CAMPAIGNING FOR A BETTER BARNET SINCE 1945 INSIDE: Page 2 The Block on Victoria Quarter Page 3 No stopping 384 changes Page 4-6 Environment & Planning Page 7 Barnet Walk on the wild side Page 8 Cycle logical Page 9 Autumn 2020 £1 Action all areas Society

several charity shops that have also been forced to close. “Goodbye” says a forlorn notice in the window of what was the PDSA shop; Age UK’s outlet announces it is “permanently closing”. At the start of the year, the From left to High Street had been poised right, Bob to take advantage of long- Burstow, Nigel awaited improvements but Murchison and no sooner had pavements Gail Laser at the launch of been widened and trees their campaign planted than the Covid-19 lockdown began. Most retail outlets were told to cease trading and for weeks only food shops, chemists and newsagents remained open. When lockdown started easing in late spring, shoppers saw the full extent of the Love is in the air economic fallout from the wo local groups are for example, hairdressers 15; and Wood Street. pandemic. helping traders rebuild public houses 9; restaurants, After discussions with traders Efforts by Love Barnet and their businesses eat-in 36; take-away 37; – and several alternative plans the Town Team to revive Tafter the fallout from the churches 9; dentists 5, and – the council opted for an the town centre have been pandemic, writes Nick Jones. so on. appeal to drivers to slow down supported by the Barnet Love Barnet and Chipping But some retailers fear at the church pinch point. Society and its chair, Robin Barnet Town Team are that the task of encouraging Barriers have been installed Bishop, had pressed council supporting new initiatives to shoppers to return to the High to protect pedestrians and engineers and main contractor boost footfall and help retailers Street is being hampered by pavement hazard signs Conway to complete the take advantage of the switch the council’s restrictions on encourage social distancing. improvements. to online shopping. pedestrians and vehicles. Over a dozen parking bays Only recently, benches, They have set up an online At one point in August, have also been withdrawn bike stands, and a Battle of directory, High Barnet Digital the council wanted to close along the central section of the Barnet information board High Street, (www.lovebarnet. the High Street, with traffic High Street to give pedestrians have been installed, much co.uk) which already lists 240 diverted along Wood Street, more room. later than expected businesses. Stapylton Road and Alston Lines of hazard tape and Covid-19 has also delayed Shops and businesses, with Road – a plan that produced barriers – as well as vacant until October the public names, addresses, illustrations, such an outcry that it had to be shops – are a constant exhibition of a draft Chipping and logos, are listed on the withdrawn the following day. reminder of the continuing Barnet Community Plan, website in a random order The move was prompted impact of the coronavirus aimed at regenerating the that changes at the start of by concern over the lack of emergency. town centre. Consultant each hour to ensure that there space for social distancing After the closure of Get Architecture 00's team of is equal promotion and no on the narrow High Street Carluccio’s restaurant, there involved at architectural, retail and favouritism. pavement opposite St John the are empty premises either side https:// transport advisers were A search for a category Baptist church, between the of the entrance to the Spires lovebarnet. bombarded with ideas at a throws up the relevant list – junctions with Moxon Street shopping centre. Nearby, co.uk public meeting in January.

Autumn 2020 | 1 Barnet Society done by residents in agreeing the 2017 scheme. High-rise blocks including one of ten storeys were an “affront” to the local street scene of Edwardian houses. “We need family homes, not high-rise blocks of one and two-bedroom flats.” In her contribution, Ms Villiers recalled how residents had objected to an earlier proposal for a supermarket on the gas works site and how they had joined forces with developers and planners to work out an acceptable compromise and approval of the original scheme for 371 homes. “That approval was the culmination of 10 years’ local debate. This high- rise development would overturn a decade of An aerial view community involvement and of the old gas works site it would change 11-0 home win and (inset) irrevocably, for ever. ground works. “It would loom over the Vitoria Park recreation ground (Below) and open the way to future against Victoria Visualisation by EPR city-style development. By Nick Jones and councillors overturned housing, of up to 35 per cent, Architects of Applications will flood in for the advice of the planning of which 60 per cent would the rejected tall, high-rise buildings in the department, which had be affordable rent and the application neighbourhood.” It was a case of 11-0 when supported the application to remainder shared ownership. In closing the debate, Victoria Quarter's developers construct blocks containing a Widespread opposition to Councillor Ryde said the came up against doughty total of 652 flats, instead of the the scheme – and anger at suburban nature of the site opposition in the shape original scheme for 371 flats, the way the plans agreed in tipped the balance against of the council's planning approved in 2017. 2017 had been cast aside by approval. committee. Planners described an Fairview – was evident. Nick He said the next step Councillors unanimously application by Fairview New Hufton, a New Barnet resident was to pull together the rejected plans to build tower Homes and One Housing Group and architect, argued that the grounds for objecting to the blocks on the former gas works as being of a “consistently scheme contravened council application which he thought site at New Barnet that would high-quality appearance”. rules on high density, whereas would include councillors’ have provided almost twice Construction of 14 new the previous plan for 371 concerns over height and as many flats as previously buildings, with one block ten flats had been agreed after density and that over agreed. storeys high, was considered community involvement. development on this scale was Councillors, residents, appropriate as “extensive He criticised the a departure from the local plan and MP Theresa Villiers landscaping” would have development for the way and contrary to the council’s criticised what they said integrated the scheme with that almost all the affordable planning policy. would be a "horrendous, the nearby Victoria Park. homes would be next to the A formal vote on the high-rise monstrosity", out of Mark Jackson, Fairview’s main railway line. There were application is to be taken at a keeping with the village-like director of planning, told the concerns over fire safety, later meeting, but Councillor atmosphere of the locality. committee that the previous especially the PVC windows Ryde acknowledged that Planning committee chairman, proposal for only 371 flats was and length of corridors leading the future of the proposed Shimon Ryde, said he would no longer viable due to the cost to staircases. development would now be appeal to the Mayor of London of decontaminating the site. In attempting to almost Read more considered by the Greater not to try to force through the He said that a higher density double the number of flats News at London Authority; Barnet development. than previously agreed would the developers were, said https://www. was saying that the Mayor There were more than 1,000 allow a "considerable uplift" Councillor Felix Byers, guilty of barnetsociety. of London “should listen to objections to the scheme in the proportion of affordable a “moral betrayal” of the work org.uk local voices”.

