Palmers Green & Southgate LIFE magazine Jan 2016

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Palmers Green

Southgate

LI FE January 2016 Edition Issue 28

Lord Lipton •Transforming tea from an expensive luxury into a drink of the people

Cycle Enfield •The campaign so far

Figoura •Greek dancing in Palmers Green

Image supplied by Enfield Council Local Studies and Archive

Osidge Mansion

n today Osidge Mansio

welcome A very happy New Year to all our readers. We would like to thank all our columnists that continue to support the magazine and our community. Thanks also to our committed advertisers, we welcome a few new businesses this month including Schmidt Kitchens in Palmers Green, Palmers Green High School and Figoura Greek Dancing Classes amongst others.

We hope you enjoy our latest restaurant review on page 13, Sushi Inn located on Green Lanes. Where possible please support businesses in Palmers Green to help our high street thrive in 2016.

Over the Christmas period we have renovated our office, updating our interior and redecorating in time for the busy spring period. Looking back at the property market over the past twelve months, it is fair to say that it was tougher than predicted. Market research shows that traditional trends were not apparent in the latter half of 2015, resulting in a drop of property listings by as much as 20% in London. This is in spite of the fact that there appears to be no specific reason for the decline as key market indicators were all performing well; we had political stability, lower stamp duty rates, low unemployment, low interest rates and good mortgage deals. As we enter 2016 it will be interesting to see how the property market will react locally. The lack of available housing stock continues to drive up local property prices, Enfield is in fact out performing the London average for house price gains at a staggering 12% increase on 2014 prices.

Tony Ourris Director / Editor at Large tonyourris@anthonywebb.co.uk

Martin McKelvey Office Manager martin@anthonywebb.co.uk

Lee Sargent Senior Sales and Lettings Negotiator lee@anthonywebb.co.uk

Theo Kyriacou Sales and Lettings Negotiator theo@anthonywebb.co.uk

Maria Stafford Property Management lettings@anthonywebb.co.uk

Emily Berry Property Management lettings@anthonywebb.co.uk

Panayiota Kyriakides Administrator

Anthony Georgiou Administrator Assistant

I do however expect to see a strong start to 2016, the festive holidays often act as a catalyst to get people thinking about selling for various reasons. On average it takes potential sellers three months to decide whether or not to put their home on the market, therefore getting a valuation early may help you to make the decision that is right for you.

Please contact a member of our team who will be happy to discuss your options and offer you a free market appraisal.

The end of 2015 saw Anthony Webb support both Hazelwood School and Palmers Green High School in their fund raising efforts. We are fortunate to have some great local schools in Palmers Green and we are always happy to show our support.

Finally, we hope you enjoy reading our past times feature this month on pages 6 and 7 about Lord Lipton. If you are interested in local history we recommend you visit these great facebook pages to exchange local stories and photographs.

Winchmore Hill And Palmers Green Memories run by Richard Starling at www.facebook.com/groups/WinchmoreMemories/ and Enfield Past & Present run by Gary Boudier www.facebook.com/groups/1621549144801127/

Do pop in to see the new office if you are passing.

Tony

Tony Ourris Director Anthony Webb Estate Agents

Contents Save Our Green Lanes by Linda Miller ................4 Roll on Mini Holland by Clare Rogers .................4 Palmers Green High School.................................5 Past Times Lord Lipton and Osidge Mansion

by Ellie Sales....................................................6-7 Councillor’s Corner by Bambos Charalambous ...8 Parliamentary Comment

by David Burrowes MP .......................................8 Schmidt Kitchens ................................................9 Love Your DoorStep by Emma Rigby .................10 Alexander Associates by Alex Chrysostomou ....10 Cash Hoard by Jan Thompson ...........................11 Figoura LDN Greek Dancing..............................12 Sushi Inn review by Ellie Sales ..........................13 Carey Hall Pre School........................................14 Starfish .............................................................15 Anthony Webb Property Showcase ........16-17

Trends for 2016 by Kiri at Fabulous ..................18 Palmers Green Tales by Jenny Bourke ...............18 Ruth Winston Centre.........................................20 Jewel in the North by Suzanne Beard ...............20 Home Care Preferred ........................................21 Safe Removals ..................................................22 A Montreux Mini Break

by Mike at Scott’s Travel ...................................23 Amatsu by Nicola Forward................................24 In the Garden with Paul Night ..........................25 Palmers Scream ................................................26 Talkies by David Williamson..............................26 Creative Exchange News ..................................27 Charity – Growbaby Enfield..............................28 Your Legal Questions Answered

by Fariz Uvais ......................................................29 Your Local Family Law Specialists, Chapman Pieri.............................................30-32

If you are interested in advertising a local service or business please get in touch or if you have a local story or article that you would like featured in our magazine please contact ellie@palmersgreenlife.co.uk Ellie Sales Magazine Editor

Anthony Webb supporting local schools, charities and local action groups to enrich our community

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Cycle Enfield, have your say - For and Against Roll on Mini Holland!

by Clare Rogers Clare Rogers blogs at www.subversivesuburbanite.wordpress.com Now that I only have one child to take to primary school, I’ve bought a tandem. We use it whatever the weather. My 8-year-old loves pedalling with me; we’re both fitter; and with no need to park, it’s the fastest way to get from Palmers Green to school in Southgate.

It’s great. But when we pass children struggling along on their bikes on the pavement, or stuck in the back of a car, I think: I wish all kids had the choice to cycle. Even those without a parent daft enough to ride a tandem. Even on the road. But who’s going to let their child cycle on roads around here?

Roll on Mini Holland! Those protected bike lanes will not be for “cyclists”. They will be (I hope) for children on bikes – their parents’ or their own – going to school. They will be for anyone who can’t drive, or wants to do local trips without getting in a car. The Mini Holland plans won’t force anyone to cycle, but at least riding a bike will finally be a valid option.

What else will it be good for? Enfield’s economy. A friend of mine was in Enfield Town the other day when a bomb scare closed the high street to traffic.

She suddenly saw the pretty old market town Enfield used to be. A high street without cars is somewhere you’d want to linger, and Enfield’s – with its 20% vacancy rate – desperately needs shoppers to linger.

Roll on those plans to take the cars off Church Street.

towns don’t work for anyone – not even drivers. Carfree days and bike schemes are proliferating from Paris to Jakarta. But strangely, all proposals to take road space from cars meet what one blogger calls “the same confused, tired arguments… it will ‘cause’ congestion; this isn’t the Netherlands, people won’t cycle because of winter/hills/culture; ‘cyclists’ are a minority who don’t deserve special treatment; nobody will use the cycling infrastructure”.1

And Enfield’s health. Chase Farm Hospital staff are very keen on Mini Holland. No wonder, when physical inactivity costs the country £47bn a year – a “slow motion car crash”, says NHS England’s CEO. Sitting is the new smoking. I feel much better for replacing short car and bus journeys with my bike – or my feet. I don’t have time for the gym, but exercise by going where I need to go doesn’t feel like exercise at all. (And it’s free.) Mini Holland should make more people feel safe to do the same.

He wasn’t even writing about Enfield. These arguments crop up everywhere, from here to California. Even 1970s Holland saw people violently opposed to bike lanes. We don’t like change; we can’t imagine how it will work. But I predict that – as in so many other places – a year after it’s installed, no one will remember what all the fuss was about.

Mini Holland is bringing us into the 21st century. All over the world people are realising that car-centred

So, roll on Mini Holland. You can’t get here soon enough for me.

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‘As Easy As Riding A Bike’ blog post, November 2015

What’s wrong with the Cycle Enfield options for Enfield Town?

by Linda Miller on behalf of Save Our Green Lanes Enfield Council is consulting on two cycle options for Enfield Town. Both Option 1 and Option 2 will close Church Street to through traffic, with that traffic diverted onto Cecil Rd. The impact on the 79 houses and flats will be severe - noise and air pollution will be doubled. Plus cycling will become far more dangerous for residents on Cecil Road or adjoining roads. Yet as one-way streets Cecil Road and Church St were already amongst the safest in the borough for cyclists.

The Council says these changes to Cecil Rd might initially result in ‘some’ delay. We believe delays will be substantial for all traffic visiting or travelling through the town. This risks Enfield losing shoppers, who, after experiencing these problems once or twice, are likely to go elsewhere. Indeed the propaganda put out by the Council says that “this situation should gradually improve over time as short journey car use reduces... some people will retime their journeys or find alternative routes at the

busiest times“. There is a limit to the extent to which shopping trips can be re-timed and we fear that those ‘alternative routes’ will take the shoppers away to the retail parks or to neighbouring boroughs. Given the tight margins many shops operate on, just a 5% fall in footfall could be enough to see many close.

In addition the return of Cecil Rd to two way traffic would significantly impede any police, fire or ambulance service vehicles that used it and the changes to Church Street will restrict emergency services access to town centre incidents - such as the recent ‘bomb alert’.

The plans also propose all the buses on Church St being held in a single segregated lane so that they can no longer overtake each other. The number of bus stops will be reduced from 3 to 2. Ten bus services (50 buses an hour) pass along Church St; in future, when one stops, they’ll all stop. And let’s not

think about what will happen when one breaks down. On Cecil Rd buses will be stuck in virtually stationary traffic. Enfield claims the changes will result in “improved bus services”. We call that “a lie”.

