Lottery.

It was in the 1970s that Aubrey moved with his family to Monken Holt. My first contact with him was in 1979.  His elder son, David, had died of cancer, leaving a large collection of interesting abstract paintings. Aubrey was desolated and determined that his son would not be forgotten. He came to the Old Bull and arranged with Pam Edwards to use the gallery to exhibit David’s works. After that, Aubrey became a great supporter of the Old Bull and chaired a committee to raise money for the proposed theatre that was opened in 1988.

Although a practising Jew in the Liberal tradition and serving on the Board of Deputies of British Jews for over 50 years, Aubrey was ecumenical in his outlook. He often came to the Parish Church on Christmas Day, and was a member of the Council of Christians and Jews. He was the first Jewish Commissioner on the Commission for Racial Equality and its Deputy Chairman in 1995. He was the only Jewish trustee of Barnet’s Hyde Trust.

He also supported Cherry Lodge, a Nurses’ Association, the Jewish Association of Spiritual Healers, and was a Freeman of the City of London. In 1997 he was honoured with the CBE for his work in the community.

Aubrey published several books and was proud to be a member of the Society of Authors, and to receive an honorary doctorate from London Metropolitan University in 2000. The book he wrote in 1997 about his son David – ‘Journey into Immortality’ was well received. This was followed by an autobiography – ‘Rainbow Never Ends’ in 2006 – and ‘Letters to my Wife’ as a tribute to Sheila. More recently, he has written books for children, such as ‘Sea Olympics’ published in 2012.  

Aubrey loved giving talks, many of them on life in the old East End. More recently, he made contributions to the Barnet U3A. He is fondly remembered by the members he introduced to the fundamentals of Bridge, and intrigued others by giving talks on faith healing and the spirit world. 

Aubrey’s funeral was held on 30th June at the Western Cemetery, Bulls Cross, attended by his family, colleagues and many friends. In her eulogy, Aubrey’s daughter Esther spoke of his gentleness. During his lifetime he gave help, advice and encouragement to hundreds of people, many of whom became lifelong friends. He was, she said, extremely perceptive and observant, with views on all sorts of things, but he expressed them with grace, kindness and restraint. He always saw the best.   

Barnet has lost a remarkable man.

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Deputy Mayor of London has high praise for a new High Barnet estate of houses and flats being built on former farmland at Whalebones

Deputy Mayor of London has high praise for a new High Barnet estate of houses and flats being built on former farmland at Whalebones

Construction of new houses and flats is well underway on what was the last remaining field on the border betweenHigh High Barnet and Arkley – a development described by a Deputy Mayor of London as a “fantastic example” of delivering new homes while preserving a green space and respecting the heritage of the location.

Work on the new Whalebones Park housing estate began last year after those campaigning to preserve the Whalebones woods and farmland finally admitted defeat.

Barnet Council voted narrowly in favour of the scheme and the Mayor of London gave the final go-ahead for the construction of 115 new homes, a mix of houses for private sale and affordable homes in blocks ranging from two to five storeys in height.

The first of the new homes are expected to be completed by the summer next year.

Deputy Mayor of London praises controversial redevelopment on farmland at Whalebones for its contribution to providing the high quality and affordable homes needed by Londoners

Tom Copley, deputy mayor of London for housing and development, was welcomed on an official visit to the site by Greg Hill, deputy chief executive of the developers, The Hill Group, and Joe Mashall, chief investment and development officer for affordable housing charity Sovereign Network Group.

(Hill Group photo, See above, Tom Copley, with spade, and on his left London Assembly Member Councillor Ann Clarke and Greg Hill; and on his right, High Barnet Councillor Emma Whysall and Joe Marshall).

The purpose of the visit was to review progress on a development aimed at addressing London’s housing need while “preserving and enhancing” the character of an important heritage site.

Mr Copley praised the commitment of the Hill Group and SNG in preserving green space around the development and enhancing biodiversity.

“Whalebones Park is a fantastic example of how we can deliver the high-quality, genuinely affordable homes Londoners need while creating places where communities can thrive,” said Mr Copley.

“Developments like this are vital to building a better, fairer London.”

Mr Marshall said a total of 54 affordable homes – one, two and three-bedroom apartments – would be delivered through a partnership between The Hill Group and SNG and they would give local people greater access to affordable rent and shared ownership in an area where demand remained high.

“Combined with the new green spaces, community facilities and long-term investment in the landscape, this development will make a lasting positive impact for both new and existing residents.”  

