Local News is our Aim THE www.glh.co.uk Professional Sales & Lettings 020 8883 5000 AT COMPETITIVE RATES 020 8444 5222 CARS & COURIERS eastfinc le ere leaf co ARCHER December 2014 No. 253 20p ISSN 1361-3952 where sold A community newspaper for East Finchley run entirely by volunteers. “Stop the library cuts” say campaigners as day centre services face closure too, but Old Barn is SAVED By Daphne Chamberlain Barnet Council plans to cut the libraries budget by £2.8million over the next five years. The council is asking us to choose between three ways to achieve this, though it has stated that it will not necessarily be guided by the wishes of the majority. For East Finchley, it is a choice between complete closure or a library reduced to about the size of the present reading room and quite likely to be relocated. Under one option, this tiny library would be unstaffed for most of the time. Under another it would be offered to the community, to be run by volunteers. We have until the middle of February to express an opinion. The council’s survey can be found online at: https:// www.surveymonkey.com/s/ library-consultation-14. Note that you don’t have Parents and kids protest outside East Finchley Library. to choose between the coun- Photo by Mike Coles cil’s options, but can just Season’s greetings enter your views in the com- Everyone on THE ARCHER team sends their best wishes ment box. for the festive season to all our readers, deliverers and The full consultation VICTORY AUTO SERVICES advertisers. Thank you for all your contributions and document can be found at support over the last 12 months and we wish all of you http://engage.barnet.gov. a happy, peaceful and prosperous 2015. uk. For paper copies, email Mechanical & Diagnostic Repairs libraryconsultation@barnet. on most makes & models gov.uk or phone 020 8359 7100. Servicing, MOTs, Tyres, Continued on page 2. Bodywork, Vehicle Air onditioning 109 Fortis Green East Finchley London N2 9HR ……………………..The Right Choice Old Barn is Tel: 020 8883 9707 / 0023 Fa : 020 8 82 9179 Estate Agents – Valuers Residential Sales – Lettings –Management – Cyprus Properties 40 High Road East in hley London P el 0 0 0 0 a 0 0 0 Email en uiries primelo ations o u e site primelo ations o u saved for the Call us for a Free Valuation. Family Business you can Trust. community 82 High Road See page 4 for our coverage East Finchley N2 9PN Ann Owens EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OF THEIR CUSTOMERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS 020 8883 0033 AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR! closure date Lighting the wa Ma ing nne ti n in e highroadn2 ric ettandellis co is conirmed Turn to page 3 for the full Estate Agents and Valuers Established story.
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THE ARCHER USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS PO Box 3699, London N2 2DE Councils Hospitals Crime www.the-archer.co.uk Email: [email protected] Barnet Council: Barnet General 0845 111 4000 Emergency 999 @TheArcherN2 www.facebook.com/TheArcherN2 Admin/Town Hall 020 8359 2000 Coppetts Wood 020 8883 9792 Barnet Police 101 Voicemail (messages only) 0800 612 0748 for editorial and general Council Tax 020 8359 2608 Finchley Memorial 020 8349 7500 CrimeStoppers 0800 555111 enquiries or 0800 612 4027 for Advertising enquiries only Recycling & refuse 020 8359 4600 Oak Lane Clinic 020 8349 7000 Victim Support 0845 303 0900 Primary Care Trust 020 8201 4700 Royal Free 020 7794 0500 East Finchley Safer Benefits Agency 020 8258 6500 St Luke’s 020 8219 1800 Neighbourhood Team 020 7161 9014 Published by Editorial Team Finance & East Finchley Newspapers Diana Cormack Advertising Employment Service 020 8258 3900 Whittington 020 7272 3070 Help & Advice Daphne Chamberlain John Dearing Haringey Council 020 8489 0000 Copy Editor Health Advice Advice Barnet Project 0844 826 9336 John Lawrence Sub Editors Distribution Leisure AIDSline 020 8363 2141 CAB Money Advice 020 8201 7727 Ann Bronkhorst Toni Morgan Production Editor Alexandra Palace 020 8365 2121 Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 7697555 Carers’ Line 020 8343 9698 Alison Roberts Jeff Robson Rose Molloy East Finchley Library 020 8359 3815 Barndoc 0300 033 3777 Childline 0800 1111 Picture Editor Printed By Muswell Hill Odeon 0870 505 0007 Barnet MENCAP 020 8203 6688 Disability Info Service 020 8446 6935 Mike Coles Sharman & Co Ltd Phoenix Cinema 020 8444 6789 Cancer Support 020 8202 2211 Gingerbread 020 8445 4227 Thank you to The Bald Faced Stag for providing us with a meeting place. 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RSPCA animal clinic 020 8365 3910 National Express 08705 808080 Age UK 020 820 35040 January: 12 December, February: 16 Samaritans 08457 909090 Copy deadlines – Heathrow Airport 0870 000 0123 Contact (N2) 020 8432 1415 January, March: 13 February Refuge Crisis Line 0870 599 5443 Stop the library cuts Hospital bus latest Leisure passes By Daphne Chamberlain for carers Continued from front page. Library service: Provision of a bus to Finchley Memorial seems to depend East Finchley Library Users on local GPs moving their surgeries into the hospital. Any registered carer, Group (EFLUG) has responded the options Transport for London will whether an adult or a immediately, saying that none These are the options for not divert any existing buses. child, now has free access of the council’s three options the future of the library The hospital stated that they had Phoenix to Barnet’s GLL-operated is acceptable. More than 80 service put forward by sought advice at the planning leisure centres. library users, ranging in age stage of building, but there had This includes free swim- from 94 to young students, Barnet Council: been no requirement to include lies high ming at Copthall, Finchley met at short notice in Martin • Four core libraries at Barnet, The Phoenix Cinema was a bus in their travel plan. All Lido and Church Farm, as well School last month. They have Church End, Colindale and their planning conditions had recently ranked alongside as concessionary discounts on now formed active working Hendon. All others reduced been met and signed off. the London Coliseum and badminton, group exercise parties and staged a protest to about 540 sq ft on average. However, Friends of Wilton’s Music Hall as classes, and many more activi- demo. Group membership is Current opening hours extended Finchley Memorial and The being one of the 10 best cin- ties. To get a pass, just email zooming upwards; Facebook by 50% across network, but Finchley Society have told emas or theatres in London. the Prevention and Wellbeing and Twitter are buzzing with libraries staffed for only half Barnet that they support local Find the full list at http:// Team at preventionandwellbe- messages of support. of current opening hours. • East Finchley, Burnt Oak, people and organisations who tinyurl.com/momwkek [email protected]. … and questions are concerned about the lack of All options involve Childs Hill, Mill Hill, Osidge and South Friern to close. a bus to the hospital entrance. unstaffed ‘open’ libraries, Their joint survey, carried which open and close auto- Remaining libraries based Planning Applications around ‘travel hubs’ that at out last April, suggests that Barnet Council 150mm, with new roof edge matically and operate self- many patients who are currently service. Campaigners are least 95% of population could 234 East End Road N2 protection guardrail set back access within 30 minutes travel driving or being driven to the Roof extension, with side and behind parapet. asking whether a library can hospital would switch to a bus be called ‘open’ when it can time. Staffed for 60% of current rear wrap-around dormer, and 100 Ossulton Way, N2 opening hours. New opening that went up to the door. This three roof lights at front to facili- Converting garage into habit- only be accessed by scanning would also help ensure that the a library card and entering a hours 7am to 10pm. tate loft conversion. able room, including side infill • East Finchley, Mill Hill, car park remains adequate when 6 Hertford Road, N2 extension. PIN code. Staff will be present the GPs’ surgeries and clinics in peak times (late afternoons South Friern and Edgware to Single-storey rear extension. 