Well it all went pretty well. The weather conspired to cause problems with a few showers, but people stayed around and enjoyed carols, singing and a great group of sax players. The mulled wine was popular and Santa was almost mobbed. I would like to say a big thank you to all those who helped make it happen. These events take a lot of organising.

If you are in High Barnet on Sunday evening then why not come along to Ravenscroft Gardens on Wood Street and join in with the Friends of Ravenscroft Gardens Festive celebration. There will be community carol singing, music and refreshments and Santa. Admission is free although donations are welcome. Any money raised will be spent on the Gardens. It all starts at 5pm and finishes at 7pm.

Well there’s a first time for everything. I was told by a friend who really is a bit of a train spotter that Sir Nigel Gresley was coming through New Barnet this afternoon so I took the opportunity to go down and take a picture. There were a few hardy souls waiting and it wasn’t long before the train steamed through at quite a pace. I wonder if someone will be taking pictures of the trains that currently use the line in 50 years time and feeling slightly nostalgic.

Last night at the Area Forum we were ‘treated’ to two presentations. The First by the deputy leader of the Council Cllr Lynne Hillan on the forthcoming budget and the second by an officer on the new Local Development framework.
Cllr Hillan did her best to outline the issues, i.e. less money from central government and growing demand for services.  What was not clear was what would be sacrificed to square the circle or what the priorities of the Council would be. This was neatly sidestepped by moving onto the consultation …

Tonight is the Chipping Barnet Area Forum which is being held at Chipping Barnet Library. If you are going along I’ll see you there.