The Totteridge Residents' Association is proud to be one of the country's oldest such voluntary organisations, with the welfare of the neighbourhood at the heart of its mission. As we move into our eighth decade we find our strongest focus is currently on the ‘future’ aspect of our Association’s three broad aims of “preserving the past; protecting the present; planning for the future”. I doubt there would be much disagreement that the Government’s proposed changes to our healthcare services are a current key concern on which our community expects us to represent them, alongside issues such as local planning, traffic and amenities. We have therefore devoted the majority of our efforts to these areas, taking soundings from residents, gaining insight and advice from our local councillors, participating in relevant groups and ensuring our voice is heard on behalf of our community. The TRA committee meets monthly and spends many more hours working behind the scenes on your behalf. I am pleased to report on the variety of matters we tackled during the past 12 months.

PLANNING

As with associations similar to ours across London, the large proportion of Totteridge is a designated ConservationArea and a good deal of focus is given to the protection and enhancement of its character.We do of course maintain a similar, cohesive focus on planning issues for our many residents outside the Conservation Area. Our role in regards to planning is straightforward: to bring what we regard as relevant issues to the attention of the appropriate government bodies. Ensuring information gets to the right people means that factors are put forward which may not otherwise be taken into account. In last year’s report, I noted the TRA’s concern regarding the proposal for flats to be built at 115 Totteridge Lane. With building underway, our focus has duly changed, currently to one of monitoring the overall safety of the site in relation to the surrounding houses and streets, including traffic disruption and cleanliness. On a broader scale, the TRA continues its close liaison with local councillors and the Woodside Park Residents’ Association regarding the development proposals for the former Inglis Barracks site. While some building work has commenced, the full site still requires the approval of the Mayor of London. We have strongly expressed our concern regarding the effects of this proposed large-scale development on the current infrastructure and I also extend the Association’s profound thanks to our local councillors and our MP for their sheer tenacity in trying to reconcile the necessity of increased housing within our borough with the needs of the existing community. I again recommend our members to monitor development updates on our website. Finally, the subject of planning permission for telecom masts continues to exercise our minds.

HEALTHCARE

The current state of proposals on the restructuring of local hospitals stands with the decision being referred to the Secretary of State. The TRAhas made submission on this topic and we urge our members to comment on all phases of the consultative process. The NHS website link is www.healthcareforlondon.nhs.uk. Updates and links are also maintained on the Noticeboard section of our own site. TRAFFIC and ROAD SAFETY The Association continues its work with the Police and Barnet Council in addressing the local traffic hotspots.We welcome the benefits of the signalling redesign at the junction of Totteridge Lane and the High Road atWhetstone and note that the speed activated flashing ‘Slow’ signs on Totteridge Lane have had some effect. Lobbying on other measures, for instance to prevent overtaking in the most dangerous areas, remain tabled for discussion. In the meantime we put another marker down: it is difficult to push for a wide variety of traffic calming measures if it is residents who are most often caught speeding.

POLICING

The strength of our relationship with, and support for, our local police force remains a positive link for the area. Our dedicated representative on the Totteridge Ward Community Action Panel - established as part of the Safer Neighbourhood Campaign – plays an invaluable role in providing two-way feedback. There are three police officers and six police community support officers dedicated to the Totteridge area and, on their behalf, we note that they welcome both positive contact and complaints from residents. Night patrols of local streets continue.

TOTTERIDGE CONSERVATION AREA

CharacterAppraisal and Management Proposals Local authorities are required by law to keep Conservation Areas under review and to produce surveys and propose changes when necessary. In our autumn 2007 newsletter we indicated that the next draft consultation document was to be issued in January 2008.This was duly done and the consultation period is now closed. We are pleased to reiterate the statement made by the Heritage Team in the Borough of Barnet’s Planning Department that no roads currently marked as being in the Conservation Area will be removed from it. TRAmembers can follow the proceedings by referencing the Noticeboard on our website.

DARLANDS

I am pleased to report that there have been many developments relating to Darlands. Hopefully in the near future there will be a satisfactory conclusion for the benefit of Darlands itself and our local community.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

WWW.TOTTERIDGERESIDENTS.ORG

TheAssociation’s website allows residents to keep up to date with local matters that affect our community. Our "notice board" facility is open for publicising local events.

NOTICE BOARD, DOLLIS BROOK

This board, placed on the bridge crossing the brook, is also available for use by non-commercial organizations, with the Association’s prior consent.

NEWSLETTERS

The TRApublishes anAutumn Newsletter, which is distributed to all members and is also available on our website. I would like to thank everyone involved in its production, as well as its readers for the positive feedback and the interaction it generates.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

The TRA’s subscription year runs from 1 May – 30 April and a form is available on page 41 of this Year Book. The minimum subscription remains at £5.00 per household.

SIR MAURICE LAING and DR. DIANA GRIFFITH

It is with great regret that I mark the recent deaths of two of our very great supporters during the past many years. Sir Maurice Laing, husband of our Patron, Lady Hilda Laing, and Dr. Diana Griffith, a former Association Vice President, are remembered later in the pages of this yearbook.

FINALLY

I take this opportunity to personally thank the TRA’s Committee and its Officers for the work and assistance carried out on behalf of our Association during the past year. As ever, I also thank residents for their assistance, which has enabled us to carry out our functions. For myself and on behalf of the Committee I offer our many thanks to Teresa Villiers, our MP; our Councillors Richard Cornelius, Brian Coleman and Caroline Margo; the Officers of the London Borough of Barnet; and the Police. Particular thanks to our President, Eileen Eskenzi, our Road Stewards and all the many other individuals who have contributed to our Association during the course of the year. PAUL.A.DAVIS, LL.B., CHAIRMAN