News from The Barnet Society

Barnet Council's decision to refuse a planning application for a two-acre paddock at the Arkley end of Mays Lane to be converted to a site for residential caravans has been hailed by local campaigners as a significant boost to the protection of the Green Belt.

Transport for London's aim of completing coverage of its ULEZ cameras on approach roads in and around High Barnet is being repeatedly thwarted by protestors who are still angered by the introduction of the new anti-pollution vehicle charge.

After standing empty for almost three years, one of High Barnet's historic High Street buildings has been re-opened as the flagship cafe in a local chain of Costa Coffee houses.

High Barnet's great tradition of Christmas carol concerts and services was given a boost with what was described as a marvellous musical performance by the choir and orchestra of Queen Elizabeth's Girls' School.

Two years in the making but all the better for that is a detailed plan to repair and refurbish the abandoned pavilion in Tudor Park, in Tudor Road, New Barnet, so that it can be reopened for public use.

Two regulars at the Ye Olde Monken Holt in Barnet High Street have transformed one wall of the pub into an illuminated display in readiness for a series of Christmas and New Year fund raising events.

High Barnet's celebrated road sweeper Dougie Shrubb, who carried on working long after retiring age, has finally called it a day at the age of 71. Fond farewells were the order of the day along the High Street as he emptied bins and cleared up litter for one last time.

A residents' campaign to "Save The Spires" is urging Barnet Council to intervene to provide safeguards about the long-term future of High Barnet's shopping centre amid continuing uncertainty about the financial status of its owners.

The deadline for comments on the planning application to build 114 homes on the field shown above is Tuesday 12 December. Barnet planners have already built them into the draft Local Plan, and we must work on the basis that they are likely to recommend approval of the plans.

Barnet's iconic and historic Tudor Hall -- originally the schoolhouse for the free grammar school granted a charter by Queen Elizabeth I in 1573 -- is up for sale and is being advertised by the agents Colliers as an "exceptional investment opportunity".

Barnet's annual Christmas Fayre defied the weather and brightened up a rainy Sunday as crowds thronged the High Street and supported events and attractions at venues around the town centre.

Revealing and then photographing the faces and spaces behind the front doors of shops and traders in and around Barnet High Street became the 2023 project for local resident and photographer Simon Hollins.

Residents of Salisbury Road could hardly believe their eyes when they saw contractors re-installing white lines and parking bays -- the long-promised final task before the re-opening of their road after five miserable weeks of mayhem.

Copies of a picture book which the Princess of Wales donated to High Barnet's newly opened baby bank proved a popular choice once children from needy families started choosing presents at its Christmas pop-up shop.

Original scripts, lyrics and music all bringing to life the rich history of Barnet Fair combined to provide a memorable production of "The Boy I Love" which delighted packed audiences at The Bull Theatre.

Final preparations are being made for the annual Barnet Christmas Fayre on Sunday 3 December which will fill the High Street with over 100 stalls and feature a wide variety of seasonal events and attractions in nearby venues around the town centre.

High Barnet's community dance group D2D -- Dare to Dance -- are one of the groups preparing for a North London dance festival early next year. Generations Dance Day will be open to all ages and abilities with free entry at the artsdepot in North Finchley on Saturday 17 February.

BYM Capital, owners of High Barnet's shopping centre The Spires, have become insolvent. Administrators appointed by the High Court are now in charge of the company.

High Barnet is being asked to nominate its change makers --inspirational figures with local connections whose contributions to society deserve to be highlighted as part of a borough-wide celebration being organised by Create London.

Bugler Alexander Hill sounded the Last Post after wreath laying at the Remembrance Sunday service at the High Barnet war memorial at the parish church of St John the Baptist. Thirty-nine wreaths were laid on behalf of the armed services, Barnet Council and numerous local dignitaries and organisations.