Sophia's Diary Christmas 2020 by Sophia's Diary

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ON FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES IN NORTH LONDON

CHRISTMAS DAYS OUT

Christmas 2020

BEAUTY

Looking Your Best at Christmas

FUN AT HOME

Shop Local GIFT IDEAS VOUCHERS AND SPECIAL OFFERS

INSIDE! www.sophias-diary.com

HEALTH & FITNESS FOOD & DRINK EDUCATION & CULTURE AND MUCH MORE! Christmas 2020 1

Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

Christmas 2020

#SpreadTheEdmontonCheer

Support your local

shopping centre this Christmas www.edmontongreencentre.co.uk 4

Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

From the editor Isn’t it just the most wonderful time of the year? In my eyes definitely! After months of spending time indoors, and not doing the things we love, who else is on the same page of really making the most of going out this year? I am a huge social butterfly so as soon as I received the green light I booked to see Santa, a date day into London with both Children, a Christmas Show, and Breakfast with Santa. I miss hosting events and seeing clients so a Sophia’s Diary Business Members dinner was booked at the amazing Fantozzi Restaurant in Southgate. My business, as well as many others, has taken a huge hit since the Pandemic Started. Although we have amazing loyal members, we haven’t been able to host events such as the awards nights or produce 2 out of the 4 magazines this year. As you can image, so many are in the same boat. I have made a conscious effort to literally buy everything I can locally this year, even

In this issue

if it is just the smallest thing such as Christmas Pyjamas, Chocolate or a Gift Voucher! Small businesses honestly put their heart and soul into making customers happy, so your support when we need it the most is appreciated more than ever. I hope this publication gives you all some amazing ideas about what’s on and ideas for products to buy. Have an amazing festive break, have fun, and make some amazing memories!

Lots of Love Your Editor, Andrea xx Andrea Krase Director Sophia’s Diary

@ contact@sophias-diary.com www.sophias-diary.com

www.sophias-diary.com

Supporting Small Business Edmonton Shopping

Gingerbread Biscuits Decorate at home

BEAUTY Microneedling

GET ACTIVE After Lockdown

LET’S PLAY

MATERNITY Fertility and acupuncture

GOING OUT With Andre Krase

MENTAL HEALTH #ASKLIZ

BEAUTY Hair Extensions

GOING OUT With North Lon Mum

FITNESS With Karen Brownie

EDUCATION Interview with Martin Lavelle

ADVICE With Nino Cufaro

COMMUNITY Platinum Performing Arts

Keep in touch FB: /SophiasDiary IG: @sophiasDiary9630 Christmas 2020

Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

R E A D

SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS AT EDMONTON GREEN SHOPPING CENTRE

his December Edmonton Green Shopping Centre is encouraging their customers and community to shop local and buy from small and independent business. After a particularly tough, year now more then ever it is important to support those business who have been adversely affected by the amount of trading restrictions and fewer customer visits. There are over 120 small and independent business at Edmonton Green shopping centre and each and everyone one of them have been

affected in some way. These stores along with their staff are full of character and our invested and ingrained within the local community. To help support these businesses throughout December the centre is promoting these operators through increased advertising, feature articles across social media and also promoting Small business Saturday. Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;shop localâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and support small businesses in their communities.

On Saturday the 5th December there will be a pop up event at the shopping centre offering a free gift to those customers who spend at one of the small businesses. www.edmontongreencentre.co.uk

www.sophias-diary.com

Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

F O O D

Crafty Chefs Gingerbread decorating packs are selling like hot cakes or should I say biscuits so I thought it would be helpful to give you a few pointers on ways to decorate these! In the pack you will get 3 Gingerbread Cookies, a piping bag with icing and a bag of sprinkles. You will need to get an adult to snip the tip of the icing bag, start small, you can always cut more if the icing isn’t coming out fast enough. The best place to start is deciding what you’d like to out line. For example the angels wings, outline these first and then fill them in with more icing and add sprinkles. Out line the hair and add sprinkles to the crown. You don’t need to fill the whole biscuit as it will all blend into one blob and you will lose detail.

For the Christmas Tree you can add zig zag lines across each branch and then add some ball sprinkles or pour your sprinkles onto a plate and dip the tree icing face down into the pile! The Gingerbread Man you must give him some chocolate buttons and then decorate the bottom of his legs with trouser cuffs and his sleeves with cuffs. Not forgetting his facial features eyes and mouth. Sometimes less is more when decorating biscuits but what’s important is the children enjoy creating an edible master piece. I’d love to see your creations please tag on Facebook @CraftyChefsBarnet and Instagram @craftychefs.

These are great to make for Father Christmas’ arrival on Christmas Eve. These are made to order and available to buy from Crafty Chefs, local pick up preferred. Contact: ailsa@craftychefs.co.uk to order.

Merry Christmas to you all! www.sophias-diary.com

Ailsa O’Shea Chef @craftychefs

Christmas 2020

B E A U T Y

Microneedling I HAVE HAD MANY QUESTIONS RECENTLY ABOUT WHICH ANTI-AGEING TREATMENTS HAVE THE BEST RESULTS. AFTER ALL, THERE SEEMS TO BE SO MUCH INFORMATION OUT THERE! IT CAN BE HARD TO FIND THE TRUTH IN IT ALL. Well, after years of trial and testing, I can confidently say that Microneedling has the best results of any treatment I have found, bar surgical intervention. This revolutionary treatment uses your own body’s natural healing process by creating thousands of microscopic punctures to the skin. This then tricks the brain into producing collagen and elastin in the treated areas, which have the following benefits: • Reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles; • Tighten lax skin;

It is never too late to start your antiageing journey! When you couple Microneedling with the fantastic Environ skincare range, you can set back the clock and feel fabulous, letting your body do all the hard work for you. You can feel younger for longer with Microneedling, no matter your skin type!

