The Local News is our Aim residential sales 6 lettings 6 management 020 8444 5222 www.jeremyleaf.co.uk

20p ISSN 1361-3952 where sold Archer November 2019 No. 307 A community newspaper for East Finchley run entirely by volunteers. Willow House residents can’t move back in one year on By Janet Maitland and Ruth Anders One year after a devastat- ing fire raged through the roof of Willow House on the Grange Estate, The Archer can report that none of the 13 families who lost their homes have been able to Pirates and parasols at All Saints’ move back in. Rebuilding An energetic cast from The Merry Opera Company brought an hilariously offbeat work has not yet started version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera The Pirates of Penzance to the week- and the cause of the fire is long East Finchley Arts Festival at All Saints’, Durham Road. Photo by Mike Coles. still not known. An insider’s view of the Arts Festival, page 7. More than 60 residents were forced to flee the flats just before midnight on Tuesday 6 November last year, many Christmas losing everything except the clothes they were wearing. It took 100 firefighters more than invitation two hours to put out the blaze. The Bishop Douglass Christ- Residents who are still living mas party this year will be in the undamaged part of the held on Thursday 5 Decem- building next to the burnt-out The Willow House blaze in ber, from 5pm prompt until flats told us that no one from 2018. Photo by Ximenita Pachon 7pm. All N2 residents who Barnet Council had told them are over 65 are welcome anything since the fire, even A spokesperson from Barnet and should book their place though they’d been promised Homes said: “At the time of without delay. information about how it had the fire, two households were Find your new home today... As usual, they will be wel- started and what steps would placed in temporary accom- modation but all households Successful independent estate agent, established since 1992 comed with a glass of sherry be taken to ensure it never hap- Residential and commercial, sales, lettings and management specialists by Year 10 students and then pened again. had moved into more settled Our friendly and helpful staff provide a professional and genuine service The block of flats, along- accommodation by 3 January. 40 High Road, East Finchley enjoy a traditional three-course Our office is situated 100 yards from East Finchley Station London N2 9PJ meal, followed by carol singing side the High Road, N2, is still Two of the households affected www.primelocations.co.uk and entertainment by pupils and covered in scaffolding and were Barnet Homes tenants and surrounded by a security fence. we were able to help rehouse Estate Agents Valuations Sales Lettings [email protected] staff. Games of bingo and a gift Overseas Properties Management Services 020 8883 9090 from Santa Claus will round off Residents say the main front them within the Barnet area or the evening. door is broken and they feel neighbouring boroughs. Transport to the school in intimidated by groups of young Continued on page 4 Hamilton Road, N2, can be men who congregate behind provided for those who need the building smoking cannabis. it. To book your place, phone We contacted Barnet Homes to In this issue 020 8883 0433 leaving your see what was happening. They name and a contact number and said that no one affected by Car part thefts.... page 3 someone will get back to you. the fire had been able to move Crime update...... page 4 back in as “the safety of our Library survey..... page 5 residents is our highest prior- Fun Palace...... page 5 Follow us! ity” and that although there had been “unforeseen delays”, work Turpin’s other oak... page 8 on refurbishing the block will Ricky Savage...... page 9 hopefully now start this month What’s On...... page 10 @TheArcherN2 and be finished by next March. Your letters...... page 11 • Visit us online at www.the-archer.co.uk or Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @TheArcherN2 • 2 NOVEMBER 2019 The Archer - www.the-archer.co.uk The Archer USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS PO Box 3699, London N2 2DE Councils Help & Advice Drugs Helpline 0800 776600 www.the-archer.co.uk Email: [email protected] Barnet Council 020 8359 2000 Childline 0800 1111 Health Info Service 0800 665544 @TheArcherN2 Recycling & refuse 020 8359 4600 Citizens Advice Barnet 0300 4568365 MIND 020 8343 5700 Voicemail (messages only) 0800 612 0748 for editorial and general Benefits 0800 882200 Cruse Bereavement Care 0808 8081677 National Blood Centre 0845 7 711 7711 Haringey Council 020 8489 0000 EF Advice Service 0300 4568365 enquiries or 0800 612 4027 for Advertising enquiries only Recycling & refuse 020 88857700 Lone Parent Centre 020 3828 4834 Crime Published by Editorial Team Finance & Benefits 020 8489 2800 Missing Persons Helpline 116 000 Emergency 999 East Finchley Newspapers Diana Cormack Advertising National Debt Line 0808 156 7718 Police non-emergency 101 Copy Editor Daphne Chamberlain John Dearing Leisure NSPCC 0808 8005000 CrimeStoppers 0800 555111 John Lawrence Sub Editors Distribution Alexandra Palace 020 8365 2121 Rape Crisis helpline 0808 802 9999 Victim Support 0845 303 0900 Production Editor Ann Bronkhorst Toni Morgan East Finchley Library 020 8359 3815 Refuge Crisis Helpine 0808 2000 247 Jeff Robson Jane & David Marsh Alison Roberts Everyman, Muswell Hill 0872 436 9060 Relate Helpline 0300 100 1234 Hospitals Printed By Picture Editor Sharman & Co Ltd Garden Suburb Library 020 8458 3301 RSPCA 0300 1234 999 NHS 111 Mike Coles Muswell Hill Library 020 8489 8773 Samaritans 116 123 Barnet General 020 8216 4000 Thank you to The Bald Faced Stag and New Local Cafe for providing us with a Phoenix Cinema 020 8444 6789 SENDIASS Barnet 020 8359 7637 Edgware General 020 8952 2381 meeting place. Vue, North Finchley 0345 3084620 SENDIASS Haringey 020 3667 5233 Finchley Memorial 020 8349 7500 The Archer team wishes to thank all the generous people who give up their Oak Lane Clinic 020 8346 9343 spare time, in all weather, to deliver the paper for us. Transport Health Advice Royal Free 020 7794 0500 If you have a story for us, please contact us at the above address. BR Enquiries 0845 7484950 AIDSline 020 8363 2141 Whittington 020 7272 3070 Comments to The Archer may be published unless clearly marked ‘ Not for City Airport 020 7646 0088 Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 7697555 publication’ within the text. Heathrow Airport 0844 3351801 Barnet MENCAP 020 8203 6688 OAPs’ Advice December: 15 November, National Express 0871 781 8181 Cancer Support 020 8202 2211 Age UK Barnet 020 8203 5040 Copy deadlines – TfL 0343 222 1234 Carers’ Line 0808 808 7777 Independent Age 0800 319 6789 January: 13 December, February: 10 January Thameslink 0345 026 4700 Drinkline 0800 917 8282 Age UK 0800 169 2081 PLANNING APPLICATIONS Barnet Council Single-storey rear extension: 29 Heath View, N2 depth 4.5m, eaves height 3m, Ramp access to front of property. maximum height 3m. 58-60 High Road, N2 52 Summerlee Avenue, N2 Details of conditions re. enclo- Single-storey ground floor side sure/boundary treatment) and extension. refuse/recycling collection, pur- Haringey Council suant to planning permission 15/03899/S73. 34 Aylmer Road, N2 First Floor Flat, 24 Manor Park Part single, part two-storey rear Road, N2 extension. Two side and two rear Roof extension, including rear dormers. dormer window and two front 44 Bancroft Avenue, N2 facing roof lights. Metal gates to front drive. Front 32 Pulham Avenue, N2 extension to garage. Night help for carers A new service has been set up to provide night-time support for people caring for loved ones. The Night Owl Free samples: Visitors enjoy the tastes of Muswell Hill Traders Week. Photo Mischa Haller. Service from Barnet Carers Secret world Centre will be significantly cheaper than the average Traders serve up a taste of cost of night care. of the brain Homecare assistants will Age UK Barnet trustee be available to check in on shopping locally Professor Catherine Love- individuals at flexible hourly Muswell Hill traders got together to run a special week of events designed to show day, from the University of intervals throughout the night off the attractions of shopping locally. People tried free samples, gathered discount Westminster, will be giving for administering medication a free talk on music and and fluids, turning, toileting vouchers, and pledged to and any other necessary care. support traders. memory, explaining what happens in the brain when There are an estimated OSTEOPATHY | ACUPUNCTURE Traders’ Week was con- 40,000 unpaid carers in Barnet, ceived jointly by Muswell Hill we listen to music and how many of whom struggle in Traders’ Association and The it can help people with isolation. The average cost of Friends of St James Square. dementia. overnight care in Barnet is £120, The Robin Kiashek The association’s Tracey Tom- It takes place on Wednes- while the Night Owl Service Clinics masini said: “In an increasingly day 20 November at the Ann will cost £25 an hour. online world, it was an oppor- Owens Centre, Oak Lane, N2, Donia Arnall, head of tunity for local businesses to Keeping North London at 6.30pm, with a licensed HomeCare at Barnet Carers OSTEOPATHY show all of us the benefits of bar available. Tickets are free Centre, said: “This important pain free for 25 years being able to really see what (donations are welcome) but new affordable service will help you’re buying, to get expert booking is essential as places to reduce the stress on carers Visit www.robinkiashek.co.uk advice and to have an enjoy- are limited. To book call 020 and enable them to get a better to see how we could help able outing that only shopping 8432 1421 or email wendy. night’s sleep, confident that in person affords.” [email protected]. their loved ones are receiving Most major health insurance accepted Please note that we also have ACUPUNCTURE the care they need.” a Central