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Enfield Society NewsNo. 200, Winter 2015

Plus ça change …

First illustrated issue,February 1965

As this is the 200th issue of our newsletter, we have selected someextracts from early issues of the 1960s, showing the topics the Societywas concerned about at that time. Some will seem very familiar, and thesame themes will be found in today’s pages. Our objectives have notchanged and we continue to work to conserve our heritage andenvironment. The first issue was a single folded sheet of duplicatedtypescript, and although we now have more dynamic and flexibleelectronic means of communication, such as our website and onlinediscussions, the printed page is still welcomed by many members. The lifeof the Society depends on members sharing their ideas and we encourageeveryone to express their views by whatever means they find effective andconvenient.

Leonard Will

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Conservation

Green BeltEnfield RoadFor a long while it has been known thatFairview New Homes has had an optionon the area of glebe land owned by theChurch of England to the south ofEnfield Road between Enfield Town andOakwood, should they gain permission todevelop this Green Belt land for housing.The developers have now come forwardwith proposals to build 300 dwellings onthe land, together with providing a sitefor an 8 form entry senior school with asixth form college. This would be a freeschool and the London Diocesan Boardand Wren Academy have been circulatinga prospectus. No planning application hasyet been made but local residents havereacted with alarm, setting up EnfieldRoadwatch, a coalition of residents andorganisations including thisSociety, working to preventthe development. At itsrecent review of local GreenBelt boundaries EnfieldCouncil strongly defendedthe Green Belt status of theland. Generally suchdecisions should not be setaside in response tosubsequent proposals madeby a private developer. It isclaimed the school wouldneed 5 hectares (12.4 acres).

South Lodge FarmFor some months passengerson the upper deck of the 307bus to Oakwood may havenoticed an unsightlycollection of vans on thisGreen Belt land in front of Trent Park.Following our enquiries a retrospectiveplanning application has been made forthe storage and distribution of vehicles.This will inevitably involve work on thevehicles, for which there are no properfacilities. The entrance with poor sightlines is dangerous for larger commercialvehicles seen using the site. The societyhas objected strongly to this unsightlyand unsuitable use in the Green Belt Areaof Special Character.

Trent ParkThe campus has now been sold toBerkley Homes, a volume house builder,with undertakings to restore the historicstructures. Anticipated meetings withEnfield Council have yet to take place. Itwould be possible to build residentialunits up to the number on the campuswhich would be demolished. Potentiallythis could be good news.

Cycle EnfieldThe consultation for the A105 GreenLanes section has now closed. There is agood deal of opposition to the perceivedloss of the passing trade due to thekerbside cycle lanes running through theshopping centres and the reduced on-street parking. I myself consider thewidespread the use of bus stop boarders,where passengers disembark directly intoa cycle lane, a dangerous expedient.The public consultation on the proposalsfor Enfield Town and Southbury Roadbegan on 25th September and will run for12 weeks until 18th December. EnfieldTown, after 2 years consultation, hasended up with the original bid scheme ora variant with all east-west bus routesrunning along Church Street and a central2-way cycle lane, as shown here.

Both involve 2-way traffic along CecilRoad, which has generated some localopposition. Other alternatives were notconsidered sufficiently transformationalto attract the TfL funds. North of EnfieldTown the cycle ways will continue alongSt. Andrews Road and Fir Tree walk tojoin the existing Greenway. AlongSouthbury Road kerbside cycle lanes willlead to a reduction of on-street parking.Another TfL funded scheme, whichseems likely to go ahead, is theconstruction of a Quietway from ChurchStreet along the east footpath of the NewRiver, which will be widened , surfacedwith resin-bound gravel and lit. Thehump-back, cast iron bridge at the SWcorner of the Town Park, identical withthe other four along the loop, which areListed, will be replaced and the route willthen share the current path through theBush Hill Park Golf Course withpedestrians and golfers crossing it up to

Carrs Lane and then to Bush Hill. Oursuggestion to use the virtually unusedeastern pavement along Old ParkAvenue, so avoiding the intrusion intothe quiet footpath with its wildlife besidethe New River Island, was not accepted,regrettably.

Enfield Town1/1A Cecil RoadNew proposals for these two propertieshave now been received but unfortunatelywe still find neither acceptable. In thecase of 1A Cecil Road new plans includethe redevelopment of the whole GreenfoxGarage but, at three storeys, we still findthe proposed flats too bulky. We thinkthey should not exceed two storeys tomatch the houses along Cecil Road. Inthe case of No.1 the intrusive rear dormer

overlooking the New Rivertowpath remains.

Market PlaceDespite reports to thecontrary, it seems thatMetrobank is still negotiatingwith the planners over a newshopfront and fascia for thecurrent Santander premisesfronting the Market Place.The Market relaunch looksup to now to have been asuccess. The all-white stallsgave rise to some commentbut the reason given is thatcoloured fabrics tried out didnot let through enough light.

Chris Jephcott

Newsletter contributionsContributions to the newsletter frommembers are most welcome.Contributors’ views may differ fromthose of the Management Committee,anonymous items are not publishedand we reserve the right to shorten oredit items before publication. Copycan be sent as an email attachment to<newsletter@enfieldsociety.org.uk>,but items on paper can also beaccepted. Contact the NewsletterEditor, Leonard Will, at the aboveemail address or by telephone at (020)8372 0092 if you have any questionsabout making a contribution. The copydate for the next issue is 15th January2016, and it will be published on 9thFebruary.

