Past Newsletters

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Those of you who were unable to take part in the Social Evening on 10th March missed a very friendly and enjoyable gathering. It was a disappointment not to see more of the younger members of the Society. Owing to the generosity of those who donated prizes for the various competitions, many present were able to leave bearing “gifts”. Very hard work on the part of the organisers earned praise for the catering.

Together with this letter comes notice of the Annual General Meeting for 16th May. Please do come and let your views be known to the Committee. Ideas for outings, lectures and other activities will be warmly welcomed; there are many items on the agenda that we hope will provoke lively discussion.

Lectures

Owing to the lecturer being detained abroad, the Programme Committee had to arrange for a substitute lecturer at short notice for Tuesday 18th April 1972. They have managed to obtain the services of the National Trust lecturer, Mrs. MacGregor to give an illustrated talk on “The History of our Coastlands, with special reference to Enterprise Neptune”. Please do come.

The last meeting, on Tuesday 28th March, was fairly well attended, when Mr. Graham Dawson gave a very detailed account of the excavations in Lambeth and Southwark of the Delftware kilns. The talk was accompanied by numerous coloured slides. Mrs. Grafton Green chaired the meeting and Martin Long gave a vote of thanks.

At last we have final arrangements for the lecture on the Tomb of Tutankhamun which Mr. T. G. H. Jones is going to give us and the Historical Association. This will be at Westfield College, Kidderpore Avenue, NW3 at 8 p.m. on Wednesday 24th May 1972. Kidderpore Avenue is just off Platts Lane, the road that leads from Finchley Road towards Hampstead; just the other side of Finchley Road from the exit of Hendon Way down which the 113 bus comes from Hendon Central. Buses also come along Finchley Road from Golders Green Station (2 and 13).

Outings

With this letter, you will receive details of the outing to Coventry Cathedral on 20th May. You make like advance news of the all-day outing to East Anglia on 10th June, when a visit will be made to Grimes Graves (for those wishing to be agile!) as well as many other places of interest in Brandon and Thetford. On 15th July, there is a visit to the Dolphin Sailing Barge Museum at Sittingbourne; and on September 9th, a further outing with a specially archaeological slant is being arranged.

Strand Looping

Saturday 19th August at 2.15 p.m. John Cresswell will conduct “Strand Looping” for the Society and the London History Society. Meet at 2.15 p.m. at London Bridge Underground Station. Bring Wellingtons and old clothes as this involves walking along the Thames mud at low tide.

Festival of London

In connection with the Festival of London, Mr. Jeffrey Evans is conducting three walks as follows :-

Monday 28th May (Spring Bank Holiday) – a River walk – meeting at 2.30 p.m. at Henleys Corner.

Sunday 4th June – Hendon History walk – meeting at 3 p.m. at Hendon Central.

Sunday 11th June – Mill Hill History walk, meeting at Mill Hill East station 3 p.m. and walking towards Totteridge.

Mr. J. Enderby is also conducting a walk for the Festival on July 2nd on “Historic Buildings in the Suburb” – meeting at 2.30 p.m. at the Institute, Central Square, NW11 and returning to the Tea House at 3.45 for a short illustrated lecture on the history of the suburb. Tea, at 4.15, kindly provided By the Institute Society.

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Excavations

Brockley Hill. As members will know from the Roman Hendon exhibition of last September, excavation has been going on again sporadically at Brockley Hill since 1968. (The first series of digs, under the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society, were from 1947-1955.) Members of the Watford and South Herts group have, by permission of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, investigated an area within the hospital grounds (which lie along the west side of the A5 at the top of Brockley Hill) where alteration or development was going to take place.

Last month the same group obtained permission to dig on the east side of the A5 (not on hospital land). They have put down several trenches just by the place where stands the Hendon Borough Council blue plaque commemorating the site of the Roman station of Suulonaicae, close to the area of the 1947 dig. So far they report finding much disturbance in the area, with 18th century and 1st century Roman material mixed.

The dig is a small one, under the direction of Stephen Castle, of the Coins and Medal department of the British Museum. Mr. Castle, who will be digging at weekends until May 14, has sufficient volunteers; but he would be happy to show the site to any members of the Society any weekend.

