Welcome

This week we've got some great local book club picks for you.

Plus a cool photography competition, a new Greek cafe in High Barnet and the lowdown on Tally Ho.

And if you're still looking for the email address for last week's mention of Swim Farmhouse N3 for little kid swimming lessons, it's here lucy@showcaseartists.co.uk.

📚 Get Reading: 5 Local Book Clubs

Book clubs have evolved. But there is something still lovely and traditional about getting together to appreciate literature.

Here are 5 local book groups to check out:

1: The WI Book Club

The Finchley Women’s Institute has been running since 2009. This book club invites local women to connect through monthly gatherings at Mary's house.

Upcoming reads include The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (Thursday 29th August), and The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See (Thursday 26th September).

More details here.

2: Emily’s Walking Book Club

Emily’s club takes the conversation outdoors, combining a love for literature with the natural beauty of Hampstead Heath.

It's a moving discussion - literally - where the rhythm of walking fuels a stress-free exchange of ideas.

The group meets monthly and operates on a pay-what-you-can basis.

Details on upcoming walks here.

3: AgeUK Barnet’s Online Book Club

Catering to over 55s, this free online book club is perfect for those who find it difficult to attend in-person meetings.

The club delves into mysteries like Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced. It also offers friendship and engagement from the comfort of home.

Interested parties can email barnetbookclub@gmail.com for more information.

4: Crime Fiction Book Club

Located in Muswell Hill, this niche club satisfies the appetites of crime fiction afficionados.

Limited to about a dozen members, it provides an intimate setting for dissecting complex crime narratives from around the globe.

New members are encouraged to apply.

5: The Silent Book Club

This club offers a unique twist - no assigned books, just quiet camaraderie.

Members meet online to enjoy reading in peaceful silence, with no pressure to discuss or review.

It’s the perfect option for introverts looking to enjoy books in the company of others without the obligation of social interaction.

More info here.

Whether you’re a lifelong bibliophile or a casual reader, there’s a local group waiting for you. 📚

Events

KIDS

Tuesday 20th August

Thursday 22nd August

OLDER PEOPLE

Tuesday 27th August

Jazzane | Tue, Aug. 27 | 1:45 pm to 3:00 pm | Ann Owens Centre, N2 8LT | Free | MUSICAL MEMORIES – a new show by Jazzanne Arts. A fun singing and dancing performance with reminiscence conversations about schooldays, friendship, courting and more. | Contact Helen Nicolaou on helen.nicolaou@ageukbarnet.org.uk or call her on 07384 466840.

Monday 27th August

Spanish Classes - Age UK | Mon, Sep. 02 | 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm | East Finchley Library, 226 High Road N2 9BB | £80 for 10 sessions | Looking to learn a new language? Whether you’re a complete beginner or already have some knowledge, there is a perfect class for you. Beginners Spanish - this class is geared to help you build a strong foundation in the language. Improvers classes available once your ready to move up. | Helen Nicolaou on helen.nicolaou@ageukbarnet.org.uk

ARTS

Wednesday 4th September

Ann Wroe at Keats Community Library | Wed, Sep. 04 | 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm | Keats Community Library NW3 2RR | £12 | Ann Wroe, the Obituaries Editor of the Economist, has written a weekly obituary for two decades transforming the format from a factual tribute to the deceased to a celebration of life. She seeks out not only the famous, but the everyday people who have made a difference to those around them. Find out how she chooses them and what she has learned.

MUSIC

Thursday 29th August

The Jive Aces | Thu, Aug. 29 | to 7:30 pm | Upstairs at the Gatehouse, N6 4BD | £22 | The Jive Aces, renowned for their high-energy swinging music and spectacular live show are back with an evening with the UK's No.1 Jive & Swing band! The Jive Aces strive to spread smiles and cheer with their swinging music and classic vintage style from crooning smooth ballads to blasting honking rhythm and blues.

COMMUNITY

Tuesday 20th August

Paws For Coffee At The QW Cafe | Tue, Aug. 20 | 11:00 am to 4:00 pm | Queen's Wood, Muswell Hill, N10 3JP | Free | Dog owners, come to the cafe to meet the exhibiting artist Maha Satish. As a part of her painting series exploring the deep bond between humans and their dogs, Maha is working on a book of sketches of dogs in Queens Wood Cafe. If you are interested in including your dog, meet Maha at the café, she’ll take some pictures and learn about your dog.

Saturday 24th August

Community Party On The Green | Sat, Aug. 24 | 11:00 am to 3:00 pm | Barnet Church Green EN5 4BW | Free | Come along and join the fun on the annual PARTY ON THE GREEN! Free community fun day for all the family. St John the Baptist Church TOWER is open for you to enjoy amazing views from the highest point between London and York! Listen music bands, Jump on the bouncy castle, Enjoy Pimm’s, Tea & Homemade Cakes, Try your luck with Tombola and Raffle and BBQ from 12-2pm

Wednesday 28th August

Head Room Cafe's Open Mic Night | Wed, Aug. 28 | 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm | 89 Golders Green Road NW11 8EN | TBD | Calling all writers, poets, and musicians! Come along to Head Room café’s Open Mic Night on Wednesday 28 August. Email karen.conway@jamiuk.org by August 22nd to book your spot.

THEATRE

Thursday 22d August

The Other Side Comedy Club | Thu, Aug. 22 | 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm | The Roebuck, 15 Pond Street. Hampstead Heath NW3 2PN | £1 | Step into the world of comedy with The Other Side. With a diverse lineup of 12 acts and only for £1, this event promises to tickle your funny bone and have you laughing all night long. Don't miss out on this hilarious comedy extravaganza!

