The demolition and rebuilding of the Sacred Heart church in Mill Hill - A guest blog by Chris The MillHillian

During the early 1990’s Fr Aiden McGing CM became the Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart Church. He had spent most of his priestly life in teaching and this was his first appointment as Parish Priest, this was unusual for a man of his age but he actively settled into the job with much enthusiasm having served as a curate there prior to his appointment. His predecessor, Fr Joe Cunningham asked me in my capacity as Diocesan Building Surveyor to set out a schedule of works with costs to bring the building up to scratch. 

The survey revealed so much that had to be done but the old longstanding problem of subsidence and structural defects presented the main problem that had never been successfully tackled. Engineers were engaged to carry out a full review with Mr Tom Bedford from the parish discussing his various attempts to stabilise the structure in bygone years. 

Having filed the report to Fr Cunningham, it was left to his successor Fr McGing to follow up on this. We had a chance meeting at the back of the church one morning and I was asked about the report. Having explained that a total overhaul would be like taking the wheels off an old car to bolt a new car to it, he asked what I would recommend. I immediately suggested that he formed a building committee to fully interrogate the option to repair or rebuild with full cost analysis for both. 

He quickly followed up on this and decided to let his parishioners decide on whether to replace the Church with explanations of what had prompted this enquiry. He was very surprised to find that the voting was 95 percent in favour of a rebuild. This encouraged him to arrange an architectural competition to choose the most acceptable design out of six requested from different architects. The successful practice was the PRC partnership. The tenders were within budget and the works soon got underway after completion of the planning process and procurement. 

Check out these historic pictures of the demolition and rebuilding

The buildings were completed together with the option to rebuild the church hall in 1996. It weighed heavily on me having a hand in witnessing the church I loved being demolished as it was rightly an impressive landmark on the Broadway. Nearly all my many siblings and relatives were baptised there and received the sacraments. My brother was ordained a Priest there in 1974 and many of the relatives had their funerals there including our beloved Nana (my Grandma) who was the Sacristan. 

The old church was of interest from an architeectural standpoint. The front elevation designed by the Priest Architect Fr Benedict Williamson in 1922 was inspired in its architectural detailing from Egyptian architecture which became fashionable in the 1920’s following the discovery of Tutankhamuns tomb in the valley of the King’s in Egypt. The building was just seventy years old when this redevelopment came about and it needs to be known that the people who voted for a new building did so more our necessity but many favoured the architectural feature of the front facade and reluctantly had to see it go. 

 Investigations revealed that the foundations of the building were eight feet deep which was deep for that time but sadly not deep enough as the London Clay below was forever wet and sticky due to underground streams in the locality. The church was built over an old pond. That coupled with some weaknesses in the structural design with lack of movement joints would require much to correct and none of it visible on completion. 

The roof was also heavily infested by dry rot and the windows were rusting away. The new church and presbytery buildings are all built on deep concrete piled foundations without a crack in sight, so expectations are that these replacement buildings will survive much longer than three score years and ten of the old Church. If anyone is interested in seeing similar examples of the old church in London there are two in Fulham of similar period by the same architect as well as the significant church of St Ignatius in Stamford Hill designed for the Jesuits. When walking in to the church in Stephendale Road Fulham it felt like being back in the familiar surroundings of the Church of Sacred Heart and Mary Immaculate. 

 Chris Fanning the Mill Hiller

Editors Note: You can see old Sacred Heart in all it's former glory in The False Dots video "Sunday in the 70's"

-----------------------------------------------

Guest blogs are always welcome at the Barneteye

Happy Christmas from the Barnet Eye

 Sadly this year, many of us can't be together. Many of the things we normally take for granted just can't happen. I was approached by Fr Eugene at the Sacred Heart Church in Mill Hill who asked if there was something we could do to raise the spirits of people for Xmas, as there would be none of the singing of carols which normally make masses so special.  

I worked with the amazing choir and its choir leader Clare Shah, to put together this socially distanced version of Silent night. This has been shown at all Xmas masses. I just hope that it raised a few spirits. 

If you know the Sacred Heart Church in Mill Hill, I hope you will enjoy the views of the church, if you just like listening to carols, this is a lovely version.

 

You can watch masses live streamed from the Sacred Heart at their Youtube Channel. One of the good things about having a music studio is that, even in these difficult times, we can put a smile on people's faces. 