Nita McEvoy Brow Queen @nitamcevoy

• Break down pigmentation; • Help to soften and smooth out scarring.

Christmas 2020

If you would like to find out more, email me at hello@nitamcevoy.com, check out my website at nitamcevoy.com.

www.sophias-diary.com

Christmas 2020

G E T

A C T I V E

KIDS & EXERCISE AFTER LOCKDOWN The COVID-19 virus has changed our world. In just a few short months we’ve created a whole new vocabulary to describe the virus and its effects, new terms we’re all familiar with by now. Lockdown, sheltering, social distancing, flattening the curve, they all refer to the new landscape we’re living in. One of the most profound effects of the virus is on the way people exercise. During lockdown itself, when we couldn’t go out except for exercise, millions of us realised – some for the first time – how important it is to be able to get outdoors and move around.

HOW CHILDREN HAVE MISSED OUT ON VITAL EXERCISE AND SOCIAL CONTACT Our children have suffered a lot, being stuck indoors for weeks on end, unable to play out. But it’s much more than a physical thing. A lack of fresh air and exercise affects our mental health, our happiness, the quality of our sleep, all sorts of things. Because children have not been able to go to school they’ve missed out on fun stuff like regular football training for kids. They’ve missed seeing their friends as well as missing

Christmas 2020

out on all the regular physical activity they do at school, playing formal games in lessons and after school as well as running around at playtimes and breaks. If like millions of others, your child has spent more time at home in front of the TV or games console recently than outside having fun, it’s time to redress the balance. With lockdown easing and the country starting to get back on its feet, now’s the time to get your child back on track – maybe even join them yourself!

www.sophias-diary.com

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE FOR EVERY PART OF LIFE Football is a truly beautiful game. Anyone, of any age, can play the planet’s best-loved sport, and playing football is very good for you. It’s such a brilliant all-rounder. You get stronger and fitter, you burn fat, you build muscle, you become flexible and strong. No wonder football training for kids and even toddler football classes are so popular. Footie helps with hand-eye coordination, balance, teamwork, discipline, even self-confidence. But there’s so much more that football training for kids and toddler football offers your children. • Exercise makes you feel happier. It boosts your mood, and decreases depression by lowering the brain’s sensitivity to stress and anxiety with the happy hormones serotonin and norepinephrine, as well as releasing endorphins, known to produce positive feelings and reduce the impact of pain. • Exercise helps lose weight. Regular exercise increases the body’s metabolic rate, so it burns more calories. It also helps to maintain muscle mass.

Get in touch to book a football training class for your little one on 020 8360 8997 or visit our website to book online.

www.sophias-diary.com

• Exercise can have an effect on pain, both reducing and relieving it • Exercise benefits the muscles and bones, building and maintaining strength. It also builds up bone density in children, which helps prevent osteoporosis later on It’s interesting to know that impact sports like football promote higher bone density than non-impact sports • Exercise can boost your energy levels and cuts fatigue • Exercise reduces the risk of serious diseases, improving insulin sensitivity and heart and lung health, while decreasing blood pressure and blood fat • Exercise supports good brain health and memory skills, firstly by boosting the heart rate, which sends blood and oxygen to the brain. It can even stimulate hormones that make brain cells grow better. Excitingly, exercise also makes the hippocampus brain area grow, which helps with memory and learning • Exercise, as you probably know if you’ve had kids at home through the crisis, helps us relax, sleep better, and feel more energetic through the day’

Ali Mustafa Coach @proelite.academy Christmas 2020

PLATINUM Presents

North Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Urban Pantomime 14 14

Back to School Christmas 2020 2020

8th-24th January 2021

www.sophias-diary.com

Back Christmas to School 2020 2020

15 15

L E T ’ S

P L AY

KEEPING THE KIDS BUSY

this Christmas!

CHRISTMAS IS ONLY WEEKS AWAY! IT’S USUALLY THE MAGICAL DAY OF PRESENT GIVING, FOOD EATING, SPARKLE THROWING, AND... BORED CHILDREN. THIS CHRISTMAS WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY BE DIFFERENT FOR MANY, BUT HAVE NO FEAR! FAIRY LEAH IS HERE WITH YOUR SURVIVAL GUIDE TO KEEPING THE KIDDIES BUSY THROUGHOUT THE LEAD UP AND OF COURSE, CHRISTMAS DAY ITSELF.

ZOOM FAMILY FUN! Usually our Christmas’s are filled with new games, a family round of cards, maybe even a show that all the little ones have created. However, if we won’t be able to physically see each other, then a planned Christmas Zoom with all the loved ones will certainly add to the Christmas cheer. Festive quizzes, Christmas treasure hunts around the house, or even a Christmas dinner shared between households will keep spirits up and surrounded by everyone you love. MOVIES AT THE READY! Pre set your TV or DVD collection full of childfriendly festive cheer. Add delicious festive treats and wrap the TV in fairy lights, you have your very own Christmas cinema! It gets the whole family in the spirit, and gives you a moment to soak in the Festivities without having to leave the house.