Andy Hill, founder and group chief executive of The Hill Group, has always insisted the Whalebones Park development will respect the heritage of the Grade II listed Whalebones House, formerly the home of Cowing family, proprietors of the Barnet Press.

Around half of the 12 acre-site will be retained as publicly accessible open space, “ensuring the natural beauty and heritage of Whalebones Park is protected for future generations”.

“Residents and the wider community will benefit from attractive meadows, healing gardens, ponds, natural play areas, a woodland walk and accessible routes.”

A biodiversity net gain of 10 per cent would be achieved through the planting of 200 new trees and 750 metres of new hedgerow, alongside a long-term management plan to protect habitats and green infrastructure.

The new homes will feature air-source heat pumps, solar panels and sustainable urban drainage systems to ensure the neighbourhood is “low carbon, energy efficient and environmentally sensitive”.

The development will retain a site for an agricultural smallholding to replace the original Whalebones farm; a new community building including a new studio for Barnet Guild of Artists; and one site parking.  

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Up went the hands in favour of Barnet Society members contributing to any appeal to fund a legal challenge to High Barnet station flats

Up went the hands in favour of Barnet Society members contributing to any appeal to fund a legal challenge to High Barnet station flats

Barnet Society members have voted decisively to support and contribute to any campaign to mount a legal challenge against the Deputy Mayor of London’s decision to overrule Barnet Council and authorise the go ahead for blocks of flats on the car park at High Barnet tube station.

The deadline for an application for a judicial review is Tuesday 7 July.

Although Barnet Council has yet to announce if it has any intention of challenging the mayor’s decision in the High Court, Barnet Residents Association says it is seeking advice on whether there might be grounds for pursuing a judicial review.

When asked for their response at the annual general meeting of the Barnet Society, members voted unanimously in favour of the society contributing towards the cost of an application for judicial review.

There was also a unanimous vote by those who were present to contribute personally to a legal fund – and half the members who were there indicated they would contribute £100 each if necessary.

Robin Bishop (above), the society’s lead on planning issues, told the meeting that possible grounds for judicial review might be that the deputy mayor had pre-judged the application and ignored Barnet’s local plan which limited the height of any blocks to seven storeys – when the proposed scheme included one tower block of 11 storeys.

A High Court challenge would be costly: initial legal advice would amount to around several thousand pounds, and a full legal challenge could cost around £40,000, which might double if costs had to be paid to Transport for London.

Up went the hands in favour of Barnet Society members contributing to any appeal to fund a legal challenge to High Barnet station flats

Committee member Nick Saul (above, left) advised the meeting that the deputy mayor’s decision could be challenged on the grounds it was a test case when it came to applications to build on Transport for London land.

Calling in the High Barnet station scheme for the mayor’s approval was not a first in itself, but was the first to be considered and decided upon at a hearing at City Hall.

Similar applications for developments at Stanmore and Canons Park stations were called in, but both were withdrawn before a hearing took place.

An alternative suggestion made at the meeting was that local groups might launch a petition to persuade Barnet Council to declare the station car park as an asset of community value – a step which would prevent the land being developed by TfL’s investment subsidiary Places for London and developers Barratt.

Mr Bishop promised to keep the society abreast of any moves within the community to launch a judicial review and consider other options such as seeking ACV status for the car park to block the scheme – a safeguard that would remain in place for around 5 years.

The possibility of getting involved in legal action only served to underline the significance of a separate decision at the annual meeting to prepare the necessary documents for an application to convert the society into a company limited by guarantee.

Barnet Society members ready to support and contribute any fund to mount legal challenge to Deputy Mayor of London's decision to give go ahead for blocks of flats over High Barnet tube station car park.

Committee member Mahender Khari (above) explained the importance to voluntary community groups of taking advantage of the legal protection which this structure offered to committee members.

Increasingly non-profit groups such as charities and clubs were becoming a company limited by guarantee because it created an up-to-date and more stable financial structure and assisted when seeking grants or other funding.

Mr Khari thanked the annual meeting for their support and said the committee would now proceed with the preparation of the paperwork which would be needed to register with Companies House.

Once the documentation had been completed it would be sent out to members before being voted on at an extra-ordinary general meeting.

John Hay, the society’s chair – who is also trustee treasurer for the Friends of Tudor Park and Pavilion – told the meeting that there had been some progress at last on the bid to rescue and renovate the abandoned former cricket pavilion.

A head of agreement had been settled with Barnet Council and the friends’ committee was waiting to sign an agreement to lease the pavilion.

