Local News is our Aim

THE CAR SERVICE Professional Sales & Lettings AT COMPETITIVE RATES 020 8883 5000 020 8444 5222 [email protected] March 2007 No. 162 20p ARCHER ISSN 1361-3952 where฀sold A community newspaper for East Finchley run entirely by volunteers. Locked out: Let it snow... Cherry Tree Wood kept locked By Diana Cormack Scores of park lovers pushchair or a bike through, an informed by the police that the were disappointed to ARCHER correspondent watched way was clear until 4pm. find that Cherry Tree as those who were determined At 2.30am there had been a to gain entry negotiated the gaps hit-and-run fatality at Henly’s Wood remained locked adjacent to a irmly-locked park throughout one of the Corner, which caused disrup- gate. tion to the North Circular and sunniest days of the winter According to Barnet’s surrounding roads, but the traf- after a mix-up kept the Greenspaces, the security ic in and around East Finchley keyholder away. company responsible for open- seemed normal once daylight Saturday 3 February was a ing the gates had been told that came. beautiful winter’s day, sunny a road trafic accident in East With three separate and bright and just right for Finchley would prevent them entrances to the park which spending some time in the getting to the park and were not can be approached from dif- park, but people who went to ferent directions, it is dificult Cherry Tree Wood found their to understand why one of them way barred because all three could not have been reached at gates were locked. some point during the day. The The gates remained locked park keeper had called in sick all day. Disappointed children that day, which further exacer- had to be comforted and angry bated the situation. adults wanted to know why this Barnet Council told us that had happened. it was road closures caused by Some, particularly children the Henly’s Corner accident James Conway with his snowman outside East Finchley tube station without adult supervision, that had prevented the security and helper Nardina Betts, who joined him, while waiting for tubes to either climbed the gates or company reaching the park. start running. Photo by Jane Conway. clambered over the fence. A spokesman said: “This is More of your pictures on page 8 Others discovered that the very unusual and the council recently completed reinforce- always tries to keep the park ment work to the Northern If you go down to the Wood today open during its normal hours line’s embankment had left a of operation. The council has Lincoln Parade inally semi-hidden access. Though youre sure of a big surprise contacted the security company it would be dificult to get a Photo by Diana Cormack to gather more information on the reasons behind the park to be redeveloped remaining shut all day. The By John Dearing PRICKETT 36 High Road council is unable to give keys After a series of legal wrangling, the mainly disused shops & ELLIS East Finchley N2 9PJ to non-council staff, on legal, and businesses on Lincoln Parade are to be demolished health and safety grounds.” and town houses built in their place. TOMKINS As reported in THE ARCHER 020 8883 0033 in September 2006, the latest in ฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀ a long line of planning applica- Properties urgently required - now is the time to sell! ฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀Authorised฀stockist฀of tions to build town houses was Estate Agents and Valuers - Established 1767 rejected by the Finchley and Golders Green Area Planning Sub-Committee. �฀��� There were a large number ��������฀�����฀ of objections to the applica- tion but it was then referred to ������฀������ the main Barnet Planning & Our success rate in N2 is very high indeed, Environment by the Chairman obviously in Hampstead Garden Suburb of the sub-committee, Council- lor John Marshall. but also in East Finchley. The main committee consid- We have often obtained better prices from ered the application on 17 January, our base in the Suburb, so heard the objections, and then accepted it, subject to £16,750 Please call us for a free valuation Cut-price Photo D&P (plus certain costs) being paid or try us if you are on a Coral only £2.99 under a section 106 agreement. Fragrances for up to 40 exp multiple agency basis Pharmacy (35mm) Inside... ��฀������฀������฀���������฀������฀������ Stockists of a wide range of vitamins, homeopathic remedies, and herbal products. Kenwood concerts ������฀����฀��� Open Till 6:30pm (Mon - Fri) 6pm Sat - Parking Available silenced after 55 years. ���฀����฀���� 129 East End Road N2 0SZ Tel 8883 0442 See page 9 • Visit your community newspaper on-line at www.the-archer.co.uk • 2 MARCH 2007 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 THE ARCHER USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS PO BOX 3699 Councils Help & Advice OAPs Advice LONDON N2 8JA Barnet Childline 0800 1111 Barnet Age Concern 020 8346 3511 Admin/Town Hall 020 8359 2000 Disability Info Service 020 8446 6935 Contact (N2) 020 8444 1162 42 Church Lane, London N2 8DT. WWW.THE-ARCHER.CO.UK Council Tax 020 8359 2608 E.F. Advice Service 020 8444 6265 Help the Aged 0808 800 6565 Tel/Fax: 020 8444 6265 e-mail: THE- Recycling & refuse 020 8359 4600 Gingerbread 020 8445 4227 Primary Care Trust 020 8201 4700 National Debt Line 0808 808 4000 Hospitals General Advice. ARCHER LINEONE NET Barnet General 020 8216 4000 @ . Benets Agency 020 8258 6500 NSPCC 0800 800500 Coppetts Wood 020 8883 9792 Monday to Friday: 10am - Employment Service 020 8258 3900 Rape & Sexual Abuse 020 8683 3300 Voicemail & Fax: Finchley Memorial 020 8349 6300 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 4pm. Haringey Council 020 8489 0000 Relate 020 8447 8101 Oak Lane Clinic 020 8346 9343 Editorial/enquiries: - Samaritans 08457 909090 Legal Advice. Royal Free 020 7794 0500 Leisure Refuge Crisis Line 0870 599 5443 Tuesdays: 7pm - 8pm. 08717 33 44 65 Alexandra Palace 020 8365 2121 St Lukes 020 8219 1800 Advertising/inance: - East Finchley Library 020 8883 2664 Health Advice Whittington 020 7272 3070 Councillors’ Surgery. Muswell Hill Odeon 0870 505 0007 AIDSline 020 8363 2141 Crime Saturdays: 10am - 11.30am 08717 33 45 28 Phoenix Cinema 020 8444 6789 0845 7697555 Alcoholics Anonymous Emergency 999 Warner Cinema 020 8446 9933 Barnet MENCAP 020 8203 6688 Finchley Police 020 8442 1212 Community Services PUBLISHED฀BY Transport Cancer Support 020 8202 2211 Mus. Hill Police Stn. 020 8345 2148 v Credit Union, Green Man Com- East Finchley BR Enquiries 0845 7484950 Carers Line 0808 808 7777 CrimeStoppers 0800 555111 munity Centre 020 8883 4916 Newspapers City Airport 020 7646 0088 Drinkline 0800 917 8282 Victim Support 0845 303 0900 v Careers advice, Green Man, Com- London Transport 020 7222 1234 Drugs Helpline 0800 776600 East Finchley Safer Neighbourhood munity Centre 020 8883 4916 CHAIR National Express 08705 808080 Health Info Service 0800 665544 Team 020 7161 9014 v Toy library, Muswell Hill 020 0870 000 0123 MIND 020 8343 5700 Kevin Finn Heathrow Airport 8444 0244/ 8489 8774 COPY฀EDITOR Face-to-face Robbery at KFC John Lawrence Police are appealing for witnesses to a knifepoint robbery Planning EDITORIAL฀TEAM policing at the KFC restaurant in the High Road. David Hobbs Do you have a local con- On Monday 12 February at was waiting directly outside the Applications 7.45pm, a white man wearing premises with a second suspect Daphne Chamberlain cern that you would like to discuss with a member of dark clothing and a black motor- already on it. Barnet Diana Cormack your local police commu- cycle crash helmet entered the Do you remember seeing a Former Herbert Wilmot Youth premises. He threatened staff moped outside the KFC or do Centre, Eagans Close, N2 SUB฀EDITORS nity team? with a knife and demanded you know the two people who If so, you are welcome to put Temporary use of site by Ann Bronkhorst money from the safe, having have committed this crime? contractor for essential water your concerns face to face with jumped the counter. This is a busy high street Wendy Devine an oficer from the East Finchley main scheme. Ofice/storage He made his escape as a pil- location on a main road and of materials. Pam Kent Safer Neighbourhood Team. lion passenger on a moped that a number of people will have Surgeries will be held once a 84 High Road, N2 PRODUCTION฀EDITOR passed the premises during this Change of use from bank (A2) month at the Green Man Com- time. Can you assist the police? Alison Roberts munity Centre, Strawberry Vale, to Hot Food Takeaways (A5) Daylight Please call Detective Sergeant and erection of lue on rear and the Community Flat at 1 Oak Gornall on 020 8733 4584 or, PICTURE฀COMPILER House on the Grange Estate. elevation. robbery anonymously, Crimestoppers Land rear of Hornbeams, The John Dearing The irst surgery will be on on 0800 555 111. Tuesday 27 March from 1-2pm At 9am one Saturday in Feb- Bishops Avenue, N2 ADVERTISING at Oak House, and 6-7pm at the ruary a small red car drove Erection of 2 two-storey John Dearing Green Man Centre. up a local road, and stopped detached houses with rooms The East Finchley Safer alongside a resident’s Mugged for in the basement and roof space FINANCE Neighbourhood Team can be Toyota. Two men got out of with associated access road and altered vehicular access onto Sue Holliday contacted on 020 7161 9014. the car, swiftly removed the his mobile Toyota’s new spare wheel The Bishops Avenue following A 19-year-old man had demolition of Hornbeams. ADMINISTRATION Cigarettes stolen from underneath the vehicle his mobile phone worth and then sped away. 99 Durham Road, N2 Toni Morgan Thieves broke into the £150 stolen at knifepoint Roof extension involving rear Neighbours managed to sub Post Ofice newsagent in Long Lane, Finchley. dormer. Ground and irst loor DISTRIBUTION take a photo of the incident in East End Road in the The incident happened on extension. but unfortunately the red car’s Sue Holliday early hours of Saturday 10 Saturday 20 January at Flat 2, Park Gate Mansions, number plate was not visible. Leslie Road, N2 Pam Kent February by smashing the This happened in full daylight 3.50pm. Loft conversion and roof exten- glass door. A quantity of while the postman was doing his The victim was standing LEGAL฀ADVISER sion to include side and rear cigarettes was stolen. round. Brazen or what? opposite Finchley ire station Francis Coulson waiting for his friend when dormer windows. two men approached him and 32 King Street, N2 PRINTED฀BY asked if he had a mobile phone. Use as two self-contained Eastway Offset Ltd OSTEOPATHY The victim said he didn’t but lats. was told to empty his pockets 7 Church Lane, N2 WEB฀MANAGEMENT by one of the men. One of them Alterations to provide a 1 bed- ARC Media at had a knife in his hand. room lat to the ground loor rear When the victim refused he of the property. was grabbed by the throat and 99 Brim Hill, N2 Thank you to Madden’s The Twyford Practice pushed against a wall. Keeping Loft conversion incorporating Ale House for providing one hand on the victim’s throat, roof extension to include side us with a meeting place. Osteopathic consultation and treatments one of the men began to search dormer and installation of rear in Fortis Green, N2. his pockets and removed his conservation roof light. New THE ARCHER team wishes mobile phone. The victim was front steps. New garage door to thank all the generous then told to remove his diamond and formation of rear window. people who give up their Robin Kiashek, earring studs. 61 Ossulton Way, N2 spare time, in all weather, The irst suspect is described Raised parapet walls and roof to deliver the paper for us. Osteopath and Naturopath, as a black male, aged 20, 5’ 8” over converted garage and tall. He was wearing a dark side extension (Not yet built). Your contributions Bsc (Hons), Ost Med., grey hooded top, black track- Single storey rear and side suit bottoms and black trainers. extensions. If you have a story for us, please N.D., M.R.N. contact us at the above address. The second suspect is described Haringey as a black male, aged 20, 5’ 6” Comments to THE ARCHER may be For appointments: 27 Fordington Road, N6 published unless clearly marked tall. He was wearing a light grey Tree works to include removal ‘Not for publication’ within the text. please phone 020 8815 0979 hooded top, black tracksuit bot- of one cypress tree from front toms and black trainers. garden Copy deadlines or visit: If anyone has any informa- April issue: 16 March 24 Twyford Avenue, N2 www.robinkiashek.co.uk tion about this incident please Erection of single storey rear May issue: 13 April contact the Robbery Unit on 020 June issue: 11 May for further information extension (Certiicate of Law- 8733 4595 or Crimestoppers on fulness) 0800 555111. 3 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 MARCH 2007 ASK asks again ASK Restaurants has appealed to the government’s plan- ning inspectorate after the Finchley and Golders Green Area Planning Sub-Committee rejected its planning appli- cation for 84 High Road, despite Barnet’s planning oficers recommending acceptance (THE ARCHER, January). However, THE ARCHER has noise but also the possibility of since learned that, despite ASK encouraging vermin. appearing as the appellant’s Although 11 letters objecting name, the proposed take-away to ASK’s plans were received, would be run by a member of only one of the three objectors the ASK group called Lupa who asked to speak was able and ASK might not be the to attend Barnet’s consultation name above the door. Lupa has meeting in December. a strategy to increase the number Those objection letters will of its outlets in the south-east. be used again unless the writ- If permission is given, one ers withdraw them within six result would be an increase in the weeks of the starting date of number of motorbikes deliver- the appeal (31 January 2007). ing orders. Access to the back Any further representations need of the take-away depot would to be made by 14 March, quot- be by the unadopted road that ing the planning inspectorate’s runs between the rear of Fair- reference number APP/N5090/ Father Laurence Hill has been at Holy Trinity Church for 30 years. lawn Avenue and property on A/07/2035639/NWF and three the High Road. copies must be sent to: Dave Entry would be from Fortis Shorland, Planning Inspector- Thirty years at Holy Trinity Green but, as Fairlawn Avenue is ate, Room 3/19, Eagle Wing, By Julia Lawrence one-way, it would mean delivery Temple Quay House, 2 The Father Laurence Hill is London, site of the notorious vehicles having to go from the Square, Temple Quay, Bris- School in the past 30 years means celebrating 30 long and borstal – or young offenders’ he has watched generations back alley all the way down the tol BS1 6PN. ASK has made institute as it’s now known avenue to exit on to the High another planning application. happy years as priest of grow, and he has christened the Holy Trinity Church in – where Father Hill struck up offspring of children he used to Road by the Phoenix Cinema. Written representations about a rapport with the inmates. “I Some residents are concerned this have to be made to Barnet Church Lane. see sitting cross-legged in assem- Born in Perth, Scotland, had a beard like Rasputin and bly on Wednesday mornings. about the disturbance this will Council by March 19 in addition hair down to my shoulders. I cause, not only in the form of to the Bristol appeal. Father Hill says his ambi- In 2004, he married Japanese tions were clear to him from a think they could see that I stood professional pianist and teacher very early age and he became outside the authorities.” Atsuko and is adding to his Japa- deeply involved in the church His irst parish was in Hamp- nese vocabulary daily. Today, Air pistols are not toys stead where he spent ive years Father Hill is excitedly waiting Police are asking people to learn from an incident when from the age of nine. “I went to a cathedral school which had a before arriving in East Finchley to become a grandfather for the three men were arrested and later cautioned after being profound effect on me.” There in January 1977. Over the years, irst time; his daughter, Una, 37, caught brandishing an air pistol. was a brief moment, however, he says, he has watched the from his irst marriage, is expect- On Sunday 11 February at Firearms Act 1968, but only after where he was tempted by demographics of East Finchley ing a baby later in the