Leah Entertainer @neverlandeventsuk

CHRISTMAS CARD MAKING Children love arts and crafts, so why not create a very own ‘Christmas card station’ filled with colourful pens, pencils, glue, glitter and festive stickers not forgetting the envelopes and stamps! Together you can make a list of people they want to send a card to, and each day they can make a few. Once made, during your daily walk they can post it themselves and enjoy the process from start to finish. DON’T FORGET THE BATTERIES! You have bought them the most amazing gift, their eyes gleam with joy and happiness. But then your eyes latch onto that dreaded label: >BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED< Make sure you check your pressies before wrapping. It seems obvious, but in the Christmas rush we all forget. You’re welcome!

I wish you all the most magical Christmas, and happy New Year. Stay safe, and lets all pray for a 2021 filled with positivity.

Love and Fairy Dust, Fairy Leah xx 16

Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

Diddi dance classes are designed to engage and inspire children's own creativity by using action songs, dancing games, fun exercises, hoops and dance ribbons to our own original, funky pop songs. Classes are suitable for both boys & girls 18 months up.

Christmas 2020

M AT E R N I T Y

Acupuncture and Fertility OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS FERTILITY PROBLEM HAVE INCREASED DRAMATICALLY. MORE AND MORE COUPLES WHO HAVE TROUBLE CONCEIVING ARE TURNING TO FERTILITY TREATMENTS TO HELP THEM START A FAMILY. SO, WHAT CAN ACUPUNCTURE DO? Acupuncture can help to increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, balance hormone levels, regulate the menstrual cycle and help improve the lining of the uterus and quality of eggs released. Additionally, conditions such as polycystic ovaries and endometriosis have also been shown to improve with acupuncture.

So as a summary, some of the positive effects of acupuncture in fertility treatment are thought to include:

Men who face fertility problems such as low sperm count, low sperm mobility or too high level of abnormal sperm can also benefit from Acupuncture.

• improve the functions of ovaries to produce better quality eggs

Stress also plays an important role in fertility. In Chinese Medicine, there is a major connection between the mind and the uterus. A lot of stress for a long period of time, over worrying or feeling over anxious, can stop the smooth flow of energy in the body, which in turn could have a negative effect on conception by preventing natural ovulation for example. Acupuncture would have an amazing calming and relaxing effect on whole body, mind and spirit. If at all possible, having Acupuncture for a few months before starting an IVF journey would be recommended, as Acupuncture would strengthen the constitution and prepare your body for a more invasive treatment.

• regulate the menstrual cycle and promote regular ovulation • regulate the hormones to produce a larger number of follicles

• enhance the vitality of sperm • relieve the side effects of drugs used in IVF • increase the thickness of the uterine lining so to encourage successful implantation • reduce the chance of miscarriage • reduce the level of stress

Carole Mabboux Acupuncturist and Reiki Master @acucarma

www.acucarma.co.uk | www.keatshealth.co.uk

Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

Christmas 2020

20 Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

Christmas 2020

G O I N G

O U T

Sophia's Diary's Top London Picks What are the best, most elegant venues in London? We have selected our favourites and delighted to share them with you. LONDON WITH THE CHILDREN AFTERNOON TEA AT THE CHESTERFIELD MAYFAIR In addition to the venue being stunning and elegant, The Chesterfield Mayfair, was the best venue I have been to for afternoon tea with Sophia (aged 7) as it is so accommodating for children. They even have a cute pick n mix too. The sandwiches and cakes were bottomless, so it was great value for money. We then walked to Buckingham Palace to make our afternoon out extra special. BRUNCH AT DUCK AND WAFFLE Sophia and I absolutely loved the brunch experience at Duck and Waffle! The views are absolutely spectacular views and the food. The lift experience alone was phenomenal! CIRCOLO POPOLARE This is an absolutely beautiful venue, with the most striking, unique and elegant dĂŠcor. We had an amazing dinner at the stunning Circolo Popolare. We highly recommend it for a date night and a girly dinner too. The food was absolutely amazing and the customer service was outstanding too.

Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

DATE NIGHTS AND GIRLS NIGHTS HUSH MAYFAIR By far one, this is my favourite restaurant for Al Fresco Dining in London. There is fantastic choice on the menu. We absolutely love the floral décor outside and the images of celebrities inside.

Chotto Matte

AQUA KYOTO This is a gorgeous venue for drinks on the terrace and high end sushi too. The food was absolutely amazing. AMAZONICO The husband and I had the most amazing date night at Amazonico London. I highly recommend trying the sushi when you visit. The cocktails are sensational and many are served in fantastic glasses. As so many are amazing, I recommend going through menu and trying something different each time. The atmosphere in the venue was amazing too. Sexy Fish London and Novikov Restaurant are close by and perfect for drinks after.

Amazonico

THE IVY ASIA This is one of the most beautiful restaurants I have been to. The décor is so elegant and there are fantastic views of St Paul’s Cathedral too. The food and service matches the elegance of this high end restaurant too. We highly recommend it. CHOTTO MATTE This is an amazing restaurant to visit on a Friday Night in particular. The music is great, there is a fantastic atmosphere and it is lively too. The barman took charge and selected the gin cocktails for me, which was a total hit in my eyes.