London clinic - Beginners - The charity, based in North Ample free parking Finchley, has been providing The Twyford Practice care and support for adult and 52 Twyford Avenue Tai Chi& Qigong young carers in Barnet for NEW COURSES in East Finchley Fortis Green ** ** almost 30 years. Contact the London N2 9NL Wednesdays am & pm (Trial session: £5) tel: 020 8815 0979 James Drewe is a qualified teacher and has been practising tai chi for 40 years. team there on 020 3995 1909; LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY He is the author of 3 books on tai chi & is a member of the BCCMA. email: admin@barnetcarers. Other classes : www.taiji.co.uk org or visit barnetcarers.org/ Robin Kiashek | BSc (Hons) Ost Med., N.D., LicAC email: [email protected] phone: 020-8883 3308 home-care. 3 The Archer - www.the-archer.co.uk NOVEMBER 2019 Brazen thieves snatch car parts in broad daylight By David Melsome Motorists in East Finchley and Muswell Hill are report- ing a spate of thefts of catalytic converters from their vehicles, many of them in broad daylight. The converters are detached from the exhaust system and sold on for the precious metals they contain. The Archer has seen mul- where possible, park their vehi- tiple social media posts from cle to make access underneath car owners in both areas warn- difficult. ing others that thieves are Toyota has developed a operating. Several said their locking device that makes it All creatures great and small: Father Marius, back row, with pets and their owners. Photo Mike Coles converters had been stolen in harder for thieves to remove the just minutes from cars parked converter and Honda has relo- outside their home in the middle Animal friends among the faithful cated the converter on recent By John Lawrence of the afternoon. There was a very different type of congregation at Holy Trinity Church on the first One resident of Saturday in October. Dogs and cats occupied the pews to take part in the church’s Trinity Avenue, N2, first pet blessing service. who asked not to Eight dogs, two puppies and be named, told us: two cats were brought along by “Two weeks ago at their human owners. The cats 10.30 in the morn- stayed safely in their travel ing I heard a drilling boxes while some of the dogs outside my window, were allowed to wander freely. looked out and saw Aside from a bit of whin- a silver saloon car ing in one of the hymns and a alongside my car, Theft target: A typical catalytic converter. brief outburst of barking during two men in hoodies prayers, everyone’s behaviour bending down and one holding a models to make it harder for was impeccable. One elderly wire cutter. I knew immediately thieves to reach. golden retriever struggled gain- what had happened but it was fully to her feet every time the all so quick I had no time to congregation stood to sing. catch the number plate nor run after them.” Animal tales Festive Instead of a sermon, owners The cost of replacing the Take a pew: One dog waits to be blessed. Photo Mike Coles. converter on her Toyota hybrid were invited to tell stories car is likely to be close to about their pets and how they’d network she is setting up and around. £1,000. She reported the theft to lights changed their lives. Police dog dog owner Carmen Stevens “The service has all been police but believes there is little handler Emma Robling paid a made a plea for people not about giving thanks for the they can do without supporting moving tribute to her German to buy animals from puppy animals who share our lives,” he evidence. Shepherd Zia and the many dan- farms, which can often mistreat said. “The stories we have heard switch-on gerous situations they’d faced animals. today show what a blessing they Theft target Christmas starts in East Finchley on Saturday together before she succumbed New tradition can be to so many of us.” Catalytic converters clean to cancer. Hymn choices included up harmful gases before they 7 December at 4.30pm. As Father Marius, who led the Cat owner David Broome blessing service, said he hoped All Creatures of our God and leave the exhaust pipe. Thieves dusk gathers, the festive recalled an encounter with a King and Think of the World are targeting them because they lights sprinkled over the it would be the start of a new housebound lady who had two tradition at the church in Church without Animals. And as people contain valuable metals like High Road’s Christmas feral cats move uninvited into and animals mingled after the palladium and rhodium, which Lane, N2. Although he has no tree will be switched on her home, in return for which pets himself, he grew up on his service, the pianist rounded it are more valuable than gold. to the sound of carols led they cleared her house and all off nicely by playing Nellie BBC News has reported that grandparents’ farm in Romania by the Archer Commu- garden of a vermin problem. with horses, cows and pigs all the Elephant. for the first six months of 2019, nity Choir and Brookland RSPCA officer Abi McEwan the number of thefts of catalytic spoke about an animal fostering converters nationwide jumped Junior School Choir. to 2,894, compared to 1,674 Carols and mince pies thefts for all of 2018. Hybrid Everyone is invited to join VIOLIN LESSONS vehicles are most at risk because in the carols and, thanks to the Experienced & their converters are used less team at Budgens, enjoy mulled Encouraging teacher heavily and therefore their wine and mince pies. Put the 40mins £23 precious metals are in better date in your diary and join the Lizzy Barmak condition. festivities outside the supermar- 020 8346 0722 Protection ket at 4.30pm. [email protected] Police advise vehicle owners to mark their catalytic converter with a serial number to make it distinctive, fit a protective cover Nicky Sharp over it, install a car alarm and, Osteopathy Clinic SOLICITORS Midhurst Butchers Cranial and Structural Osteopathy Cree Godfrey & Wood provide a full range of services including Residential and Commercial Conveyancing, Landlord and Tenant advice, Employment (Compromise Agreements), Family, Certified organic meat and Acupuncture Wills Probate and Elderly Client advice and Lasting Powers of Attorney. at reasonable prices All Major Insurers Accepted Why choose CGW Solicitors? Free-range poultry Our team are: Home-made sausages For consultations and appointments: COMMITTED to excellent customer service; (including Boerwors) Offer GOOD value and reasonable fees; Here to WORK for you and give you honest, straightforward and effective 2 Midhurst Parade, Telephone: 020 8815 9433 advice in a timely efficient manner. www.nickysharposteopathy.co.uk l Fortis Green, London N10 260 East End Road T: 0208 883 9414 F: 0208 444 5414 W: www.creegodfreyandwood.co.uk l W: www.creegodfreyandwood.co.uk Tel. 020 8883 5303 London N2 8AU e-mail: [email protected] Cree Godfrey & Wood 28 High Road East Finchley London N2 9PJ 4 NOVEMBER 2019 The Archer - www.the-archer.co.uk

Jan Lovell, of the East Finchley Safer Neighbourhood Team, updates us on the latest crime news. Jan and the team can be con- tacted by email at: [email protected], or by phone on 020 7161 9014. Follow the team on Twitter @MPSEastFinchley. Drug arrests Two males were arrested on the Grange Estate, N2, one for possession of cannabis, the other for possession with intent to supply. Both have been bailed pending charging. Two other youths were given cannabis warnings on Market Place, N2. Safer Neighbourhood survey Thank you to those who replied to the survey sent out. We have sifted the responses and will consider actions on the issues pertaining to the Safer Neighbourhood Team. Many others such as street lighting and other highway issues we passed over to our ward councillors to pursue. Please know that the survey answers are anonymous, so we cannot reply to you indi- vidually. The next survey will be January 2020, but if you wish to discuss any concerns with the team you are welcome to contact Waiting for repair: The current state of Willow House. Photo Ruth Anders us by email or phone any time. Recent scams September has seen a number of popular scams repeating: Willow House unfit to move back in scam phone calls allegedly from HMRC offering tax refunds, Continued from page 1 males posing as police officers saying they have found cloned “The remainder were sub- by a local resident back in July. extensive damage meant that bank cards belonging to you and that money is being removed tenants of leaseholders, many of The council said then that it had further investigations were from your account. whom preferred to make their had to re-tender the refurbish- unlikely to take place. There are also several roofing people in the area; some are own arrangements rather than ment contract because the bids However, Barnet Homes genuine, some may not be, it`s difficult to tell until it`s too late. use our housing options service. it had received by May “did have told us that although Often these people are well prepared and can be very charming. Those who did approach us, we not represent value for money”. investigations carried out by the We recommend not to buy any product or service from the door were able to help rehouse them.” We reported in January that insurers were also inconclusive, or over the phone and never to give out any personal information. Why the delay in refurbishment the cause of the fire may never further investigations into the I am pleased to say very few of our residents have succumbed work? A source drew our atten- be known. The Fire Brigade cause of the fire will be possible to the patter of these con people. This is due to the great com- tion to a published answer from thought it was probably started once clearing the debris in the munity spirit East Finchley has, looking out for neighbours and Barnet Council to questions put by an “electrical episode”, but roof gets underway. passing helpful info and warning to our most vulnerable residents, the elderly and disabled. Burglary Don’t fall for the TV licence scam