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

Access road to a parking area.

Unkempt and uncared for garden area next to the Grange Community Centre. Without the Convolvulus there would be no flowers. It looks like the council have given up on this borough backwater. In the background is one of the blocks of flats, ironically named Garden House, without a tiled roof.

Another view of Garden House from my balcony at 12, Vane House, Central Avenue on the Grange Estate in East Finchley, 4 August 1997

Walkway between blocks of flats to Challoner Close

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.

Mowbray 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.

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

One time home of the 1st Finchley Scouts. The building was pulled down around 2 years ago after a long period of disuse. The footpath on the right leads from Red Lion Hill to New Trinity Road and Oak lane.

Looking down the footpath that cuts the corner of this road. The dangerous structure referred to on the right is actually the pile of rubble that used to be The Better Ole - the 1st Finchley scout hut. The house on the left was converted from a grocers store in the early 1970's. In the distance on the right is housing on the Grange Estate along King Street.