No 161 • Spring 2006

The Newsletter of the Enfield Preservation Society

youngsters and the disabled, is Spurs plans admirable, but not on Open Space which is totally within for Bulls both the Green Belt and the It is 70 years since EPS was Conservation Area, on the northern formed in March 1936, and to Cross fringe of Enfield. mark the occasion our next The proposed exclusion of the (Summer) issue will be a bumper general public is unacceptable, as is edition reviewing the Society's deferred the proposed large sports hall with work and achievements over the A specially convened Planning Panel ancillary accommodation which years. was due to meet on 12th December would be an eyesore and a gross In the meantime, you can join to hear from both objectors and the celebrations by attending our supporters of Spurs' proposals to intrusion in this setting. This facility, with its comparatively modest land 70th Anniversary Supper on 10th build a training centre and youth March (see below). academy and also a community requirement, could easily be facility on over 60 acres of Green Belt accommodated on a brownfield site, land at Bulls Cross. The planning or in the Lee Valley, which would be application would then have been far more accessible for those having to considered by the full Planning travel from within our own Borough, Elsyng Manor House, created by Committee early in January from the Borough of Haringey and Thomas Manners in the mid-16th century. On 7th December we were told that from Essex, which are the main target In the last issue of EPS News we said the Panel meeting had been cancelled areas to benefit from this scheme. that the majority of this land was on account of problems with the Also unacceptable is the separate within the Forty Hill Conservation application as submitted. Apparently proposal, on Green Belt land west of Area. This was incorrect - only part of the application has not been Myddelton House, to build a youth this main site is currently in the Area. withdrawn but has been deferred; we wing, first team wing and an indoor However, the Character Appraisal are reliably informed that it will not pitch within a massive single for the Forty Hill Conservation Area, be resubmitted for at least three to structure measuring 119m x 70.5m commissioned by the Council from a five months. with a maximum height above specialist consultant last year, Many of our members, as we ground level of 9.8m. This, together recommends extending the Area at suggested, wrote to the Leader of the with a groundsman's building (30m Bulls Cross westwards to include the Council with their own objection to x 20m), all-weather pitches and whole of this site under threat. This Spurs plans, adding to the floodlighting are all to be constructed Appraisal has been approved by groundswell of opposition from all on agricultural land which is part of Enfield's Conservation Advisory sections of the community. the historic Estate, within Group and by the Planning The idea behind the proposed a designated Area of Special Committee and we await the overdue community facility, to provide Character, and on land which formed final ratification by the Council. coaching and educational support for part of the 375 acre deer park of Colin Pointer A gourmet meal at our Anniversary Celebration

Tickets are still available for our 70th Anniversary Celebration on ● Chilled Chicken and Avocado Salad with Friday 10th March at the British Legion Hall in Holtwhites Hill. Spinach and Blue Cheese Dressing and Crispy Pancetta. In the previous edition of EPS News this was described as a 'fork ● Roasted Salmon with Cucumber and Asparagus Salad buffet'. In fact it will be a splendid gourmet meal, as you will see with Sweet Mustard Dressing. from the menu right. A licensed bar will be available. ● Caramelised Onion & Caraway Tart. The Management Committee, together with our President, ● New Potato salad with Spring Onion and Chives. Dr Chris Jephcott, and our previous Chairman, Monica Smith, ● Mixed Baby Leaves with Toasted Nuts and Seeds would be delighted to meet you at this function. Also present will and Honeyed Balsamic Dressing. be Cllr. Tony Dey, Deputy Mayor of Enfield; Joan Ryan, MP for * * * Enfield Town; and Michael Rye, Leader of Enfield Council ● Chocolate and Rum-soaked Cherry Gateaux. (together with their partners). ● Coffee and Brandy Trifle with Raspberries. The talented local keyboards player, Chris Saussman, will ● Orange and Passionfruit Salad with provide entertainment throughout the evening. Orange Flower Water Use the Booking Form enclosed to reserve your place(s) at the and Cointreau Syrup. Celebration; applications need to be received by February 20th. * * * This will be a great evening - come along and make it something ● Coffee or Tea and Petit Fours to remember!