Earlier this year, a field belonging to Edgwarebury Farm, also at the top of Brockley Hill on the east of the A5, came under the plough for the first time in many years. Substantial evidence of Roman pottery was seen in the plough soil, and indications of three possible kiln areas. The London and Middlesex Archaeological Society has been asked to apply to the Department of the Environment to mount a full-scale dig in this area in the autumn, when the barley now growing in the field will have been harvested. If this plan goes ahead, it would probably mean a full-time dig of several weeks. We will keep members posted about the plans as volunteers from our Society may be called for.

HADAS dig at 31-41 The Burroughs

A row of six small houses, probably built near the beginning of the last century, is at present being demolished on this site. Barnet Borough Council have kindly given permission for the Society to excavate there at weekends as soon as demolition is complete.

The earliest map of the area (c, 1597 from the archives of All Souls College, Oxford) does not show buildings on the site, but there are possibly buildings there on the Crow map of 1754. In any case, the site is so close to the heart of the old village of Hendon that we felt that it should be investigated fully while that is still possible.

It is hoped that digging may start towards the end of this month. Volunteers are urgently needed. All members who can spare time either in the weekend of April 29-30 or during any weekend in May are asked to let Mrs. Grafton Green know as soon as possible.

Books

Members may like to know that Penguin have recently published “The Penguin Dictionary of Archaeology” for 50p, edited by Warwick Bray and David Trump. In view of the increased interest in Egypt, Penguin re-issued “The Pyramids of Egypt” by I. E. S. Edwards and “Archaic Egypt” by Walter B. Emery, both at 50p.

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Last February, we celebrated our tenth anniversary by holding a birthday party. We feel this is something which members might like to turn into an annual event. We have therefore arranged a social meeting for Friday 10th March at 166 Station Road, NW4 at 8 p.m. Tickets will be available from the Hon. Treasurer, Richard Deacon, or at the February film show.

This will provide an opportunity for our many new members to get to know each other and the Society. Please come along and help to maker the evening a success. Entertainment will be provided and, by the way, the Treasurer will be most grateful for any member prepared to donate prizes for this occasion.

Lectures

On 18th January, Mr. W. J. Smith gave an interesting lecture about the documents which are to be found in the Greater London Record Office (Middlesex Branch) referring particularly to Hendon, Finchley and Friern Barnet. Some of the extracts he quoted went back to the 16th century. About 35 members attended and there was a lively question time with many members taking part.

On 15th February, there will be a showing of three films.

Detection in Archaeology.

Pembrokeshire – My County: historical and archaeological aspects if this beautiful county.

Turn of the Wheel: a fascinating account of what happens to old trams and traction engines.

These will be shown as usual at 8.15 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church House, Church End, NW4.

British Museum Tutankhamun Exhibition

WE regret the Programme Committee has not been able to arrange a special HADAS visit to this exhibition, as no special facilities are being offered to adult parties. It is hoped many members will make their own arrangements to see this unique exhibition, the entrance fee to which is 50p (25p for children, bona fide students and old age pensioners). The Exhibition will be open to the public from 30th March to 30th September, 1972 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Tuesday to Saturday inclusive); from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays; and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

The lecture being arranged in co-operation with the Hampstead Branch of the Historical Association will be held in late April or early May at Westfield College, Kidderpore Avenue, NW3. The response to our enquiry in the last newsletter indicated that this venue was not too far afield for our members. The lecturer, Mr. James, has only just returned from Egypt and has been unable to confirm the precise date yet. Full details, including bus and train information, in our next newsletter.

Outings

May 20 – Coventry Cathedral and a visit to Stratford.

July 15 – Lesnes Abbey, near Greenwich; then Sittingbourne to see the Dolphin Sailing Barge Museum.

The June and September outings are being planned this year with a special archaeological slant – see the enclosed leaflet about them from the Programme Committee.

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River Walk

Members who enjoyed the river walk along Mutton Brook and part of the River Brent in November will be interested to know that Mr. Jeffrey Evans has agreed to lead another walk on March 25th. This time, he proposes to follow the course of the Brent a further stage towards North Finchley. Later, in the spring or summer, he will finish the course of the river to its source near Arkley Windmill.

