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

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

Mowbray House.

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.

A block of flats on the Grange Estate. Some blocks on the estate have been reconditioned with an additional floor added but Sayers remains in largely original condition.

Access road to a parking area.

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.

Walkway between blocks of flats to Challoner Close

Looking towards the junction with New Oak Road from the junction with Taunton Drive (foreground). Blackbirds sit at the top of the Silver Birch tree, squabbling about territories. It is a bright cold morning.

The Oak Lane Clinic - built, I believe, in the 1940's. It was refurbished in 2010.