Local News is our Aim THE Professional Sales & Lettings AT COMPETITIVE RATES 020 8444 5222 [email protected] May 2010 No. 199 20p ARCHER ISSN 1361-3952 where฀sold A community newspaper for East Finchley run entirely by volunteers. Lifeline voluntary services face uncertain future By Linda Sansom East Finchley Advice Service is busier than ever, helping up to a dozen people a day with housing, welfare beneits, consumer rights and general advice at its base in Church Lane, but there are concerns it is facing possible cuts to its budget next year. Ralph Palache, Chair of housing advice. Under threat advice services. The council EFAS, explained that the serv- of closure when funding was is obviously speaking to these ice receives some money from withdrawn in 1994, it success- three groups. We will continue Mums and children campaign for a safer crossing at Creighton the City Parochial Charity, and fully applied to Barnet Council with our current funding arrange- Avenue. Photo by Michelle Imber. is funded until next March by for a grant. It now has a dedi- ments pending completion of that Barnet Council. “After that cated core team of around 20 process but we obviously cannot Barnet has an overall plan for volunteers, including lawyers, prejudge this process.” Mothers and children centralising everything and cut- outreach workers and a dentist. ting expenditure, and they no An employment training pro- walk on the safe side longer want to deal with the gramme offers young people Rudi Vis By Emily Burnham little advice centres that exist the chance to learn the basics in Barnet,” he said. of interview techniques, CV says farewell With Walk to School Week coming up from 17-21 May, “Their plan is to put every- writing and IT skills. Rudi Vis, who stood down mums and children are highlighting the low priority they thing out to tender for the whole Manager Ruby Joseph said: as MP for Finchley and say is given to the safety of vulnerable pedestrians. They area, and the Citizens Advice “EFAS enhances lives, and it Golders Green this month, are particularly worried about getting to school safely Bureau will probably be the only empowers people, which ulti- has written to THE ARCHER along Creighton Avenue and Church Lane. people who have the facility for mately helps them and their to say farewell to the con- A mum of three, the car turned without indicating. this work, so organisations like families.” stituency he has served eldest attending Martin Pri- I had to pull him back. How many near misses do there ours will disappear.” A spokesman for Barnet since 1997. mary School, spoke of her The funding changes could Council said there would be daily concern at the lack have to be?” In his letter, he reveals that he is also affect the work of two other no change to the East Finchley of a pedestrian crossing on A mum of two who lives suffering from inoperable cancer. voluntary groups who receive Neighbourhood Centre itself as Creighton Avenue. “Cars nearby has witnessed several He pays tribute to his political council funding and share the this is a building leased by the turning left off the High Road accidents in two years. Her colleagues and opponents, and same building: East Finchley council for community use but can’t see children waiting to child attends Coldfall Primary movingly expresses his love for Neighbourhood Contact and acknowledged that a funding cross just around the corner. School and she is relieved that his wife and family. You can read the African Catholic Refugee review was under way. My son was in the road when a Haringey Council has made Rudi’s letter on page 11. Community. He said: “The council is cur- Creighton Avenue safer fur-

EFAS was set up in 1982 rently going through a tendering ther down the road. by Barnet Social Services in process to commission a variety of Another mum of three, response to increasing demand services from the voluntary sector with two children at Martin in the area for benefit and in the borough. This includes call us FREE on 0800 279 3463 Primary School, wrote to WE HAVE A LARGE STOCK OF 100 WATT LIGHTBULBS Barnet Council some years ago. She received a reply

150w STOCKISTS OF saying that “trafic low” was the council’s priority. ROBERTS Church Lane is another ……………………..The Right Choice APPROVED INSTALLERS DAB + ANALOGUE problem with cars travelling RADIOS 100w 200w so fast that the narrow pave- Estate Agents – Valuers - Residential Sales – Lettings –Management – Cyprus Properties ments are a hazard and there is 40 High Road East Finchley London N2 9PJ Tel: 020 8883 9090 Fax: 020 8883 8580 Email: [email protected] Website: www.primelocations.co.uk www.everything-electrical.com only one pedestrian crossing. Call us for a Free Valuation. Family Business you can Trust. 38 HIGH ROAD, EAST FINCHLEY, LONDON N2 9PJ - Tel: 020 8444 7994 It’s dangerous for children to use scooters and bikes and some three-year-olds travel 82 High Road VICTORY AUTO SERVICES in pushchairs because we East Finchley fear they may venture near trafic. N2 9PN The mums say they and Air-Conditioning - Recharge & Servicing other carers work hard to 020 8883 0033 Mechanical repairs, tyres, make children safe, healthy and develop good habits such bodywork, clutches, exhausts as being used to walking. To [email protected] MOTs by appointment make Walk to School Week 109 Fortis Green East Finchley London N2 9HR work all year, they are call- Estate Agents and Valuers - Established 1767 Tel: 020 8883 9707 / 0023 Fax: 020 8482 9179 ing on Barnet to put children’s lives irst. • Visit your community newspaper on-line at www.the-archer.co.uk • 2 MAY 2010 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 THE ARCHER USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS PO BOX 3699 Councils Hospitals Help the Aged 0808 800 6565 LONDON N2 8JA Barnet Council: Barnet General 0845 111 4000 Crime Admin/Town Hall 020 8359 2000 Coppetts Wood 020 8883 9792 Emergency 999 42 Church Lane, London N2 8DT. WWW.THE-ARCHER.CO.UK Council Tax 020 8359 2608 Finchley Memorial 020 8349 7500 Barnet Police 020 8200 1212 Tel/Fax: 020 8444 6265 e-mail: THE-ARCHER Recycling & refuse 020 8359 4600 Oak Lane Clinic 020 8349 7000 Mus. Hill Police Stn. 020 8808 1212 Primary Care Trust 020 8201 4700 Royal Free 020 7794 0500 CrimeStoppers 0800 555111 @LINEONE.NET General Advice. Benets Agency 020 8258 6500 St Lukes 020 8219 1800 Victim Support 0845 303 0900 Monday to Friday: 10am - Voicemail & Fax: Employment Service 020 8258 3900 Whittington 020 7272 3070 East Finchley Safer Neighbourhood 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 4pm. Haringey Council 020 8489 0000 Team 020 7161 9014 (messages only) Health Advice Legal Advice. Leisure AIDSline 020 8363 2141 Help & Advice Tuesdays: 7pm - 8pm. Editorial/enquiries: - Alexandra Palace 020 8365 2121 Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 7697555 Childline 0800 1111 08717 33 44 65 East Finchley Library 020 8359 3815 Barnet MENCAP 020 8203 6688 Disability Info Service 020 8446 6935 Councillors’ Surgery. Muswell Hill Odeon 0870 505 0007 Saturdays: 10am - 11.30am Advertising/inance: - Cancer Support 020 8202 2211 E.F. Advice Service 020 8444 6265 Phoenix Cinema 020 8444 6789 Carers Line 0808 808 7777 Gingerbread 020 8445 4227 08717 33 45 28 Warner Cinema 020 8446 9933 Drinkline 0800 917 8282 National Debt Line 0808 808 4000 Drugs Helpline 0800 776600 NSPCC 0800 800500 Community Services Transport v Credit Union, Green Man Com- PUBLISHED฀BY Nat. Rail Enquiries 0845 7484950 MIND 020 8343 5700 Rape & Sexual Abuse 020 8683 3300 munity Centre 020 8883 4916 City Airport 020 7646 0088 NHS Direct 0845 4647 Relate 020 8447 8101 East Finchley v Careers advice, Green Man, Com- London Transport 020 7222 1234 RSPCA Inspector 0300 1234 999 munity Centre 020 8883 4916 Newspapers National Express 08705 808080 OAPs Advice Samaritans 08457 909090 Barnet Age Concern 020 8346 3511 v Toy library, Muswell Hill 020 Heathrow Airport 0870 000 0123 Refuge Crisis Line 0870 599 5443 Contact (N2) 020 8444 1162 8444 0244/ 8489 8774 CHAIR Kevin Finn Girls just want to Questions over COPY฀EDITOR John Lawrence have run Avenue House The Bobath Centre in East End Road is calling for women By Betti Blatman There has been some concern in the community about the EDITORIAL฀TEAM of all ages to take part in the Adidas Women’s 5K Chal- lenge this September. With no age restriction, mothers, well-being of the Avenue House Estate. Local residents, Diana Cormack grandmothers, daughters even toddlers can complete the who are passionate about keeping their beautiful park Daphne Chamberlain course by either running or walking. running and have a willingness to become involved to The charity for children with Schools or individuals wish- secure its future, have compiled a questionnaire. SUB฀EDITORS cerebral palsy is particularly ing to take part should contact They are asking for as many then present the results of the keen for local schools to get Sarah on 020 8442 2275 or people as possible to give their survey to the Avenue House Ann Bronkhorst involved. “It would be great [email protected] thoughts on the estate. They will Estate Trust and are very will- Wendy Devine if we had girls in every year ing to meet with them to discuss Pam Kent group running alongside their their suggestions. teachers for a good cause,” says ARCHER: seeking The survey seeks to ind out Sarah Terrazas, Bobath event how often you use the grounds PRODUCTION฀EDITOR co-ordinator. and what improvements you Alison Roberts “East Finchley has a strong volunteers would like to see. A farmers’ sense of community and we Could you help us distributing THE ARCHER? We urgently market, open-air films and think that getting schools need a volunteer who can take delivery of the paper each children’s activities are all put PICTURE฀EDITOR involved reinforces this. For month at home and sort it into rounds for our deliverers. forward as possible options. Mike Rubens us, it gives us an opportunity to You would need to have a decent-sized ground loor room If there is suficient interest, get to know our neighbours and for the papers to be stacked and sorted, plus a suitable the organisers may start a regu- raise money to keep the centre space outside for the papers to be left if you are out. lar newsletter to keep people FINANCE฀&฀ open; not to mention encourag- The papers come in bundles of We also need more people to up to date with developments ADVERTISING ing a healthy lifestyle.” 50 and we provide round sheets drop off and to deliver the paper. at Avenue House. John Dearing The run takes place on with all the necessary details. On average, delivery takes For a copy of the question- Sunday 5 September in Hyde Sorting into rounds takes two to about 45 minutes per round. To naire, which needs to be returned Park, and the charity will offer three hours but does not have to volunteer for any of these roles, by 20 May, please email Lindy DISTRIBUTION runners free entry, a Bobath be done the same evening. The crucial in getting THE ARCHER to its at [email protected], Toni Morgan Centre t-shirt and a goody bag next step is to phone those vol- readers, please email the-archer or leave a message with THE in exchange for a commitment unteers who collect the bagged ARCHER on 08717 334465 and Anna King @lineone.net or leave a voicemail to raise £65 in sponsorship. papers from you. on 08717 33 44 65. Thank you. we will pass on your request. Pam Kent Planning Applications PRINTED฀BY Barnet Council 20 Church Lane, N2 OSTEOPATHY Sharman & Co Ltd 5 Beaumont Close, N2 Erection of single storey side Alteration and extension of exist- extension, following demolition Thank you to The Bald ing garages, including irst loor of existing garage. at Faced Stag for providing rear extension. 