Leonard Will

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Heritage Walk No. 4: Enfield Lock hasnow been published. Like others in theseries, it guides you round the area,pointing out places of historic orarchitectural interest. It will be on sale atJubilee Hall meetings and at the specialSales Table opening on 5 December (seepage 4). Waterstones Bookshop and otheroutlets will also stock it.Packs of all Christmas cards are stillavailable: the 2015 pack of No. 1Gentleman’s Row costs £2.50 for fivecards (picture). Waterstones and somenewsagents in The Town will have theseon sale but not Pearsons this year. Packsof previous years’ cards (special price tomembers £1.25 for five cards) of HillyFields, Whitewebbs House and TheCrown and Horseshoes, are availablefrom the Enfield Society only, but severalplaces, including the main Post Office,will stock the popular £1 packs of fourdifferent view cards.The other new publication this year, “Atime of change”, volume four of theHistory of Enfield (£18.50), can make a

Sales table

suitable gift, especially for those whohave left the Enfield area. In anunsolicited testimonial a member living inNorfolk wrote: “I have read this book fromcover to cover and enjoyed every page. Itis of particular interest as I lived most ofthose years (1939-69) in Enfield. I think itis extremely well written in a way that isvery interesting, making the pages cometo life. The many photographs, many ofwhich I have not seen before, havearoused a great interest amongst friendswho visit us here”.All our publications can be ordered bypost but please add a contribution towardsp & p. This is £1 on orders up to £5, £2on £5-10, £3 on £10-£20 and £4 on anorder over £20. Send your order andcheque to Publications, The EnfieldSociety, 2 Parsonage Lane, EN2 0AJ.Alternatively, all can now be orderedonline from our website and paid for bydebit or credit card. We use PayPal toprocess payment cards for us but you donot need a PayPal account. This isconvenient for those who cannot visit thesales outlets in person and especially forthose living overseas as currencyconversions are taken care ofautomatically. This is the only way wecan accept payments by cards.

Monica Smith

1 Gentleman’s Row

My wife and I like to walk around HillyFields every week. It is near our home, andis one of the most attractive and interestingparks in the borough of Enfield. It wasgifted to the local community in the earlyyears of the twentieth century, and, as itsname suggests, consists of eight or ninefields stretching from the “hill” of PhippsHatch Lane and Lavender Hill cemeterydown to the Turkey Brook.Each of the fields is easily identifiable.Many of them have been planted withextra trees and bushes over the years, butwhat makes Hilly Fields quite exceptionalis the presence of many ancient oak treeswhich at regular intervals mark theoriginal field boundaries. I calculate theremust be about a hundred surviving oaktrees, most of them at least 200 years old.They look magnificent at any time of theyear. In summer they are resplendent intheir full foliage; in the autumn they areheavy with acorns; and in winter theirskeletal branches make amazing patternsagainst the sky.

Inevitably a few of these gentle giantscrash to the ground every year. Branchesare chopped up where necessary, but thelogs are left on site as a habitat for insectlife. The northern boundary is marked bythe Turkey Brook which meanders in aspectacular way through the park.The park is in constant use, with citizensexercising their dogs, and is an importantlink on the London Loop. Just below StLuke’s Church there is the restored andmuch-loved bandstand, a popular venuefor Summer concerts. In winter, afterheavy snow, the steep fields are attractivefor tobogganing.Enfield was once a rural village. There arefew remaining signs of the local fields andfarms that were once dotted around theparish. Hilly Fields is a precious relic ofthose early days and its splendid oak treesmust be amongst the oldest surviving treesin the borough. This is a very importantpart of our heritage and I trust will be herefor many more years to come.

David Nash

Hilly Fields Park

The Enfield Society Christmas cardshowing Hilly Fields in winter

Trees GroupThe Trees Group exists to promote theconservation and enhancement of thenatural environment in Enfield byencouraging tree planting and protectingexisting trees. This is one of the Society’skey aims.During the summer, the Trees Group hasremained active at the Society’sallotment. We have cleared ground fornew saplings to be planted in the autumnand carried out routine tasks such as grasscutting and pruning side branches toensure that the trees grow vertically.With winter approaching it is now time toplan the spring planting programme. TheSociety has over 100 saplings and about30 are ready for planting out. A numberof sites are being identified in

consultation with Enfield Council andFriends of Parks Groups, but we need todevelop a long term planting programme.If you know of any sites, other thanstreets, where young trees could beplanted, please let us know. We are alsolooking to diversify the number ofspecies that we are growing, should youhave any Beech, Rowan, Sweet Chestnutor Wild Cherry saplings in your gardenthat you do not want, please contact usand we will arrange to transplant them tothe allotment.If you are interested in helping theGroup, have spare saplings or have ideasfor tree planting, please contacttrees@enfieldsociety.org.uk

John West

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This list gives a selection offorthcoming events arranged byorganisations other than The EnfieldSociety. Other events and updates maybe found on our web site atwww.enfieldsociety.org.uk and on theEnfield Council site atwww.enfield.gov.uk/events/

2nd Wednesday of each month, 12.30-1.00pm, St Mary Magdalene Church,Windmill Hill Lunchtime music recital

Until 10 January 2016, DugdaleCentre. Just Married – 150 years ofEnfield weddings. An Enfield Museumexhibition. Open 9am- 5pm. Monday toSaturday, 10am-1pm Sunday. Free.

Friday 13th November 7.30 for 8pm,Jubilee Hall. Archaeology andconservation at the site of Aphrodisias,Turkey, by Val Munday, EAS. [EAS]

Wednesday 18th November, 2.30pm,Jubilee Hall. Flat pack churches. Anillustrated talk on ‘tin tabernacles’ byMarianne Zierau [EHHS]

Sunday 22nd November, 3 to 4.30pm,Forty Hall. Classical concert byTormenta String Trio. £12.

Wednesday 2nd December, 6.30 pm,Enfield Museum, Dugdale Centre.Wedding dresses 1775-2014” – a talkby Edwina Ehrman. Free.Wednesday 16th December, 7.30 for8pm, Jubilee Hall. Bygones an antiquesquiz by Jeff Nicholls [EHHS]

Tuesday 12th January 2016, 8pm,Jubilee Hall. Consuls, marbles and themuseum by Dr Lucia Patrizio Gunning(University College, London) [HA]

Wednesday 20th January, 7.30 for8pm, Jubilee Hall. The Real Dad’sArmy – a talk by Mike Brown illustratedwith WW2 artefacts: a revealing, oftenamusing, look at how the Home Guardwas really organised with an opportunityfor hands-on experience of theirequipment and weapons. (EHHS/TESjoint meeting)

Tuesday 9th February 2016, 8pm,Jubilee Hall. Bloody Mary revisited byDr Lucy Wooding (King’s College,London) [HA]

