Patience is the watchword among staff and volunteers at the Rainbow Centre on the Dollis Valley estate as they wait for Barnet Council to refurbish a dis-used sports pavilion to provide a new base for community activities.

Relocating the centre from the estate to nearby new premises was first proposed two years ago.

But the project has now been delayed still further by the council’s decision to convert the pavilion into a carbon neutral building which will require advanced wiring and electrical installations.

Steve Verrall, director of the charity Barnet Community Projects and Patricia Gay, a director of the Rainbow Centre – see above – say they can’t wait to move in.

The former cricket pavilion in Barnet Lane, Underhill, has been vacant since the departure of Barnet Football Club from its Underhill stadium and the construction of the new Ark Pioneer Academy School.

Once the building has been refurbished by the council it could provide space for a wider range of community services.

The Rainbow Centre’s existing premises in Dollis Valley Drive are the base for numerous activities including a weekly foodbank, regular martial arts classes, and a lunch club for needy children during school holidays.

Steve says the clock is ticking over the need for a new base.

The lease on their existing premises runs out in April as the building is due to be demolished to make way for the next phase of the Dollis Valley housing regeneration scheme.

If the restoration of the cricket pavilion is not completed in time, the centre might have to make a temporary move to a former Scout hut the other side of Ark Academy in Priory Grove, off Westcombe Drive, Underhill.

Patricia said they are anxious not to disrupt the activities such as their martial arts classes which have proved so popular and so beneficial especially for unsettled youngsters, and even drug addicts and the homeless.

There are three martial arts sessions a week, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with free entry for children from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, and youngsters and adults from 7.30pm to 9pm.

“Without doubt our martial arts classes are helping turn life around for some youngsters. They can train three times a week and sessions give them focus and discipline,” said Patricia.

“We have had some real successes. We helped a young homeless couple restore a sense of purpose and they now have a house and a baby. We have helped youngsters get free of drugs and stop carrying knives. They are back in control of their lives.”

Under their instructor Ibush Januzi, a jiu-jitsu master (second from right), the martial arts classes have proved inspirational, and their success has boosted fund raising.

Ibush was formerly a refugee from Kosovo and has rebuilt his life in the UK.  Patricia said his dedication in running classes three times a week for the last few years has generated so much enthusiasm.

Up to 50 children attend the first class of the evening, with the later sessions attracting 40 or so youngsters and adults.  

A recent collection at the Sebright Arms in Alston Road had helped raise sufficient money to buy new tee shirts for some of those most in need – just one of the ways the community has shown support.

Another mainstay of the Rainbow Centre’s work is its weekly foodbank each Thursday organised by manager Sarah Snell (far right) seen here with Karen Gosland (left) and Jeanette Catlin.

Currently the food bank is supporting over sixty families a week – and the volunteers say they see new faces every Thursday, which they think is only to be expected given the cost-of-living crisis.

Sarah said they try to give each family sufficient food for three days, including one complete meal.

“We always include as many fresh vegetables and fruit as we can: potatoes, onions, carrots, bananas, apples, and oranges.

“We have some really generous people in Barnet. One couple go to Barnet Market each Wednesday and buy trays of fruit and vegetables which they then donate to the centre.

“Without their help, we wouldn’t be able to distribute the fresh food that we do.”

Sarah says that when out purchasing and collecting food, shopkeepers and traders can see from her jumper that she represents a foodbank and are more than ready to offer a discount or hand over surplus stock.

Although the foodbank is only available once a week, the centre will send out emergency supplies for any family in need.

School holidays are another significant date in the annual calendar at the centre when it opens its doors to a daily children’s holiday club (from 9.30am to 1.30pm) with sports activities, arts and crafts followed by a freshly cooked lunch.