Enfield also proposes removing the one parking bay for disabled people from Church St and banning even blue badge holders from parking on Church St and London Rd. This will result in no close parking for disabled or frail people. Yet older people far outnumber the 5% of the number of cyclists the council ‘aspires’ to achieve.

Does it have to be like this? NO! There was a scheme that didn’t cause chaos or threaten the town with gridlock. It didn’t close the town centre to our most vulnerable. And it didn’t cause problems for our shops. This was option 4, which located the cycle lanes on Cecil Road. It was rejected because TfL did not think that it was ‘sufficiently transformational’.

WE ARE NOT AGAINST PROVIDING SAFER CYCLING FACILITIES BUT NOT AT THE COST OF SHOPS, RESIDENTS AND THE MOST VULNERABLE MEMBERS OF OUR SOCIETY. REJECT BOTH OPTIONS 1 AND 2 AND DEMAND THAT OPTION 4 IS PUT BACK ON THE TABLE

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Past Times, Lord Lipton and Osidge Mansion

by Ellie Sales Lipton Tea, in the distinctive yellow and red box, is instantly recognisable in 180 countries throughout the world but the man behind the brand, Sir Thomas J Lipton, is much less so. His was a life that was worth remembering, that should be recognised for his shrewd entrepreneurial streak that made him millions, his publicity stunts, his hob-nobbing with royalty, his many challenges for the America’s Cup and his generous philanthropy.

In New York, Tommy was to place his foot on a significant rung of the ladder to his success when he landed a job in a Scottish department store. The owner, A.T Stewart, had found commercial success through his compulsive, competitive drive, rigorous staff discipline and attention to detail; qualities that would inspire the young Lipton. Four years after leaving his home town, with $500 in his pocket (a large sum then) and the bushy moustache that would soon make him instantly recognisable, he returned to his parents in Glasgow determined to become a merchant showman – and a millionaire!

In 1871 on his 23rd birthday, and with his mother’s blessing, he opened up his first shop selling quality groceries in a classier suburb of Glasgow than his parent’s shop. Always with an eye to a good news story, Tommy told the local papers that it was his ‘coming of age’ (21st) birthday!

By the 1880’s Lipton had opened more than 200 shops nationwide

Lipton was a man that never smoked or drank, nor did he ever settle down and marry. He never gambled his vast wealth in casinos or at the track, yet he took enormous commercial chances. In total keeping with his unusual life, until his forties he was a man that was virtually friendless and had no discernible hobbies, often taking to sleeping under his own counter rather than go home. Later in life he was to enter society as ‘one of the most eligible bachelors in the world’ and would go on to become a close (and discreet) friend of King Edward VII. After travelling the world, and making his fortune, he chose to put down roots in Southgate where he stayed for 50 years.

Although you may not have been aware, you have very likely frequently passed by his home on Chase Side, in a mansion known as Osidge.

His parents fled the Irish potato famine of 1847, leaving County Down for the tough slums of Glasgow. Thomas Senior, with his wife Frances, set up a tiny grocery store selling fresh provisions shipped from friends with a farm in

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Ireland. Tommy, as he was known, left school at 13 and helped out in the family shop. Glasgow was a busy port, as well as a ship building city, and a boy growing up on the Clyde would have heard sailors tell tales about far away places.

Throughout his young life, Tommy would have seen waves of desperate migrants set sail for a better life in the 'New World'. Clearly this had a strong effect upon him because, turning his hand to several jobs, Tommy quickly amassed five pounds and purchased a ticket on the 'SS Caledonia' bound for New York.

Despite the many attractions of New York, on arrival he decided to head south to Virginia where he found hard, physical work as a farm labourer. Not for the first time in his long life, his timing was good because the Civil War, coupled with the abolishment of slavery, had combined to cause labour shortages on the plantations. Moving on to work at a South Carolina rice plantation, his literacy and rudimentary book keeping skills gained him a clerk’s position before he eventually returned to New York 3 years later.

Lipton showed a genius for promotion and later in his career would refer to himself – in the style of a circus performer – as ‘The Great Lipton’. Over twenty years he built a fleet of shops; every month his business grew larger and his workload remained undiminished. But the source of his encouragement, his beloved and devoted mother, was aging and eventually died at the age of 80 in the autumn of 1889.

When in the following spring his father also died Tommy was advised to take a holiday. He complied and booked a passage to Australia.

History shows however that he had other plans than to take a restful vacation – he had sent an aide ahead to sound out commercial prospects in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) where he broke his voyage.

What he discovered in Ceylon was to change his company, his life, and certainly the history of tea. Ceylon exported tea to Great Britain, agricultural land prices were still depressed from the coffee crash and Tommy had gone on “vacation” with £75,000 to invest. With his usual vigour and applying his sharp business acumen, Sir Thomas re-organised the

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plantations and introduced innovative cable car systems to transport leaves, increasing production efficiency. At the time, UK tea prices were exorbitant – it was a drink for the rich. Thomas Lipton changed all that, cutting out the middlemen to sell tea at a lower rate.

Instead of arriving in crates, loose tea was now packaged at multiple weight options. The product was standardised, so you always knew you could trust Lipton for a perfect cuppa.

Later, Lipton was the first brand to sell tea leaves in tea bags. This was a revolution which meant that, finally, you didn’t need to be a big spender to get your hands on great tea. His innovations built a brand that has stood the test of time, an iconic name that globally outsells all others (in countries other than the UK where, ironically, it is not available).

In 1892, without his parents to tie him back to Glasgow, Thomas Lipton came to live in Southgate in a mansion known as ‘Osidge’.

Oside Tree House

From here he had a direct telephone line to his office in City Road (the first private line in the village). By 1895 the boy from the Glasgow slums had achieved much. Now aged 46 he was a millionaire, lived on a sixty acre estate

Sir Lipton’s residence in Southgate, rear aspect

in Southgate, had opened extensive London offices in City Road, had a chain of grocery shops across Britain, had businesses and properties in America and owned tea and rubber estates in Ceylon. The Lipton empire had reached its pinnacle.

‘Shamrock’. He made five attempts to win the Cup without succeeding. However, he earned a reputation as "the world's best loser” and was presented with a gold cup by the people of America for his good sportsmanship in 1930.

In 1896 Tommy read an open letter in ‘The Times’ from Princess Alexandra, the Princess of Wales, to the Lord Mayor of London, pleading for commemoration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee not by the erection of yet another statue but by helping “the poorest of the poor in the slums of London”. Thomas Lipton made a decision that was to change his life – he took up his pen and wrote a cheque for £25,000 (equivalent to two million pounds today) – handing it to the Lord Mayor on the sole condition that it remained an anonymous donation. The press went wild and after ten days, when the hunt was at its height, Lipton allowed the Lord Mayor to release his name.

He became an instant celebrity and, while having shown no discernible previous interest in royalty, he had earned the deep and sincere gratitude of the wife of the future King of England. Lipton went on to work with Queen Alexandra to set up the Alexandra Trust which provided meals to London’s poor.

Lipton was later knighted by Queen Victoria and became Sir Thomas in 1898. That year he also took his private company public as Thomas J. Lipton, Ltd. though he retained personal control of his American company. At the same time he switched his attentions elsewhere and undertook his most romantic quest: he issued a challenge to the New York Yacht Club for the America's Cup, yachting's most prestigious prize. A keen yachtsman, Lipton first challenged for the America's Cup in 1899 with his yacht

Sir Thomas Lipton "The world's best loser"

Sir Thomas died at home in Southgate from a respiratory infection in the summer of 1931 just eight months after receiving the golden cup from his American admirers. Generous to the end, he bequeathed ‘Osidge’, his London home of fifty years, to be used as a retirement home for nurses. The remains of his fortune – almost a million pounds – he donated to the sick and poor of Glasgow.

Osidge Mansion today

For a more detailed history of Sir Thomas Lipton's life I highly recommend you pop the kettle on, make yourself a cup of tea, and visit this fascinating blog http://nbtea.co.uk/blog/tea-heroes/

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Councillorʼs Corner by Cllr. Bambos Charalambous Saying thank you to community groups Cllr.bambos.charalambous@enfield.gov.uk Tel: 020 8379 2653 Every New Year's day the newspapers run a story about the notable worthy people who are announced to be that year’s recipients of honours for their contribution to the well being of society or some other great achievement. Actors, sports people and celebrities seem to get the most publicity but occasionally you hear of the heart warming story of a selfless individual who has been volunteering for example at the local day care centre for 30 years and who is finally being recognised for their dedication and commitment. What is not so well publicised is that there are also national awards for voluntary groups for the efforts and contribution they make. A couple of months ago I had the pleasure of attending an award ceremony for the excellent Edmonton Eagles Boxing Club which has made a tremendous positive impact on the lives of many of the young people who have joined the club. The Eagles have received the prestigious Queen’s Award which is a national award for voluntary groups providing a service that meets the need of

people living in the local community and is supported, recognised and respected by the local community and the people who benefit from it. We are lucky in Palmers Green to have so many amazing voluntary organisations who contribute so much to the fabric of our community life. Some of these groups have activities which range from looking after and putting on arts events in our parks, organising festivals, arranging monthly play streets for local kids, running community centres for older people with a vast array of events and activities and providing a safe haven for women fleeing violence.