1 Deansway, N2 us with a meeting place. 43 Brim Hill, N2 Roof extension, involving rear Alterations to roof, including a dormer window to facilitate loft The Twyford Practice THE ARCHER team wishes rear dormer and a dormer to the conversion. Osteopathic consultation and treatments to thank all the generous side of the rear roof projection, 54 Deansway, N2 people who give up their and two conservation style roof Replacement of existing timber in Fortis Green, N2. spare time, in all weather, lights to the front, all to facilitate windows with new timber win- dows. to deliver the paper for us. a loft conversion. Robin Kiashek, 45 Brim Hill, N2 8 Richmond Road, N2 Single storey rear extension, Erection of a single storey side Osteopath and Naturopath, Your contributions including associated landscap- and rear extension and of a single If you have a story for us, please ing. Widening of existing front storey outbuilding to the rear of Bsc (Hons), Ost Med., contact us at the above address. driveway. the garden. Comments to THE ARCHER may N.D., M.R.N. be published unless clearly marked ‘Not for publication’ T’ai Chi & Qigong For appointments: within the text. Wednesdays: 1.05-2.00pm please phone 020 8815 0979 Copy deadlines (Trial session: £5) at East Finchley Methodist Church, 197 High Road, N2 8AJ. or visit: June issue: 14 May James Drewe is a qualified teacher and has been practising t’ai chi for 34 years. July issue: 11 June He is Vice-Chairman of the Longfei Taijiquan Association www.robinkiashek.co.uk Other classes (Tottenham Ct. Rd., Westminster, The City: www.taiji.co.uk August issue: 16 July for further information email: [email protected] phone: 020-888 333 08 3 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 MAY 2010 Wear your Archie badge with pride The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has revealed the design of the Archie metal pin badge, and it’s on sale now. Ken Carters Smart car was left on bricks when thieves stole all four Eric Aumonier’s Archer statue wheels. Photo by John Lawrence on East Finchley station is 70 years old this year. It was chosen by public vote as Barnet’s most Lock up your wheels popular landmark to be part of Leaving your house in the morning and inding your the Landmark London pin badge car has a puncture is bad enough. Finding all four of its series representing every borough wheels have been stolen is plain aggravating. in London. Our music reviewer Ken and to carry away the tyres and Sebastian Coe, Chairman Carter came out of his house wheel-holders. No one heard of LOCOG, said: “London is a in Leicester Road to ind his anything. Even next door’s dog snazzy little red Smart car had slept through the operation.” fantastically diverse city and the Sculpted by Eric Aumonier and located outside East Finchley tube variety of landmarks chosen by been left high and dry on two Ken was insured and the station, the archer points his arrow to the opening of a 17.3 mile piles of bricks. wheels have been replaced but Londoners to represent their local tunnel running all the way to Morden. areas highlights this perfectly. Ken said: “It was an eficient, he is warning everyone with These pin badges are a fantastic Other north London sale from branches of Runner’s professional job, pre-planned. potentially valuable wheels, way to showcase to the UK and the landmarks made into badges Need (nearest shops in Camden They must have brought a vehicle alloys particularly, to it locking rest of the world what a wonderful include Alexandra Palace for and King’s Cross), Crest of with them containing the bricks wheel nuts to deter thieves. city London is and I am delighted Haringey, Neasden Temple for London, World Duty Free and to see how proud people are of Brent, Forty Hall for Enield the Museum of London. We’ll their city and speciic borough. and St Pancras Station for keep you posted if we hear of Asbestos scare I hope they will wear their pin Camden. any local stockists. badges with pride.” The Archie badge is on What do you think of the Archie pin badge? Tell us at disrupts Fortismere [email protected] or The Students at Fortismere School have been facing severe Archer, PO Box 3699, London disruption to their school week after building work What next for road N2 8JA. uncovered asbestos on the premises. Many pupils have been kept at home or asked to attend school on alternate days so that the school can accommodate attendees junction? Tea party in the available safe areas. Priority is being given to students who In February’s issue, we reported on Barnet Council’s are about to sit their GCSEs or A levels. As THE ARCHER went to plans to make changes to the High Road and Fortis Green press, parents were being told that the disruption could continue road junction in response to congestion and safety plans. contact for some weeks. Following on from our Your letters to THE ARCHER raised concerns about remov- story last month on Contact ing the pedestrian island in Fortis Green and the bollards the Elderly inviting guests ����������������� and railings that line the junction. to take part in tea parties, Barnet Council says it Fortis Green. A spokesman said ��������������������� has taken these concerns into this option would be investigated please note that the correct telephone number to con- ������������������������������������� account. The pedestrian island but gave no timeline. ������������������������������������ has been retained, along with Your letters also stated that tact is 020 8361 6314. �������������������������

the bollards and railings. The the pedestrian crossing time at ����������������������� ������������ pavement outside Domino’s the junction was too short to be ����������������������������������������� has been moved back to give safe. In response, the council ��� large vehicles more space to spokesman said: “The crossing ���������������������������� turn left into Fortis Green and times are calculated using the �������������� other minor changes have gone longest crossing distance at the ������������� ahead as planned. junction, which is at the southern ����������������� We asked the council arm of the A1000. The time is

whether it would be acting on considered adequate for this �������������������������������������������������������������������������� residents’ requests to consider distance and the current scheme a dedicated right turn for trafic does not affect the crossing time on the High Road turning into currently allowed.” Nicky Sharp Join us on a Osteopathy Clinic celebratory walk Cranial and Structural Osteopathy THE ARCHER’s 200th edition will be published next month. and Acupuncture To mark this occasion we are holding a free guided walk. All Major Insurers Accepted Instead of learning what’s happening in East Finchley today from THE ARCHER, come and ind out about what For consultations and appointments: happened in the past. Tony Roberts, an experienced leader with a wealth of local knowledge, will be our guide. Telephone: 020 8815 9433 Because of the terrain, East Market Place was home to the 260 East End Road www.nickysharposteopathy.co.uk End developed as a series of workers that serviced the trade scattered settlements. Most in and out of London. London N2 8AU e-mail: [email protected] of these were strung out along Our walk will take us out either present-day East End along East End Road and Road or along the track beside return along Market Place. Old the common, today known as photos and maps will be used Josephines Est 1950 Market Place and The Walks. to illustrate some of the history EXPERTS IN CREATIVE FLORAL DESIGN Between the two were ields, associated with locations along Come in and see our paintings from Vietnam, and the High Road was hardly the way. Tibet and Sri Lanka, as well as lots built on. The south-facing The walk will start at 2pm of prayer chimes and gifts from far afield! slopes along East Road became on Sunday 13 June. Meet at the a favourite location for some Causeway exit of East Finchley www.josephinesflowers.co.uk ine middle class houses, while tube station. www.josephinesowers.co.ukTel: 020 8444 Tel: 020 9569/020 8444 9569/020 8883 3598 8883 3598 60 High Rd, 60East High Finchley, Road East London Finchley N2 London 9PN N2 9PN 4 MAY 2010 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 Poetry Traders need a goes fair chance By Diana Cormack Parking controls usually hit the headlines when people are before the ighting against them, but one area in the locality wants some imposed, and soon. Aylmer Parade is adjacent to the busy A1 / A1000 junction and consists mostly of ground judges loor businesses with residential accommodation above. By Daphne Chamberlain The road accessing the Parade runs parallel to the A1 and Twyford Avenue resident parking is free for all. However, you’d be lucky to ind Hazel McBride loves a space and this has led to potential customer numbers poetry. An actress with a dropping considerably. CV covering the theatre Paul Caulield, of Green “stop and shop” scheme but and well-known televi- Electrical Wholesalers at traders are concerned that, sion series, she has often 31 Aylmer Parade, told THE in the present climate, busi- given readings at char- ARCHER that people using the nesses will close before any ity events. However, as a tube station leave their cars such scheme is launched. trained teacher she knows there, as do nearby residents Saeid Roodbari, of Surf that many GCSE students wishing to avoid charges for Launderers and Dry Cleaners, ind it the least attractive parking outside their homes told THE ARCHER that a serv- part of their course. and some taxis waiting for ice road behind the buildings School English Scene, of the next job. To add insult was sold into private owner- which she is joint organiser, to injury, it took months for ship several years ago and is aims to overcome that obstacle a dumped, untaxed car to be now privately operated, with by inviting schools to theatre- removed. a long waiting list for expen- based performances of some Appeals not working sive parking places. He would of the poems on their syllabus. Appeals to Haringey Coun- like the shop front road to have Hazel inds young actors who How to immobilise cil for a solution to the long- timed bays for shoppers, pick- work with her to bring printed term parking problem have up and delivery. Mr Roodbari words to life. achieved little, as this year’s is extremely concerned about With a few props and approved programme does the suffering businesses and plenty of help from each your mobile not contain provision for the is very disappointed at the other, these three actors com- By Janet Maitland consultation or introduction lack of response he has had pete for the votes of school Oficers from the Garden Suburb Safer