Once that step had been completed there would be a chance to examine the state of the building – at heightened risk because of a widening crack on the west elevation – and that could lead on to a signing of the lease itself.

Mr Hay acknowledged the frustration over the time this was taking but the council had now agreed that no rent would be charged on the pavilion for the first five years, followed by a pepper corn rent, and that £191,000 was available in a fund set aside by the council for repairs.

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Expanded Barnet Medieval Festival promising another premier event for Wars of the Roses re-enactors and spectators

Expanded programme planned for Barnet Medieval Festival with more mounted men at arms, a falconry display and competition for youngsters in period costomes and fancy dress

A new tee shirt commemorating the 555th anniversary of the Battle of Barnet will be on sale at the annual Barnet Medieval Festival over the weekend, on Saturday and Sunday June 6 and 7.

For the second year the festival is being held at its new and much larger site in the fields around the Lewis of London Ice Cream Farm in Galley Lane.

D Susan Skedd, the festival director – see above with volunteer Chris Nightingale – says the £15 new tee shirt is a special edition which she hopes will appeal to Wars of the Roses enthusiasts.

After record attendance and participation last year, the festival is becoming a premier event for among military re-enactors and medieval traders and there is again an expanded programme of events.

Twice as many mounted men at arms and their horses will be taking part this year and for the first time at the festival there will be falconry displays by the falconry team Hawking About.

Among the highlights each day will be the re-enactments of the Second Battle of St Albans 1461 (at 12noon) and the Battle of Barnet 1471 (at 4pm).

Younger visitors under 12 will be able to take part each day in a competition for the best period costume or fancy dress (judging at 1.30pm).

Prizes will be awarded for the most historical and creative costumes.

Tickets can be bought at the gate or in advance from the online shop before June 5: www.barnet-medieval-festival-committee.sumupstore.com

There will be free parking onsite in Galley Lane, including disabled parking and taxi drop-off and a free shuttle bus that will run regularly from behind The Spires in Stapylton Road.

Full information: www.barnetmedievalfestival.org

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Campaign to save and rebuild an abandoned clubhouse for benefit of Underhill residents gathers pace ahead of its sale by Barnet Council

Campaign to save and rebuild an abandoned clubhouse for benefit of Underhill residents gathers pace ahead of its sale by Barnet Council

Residents around Mays Lane are anxious to attract support for a community bid to take over the derelict former Quinta Youth Club which has been put up for sale by Barnet Council for £300,000.

Local groups have until October to submit offers and proposals to the council. Several eligible community interest organisations have already expressed interest.

Gina Theodorou (above), chair of the Quinta Village Green Residents Association, is appealing for a concerted push by the locality to help to secure and re-open the derelict club as a community hub and space.

“We fear Barnet Council may favour selling the abandoned building to an organisation from outside the area rather than a genuinely local community-led proposal.

“Our aim is to create a flexible new community building and integrate it into Quinta village green which is alongside and which we have already made sure is preserved for the use of our community.”

As a first step a community interest company is to be established by the residents’ association to develop a business plan.

Campaign to save and rebuild an abandoned clubhouse for benefit of Underhill residents gathers pace ahead of its sale by Barnet Council

An image, showing what a revived Quinta Club building might look like, has been issued in support of an appeal on Facebook and GoFundMe to help with the cost of planning and funding the application:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-the-quinta-club-for-the-whole-community

https://www.facebook.com/quinta.green.9/posts/pfbid0Z7oaBfVJP2sHuaZ1kcaYyYSJBMtoSDBP5QZts4jNrQCrM3iRFkvkFZZA2z9EGzaul

The club building – originally constructed by the Underhill community in the 1960s with the help of local tradesmen and residents – has been derelict for the last 20 years, raising concern among Mays Lane residents about continuing vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Campaign to save and rebuild an abandoned clubhouse for benefit of Underhill residents gathers pace ahead of its sale by Barnet Council

Gina Theodorou – seen above with Rory (16) who is supporting the campaign for a new community space for local youngsters – is urging the community to rally round as quickly as possible so that a proposal can be submitted to the council by the deadline of October 17.

“In its heyday the Quinta Club was a wonderful community space – it was a youth centre, a meeting place for the elderly, for a nursery and for all sorts of exercise classes.

“We are becoming increasingly concerned because the council is getting expressions of interest from community groups outside the area– including religious organisations – and the priority for the council seems to be getting rid of the freehold for the best possible price.