All these activities add to the rich tapestry that makes Palmers Green the wonderful place it is.

make positive contributions should also be thanked and praised and where appropriate be given the recognition that they thoroughly deserve. One such way is via the Queen’s award.

Sometimes we take things for granted and don’t always stop to think about the effort that has gone in to making something a success. I’m a firm believer in saying thank you and praising those who do a good job in whatever their role is. I also strongly believe that voluntary sector organisations who

https://www.gov.uk/queens-award-forvoluntary-service/how-to-make-a-nomination

Whatever your views on the monarchy, the fact remains that universal acclaim of the honours system gives it a special kudos and we should ensure that we do say thank you and nominate some of our wonderful local groups and organisations for an award. If you want to do so you need to be independent of the organisation and naturally you will need t complete a form on line.

Here is the link for those interested in nominating an organisation or voluntary group.

Here’s hoping that we get as many nominations for local groups for a Queen’s award as possible and that they get the well earned recognition and respect the deserve.

Parliamentary Comment by David Burrowes MP Military action alone will not defeat ISIL david@davidburrowes.com

www.davidburrowes.com

Constituency: 020 8360 0234

Westminster: 020 7219 5414

This last month has been one of contrasting issues which I deal with as your Member of Parliament. For example on one day I was in the House of Commons as the Prime Minister was making the case for airstrikes against ISIL in Syria. Later the same day I was in Grenoble Gardens and Warwick Road talking to residents about how we can best persuade the Council to introduce traffic calming measures and ease congestion. I was then in my office overseeing my referendum on Cycle Enfield which will help inform the Mayor of London about constituents views. Whilst these issues are of different importance they generate similar levels of agitation and passion.

Any decision to commit our brave armed services to operations is a solemn and onerous one. Although the future for Syria is complex and unclear, there was a straightforward issue of authorising the RAF to carry out their operations across the border from Iraq to Syria given that is where ISIL's stronghold is located.

Last year Parliament overwhelmingly supported airstrikes against ISIL in Iraq. I made the case then to the Prime Minister that the genocide of Yazidis and Assyrian Christians provided the legal and moral basis

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for action both in Iraq and Syria. Sadly history reminds us, not least when next month we remember the Holocaust, that the world is too slow to act in the face of genocide.

Military action will not alone defeat ISIL, but I believe it is one part of a comprehensive strategy which requires regional ground forces, humanitarian, diplomatic and political efforts to bring peace to Syria.

Many constituents have expressed concern about extending RAF operations and feel it increases the risk of attack by ISIL. However the reality is that ISIL want to attack us for who we are not what we do and already this year 7 attacks have been thwarted. The threat level before further airstrikes was imminent and immediate, and I believe it makes sense to repel ISIL in and around their HQ where much of their terrorist operations and planning takes place.

At Prime Minister's Questions I made the point that ISIL attack not just Christians,Yazidis and Muslims but also pillage their churches, shrines and mosques. It is a key reason why I have established an All Party Parliamentary Group for the Protection of cultural

heritage. It was launched last month at City Hall by the Mayor who has challenged us to help deliver an action plan for London to be a protector of stolen heritage. The new APPG will seek to challenge the illegal sale of looted antiquities which have been identified by the UN Security Council as a major source of funding for terrorists. If you are interested in finding out more, please do have a look at my website or contact me for further information.

In the light of the terrorist threat, as a member of the Home Affairs Select Committee I have been making the case for proper funding of counter terrorism and local police, who provide vital intelligence and security. I was pleased and relieved that the Comprehensive Spending Review increased spending on intelligence services and protected police funding.

This is the right decision given that it is the Government's primary responsibility to protect its citizens.

As we celebrate Christmas it is timely to remember the birth of Jesus Christ - the Prince of Peace. Best wishes to you and your families for a peaceful New Year.

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Love Your DoorStep by Emma Rigby New beginnings www.loveyourdoorstep.co.uk

Visit us on facebook

and friendships, which all help to strengthen community spirit, which is very relevant in today’s current climate. So I want to share with you some of the amazing stories that we have celebrated locally, where people have come and worked together…

A new year, bringing with it beginnings and opportunities for us all. Yet while we have left 2015 behind, we still have brought the World's problems with us…though I do believe at times, that some of these international problems could be sorted out by global grass roots communities working together and bonding over a good cup of tea! Something that Lord Lipton understood.

Sharing a brew can inspire great conversations

Last year we had the very successful relaunch of Enfield Market, which is now a hive of activity starting every Thursday through to Saturday late afternoon. There are a host of wonderful food stalls, local London cheeses to buy, beautiful breads, Enfield’s much loved watchman and a whole host of other stalls. If you have not experienced the market, you must…no one will be disappointed.

I was also very proud last year that Love Your DoorStep was able to represent Enfield on the BBC for Children In Need. The whole community got involved in the Children in Need Enfield Mini Challenge, where we raised money by trying to squeeze as many people imaginable into a

BMW Mini! This was all made possible by Stephen James Enfield BMW. We raised over £300 and Love Your DoorStep presented the cheque live on BBC TV. From Enfield HQ, we have been able to spread the ‘DoorStep Love’ and we are now located in Shrewsbury, Cambridge, Potters Bar and Peregian in South Australia! And to think it all started here in Enfield with all your support. We are creating a global community and network.

So as 2016 gets under way, Love Your DoorStep will continue to beaver away to give our local area the best of ‘community of spirit’ and if you have not joined us yet on Facebook, what are you waiting for…be part of something special this year.

Mitigating capital gains liability by Alex Chrysostomou Alexander’s & Co Chartered Accountants 24A Aldermans Hill, Palmers Green, London N13 4PN Tel: 020 8882 6611 Fax: 020 8882 6621 Email: Alex@alexandersandco.com Website: www.alexandersandco.com Alex loves business and gives regular presentations to those wanting to learn about the accountancy and tax part of running their own business. He helps break down the barriers that people face in running their own business and how to maximise their earnings. The biggest enjoyment that Alex gets from his role as an accountant is to work with people from all walks of life and most importantly helping them with their money.

Question: I inherited 2 properties from my parents many years ago which I own equally with my sister. I want to use the money in the properties so that I can help my daughters onto the property ladder.

We’re both conscious of the fact that we inherited the properties many years ago and given the values now, there would be a large capital gains

tax to pay should we decide to sell any of the properties. Can you advise on how we could mitigate this liability?

Answer: Capital gains tax is due on the sale of an investment property, which in simple terms, is calculated on the market value of the property less its acquisition cost (there are other reliefs available which could help to bring down a potential capital gain).

If you inherited a property many years ago, say its value was £100k and now it’s worth £1m – capital gains tax would be due on the £900k ‘uplift’. This being taxed at 28% will result in a liability into the hundreds of thousands.

There is however a little known tax law which potentially allows you to mitigate your capital gains tax liability in scenarios described in the

question. You can potentially claim an ‘exchange of joint interest’ if you decide to take one property each (i.e. transfer each person’s share in one of the property to the other sibling).

In simple terms, the two properties described here could be transferred between each sibling and the corresponding capital gains tax could be ‘rolled over’ – effectively not paying the capital gains tax until the property is sold (assuming it is ever sold!).

In terms of helping your daughter get on the property ladder, you may need to speak to a financial adviser on the best method of using your asset to generate capital. A common method people use is to re-mortgage the property and use the equity to gift to your children. This saves in having to dispose of the property and pay the capital gains tax.

If you have an accounting question for Alex please e-mail him directly he will be happy to assist you, alternatively Alexander’s & Co offer an initial free consultation please contact them to find out more.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article should not be construed as legal advice and the information is offered for information purposes only. You should always seek advice from an appropriately qualified accountant on any specific accountancy enquiry.

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348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

Cash hoard

by Jan Thompson Contact Jan on 07568 321207 or email jan.thompson@sjpp.co.uk www.jananthompsonwealthmanagment.co.uk Jan Thompson Partner of St James’s Place Wealth Management, is based locally in Winchmore Hill and is inviting local residents to discover the simple yet highly effective steps you can take to preserve and protect your wealth. Preserving and protecting your wealth surgeries are being held locally by appointment on 27th and 28th January 2016 from 10-5pm. All surgeries last approx 40mins and are held in the strictest confidence and without obligation.

People leaving their pension savings in cash could be putting their retirement plans at risk.

Since new pension freedoms were introduced in April, savers no longer have to invest their pension pot in an annuity, but can take it in a variety of ways.

An in-depth survey by Royal London of its own customers who had exercised their freedom since May found that 69% of them took the whole pot as a lump sum; worryingly, 26% of these are saving it all in a building society or bank account, where they will receive little or no interest.¹ Some people may be cashing in their pensions just because they can, or because they like the idea of having the money on tap in a bank account. “For very small pots this may be understandable, but for larger pots the impact of tax and, potentially, inflation can be considerable,” comments Ian Price of St. James’s Place. “What worries me is that people may fail to appreciate

the consequences of moving money from a tax-advantaged wrapper to a taxed one.”

Mattress cover It may be that those withdrawing their pension savings simply lack the confidence in their own financial acumen to make the right decision about how to fund their retirement and that, metaphorically, ‘stashing it under the mattress’ is the safest option. But, by doing just that, they increase the risk of inflation depleting the spending power of their money, or worse still, incurring significant tax charges by reinvesting – and all without actually gaining any additional benefit that is not already available within their pension.