Wednesday 17th February, 2.30pm,Jubilee Hall. The Minchenden OakGarden by Christopher Horner [EHHS]

Other organizations’ events Letter to the Society

We write to thank The Enfield Societyfor its kind sponsorship of OpenHouse in Enfield this year.We welcomed over 300 people to ourchurch during the two day event.Visitors flocked to see our beautifulGilbert Scott building with its finecollection of pre-raphaelite windowsby Burne Jones, Rossetti, Webb, FordMaddox Brown and William Morrisas well as our stunning mosaic reredosby Salviati. Our tours of the churchused the beautiful art and sculpture totell the story of the changing socialand economic history of our parish,from the days of the ‘great estates’ tothe suburb we know today. “Comeand Sing” Evensong, with ouracclaimed choir, was well attendedand, through the sale of tea, cakes andgifts, we were able to raise muchneeded funds for the upkeep of ourbuilding; our next repairs will focuson our highly decorated Lady Chapelwith its beautiful wall paintings, someof which are attributed to PhilipWebb.We know that our colleagues at MaryMagdalene in Enfield Town had asimilarly successful weekend.All of this was only possible thanks tothe support of The Enfield Societywho kindly sponsored the cost ofOpen House in Enfield this year afterEnfield Council withdrew funding.Yours sincerelyPhillip Dawson and John MarriottChurchwardens.

The voluntary conservation group,Groundforce, have done some seriousrefurbishment of the footpath fromPark Avenue, Potters Bar, leading tothe bridleway from New CottageFarm to Coopers Lane Road, whichhad been obstructed by spoil from anadjacent housing development.

Dave Cockle

Wednesday 24th – Saturday 27thFebruary, 7.30pm (Sat matinée2.30pm), Wyllyotts Theatre, PottersBar. La Belle Vivette. Southgate Operapresents Michael Frayn’s adaptation ofOffenbach’s comic operetta La BelleHélène. Box Office 01707 645005.www.southgateopera.co.uk

Tuesday 15th March 2016, 8pm,Jubilee Hall. The ‘boffins’ of the FirstWorld War: the unknown story of thescientific revolution of the First WorldWar by Taylor Downing (Author andTV Producer) [HA]

Tuesday 12th April 2016, 8pm, JubileeHall. Constantinian constructions: cityand creed by Dr Fiona Haarer (King’sCollege, London) [HA]

EAS: Enfield Archaeological Society.Visitors are very welcome (£1.00 perperson). www.enfarchsoc.org/index.htmlEHHS: Edmonton Hundred HistoricalSociety.www.edmontonhundred.org.uk. Talksare free to members – there is a chargeof £1 per head for visitors.HA: Meeting of The HistoricalAssociation, North London Branch.Non-members are welcome (£1 permeeting). More details from the BranchSecretary, Robin Blades (020 8368 5328,robin.blades@virgin.net). AssociateMembership available for £5 a year foran individual or £8 a year for a couple.

A pictorial journeyaround SouthgateAt 8pm on Monday 15th February FilmLondon will be showing a series of localfilms at Jubilee Hall. There will be a 30-minute sound colour film of Southgate in1950 and a 16-minute sound colourSouthgate Newsreel from the 1960s.Various historic and civic buildings,examples of road and rail transport, parkswith floral displays and events takingplace in the borough will all beillustrated. Brief extracts from black andwhite films will also be shown, includingthe 1950 borough championships at thenewly opened Broomfield Park runningtrack (with a view of Norris McWhirterin action) and the official opening in the1960s of New Southgate’s first block ofhigh rise council flats at HighviewGardens, which is now known asSwinson House.

Stephen Gilburt

Footpath restoration

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Tuesday mornings 10.00 for10.30am, Jubilee Hall. No ticketsrequired.24th November: Funny girls by GeoffBowden15th December: Free cup of coffee andmince pie with a light-hearted quiz26th January A parish reunited: a storyof the Clay Hill Area by Roger Elkin.23rd February. Pictures wot I took byJoyce James.Dear Members,This is where I say farewell, after 15years as arranger of the monthly Tuesdaymorning meetings. I have enjoyed everymoment of it and take this opportunity tosay a big thank you to our members forcoming to the meetings and to Shirleyand her team for the refreshments. I havemet and made some good friends.Linda Miller has volunteered to takeover, so give her the support you havegiven me and I also wish her good luck.

Sincerely, Joyce.

Evening meetings, 7.30 for 8 p.m.at Jubilee Hall. No tickets required.Monday 16th November. The Lambs’Tale, a DVD of a puppet show on thelives of Charles and Mary Lamb,introduced by Debbie Dean of Art Start.Wednesday 20th January. The realDad’s Army – a talk by Mike Brownillustrated with WW2 artefacts: arevealing, often amusing, look at how theHome Guard was really organised withan opportunity for hands-on experienceof their equipment and weapons.(EHHS/TES joint meeting)Monday 15th February. A pictorialjourney around Southgate. Sound colourfilms of Southgate in the 1950s and1960s, showing historic buildings,transport, parks and events, introduced byLouise Pankhurst, Film Archivist at FilmLondon.

The Chairman’s columnEnfield Societyevents I would like to thank those of you who

responded to my recent letter detailing thethreat to Enfield’s Museum and LocalStudies Service, as well as the plans tobuild on Green Belt land in Enfield Road.Comments received indicate the valuemembers place on the facilities at theDugdale Centre. Inevitably, the plannedcuts would cause disproportionate harm tothe cultural life of the Borough from sucha negligible saving. Likewise, there hasbeen strong opposition to the plans tobuild on the Green Belt in Enfield Road.The on-line petition has now reached therequired number of “hits” to trigger a fullCouncil debate, although the target is now10,000+ signatures. .The Borough of Enfield now has thefourth highest population for all theLondon boroughs, partly as a result ofexodus of people from inner London toEnfield to obtain more affordable housing.This is putting a large amount of pressureon local facilities such as schools anddoctors’ surgeries in addition to makingthe roads increasingly more busy. Theneeds of a strong civic amenity group suchas the Enfield Society has never beengreater if we are to maintain our quality ofsuburban life.