All members are cordially invited to take part in what should be a very pleasant spring outing. Meet at 2.30 p.m. on 25th March at the roundabout (called Holders Hill Circus) in Holders Hill Road, near the Windmill public house. This is on the 240 bus route from Golders Green.

Guildhall Conference

The 9th Annual Conference of London Archaeologists, sponsored by London and Middlesex Archaeological Society, will be held at Guildhall on 4th March 1972. It is hoped that speakers will include Peter Marsden, Brian Bloice, Nick Farrant, Stan Warren and Dennis Hazelgrove. Usually doors open 1.30 p.m, proceeding begin at 2.00 p.m. Tickets, including tea (members 30p, non-members 45p) obtainable from Miss B. P. Powell. HADAS will have a small exhibit, mounted by Philippa Bernard, Jeremy Clynes and William Morris.

Portrait Survey

Mr. & Mrs. Eyre are no longer responsible for organising this survey, as announced in newsletter No. 14. We hope to make other arrangements for the survey, particularly as a number of members have expressed interest in it. Meanwhile, anyone who wants information should apply to Mrs. Grafton Green.

Street Names Survey

The request by the LAMAS in the last newsletter for help with a street names survey has aroused interest among members. Mr. Jim Banham sent a charming account of a famous footballer “with twinkling feet”, names Vivian Woodward. Mr. Banham believes that Vivian Avenue in Hendon may have been named after Vivian Woodward. Perhaps other members are aware of the background to street names in their vicinity – if so, please let the Editor of the Newsletter, Mrs. Arnott, have a note about them.

The Editor will be delighted to have contributions to the newsletter or to hear about items which members would like to see included.

Forthcoming Events

An exhibition of Venetian glass will be held at Bethnal Green Museum, Cambridge Heath Road, E2 from 15th February to 26th March. It includes samples of glass from the 15th to 18th centuries; alongside the exhibits will be a number of photographs of details from old Master paintings, in which Venetian Glass is depicted in everyday use.

At Church Farm Museum from 12th February to 19th March will be an exhibition called “Schooling and Teaching”. It will include records and illustrations from the Borough Local History Collection as well as material from the older schools in the Borough.

At the same museum from 25th March to 30th April, an exhibition with particular archaeological interest, will be “Discovering the Bible”. Sir Leonard Woolley’s excavations at Ur of the Chaldees and the epic Masada will be included.

Open times at Church Farm Museum: weekdays – 10 – 12.30 and 1.30 to 5.30 except Tuesdays (10-1). Sundays 2.30 – 6.

Finally a brief trailer for a six week course of lectures, starting after Easter at Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute, on the identification of artefacts. There will be different lecturers for each lecture, and artefacts will be available for handling. This course has been inspired by HADAS and we hope many members will join it. Further details next month.

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Next Meeting

The next meeting will be on 18th January at St. Mary’s Church House when Mr. W. J. Smith will speak about the GLC archives, particularly those documents which may be interesting to research workers in the Borough of Barnet.

The last newsletter mentioned the problem of a December meeting on the third Tuesday of the month, i.e. 21st December, being perilously near to Christmas. At first, consideration was given to bringing the meeting forward by a week, but unfortunately that has proved impossible. The committee has therefore decided to cancel the December meeting altogether and instead to add an extra meeting in the spring. Very opportunely, the Hampstead branch of the Historical Association suggested that we might care to join them in sponsoring a lecture on the Tomb of Tutankhamun by Mr. T. C. E. James. This we have accordingly agreed to do.

Both we and the Historical Association are now trying, in order to provide a suitable hall, to estimate how many members are likely to attend this meeting, which will be in March or April next (exact date not yet settled). We feel the lecture should prove particularly popular because of the British Museum exhibition on Tutankhamun which is due to start about the same time. It would therefore be most helpful if those members who feel they are likely to want to come will either write or telephone the editor (Mrs. Christine Arnott) and tell her (a) whether they would like to attend and (b) whether they would be equally happy if the lecture were arranged say at a hall in Golders Green or at Westfield College, Kidderpore Avenue, Hampstead. These are two venues that have been suggested but if they are not popular with a majority of members, we will think again.