Neighbourhood of parking measures along from the local authority and audiences and judges for best Team have helped over 120 young people to register their Aylmer Parade. However, it from MPs over the years. interpretations of individual mobile phones and make them useless to thieves. PCs could be included on a list of “Because we have no voice, poems. Carl Mercer and Matt Clee visited Christ’s College areas for consideration in a we shouldn’t die,” he said. Some poems are always Finchley, East End Road, and King Alfred’s School, going to be more popular than North End Road, NW11, at the end of March with a others, but Hazel points out laptop set up to take details of the students’ phones on Special week for instances where performance www.immobilise.com. matters enormously, turning This ensures that, if a in the same building as the something potentially “long, phone is stolen, the real East Finchley team at 113 children’s hospice boring and incomprehensi- owner can be retraced if it is High Road, East Finchley, Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice will be launching Chil- ble” into something electri- recovered. The phone will also London, N2 8AG. If you live dren’s Hospice Week in style on Saturday 15 May with fying. Staging matters too. be immobilised immediately in Hampstead Garden Suburb “The Yeats poem The Song a prestigious Casino Night on board HMS President, once it is reported as lost or and wish to contact the Garden of the Old Mother was never London. As part of Children’s Hospice Week, the stolen. Carl and Matt also Suburb team about any crime at all popular, but this year Enield-based hospice is also hosting a Hero in Disguise gave the pupils a range of issues, ring 020 7161 9016 or setting it to music improved competition which is open to all schools in the boroughs useful crime prevention tips email GardenSuburb.snt@me its ratings hugely.” of Barnet, Enield, Islington and Camden. to protect their security, and t.police.uk. If you live in East Each school gets a follow- To bring the week to a close, Noah’s Ark will be holding a at King Alfred School, some Finchley, ring 020 7161 9014 up booklet and a CD. Since skydive in Bicester on Saturday 22 May and will be attending the of the younger pupils were or 07887 632767, email EastF it began in 2007, the annual Hospices in Harmony music event on Sunday 23 May. For further given the chance to sit in the [email protected] or Poetry Show, which is backed information, please contact Amy Walker in the fundraising depart- oficers’ police car. talk to the Police Community by GCSE examiners, has ment on 020 8449 8877 or [email protected] The Garden Suburb Safer Support Oficers (PCSOs) you extended its tour, with the Neighbourhood Team is based see on patrol. 2010 production travelling all over the country. Hazel commented: “What we know is that stu- East Finchley Baptist Church dents often start to like the Just off the High Road in Creighton Avenue N2 poetry part of their course more after coming to our Sunday Mornings at 10.30 am show, and feel more con- fident that they can tackle For more information poetry.” To find out more, please contact the Church Office go to www.schoolenglish Tel: 8883 1544 (Minister: Simon Dyke) scene.co.uk. Visitors always welcome Can you help? A friendly welcome awaits you The Animal Aid and Advice EAST FINCHLEY METHODIST CHURCH charity shop desperately 197 High Road, London N2 (opp. Creighton Ave.) needs volunteer helpers. tel: 0208 346 1700 www.eastfinchleymethodist.org.uk If you are willing and able to do unpaid work involv- Sunday service at 10.30 a.m. ing various duties such as sorting, pricing and selling With Creche and Junior Church donated goods please con- tact them on 020 8444 6290 Worship Music Social events Toddler Group Wheelchair friendly or pop into the shop at 48 e-mail: [email protected] Room hire tel:020 8444 9887 High Road. 5 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 MAY 2010 Developers win long battle for medical centre By Janet Maitland Developers have inally won a long battle to build a medical centre on the site of Finchley Manor Garden Centre on East End Road. The centre will have facili- ties for consultation, diagnosis and treatment, including minor surgery. The medical centre has needed in relation to energy been controversial from the eficiency, access for disabled beginning. Thirty local people people, and transport and park- petitioned against it when Clo- ing. But he lifted these objec- verdale Estates, the developers, tions once he had been informed irst submitted an application in by Barnet that the developers 2007. Planning permission was had made a few changes to Oliver Graham Smith in action. refused as the plan did not pro- their plans, in response to his tect the status of the site, which concerns. is designated as Metropolitan Planning permission was Oliver magics up a tricky career By Jessica Tully Open Land, equivalent to the inally granted on 17 March Green Belt. subject to a number of minor What started off as just a hobby has turned into a potentially successful career for The developers tried again conditions. None of the changes one teenager. Fifteen-year-old Oliver Graham Smith, of Midhurst Avenue, is giving with a revised application in or conditions is related to the David Blaine a run for his money with his own unique magic tricks. 2008. Because the council size of the centre. The young magician has been learning basic tricks off the inter- The teenager is now study- treated this as a new applica- Councillor Colin Rogers performing since he was 13 and net and practising them for hours ing for his GCSEs and has tion, the people who had signed claimed permission might not had his irst ever gig at an 80th and hours. I practised every day hopes of working in marketing the petition were not told and so have been given if he had been birthday party. Oliver told THE for the irst two years.” and advertising, but still loves did not protest again. None of able to have the application ARCHER: “I irst realised I wanted Oliver’s parents were his performing magic when he the local GPs and pharmacists scrutinised at the more-local to be a magician when I was in only audience then. “I used to can. He performs his own gigs were consulted, despite the fact planning sub-committee. The Year 5 at school. It was the cups make them sit down every night and assists magician Christian that Barnet’s procedures specify application was aired at the and balls trick that sparked my and ask them if I could show Lee on the irst Friday night of that every effort should be made central planning committee. interest. I went home and started them a new trick. It must have every month in Madame Jojo’s to consult relevant amenity been so repetitive for them.” in central London. groups. Objections received Glad to sit down after All-weather pitch in action Even though the con- By Sheila Armstrong sultation was limited, three the Big Fun Walk Headteacher of Oak Lodge Special School, Lynda Walker, objections were nevertheless welcomed visitors to the opening of its new Multi Use received. This should have been Hundreds of walkers set off from East����������������������������� Finchley tube sta- the trigger for the application to tion on a sunny Sunday in March and raised thousands Games Area (something like Astroturf to you and me) be considered by a more local of pounds for the North London Hospice. Ten-year-old on a sunny day in March. The tape was ceremonially cut sub committee but this did not Joe Lawrence was among them and here recalls the highs by Councillor Andrew Harper and the pitch declared happen as some objections and lows of the day. open, then the school lost no time using it immediately were received after the closing On 21 March a charity event some great views over London for a hockey tournament. date. Planning permission for a happened. My family and I and really beautiful landscapes Cllr Harper praised the this year as reported previously centre of 1,000 square metres walked eight and a half miles in the parks. work being done at the school in THE ARCHER. was inally given in September into the centre of London for the At the end we got free off East End Road, calling it Other improvements to the 2008. North London Hospice. It was biscuits, coffee, tea, croissants a jewel in Barnet’s crown and school are an attractive new A few months later, Clo- called the Big Fun Walk. My and much more. The people welcomed the building of the entrance and reception area, verdale Estates went back to dad, mum and sister went with who stood and showed us the new facility. The pitch replaces ofices and staff room. Funding the council for permission to me from East Finchley station way were really friendly and the old muddy football ield. In for the works comes from the double the size of the building to Westminster. We all enjoyed kind. Thanks to all of them! We addition the school will get its government’s Building Schools to over 2,000 square metres. The it and the children were given got a free map and a wristband long awaited trampoline later for the Future Scheme. Mayor of London objected. His medals at the end. for the food and drink at the end. concerns were about access, We had stops to eat and I have to admit my legs did ache transport, parking and sustain- drink. One was for biscuits; a little bit by the time we got to ability, not size. Barnet Coun- another one was for a choice Westminster and I’ve never been cil refused the application, not of sandwiches and a carton of so relieved to have a sit-down! ������������������������������������������� because of the increase in size orange juice or water. It was a I really enjoyed it, and recom- ����������������������������������������������� per se, but because the number bumpy journey going through mend that you try it next year. ������������������������������������������������ of enclosed cycle spaces that the parks, with downhill, uphill ������������������������������������������������� would now be required would and long lat stretches. We saw Eva Polish Deli ������������ ������������ spoil the open character of the ������������ ��������������� land. They also had issues about Specialist ������������������ ������������������� sustainability. Cree Godfrey Wood ����������� ����������������� in natural sausage ���������������� ��������������� Changes made Solicitors ������������������ ��������� Cloverdale Estates tried Commissioners for Oaths 36 High Rd again with a further application Hours: 9.30am to 5.30pm. ���������������������������� to Barnet early this year. The East Finchley Mayor again raised objections, email:[email protected] 28 High Road, London N2 9PJ �������������������� saying that improvements were London N2 9PJ ���������������� ������������� Tel: 020 8883 9414 / 9496 0989 ������������ Greene Driving School www.creegodfreyandwood.co.uk Tel: 020 8365 3113 ������������� ������������������ East Finchley N2 From £17.50 x 2 Hr lessons Exclusive in the UK to: Do you suffer with bowel problems? Safe driving for life Cecilia Holmes R.G.N. R.C.T. is a trained nurse and colonic therapist. AP Gentlemens Barbers She can help. Low Co2 footprint 114 Eco & Low Maint Tuition CRAZY BULL Hair Products Colonic Hydrotherapy treatments help with I.B.S. Constipation, headaches Pass Plus 4 cheaper “You deserve the right and candida problems. After a colonic you will have better energy levels. Insurance. Greenedriving.co.uk to have beautiful & stylish hair every day” Alternatively home visits are available to administer herbal enemas and massage, Call John M.I.M.I 50 High Road, East Finchley, London N2 9PJ a gentler, but longer route to cleansing the bowel, but just as effective. 0773 851 4406 t: 0208 815 5557 email: [email protected] tel: 07533 750 400 or 020 8444 8702