2 | Autumn 2020 Barnet Society

D A Proposed new route 384 O R

S T Proposed extension to T E . N route 384 A R L A Route 384 would run via Park Road B B A Sections of road no longer N 0 and Edgeworth Road, instead of S 0 0

served by proposed route 384 Route 384 would R 1 Castlewood Road and Northeld Road O A run direct via A D NORTHFIELD C Trent Park Proposed start/end of new O 384 Salisbury Road ROAD route 384 C eastbound instead CASTLEWOOD K F of Strafford Road ROAD O S Start/end of current route 384 WESTBROOK T 384 E 384 Barnet High R Station CRESCENT S

Barnet VICTORIA R S OOD ST RK D Cockfosters S W B RD A ROAD A M P A R CR O Borehamwood P N E P D - RD L U E S NT A D Y E Y T R C A O O R B S WELLHOUSE N E A T H O N Y I N Q I R E T LL AT L

U LANE T K T EDGEWORTH ROAD E D D S AM I R N A R N B T R HIL R O I A T L R V D CA A T E C LANE B E NET N WHITINGS H BAR R GLOUCESTER ROAD A A ROAD S B A E STIRLING ROAD 1 New Barnet S CORNER 0 I LYONSDOWN 0 LONGMORE D Quinta E 384 ROAD 0 AVENUE A Drive 1

B Route 384 would run direct via Station Road, A Route 384 currently M R

N Victoria Road and Park Road, instead of

1 terminates here E

T Gloucester Road, Lyonsdown Road,

E LAN B TO ERIDG E Longmore Avenue, York Road, Y TT

-

P East Barnet Road and Crescent Road

A Whetstone

S

S D D A OA L R H O L RS R MA A E Friern F LAN H R E G Barnet E WAY I T AR A W H EDG W

GE 0 A 0

V 0 L BO ALE LA E N 1 WES E S L T H N North A NE BAR RD H A A N 1 FRIE R AD N L L O A E R O B E I N W E A N O E E T O OUS A R A DH D T L H G S N D R D I W M E S OA G R Edgware D H A 384 1 T R R A Contains Ordnance Survey data S E Bus Station B L T Y L © Crown copyright 2018 - A P B A TfL defiant as 384 changes mean 10 streets left behind By Nick Jones make the 384 more useful by only we had the same level of Geoff Hobbs, increase in passengers on speeding up journeys.” interest in using the bus itself,” (above) TFL's the route TfL has pushed ahead with But Mr Hobbs was forced to said Mr Hobbs. director of However, Joshua Yates, Public its controversial decision acknowledge the strength of He said that there were only Transport, who organised the “Save the to lengthen the route of the the “Save the 384” bus route about four passengers on the hopes that 384” campaign challenged 384 bus to provide a direct campaign, which was backed 384 at any one time compared the 384 route Mr Hobbs on the impact that connection to Edgware, by local MP Theresa Villiers, with 14 passengers per bus on changes will the changes would have on despite opposition from London Assembly member other London-wide routes. eventually streets in New Barnet, where lead to a campaigners, angry at Andrew Dismore and several On the new route, ten residents would face a long 30 per cent the removal of existing Barnet councillors. streets will no longer be increase in walk to the nearest bus stop. stops across New and High A Facebook page, Save served by the 384, including passenger In hilly areas towards Barnet. the 384, had more than 250 Strafford Road in High Barnet; numbers Cockfosters, passengers would It hopes that the changes members. Gloucester Road, Lyonsdown have to walk an additional will give “a new lease of life” He said: “The passion that Road, Longmore Avenue and 630 metres. Mr Hobbs insisted to the service by ensuring the ‘Save the 384’ campaign York Road in New Barnet; that the average additional faster travelling times and brings with it is exciting...if East Barnet Road, Brookhill walk resulting from the new by providing a new direct Road and Crescent Road in route was 160 metres. connection to Edgware. East Barnet; and Castlewood “An average additional walk In a live online debate, TfL Road and Northfield Road in of 160 metres is one of the mounted a strong defence “The passion Cockfosters. trade offs we have to make. We of the changes, which were that the ‘Save the Shortening the route from want to make the bus route implemented on August 29th. 384’ campaign Cockfosters to Barnet Hospital more useful to more people. Geoff Hobbs, TfL’s director “should reduce journey times “We are seeing a decline in of public transport service brings with it is by nine minutes and this the use of the 384 over the planning, said that extending exciting...if only should improve its popularity”. last five years which pre- the 384 to Edgware would The extension of the 384 dates the cut in frequency five reduce journey times from the we had the route from its current terminus years back.” west of the borough to Barnet same level of at Quinta Drive to end at However, Mr Yates said Hospital by 20 minutes. interest in using Edgware bus station would be that TfL had essentially “This way we think we can via Barnet Road, Barnet Way, run down the clock on the make more of the 384 route the bus itself” Selvage Lane, Hale Lane, and three-month time limit for and provide it with a new Geoff Hobbs, TfL's director Station Road. challenges to reach their lease of life, given that it is of Public Transport Mr Hobbs said TfL hoped chosen implementation date of not terribly well used. We can there would be a 30 per cent Saturday 29 August.