1 was the favoured option of the issues of EPS News. Public Group. consultation has finished and the Conservation Planning consent was refused for documents are now with Mike the grossly oversized and out-of- Brown, Enfield's new Conservation Matters keeping black fascia at 25/27 The Team Leader. Town, formerly Ciro Citterio, which In the meantime, however, University at had been put up without permission. government guidance, issued Following our long article in the last This is in the centre of one of the through English Heritage, has edition of EPS News, the University most attractive stretches of frontage did not come up with satisfactory changed the format for meeting the in Enfield Town. The applicant has Best Value targets which determine undertakings that the conservation now appealed and EPS has written aspects of the proposed expansion so much local government action in strong support of Enfield these days. The recommendations and redevelopment would receive Council's action. guaranteed funding. Consequently will now be issued as separate EPS was obliged to oppose the I have heard today (23rd January) documents called Management planning applications. that the appeal has been dismissed as Proposals. This means further delays, detrimental to the interests of but it is right that the end result We have now learned, though still amenity (that word again!). waiting to be notified officially that should be as effective as possible. We have also drawn attention to the Planning Committee refused In the meantime, one of the another new blot on the conservation permission for the development. We important recommendations, to bring area - the garish, illuminated fascia of await with interest the next move on in Article 4 Directions dealing with the Nationwide, replacing the former the part of Middlesex University. such aspects as windows and roof Howards. materials and covering 800 properties Enfield Town Conservation Area Appraisals in eleven conservation areas, is to Work on the PalaceXchange shopping The long process of drawing these up come before the Council for approval development proceeds apace. Some has been referred to in the last few next week. Chris Jephcott. recent modifications to the scheme, in particular to the treatment of the rear (south) facade of the car park, now to be western red cedar slats to match the other sides, and the surfacing materials for the pedestrian areas and pavements, were approved by the Development Control Committee. The 40x40cm square paving blocks in Road have merely been relaid. The extended Fountain triangle will now have a uniform treatment in a more upmarket stone effect, eliminating the awkward and artificial straight division along the centre previously proposed, with standard grey, ASP paving slabs throughout the rest of The Town replacing the current reddish blocks. Elaborate pedestrian guardrails shaping the borough as we know it have been purchased, unfortunately today. without any public consultation on History is not just a phenomenon of the design, and we are informed that New books the past - it is in the making now. The the style of street lamp standard for author celebrates the living organism the town has also been chosen. The about Enfield that is the community today and new traffic circulation seems to be It is not often that books are gives an appreciation of the Enfield slowly settling down. There are still published specifically about that is developing before our eyes. no firm proposals for the future of Enfield, so we are pleased to be able the Evangelical Free Church. The second book - So You Think You to recommend two recent Know Enfield - is both a quiz and Other matters publications which, as it happens, miscellany and was produced by At the same time as the Conservation are the work of EPS Hon. Secretary Stephen Hoye in conjunction with Advisory Group was informed about Stephen Hoye. the publishers, Francis Frith. the surfacing materials for The Town The first, Enfield - A History & It contains questions (and answers) we were consulted on proposed Celebration, is a lavishly illustrated on matters of local history, fascinating resurfacing of Gentlemans Row. York book which presents a fascinating local facts and evocative photographs stone, which I had put forward as a history of the borough. But, with amusing and enjoyable insights suggestion in view of the historic importantly, it relates to what is still into local history and heritage. importance of Gentlemans Row, extant today. This book is a treasure trove of local would cost double the standard The authoritative and highly facts and trivia, and indicates why pavers - an extra £40,000, not a readable text covers stories and areas have the name they have, or practical proposition. events that have influenced present- where a tradition started. There is The point was made that there was day Enfield. It includes information also a general history quiz for added no historical precedent for this about personalities past and present - enjoyment. anyway; probably the nearest to the benefactors, tradesmen and Both books are available from original would be resin-bound gravel businessmen - whose energy and Ottakar's at £15.99 and £8.99 replacing the current tarmac, and this innovation have played a vital role in respectively. 2 Enthusiastic volunteers - including Enfield's Mayor - at work at Woodcroft. Wildlife project for An ambitious project is under way to The project will also include the meeting / exhibition and convert a disused sports ground creation of a new Wildspace refreshment/cafe areas, as well as a behind houses in Woodcroft, off Centre, which will be a themed soft play / sensory room, Broad Walk and close to Grovelands comprehensive multi-functional plus modest indoor and outdoor Park, to a community nature reserve. building with teaching, field study, auditoria. There will be full Enfield Council has granted the disabled access. Friends of Woodcroft a 125-year lease A not-for-profit community on the five-acre site, which should Wildspace Trust has been save it from predatory developers established. All that remains now is (the value of the site for development to raise the estimated £2 million cost has been estimated at £8 million). of converting the site! It could take five years to fully EPS has sent a donation on behalf of develop the site, which will include its members, and anybody who short nature trails through would like to make either practical or woodlands, marshland and financial contributions can visit their meadows; school field trips will be website at www.woodcroft.org.uk or encouraged. The site off Broad Walk. telephone 0870 950 3842.