��������������������� ������ ����������������� ����������������������������� ����������������������������� 6 MAY 2010 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 Have you visited our ‘best kept secret’? By John Lawrence Long Lane Pasture has reopened for the spring, with news of even more wildlife arrivals and a call for benefactors to help it continue its conservation work. The pasture bills itself as “Finchley’s best kept secret”, tucked away as it is on land opposite the ire station on Long Lane. This spring, a new entrance Places fund is coming to an end way and path have been land- so it must now raise funds to scaped and a bench is shortly cover essential overheads like to be installed in full view of insurance, tools and mower the birdfeeder. A circle has been fuel. cleared in the dense bramble by Anyone who has enjoyed the railway line and been given the beauty of this open pas- a secret entrance. ture land is invited to send a Through the snowy winter, donation or, better still, make there have been plenty of a regular payment by bankers winged visitors including red- order to help the trust’s work. wings and ieldfares. A duck Visit www.longlanepasture.org island has been built in the to get involved. hope of encouraging ducks to The pasture is open to the Anna Finn has run 100 marathons. return to the pond. A moorhen public every weekend between has already been spotted. 10am and 5pm. Volunteers to Ten marathons in ten days A group of three foxes has work on conservation projects Anna Finn has become the world’s youngest woman to have completed 100 marathons, been seen so there may be a are welcome between 10am and making her a full member of the 100 Marathon Club. Anna, of Manor Park Road, has family living on this green space 12 noon on Saturdays. There are been in training solidly throughout the winter. Her next challenge this month is to run through the summer months. a number of free special events ten marathons in ten days in the 10 in10 around Lake Windermere in Cumbria. The Long Lane Pasture coming up during the spring and Trust says that its grant funding summer, details of which are Her training is punishing. This year, she has run a marathon, sometimes two, almost every week- from the Big Lottery Breathing included on the website. end. She also tackles ultras, runs ranging from 27 to 100 miles. All Anna’s running helps to raise funds for Brathay, a charity helping disadvantaged or vulnerable young people to make positive choices in their lives. You can make a donation at www.justgiving.com/annainn10 in 10. Enthusiasm in the third age Eight people ranging in age from 60 to 84 are meeting together for the morning in Highgate Village. One of them lives in sheltered accommodation, several live on their own. But they haven’t come for a cosy coffee morning or an occupational therapy group. This group meets every week to talk about life, art and politics. This week’s topic, Modern Walking the Thames. But, in Art and how to look at it (or spite of the name, these are try to!), is introduced with great not university courses. They enthusiasm by Agnes and is are a form of learning which Explosive followed by an equally enthu- enables people to share lifelong siastic discussion. This is only interests and skills and to ind one of the interest groups which new activities. Above all, they device meet under the auspices of the enable people to get out and North London University of the mix with others in a stimulat- found Third Age (NLU3A) every day ing environment. By Janet Maitland of the week. There are more Further information about than 60 groups on everything all the NLU3A groups and A potentially explosive from Bridge and Bonsai to other activities is available at device was discovered in Theatre Visits and Yoga, via www.nlu3a.org.uk or from Ora the park on Oak Lane on Greek and Roman Plays and Warren on 020 8349 3324. 8 April. The emergency services were called by a local resident at about 6pm when they saw what looked ���������� like a grenade lying on the ������ grass. The ire crew cordoned off Paul Baker holding the groups interest. Photo by Diana Cormack ������� the area round the object and called a specialist police team. Stepping back in time �������� While police oficers assessed By Diana Cormack the device, ire oficers wid- ��������� ened the cordon to circle the It was the title that irst attracted me: “Fabulous Finchley: whole park, which borders a guided walk through 1,000 years of history”. That, ��� onto Thornton Drive. Anxious plus the fact it inished at East Finchley tube station so residents returning home from I wouldn’t have far to walk home. However, by the time ���������� work were directed away from we got there, I didn’t want it to end. the area as a precaution. Most former teachers have Gravel Hill and along East The device was found the gift of the gab and this End Road, arriving at our �������������������������������������������� to be a ‘lashbang’, which certainly applied to our leader destination after about two is designed to make a loud Paul Baker. He is also a qualiied and a half hours. The walking noise and a bright flash City of London guide so knows was easy and the time sped by, without causing any physical what he is talking about and, as illed as it was with so many damage. Oficers believed the well as conducting walks in the interesting facts and details device had already been set off City and the West End, has been pointed out along the way. I and spent. It was removed and doing local walks since 2004. thoroughly enjoyed it. Walks the cordon was lifted. No one Paul has lived in the area with cost £7 per adult and £3 for was injured. his family for 23 years and accompanied children under Police do not believe that obviously loves it. 12. Check our What’s On list- ������������������������������������ the incident was related to We met at Finchley Central ings on page 10 for the latest ������������������ terrorism. “No crime has been station and made our way to walk or for more details phone St Mary’s Church, past Parde Paul on 020 8440 6805 or email ������������������������������������������������������� committed and no arrests were made,” said a spokesperson. House School then down [email protected] 7 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 MAY 2010 Michael Palin makes friends at the Phoenix By Ann Bronkhorst Since 1910 over seven million ilm-goers have attended the cinema we now call The Phoenix. On 9 April yet another audience enjoyed a special event: watching a ilm, meeting Michael Palin and supporting the cinema’s fundraising drive. American Friends is iction, Brooks, Arts Editor of The but inspired by the 1861 diary Sunday Times, that it couldn’t of Palin’s great-grandfather, be made today. As Palin said: an Oxford don who met two “Nobody gets killed and there American ladies in the Swiss are no car chases.” Alps, eventually married the During the three-way dis- younger one, despite a con- cussion and the audience’s Transformed: from left to right, photographers Karen Fraser, Myra Lawson, Peter Kyte and Francesca siderable age difference, and questions, Palin’s early expe- Albini had their works on show. Photo by John Lawrence fathered seven children. riences of cinemagoing, his The ilm is gently paced, performances on ilm and TV Glimpses into a changing world visually appealing and rich and his respect for the writer’s A very special event by East Finchley Open Group gave visitors the chance to walk with period detail (cumbersome role (“the primary creative through four front doors and see glimpses of the world in different states of change. walking gear, Victorian furnish- act”) were touched on. He Sixteen photographers exhibited their work in the ‘Trans/Form’ show over the course ings, High Table dining). was courteous, engaging and, of the last weekend in March. ‘No car chases’ of course, often very funny. Intriguing images hung theme was transformation. leaves, all taken along one road Director Tristram Powell, He was serious, however, on the walls of four houses in Peter Kyte chose to inter- in Golders Green. Myra Law- who joined Palin in discus- when suggesting that ilm can Church Lane, Beech Drive and pret it through searing images son’s photographs captured the sion and reminiscence after captivate people in a way that Creighton Avenue. The unifying of green, red and orange autumn relections of buildings and sky the screening, noted that “the TV and DVD can’t. American morphed out of shape by the rip- women drive the emotion; Friends seemed to prove his ples on the Regents Canal. the men are stultiied.” He point that evening but, for Free exercise clubs Elsewhere, Adam Justice- felt that the story had dictated those who missed the event, Triathlon and cycling chain Bike & Run is living up to Mills documented the last days the 1991 ilm’s slow, even pace there are plans for a DVD its name by setting up a run club and a bike club to help of the shops on Lincoln Parade and agreed with chair Richard release in the UK. people get it and enjoy outdoor exercise. The free clubs with some poignant images of the empty barber’s shop, cut have expert tuition for all beginners and are designed to throat razors abandoned next School needs funds for gently inspire conidence in taking part in sport. to one of the sinks. The Run Club is on Wednes- our advice into providing physi- Scores of visitors toured the days from 6.30pm to give cal training that lived up to our four venues over the course of watertight solution people time to get back from shop name.” three days. All the works were By Briony Cartmell work and the Bike Club leaves His co-founder Nick Pearce for sale. This is the irst time the Christ’s College Finchley on East End Road, is experi- each Saturday at 8.30am added: “We genuinely feel part East Finchley Open group has encing some structural problems with its building and Steve McKenzie, co- of the community and wanted run a show focusing solely on is launching a campaign to try and persuade Barnet founder of Bike & Run, said: to actively provide a wellbe- photographs, and with a unify- “While we sponsor an elite ing resource that people could ing theme. Council to ix the roof. The 30-year-old building has Bike & Run team, we realised access 100% free of charge.” been troubled with rainwater leaks since 1991. Textiles, sculptures, ceram- that many beginners possibly To register, visit the High ics and other media will be on The lat roofs, combined tive response, there are no com- lacked conidence or time to Road store and ill out a simple with a design flaw which mitted funds in place for this, display when the EFO opens join a competitive club and so health & safety form. The web- its doors again