“Much of the talk around the new freedoms has focused on being free to get out of your pension, but equally you can have freedom while you’re still in your pension,” adds Price. “Rather than seeing it as ‘open season’ for your money, think of it more as the opportunity to utilise your pension fund in the most advantageous way possible.

And to do so, seeking expert advice is essential.”

¹ Royal London, August 2015 The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances.

To receive a complimentary guide covering wealth management, retirement planning or Inheritance Tax planning, produced by St. James’s Place Wealth Management, contact Jan Thompson of St. James’s Place Wealth Management on 07568 321207 or email jan.thompson@sjpp.co.uk

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Figoura LDN representing the pinnacle of Greek dancing in London today When it comes to taking up a new hobby or getting yourself fit, Greek dancing may not necessarily be the first thing that comes to mind; but you'd be surprised by its growing popularity. in technique, gives individuals the opportunity for a creative outlet.

But why Greek dancing? There are over 4000 traditional dances that come from all regions of Greece, so you won't be stuck for variation when it comes to the lessons. Dances from different areas come with their own unique characteristics, from the light and jumpy island dances, to the heavier dances most associated with areas such as Epirus, Thessaly and the Peloponnese.

Figoura LDN represents the pinnacle of Greek dancing in London today. Established by performer, Jack Iacovou, Figoura is a vibrant and energetic dance class based in both central and North London. The term 'Figoura' originates from the Italian word 'Figura' and means specific movements or variations in dance. In Greek dancing a 'Figoura' exhibits a dancers style, technique and panache, which describes this group perfectly!

Greeks have always emphasised their appreciation for beautiful things, and they believe that music and dance are among the most beautiful parts of life; so if you've tried Zumba, Salsa, Bollywood or Bhangra, and not yet found a dance-based activity that suits you, maybe it's time to think outside of the ordinary.

Figoura prides itself on its innovative approach to teaching, and unique way of combining the traditional with the modern. The group's lead instructor and founder, Jack, comes equipped with over 30 years of dancing experience as well as an impressive and

versatile repertoire to go with it. They have the knowledge and know-how needed to structure classes in a way that maximises learning and provides students with exceptional results right from the start. This method of teaching ensures students are fully engaged and helps enhance their dancing experience.

Figoura aims to enable all students to reach their full potential in Greek dancing, to improve their skills and techniques, and to most importantly, love every minute of it! In addition to learning new dances, they encourage students to enjoy all aspects of attending classes, social events and performances.

The number of people now taking part in dance classes worldwide is steadily increasing, with dance allowing people to be more active, socialise with different people and develop lots of creative new skills.

Dancing can be a way to stay fit for people of all ages, shapes and sizes. It has a wide range of physical and mental benefits too, including: improved condition of your heart and lungs, increased muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness, increased aerobic fitness and improved muscle tone.

Most forms of dance may be considered an aerobic exercise and as such reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, help weight control, stress reduction, and bring about other benefits commonly associated with physical fitness. In addition, studies have demonstrated a considerable correlation between dancing and psychological well-being.

The benefits of dancing aren't solely physical; the participation in an art form, which is routed

Palmers Green classes are held on Mondays at 7pm at the Palmers Green United Reformed Church, Burford Gardens, N13 4AL. Contact: 07790 901 838, email dance@figoura.com or visit www.dance@figoura.com

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348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

Sushi Inn – Much more than just sushi

by Ellie Sales Sushi Inn, 396 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5PD Tel: 020 3320 1670 www.sushiinn.co.uk

Having never eaten sushi before the idea of a review at the new Palmers Green Sushi Inn didn't exactly fill me with enthusiasm. I called up two of my sushi loving friends and we headed down to the Japanese restaurant located on Green Lanes on a Thursday night. The restaurant is decorated in a traditional, simplistic style with a mix of dark and light wooden canteen style tables, emitting a warm and calming atmosphere. The sushi bar at the back of the restaurant is in clear view, as is the open kitchen with two additional chefs. Kim, its proprietor, opened the restaurant in June 2015, specialising in sushi and sashimi, but also serving a superb range of hot dishes, including popular tempura, teriyaki, miso dishes, accompanied by steamed rice and udon noodles.

I was pleasantly surprised to find plenty of nonsushi options on the menu and we did not hesitate to order a range of dishes including black cod, tofu teriyaki, pork dumplings, yakitori (chicken skewers), salmon tataki, pork belly and eel and avocado maki dragon roll.

The dumplings, served with a lovely dip, were crisp and delicious. The black cod was moist and silky, with a rich and smoky texture, accompanied by a delicate salad and a sharp dressing to perfectly balance the dish. The girls tell me the sushi was excellent, fresh and beautifully seasoned. The salmon tataki, lightly drizzled with a citrus soy dressing accompanied with seasonal leaves is an excellent choice for sushi virgins, slightly seared around the edges. My favourite would have to be

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the pork belly with spicy miso, which I have ordered many times since - so tender it simply melts in the mouth. Most dishes are served with plain sticky rice and all washed down with a good selection of wines, saké or Japanese beers, you will not be disappointed here. For those with a sweet tooth why not try the yuzu cheese cake, a delicate Japanese citrus dessert with a ginger biscuit base.

The combination of the subtle and the sharp, the clean and the precise, it was exactly what lovers of Japanese food get most excited about. Out of simplicity can come excellence, and the food at Sushi Inn is a case in point. The venue may be simple and understated, but when it comes to the food, much of the wow factor is down to high-class ingredients that haven’t been messed around with too much. The exemplary presentation, which is also extended to its takeaway menu, and excellent balance of flavours and complementary textures ensures that your dining experience will be an excellent one. Something that you would expect to find in town and not on Palmers Green’s high street, we have a real gem here.

We’ll be back to try more of Kim’s well-priced plates, along with an accompanying cup or two of saké.

The Sushi Inn offers a selection of lunch and dinner specials and a classic Bento Box. The prices are in line with other restaurants on the high street, expect to pay around £10 for the lunch menu and up to £20 per head for dinner. They also offer a take away and delivery service.

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348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

Aykut and Ingrid’s vision of a place where you can not only have amazing coffee, food, craft beer and Prosecco, but a space that can be shared with the creative talent in the area and beyond situated on the lovely Alderman’s Hill in Palmers Green overlooking Broomfield Park main gates.

★ Live Jazz every Sunday from 1.30pm ★ For Event/Party evening bookings and reservations please email: starfishlovescoffee@yahoo.co.uk Find us at: 92 Aldermans Hill, Palmers Green, London, N13 4PP. For more information and opening times follow us at: https://www.facebook.com/starfishlovescoffee/

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Park Road, EN4 A stunning and spacious family home. An imposing CHAIN FREE five double bedroom, four bath/shower room detached house offering 3154 sq feet of living space over three floors. This newly refurbished property has been extended and beautifully improved to a very high standard with a garage to side and ample off street parking to front with a large garden to rear.

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£P.O.A Freehold

Wolves Lane, N22 A beautifully presented Edwardian three bedroom semi-detached house with garage to side. This property, which has great potential for further improvement, benefits from wooden flooring to ground floor, spacious living room, modern kitchen and bathroom, two double bedrooms and one small double bedroom, boarded loft space and off street parking.

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£650,000 Freehold

Cherry Blossom Close, N13 A two bedroom ground floor refurbished apartment located in this modern purpose built development. This CHAIN FREE property benefits from a spacious living room, new modern kitchen and bathroom, one double bedroom and one single bedroom, secure entry phone system, long lease and communal parking facilities.

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348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

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Lodge Drive, N13 A spacious two bedroom ground floor Edwardian converted flat with own front door, off street parking and own section of rear garden. This CHAIN FREE property is fantastically located and includes a generous 24ft living/dining room opening to kitchen, a 17ft master bedroom, large single second bedroom, off street parking and own section of south facing rear garden.

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£425,000 Leasehold

Conway Road, N14 Location! Location! A beautifully presented ground floor apartment with two double bedrooms, two bath/shower rooms, video entryphone system and allocated parking. Spacious living room, modern kitchen and bathroom, master bedroom with ensuite shower room, double glazing, electric heating, new alarm system, communal gardens and allocated off street parking.

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£499,950 Leasehold

Stonard Road, N13 A well-presented two bedroom Edwardian ground floor garden flat with sole use of 83ft rear garden.

The property benefits from a living room with sliding doors to garden, modern kitchen and bathroom, one double bedroom, one single bedroom, 994 year lease, The property falls within the St Monica's school catchment area.

£385,000 Leasehold 8882 7888

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Trends from the Catwalk to our High Street

by Kiri from Fabulous Hair Company Fabulous Hair Company 382 Green Lanes, N13 5PD Tel:020 8886 7070 Hello and welcome back. Over the year we have covered many subjects regarding hair styles and hair health. If you missed any of my previous articles, they can be found on our website www.fabuloushaircompany.com or email me @ kc@fabuloushaircompany.com and I will email you a copy.

Let us start the new year with a look at what is currently trending on the catwalks. These looks will filter onto the high street and into salons.