year. 4.30am a driver who had just consultation with the victim, as another career path. shift away from a diverse mix Now aged 63, Father Hill come off the M1 and was heading normally this would result in a “My irst great love was of old, established families and jokes that another career path down the A41 towards Hendon visit to the courts to answer seri- the theatre,” he says. “I played businesses to the afluent, pro- may yet open up to him: “Maybe saw three young men standing ous charges. Widow Twankey’s dresser in fessional newcomers and young I could make my fortune adver- at the side of the road. Police say this is a word of the Scottish rep for a couple families of today. tising hair products as I still do One of them stepped off the warning for those who think of seasons. A fellow actor “I have waited 30 years for not have a single grey hair.” pavement and stood in front of guns are toys: they are not. If advised me that I really should the High Street to be transformed the car, pointing what appeared you point a toy gun or air pistol drop the Laurence and become and to my delight over the last to be a silver and black handgun at someone else, it doesn’t matter a Larry.” three years it inally has.” He is We Have at the driver. He held the gun that you know it’s only a toy, A defiant Laurence (not also a big fan of the Phoenix Moved outstretched in one of his hands. what matters is the fear you Larry or Laurie) arrived in Cinema and loves walking on The victim ducked down and cause to that other person. This London aged 20. His first Hampstead Heath. His work with Holy Trinity to: Unit 4 swerved around the suspect. is the crime. Sadly three men curacy was in Feltham, in west The Old Printworks Police were called and now have criminal records for 25 Tapster Street arrested the men, two of whom a game that should never have Barnet, EN5 5TH were 18 and one 19. On inter- been played. Email: viewing the suspects it transpired Luckily their offence ended Nicky Sharp [email protected] that all had been drinking alco- without anyone being hurt. Hire&Sales hol. They had taken an unloaded Armed police officers were BSc (Hons) Ost Med 02084408008 air pistol out with them and were also attending this incident, as using it as though it were a toy they do for all incidents where and role playing with it. guns are used and, two minutes The three men were cau- later, would have dealt with these Osteopathy Clinic HEALING tioned by police for an offence men as armed and dangerous contrary to section 19 of the criminals. for appointments: Kathryn Scorza Tel: 020 8815 9433 Registered Spiritual Healer ITHS (Bui GRIFF lders) L M J New Build td At Nova Dental Care Extension Refurbishment 260, East End Road, London N2 8AU Property Maintenance T E L 5 7 9 / F A X 0 2 0 8 4 4 5 1 EAST FINCHLEY ELECTRICAL always lowering prices VICTORY AUTO SERVICES Big Discounts Available on all Types of Heating Authorised Dimplex Installer For Air-Conditioning - Recharge & Servicing Design Service Available appointments LOCAL COUNCIL in East Finchley APPROVED CONTRACTOR & RETAILER Mechanical repairs, tyres, ROAD HIGH please call bodywork, clutches, exhausts For all your electrical needs in the home, KITCHENER ROAD HUNTINGDON 07703 404 839 MOTs by appointment we turn up on time, guarantee our work ROAD and are unbeatable value. We are here. or email 109 Fortis Green East Finchley London N2 9HR 115 High Road London N2 [email protected] Tel: 020 8883 9707 / 0023 Fax: 020 8482 9179 Tel: 020 8444 5630 or email [email protected] 4 MARCH 2007 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 Neighbours get ired up Everybody needs good neighbours. Reader Judy Leigh got in touch with THE ARCHER this month to thank her friends and neighbours for their help when an explo- sion rocked her home in Manor Park Road. Here’s her letter in full: ear Editor, D I would like to let you know about an experience we had at the end of last year which, although stressful, really showed us what community is all about. We had a small house ire in our kitchen on 17 December (late Sunday afternoon) while we were out (combination of me leaving hob on, and my husband putting plastic box containing shoe polish, and shoe cleaning equipment including aerosols ON the hob!). We were called about 40 minutes after leaving the house, by the ire brigade, who were in our house. We didn’t stop to buy the pot plants we had chosen at the garden centre, but bundled ourselves back into the car and came home. There had been an explosion, causing a window frame to crack and another window to leave the wall, and cracks all over the house from blast damage, where the house went “Whooommp- Making food balls for the birds. Photo by Ian Cormack phh”. There had been a ire; our neighbours on one side heard the explosion, then heard our smoke alarms going off, and saw the ire through the letter box, before dialling 999. Our feathered friends Our neighbours on the other side then helped us clean up and By Ian Cormack wash up. They escorted my mother-in-law to the tube station to The Friends of Cherry Tree Wood were pleased to have Sue Corson give an insight return home and helped repair and secure the front door which into the various birdlife that frequents the wood at different times of year. had been cut up by the ire brigade to gain access. There was smoke damage all over the place, and also water The redwing is a winter the hornbeams are good for greater spotted woodpeckers and mud from the ire brigade. Two local friends appeared within visitor, whereas in summer tits. Chafinches like shrubs, in the wood which can be days with meals we could re-heat and we had supper at a neigh- there are blackcaps and and brambles are very good differentiated by the former’s bour’s soon after. chiffchaffs. There are also a cover for the smaller birds, as croaky laugh and the stilted Without our friends and neighbours we might not have a house few noisy wrens, song and is ivy as a food source. There single note of the latter. Owls at all; we wouldn’t have been able to secure the house with a mistle thrushes, and dunnocks is competition for nesting sites, cause a shudder of fear in other new front door; we would have been a lot more traumatised. (ground sparrows). particularly from squirrels who birds and if you hear a “Twit We now have the builders in, creating a new kitchen for us, and the Habitat is very important are predators as are the grow- Twoo” it means that there are house has been deep cleaned, courtesy of the insurance company. and oak trees are probably ing number of magpies and the two of them. We moved to East Finchley four years ago, and the BEST thing the best as they house many deadly crows. If you want to encourage about it is that there really is a sense of community, a feeling invertebrates for bird food but There are both green and birdlife water is most important, that we look after each other when we need to. And we would so ponds are good and differ- like to thank the people of East Finchley and Muswell Hill who ent boxes with graded holes for looked after us. the various size of birds can be Best wishes, Long Lane Pasture effective. Long cables are nec- A piece of old Finchley, tucked away on the N3 side of the Judy Leigh essary for feeders with domes Manor Park Road. North Circular and recently under threat from develop- to stop the ubiquitous squirrels ers, may soon become a wildlife site to be enjoyed by the from muscling in on the act community. and sunlower hearts (without Vale of Health? This is the plan of the Long Practical assistance would husks) are a favourite. By Daphne Chamberlain Lane Pasture Trust, who hope to be welcome too. Anyone feel- Our own Ana Sanchez- Is Hampstead Heath for walkers, or should cyclists rule sign a lease for the land in the ing like a bit of work in the fresh Martin kept the children amused OK? While you’re pondering that one, do you know which near future. However, they do air can join them on alternate making food balls and a good still need to raise £1,100, plus Saturday mornings, between time was had by all, although of us may be unintentionally killing heathland plants? stamp duty, and would be very 10am and noon. Next work we might have hoped for a better The Heath and Hamp- Hampstead Village, at 10.30am grateful for any inancial con- dates are 10 and 24 March. attendance on such a pleasant stead Society’s newsletter on Sunday 1 April. For further tribution. Cheques, made pay- For further information, February morning. says that dog-exercisers who information, contact Thomas able to Long Lane Pasture Trust, please contact The Finchley don’t always scoop are over- Radice on 020 8455 1025 / should be sent to the treasurer at Society’s Derek Warren on fertilising the soil. Most dog mobile 07941 528 034 / email 256 Long Lane, N3 3SN. 020 8346 5258. owners, they say, are very [email protected]. Going, conscientious on short grass and paths, but often leave St. Johns Christian Spiritualist Church things to nature in woodland Raise a 4 Woodberry Grove - North Finchley going… and long grass. Apparently this Just behind Homebase A host of fantastic lots will means that the Heath now has phone 020 8446 3544 soil nutrient levels equivalent be up for grabs at Holy glass Services: Sunday 6:30 pm - Thursday 7:30 pm to well-fertilised farmland, Trinity School’s annual There is nothing new about Spiritual healing and Private Readings every Tuesday 1 - 3 pm which can disturb the balance binge drinking, except the auction, being held on of naturally-occurring plants. Different clairvoyant mediums every week!! name. In earlier times, Regular Workshops - Development circles - Friendly atmosphere - childrens corner Friday 23 March at 8pm. Hastily reverting to cyclists, They include an Arsenal public houses catered for ALL WELCOME there is a Heath for Feet cam- shirt signed by the Gunners’ paign against requests to build many activities. Graham irst-team squad, a print donated or designate more than the cur- Ives will describe the his- A friendly welcome awaits you by a local artist, a Power League rent four paths which cyclists tory of pubs and drinking party, gym memberships, a host may share with pedestrians. in an illustrated talk to the EAST FINCHLEY METHODIST CHURCH of vouchers for pubs and restau- These are just two of the Finchley Society. 197 High Road, London N2 (opp. Creighton Ave.) rants (including the Rainforest issues being considered by the Called “The Public House www.eastfinchleymethodist.org.uk Café in Shaftesbury Avenue), Heath’s managers, the City of Before the Railways”, the talk family days out to Legoland London, who were due to pub- will start with the Roman tav- and the Roald Dahl Museum, lish a consultation document erna and Anglo-Saxon drink- Family service and Junior Church pampering treatments, yoga and on policies and priorities in ing halls, tracing the history of Every Sunday at 10.30 a.m. much more. February. social drinking right through to Tickets for the evening, Meanwhile, why not enjoy more modern times. which also incorporates a Race one of the society’s regular It takes place on Thursday Worship Music Social events Wheelchair friendly Night, will cost £3 (including walks? “Birds of the Heath 29 March at Avenue House, tel: 020 8349 9340 e-mail: [email protected] a complimentary drink) and be in Spring” starts from Burgh East End Road, at 8pm. Entry available on the door. House, New End Square, for non-members is £2. 5 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 MARCH 2007 Finchley academy A safer crossing By Daphne Chamberlain The Crossing, based at East Finchley, has been awarded Big Lottery funding to develop set for 2008 a pilot project with families affected by parental alcohol abuse. The project, which will By David Melsome receive a share of £1.2 million, is one of only three in the country, along with projects A new secondary school for Finchley will open a irst in Wakeield and Manchester. intake of pupils in 2008 while the school buildings are All three recipients are part still being developed around them. of Turning Point, a national Architectural plans for Baccalaureate will be available organisation providing services the Wren Academy in Hilton as an alternative to A-levels and for people affected by drug and Avenue, North Finchley, were there will be three or four voca- alcohol misuse, mental health shown to prospective pupils tional courses. problems or those with a learn- and their parents as part of The admissions process ing disability. Turning Point say a consultation process on 1 begins in September and appli- this award is a result of last February. cation details will be available year’s Bottling It campaign, State-of-the-art teaching from Barnet Council. It is pro- which looked at the impact of and gymnasium blocks will posed that 50 per cent of places parental alcohol misuse and be built or converted from will be on a foundation basis, called on the government to existing classrooms on the related to attendance at church develop services for children site while the irst 162 stu- or a church school, and 50 per and parents. dents are taken through year cent will be community places Although a 2004 report 7. All building work is then for students living within easy found 1.3 million children in scheduled to be completed by travelling distance. the UK are affected by parental the middle of 2009 ready for Sustainability will be a alcohol problems, The Cross- the next intake. key consideration for the new ing’s service manager, Eon A sta member and client at The Crossing. Photo courtesy The Crossing Butler, said there are few serv- The Wren Academy will buildings and there are plans needle exchange. be a church school with a for the school site to have its ices dealing speciically with these children, and even fewer The Crossing can be con- Martin Open Day Christian ethos which will own power sources. tacted on 020 8815 1800 or also serve children from all Sylvia Duthie, former chair providing support for the whole Parents are being given the family. The award will also help at [email protected] or chance to see learning in faith backgrounds. It will be of governors at Holy Trinity just drop in. a mixed school but pupils will School in East Finchley, is build on The Crossing’s existing action at Martin Nursery, specialist work with families of Footnote be taught for the most part in part of the team setting up the Turning Point is compil- Infant and Junior Schools. single sex classes. school. She was on the inter- drug-users, funded by Barnet. These pilot projects will ing a dossier of testimonies Visitors will be able to see Uniquely to London, it view panel that has already from children of alcohol- classes for three to 11-year- will specialise in Design and appointed the academy’s include children whose parents are not in treatment. affected parents, detailed on olds and afterwards meet the Built Environment – hence headteacher. www.turning-point.co.uk/ with governors, teachers its link to Sir Christopher Wren Further information on Started in 2000, The Cross- ing moved to its present home bottlingitup. Anyone want- and members of the PTA. – while offering the full national the academy can be found at ing to contribute can e-mail The open afternoon takes curriculum. The International www.wrenacademy.org. at 82 High Road in 2002, and last year welcomed more than bottlingitup@turning- place at the school in High 400 new clients. Senior admin- point.co.uk or write to Bot- Road on Tuesday 13 March istrator Zoe Matthews told THE tling it up, Turning Point, new from 1.30-3.30pm, with the ARCHER that its staff of 14 engage Loom House, Backchurch Lane, irst of ive tours starting at with a wide range of people, E1 1LU. 1.30pm. divided almost equally between the sexes, of all ethnicities, and INTRODUCING ages ranging from 18 to over THE WORLD'S FIRST 65, though most are between COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF 35 and 45. It is the community CERTIFIED ORGANIC drugs and alcohol service for Skin, body, hair, cosmetic, oral and nutritional products. Barnet residents, and clients Certified to the highest international organic food standards. use a variety of substances, Created with certified organic, cold pressed, unrefined oils with the emphasis slightly on and therapeutic grade herb and flower extracts. alcohol. 