“We want to keep the building as broad-based shared community asset, which is financially sustainable and offer affordable room hire, café, and space for family and youth activities.”  

It was at the request of residents’ association that the abandoned building was registered by the council as an asset of community value.

This has established a six-month moratorium during which the council may only sell the former club to a qualifying community interest group – a window of opportunity which lasts until October 17.

Campaign to save and rebuild an abandoned clubhouse for benefit of Underhill residents gathers pace ahead of its sale by Barnet Council

An open day will be held at the site in Mays Lane on Tuesday 30 June (from 11am to 2pm) when qualifying groups can view the property and ask questions, although there is a warning that viewing might be limited to “an external walk around on grounds of safety”.

To build up support for its GoFundMe appeal and a combined local response, Mrs Theodorou is hoping to draw on professional expertise within the community and wider backing from local politicians.

Dan Tomlinson, the MP for Chipping Barnet, launched a Community Action Network in March this year, aimed at “shaping and showcasing” projects proposed by the local residents in his constituency.

Mays Lane is within the council’s Underhill ward and one of its two councillors, Zahra Beg, is the newly elected Mayor of Barnet.   

Campaign to mount a bid for community to rebuild the Quinta Club in Mays Lane which Barnet Council has put on the market for £300,000 with deadline of October for community bids

Ms Theodorou says residents have been become alarmed at the state of the dereliction.

There are gaps in the boarding surrounding the derelict building and it has become a dumping ground for rubbish.

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

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Live cartooning was highlight of the afternoon at North London Hospice shop to promote the sale of second-hand books

Live cartooning was highlight of the afternoon at North London Hospice shop to promote the sale of second-hand books

Cartoons and caricatures filled the front of the North London Hospice shop in Barnet High Street at the launch of an expanded book shop – all in aid of a new fund-raising push.

Assistant shop manager Dora Pavlou sat for Barnet caricaturist Simon Ellinas while fellow resident and cartoonist Genn Marshall was hard at work on the floor on his latest cartoon character.

They were all helping to raise money for the hospice and provide publicity for an enlarged bookshop at the rear of the shop.

Recent donations and house clearances have helped the North London Hospice build up a large stock of second-hand books ready for sale – paperbacks £1 and hardbacks £2.

Live cartooning was highlight of the afternoon at North London Hospice shop to promote the sale of second-hand books

Dora was delighted by her caricature by Simon whose work has been published widely, most recently in the Mail on Sunday and other national newspapers and magazines.

Live cartooning was highlight of the afternoon at North London Hospice shop to promote the sale of second-hand books

Glenn Marshall displayed a collection of his cartoon characters which filled the front of the shop.

There were some wry smiles for his depictions – all an indication of the wide range of Glenn’s published work in magazines such as Private Eye, Punch and the Spectator.

Cartoons and caricatures filled Barnet shopfront of North London Hospice to promote enlarged bookshop.

Another High Barnet resident, Professor Neil Martin organised the event. He is a volunteer at the shop responsible for sorting and pricing donated books.     

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Black Horse to re-open in mid-June after extensive repairs – but uncertain future for Builders Arms now on the market for £695,000

Black Horse to re-open in mid-June after extensive repairs – but uncertain future for Builders Arms now on the market for £695,000

After the loss of several pubs around High Barnet in recent weeks, work has finally started on major repairs to the Black Horse in Wood Street, and it is due to re-open in mid-June after being closed since last September.

Scaffolding surrounds the building and local residents who feared the worst when metal grilles were installed across the doors and windows are delighted to hear the news.

With the approach of warm weather, they say they can’t wait for the re-opening of the pub’s garden which is popular weekend venue.

Star Pubs told the Barnet Society that additional building work has proved necessary and it will take longer than originally anticipated, but they hope the pub can re-open by mid-June.

A new tenant – described as “a local businessman” – has taken on the tenancy.

To the disappointment of some previous customers, Star Pubs say the Black Horse will not be reverting to a micro-brewery which had operated at the pub in the past and produced its own ales.

Earlier this year, because of concern about the future of the Black Horse, Barnet Council accepted a community request for the pub to be protected by an order declaring the building as asset of community value.

ACV protection allows the community to enter a bid if the pub is sold for redevelopment – protection already provided for three other nearby pubs, the Lord Nelson, Sebright Arms and Ye Olde Monken Holt, as well as the Prince of Wales in East Barnet.