I have lost count on how many times I talk and write about pony tails. Again they’re making a presence on the catwalk and on TV. Rita Ora wears a beautifully polished high pony tail and looks amazing with it. There easy to do and never look out of fashion.

Why not braid your pony or add a twist with an accessory at the base, you can

pull the pony loose for a more disheveled feel to the hair.

Braids were so big in 2015 and will continue to dominate 2016 and we will also start to see a lot of guys braiding their hair a natural progression from the top-bun sported in 2015.

Chignons (bun in French) will have a big presence this year they are quick and fun to do and can be worn traditionally elegant low towards the neck or for a more current look higher up the head and are a welcome change to the time consuming blow-dry that dominate our lives.

As for blow-dry think how your hair looks two to three days after you blow-

dry and that’s the blowout look for 2016 a slightly less finished look with a more natural shape.

Let us quickly look at colour. As we have said hair will be worn with a more natural shape in 2016 and with this look the roots of your hair will be slightly more exposed, darker roots will naturally become a trend. One of my favourites trend in my salon are creating a cooler shadow in the root of the hair and then melting a warmer colour through the middle lengths and finally finishing the ends with a lighter cooler more sun kissed tone this gives us a softer transition of colour.

Hair coloured, cut and styled by Kiri at the Fabulous Haircompany Palmers Green.

I have added an album to our Facebook showing many of the looks that are trending, just go to www.facebook.com/fabuloushaircompany and take a look. If you have any questions that need answering quickly, please email me at kc@fabuloushaircompany.com and I will get back to you soon as I can. If you have enjoyed my article, let us know by liking us on Facebook and we will enter you in our monthly competition for a chance of winning one of many Paul Mitchell travel size styling products. Just go to our website at www.fabuloushaircompany.com click the Facebook icon to like.

Palmers Green Tales by Jenny Bourke www.palmersgreentales.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/331208790354294/ or just go to Facebook and look for Palmers Green Tales and ask to join the group Our twitter address is @PGTales We are pleased to announce that we have made our first short film at Palmers Green Tales. The subject of the short film is Michael Harvey who has a wonderful collection of local post cards. The post cards are from a time when you could post a card inviting someone to tea at 4 O’clock and they would probably receive the card at lunchtime and arrive for their tea at the suggested time. There could be about 5 postal collections and deliveries each day, so they were a vital communication channel. Luckily for us, most of those which have survived have lovely illustrations of the local area. We are looking for other subjects who could make short films so please get in touch. Susan Mehmet has joined our production group and helped us make the short film. The filming was done on an iphone.

John Sollis and I have also made a longer film about Christine Collins who has given several

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corporate films. Christine’s grandfather ran a newsagents next to the Dog and Duck in Hoppers Road. Christine went to Hazelwood School and Southgate County in Fox Lane, so she has known Palmers Green all her life.

Christine at work

talks locally about her working life. She worked firstly in Southgate with David Garner who ran the editing studio for Armand and Michaela Denis and their TV programme On Safari, one of the first TV wildlife programmes. When Armand and Michaela retired she was then offered a job with Gateway films who were based in Palmers Green and produced large numbers of educational and

Christine’s grandfather

348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

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Ruth Winston Centre Welcoming the over 50ʼs of Enfield The Ruth Winston Centre is a registered UK charity which was founded in 1961

by Cllr. Mrs Ruth Winston the Mayor of Southgate 1958/59. Situated on Green Lanes, Palmers Green. These days it is a very popular modern community centre welcoming the over 50’s of Enfield with over 1000 members. some games.

We also run advice and guidance clinics on various health and life issues, and provide hairdressing, chiropody, a health trainer and a brilliant Thursday hot lunch club.

Together with our Wine Appreciation Group, Supper and Drama clubs and our day trips (including within the local community), there is plenty for everyone no matter your interests or abilities.

We offer more than sixty classes and activities every week like Latin American Dance, Tai Chi for beginners and intermediates, Pilates, Keep Fit, Yoga, IT Training, Art and Design, languages, Genealogy, Crafts and much more. There is a daily morning activity café where you can come and hang out, have a cup of tea, read the paper or play

list of our activities or come in and talk to one of our Volunteers about our classes.

The Centre is open to the Over 50s residents of the London Borough of Enfield who can travel to the Centre by themselves or with a carer. A small annual membership subscription is required.

The Ruth Winston Centre has been self-financed for the last 3 years. Our vision is to promote independence, well-being and activities for the over 50’s in Enfield – our key priority is promoting the preventative agenda using a mixture and variety of exercise classes, clubs and social events. Even if you cannot get to us for any reason, our wonderful Telephone Friendship Team will call you for a chat and catch up! We are also the inventers of the world famous Human Fruit machine. See our website for a

New members are warmly welcomed to join the Centre and will be given a tour and introduced to Tutors, Volunteers and other Members, so please contact us on: 020 8886 5346, email: info@ruthwinstoncentre.com or visit our website http://www.ruthwinstoncentre.com/

Two elderly folk from Mile End

by Suzanne Beard, Palmers Green Jewel in the North For more about Palmers Green history and people, visit www.palmersgreenn13.com or ‘like’ us on Facebook. And if you have any Palmers Green stories, please get in touch.

If you fancy a modest little outing this weekend, wait for a break in the weather and put on a hat and coat.

Turn left from Green Lanes at the Fox and then cross the road, passing under the majestic holly arch and into Pellipar Close. Walk right to the end to the railings and look for the roof of an outbuilding in the well-kept gardens of Skinners Court.

Then, stand on tip toe. There, through the vegetation, you might just catch a glimpse of one of the oldest things in Palmers Green: two weather-beaten figures in stone, a man and a woman, the man with a crutch looking out imploringly, the woman also of straitened circumstances, perhaps barefoot. The figures didn’t start their life in Palmers Green - but they have spent their last one hundred years here.

Their original home was at the Skinners Almshouses which once stood 8 miles away in London’s East End. The first Skinners Almshouses, at St Helen’s Mile End were set up for the accommodation of six freemen of the Skinners Company, following a bequest in the will of Sir Andrew Judd in 1551. In 1683 the will of Lewis Newbery made further provision for twelve Skinners widows as long as they did not remarry.

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Though often depicted as picturesque in contemporary pictures, the Mile End almshouses were modest, laid out as two rows of cottages, the doors of which gave onto a single room but with extensive gardens behind. The occupants were given a small pension, including an allowance for coal, and were expected to attend prayers twice a day.

And so it continued for two hundred years until the land was sold in 1895. New land had already been purchased in Palmers Green on the site of a farm owned by a Mr Graves, and new almshouses, designed in a simple yet graceful art and crafts style, Skinners Almshouses 1955

took shape. The buildings were on three sides around a garden which faced onto Green Lanes, and in pride of position, set into pillars at the gate, were two figures which had adorned the Mile End site – the same figures you can still see in the gardens today. Alan Dumayne in his book Once upon a time in Palmers Green recalls that the old almshouses were a peaceful spot and the gardens a suntrap.

Residents could often be seen sitting outside on deckchairs on a fine day.

Sadly the new building was only to last 70 years. It was destroyed by fire in 1966 and half the plot, that nearest Green Lanes, was developed into flats, separated from the new Skinners Court by Pellipar Close (Pellipar being a reminder of the old name of those who earned their living from the getting, fashioning and selling of furs).

The new Skinners Court is a modern, inviting building, with lovely gardens and a friendly demeanour. It still provides shelter for the retired, but not necessarily the destitute. But the two figures remain as a reminder of what destitution once meant.

348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

Home Care Preferred – Award winning local business celebrating their fourth year in business Home Care Preferred, 49 Station Road, Winchmore Hill, N21 3NB Home Care Preferred first opened their doors for business in Station Road, Winchmore Hill on 9th January 2012. During the early months there were just two people running the office, one operating the shop and a handful of carers visiting about six clients. Four years later Home Care Preferred have a workforce of over ninety people, a similar amount of clients and this is growing month on month.

The company provides a range of support in people’s homes, anything from a few hours a week through to full time live-in care.

The founder and Managing Director, Ken Waterhouse, has worked in the care sector for more than 25 years and is very pleased how the business has grown and is proud that the company is a significant local employer.

Ken explains: “I started my career in the retirement sector in 1987 and have seen enormous changes in the care profession. At Home Care Preferred we recognise that most people would prefer to remain in their own home as they grow older, but at the same time, they want companionship, security, peace of mind and may require a level of care and support.

Home Care Preferred strives to make care at home a positive choice for all adults who require support at home. By providing highly trained support assistants and offering a flexible approach we believe it is possible for people to remain happily at home. Above all, Home Care Preferred respects the importance of our client’s independence, ensuring they enjoy a high quality of life and retain a choice in all aspects of their lives.

In addition to our home care and support services we are very pleased with the way our shop has developed. We provide a huge range of independent living equipment including items such as walking sticks, wheelchairs, phones with large numbers, rise recline chairs, basically anything that helps people remain independently at home.

Home Care Preferred is very much a community organisation and has held various seminars including Dementia Awareness sessions, Care Fee Planning evenings and hold regular events to raise money for charities.

Laura Brassett, Community Relations Manager at Home Care Preferred, is responsible for planning events at the company and would welcome enquiries from any charities or local companies that wish to be involved with community events. Laura explained “It is great being part of an award winning company and I love the fact that we really do make a positive difference in the lives of those we support”.