100% beneficial ingredients / over 80 organic products Clients can be referred, no synthetic chemicals / unrivalled potency. but most are self-referred. For further information on starting your own business, The Crossing offers a drop-in or to buy online visit: service, one-one and group sup- (Independent Representative website) port, including help with prob- www.preferorganics.mionegroup.com lems and projects, techniques The brick that did the breaking. Photo by Diana Cormack against relapse, counselling and goal-oriented services, Smash and grab complementary therapies and By Diana Cormack ��������฀�������� Towards the end of January, Kokos shoe shop at 72-74 High Road was robbed during the night after a brick Certified organic meat had been hurled through the window. Two expensive at reasonable prices handbags were taken from the window display. Free-range poultry A previous robbery now have laminated glass, Home-made sausages �������������������������������������������� occurred last November which should deter any further (including Boerwors) when, despite surveillance attempts at a break in. Because ����������������������������������� cameras being used in he feels they will spoil the look �฀��������฀������� the shop, thieves wearing of the High Road, the owner ������฀������฀������฀��� hooded garments entered has resisted installing metal ����฀���฀����฀���� ����������������������� the premises and stole eight shutters and is hoping that handbags. Since then the bags Barnet’s new CCTV (THE ���������������������������������������������������������� on show inside Kokos have ARCHER, January 2007) will ������������������������������������������������������ been chained up. prove to be a useful aid in The shop’s front windows crime prevention locally. ����������������� ������ ��������� ���������������� ������������������ Klages Plumbing & Heating Agency LTD. CONTACT TELEPHONE No: 020 8346 7218 / 8636 ��� ���� ������������� KLAGE ��������������� ������������������ A NAME IN PLUMBING FOR OVER 40 YEARS ������������ ��������������������� 6 MARCH 2007 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 Romance is still alive! Open to the Get composting this community Bishop Douglass School springtime has opened its doors to We throw away far more food and garden waste than meet the local communi- packaging but by composting these materials we could ty’s need of a youth club cut down the rubbish we produce by over a third. Composting is nature’s environment because food and in the area, as well as other way of recycling your garden garden waste produces meth- activities for all ages. The and kitchen waste and Barnet ane, a dangerous greenhouse initiative is funded by the Council is trying to make it gas that contributes to climate East Finchley Develop- easier for us all to do. change. ment Fund and Servite The council subsidises Composting also provides Houses, estate manage- the cost of compost bins. you with a completely free ment company for the Ring 08451 306090 or visit and extremely effective soil Thomas More estate. www.getcomposting.com/ conditioner, benefiting both The following activities are barnet to order yours. your purse and your garden! held at Bishop Douglass: Or you could get a wormery If you don’t have a garden Youth Club, Tuesday, 6-9pm; to compost your kitchen waste. you can use home-made com- Barnet Bull Dogs (basket- Wormeries are great fun for chil- post in hanging baskets or give ball), Wednesday, 7-9.30pm; dren and good value for money. it to green-ingered friends. Ballroom and Latin American They are specially sealed bins For a free copy of Com- dancing, Wednesday, 7.15- housing an active colony of posting: An Easy House- 11.15pm; Whetstone Wanderers Tiger worms which naturally hold Guide contact Barnet (football), Thursday, 7-8.30pm; convert your kitchen waste Council’s recycling team Salsa, Thursday, 7-11pm; Barnet into rich compost. on 020 8359 7400 or email Hindu Youth Association, They are ideal for lats [email protected]. Friday, 7-10pm; Ballroom and and properties with little or Latin American dancing, Friday, no garden space and can 7.15-11.15pm; Polish School be kept either indoors or Ben makes his feelings clear. Photo by Diana Cormack (English and Polish studies), outdoors. Barnet Council Saturday, 9am - 1pm; Jewish subsidises the cost of wor- By Diana Cormack Sunday School, Sunday, meries as well. Order yours Ben Sassen travelled across London to prepare a unique 9.15am-1.15pm. by calling 01884 841515 or Valentine’s Day presentation for his girlfriend. Bishop Douglass is also visiting www.originalorga Having visited East Finchley in his youth, he knew that “cherry” awaiting grant funding for nics.co.uk/barnet. featured in various place names here. Because Valentine’s Day employing trained staff for Get a free green bin marked the eighth month of their relationship, 25-year-old Ben the itness centre to enable and have your compost wrote a loving message on a card and got his mother Veronique members of the community to collected weekly from the Walsh to photograph him with it in front of eight different signs use it. It is hoped that this will boundary of your property. bearing the name of his girlfriend: Cherry. be in place later this month. To order your free green wheeled bin call Barnet Council on 020 8359 4600 In the Arsenal hot seat or email irst.contact@bar By Daphne Chamberlain net.gov.uk. I have sat where Arsene Wenger sits, and what did I see? Huge sci-i type machines Composting means we send much less to landill, Composted waste will feed your garden giving the turf at the Emirates Stadium what our guide described as a sunbed treatment. which is great news for the The turf (apparently the most expensive in the world) looked wonderful. Arsene’s chair this spring. Picture courtesy Barnet Council. (no 13) was very comfortable and, in spite of its size, the word for the new stadium is cosy, all ringed round in red, secure and enclosed. We visited the directors’ box lived-in. It’s like going round a Thanks for loving me very friendly and knowledge- By Betti Blatman too, and the enormous press show-lat.” That, our guide told able curator was happy to chat room and the even bigger room him, is because the whole Arse- with us about anything to do On 12 February, a CD was released for The Jack Brown where working reporters con- nal ensemble only visit there on with football, and proved that Appeal called Thanks For Loving Me by singer and song- nect their laptops. We stood in match days. The rest of the time I’m not the only person in the writer Phil Ryan. the players’ tunnel (shorter than they are all, Monsieur Wenger world to support both Arsenal Five-year-old Jack, who it would help the appeal I could I expected), peered at the luxu- and his communications unit and Spurs. lives in Barnet, suffers from write a special song and donate it rious bathroom and treatment included, out at their London There are tours of the a rare form of cancer and his to the Jack Brown Appeal. room, and tried out the benches Colney training ground. Emirates Stadium every day parents are raising funds to “And so in January, I sat in the dressing room, where each The place with most atmos- of the week, excluding match make sure he gets the treat- down and wrote the song player’s place is marked by a phere is the club museum, where days. Booking is by phone on ment he needs, largely in the one wintry Sunday morning. shirt with his name on it. trophies, photos, letters, press- 020 7704 4504, or by email at United States. The following I wanted the song to be from “It’s all very nice”, said cuttings, videos and souvenirs [email protected]. Find out letter from Phil sums up why Jack to his amazing parents my friend, “But it doesn’t feel bring back the club’s history. A more at www.arsenal.com/ he got involved. and from them to their beauti- stadiumtours. “In late 2006, I was asked to ful little brave boy and inally play at a beneit concert on a Sat- for anyone who has someone urday afternoon for Jack Brown, ighting their corner – mothers, Ethical, co-operative and democratic a little boy I’d never met or heard fathers, brothers, sisters, friends of. It was a favour to a friend so and lovers. Savings invested in local area I went along and played. I met “It’s the most dificult song Free Life insurance The RSPCA local branch Jack and his parents. Jack played I ever had to write. Although urgently requires and ran around despite the fact it’s just a song, some chords a book-keeper, that he was having treatments and words, it’s important. I to do simple accounts, and procedures so painful that hope you like it and buy it to for a couple of hours they would stop a grown man give Jack and other children a Finchley Credit Union per week. in his tracks. It was clear to me chance to continue being loved Please call Mrs Broome he really was a very special little the way you were and are by Green Man Opening Times on 0208 444 2329 Community Centre boy. I spoke to his parents as he your parents, the way I was Monday 10-8.30pm for details Strawberry Vale played and I mentioned that if loved by mine.” Tuesday 10-4pm N2 9BA For more information, Wednesday 10-4pm Change฀your฀beliefs฀and฀change฀your฀life.฀ please contact: The Jack Brown Thursday 5-8.30pm Invitation฀to฀explore฀yourself!฀ Find฀out฀how.฀Come฀to฀a฀free฀‘Introductory฀ Appeal, c/o The 2Simple Trust, Find out more: Saturday 10-4pm Talk’฀about฀Avatar®,฀or฀buy฀the฀book฀฀ Enterprise House, 2 The Crest, www.ficu.ik.com ‘Living฀Deliberately’฀by฀Harry฀Palmer฀ London NW4 2HN, email: [email protected] Authorised and regulated by Contact:฀Julie฀Armitage. [email protected] 020 8883 4916 the FSA. Firm no. 213679 Tel:฀020฀8445฀4559฀฀ Mobile฀07802702852฀ or telephone 020 8732 Email [email protected] 3373. The charity number is The fastest growing financial movement in the world www.avatar-london.co.uk 1113954 and the website is Avatar®,฀ix฀a฀registered฀trademarks฀of฀Star's฀Edge,฀Inc.฀All฀ www.jackbrownappeal.org. Create฀Magic฀in฀your฀life฀ rights฀reserved 7 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 MARCH 2007 An Eyebrary for East Finchley By Daphne Chamberlain The East Finchley Library Users Group has unveiled its suggestions for Barnet Libraries’ Big Lottery Fund bid. If accepted, library visitors could ind an upper loor buzzing with activity, acting as a community hub and featuring an “Eyebrary”. Adam Gee, the group’s chair- at the EF Neighbourhood Centre man, said the “Eyebrary” would in Church Lane. be a specialist centre for dyslexia, The vital lift said to affect over 33,000 people Implementing these schemes in Barnet. As dyslexics are often depends on making the library’s visually creative, this is how the upper loor fully accessible. centre would be oriented, with the EFLUG says that architects overspill of clear and colourful and specialist lift engineers are signage for all library users. conident that a lift could be It would also house printed added to the building within the and online information about terms of its Grade 2 listing, and dyslexia, and provide space at a viable cost. for performance artists, support Also on the agenda are a disa- Andrew Fyfe, Brian Lenane and Cormack McCormack. Photo by Diana Cormack group meetings and one-to-one bled toilet, more substantial café use by dyslexia specialists and facilities, and a part-time commu- practitioners. nity development worker to help Mastering the marathon Other learning activities co-ordinate and focus volunteers. By Diana Cormack Other suggestions EFLUG For a fuller account, and a chance Three local teachers are in training for this year’s Flora London Marathon, to be held have passed on to Barnet include to comment, go to www.eastinc on Sunday 22 April. Andrew Fyfe, Brian Lenane and Cormack McCormack work extending groups such as the hleyqol.blogspot.com. at Bishop Douglass RC School in Hamilton Road and it is the irst time any of them existing library-based Kumon has tackled this distance. However, they are all determined to inish, whether or not maths classes, developing they cross the line together. homework clubs, and providing Mick Their chosen charity is The lives from leukaemia”. was amazed to discover that no a meeting place for home tutors Anthony Nolan Trust, which Anthony Nolan was born in immediate process existed for and their pupils, who often feel provides life saving donors for 1971 and was in desperate need inding a person with matching very isolated. Co-operation with conven- Rayner patients in need of a bone marrow of such a transplant at a very bone marrow, so she set out to THE ARCHER heard with transplant. Its logo is “taking back young age. His mother Shirley change this situation. In 1974 tional schools is seen as a vital shock of the sudden death the irst register of volunteers factor, but Professor Stephen Heppell, the man behind the of Mick Rayner. Mick, 40, ready to donate bone marrow who lived in Creighton was set up and this has since Notschool initiative for excluded Giving life students, has promised input if Avenue, had become a well- By Sue Holliday helped save thousands of lives known igure on the High all over the world. Sadly, a part of the space is used for I was told to rest for a further When I heard about the match was never found for marginalised or disadvantaged Road in the two years since 30 minutes before I was allowed teachers running to sup- Anthony, who died in 1979. students. he and his wife Lek opened up, then fed more coffee and toast port the Anthony Nolan With a target of £4,500, Others deinitely wanting to their Thai restaurant Nahl- before leaving to go home. I had Trust, it brought memories Brian told THE ARCHER that they be on board include The Insti- ing. looding back. no ill effects, just a warm glow at are hoping to add to the amount tute, now based in East Finchley, More recently, Mick con- In the late 70s I registered to the thought of helping someone. raised during the six weeks fol- who are keen to use the space tinued to put East Finchley be a donor for the Trust while at a It was maybe four years later that lowing the marathon. They will for community adult learning on the map with the launch blood donating session. Several I was asked to do another session, hold a series of events to include activities, including book and of the Monkey Face bar and years later I received a phone call which of course I did. However, such things as a dinner with a ilm and television clubs. restaurant, which he ran with from St Bart’s Hospital asking if now I am too old. Shame! rafle offering valuable prizes, Contact, the good neighbour- his brother Johnny. I would attend a platelet donor The Anthony Nolan Trust for which they are still seek- hood scheme for the elderly and The funeral took place on session. At that time I did not provides life-saving donors for ing donations. Students at the disabled, are quoted as saying Sunday 18 February at the West- realise that the Trust was also patients suffering from leukae- school are supporting the teach- the upper loor space would be ern Synagogue, Cheshunt. The involved in this type of work. mia. Since 1974, it has helped to ers’ efforts by running their own ideal for some of their workshop enormous number of people Like most people I thought it give more than 4,000 children and fund raising activities. groups, with similar interest who attended gave testament was just for bone marrow, but adults a new chance of life. If you would like to shown by other voluntary groups to Mick’s popularity. it was explained to me that the If you are inter- help, details are avail- platelets could help people with ested in becoming a able on www.justgiving.com/ cancer. So of course I went off donor, visit their website bishopdouglass3. Cheques made for the appointment. www.anthonynolan.org.uk out to Bishop Douglass School or telephone 020 7284 1234 Out one arm... with Anthony Nolan Trust writ- during ofice hours. For more ten on the back should be sent to and in the other details about blood, platelet and Brian Lenane, Bishop Douglass The friendly nurses at the other donations, call 08457 711 School, Hamilton Road, East hospital explained the proce- 711 or visit www.blood.co.uk. Finchley, London N2 0SQ fiori dure to me. Basically blood is taken from your arm just like when you give blood; then it is A Treat For All The Mums This Mothers Day with Mandana @ Jennie Mann whizzed through a machine (I Have a Beauty Flash Facial With a Burst of Vit C don’t know the scientiic name and the Fresh Scent of Orange & Grapefruit, for it). The required platelets Followed by Complementary Eye Brow Shape, Light Make-up are extracted using centrifugal And a Sothys Goody Bag to Take Home For £35 Only. force and then the blood is fed back into your other arm. For More Information Contact Jennie Mann on 0208 365 2284/ 0208 447 0854 These kind nurses sat and talked to me most of the time AIR CONDITIONING and gave me a number of cof- fees and even toast. After they + DOCTOR + had run ive pints of blood Air฀Conditioning฀Engineer฀ through the machine I was feel- Fully฀Qualified฀&฀Apprentice฀Trained฀ ing a bit strange. It’s a very odd ! Repair฀work฀ ฀ ฀ Beer฀coolers฀ feeling having blood pumping ! Service & Maintenance฀ ฀ Ice฀machines฀ through you as you lie still on a bed. At this stage I asked if I ! New฀installation฀ ฀ ฀ Air฀conditioning฀ could stop, but the nurses said ฀฀฀฀NO฀CALL฀OUT฀CHARGE!