On Sunday morning together with my Lib Dem Ward Councillors we carried out our regular visits to meet our residents. This time we were on the Westcroft Estate in Cricklewood. The Westcroft Estate is owned by Camden Council but as it is in Barnet the residents pay their Council tax to Barnet and therefore also elect Councillors to Barnet.

The estate has much improved over the years. Security gates have contributed to a sense of personal defensible areas. As a result the local residents have created pleasant sitting out areas. In contrast we also visited two of the newer estates close by which are run by housing associations. Already they look a bit run down, smashed cars, dumped mattresses outside of buildings needing a lick of paint If the Housing Associations put in as much effort in maintaining their estates as they do in producing glossy brochures then life for the residents would be much improved.

Cricklewood is a remarkable area. It is so cosmopolitan. There is not much sign of wealth here but the residents get on with their daily lives in a peaceful and harmonious manner it is probably the farthest point from North London Business Park and even further from the leafy streets of Totteridge. No wonder they often feel so disconnected from Barnet.

I thought about this later in the afternoon when I attended the Annual Civic Service Finchley Methodist Church. The Mayor is a member of the congregation. The great and the good turned up in numbers in their best finery, Royal Ascot arrived early in Finchley. I found myself seated next to Raine, Countess Spencer. This splendid Lady was the step mother of Princess Diana. We chatted about planning! Seems she was Chair of Planning on the old Greater London Council.

It was once said the Church of England was the Conservative Party at prayer. So what about the Methodists.The Mayor’s Chaplain the Reverend Colin Smith gave a lively sermon. He managed to mention the Toldpuddle Martyrs and Margaret Thatcher in one breath! He reminded us that the Labour Party owes more to the Methodist church than it does to Karl Marx. The Mayor was sitting right in front of me as his Chaplain made this observation. Did I spot a slight twitch?

The service over everyone repaired to the Church Hall for afternoon tea. I left them to it. As I emerged in to the bright sunlight, I wondered what our residents in Cricklewood would have made of it all.