for its annual resulted in rainwater being and plans could take years to it made sense for us to extend site is www.bikeandrun.co.uk. channelled internally through materialise. Barnet Council summer show on 3-4 and 10-11 the walls, meant that, as the said it will carry out a condi- July. More details at www.eastf building expanded, leakage tion survey of all secondary inchleyopen.org.uk was exacerbated. The leaks are schools in six months, but no posing health and safety risks. guarantee of action will stem ��������฀�������� Closing various areas of school from this. in times of bad weather leads The PFA has launched a Certified organic meat to congestion in corridors, and petition and is urging local at reasonable prices rotting loor tiles in classrooms residents to give their signature. create trip hazards. Each one will further encourage Free-range poultry The school’s maintenance the Council to contribute to the Home-made sausages and repair budget is already £150,000 needed to re-surface (including Boerwors) overstretched. Work has been the roof. �฀��������฀������� concentrated on repairing Fiona Davidson, chair of ������฀������฀������฀��� drains and an electrical blow- the PFA, said: “Christ’s Col- out. The Parents and Friends lege is a good school with ����฀���฀����฀���� Association (PFA) communi- many strengths, which in a way cated the problem to Barnet may be one of its problems. If Council who acknowledged it had lower levels of attain- that the situation needed recti- ment, it might have received fying, with a complete rebuild more attention.” Get t with Bike & Run owners Nick Pearce, Sally-Anne Patch and of the school. Find out more about the Steve McKenzie. Photo by Ben Pochee. No funds in place petition at the school website While this is the only effec- www.ccfplus.com/school/ TELEPHONE FAULTS REPAIRED 50% CHEAPER THAN BT * the POST OFFICE * TALK TALK etc Do you want to sell your old stuff HOME * OFFICE * FACTORY on eBay and turn it into cash? LINES * EXTENSIONS * EQUIPMENT - TESTED & REPAIRED Are you mystified or worried? Let me help you whether it’s a car Call RON COLLINS 0208 883 9325 * 07748 278728 (we usually get better email: [email protected] than dealer prices) unwanted items such as cameras, YES, YOU CAN have it all… computers, jewellery, furniture Successful business Mum is seeking 5 working partners to work or even designer clothes. part-time from home without compromising family I work on a no sell no fee basis. commitments or current career. Why not email or If you have a supervisory, management, sales, marketing, call me for a free chat. recruitment or self-employment background, or you wish to Tony Joseph develop an extraordinary lifestyle… 07957 494573 - 0208 883 7296 Call NICOLA BALDWIN on 07920 480723 e:- [email protected] 8 MAY 2010 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 Return of YOUNG ARCHER the Morris UFO sighting at Men By John Dearing Martin School Following the success of By Lowri Dillon and Lorna Manning, Year 6 their tour of East Finchley Teachers of Year 6, with a bit of help, came up with the last year, the Westminster idea to enrich our English lesson in rather a strange way. Morris Men will be return- Both classes mingled together and were told that a serious ing on 19 May, visiting the incident had occurred. We then trekked onto the rather Windsor Castle pub at soggy school ield to investigate a ‘UFO’ sighting. 7.45pm, the Five Bells We were shocked pub at 8.30pm and the Old when we saw the four Ali shows Pam Kent and Don Fade of Hamilton Road how its done. White Lion pub at 9.15pm. crop circles that were Photo by Diana Cormack They will be performing a covered with police series of traditional dance tape. Some groups had routines for your entertain- to interview and some Bishop Douglass School ment, while you enjoy the had to look for evi- beer (as they will be doing). dence. The interviewing experiments with locals Watch out for a mythical groups interviewed the By Diana Cormack creature who emerges caretaker Tristan Green, At the end of March Bishop Douglass RC School in from the shadows to claim deputy head Mr Picker- ing, and two local police Hamilton Road held a special event to mark National a kiss from unwary young oficers. Science and Engineering Week. The school, which was ladies! The others went with the Soon, we had, in groups, all awarded science college status in 2007, invited neighbour- teachers and found some silver written great articles about the ing residents into its science block, named after the irst PARENT & BABY/ cloth which was scorched, some situation. headteacher Michael Caulield. green goo and some mysterious Many of us thought that Guests were greeted by Sci- formers they followed a work- CHILD ACTIVITIES large footprints. We also found there was a real alien, and v Coee & Kids, Fri 9.15-11.15, ence College Director Mr Oza sheet from the ‘harnessing Green Man Ctr. Rachel 8343 6147. some mirrors with weird pat- some believed that it was Mr along with Head of Science chemicals’ module to produce vDads Club: Get-togethers for dads terns and symbols on them. Green that created it as a cover- Dr Williams and teachers Ms a scented face cream. These looking after young children in East Anya Vallentin, one of up story for the heating which Boohan and Mr Kennedy plus students were all high achiev- Finchley. Adam 07957 441435. v EF National Childbirth Trust con- our classmates, said: “It was had broken earlier on…. lower and upper sixth pupils ers, some having Oxford or tact Ruby Yang or Patrizia Canwell at really fun, because instead of All in all, it was great fun Ali, Charles, Chelsea, Kinga Cambridge universities within east[email protected] just doing the task we got to and we think that it helped us and Shahaz. Groups of adults their sights, and they were a v Newstead Parent & Toddler Group, experience it.” improve our writing skills. Thurs 9-12-30, Green Man Ctr. Sajni were allocated to a student who credit to the school. 8359 3460. When we had collected However, we couldn’t have was to be responsible for guid- As well as being a showcase v Old Barn pre-school club, contact all of the information that we done it without the help of ing them through the objective for the department, the evening 8349 4613/1961 needed, we went back inside Tristan, the local police and of the evening – to conduct a provided a good opportunity for v Parent & Toddler Group, Green and discussed what we thought our fantastic teachers. So, in Man Centre, Julia 8444 2276 scientiic activity. Before this interaction between the different vStepping Stones, interactive play and what would make a good the future, if you ever see a everyone was able to relax and age groups and was a conidence session for under 3s. Karen 07957 story. We jotted down our ideas UFO, give us a call. Watch chat over drinks and nibbles. booster for the youngsters. 278860. then shared them with the class. out, aliens! Many school day memo- Everyone enjoyed the experi- ries were revived as the adults ence and Mr Oza told THE ARCHER worked with scientiic equip- that he hoped this sort of event Chilling tale of Frankenstein’s ment. Under the polite and could become a regular feature friendly guidance of the sixth at the school. monster Archie (and team) did it! Finchley Youth Theatre recently performed Mary Shelley’s gothic horror Franken- Thanks to everyone who sponsored Martin School pupil stein. Francis Atkinson was in the audience and gives us his review. Cast member Archie Price for this year’s Swimathon charity swim. Megan Fellows, 18, tells us what it was like to work on the production at the High Featured in THE ARCHER last month, the seven-year-old Road theatre. managed to swim 28 lengths of the Oasis pool in Covent Francis writes: The cast had been rehears- ing for over a term to produce a piece of theatre Garden, over twice the distance he was expecting to equally as ambitious as last year’s West Side swim. Story. As usual. the acting was top quality and His dad Chris Price said: “It Coleman were swimming as the monster himself was played by an assortment was great. We’re so proud of part of Team Goggleblog to of cast members working in tandem. him. Archie was really spurred raise money for Marie Curie The play focused on the plight of the monster on by all the readers of THE Cancer Care, a charity that that Frankenstein creates and invited the audience ARCHER who pledged money helps the terminally ill to be to be sympathetic to its desire to be accepted for what is a really, really good looked after in their own home. amongst humans. The set was intricately detailed, cause. He just kept going even So far, Team Goggleblog has rope nets were hung from the ceilings and authen- though he was swimming in a raised nearly £800 in spon- tic-looking barrels and boxes were strewn across lane full of adults and it was sorship. But there’s still time the loor. A smoke machine provided the sinister tough going at times.” to make your donations at atmosphere and a winch was even used for a Archie and his friend Ella www.archieprice.com. hanging scene. The cast had worked tirelessly to put the show together. Kudos should also be All Saints’ Church, given to the technical team in creating a stage show comparable to the West End. Durham Road, East Finchley Megan writes: Being a part of the Franken- Church of England stein cast was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. We came together as a group which supported Sunday masses at 8.00 a.m. and 10.00 a.m. each other: quite literally in fact, with all the Weekday masses at 10.00 a.m. carrying, lifting and balancing that this physi- Prayer requests are gladly accepted. cally-demanding show required At irst we were a bit daunted by our director Chilling scenes from Frankenstein. Photo courtesy Liz Sacre’s aspirations. Liz had visions of lying The Parish has a flourishing social life. Finchley Youth Theatre Contact the Vicar, Fr Christopher Hardy, ropes, fog machines and rigging, consuming the on 020 8883 9315. length of the stage. Liz’s vision, although highly eccentric at times, proved to be the ‘oomph’ factor of our performance. All Saints’ also has a strong musical tradition and an From the incredibly eerie crypt and graveyard scenes, to the heart-warming moments when the enthusiastic choir of both adults and children. monster longs for acceptance, the FYT cast were able to deliver a performance peppered with a Experienced singers are always welcome. variety of different emotions, atmosphere and tone. Contact Geoffrey Hanson on 020 8444 9214. We spent several months prior to rehearsals improvising scenes and physical movements in order http://www.allsaints-eastfinchley.org.uk to create the script. The end result was a production which contained a little bit of each member’s own directorial interpretation. 9 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 MAY 2010 Thrilling reading By Diana Cormack Despite the inclement March weather, there was a good gathering at the Black Gull Bookshop to hear local author Jeff Robson reading extracts from his irst novel Racing to Armageddon. Drinks and nibbles helped with the ambience as did relaxing in the cosy corner set aside at the back of the shop surrounded by hundreds of books.