As the days get shorter burglaries increase. If you do not have By Daphne Chamberlain a house alarm, please do consider having one installed. Alarms Age UK has issued a warn- trust them. Be cautious about an incorrect account number. are an extremely effective piece of equipment in preventing bur- ing about bogus emails any emails from TV Licensing The scammers may insert an glary or at worst case minimising the amount of time a burglar pretending to be from TV that ask you to update your per- incorrect customer ID in the spends in your home. Licensing which claim you sonal or banking details. hope that you will not check are entitled to a refund for The real TV Licensing that it’s wrong. an overpayment or warn organisation will use donotre- If you receive one of these Memory Walk thank you [email protected] (or emails, don’t reply or open any Archer deliverer John Michaeloudis has thanked every- that your licence is about to [email protected]. links. Delete it straight away. expire. They will then ask one who supported him when he took part in a Memory co.uk) to email you. The Report it to Action Fraud or Walk to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. John, of you to respond by entering scammers cannot send emails call them on 0300 123 2040. If your bank details on a fake Lynmouth Road, N2, collected 122 cheques from friends, using these addresses. Instead, you provided your bank account family and a door-to-door collection around East Finchley, website. they may come from a personal details, talk to your bank or Although the emails may use email account or one which building society immediately. raising a grand total of £2,325. the TV Licensing logo and have looks unusual. If you’re still unsure, you He completed the 10km possible cause. I just want to other features that make them Be suspicious if the email can contact TV Licensing walk at Queen Elizabeth Park, thank everyone in the local look authentic, you should never doesn’t use your name or has directly using the phone number Stratford, on the last weekend in community for their kindness that is on the official TV Licens- September in torrential rain. In in helping me raise money for ing website or your last paper fact he got so wet his Freedom research into Alzheimer’s. A bill. If you still feel concerned, Pass was badly damaged and he lot of people sponsored me and you can speak to someone at couldn’t use it to travel home. their generosity kept me going Age UK. Call their free advice John laughed: “Sometimes on the day.” line on 0800 678 1602 (8am you walk in the sun, some- to 7pm). times you run in the rain. I got A Local Handyman Business services: Personal services: soaked but it was for the best Bookkeeping & Accounting Personal tax planning available for general household Business planning Self assessment & garden maintenance. artsdepot in association with The New Wolsey Theatre presents Business start-up Specialist sectors: Company Secretarial No Job Too Small Corporate tax planning Building profits Free Estimates eCommerce & Payment Solutions Charities Call John on: 0789 010 3831 Payroll Owner directors or: 0208 883 5325 Service Charge Accounting Retail VAT Sole traders Why choose us? Greene Driving School By providing high quality of service and not charge over the top fees, we East Finchley N2 retain the business and loyalty of our customers, as well as win many new ones through word of mouth. We also work with tax specialists, investor From £20.00 per hour advisors and auditors to provide clients additional services where there is a The panto for 2 hr lesson need. packed with Call us for a FREE review of your requirements and to discuss best way Safe driving for life forward, with no obligation. rock, pop and Tel: 0203 151 0750 or email: [email protected] . soul music - Small manual Low Co2 Car Visit our newly improved website with useful and topical information: performed LIVE! Eco & Low Maintenance Tuition www.AlmarBSL.co.uk Pass Plus 4 cheaper Insurance. Almar Business Solutions Limited is a registered company in England and Wales (registered Sat 30 Nov 2019 - Sun 5 Jan 2020 number 04541322), holder of ACCA Practising Certificate with Association of Chartered Call John M.I.M.I Certified Accountants and has Professional Indemnity Cover for its business activities. 020 8369 5454 www.artsdepot.co.uk 0773 851 4406 greenedriving.co.uk 5 The Archer - www.the-archer.co.uk NOVEMBER 2019 A family day out at the Fun Palace By John Lawrence

Beauty bar: Nail painting with Art Against Knives. Photo Mike Coles. Feeding time: The Appreciating Animals farmyard. Photo Mike Coles. Chicks and ducks and This was another chance fully opened to public use. problem expert Mr Mustard. The community centre itself is a geese had to scurry when for East Finchley residents to Visitors to the centre could Attracting a lot of attention smart new building with a spa- hundreds of visitors turned explore Barnwood, their newest try calligraphy, arts and crafts, was the Grange Big Local’s cious entrance hall and atrium. up to enjoy the Fun Palace green space. As we reported and test their culinary skills own stall asking residents for Inside there is a good range of hosted by Grange Big last month, the wood now has with help from the BreadnBut- their ideas on improving life rooms, large and small, spread charitable status along with a ter social enterprise group. Art in the area of East Finchley over two floors, that could Local at the new Barnwood board of trustees, and hopes to Against Knives hosted a nail bar, that is centred on the Grange be used for functions, classes green space and community open on a regular basis soon. Barnet TV ran a video workshop Estate. Among the ideas posted and regular groups. There is a centre in Tarling Road, N2. Inside the community and The Flower Bank led flower up were: “We need a youth kitchen and serving hatch near The farmyard birds, includ- arranging classes, all to the club”, “Something for kids to the front entrance, and toilets ing a free range turkey, were centre accompaniment of live music. do”, “Enforce the speed limit on both floors. Outside there And just next door, the Fun joined by rabbits, hamsters and The centre’s kitchen was in Church Lane”, “Get the are two table tennis tables, neat Palace on Sunday 6 October a whole family of goats as part open serving hot drinks and council to empty the litter bins”, lawns and plenty of parking. gave them their first chance to of the Appreciating Animals pizza, and there were informa- “Build a playground outside As we reported last month, see inside the new Tarling Road petting farm set up in the wood, tion stalls manned by Fixation Willow House”, “Safe park- the building is being opened for Community Centre, completed and they captivated children and Theatre Company, the RAF ing for bikes” and “Bring back select occasions but it cannot a year ago but still waiting to be parents all afternoon. Museum in Hendon and parking the clothing recycling banks”. open full-time until the manage- ment group City YMCA settles terms with Barnet Council. No date has been set for when this Time is short for ByLest Diana Cormack we forget… might happen. With the traditional parades and services that take place library survey in the UK this month on Remembrance Sunday, it may CampaignersEast Finchleyin the Save Barnet Clinic Libraries - Advert group are come as a surprise to some that we lack a specific memo- drawing attention to an online survey which is seeking rial to the thousands who lost their lives during a time users’ ARTWORKviews on the libraryAPPROVAL service -and 2 COLthe significant w100mm vital x h80mm to securing freedom in Western Europe. changes it has undergone over the last few years. The Americans have one it is to be constructed. Liam The deadline for the survey, no staff, little help & locked at Omaha Beach; the Canadi- O’Connor, who created the being carried out by an inde- toilets”. ans have one at Juno Beach Bomber Command Memorial pendent organisation called The group says publicity but it has taken Britain 75 in Green Park, is the lead con- Activist Group, is Thursday 7 for the survey has been scarce years to decide to dedicate a sultant and British artist David November so time is short to and is encouraging as many single memorial recording the Williams-Ellis is designing the take part. Find it here: ow.ly/ people as possible to take part names of those who fell in the D-Day sculpture on which more TO0H50wMSpa. and register their comments. D-Day landings of June 1944 than 22,500 names will be seen. Save Barnet Libraries says Views will be fed into a report and the subsequent Battle of Core completion is scheduled the survey will inform the long- that recommends adaptations Normandy. for summer 2020. awaited review they fought for, and improvements to be pre- A site at Ver-sur-Mer over- The purpose is to create a about the impact of staff cuts sented to Barnet Council on 20 looking Gold Beach where place where present day visi- and timetable changes, “which November. our forces landed and near to tors and future generations can continue to lock out the major- the remains of the wartime appreciate the significance of ity of school-aged children and Mulberry harbour is where what happened there. Partially anyone who feels vulnerable in financed by the British govern- an enclosed public space with ment, support is being sought Wendy Longworth & from trusts, foundations and Associates physiotherapy individuals. For further infor- practice offers a variety mation on this and progress of of treatments at the the scheme visit www.norman- clinic, or off-site, in dymemorialtrust.org. ■ Back Pain patients homes, ■ Neck Pain nursing homes, ■ Whiplash Injury private hospitals ■ Sciatica and other ■ Sports Injury organisations. ■ Frozen Shoulder ■ Arthritis ■ Tennis Elbow ■ Sprain or Strain ■ Rehabilitation www.eastfinchleyclinic.co.uk ■ Neurological 020 8883 5888 ■ Stroke 2-3 Bedford Mews Bedford Road London N2 9DF

