Welcome

This week we've got our favourite TV show coming right to our doorstep. And Finchley's newest coffee shop.

🏛Antiques Roadshow Comes to Finchley

This summer Finchley is set to step into the spotlight as the beloved BBC Antiques Roadshow arrives at the historic Stephens House & Gardens on Sunday, 1st June.

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Whether you're a lifelong collector or simply curious about the dusty heirloom on your mantelpiece, this is your chance to have your treasures examined by Britain’s leading antiques and fine arts specialists, led by Fiona Bruce.

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A Historic Setting

Nestled in the heart of Finchley, Stephens House & Gardens is a much-loved Grade II-listed gem that needs no introduction to locals. The estate was generously gifted by Henry Charles ‘Inky’ Stephens, of the renowned Stephens' Ink Company, for the community’s enjoyment. Today, the extensive landscaped gardens provide a tranquil retreat – and the perfect backdrop for uncovering hidden histories and surprise valuations.

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How to Get Tickets

This year's Roadshow is a ticketed event to manage attendance numbers. If you have an intriguing object to showcase, submit photographs and share your story via the 'Share Your Story' portal. Successful applicants will be contacted by the Roadshow team, and tickets will be issued four weeks before the event. Don’t worry if you haven’t got a hidden treasure – general tickets are also available via Lost in TV. Children under eight can attend for free when accompanied by an adult.

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Famous Finds and Hidden Gems

Over the years, Antiques Roadshow has uncovered some remarkable treasures, from million-pound Fabergé items to forgotten artworks. For a taste of past surprises, check out this round-up of astonishing valuations or The Guardian’s feature on memorable moments and this top 20 finds.

So, Finchleyites, it’s time to raid the attic, polish that mystery object, and join the excitement. Who knows – your family heirloom might just be the next headline-making find! 🏛

Events

ARTS

​Time Travelling Drama Workshop | Tue, Feb. 18 | 10:30 am to 11:30 am | Chipping Barnet Library, EN5 4QT | Free | In this workshop you will explore the story of 'The Infinite' by Patience Agbabi. Take a deep-dive into the world of Elle, a Leapling born on 29th February, who has a special gift; the ability to jump through time.

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COMMUNITY

​Grow London Drop-In Sessions - Barnet High Street | Thu, Feb. 20 | 10:00 am to 10:45 pm | Barnet Post Office, 63-65 High Street, EN5 5UU | Free | Are you a small business owner or entrepreneur based in London? Well Grow London is back in Barnet. Book your 45-minute face-to-face consultation with one of the Business Support Managers for extra help.

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MUSIC

​Bity Booker At The Colindale Barnet Folk Club | Fri, Feb. 21 | 8:00 pm | The Bull Theatre, EN55SJ | £6 | Bity Booker is amazingly unique in sound and subject - taking folk to a different level with humour, candour and creating moving songs evoking beautiful images and making you look at the world differently.

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​The Arkley Club - The Cha Night | Fri, Feb. 21 | 7:30 pm | The Arkley Club, EN5 3EY | £5 | Listen and dance to a fantastic mix of 60s and 70s Soul, Stax, Motown, Ska, Reggae and Philly Sound from the club’s regular DJs.

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​Concert: J.S. Bach: Goldberg – Variations Stephen Farr (Harpsichord) | Sat, Feb. 22 | 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm | St Mary-at-Finchley Parish Church | Free event with donations for the St Mary-at-Finchley Church and Churchyard Appeal | Stephen will perform J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations - composed in 1741, the Goldberg Variations unfold through a captivating journey of intricate canons, lively dances, and expressive character pieces, showcasing Bach’s unparalleled mastery of form and invention.
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​Come and Sing Handel's Messiah | Sat, Mar. 1 | 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm | St John's Church, Friern Barnet | £20 | Sing your way through Messiah under the guidance of local choral expert Alison Smart Fisher with organist Michael Haslam and a dazzling array of vocal soloists.

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NATURE

​Gardening Club At OneStoneGrove | Wed, Feb. 19 | 10:30 am to 12:00 pm | 5 Hayling Way, HA8 8BN | Free | Gardening and Nature-based activities can be wonderfully satisfying for anyone regardless of age or ability so have a chat over a cuppa and enjoy some gardening.

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​Guided Walk - River Fleet | Sun, Feb. 23 | 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm | Whitestone Pond, Hamstead Heath, NW3 | Free | Join the guided walk around the underground river fleet to learn more about the wildlife and natural habitats of Hampstead Heath. The walk will meet up near Whitestone Pond and will last for about an hour and a half.