Autumn 2020 | 3 Barnet Society

may recall the After Office site except an archaeological Hours bar (previously a shop) investigation. This found Environment with a first floor and attic artefacts and animal remains above. The building once had consistent with a former some historic features, but had inn, though none seem to & Planning been much altered externally have been of special value and internally over the years. or interest. In the absence one at each end of the High Nevertheless it fitted into the of progress, last September Street. Between them, they old High Street, and provided a Barnet planners served an cover over a square mile. nice transition from No.72, the Enforcement Notice to complete So they play a major part three-storey building to its left, the building. Now it’s under in defining the identity of to the petite Bull to its right. construction – but is much . Even if we The site has seen a higher than it should be. don’t actually live within one, succession of planning Although the site is currently their historic and aesthetic applications. In 2014 one shrouded with scaffolding, appeal is likely to have been was submitted for 15 student a gross deviation from the one of the reasons we moved bedsits in a four-storey approved design is plain: the here, and why many of us building, but withdrawn. Later roof is two-thirds of a storey wish to stay. that year, another was made higher than it should be. The two buildings featured for 9 ‘studios’ and a flat, also Instead of lining up with the here are quite different but on four storeys. The Barnet cornice of No.72 High Street, its both typical of our area: one Society objected, and it was roofline actually exceeds that on the High Street, the other refused permission. of No.72. And the windows, as in a suburban road. They In 2015, application was well as being higher, seem to deviate from their permitted made to replace the old be wider than drawn. designs in different ways: the building with a bar and Instead of forming a gentle first by building substantially two floors above (the top step down from No.72 to higher than allowed, the one within the roofspace) The Bull, the new building second by an accumulation of containing 7 ‘studios’. We actually steps up, presenting small changes that together supported it, albeit subject an ugly and overbearing flank vitiate the quality of the to several conditions. In July to The Bull and the street. It’s Although the original house. 2017, planning permission was site (below) is unacceptable. granted on condition that work shrouded with 70 High Street began within three years. scaffolding, 1 Sunset View The old building was then a gross Next to The Bull and demolished leaving a hole in deviation from No.1 Sunset View was one of the approved diagonally opposite St John the High Street, but for two design is plain the best and most prominent the Baptist’s Church, readers years nothing happened on to see houses in a road that is a North Barnet classic of garden By Robin Bishop suburb design, master- Spot the Differences! planned and largely designed Two building projects under by local architect William construction in Chipping Charles Waymouth in the early Barnet’s Conservation Areas 20th century. The houses are flouting planning laws. are attractive variations on They are tests of Barnet Arts and Crafts themes, and Council’s will to enforce its together comprise an unusually planning decisions. complete and high-quality They’re merely the most development for its period. It’s flagrant of numerous planning an important part of abuses that are gradually degrading our Conservation Areas. These are areas identified by the Council as As Approved As Built having special architectural or historic interest which merits designation. Any alterations or additions must preserve or enhance these areas' character or appearance, and require planning permission. And obviously, the completed building works should conform to the approved designs. We’re lucky to have two Conservation Areas, Wood Street and Monken Hadley,

4 | Autumn 2020 Environment & Planning Barnet Society

selected for maximum effect. The Planning judges Enforcement not a job for faint-hearted praised “an enforcement Planning enforcement upwards in recent years. Chronicle recognised team is small, and its team that has embraced is not easy. In the first In June 2018, Planning its innovative approach authority is limited. As the importance of service six months of 2019 Magazine gave its award to service delivery. And one officer puts it, “The improvement in an unsung (the last period for for Local Authority according to the Ministry powers of the planning area of planning that is which a report has Planning Team of the of Housing, Communities & department to prevent a important to public faith been published), Barnet Year to our Planning Local Government, in the breach of planning control in the system”. Too right. Council received 1,012 Enforcement team for year ending June 2019 it are incredibly limited But unless Barnet planners requests to investigate (amongst other things) served the second most with the law clearly make public examples of an alleged breach of issuing more than eight Enforcement and Breach being designed to deal such conspicuous offences planning control and per cent of all Enforcement of Conditions notices in with breaches after they as 70 High Street and 1 issued 89 Enforcement Notices given in England. So it’s doing a have occurred.” So it’s all Sunset View, prospects Notices. Both statistics in 2016-17. In March 2019, lot right. the more important that for our Conservation Areas have been trending the Local Government But the Enforcement cases for enforcement are are poor.