฀฀฀฀฀ to inish the last pint to complete ฀฀฀Tel:฀0796฀0168฀233฀฀฀24฀hour฀service! the programme. 8 MARCH 2007 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 Let it snow, let it snow! Hospice desperately Commuters faced a dificult journey to work and schoolchildren got the day off when four inches of snow fell on East Finchley on 8 February. The white-out came just two weeks after the winter’s irst fall of snow on 24 January. needs fundraisers Thanks to all ARCHER readers who sent us pictures of snowmen and snowy scenes. Here are By Betti Blatman some of our favourites. Staff at North London Hospice have been surprised by a survey which found that many people are unaware of its work and how much it depends on donations to survive. The hospice, in Woodside that those with a life-limiting Avenue, North Finchley, hand- illness have a better quality of delivered 1,000 questionnaires life and the best medical care to local householders. Most of possible”. those who replied were aware Fundraising ideas that the hospice is a registered How can you help raise charity but more than two-thirds much-needed money to support didn’t know that it has to raise the hospice? Well, the annual over £3 million a year from vol- Big Fun Walk takes place on untary giving such as donations Sunday 25 March, setting off and legacies. That’s the bulk from East Finchley tube station of its budget: only a quarter and covering almost eight miles of the money needed comes through north London’s green from the Government through parks to Westminster. the NHS. Even among known Fancy a faster pace? On hospice supporters, only half Sunday 24 June, you could Sophia & Annie kept their snowmen Ella Taylor, Markha, Mariam, Hannah and friends with their realised how much it needs get on your bike and ride the well wrapped up in Prospect Ring. from donations. ve foot tall snowman in the county roads. 20 miles from St Albans to Picture by Ivana Sharp Another inding took staff Hampstead Garden Suburb in by surprise. Well over half the annual Fun Bike Ride. Or the respondents did not know get out your running shoes for that two-thirds of patients are the British London 10K Run looked after not in the hospice in central London on Sunday 1 itself, but in their own homes. July. The hospice has 30 guar- The same proportion, however, anteed places. were aware that the care is free And there is a new and excit- to patients. ing women-only sponsored Every year, throughout Midnight Walk under the stars Barnet, Enield and Haringey, on Saturday 30 June, taking a the hospice cares for more than circular route from Enield to 1,300 people who are terminally North Finchley and back. Men ill and their families. are also wanted for marshalling Deborah Mosdall, of the the route. hospice’s fundraising ofice, Details of these and other said the survey had been an fundraising events can be interesting exercise. “People found at the hospice’s website see the word ‘hospice’ and tend www.northlondonhospice.org to think of a place where you or from the fundraising ofice go to die. Our aim is to ensure on 020 8343 8841.

Giant snowmen in Cherry Tree Woods. Picture by I absolutely froze waiting for that 143 bus! Heroes of the people Frances McGrane Picture by Rita Landeryou By Dawn Powell According to recent reports, Gordon Brown looks to Mahatma Gandhi for inspiration. Apparently, the Indian political and spiritual leader inspires our would-be Prime The silent disease Minister to stick to his principles. By Nicky Sharp The Archer decided to ask I suppose my idols are people Osteoporosis, the ‘silent disease’, is increasingly prevalent, especially in urban some local luminaries who like the Animal Collective and areas of developed industrial countries. Approximately three million people in the inspires them and why. Joanna Newsom but I doubt that UK suffer from osteoporosis, with many unaware of having it until they have a fall Rudy Vis, MP for Finchley many people in East Finchley and Golders Green: would have heard of them! They resulting in a fracture. “Niccolo Machiavelli. What inspire me because they make Osteoporosis means ‘porous controllable risk factors and • Having had an early meno- makes him a hero to me is distinctive music, which is a bone’ and is an imbalance taking regular weight-bear- pause (before age 45). that my interpretation of ‘The rarity these days.” between the cells that break ing exercise can signiicantly • Having ceased menstruating Prince’ [Machiavelli’s most Gill and Liz, staff members down bone and the cells that reduce the risk. for a period of six months or well known book] is that he at Animal Aid and Advice build new bone, leading to the A nutritional supple- more, because of dieting or argued for a formal separation charity shop: inner mesh of bone becoming mentation of calcium and over-exercising. of the Church and State. If one “Nelson Mandela and Arch- porous, brittle and susceptible magnesium can prevent and • Having had a hysterectomy. thinks about that logically it bishop Desmond Tutu are to fracture. treat osteoporosis. Consume • Being a man with low levels would, if observed worldwide, both inspirational. Mandela The expected future growth a diet high in fresh leafy of testosterone. have prevented many wars and virtually broke apartheid by of the disease is partly due to green vegetables, nuts, seeds, • Having a family history of atrocities, although, of course, himself, while Tutu just exudes lifestyle factors, especially pulses, sardines, fresh fruit and osteoporosis. not all.” goodness.” during adolescence and teen- wholegrain cereals (all rich in • Having used steroidal anti- Harish, owner of the Galaxy Sue, co-owner of the Cherry age years when bone integrity calcium and magnesium) and inlammatories, thyroid or sei- Drug Store: Tree gift shop: is determined. low in animal protein. zure medication for a prolonged “Personally, I have never tried “I suppose I admire women who Early osteoporosis has no Physical therapy such as period. to follow anyone in particular are entrepreneurial and manage visible signs or symptoms. osteopathy, physiotherapy, • Eating or drinking animal but I do admire people who have to maintain a family life. Anita However, mild to severe mid chiropractic and massage protein, salt, caffeine or soft done well; for example, Alan Roddick from the Body Shop is back pain, loss of height or therapy can help relieve back izzy drinks to excess. Sugar. He had an idea, worked a bit obvious, but I do admire development of an exaggerat- pain and reduce and correct • Being a heavy or binge hard and achieved his goals. the way she has kept her ethical edly curved upper back may be postural changes. drinker. I don’t have a lot of time for stance.” indicators. Risk factors for developing • Smoking. people who expect good things Judging by these East Finchley The good news osteoporosis are: • Having a sedentary lifestyle. to come to them without making residents, inspiration takes Bone is living tissue and, • Being a white or Asian Registered osteopath Nicky any effort.” many forms and guises but, given the right environment, woman. Sharp practises at Nova Dental Amanda, staff member at the ultimately, it seems our heroes reduction in bone density can be • Being post-menopausal (oes- Care centre in East End Road. Phoenix Cinema: are people who stand out from slowed and even reversed. Life- trogen reduces the amount of To make an appointment, con- “I am a big indie music fan, so the crowd. style changes such as avoiding bone broken down). tact her on 020 8815 9433. 9 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 MARCH 2007 Kenwood concerts fall silent There will be no concerts at Kenwood House in Hampstead this summer for the irst time in 55 years. English Heritage says the summer entertainment season is no longer inancially viable. More than 60,000 return to Kenwood.” people came to Ken- A group of residents wood every year for the living near Kenwood, weekend concerts which among them actor were once a way of hear- Warren Mitchell, led a ing classical music in an vocal campaign to end open air setting but in the concerts, saying the recent years have more area suffered badly from often showcased popular the sheer number of visi- music stars. tors every time a concert Last year, Camden was staged. Council ordered the English Heritage has number of concerts to be set up an online petition cut from 10 to eight, in Kenwood and the estate would for those who support the Inside the new extension at The Old Barn. Picture by John Dearing response to complaints from be lost. concerts and would like to see some local residents about noise She said: “The Kenwood them return. It can be found levels, parking, litter and trafic concerts have been running for at www.petitiononline.com/ Connexions open at congestion. 55 years and have given huge Kenwood. English Heritage said that pleasure to hundreds of thou- meant the season no longer sands of people, so this is a very Old Barn Centre made enough money and it was sad day for those who enjoy Fit for the By John Dearing forced to take the decision to coming to a beautiful setting The new multi-agency centre at the Old Barn was ofi- cancel the series altogether. to enjoy music on a summer’s cially opened on Tuesday 13 February. Connexions is a Rebecca Kane, Visitor evening. Unless Camden can future government-backed organisation that grew out of the Operations Director, said cru- be persuaded to reverse their Barnet Council has Careers Service. They got together with the Old Barn cial income for the upkeep of decision, concerts may never announced a review of Community Centre and a number of other local agen- all the borough’s sports cies, including Barnet Council and the Police, to build facilities. The Best Value the new extension last year. Farewell, Charlie, at Review: Making Barnet There is a full programme Barry Rawlings, Manager of Fit For the Future will seek of activities using the centre, the Community Centre, Coun- to match resources to what in particular, on Wednesdays cillor Alison Moore and other the Meze Bar residents want from sport and Thursdays between 3-7 members of the Old Barn Man- By Sue Holliday and recreation. Barnet’s pm when the Youth and Con- agement Committee, Flo Arm- Yes, it is true, Charlie and his wife are selling the Meze leisure centres are cur- nexions drop-in provides young strong, Head of LBBC Youth & Bar. Sadly for us but happily for them they are retiring rently run in partnership people between the ages of 13 Connexion service, Lenny Kin- and going back to Cyprus after a six-week holiday vis- and 19 access to services on one near, Chief Executive of North with the not-for-proit com- site, for advice on education, London Connexions and DCI iting many exotic places, inally ending up in Australia. pany Greenwich Leisure. employment and training, health Stephen Kavanagh, Borough As some of you may know, issues, counselling, housing and Commander of Police, plus a their daughter has already beneits, or just the company of full house of parents and young returned to Cyprus and is Easter Services other young people. people from the locality. Outside, enjoying her life there. Their East Finchley Baptist Church The Rolling Base bus, which the Rolling Base bus provided a son has also told them that Good Friday 10.30am-11.30am; Easter Sunday 11.00am- will be at the centre every Thurs- noisy but happy distraction from when he inishes university 12.15pm. day afternoon, provides young events inside the centre. he would prefer to go home, All Saints’ Church people with an opportunity to Barry Rawlings told THE so then the whole family will Palm Sunday 1 April, Solemn Mass with Blessing of Palms, become involved with multime- ARCHER: “The involvement of be together in the sun. Lucky Procession and Sung Passion 10am; Maundy Thursday, Mass dia projects such as computer- Connexions with the Old Barn them. of the Lord’s Supper, 8pm; Good Friday, Sung Celebration of based music and animation. Community Centre is a natural Charlie told me that the new the Lord’s Passion, 3pm; Holy Saturday, The Easter Vigil, 8pm; Those present at the event to progression of the work we are owner, also from Cyprus, will Easter Sunday, Parish Mass of Easter Day, 10am. celebrate the opening included already doing.” keep all the staff, so hopefully St Mary’s Catholic Church not a lot will change at the High Friday 30 March, 8pm, Parish Hall, A Celebration of the Feast Road restaurant. of Passover: All welcome. Improving anti social Charlie’s last day will be Passion (Palm) Sunday, Vigil Mass, Saturday, 6.30 pm; Sunday 1 1 April. After that the Meze April, Masses 8.30am, 10am and 12 noon; Monday, Tuesday and Bar will close for about two Wednesday of Holy Week, Morning Prayer and Mass, 9.50 am; behaviour weeks so the new owner can Wednesday 4 April, The Sacrament of Reconciliation, 7.30pm; The headteacher of Bishop Douglass School has highlighted get organised and maybe put Holy Thursday, Ofice of Readings and Morning Prayer, 10am, a major increase in youth-on-youth crime, particularly his own stamp on the place. Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 8pm and watching at the Altar of Repose connected to the theft of mobile phones and iPods. until midnight; Good Friday, Ofice of Readings and Morning As I chatted to him Charlie In a recent meeting with THE and created more incidents. Prayer, 10am, Children’s Stations of the Cross, 11.30am, Solemn asked me to say that he will not ARCHER, Angela Murphy said the By contrast, school-related miss the hard work of running Liturgy of the Passion, 3pm, Stations of the Cross, 7.30pm; Holy Saturday, Ofice of Readings and Morning Prayer, 10am, The amount of crime committed by crime is down. Angela Murphy a busy restaurant, but will sin- Easter Vigil Mass, 8pm; Easter Sunday, Masses 8.30am, 10am young people on other young- said that since mobile phones cerely miss all of his customers. and 12 noon; Easter Monday and throughout Easter Week, Daily sters was on the rise and approxi- were banned in schools six He wishes to say a big thank Morning Prayer and Mass, 9.50am. mately 25% of such crimes were months ago, police have you to all of them. East Finchley Methodist Church muggings for phones and other reported a 20% drop in school- Well, Charlie we will miss Palm Sunday, 10.30am, Family Service; Good Friday, electronic gadgets. related incidents. you. After quite a short time 10.30am, Service of Relection; Easter Sunday, 10.30am, Family Barnet Police have identiied A police presence in schools in East Finchley you have cer- Service. “hot spot” places, particularly is also a contributory factor to tainly made yourself known in Holy Trinity Church after school hours, in Tally Ho, this improvement. A uniformed the best of ways. I am sure eve- Palm Sunday, 10am, Parish Communion and Blessing of Palms; North Finchley, and Archway. police officer is at Bishop rybody would agree that you Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday of Holy Week, Holy Eucharist, The need to provide children Douglass two days a week, have brought a ray of sunshine 7pm, Maundy Thursday, 8pm, Eucharist of The Last Supper with mobile phones for security working in areas of shared to the High Road. We wish you and Vigil until 10pm; Good Friday, 10pm, The Liturgy of Good purposes has raised levels of fear concerns. and your family the best of luck Friday; Easter Sunday, 10am, First Eucharist of Easter and the in your new life. lighting of the Paschal Candle. This sensitive and incisive one-to-one counselling with qualified and experienced counsellors is now available locally.