Blue Plaques

Many thanks to those members who wrote or telephoned to the Hon. Secretary about the Blue Plaques of Barnet. We have now collected a list of 21 of these (not all of which have been verifies as still being in situ). Twenty were put up by the old Hendon Corporation and one by the GLC.

By Hendon: – Ivy House, North End Road (Pavlova), Highwood House, Mill Hill (Sir Stamford Raffles), Junction of Deans Lane and Deans Drive (Sir Francis Burnand), The Ridgeway, Mill Hill (Peter Collinson), 8 Moreland Court, NW2 (C. B. Fry), 3 Sunningdale Gardens, NW7 (G. L. Jessop), Hendon Grammar School, The Crest, NW4 (John Norden), Parsons Street, NW4 (Site of Abbot’s Bower), Hendon Park, Mill Hill, NW7 (William Wilberforce), Junction of Bell Lane and Brent Street (Site of parish cage), Junction of Brent Street and Finchley Lane (site of cattle pound), Brockley Hill opposite Orthopaedic Hospital (site of Roman Sulloniacae), Page Street, NW7 (Copthall, residence of Nicoll family 1321-1920), The Ridgeway, NW7 (Rosebank, a Quaker meeting house 1678-1719), Church End NW4 (The Greyhound, formerly Church House), The Burroughs, NW4 (White Bear, site of Court Leet and Court Baron), Childs Hill, NW2 (site of Toll Gate, abolished 1826), Junction of Deansbrook Road and Edgware High Street (site of Edgware Turnpike), Sunnyside, Hammers Lane NW7 (Sir James Murray), Corner of North End Road and Hampstead Way (Wylden Farmhouse, residence of Sir Raymond Unwin during building of Hampstead Garden Suburb)

By GLC: – 93 Shirehall Park, NW4 (residence of Harry Rolph ‘Little Tich’)

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Field Work

By the time this newsletter reaches you, we will have held a meeting at 166 Station Road for all those members who have indicated, by filling in one the Society’s questionnaires, that they are interested in field work. The object of the meeting is twofold. – to introduce the Research Committee Chairman, Edward Sammes, to the large number of new field workers who have joined the Society in the last year; secondly, to enable him to outline three new projects which the Society hopes to undertake, all of which call for organised field work in the way of surveys, observation of buildings and development plans, etc.

Earlier this autumn, a meeting was held for those who had stated a particular interest in doing documentary research. As a result, several new lines of research were opened. The facts gained from the Society’s questionnaire forms are thus proving most useful, not only as an indication of the most popular subjects for lectures, but also as a means of alerting members with special interests. Some members however have never filled in the questionnaire. This means that there is an incomplete record of their interests, and it might be that occasionally they will miss some event which they would have liked to have attended. If YOU have never filled in an HADAS questionnaire, and would like to do so, please let Mrs. Grafton Green know and she will be happy to send you one.

Middlesex Portrait Survey

A national survey of portraits in private hands is being organised county by county. The object is to record such portraits, and to place the records in the archives of the National Portrait Gallery. When complete, this would mean that any student or research worker applying for information could be told exactly which portraits were available of the person in whom he was interested, and where they could be seen.

The London and Middlesex Archaeological Society is organising this work for Middlesex, and has asked HADAS to undertake the survey of the Borough of Barnet. The phrase “in private hands” includes portraits (not only of famous people, but of everyone) in institutions. Hospitals, regimental HQs, schools etc. are particularly rich sources for portraits or local worthies.

Two members, Clive and June Eyre, have kindly agreed to organise a small group to start on this long-term project, and already other members have offered to help. If you feel you can give a little time to this, please do let Mrs. Grafton Green know.

London and Middlesex Archaeological Society

This Society brings to our notice a survey of street names that is being embarked on by the Names Society. It is aimed at compiling a bibliography of books and articles devoted to the origins and derivations of street names, and with notes on origins. It is hoped that some member or members of our own society will be willing to undertake such work in our area. Detailed particulars of the scheme can be obtained from the Names Society. Please let Mrs. Grafton Green know if you are interested.