11 Park Gate, N2 be offered to local groups as move in. Depth 5m from rear wall, eaves Single-storey rear extension and weekends), but outside Barnet’s Health Overview those times it seems that the community libraries. Space height 2.3m, max. height 3.3m. and patio. reduced to about 540 sq ft. and Scrutiny Committee has 18A Lewis Gardens, N2 Haringey Council libraries will be effectively asked the local Community closed to non-members, or to Burnt Oak also reduced in size. Continued residential use. 5 Twyford Avenue, N2 Other libraries staffed for 50% Health Partnership to report 1 Lincoln Road, N2 Two-storey rear extension. people who want to drop in on back on a survey into an on-site impulse, or for use as commu- of current opening hours with Single-storey side/rear exten- Verge adjacent to 64 Aylmer hours extended to 7am to 10pm. bus service they propose to hold sion. Road, N2 nity meeting-places. when the GPs move in. Open libraries will stay 1-169 Old Farm Road, N2 One 15m high street furniture open from 7am to 10pm. Will Replacing single-glazed steel design telecommunications a CCTV camera be enough to framed windows and doors with monopole, with one ground level reassure people nervous about double-glazed with aluminium equipment cabinet and develop- safety? Edgware will run a frames. Raising roof parapet ment ancillary thereto. pilot open project from mid- December. - Beginners - How can Community Libraries run successfully without the secure lease and Tai Chi & Qigong professional help for which 2 Classes in East Finchley the brilliant volunteers who Wednesdays at either 12.00 or 1.00pm (Trial session: £5) took over Friern Barnet Library -DPHV'UHZHLVDTXDOLILHGWHDFKHUDQGKDVEHHQSUDFWLVLQJW·DLFKLIRU\HDUV have been asking, without +HLVWKHDXWKRURIERRNVRQW·DLFKL LVDPHPEHURIWKH%&&0$ success? Other classes : www.taiji.co.uk Find EFLUG on Facebook email: [email protected] phone: 020-8883 3308 and loveEFLibrary on Twitter. To join the campaign, contact Polly Napper at pollynapper@ btinternet.com. Piano Lessons Footnote: An online peti- Jazz, blues, classical, rock tion against the cuts, not con- Also theory, keyboard harmony, improvisation, nected to EFLUG, can be found composition, arranging, song-writing, GCSE & A level music at https://you.38degrees.org. uk/petitions/no-to-closure-of- James Drew-Edwards LTCL GTCL PGCE (music), CRB checked barnet-libraries [email protected] 020-8444 0655 3 THE ARCHER - www.the-archer.co.uk DECEMBER 2014 Ann Owens Centre: Three months left By Daphne Chamberlain Conventional day centre services at the Ann Owens Centre will deinitely stop next March. Hopefully other activities will continue there, but THE ARCHER was told last year that the lease on the building runs out in March. We have asked AgeUK Barnet whether the lease is being renewed, but have not had an answer. Closure of the day centre Ambulance services was always on the transport axed cards. Originally scheduled for On the other hand, people last March, they were given a who rely on ambulances to year’s reprieve, although at take them to the traditional the same time funding was day centre meetings are being withdrawn for the ambulances excluded, even if they live in which take elderly people there the next road. Those who come on Tuesdays and Thursdays. from some distance away are The new (small) house on King Street has a £600,000 price tag. Photo by Mike Coles ‘Neighbourhood often people with conditions services’ instead such as memory loss, and who enjoy the company and the Is this East Finchley’s diddiest dwelling? At AgeUK’s AGM in Octo- As new-builds go, it’s certainly bijou! This house in King Street is still under construc- ber,it was conirmed that these outing. THE ARCHER has asked AgeU- tion but it’s already on the market for a whopping £600,000. services would close, both at That’s a price tag that would money. vacant back yard plot just off Ann Owens and the Meritage KBarnet how many elderly people are going to lose their easily buy you a four or ive- The whole house measures, Church Lane. Centre, Hendon. This is in bedroom family house in some approximately, just 10m (32ft) So what’s inside? Well, line with Barnet’s policy of daytime services, and what alternative is being offered parts of the country but here in by 6m (19ft) and has been downstairs there are two bed- neighbourhood services for N2 you get a little less for your squeezed on to what was a rooms, each about 4m by 4m over-50s which, in practice, them. Again, we have had no reply, and their website gives (13ft by 13ft), with a bathroom means various service provid- in between, just wide enough to only the most leeting reference ers, including AgeUK, starting accommodate a bath. The whole up classes and courses in many to day centre closure. If we hear Schools expand more, we will tell you. of the upstairs is the main living different subjects for anyone The Wren Academy is to be one of two new ‘all-through’ area with an integrated kitchen. over 50. schools in Barnet from September after planning permis- There’s a tiny balcony but no Barnet and AgeUK report in Ann Owens sion was given to build a new primary school on its site garden. glowing terms that these activi- in North Finchley. Of course, as estate agent ties are reaching many more bring and buy The Wren will offer 60 recep- increased and a drop-off / Jeremy Leaf & Co says, buyers older people, and nobody would tion places each year, enabling pick-up zone for parents will will be getting themselves a deny that that is excellent. The Ann Owens Centre is pupils to remain at the same be introduced. spanking new build which However, whether all the holding a Christmas bring school from the age of four Separately, a planning appli- will be itted out to a very people are going to venues in and buy sale. Cakes, mince through to 18. The London cation has been submitted for the high speciication. But if your their immediate neighbour- pies, jewellery, good qual- Academy in Edgware will offer expansion of Oak Lodge Special hobby happens to be swing- hood (which is supposed to ity clothes and accessories, a similar number of new primary School, off East End Road. ing cats, perhaps best to look be the aim) is another matter. bric-a-brac, and unwanted places. The secondary school, which elsewhere. And why should they? People gifts are welcome. Development of the Wren specialises in teaching students have a right to choose where Proceeds go to Age UK site will provide new school with moderate or severe learning they spend their time. The Barnet. The fair is on Tuesday 9 buildings, enhanced playing dificulties, would provide an point is that they are able to December from 11am to 2pm at fields and improved park- extra 35 places taking student get themselves there. the Centre in Oak Lane, N2 8LT. ing. On-site parking will be numbers to 200 in total. Nicky Sharp Awards for making a Osteopathy Clinic difference Do you know an individual or group living or working Cranial and Structural Osteopathy within Barnet who deserves recognition for their outstand- and Acupuncture ing achievements and contributions to the borough? If you do, Barnet Council is seeking nominations for the All Major Insurers Accepted 2015 Barnet Civic Awards. The awards, now in their 15th able from Hendon Town Hall, For consultations and appointments: year, are an opportunity for the all of the borough’s libraries, borough to recognise oficially North London Business Park Telephone: 020 8815 9433 the commitment and hard work reception (building 3) or by 2 ast nd oad www.nickysharposteopathy.co.uk of those who strive to make a downloading a form from the positive difference to the lives council’s website www.barnet. London N2 8AU e mail: [email protected] of others. gov.uk/civic-awards Winners will be announced All suggestions must be at an awards ceremony in March received no later than 31 Decem- 2015 hosted by the Mayor of ber 2014. Nominees must be Barnet, Councillor Hugh Rayner. either residents or work in Nomination forms are avail- Barnet. Josephines EXPERTS IN CREATIVE FLORAL DESIGN Pop in o see o r new h n e Chris s e or ions n r s. ishin o ll pp Chris s www.josephinesflowers. o. Tel i h R E s Fin hle Lon on N PN 4 DECEMBER 2014 THE ARCHER - www.the-archer.co.uk At last! The Old Barn is reclaimed By Janet Maitland The Old Barn is back in safe hands at last. Staff from social and community group Mobilise, who’ve been appointed as interim trustees, cut through the padlocked gates and reclaimed the deserted building on 31 October. Security guards are now protecting the centre until it reopens. All the iles found in the ofice have been sent to the Charity Commission as possible evidence of fraud. Some of the local residents He assured campaigners that and councillors who’ve been there would be a thorough consul- campaigning for years to reclaim tation before any options for the the Old Barn marched through centre’s future were considered. the gates a few days later. “At THE ARCHER was told that Barnet last justice has been done,” said Council plans to refurbish the Maureen Clemetson, who used centre and develop new facilities. to run the Monday Youth Club Until it fell into the wrong before the previous ‘trustees’ hands, the Old Barn was a thriv- discontinued it, as they did all the ing community centre for over 25 Campaigners and Mobilise sta walk through the Old Barn gates. Photo by Mike Coles Old Barn services, when they took years. “Over the years volunteers over the centre in 2010. have painted it inside and out, The campaigners stood in the planted trees and run fund raisers,” centre’s brightly painted hall and said Cllr Alison Moore. “It echoed talked to Mobilise staff about what to the laughter of a generation and happens next. more of young, and not so young, “Over the next few weeks we’ll local people.” review the charity’s assets and The only service the ‘trustees’ liabilities, trying to ind people who provided in four years of misman- believe they’re current members, agement was a nursery, which was and making recommendations closed by Ofsted in July after 18 on the viability of the current months for failing to provide safe organisation,” said Micah Gold, childcare. from Mobilise. He explained it The Mobilise team is keen to may be necessary to dissolve the hear from anyone wishing to get charity and start a new one, as the involved in reviving the Old Barn. The rst glimpse of the inside of the Old Barn centre in years. old ‘trustees’ have tarnished the Contact [email protected]. Photo by Mike Coles Old Barn’s good name. Old Barn: What Old Barn campaigners speak out By Janet Maitland As the gates to the Old Barn were opened again, THE ARCHER spoke to some of the people happens next? who’d campaigned so hard over four years to return the venue to the community. By Janet Maitland Roger Chapman, local resident: experience of the last few years has that the Old Barn’s future is truly what THE ARCHER asked the Charity Commission how it will “I look forward to the Old Barn once exposed poor practice at the Charity the community wants.” protect the Old Barn in the future. Here’s what they told us. again becoming a vibrant hub of local Commission, an organisation funded Jon Woolfson, local resident: “I THE ARCHER: What action is appointing Mobilise because community life. It must be supported by the taxpayer to regulate charities. hope the Grange Big Local will play a the Commission taking to ensure you’d concluded that the char- by Trustees dedicated to maintaining In the case of the Old Barn, they failed central role in the future of the building. it for local community use. Safeguards miserably. Something fundamental My one concern is about the existing that the trustees are disqualiied ity had ‘no properly appointed are needed so that the Old Barn can went wrong. I need to be reassured charity, which has been in the hands from setting up or becoming trustees’. Was it not possible to never again be taken over by unrep- that the commission has taken steps of people who weren’t interested in the trustees of any other charity in use your powers to remove the resentative groups with no interest in to prevent a case like this ever hap- community; it may need to be wound the future? trustees several months ago, the community.” pening again.” up so that future generations are not The Charity Commission: given that you’d already decided Maureen Clemetson, Monday Michele Haniotis, founder burdened by its failures.” The commission currently does in April that the trustees weren’t Club leader: “My concern is that there member of the Old Barn Action East Finchley councilor Arjun not have the power that enables validly appointed? shouldn’t be any little loophole to let Group: “There are still important Mittra: “It’s been tough, but thanks us to disqualify a trustee, or pre- Yes, our view was that in 2010 these people get back into running the issues to address, including more to dedicated local residents we have vent a trustee from setting up, or there were no valid appointments Old Barn. My dream is that the children consultation with the local community a breakthrough. The key to making becoming a trustee of, any other of trustees. However, we had of East Finchley will no longer be roam- and the terms of the new lease with sure that the Old Barn is a success charity in the future. However, to be assured – through further ing the streets like Nomads, but will be Barnet Council. I call on the interim will be to retain community interest we welcome the publication of enquiries, including the use of restored to their rightful place and have trustee, Mobilise, to arrange an AGM and involvement in its running. I hope the Draft Protection of Chari- our powers under s. 52 of the somewhere they can go.” as soon as possible to elect a new, the Charity Commission will up their Helen Drake, local parent: “The representative management to ensure game in future.” ties Bill. This makes signiicant Charities Act – that the posi- changes to the ways individuals tion had not been regularised can be disqualiied from acting as since. This took a little time. In @ charity trustees, including a new the end, we were fully satisied @ oo power to disqualify a person from that the legal position had never being a charity trustee where the been regularised and therefore FREE commission considers them unit. we were conident in stating that GOODIE AGS in ho s In this case the commission there were no properly appointed MULLED WINE SATURDAY vintage & handmade @ & MINCE PIES has noted for future reference trustees at all, hence the appoint- * w i e st s st DECEM ER the actions of certain individu- ment of Mobilise. In this process @ p als should there be registration we also needed to be assured that GIFTS / SOFT FURNISHINGS applications in the future. the association had never been JEWELLERY / STATIONERY Are you planning to notify legally dissolved. Our conclu- FURNITURE / HOMEWARE @ the police of possible fraud by sion was that it had never been @ the trustees? legally dissolved, hence the Order CHRISTMAS CLOTHING / TRINKETS I cannot comment on this at making a trustee appointment. E ENT & PLUS CHRISTMAS CARDS MINI MARKET this time. What action is the Commis- & DECORATIONS The commission announced sion taking to ensure that Com- in King Street Mews N2 shop onlin in April that the trustees were panies House is made aware of oo in ho s o ‘not validly appointed in 2010’. the recent developments at the MARTIN However, your actions between Old Barn so that they can take SCHOOL February and October indicate appropriate action in relation to EAST FINCHLEY HIGH ROAD HOMEWARE CRAFT INTAGE ESSO that your approach to the trus- the Old Barn Youth and Com- OPEN FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS tees was that they were validly munity Association Company p appointed but were simply mis- incorporated on 16 June 2014? MEWS managing the Old Barn. Then We are informing other regu- KING STREET Kin S M s / E s Fin hl N DY LESLIE RD LESLIE CHURCH LANE CHURCH LEOPOLD RD LEOPOLD in October, you issued an order lators as appropriate. THE ARCHER - www.the-archer.co.uk 5 DECMBER 2014 What’s to become of the old Post Ofice? Six months after shutting its doors for the last time, our old Post Ofice on the High Road still stands unused and unloved. Many people are saying it’s a shame to see such a prime site go to waste for so long. So who or what would you shop,” says Tony Barrett (hmm, like to see move into the old planning permission could be Post Ofice? Tell us by email- problematic). ing [email protected] or Georgina North would like by post at The Archer, PO Box to see it become a health food 3699, London N2 2DE. shop or an artist’s studio with Thanks to everyone who’s craft activities for children. already shared their ideas with Maria Letizia likes the idea of us on Facebook and Twitter @ a studio gallery too and Julia TheArcherN2 where another Zanghieri wants an indoor play supermarket is a hot favourite. area for toddlers. Aldi or Lidl, suggests Ian Tutton Madeleine Oakley inds it on Twitter. The Old White Lion dificult to decide, saying it was team want a local Waitrose, shameful that it stopped being a whereas Richard Cayon pleads: Post Ofice. But Diane Johnson Pop writer: Clissold Arms landlord George Karageorgis, left, with Ray Davies, centre, and Mick Avory of “Anything but a Tesco…” and Annabella Shergold are The Kinks. “How about Woolworths?” quite clear, saying: “Anything suggests Man in East Finchley, but a café, estate agent or bet- George wants your Kink-y stories nostalgically. “A knocking ting shop!” With the Kinks musical Sunny Afternoon running in the West End to rave reviews and a ilm about the band due to be released next year, the Sixties rockers can certainly be said to be enjoying a major revival. Our own Clissold Arms on research or, if you have pictures phone on 020 8444 4224, by Fortis Green is well-known or sketches or memories, please email at info@clissoldarms. for being the venue where The send them my way.” co.uk or by popping in for a Kinks performed their irst and George can be contacted by chat at the pub in Fortis Green. last oficial gigs, in 1960 and 1996. The pub and Muswell Hill are a big part of the history Clissold wins national of the band. The Davies brothers Ray and Dave were born and pub award brought up right across the road The Clissold Arms at 105, Fortis Green, is joint winner of in Denmark Terrace. Their dad the Best Family Pub of the Year for the London and the Frank was a regular at the Clis - South East region in the Great British Pub Awards 2014. What s next? The Post O ce building still has a To Let sign up. sold and many family parties The awards are organised by the leading pub industry magazine were held there. The Publican’s Morning Advertiser and participants come from Now the pub’s landlord, seventeen regions of the UK. The Clissold also reached the top Can you deliver? A Local Handyman George Karageorgis, has six in the national Great British Pub of the Year 2014 category THE ARCHER needs a volunteer to available for general household decided to write his irst book in the awards. deliver papers to Archer Gardens & garden maintenance. and he’s making it one about (between Lankaster Gardens and No Job Too Small The Kinks and their links to Strawberry Vale). Free Estimates the Clissold. He’s looking for Burglary at the Pavilion Please contact us by email at the- help to ill it full of stories, [email protected] or by phone on Call John on: 0789 010 3831 photos and anecdotes about By Janet Maitland 0800 612 0748. Thank you. those heady days. There’s been a setback to the renovation of the Pavilion Can you help? in Cherry Tree Wood. Work was underway to convert it ALMAR BUSINESS SOLUTIONS George says: “I’d be very into a café, but burglars broke in and stole power tools Accountancy | Payroll & Book-keeping | Tax services and building materials worth £10,000 overnight on 14 grateful if anyone has any irst- Business services: Personal services: Bookkeeping & Accounting Personal tax planning hand memories of knowing the November. Business planning Self assessment Business start up Davies family or of seeing The They got inside by cutting a Police think that more than one Company Secretarial Specialist sectors: Corporate tax planning Building profits Kinks in their early days and chain from a padlock that was burglar was responsible and that eCommerce & Payment Charities Solutions ner directors later years. 