Outing to Friern Barnet and Southgate, North London – Saturday, 23rd September 2023

This will be a joint event with the Enfield and District Association.  Travel to Arnos Grove Station on the Piccadilly line of the Underground.  On leaving the Station, cross the road to bus stop A to catch a 34 (destination “Barnet Church”).  This route is frequent and you need to get out at the Myddelton Park stop; the first church is a few yards further on, on the left.

11.00a.m. All Saints, Church, 122 Oakleigh Road, Friern Barnet / North Whetstone, N20 9EZ

The organ by Bryceson (1883) is (I think) still in the building but not used / usable.  It was replaced by an instrument from Church and Co. of Newcastle in 1984.  It has two manuals and 29 speaking stops, including a Nightingale and Cymbal Star on the Great and Heraldic Trumpet on the Swell. 

At about 12.15p.m. we finish at All Saints.  You may use the churchyard to have a packed lunch, but it may be warmer to eat at one of several places near our second venue.

Cross the road at the traffic lights near All Saints and use the Myddelton park bus stop going south.  Take the 125 (showing destination “Winchmore Hill”) and get out at the stop just after St. Andrew’s Church in Southgate, which will be on your left.  Between the Church and the bus stop are a Wetherspoon’s, Pizza Express and an Italian restaurant called “Fantozzi”.  There are plenty of other places, too.  Nothing is booked, but if small groups go to various eateries we ought to be fine.

2.30p.m. St. Andrew’s Church, Chase Side, Southgate, N14 5PP    

The Vicar, Fr. Edward Turner is very friendly and is expecting to welcome us.  He taught the flute before ordination, so understands musicians; he is delighted that we are coming.  The atmosphere is friendly and the building is light.  The building dates from 1903.  The organ is in a gallery above the choirstalls; it is narrow just before you reach the console.  From the leaflet produced by the Parish: “The organ was originally built by the famous “Father Willis” in 1867 for the second Duke of Wellington and stood for nearly a hundred years in the church on his estate in Berkshire.  After being removed to Christ Church, Albany Street (redundant since 1989) the organ was offered to St. Andrew’s.  It is a two manual and although intended as a house organ, it fills the church and has a wonderful tone.  

I imagine that we can stay until 3.30 – 4.00p.m.  From St. Andrew’s, turn left out of the Church and you will soon see Southgate tube Station (Piccadilly line still) on the other side.