Alive, alive-o: Kyle, Brooke and Mandy serve fresh seafood. Change Photo by John Lawrence young Whelk-ome to a taste of the seaside lives in A new business has musseled its way into a small corner off the High Road. The Fresh Shellish stall is selling cockles and winkles next door to the Alexandra pub in Church Nepal Lane. Jellied eels, prawns, crayish, oysters, whelks, lobster Je Robson reading extracts from his novel. Photo by Diana Cormack John Dixon, who lives in tails and mussels are all chalked up on the blackboard at Jeff describes his novel as sequent question and answer the High Road, makes the stall set up by market trader Mark O’Dwyer. “a combination of World War session proved that I wasn’t an annual visit to Nepal, Shellish are bought fresh from Billingsgate Market at 4am on a Two yarn and Cold War espio- the only one thinking that way one of the world’s poor- Friday morning and they’re on sale in Church Lane on Friday eve- nage thriller.” It certainly put and also revealed the depth of est countries, and collects nings from 4pm and during the day on Saturdays and Sundays. me in mind of both genres and the author’s historical knowl- funds for disadvantaged Mandy Longcluse, of Font Hills, is behind the counter along before long I was wondering edge and interest. Other similar Nepali school children. with her son Kyle and daughter Brooke. Mandy said: “Shellish who would play the lead in events are planned for the book- stalls are few and far between around here, and people are surprised the ilm of the book. The sub- shop at 121 High Road. Here he explains why to see us the irst time. We’ve had a really positive response and money is desperately a lot of passing trade.” needed. KF COMPUTERS & IMAGING One Nepali village I visit FUJIFILM DIGITAL called Katunje does not have KALASHNIKOV KULTUR 93 HIGH ROAD, EAST FINCHLEY, N2 8AG a school so the villagers have By Ricky Savage, the voice of social irresponsibility banded together and built a 02088159898 pre-school classroom in local  LAPTOPS & PCs SALE & REPAIR  PHOTO PRINTS ANY SIZE  stone. Given their willingness No ly zone CUSTOM BUILT COMPUTERS  CUSTOM SIZE AVAILABLE The skies had fallen quiet, no one was heading off into the  DATA RECOVERY/BACKUP to help themselves, I arranged  CANVAS PRINTS & MOUNTING  REINSTALL SOFTWARES for the school to be equipped wide blue yonder for a fortnight on the Costa del Living, no   WIRELESS/WIRED NETWORKING DIGITAL CAMERAS & FRAMES with coloured and leaded pen- Sleazy Jets were landing and bar owners from Riga to Prague  ALL ACCESSARIES AVAILABLE  ALBUMS TRI/MONO PODS  cils, rubbers, copy books, two were in shock. Yes, the great green dream had come true and SAME DAY SERVICE  QUANTITY DISCOUNTS  writing slabs and a school bell. the only cloud on the horizon was Icelandic. FREE LAPTOP/PC CHECKUP  BEST QUALITY & PRICES The bell made the children feel Why? Because thanks to the double eruption from Eyjafjallajoekull, really special. Iceland had done something that no striking air trafic controller could 6 PASSPORT/ID PICTURES £4.99 ONLY Now there is a need ever do, it had ended air travel. for materials for a chil- In the weird world of weird places there is no place as weird as East Finchley dren’s toilet which the vil- Iceland. Baptist Church lagers will build. Materials Creighton Avenue It’s not just that in Iceland Bjork is seen as normal. It’s not that it only Tuesdays 5pm and 6.45pm are expensive, beyond the has two seasons: winter, when it’s dark all the time and everyone stays reach of the villagers. A bag in and gets drunk; and summer, when it’s light all the time and everyone * New Group * of cement costs £10, more than goes out and gets drunk. No, what makes Iceland seriously weird is that East Finchley Methodist Church a good day’s wages, and has it’s volcano central, and, with 130 of the things, volcanoes are to Iceland 197 High Rd to be carried on a villager’s (opposite Creighton Avenue) what acne is to the average teenager. Wednesdays 9.30am back up the mountain from Iceland has tried hard to stop people thinking about volcanoes or Bjork. the river. The present toilet The country even tried to bankrupt itself and everyone else before the Call Natalie on 07889 252548 for is primitive and unhygienic. American banks started collapsing. They did try to make it up to everyone any information you may need to just come along to group and listen The nearest school for the and had a referendum on giving the money back, but everyone came out to an introduction talk! older children is in the next of the pub and voted. The polite answer was ‘no’. The less polite answer 0844 897 8000 village. They have a tough is not printable, but involved volcanoes. www.slimmingworld.com climb and descent which takes Even Iceland’s contribution to world economic meltdown is just a post- about one and a half hours. That modern joke compared to the big one back in 1783 when Laki, another is bad enough but on the way of Iceland’s rabid volcanoes, kicked off the French Revolution. It started they must negotiate a narrow erupting in June 1783 and kept going until February 1784. A full eight dangerous mountain pass. months of belching ire, ash and sulphur into the air. There was a dark AYZELL I am looking for help in raising cloud across northern Europe, ships were stuck in harbour and the Asian LSOLICITORSS money for the children’s toilet monsoon didn’t happen. No rain, no rice, no food, not good. and hopefully for a small class In England the crops failed, the temperature soared and meat rotted room for the older children to as soon as it was butchered. Naturally, staving people get pretty restless, LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY spare them the long, daily trek something that the French king didn’t spot, so when, in 1789, he called Would you like your family or friends to be able to help with to the nearest school, also for the irst parliament in a long time he got a bit more than he bargained your finances or personal welfare as you get older? small children’s clothes and for; he got a revolution and an appointment with death. LAYZELLS SOLICITORS toys for my next visit. If you Like I said, pretty weird things come out of Iceland and a few can- 255 Muswell Hill Broadway, N10 1DG can help in any way please celled lights might just be the start of something. And if it’s not, I’m sure have been practicing in this area for over 50 years. contact me at johndixon190 that some coke-crazed Hollywood movie magnate can be relied upon Please ring our Sally Bentley on 020 8444 0202 if you would like [email protected] to invent it. to discuss this further - home visits can be arranged if needed. 10 MAY 2010 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 Regular Events SPORT & FITNESS Community Focus May at the Phoenix v Finchley & Hornsey Ramblers By Paul Homer, of the Phoenix Cinema Group Call Vivien 8883 8190 The Phoenix is now clad in scaffolding. As I write this, v Glebelands Indoor Bowls Club, goes national Summers Lane N12. New and When there is a recession, the irst three sectors that often we’re four weeks into the 24-week building programme experienced bowlers welcome. suffer are charities, the arts and disabilities. So when and so far, touch wood, it’s all going well. Of course, v Keep fit for the Retired on that could all change tomorrow. We’re very aware that Wednesdays, Christ Church N12. a disability-focused arts centre which is also a charity Call Bridie 8883 5269 looks set to go national, it’s good news. in raising over £1 million to do this work we have been vMuswell Hill Bowling Club, Kings entrusted to restore the cinema carefully and to manage Ave, N10. New & experienced bowlers the project professionally and diligently. Ultimately it’s welcome. Tel: 8883 0433. vPilates in East Finchley, qualied your money that’s paid for this work so we’re doing all teacher. Contact Dee on 8883 7029 we can to ensure that you have the cinema you deserve vPilates class Weds 3.30 & 7pm at Ann at the end of the project. Owens Ctr, N2. Call Penny 8444 2882. The iconic Phoenix in has we open with one of the more vTae Kwon Do for children & adults at Finchley Lido Mon & Fri 7-9pm 07949 been removed and, once the controversial ilms of the year, 612 706. www.taekwondo-uktd.co.uk new façade is complete with Four Lions, about a gang of vTai Chi class at EF Methodist Ch, an insulated render and doors hapless British Islamic terror- Weds at 1pm. Call James Drewe 8883 onto the new terrace, a new in ists. It’s a very funny take on a 3308 or [email protected] will be erected. We’re making serious issue and will certainly vTennis club with four clay courts off Southern Road. Call 8883 7723. the cinema look like the won- have people talking. v Yoga, breathing & relaxation. derful 1930s building it once Also in May we have the Weekly drop-in classes - N3, N6, N10. was and trying to undo some extraordinary Lebanon about Phone Judy on 07956 375607. of the damage done to it in the the 1982 war with Israel. We v Yoga, pregnancy yoga, meditation classes. Call Sunnah 07941 321 772 or Oak Lodge students take part in an animation project with CF. intervening 70 years. round off the month with see www.stretchingpeople.co.uk. Future Builders, a govern- the Afghan community. Throughout May we will Werner Herzog’s re-imagining MUSIC, DANCE & ment-funded social investor, has CF uses the arts as a means remain open for ilm screen- of Abel Ferrara’s cult classic spotted the talents of Community for personal development, edu- ings on evenings and week- Bad Lieutenant with Nic Cage CREATIVE ARTS Focus, based at artsdepot in North cation, therapy and social inter- ends. You’ll have to excuse a as the immoral cop. We hope v Art Classes. For info call Henry on Finchley, and is backing a new action. Its tutors are practising few holes in the wall during to see you at the Phoenix this 8888 5133. this period, but the rest of the month. Our box ofice is on 020 v Ballroom Dance Classes, Wednes- national venture over the next artists and many are graduates of day eves for beginners & improvers . St six months. the leading art schools including Phoenix experience should be 8444 6789 and our website is at Marys Church Hall, N3. 8444 0280. Schools, prisons or hospi- the Royal College of Art, Gold- of the same quality. On 7 May www.phoenixcinema.co.uk v Ballroom & Latin American Dance tals are invited to take part in smiths and Chelsea School of Classes - beginners and Improvers. this new social enterprise, with Art. Since 2007, the number of Wed & Fri eve, Bishop Douglass Sch. tailor-made packages available. 8207 2323. classes offered has tripled and Review: v Creative writing classes in informal, Some of the projects CF is already outreach work has increased friendly atmosphere. Tel Sallie Rose working on include an animation tenfold. 