for a local football club being Fighting for green spaces transformed into an all-seater stadium for a professional football club - Barnet Football Club. These and local amenities proposals remain a threat to the local The following item is extracted from an There are also plans to close down environment. The Bull, a former high street pub article that appeared in the Winter 2005 Town centre concern converted into a popular theatre edition of newsforum, published by the Another big concern is the state of school and arts venue, to avoid London Forum of Amenity and Civic Barnet town centre, and in particular "unnecessary duplication" with the Societies. Barnet High Street. The plethora of Council's expensively-built Arts Barnet is as old town, as its 800- banks, building societies and fast- Depot at Finchley. years-old chartered market indicates, food takeaways is compounded by and owes its status to its position How it all began the increasing number of ugly and astride the old Great North Road, Sixty years ago, in the post-war drive inappropriate shop fascias which has providing a staging post for coaches for extra housing, developers were become worse since the opening of and riders on their way to and from buying up land in the countryside the "impermeable" Shires shopping London. between Barnet town and suburbs to centre. Barnet the town and its immediate the south. The society's founders Barnet's ancient market, originally surroundings, as distinct from the were determined to preserve a green for cattle and now the home to retail London Borough of Barnet, is strictly breathing space and campaigned stalls, has been sold for speaking Chipping Barnet strongly. "redevelopment". The plans have ('chipping' meaning 'market'), and it They were delighted when a large received planning consent and is this area which the Barnet Society area of countryside, including land include an area for a market, but this seeks to defend and improve. along the valley of Dollis Brook, was is unlikely to have the character of This is often an uphill task, as designated as Green Belt. Though the existing market; small council officers of the Borough of this affords some protection, the stallholders for commodities like Barnet (based in Finchley) can seem designation has loopholes such as 'fruit and veg' are unlikely to be able unsympathetic to the needs and use for sports and recreational to afford the high rents. wishes of the town. activities. So there is much for the Barnet For example, the impending closure Those who devised the Green Belt Society to worry about, but then all was recently announced of the policy half-a-century ago did not civic societies - and EPS is no exception magistrate's court and registry office. anticipate the possibility of a pitch - are facing similar problems. 3 Wednesday 5th April Wednesday 3rd May Meet 10.21am at St Margaret's Meet 11.00am at Hammersmith Tube Future Walks Station (9.46am train from Southbury Station (by entrance to Tesco) for 6 to Note: Train details given below are Station, change at for 7 mile circular walk via River correct at press date but EPS cannot 10.10am train) for 2.5 to 3 hour Thames, nature reserve, Barnes accept responsibility for last minute circular walk in Lea Valley. Leader: Common and Chiswick House. changes. Please always check. For Brian Frear. Return to start by 4.00pm. Bring overground train enquiries/times lunch or food available. Leader: Sunday 9th April telephone 08457 48 49 50; for London Norman Coles. Underground / DLR and bus details Meet 10.30am at The Arkley P.H., telephone 020 7222 1234. Barnet (307 bus) for about 9.5 mile Saturday 13th May linear walk via Shenley to Elstree, Reduced price train travel: If three or Meet 10.30am at The White Hart returning to Arkley by 107 bus. PH., South Mimms (either 10.18am four adults travel together on WAGN or Shorter option of 5.25 miles. Bring One railways, ask for Groupsave Cheap 84 bus or 10.22am 398 bus from lunch or pub food probably Potters Bar Station) for about 9.5 mile Day Return tickets. These allow three or available. Leader: Stuart Mills. four adults to travel together for the price circular walk via London Colney and of two adults. Even for travel to the start Monday 17th April Watling Chase. Shorter option of of linear walks, Groupsave Day Return Meet 11.04am at Royston Station or about 4 miles. Bring lunch or pub tickets are normally cheaper than buying 11.15am at Royston bus station for food probably available. Leader: a standard price single. car drivers (bus station is next to The Stuart Mills. Wednesday 22nd February Warren long-stay car park as you Wednesday 17th May City of London and Clothworkers enter Royston from the south on Meet 10.25am at Cheshunt Station Hall Visit (details as per last A10). By train either 9.49am train (10.16am train from Southbury newsletter). At time of going to press from , changing at Station) for 2.5 hour circular walk via some places were still available. Stevenage, or