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Call Gap filling - • Repairs, bespoke floor fitting incl parquet 020 7161 9014, or email East [email protected] ree and no obligation esti ates Wendy Longworth & www.sandingexperts.co.uk - 077 38753430 Associates physiotherapy East Finchley, High Road N2 practice offers a variety of treatments at the ARE YOU LIVING WITH CONSTANT PAIN? clinic, or off-site, in Would you prefer to rely less on painkillers? ■ Back Pain patients homes, Have you been told nothing more ■ Neck Pain nursing homes, ■ Whiplash Injury private hospitals can be done to reduce the pain? ■ Sciatica and other If so, my new Hypnothe py se p o mme ■ Sports Injury organisations. fo h on p n ont o o he p ■ Frozen Shoulder YOU CAN TRAIN YOUR RAIN TO LOC THE PAIN ■ Arthritis ost people notice improvements from the very first session ■ Tennis Elbow ee nt o to y ons t t on ■ Sprain or Strain ■ Rehabilitation www.eastfinchleyclinic.co.uk Call or email me to find out more: ■ kathryn kathrynscor a co uk 020 8444 4 8 0 0 404 8 Neurological 020 8883 5888 kathrynscor a co uk ■ Stroke 2-3 Bedford Mews Bedford Road London N2 9DF 6 DECEMBER 2014 THE ARCHER - www.the-archer.co.uk All Over By Christmas A sacriice that mustn’t be Book review by Daphne Chamberlain This fascinating book, packed with illustrations, letters and contemporary accounts, concentrates on life in Barnet forgotten during the First World War. By Barry Atkinson One advertisement, from Lionel Gray exchanged over 200 Barker’s of Kensington, spells letters between 1914 and 1918. The house now known as out how the trenchcoat got its Through Mabel’s eyes we follow Beacon Lodge has stood name: (weatherproof wear for changes on the home front. in Eastern Road, N2, since oficers.) Another advertises The Other letter-writers, newspa- the 19th century, and since Boy’s Own magazine, which told pers and reported anecdotes add 1928 it has welcomed and children how to blow up railway to the picture. They report the East supported young women lines if we were invaded. Finchley man sentenced to two who have been struggling Even before the war had months in prison or a £50 ine for to make their way in the started, a North Finchley shop feeding stale bread to his pigs; owned by a German was van- and Finchleyans at the Tally world. dalised, and a naturalised neigh- Originally a home for ‘fallen’ Ho turning out to see lames if another Zeppelin were shot down women it later became a mother bour lew a Union Jack from his window for protection. In after the one at “the sombre Mid- and baby home, and for the last East Finchley, two Germanic- dlesex hamlet” of Potters Bar. 30 years it has been a residential sounding shops were renamed This is a luent and compre- unit where women with young The East Finchley Hairdressing hensive narrative, covering the children have been sent to learn Salon and Market Parade Bakery. takeover of most jobs by women; parenting skills. Contrast this with the front food shortages and the growth of Sadly the cutbacks in local line. Following the Christmas allotments; contact with return- authorities’ inances have meant Day truce in 1914, when sol- ing wounded and the pension that they have sought alternative diers from both sides strolled situation; and the mixed terror ways to do this, and in July of this around together, even exchang- and excitement of air raids. year the trustees of the Beacon The James Bradley memorial presentation at All Saints’ ing addresses, a Bowes Park man Local author David Berguer Lodge Charitable Trust decided their generosity which enabled years to the day after James wrote to his mother that they had includes indexes and a historical the centre must close. The build- sung the German national anthem introduction. the purchase of the building in Bradley’s death, Father Chris- ing is to be sold, and the funds as well as their own. “All Over By Christmas” Eastern Road. raised will be used to continue the topher received the memorial Mabel Holman, a Muswell ( ISBN 9 780956 934499 ) is objectives and work of the trust. Plaque inds new home from Valerie Packer, chair of Hill woman, and her fiancé, published by the Chaville Press. Son’s death in WW1 The trustees were anxious Beacon Lodge, in the presence Visitors to Beacon Lodge that this memorial should not be of Martin Russell, chair of Barnet over the years will have seen the lost, and were delighted when War Memorials Association and Trail of war graves plaque commemorating a young All Saints’ Church in nearby Deputy Lieutenant for Barnet. By Ann Bronkhorst man called James Bradley which Durham Road offered to give it The sacriice made by James The display of thousands of ceramic poppies at the Tower hung in the entrance hall, together a permanent home. Bradley and the generosity of of London aroused great emotion and interest, nation- with his portrait. On Sunday 26 October, 96 his parents will not be forgotten. James died at the age of 21 wide. Here in Islington and St Pancras Cemetery, after on 26 October 1918 in France, several years’ work, the First World War is being com- while serving with the Royal memorated by the creation of an imaginative ‘trail’ of Sussex Fusiliers. His mother had war graves. been involved with the Hornsey Each year wreaths are laid Last Post while the Colour Ser- Association for Rescue and at the cemetery’s civilian and geant of the Islington Veterans Preventive Work (the original military war memorials by Association lowered the lag. name for Beacon Lodge) since representatives of Camden and Usually, those who died in its inception, and after the death Islington councils and Trades battle were buried close to where of their only child she and her Unions, as well as by private they fell but more than 340 men husband dedicated themselves to individuals. This year, for the (and one woman) who served in the work of Beacon Lodge. It was Beacon Lodge on Eastern Road. Photo Mike Coles irst time, a bugler played the the forces in WW1 are buried in the cemetery. Most died of Holy Trinity Church wounds or illness in hospitals, Foot Problems? Chiropody Podiatry many in the ‘Spanish lu’ epi- Judith Costa BSc Church Lane, East Finchley demic between 1918 and 1920. At Utopia Clinic 1a Leicester Mews N2 9EJ Church of England How to ind them The new walks are designed Tel: 2 22 M 2 9 19 We're a warm and friendly congregation to be more or less circular and iscount or ensioners who look forward to welcoming you of a manageable length. They Sunday Parish Communion at 10.00 am cover four areas containing the Children s Sunday Clu 6 Meet o er coffee after church most accessible of the 1914- Michael Stanway is happy to answer any enquiries: 1918 graves and memorials Tel: 020 834 8 that are scattered throughout www holytrinityeastfinchley org u the cemetery. Clear route maps, obtain- MIK S A D MAI A C able from the cemetery ofice, list each man’s name, age and service or regiment. For example All your Fencing, Decking, Slabbing and Concrete work undertaken. Sheds Built and All Outside work taken in hand. George Astley, 17, who served on HMS Powerful, lies not far I also ro ide a icensed aste e o al Ser ice from 19-year-old Flight Lieuten- o all your Building rubble, eneral and arden ubbish. ant Lea Wimbush of the Royal For Free uotes, Call Mike on . Naval Air Service. And, after icensed aste Carrier All areas co ered. inding the grave of Capt. A.B. Kynoch from North Finchley, if you Google him a touching Do join us this Christmas eason story emerges. ($67),1&+/(<0(7+2',67&+85&+ The Commonwealth War +LJK5RDG/RQGRQ1$- RSS&UHLJKWRQ$YH Graves Commission, which maintains all war graves from both World Wars and subsequent Carols by Candlelight ones, has installed two informa- tion boards in the cemetery, one Sunday 21 December, 5.00 p.m. in the St Pancras section near the
