STUDENTS and residents are throwing their support behind a historic community building in Finchley which faces closure due to lack of funding.
Pupils at Wren Academy in North Finchley, Madeline Lewis and Gabriella Sgambati have produced and distributed a leaflet warning Avenue House in East End Road could close as early as next month.
The estate faces a black hole after losing £35,200 in its annual income.
If it does not raise £30,000 by the end of March its grade II listed mid Victorian mansion and grounds could be closed to the public and handed over to Barnet Council.
The 13-year-olds said: “We were very upset when we heard the news and so decided to do something about it.”
Madeline and Gabriella sent a letter to Prime Minister David Cameron in the hope he could prevent the closure or help publicise its appeal.
The girls have also organised a cake sale, afternoon tea and a sponsored walk at Avenue House on Sunday March 20 at 2pm.
Everyone is welcome to get involved and all money raised will go towards funding Avenue House.
Manager of Avenue Estate Trust Janett Durrant said: “I’m delighted people are coming forward to get involved because that’s what the estate is there for – the benefit of the public.
“We want to make sure it stays open for future generations to enjoy so the more youngsters getting involved the better.”
The Friends of Avenue House has also organised an open day at the estate to be held on the same day.
A group of residents reformed the group just three weeks ago with an aim to help raise money to save the house as well as its grounds which do not receive revenue support for maintenance.
One of its members, Carl Gombrich, said: “We all feel strongly that the estate and grounds were left to the people of Finchley and must continue to be enjoyed by all the people of Finchley and of London.
“In the longer term we want to help put the estate on a sustainable financial footing.
“But, we know that in the short term we have to raise funds in the coming weeks simply to enable the estate to survive.”
The open day ‘Trees, Tours and Teas’ will comprise of guided walks round the house and its grounds including the Bothy Gardens.
There will also be children’s tours, refreshments and an opportunity to meet the friends group.
The event will run from 2pm until 5pm on Sunday March 20 and entry is free.
For more information about the Friends of Avenue House or to join the group email: info@friendsofavenuehouse.org
To make a donation to Avenue House visit: www.avenuehouse.org.uk
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