direct train at 10.11am River Lea and Cornmill Meadows. Please contact Brian on 020 8360 5593 from Finsbury Park or 10.21am from Option to end at coffee break. Leader: to establish if these remain. Leader: Potters Bar Stations. The walk will Brenda Brown. Brian Pask. cover contrasting landscape scenery and villages. Bring lunch or pub Sunday 21st May Saturday 25th February food probably available. Enquiries Date reserved for possible coach walk. Meet 10.24am at Station 020 8360 0282. Leader: Roy Nicholls. Details will be available on walks. (10.19am train from Enfield Chase) for 9 to 9.5 mile circular walk with a Wednesday 19th April Saturday 27th May lunch stop at Northaw. Shorter London Visit. Meet 10.10am by Meet 2.33pm at Potters Bar Station options of 5 or 6.5 miles or join the entrance to Platform 1, Liverpool (313 bus from Enfield) for about 3 group in Northaw by 1.30pm for the Street mainline station to discover hour circular walk via Water End and return walk of 4.5 miles. Leader: Colin more of London's story and visit North Mymms. Leader: Ken Cooper. ancient city churches including St Adams. Monday 29th May Giles Cripplegate or St Mary Meet 10.46am at Amersham Station Wednesday 8th March Aldermary, All Hallows and St (9.40am or 10.00am Metropolitan Meet 10.20am at Chingford Station Dunstans in the East. Bring lunch or (313 bus terminus) for about 2.5 hour food available. Line trains from Baker Street) for circular walk in Epping Forest. Leader: Brian Pask. scenic circular walk in Misbourne Leader: Norman Coles. Valley and environs with lunch stop Saturday 29th April in the pretty village of Chalfont St Saturday 11th March Meet 2.30pm at front door of Forty Giles. Bring lunch or food probably Meet 10.25am at Watton-at-Stone Hall mansion for about 3 hour available. Leader: Christine Fookes. Station (9.49am train from Enfield circular walk in Enfield's Wednesday 31st May Chase) for 7.5 to 8.5 mile circular countryside. Leader: Monica Smith. walk in mid-Herts. Bring lunch or Meet 10.26am at Crews Hill Station pub food probably available. Leader: Monday 1st May (10.21am train from Enfield Chase) Brian Wragg. Meet 10.42am at Chingford Station for 6.5 mile linear walk via Northaw (313 bus terminus) for 8 to 9 mile ending at New Cottage Farm for Wednesday 22nd March circular walk in Epping Forest in return to Enfield by 313 bus. Shorter Meet 10.20am at Village Springtime. Bring lunch or pub food options of 3 or 4.25 miles. Bring (at 121 bus terminus) for about 2.75 probably available. lunch or pub food available. hour circular walk via Lea Valley Leader: Colin Adams. Leaders: Carol Cope & Kinu Ohki. Park, newly-opened Gunpowder Park, Waltham Abbey and River Lea. Water hazard! Leader: Ray Moss. Walkers at Arkley and Saturday 25th March Totteridge in London Visit. Meet 10.25am by January chose entrance to Platform 1, Liverpool to bypass the Street mainline station, to explore water jump. ancient City churches and hear the story of London, including All Hallows by the Tower, Leadenhall Market, St Dunstans in the East tower and gardens, St Bartholomew the Less and St Dunstans in the West. Bring lunch or food available. Details 8360 5593. Leader: Brian Pask. The President's Column

Another alternative name for EPS Chase Farm proposals aspect of our life, has been put forward for members to Words are also important in but as a consider. How about The Enfield determining the role of EPS and registered Association or The Enfield Civic where we stray outside it. We come charity we have Association, after the example of The within the category of 'amenity to be careful to Pinner Association? I am informed it society' and one of our aims is "to keep within the strict bounds of our is a society very similar to ours. preserve and improve the amenities terms of reference. Many members Obviously actions are more of Enfield". But what is an amenity will have joined the protest march at important than words, but words do in our context? Chase Farm, as I did, but strength of colour reactions and the sort of This question was prompted by a feeling cannot allow us to stray comment we hear all too often is that long debate at the last Management outside what the Charity the Enfield Preservation Society Committee meeting about whether Commission would consider our always opposes everything. the Society would be correct in legitimate interests. Guided by our Unfortunately there are quite a lot of making representations about the member with direct experience of the things that need to be opposed, but I current threat to the A&E Unit at Commission, Peter Mackey, the think our record over 70 years is Chase Farm Hospital, an undoubted Committee reluctantly agreed we essentially one of positive amenity for the residents of Enfield. could not make representations on achievement, thanks to the hard The meaning of the word could be behalf of the Society. work of so many members. expanded to encompass almost any Chris Jephcott.

