“The Mill Hill Music Club was founded in 1955 by Mr Wilfred Ransom who at that time was deputy manager of Barclays Bank in Swiss Cottage. He had interviewed a concert pianist who couldn’t quite manage to clear his overdraft and Wilfred, being a member of Toc H, staged a recital, the pianist paid off his overdraft and the Mill Hill Music Club was founded and has become one of the most prestigious music clubs in London, if not in the country.
The following years were exciting. Musicians such as the Amadeus Quartet who were in their early days in their career gave many concerts. The then young Vladimir Ashkenazi gave his first U.K. recital when he came to London. Arthur Rubenstein told his agent always to book him for “Hill Mill”. Kiri Te Kanawa stepped in at short notice to replace another singer who was unwell, and Alfred Brendel, Radu Lupu, Jacqueline du Pre, Isaac Stern, Pinchas Zuckerman Moieseiwitch have been among the many distinguished names who have performed.
In recent years we have been privileged to hear some of the world’s finest soloists, ensembles and a host of very talented newcomers to the music world. To name a few, the Israel Piano Trio, ConTempo String Quartet, Chilingirian Quartet, Mitsuko Uchida, Tacacs String Quartet, Artur Pizarro, Idil Biret, Emma Johnson, Yevgeny Subdin, Jerusalem Quartet and the Aviv Quartet.
The Club is always looking for new members and helpers and if you would like to offer your services we will be delighted to hear from you.”
The groups meet on a weekly basis, in libraries across the borough.
Friern Barnet Library Tuesday from 11am
Chipping Barnet Library Tuesday from 2pm
New Barnet Community Centre also holds sessions every Wednesday from 10.30am
For more information, email or call Paul Higgins from the Reader Group.
“The Barnet & District Philatelic Society meets at 7.45 for 8.00 pm twice monthly on a Monday at St. John’s Church Hall, Mowbray Road, New Barnet, EN5 1RH. New members are welcome and please feel free to come along to any meeting with no obligation to join.
Membership is open to all types of collector from novices to the advanced and the society caters for a wide range of philatelic interests. Our members collect Great Britain, Commonwealth, Foreign, Postal History and Thematic subjects and a lot more as well.”
“The Royal British Legion is the UK’s leading Armed Forces charity and one of its largest membership organisations. Members get together through the network of branches and clubs all over the country and overseas to participate in social, fundraising and welfare activities.
East Barnet Branch meets every month on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 8.00pm, in East Barnet Legion Hall, 38 Brookhill Road, East Barnet, Herts, EN4 8SL.
Membership is open to everyone. If you have an interest in the objectives of the Legion and want to help and support for those who have served and their families, come and join us. We welcome men and women of all ages, whether they have served in the Armed Forces or not.”
“Barnet Education Arts Trust absolutely loves to make music! Whether you are a young classical, jazz or rock musician we have bands and groups at our three music centres (located in East Barnet, Finchley and Hendon). If you sing we have choirs, and if you are a teacher we have training opportunities and advice. We can hire out orchestral instruments if you are having lessons through us with one of our 170 qualified and CRB checked fabulous teachers. We stage concerts regularly, every Summer we organise a seven night festival at the Arts Depot for all our schools, and every five years we hold a musical extravaganza at the Royal Albert Hall. We also work in with seven other North and West London music hubs (Music8London). If you are three years or older we have something for you!”
“Barnet Model Helicopter Club was formed on the 15th of September 2006. We fly at the Old Elizabethans’ Playing Fields which is in May Lane, Barnet, London, England.
The primary purpose of this field is cricket and football. However the field is available for flying when no sporting activities or maintenance work are in progress, which is the majority of the time except weekends. Hence our club is particularly suitable for those who have free time during the week.
The field has a gate that is always kept locked. All members have a key, and are asked to lock the gate every time it’s used.
Currently we have space for a few more members. If you fly model helicopters and are interested, please check the club rules on the website and e-mail Malcolm Messiter.
“A pioneering theatre company, which uses an inclusive creative process.
This means that everyone is welcomed and his or her contribution valued.
The method that the company has developed over 35 years of groundbreaking work, allows us to bring out the best from multi-ability groups.
The way we work helps to unlock the creative and human potential of individuals, and enables everyone to see the value of their contribution to group working.”
“Choirs R Us is a lively, friendly choir in Barnet for adults and young people of all singing abilities. We sing pop, soul and gospel songs in harmony. There’s no audition and no need to be able to read music as the songs are taught by ear. You’ll learn how to control your voice through vocal and breathing techniques and have great fun along the way.
We have over 100 choir members from the borough of Barnet who sing their hearts out every Monday evening, and it’s a great way to make new friends while expressing yourself through the music.”
“The Garden Suburb Theatre (GST) is a friendly and welcoming amateur theatre company.
We are a registered charity promoting involvement in the Dramatic Arts in North London. We welcome anyone who wishes to learn more about drama, either by participating in or coming to watch one of our diverse programme of shows.”
“The London Orienteering Klubb (LOK) draws its members from the north side of the River Thames and to the west of the Lea Valley. It competes against other clubs and hosts local and regional races.
Our runners are of all ages, from beginners to national standard atheletes. New members are most welcome and training can be given.
The sport is of Swedish origin, and we have used the Swedish spelling in our name.”
A group of enthusiastic calligraphers, lettering artists and those who are simply interested in letters as an artform. We hold regular monthly meetings and have a varied programme of lectures, workshops and exhibitions. Visitors are very welcome at most events.
Meetings held at Cufos Community Centre, top of The Avenue, London N10 2QE
“The Barnet & District Angling Club was started in 1933 by a group of keen local fishermen who wanted to provide fishing facilities to local anglers.”
“We support and race at many local venues, clubs and BRCA Mid South regional’s in the area as well as running our own club here in Watford every Thursday evening at Parmiters Sports Centre, High Elms Lane, Garston, Watford WD25 0JU.”