Palmers Green & Southgate LIFE Summer 2015

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Palmers Green

Southgate

LI FE Summer 2015 Edition Issue 26

Chickenshed • An awfully big adventure

Election Special • Meet the candidates

Palmers Green Farmers' Market • Relaunched

Images supplied by Chickenshed

Early beginnings – The Chickenshed 1974

welcome With the election only a few days away it is fair to say that we have seen a slowing down of the local property market in recent months. Buying and selling property for both residential and investment reasons is a big commitment, so uncertainty around the elections may have contributed to this.

Whilst we have not seen a drop in prices, some properties have remained on the market marginally longer than in previous months. Take a look at our Election special on page 8 and meet your local candidates.

I am, however, confident that the market will be buoyant post election as we head into the busiest period of the year spring and early summer.

Buyers traditionally start looking at properties around this time in an aim to move in the warmer summer months, and to possibly relocate for schools. If you're considering selling another good thing about spring is that your home will look better when the garden is coming into bloom and the sun is (hopefully) out for longer. Paul Knight looks at some simple ways to improve your front garden on page 14. Curb appeal and first impressions are important factors when trying to sell your home, for additional advice or a free market appraisal of your property please do not hesitate to call us, we are happy to help.

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

Maria Stafford Property Management lettings@anthonywebb.co.uk

Panayiota Kyriakides Administrator

Anthony Georgiou Administrator Assistant

In this issue we feature two new community projects on Page 6. The relaunch of the Palmers Green Farmers’ Market and the creation of a Community Growing Space at Broomfiled Park alongside a well deserved grant for £5K from the Enfield Residents Priority Fund to create a Wildlife Pond. I look forward to following both projects on their journey and wish them every success.

I would like to congratulate David and his team at Talkies for the excellent HERE film festival. It was a pleasure to sponsor this unique local event. See page 26 for the Talkies summer lineup.

I hope you have a lovely summer, please contact us if you have any community information or photos that you would like to share in our magazine.

Tony

Tony Ourris Director Anthony Webb Estate Agents

Contents Anthony Webb Properties FOR SALE .............3 Past Times Chickenshed Theatre ......................4-5 Friends of Broomfield Park by David March ........6 Jewel in the North Palmers Green Market ..........6 Park View Health Club ........................................7 Election Special...................................................8 Discover the Dubai Dessert by Scott's Travel.......9 Love Your DoorStep by Emma Rigby .................10 Southgate Photographic Society

by Kevin O'Neill ................................................10 Pre-empting politics by Jan Thompson ..............11 Safe Rod ...........................................................12 Swiss Care Cosmetic & Laser Clinic ..................13 In the Garden with Paul Knight ........................14 Safe Power Flush ..............................................15 Anthony Webb Properties FOR SALE ...........16 Anthony Webb Properties FOR SALE .......... 17 Amy's Now Open..............................................18

Home Care Preferred ........................................19 Savour the Season by Fran ................................20 Le Grand Jour ...................................................20 J.E. Pipkin A local Artist.....................................21 Starting a new business

by Alex Chrysostomou ......................................22 Open for Business by Core Dais ........................23 Safe Removals ..................................................24 Setting Up Home Together by Chapman Pieri ...25 What's On.........................................................26 Talkies Community Cinema...............................26 Fabulous Hair by Kiri .........................................27 Palmers Green Tales by Jenny Bourke ...............27 Drapemasters by Julia Sondack ........................28 The Green Deal by Tony Ourris ..........................29 A worthy charity, Headway North London ........30 Your Legal Questions Answered

by Fariz Uvais....................................................31 Creative Exchange News ..................................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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Chickenshed Theatre

by Dave Carey, Director of Creative Development www.chickenshed.org.uk

The Chickenshed story began in the hearts and minds of two remarkable local women – and this extraordinary journey began in a church in Oakwood in 1974.

Mary Ward, a primary school teacher, had just moved into Palmers Green with a young baby, and she met Jo Collins (a musician and composer) at Christ the King Church on Bramley Road, Cockfosters. Both women shared a belief that by harnessing the creativity in everyone and anyone, together you can make magical theatre and beautiful music.