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On Friday 23 March we’ll be screening Retrieval, a hard-hitting story of a young man who enters the world of illegal boxing to ight for the right of his girlfriend and her child to stay in Poland. Poland has produced some director of stature, while Sunset great directors in the past, Boulevard, his satire on Holly- including of course Krzysztof wood, relects the end of one era Kieslowski, who made the and the start of another. Three Colours trilogy which Also showing this month is a used both France and Poland ilm unlike any other. Into Great as a backdrop. Poland has long Silence is a three-hour study of been recognised as a centre for life in the Grande Chartreuse ilm excellence and now you Monastery. The rhythm of the have a rare opportunity to see monk’s daily life is relected in one of the best ilms made there that of the ilm. in recent times. You may think that this may We have a great Billy make the ilm soporiic but, Wilder double bill on 18 quite the opposite, it is calm March: Double Indemnity and and quiet but deeply interest- Sunset Boulevard. Wilder was ing. It took the directors over The street children of Bucharest desperately need the support a day centre can oer. Picture by Kit Friend. a director whose ilms have 15 years just to gain permission a wide range of subjects and to shoot the ilm and they have even styles. created a window into a world Doing it for the kids Double Indemnity was at the that is unlike any other. By Dawn Powell time a shocking portrayal of sex I hope to see you at the Phoe- “When you see a kid who has had two of his limbs amputated by his family so that and greed in modern America nix over the next few weeks. but it secured his reputation as a he can get more sympathy and therefore, more money - that’s when it hits you,” says Kit Friend, explaining why he feels it is important to help the street children of Romania. Kit, who grew up in East A forgotten ilm star Finchley, is creative director When a relationship By Dawn Powell of the charity With Feeling. In a tense scene, three men get their cruel revenge. They As irst reported in THE ARCHER breaks down tie up the man who has tried to con them and force him last year, he is currently working A group that offers support to people who are experienc- into a cofin shaped box. After nailing the lid down, they on a project to develop a day ing divorce or the breakdown of a long-term relationship throw the box down a light of stairs centre for the street children of is running a series of workshops in Muswell Hill. No, it’s not the latest ilm ilm, The Magic Sword, a brave Bucharest. DRW (Divorce Recovery She said: “We get feed- by Quentin Tarantino – but knight has to battle a huge ogre He says: “It’s going to pro- Workshop) established since back like ‘I feel accepted as the work of forgotten cinema to save his fair maiden. vide life skills, communica- 1992, uses video material as a cata- a worthwhile person’ and ‘To pioneer RW Paul, who was According to ilm expert tions and connections so that lyst for group discussion between hear someone on a video talking recently the subject of a ret- Professor Ian Christie, who they can get their legal papers participants in small groups each about things that crop up every rospective at East Finchley’s presented a talk about Paul at if they want to go back to school. of about six to eight people. The day is a source of comfort’.” Phoenix cinema. A proliic ilm the Phoenix event, Paul should Also, it is going to show there discussions are led by volunteers, The next local workshops maker during the early years get more recognition. Christie is an alternative to living on all former participants. will be held in Muswell Hill of British cinema, Paul made explained that most people, if the street.” Spokeswoman Morfa Jones once a week starting on 18 April. several ilms in and around his they give any answer, would say Kit is working on the project said many people can beneit Residents of East Finchley are Muswell Hill studio, including William Friese-Greene was the with students from St Martin’s from the six-week workshop very welcome. For details of Is Spiritualism a Fraud?, which founder of British cinema but College, where he is currently and ind ways of facing their the venue and charges, contact features the cofin scene and Christie said: “Friese-Greene doing a degree in Art, Design new situation. Morfa on 020 8815 0069. looks at what happens when a was a fraud – he didn’t make and Environment. He adds that supposed spiritualist is found one ilm. Paul deserves to be he got more help from them than to be a fake. better known.” he’d ever imagined. A taste of Brazil In last month’s ARCHER we featured Pizzico, the new Paul was a pioneer of stun- Christie, added that Paul “We were hoping to get 10 ning visual effects in collabo- was a shy man but would have students for a couple of weeks, small café-restaurant at 289 Regents Park Road, where authentic Brazilian food is cooked by the owner Edir ration with magician Walter been pleased that his ilms were but the course director was so Booth. In his 1906 adaptation of still being shown. He said: “He impressed by our ideas that he Oliveira da Cunha, of Tarling Road. Below we present Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, he would have been very chuffed if gave us an entire year group for the irst in an occasional series of Edir’s recipes. conjured up a terrifying image he knew people were watching two terms.” You can taste the real thing daily from 11am-6pm (Sundays of Marley’s ghost. In another his ilms in 2007.” 4.30 pm). For weekends, especially Saturday lunchtimes, reser- Realistic designs vations are recommended. Phone 020 8371 1999. Enquiries are The project is now in its welcome for evening meals for parties of eight or more. second term, and they are cur- rently narrowing down their Edir’s Haddock Bahia (Moqueca de Peixe) (serves 6-8) Talks among friends By Daphne Chamberlain designs for the day centre, a 1 kilo illets of haddock process that was helped when 2 medium onions (sliced) East Finchley Library tea and coffee mornings are Kit and the students took a 2 red peppers (seeded & sliced) back! The monthly Friday morning talks about practi- recent trip to Romania. 3 medium tomatoes (chopped) cally anything under the sun were always popular, but Kit says: “That had a dra- 1 clove garlic disappeared last autumn. The plan was to transfer talks matic effect on the students’ 4 tablespoons lime or lemon juice from South Friern, while that library was closed for re- ideas. Going out there really 4 tablespoons dende (palm oil) development, but in fact South Friern remained open changed their thinking as it 2 tablespoons fresh coriander (chopped) Salt to taste until December. showed just how harsh the Coconut milk (optional) Now Friends of Barnet that some of the topics are sug- conditions were. It focused Method: Place ish in large bowl. Sprinkle with salt to taste. Add lime Libraries, who organise the gested to him, while others are their minds on what was needed or lemon juice. Leave to marinate for 1 hour. events, want to make sure eve- the result of a bit of head-scratch- rather than what was going to Heat dende (palm oil) in saucepan. Add onions and after 2 minutes, ryone knows normal service has ing. He hopes to include a talk on look good or fashionable.” garlic, peppers, tomatoes, and half a pint of cold water. Do not cover been resumed. dyslexia in the near future. In the near future, Kit and the saucepan. Simmer on medium gas until vegetables are cooked. Do Ian Harvey, Chair of the Whatever the subject, he rest of the team at With Feeling not overcook vegetables, just al dente. Friends, ran through an intrigu- says: “Why not come if you can? will start to approach potential Add marinated ish. Cook and simmer on medium gas for about 8 ing list of recent talks for us, You will be among Friends!” backers for the project. He says: minutes until ish is ready. Again keep saucepan uncovered. including palm-reading, bee- East Finchley Library talks “We will bid to inancial and Transfer onto a serving platter. Sprinkle with coriander. Serve with plain white rice, small boiled potatoes or stir-fried vegeta- keeping, poetry, allotments, are on the irst Friday of each pharmaceutical companies: we waterways and reminiscences month (except 13 April, due have got a fundraiser working bles. This is one of Brazil’s best-loved traditional dishes from of a jazz band drummer. Coun- to Good Friday the previous with the charity on that side of cillor Susette Palmer is booked week), 11am-12 noon, with things.” Bahia in the north-east. Any white ish, preferably in illets, can be used. Coconut milk, unless you are allergic to nuts, is optional for April, with an illustrated talk refreshments. For further infor- For more information, see on monumental brasses. mation, contact Ian Harvey on www.withfeeling.org.uk. and poured into the saucepan (4 tablespoons maximum) after the vegetables are cooked and before adding the marinated ish. Ian Harvey told THE ARCHER 020 8444 9406. 11 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 MARCH 2007 Philip King: 1946 – 2007 Peabody pays By Daphne Chamberlain Philip King became known in East Finchley for his work to save Stanley Field, but he compensation to could have been famous in the ilm world. In his teens, he was making comedy ilms with his friends. One, a parody of James estate residents Bond, was shot in a Finchley By Andy Shirlaw park. A National Film School Peabody Trust has paid compensation to residents of student, tutored by Robert Strawberry Vale as a result of a central heating break- Kitts, Philip wrote and directed down between October and the end of December. a Western, “Gundown”, in Pensioners and families Gerald and Deirdre McCann 1973, which is held by the with small children suffered are leaseholders on the estate and British Film Institute. from the cold and damp, result- blame management for the heat- However, though a success- ing in fears of a public health ing problems. Gerald said: “A lot ful ilm and television editor, risk on the estate. of people did not have heating he never felt comfortable in the Faith Milsom, age two, was during the winter. I asked Pea- media culture, abandoning it for hospitalised twice as a result of body what procedures they had his brother’s computer irm. asthma and was put on a neb- put in place if the heating system In 1995, Philip moved from uliser and an oxygen mask. Her went down over Christmas but I Harrow to Oakridge Drive, East sister Rebecca, who is three, did not get a satisfactory reply. Finchley, to be with Isabelle, caught pneumonia in October We pay £120 per month in serv- his future wife. Both of them and did not recover fully until ice charges.” became committed members after the heating came back on A spokesperson at Peabody of The Walks Residents Asso- in January. conirmed that £115 has been ciation, and Friends of Cherry Another resident, Nicola credited to residents’ accounts, Tree Wood. Lucey, said the heating was for the lack of heating and the Isabelle told THE ARCHER tepid and then stopped alto- inconvenience. The trust will that they were disturbed by gether on Christmas Eve. She also reimburse people for the progressive overcrowding said: “My son, Joe, who has additional electricity charges of East Finchley, vandalism by asthma, has been on his pump a incurred from fan heaters. young people, and cutbacks lot more than usual and my two A new CCTV and intercom in support services to channel year-old baby came down with system will be installed in the youthful energy. They were a cold on Christmas Eve.” summer. appalled by the deterioration of Stanley Field, which Isabelle remembers as a functioning exploring successful examples they had lying his collection Eat for your blood type sports ground. She says, “We of community-run sports cen- of kites. By our nutrition expert Judy Watson couldn’t believe what was hap- tres. With the help of local At his funeral in January, We may all have health weaknesses due to our blood type. pening under our noses. We felt architects, the Committee one sentiment was repeated If the long drag through winter is making you feel under we had to do something.” drew up plans for Stanley so often among the many the weather then eating for your blood type may perk you Philip contacted local Field, which they have taken mourners that it stands as a up. Here’s a run-down: councillors, the Football to Barnet Council. itting epitaph: “He was such Foundation and the National Development Trust Chair a lovely man”. • Type O: the most common berries to combat infections. Roger Chapman says: “Philip blood type, needing a ‘hunter Playing Fields Association. Isabelle King wishes to Avoid shellish and bass but you will be very sorely missed. thank everyone who contrib- gatherer’ diet. can eat cod, haddock, halibut This impetus led to the forma- tion of the Stanley Field Com- He inspired us to keep ight- uted towards a fund for vital Health weaknesses: you and oily ish. Dairy products ing for Stanley Road Playing may be prone to excess stom- mittee, which included already signs equipment at the Royal are mostly all right but avoid Field, even when it would have Free Hospital, Luck’s the ach acid, arthritis, diabetes and ice cream and blue cheese. concerned representatives of East Finchley Community been so easy to give up. He was undertakers for their sympa- allergies such as hayfever. If you don’t know your a tenacious ighter, and we will Dietary factors to consider: Development Trust and Holy thy and understanding, and her blood type check with your make sure that we keep up the neighbours for their continuing eat more protein and fewer doctor or ask your chemist for Trinity School. Philip worked extremely pressure to keep the ground in support. carbohydrates. You should eat a test kit. For more advice on sports use.” more meat and ish, berries and this diet contact Judy on 07904 hard, approaching the National Playing Fields Association and Family, friends and col- some nuts while keeping wheat 335763. leagues agree that determina- to a minimum. Eat more starchy �����������������������������tion, thoroughness, and inding � � � � � ��� vegetables such as sweet potato, In search of a long-lost father a constructive way to put things � parsnips and swede. It is vital A woman who left East Finchley to go back home to Aus- right were typical of Philip, as you don’t skip meals. Avoid caf- was his love of nature, great feine, which increases stress and tralia is searching for the father of her daughter after losing touch more than 15 years ago. kindness, generosity and gen- can upset blood sugar levels. To tleness. A loved and loving keep your diet realistic, change Deborah MacGillivray, her friends at the Green Man husband, son, brother and white bread and rice for small originally from Brisbane in pub. She had other friends in uncle, he was described by his portions of the wholemeal vari- Queensland, was 19 when she the Strawberry Vale area and ������������� brother