I was pleased to seea new lease of lifebreathed into ourhistoric market inthe Town. Enfield Old Charities has madean excellent job in revitalising the Marketto reflect the changes in shopping habits.The Society was invited to the launch on2nd October when much networking withlocal officials took place.I was encouraged by the attendance at ourrecent “New Members” evening, anenjoyable annual social event, when wewelcome all new members who havejoined in the previous year. It was a greatopportunity to speak face-to-face with likeminded people, who care about theircommunity. We are fortunate as a Societyin having our own premises (Jubilee Hall)and have many varied activities in whichmembers can participate. I wouldencourage some of our “passive” membersto come along to one of our Jubilee Halltalks or, perhaps, even to join in one of ourguided walks, thus providing ampleopportunity to increase one’s social circle,whilst “broadening the mind”.

Dave Cockle

New membersWe warmly welcome the following new membersMr C Aghadiuno, Mrs J M Baker, Mr P Bannister, Mr A Barker, Mr D Barnes,Ms S Beard, Mr P Bevan, Mrs J Bourke, Ms J L Burden, Mrs F Carman,Mr B B Crow, Mr A Day, Mr M De Novellis, Mr J Digby, Mrs S J Elborn,Mr D Fairhurst, Mr P Fifield, Ms D Gandhi, Mrs T Gustard, Mr W Harris,Mrs E J Hewitt, Mr T V Hillman, Mr C Horner, Ms V Hulme, Mr C Humphreys,Ms L Keyes, Mr & Mrs L T & P D Lack, Mr & Mrs A Lack,Ms S Litchfield-Brown, Ms J Lubell, Ms K M Oates, Mr M Roche, Mr C J Rumsey,Mrs S G Sinden, Mr G Swains, Ms M Turner, Ms L Winrow. Joyce James

Special eventsSaturday 5th December, 10am – 1pm,Jubilee Hall. The Sales Table will be openfor the sale of Christmas cards, gifts andstocking fillers.Monday 7th December. Stroll to Crews Hill.Gentle paced 2.5 mile TES walk. Page 10.Wednesday 6th January. Brunel Museum& Rotherhithe. TES visit with optional shortwalk. Page 10.Saturday 16th January. Waterways andelegant street scenes. TES discovery walk.Page 11.Saturday 30th January. City of London.TES discovery walk. Page 11.Monday 15th February. Stroll to MyddeltonHouse Gardens (Snowdrop display). ShortTES walk. Page 11.Wednesday 24th February. Wapping area.TES discovery walk. Page 11.

Priscilla Lowen

We are sorry to report that PriscillaLowen, a Vice-President of The EnfieldSociety, died on 31st August, aged 92. Aqualified accountant, she served for 14years as the Society’s Honorary Treasurerfrom 1977 to 1991. Our 1991 newsletterrecords: “she has been a superb treasurer,guarding our finances with greatvigilance, giving wise advice, and alwayspresenting impeccable accounts”.Priscilla and her husband, Stan Lowen,were active members of the Society formany years.

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Historic buildings

Jesus Church, Forty HillFor more information see Jesus Church – a history. The images marked * were provided by Enfield Local Studies Centre and Archive.

Stephen Gilburt

The brass eagle lectern wasdedicated in 1869.

The pulpit was erected in 1872.

Stained glass windows in the side aisles, by Ward andHughes, illustrating scenes from the life of Jesus, wereinstalled between 1869 and 1881. Other windowsrepresenting the apostles date from between 1898 and 1915.

A 1918 bequest from H. C. Bowles of Myddelton House enabled the present chancel to be built. It was consecrated in 1926. The reredosbehind the altar depicts Jesus as the Good Shepherd, flanked by King Alfred and St Etheldreda.

Jesus Chapel was constructed by Thomas Ashwell after the design of Holy Trinity, Tottenham, at the expense of Christian Paul Meyer,owner of Forty Hall. It was consecrated as a chapel of ease in the parish of St Andrew in 1835. It became Jesus Church with its ownparish in 1845. It is built of grey brick with lancet windows in the aisles and clerestory. The choir vestry was added in 1889.

**

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Historic buildings

The original 1866 east window, by Ward and Hughes, inmemory of C. P. Meyer, was later divided and placed on thenorth and south walls of the new chancel.

This 1936 painted wooden panel depicts the annunciation bythe Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary.

Following the discovery of dry rot in the roof in 1982, thechurch was closed, reopening with a new nave roof in 1985.Replacement of the side aisle roofs was completed in 1995.

The Charis Centre, incorporating meeting rooms and kitchenfacilities, was dedicated in 2010. It replaced the Parish Hall,which was destroyed by fire in 2001.

In 1913 the western roof turrets, which had become unsafe, were repaired. The eastern turrets were later reused to make the WarMemorial, which was unveiled in 1929.

*

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Proposed cuts to Enfield Local Studies Centre and MuseumThe Enfield Local Studies Centre andArchive, is the core resource forinformation about the history anddevelopment of the borough. It has acomprehensive collection of books, maps,plans, newspapers, photographs andmanuscripts, built up under David Pamand Graham Dalling, and now promotedand developed by three knowledgeableand helpful staff.The Enfield Museum has two staff with asmall permanent display on the first floorof the Dugdale Centre and a larger area onthe ground floor which is used for a seriesof excellent and successful exhibitions.Enfield Council have just completed aconsultation exercise on proposals to“change” these services. Though presentedas “more efficient and cost effective” and“increasing access to the heritageresources”, these are really cuts in theservices provided. The core proposalrelating to the Local Studies Centreproposes that the opening hours would bereduced to visits by appointment only andthat “the Centre’s resources are scanned

and made available online, making themavailable 24/7”.This is totally misleading. It would takemany years and millions of pounds to scanall the Centre’s resources, even if it werelegally and technically possible to do so.When we challenged them, the Councilacknowledged that they have no intentionof doing this. They hope to digitise somematerial, but have not estimated the costand time needed to do this and tocatalogue and index material so thatpeople can find it without staff help. Theyalso give the impression that commercialfamily history services would beaccessible through users’ owncomputers or smartphones, butin fact it would only be possibleto use these in the Local StudiesCentre, as at present.The proposal for the Museum issimply to do away with thetemporary exhibition area,leaving only the small displayspace on the first floor lobby of theDugdale Centre. Significant temporary