Mr. K. A. Bailey of Putney has recently begun work on studying the field systems and agricultural history of Surrey. He would be very glad to know of any research work which has been or is being conducted by local history societies in Middlesex, an area which may have some similarity with Surrey.

Greetings

Lastly, we must wish all our members a very happy Christmas, and hope that ion the New Year they will all be ready to join in the fresh ventures of the Society that are being planned for them, with renewed strength after the seasonal festivities.

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We hope that all members have enjoyed their summer holidays and are prepared for a busy programme this autumn. In this newsletter are several requests for members to make their views and opinions on different subjects known, and it is hoped that there will be a good response.

Roman Hendon

Many members nave been busty recently mounting the Roman Hendon exhibition at Church Farm Museum, Greyhound Hill, NW4. This exhibition is very well worth a visit, indeed the amount of material available merits careful study. The basis of the exhibition has been material from Brockley Hill – the Society spent last winter going through the finds from the 1947-1954 excavations – and this is a selected display. There are photographs of members excavating at Thirleby Road, where the 3rd and 4th century Roman pottery exhibited was discovered. Many people will find fascinating the exposition of pottery making – from the collection of the raw material to the finished pot. Many visitors have enjoyed the map of the Borough showing where “finds” have occurred – there is scope here for everyone to keep their eyes skinned, if they live near a likely spot.

Financial

The Treasurer, Richard Deacon, would be very pleased to receive any outstanding subscriptions.

Members achieved a wheelbarrow through their generous contributions of Green Shield Stamps last year. We need to buy more tools and equipment to help in excavations so if you have any spare Green Shield or Pink stamps, please put them in an envelope and post to the Treasurer.

There are still a few “Chroniclers of the Battle of Barnet” available after the extra printing – do make sure of your copy by contacting Richard Deacon (print 17 1/2pence – 21p by post).

Lectures

19th October at 8.15 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church Hall – Mr Harvey Sheldon on HIGHGATE WOODS POTTERY KILNS.

16th November at 8.15 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church Hall – Dr. John Alexander on “RESCUE”.

One of our members is mounting an exhibition of Roman coins at the first lecture – created by himself. At a later lecture, another member is mounting an exhibition of decorated pipe bowls. Would any of our members be willing to produce a small exhibit at subsequent lectures from their own collections? The Society would do all in its power to ensure that care was taken of exhibits and simple display aids could be provided; please contact the Secretary if you can help in this way.

Records

It is important to keep our records up to date so will members please inform the Secretary of any change of address or telephone number.

Outings

Support for these worthwhile excursions has been poor, and in many cases this year they have been run at a loss. As this is the time of year when next year’s outings are considered, PLEASE HELP by sending any ideas or suggestions you may have to Miss E. Dowling. We must have support and member’s views are important – are the dates wrong? Destination wrong? Would fewer or longer outings be preferred? Would more frequent local trips be popular? The last outing attracted only 21 people; at least 30 are required to make it financially worthwhile.

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Digs and Field Work

The Society seems to have a busy autumn ahead:

St. Mary’s Churchyard – volunteers are needed to help recording the inscriptions, starting on Sunday 3rd October at 2.30 p.m. Ad it is necessary to concentrate on excavation work for the following weekends, regular Sunday afternoon recording sessions will not begin until 31st October at 2.30 p.m. Volunteers meet at the churchyard.

October 9/10 and 16/17 – during these two weekends, we hope to dig again at the site in Thirleby Road, Burnt Oak, where previously Roman pottery has been found as exhibited in the Roman Hendon Exhibition at Church Farm House Museum. Numbers are limited as the area offered by the owner for excavation is small.

October 23/24 – This time we will be working at Simmons’ Nursery, Nether Street, N3 in an endeavour to find the foundations of a 15/16th century house; if successful, this would finish the dig on the perimeter of the Brent Lodge estate begun last autumn.

Anyone who wishes to take part in either of these “digs” is asked to contact Mrs. Grafton Green beforehand. The working time (weather permitting) will be from 10.00 to 5.30 each day with one hour’s lunch break.

