Category Archives: Events

A Plant-astic Opportunity!

We’re looking forward to seeing you there! We need as many volunteers as possible to help.

We will be planting on the grassy island in The Vale furthest from Claremont Road.

Please bring along trowels / gloves / spades if you have them!

Tea / coffee and biscuits will be available on site — outside 207 The Vale.

We’re excited that the Mayor of Barnet will be visiting the site on Saturday at 11:30 am.

Clitterhouse Playing Fields

20th May is the deadline for the new round of public consultation for the amended Brent Cross Town’s planning application.

Join us, together with the Voice of Reason Choir, the Handley Page & the Victor Associations, and many others to ✨CELEBRATE✨ the playing fields’ medieval and aeronautical past, its present. and how together we can shape its future, next Saturday 13th May 2 – 4pm in front of Clitterhouse Farm Café.

Thanks to everyone who has already commented. Below is a summary of what together we have achieved so far and what still needs improving. Whether you have already commented or not, it is worth having your say here.

There is no change to the controversial 4 full-size, fenced-off, flood-lit, AstroTurf, pay-to-play area, 9 am – 9 pm every day of the year.

Partial 3 m high noise barriers are proposed to the south of the all-weather pitches. (See picture below.)

It is positive to see some proper noise mitigation measures in place. However, these might not be enough against the cumulative noise levels for everyone in the park and for Prayle Grove residents, who live at a similar distance from the football pitches. Although the barriers would be covered with plants, they will reinforce enclosure and further obstruct the long views to and from Clitterhouse Farm buildings, locally listed for their historical value.

The phasing has changed

The proposed CPF Part 1 area will be delivered in a single phase. Although the improvements to Purbeck Drive (in the immediate vicinity of the southern gateway to CPF) are outside the site, it is proposed that these works are completed at the same time as the CPF Part 1 area.

CPF Part 1 area: This area includes the northern area facilities, the blue badge car park, the multi purpose lawn, amphitheatre and central plaza, the pedestrian/cycle path through to Purbeck Drive as well as new planting and the pathway along the southern boundary of CPF. This first phase will deliver the two MUGAs, the basketball court and teqball tables, new challenger sports including the all-wheel park, parkour and bouldering zone, a swings area, children’s playground, four new and improved entrances, seating, cycle stands, wayfinding signage, lighting and paths, as well as trees, ornamental and hedge planting, wildflowers and grass to create an attractive green space, all of which will activate the playing fields. The existing site levels in this northern part of the Site will be gently reshaped to provide the new, more accessible, northern entrance to CPF.

CPF Part 2 area: The remaining areas within CPF will be delivered in two phases, with the first phase including the CPF Pavilion, mini golf, boules court, part of the dry SUDS stream, two 3G all-weather pitches and the Sports Storage Building. CPF Part 2 Phase 2 will then be the final delivery phase for CPF. This will include the two sand-dressed all-weather pitches, the Clitterhouse Stream improvements and nature park, the remaining section of the SUDS dry stream, areas of incidental play, the CPF Maintenance Storage Facility (and delivery of the associated maintenance staff welfare facilities), farm playground, learner’s bike track, community orchard, wayfinding signage, seating, cycle stands all interspersed with trees, ornamental and hedge planting, wildflower meadows and grassed areas to create places for all to enjoy.

Our local Councillors, GGERA and its residents strongly objected to the omission of the South Entrance to the site on Purbeck Drive in the original application. This was a major strategic oversight. We welcome the Purbeck Drive improvements, as well as its proposed CCTV and the South Entrance being included in the overall governance and management of the park.

We have campaigned actively against the pay-to-play excluding local residents. Amended proposal includes 1,000 free hours per year for 5 years. This is good news for locals who would like to use the sporting facilities. It is not clear how this would operate.

We strongly objected to the lack of proper space for community use space, as the only multiple use space had a pay-to-play grass pitch. It is great news that the grass pitch is no longer needed and multiple use space will be available to the public throughout the year. However, this is temporary.

We have been actively asking for sporting activities to finish at 7 pm or at sunset, whichever is earlier. However, no concessions have been made to the negative impact that 9 am to 9 pm perpetual noise and light nuisance will have on the mental health and well-being of immediate neighbours, young children and those working from home. We would welcome peace and quiet to have allocated times each day, and in the yearly calendar.