Michael as “there when ������������������������ eties including oats. came to England and ended up remembers the names of some a helping hand was needed, and ����������������������� • Type A: mainly vegetarian. making a close group of friends of Kieran’s family. a quiet and moderating voice Health weaknesses: you in East Finchley. She said: “Kieran had an �������������� when passions lared”. ����� may be prone to low stomach It was with those friends uncle that lived just around the ���������� Isabelle says: “There was ������������������� acid, gallstones and an underac- that she met Kieran Bates, from corner from us. He had a cousin never a day when we didn’t ������������������� tive thyroid. County Wexford in Ireland. Una. Ray and Nelly were related laugh”, and remembers the fun Dietary factors to consider: They started a relationship and as well I think. He had a brother Eat pulses but not kidney beans. Deborah became pregnant. Patrick who was married with a Try aduki beans, black-eyed The relationship did not last couple of kids and a sister Lizzy peas and lentils. Avoid tradi- and Deborah decided to move who was married to Tony and tional cheeses such as Cheddar. back to Australia to be close to they had a little girl.” Eat more mozzarella, ricotta and her family. After 12 months, she If anyone can help to put ������������������������������������������� goat’s cheese; eggs are all right. lost touch with Kieran. Deborah and Jayde in touch with ����������������������������������������������� Increase ish, particularly oily Their daughter Jayde was Kieran, please contact Deborah ������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������� ish such as salmon and mack- born on 30 January 1991. via THE ARCHER on 08717 334465 erel, plus cod. Avoid shellish Now 16, Jayde has never met or [email protected]. ������������ ������������ such as shrimps and crab. her father and Deborah is des- ������������ ��������������� • Type B: mix of meat and perate to put the two in touch ������������������ ������������������� The Archer needs a � � vegetarian. with each other. ���������� ���������������� volunteer distributor ���������������� ��������������� Health weaknesses: you She said: “My daughter ������������������ ��������� may be prone to urinary tract would love to meet her father. for Bancroft Ave. infections and lu. She is very similar to him with Distribution takes place once ���������������������������� Dietary factors to consider: dark hair and blue eyes. Unfor- a month. A typical round takes most meat is all right but avoid tunately, I lost touch with Kieran 30-45 mins to deliver. For details �������������������� chicken. Instead, try turkey, many years ago.” ���������������� ������������� lamb, beef and venison. Have Deborah lived in Cham- contact 020 8883 0433 or ������������ ������������� ������������������ plenty of natural yoghurt and bers Gardens and used to meet [email protected]

��������������������� ������ ����������������� ����������������������������� ����������������������������� 12 MARCH 2007 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 Strictly Footloose YOUNG ARCHER By Sheila Armstrong A glamorous and glittering crowd of enthusiastic young dancers gathered at Bishop Shakespeare in school Douglass School on Sunday 4 February to take part in a day-long freestyle competi- By Diana Cormack tion organised by the Finchley Footloose Dancing School. A week before Valentine’s “You are the most concentrated It was a great day and good from all over the south east ciation of Dance and Freestyle Day, six actors from audience we have ever had. You to see so much young talent. took part in the thrce-yearly Professionals, who sent three the National Theatre are amazing!” Ten children’s dance groups event organised by Maureen adjudicators along to do the entranced Years 5 and 6 Rose and her daughters Karen judging. at Martin Junior School and Tanya, who run the dance The Footloose School with a superb production Kids get it for £1 school. of Children’s Dancing, now of Romeo and Juliet. By Andrew Shirlaw Competition categories established for over 20 years, A version of the play specially Children and teenagers under 16 are invited to learn to included Rock and Pop, Street runs classes in Street Dance adapted for younger audiences swim and get it for just £1 at swimming pools across Dance and Freestyle Disco. and Freestyle Disco in Barnet by Carl Heap was performed Barnet. The initiative, dubbed “Kids for a Quid”, is run Children from ive up to 16 and Finchley. For enquir- in-the-round in the school hall, by the council and Greenwich Leisure Limited. plus competed. It all operated ies, contact Tanya on 07956 under the auspices of the Asso- 481243. which had been transformed into Participating Leisure the ancient town of Verona. So as by Ashley Centres include the Finchley soon as they entered the room the Spiderama Lido, Copthall Leisure Centre, children were made to feel part of Hendon Leisure Centre and the scene, where they were met Church Farm Swimming Pool. by the skilled team of actors sing- Finchley Lido is open weekdays ing, dancing and playing musical from 6:45am to 10pm and week- instruments. ends from 8am to 5:30pm. The This involvement continued recreational children’s pool throughout the performance, closes at 7:30pm weekdays. with the youngsters being Councillor Mike Freer, coun- encouraged to take sides, read let- cil leader, said: “Swimming is a ters and even answer questions. great way for kids to stay it and With only six actors playing all Ballerina spider active over the winter months. the parts, there were constant The Kids for a Quid scheme changes of costume, gender makes a fun, affordable option and accent, but the pupils kept Mother’s Day for everyone.” up with the pacey production According to the British with great enthusiasm (only the Medical Association, almost kissing seemed to meet with their competition one child in three is either disapproval!) Mothering Sunday is on 18 obese or overweight and there In a question and answer ses- March and to help celebrate, are one million obese children sion at the end, one of the boys The Cherry Tree gift shop is under 16 in the UK. Soaring wanted to know if the kissing holding a competition for chil- rates of obesity have led to an was real. Other queries were dren of 10 years and under. All increase in childhood diabetes about such things as whether the you have to do is a drawing, and will lead to far more cases props were real, rehearsals, rapid painting or collage of mum on of heart disease, osteoarthritis costume changes and how to act an A4 sheet of paper. Please (damage and swelling of the joints) and some cancers. out various emotions. Class 5M provide your name, date of were particularly attentive at this For just £1, parents can birth and telephone number help by switching off the TV, point as, after workshops with the when you enter. company, they are to perform their the computer and the games There will be a irst prize of console and by taking their own version of part of the play. a £20 Cherry Tree Gift Voucher The cast enjoyed this inter- kids out to get it. For more and Gift Vouchers of £10 for the details, visit www.gll.org. Footloose Dance Group. Photo by Sheila Armstrong action with their audience and two runners-up. All the pictures realised that they had already will be exhibited in the shop and learned a lot about Shakespeare shop window. The Cherry Tree By Diana Cormack through the National Theatre’s is at 172 High Road and entries PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS Education Department scheme. need to be handed in there by school pupils held weekly at Fort- becoming champions in a local One of them told the children: Friday 16 March. Holy Trinity Special Achievement postcards ismere School. They are enjoying tournament. After a shaky start the designed by the head and deputy the sessions extending their skills cricket team has reached the inals head teacher are being given to in ICT, Science, Maths, English of their league. East Finchley Baptist Church children in recognition of the fact and have even embarked on learn- To mark the second National Bug Just off the High Road in Creighton Avenue N2 that they have done something ing Mandarin. Busting Day at the end of January they can be proud of. Mathematically-talented Year 5 every child was given, courtesy of Sundays at 11.00 am and 6.30 pm As part of their fund raising for the and 6 children were entered for the the PTA, a special bug-busting comb charity LEPRA this term the children National Primary Maths Challenge. along with a lealet to help encourage For more information took part in a fun work out. Few from the whole country reach families to work together to beat this please contact the Church Office A group of parents has been the inal, but yet again Martin Junior persistent problem. Tel: 8883 1544 (Minister: Simon Dyke) making and selling cakes, thus has been successful, with Yonatan The infant school has received helping the school to purchase Suissa achieving this by solving a a generous anonymous donation, Visitors always welcome much needed items for African range of challenging investigative much of which has been used to school children through Oxfam problems. buy role play equipment to encour- Unwrapped. The training of a A member of the London Fire age development in speaking, teacher, 100 school dinners, 12 Brigade’s education team visited listening and literacy as a whole. All Saints’ Church, text books, a school desk and a Year 6 to tell them about the dan- Extra resources to support learning chair have recently been funded by gers of ire. in reception and nursery classes Durham Road, East Finchley their efforts. Year 3 thoroughly enjoyed a have also been ordered. Church of England Pedestrian improvements under visit to the British Museum, which Training for volunteers in the the School Travel Plan will start with enhanced their knowledge of the “15 Minutes a Day” reading support Sunday masses at 8.00 a.m. and 10.00 a.m. the replacement of the safety railings Ancient Egyptians. programme took place. There was Weekday masses at 10.00 a.m. outside the school. The school received a plaque also an information session for par- Prayer requests are gladly accepted. Planning permission is being and certiicate marking its accredi- ents of Foundation Stage children. A sought to use the site of the demol- tation under the National Healthy parents’ group meets in the art room The Parish has a flourishing social life. ished Herbert Wilmot Centre, which Schools Scheme. Saracens Rugby at 9.00 am on Wednesdays and has Contact the Vicar, Fr Christopher Hardy, borders the school grounds, for tem- Club has contributed to the health been making very useful resources on 020 8883 9315. porary ofice and storage use by a and itness programme with rugby for the school. contractor carrying out an essential sessions throughout the school. Alex The project to create an allotment All Saints’ also has a strong musical tradition and an water main scheme. Austerberry has led two assemblies on the school ield is under way. It will enthusiastic choir of both adults and children. on keeping it and eating healthily. provide infant children with the oppor- Experienced singers are always welcome. Martin Schools Sports results are looking good. tunity to plant, nurture and harvest Contact Geoffrey Hanson on 020 8444 9214. Four Year 6 children have been Year 6 football teams are doing well, their own home grown produce. selected to attend the Gifted and http://www.allsaints-eastfinchley.org.uk with the girls’ team in the inals. A special assembly was held to Talented programme for primary Year 4 footballers narrowly missed celebrate the Chinese New Year. 13 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 MARCH 2007 First KALASHNIKOV KULTUR By Ricky Savage, the voice of social irresponsibility aid for Wild Youth Hi there, welcome to teenage wasteland, welcome to the rubbish tip of life, welcome to the worst country in Europe children to be young in. Welcome to teen pregnancy, binge drinking, The Hampstead Garden drug-taking teenage Britain. Welcome to Asbo central, full Suburb Institute, in its new of anti-social, depressed teenagers oozing like toxic slime campus at East Finchley, across the country – and, guess what, I love it; it’s what is pioneering a course to makes Britain great. support the government’s Unlike the terrifyingly polite Germans and Dutch teens with their but- proposal for good qual- tock-clenching sincerity, growing up here has always been about being ity childcare. A First Aid stroppy and awkward. It’s in the blood, along with booze and drugs and Course for Children and attitude. It’s never going to appeal to number-crunching pollsters from Babies is being run on two Brussels or anywhere else because they just don’t understand. evenings from 7.30-9.30 pm Call it rock’n’roll attitude if you like, but toxic Britain has done more on Monday 19 and Tuesday for music than the rest of Europe put together. Can you think of a 20 March. Kate Grant (on the right) talks to teaching assistant Fay Jenkins, an experienced French rock band? Gong don’t count, they just sang about teapots, and France’s answer to punk, Plastique Bertrand, was Belgian. The At a cost of £28 you Fifteen Minutes a Day practitioner. Picture by Helen Drake. can ensure that the person big star in France’s rock’n’roll universe is Johnny Halliday, a kind of who looks after your child, pensioned-off Cliff Richard without the god bothering. whether parent, grand parent, Germany’s no better - clean streets, clean cut kids and the closest child carer, au pair or nanny, Nurturing young thing to rock’n’roll is a bunch of nerds iddling with computers. And what is trained in life saving skills have the Dutch contributed? Sweet nothing. The Scandinavians aren’t (including CPR and resuscita- much better, all they can offer is the squeaky cleanness of Abba and tion) and knows how to deal readers Aha and I don’t call that rock’n’roll. with choking, unconsciousness, By Helen Drake Britain’s different, Britain’s where kids spent the 50s slashing seats bleeding and fractures. Some At the end of January, parents and teaching staff from to the sound of Bill Haley, the 60s screaming to the Beatles and the common childhood conditions Martin Infant School gathered to be trained by Kate Stones, the 70s going from glam to punk, the 80s chilling out, the 90s… will also be covered. There will Grant, author of Supporting Literacy, and the originator Well need I go on. be practical work on child and Unicef may reckon that this is toxic central, but where are the Dutch of the ‘Fifteen Minutes a Day’ reading scheme used in version of Arctic Monkeys? Has anyone seen the German Razorlight? baby manikins and students will 340 schools throughout London. be taught to use basic irst aid What’s the French for Kaiser Chiefs? And has anyone ever said to equipment. Aimed at children who are and at school.” some polite Euro-teen: ‘I didn’t ight in the war so that you could listen There are no special entry