River Walk

Mr. G. E. J. Evans has kindly agreed to lead a river walk along Mutton Brook and part of the Brent. This will involve looking for finds in the river gravel and photographing those stretches which may soon disappear, as proposed road developments at Henlys Corner threaten the “wild patch” on the corner of the North Circular Road and Finchley Road through which it runs. The Borough of Barnet is slowly losing its rivers as they become confined out of sight in pipes, and if this first walk proves popular with members, we hope to follow with further walks so that other surviving reaches of Dollis, Brent and Silk Stream can be appreciated.

Brockley Hill Material

Starting next Wednesday, 6th October at 7.00 – 9.30 p.m., we shall begin indexing the finds, following last winter’s work which culminated in the Church House Museum Exhibition. V9olunteers will be very welcome, previous knowledge is not required. Anyone with a latent desire to draw pottery will be particularly welcome. Just turn up at the Art Annexe, Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute at 7 p.m. on October 6th or any subsequent Wednesday evening. We are indebted to Mr. J. Enderby for the use of the facilities at the Institute.

Festival of London

Early next summer, the Festival of London will be celebrated in all London Boroughs. In Barnet, the festivities are being co-ordinated by Barnet Borough Arts Council which is organising the following weeks: –

June 3-10, 1972 – Hendon Week; June 10-17, 1972 – Barnet Week; June 17-24, 1972 – Finchley Week. Following on, Hampstead Garden Suburb will hold its normal “Suburb week” from June 24th.

HADAS has agreed to prepare a special touring photographic exhibition on “The Buildings of the Borough” as its part in the festival; and also to help organise special history walks in Hendon and the Mill Hill/Totteridge area. More about these activities in succeeding Newsletters.

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This newsletter marks the beginning of out new financial year. We welcome new members and would invite everyone to send in their subscriptions for 1971/2 to the new Treasurer, Mr. Richard Beacon. The current subscription rate is 75p.

Programme News

June 3rd … Lecture by Dr. Ian Gilliland, MD, FRCP, on MASADA at the Central Library, The Burroughs, NW4 at 8.15 p.m.

June 12th … Outing to Warwick – details in this letter.

June 25th … Mr. K Bailey – talk on Urban Recording at 166 Station Road, NW4 8.15 p.m. (more details below)

July 10th … Outing to the Oxford area, including Rycote Chapel, Chipping Norton and Woodstock Village (cost approx. £1.25)

Sept 18th …Outing to Sussex – in process of arrangement.

The June 25th date is an experiment – a summer evening meeting for lecture and informal discussion. It results from suggestions from several members who can not normally go on weekend outings, but who feel the Society should have some opportunity to meet during the summer. Mr. Keith Bailey will talk of the work which the Wandsworth Historical Society is doing on recording urban Wandsworth. He has some interesting slides and a thoroughly practical approach. Members who have been helping with the Church End Hendon street survey will know how relevant this is to the kind of problem that our Society will have increasingly to deal with. We hope many members will come along to this experimental evening which, if successful, will be the forerunner of others

Winter Lectures

From October 1971, at St. Mary’s Church House, Church End, Hendon, NW4 every third Tuesday of the month. Please note change both of venue and date.

Annual General Meeting

At the AGM on 18th May 1971, the Chairman reported a busy and active year. The work of the Research Committee is progressing well and the outings and lectures have been well supported. As ever, finance is a problem, and although there is a small credit balance, new ways of raising money must be found to back the increasing range of activities of the Society. A vote of thanks was given to the retiring Treasurer, Mrs. Isaaman, for all that she has done for the Society. The Auditor, Mr. W. C. Cogman was thanked for hiw work on the accounts. Mrs. Worby was warmly thanked for all the work she has done in the past, particularly envelope addressing. After refreshments, a varied programme was offered to the audience – Mrs. Hiscock, the Borough Archivist, displayed old photographs and prints of Hendon for identification – the Sparks brothers of East Barnet Cine Society showed a film they had made about the Battle of Barnet – Mr. Brian Robertson spoke about the search for Roman Hendon.

