News from The Barnet Society

With the loss of a central clearing point to support Barnet's foodbanks, organisers say there is added urgency behind the need for a day-long event in November to consider how to strengthen the distribution of supplies to needy families.

Residents concerned about plans for further development threatening the Dollis Valley Green Belt have formed an action group ahead of a public inquiry to be held in the New Year over a controversial proposal for a residential caravan site.

Residents at a Barnet care home were able to share in the wide recognition of World Alzheimer's Day with a chance to enjoy a special performance by the north London community group "Singing for the Brain".

School pupils are just some of the regular passengers who rely on the reinstated 84B bus service between Potters Bar and High Barnet -- a route which needs additional funding if its future operation is to be guaranteed.

Almost half the teaching staff at Queen Elizabeth's Girls' School, Barnet, have been there for at least ten years -- a record of long service that was described as "a remarkable achievement" by the headteacher Violet Walker.

A new special school for autistic children in Moxon Street, Barnet, is full of surprises. A calm, safe playground on the roof top and a pink and purple sensory room are just two of the many innovative features.

Volunteer fruit pickers are hoping for a bumper harvest of surplus produce to support foodbanks across the London Borough of Barnet. Barnet Community Harvesters, established four years ago by Daniella Levene (above, left), are finding that this autumn’s crop of apples and pears is far better than a year ago.

A fund-raising campaign is underway to prevent a repeat this winter and next spring on the muddy conditions which disrupted an equine therapy centre for challenged youngsters at Greengates Stables in Mays Lane, Barnet.

Staff and volunteers at the Chipping Barnet and Dollis Valley foodbanks are being forced to start making arrangements for alternative supplies and deliveries -- especially of fresh fruit and vegetables -- following Barnet Council's decision to withdraw funding from the borough's foodbank hub.

Barnet parish church was transformed for its annual summer party -- and the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Tony Vourou, joined in the fun when teddy bears were hauled on a zip wire to the top of the tower.

After promoting the BringBarnetBack campaign for the last six months supporters say that they have been amazed by the enthusiasm they have found within the town for a possible return of Barnet Football Club to a new stadium in Underhill.

Two planning applications on neighbouring sites in Mays Lane, Barnet, reflect the continuing pressure for redevelopment on green belt land in the Dollis Valley.

Residents, shopkeepers and bus passengers are among those who have been invited to give their views on a controversial plan to introduce bus lanes along much of the busiest section of Barnet High Street -- between the Wood Street junction at the parish church and the junction with Meadway.

What should be the future priorities for High Barnet? The creation of local employment and a successful town centre or the continued loss of jobs through the demolition of business premises to make way for additional housing?

Except for a few stragglers, swifts that spend three months each year flying high above High Barnet and New Barnet seem to have said farewell and set off on their long migration flight to Africa via France and Portugal.

Missing for several days from the bus stand beside The Spires shopping centre has been the 399 service from High Barnet to Hadley Wood station. From the start of August, Sullivan Buses, an independent bus operator based at South Mimms, withdrew from eight Transport for London routes because of a funding dispute.

A former street corner shop close to Barnet High Street which featured in scenes in the 1960s tv crimes series Gideon's Way can now be demolished and replaced with a house.

Walkers and cyclists are being encouraged to take part in the preparation of plans to strengthen and complete a 17-mile long loop of footpaths and cycleways circling the London Borough of Barnet.

Pam Edwards, who for over 60 years was a tireless supporter of the local arts scene and a founder member of what is now The Bull Theatre, has died at the age of 98.

A silver lining from the continuing debacle over the stalled future development of The Spires shopping centre is that the previously abandoned Chipping Close car park has belatedly been re-opened to motorists.