www.sophias-diary.com

one y ver e n u Have f

Andrea Krase Sophia’s Diary Director @sophiasdiary9630

Christmas 2020

24 Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

Christmas 2020

M E N TA L

H E A LT H

#ASKLIZ

Liz Sorton Lifecoach and Mentor for teenagers @YouthcoachLizSorton

STRESS MANAGEMENT AND DEALING WITH UNCERTAINTY

During these times there are things that we do have control of, although it may feel the opposite. We are currently able to attend school and college adhering to social distancing rules or attend virtually. SLEEP AND REST • How do you relax after a school day before tackling your homework or revision? • You can still ensure you are getting enough sleep. Did you know that the recommended number for teenagers is 8-9 hours? (Source : NHS UK) • What time are you going to bed on a school night? • When do you start to unwind without electronics before bed? ROUTINES AND KEEPING ORGANISED • How do you wake up? An alarm? Rely on a parent? • Have you already decided when you are showering or do you run out of time in the morning? • What time do you need to be up to eat your breakfast? • Do you have a quick grab option and go if you are running late so you don’t miss out on this important meal of the day? • Do have set place where you leave your bag and sports kit just to grab and go in the mornings? (not somewhere in everyone’s way !....) Youth coaching can be face to face in schools or on Skype covering anxiety, dealing with change, gaining anger management skills, dealing with friendship challenges and much more. contact hello@youthcoachliz.com

26 Christmas 2020

EATING NUTRITIONAL FOOD AND DRINKING ENOUGH WATER THROUGHOUT THE DAY • Whether you take your own food to eat at lunchtime or eat in the school canteen, you can vary what you eat to keep things interesting. • Eat a variety of coloured foods - a mix of protein, carbohydrate such as potatoes, rice, bread, pasta or cereals and 5 fruit or vegetables a day. Limit the amount of high fat, salt and sugary foods. (Source Eat Well: NHS UK)

HOW MUCH EXERCISE ARE YOU DOING DURING THE WEEK? Have you returned to your after school and weekend clubs? Are they doing anything online? There are lots of free workouts, yoga or meditation on YouTube. Listen and talk to your friends and your parents about any worries you have.

Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think and twice as beautiful as you’ve ever imagined.” — Dr. Seuss

www.sophias-diary.com

Unleashing potential Learning Hive are an expert after school and online tuition provider which targets Maths and English through an interactive and engaging curriculum. Our 2.5-hour after school and online programme aims to build confidence, boost grades, develop skills and offers a personalised learning journey through Numeracy and Literacy sessions with the aid of drama and science. Fuelled by a passion to aid learning, further academic achievement and secure social development, we believe that an amazing education should be open to all and our subsidised business model means that we can make high-quality, low cost tuition accessible for all students.

Find o u qualify t if you for a f ully funde d or h subsid eavily ised p rogram me 0207

112 8 658

Why Learning Hive

We believe in being the change you want to see, and so we have created a programme that works seamlessly to further children’s learning, bolster their achievement and give them the confidence and skills to excel in life.

Benefits for families Improve your child’s academic performance Heavily subsidised or fully funded for most families Delivered in partnership with your school All tutors from Russell Group Universities

Benefits for students Individual Learning Plans to support gaps in prior knowledge 1-1 guidance and support Develop skills in public speaking through interactive drama and science workshops Achieve your full potential

If you would like enrol your child onto our course or to find out more about how Learning Hive can help your child, please visit www.learninghive.co.uk or speak to one of our consultants on 0207 112 8658. We all have dreams-let’s help our children achieve them by Nurturing Potential Together

   

www.sophias-diary.com

Christmas 2020

28 Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

Christmas 2020

30 Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

Christmas 2020

B E A U T Y

THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GLAMOROUS HAIR WITH GLAMOROUS LENGTHS BY SOPHIA Trained at the Belle Academy, Glamorous Lengths by Sophia specialises in fitting various types of hair extensions. We offer a full service starting from an initial consultation to the end result. What is our process to help you have the most glamorous hair? CONSULTATION Our first step, if to speak to you over the phone to establish the look you would like to achieve. Depending on your hair type, some methods maybe more suitable than others. For example, Nano Rings are recommended instead of Micro Rings for finer hair. We then book an appointment to colour match your hair. This simply involves us using our Colour Wheel Ring next to your hair to choose which colour is best for you. Many, choose 2 – 4 colours, which is great for providing a highlighted look effect.

LENGTH AND THICKNESS Length and thickness is the next topic that will discussed with our clients. This will determine if we order 18, 20, or 22inch hair for you. Hair can be trimmed if you do not want as much lengths. We will then order the correct number strands to create the thickness you desire. The type of extension you choose may impact this too.

METHODS THAT ARE OFFERED: Andrea can fit the following types of hair extensions. We will help you choose the method most suitable for you: • Nano Rings • Micro Rings • Micro Ring Weft • Tape Hair Extensions • Fusion Bonds • Easy Shrinks

Andrea Krase Sophia’s Diary Director @glamuroushairbysophia

32 Christmas 2020

THE HAIR Our main supplier if Glamorous Lengths. We order the hair for you and arrange delivery. Clients can use their own hair if they have brought it already.

THE FITTING PROCESS We provide a mobile service in North London and surrounding areas. Bookings are made at a date and time suitable for you. We have taken the appropriate measures to be Covid Secure too.

