IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
The Grange, LONDON, N2 8NE

View of Central Avenue from the balcony of 9, Vane House, taken in September 1992. The original street lamps which date back to the time when Central Avenue itself was laid down (1949-1951) were still in use at this time.

Oak House is one of 3 remaining red brick flat-roof type blocks in original condition on the estate, apart from recent double glazing which replaced the original Crittall windows (one flat on the 3rd floor at the nearest end of the block has retained them). All the other blocks of this type had an extra level of flats built on top with lead cladding & pitched roofing. The first blocks were so modified in 1990 by Laing building contractors; the remaining blocks including Foskett House and Vane House were modified by Higgins contractors in 1993-1994. All the flat-roof blocks were built after the Second World War between 1946-1951; the earliest blocks were built in 1938 and are of brown brick/pitched roof construction.

A very familiar character who resided in East Finchley, and known by many, was a bloke called Horace, who lived in Goodyear House on the Grange Estate - he is seen here approaching his flat passing Lochleven House. He was often seen carrying many bags or suitcases; evidently he was travelling light on this occasion. Like clockwork, he used to catch the 263 bus up to North Finchley and hang around in the High Street and at his 'pitch' outside Sainsbury's. He'd also regularly frequent Camden Town. His famous line was 'The Best Of Luck' which he'd repeat heartily many times; he loved saying it. He also had a sharp memory and never forgot a name, and also knew a lot of trivia, especially music - the names of all the bands and their producers etc. He was wound up a lot by kids on the estate; they'd shout 'Stanley' at him and he would immediately become really upset and agitated; a volley of expletives would quickly follow (his real name, ironically, was Stanley White). It would be the exact same volley every time; like it was programmed in a loop. This wind-up happened often, as his reaction was a constant source of entertainment. His booming voice could be heard all over the estate and possibly miles around. I remember one summer, 1991 or 1992 I think, he was hanging around King Street/Central Avenue with a 'boom box' stereo player on his shoulder, playing a rap tape he'd made; his signature tirade of expletives had actually been recorded and then skillfully edited into the mix...a proud moment. He was a gentle soul who was evidently much loved by many people - including me; he passed away in September 2012 and hundreds of mourners attended his funeral. I believe a bench has been named in his honour. This photo was taken from my balcony on 12, Vane House.

Central Avenue as seen from my balcony at 12, Vane House, Grange Estate in East Finchley on a very hot day on 5 August 1998.

Crathorne House is one of 3 remaining red-brick flat roof type blocks in original condition on the estate, apart from recent double glazing. All the others gained an extra level of flats with lead roofing, the first blocks were modified in 1989-1990 followed by Foskett House and Vane House in 1993. The perforated brickwork on the 4th floor is for the airing room which was used for drying tenants' laundry. These flat-roof blocks were completed after the war between 1946-1951; Crathorne House was one of the last blocks to be completed in 1951. The first blocks were built in 1938 (Craven House was the first) and are of brown brick/pitched roof construction.

Central avenue lit by harsh spring sunshine. Nothing stirring except for 2 Community Officers - The children are in school and most people have gone to work.

Walkway between blocks of flats to Challoner Close

Children make the most of the daylight hours on the Grange Estate.