With their unwavering resolve they decided to start a theatre company in the only place made available to them - a disused chicken shed!

Their mission was to bring people together of all ages and backgrounds to produce outstanding theatre that entertains, inspires, challenges and informs both audiences and participants alike. Forty one years later this is still the overriding aim of the Company.

Chickenshed grew slowly at first. Three productions in the first two years culminated in a sell-out production of Alice at the Intimate Theatre in Palmers Green. By 1976, younger brothers and sisters of the first members wanted to join, and so the first Children’s Theatre group was formed, called ‘juniors’. The juniors had barely begun when the eponymous shed gave way to the hiring of church halls.

Fortunately the name Chickenshed was retained – Church Hall didn’t have the same ring! By 1982 Chickenshed had begun to attract wider attention - an ITV children’s series called ‘Saturday Action’ gave Chickenshed a regular slot.

1982 was more importantly the debut of a show called ‘Genesis’, which begun a series of events key to Chickenshed’s future. Firstly, the company established formal links with the Cheviots Children’s Centre, run by a certain John Bull. At the same time the show attracted

Mary and Jo at a workshop in the original chicken shed

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the attention of Malcolm Heyworth, a television producer, who became the first of many to see the quality in Chickenshed’s work and be prepared to put their weight behind it.

Within three years the list of supporters included the likes of Judi Dench, Michael Williams, Pauline Collins and John Alderton.

In 1986 the membership had reached the heady heights of 150 and the company became a Charitable Trust. Chickenshed’s profile continued to rise through various TV appearances and West End performances.

Ferris in Wonderland at the Piccadilly Theatre was Chickenshed’s first introduction to the West End was made possible by Pauline Collins and John Alderton.

1988 was a landmark year. An evening performance on 13 March hosted by Dame Judi Dench and her husband Michael Williams led to the Lord and Lady Rayne becoming supporters and Lady Rayne agreed to become Chickenshed’s President. It was thanks to her that we were lucky enough to meet Diana, Princess of Wales, who subsequently became our Royal Patron. Also in attendance on that Sunday in March was Enfield’s Chief Executive Brian McAndrew. The following day he sent a memo to every department of Enfield Council instructing them to find land suitable for Chickenshed to build their theatre. Lord and Lady Rayne said they would help us to raise the money for the building. These extraordinary people delivered the dream - a place of our own at last!

As Chickenshed grew so did its output and workload and much of it deserves much more attention than we can manage in this article: 1990 alone saw the first ever Theatre In Inclusive Education project culminating in over 1,000 (and there really were that many) children performing our production, Anansi, at

Dressing up with Dame Judi Dench and Michael Williams

the Royal Albert Hall; a further performance of the same show at Sadler’s Wells, with Diana, Princess of Wales, in attendance; the first performance of our magical show, The Attraction, at the Shaw Theatre, with such luminaries as Rehearsal shots for Gala at Dame Janet Suzman Sadler’s Wells, 1989 and Sir Trevor Nunn.

It was Trevor who suggested that we tour The Attraction (which we eventually did), with a cabaret performance at the Hard Rock Cafe - and we mustn’t forget our first appearance at the Enfield Town Show!

In 1991 our membership stood at over 400. The Attraction, which had become a flagship company production, ran for a week at the Place Theatre in London. Again this proved an extraordinary period. An appearance on Wogan and a double page spread in The Mail on Sunday brought us national attention.

By 1992 the dream of a purpose-built theatre was on the verge of being realised. After disused water works and crumbling Jacobean mansions were discarded, land to the north of Saracens Rugby ground in Southgate was duly made available to Chickenshed. Now it was just the small matter of the money required and Lady Rayne worked tirelessly to help us to achieve the target. This year also sees the beginnings of our famous waiting list, with 450 members and 300 waiting. The first in our Christmas trilogy The Night Before Christmas ran for a sold out week at The Place.