AFTER CARE A card with after care advice will be given to all our clients so your hair looks fantastic for as long as possible. It is so important to use the correct shampoo and conditioner. Hair extensions must be taken up closer to the root every few weeks so they do not mat. If the hair is fitted and looked after properly, it will not damage your hair.

www.sophias-diary.com

Christmas 2020

34 Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

Christmas 2020

G O I N G

O U T

North London Mum’s guide to CHRISTMAS! ALL OF THE LIGHTS! The Oxford streets lights will go ahead this year but they will not be in front of a large crowd. They will also be up 3 weeks earlier than normal. The Carnaby street display is up from November 2nd. The themes are taking into account this years events and focusing on our NHS hero’s. The spectacular Kew Gardens lights is on. Prebooked tickets are sold out however they are releasing tickets to book on the day and extra time slots. www.kew.org

We’ve had a busy week with Meadows 4th birthday Celebrations. After Legoland Meadow became unwell and as I write this we are now in isolation waiting on a test. As Covid continues to cause havoc this is a problem faced by all parents up and down the country and even the big man himself. A little elf has told me that Santa Claus is staying safe at home and cutting back on some activities as he needs to be well enough to deliver presents to all the girls and boys this year. (Let’s hope he is washing his hands between houses) with this in mind. Spring time Nursery’s have said that the grotto and the train ride will not go ahead this year. The Christmas shop is open as normal. Santa will return to Spring time in 2021. www.springtimenurseries.co.uk/

People know Epping Ongar for the amazing Santa experience where Santa comes through the Carriage giving out presents. The experience will be different this year instead the whole train will be lit up in festive lights and will travel past some amazing light displays. www.eorailway.co.uk/ If only Santa on a train will do then the “steam dreams” Santa train is running from Victoria. www.steamdreams.co.uk

However you can still write a letter to Santa with your little one, the address to receive a reply from him via Royal Mail is: Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto Reindeerland XM4 5HQ (Post by December the 11th)

36 Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

Theatre fans who are missing the usual shows will love the west end musical www. westendmusicalchristmas.com the venue has been made covid safe. Christmas is just not the same without a panto. Oh no it isn’t. Oh yes it is. Puss in boots is on at Millfield Theatre in Edmonton www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk Enfield Cineworld has now closed but if you fancy snuggling up to a Christmas film with the family you can head to The Drive in Cinema located in Chingford www.thedrivein.london for a great Selection of animations such as Spies in disguise, Arthur Christmas, and new film Onward (great film) Or Luna Cinema in Hendon showing classics such as Elf, Love actually, The holiday and Frozen 2 at the Coptall stadium. www.lunadriveincinema.com The Back yard cinema in Wandsworth (not a drive in) also has a great selection of films for kids and adults. The Rocket man aka Elton John sing along on November 13th looks awesome! www.backyardcinema.co.uk Hyde park winter wonderland is cancelled for 2020 but there are other ways to get the full experience Marsh Farm are running the Father Christmas experience as normal this year. To book head to www.marshfarm.co.uk Lapland UK has tickets available at £100 a pop twice the price of Marsh farm. I have never been to Lap Land so we are scaling down our Christmas experiences so we can go but I have been to Marsh farm and it is very good. www.laplanduk.co.uk/ The Christmas wonderland at Lakeside Intu includes German markets a giant wheel and ice rink and is now confirmed as opening. “Monday to Wednesday during 23rd November till the 16th December they will be doing ‘Skate out to help out’, where you’ll be able to receive up to 50% off your booking.

www.sophias-diary.com

Sapphira Vernazza Influencer @northlonmum

Meanwhile tickets for “Believe” the Bluewater Shopping Center Christmas experience are now on sale. They also have an Ice Rink. www.bluewater.co.uk/christmas-bluewater-0 www.christmaswonderlandlakeside.co.uk As this has been an exceptional year many more families than usual will be left struggling this Christmas. The North Enfield food bank has put out a plea for a variety of essentials needed for this Christmas. If you can support please head to there instagram @northenfield

veryone! e s a m t is r reat Ch Have a g lonmum h t r o N e v Lo mily xx a f d n a y Saff

Christmas 2020

38 Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

Christmas 2020

F I T N E S S

BOOSTING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM AND TAKING IT ONLINE As the nights get darker and colder, we will inevitably be turning to warm comforting foods and snuggling up under our duvets with a good film and a wine or two. Christmas is a few weeks away and although festivities may be different this year, we must refrain from the temptation of over indulging and becoming couch potatoes. If you over indulge over the two weeks for Christmas, it takes roughly 9 months for the body to adjust back to what it was before, so we are in the perpetual cycle of recovery. Your body will crave the high sugary foods, the quantities that you have eaten and if you also stop your exercise, then the pounds will pile on. The positive side to what the world is throwing at us right now it that it has changed everything. It has made us STOP. Jump off the rollercoaster of life. It has almost given us a detox from life and the time and opportunity to rethink, recalibrate and rejuvenate. It has given us this opportunity to change the way we act, get rid of our bad habits and look after our health.

Karen Browne Personal Trainer Bodyfaze @bodyfaze

40 Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

SO LETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GRAB THIS TIME AND USE IT WISELY TO BOOST OUR IMMUNITY. SO WHAT CAN WE DO.

Take a daily walk whatever the weather, getting outside is good for you both physically and mentally. Take an online Pilates class. These have been very successful over the last few months of lockdown and are definitely here to stay. Pilates is famous for core stability, joint mobility and improving posture. It works your musculoskeletal system incorporating movement with breath. This type of movement stimulates blood flow and lymph flow which can also aid with stress too. Your lymphatic system and respiration system are crucial to your immunity, moving cells around your body to defend against foreign bodies, viruses and bacteria.

Take an online circuit class, very much like HIIT classes they work the whole body and you get the happy hormones hit (Dopamine & Serotonin leaving you feeling great and is good for your cardio health by pumping those good blood cells and oxygen around your body.

4 5

Take up mindfulness or mediation. We need to calm our brains. There are online courses and workshops which can be so powerful that they calm the brain and in turn calm your nervous system to aid sleep and boost your immunity.

6 7

Drink plenty of water. A lack of water can cause health problems from mood changes, irritability to thickening of the blood which can then lead to more serious heart problems. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a complex system but if you wish to boost your immunity then you need to stay hydrated by drinking more.