EFC ARCHER ADVERT ARTWORK P11110 DATE 14/10/11 [EFC NEWAD BLACK AW/ AY] 6 NOVEMBER 2019 The Archer - www.the-archer.co.uk App-y neighbours find perfect way to keep in touch By David Gritten You may be looking for a reliable cleaner. Or someone in your street has left their car lights on and you’d like to alert them. Perhaps one of your neighbours could recommend a piano teacher? More and more people are finding solutions to problems like these via What’sApp, the free messaging app that people can access on their mobile phones. And in several N2 streets, including Sedgemere Avenue, Manor Park Road, Deansway and Hertford Road, residents have Gone batty: Roger Chapman and Michelle Collins in Cherry Tree Wood. formed What’sApp groups specifically to keep in touch with their neighbours. Bird and bat box building in the wood Catherine Godward and two friends founded the What’s App By Debbie Linton group on Manor Park Road some three years ago: “The original The Friends of Cherry Tree Wood held a very successful bird and bat box making aim was to organise a street party and it grew from that,” she recalls. Before long, residents began asking for recommendations day on Sunday 22 September. New patron Michelle Collins joined chairman Roger about tradespeople, or using the group as a ‘freecycle’ to facilitate Chapman as he prepared the wooden kits. giving things away. Children and adult visitors building has been delayed by issues across the borough were The residents have organised sponsored walks, the planting of listened carefully about the dif- surveys. This has included discussed, which will be fol- a Christmas tree, and sometimes they even alert each other when ferences between bird and bat establishing that there are no lowed up at the next meeting the moon looks particularly spectacular. “None of this would have boxes, and how to approach put- bats present. The pavilion is scheduled in January. happened without a medium to communicate in our busy lives,” ting them together. Everyone now due for demolition before Forthcoming events notes Catherine. “As soon as someone new comes to live in the then proceeded cautiously with the end of the financial year. On Saturday 26 October road, they are invited into the group. We all get something out of hammers and nails. Great fun Bug, bird and mammal anyone can drop in to help it. It’s a helpful resource.” was had by all and altogether with a litter-pick at 10.30am. ten boxes were made. Look out surveys Alternatively there is a guided On Hertford Road, the What’sApp organiser Amelia Lasserson The Friends are still looking was herself a Manor Park Road resident: “I got the idea from for them in the wood. history walk through the wood for volunteers with a knowledge at 2pm. From November the there,” Amelia admits. “To be honest, I was looking for a babysitter Welcome, Michelle or specialism in insect, bird and for my children, so it wasn’t entirely selfless. We posted leaflets The Friends are delighted to Friends plan to have litter-picks mammal surveys. Please do get on the second Sunday of every through everyone’s door asking who wanted to join a What’s App announce that television actress touch if you think you can help. Group, and did anyone have teenage children or anyone else who and presenter Michelle, a local month at 2pm. All equipment might like to babysit? A few people got back to me and then the resident, has agreed to become Green spaces will be provided. An AGM will As reported previously word spread.” their new Patron. Her support be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday in The Archer, the Friends th Indeed it did. Here are a few of the topics and questions raised is greatly appreciated. 14 January 2020, venue to be has helped introduce a new by her neighbours via WhatsApp: confirmed. Pavilion building to be Green Spaces Network across • Can anyone recommend a good locksmith? Get in touch demolished Barnet. A second successful Email the Friends at friend- • Foxes: troublesome pests, or beautiful creatures to leave The Friends have been meeting was held with Mat- food out for? sofcherrytreewood@gmail. updated by the council that thew Gunyon, Head of Green com. Membership is free. • Anyone want to buy a balance bike? demolition of the pavilion Spaces, on 1 October. Many • We love getting bats in our garden at dusk • There’s a car in the street with a window left open… • A suspicious moped rider was seen walking down a An archer from classical times resident’s side entrance… Artist Trevor Mill was inspired by his regular journey to his Friday night art class “A group like this can do so many things,” says Amelia. “It’s from East Finchley tube station to start a painting of an archer. hugely useful. The by-product is that it does eventually create a Instead of reproducing Eric Aumonier’s real sense of community and people helping and asking things of famous tube station statue, however, Trevor each other.. We’d all be a bit ‘closed doors’ otherwise.” went down a classical line to create a portrait of the mythical hunter Orion shooting his bow Your local home care company in the night sky with his dogs Canis Major and Minor beside him. Call us now on 0300 124 5231 Trevor, of Fordington Road, N6, painted it over eight sessions, including two work- for your free assessment and 30, High Road ing directly from a live model. He said: “I’ve get £100 off your 2nd invoice! East Finchley always liked the Archie sculpture and when I N2 9PJ saw the pose of the model at art class, who was originally holding sticks, I thought I could make Convivial Lunch Club a homage to this piece of early 20th century The North London Probus Club welcomes retired and semi-retired PROfessional modernism by making him into an archer. A & BUSiness men and women on the third Wednesday each month for lunch and study of the stars, mythology and archery then a talk at Stephens House East End Road N3 3QE. Next meeting 20 November: Howard Jones, Lecturer and tour guide at Kenwood House, illustrates his talk Art followed and the painting flowed on from there.” and Celebrity in Georgian London with paintings from the Iveagh Bequest of Trevor has been attending life drawing classes at actresses, courtesans, mistresses and other celebrated ladies. the Mary Ward Centre in Queen Square, WC1, Details from Eveleen (8455 6431). for five years. He usually sells his work but is thinking of Archer undressed: Trevor Mill’s painting of Orion, HOW MUCH IS YOUR FREE VALUATION COSTING YOU? donating this inspired by East Finchley tube station’s Archie statue. particular painting for free to go on show at the tube station itself. We specialise in property valuation for probate, tax planning, splitting a matrimonial or business relationship, ATED or accounting. HMRC regularly contest valuations; it is essential to obtain a document that carries weight, can be relied on and where the fully qualified, experienced and East Finchley Baptist Church regulated Chartered Surveyor will challenge disputed valuations. That’s what we offer. Just off the High Road in Creighton Avenue N2

LANGLEY ROOMS CHARTERED SURVEYORS | 020 7763 7773 | [email protected] Sunday Mornings at 10.30 am Crèche and Sunday School during service For more information please contact the Church Office Email: [email protected] www.eastfinchleybc.org.uk (Minister: John Lowrie)

Visitors always welcome 7 The Archer - www.the-archer.co.uk NOVEMBER 2019 An insider’s view of East Finchley

ByArts Geoffrey Hanson, Festival Festival Director Would the re-tiling of All Saints’ church roof be finished in time for the Arts Festival was the question that we juggled with when planning this year’s programme. We even tried to take out an insurance policy to protect things, but without success. Yet with sponsorship and advertisers secured, it was a case of gritting our teeth and hoping for the best. What if it rained for a long dance represented. No doubt the period and the work was held weather played its part, but this up? Yet the weather was kind talented group will be invited and the main body of the roof again. work was finished by the end Both of the chamber music of August, even allowing for the groups gave, to my mind, excel- theft of lead early in the summer. lent performances and Simon The scaffolding was down and Purdy and his friends gave an the car park back in use in time afternoon concert brimming for the festival’s opening day in with young talent. The final September. evening of the festival was given We opened with Merry over to Paprika, a Balkan band. Opera’s The Pirates of Pen- This was a concert full of melody zance, which was played with and rhythm, which coaxed many panache, and some fine singing of the large audience to their feet, to a full house. There were other to join in uninhibited dancing. good attendances during the Was the festival a success? week; the Finchley Childrens’s Undoubtedly! Music Group and the Chelys Consort of Viols with Dame Emma Kirkby, both garnered Birthday large audiences. Mike Freer MP, and the lady concert Mayor of Barnet visited Pauline The London Mozart Play- Treen’s Art Exhibition, which, ers and London Ripieno as usual, raised money for The Singers will join forces for Harington Scheme and Noah’s a concert on Wednesday 11 Ark Children’s Hospice, as did the December at All Saints’ in bucket collections at each event. Carolyn Pickles presented Durham Road, N2. Travels Around Cranford to an The programme of music appreciative audience, and on by Elgar, Mozart and Vaughan Tuesday evening, the wettest Williams will also include two night of the week, Trinity Laban works by East Finchley Arts gave an intriguing evening of Festival director Geoffrey dance to a small but enthused Hanson, whose 80th birthday audience. I was a little disap- the concert marks. Tickets are pointed at the small attendance available online at www.ticket- for this performance since it source.co.uk/efinchleyarts and was the first year we have had locally from Black Gull Books, 121 High Road, N2.