the Monken Hadley In February this year, the Conservation Area. integral garage was rebuilt The Barnet Society first – but taller than before, and became concerned about No.1 with a new window behind in 2017, when a planning fake garage doors. New side application was submitted windows were also revealed. to make drastic alterations Again, the planners issued and additions. This received Enforcement Notices. Although strong opposition from local not Listed, the attractive Arts residents and Society, and was and Crafts interior was gutted. withdrawn. We nominated In April the freestanding the house for addition to garage in the same style as the Council’s Schedule of the house was widened, and Buildings of Local Architectural a modern up-an-over metal or Historic Interest to give door replaced the original. In it extra protection, and in June the low brick boundary July 2019 it was formally walls were replaced with Listed. The Council’s citation higher ones, the front garden draws attention to the was made. Again we and local concerned again in May when The Barnet entirely covered with concrete “considerable variety of well- residents opposed it, and the neighbours told us the roof Society first paving blocks, and the front crafted brickwork, door and Chipping Barnet Area Planning tiles were being stripped became door replaced – none of them concerned window details…unified by Committee refused it. Within off. Oddly, since traditional in materials or style faithful to about 1 Sunset consistency of materials” and a month a third application second-hand clay tiles are View (above) in the original. mentions its attached garage, was submitted. Although less quite valuable, they were 2017 Nor have these changes something of a novelty in the damaging than the previous smashed and discarded. been made with planning early days of mass motoring. two it was still strongly In August unauthorised consent, normally a In 2018 another application opposed, but this time the rooflights appeared. The requirement in Conservation Committee approved it. planners responded by serving Areas. Cumulatively, they’re In spring 2019 work started a Breach of Condition Notice. seriously eroding the house’s on site, but we became Over the next two months, the original quality – not to rear chimneys and balcony mention intruding on the were demolished. Although privacy of No.3 Sunset View. the chimneys were later Several Councillors have rebuilt, they were not exactly intervened, to little effect. as before. The Planning Enforcement Manager agrees that there are issues and has been on the case for nearly a year, but the developer is blatantly ignoring Enforcement Notices. It’s not good enough. If the developer Read more gets away with trashing a News at Locally Listed building in a https://www. Conservation Area, what barnetsociety. hope is there of protecting org.uk others in future?

Autumn 2020 | 5 Barnet Society Environment Decisions A large crop of developments at tube stations are in the pipeline in or near our & Planning area. Planning applications are expected imminently for High Barnet (292 flats) and Cockfosters (351 flats), and later this year Government for Finchley Central (560 flats). A decision Planning Reforms is awaited for Arnos Grove (162 flats).

The government’s proposed White Paper August 2020 Approval has been given for planning reforms are the (86 flats). Society’s biggest challenge since it was founded. The Other important developments present system enables awaiting a decision are: us to comment on individual • Whalebones estate – The roundabout planning applications; originally proposed at the Wood Street/Galley the new one will greatly Lane junction has been omitted, but our curtail that. objection to the size of this development (152 Briefly, the Planning for the homes) in the Wood Street Conservation Area Future White Paper aims to still stands. simplify local plans and speed • 151-153 High Street (former car up building, particularly of the showroom) – We support the conversion of 300,000 homes it says are two buildings, one listed Grade II, into 3 flats, needed annually. In parallel, flurry of roof extensions and with a new retail unit and 3 houses behind. the government is consulting changes of use, especially without merit: the present • Gas peaking station off Partingdale on an algorithm to determine in and around high streets, system is definitely over- Lane – We object to this intrusion into the local targets. Good luck subject only to a minimum of complicated. The Green Belt, Green Belt. with that. restrictions. Conservation Areas and Listed New local plans will zone The public will be Buildings will continue to be Recently approved cases all land as either Growth, encouraged to comment on protected, and enforcement include: Renewal or Protected areas. the Council’s draft Local Plan of planning law will be • The Totteridge Academy city farm – We In Growth areas, outline and on design codes for local strengthened. But the present supported this use of Green Belt land. planning permission will development. Improved digital legal safeguards are imperfect, • Old Courthouse Surgery, 27 Wood automatically be granted. In technology will apparently and no improvements are Street – We were neutral about this extension. Renewal or Protected Areas make it easier for us to get proposed. • 17 Park Road – We opposed 7 flats on 2 automatic approval involved in local plans The reforms will be deeply floors of former offices (6th time lucky for this will be given to and design codes via disruptive. The future of Sadiq developer). pre-established social networks Khan’s London Plan and • 2 Bruce Road – We objected to this 8-room types of and mobile Barnet’s Local Plan – long house in multiple occupation. development. phones. in preparation – is now in The latter Leaving doubt. The Council planning There have also been some would be in aside the department will have to be noteworthy planning refusals: addition to touching faith reorganised. Drawing up • 28 Prospect Road – We objected to the the already Sadiq Khan: in technology, design codes is likely to be replacement of this good Arts & Crafts house considerable plan in doubt the main problem lengthy and problematic. It by a block of six flats. range of here is that without will take years before the • 22 Wood Lane – We supported development which greater public education new system is fully working. the replacement of decrepit sheds in the no longer requires permission. and council willingness to Meanwhile, much damage Green Belt by four unobtrusive houses. Barnet can already expect a share information, most of us could be done. • Kingmaker House, Station Road – The are unlikely to have the time The Society is preparing developers’ proposal for 145 flats was or inclination to participate. a response, together with dismissed by the Planning Inspector. He will The proposals are not the Federation of Residents’ have to be content with the 139 already Associations of Barnet, by the approved. deadline of 29 October. Hertsmere is considering new housing in the If you have any planning, Green Belt: design or building expertise • Building over the farmland between the to offer, please let me know M25 & . at [email protected] • N-W of , new Rabley Green or 020 8449 0088 / 07913 & Redwell “garden villages” 107046. You can view the • Two sites at Ganwick Corner (near The Duke White Paper at: https:// of York pub on the A1000). www.gov.uk/government/ I’d like to record the Society’s gratitude to consultations/planning- Markus Geiger, who has represented us on for-the-future. the Conservation Area Advisory Committee for nearly 10 years, but has decided to step down on health grounds.