We believe the Home Care Preferred model is the first in the country because we really do provide a complete offering. Our services range from supplying and installing independent living equipment and a great deal of sign posting, for example giving advice on accessible transport services for those with disabilities”

For further information about care services visit www.homecarepreferred.com or call 020 8364 3670

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Moving house in London – 5 things to remember that will save you time, stress and money

by Safe Removals of Southgate www.saferemovals.co.uk Moving house is complicated at the best of times. Anyone with experience of relocating in London and the UK will tell you that no two moves are ever the same – budget, timescale, location, size and type of property are all factors to consider. It is therefore vital that the removal company you use is able to cater for your individual requirements. The last thing anyone needs is to be let down on the day by poor service. Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of moving is having so much to remember.

To make your life easier, we've created a list of vital – though not always so obvious – things to consider when planning your move.

1 Clear the clutter Before asking for quotes from removal companies, have a thorough clear out and sort through the house. (It’s amazing how much unnecessary and unwanted stuff we acquire over the years– often without even noticing it.)

Keeping the amount of items that require moving to a minimum not only means that you will be quoted a lower price for the move, but it also makes packing and unpacking a whole lot quicker and easier.

2 Hire the right size of vehicle Selecting the right size of vehicle for your move is not as straightforward as it may seem.

Clearly you’ll want to use a vehicle that will comfortably hold all your belongings, but at the same time you don’t want to spend money hiring a vehicle that is too large for your needs.

So which vehicle should you choose?

Essentially, there are two main vehicle types used by removal companies in London: the Luton van 3.5 ton and the 7.5 ton lorry. For house and office removals in London, a Luton van is very often the best choice of vehicle, being easier to park and operate than a larger lorry – especially where space and manoeuverability are a consideration. For these reasons, in many circumstances, using two 3.5

tonners for your move can be more practical than using one 7.5 ton lorry, as cost and load volumes are pretty much identical (the capacity of a Luton van is approximately 600 cubic feet; whereas a 7.5-ton lorry is 1,200 cubic feet).

Alternatively, for long distance removals, using a single larger lorry is often more suitable and cost-effective.

include information on heating systems, appliances, rubbish / recycling collection, stopcocks, burglar alarms, local services, etc.

Also compile a fact file for whoever is moving into your former home. It will be appreciated!

3 Inform the world

Make sure the removal company you hire is accredited and works to an approved code of practice. Check they are fully insured and that terms and conditions cover pre-payment protection, in the event that you have to cancel or delay your move. There are many things to consider when planning a move. For instance, are you moving into or out of a ground-floor property, or is your accommodation on an upper floor? Are advance parking permits required? Always check that the removal company provides packing and unpacking, crate hire and secure storage services in its own warehouse. Where required they should also offer to dismantle and reassemble fixtures, furniture and fittings onsite. Prior to your move, any good removal company will send a consultant to visit you at your home free of charge. They will assess your needs, answer your questions and help you plan your relocation to make your house move with Safe Removals as easy and stress-free as possible.

Don’t forget to let suppliers and service providers know you are moving. People you should inform include electricity, gas, water, phone and internet providers, banks, credit card and loan companies, doctors, dentists, opticians, insurers, council tax offices, employers, schools, mobile phone, satellite and cable providers, DVLA, HM revenue & Customs, TV licensing, etc. Remember that to ensure uninterrupted phone line and internet connection, it is important to inform your provider well in advance of your moving date.

Settle any outstanding accounts with newsagents, food suppliers, etc, and cancel any orders or subscriptions. Send change of address cards to friends and family.

4 Ask for a fact file If possible, ask the former occupier to leave you a fact file for your new property. This should

5 Hire a reputable removal company

We are offering a 20% discount to all our new clients in 2016, please call our friendly team on 020 8888 3917

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• Households, Offices, Flats etc

• Competitive Rates

• Free Quotes & Advice

• A Packing & Unpacking Service

• Professional & Experienced Staff

• We Are Fully Insured

• Reliable, Honest & Friendly Staff

• 5 Star Customer Service

348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

Montreux Mini Break Ideal for tranquillity and luxury

by Mike Prior Director at Scott’s Travel 3 Broadway, Southgate, N14 6PJ Tel: 020 8882 0141 www.scottstravel.co.uk The town of Montreux nestles in a sheltered Lake Geneva bay, surrounded by vineyards and against the breath-taking backdrop of snow-covered Alps. Jazz aficionados know Montreux as the home of the famed jazz festival. But even those who aren't music fans will find respite in this resort town on the Swiss Riviera: the wineries here are world renowned and the Château de Chillon is an impressive example of a medieval castle. With a short flight time of 1½ hours followed by a direct train from the airport to Montreux this really is an ideal mini break for those seeking a certain something. this, with an assortment of objects that belonged to Nobs and festival photos.

If you still have time you can even explore Geneva for the day, with easy access via a direct train.

Hotel Fairmount Montreux Palace

Chillon Castle

What I love about Montreux: There are plenty of attractions and excursions to be found in this town and with its exceptionally mild climate it’s a great destination to visit between the months of June and September. Here are a few of my favourite suggestions.

Take a Steam Paddle boat ride on the lake, relax and enjoy the picturesque lakeside resorts. An upper-deck first class ticket will cost you around £35 depending on your choice of journey.

The nearly 7 kilometre long, flower and palm tree-bordered lake promenade ‘Quai de Fleurs’ which links Vevey and Montreux going all the way to Chillon Castle is simply asking to be strolled along. Lined with attractive villas and gardens and a few restaurants, you could easily spend an afternoon taking in the glorious sights across the Lake towards France.

Ride the Rochers-de-Naye rack-railway, take in the unique panorama overlooking Lake on to one of the most beautiful vantage points in western Switzerland. The journey takes about an hour from Montreux.

The view from my room

Visit Chillon Castle located on a rocky island near the shore featuring fortified walls and towers; the prison in which Bonivard was held in chains for four years and which provided Lord Byron with the inspiration for his famous poem “The prisoners of Chillon” in 1816 deserves particular attention. Nowadays the castle is a museum.

For all you Jazz lovers out there visit the iconic annual festival held in June/July. Failing that I recommend a visit to the Montreux Jazz Café. Claude Nobs, founder of the Montreux Jazz Festival, was an avid collector, his home a wonder of eclecticism. The Café aims to mirror Lake Geneva

I stayed at the 5★ Fairmont Le Montreux Palace Hotel. Its lavish, soaring-ceilinged Belle Epoque architecture has hosted European aristocrats, Russian princes, actors, and a multitude of music megastars. The vast lobby and three metre-wide corridors ooze luxury and grandega. A room with a lake view is essential to really take in the essence of the fabulous hotel, with a Spa and indoor and outdoor pools.

I have put together some offers based on a 3 night stay, including return rail tickets from Geneva Airport to Montreux, departing from Luton on 6th June (alternative dates available)

Hotel Fairmont Montreux Palace (5 star historic hotel) Deluxe Lake-View King without breakfast £499 pp with breakfast £599 pp

Suisse Majestic (4.5 star historic hotel) Standard Double with breakfast £405 pp

Eden Au Lac (4 star historic hotel) Standard Double with breakfast £315 pp

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Ready to tackle your pain issues in 2016?

Nicola Forward your local Amatsu practitioner

If you have been suffering from physical pain for some time, you might have decided that 2016 is the year when you are going to try something new.

Amatsu Therapy International UK is running #AmatsuAwareness month in January 2016 to help to introduce this highly effective hands-on treatment to a wider audience.

Amatsu has origins in Japan and has helped countless people who are suffering from physical pain such as back pain, frozen shoulder, sports injuries, neck pain and limited movement and often where other approaches have not worked. Amatsu is a relatively gentle treatment – there are no cracks or crunches and the treatments are performed with the client fully clothed.

During January 2016, people interested in trying Amatsu can have a taster session by contacting their local practitioner, or if you know somebody who currently has

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Amatsu, why not tag along to their session (with their permission) so you can see for yourself how it all works?

You can contact your local practitioner for more information or to book a session with them.

Mobile: 07720 81 01 01 Email: nicolaforward@aol.com Website: www.amatsutherapyintl.com

interest is in supporting “women of a certain age” through the challenges of menopause. I believe in a collaborative approach and I encourage my clients to work with me towards their health goals.”

You can also benefit from a 3 for 2 treatment offer during the #AmatsuAwareness month of January.

Make 2016 the year when you feel better!

Local resident, Nicola Forward has been working as an Amatsu Practitioner, here in Palmers Green since 2009. She says “I have worked with clients of all ages and backgrounds from office workers to athletes…..and busy Mums! My developing

348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

In the Garden with Paul Knight Preparing your garden for spring Contact Paul on 07957 942728 info@outside-designs.co.uk or visit his website www.outside-designs.co.uk Spring is just around the corner. My favourite time of year. After a long winter it is such a welcome sight to see the days lengthening, to feel some warmth from the sun and to see plants waking up with their new buds and leaves. what changes you can make now before summer is upon us.

Here are some tips; If you hadn't done so already, cut back any dead growth from woody perennials and grasses. Be careful not to prune any flowering shrubs or trees as you could be removing this seasons flowers.