² grouped war graves and the other Christmas Day Family Service 10.00 a.m. near the Islington burial chapel and war memorial. Both carry )XOOGHWDLOVRIDOORXU&KULVWPDVVHUYLFHVDUHRQRXUZHEVLWH interesting facts about WW1, WHO ZZZHDVWILQFKOH\PHWKRGLVWRUJXN with QR codes to scan for more information. THE ARCHER - www.the-archer.co.uk 7 DECEMBER 2014 Man jailed for Become violent burglary a winter By Janet Maitland A 21-year-old man from Harrow has been sentenced friend to eight years in prison for a violent burglary in East There are more than 3,000 Finchley. people aged 60 and above At Patrick O’Leary’s trial who’d seen the men force their living in East Finchley, a at Wood Green Crown Court way into the house. large proportion of whom in October, the court heard that The workmen managed to will spend winter alone on 20 February a 67-year-old grab hold of O’Leary and to with only the television as woman was at her home in keep holding on even though Huntingdon Road when she he stabbed one of them in their main form of com- More than three bags full; The Green Party litter picking volunteers heard someone banging on the the leg, shoulder and buttock pany. on the North Circular bridge. front door. As she went to the with his screwdriver. The East Finchley Altogether door it crashed open, three men workmen only let go of him Better (EFAB) is working with barged in and two of them ran when the other two burglars local organisations which will Bin it or bag it upstairs. came back also armed with open their doors to the com- In a little over an hour on Sunday 16 November, ive Green Fearing for her safety, the screwdrivers. munity on the coldest days of Party volunteers illed nine sacks with litter picked from woman tried to escape through winter to make sure everyone the vegetation on the south side of the North Circular Praise for courage is safe and warm. the front door, but the third O’Leary was subsequently lyover by Strawberry Vale. man, O’Leary, grabbed her arm Hot drinks, soup, blankets arrested and charged with and of course a friendly chat They found mostly cans, and snack wrappers. and slammed the door on it. aggravated burglary, grievous “A shame about the cans, they are all recyclable,” commented Adele He demanded to know where will be on offer. EFAB is look- bodily harm with intent, actual ing for volunteers to help them Ward. “It’s mostly snacks people eat around the bus stop. I found her valuables were kept and bodily harm and possession the whole area saturated with cans, bottles and food wrappings.” marched her upstairs where she telephone people to let them of an offensive weapon. He know a venue is going to open, “No wonder we saw rats right near the bus stop, where there is was forced to hand over £600 in pleaded not guilty to grievous a bin. Are people so apathetic that they can’t use it?” said Phil cash. O’Leary then stabbed her help at venues by making hot bodily harm with intent, but the drinks and enjoying a Fletcher, who organised the litter pick. in the face with a screwdriver, jury unanimously found him very close to her eye, to get her friendly chat, and provide guilty of all four charges. transport or just the offer of an to tell him where she kept her “I’m pleased that O’Leary Weighty sum raised jewellery. arm to help them walk there. has received a lengthy custo- To become involved contact By Diana Cormack To the rescue dial sentence,” said DC Yogini Lisa on 07909 998453 or email The doorbell then rang. This Patel. “This was a particularly [email protected]. More infor- prompted the burglars to make a violent burglary that could have mation can be found at www. run for it through the front door. been worse had it not been for efab.org.uk But waiting on the doorstep the courageous efforts of the were two concerned workmen, two workmen.” Greene Driving School East Finchley N2 Human Resource Solutions Plus From £17.50 x 2 Hr lessons Helping you to manage, train and develop your employees Safe driving for life at a commercially sensible cost. Low Co2 footprint 114
www.hrsp.net Eco & Low Maint T ition Richard Pell:[email protected] ••• PO Box 270 ondon 2 0 a l 4 c eaper n rance. Greenedriving.co.uk Call o n M. .M. 077 51 440 Brian Hooper presents the cheque to Carole He eman. Photo Marc Furr This year the Hallowe’en 2014 Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin competition held at The Old White Lion pub was in aid of Macmil- lan Cancer Support. Organiser Brian Hooper spent many hours cajoling customers into taking part, with guesses ranging from 7.3 kg / brera gardens 16 lbs to 175 kg / 385 lbs. More than 40 people were within ! ! 0.5 kg / 1-2 lbs of the correct garden design maintenance weight. However, one person ! hard landscaping ! irrigation systems guessed the exact weight of ! soft landscaping ! East Finchley based 38.4 kg / 84lbs 8oz to win a £50 voucher to spend in the pub. ! indoor plants After all his hard work Brian Mob. 07939 557 934 Tel. 020 8920 3721 was able to hand over a cheque Email: [email protected] to Carole Heffeman, NW London fundraising manager, for the magniicently appropri- & ate sum of £2,014. MidhurstButchers Shoes, Clothes, WOMEN'S WEAR Micro Scooters, HANDBAGS, JEWELLERY Certified organic meat Fatboy Furniture, ACCESSORIES & GIFTS at reasonable prices Toys & Gifts www.aliyaj.com Free-range poultry Home-made sausages Late Night Christmas Shopping Event (including Boerwors) *** Fri 12th December until 7pm *** Receive a £10 gi t voucher ith purchase over £ 0 2MidhurstParade, FortisGreen,LondonN10 162 High Road East Finchley N2 9AS Tel: 0208 444 6266 Tel.02088835303 8 DECEMBER 2014 THE ARCHER - www.the-archer.co.uk YOUNG ARCHER Young readers get write on Young readers at Holy Trinity Primary School were lucky enough to have a visit from children’s author Archie Kimpton in early November. He came in for the day to talk to Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. Archie visited each class for fun, interac- tive writing workshops, as well as telling the children all about being a writer and his book JumbleCat! Elke from year 4 says: “He All aboard: Coldfall Primary children on their maritime adventure read a bit of the book with us. week in Essex. It was so fun! We had to make a jumbled up animal of our own. We made up an animal Ahoy, shipmates! called Mango Head. It had a Year 6 children at Coldfall Primary School weighed duck body, a giraffe neck, a Animal jumble: Archie Kempton in the classroom at Holy Trinity anchor for a one-week adventure on a light ship called pig tail, an elephant head and Trinity moored on marshland at Tollesbury in Essex. human legs. Eve Macauley, aged 10, said: up and eating a lot of delicious “Then we had to make our Everybody gets “We did loads of exciting activi- cake and frothy hot chocolate!” own baddies. Mine was called ties such as taking turns at driving Coldfall Primary School Horror Die. He makes the blue powerboats, capsizing from a recently had an OFSTED inspec- sky turn into a horrible thunder creative kayak into a freezing lake, singing tion for the irst time since 2007 storm that rages around the Students at the Archer Academy got inspiration from the a One Direction song standing on and was awarded an ‘Outstand- villages but he is on his cloud professionals when art and design experts helped them top of a teetering see-saw 40 feet ing’ ranking in every category. cackling!” get hands-on with some new techniques at a Big Draw afternoon. Jade steps up for England Fifty children from local primary schools also came along as the academy students learned skills like furniture design, cartoon Congratulations to 16-year-old Jade Doran portraiture and stop-frame animation. who won gold and silver medals at the UK Artist James Melloy led a disc painting workshop where pupils Open Tae Kwon-Do Championships in were given a handmade brush, made up of household brushes nailed Guildford in early November. together, to create paintings exploring abstract art and emotion. Jade, who lives off East End Road and trains at The younger visitors helped to create an art installation at the Finchley Lido Leisure Centre also won two golds school’s Beaumont Close building with artist David Waller using at the Welsh Open this year and an impressive toy cars. Photographs of its creation were taken at different stages bronze medal from the European Championships and turned into a stop-frame animation. in Estonia. Jade is building a strong name for herself and has earned a highly coveted place on the England National Squad. You can follow in Jade’s foot- steps and learn how to defend yourself by visiting United Kingdom Tae Kwon-Do Dojangs at www. taekwondo-uktd.co.uk or contacting them on 07949 612706. High-kicker: Jade Doran demonstrates a technique on her brother Daniel. 1 7 9 1 T S E
T ny s CONTINENTAL I 1 4 0 H I G H R O A D , E A S T F I N C H L E Y, N 2 T E L : 0 2 0 8 4 4 4 5 5 4 5 Painter man: James Melloy leads a workshop Hand Selected Specialist Cheeses Christmas Trees Specialist including: ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH Bread Daily Cretan Selection 35a Durham Road, East Finchley, London N2 9DP including: French Goats Cheese st Award Winning Italian Parmigiano Sunday 2 December Health Foods Artisan Bread 3 m Christmas Carol er ice Organic: SoyaBread milk Pan de Campagne Mediterranean followed by mulled wine and mince pies Honey Sourdough & Dips & Delicacies th Oat Cakes Wheat Free Wednesday 24 December Rye NEW Rice Cakes Organic Christmas e We now stock Juices 3 m Children s Christmas er ice ECOVER products Eggs & ith Carols with a refill service Fresh Fruit & 3 m un idni ht ass Organic English Flour Breakfast Veg Daily with Blessing of the Crib including Spelt & FreshRye loose olives Cereals followed by wine and mince pies 40 Varieties of from self-serve th Grains & Pulses counter 26 Varieties of Oil Thursday 25 December including Selected Single Christmas Day Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil am ass o the Da n Offering finest quality, variety am un ass o the Day & exceptional value for money Vicar: Fr Christo her ardy C ...more than just a Green Grocers 2 3 93 5 allsaints east inchley or u THE ARCHER - www.the-archer.co.uk 9 DECEMBER 2014 KALASHNIKOV KULTUR Harvest between two nations By Ricky Savage, the voice of social irresponsibility By Rev Michael Giles This year’s harvest festival at East Finchley Methodist Church was