6 | Autumn 2020 Barnet Society Spot on: a series, which Attenborough is picture of a expected to narrate and is due leopard that to be broadcast next year or Sam took when he was the year after. filming in While he admits wildlife Zambia. camera work is highly Sam (below) competitive, he thinks there on location is no better time to qualify in filmmaking and apply for work. “Natural history filming and photography has never been busier because in addition to the BBC and National Geographic, there are new streaming services on Netflix, Apple and Disney Plus and they are all planning wildlife series.” On his frequent walks around High Barnet he has been keeping an eye out for local wildlife, a chance to put Call of the Wild into practice all the necessary routines like keeping By Nick Jones been his dream since his downwind in order to get as schooldays – he has worked "I sat next close as possible. On his lockdown walks in on numerous high-profile In addition to keeping fit on the countryside around High assignments, including shoots to [David his walks, his enforced stay at Barnet, wildlife cameraman for the BBC’s Natural History Attenborough] in home has also been a chance Sam Meyrick is having Unit and Netflix. the lunch break to play regularly again at to substitute the local Just before lockdown he Ravenscroft Tennis Club which population of foxes, muntjac was in California for 13 weeks and we shared a he joined 20 years ago while a deer and parakeets for the filming sea otters for a Netflix packet of crisps" pupil at Christ Church Primary. likes of the polar bears, sea series due to be broadcast in Sam, rated by club coach otters, penguins – and his 2021, but then planned visits Steve Porter as one of their favourite the leopard – that to locations in Iceland, Costa faced and how they had best players, has in previous he usually films around the Rica and Canada have had to managed to capture the shots years represented Ravenscroft world, writes Nick Jones. be postponed. and put together a wildlife in league matches around Sam has been grounded Sam, 28, who was a pupil sequence. north London, Hertfordshire, since the start of the at Christ Church Primary “I was so lucky to gain a and . coronavirus pandemic, and is and Dame Alice Owen’s place on the first University of Although league fixtures back at home with his parents School, studied geography the West of England wildlife had to be cancelled this in Sunset View, determined at Loughborough University filmmaking course which had year, he still hopes to play to keep as close to nature as and in 2012 gained a place on been organised in conjunction in Ravenscroft’s annual possible. the University of the West of with the BBC’s Natural History tournament, postponed from Because of the quarantine England’s first MA course in Unit in Bristol. July until October. restrictions that apply to wildlife filmmaking. “After university one of my “Tennis is one of those foreign travel, and the “As a boy I had always first breaks was to assist a top sports you can play while continuing demands for social been gripped by natural cameraman Robin Cox with maintaining social distance, distancing, he fears it could history films, especially filming an ITV series by Alan so long as you remember not be some months yet before he David Attenborough’s Planet Titchmarsh on the Queen’s to shake hands at the end of and other camera operators Earth series. Gardens. the match.” can resume work on natural “What fascinated me most “The next opportunity One disappointment has history films and programmes. of all was the last ten minutes was helping Cox on a David been the absence of local In the five years since of every programme when Attenborough programme, the football matches following the qualifying in wildlife camera operators and crews Natural World of Frogs. departure of Barnet Football filmmaking – a job that had explain the challenges they “So, within two months of Club and the opening of Ark leaving university I had met Academy School on what was Attenborough on a shoot after the site of Underhill stadium. being an avid fan of his in my He was a regular supporter schooldays. I sat next to him with his father. His grandfather Sam's globetrotting in the lunch break and we Dennis D’Arcy was Barnet’s skipper in the 1950s and • Australia • Ecuador • Tanzania shared a packet of crisps.” Sam's • Botswana • Netherlands • UK Five years after meeting website can together with his uncle, • Canada • Russia • USA Attenborough, Sam has be found at Alf D’Arcy, they played in • China • South Georgia • Vietnam worked in Russia, Tibet www. the 1959 FA Amateur cup • Costa Rica • South Korea • Zambia and South Georgia filming sammeyrick. final at , losing to for the latest Frozen Planet co.uk Crook Town. Autumn 2020 | 7 Barnet Society council to resubmit their bid to extend the route to Monken Hadley so that more people On your bike, will benefit.” In a statement on its failure to secure funding for the entire length of the A1000, Below: Barnet councillors! Barnet Council said it was Derek Dishman investigating why this had happened and was still “very much committed” to the over- all project. Meanwhile, the London Cycling Campaign has condemned Barnet for having one of the worst records on cycling provision among the London boroughs. And Derek Dishman – the Barnet blogger ‘Mr Mustard’ – who has been cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats helping to raise money for the North London Hospice is far from impressed by the council’s attitude: “Having just ridden nearly 2,000 miles By Nick Jones Whetstone, then up to and seen what other local High Barnet and on to authorities do for cyclists, I Separate cycle lanes up and Monken Hadley – was know how pathetic Barnet down Barnet Hill, which for unexpectedly rejected by Council has been.” so long have been ridiculed TFL and the Department Barnet campaign, said there “We have a leader of the by Barnet councillors, for Transport. had been an “abject failure” council who even likes to joke may be a step closer as a However, plans are still borough wide by the council that you can’t expect High result of the government’s under consideration and future to introduce any significant Barnet residents to cycle home decision to pump £2 billion approval is now a possibility schemes to encourage cycling from the City of London when into schemes to encourage for the second phase of the or to safeguard cyclists. they would be faced with cycling and walking as project, depending on the “We are delighted that having to cycle up Barnet Hill. a way of fighting the use and success of the first Barnet will finally be getting “But hundreds of cyclists coronavirus pandemic, section. its first meaningful safe cycling ride up and down Barnet Hill writes Nick Jones. route along part of one of its all the time and instead of ’s aim main thoroughfares. treating cycling as a joke, it is is to establish “pop-up social 'Having just “We are trying to work with time Barnet Council got its act distancing” cycle lanes the ridden nearly the council to ensure the together, not least because entire length of the A1000. details in the design will make it probably has more road Work is to start immediately 2,000 miles and the route really succeed. mileage than many other installing cycle lanes along seen what other “We are also eager for the boroughs because of its size.” the 3.2 km section of the local authorities Right: A1000 between the junction Preferred with Bishops Avenue at East do for cyclists, route Finchley and Tally Ho corner in I know how . Space will be made for the pathetic Barnet twin cycle lanes by reducing Council has been' the A1000 to one-lane traffic ­Derek Dishman flow in each direction; by suspending 120 or more parking bays; and by reducing Decades of hostility towards or removing built-out footways. cyclists by Barnet councillors Barnet Council has been are blamed by Barnet Cycling awarded a grant of £318,000 Campaign for the council’s to complete the installation of failure to secure the extra to North Finchley money immediately for the cycle lanes by the end of cycling lanes to continue north Read more September. up the A1000, from North News at Funding to continue the Finchley to Monken Hadley. https://www. cycle lanes north from Tally Ashley Grossman, a leading barnetsociety. Ho corner – through to member of the 300-strong org.uk

