5 THE ARCHER - www.the-archer.co.uk NOVEMBER 2014 Autumn in an Shy and ethereal: ancient wood By Ann Bronkhorst Lynsey de Paul The horses have moved on, sadly, but one of the men who By Daphne Chamberlain worked with them in Coldfall Wood, back in the early It was certainly a shock to hear of the sudden death of Lynsey de Paul so soon after spring, returned recently to share his knowledge of trees. seeing her at the unveiling of the Spike Milligan statue, reported in last month’s issue. Woodsman Iain Loasby birch, are called opportunists. The singer-songwriter died of a brain haemorrhage on 1 October at the age of 64. led a dozen people, including Many of the silver birches scat- A long-standing friend children, on a walk through tered through the wood have of Spike, who nicknamed Coldfall on the last Saturday finished their rather brief lives her Loony de Small, she had of September. We set off from (usually about 40 years in wood- joined him in animal welfare the recently coppiced area land) and now make excellent demonstrations as well as on bordering Creighton Avenue, homes for insects and fungi. the stage, and was involved in where new growth is thrusting So do the far older “stag- The Finchley Society’s rescue up from the coppice stools and horn” oaks with their bare of College Farm. woodland plants are emerging branches, magnificent even In fact, she had strong from the seedbank, now that in decay. Pests like the Oak North London links. Originally there’s light and space. Processionary Moth were Lynsey Monckton Rubin, she There’s little plant growth mentioned but luckily not seen. was born and brought up in on most of the woodland floor Maybe our oaks will be spared. Cricklewood, and attended because of shade from so many Iain explained what goes on South Hampstead High School hornbeam trees and compaction just beneath the bark of any tree, and Hornsey College of Art. of the soil by human feet. It where the cambium, a narrow Rocketing to stardom in the seems that plant roots and tree layer of living tissue, acts like early 1970s, she won two Ivor roots need oxygen, provided by the brain of the tree, responding Novello awards, had five Top 20 worms, insects and fungi. to conditions and controlling UK hits herself, and wrote songs Iain showed us how to tell growth. Damage the bark and covered by US performers beech buds and leaves from you may kill the tree. and theme tunes for television hornbeam, now the dominant We strolled for an hour or shows, including No Honestly. tree in the wood. Hornbeam two, absorbing not only facts Later, she came second in the ousted lime and hazel here cen- but also the atmosphere of this Eurovision Song Contest (at a turies ago, though a few hazels small but ancient wood, its time when her UK entry could have persisted and are watched leaves just becoming autumnal. still be called Rock Bottom with over carefully. Next February Iain will lead no sense of irony). Growth and decay another walk in the wood to Remembered by many of We saw why quick-growers, look at winter trees. Visit www. us as a small blonde often at a like cherry, rowan and silver coldfallwoods.com to see more large piano, she was described walks and activities. by Barbara Warren of The Finchley Society as ethereally beautiful, but someone who Outstanding open kept in the background, seem- ing rather shy. Lynsey De Paul shares a smile with film director Terry Gilliam at the Booklet about Spike unveiling of the Spike Milligan statue. Photo Mike Coles Barbara, and all those who pasture reduce the financial shortfall on The Long Lane Pasture Trust is transforming a neglected worked with her on turning A Local Handyman the idea of Spike’s statue into constructing the statue. two-acre site in an area recognised as deficient in open They can be bought at available for general household reality, must be delighted by the & garden maintenance. green space, for the benefit of the local community and number of people posing for Stephens (formerly Avenue) the increasingly flourishing wildlife. photos on the bench. Lynsey House, or donations made No Job Too Small For the second year running tive to encourage and support De Paul,East who had Finchley many chats Clinicthrough www.spikestatue.- Advert Free Estimates Long Lane Pasture has achieved groups in bringing about sig- with the living Spike, was one org.uk. Call John on: 0789 010 3831 the ‘outstanding’ level in the nificant improvements in their of the ARTWORKcontributors to aAPPROVAL com- - 2 COL w100mm x h80mm London in Bloom awards. It is neighbourhoods. For further memorative booklet about him, the only scheme in Barnet to information see: www.london- published by The Finchley ALMAR BUSINESS SOLUTIONS have received this award. inbloom.co.uk Society. The sale of this, and Accountancy | Payroll & Book-keeping | Tax services “We are absolutely Surviving and thriving other mementoes, will help Business services: Personal services: Bookkeeping & Accounting Personal tax planning delighted,” said Dennis Pepper, Business planning Self assessment Long Lane Pasture, opposite Business start-up chairman of the trust, “espe- the fire station, was taken over Company Secretarial Specialist sectors: Greene Driving School Corporate tax planning Building profits cially as such an award requires by the trust under a lease from eCommerce & Payment Charities East Finchley N2 Solutions Owner directors us to reach a very high level the London Borough of Barnet Payroll Retail Service Charge Accounting Sole traders in community participation, which still owns the site though From £17.50 x 2 Hr lessons VAT Why choose us? environment responsibility and it makes no financial contribu- By providing high quality of service and not charge over the top fees, we retain the business and loyalty of our customers, as well as Safe driving for life win many new ones through word of mouth. We also work with tax specialists, investor advisors and auditors to provide clients gardening achievement. tion to its upkeep. Costs are met additional services where there is a need. “Coming as it does on top Low Co2 footprint 114 Call us for a FREE review of your requirements and to discuss best way forward, with no obligation. by donations from supporters Tel: 07894 473309 or email: [email protected] . Eco & Low Maint Tuition of the Green Flag Award ear- and grants from funding bodies. Visit our newly improved website with useful and topical information: www.AlmarBSL.co.uk lier in the year it reflects the Almar Business Solutions Limited is a registered company in England and Wales (registered number 04541322), holder of ACCA It is open every day from Pass Plus 4 cheaper Practising Certificate with Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and has Professional Indemnity Cover for its business dedication of our Management 10am to dusk but may be closed Insurance. Greenedriving.co.uk activities. Team, and the hard work of our occasionally during the winter Call John M.I.M.I volunteers.” depending on weather condi- 0773 851 4406 The London in Bloom tions. For more details visit Wendy Longworth & scheme is part of the Royal www.longlanepasture.org Associates physiotherapy Horticultural Society’s initia- practice offers a variety of treatments at the ARE YOU LIVING WITH CONSTANT PAIN? clinic, or off-site, in ■ Back Pain patients homes, Would you prefer to rely less on painkillers? ■ Neck Pain nursing homes, Have you been told nothing more ■ Whiplash Injury private hospitals can be done to reduce the pain? ■ Sciatica and other ■ Sports Injury organisations. 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