Successful Community Walkathon

Our North Finchley has had a busy, busy month. Lobbying candidates for the local elections to support our campaign, the Public Hearing at London City Hall, our group’s first birthday and our Community Walkathon at the Glebelands Open Space.

With so much going on, we were glad to see around 70-80 people show up on Sunday 14 June, young and old and, luckily, perfect walking weather. In all we raised nearly £2000 from ticket sales, donations and our tombola.

A special treat also, saw local legend Bill O’Connor launching the walk by leading the first lap. Bill, if you don’t know, has finished every London Marathon since they officially started in 1981. That’s right, this year he finished his 46th marathon, and he has the medals to prove it. Like all of us, Bill and his family care deeply about North Finchley, and he shared a few words about keeping fit and standing up for our neighbourhood.

After expenses, that leaves around £600 for our legal fees and £600 to share between our four nominated charities: Rephael House, Barnet Mencap, the North Finchley Community Grocery and Goodgym.

Huge thanks to everyone who helped make it possible – Natasha for organising the project, Mary Seabrook for her very generous contribution to our insurance costs, our litter pickers and stewards, and Barnet Mencap for joining us on the day.

Also thanks to Kate Roddy from the Whole Bowl, the catering team for the Glebelands Bowls Club, and Tom Flaherty from the Albanian Association Football Club, for opening their doors and providing food and drink for everyone.

The walk took place in the shadow of the developments to come. Arada and City Hall want to build a looming 25 storey tower block to cast its shadow over everyone using the playing fields and clubs.

Worst of all, the developers have quietly drawn a car park over the Albanian Association Football Club in their application. Named for St Alban the patron saint of Finchley Catholic High, the club was founded in 1957.

Barnet Council has been trying to evict them for the last few years, no doubt to make room for the greedy developers, but they’ve pushed back. They do so much voluntary work for the community and they too need our support. If you’re hosting small events, they’re open for hire.

There’s a long way to go with our fundraising, despite great contributions so far. So, if you have an idea for a fundraising event we could host at the football club or anywhere else, let us know, we’ll help make it happen. Stay tuned for a follow up about the next steps with the Judicial Review!