8 | Autumn 2020 Barnet Society Elstree predicted to be new ‘British Hollywood’

By Nicholas Jones making in Borehamwood The project will create 900 studios would provide much and the restoration of its links jobs during construction this needed space for the ongoing Work has started clearing to Hollywood. year and next and a further boom in film and television a site at Borehamwood, Sky Studios Elstree is a joint Preparatory 1,500 posts once the studios production work in the UK. between Rowley Lane and project between Sky’s owners work has are operational. Elstree will become home the A1, for the construction Comcast, NBC Universal and started off Full-time roles will include to a host of Sky Originals, as Rowley Lane, of the new Sky Studios Legal and General and the a significant number of well as major film productions Borehamwood, Elstree which were granted complex will cost £230 million. on the new production jobs, alongside from Universal Pictures, Focus planning approval by Councillor Bright said Sky Studios roles supporting the operation Features, and television series Hertsmere Borough Council construction of the new studio Elstree. From of the studios. from Universal Studio Group. in early July. complex heralded a major left to right, There will be 12 sound Sky Studios says it is The new studio complex – injection of skills and expertise Nigel Wilson, stages on the site, with the committed to supporting the chief executive the size of 17 football pitches that would strengthen officer Legal ability to merge together and next generation of young and – will provide more than 2,000 creative industries in the area and General, subdivide. diverse talent and will use jobs when it opens in 2022 and, together with a huge Helen Parker, This means that the Elstree to build on its existing and is expected to generate production spend, would NBC Universal, biggest sound stages on the work in this area which film and televisioan production provide a massive boost to the Caroline site can increase to cover includes Sky Academy Studios Cooper, chief worth £3 billion over its first local economy – “a moment of finance officer 60,000 square feet if needed and Mama Youth Project, five years of operation. huge pride for residents and Sky Studios, or reduce to much small an initiative to equip young Sky Studios Elstree will businesses”. and Councillor segregated studios providing a people aged 18-25 from rank in size and potential “With the council-owned Morris Covid-19 ready layout for the under-represented groups, importance to two other studio Elstree Studios and BBC Bright, leader future. to work in the television Hertsmere complexes at Borehamwood Elstree nearby, and now Sky Borough In its statement welcoming industry. – the world-renowned Elstree Studios Elstree, this really does Council. approval, Sky said the new The former MGM British Studios, where extra studio mean the return of the British Studios were constructed in space is planned, and BBC Hollywood to Hertsmere.” 1936 on a 115-acre site on the Elstree, home of EastEnders, The 28-acre site off Rowley northern side of Elstree Way Strictly Come Dancing and Lane was formerly in the and MGM produced films there other BBC productions. Green Belt but was recently from 1944 until the studios Councillor Morris Bright, designated by Hertsmere for closed in 1970. Hertsmere’s council leader, employment development. A new book, MGM British hailed the go ahead for the An earlier planning Studios: Hollywood in new Sky Studios – around application, approved in Hertfordshire, by film historian 100 yards from the site of the May, gave permission for Paul Welsh, is available former MGM British studios preparatory work to start on from the Elstree Screen in Elstree Way – as the start the site ready for construction Heritage website www. of a new era of American film to begin. elstreescreenheritage.org

Autumn 2020 | 9 Barnet Society Something to crow about – how Barnet bowls club scored in dummy run By Nick Jones