28th March Meetings Bhutan - a Mountain Kingdom. A New members talk, with slides, by Anne Johnson. We warmly welcome the following JUBILEE HALL MEETINGS 25th April new members: Jubilee Hall, close to the junction of How I became a Reel Old Sew and Miss D. Bryans; Mrs P. Chesterman; Parsonage Lane and , is a Sew. A talk, which is great fun, by Mr K. Day; Mrs I. Gristwood; great place to meet friends (old or Brenda Harley. Mr M. Hankin; Mrs E. Lack; Ms new) and listen to interesting talks S.Lancaster; Mr A. Lawson; Mr 30th May before chatting over refreshments. R.Martin; Mrs C.Matthews; Miss Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. J.Peters; Mr R.Riley; Mr & Mrs Thursday evenings (7.30 for 8 pm) A demonstration by Don Alvarez. R. Scrivener; Ms. C. Walling. 16th February 27th June From Pepys to Dickens: In the Enfield Past. A talk, with slides, by Footsteps of the Famous round High Stephen Sellick. Volunteers needed Barnet. A talk, with slides, by Paul We are looking for members who live Baker. within a few minutes drive of Jubilee Diary Dates Hall to be keyholders. This involves 16th March being available at a pre-arranged Alderman Thomas Sidney (1805- March 10th time for a hirer of the hall to call and 1889). A talk, with slides, by Rachael EPS 70th Birthday Supper. See page pick up the keys and then drop them Macdonald, about the last incumbent one for details. back after a meeting. of Bowes Manor. Until 26th March. An exhibition In Our current keyholders have been April (Easter week) - no meeting. Search of Suburbia at the Museum of doing a great job, and are really Design and Architecture, Middlesex appreciated, but it would make their 18th May lives easier if more people could University, Cat Hill campus, Tuesday The Hospitallers and Templars in the help. to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Enfield Area. A talk by Pamela Willis. Please contact Jubilee Hall (the joint meeting with Edmonton Hundred Sunday 2 to 5 pm. Admission free. telephone number is on the back Historical Society. April to October. An exhibition page) and leave a message on the June, no meeting (AGM on June 13th). What's for Dinner - half a century of answering machine if you feel you may be able to assist in this way. 20th July eating habits in Britain at the Museum of Design and Architecture (opening Travelling Theatre - The Murder of times as previous item above). Dickens. A dramatic production by The text of even the 'best laid' Geoff Hales. June l0th-llth. Open Garden newsletters can 'gang aft a-gley'. August, no meeting. Squares Weekend. This year it is In our last issue we published a planned to extend the scheme to Correction to a previous item, 21st September (details in a later but unfortunately compounded China - the Dragon Awakes. A talk, issue of EPS News). the previous error. For the record, with slides, by Stephen Gilburt. John Pryor is Director of June 13th. EPS Annual General Environment, Street Scene and Tuesday mornings (10 for 10.30 am) Meeting at the Carmel Centre, with a Parks, London Borough of talk on Enfield Archaeological 28th February Enfield; the Chief Executive is Society's research at Elsynge Palace. The Vikings: Farmers, Traders or Rob Leak. Our apologies to all Looters? A talk, with slides, by September 9th-10th. Autumn Show, concerned. Stephen Gilburt. Town Park. 5 Tingcombe experienced sorrow as One man's tribute to well as success. One of his greatest regrets was that two nephews (one of whom had been with him some 21 Enfield, in Devonshire years, and whom he thought would The following interesting story has been submitted by Mrs Valerie A. take over the business) were both Kimsey, of Camelford in Devonshire, a former Enfield resident, who is to be killed in the First World War. congratulated on her painstaking research. The lifestyle described has a Also, his wife Mary died in 1917, nostalgic Dickensian feel, and reflects an attitude to civic responsibility now aged 54. They had one adopted sadly rather rare. daughter, Dorothy. She was last heard of about 1950, living in Malta. Having moved to Lewdown, Devon, salesman in the department. His Three years after losing Mary, he re• at the end of October 2003, after salary, which included living-in, was married. This was to his chief being born and bred and having £20. Within seven years, he became milliner, Nellie. They lived at lived in Enfield, Middlesex, until third salesman. He was very 4 Graeme Road, Enfield, close to the then, my curiosity was stirred on dedicated to his job, never leaving business. seeing an article in the Cornish & until everything was quite finished. Albert Tingcombe suffered from Devon Post regarding the renovation After seven years, Albert diabetes. With his health failing and of