A growing group of very concerned residents has been proactively researching AstroTurf’s risks to human health, environmental pollution, climate change and increased flooding. At a time of climate emergency, there is no justifiable argument to replace many hectares of natural grass with plastic grass laid on tons of toxic, polluting rubber crumb, leaking into Clitterhouse Stream, the allotments and, further down, into the Welsh Harp reservoir. We welcome the rephasing of the football pitches to Part 2 Phase 1, with the hope that in the meantime legislation will change and truly environmental materials become available.

Thanks to all for your continued support. If you’d like to know more about the above, have any questions or would like to share your views, please do join us on May 13th. Alternatively, you can email us at contact@ggera.org.uk. In any case, please keep in touch and have your say.

Planters of Hope

Thank you to everyone involved in transforming our public spaces in this creative and beautiful way.

This is how it started – many months ago – thanks to the 2022 Brent Cross Community Fund:

This is how it is going. 8 wonderful flower boxes to cheer the heart outside the Pennine Parade shops and the Purbeck Drive entrance to the park:

This is what’s happening next … Our Planters of Hope Tea Party!

Join us for a free cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake at the Purbeck Drive entrance to Clitterhouse Playing Fields on Sunday, 14th May, 4 pm (weather permitting). The planters on Pennine Drive survived the cold and wet winter very well and some of the plants have already started flowering. However, the Purbeck Drive planters could do with a little TLC as some of the perennials will need replacing.

Why don’t you give us a hand on the day or just pass by to say hello? We look forward to seeing you!

Our Yard at Clitterhouse Farm

An update from Anika …

Spring has sprung at Clitterhouse Farm at last! The days are getting warmer, the tulips are blooming beautifully … and the weeds are growing. There is so much to do at this time of year, and we would love extra help. The garden is open for Community Gardening sessions on Thursdays and Saturdays. With or without green fingers, pop in and give us a hand with weeding, watering, potting on or just pass by to say hello.

This year’s plant sale kicked off at the beginning of March. We have a good range of annuals and perennials available, all organically grown in peat free compost. Tomato seedlings will be for sale from next week.

Join us for a holler and a sing! The Yardbirds Choir meets on Thursdays, 6:30 pm – 8 pm. Everyone can join, no experience needed, no sheet music, no auditions, no pressure! Let’s just have fun! £7.50/session, coffee and tea provided.

“Mindfulness through Art”, “Introduction to Watercolour Painting” and “Hatha Yoga” sessions are happening throughout the month. Please check our website for more details.

Sunday, 7th May: Boozy Brunch! We are excited to be collaborating once again with our resident chef duo, Sean and Megan of Sean’s Loaf, who are both professionally trained Michelin chefs. We will bring you a great selection of brunch options and classic cocktails. Please visit our website to have a look at the menu and to book your seats.

Saturday, 13th May from 4pm: Night Market! Our Yard Night Markets are back every second Saturday of each month. Expect delicious food stalls, drinks, live music, arts & crafts to create on the day or to take away, plant sale, pressed flowers, pottery, handmade jewellery, art workshops, face painting, wood craft and much, much more.

Friday, 16th June: We are pleased to announce that the touring theatre company Shakespeare in the Squares will perform Twelfth Night, Shakespeare’s glorious romantic comedy of mistaken identity in Clitterhouse Playing Fields. Tickets are on sale here now!

Annual General Meeting

The AGM of the residents association will take place on Sunday, 25th June from 5 – 7 pm in the Carey Hall, Claremont Road.

Do come and make your voice heard. Our five local councillors have been invited.

Volunteers for committee roles are always welcome.

Kreativ Play

On Thursdays on 23rd February and on the 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th March Kreativ Play is running ‘Outdoor Adventures’ for 2 different age groups:

10:00 am – 12:00 pm (2–5 year olds) The Woodchips
4:15 – 5:15 pm (6–9 year olds) Super Shoots

The Woodchips

This Outdoor Play group is designed for 2–5 year olds with their grown ups.

Single session cost: £15 (for 1 x Child, 1 x Adult and 1 hot drink from the café for the accompanying adult.)

This programme is designed so you and your little Woodchips have the time to build relationships with new friends and make a deeper connection with the natural world.