020 8444 7217. project with Oak Lodge School For details, visit www. A concert treat v Drama Classes for 11-15 year olds. in East Finchley and a ive-week communityfocus.co.uk or speak By Susan Norman Mondays 6.30- 8pm. Contact Dominic outreach project with the Hyde Conway 0777 284 3958 to CF’s Director Tim Balogun If you were at Hampstead Parish Church on the evening v East Finchley Writers Group, Weds School in Colindale working with on 020 8369 5481. of Saturday 27 March, then you’ll have shared in the at the Old White Lion. Contact Carola 8883 5808 or Lilian 8444 1793. treat that was Hampstead Chamber Choir’s perform- v East Finchley Poetry Writing Star names for Proms ance of Pergolesi’s beautiful Stabat Mater and the Oficium Workshops. Monthly on Saturdays. Opera maestro Sir Willard White and jazz vocalist Clare Defunctorum (Requiem 1605) by Tomás Luis de Victoria. Contact Dennis Evans 8346 9528. Teal are two of the stars lined up for the 18th season of v Finchley Jazz Club: Live jazz on Mon The latter is a mass for the dead which includes some 10 & 24 May at 8.15pm, Wilf Slack Proms at St Jude’s in Hampstead Garden Suburb. plainchant, with intonations by East Finchley resident, Cricket Pavilion, East End Rd, N3. The programme also promises the BBC Elstree Concert Band Hugh L’Estrange. v Memory Lane Singing Club - playing music from the silver screen, a choral concert with the Choir friendlysinging club meets every Friday of Clare College Cambridge and a rousing Last Night of the Proms This was the irst concert has about 30 members at any in Finchley. Call Valerie 8458 4508. in the company of the Southbank Sinfonia. under HCC’s new conductor one time. Their repertoire is v Over 50s Tea Dance at Christ Proms at St Jude’s has become a major musical attraction for Iestyn Evans, who, among wide-ranging and eclectic. Church, North Finchley. Every Weds, other things, has been Organ Vacancies sometimes occur 1pm. 020 8444 0280. north London and a creditable small-scale rival to the summer’s v Learn to sing at Finchley Methodist BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. Scholar of both Westminster for singers. Contact them via Church, Ballards La. Call 8888 4412. There are free lunchtime concerts sponsored by the Hampstead Cathedral and Westminster their website: www.hampstea vSwampRock Louisiana Dance Club. Garden Suburb Residents’ Association. These include an accordion Abbey. Iestyn said he was dchamberchoir.org Live music. Contact 07957 344 724 or recital, a cello quartet and a family concert featuring works by Holst, ‘delighted with the choir’s If you’d like to hear HCC’s www.swamprock.org.uk. performance’ and ‘greatly next concert, then put a note in v Symphonic Wind Orchestra Contact Purcell, Tchaikovsky and Copland. The musical menu is accompa- Caroline Egan 8340 2706 nied by a series of Proms Heritage Walks around the suburb. looking forward to working your diary for Saturday 3 July vTraditional music at EF Constitutional The Proms season runs from 19-27 June. Full details of all the with them over the coming at Rosslyn Hill Chapel, for a Club on 2nd Mon each month from 8.30 events are available now at www.promsatstjudes.org.uk or by tel- years’. concert of Romantic music pm. Free to join in or just listen. ephone on 020 8455 8687. The box ofice opens on 020 8458 8798 HCC has been established including Brahms’ Liebes- CLUBS & SOCIAL from 1 June. St Jude’s Church has wheelchair access. for more than 30 years and lieder Waltzes. (See p8 for Parent & Toddler Clubs) vBingo evening, 8pm Sundays, at the E-mail your listings to: Constitutional Club, The Walks, N2. Whats On... [email protected] v Bingo Club Mondays 7-9 pm, Green Wednesday 5 to Saturday 29 May information, contact Paul on 020 Barnet High Street, 2.30pm. Explore Tickets £16 (£14 concessions). Box Man Centre, Contact: Jan 8815 5452 George Eliots Daniel Deronda, 8440 6805. a beautiful unspoilt 18th-century vil- office 020 8369 5454. v Contact Lunch Club Tuesdays at the Upstairs at the Gatehouse Theatre, Free concert at East Finchley Meth- lage. For more information, contact Until 23 May Green Man. Call 8444 1162 to book. Highgate. Tuesdays to Saturdays at odist Church, High Road, 7.30pm. Paul on 020 8440 6805. Time and Time Again, paintings v Finchley & District Philatelic 8pm, Sundays at 4pm. Tickets £10- Jacquin Trio play Beethoven and Wednesday 19 May by Lisa Milroy, artsdepot, North Society, Contact Brian 8444 3251 £15. Box office 020 8340 3488. Brahms. Collection in aid of Bal- Westminster Morris Men will be Finchley. Open daily 12pm 4pm. v French conversation in small friendly Saturday 8 May anya, sending volunteer music dancing on at the Windsor Castle, Free admission. group with native speaker. 8444 9395. Dads Day at Highgate Childrens teachers to Central America. This Church Lane, 7.45pm, the Five v Friendly Rubber Bridge on Weds venue is fully accessible to people Thursday 27 May Centre (behind Highgate Primary Bells, East End Road, 8.30pm, and The Finchley Society hosts a talk afternoons, call 7722 6209. School), Gaskell Road, Highgate with disabilities. the Old White Lion, next to the sta- v Friends of Cherry Tree Wood www. by Ann Brown, Long Lane Pasture, N6 4ED. Telephone 020 3213 Thursday 13 May to Saturday 15 tion, 9.15pm. 8pm in Avenue House, East End cherrytreewood.co.uk or 8883 7544. 0004 or find out more about the May v Saturday 22 May Road, N3 (tel. 020 8346 7812). Haringey Recorded Music Society Dads Club at http://thedadsclublo The Guild Players present Deliver informal meetings locally. Call David East Finchley Neighbourhood Non-members are very welcome. ndon.blogspot.com. Us From Evil, a thriller by J D Robins. Contact coach trip to Clacton. All Admission £2. Moldon on 8361 1696. Walk over hot coals for the Performances at 7.45pm at Finchley v senior citizens welcome, but book- LGBT? 1st Weds every month in a North London Hospice, 7.30pm at Methodist Church Hall, Ballards Wednesday 2 June local pub. Welcoming atmosphere. ing necessary. Information from Tumbleweed Comedy Club, The The Five Bells, East End Road, N2. Lane, Finchley, N3 1NB. All tickets Keith John on 020 8444 1162 or Email [email protected] Bring friends or family to cheer you £8. Box office 020 8346 6337. Old White Lion, next to the station. v Muslim Lunch Club 1st & 3rd Weds, www.efncontact.org. 7.30pm. along. Participants must check in at Until 16 May Come and join members of St Green Man. Call 8444 1162 to book. 7.30, as there is motivational exer- Whats on at artsdepot v North London Bridge Club, Muswell Tableau: new works by S. Ravi Marys Roman Catholic Church cise beforehand. Register early, as Shankar, Noble Sage Art Gallery, East Finchley on a guided walk Reginald D Hunter: Saturday 8 May, Hill. Contact 8348 3495 places are limited. Information from 8pm. Sarah Gillespie: Saturday 15 v Northside Bridge Club, EF Methodist Fortis Green. All artworks for sale; through Coldfall Woods. Meet at 020 8446 2288 or asiddiqui@northl free entrance. Wednesday to Friday the main gates of Coldfall Woods May, 8pm. An Audience with Britt Church, Thurs 7.30-11pm. 8346 8145. ondonhospice.co.uk. Ekland: Saturday 22 May, 8pm. The v Jewish Friendship Club for over 60s, 11am - 7.30pm, Saturdays and Sun- (Creighton Road Entrance) at 2pm. Sunday 9 May days 11am - 5pm. Our guide will be Linda Dolata who Importance of Being Oscar Alistair Tues 1-3 pm at Muswell Hill Synagogue, Whatley: Thursday 27 May, 8pm. Tetherdown. Call Anita 8886 6140. Historical High Barnet: a guided Sunday 16 May is a local resident and a Guide at walk with expert guide Paul Baker. Kew Gardens. Any enquiries phone Michael Craig-Martin exhibition: v Muswell Hill Tetherdown Bridge, Georgian Monken Hadley: a Friday 28 May to Sunday 27 June. contact 8883 4390 Meet outside Barnet College, Wood guided walk with expert guide Paul 020 8444 8440. Street, 2.30pm. Explore 1,000 years An Audience with Britt Ekland, LaLaLuna Wolfe Bowart: Saturday v Probus Lunch Club for retired Baker. Meet outside The Spires, 29 May, 3pm and 7.30pm. professionals. Call John 8883 8114. of history in two hours. For more artsdepot, North Finchley, 8pm. 11 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 MAY 2010

Letter to the editor Any reader who feels strongly Slimmers about any matter is invited to Send your correspondence use this “Soapbox” column. Rudi Vis signs off to: “Letters Page”, Dear Editor, expand The Archer, PO Box 3699, Please note that opinions expressed A popular slimming group From time to time a person are those of the writer alone. is starting a new morning has been pointing roughly in my London N2 8JA or e-mail meeting. The East Finchley direction saying: “That is my MP.” [email protected]. Drivers need to Slimming World group has And still almost every time, I look Letters without verifiable over my shoulder to see who the contact addresses will not be been named ‘best warm and MP might be, just out of curiosity I reviewed or printed. Contact look in the mirror friendly group’ three times suppose, but quickly realizing that details can be withheld, however, By John Perrow and two members have won the person pointed at me and that on request at publication. Stanley Road is a cul-de-sac leading to Ashburnham awards for losing weight. a lot of people show far too much Finchley and Golders Green Close, Homeield Gardens and a footpath to Holy Trinity Natalie Hanna, the group’s deference and respect to MPs. Some Primary School. Drivers leaving Stanley Road to join consultant, said: “Morning groups MPs, of course, start believing that has been special. I never had the often work really well for mothers they are special and rare and start desire to stand anywhere else and East End Road are faced to their right with a blind with young children or retired men behaving as if they were, often with I did not think that we would win it bend some 70 feet distant and can see nothing beyond and women who prefer not to go dire consequences. in 1997. Locally the Labour Party this. A vehicle moving at 30mph covers 88 feet in just out in the evening.” has been brilliant in assisting me, two seconds with a stopping distance of 75 feet. It is, The current group meets at both for themselves and for me. The therefore, extremely dangerous. East Finchley Baptist Church, constituency is also an agreeable I contacted Barnet Council twice to suggest that a mirror Creighton Avenue, on Tuesdays and convenient place in which to installed on East End Road would give anyone emerging from at 5pm and 6.45pm. The new live. It needs all our protection as Stanley Road a much-improved sight of oncoming trafic. Both group meets at East Finchley it is one of the jewels in the crown requests were rejected. Methodist Church, High Road, of London, particularly with the Numerous Acts were quoted to show how dificult it would on Wednesdays at 9.30am. improved Northern line. be, legally, to install such a mirror which might also be a target Natalie is offering 50% off Finchley and Golders Green for vandals. But the objections went much further, giving a membership to all readers of constituents have, on average, a whole list of reasons why mirrors could, in fact, be positively THE ARCHER if they mention higher income than elsewhere. We dangerous. The objections were highly unconvincing. If valid, the paper when joining. For were the fourth wealthiest Labour- why are all vehicles itted with mirrors? more information, contact her held constituency in 1997, but Frustrated, I circulated a petition urging the council to install on 07889 252548 or turn up at since then we lost Wimbledon and a mirror and was surprised at the response. It was signed by 187 one of the groups. Hammersmith and Fulham. We still residents on the roads concerned, plus the parents of children have Hampstead and Highgate so we attending the school. are now ‘second’ well off. Of course On 24 February at the relevant sub-committee, I had ive Review: Bach we have constituents in difficult minutes to speak and hand in the petition. It was immediately economic and social circumstances rejected by the Director of Environment and Operations on the I have enjoyed being called Rudi. and I have done as much as humanly grounds that no accident had been recorded at the junction in and Handel I have enjoyed the banter, serious possible to assist. By Ken Carter the last three years and that the council did not advocate the use conversation, jokes and debates. I It is also a constituency of mirrors. There was no discussion. Oficialdom had spoken. There was no doubt about it: probably fool myself into thinking that where many people are politically Readers can draw their own conclusions. the North London Chorus I have almost never lied. Also, and sophisticated and are thoughtfully and Orchestra were the naturally, I have had