It is a lovely, sunny October lunchtime in High Barnet, but today something is different. My day has been spoilt.

As a young retired person, my network of friends, ex-colleagues, neighbours and nodding acquaintances, has come to a sharp finalé.

Why? Oasis Café in The Spires in Barnet has finished trading.

This was a friendly, family-orientated, regular meeting place to sit down and share a problem. The café welcomed visitors to The Spires.

Yes, there are few places where you are welcomed in High Barnet – restaurants and cafés, but come when we have the blustery Barnet winds prevailing, the need to be cheered and a loo inside, where will we all go? We want to watch the world go by, reminisce, and be part of the community.

A sad day indeed. So, hello to everyone I know in case I don’t see you out at our little Oasis.

Fran House

Address supplied