By installing two male mannequins dressed in white in the Old Courthouse Recreation Ground, Barnet Lawns Bowls Club has managed to frighten off crows that have been digging holes in the fine turf of their two bowling greens. All went well for the first as bowls to resume. three weeks until one of “Initially only singles were the mannequins was stolen allowed, but we are now overnight by vandals and playing pairs and trebles as left in a footpath leading to well,” said Mr Wass. Mays Lane. “Because of pandemic and Next morning a passer-by said Mr Henderson. prohibitive and now it’s all the lockdown, more people are discovered the decapitated President Brian Wass more important that we look acknowledging the need to mannequin, covered in tomato admitted the crows were after our prime asset.” undertake sporting activity sauce. Park keepers said they formidable opponents. “They Barnet Bowls Club (www. and since we resumed were alerted by a lady who are very clever birds, they barnetbowlsclub.org.uk) was playing, we have picked up 16 thought she had found a walk on the grass, listen for established in 1926 and new members, which is very dead body. insects, and then drill down to according to club history encouraging. Club president Brian Wass find them. some of the marchers on the “We now have 32 playing said the remaining mannequin “But the greenkeeper was Jarrow March stopped off on members, but ideally we’d like protected both greens until having to fill as many as 100 their way home to help lay around 40. the stolen one was repaired. tiny holes every morning with out the greens and build the “Playing bowls is good, His missing head has been sand and seed, so we had clubhouse as a “thank you” for healthy exercise. A player covered up with a large to find a solution. Alan was the support they had walks 21 ends per match, Rosario Wass- Mexican sombrero. having to come an hour earlier been given. Berru, Alan which is about one-and- Installing mannequins just to repair the greens. Club members have been Henderson, three-quarter miles, bends dressed as bowls players “We bought the two playing again since May 18 and Brian down 80 times, and then has – instead of scarecrows – mannequins for less than when the government relaxed Wass, with one to throw the fair-sized weight was the brainchild of club £50 each off eBay and then the coronavirus lockdown of the latest of the bowl.” additions rules to allow sports such greenkeeper and coach, members donated white to the club Mr Wass’s wife, Rosario Alan Henderson. clothes to make them look Wass-Berru, is another He had been plagued for as realistic as possible. They stalwart of the club. Until weeks by crows using their each hold silver flashings in ten years ago the men and beaks to drill holes into the their hands which give some women played separately, grass as the birds search for movement in the wind.” but then the two sections insects such as earwigs and Mr Wass said Barnet’s combined. leather jackets. two bowling greens In 2018, Mrs Wass- “We had thought of putting were judged to be the Berru won the singles scarecrows on the grass, but best in the Borough of championship – the first the birds know me, and they Barnet because of the woman to hold the title in used to fly off the moment quality of the turf. the club’s history. they saw me arrive. “We are very proud After their success in “So, we had the brilliant of our two greens recruiting new members, idea of dressing up two and Alan has done the club is looking forward mannequins in white trousers a tremendous job as to resuming a full playing and shirts and then standing greenkeeper. season from April next them in the middle of the two “When Barnet year. They also have the greens. withdrew all funding for satisfaction of finding that “The mannequins look just the club four years ago, other clubs in the vicinity have like bowls players and they’ve the council wanted to charge adopted their idea of using been brilliant at keeping us £9,000 a year to maintain mannequins dressed in white the crows off the grass,” both greens, which was to scare off birds.

10 | Autumn 2020 Barnet Society Hospital problem parked The big 550- but Residents were asked in 36 roads were consulted. an online survey whether Householders were asked more roads should be if they are satisfied with the just not this year included within the Barnet operation and boundaries of Hospital controlled parking the zone; the restrictions on Ambitious plans are being drawn up to zone and whether pay and parking between 8am and celebrate the 550th anniversary next year display parking should be 6.30pm, Monday to Saturday; of the . allowed in those streets and whether they would Barnet Medieval Festival – scheduled for the where parking is currently support pay and display being weekend of 5-6 June 2021 – aims to have an restricted to residents only. introduced when demand from even greater range of battle re-enactments A CPZ was applied to roads residents is low and where than in 2019 or at the first festival in 2018. closest to Barnet Hospital extra paid-for-parking places In addition to highly-popular firearms after years of complaints would assist visitors and demonstrations – with cannon firing by the about uncontrolled parking workers at the hospital. House of Bayard re-enactment group – the by staff and patients blocking Several residents criticised organisers are hoping it might be possible up access to homes and the timing of the survey to offer arena exhibitions of men and horses businesses and clogging up residents an opportunity to given the vast reduction in being dressed for mounted combat. the area. indicate if they think changes traffic due to the coronavirus Other events planned for next year include The invitation to residents should be made in either in pandemic, at a time when far a “medieval presence” in Barnet High Street to give their views made no the boundary of the CPZ or in fewer patients are visiting the on Sunday 11 April 2021 – the Sunday before mention of the fact that Barnet the type of restrictions. hospital. They said a better the 550th anniversary of the Battle fought Council’s revenue from the CPZ The area surveyed was option would have been to between Yorkist and Lancastrian forces just to would be higher if the zone much larger than the existing have waited until parking the north of Barnet on 14 April 1471. was widened to other streets zone and included roads demand settled down in a To the disappointment of the festival’s and if pay and display parking within an area stretching from post-pandemic “new normal”. trustees, the continuing coronavirus rules on was introduced in those bays Bells Hill and Whitings Road Councillor David Longstaff social distancing and restrictions on public which are under-used by local in the south to Wood Street acknowledged that traffic had events, meant there was no alternative but householders. and Barnet Road in the north, yet to return to pre-covid.19 to cancel the revised plan to try to hold this When the Barnet Hospital and from the Black Horse levels, but the review had year’s re-arranged festival over the weekend CPZ was introduced in 2018, roundabout in the east to already been delayed and of 19-20 September. the council agreed a review Galley Lane and Quinta Drive there were significant issues Bob Burstow, chair of the trustees, said they should take place. in the west. for residents outside the zone. had been informed by their specialist insurers An informal online In addition to the dozen or Traffic displaced from streets that for the “foreseeable future” they were consultation, which closed so roads that are currently within the CPZ was causing a not prepared to offer cover for re-enactment in August (20.8.2020), gave included, residents in another problem in nearby roads. events attended by the public. After the loss of this year’s festival, the screaming together above returned to regular nesting organisers are determined to make the 550th Manor Road and Mays Lane. places.” anniversary year an extra special celebration. Sightings of swifts are a Breeding swifts were Plans are being drawn up for a community Swifts regular feature at many of confirmed nesting under the event in Barnet High Street sometime in High Barnet’s green spaces, eaves or in nesting boxes September to promote the 2021 festival and including Dollis Valley, in several roads, including to kick off fund raising events with the sale Whitings Hill, Whalebones, Fitzjohn Avenue, Manor Road, of memorabilia. return for Byng Road playing fields Granville Road and Leicester To help finance an expanded programme and allotments and Shire Road, New Barnet. for the festival next June, the trustees are also golf course. Other roads where swifts planning to start a crowdfunding appeal. summer Ornithologist David Martens, may have nested this year All the medieval re-enactment groups and Sightings by bird watchers who organised High Barnet’s include Cedar Lawn Avenue, societies that join together to bring the Battle suggest that the swifts swift awareness week in early Normandy Avenue and of Barnet to life had been booked for both which spend three months July, said his gut feeling was Bedford Avenue. June and then September this year – and of the summer swooping, that it had been a productive “I’m sure there are probably they are now being invited to take part in the swirling and squealing year for the breeding swifts other roads in and around 2021 festival. high in the skies over High that visited this summer but High Barnet that have Last year over 350 medieval re-enactors Barnet have probably had a had departed again for Africa breeding swifts – we’ve just enthralled a crowd of over 5,000 with successful breeding season. by early August. got to find them. Another their portrayal of what was one of the On their arrival in early May, “We’ve had a very good project for next year,” said Mr pivotal battles between Yorkist and there were sightings of around breeding season for all sorts Martens, who delivers leaflets Lancastrian forces. a dozen or more. of threatened species because encouraging residents to In planning for 2021, the trustees have By July, well over 20 of the fine weather this spring monitor swift sightings and to been encouraged by the many expressions of were being counted at and early summer. fit nest boxes under the eaves support for what is considered to be London’s some locations – and one “Swifts do seem to have of their houses. top attraction for military evening in mid-July up to 30 benefited as well and it is so http://actionforswifts. enthusiasts. were observed circling and encouraging to hear they’ve blogspot.com/