First-class festival: (top) The Merry Opera Company, Finchley Children’s Music Group; (centre) Pauline Treen with Mike Freer MP, conductor Grace Rossiter, Harmoniemusik wind ensemble, Dame Emma Kirkby with Chelys Consort of VIols, the visit of the Mayor; (bottom) Travels Around Cranford, Trinity Laban Dance, Carolyn Pickles, Paprika. Photos Mike Coles and Louise Goody. Academy seeks new governors The Archer Academy in East Finchley is inviting applications for the role of community governor to join their board and help deliver the strategic direction of the school. The Archer Academy has a to get stuck in and give something recruitment or call 020 8099 strong commitment to equality back to the wider community. 1627 for an informal discussion. and inclusion, and the board is “You don’t need to have To apply, send a letter express- keen to ensure that it reflects governance or professional ing your interest to dadams@ the diversity of the school and experience; all you need is an thearcheracademy.org.uk by the local community in which interest in shaping the future of Friday 22 November. it serves. They are particularly education for young people in keen to hear from candidates the community and a willingness SPANISH who have experience in finance, to roll your sleeves up and get All levels the charity sector, working with involved. I’d be happy to have a In small friendly groups young people and pastoral and chat to answer any questions and with experienced native wellbeing roles. help someone decide whether it speaker. GCSE & A Level. New chair of governors David might be for them.” Please contact: Zoraida Adams, said: “Being a governor is If you would like more 07747657914 an immensely satisfying experi- information, visit thearch- Email: ence, offering a great opportunity eracademy.org.uk/governor- [email protected] 8 NOVEMBER 2019 The Archer - www.the-archer.co.uk Could this be highwayman

ByDick Linda Dolata Turpin’s other oak? Oak Lane in East Finchley, on the left side of the High Road as you head towards the North Circular, is named after a huge ancient oak tree that stood there until 1952. It was known as ‘Turpin’s Oak’ as in its time it would have been one of the trees on Finchley Common, where highwaymen lurked, ready to waylay and rob travellers on the Great North Road, now the High Road. Whether Dick Turpin himself actually hid by it or not, it was certainly alive in his day. It is said that when it was cut down, lead bullets were found in the trunk. Hidden in a hedge This summer I noticed an interesting hedge alongside the North Circular not far away, just as it crosses Long Lane. The hedge has a good range of species: blackthorn, hawthorn, bramble, dog rose, hazel, elder, field maple and a lot of elm, suggesting it is of a good age. The hedge can be accessed from Font Hills and was obviously left to act as a noise filter between the dwellings and the North Circular. When I took a closer look I discovered a fantastic pollarded veteran oak tree. Fallen hero: The memorial to John Henry Parr in Lodge Lane, N12. Detective-work Photo John Lawrence. It is almost five metres in girth, suggesting that as a pollard (a tree trimmed from the top, which Roots in history: This veteran oak could date extends its life) it is probably well over 300 or even back to the days of highwayman Dick Turpin. 400 years old. It is not really visible unless you look Photo Linda Dolata. Silhouette honours for it, but I think it is the largest tree girthwise in East Finchley and a contender for the oldest too! Veteran survivors It is also very close to the historic site of Turpin’s I’d love to know more and would like to first soldier killed oak and must have been contemporary with it... a embark upon a local register of significant A life-sized silhouette in tribute to the first soldier to die worthy replacement. Possibly it was a boundary tree native trees which have survived from our in the First World War is now standing on permanent from the edge of the original Finchley Common, or historic woods. For example, the coppiced even a timber tree, pollarded high (to deter grazing hornbeams in Cherry Tree Wood and Coldfall duty in Lodge Lane, North Finchley. The memorial to animals) in the original pre-enclosure hedge which Wood qualify. If readers know of any others, John Henry Parr has been placed in the road where he has grown away from it, and towards the sun over maybe they could let me know by emailing once lived and was donated to the Barnet War Memori- the years. [email protected] als Association by John Seigal. Private Parr was just 17 in August 1914 when his 4th Middlesex Regiment was mobilised as part of the British Expeditionary Force, the first to cross the Channel to France. He is thought to have been shot while out on patrol two or three weeks later, the first recorded British death of the war. Bedtime reading When Phyllis McGovern went on holiday to Turkey in September she made sure she took a copy of the paper she helps to deliver back home in East Finchley. Her daughter Jacqueline took this photo of Phyllis reading The Archer by moonlight on the terrace of their apart- ment in Calis, on the coun- try’s south-western coast. Ready to ride: The Big Yellow trio get in some training, with colleague Lanzi Simwizye on the bike. Email us your photos of The Archer on holiday to: the- [email protected] Storage staff cycle for 11 hours Staff from the Big Yellow storage depot in East Finchley jumped into the saddle to raise hundreds of pounds for charity. Tina Miles, Genevieve Ferrer, Zoltan Papp A friendly welcome awaits you cycled 150 miles in 11 hours in aid of The Big Yellow Foundation, which supports six organisations helping vul- EAST FINCHLEY METHODIST CHURCH nerable people, including FUN and MUSIC for BABIES and TODDLERS 197 High Road, London N2 8AJ (opp. Creighton Ave.) ex-offenders, people with tel: 0208 346 1700 www.eastfinchleymethodist.org.uk disabilities, ex-service per- in N2 on TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS at 10am sonnel and refugees across with Sunday service at 10.30 a.m. the UK. LIVE ACCOMPANIMENT The team smashed their ON VIOLIN AND GUITAR at EAST FINCHLEY BAPTIST CHURCH, with Crèche original £500 target and ended Creighton Avenue up raising just short of £1,300. Donations are still welcome Worship Music Social events Wheelchair friendly at uk.virginmoneygiving.com https://www.facebook.com/teddybearsmusicclub e-mail: [email protected] Room hire tel:020 8444 9887 (search ‘Tina Miles’). https://www.facebook.com/SteppingStonesEastFinchley or text 07836 284538 9 The Archer - www.the-archer.co.uk NOVEMBER 2019 Enlightenment at the Jamatkhana By Daphne Chamberlain The North London Jamatkhana is the elegant white building set in a beautiful small garden in East End Road, opposite the former Bobath Centre. Why it is not imme- diately recognisable as an Islamic centre was explained last month at an open afternoon for older people. We were told that there are built throughout the world since many ‘islams’ (with a small i), then all look different, but have as many as there are Muslims. each taken and reinterpreted The Shia Ismaili faith began traditional principles to adapt in Arabia, but is now global. to their surroundings. In fact, Believers follow the guid- the name itself is a blend of ance of the Aga Khan, a direct Arabic and Persian, meaning descendant of the Prophet ‘house of the community’ or Muhammad, who said that in ‘place of gathering’. every era one of his descend- The visit was this year’s ants will be a guide or mes- Silver Sunday, when there is a Green gang: The No2Plastics team at the East Finchley Festival back in June. senger. The message will be particular welcome for seniors for all humanity, but must be in the general community. It interpreted locally. included a lively sing-song, One of the focuses of the gentle yoga, a tasty meal, deli- Can you help in the fight present Aga Khan is architec- cious home-made cake, and a ture. He counselled against visit to the prayer-room. Very installing domes or minarets in simple, decorated in geometric against plastic waste? the main Ismaili centre in Kens- patterns, all white except for By Ruth Anders ington, which can be visited on golden light and flowers at the annual Open House weekends. central window, the prayer- Do you have what it takes to join the vibrant leadership team running the local Instead, it has a world-famous room is beautiful and peaceful. No2Plastics group? One of our number is having to relinquish his duties. David Burgh roof garden. It is an example of Popping in to say hello, Cllr has been a rock of administrative reliability, and is sad to be leaving the group. how Ismailis avoid imposing Arjun Mittra emphasised the We are also looking for an the High Road south of Fortis article in The Guardian (4 Octo- themselves on an environment. importance of getting to know IT-savvy individual to manage Green while at the same time ber) about the Ocean Cleanup Their maxim in all things is to local people, being able to greet our new website. If you have a refreshing some of the signs