The first to show are the snowdrops, popping up through the cold hard ground and followed by crocuses and then come the daffodils and tulips. All a site to behold and it makes feel glad to alive and really happy to be a gardener.

As spring is coming it is time to start preparing the garden for new growing season and thinking about

Spring is a good time to get on top of the weeding, as the ground should be moist, making it is to pull the young plants. Effort put in now will make it easier in the weeks ahead when the temperature rises and everything grows like crazy.

Dividing or transplanting plants should be done in spring just after the plants start emerging. A little bit of warmth and they will grow fast.

Add good quality organic mulch to soil. This will add

nutrients to the soil and benefit the soil structure and condition, aiding plant growth. A nice thick layer that can be left on the surface or lightly forked in.

Once the frosts have finished you can get to work on lawn maintenance. Aerating if needed, scarifying, to remove the moss and adding a spring feed. Adding lawn seed to an existing lawn really helps it look healthy and lush.

Time to think about getting your boots on enjoying the garden!

Until next time.

We can design, build and maintain your garden so please call us to discuss your requirements.

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Over two thousand children and grown ups did go to Broomfield Park on Halloween for The Palmers Scream. It was free, it was dark, it was spooky and above all it was brilliant fun!

mystified his audience and animated films amused the queues for Halloween treats at the Greenery Café.

More than three hundred volunteers, representing large and small local businesses, charities, community organisations, and councillors pulled together to make the event happen. Our community should be proud of what has been achieved!

Amazing local drama groups Chickenshed, Centre Stage and Playing Space joined a gaggle of volunteer storytellers to fascinate the crowd with their mysterious tales.

Crowds were taught Michael Jackson’s Thriller dance, ghoulish games bewitched spectators, a magician

At the end of the event, Broomfield Park rang out with the deafening Palmers Scream from countless happy voices driving terrors away for another year.

Want to know more? Like to see more photos and videos? Go to: www.palmersscream.uk

Photographs - Barbara Luckhurst

David Williamson

BECOME A FRIEND OF TALKIES…

THURS JAN 7 DUGDALE CENTRE ENFIELD

WED FEB 24 THE FOX, N13

52 TUESDAYS

PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT

FRI JAN 15 BOUNDS GREEN BOWLS CLUB

THURS MAR 3 DUGDALE CENTRE ENFIELD

THE LADYKILLERS

CATCH ME DADDY

SAT JAN 23 BUSH HILL PARK BOWLS CLUB

FRI MAR 11 BOUNDS GREEN BOWLS CLUB

METRO MANILA

THE PRODUCERS

We need more ‘Friends of Talkies’ to continue innovating. Please become a Friend by subscribing through our website.

THURS FEB 11 DUGDALE CENTRE ENFIELD

SAT MAR 19 BUSH HILL PARK, BOWLS CLUB

FOR MORE DETAILS AND ONLINE BOOKINGS

FRI FEB 12 BOUNDS GREEN BOWLS CLUB

Talkies Community Cinema is now in its third year. We have brought over 60 great film events to your doorstep at low prices for everyone.

Subscriptions from ‘Friends of Talkies’ helped us fund new ideas, including: • running our inaugural HERE FILM FESTIVAL • commissioning young filmmakers to create short films made in our area • holding an outdoor screening of Ghostbusters

www.talkies.org.uk Tickets also from Anthony Webb

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NABRASKA

APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR AND IN APRIL…

PRIDE

348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

Creative Exchange News Start as you mean to go on…

One of the most useful things I learnt many years ago was the power of communication. Not in the obvious sense – “shout loud and get heard” – but in the context of achieving your goals. A really effective way to make things happen is not only to give yourself a deadline – but also to TELL someone else about it. You can even ask them to “hold you to account”. That way it’s much more likely you will do what you set out to, however challenging it is, as you have made a promise, not just to yourself – which we all know can easily be broken. Many people in full-time employment see self-employment as some glorious ideal, but working on your own poses a number of challenges, not least of which is self-motivation. Being part of a group and sharing challenges can be incredibly supportive and a huge motivator. Creative Exchange connects like-minded individuals who meet regularly, share experience and opportunities and make things happen. CE is also the first stop for any organisation in the borough that’s looking for artists or designer-makers for projects, workshops etc. We’ve been building a creative hub in the area over the past four years and have members working in a wide range of disciplines, from those with a lifetime’s experience to those just starting out – so don’t be shy, come and meet us! Our Start the Year party is coming up soon, so if you’re a sole practitioner working in art or design and would like to come along, email admin@creativeexchange.uk.com Dan Maier

Designer, Business Coach & Mentor to Creatives and Founder of Creative Exchange

Husband doorsteps wife!

“This time last year my cards and wrapping paper were mounting up at home while I tried to get up the courage to sell them. In exasperation my husband and daughter paid for me to go out for the day and then, rather to my horror, set up a stall outside our front door on Small Business Saturday and sold pretty much all of them! I think it was his idea of an intervention. After that, a craft fair didn't seem so daunting!

Printmaker Sarah D’Souza heard about Creative Exchange from the members’ exhibition at Southgate tube… “I went along to a CE event and found everyone to be incredibly friendly and supportive. I felt at home from that very first session and decided to join the group.”

“I work in relief prints and monoprints [one offs] – making and selling hand-printed cards and wrapping paper. I love all sorts of paper, from security envelopes to sheet music and old knitting patterns. I’m currently working on some new ideas making textured collages.

I’m inspired by the plants and trees I see walking around Southgate and along Pymmes Brook Trail. I find the nature that flourishes in strange places interesting and inspirational.

At CE events in 2015 I’ve loved the opportunity to try new skills (eg: felt-making), the opportunity to visit other people's studios has been fantastic, and the session on how to present your work was really helpful and thought provoking. I recommend Creative Exchange to anyone working in art and design.”

For more info about Sarah's work, email: greylichencards@gmail.com

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Growbaby Growbaby is a community project that was launched in September 2015 and its aim is to provide good quality new and second hand baby clothes and equipment (for children 0-5yrs) completely free of charge to anyone that needs it regardless of their income, background or faith.

It is run by a team of Volunteers and is part of Enfield Vineyard Church, we run a weekly 2hr session Term Time in our lovely space next door where families can come, receive a warm welcome, have a hot drink and some lovely homemade cake (we ALWAYS have cake!) Children can play safely whilst we go through items needed on a 1-2-1 basis.

So how can you be involved?

We will accept baby clothes and equipment from anyone who chooses to donate, we simply ask that all items are in good working order.

Drop offs can be bought to us on a Wednesday morning during the session or Monday mornings at our very popular Mums and Tots group in the main hall. We have a large stock of clothes at present, but are always in need of equipment, cots and buggies.

More importantly if you feel you could benefit from our service please do come by and see us, we have a large stock of items ready and waiting for you - we'd love to see you!

You can find us on Facebook just search for Growbaby Enfield we have a page and a group with all our details.

Our friendly team are always on hand

Our sessions are Wednesdays 10-12 Term Time only No 36 Brigadier Hill, Enfield, EN2 0NQ Tel: 07511 717 174 Email: growbabyenfield36@gmail.com

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348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

Your Legal Questions Answered by Fariz Uvais Fariz Uvais is a consultant in the law firm Harper & Odell. Write in and ask your legal questions. Fariz will try and answer your questions in Palmers Green LIFE each month. Send your questions to Harper & Odell, 61-63 St John Street, London EC1M 4AN or by email to farizu@yahoo.com.

I have a general query for you; I am going to start buying buy-to-let property investments in a company next year and am wondering how old my daughters have to be before they can be made shareholders in the company?

Can you please advise?

reasonable time of attaining majority.

There are no restrictions on shares being held by or registered in the name of a minor, but there are several issues that should be considered before deciding to proceed with your plans. A company must have at least one director and to be a director one must be at least 16 years old. The Articles of Association of the issuing company must not contain any restrictions against the shares being held or issued to minors.

Lastly, and importantly, there are tax implications resulting from this form of ownership and you should seek appropriate tax advice before proceeding with this option.

The minor will have the right to repudiate/disown her membership/ownership during their minority or within a

Where the shares are registered in the name of a minor, sale of those shares before the child reaches the age of majority could give rise to difficulties due to limitations on the minor’s legal capacity to enter into legally binding contracts.

Depending on the reasons for wishing to adopt this plan, there are other ways of achieving the same result, such as by creating trusts, or by conferring the legal interest in the shares on an adult (such as a parent) as nominee for the child. These are more complex arrangements which are tailor made to meet specific requirements.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article should not be construed as legal advice and the information is offered for information purposes only.

You should always seek advice from an appropriately qualified solicitor on any specific legal enquiry.

Harper & Odell Solicitors Property and Litigation Solicitors Established 1948

Specialist affordable property advice is only a phone call away.

We act for clients across London on all types of property matters.

Our focus at all times is to keep the client updated by communicating regularly via email and by telephone and we aim to achieve the best possible results at a reasonable cost.

Tel: 020 7490 0500 Fax: 020 7490 8040 61-63 St John Street, London EC1M 4AN law@harperandodell.co.uk

www.harperandodell.co.uk

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Introducing our team Happy New Year to you all! We hope that you have enjoyed the festive season and are ready for what lies ahead for you in 2016. We had a very busy 2015 and it looks like 2016 will be even busier. We have a new member to our team, Marion Foley, who has been a family lawyer for 19 years who has brought lots of experience with her.