Christmas Carol Service at The Sacred Heart Church, Mill Hill

This evening we attended a fabulous Christmas Carol service at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mill Hill. The service featured carols sung by both the senior and junior choirs and relevant Christmas bible stories. It is part of our families Christmas tradition to attend this service. The service started with the Church lights being dimmed and the choir arriving singing "Once in Royal David's City". The church is blessed with a large and very versatile adult choir as well as fantastic childrens choir. For me carols such as "O Little town of Bethlehem" and "Hark A Herald" are a big part of the season. It is interesting to note that over recent years the tradition of children doorknocking singing carols has declined, as "trick or treat" has grown.

The church was packed and everyone was welcomed into the social centre afterwards for a mince pie and a glass of wine or soft drink. For such a wretched night, it was good to see the church so busy. It is probably one of the most popular fixtures in the calendar. I for one find the childrens choir very moving when they sing.

Christmas is traditionally a time of good deeds and giving. It has become heavily commercialised over the last few decades. It is perhaps sometimes worth reminding ourselves that there are plenty of people around the world who won't have much to celebrate this Christmas, indeed some people who won't even be able to openly celebrate the festival. Christmas is traditionally a feast to celebrate new life and a joyful time in the darkest days of winter. The feast has built on the ancient tradition of marking the Solstice, when the days start getting longer again. Over the next week, I'll be having many social events with friends and family and a bit of time off. We all need some time to recharge batteries and to relax. This year, for the first time in many years, we are not going away for New Year. Today for our family was the start of the season. This blog has been focussing on Your Choice Barnet for the last two weeks. Today we heard that the economy is growing and the jobless rate has fallen spectacularly. My hope is that the gap between the rich and the poor does not continue to grow. Lets use the Christmas season to remind us that there are people who need our help. Much as I love a good carol service, the Church means nothing if it doesn't remind us that we have responsibilities at this time of year. Whatever your faith or tradition, please remember that there are people sleeping rough in our very own city as I write this blog. I will be getting up at 6am to help feed them at The Passage, a homeless day centre in Victoria.

Ultimately these problems will get fixed when we all start fighting a bit harder for Social Justice. That to me is the real message of Christmas.

The Sacred Heart Xmas Carol Service Vs The Pogues

On Tuesday evening we had the Sacred Heart RC Church in Mill Hills Christmas Carol concert. The Sacred Heart is lucky to have an absolutely superb choir. There is nothing more moving than Christmas carols being sung by a choir in a church. The lights were dimmed and the choir arrived in procession carrying candles singing "O Come, O Come Emmanuel". The carols were interspersed with readings from the bible and poems from younger members of the parish. The selection included O little town of Bethlehem, Away in a manger, Silent Night, We three kings and Hark a Herald. There was a very spiritual and calm atmosphere, a perfect way to start Christmas. After the service, we retired to the hall for refreshment. There was a good crowd, especially considering the weather, well over 100 people. Whether or not you are religious, I'd heartily recommend the service to you. It was free (even the refreshments) and very uplifting.

On Wednesday night, a complete contrast. I went down to Brixton Academy to watch the Pogues "Fairwell Xmas tour" gig. I suspect that this will be rather like Don't Call Me Dave's retirement from blogging (at least I sincerely hope so). The Pogues exemplify all that is good about Irish Culture. They are a joyous celebration of life and are a damn fine band. I watched most of the gig from the front. The highlights? For me "Dirty Old Town", but it was a very striong set and Shane was in fine fettle. In a week which saw the X Factor final, I pondered if a band such as the Pogues could ever make it today. After the gig, we retired to the "guest" area upstairs with my mates Big Paul and little Paul and Boz Boorer and proceeded to have a few more beers. We finally got home around 2am (for a couple more whiskys).

In my hungover state this morning, I contemplated my Irish Catholic roots and the two very different events. I'm proud to say that it is no coincidence that music is the foundation of Irish culture. Listening to the choir I'd urge everyone who can sing to get involved. It is a simple and honest pleasure. As to the Pogues, they are a fine band, they exemplify the best of Irish Traditional music, enthused with punk rock energy. I don't think they could have emerged from anywhere else in the world, other than London.

I truly believe that London is the greatest city in the world, because it is the most creative city. I believe this is because every generation has a new influx of immigrants who continually stir the cultural pot. Before the Pogues emerged, a whole variety of music blasted out of the PA. From Uptown Top Ranking by Alitha and Donna to The Clash. It all seemed to be appropriate. Music has the power to bring people together. This can take many forms, choirs, rock bands, traditional bands. The title of the blog is "The Sacred Heart Xmas Carol Service Vs The Pogues" but in reality the two go together just fine. I just wish I could sing well enough to join the choir. I'll just have to stick to strumming along in my punk rock band ! Have a great Christmas Eve

What sort of a place is the London Borough of Barnet?