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THEATRE

​OperaUpClose: Riders to the Sea | Tue, Feb. 18 | 8:00 pm | artsdepot, N12 0GA | £18 | OperaUpClose in association with MAST Mayflower Studios presents Vaughan Williams’ and JM Synge’s Riders to the Sea, with a new dramatic prologue and chamber orchestration by Michael Betteridge. A man, full of unshed tears and haunted by the ghosts of his past, finds himself drawn back to the sea, and the memory of his mother, his sisters, and a great loss.

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SUSTAINABILITY

​Friends of Oakwood Park, Meeting And Litter Pick | Sat, Feb. 22 | 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Oakwood Park Cafe, N14 | Free | The group will be meeting at the cafe first and then continuing on for a litter pick, all are welcome.

Events - Book Ahead

Tuesday 8th April

​Catch Your Breath - Ed Patrick | Tue, Apr. 08 | 7:30 pm | 1a Oxendon Street, SW1Y 4EE | £18 | NHS anaesthetist, comedian and author Ed Patrick injects the Comedy Store with a gut-punch hilarious show about becoming a junior doctor, the pitfalls of modern medicine and the power of questioning it. There’s plenty of laughing gas to go round.

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Saturday 26th April

​Girl Guides Workshops - RAF Museum | Sat, Apr. 26 | 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm | RAF Museum London, NW9 5LL | £3 | A hands-on presentation about the links between Girl Guides and the RAF from 1919 to present, including stories of inspirational women a chance to explore and handle objects from our collection. The opportunity to try on real RAF uniforms and take some great photos.

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Saturday 14th June

​Park Rock | Sat, Jun. 14 | 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Copthall Playing Fields Barnet, NW4 1PS | £22.40 | Park Rock Barnet brings the UK's best tribute acts to Copthall Playing Fields. For an all ages day of pop, rock and fun.

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Local Lowdown

Drinking coffee

• Brew news. Lush Coffee has opened at 338 Regents Park Rd. Brought to you by the team behind Izagara, sip on a 50-year legacy with a 50% opening discount. Perfect for a cosy catch-up or a caffeine boost.

Reading comics

• Comic comeback. Camden’s beloved Mega-City Comics is revived as Forbidden Planet Camden, securing a legacy with a fresh twist. Last year we thought Mega-City Comics would close as the owner, Martin Kravetz retired. But Forbidden Planet have taken over now as the store gears up for a grand reopening.

Eating chippies

• Fishy business. Toff's of Muswell Hill isn't just frying tonight - they're celebrating. Crowned as one of the UK's top 10 chippies in the prestigious Fry Awards, Toff's has proven that their blend of quality, service, and crispy golden chips is truly award-winning. Swing by and taste the excellence for yourself.

Going off-grid

• Tech Timeout: Starting September, Barnet schools are setting smartphones aside. Thanks to a unique coalition - school leaders, Barnet Public Health, the Smartphone Free Childhood Charity, and MP Dan Tomlinson - over 63,000 students will experience school without the buzz and pings. A quieter classroom for clearer thinking.

Electing

• Fresh faces. Charlotte Elizabeth Daus is the latest Labour Party member on Barnet Council. She won the Burnt Oak ward by-election. The turnout was 17.3%. The council now stands at 40 Labour, 19 Conservative, and 3 independents. Next up: Finchley Church End Ward in March.

The Finchleyite: Bridget Jones

​Renee Zellweger stars in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, launched for Valentine’s Day and the fourth and final flick in the series, based on the books by Helen Fielding.

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Filmed in summer 2024, there were multiple sightings of Renee and co in Hampstead, Haverstock Hill, Belsize Park, and the Heath.

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Zellweger was seen climbing a tree on the Heath to reach a child, while new toy boy Woodall was pictured alongside it wearing Hampstead Heath uniform.

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That same month the actress and film crews were spotted around Haverstock Hill, in Belsize Park, and again on the Heath.

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Zellweger was seen strolling along Haverstock Hill, waiting at the bus stop just outside Nail Lovers. In July, Flask Walk in Hampstead was closed for the day as filming took place in Sayeh & Galton Flowers. And here's TimeOut's list of all London locations.

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And don’t forget that the inspiration behind Bridget’s new love interest – Mr Wallaker played by Chiwetel Ejiofor - was Helen Fielding’s son’s own teacher, now retired Andrew Walliker from UCS school Hampstead.

Editors' Note - From Sasha

Last weekend I was in Palma with friends - Mediterranean blue skies, a little bit of a sun, and great views from the top of the hill at Bellver Castle - Spain's only round castle, and worth the walk to the top.

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

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

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

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Tessa Davis Sasha Frieze