Fraud, Divorce and the Ticking Time Bomb Two cases recently heard by the Supreme Court have highlighted the importance of ensuring that you are entirely honest about your financial position when going through divorce proceedings.

The cases involved two women, Mrs Sharland and Mrs Gohil, who made applications to the Karen Chapman court to re-open their divorce cases. They asked the court to set aside their financial settlements on the basis that their ex-husbands had concealed their true financial positions which resulted in them receiving a less favourable result. The Supreme Court has allowed both women to continue with their claims for further financial provision.

So what does this mean?

• The clear message from the Supreme Court is that “fraud unravels all”. There is now a presumption that had the fraudulent party disclosed the full extent of their assets, a different financial settlement would have been reached. The onus is on them to satisfy the court otherwise.

• These cases demonstrate the significance of providing full and frank financial disclosure as a divorce settlement based on lies can later be

Unmarried Parents: Sperm Donation and Legal Parenthood

Martha Koumbas

Since a change in the law in 2009, partners of females who undergo fertility treatment using anonymous donor sperm have the right to be recognised as the legal parent of any resulting child. The fact that they are not the child’s biological parent is irrelevant as long as a number of conditions are met.

If you’re an unmarried couple trying to conceive with the assistance of anonymous donor sperm and you both intend to be legal parents, it’s really important that you understand the law. Failing to comply with the proper procedures could result in devastating consequences for parents who later discover that they are not in fact treated as such in the eyes of the law.

You must ensure that: 1. The treatment takes place in a UK fertility clinic licensed by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (“HFEA”). The HFEA is the body responsible for regulating fertility clinics in the UK. 2. Both you and your partner consent to non-biological parent being treated as the legal parent of any resulting child. Both parties’ consent must be recorded in the relevant forms specified by the HFEA prior to the commencement of treatment.

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overturned. Parties owe an active ongoing duty to the court to provide such disclosure. It really isn’t worth running the risk of withholding information from the court as to do so could have serious repercussions. Not only is there the potential for your divorce case to be re-opened when you thought you had finality, but you could face serious cost consequences.

• The Supreme Court has also made it clear that if a party agrees a financial settlement having had suspicions about the other party’s disclosure, this will not bar them from making an application back to the court. The duty to provide full and frank financial disclosure is owed to the court and cannot be waived by agreement between the parties.

• What about those who accidentally failed to disclose? The position is slightly different here. Whilst there is the potential to make an application to the court for a fresh financial settlement, the court will presume that the same financial settlement would have been reached even if the non-disclosed assets had been revealed. The onus is on the “victim” to prove otherwise.

It remains to be seen whether the above cases will open the floodgates to ex-spouses seeking more financial provision.

If you would like some advice on the contents of this article, please give us a ring here at Chapman Pieri Solicitors on 0208 882 9850 to book in a meeting with one of our solicitors.

Following an audit last year, it was discovered that many clinics had made a number of administrative errors which resulted in parents of around 80 or so families being told that they were not the legal parents of their child. The administrative errors involved failing to ensure that the intended parents had completed the relevant consent forms, failing to pick up on mistakes on those forms and consent forms being misplaced.

The failures have been brought to the forefront of public attention recently following the decisions of the President of the Family Division in seven recent cases, A and Others (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008) 2015. The cases were heard in the High Court and involved a number of parents who were faced with the shocking and distressing news that they were not parents due to the proper procedures not being followed at the time of treatment.

The President in the above cases found that appropriate consents could have been recorded on forms other than those specified by the HFEA, that mistakes on forms could be rectified and that the Court can make a finding that the relevant forms were signed even when those forms had been lost. However, it should be noted that the above cases involved applications which were not contested by the biological parent. It remains to be shown how the Court will approach contested cases.

The law concerning fertility treatment is extremely complex and you should ensure that you seek legal advice before embarking on treatment. You should also ensure that you obtain legal advice if you have any concerns about treatment you have received.

348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

The Family Law Specialists Stop…… Think…… Children Separating is never easy, especially when there are children involved. I cannot stress enough how important it is for the children to be provided with support–by both parents and should be put first. They are sometimes overlooked in the midst of bitterness, resentment or whilst trying to sort out practical matters such as logistics of separation and finances. If you’re going through a separation, it’s really important Christina Pieri that you both stop to and think about what’s in the child’s best interest in order to try and minimise the impact of the breakdown of the relationship. Children should not be used to “get at” the other parent nor should they be used as spies, messengers or weapons in an acrimonious separation. I have seen it all too often when one party is so incensed by their former partner’s behaviour that the children are kept away from their other parent for purely selfish reasons.

It may sound trite but there are always two sides to a story and to alienate a child from his parent can be harmful to the child. This may sound harsh but sadly it’s sometimes the reality.

I encourage parties to try and reach an agreement on a routine for the children to spend time with both parents. Structure and stability is key.

Your children’s lives would have already changed significantly and it is important that they have consistency. It’s not about winners and losers; it’s about agreeing a routine that meets the children’s needs.

If at all possible, try to maintain a relationship with the child’s parent. In all probability you will have no choice but to have some sort of ongoing relationship with them whilst the children are in their minority. Coparenting and good communication is essential.

Spousal Maintenance – is it for life?

Marion is the most recent addition to the Chapman Pieri team. She joined in January 2016 bringing with her 19 of experience as a matrimonial lawyer. Palmers Green is where Marion and her husband bought their first home together and where she went to secondary school.

Marion mainly specialises in divorce and financial settlements but also acts for parents in dispute over their children. She has a track record for settling disputes before cases go to trial. Conscious of the financial as well as emotional cost of litigation, Marion’s focus is to maximise a settlement without wasting precious time or money.

Marion Foley

My first article is about spousal maintenance. This should not be confused with child maintenance which is mainly dealt with by the Child Maintenance Service. Unlike child maintenance which is calculated by reference to a set formula, spousal maintenance is based on “need” and levels can vary. More often than not, it’s the wife who needs maintenance from the husband. She will have given up work or reduced her hours and income to raise children.

Maintenance is calculated firstly, by totalling the wife’s income from sources such as salary, child maintenance, child benefit and tax credits.

Next, reasonable household spending is calculated. If income is less than

What if you can’t agree on the arrangements for the children?

If you and your former partner are unable to reach an agreement, it is possible to make an application to the Court for a “Child Arrangements Order”. This regulates the arrangements for the children. It can include setting out with whom the children shall live (sometimes there are shared living arrangements), times & dates of contact with the nonresident parent and other related matters.

If there is a dispute on major decisions such as schooling, taking the children on holiday, medical treatment or religion, it is possible to make an application to the Court for a Specific Issue Order or a Prohibited Steps Order for these issues to be determined and decided by the Court.

What factors will the Court take into consideration?

When making a decision, the Court must consider the ‘welfare checklist’.

The factors within the checklist include: (a) The ascertainable wishes and feelings with the child concerned, considered in the light of his age and understanding; (b) His physical, emotional and educational needs; (c) The likely effect on him of any change in his circumstances; (d) His age, sex, background and any characteristics of his which the Court considers relevant; (e) Any harm which he has suffered or which he is at risk of suffering; (f) How capable each parent (or other relevant person) is of meeting his needs.

When an application is made to the Court, the children’s wishes and feelings are relevant depending on their age, understanding and circumstances. This does not mean that the Court will leave everything in the hands of the children but that their views, when appropriate may be taken into consideration along with all the other relevant factors referred to above. outgoings, spousal maintenance is required to bridge the gap. How much maintenance a husband can pay depends on his own salary and outgoings. A husband who agrees for the wife and children to stay in the family home, will have the burden of meeting his own housing costs as well as child maintenance and this will impact on what he can afford to pay. It’s a balancing exercise.

As a result of changes in judicial thinking, most wives can no longer expect to receive spousal maintenance indefinitely. As a Judge stated in a recent landmark case - spousal maintenance is no longer a wife’s meal ticket for life. Wives are expected to earn their own income however small to reduce their financial dependency. For many wives who have not worked for years whilst raising children the reality is that their income and earning potential is limited and the achievement of full financial independence if possible, will involve further education and training which can take time. In some cases, independence or a “clean break” will not happen before retirement and the sharing of private pensions.

Completion of a child’s education as a cut off point for maintenance is on the rise. With greater availability of child care, after school and holiday clubs and child tax credits to help mums back to work, there is an increased expectancy for wives to find work before children reach secondary school age.

Entitlement to spousal maintenance can be complex. If you are unsure about how much you should pay or receive then legal advice can make all the difference.

At Chapman Pieri Solicitors, we offer a no obligation, Fixed Fee Initial Consultation for £75 plus VAT and ask you to allow at least one hour for the meeting. We will ensure that the advice you receive is both practical and realistic. There is no beating around the bush when you come to see us. Even if you decide to do things yourself, taking some initial advice before embarking on the process is best.

Should you require any further information, please give us a call here at Chapman Pieri Solicitors on 020 8882 9850 to set up an Initial Consultation or alternatively you can email us at: info@cpfamilylaw.co.uk. Please have a look at our website where you will find a lot of helpful information: www.cpfamilylaw.co.uk.

Address: Southgate Office Village, Block D, 286 Chase Road, Southgate, London, N14 6HF.

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