Every year seems to be a landmark year when one looks back. 1993 saw the debut of Paula’s Story, a dramatic recreation of a member’s extraordinary life and our resident choreographer Christine Niering was beginning to develop a unique and innovative style of dance that led to our first ever ‘dance show’ – Signs of Dance. Both shows graduated from the humble surroundings of church halls to the West End the following year. Oh, and with Lord Rayne at the helm, we started building our theatre.

The following year our beautiful theatre opened just in time for the second run of The Night Before Christmas. Obviously that wasn’t

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enough for Chickenshed, so we released a single Have a Heart at Christmas, we sang at Wembley with Meatloaf and wrote and performed a ten minute piece for the BBC’s Christmas Eve celebration ‘Joy to the World’.

Once the theatre opened however, we started getting really busy. We now employed a full time artistic team, all 6 of them, a small administration team and of course Mary, Jo, and John Bull. Our first ever national tour of The Attraction was preceded by our first ever national Theatre In Inclusive Education tour, and before that our first ever full length ballet, The King’s Web. Obviously there were a lot of ‘firsts’ that year. Another ‘first’ consisted of performing to a huge gathering of Heads of State in Hyde Park for the Fiftieth Anniversary of VE Day celebrations. The whole performance was broadcast live to a worldwide television audience of over 50 million and a crowd of heavily armed presidential security guards representing 50 secret agencies. There were more mobile ear pieces and bulging pockets than you could shake a fist at - of course shaking your fist in that area wasn’t a good idea…

A Midsummer Night’s Dream saw Chickenshed engage in a critically acclaimed production of Shakespeare. There was the single release, Mary’s MBE, This Is Your Life, the lottery award for the building extension, the sold out Christmas shows. Also we saw the start of our full time BTEC in Performing Arts, Woking Dance Umbrella, more sold out Christmas shows, a specially commissioned film for ITV broadcast on Christmas day, an appearance alongside the Spice Girls at Wembley Stadium, the ‘Creative Briton’ Award, Globaleyes performed at Covent Garden, the Queen Mother’s 100th Birthday celebrations followed by representing “the future” at The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Pageant in The Mall. Then came Jo’s MBE, a group of our performances going out to Ethiopia to work with young people ravaged by illness and disability caused by war and the legacy of polio - the list goes on and on…

It must be said that many of the original 1970s members are now the core and heart of the company. Some have moved on but the Chickenshed experience remains with them all.

Adult lives are now underpinned by the values

Belinda McGuick leading a joyful dance with children in Ethiopia

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The cast of Pinocchio in 2001

and skills absorbed during their magical time at the Shed – with an understanding that diversity and inclusiveness should be a way of life. This understanding is just as relevant for members today. Every extraordinary piece of theatre created at Chickenshed shouts out the same thing – that anyone can thrive in an environment where everyone is welcome.

So from beginning literally in a disused chicken shed, the Company now operates from a 300 seat purpose built theatre in Southgate and has grown from 30 members to over 800, with more than 1,000 people coming through our doors every week. We now have a Chickenshed in Kensington and Chelsea too, and our teams have spread the joy of inclusive theatre to people all over London, Europe, Africa, Russia, USA and most recently we have taken an exciting new project to China.

But with all this, the essence of their work – producing the right environment for individuals to flourish – is no different 41 years on.

Back at our base in Southgate, we run highly successful education courses in inclusive performing arts at BTEC, FD and BA level, membership schemes for 5 – 21 year olds and our outreach projects for some of the hardest to reach communities, throughout the year, every year, are highly praised. The BTEC course received the highest OFSTED mark, Rating 1 – Outstanding. The course has 100% retention and 98% pass rate, with a full diploma even though many have not previously been able to access mainstream education. 66% of Chickenshed students would not be permitted to even start a course at other schools, colleges or universities. All students are educated and achieve alongside their peers.

As well as our membership branch in Kensington and Chelsea, we have also set up 19 independent theatre community groups across the UK and two in Russia (which is

called the ‘Shedlink’ programme).