in boom developed by the Dutch take from tradition, not replicate them in the street, especially little time plus excellent IT or the shop windows north of the is just one example. it. “Otherwise, we would be now that Islamaphobic crime administrative/organisational junction where they have been No2Plastics is playing its fixed in time.” was rising so sharply. If you do skills together with a passion for on display for a while. small part in this important work. We were shown slides to meet your Ismaili neighbour, try the campaign against single-use We have developed an You can find out more on our illustrate how Jamatkhanas “Good day” as “Ya Ali Madad”. plastics in our area, please get embryo website which can go Facebook and Instagram pages in touch. live as soon as we have found No2PlasticsN2 and by emailing We’d welcome contact from a website manager, and we had us at [email protected]. anyone interested in joining the 20 requests to join our Facebook We do hope you will join us. team by email at no2plastics@ group on one a single day alone Ricky Savage ... gmail.com or ann@xenicollec- in early October. “The voice of social irresponsibility” tion.com The last straw Sporting best This is your life Campaign goes on Interestingly, one or two Garden Suburb Infant No2Plastics has achieved shops in the High Road display- School won an award for Christmas is coming, Harrods have switched the lights on, many local wins already and ing our signs are still issuing carols are being dragged screaming and kicking out of cold campaigning continues apace. single-use bags and straws. How engaging its young pupils storage and it’s time for the latest rock’n’roll autobiographies Contact with local schools is many people genuinely need a in sport at the 2019 Barnet to hit the shelves. And this year ain’t no different because ongoing, and we are busy recruit- straw? Would they not respond Partnership for School we’ve got Debbie Harry and Elton John telling the half-truth ing new volunteers as Street better to a message making it Sport Awards, held at the as they remember it for people who probably weren’t there. Champions. Our Facebook and clear that straws are no longer artsdepot, North Finchley, The big problem with these books is that there is no point in Instagram groups are publishing being issued? in September. writing your life story when you’ve released two singles and a fascinating articles and initiating The media generally is dem- Ariella, a pupil from Akiva download. There’s not much point in doing it at the height of your vigorous dialogue. onstrating a growing interest in School in East End Road, N3, fame. No, you’ve got to wait until you’ve run out of music, could We are now developing stemming the tide of single-use was named female performer do with the cash and your devoted once teenage fans can afford discussions with the shops on plastics worldwide. An inspiring of the year. £25 for a nostalgia trip. Once you’ve got the ghost writer, the advance and the time before your next farewell tour you have to decide what kind of autobiography it’s going to be. Pete Townsend went the trauma route, telling you just how hard it is to be a genius, Keith Richards gave you the lost decade and Slash decided that the only thing to do was tell you just how demented and crazy Guns N’ Roses were at their peak. So, what about this year’s crop? THE BEST IN PRIVATE GENERAL & COSMETIC DENTAL CARE First up there’s Debbie Harry’s tale of being adopted, growing up, moving to New York, forming a band, becoming a smack addict, getting clean and hoping she’d not been forgotten. It’s the perfect book for any man who plastered his teenage bedroom walls with Blondie posters and dreamed of a night of something weird with the woman of his dreams. And, in 1978 London was full of them. I know, I was there, helping sneak her out the back door of the Marquee and into a taxi before she got ripped apart by drooling boys. But maybe the big one is Elton John’s big book of tantrums, sex, drugs and flamboyance. No one can drop as many names as Elton because no one has been around as long and no one else has performed at both Versace’s and Diana’s funerals. But do I care? Not really, I’d rather dig out the music than spend £25 on something to leave on the coffee table. Besides, if you really want to know what is was like, one book from the 1970s does tell it Exam & Hygiene straight. So search charity shops or go on line and get Ian Hunter’s https://www.thefinchleydentist.com Diary of a Roll’n’Roll Star. The rest is just marketing. Only £95

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If you would like information regarding our services have a look at our website www.thefinchleydentist.com or call us on 020 3488 0335 10 NOVEMBER 2019 The Archer - www.the-archer.co.uk Regular Events Sport & Fitness Hills of Hampstead  Finchley & Hornsey Ramblers Group Call Vivien 8883 8190  Glebelands Indoor Bowls Club, Sum- are alive with The mers Lane N12. New and experienced bowlers welcome.  1-2-1 boxing and Pilates training with Martin Carroll at home or private studio, Sound of Music call 07809 593952 By Daphne Chamberlain  Pilates Classes Tue 9.30, Fri 9.15 & Sun 11am. www.pilatesineastfinchley. It’s the Hampstead Players again, rehearsing for their co.uk. Michelle 07767 804 564 annual production at the end of this month.  Pilates with Michele: private and group This year, their choice is The If you would like to see classes, all levels. Michele 07947 657 441 Sound of Music, Rodgers and Shereen in her wimple, the  Tai Chi & Qigong in N2, Weds 12pm, 1pm, 6pm & 7pm. James 8883 3308/07836 Hammerstein’s famous version performances are at 7.30pm 710281 or [email protected] of the Trapp family saga. Com- on Thursday 28, Friday 29  Tennis club with four clay courts off pany member Shereen Abdal- and Saturday 30 November, Southern Road. Call 8883 7723. lah, who lives in East Finchley, with a 2.30pm matinee on the  Tennis group lessons for adult begin- is ecstatic. “It’s my favourite Saturday. ners and intermediates, weekends, Park Beauty of Beacons is musical, and I’m playing Sister Tickets are £12 standard Road, N8. Contact Maz on tennisgift@ Sophia,” she told The Archer. adult, £10 concession, and £8 gmail.com.  This Mum Runs: Free social runs in East Hampstead Players perform for a child. You can book online clear to see in Hampstead Parish Church, at hampsteadplayers.org.uk, or Finchley and Muswell Hill, Sunday 8am Glass artist Kate Pasvol, a member of East Finchley and Wednesday 7.30pm. Contact trishy. Church Row, NW3 6UU. Co- from the church on 020 7794 [email protected]. Open Artists, won a prestigious award at the UK’s major director Annie Duarte told 5808, or pay at the door. Parking  Yoga, breathing & relaxation. Weekly exhibition of contemporary glass. Kate was awarded The us: “Transforming the Grade is difficult in the immediate area, drop-in classes - N3, N6, N10. Phone People’s Prize for a stunning piece that blends her craft 1 listed church into an abbey, but Hampstead Tube station is Judy on 07956 375607. with her love of the natural landscape. complete with its Mother very close, as are bus routes 46  Yoga beginners’ course at Yogalogy, High Road, N2. Contact 020 70187377 Abbess and full complement of and 268. Her ‘Book of Welsh Walks nuns, has been a joy.” or [email protected] – The Brecon Beacons’ was  Yoga, pregnancy yoga, meditation classes. Call Sunnah 07941 321 772 chosen as their favourite piece www.stretchingpeople.co.uk. by visitors to the British Glass Biennale 2019, held in Stour- Music, Dance & Creative Arts bridge, West Midlands, the  The Archer Community Choir, Tuesdays historic centre of British glass 7-9pm, The Archer Academy, Eagans during September. Close, N2. Email: archercommuni- Organisers said of her [email protected]. award: “With strong Welsh  Art Classes. Call Henry on 8888 5133.  A-Chord , friendly choir, all genres, open to roots, Kate beautifully encap- all. Thursdays 8pm at NNLS, East End Rd. sulated this year’s theme of Laura 07732 120464. www.a-chord.uk ‘place making’. Her piece was  Ballroom & Latin American Dance inspired by personal memories Classes - beginners & improvers. Wed & of walking through the rugged Fri eve, Bishop Douglass Sch. 8207 2323. Popular choice: Kate Pasvol and, and dramatic landscapes of  ‘Calm & Sing’ workshops. Contact South Wales.” Angie on [email protected] top, her award-winning glass work.  Creative writing classes in informal, friendly atmosphere. Tel Sallie Rose 020 8444 7217.  