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And the beat goes on

Say cheese: moustaches were part of the uniform for Barnet police in 1910

5:11pm Monday 7th July 2008

Percy Reboul and John Heathfield remember the powers of previous police forces and the crimes that reflect the values of the time

Golden age and beyond

3:03pm Tuesday 10th June 2008

Percy Reboul and John Heathfield revisit previous leaders of the borough and find what they achieved.

It’s water under the bridge

Pool resources: an open-air swimming complex opened by Finchley Council in 1932 had a restaurant, picnic area, two pools and a diving board, making it a summer hotspot

4:17pm Monday 14th April 2008

Percy Reboul and John Heathfield revisit the popular spots for a summer dip, including one that needed a rationing system

Awash with technology

The General Gordon bath was designed in 1897. Water was heated by gas burners underneath and towels were warmed by a device at the foot of the bath

8:41am Monday 3rd March 2008

If we are to believe the television advertisements, there are few greater pleasures than wallowing in a warm bath, deep enough to cover any sensitive parts, with scented candles to complete the delight.

The stories of our fallen heroes

In memorium: large crowds attended the official opening of Barnet's war memorials. Chipping Barnet's, above, was unveiled by Sir Julian Byng on April 3, 1921

4:10pm Monday 5th November 2007

There is a human story behind every name inscribed on our war memorials, say PERCY REBOUL and JOHN HEATHFIELD The war memorials around our borough are a permanent reminder of those who died in the two world wars.

Supermarket forces

An illustration of Barnet Market by H Crane captures the hustle and bustle of the market

1:08pm Wednesday 3rd October 2007

Percy Reboul and John Heathfield acknowledge the contribution made to shopping by the organic markets of old.

School 'bad for your health'

The school bug: germs abound in the classroom

2:21pm Wednesday 12th September 2007

Children starting school aren't just going to make new friends, they will also encounter new germs and a variety of ailments.

Back to the old school

Repeat after me: standard three in St John's School, Whetstone, circa 1914

11:40am Friday 31st August 2007

Percy Reboul and John Heathfield compare the merits of a modern education with that of the 19th Century.

Talent search in tough times

Nice shot: in Victorian and Edwardian times, the tennis club like this one in Sunningfields Road, Hendon, was a popular and, most importantly, respectable place to meet people of the opposite sex

2:55pm Tuesday 21st August 2007

PERCY REBOUL and JOHN HEATHFIELD set the scene for young love in Victorian times when social class influenced where people would meet their match.

‘Sell by’ is not a fresh idea

Counter measures: Marshall, near Tally Ho, Finchley, was a fishmonger and poulterer noted for the quality of its products. Service was personal and carried out by a team of shop assistants

3:38pm Wednesday 25th July 2007

PERCY REBOUL and JOHN HEATHFIELD give a variety of products from the Victorian era a squeeze to see if they have gone off yet.


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