As I drink my Sunday Morning cup of tea, I was reflecting on what sort of a place we live in. In some ways, we are lucky to live in such a special place. Let me tell you about the day I had yesterday and explain why.

The day started with a trip to Hendon Reformed Synagogue for the Bar Mitzvah of one of my best friends sons. Harris is the middle son and was born on the same day as my daughter Lizzie. They are both a little bit mad in their own way. Whereas his elder brother Sam gave a serious, intelligent and thoughtful reflection when reading his Bar Mitzvah speech (sorry I don't know the correct term), Harris sought to entertain us (although being no less intelligent). Rabbi Simon Katz joined in, cracking a joke at his Dads expense. Harris sought to add dramatic effect to his bible reading, using his best Burt Lancaster voice for passage spoken by God. I've known Harris since he was a baby and I was proud of him. His Mum and Dad were beaming at his command performance. The Jewish community has a great sense of family and I felt honoured to attend such a celebration. It is the culmination of 18 months of hard work and helps young Jewish people find their identity, know who they are and grow into adults. I was made to feel welcome at the Synagogue and I must say that I also felt lucky to live in a place where I could attend such a joyous occasion without giving it a second thought.

After the service, it was off to my studio. A serious conversation ensued with a customer who was asking my opinion of the news that the Polish Prime minister had been killed in a plane crash visiting Katyn. This is the site of a massacre of Polish soldiers by the Soviet army in 1940. It seems that this sad place will occupy a further sad chapter in Polish history. Are some places just unlucky?

At six pm, I took myself down to the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Mill Hill for another joyous occasion. Whereas the celebration for Harris was celebrating someone starting out on adulthood, a ceremony was being held honouring three parishioners for a lifetime of dedication to the community and their hard work and service for it. One of the people being given this, Kay Lavelle, is the mum of an old friend of mine. Kay is a lovely lady, originally from Ireland. She is one of a team of people who keep the church running, doing all of the little background task that generally go unnoticed (and unthanked) in a large busy parish. She is a lovely person who will always pass the time of day with you. When I was a teenager, her house was one where there was an open door for all the local youngsters. Teas, lemonades and biscuits would be proferred, if you looked hungry a more substancial sandwich would miraculously appear. The house was always filled with young people coming and going and was always happy.

Although Kay still lives in Mill Hill, it was great to see the rest of the family, most of whom had moved away. It was also great to see a packed hall for the reception. Often such ceremonies and awards are given to "the great and the good". It was great to see such a ceremony for someone who thoroughly deserved it and would never have asked for it. One of the other recepients, Stella Vanek exclaimed "I can't believe it" when she received her award. I can and I was pleased to share in the day.

My last port of call was the Mill Hill Tandoori restaurant. A fine meal was had with my beloved wife. Mill Hill is blessed to have two fantastic Indian restaurants, in the Mill Hill Tandoori and the Day of the Raj. Both are run by hard working members of the Muslim community. Both of whom have become good friends over many years.

 As I contemplate my cup of tea, I thought to myself "How many places in the world would I attend a Bar Mitzvah, a Roman Catholic service of thanksgiving and then have a fine meal in a restaurant run by a Muslim friend and not think anything of any of it". Sadly the answer, even in the year 2010 is "Not enough places". Even in this country, there are places where the Jewish community, the Roman Catholic Community, The Irish Community and The Muslim community are viewed with fear and suspicion. Happily The London Borough of Barnet is not one of them. What sort of a place is the London Borough of Barnet? A place I'm proud to live in and a place where I feel very much at home.

The changing face of Mill Hill

On my travels through Mill Hill recently, I've noticed that a few changes are taking place to well known local landmarks.The Union Church at Mill Hill Circus on the corner of the Broadway and the A41has been surrounded by hoardings. I was aware that there were plans to redevelop this site and it seems that soon this distinctive brick building, with the adjoining Harwood Hall will soon be no more. The Harwood Hall has a special place in my heart as my band, the False Dots played our first three gigs in this building. I organised these gigs in 1979 to give local young bands a chance to play. This clip is of "The Vektors" from Edgware school performing "Sound of the Suburbs" by the members. A grainy clip from the early days of video, but highly entertaining none the less.


Sadly the situation for young bands wanting to do gigs in Mill Hill is no better. Another landmark building undergoing a huge change is the distinctive government building in Bunns Lane. This has a typical 1960's appearance with regulation blue tiles. This building featured in several film/TV shows in the late 1960's after it was built, where they wanted to feature "a man from the ministry". Sadly I don't have information as to which films these were, so if you know please post a comment. I notice that the distinctive blue tiles have been painted grey???? Why????