to apologise for contributing to just about every stars. St James’, Muswell being in error about matters. I was debate. This has been a fantastic Review: The Buddy Holly Story sure, yet pleased that Sir Thomas educative experience for me. We By Sheila Armstrong Hill, rang with the variety Legg QC, who examined the MP’s would not have won so many cam- of sounds and performing expenses claims wrote to me, and I paigns if ‘locals’ had not put on their The Theatre Upstairs at the Gatehouse did it again last styles demanded by the quote: “Dr Vis has no issues”. campaigning gear, often only asking month with its very successful production of The Buddy three principal works in a This has been part of my me to come in for support. Nuclear Holly Story ,directed by John Plews with his own inimitable concert on 20 March. experience not just with my Labour trains in Cricklewood, College lair and style. I admire Buxtehude. His Party friends and voters, but also Farm, a multiple of planning issues, The young and multi talented cast ably supported Roger Rowley music is simple yet grand, bare and with people who I consider, not as insolvency matters and assistance (still at drama school) as Buddy and Jason Blackwater as the Big heroic, spare yet warm. Tonight, enemies, but always as opponents to non-governmental organisations Bopper, both sounding very like the originals. It was a great night we heard meditations on the parts and often friends. I have enjoyed are all local-led issues where I came out with the audience singing, clapping and strolling down memory of Jesus’ body assailed during the such friendships with Tory and Lib- in by invitation of them. lane; well, those who could remember the 1950s anyway. cruciixion. Choir, orchestra and eral Democrat councillors and other I could now name hundreds of Find out about future productions at The Gatehouse in Highgate soloists were gravely moving, voters, although one cannot always party members, friends, acquaint- at www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com. open to the music’s stark, glow- utter that in public. ances and people who have assisted Political parties, all of them, both ing splendour. me beyond the call of duty, but I will LTD in their policies, intent and through hide behind the screen that says: Klages Plumbing & Heating Agency . The Bach Mass in F was an vagaries can be wrong. If there are “What if I should forget some?” CONTACT TELEPHONE No: 020 8346 7218 / 8636 astonishing contrast: brisk, busy, superior ideas around from “others” Allow me to make one exception. I with vigorous interweaving coun- one should lean on them, discuss have been in love with Jacqui, my KLAGE terpoint and daring in its demands them, re-examine your own views partner, wife, conidante and mother for instrumentalists to vie with with seriousness and not dig your of our 15-year-old twins for 25 years A NAME IN PLUMBING FOR OVER 40 YEARS each other in versatility. This is own hole even deeper. The good for and she is utterly marvellous. I thank a shorter work than the great B us all requires at times to transcend her for that. Both she and I have been minor Mass. Its style is secular. party politics and to ditch dogma. honoured by ‘our’ constituents to be ALMAR BUSINESS SOLUTIONS Even so, the genius of its crea- Accountancy | Tax Consultancy | IT Solutions Why do I not ight in this election? elected and re-elected, variously from www.AlmarBSL.co.uk tion shone and sparkled. Small it Well, I’ll be 70 years old next time 1986 onwards and we shall always may be, but choir and orchestra and talent, if there ever was any, is remember that with the fondness and Services provided: proclaimed that it has size. not growing as easily. Experience humility it deserves. �� Book-keeping �� Management Accounting Handel’s Organ Concerto might be enhanced over years, but Our very best wishes for all �� Financial Accounting and Annual Accounts Preparation (The Cuckoo and the Nightin- mere backbenchers face terriic dif- your futures. �� VAT & Tax Administration and Consultancy gale) brought nimble currents iculties in making themselves heard. Yours with warmth, �� Personal & Business Financial Health Checks and virtuoso cascades from Government is too ‘presidential’ in Rudi Vis Tailored packaged services offered for: Nicholas Ansdell-Evans. The policy-making and journalism can be �� Sole Traders �� Partnerships rushed in, only directing their atten- �� Self-Employed �� Contractors evening’s climax was Handel’s �� Private Limited Companies Dixit Dominus. The choir hit the tion and interviews at the same ‘old faces’. For a FREE initial consultation, please contact us rafters with their Gloria Patri, by phone on 07894 473309 or email: [email protected] full-throated, unashamedly It also does not assist one to vote against one’s own party. I have tried jubilant, brisk and resonant. This not to be a rebel for the sake of it, was Handel unmistakeably, and but it has not always been possi- at his best. ble. It is not the road to take if one brera gardens The soloists played their part. were interested in being promoted. Nina Lejderman and Sarah Barnes, Iraq, student fees and foundation  garden design  maintenance sopranos, together with Jake hospitals come to mind among Artditti, counter-tenor, blended quite a few other ‘mishaps’ by my  hard landscaping  interior & office felicitously, often as one voice. Government.  plant displays Warren Albers, tenor, and John Most unfortunately I have recently soft landscaping Molloy, bass, were, somewhat been diagnosed with incurable cancer  East Finchley based mutedly, distinctive. Conductor with all its attendant nastiness, chem- Mob. 07939 557 934 Tel. 020 8365 3615 Murray Hipkin must be proud of otherapy, feeling below par and being the night’s achievement. totally out of breath. Email: [email protected] John’s Shoe Repairs MAY 2010 PAGE 12 Shoes, Trainers, Sandals, Bags and Luggage Complete Repair Service by a craftsman Same day if required Key Cutting 1 Manor Park Rd. N2, behind 88 Church Lane, opposite Trinity Church PublishedHE by East Finchley Newspapers, P.O. RCHERBox 3699, London N2 8JA. www.the-archer.co.uk Tel: 07956 329 150 Open 12-7pm T A Relaxing and inspiring gardens By Susan Bennett As I approached the front door my spirits sank. Boring begonias in narrow window boxes did not bode well. As an Assistant County Organiser for the National Gardens Scheme, inspecting potential gardens is part of my remit. It is gutting to have to tell proud owners that their creation does not pass muster. My guts were churning as I rang the doorbell. A cheerful welcome. “DO and skills. I am pleased to say come in”. We pass through an they will be opening their garden immaculate workshop into a to visitors for the NGS for the irst leafy conservatory crammed time this year. with happy, healthy, beautifully Their garden at 79 Church displayed plants. I am won over Lane, N2 OTH, will be open on by the charm, vibrant atmos- Sunday 13 June and Sunday 18 phere, and evident expertise. An July from 2-6pm. Admission is abundance of hanging baskets, £2.50 for adults and free for chil- but some are empty? They are dren. There will be home made The Scorpions ride again for the cats. Caroline and David teas and a plant sale. Jim French, an ARCHER reader in Canada, sent us this fantastic photo of the Scorpions Broome explain that their con- Other NGS open garden dates Motorcycle Club, taken about 1962 at their clubhouse, one of the air raid shelters servatory, open to the elements, for your diary: is unlike any other. It is an adven- 5 St Regis Close, Alexandra outside Martin School in Plane Tree Walk. ture playground for their family of Park Road, N10, Sunday 2 May, Jim is on the bike in the ried. Jim has two sons and he remember are Peter Rawl- characterful cats. I am intrigued. 2-7pm, Sunday 9 May, 2-6pm, middle, with Sue Langham says his passion is still motor- ings, Barry Crowson, Danny Leaving the ‘Catatorium’, as Sunday 27 June, 2-7pm, Sunday sitting behind him. Jim and cycles. Miall, Bob Scorield, Peter I christened it, we enter a lush 25 July, 2-7pm. Admission £3, Sue got married and went to Jim remembers a lot of his Ranyor, Don Ranson, Roger cottage garden, a haven for wild children free; 66 Abbots Gardens, live in Canada in 1968. They friends from the Scorpions. He Trudelle, Griff Jones, Chris birds, with feeders, a hidden N2, Sunday 16 May, 2-6.30pm; later divorced and both remar- says: “Other names that I can Salarno, Bob Crane, Frank pond, an owl-topped rustic arch East Finchley Cottage Gardens, Malone, plus Spider and Slug. and a ‘man-shed’. Caroline is a 399 Long Lane, 20 and 22 Trinity STEWART “Danny was killed not long talented plantswoman. David is Road, N2, Sunday 6 June, 2-6pm; after this photo was taken. an accomplished carpenter. Here 2 Stanley Road, N2, Sunday 6 Roger passed away three years is a husband and wife team who June, 2-6pm. For full details, DUNCAN ago. Peter Rawlings married complement each other’s tastes visit www.ngs.org.uk my sister Betty and moved OPTICIANS, SINCE 1962 to Canada in 1966. They have EYE EXAMINATIONS two girls. Bob Crane, Frank Walk the cat DESIGNER EYEWEAR On 15 May, Jenni Alexander and her husband Stuart, of CONTACT LENSES Malone and Slug all went to LATE NIGHT Australia.” Fortis Green, and two of their friends are walking 40km to DYSLEXIA CLINIC Were you one of the raise money for The Scratching Post, a cat rescue charity DVLA APPROVED Scorpions or do you know OLD FASHIONED SERVICE that covers north London. someone who was? Jim The charity relies solely shelter, as the one they currently 020 8883-2020 would love to hear from you on donations and volunteers. use is becoming much too small. 126 HIGH ROAD, EAST FINCHLEY and so would we. Email Jim Its policy is to ensure that no When the recession hit many on [email protected] cat is ever kept in unsuitable people could no longer afford and write to us at the- accommodation while it is to keep their pets and they have [email protected] or The waiting for a home. Jenni and seen a massive increase in the Archer, PO Box 3699, London Stuart are taking on this walk to demand for their services. N2 8JA. help them raise money for a new Jenni and Stuart will be ��� ���� walking across the South Downs, starting and ending ���� Join a day trip to Clacton By Daphne Chamberlain at Goodwood. This will be East Finchley Neighbourhood Contact are off on a day a long and challenging day. trip to Clacton on Saturday 22 May. Any senior citizen in If you would like to sponsor the area is welcome to join them, whether a registered user them you can do so by visit- ing www.charitygiving.co.uk/ of Contact services or not, and you may bring a friend or jennialexander or you can relative of any age. send cheques (payable to The There is plenty of storage 020 8444 1162. Further infor- Scratching Post) to 1 Wood- space under the coach for mation on that number or at side Cottages, Fortis Green, wheelchairs or zimmers, but www.efncontact.org. London, N2 9HE. unfortunately no wheelchair lift directly into the coach. However, Contact guarantee � ��� �� helpers and there may be � �� possible volunteer wheelchair � escorts. ���� Pick up is between 9.30am ��� � � � � � and 10am, from Avenue House, � Thomas More Way, The Five �� � ��� � � � � ���� �� � � Bells, and the corner of The �� �� High Road and Sylvester Road, � �� and the coach should be back ����� in Finchley by 7pm. The trip, one of several organised by Contact each year, will cost £12. Organ- 020������������� 8442 0660 iser Keith John is asking for ��� ���� �� ���� �������� ������ �� people to book in advance. If this is physically dificult for �������������������� anyone, please contact him on The Archer is a non-proit-making, non political & non religious newspaper, staffed entirely by volunteers.