Finchley is a Saxon word meaning "wood frequented by Finches". Legend has it that Dick Turpin, when not robbing coaches on Hounslow Heath, would operate on Finchley Common and hide out in the Spaniards' Inn. In 1724 Jack Shepherd, another highwayman was captured disguised as a butcher, near what was to become Saint Pancras' Cemetery.

If you have to sit in a car on a sunny afternoon then East Finchley is as good as anywhere else. Parked at the southernmost end of the High Road, the stationary cabbie can amuse himself by watching the commuters hastily exiting the tube station, tattered and frayed from the stress of the Northern Line, or "the misery line" as it is known by those who use it. Above the station an archer shoots his arrow in the direction of Cherry Tree Wood.

'What the fuck's that archer doing there?' Gary commented as they passed the railway station.
'Quivering.' Dave replied.

Their quest was to find the Ultimate Guitar. Their journey was a tour of the music shops of London. Their mission was to find a Rickenbacker Twelve-String, guitar of the gods, the sound of ecstasy, an orgasm for the ears. It was a big task, and it was a big task that was needed to renew their friendship.

Dave had not slept with Mandi so Gary was not mocked. Gary had dumped Mandi so it no longer mattered if Dave picked up the pieces. They chose to reach the conclusion that Mandi had been winding them both up, so both being victims they could stay mates.
'The only useful tart is a barmaid.' was Gary's summing up of the incident.

To the dogs

To Leyton

To Hampstead and on to Stoke Newinton

Edgeware