Eat nutritious foods as often as you can. Add at least two vegetables to every meal. Try to stay away from sugars and processed foods. Remember you are trying to build your immunity and these foods will not help our good bacteria.

8 9

There are even online martial arts classes and boxing classes now if you really need to let off steam. Fantastic to get the blood pumping and for your stress levels.

Tis the season to be jolly. You know I am going to say. Alcohol. It is a carcinogenic to our bodies and is very addictive. It does nothing for your immunity. Do I need to continue...

If you really need help then a Personal trainer can keep you on track. They can take you indoors, outdoors and online. Anything from walking, weights, Pilates, yoga, boxing or even running. They have a library of exercises to suit you

WHATEVER YOU DO, IT MIGHT HELP TO CHANGE THE REASONS FOR EXERCISE. HEALTH AND BOOSTING YOUR IMMUNITY SHOULD BE TOP PRIORITY.

www.sophias-diary.com

xx n e r a K , e v o L ! s Merry Christma 41 Christmas 2020

42 Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

Christmas 2020

44 Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

COMPUTER DOCTOR Business & Personal

•Network & Server Installations •Server & PC Upgrades •Secure Remote Access •VOIP Telephony •Data Recovery •Office 365 Migration & Setup •Ba •Backup Solutions – Local & Online •PC / Mac / Laptop repairs •Home Office Setup •Home Media Servers NO FIX •Smart Home Setup NO FEE! Repair and advise on any PC or Network problem t: 07801 866 445 | e: nick@nknetworks.co.uk | w: www.nknetworks.co.uk

www.sophias-diary.com

Christmas 2020

E D U C AT I O N

BEING A HEAD TEACHER DURING A PANDEMIC BEING A PARENT IN A PANDEMIC IS ONE OF THE HARDEST JOBS IN THE WORLD. IN ADDITION TO KEEPING OUR CHILDREN SAFE, WE HELPED TO EDUCATE THEM THIS YEAR, IN ADDITION TO BEING CAUTIOUS ABOUT THEIR WELLBEING TOO. Can you imagine the huge responsibility a head teacher has in this current climate? How do they ensure students are safe? Are they concerned about how their education will be impacted in this stressful climate? How about staff? There is great pressure to look after them too, as they also have their own families. Sophia’s Diary Founder Andrea Krase, interviewed Martin Lavelle to find out how he is managing at Southgate School; one of the largest schools in the borough with over 1600 students. HI MARTIN. HOW HAVE YOU FOUND RUNNING A SCHOOL IN THE FIRST TERM DURING A PANDEMIC? I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT, IN LINE WITH MANY OF MY COLLEAGUES, THIS HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING YEAR OF MY WORKING LIFE. I THINK THAT THIS IS DUE TO THE FOLLOWING REASONS (I LIST FOR CLARITY): • the ongoing uncertainty, • the managing of learning when we were shut, • the introduction of new systems of working to engage with students who were stuck at home for 5 months (some of whom were dealing with the most challenging of circumstances), • telling Year 11 and 13 students that the exams they had worked so hard for, were to be cancelled and that they wouldn’t even have a proper end of school day or party • Writing and re-writing and updating risks assessments • Trying to manage the governments constant changes of direction and the fiasco over last summer’s exams • Managing the fallout whenever a student tests positive – fortunately on very rare occasions • Covering for staff who have to self-isolate • Ensuring that staff feel supported through this difficult, pressurised time. • Maintaining standards in student’s education and outcomes

46 Christmas 2020

Be in no doubt that colleagues who work in schools, be they teachers or support staff, are front line workers with all the incumbent pressures that this entails. WHAT CHANGES BEEN MADE TO THE DAY TO DAY RUNNING OF THE SCHOOL TO ENSURE STUDENTS AND STAFF ARE SAFE? I think most parents understand that their child’s school will have detailed risk assessments for most COVID related contingency’s in place. I doubt that. We are doing much that is different from other schools but, as ever, it is in the enforcing and consistency of application of the risk reduction measures, that differences may be found. We have a one-way system, hand-gel dispensers, zoned areas for different year groups to meet in at the start of the day and a staggered finish at the end of the day. Staff and students must wear masks in public areas such as corridors and some who are particularly high-risk, wear these in lessons as well. At the time of writing, across Enfield there are 60 live cases in 30 schools with 74 schools having had cases since September. We managed to avoid any until October half term, since which time we have had three positive cases that have resulted in groups of students being sent home to self-isolate. We have seating plans for all lessons online, but managing the identification of who needs to go home and communicating this to parents, carers and staff, is a very drawn out process that takes several hours to complete. IN A TIME WHERE VENUES ARE CLOSED AND HOUSEHOLDS CANNOT MIX, SCHOOL IS ONE OF THE ONLY PLACES STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO PHYSICALLY ATTEND. DO THEY APPRECIATED BEING PRESENT MORE, AND HAS THIS HAD A POSITIVE IMPACT ON FRIENDSHIPS AND ACADEMICALLY TOO? Students across the school have expressed how much they appreciate being in school where they can socialise and catch up with their friends and teachers. Essentially the whole of September