Enfield Park at Camelford. Tingcombe was given a position his business affected by the I decided to write to the Post and which included travelling for the introduction of trams running from ask why the park was so called. They firm, twice a year, for a period of six central London terminating in what published my letter, and I received a to seven weeks. During this time he is now Enfield Town Centre, in 1920 telephone call and letter from a Mr received a good salary, which he he decided to sell his business and M. W. Mills of Delabole, with which saved to start his own business. He return to Camelford. were enclosed photocopies of even took a second job at serving in a He was a man who had been a newspaper articles printed in retail shop on Saturday evenings to noted athlete. For example, he ran 1922/23. This began calls and earn extra money and to gain extra one Sunday morning, with others, correspondence between Mr. Mills experience. from Camelford to Launceston and and myself over the following He decided to leave Cooks to set up back -16 miles each way. Apparently months. on his own, although the heads of the he also won several prizes for As I am still a member of the firm endeavoured to dissuade him. running in London. Enfield Preservation Society in He was so well thought of that the In 1893 he had a series of articles Enfield, I contacted them, in turn, for firm presented him with a tea and published in a leading religious information. Now, after eight months coffee service after 11 years of weekly, entitled How to make a living of research, the following story employment; normally this was only in London. He also advised his emerged. given to employees of 25 years' young assistants to be strictly service. teetotal, to be cheerful and willing in Apprentice draper In 1892, he acquired a shop in Baker whatever they undertook, to live A Mr Albert Carew Tingcombe was Street, Enfield, and began trading on well within their income and take born in 1860. He served his his own account. Here he prospered every means possible to improve apprenticeship in a drapery with a beyond his expectations, and his one their education. Mr W. H. Hayne; apparently, he was shop soon expanded to five. He Some years later the British Weekly one of the best apprentices Mr Hayne began with three assistants, and published a series of articles on ever employed. ended with 26 over a period of 28 tradesmen who had been successful, In 1880, Albert Tingcombe decided years. and Albert Tingcombe was one of to go to London to find employment Sadly, during this time Albert those selected to be interviewed. He in one of the great wholesale warehouses. He applied to over 40 shops around the city, and finally was taken on at £15 a year, to include board and lodging, by a draper in Shoreditch. After a month's employment, he received a rise of £6. He stayed in that job for only three months, having set his heart on entering a wholesale warehouse. He then spent six months with a wholesale firm in Cheapside but again left, taking up employment with one of the largest warehouses in the City, called Cooks, at St. Paul's Churchyard. This particular company employed a large contingent of Cornishmen. Work was very hard. In the busy season he worked from 8.30am until 10 or 11pm. His duties comprised collecting goods purchased and carrying them down 80 or 90 stairs to be packed and despatched. After some time he became fifth Alfred Tingecombe's drapers shop in Baker Street, Enfield maintained an excellent reputation throughout his business career. Our June coach trip On his return to Camelford in 1920, goes North having had a prosperous career, he For the past two years our annual purchased a field which he intended trips have been to the south of to lay out as a park and pleasure Enfield, so it is meet that we change ground for the use of the residents of direction and head north this year, if Camelford. He had a vision of only to avoid the traffic on M25! running tracks, tennis courts, a On Sunday 4th June we shall visit bowling green and, for the children, Holkham Hall at Wells-next-the-Sea, a swimming pond (as it was then Norfolk. Holkham Hall has been the called). home of the Coke family and the The park was officially opened in Earls of Leicester for nearly 250 years. August 1922. He named it Enfield It was built between 1734 and 1754 Alfred Tingecombe with his wife Nellie Park because of his business success by Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester, (left) and other family members (?) in "one of the most beautiful spots based on a design by William Kent, around London". Apparently the Albert Tingcombe's business was and is a fine example of 18th century opening ceremony was the largest taken over and ran as