exhibitions would no longer be possible.We understand that staff would be cut toone person each for Local Studies and theMuseum.We have written to all our members andadvertised in the press with the support ofother organisations, as shown below, towarn of the danger. Responses have beenoverwhelmingly in agreement with us. Wecontinue to press the Council to reconsiderand not to make decisions based on thefalse premises of this consultation. Weinvited them to respond to our concerns inthis newsletter, but they have not replied

to ourrequest.Leonard Will

Over the course of this year the EnfieldSociety and Enfield Council have beenworking together on a project to create anup-to-date Local Heritage List for Enfield.The project began in July and involvesaround 50 community volunteerssurveying all parts of the Borough toidentify candidates for the new LocalHeritage List. At the same time theexisting Local List is being reviewed toconfirm whether or not current entriesshould be retained, or whether for anyreason individual entries should beremoved.The project started with two trainingevents delivered by Urban Vision, builtheritage and neighbourhood planningspecialists, who have been appointed tomanage the project, followed by a thirdtraining session in September. Thetraining events, which took place atJubilee Hall in Enfield, presented andexplained the proposed 12 nominationcriteria that individual buildings or otherheritage assets should be judged against.The criteria are based on advice fromHistoric England (formerly EnglishHeritage) and are grouped under threeheadings: historic value, townscape value,and local cultural value.The Borough has been divided into 43areas which are being surveyed byvolunteers working alone or in a smallteam. At the time of writing, surveys of 8areas have been completed and a wide

range of prospective heritage assets havebeen identifiedThe surveys will be completed by the endof November and then the nominationswill be considered by a selection panelcomprising representatives of the EnfieldSociety, Enfield Conservation AdvisoryGroup, Enfield Council, Urban Vision,and Historic England. A draft list will thenbe prepared for consideration by EnfieldCouncil, after which it will be issued forpublic consultation. This is expected totake place in the early part of 2016.Following public consultation the list willbe formally considered and adopted byEnfield Council and then published as thenew Enfield Local Heritage List.Once adopted the Local Heritage List willmean that heritage assets included on itwill become material considerations inany planning decisions made by EnfieldCouncil. Inclusion in the Local HeritageList will not convey the same level ofprotection that a listed building or abuilding in a conservation area has, but itwill mean that special attention will haveto be paid to it when proposals fordevelopment which affect it are beingprepared.Volunteers are working hard now to finishoff their areas before the end ofNovember, to make sure the new LocalHeritage List is as complete as possible.Look out for further updates on progressin future issues of Enfield Society News.

Mick Downs, Urban Vision

Enfield Local Heritage List

Glenwood House, which probably used to be aVicarage for St John’s Church, Clay Hill

The water pumping station in Hadley Roadwhich was previously locally listed. It is

undergoing a major development, being madeinto flats in a sympathetic way keeping the

original design

Two buildings that might beconsidered for the LocalHeritage List:

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In his will of 1635 a certain George Cock, brewer, left £30 to the parish of Enfield,the yearly interest on which was to be given to the poor in the form of bread, andindeed twenty sixpenny loaves were distributed in church every Sunday for manyyears.In 1829, using some of the money which had accrued, the parish built a house forthe beadle (whose job it was to collect monies due to the parish and carry outtasks connected with various parish charities). The beadle paid an annual rent of£6.6s for his house, which is now known as the Old Vestry Offices.The small, lodge-like building has a two story centre and one storey side wings,canted back. The wings originally contained cages for the detention of the unruly.Finished in stucco, the front has a first floor band continuing across the wings asa frieze. The imposts in the wing openings are extended to give a furtherhorizontal emphasis to the building. The central double door is surmounted by apediment. The windows are sash, that above the pediment being contained in a round-arched recess. The slate roof is low pitched andhipped. The 19th century wrought iron railings, with urn finials, follow the line of the building.In the 19th century the Vestry’s duties were taken over by the Poor Law Board which set up its headquarters in the neighbouringGreyhound Inn, while the Old Vestry Offices became a temporary police station until a purpose-built one was opened in 1873. Afterthat, the building was leased, mainly to solicitors, but very recently the Old Enfield Charitable Trust has moved in, providing a happyreturn to something reminiscent of its original use.

Featured buildings

This distinctive building was open to visitors on 19th September as part of the Open House London event, in which Enfield’scontribution was sponsored by The Enfield Society. Over 100 people visited it between 10 am and 1 pm. The currentoccupants, the Old Enfield Charitable Trust, have prepared the following fact sheet:

The Old Vestry Offices

Grade II listed building on Crown Road / Southbury RoadAs a fan of Art Decoarchitecture, every time Ipassed it I took pleasure inthe Grade II listed formerRipaults, and then MAN,building on Crown Roadclose by SouthburyOverground station.Although it was lookingrather tired and run down Isecretly coveted it as myideal live-work space.It was with genuine distressthat I saw it had beenvandalised and then boardedup. What would become ofit? To my relief, earlier thisyear, timber and builders’merchant Travis Perkins took it overand began what turned out to be astunning refurbishment of the exteriorand grounds.Of course a well-maintained andattractive building has to be a goodadvertisement for a company in thebuilding supplies business, but I amdelighted that Travis Perkins hascontributed to the community bybringing one of Enfield’s most iconicbuildings back to its former glory. Even their branding on the front of the building looksas if it was meant to be there from the start.So when Tony Borg, the Branch Manager, was quoted as saying: “The restoration projecthas given the people here a bit of pride back as they pass the building every day, insteadof looking at a boarded-up, graffiti-covered eyesore, and we’re very proud to be here,” heechoed my personal experience.

Malcolm Sleath

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Historic Buildings Group visitsThis year we have had popular visits tothe Tudor Enfield Grammar UpperSchool, Enfield Local Studies Centre andArchive, and to Old Park, now Bush HillPark Golf Club. I hope to arrange futurevisits to Enfield Grammar Lower Schoolat Enfield Court, Baker Street (whichwas built in 1690 and 1864) and toascend St Andrew’s Church bell tower.If any members of The Enfield Societyhave connections to organisations whichoccupy other interesting historicbuildings, especially those which are notnormally open to the general public,please let me know so that they may beapproached to allow a visit.