in the earliest stages of learning To become a ‘Fifteen Min- to that’? I think not. requirements, and the course is to read, the ‘Fifteen Minutes a utes’ volunteer, contact Janine Let’s get real, let’s get stroppy, let’s tell Unicef to get lost, while we open to everybody. The Institute Day’ structured programme Waterman on 020 8883 1455. get stoned and make rock’n’roll mean something. You just know it still can also give on-going support supports emerging literacy If you are interested in help- makes sense. with writing and English skills skills in a fun way, using a wide ing slightly older children with through its popular literacy and range of books from different their reading, Martin Junior publishers. School would like to hear from Fix your fashion sense English classes. Register at 11 By Viviana Lotti High Road or call Ruth Smith By playing the Word Card you. Maggie Driscoll, Head on 8829 4133 for more infor- game daily, at the beginning of Teacher, said: “Although our Brent Cross Shopping Centre has just signed up Finchley mation. each session, children become English results are above the fashion stylist Denise Pia’s company, The Fashionix, to familiar with seeing and writing national average, all children offer a dedicated personal styling service to shoppers. the high frequency words they beneit enormously from sharing Denise (pictured), who High Road need to know to extend their books with adults, one-to-one, featured in THE ARCHER’s Sep- reading, and gain conidence. on a regular basis. If you have tember issue, has more than 20 Acting Deputy Head Janine time to spare, please contact us.” years’ experience in fashion and drama Waterman, who manages the Phone the Junior School ofice will provide a complete and per- By Francis Atkinson scheme for the Infant School, on 020 8883 7404. sonalised styling service, ideal At Finchley Youth Thea- commented: “Often I ind a tre in the High Road there child only needs this 12-week are Tuesday and Thursday intervention to boost their read- Three burials and a mystery groups.The Tuesday group ing and start them on the road By Ann Bronkhorst mixes young children with to luency and a love of books. In the late autumn a heavy black holdall was dumped disabilities and those with- I am grateful to our wonderful towards the western side of Coldfall Wood. No surprise team of parents and teaching out. It is run by workers assistants who, over the years, there: people drop and dump litter constantly. Then some from Inclusive Play Oppor- have made such a difference to brave soul investigated, partially opening the holdall and for men and women who need tunities Project which is a so many children”. revealing a dead black dog. advice or simply lack time to group doing many activi- Alice Arohnson, whose Haringey Council was told foxes. The sad little episode hunt for the right clothes. ties like this. youngest child currently ben- and local people understood was over. Denise will research all the The group is for 8-10 year eits from the scheme, enthused: that the dog would be buried It leaves several questions, stores based on the client’s olds and runs from 4-5:30pm. “My daughter looks forward to in situ or removed as ‘clini- however. Whose dog was it, and needs and preferences, then go It works well in giving children her ifteen minute session and cal waste’. The holdall and how did it die? Why wasn’t it shopping with them, saving the of every ability a chance to do it has become a very important its contents remained above buried properly or taken to a client time and providing them drama in a good environment. part of her day; she sees it as her ground for several weeks, vet for disposal? Who was so with the perfect outits. The phone number is 020 ‘special time’. We were doing however, naturally attracting callous about the dog, and so The Fashionix is offering 8883 9957 or you can visit at as much as we could at home the attentions of foxes, lies impervious to the feelings of three personal styling packages: 124 High Road or e-mail at but she was really struggling and passing dogs. people walking in the wood? four-hour shopping at £175, six [email protected]. with her reading and becoming After two unsuccessful shal- And how quickly and hours at £260 and eight hours See next month’s ARCHER for despondent. Since starting on low burials and re-appearances effectively would Haringey at £350. Corresponding gift news of the Thursday Group the programme her conidence the poor dog was inally buried have dealt with such a health vouchers are also available and a performance of Alice In has increased and she is now deep enough. Logs were piled hazard if it had happened in, (valid for six months). Wonderland. enjoying books both at home on top of its grave to deter the say, July? For further information call Denise Pia on 020 8346 1486 or LOOKING FOR HOMES mobile 0798 0408181, or vis- OSTEOPATHY & NATUROPATHY it www.thefashionix.co.uk. CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY Many cats and kittens needing good homes; some single, some in pairs. ����฀�������฀���� REFLEXOLOGY & SHIATSU If you think you can help ���������� �������������฀���฀����� available at get in touch with the local cat charity ������฀������฀��฀������� ANIMAL AID AND ADVICE UTOPIA HEALTH & BEAUTY CLINIC 48 HIGH ROAD EAST FINCHLEY ������������������������������������ OR PHONE 7607 1723 ��฀����฀�����฀������฀��฀��� TEL 020 8444 4226 ����฀���฀����฀����฀�฀����฀�฀���� 1a Leicester Mews, East Finchley, London, N2 9EJ LOOKING FOR A CAT ���������������������������� 14 MARCH 2007 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 Regular Events SPORT & FITNESS Carnival v Finchley & Hornsey Ramblers Group Call Vivien 8883 8190 v Glebelands Indoor Bowls Club, party Summers Lane N12. New and experienced bowlers welcome. By Pam Kent v Keep fit for the Retired Families and friends of Wednesdays Christ Church N12. Ring Bridie 8883 5269 Polish students at Bishop vMuswell Hill Bowling Club, Kings Douglass School organised Ave, N10. New & experienced bowl- a carnival party in the main ers welcome. Tel: 8883 1178. hall of the school on Satur- vPilates in East Finchley, qualied teacher. Contact Dee on 8883 7029 day 3 February. vPilates class Wednesdays, 2.15- The beautifully-decorated 3.15pm at Youth Theatre, N2. Ring tables held plenty of good Penny Hill 8444 2882. Polish food and drink, which vTae Kwon Do at The Green Man Thursdays 7-9pm 07949 612 706 was provided by the students’ vTai Chi at the Green Man on parents. Mondays 1.30-3pm. An ageing DJ Roberts played music well class for older people. from all over the world and vTennis club with four clay courts off more than 100 guests, includ- Southern Road. Call 8440 6953. vWood Walk, meet 10am at Cherry ing many members of the Tree Wood cafe on 1st & 2nd Mon school’s staff, were dancing of month for 1 hr walk, Call 8883 until nearly midnight.As car- 8750. nival is traditional around Lent v Yoga, breathing & relaxation. Weekly drop-in classes - N2, N6, time in Poland, all the guests are N10. Phone Judy on 8444 7783. hoping that this will be repeated next year. DANCE, DRAMA, ART Jonny at The Cherry Tree Shop. Picture by Andy Shirlaw & MUSIC E-mail your listings to: v Art Classes. For info call Henry Whats On... [email protected] on 020 8888 5133. Bagels good, v Ballroom dancing classes, Saturday 10 March beginners and improvers. Phone Barnet NCT Nearly New Sale lots of bargains for pregnancy, baby and 01707 642 378 young children, 10.15am 12 noon (10am early entry for NCT members v Club Dramatika drama club for cheesecake bad with card), Finchley Sea Cadets Hall, 184A Long Lane, Finchley N3. Admis- kids. Call 8883 7110. By Andy Shirlaw sion £1 (children free). Sorry, prams and pushchairs must be left outside v East Finchley Writing Workshops. The secrets of the ancient art of Judology are revealed the hall. For information, please call 07960 521271. Creative writing, poetry and prose Contact Dennis Evans 8346 9528. in a hilarious A-Z of world history and popular culture Sunday 11 March v Finchley Jazz Club - 19 Mar, 2, written by East Finchley author Jonny Geller in his book An Evening of Noel Coward presented by Amici del Arte, East Finchley 16 & 30 April at 8pm, Wilf Slack Yes, but is it Good for the Jews? – A Beginner’s Guide, which Methodist Church, High Road, 8pm. Free admission with a collection Cricket Pavilion, East End Rd, N3. in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. The venue is fully New members welcome has sold 20,000 copies in the US since its publication in accessible to people with disabilities. v Line dancing Tuesdays from November. Monday 12 March 8.30pm at The Constitutional Club. Jonny reveals, with the help Eurovision Song Contest, Sing along to tunes from Broadway and West End shows with Singing in Call Maureen 8440 8530. of his newly created ‘Judologi- Fox News Channel, Google, Highgate in Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park, Highgate, N6. Weekly ses- v Memory Lane Singing Club - a sions on Mondays at 8pm. To book your free session contact Idit Gold on 020 communal singing club. Call Idit cal Institute of Spiritual Math- ice cream and jeans. 8444 8511, mobile 07717 834095, or email [email protected]. Gold 8458 4508. ematics’, based in Cockfosters, As for George W Bush, he v Over 60s come dancing at Ann the mathematical formula that has been dreadful for the Jews. Wednesday 14 March Owens Centre 8346 8736 determines whether someone “He has made the situation in Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Societys Spring Lecture: From v Pottery Class at The Green Man, or something is ‘Good for the the Middle East a lot worse, for Spuds to Chelsea - Vegetable Growing and Gardening in Suburbia, an Call Celia Holmes 8349 9315 Jews’. everybody.” illustrated talk by Cleve West, The Independents Urban Gardener and v Learn to sing at Finchley Methodist 2006 Chelsea Gold Medallist, 7.30pm, Free Church Hall, Northway, Church. Call 8883 4070 for info. Jonny said the title of his Jonny was inspired by NW11. Non-members £3.50. Refreshments available (020 8455 0455). v Street Dance every Tuesday at Old book is a common phrase in American comedians such as Barn for children of various ages the Jewish community. He Seinield and Woody Allen, and Saturday 24 March Contact Lorna 07976 203669. said: “Jewish humour is about especially Larry David of TV London Ripieno Singers in a concert of Music for Passiontide at All v SwampRock events feature a Saints Church, Durham Road, N2. Music by Vivaldi, Handel, Rossini, different band each month. See extremes, understanding the series Curb Your Enthusiasm. Tucapsky and others; 7.30pm. Buffet Supper Concert is available but www.swamprock.org.uk or call Carole roller coaster of Jewish his- “I realised on my book promo- must be pre-booked. Concert-only tickets at the door. For bookings and 8810 7454 or Neil 01727 830280 tory and getting the punch line tion tour of the US that there’s information, contact 020 8444 9214. v Symphonic Wind Orchestra in irst.” a need and hunger to take the Thursday 29 March Contact Caroline Egan 8340 2706 According to his maths for- book seriously, but most people Illustrated talk to the Finchley Society by Graham Ives on the history of v for children beginning Tap Dance mula, cheesecake is not good, do get that it is supposed to be social drinking, entitled The Public House Before the Railways, Avenue at Old Barn every Monday, Contact House, East End Road, 8pm. Entry for non-members £2. Sharon 8349 4613 neither is cholera, colonic humorous.” irrigation, Desperate House- Penguin has bought the Saturday 31 March CLUBS & SOCIAL Hampstead Garden Suburb Horticultural Societys Suburb Centenary Spring v Contact Lunch Club Tuesdays wives, Jews for Jesus or Ken rights to the book in the UK Livingstone. and has already sold 6,000 Flower Show,2-4pm, Fellowship House, Willifield Way, NW11. Contact at the Green Man. Call 8444 1162 020 8455 8741. to book. Bagels, as you would copies here. The book is avail- v East Finchley National Childbirth expect, are good, as are Big able at Cherry Tree Shop, on Sunday 1 April Trust, contact Phoebe Oldrey on Brother, complaining, the the High Road. Hornsey Historical Society is leading a local history walk round Teth- 8343 0003 erdown and Fortis Green, on Sunday 1 April at 2.30pm, £1 each. Meet v East Finchley Writers meet weekly beside the Highgate Counselling Centre, Tetherdown, N10, opposite the at The Old White Lion. Call Lilian URC church. For more information, telephone 020 8883 8486. 8444 1793 v Finchley & District Philatelic Home of the harp Wednesday 4 April Society, Contact Brian 8444 3251 by Betti Blatman Haringey Recorded Music Society hosts A Celebration of Dance by Dennis Evans, 7.15 for 7.30pm. For details on the venue, contact 020 v Friendly Rubber Bridge at The Old The wonderful strumming sounds of Kike Pedersen play- Barn. Contact 8349 4613 8361 1696. v Haringey Recorded Music Society ing the Paraguayan harp could be heard at East Finchley Friday 13 April informal meetings locally. Call David Methodist Church on Sunday 11 February, with music Friends of Barnet Libraries hosts a talk by Susette Palmer on Monumental Mouldon on 8361 1696. ranging from Paraguayan folk music to classical music. In brasses, East Finchley Library, 11am - 12 noon. Talks are held on the first v Highgate Film Society, contact Friday of each month (second Friday in April). Refreshments are provided. Admin Oce 8340 3343 or email: addition to being an accomplished musician, Kike is also Everyone is welcome. For further information, please contact Ian Harvey [email protected] . an artist, and has painted his harp very decoratively. on 020 8444 9406. v North London Bridge Club, Kike began learning the harp at 12 and is an extremely Muswell Hill. Contact 8348 3495 accomplished musician at 22. He is closely involved in a project Every Wednesday v Muswell Hill and Highgate Creative Writing Workshop, a fun inspiring class of creative writing Pensioners Action Group Call Bob in Paraguay called Arpa Roga which is an attempt to foster and activities. No previous experience necessary, St Marys Hall, Hendon Cottingham on 8444 7635. develop the values of Paraguayan culture through art and music, Lane, Finchley N3, 7.30 9pm. £7 per class. For details, contact Julie on v Muswell Hill Tetherdown Bridge, both nationally and internationally, all in a family atmosphere. 07877 267180 or email [email protected]. contact 8883 4390 Arpa Roga means the Home of the Harp. Regular events are Coming up at artsdepot, North Finchley: v Old Barn pre-school club, contact organised throughout the year, including concerts and dinners Wednesday 7 March, 8pm, Natalie Haynes, Watching the Detectives; 8349 4613/1961 for visitors from abroad seeking authentic Paraguayan food and Thursday 8 March, 8pm, Protein Dance; v Parent & Toddler Group, Green Thursday 8 March to Sunday 8 April, 12pm-4pm, The Dual Muse; Man Centre, Julia 8444 2276 music. Arpa Roga can also arrange conducted trips to visit some Saturday 10 March, 8pm, Spice, featuring Tom Allen; v Probus Lunch Club for retired of the most beautiful tourist’s spots in the country. Sunday 11 March, 7.45pm, Classical & Klezmer; professionals. Call John 8883 8114. A trip from the UK is being organised for 17 October to 3 Thursday 22 March, 8pm, Moving Parts; vStepping Stones, interactive play November 2007. For further details please phone 01865 861791 Saturday 24 March, 3pm & 7pm, Fold Your Own; session for under 3s. Karen 07957 Friday 30 March, Folk in the Foyer; 278860. or visit www.paraguay.org.uk. Sunday 1 April, 7.45pm, Warren Mailley-Smith. 