CLARA's History

The idea of a residents association for families living in and around Chalk Lane in Cockfosters was realised in 1993. The founders were Donald Alexander (decd.), Trevor Lawman and Alan Perkin. The catalyst was serious concerns about various developments and changes planned for parts of Cockfosters, for the most part unopposed and unpoliced by residents.

Initially, the name chosen was ‘North Cockfosters Residents Association’ but this quickly changed to ‘Chalk Lane Area Residents Association’ or ‘CLARA’, as we have been called for some time now.

The idea proved to be attractive to residents and after considerable planning and discussion, the inaugural meeting of CLARA was held in the Southgate Compton Cricket Club in Chalk Lane on 28 June 1993. The first AGM followed on 1 September 1994.

The first Committee comprised: Chairman Phil Redman, Vice Chairman & Press Officer Trevor Lawman, Treasurer & Membership Secretary Donald Alexander, General Secretary Murray Lovat, Co-opted Member Keith Dixon.

CLARA held its first public meeting on 23 March 1994 to discuss the planning application by Charles Church Developments to build 220 dwellings on what was then West Farm Place, now Verwood Drive and roads off it, adjacent to the Cock Inn. As a result of CLARA’s intervention, the number of dwellings finally approved was reduced to 106.

We recently extended our coverage of the Cockfosters area following residents' interest and the need to increase the area of focus. This resulted in a slight tweak in our name to Cockfosters Local Area Residents Association, but still maintaining our acronym of CLARA.