Stephen Gilburt

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Future walksTravel details are correct at press datebut TES cannot be responsible foralterations. As rail travel can besubject to change, especially atweekends, always check (either via08457 48 49 50 or the operating traincompany website). For TfL area Tube,DLR, London Overground and busdetails, ring 0343 222 1234 or checkTfL website. Always bring yourFreedom Pass or National Bus Pass.For Hertfordshire bus times seewww.intalink.org.ukReduced price travel on most local trainsaround London: Groupsave applies to 3to 9 people travelling together who willget a discount of about 34% each inrespect of Off- Peak Day Single andReturn tickets and, when available, SuperOff-Peak Day Single and Return tickets.Cannot be used in conjunction with anyRailcards or promotions and you musttravel as a group throughout.Please wear walking boots or stoutwalking shoes.Sat 14 Nov. London Loop. Meet 10.42Hampton Wick Station. Either travel withDave on 09.00 train from Enfield Chase ormeet him at Vauxhall mainline station for10.16 South West Trains Shepperton train.About 7.5 mile linear walk from TheThames, mainly following the surprisinglygreen corridor of the Hogsmill River tonear its source in Ewell and passing thelocations for the famous Pre-Raphaelitepaintings of “The Hireling Shepherd” and“Ophelia”. Route ends at West EwellStation for return to Vauxhall. Bring lunchor food available. All travel withinFreedom Pass area. Details: (020) 83662242 or 07948 204 025. Leader: DaveCockleWed 18 Nov. Highgate to Hampstead.Meet 10.20 Archway station. EitherNorthern Line or about 15 mins by 210bus from Finsbury Park (Wells Terrace)bus station. A varied 7 mile linear walk ofcontrasting scenes via Highgate Village,Parliament Hill Fields, Kenwood Estate,Hampstead Heath and Village. Shorteroptions. Lunch stop at Kenwood House –bring lunch or food available and optionto join group for afternoon walk only (beat Brew House café by 13.30). Walk endswith return by Northern Line or 210 bus.Details: 07904 193 098. Leader: JohnWestSat 21 Nov. Rib Valley. Meet 10.25Ware Station. Either 09.44 LondonOverground train from Southbury Station(Freedom Pass valid to Cheshunt) andchange at Cheshunt for 10.09 train.Otherwise, by direct train at 09.55 from

Tottenham Hale which also stops atintermediate stations (Freedom Passboundary is Enfield Lock).About 7.5 mile circular walk with lunchstop in Wadesmill Village and option toend by returning to Ware by bus. Bringlunch or food available. Leader: StuartMillsSat 28 Nov. Green Chain Walk. Meet10.20 Falconwood Station. Either travelwith Roy on 09.00 train from EnfieldChase (he will join at Grange Park) ormeet him at 09.26 at entrance to Platform9, King’s Cross mainline station. Trainsto Falconwood are either by 09.39Southeastern Dartford train from Victoriaor by 09.54 Southeastern Slade Greentrain from Cannon Street (calling atLondon Bridge platforms 1-3 at 09.58).All travel within Freedom Pass area.About 7.5 mile circular walk via woods,open spaces, historic buildings and AveryHill Park. Shorter options, including fromlunch stop near Mottingham Station.Bring lunch or food available. Details:roynicholls@btinternet.com or (020) 83600282. Leader: Roy NichollsWed 2 Dec. Between the Ash and Stort.Meet 10.51 St Margaret’s Station. Either10.14 London Overground train fromSouthbury Station (Freedom Pass valid toCheshunt) and change at Cheshunt for10.39 train; or by direct train at 10.25from Tottenham Hale Station which alsostops at intermediate stations (FreedomPass boundary is Enfield Lock). Currentlyfree parking in village High Street about300 yards from station.About 7 mile circular walk in prettycountryside between these river valleys.Bring lunch or pub food probablyavailable. Leader: Breda JenkinsMon 7 Dec. Stroll to Crews Hill. Meet10.45 Gordon Hill Station (W8 bus or10.40 train from Enfield Chase. W9 busstops nearby). Another of Norman’sgentle relaxed strolls primarily intendedfor those who do not want to stride out.About 2.5 mile (1.75 hour) linear walkending at Crews Hill Station and withNorman explaining some geologicalfeatures on the way. Many of the gardencentres will be decorated for Christmas.Contact on day of walk only: 07984 813636. Leader: Norman ColesSat 12 Dec. From Harrow to the WelshHarp. Meet 10.10 Harrow-on-the-HillStation (09.42 Metropolitan LineChesham train from King’s Cross StPancras).7 mile linear walk with fine views acrossNorth London via the environs of HarrowSchool and its playing fields, then FryentCountry Park and the Welsh HarpReservoir, ending at Hendon(Thameslink) Station for return to King’s