celebrated for the Deja view irst time using material from the newly launched fundraising and awaren ess initiative Sometimes everything seems like Groundhog Day. Another All We Can. This year the focus was on Burundi, the small landlocked country in the year, another X Factor, another Band Aid and another batch of heart of central Africa, known as a “Land of Potential”. suicidal turkeys getting flu. And we are only half way through Philomene, one of our the 60 days of Christmas. church members, works for the Like anything that endlessly repeats itself, Band Aid is so far past Burundian Embassy, which led its sell by date that someone has finally noticed that it is a load of to a meeting between her, me patronising drivel wrapped up in One Direction’s spare underwear. and Ambassador Deo Sindayi- And, it still has Bono. hebura at the end of September All right, it makes money for charity and stops people forgetting to talk about the work of All We who Bob Geldof is, but the only really good thing about it is it stops Can and to swap tales about Simon Cowell’s latest victims topping the charts at Christmas. living and working in central When it comes to raising cash, let’s have Bank Aid where for one Africa, a place close to both year all London’s bankers donate their annual bonus to charity. Last their hearts. This in turn led to year the bonus pot was measured in billions, but even if kids will an invite to our harvest supper. spend their pocket money on a download to stop Ebola, I won’t hold Flag know-how my breath waiting for bankers to do the same. Generous bankers It took place amid a rich with a social conscience? That’s about as likely as a turkey voting and varied display of African early for Christmas. pots and printed fabrics and And now, just like a bad smell, bird flu is back, followed by panic alongside the usual harvest buying as a terrified population fears it won’t have anything completely Harvest time: Burundian ambassador Deo Sindayihebura, centre, of fruit and lowers from East tasteless to eat on Christmas Day. visits East Finchley Methodist Church. Finchley allotments there were In the face of a turkey shortage the only thing to do is find some crops from Burundi such as other poor unsuspecting bird to stuff in the oven. According to the coffee, maize, sweet potato and Dutch it’s all the fault of migrating swans. So, that settles it, let’s cassava. eat swan. Soulful singing at The Embassy lent us a huge According to tradition only royalty are allowed to eat swan, but Burundian lag, which after there are too many out there for the Queen to eat them all so it’s our St Mary’s some discussion was hung job to help. The problem is the cooking, not the eating, as swans Punchy rhythms, the sound of the drum and young correctly; the stars that form a weigh in at up to 30 pounds and are too big for the suburban oven. voices in harmony came soaring from Soul Sanctuary, triangle in the centre symbolise I thought Delia could help, but there’s no recipe in any of her books a London-based gospel choir that visited St Mary’s the tribes of Burundi and must and you can’t buy swan in Waitrose. Catholic Church in the High Road for its Family Mass point upwards. Everyone at East I’ll just have to annoy the squirrels and do a nut roast. It’s either at the end of October. Finchley Methodist Church that or pigeon. Helen Doran, representative of the parish council, added: “Vari- knows this now. ety is the spice of life, and the gospel choir created a wonderfully Burundi rebuilds St Mary's Catholic Church exuberant atmosphere.” The Ambassador gave a 279 High Road London N2 8HG stimulating talk on life in website: http:// stmarys ast in hl y o Burundi. He spoke about 12 Facebook: https:// a oo om/stmarysN2 years of civil war, the impact of hunger and poverty, the move Christmas Ser ices to peace and now a massive, Sunday 21st December entirely self-funded rebuild- 0 pm arol r i ollo d y r r shm nts ing programme of schools and health centres. He talked about
Wednesday 24th December the inspirational leadership and pm hildr n's Mass or hristmas dedication of the First Lady of Burundi, herself a Reverend, 10 pm 'Midnight' Mass who was passionate about the Thursday 25th December Christmas Day poor of her country rather than 10 am Family Mass “shopping trips and shoes”. Mr Sindayihebura explained 12 noon Mass partly in Latin that our two countries are linked Sweet sounds: Soul Sanctuary sing at St Mary’s Church not only by people but also by East Finchley Baptist Church weather, as in Burundi “we also have the raining of cats Just off the High Road in Creighton Avenue, N2 Klages Plumbing & Heating Agency LTD. and dogs”. Our church has set itself a CONTACT TELEPHONE No: 020 2 Sundays at a target of £500 towards the All KLAGE We Can Harvest Appeal and £245 was given at the Harvest Service alone. Co e Cele rate Christ as ith us “Greetings for the festive season”
st Sunday 2 ece er a a Exceptional All ages Carol Service Care homes p p Comfortable, en suite, private rooms now available at: Carols y Candlelight · Apthorp Care Centre – Nurserymans Road, N11 1EQ Christ as ay hurs 2 th ec · Dell Field Court – Etchingham Park Road, N3 2DY a a · Meadowside – Holden Road, N12 7DY Christ as orning Fa ily Service For more information, please call - 07721 128 885 For ore infor ation please contact or email: [email protected] the Church ffice, el 2 passionate about care www.fremantletrust.org e site eastfinchley c org u inister Si on y e
Visitors Always Welcome The Fremantle Trust is a company limited by guarantee (Company Number: 2722437). A registered charity. Not for profit. (Registration Number 1014986). FT 640 10 DECEMBER 2014 THE ARCHER - www.the-archer.co.uk Regular Events Sport & Fitness December at the East Finchley Flyers running club, Tuesdays 7pm at the tube station, 7k run Phoenix and socialising. Nick 07593 367134. By Elizabeth Taylor-Mead, Phoenix Cinema executive Finchley & Hornsey Ramblers Group Call Vivien 8883 8190 director Glebelands Indoor Bowls Club, Sum- We’re all on journeys of one kind or another and this month mers Lane N12. New and experienced we run the gamut. Homesman, starring Tommy Lee Jones and bowlers welcome. Hilary Swank, tells a pioneer tale of wilderness, wildness and Keep fit for the Retired on Wednes- meeting your match. Kon-Tiki carries us on an epic raft crossing days, Christ Church N12. Call Bridie of the Paciic, based on the best-selling book. Manakamana is 8883 5269 an intimate documentary shot in a cable car in Nepal as we meet Muswell Hill Bowling Club, Kings unforgettable people en route. In Open Bethlehem a ilmmaker Ave, N10. New & experienced bowlers goes back to her village to discover herself and her purpose. welcome. Tel: 8883 0433. Bill Murray plays a curmudgeonly and misunderstood man Pilates in East Finchley, qualified with a good heart in St Vincent. Then Christopher Waltz and teacher. Contact Dee on 8883 7029 Amy Adams play husband and wife in the surprising story of Pilates class Weds 3.30 & 7pm at Ann Big Eyes, about the artist Walter Keane who created a series of Owens Ctr, N2. Call Penny 8444 2882. In memory of Mary popular paintings in the 1960s. Pilates Beginners Classes Tue 9.30- Staff at the RSPCA shop in the High Road have said a big Phoenix Nights invites guest curators to host our monthly 10.30am, Holy Trinity Church Hall. thank you to the Rotary Club Mill Hill for handing over Friday late-night slot. Join us at 11.30 pm on 5 December when Michelle 07767 804 564 a cheque for £100. The donation was in fond memory of writer/director and Python memberTerry Jones selects and presents Tai Chi & Qigong in N2, Weds 1pm. Mary Powell, the late wife of Rotary Club member Ron oneof his personal favourites, the classic comedy Groundhog Day. James 8883 3308/07836 710281 or Powell, left, who volunteered for the charity for more Feel the need to work off the effects of those early Christmas [email protected] Use It or Lose It Tennis club with four clay courts off than 20 years. Also pictured from left to right are East parties? Start by exercising your brain at our Southern Road. Call 8883 7723. Finchley shop manager Gabby, local RSPCA chairman Film Quiz at 11am on Sunday 7 December and the interactive Yoga, breathing & relaxation. Weekly Anne Lewis and Rotary Club member George Mason. Phoenix Film Salon on Mondays 8 and 22 December. Nick drop-in classes - N3, N6, N10. Phone Next up for the RSPCA shop is a fashion show and late-night Walker provides the cerebral aerobics. Judy on 07956 375607. shopping event to celebrate its one-year anniversary in East Get your inner princess on with our Frozen Singalong. Not in Yoga, pregnancy yoga, meditation Finchley. Tickets for the show are available in store. The event the mood for a tiara? Then sharpen up with Edward Scissorhands classes. Call Sunnah 07941 321 772 will run from 6pm to 6.45pm with shopping open to the public if you dare. We also go to France for the WW1 story Joyeux Noel www.stretchingpeople.co.uk. from 7pm until 8.30pm. and to the North Pole for cult comedy Elf. Check show times on our website www.phoenixcinema.co.uk or Music, Dance & Creative Arts visit our foyer, where you can also buy Phoenix Friends gift cards. Art Classes. Call Henry on 8888 5133. A-Chord, friendly choir, all genres, open to all. Thursdays 8pm at NNLS, East End Speaking up for older Rd. Laura 07732 120464. Ballroom & Latin American Dance Classes - beginners & improvers. Wed & people in hospital Fri eve, Bishop Douglass Sch. 8207 2323. By Daphne Chamberlain Creative writing classes in informal, Being in hospital can be a lonely and worrying time, friendly atmosphere. Tel Sallie Rose 020 especially for an older person who may not have effective 8444 7217. support from family and friends. Any number of problems East Finchley Writers Group, Weds at the Old White Lion. Contact Carola 8883 may be troubling them, and this is where Advocacy in 5808 or Lilian 8444 1793. Barnet (AIB) can help. East Finchley Poetry Writing Work- AIB, a registered charity, 020 8201 3148 to make a refer - shops. Monthly on Saturdays. Contact has been running for over 17 ral.Advocacy in Barnet’s 50 Plus Dennis Evans 8346 9528. years, operating with a team Matters offers free, conidential Ladies Keep Fit Class for over 50s. Tues of knowledgeable and skilled and independent services. 