15 THE ARCHER - 08717 334465 MARCH 2007 Letters to the editor Arts Centre parking Boom or bust Shanghai surprise Dear Sir ARCHER writer Sheila Armstrong recently travelled to China for a choir performance problems in the Forbidden City. Here, she recalls her impressions of this fast-changing Dear Editor, Perhaps all the residents who write to THE ARCHER every month country. So, the Principal of the Institute bemoaning the glut of new betting The chance to go to China with Concerts from Scratch was too good an opportunity did not anticipate any parking prob- shops, potential takeaways, residen- lems arising from the opening of the for me to miss. With only two rehearsals, Brian Kay (ex-Kings Singers) managed to tial developments and so on could create a choir with singers from around the UK. They gave a great performance of Arts Centre. What nonsense! club together and open a shop or Since the Arts Centre opened its business that they would like to see The Messiah in the Concert Hall of the Forbidden City late last year, accompanied by doors to the public, the eastern end of grace our High Road. I think, how- an orchestra of accomplished young Chinese musicians. The Bishops Avenue becomes inun- ever, we may have to wait some time Arriving in Beijing, it is hard to dated each week day evening, after the to see this happen. What would they believe you are in China. The Olym- CPZ time restriction lapses at 6.30pm, prefer – derelict and empty shops pics are to be held in Beijing in 2008. by cars stretching from the Deansway or someone trying to make a go of The amount of building work has junction with The Bishops Avenue right a business? up to the High Road. Those of us who meant many of the old districts have reside in that part of The Avenue arriv- Name and address supplied been swept away and replaced by ing home after 6.30pm have no hope high-rise blocks. Of the old China, of parking our own vehicles, and fur- Feeling positive there is little to be seen. There are thermore, any visitor or guest may as Dear Editor, now six ring roads round the city well come on foot. I was very excited to read the and the trafic is ferocious. Cars are now parked beyond the last issue of THE ARCHER. So many Very few bikes are in evidence Institute’s walkway, meaning others positive developments for the compared with the old days; the can only approach the High Road in neighbourhood. Two of the main car dominates. We had a police single ile, turning left or right. This reasons I moved here with my family escort to get us through the trafic causes considerable congestion and three years ago were The Phoenix to The Great Wall. Beijing seemed a trafic hazard. Cinema and the wonderful library. to be disappearing under a cloud What has the Council done about I was happy to read in the last issue of pollution. this problem? Nothing. worthwhile plans for both of them in Its railway station is reputed Dr M R Sheridan, the renovation and further restoration to be the biggest in the world The Bishops Avenue, N2 of The Phoenix, and plans by the with good reason. It was nearly East Finchley Library Users Group impossible to ind the platform for Station stairway to install a lift in the library and make the train to Xi’an, the old seat of struggle better use of the upper loor. political power, to see the Terracotta I hope everyone in the com- Warriors. But once we were there Dear Editor, munity who values these two I live near East Finchley station. we were lucky enough to see the treasures will become engaged in farmer who discovered the Terra- How many millions are being spent supporting them whether politically on refurbishing the station, taking cotta Warriors, taking a chow mein or inancially. break having just signed multiple down and replacing wall tiles etc? Yours faithfully, Yet in order to access the platforms copies of a new book. there is a steep set of stairs. Gareth Brown For the tourist there are many Beresford Road, N2 Why in heaven’s name in this wonderful heritage sights to be seen Seen on the Great Wall of China , Photo by Sheila Armstrong day and age cannot a simple lift be in Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai: the installed for people who cannot use Is this stealing? Emperor’s Summer Palace and the Bund where something of the ordinary people, cocooned as the stairs? Doesn’t all the legislation Dear Editor, Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the atmosphere of the 1930s still we were in a sort of tourist about access apply to signiicant A couple of issues back, it was Terracotta Warriors, as well as Bud- lingers. bubble. Apparently the Great areas, or is it just supposed to be reported in THE ARCHER that some dhist temples and Mosques. China has taken to tourism Wall is the only man-made applied to small businesses which local charity shops had been the Evening entertainment is the in a big way, and facilities thing visible from space, but can’t afford these things? victim of shoplifters. Whilst I person- Peking Opera, the world-famous have improved. It is a fasci- how long will it be before a There is an increasingly elderly ally would never steal goods from a Shanghai Acrobats and jazz in nating holiday destination, cloud of pollution obscures population. Is the idea to keep them shop, I have often found discarded the bar in the Peace Hotel on The but we didn’t see many of the even that? off the trains in case they cause prob- items that could not be disposed of lems? Is it a case of ‘the buses are outside the shops. I do not feel that there for the elderly’ (provided they looking through these is the same can withstand being thrown around as theft. by the over-enthusiastic use of the Donations that one of the High brakes by many drivers)? Road shops cannot sell are put in Yours faithfully, blue bags outside the premises. Harriet Copperman, I often buy stock and donate to Diploma Avenue, N2. them, and seeing as unwanted stock probably goes to a landill or My top three spots an incinerator I ind it illogical that a Dear Editor, charity might object to passers-by I know I am late with my opinion scavenging these things. If anything of the popular places of East Finchley we are helping to reduce waste by but here they are: doing this. 1. Amici’s coffee shop in the They insist it is council property. High Street – run by the gregarious However, one evening some council and friendly Maurizio and staff, it dustmen arrived to collect the bags serves fantastic coffee and foods, and they weren’t bothered by me plus excellent service. Its main taking things out. I understand a highlight to me is its openness to shop only has so much room for families, babies, toddlers, parents, what it can sell but what right have the elderly; all are welcome. It is they to complain if people take items superbly family-friendly and my top they have discarded? spot in East Finchley. 2. The Phoenix. Best films Yours faithfully, at great prices. And what a cool Name and address supplied atmosphere. A real treasure of East Finchley. 3. Cherry Tree Wood. Unspoilt Send your correspond- and wonderful. It could be improved ence to: “Letters Page”, slightly, but it is just great for families The Archer, PO Box 3699, (and for jogging). London N2 8JA or e-mail My pet hate though in the High [email protected]. Road is the amount of disgusting bet- ting shops. And, of course, a new one Letters without veriiable opposite Budgens is another blemish contact addresses will not on the East Finchley landscape. Get be reviewed or printed. rid of them all. Contact details can be with- Yours faithfully held, however, on request at Richard Devey publication. Huntingdon Road N2 John’s Shoe Repairs MARCH 2007 PAGE 16 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 12-8pm (not Wednesdays) T A Chaos and Carreras The North London Chorus was invited to join other London choirs to sing with world-famous tenor José Carreras at the Royal Albert Hall. The concert was recorded and broadcast on BBC Radio 2. Our insider, Marian Bunzl, takes us behind the scenes. Our choir had quite an long blonde hair and a different adventure singing with José frock for each number. Carreras but the rehearsals And, of course, José himself, were chaotic. The music was who gave his rapturous audience distributed in advance but, on a truly generous performance: arrival, we found that while the aria after folk song after carol other choirs knew of cuts and at full and glorious throttle, and changes, we did not. at least four encores. The conductor then changed The conductor had numbered the changes and cut the cuts, so the encore list, and was to hold that everyone was completely con- up the requisite number of in- fused. No one bothered to ensure gers to tell us which to sing, but we were singing from the same No 1 was to be a surprise Happy hymn sheet, which we weren’t. Birthday to José. The Maestro Repeatedly, at a climactic duly gave us the inger (they moment of one number, there clearly do things differently in was a horrid dissonance between Spain). As this is a family news- the choir and the orchestra. The paper, I won’t tell you what he conductor took no notice. Being did with No 2. Michael Palin at the Phoenix. Picture by Paul Homer Spanish, maybe he thought Eng- When we had inished, the lish singers were like that. hall erupted and numerous small Michael Palin and the Holy Grail Finally, a brave bass asked gift bags were handed up to Car- By Sue Holliday for clariication, a misprint was reras by ladies of a certain age. We wondered if they contained What a very pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon at the Phoenix for the Michael identiied and corrected, and har- Palin fund raising event. It began with a rare big screen showing of Monty Python and mony was restored. In the end it telephone numbers. didn’t help. When we sang this We shall long treasure the the Holy Grail followed by a chance to ask Michael questions about his time with the number, the lights failed to come memory of singing the last ‘Christ Python team. on and we had to guess at our the Lord’ of the carol Adeste Fide- The afternoon started with television shows. There were lots himself. He answered all the music in a sort of red mist. lis and facing the thunderous an introduction given by Tas, of laughs from the start, most of questions put to him, even those The rehearsals were not applause from an Albert Hall a trustee of the Phoenix, then them aimed at the credits where about his travel programmes, of only frustrating, but exhaust- packed to the rafters. a short funny speech given by there are some very witty com- which he is making another one ing. The conductor frequently Our next concert is a collec- Mark Steel, who was later to ments that hold up even today. set in the emerging countries of kept us standing while he had tion of psalm settings from ive reappear to chair the question As the ilm progressed there were Eastern Europe. long discussions with soloists or centuries: great music for the and answer session. even more laughs. It’s amazing The afternoon drew to a close the orchestra. Mutters of ‘What run up to Easter. Anyone (and Then it was the showing of how this humour has stood the with Michael signing copies of did your last choir die of?’ were partner) presenting a copy of the ilm, to a near full house. I test of time. his diaries, which were on sale. heard in the ranks. THE ARCHER, or this article, will was surprised to see a very wide After the ilm, Mark intro- As I mingled in the foyer on the be welcome to a free glass of More than all right range of people from different duced us to Michael and started way out I felt I had to say thank wine at the bar in the interval. age groups, not just people like with a friendly relaxed chat, you to the folks from the Phoenix on the night It takes place at St Michael’s me who remember the original then opened up the session of for organising an enjoyable event. The concert experience, Church, Highgate, on Saturday questions. Michael appeared to And thank you to Michael, who is however, was amazing. The win- 24 March at 7.30pm. be very relaxed and enjoying a patron of our special cinema. ners of the Young Choristers of The North London Chorus Home is where the Year were a choir of angelic rehearses on Thursday eve- little boys in white robes. Hard- nings at Martin School, East the heart is ened orchestra players used to Finchley. For more details, visit Londoners come top of the doing the crossword in the rests www.northlondonchorus.org.uk had tears in their eyes. Then there or telephone Norman Cohen on league for the amount of was a glamorous soprano with 020 8349 3022. money we lavish on our Est 1988 homes. On average, we’re CCTV said to spend £42 a week, University of the Third Age or £2,180 a year, on home East Finchley Library will be visited by representatives improvements. from the University of the Third Age, which celebrates Homeowners in the Mid- lands (£38) and North East its 25th anniversary this year. (£37) come second and third With more than 620 groups 12 March from 2 – 4pm where respectively, whilst propping in the UK, the University is a friendly volunteers will be on up the bottom of the league place for all to go where they can hand to answer questions. come Scottish homeowners share and enjoy lifelong learn- If you are unable to get to spending only £26 a week. ing and is speciically aimed at either of the libraries, contact The figures come from all persons no longer in gainful the U3A membership sec- Rated Tradesmen, an online employment who wish to con- retary Barry Davies on 020 service that matches tradesmen OT tinue with Adult Learning 7226 7658. to customer-submitted jobs. Y N HA U3A does not concern itself H VE with qualiications, exams or W r testing and all can share in STEWART You pursuing common interests. Sec u r i t y A r ble s North London U3A was DUNCAN P o mv ! Y formed in 1994 and has over FR Sol ed VE 50 diverse groups which include OPTICIANS, SINCE 1962 EE SUR history (local and ancient), EYE EXAMINATIONS AL M architecture, learning a new DESIGNER EYEWEAR AR language, discovering com- CONTACT LENSES LATE NIGHT puters, painting, poetry and DYSLEXIA CLINIC Shakespeare, and many more. DVLA APPROVED To ind out more go to East OLD FASHIONED SERVICE 0800 279 0792 112 High Rd East Finchley London N2 Finchley Library on Wednes- 020 8883-2020 day 14 March from 2 – 4pm or 126 HIGH ROAD, EAST FINCHLEY Church End Library on Monday www.securebase.co.uk The Archer is a non-proit-making, non political & non religious newspaper, staffed entirely by volunteers.