a general Palladian style, constructed mainly of function since the Coronation (1911) drapers, milliners and children's' yellow brick with a magnificent owing to free tea being given to outfitters at 165/173 Baker Street, Entrance Hall of English alabaster. children, and the large attendance at Enfield. As far as I can ascertain, this The State Rooms on the first floor a public tea. was latterly trading as Enfield contain both Greek and Roman Commemorative medals were Trading Co. and was still a draper's statuary and paintings by Rubens, struck for the occasion, and given to shop until it was demolished in 1973, Van Dyke, Claude, Poussin and all children attending schools in when a small development of Anchor Gainsborough as well as original Camelford and all others under 14 Housing warden-controlled flats was furniture. years of age residing in the parish of built, which still remains today. The House is set in a 3,000 acre Lanteglos. The front of the medal park, which has 600 head of fallow bore the borough crest -a camel Serious floods deer; on the mile-long lake are many crossing a ford - with the words "For In June 1958, the trusteeship of species of wildfowl. Rest and Recreation, No Laedamus" Enfield Park passed from the Trust to Two walks encircle the lake and (do not damage it). On the reverse Camelford Parish Council. The park agricultural buildings. Together with was inscribed "In commemoration of suffered two serious floods, in 1950 the Holkham Bygones Collection, the gift of Enfield Park to Camelford and 1958, which resulted in the with some 4,000 items of farming by Albert Carew Tingcombe, August reconstruction of the Park Entrance equipment housed in 19th century 1922". and Bridge. However, the archway stables, and an exhibition entitled A silver casket was presented to Mr over the gates was not reconstructed History of Farming in the former & Mrs Tingcombe inscribed "From for some 20 years, when it was Porter's Lodge, there is much of Camelford Town Trust to Mr & Mrs discovered half-buried in the back of interest to be seen during our visit. a private garage. It was re-acquired Tingcombe, in appreciation of the We shall leave Holkham Hall at and renovated by Mr. Harold Lane, Gift of Enfield Park". 5.00pm and hope to persuade our and re-erected in October 1991. coach driver to journey home via Extension to park The Park was then 70 years old, and A further extension to the park (the Wells-next-the-Sea to perhaps have a a re-dedication ceremony was held on breath of North Sea air. field adjoining) was also given by August 22nd. On that day a plaque Albert Tingcombe; this opened in The cost of the trip is £21.50 per was unveiled by Mr Tingcombe's person which covers entry to June 1923. He was unable to attend niece, Mrs Blanche Heard. Councillor the festivities in connection with this Holkham Hall, coach and driver's Graham Eustance, at that time Leader gratuity. We leave from Ridge latter event, as a few days before he of Enfield Borough Council, also had travelled to London to seek the Avenue, Winchmore Hill N21 at the attended. Since then further junction with Bush Hill Road at 8.15 advice of a specialist; subsequently renovation has taken place. am and Cecil Road, Enfield at 8.45am. his leg was amputated in a nursing The name Tingcombe had been When booking please enclose a home. entered into the registers and records He returned to his home, Penlea, in cheque payable to EPS and send it to of the ancient town of Camelford for J.R. Deamer, 32 The Orchard, Camelford on a Tuesday, and passed more than three hundred years. Winchmore Hill, N21 2DH. Please away the following Saturday, aged Although families die out, the name note that bookings are confirmed 62. of Albert Carew Tingcombe will ONLY if a sae is also enclosed. Some His brother Joe, two years his always be remembered by the people members book simply enclosing a senior, lived in Wood Green, London. of Camelford as a man of great note of their name with no address He had attended the June park public worth. details - really not a wise move! opening celebration, but was I have found it most interesting and Jim Deamer. suddenly taken ill. Fortunately he rewarding to research Enfield Park recovered and returned to London. and I am hoping that the people of CONGRATULATIONS to EPS He saw his brother Albert onto the Enfield will find it of interest. member Nancy Tait MBE who train at Waterloo on the Tuesday, but I must express my utmost thanks to received, in December, the sadly also died unexpectedly on the Mr Wes Mills, Dr Leonard Will, prestigious Lifetime Achievement following Friday so, tragically, the Enfield Preservation Society Award from the Institution of brothers died on successive days. Research Group, Mr John Andrew, Occupational Health for her Both were buried on the same day. and the wife of Mr Harold Lane, for research into mesothelioma, which Mrs Tingcombe died in 1950 after without their help this article would is caused by asbestos fibres. falling and breaking her arm. not have been possible. 