10.30–11.30am at Tetherdown Hall. Santa’s here: Happy faces from last year’s Martin Primary fair. staff and volunteers and has Sheila 8444 0084. Photo Emily Hands now expanded its 50 Plus Memory Lane Singing Club - friendly Matters services into hospitals, Grants singing club meets every Friday in Winter wonderland visiting older patients in the Finchley. Call Valerie 8458 4508. On Saturday 13 December from 12pm to 3pm, Martin Royal Free at Hampstead, and available for Over 50s Tea Dance at Christ Church, Primary School will become a winter wonderland with in Edgware Community and North Finchley. Every Weds, 1pm. 020 fun for all ages. Finchley Memorial Hospitals. Strawberry 8444 0280. There will be all sorts of money raised has been used to All advocates speak up for Learn to sing at Finchley Methodist delicious homemade treats enhance outdoor play areas in the people, and these advocates Church, Ballards La. Call 8888 4412. to feast on including mulled expandingschool. Money raised speak up for people of 50-plus, Vale Muswell Hill after school ukulele club, wine and mince pies. Pupils fromthe Christmas Fair will buy living in Barnet and neighbour- A new fund has been set up Wednesdays 4.15-5.15pm, ages 6-10. more equipment for these spaces. ing boroughs. by the Peabody Housing Contact Margie 07909 439513. will be spreading their fes- tive cheer singing for visitors Martin School has thanked Advocates visit Marjorie Trust to help their residents Traditional music at TOC, Highgate Warren ward in Finchley Hill, on 1st & 3rd Tues each month and Santa will be welcoming local businesses for their sup- improve community life, from 8.30pm. Free. 07958 282898. families into his gorgeous grotto. port and says it is appreciative Memorial once a week. As health and leisure. The Martin Home School Asso- of help from The Exchange and always, they start by listening. Various ideas are possible, Clubs & Social ciation has had a very successful sponsors Budgens, Martyn Ger- They go in as potential friends, such as social and keep-it activ- Bingo evening, 8pm Sundays, at the fundraising year. Much of the rard and GLH. and once they know what the ities, gardening and schemes Constitutional Club, The Walks, N2. patients need they can help to promote well-being, but the them. Sometimes patients are Bingo Club Mondays 7-9 pm, Green What’s On... E-mail your listings to: [email protected] beneiciaries must be Peabody Man Centre, Contact: Jan 8815 5452 worried about care and health residents. Youth-led projects French conversation in small friendly Saturday 6 December • Martin Primary School Christmas Fair, issues or personal problems, • East Finchley Christmas Festival, High Plane Tree Walk, 12noon to 3pm; lots of will be encouraged. group with native speaker. 8444 9395. sometimes about finance, Residents on the Strawberry Road, 10am to 5pm. Stalls and activities lovely food on offer as well as Santa’s Lasting Powers of Attorney Friends of Cherry Tree Wood www. plus live entertainment: 10am: Dog show, Grotto and all sorts of fun for the whole Vale Estate can suggest ideas cherrytreewood.co.uk or 8883 7544. with categories for general dogs, dogs who family. and wills, or moving into care and a grant-making panel will Haringey Recorded Music Society look like their owners and festive dogs. Wednesday 17 December homes. Sometimes they need consider the proposals. Up informal meetings locally. Call David 11.30am: The Archer Academy choir, • A Merry Little Christmas at help with getting letters written to £75,000 a year for three Moldon on 8361 1696. 12noon: East Finchley Bake Off. Bring Stephens House, East End Road, N3, or phone calls made. years will be available, with Muslim Ladies Lunch Club 1st & 3rd your home-made cakes and mince pies, 2.30pm; afternoon tea with musical Advocates are there with the 12.30pm: Popchoir, 1.15pm: Young accompaniment. A festive Victorian- £500-£5,000 possible for each Weds, Ann Owen Ctr., Oak La. Call consent of the hospital authori- project. The cut-off date for 8432 1415 to book. Ukulele group themed entertainment exploring the origins ties, and accept referrals from the irst round of grants is very North London Bridge Club, Muswell 1.30pm: Rob Thom with Christmas folk of favourite Christmas customs and most- music, 1.45pm: EFYT Dance Group, loved Yuletide melodies. Tickets £9.50 via professionals and agencies Hill. Contact 8348 3495 soon, 12 December, but the 2.15pm: Sound of the Suburb, 3.15pm: www.stephenshouseandgardens.com, at including Barnet Carers Centre, next round will continue until Bridge Club, every Saturday 1.30-4pm, Mightee Fit Christmas Challenge, 3.30pm: the House or by phone on 020 8346 7812. social workers, ward managers, Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane, N2 8LT. 6 March, 2015. Disco time, 4.15pm: Brass band with Wednesday 17 December to Sunday 25 physiotherapists, occupational The scheme is managed by Contact Ray Tiano 07944 562180. Martin Primary School January 2015 therapists, GPs and dentists, Jewish Friendship Club for over 60s, Tuesday 9 December • Singin’ in the Rain, based on one of the London Community Foun- not forgetting families and dation. To ind out how to apply, Tues 1-3 pm at Muswell Hill Syna- • Christmas Fair at Ann Owen Centre, the world’s best-loved movies, Upstairs friends of patients, and patients gogue, Tetherdown. Anita 8886 6140. Oak Lane, N2, 11am-2pm, in aid of Age at The Gatehouse, Highgate Village, N6 visit www.londoncf.org.uk or Muswell Hill Tetherdown Bridge, UK Barnet. 4BD. Tickets £14/£12 concs. Box Office: themselves. email [email protected] or contact 8883 4390 Saturday 13 December 020 8340 3488. Contact 020 8201 3415 or phone 020 7582 5117. 11 THE ARCHER - www.the-archer.co.uk DECEMBER 2014
Letters Back in the old school yard Any reader who feels strongly about any matter is invited to Don’t let our library use this “Soapbox” column. disappear Please note that opinions expressed Dear Editor, are those of the writer alone. I understand that Barnet Council must continue to make budget sav- ings in these straitened times but to take an axe to the borough’s entire Goodbye 134 library service seems completely By Tony Lee out of proportion. No, not the opening line to another reworking of Elton Our excellent library in the High John’s Candle in the Wind but a paean to a temporary Road and its excellent staff, along pleasure and transport practicality that we have just with others in Barnet, will be deci- lost. mated if the council’s proposals are In November I chose to ride the diverted 134 bus back from allowed to go ahead. To give the council credit, they Tottenham Court Road rather than the tube, knowing it was the are running a full public consulta- last day the service would deliver me directly to East Finchley tion exercise on the library cuts. But and not take its usual turn past Highgate Wood to Muswell Hill. it’s always difficult not to believe Sitting on the upper deck and peering through the misted that their minds have been made windows, I was conscious of the pleasures of travelling above up long before the results of that ground as opposed to the slightly speedier but geographically consultation are known. oblivious underground alternative. The BT Tower, the feline So do we want a library for statuettes that guard Greater London House, the comedically readers of all ages in East Finchley? immortalized Mornington Crescent station, the many period Now is the time we must decide. house fronts lining the way… our route home is not without Once it’s gone, it will never return. its visual joys. The move to a library service This temporary diversion has highlighted the fact that East run by volunteers is happening all Finchley sorely lacks a direct bus route to central London over the country. It may work here (apart from the N20 at night). And when a single bus journey too, but what happens when the Class act: Holy Trinity pupils costs around half of the same distance by underground (two volunteers stop turning up? perform their nativity play in 1962. Quiz-tastic! buses being required to reach the West End anyway) it’s hard I believe the only answer is to THE ARCHER The year class at Holy Well done to quiz not to feel inancially penalized for living here when so many fight as hard as we can to keep the team who claimed victory at neighbouring areas have direct services. library open in its current form. The Trinity School that left Deborah Granville’s lively As