Expect games, singing, parachute time, nature craft, a mud kitchen and exploring in a relaxed environment.

Your little ones will develop an enjoyment of being outdoors for longer periods of time in all seasons and weather conditions.

We encourage booking the full programme as the regularity of outdoor time will benefit your child’s enjoyment and development. However, we understand life can get busy, so please join us on any Thursday.

Tickets via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-woodchips-outdoor-adventure-2-5yrs-tickets-531086613357. Booking also available in person via Our Yard café.

The sessions are 1 hour long and fully outdoors with half an hour either side to settle in, socialize and enjoy the community café.

Wear clothes that can get muddy. Waterproofs are always a good idea!

Bring a warm hat and gloves for chilly ears and fingers on colder days!

The Super Shoots

This is an after school group designed for 6–9 year olds and their adults.

Single session cost – £15 (for 1 x Child, 1 x Adult and 1 hot drink from the café for the accompanying adult.)

Schools out, so now let’s go on an outdoor adventure.

This programme is designed so the older Woodchips have the time to build relationships with new friends and make a deeper connection with the natural world.

Expect games, encouraging imagination, nature craft, exploring flora and fauna and much more, in a relaxed environment. The perfect way to wind down after school, being in tune with nature.

Children will develop an enjoyment of being outdoors for longer periods of time in all seasons and weather conditions.

We encourage booking the full programme as the regularity of outdoor time will benefit your child’s enjoyment and development. However, we understand life can get busy, so please join us for any of the dates as drop in sessions as you can.

Each session is 1 hour long and fully outdoors. Book a place at Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/super-shoots-outdoor-adventure-6-9-yrs-tickets-531168889447.

Wear clothes that can get muddy. Waterproofs are always a good idea!

Bring a warm hat and gloves for chilly ears and fingers.

We encourage grown ups to enjoy a cup of tea/coffee on us inside the café, while your children are immersed in all things nature.

Our Yard at Clitterhouse Farm

A reminder that Our Yard at Clitterhouse Farm is open at the following times:

Farm Café

  • Thursdays, 10 am – 5 pm
  • Fridays, 12 – 5 pm
  • Saturdays, 11 am – 3 pm

Delicious home baked cakes, toasties and hot drinks — plus live music played by The Loose Bohemians (Saturdays only).

Grub Club on Saturdays from 11am: Tasty “pay what you feel” meals, all created with surplus food to help fight food waste.

Little Critters Play ‘n’ Stay, 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month. 10 am – 12 pm. Nature play and outdoor fun, £5/child, incl. hot drink.

Farm Garden (& Plant Sale from 30th April)

  • Thursdays, 11 am – 1 pm
  • Saturdays, 10 am – 3 pm

A great selection of annuals and perennials, herbs and vegetables, all organically grown in peat free compost. Many of the plants are grown from seeds or cuttings with extra TLC from our amazing volunteers.

Workshops

Our Yard also offers a variety of workshops throughout the year.

  • Watercolour sessions (every other Saturday)
  • Junior (5+) and Senior (14+) Theatre group (Fridays)
  • Women’s Drawing Night (once a month)
  • “Kidscycle” Free cycling sessions (1st Saturday of very month)

To find out more, visit ouryard.org.

AGM Postponed until Spring

Please note that our Annual General Meeting – which was due to take place on 22nd November 2021 – has been postponed until spring.

Some residents feel anxious about the flu and the continuing high number of Covid-19 cases; some are still shielding; others – including some committee members – are currently unable to attend because of challenging personal circumstances. In any case it will be much more pleasant to have the meeting when the weather is brighter and warmer.

We will advise the revised date nearer the time.

Litter Pick – This Saturday

Do join us for a couple of hours on Saturday, 9th October 2021 to help tidy the estate and to make it more pleasant for everyone.

We will meet up at 10:15 am at 105 Cheviot Gardens, ready for a 10:30 start, and will aim to finish at around 12:30 pm.

The weather forecast looks good!

Litter pickers, waste bags and our own Golders Green Estate hi-vis jackets will all be provided. Please wear sturdy shoes or boots. We have a limited supply of gloves – please bring your own if possible.

Children are more than welcome to join in, if supervised.

If you haven’t done so already, do please let us know if you intend to come so that we will have an idea of numbers.