The following officers were elected: – Chairman – B. A. Jarman, Vice-chairman – E. Sammes, Hon. Secretary – Mrs. P. Grafton Green, Hon. Treasurer – R. Deacon. The committee is as follows: – Mrs. Arnott, Mr. Clynes, Mr. Cole, Miss Rigby, Miss E. Dowling, Mr. Enderby, Miss Fear, Miss Flascati, Mr, Kirkwood, Mr; Long, Mr. Wookey.

Battle of Barnet

We can be proud of the part which HADAS has played over the past two years in planning and producing the Quincentenary Exhibition of the Battle of Barnet. For a three week period during April the mists of time shrouding the event were lifted. The main exhibition was visited by an estimated 10,000 people. A diorama containing 2,000 battling figures was arranged by the London War Games Section. Banners of the main contestants hung around the hall (these, designed by the Heraldic Design Class of Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute, were exceptionally well executed by different women’s organisations in the area). Brass rubbings were mounted up the approach staircase and cases around the room contained relics of the period.

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The Richard III Society exhibited an absorbing reconstruction of the controversial evidence concerning this Prince’s place in history. Three of our younger members were largely responsible for setting up the stimulating exhibition of children’s work.

Our first booklet, Occasional Paper No. 1 “Chroniclers of the Battle of Barnet” – was on sale at the bookstall. It had sold out by the end of the first week. In order not to disappoint members, we are having a further 100 printed. We hope that all members will by a copy of what is – to HADAS anyway – a historic publication in more than one sense. Please get a copy from Richard Deacon, price 17 1/2 penny or 21p by post.

Reascue

Please read the enclosed leaflet RESCUE. This, a new trust for British Archaeology recently set up, urgently needs an initial membership of 100,000. Will all members of HADAS please consider joining this new venture, and encourage friends and families to join as well, even though they are not archaeologists. Minimum subscription is £1.

London Archaeologist

This quarterly publication, first appearance in Winter of 1968, badly wants to extend its readership. The Spring 1971 issue carries a report with good illustrations on the Greenwich Palace dig by Philip Dixon, our speaker last January on this subject. Two of our members also contribute articles. Paul Carter and Brian Robertson. Subscription (4 issues) costs only 60p a year post free.

Exhibition

The Society received high praise for its exhibit at the Annual Conference of London Archaeologists, organised by the London & Middlesex Archaeological Society. Some of the Brockley Hill finds were displayed, including flints, mortarium stamps, pottery and bronze. We also showed resistivity meter surveying and maps of the Victorian postal history of Barnet.

Brockley Hill Pottery

Every Wednesday evening at the Sculpture Studio, Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute between 7 – 9.30, work proceeds on this pottery. This is an outstanding opportunity for HADAS members to get used to handling and recognising Roman pottery of several periods. Please come along. Beginners welcome.

Clay Pipes

Now members are getting busy in their gardens again, we would like to hear from anyone who finds clay pipes (especially bowls). We are trying to trace clay pipe makers, both in the Borough of Barnet and at Highgate. Anyone who can help with the above should contact Jeremy Clynes.

Excavation and Field work this summer

Nether Street, Finchley – first digging date for your diary is the weekend of June 19/20, when we hope to open two trenches in the grounds of Mr. Simmon’s nursery gardens at 166, Nether Street, N3. Work will commence at 10 on both days. The area available for digging is small, so please let Mrs. Grafton Green know soon if you would like to take part.

College Farm Survey (Express Dairy farm). Permission has been given to record the farm buildings and equipment at College Farm, which most members will now, near Henleys Corner. We hope to do this over one or two weekends this summer. Any members wishing to take part are asked to let Mrs. Grafton Green know. Further information will then be sent when the final arrangements have been made.

Brass Rubbings, Church House Farm Museum

May 8th – June 13th 1971. This exhibition includes rubbings from Hendon, Harrow, the City of London, St. Albans and many other places. These are of great historical interest. Open 10.00 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. (closed 12.30 – 1.3o p.m.), Tuesdays (10.00 am to 1.00 p.m. only, Sundays .30 p.m. – 6.00 p.m. Admission free.

HADAS exhibition

The Society will show a small selection of the Brockley Hill finds during Suburb week by kind permission of Mr. Enderby, in the Art Annexe of Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute. On show June 30th.