Creative Writing at Friern Barnet Com- Christmas pop-up shop munity Library. Every Saturday, 12pm, For one weekend only a band of local makers and 07488 230580. sellers are collaborating to create a den of Christmas  Dance conditioning classes. New body curiosities on the High Road in East Finchley. in 10 lessons. Diana: 07580 041270. www.boldbodies.co.uk. The pop-up Christmas gift market takes place on Saturday  East Finchley Writers Group, Weds at 14 and Sunday 15 December at the Offshoot Gallery and Studio the Old White Lion. Contact Ralph 8444 space, close to the junction with Bedford Road. 5903. Artists and makers with having stalls at the event include Anita  East Finchley Poetry Writing Work- Mangan, Matilda Harrison, Chris Stayrou, Brigitte Herod and shops. Monthly on Saturdays. Contact Intrepid Hound. Gifts on offer will be original artwork, skincare, Dennis Evans 8346 9528. pet products, jewellery, books, wrapping paper and cards. The Hampstead Players in rehearsal for The Sound of Music  Jazz Club at the Bohemia, North Finchley. Call 020 7998 6217 or 07957 347411 for more information E-mail your listings to: [email protected]  Learn to sing at Finchley Methodist What’s On... Church, Ballards La. Call 8888 4412. Saturday 9 November Come along and help with weeding and new music director Tom Hammond presents children. Book online at hampsteadplayers.  Memory Lane Singing Club - friendly • Finchley Chamber Choir present a mulching around the pasture’s trees and a concert of symphonic music by Dvorak, org.uk, from the church on 020 7794 5808, singing club meets every Friday in programme of ancient and modern British with planting flower bulbs for spring. Franz Berwald and Schumann in the first or pay at the door. Finchley. Call Valerie 8458 4508.  Muswell Hill after school ukulele club, music at 7.30pm in the Trinity Methodist • Ramblers Association walk from East concert of its season at Trinity Church, Saturday 30 November Wednesdays 4.15-5.15pm, ages 6-10. Church in North Finchley, N12 7NN. They Finchley, taking a five-mile route starting Nether Street, N12 7NN, at 7.30pm. Tickets • Muswell Hill Indoor Car Boot Sale, 10am Contact Margie 07909 439513. will be performing Vaughan Williams’ Mass at the Tube station at 11am and following £15, concessions £13, under 18s £6. Save to 1pm at Hornsey Parish Church Hall,  Rock ’n Roll dance lessons, 8pm every in G Minor and Byrd’s Mass for Four Voices Mutton Brook and Dollis Brook, finishing £2 per ticket by advance booking online at Cranley Gardens, N10 3AH. Information Weds at the Constitutional Club, The as well as works by Parry and Ferrabosco. near the Friends Meeting House in North www.finchleysymphony.org/concerts from 020 8368 8180 or 07708 152354; Walks. Drop-in. Call Kav 07721 489489. Tickets available on the door, or in advance Finchley, venue for the association’s AGM. Sunday 24 November admission 50p; refreshments available.  Traditional tunes @ TOC Highgate Hill, join at www.fcchoir.co.uk (£15, £13 concs, £6 Bring a picnic lunch. More details from • Woodland Walk, discovering trees and Saturday 7 December in playing by ear - 1st & 3rd Tues monthly under-18s). leader Chris Barker on 020 8347 7684 or other plants and discussing their uses • Switch-on of East Finchley’s Christmas from 8.30pm. Free. 07958 282898. Sunday 10 November 07951 905493. and folklore, starting at 2pm in Cherry lights around the tree outside Budgens, Clubs & Social • Free concert at East Finchley Methodist Wednesday 20 November Tree Wood, opposite East Finchley tube 4.30pm, with carols led by the Archer  Bingo Club Mondays 7-9 pm, Green Church, High Road, N2, opposite Creighton • Free talk on Music and Memory by station, and ending at Queen’s Wood, next Community Choir and Brookland Junior Man Centre, Contact: Jan 8815 5452 Avenue; North London Voices with mezzo- Professor Catherine Loveday, a regular to Highgate tube. Roy Vickery of the South School Choir, and free mince pies and mulled  French conversation in small friendly soprano Jan Wiener, bassist Bernhard Crede contributor to BBC Radio 4’s All in the London Botanical Institute will have lots of wine. Everyone welcome. group with native speaker. 8444 9395. and pianist Andrew Robinson, present Mind, who will explain what happens in the stories about the common plants which are • Martin School Christmas Fair, Plane  Friends of Cherry Tree Wood friendsof- ‘From Gibbons to Gjeilo’, including works brain when we listen to music and why it all too often ignored, and will help you see Tree Walk, N2, from 12noon to 3pm; enjoy cherrytreewood.home.blog or 8883 7544. by Schubert, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Wolf, can help people with dementia. Ann Owens the ‘usual’ through new eyes. Suggested Santa’s grotto, delicious cakes, games and  Haringey Recorded Music Society Vaughan Williams and Cole Porter. Concert Centre, Oak Lane, N2 8LT. 6.30pm for donation £10 (concs £8). Everyone treats, something for all the family. informal meetings locally. Call David at 7.30pm. Free admission with a collection 7pm start. Licensed bar available. Tickets welcome. • Mineral, Gem and Fossil Show hosted Moldon on 8361 1696.  Muslim Ladies Lunch Club 1st & 3rd in aid of Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice. The are free (donations are welcome) but Thursday 28 to Saturday 30 November by the Finchley branch of the Amateur Weds, Ann Owen Ctr., Oak La. Call venue is fully accessible. booking essential as places are limited. To • Hampstead Players perform The Sound Geological Society from 10am to 4pm at 8432 1415 to book. Saturday 16 November book call 020 8432 1421 or email wendy. of Music in Hampstead Parish Church, Trinity Church, Nether Street, N12 7NN. £2  Bridge Club, Thursday & Saturday • Bulb Planting and Tree Caring Day from [email protected] Church Row, NW3 6UU, at 7.30pm with a entrance with under 12s free. Large hall with afternoons, Age UK, Oak Lane, N2 8LT. 10am to 12noon at Long Lane Pasture, Saturday 23 November 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday. Tickets fossils, jewellery, gems, rocks and mineral Contact Ray Tiano 07944 562180. opposite the fire station, Long Lane, N3. Finchley Symphony Orchestra under its are £12 standard adult, £10 concs, £8 stalls, refreshments, tombola and lucky dip. 11 The Archer - www.the-archer.co.uk NOVEMBER 2019 Fifty-year celebration Letters No parking Dear Editor, for stylist to the stars This quagmire of mud, dirty By Rachel Ellis water, steel, concrete and fear- Hairdresser David Barron, well known for styling the some-looking digging machines, locks of the rich and famous as well as customers from pictured right, used to be the across much of north London, is celebrating 50 years in Budgens car park. Now there are no public off-road car parks free business. or otherwise at all in the centre of After train- East Finchley (the pub car parks are ing with Vidal for pub customers only). What a Sassoon, David victory for Barnet planners! set up his first Yours faithfully, salon in north Lawrence Robinson, London in Address supplied. 1969, aged just Fun Palace was… fun! ity. There was a real commu- 19, with £300 Madden’s meetings Dear Editor, nity buzz as everyone enjoyed he had saved Dear Editor, My family and I really enjoyed some food and some music. from working Regarding The Archer blue the Fun Palace day organised Wouldn’t it be a great idea to have a on cruise ships. plaque unveiling party (The Archer, by Grange Big Local on the Sunday social in the centre, perhaps His vision October 2019), it’s known that the first weekend in October. My once a month, for everyone to come along for a few hours to meet neigh- was to revolu- idea for the newspaper started with daughter was particularly taken a conversation at Welch’s (now with the young goats in Barn- bours and try different activities? tionise men’s It’s such a shame that the centre is haircutting, Madden’s) pub in late 1992, so the wood. What a great idea to venue is certainly a fitting place for have animals there for the day. not fully open to us local residents developing his yet (The Archer, October 2019). own precision the fixture! I was most interested to see But I don’t think editorial inside the Tarling Road Com- The sooner we can get in and start cutting method using it the better. to create longer meetings began at the pub until munity Centre. It’s a very smart September 1993, six months after Yours faithfully, hairstyles for building, well-designed, and the the launch of The Archer. Prior to whole place was alive with activ- Marie Chapman, men, which this, such meetings were held at Sylvester Road, N2. soon became the Park Hall Road home address popular with of the original publisher, and later both men and at the (now defunct) Portakabin women. office on Strawberry Vale estate. A farewell to Father In 1975, he Hot seat: David Barron styles pop star Alvin I recall the main motivation was invited to Stardust’s hair in the 1970s. for getting Bob Welch to open his set up shop on the famous top- pub earlier each Saturday morn- Terry retrospective of his work as a By Angela Doherty less beach in St Tropez, cutting ing for The Archer team. It was hairdresser and photographer the hair of the beautiful and because summer was over and the St Mary’s Catholic over the last half a century is famous people in between dips. Portakabin had no heating. And no Church was packed now on show at his salon in The publicity this generated alcohol either, but that’s by the by. on Saturday 5 October Muswell Hill. allowed him to launch Barron Yours faithfully, But while his celebrity as we parishioners on Muswell Hill Broadway, Malcolm Griffiths, clients may have