mentioned in the November issue of THE ARCHER, com- council needs to know that we will in 1966 to embark on muters who agree should inform TfL of the popularity of the not stand back and watch such a secondary education is new quiz night at The Clissold Arms on 11 November. diverted 134 and the need for a direct daytime bus route from well-established and much-loved holding a reunion and our High Road to central London, in the hope that one day we community facility vanish forever. On this occasion the glory was needs help in locating will acquire such a service permanently. Yours faithfully, shared by Sheila Armstrong, Ken classmates from years 1960 Carter, Jan Davies, John Dearing Until then we can only lament the loss, so altogether then: David Melsome, “Goodbye 134, Richmond Road, N2 through to 1966. and Diana and Ian Cormack. The wonderful photo from More Quizzeramas from Though I only knew you for a trice, Friends Reunited shows the 7.45pm on the second Tuesday You had the grace to bus me home, We get letters on all topics children in 1962 at their Christ- And for only half the price…” in our mail bag but the of each month at the Clissold mas carol service held in the old Arms hosted by Deborah of Editor’s note: Night bus N20 follows the Tube line, turning one below arrived in late Congregational Church hall that DesEvents.com, East Finch- left at the Bald Faced Stag to go on to Finchley Central, which October and was clearly used to stand on the site that is already has its own night bus. So it doesn’t help the large and now Budgens. ley’s answer to Alexander Arm- meant for a different group strong! Entry is £2 per person increasing numbers of people who live on the long one-bus Mark Littleield, who’s help- stretch of the High Road up to North Finchley. TFL are aware of Archers. We couldn’t ing to organise the reunion, with teams of up to six. Winners take the pot and runners-up win of this but anyone who wants a better service should keep resist printing it… says teachers who spring to contacting them. Knock twice for no mind (with apologies for any a round of drinks. Dear Editor, misremembered spellings) are I have been listening to The Mr Wenman, Mr James, Mrs Archers for years and loved it. I now Fuller, Mrs Thompson, Miss dont enjoy it as much as I used to. I Nichols, Miss Owen, Mrs Fer- especially dont like the story line at raday, Miss Jenkins, Mr Christ- the moment about Jennifer Aldridge mas (deputy headteacher), Miss having a seance. Gillett (headteacher), Mr Davies It is not innocent fun. The Bible (headteacher) and Mrs Johnson tells us not to try and get in touch the welfare oficer. with the dead. Why? Because it is Is your name here? dangerous to mess about with the Classmates from those days occult as many people who have include: Andrew Smith, Angela done it will testify. Many people Nisi, Brent Hayhoe, Bronwyn have been terrified and have sought Hogan, Chris Bradley, Chris help from Christians who can truly Hands, Chris Harding, Christine help them. Penn, Christine Smith, Dave Please be sensible because a Baker, Dora Brown, Eileen Miall, lot of vulnerable people may copy. Elizabeth Wilson, Emily Petrou, Yours faithfully, Fiona Preston, Gabriel Sheard, Mrs T Peake, Gary Andress, Gordon Crawford, By email Howard Collins, Ian Collett, Ian Read, Ilsa Hahn, Jane Aldridge, Send your correspondence Jane Greenwood, Jane Thorne, to: "Letters Page" Janet Field, Janice Howkins, Jen- nifer George, John Davey, John The Archer, PO Box 3699, Mann, Judy Clarke, Kathy Nelmes, London N2 2DE or e-mail Keith Waller, Lesley Cullender, [email protected]. Linda Endacott, Maria Velasco, Letters without verifiable contact Mark Littleield, Maureen Grant, addresses will not be printed. Paul Shearing, Peter Edwards, Contact details can be withheld Peter Gulliver, Phil Djemal, Philip on request at publication. We Horner, Robert Sullivan, Sandra reserve the right to abridge let- Holmes, Sean Potter, Steve Han- ters for reasons of space. cock, Steve Harris, Steve Jayes, Steve Milburn, Steve Wilson, Susan Manning and Tina Nicholls. Find the Archer at Were you there yourself or do www.facebook.com/ you know anyone who was? To ind out more about the reunion, ArcherN2 or tweet us @ contact Mark on 020 8441 0970 TheArcherN2 or marklittlefield@btinternet. com John’s Shoe Repairs DECEMBER 2014 PAGE 12 Shoes, Trainers, Sandals, Bags and Luggage Complete Repair Service by a craftsman Same day if required ey Cuttin THE ARCHER 1 Manor Park Rd. N2, behind 88 Church Lane, opposite Trinity Church Tel: 2 1 pen 12 p Published by East Finchley Newspapers, P.O. Box 3699, London N2 8JA. www.the-archer.co.uk Andrew makes light work of new career By Nick Young Mezem, the Mediterranean restaurant located at 111 High Road, is under new management but the new owner doesn’t have the background you’d necessarily expect of a restaurateur. Andrew Theodorou, who took over in September, is an elec- trical engineer by trade and has previously delivered power for large-scale exhibitions, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and for the Excel Centre during the 2012 Olympics. That last one involved 10 million watts. “I didn’t sleep for months,” he recalls. He and his wife Aisling both gave up their high-powered jobs to look after their two boys Harvey and James. This gave Andrew, who lives in Palmers Green, the chance to follow a long-held ambition to enter the restaurant trade. “I’ve always wanted to run a restaurant,” he told THE ARCHER. “I looked at places between Angel and Cockfosters before choos- ing this one.” His vision for Mezem is of a restaurant “using only the freshest and most authentic ingredients to ensure a wonderful fusion of lavours”. This extends to the coffee as well as the food! Running the restaurant allows Andrew to be with the boys irst thing in the morning and during the afternoon, after which Sue Toller eld (left) and Haylee Millar display The Archer tea towels at the Cherry Tree gift shop. he returns to work for the evening. Photo Mike Coles Mezem, which has 65 covers and a staff of eight, is open seven days a week and now offers online booking and a home delivery service, as well as allowing customers to bring their own wine The Archer tea towel: buy at lunchtime. Andrew, who is looking at bringing in more child- friendly menu options, has worked with other local businesses, including providing inger-food for Black Gull Books at a recent yours now for Christmas evening event. The Archer tea towel makes the perfect Christmas gift for family and friends. The Cherry Tree Gift Shop in the High Road is kindly stocking it for us and handing over all the money to support three local youth charities. They are the Monday Youth Club, the Finchley Youth Theatre and a read- How you can help ing project for youngsters at Strawberry Vale. Noah’s Ark Pop in and buy yours today. By Diana Cormack And you can still order your tea towel by post. Send a cheque On Friday 19 December ITV’s annual charity appeal made payable to The Archer for Text Santa will be bringing an evening of non-stop £5 per tea towel to The Archer, entertainment to our screens. The leading UK charity PO Box 3699, London N2 for children’s hospices, Together for Short Lives, has 2DE. Include your name and been chosen as one of the six beneiciary charities thisaddress and we will deliver to year. Funds raised for this charity will support the iftyyour door free of charge. three children’s hospice services across the country Andrew Theodorou, who has taken over Mezem on the High Road. which include Noah’s Ark Photo Mike Coles Children’s Hospice in Your North London. Presenters Alesha Dixon, Security ! COLIN SCLARE Ant and Dec, Paddy McGuiness, problems Sales & Lettings Phillip Schoield and Christine Solved 119a East End Road, East Finchley, London, N2 0SZ Bleakley will introduce a Text Santa that’s bigger than ever. Intruder Alarms e e i e all ty es o o e ty Along with the chart-topping o Sale and Letting, so lease call s o a ee a et a aisal and disc ssion live music performances there CCTV Co etiti e ees Letting ee 1 Sales ee l s at will be stars from Coronation t o e i o tantly, a ality se ice to yo Street, The Cube and even Access Control O en days a ee George Clooney in a specially 9 0 a onday to F iday written scene from Downton Intercom Systems Abbey! 10 a Sat days Locks, Doors & Keys Contact s on Since the appeal launched in 020 1 colinscla e co sales colinscla e co 2011, Text Santa has raised £15 Safes & Grilles million for charities. All funds raised will be distributed equally Locksmiths STEWART DUNCAN opticians between the six charities. View- S NCE 1 62 ers can donate by visiting www. 126 High Road, East Finchley, ondon, N2 ED tel no 2 2 2 justgiving.com/textsanta www.stewartduncan.c Giving time helps too Part of strategic planning Ø EYE EXAMINATIONS for Noah’s Ark includes sig- Ø CONTACT LENSES niicant investment in training Ø DESIGNER EYEWEAR and upskilling of volunteers. To ind out more about volunteer- Ø LATE NIGHT O2O 8442 O66O ing with Noah’s Ark Children’s Securebase Ltd Ø DYSLEXIA CLINIC 112 High Road, East Finchley, London N2 9EB Hospice please contact Amy T: 020 8442 0660 Ø DVLA APPROVED Walker on 020 8449 8877 or F: 020 8365 2788 [email protected] email awalker@noahsarkhos- www.securebase.co.uk pice.org.uk THE ARCHER is a non-proit-making, non political & non religious newspaper, staffed entirely by volunteers.