Autumn 2020 | 11 Barnet Society CHAIR 'S REPORT

At the Society’s Committee meeting in July, we reviewed the timing of our 2020 AGM/75th celebration and 75th Commemorative Newsletter, and agreed that in view of continuing Covid-19 uncertainty it would not be possible to hold the AGM/ celebration this year. We’ll I'm (not) still standing aim for a Spring 2021 event instead. By Nick Jones Access from the High Street bedroom apartments – nine of As a result, this issue of the will be improved by the which are shared ownership Newsletter is a normal one, demolition of a vacant clothes – is to be built on the Brake and we will postpone the Brake Shear House, one of shop to allow for the widening Shear House side of the site Commemorative Newsletter the last of the many small of the existing entrance to and on the other side would until November. As well as factories and workshops allow two-way traffic. be the eight semi-detached looking back over 75 years, that were once dotted Much of the Brake Shear houses with the three it will look to the future and around High Barnet, has House complex has been commercial units immediately herald the Spring Event. been demolished to make boarded up in recent years to the rear of the High Street We also co-opted Kim way for a new development following the sale of the site premises. Ambridge, John Hay and of flats and houses on a site for redevelopment in 2015 During the lengthy planning Simon Watson as Committee just off the High Street. when long-established firms process – and final approval Members until such time as The much-interrupted including two printers, a was only granted in February we can hold our AGM. Kim has project, which first gained sheet-metal works and two – several of the workshops did also taken over from John as planning approval in 2018, recording studios where the have temporary uses and for a Acting Membership Secretary. three years after the tenants likes of Elton John and the time the complex was brought Last month I accepted an moved out, was stalled Spice Girls recorded. back to life by the arrival of invitation from Barnet U3A to temporarily because demolition When the site was originally Nightingales Emporium, a give a 75th talk celebrating contractors discovered asbestos purchased by a previous collaborative selling point for a our past, present and future in the roof. developer Wrenbridge, the 16 group of artists. work in and around Chipping When demolition resumed, businesses operating from the “This was the original site Barnet. If you’d like to view the original green sign ‘Brake premises claimed over 100 of Barnet’s Victoria skating my presentation, it’s on Shear House’ was removed people were either directly rink and swimming baths run our website: https://www. and revealed an earlier name employed there or made by a pioneering entrepreneur barnetsociety.org.uk/planning- plate dated 1893, ‘John Swain occasional use of stores and Daniel Schmidt. He later had Read more environment/the-barnet- & Son, photo-engraving workshops. a museum of stuffed animals news at society-campaigning-for-a- works’. Demolition contractors in his emporium, so we https://www. better-barnet-for-75-years." Shanly Homes’ plans for moved heavy plant into the are following in his famous barnetsociety. [email protected] the 1.2-acre site include a site several weeks ago and footsteps. org.uk Robin Bishop stepped block of four to five many of the buildings have storeys providing 50 luxury already been cleared away apartments; eight three-storey with the original frontage of semi-detached houses; up to Brake Shear House the last 15 members forward, 16 back three commercial units; and to go. The Society has gained 15 new individual or family memberships since parking space for 54 cars. The block of two- and three- June, around half recruited by committee members, but in the same period has lost 16 members, whom about half joined only one year ago. Unfortunately, recruitment was inhibited by the cancellation of events such as the Medieval Festival and summer fairs. Mid-August marked 12 months since we upgraded the PayPal payment system to set up recurring subscriptions. As a result, we now have 76 members paying automatically by PayPal in addition to 262 who pay automatically by standing order. A quarter of our members have chosen to pay more than their minimum subscription, for which we are most grateful. Some 90 member households are receiving with this newsletter a letter inviting them to supply us with their email address so that they can join the 340 who receive our all-member emails. Just 12 members have accepted the invitation to receive our newsletters electronically. Kim Ambridge, Membership Secretary www.barnetsociety.org.uk/membership Edited by Eamonn Rafferty Design: Surgerycreations.com Edited by Eamonn Rafferty

12 | Autumn 2020