www.sophias-diary.com

was a delightful time to be back in school. I think everyone was so pleased to be back socialising and into routines, that the atmosphere was incredibly positive. Students have expressed that they prefer learning in class where their teacher is there to support them and they can share their ideas with friends, which relates to my point above, that online learning may go a very long way to providing good learning experiences, but it is simply not the same as being back in school. The feedback we have had from parents is that they are relieved that their children are back in school and not constantly looking at a screen or on their phones! Academically, staff have expressed that students have settled back into their learning well and engagement in learning is high. I think many students saw what happened to Years 11 and 13 and appreciate just how important and yet how fragile, their schooldays truly are. WE ARE HUGELY MOVING TO A VIRTUAL WORLD WITH SO MANY TASKS AND EXPERIENCES, SUCH AS, TRIPS BEING MOVED ONLINE. HAVE STUDENTS COMPLAINED ABOUT THE LACK OF IN PERSON EXPERIENCES? I’m not convinced that teaching – and learning – can ever be quite as effective or efficient as when done with the teacher on hand to guide, support, check whatever is being written or to pick up the sometimes silent signals, that a student is struggling. Yet it is fair to say that students have by and large, embraced the opportunities that remote teaching (which is to say face to face time online with a teacher) can provide and we have even started live streaming some lessons as a pilot to students who are having to remain at home. Clearly, the genie is out of the bottle with regards to remote teaching and online learning. What has really impressed me is the speed with which staff have engaged with new technological challenges and the exciting work that is being done by so many of them.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YEAR 13 OR YEAR 11 STUDENTS THAT FEEL THAT THEY WILL NOT PROGRESS TO THEIR DESIRED PATHWAY NEXT YEAR? Students should bear in mind that exam boards are aware of the disruption to learning and are making adjustments to account for this when preparing papers and awarding grades next summer. It sounds trite, but do the best you can with what you have/know now and try not to worry about next summer. Many things may well change between now and then which could make your current worries irrelevant. Try to focus on learning and developing your knowledge as a person, not a teenager who needs to pass an exam. Universities and colleges are aware of the unique challenges faced by students due to sit their exams next summer and will be looking for ways to ensure that you end up on the right courses. They may well pay closer attention to your personal statements and references than grades this year as these reflect your character and willingness to learn/contribute to the community. If you are in Year 11 and hoping to study Level 3 courses, you are in a good position as your teachers know your capabilities and will be consulted about the possibility of studying their subject in the Sixth Form at Southgate School. It is our goal that we help all students make the appropriate next steps along their chosen pathway and will do all we can to guide and support you.

ON BEHALF OF THE TEAM AT SOPHIA’S DIARY AND ALL PARENTS, WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERY SINGLE EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL FOR THEIR HARD WORK SINCE THE PANDEMIC.

www.sophias-diary.com

! u o y k Than Christmas 2020

48 Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

Christmas 2020

50 Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

Christmas 2020

A D V I C E

THE IMPORTANCE OF PARENTS HAVING A LAST POWER OF ATTORNEY Breakfast telly, nurses, COVID and Lasting Powers of Attorney. The last seven words I use fairly regularly in a sentence. The first two, not so often. It’s not that I don’t ever watch breakfast telly, I might catch a minute or so when downing my morning espresso, and to be fair it’s usually only the news ticker I’m reading across the screen, interspersed with the most important headlines of the day. Alarmingly, that might involve how many insects someone ate on I’m a Celebrity at the moment, but that’s another story and yet another programme I never watch. I certainly wouldn’t be able to name any of the breakfast telly presenters. Until now that is. I am proud to say that my popular culture just became a little more, well, cultured. But it wasn’t as a result of watching telly. It’s because my phone has been ringing off the hook with new enquiries about making a Lasting Power of Attorney. Usually, when someone instructs me, I ask what prompted them to get in touch. The last few weeks have seen a bit of a common theme and it involves Kate Garraway and a nurse. Now before anyone starts running to the newspapers with that story, I want to make it clear that I haven’t just spilled the beans on a secret affair between Garraway and a nurse. The common theme is that neither of them have a Lasting Power of Attorney. How did that hit the headlines and what’s it got to do with me? Let me explain. Many of you will no doubt know who Garraway is and, if so, have heard about her husband battling with COVID. So much so that he has been rendered unable to make decisions for himself. It turns out that Garraway’s husband has “a lot” of bank accounts and insurances in his sole name. Despite being married to each other, Mrs Garraway can’t access any of it. As

Nino Cuffaro Solicitor

a consequence, she finds herself in what she describes as, a “financial mess”. Yes, you read correctly, she cannot access his bank accounts. Why that surprises anyone is lost on me. Isn’t that why people have separate bank accounts, so that the other person can’t get their grubby mitts on it? The fact therefore that you can’t access it when that person loses capacity ought to be obvious. What may be a surprise is that a bank could even freeze a joint account if one of the account holders loses capacity. After all, how do they know what amount belongs to who? What could the Garraway’s have done to avoid this unfortunate hoo ha? Appointed each other as attorneys by making a Lasting Power of Attorney. As if that story isn’t startling enough, enter the nurse. Arrested when she tried to take her own mother out of a care home. Not only was she arrested, she was cuffed and detained in the back of a police car. Nope, she wasn’t trying to nick the bed linen, just take her mum out for a stroll. The home wanted to make sure she had permission, and it turns out she didn’t. Mum had lost capacity, and you’ve guessed it, to make any kind of decision, including going out for a walk, you will need a Lasting Power of Attorney. Once all the pearl clutching is done, and let’s assume both Garraway and the nurse had their loved one’s best interests at heart. But let me ask you to imagine, what if they didn’t? You’d surely all be saying, thank God the law about Lasting Powers of Attorney is there to protect us. And you’d be right. Anyone still thinking you’re too young to make a Lasting Power of Attorney or that it won’t happen to you, go back to the top and read this article again. Everyone else, get on the phone to a firm of solicitors and ask for someone experienced specifically in this area of law.