earned him gathered for a Mass the first unisex salon in north Midhurst Avenue, N10. a high-profile reputation, it’s to mark the retirement London where you’ll still making customers feel good Dangerous corner of our much-loved find him today, and the first that really matters to him. Dear Editor, parish priest Fr Terry advanced haircutting training He told The Archer: “I’m Early in October, the traffic lights studio. Tastard. often asked how many and the outside Domino’s Pizza in the High The Mass was fol- Other achievements include names of the celebrities whose Road, N2, were hit and damaged by lowed by a celebration a number of hairdressing hair I have cut. My answer is a vehicle turning into Fortis Green. in the church hall. It was awards, developing his own that everyone who sits in my In addition, the pavement kerb was a thoroughly enjoyable hair products and having his chair is a celebrity, whatever damaged. evening, during which work featured in the national they do. Making someone look I hope Barnet Council are Fr Terry’s achievements Saying goodbye: Father Terry Tastard. and international press. good and feel good is the most aware that this is a very regular in the parish were noted Photo John McCrossan. David is also an accom- occurrence. I’ve lost count of how gratifying gift. That is what and he was presented plished photographer and a often this has happened over the makes this job so special.” years. Apart from the considerable with gifts. of a new accessibility ramp. costs to the taxpayer I am extremely Fr Terry had been parish These improvements were concerned about pedestrian safety priest in St Mary’s, High Road, important to Fr Terry because All Saints’ Church, Durham Road, at this location. N2, for eight years and brought he always wanted the church to East Finchley It’s quite alarming when trying a wealth of experience to this be as welcoming and inclusive to cross the road at this point when role. He grew up in Rhodesia, as possible. Church of England large vehicles turn and mount the now Zimbabwe, and also lived This extended to the wider Sunday mass at 10.00 a.m. pavement, which is quite narrow. in Arizona in the USA. He has community, in the establish- On many occasions I’ve seen par- a number of degrees, including ment of a food bank which Weekday masses as advertised ents pull their children back to avoid a PhD, so he could use the titles operates every Saturday at St (Coffee served after mass on being hit, pedestrians with prams Rev. Dr Terry. Amongst other Mary’s. Fr Terry was always Sunday and Thursday) being particularly vulnerable. occupations, he worked as a helpful, sympathetic and wise This is a very busy pedestrian journalist before becoming a in his dealings with the people Join us on crossing, surely it’s only a matter priest. of the parish, often welcoming Sunday 1st December at 6.30 p.m. of time before this adds to the During his time at St Mary’s, people in their own language. already appalling list of pedestrian Fr Terry oversaw, among other His quiet presence will indeed for “Advent Praise!” accidents in East Finchley. A candlelight service of Advent carols and readings things, the refurbishment of the be missed but we wish him a Yours faithfully, church hall and the installation long and happy retirement. and on David Day, th Saturday 7 December Brackenbury Road, N2. 1.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. Holy Trinity Church

for our Send your correspondence Church Lane, East Finchley Christmas Fair Church of England to: "Letters Page" The Archer, PO Box 3699, The Parish has a flourishing social life. We're a warm and friendly congregation London N2 2DE or e-mail who look forward to welcoming you All Saints’ also has a strong musical tradition and [email protected]. an enthusiastic choir. Letters without verifiable contact addresses Sunday Parish Communion at 10.00 am New singers are always welcome. will not be printed. Contact details can be Children's Sunday Club 6 Meet over coffee after church withheld on request at publication. We http://www.allsaints-eastfinchley.org.uk Fr. Marius Mirt is happy to answer any enquiries: reserve the right to abridge letters for email: [email protected] tel: 020 3565 4430 reasons of space. www.holytrinityeastfinchley.org.uk NOVEMBER 2019 PAGE 12 Your news Send your stories, letters, and photos to [email protected] or by post to The Archer, PO Box 3699, London N2 2DE. Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Insta- gram @TheArcherN2. You can view our The Archer online archive at www.the-archer.co.uk Published by East Finchley Newspapers, P.O. Box 3699, London N2 2DE. www.the-archer.co.uk Always waiting for the 263 bus By Daphne Chamberlain Last month we published a Soapbox from East Finchley resident Anna Lowenstein. It was a cry of frustration from a bus user dependent on the 263. Anna is relatively new to the area, but she was perpetuating a very long- standing grievance that the High Road section of the route is overcrowded and prone to long waits. The queue for the 263 bus at East Finchley station. Photo Mike Coles She compared the excellent bus services in Muswell Hill had to stand for all or part of their were accused of favouring other with the one inadequate bus ride. However, the Committee transport over buses. along our High Road. One argu- said that TfL would probably not It’s all a far cry from the ment is that East Finchley has consider it financially viable to 1950s and 1960s when bus less need of buses because we put on another bus. passengers on the High Road have the Tube, but many people In 2006, the then Head of in East Finchley had the choice living to the north of the area Barnet Environmental Services of three routes to take them are as far away from the Tube confirmed in writing that a directly into central London. as parts of Muswell Hill are. single bus service along the These were trimmed back Recently, most people agree main radial route between East over the years, leaving just the that the 263 has improved in and8535(AW)TheArcher_2ColumnAdvert:ClintonSmith_020 North Finchley was inade- 263 today running 7267 as far 7727 as 5/2/14 reliability, but at the same time quate. Barnet Council, however, Highbury. new developments mean that it is serving more customers. The result is that travelling conditions in the buses are still often described as like being in Your a cattle truck. Security And look at the typical problems ! length of the 263 queue outside Solved the Tube station, compared with far fewer people waiting at the The tower crane is erected at Prospect Ring for the new block. other stop, served by three bus Intruder Alarms Photo Mike Coles routes. The Archer has been record- CCTV ing complaints and hopes of Access Control A towering sight improvement to the 263 since Work is well under way on the construction of the new at least 2002. Fifteen years Intercom Systems 13-storey tower block in Prospect Ring, N2. Hoardings ago, then Leslie Road resident went up on the building site that was once occupied by Hazel Burnett formed the East Locks, Doors & Keys a row of homes and garages, and in September a huge Finchley Bus Group, which for several years collected sta- Safes & Grilles tistics, mounted bus watches, suggested shuttle buses and Locksmiths met with Transport for London. Each time, members were told that traffic further down the route was to blame. In 2005, London Transport Users Committee identified the 263 as a problem route, particu- larly the ‘solo stretch’ between East and North Finchley. O2O 8442 O66O Securebase Ltd Recorded average waiting time 112 High Road, East Finchley, London N2 9EB was twice as long as it should T: 020 8442 0660 F: 020 8365 2788 be and, in just over one in 10 [email protected] High rise: How the finished block in Prospect Ring will look. journeys surveyed, passengers www.securebase.co.uk tower crane was installed, DID YOU KNOW? standing high above the existing 11-storey blocks YOU ARE GOING TO BE HAPPY COLINSales & LettingsSCLARE on either side. WITH YOUR NEW VARIFOCALS There will be 51 flats in the 119a East End Road, East Finchley, London, N2 0SZ OR YOUR MONEY BACK. new development, which is We cover East Finchley, Muswell Hill, being funded by Barnet Homes. AS SIMPLE AS THAT Hampstead Garden Suburb, North Finchley, Whetstone, It is taller than the two existing IF YOU TRIED THE REST NOW TRY Finchley Central, Barnet, Friern Barnet, Golders Green, blocks but narrower and there- CERTIFIED VARILUX SPECIALISTS Archway, Islington and parts of the City. fore has a smaller footprint on Letting fee: 7% (= 8.4% incl vat) Sales fee: 1% (= 1.2% incl vat) the ground. There will be 24 STEWART-DUNCAN OPTICIANS But more importantly, a quality service to you! new parking spaces. Construc- Open 6 days a week tion work is expected to last 126 High Road, East Finchley, N2 9ED 9.30 am - 7 pm Monday to Friday 10 am - 3 pm Saturdays well into 2020. Contact us on 020 8883-2020 020 8444 3351 www.colinsclare.co.uk [email protected] The Archer is a non-profit-making, non-political & non-religious newspaper, staffed entirely by volunteers.