Cross. Shorter options. Bring lunch orfood available. All travel within FreedomPass area. Details: 07904 193 098.Leader: John WestNote: Altered Train Service. Startingwith the weekend of Sat 19 and Sun 20December, Great Northern trains willrun into Moorgate Station 7 days aweek. This will give easier connectionsthan at present from King’s Cross foraccess to the Victoria Line (atHighbury & Islington) and fromMoorgate to the Northern Line (forLondon Bridge) or onto the Circle,Hammersmith & City andMetropolitan Lines.Sat 19 Dec. River Thames and ChelseaHarbour. Meet 10.10 outside theVauxhall Bridge exit (exit 1) fromVauxhall underground station (VictoriaLine) and in front of the Pret a Mangershop.An interestingly varied 6 to 7 mile linearwalk on both banks of The Thames goingupstream via Battersea Park and Chelsea,ending at a tube station. Many shorteroptions. Bring lunch or food available.Leader: Stuart MillsWed 6 Jan. Brunel and Rotherhithe.Meet Monica at 10.25 on Platform 2,London Overground Highbury &Islington Station for onward journey usingBrunel’s tunnel to Rotherhithe.About 2.5 hour walk/visit. IncludesThames Path, places of historic interest inRotherhithe and the Brunel Museum(admission £4 for concessions – free toArt Fund members) with, hopefully, aconducted visit down the shaft of Brunel’stunnel – note: involves a long flight ofstairs. Afterwards, a walk through GradeII listed Southwark Park ending at SurreyQuays Station for return to Highbury. Ifrequired, opportunities for lunch nearSurrey Quays, Canada Water andRotherhithe Stations. Contact on day ofwalk only: 07931 963 086. Leader:Monica SmithSat 9 Jan. London Loop. Meet 09.54Ewell West Station. Either travel withDave on 08.35 train from Enfield Chase ormeet him at Vauxhall mainline station for09.28 South West Trains Dorking train.About 8 mile linear walk from EwellVillage via the site of Henry VIII’sNonsuch Palace, then Banstead Downsand country estates owned by SurreyCounty Council. Route ends at CoulsdonSouth Station for return to London Bridge.Shorter option. Bring lunch or foodavailable. All travel within Freedom Passarea. Details: (020) 8366 2242 or 07948204 025. Leader: Dave CockleWed 13 Jan. Enfield’s Countryside. Fora coffee before the walk, meet Nigel at09.45 at “The House Café”, Christ Church

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House in Chalk Lane, Cockfosters(opposite the station). Otherwise, meet theGroup at 10.25 in Cockfosters Stationnear the ticket office.A linear walk in Green Belt countrysidevia Trent Park, farmland paths, Forty HallEstate and Greenway, ending at TurkeyStreet Station. Full route is 9 miles butshorter options, including after 6 milesfrom lunch stop at the Rose & Crown pub,Clay Hill. Details: 07973 747 454.Leader: Nigel KingSat 16 Jan. Discovery walk: waterwaysand elegant street scenes. Departingpromptly at 10.30 from entrance toPlatform 9, King’s Cross mainline station.Linear walk initially following theRegent’s Canal, then an exploration ofelegant squares and streets to reach thelunch stop near The Angel, Islington.Afterwards, more attractive scenes and thecourse of the original New River to end ata station. Many shorter options. Bringlunch or food available. Contact on day ofwalk only: 07784 738 206. Leader: BrianFrearWed 20 Jan. Richmond Park. Meet10.42 Barnes Station (travel with Mick on10.26 South West Trains Hounslow trainfrom Vauxhall mainline station). Anattractive 6 to 7 mile linear walk,following the Beverley Brook fromBarnes Common and then variedpaths/tracks within Richmond Park,ending at a station. Shorter option. Bringlunch or food available. All travel withinFreedom Pass area. Leader: Mick SpinksSat 23 Jan. Cole Green Way. Meet10.15 Hertford North Station (09.51 trainfrom Enfield Chase) for a 7 mile linearwalk through conservation countryside viapart of the disused railway line and LettyGreen, ending at Bayford Station. Bringlunch or pub food probably available.Contact: (020) 8882 3602 or 07534 433578. Leader: Martin LangerSat 30 Jan. Discovery walk: City ofLondon. Meet 10.30 at entrance toPlatform 1, Liverpool Street mainlinestation. Including part of the Silver JubileeWalk, during today’s walk Roy willhighlight some of the many changes thathave occurred in the City over the past 20years. Many shorter options. Bring lunchor food available. Details:roynicholls@btinternet.com or (020) 83600282. Leader: Roy NichollsSat 6 Feb. London Loop. Meet 10.44Coulsdon South Station. Either travel withDave on 09.05 train from Enfield Chasechanging at Highbury & Islington ontoVictoria Line to King’s Cross, or meethim at St Pancras International Station(Thameslink platform) for 09.54Thameslink Three Bridges train.

About 6 mile linear walk overCorporation of London land viadownland, woods, commons andmeadows with fine views ending atHamsey Green. Hilly in places. Shorteroption. Bring lunch or food available. Alltravel covered by Freedom Pass. Details:(020) 8366 2242 or 07948 204 025.Leader: Dave CockleThurs 11 Feb. Border country. Meet10.05 Crews Hill Station (10.00 trainfrom Enfield Chase) for a local walkmainly on good condition paths/tracks fora Winter’s day. About 7 mile linear walkvia Theobalds, New River, Whitewebbsand Hilly fields, ending at Gordon HillStation. Bring lunch or food available atKing & Tinker pub. Contact on day ofwalk only: 07946 729 053. Leaders:Vanessa & MargaretMon 15 Feb. Stroll to Myddelton HouseGardens. Meet 10.15 outside the frontdoor to Forty Hall Mansion for a gentlestroll visiting Myddelton House Gardenswhich we hope will coincide with theirsnowdrop display. Opportunity for acoffee break and walk through thegardens. Returning to Forty Hall by about13.00. Contact on day of walk only:07984 813 636. Leader: Norman ColesSat 20 Feb. Woodhall EstateSnowdrops. Meet 10.15 Watton-at-StoneStation (09.51 train from Enfield Chase).Would car drivers please be there beforethe train’s arrival as we need to leavepromptly). A contrasting figure of eightwalk which we hope will coincide withthe snowdrop display in the estate groundsand woodland. Both morning andafternoon sections are about 3.5 to 4 mileseach. Can be left or joined at the lunchstop in Watton (if joining, meet group invillage centre by 13.30). Bring lunch orfood available. Leader: Stuart MillsWed 24 Feb. Discovery walk: Londonand The Thames. Meet Brian onPlatform 2, London Overground Highbury& Islington Station to catch 10.17 train toWapping (arrives 10.34). Following thenorth bank of The Thames, today’s linearwalk of about 2.75 hours (with a coffeebreak) traces the changes in this area fromSaxon times to 2016. Excellent viewsbeside the river. Ends near West IndiaQuay DLR Station – nearby are lunchfacilities and the fascinating Museum ofLondon Docklands. Contact on day ofwalk only: 07784 738 206. Leader: BrianFrearSat 27 Feb. Ancient Woodlands of S.E.London. Due to possible changes intransport arrangements involvingconnections from London Bridge stationfor this area, travel details andinformation on walk will appear in nextnewsletter. Leader: John West

Stuart Mills

TES was pleased to receive a Certificateof Merit from "Enfield in Bloom" forcontainer planting at Enfield ChaseStation. A couple of TES volunteershave brightened up the station atplatform level with a colourful display ofpelargoniums in pots and planters. Inaddition, the waiting room has beenbrightened up with a couple of trailingplants.Cockfosters, Oakwood, Brimsdown andGrange Park also have colourful stationgardens, creating a great first impressionto any one arriving at these stations forthe first time. London Overground arekeen to get community involvement atthe stations they operate on the EnfieldTown line. The stations at Enfield Townand Bush Hill Park in particular havesuitable areas for planting schemes.Some of you may remember thebeautiful gardens that Bush Hill Parkstation used to have in the past.