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS POST IS NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK ADVICE FROM A SUITABLY QUALIFIED PERSON.

52 Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

Christmas 2020

54 Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

Christmas 2020

C O M M U N I T Y

THE POWER OF THE COMMUNITY PLATINUM USES THE ARTS TO HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY. PLATINUM PROJECTS AIM TO INFORM, INSPIRE, MOBILISE OUR COMMUNITY BY PROVIDING A SENSE OF PURPOSE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN, TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS REGARDLESS OF THEIR ABILITIES, CULTURES, SEXUALITIES OR GENDERS. POWER TO MAKE A CHANGE We started our Power To Make A Change project in September 2019 and we have been fortunate enough to receive funding and support from The National Lottery Community Fund to be able to achieve our vision. We have just begun our second year of workshops and we have found now, more than ever, that projects like this are so important for our young people. This year has been a rollercoaster for everyone to say the least, but are we really taking enough time to listen to the worries and needs of the young people in our community? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we are so passionate about providing support to as many young people as possible through our Power To Make A Change project, and we could not achieve this without the help and funding from The National Lottery. Using creative arts as our tools, our main focus is to give our young people a platform to speak up about challenges that they are facing and help to build their confidence and ability to choose the right path for them. We were unable to put on a live performance this year due to Covid-19, but instead, over the last couple of months we and our young people have worked incredibly hard on a short film and we are so excited to share this. Through the journey of four teenagers, the film explores relevant social issues and challenges that our young people are facing today, and demonstrates how the arts can help the youth of our community take steps towards a better life.

56 Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

DREAM BELIEVE SUCCEED

MAKING HISTORY

“Dream, Believe, Succeed” is a collaborative project close to our hearts, in partnership with Edmonton Community Partnership and funded by the Young Londoner’s Fund, created to provide a safe and judgment free environment for children to open up about their experiences as a young person in the community. Throughout this year we have been teaching various creative arts workshops in Primary schools and community outreach programs with the ambition to inspire and encourage the children to feel a sense of worth and purpose regardless of their abilities, cultures, sexualities or genders. It is becoming more and more clear to us that projects like this are SO important for the well-being of our young people. We are so grateful for the funding and support provided by the Young Londoners fund allowing us to reach out to as many children in the Enfield community as possible. By providing a creative outlet for them to express themselves we are continuing to work together to make a better future for our community.

This year has been extremely tough for everyone dealing with the effects of the Covid-19 crisis. But here at Platinum Performing Arts, we have made it our mission to help support the young people of our community. That’s why we are so grateful for the funding we have received from the National Lottery Coronavirus Community Support Fund to make our Making History project dream a reality. We have invited young people from the Enfield community who have directly faced the hardship of Covid-19, to take part in our creative workshops at Millfield House and online and encourage them to express their emotions surrounding the theme of the Coronavirus crisis and the London lockdowns. Our workshops include photography, pottery, dance, poetry, spoken word, fitness & wellbeing and more. Our aim for this project is to explore how Covid-19 has affected the youth of our community, and to provide our young people with a voice to discuss the challenges and reality of coping now that they are having to adjust to a new normal. Their work and the experiences that they share with us will be recorded and published in a book which will be sent to local schools and libraries to use as a history book for current and future generations. When the guidelines allow it, we will be honoured to share this with the whole community at a festival of celebration, giving the young people a platform for their achievements to be showcased and a reminder that each and every one of them has our support.

VISIT WWW.PLATINUMPERFORMINGARTS.CO.UK FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS OF NEW PROJECTS

www.sophias-diary.com

Christmas 2020

58 Christmas 2020

www.sophias-diary.com

Christmas 2020

Changes to rubbish and recycling service over Christmas and New Year Your revised rubbish and recycling collection dates are as follows: If your collection is due on:

Your collection will be on:

Friday 25th December 2020

Monday 28th December 2020

Tuesday 29th December 2020

Wednesday 30th December 2020

Thursday 31st December 2020

Sunday 3rd January 2021

Friday 1st January 2021

Monday 4th January 2021

Tuesday 5th January 2021

Wednesday 6th January 2021

Thursday 7th January 2021

Friday 8th January 2021

Saturday 9th January 2021

Barrowell Green Recycling Centre

Council offices will be closed from The recycling centre will be open for bookings except for: 24th December and re-open on Tuesday Thursday 24th December 2020 Open until 2pm only 29th December. We close again on Friday 25th December 2020 Closed 1st January. Saturday 26th December 2020 Closed For Libraries and Registrars, Friday 1st January 2021 Closed visit www.enfield.gov.uk

Christmas Tree recycling

Book • If you have a real Christmas tree and want it to be collected and recycled you will need to your t ree schedule your collection online at www.enfield.gov.uk/bins (online booking only - from coll ection 05/12/2020 – limited dates to coincide with green bin collection schedules – more online details online). • Please remove all decorations, pots and turf from your tree as these cannot be recycled. If your tree is taller than 6ft please take it to one of the parks listed below or cut into smaller pieces as it cannot be collected otherwise. • Until Sunday 10 Jan 2021 trees can also be taken to: Pymmes Park, Bush Hill Park, Bury Lodge Gardens, Town Park, Jubilee Park, Albany Park, Arnos Park, Durants Park, Broomfield Park, Tottenhall Sports Ground, Oakwood Park, Grovelands Park and Trent Park. Trees to be left inside park gate for collection by park staff. • Christmas trees can be taken to Barrowell Green Recycling Centre throughout the festive season and beyond – booking required.

CLIMATE

ACTION ENFIELD

Good for Enfield, Good for the Planet