NATURE

Saturday 24th August

Nature Interpretation Centre Open Afternoon | Sat, Aug. 24 | 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm | Heath Hands, The Dairy, Kenwoood House, NW3 7JN | Free | Come Visit Heath Hands Nature interpretation Centre at the Dairy in Kenwood and enjoy the displays as well as learn about the flora outside the Dairy.

Saturday 31st August

Pick Your Own Flowers on the GROW Farm | Sat, Aug. 31 | 10:00 am to 2:00 pm | GROW Farm at The Totteridge Academy | FREE | Now is the most beautiful flower season; the beds are teeming with Dahlias, Snapdragons, Comsos, Sunflowers, Cornflowers, Daucus, Godetias & Malopes, waiting for you. All equipment provided, prices start from £3 a jar. Meet Farm Manager Chris and the team and learn why flowers are so important to our ecosystem. Also a very mindful activity, if you're thinking of rolling solo. | No need to book; just turn up!

Events - Book Ahead

Sunday 22 September

Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers | Sun, Sep. 22 | 11:00 am to 11:50 am | 5 Nether Street, N12 0GA | £12 | All around the world Roald Dahlʼs words are disappearing, not only from books but children’s minds too! Now only a secret organisation known as the Ancient Guild of TaleTenders can save the stories – and they need your help… Get Lost and Found and The Roald Dahl Story Company presents Roald Dahl and Imagination Seekers. For ages 5 and up.

Sunday 29 September

Bye Bye Baby 2024 | Sun, Sep. 29 | 7:30 pm | Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, N18 1PJ | £28.50 | Bye Bye Baby is a jaw-dropping tribute to the musical phenomenon ‘Jersey Boys’ and the timeless, iconic music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Incredible four part harmonies, roof raising falsetto and energetic and stylish choreography, all backed by their excellent 4-piece band. Includes over 30 of Valli’s greatest hits including Sherry, December ’63 (Oh What A Night), Grease, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Beggin’, Working My Way Back To You, and many more.

Sunday 13 October

You've Got A Friend | Sun, Oct. 13 | 8:00 pm | Waterlow Park Highgate Hill N6 5HG | £12 | You’ve Got A Friend’ is a celebration of the music of two iconic songwriters and performers, Carole King and James Taylor. Join Rebecca Turner, Michael Goulding, Tony Hammond and Howard Tibble as they take you on a journey of their music and greatest hits, complemented by backstage stories and anecdotes.

Local Lowdown

Nature

The final Creative Nature Series workshop took place in Albert Place last Sunday. A collaboration between Finchley Central Town Centre, Finchley Pollinator Project and Young Artist Society the workshops focused on biodiversity, sustainability, and pollinators, and produced a vibrant pavement mural and refreshed planters. Now the community is encouraged to help maintain and use the space.

Competition

Picture Perfect. Heath Hands is hosting two photo competitions, closing date 25 August. Adults winning image will be featured in the official '25 Hampstead Heath calendar. Young people winners and runners-up win cash prizes. Shortlisted entries exhibited in late 2024. Check website for T&Cs and get snapping.

Art

Owl art. North London Hospice and Wild in Art have launched the "Big Fun Art Adventure," featuring over 30 giant owl sculptures and 30 smaller owlets. The eight-week trail across North London celebrates local creativity and culminates in an auction to support the hospice. Check out the trail and download the app. Tw-it, to-oo.

Coffee

New Greek café / bakery in the shops by High Barnet Tube Station. Coffee Heaven has seating inside and outside. Open 5:30am-9pm Mon-Sat, 7am-8pm Sun. Initial reviews are positive: “The staff are very sweet and welcoming, and encourage a nice environment. The pastries are amazing and very well priced.”

Buses

Have your say. The A1000 Barnet High Street scheme aims to improve bus journey times for several routes by implementing new bus lanes. These will operate Monday to Saturday, with adjusted parking and loading times. Public feedback is welcomed, consultation closing on 17 September 2024. Heated debate abounds.

Finchley History: Tally Ho Corner

Tally Ho Corner is one of those places in Finchley that sounds like it should come with a story.

And it does - kind of.

This spot in North Finchley, where Ballards Lane meets the High Road, gets its name from the Tally Ho Coaching Company, which allegedly operated in the 1820s and 30s.

According to local lore, the company kept stables here for the first horse change on the long coach journey from London to Birmingham.

However, whether this company really existed remains a bit of a mystery.

A 2014 exhibition by artsdepot suggested it might all be an urban myth.

Despite the foggy history, Tally Ho Corner has maintained its charm.

The Tally Ho pub, built in 1927, still stands on the corner, a nod to the area’s past.

So next time you’re at Tally Ho Corner, remember, you’re standing in a place where history and folklore intertwine.

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Editors' Note - From Tessa

The Davis Family have ventured up to the very North of Scotland this week.

We are spending the week in the Harbour House right on the coast of the North Sea in Keiss.

This is the view from our kitchen window:

The Scottish Highlands are spectacular.

Got our own bouquet of heather.

And we've listened to lots of the Proclaimers and Rod Stewart.

Also, let us know about local events or local news. We curate our content to keep it a 5-minute read, so can't include everything we're sent.

You can now get a guaranteed (paid) listing for local events or local lowdown/news items.

And email us with any projects or ideas you'd like us to write about.

Tessa Davis

Sasha Frieze

Finchley Now

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