It can be fun volunteering to help tomake our stations greener. The resultsmake a real difference in beingappreciated by many people. Anyonewho would like to be involved in a smallplanting scheme at local stations can getin touch with me viachairman@enfieldsociety.org.uk or leavea message on the Jubilee Hall Officetelephone (020 8363 9495).

Dave Cockle

Display of pelargoniumsat Enfield Chase station

Garden at Bush Hill Park stationin the late 1980s

Station Gardens

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President: Dr C.J.A. Jephcott

Chairman: Dave CockleHon. Secretary: Richard StonesHon. Treasurer: David JamesOffice: Jubilee Hall, 2 Parsonage Lane,

Enfield, EN2 0AJTelephone: 020 8363 9495When there is nobody in the office, messagesleft on voice mail will be dealt with aspromptly as possible.Web site: <www.enfieldsociety.org.uk>Helplines: For information on TESactivities or to report matters you thinkneed investigation or action, pleasecontact the number or email addressbelow. Other email addresses are givenon the “Contacts” page on our web site.Architecture and Planning020 8363 7707 (John Davies)Coach Outings020 8367 7374 (Janet McQueen)Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings,Green Belt020 8245 2758 (Chris Jephcott)Edmonton Group020 8367 5920 (Monica Smith)Footpaths and Walks020 8367 5168 (Shirley Cotton)Historic Buildings020 8363 0031 (Stephen Gilburt)Jubilee Hall Bookings020 8363 9495 (Janet McQueen)Locally listed buildings projectLocalListTES@enfieldsociety.org.ukMembership020 8367 3171 (Joyce James)Press and publicity020 8363 5732 (Bob Fowler)Records and Research020 8372 0092 (Leonard Will)Trees020 8245 2758 (Chris Jephcott)Volunteers coordinatorM.Wilkie@enfieldsociety.org.uk (MoiraWilkie)Management committeeDave Cockle, John Davies, Tony Dey,Robert Fowler, Stephen Gilburt, DavidJames, Joyce James, Janet McQueen,Stuart Mills, Val Munday, Colin Pointer,Richard Stones, John West, MoiraWilkie, Leonard Will.Vice-PresidentsLord Graham of Edmonton,Mr C. Pointer, Mr M. Saunders, MBE,Mr A. J. Skilton, Ms M. Smith, MBE

Newsletter editorLeonard Will<newsletter@enfieldsociety.org.uk>The Enfield Society.Registered in England as a limited companyno. 312134.Registered Charity no. 276451.Printed by Cambridge Printers Ltd.ISSN 2042-1419 (Print)ISSN 2042-1427 (Online)

TES Directory Obituaries

Tony joined the Enfield PreservationSociety 1986 and soon became an activemember of the Architecture and PlanningGroup. Elected to the Council ofManagement in 1995 he was theunanimous choice as Chairman two yearslater, adopting as his main concern theprotection of Enfield’s Green Belt, whichwas facing ever increasing threats. In1999 his main focus had to switch toForty Hall when the Council announcedthat the Hall would be closed to savemoney and it was placed on the Buildingsat Risk Register by English Heritage.Mainly through Tony’s efforts fundswere raised to pay for part-time openingwith the help of volunteers; then withCouncil agreement he led a small team

Tony Langston (1930-2015)

with the aim of setting up an independenttrust to take over the management andrunning of the Hall. Over the next 30months he headed protracted negotiationswith Council officers, helped toincorporate a charitable trust, developed abusiness plan, enlisted trustees andagreed lease terms with the council. InMay 2002 a changed Counciladministration decided it could, after all,look after Forty Hall resulting in theTrust having to be dissolved. Tony wasgratified that subsequently the Counciladopted many of the proposals and ideasdeveloped by him and the Trust. A yearlater, with Chris Jephcott, he carried out amajor street scene audit of Church Streetin Enfield Town which resulted in theCouncil reducing the large number ofsigns and barriers along this town centreroute. These are just two of manysignificant contributions Tony made tothe work and success of the Society. Hecontinued to be a very active member ofthe renamed Management Committee,always giving a measured and consideredview on matters when others might wantto make too hasty a decision. Tonyretired from the Committee after the 2010AGM and he was recommended forelection as a Vice-President, which wasunanimously approved at the followingyear’s AGM. It was a privilege and apleasure to work with Tony Langstonover so many years.

Peter Perryman (1931-2015)

Architectural Heritage, whichreproduced and annotated 100photographs as a permanent record of anoutstandingly successful exhibition“Looking at Buildings” illustrating thedevelopment of English architecture overfour centuries.On becoming an Enfield Councillor in1982 Peter resigned from ourmanagement in order to maintain theSociety’s non-political status. He servedon many Council committees, where hedelighted in exercising the art of gentlepersuasion behind the scenes to promotecurrent environmental concerns.He remained a member of ourArchitecture and Planning Group andkept in close touch with the Society,especially in his role as chairman of theCouncil’s Conservation Advisory Group.Giving up the political life Peter was re-elected to the Council of Management in1999 and served there until 2010,bringing invaluable advice and insight toour discussions.

Colin Pointer

Peter Perryman joined the Society’sArchitecture and Planning Group in themid 1970s and was then elected to theCouncil of Management. In 1977 heworked with Valerie Carter and AlanSkilton to edit our book Enfield’s

Sadly we report the deaths of two more outstanding members of the Society.