On the subject of TV shows, Station Road was featured in an episode of the late early 1970's TV series Budgie, featuring Adam Faith. I remember arriving back on the 240 bus fromSt Vincents school and watching the filming. A scene was also shot in the alley afrom Millway to Hale Grove Gardens, featuring the footbridge Bridge over the M1. I saw the footage a couple of years ago and came over all nostalgic when I saw the front of "The New China Garden" Chinese restaurant, which has been replaced by the Hees takeaway outlet. Next door is the Launderette, which has also recently closed and is up for sale. Pondering these recent changes, I thought I'd run through a few other distinctive landmarks which have gone forever.

The Sacred Heart Church on Mill Hill Broadway was rebuilt in the mid 1990's. There is an interesting write up on the church website.

The Methodist Church in Goodwyn Avenue was also knocked down. This was on the corner with Newcombe Park. A little bit of Mill Hill rock and roll history. I first saw The Polecats, Mill Hills Rockabilly sensation, who had several chart hits at the youth club on this site. The site is covered in houses.

Another landmark which has long gone and who's site is being developed is "The Royal Scot" pub. This was at Apex Corner. The site is currently being turned into a Kentucky Fried Chicken. When I was a youngster, the Mill Hill Churches used to have their Easter procession from Mill Hill Broadway to the Royal Scot pub on Good Friday. A short service would be held in the car park, with the Priests, vicars et all on the 1st floor balcony of the pub. This ended the year Fr Dowley, Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart announced that "Jesus said I Thirst". The assembled Irish contingent decided they also thirsted and nipped in for a pint. The walk now ends in a more appropriate setting in a Mill Hill Church.

Another local landmark which disappeared is Featherstone Garage on Bunns Lane. I guess it's fair to say that not too many people are nostalgic for garages, unlike churches. No one gets married in a garage. It does strike me that many sites which used to provide work for people have gone. So many more people and so many less industrial sites? Is this healthy.

Another thing which has disappeared from many parts of Mill Hill are front gardens (see picture left). I think I'm one of the very few people in my road who still has a front garden and hasn't paved it for a car port. People come from miles around to admire it. This is one aspect of the changing face of Mill Hill I hate. I'd love to see people get a huge council tax discount if they kept their front garden, but I doubt that anyone would ever adopt this bonkers idea.


Should we have frozen Mill Hill in time and never allowed any of these things to change? Of course not. There has to be progress and development. Whilst I hate the destruction of front gardens, there simply wouldn't be any parking in Mill Hill if people didn't have car ports. Keeping a Methodist church which no one attends would quite clearly not be in anyones interest. We need to get the balance right. As I talk to people in Mill Hill, a reprise I hear all the time is "Isn't Mill Hill getting ugly". The sad truth is that the answer is yes. How many of the changes I listed above have resulted in an improvement to the street scene?

Recently the I had an exchange of correspondence with the Mill Hill Preservation Society. They posted a guest blog explaining how the organisation is evolving. I realised that what Mill Hill needs isn't "preservation" but "protection". There is no point preserving purely for the sake of it. There is a massive point in "protecting" the best bits, improving the worst bits and most of all rebuilding the sense of community we are losing. We most certainly had this when I was growing up. Earlier in this blog I mentioned the Methodist Church Youth Club. Whilst the church wasn't well attended, the youth club most certainly was. A lady called Rene Bampton ran it and was one of the things which kept me on the straight and narrow as a teenager.  The Sacred Heart Catholic Church has in recent years started building a youth club on Sunday night at 7pm. Youngsters play table tennis, pool, table football etc. Betty Turner (who's husband Steve was at the Polecats gig with me at the Methodist Church hall all those years ago) runs it.  I was out with Steve discussing the whole issue over a few beers recently. We both believe that the local community, through Churches, youth clubs, community groups and organisations such as the Scouts, guides, cubs etc are needed now more than ever. My nine year old son plays for Watling FC and I can see how much good this has done for the boys involved in the club.

If you are a parent, if you have time on your hands, if you care about where you live, even if it's only an hour or two a month, please consider getting involved with a local group. If we can pull together and work together as a community, we can have a great future and guarantee a great future for our children. If we are too lazy, decide that we'd rather sit in front of the telly with a glass of wine and let our children run riot, then we only have ourselves to blame if it all goes wrong. A community centre isn't a bulding. It is the people in it, they are what matter. The old Sacred Heart Church, Methodist Church, Royal Scot pub, etc may have gone, but the people of Mill Hill are still here. Lets make the best of what we have got.