7 Hon. Secretary Stephen Hoye Hon. Treasurer David James Office 2 Parsonage Lane, Enfield, Middlesex EN2 0AJ. Telephone 020 8363 9495 When there is nobody in the office, messages left on the Answerphone will be dealt with as promptly as possible. Website: www.enfieldpressoc.org.uk Helplines For information on EPS activities or to report matters you think need investigation or action, please contact the appropriate A stroll through Metroland person below: The 1930s saw a rapid expansion of interest on the reverse. Each walk Architecture and Planning suburban housing in the area from takes in private and Council houses John Davies to . MoDA and flats, public buildings and open Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings, (The Museum of Domestic Design & spaces; each starts and finishes at an Green Belt Architecture) at Middlesex Underground station. Chris Jephcott University Cat Hill campus has They cost £1.99 each or £5.00 for all Coach Outings produced three Guided Walks three. They may be obtained from (Jim Deamer) through the area: Arnos Grove to MoDA, Middlesex University, Cat Footpaths and Walks Southgate; Southgate to Oakwood; Hill, Barnet, Herts EN4 8HT, (Shirley Cotton) and Oakwood to Cockfosters. telephone 020 8411 6639, or may be Historic Buildings Group These take the form of pocket-sized ordered online at (Stephen Gilburt) folding maps, with details of www.mupress.co.uk. Jubilee Hall Bookings architectural, historical and local (Pat Keeble) Membership insists on the protection of this site, (Pat Atkins) Trees Group which is a Scheduled Ancient Records and Research Monument. (Leonard Will) There is therefore a conflict between Trees Digging into the past preserving the foundations of an (Mike Gadd) ancient palace, the remains of which at Forty Hall will probably stay buried for Management Committee Sir Nicholas Rainton, who completed evermore, and restoring the integrity Pat Atkins, John Davies, Beryl the building of Forty Hall in 1633, of an important and historic 17th Dorrington, Mike Gadd, Stephen died in 1646; ownership of the house century lime avenue which would passed to his great-nephew, also remain visible indefinitely. Gilburt, Stephen Hoye, David Nicholas Rainton. James, Tony Langston, Janet It is likely to be some time before an About ten years later he purchased acceptable compromise is reached. McQueen, Peter Mackey, Stuart land to the north of Forty Hall which Colin Pointer. Mills, Pam Pemberton, Peter included the deteriorating remains of Perryman, Colin Pointer, Monica Elsyng Palace. Before the end of the Nursery not Smith, Stanley Smith, Leonard Will. century, a splendid double avenue of President lime trees had been planted in the ready yet Dr. C.J.A. Jephcott, parkland, on both sides of Turkey In previous issues of EPS News we Brook, stretching down from the invited members to donate young Vice-Presidents House to Bulls Cross. trees to a 'nursery' area where we Mr A.J. Skilton, Mr D. Pam, Inevitably, as the years passed many would nurture them until they were Mr S.R. Smith, Mr W.T. Woodfield, of the trees succumbed to disease or of a sufficient size to be planted in Mrs P. Lowen, Lord Graham of other malign influences, and the Enfield's streets and parks. Edmonton, Mr J.W.E. Jackson, JP, grand design was lost to succeeding Enfield Council kindly made Mr M. Saunders MBE, generations. EPS was therefore available a suitable area, but as this Mr C. Pointer. pleased to accept an invitation from had been derelict for some years, the Newsletter Editor the Friends of Forty Hall Park to brambles which had colonised the Mike Gadd, 143 Chase Side, contribute to the cost of restoring the area had established substantial original avenue, and undertook to Enfield, Middlesex EN2 0PN. roots, and some mechanical deep- pay for 40 rubus-type specimens. digging is required before we can [email protected] However, it emerged that the usefully start planting. Enfield Preservation Society. planting and replanting of some of We are assured this will happen Registered in as a limited the trees would impinge on the very shortly, after which I will company no. 312134. buried remains of Elsynge. Whilst contact the people who have offered Registered Charity no. 276451. this may not have bothered Nicholas young trees and collect them if they Rainton very much in the 17th are still available. My apologies for Printed by Studio Projects Ltd century, today English Heritage the delay. Mike Gadd. 8