Black Horse public house in Wood Street Barnet to re-open after nine-month closure but now closed Builders Arms in New Barnet for sale at £695,000

A petition has been launched to secure ACV protection for the Builders Arms in Albert Road, New Barnet, which closed in mid-April and is now on the market for £695,000.

A two-year struggle to keep going finally defeated the pub’s landlady who blamed a loss of trade on the disruption caused by ending up in the middle of a massive construction site.

Albert Road is the main access to the site where Fairview Homes are building eleven high-rise blocks of flats to provide 420 new homes, and the pub found itself marooned in the redevelopment.

Despite considerable local support, the landlady reluctantly decided to hand her tenancy back to the brewers Greene King raising local concern about the future of a pub praised by the Campaign for Real Ale.

Former customers and friends started the petition in an attempt to preserve what they say is a “much loved local institution”.

Greene King, which is reported to be planning to sell off 300 of its tenanted and managed pubs, put the Builders Arms on the market soon after it ceased trading in mid-April.

WTS, agents for the sale, say the building does offer the potential for alternative use, subject to planning consent, and the property might appeal to “local licensed operators, developers, builders and investors.”

Another recent pub closure was that of the Hadley House bar and restaurant in Barnet High Street, which in previous years was known as the King George and earlier as the King of Prussia – but another High Street hostelry, the King’s Head, which closed for a month for renovations is due to re-open on June 12.

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Fighting for improved adult social care and support for the disabled are priorities for Barnet’s new Green Party councillor

Priorities for Barnet Council's new Green Party Councillor, who lives in High Barnet, will be fighting to improve adult social care and support for people with disabilities

Barnet’s newly-elected Green Party councillor, Charli Thompson – who lives in High Barnet – says her priority will be to tackle issues surrounding adult social care and disabilities rather than get involved in party political infighting.

With Labour and the Conservatives each having 31 councillors, Ms Thompson might well have a casting vote at future council meetings, but she has no intention of exploiting her position for political purposes.

“I realise I hold the balance of power, but I am not interested in forming a political alliance with either Labour or the Conservatives.

“My role as a councillor will be to listen to residents and their concerns, support their interests and align myself with Green Party policies.”

Her resolve to avoid playing party politics was put to the test when the council met for the first time (Tuesday 19 May) to decide whether Councillor Barry Rawlings should remain Labour leader and control the council or whether the post should go to the Conservative leader Peter Zinkin with control passing to the Conservatives.

She voted first against councillor Zinkin, who was defeated by 32 votest to 31, and then voted against councillor Rawlings who was re-elected leader for four years with 31 votes in favour, 31 absentions by Conservative councillors and only one vote (Green) against.

Ms Thompson topped the poll with 1,331 votes in the Woodhouse ward, taking a Labour seat, in the Barnet Council elections on May 7.

Support for Greens was strongest in the Barnet wards closest to inner London where the party is now in a majority in some London boroughs.   

Her first move on being elected was to approach Barnet’s Labour and Conservative groups to see if they would agree to her becoming a member of the council’s committee for adult social care.

“I am disabled myself and to my disappointment both parties have blocked my attempt to use my expertise as a campaigner on adult social care and disabilities to help improve council services.”

In 2019 Ms Thompson was signed off work as a freelance designer because of a worsening brain condition (Chiari malformation) and during the last few years she helped to care for her father, who died earlier this year, and her sister who is autistic and in supported living care.

“I went into politics because I became so disillusioned about the level of care.

“I want to use any influence I have to improve council services for adult social care and disabilities.

“It is not asking a lot to seek to use my expertise as a campaigner, and now a councillor, for the benefit of the community, but already Labour and the Conservatives say they won’t work with me.”

Ms Thompson, who stood previously for the Green Party in a by-election in the Whetstone ward in 2025, was attracted to politics when Jeremy Corbyn was elected leader of the Labour Party in 2015. She went on to become a Labour Party member.

“I found Corbyn inspiring, the way he connected with people who had been marginalised and gave them a voice.”

After Labour’s defeat in the 2019 general election, she didn’t want Corbyn to stand down. She voted for Rebecca Long-Bailey in the 2020 Labour leadership election which was won by Sir Keir Starmer.

Shortly after the 2024 general election she resigned from the Labour Party – and joined the Green Party –following the Starmer government’s withdrawal of winter fuel allowance for the elderly and military support for Israel over the war in Gaza.

Ms Thompson has had a lifetime association with High Barnet. She was born – Charlotte Thompson– at the former Victoria Maternity Hospital in Wood Street;  went to school at the former St Martha’s Convent; and then St Michael’s at North Finchley.