The Company has continued to enjoy enormous success up to the present day with highlights including performances at key national events such as the G8 Summit at Gleneagles and the Edinburgh Festival. We have performed at prestigious venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, The Royal Opera House, 10 Downing Street, the BT Tower and most recently in the Speaker’s House at the House of Commons.

We have been blessed with tremendous and loyal supporters over the years, including such leading lights within the profession as Bob Hoskins, Sir Derek Jacobi, Sir Kenneth Branagh, Claire Skinner, Geoffrey Palmer, Stephen Mangan, Lindsey Coulson, Michelle Collins, Emma Bunton, Jeremy Irons, Victoria Wood, Eddie Redmayne and Lord Attenborough.

All of this seems very grand and we have travelled the most wonderful theatrical journey since our humble beginnings, but we have never forgotten our roots and we want to reiterate over and over again that we are your local theatre – and so much more besides!

We are a local creative hub, producing a huge range of shows and activities across the year in both our main theatre, The Rayne, and our smaller more intimate Studio Theatre. We regularly present interactive shows for very young children (the perfect birthday party destination!) and we have a busy programme of live music and comedy events in our welcoming theatre Bar. And if all that wasn't enough, we have Brothers Grill at the heart of our building, a wonderful café bar/restaurant – with free wifi – and which is perfect for a morning coffee, a light lunch or an evening meal, and they can also host parties or celebration events in any of our many spaces.

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Broomfield Park is Growing and Getting Wilder!

by David March, Friends of Broomfield Park (FoBP)

Yes, it’s true. The Friends of Broomfield Park (FoBP) have been given the go-ahead to create a Community Growing Space and have also been awarded £5K from the Enfield Residents Priority Fund to create a Wildlife Pond.

The Community Growing Space will be on a strip of land between the orchard and the tennis courts. It will be a space where people of all ages, especially school children and older people, can work together and grow their own healthy food. It will be possible to meet up with and make new friends and get regular physical exercise. There will be events and training demonstrations in the growing space and visits to other growing spaces.

We are at an early stage of the project, so this is an ideal opportunity for you to get involved in both its design and organisation. We would like to be as flexible as possible about how the space might be used and what will be grown.

The group will need to sort out a number of important things, including the design of the space; and issues such

as the balance between areas for individuals, families, local groups and schools; how the ‘fruits of labour’ are to be used; the principle of ‘work in/produce out’ and whether it will be feasible to supply the Palmers Greenery community café.

The group will need to find a way to ensure that different groups and individuals are able to get involved in both the design of the space and work together effectively and cooperatively.

For example, the design will need to include some raised beds as many people find these easier to look after. We hope that vandalism and theft will not be significant issues, as there will be secure boundaries, and there will be controls on easy access. It is noted that there have not been major security problems for other community growing ventures.

The WILDLIFE POND is part of a plan to improve biodiversity in the park, which includes a wildflower meadow and a hedgerow along part of Aldermans Hill and Powys Lane. Although a final decision has not yet been made on its location, our preferred site is next to the Community Orchard and Community Growing Space.

The pond will provide a habitat for many species of plants, invertebrates and amphibians. Frogs and other amphibians will help control garden pests in the Community Growing Space, and flowering water plants and marginals will provide additional nectar and pollen for bees. We hope to involve young and older people in creating the new pond, which, with its dipping platform and interpretation board, will be a valuable resource for environmental studies by

students from local schools and older people.

We would like to hear from individuals, local schools and organisations who would like to get involved in these projects. If you have grown vegetables or created a pond in your garden, tell us what you have learnt about it.

Duke of Edinburgh Award volunteers discussing the design ideas for the growing space

Visit www.friendsofbroomfieldpark.org or email communitygrowingspace@friendsofbroomfieldpark.org

Palmers Green market rises again as MarketN13 Suzanne Beard of local website Palmers Green Jewel in the North celebrates the return of the foodie delights and arts and crafts to Palmers Green’s weekly calendar.

One of the most positive things about Palmers Green is the number of people who are prepared to put time into the community and making it better for all.

One such person is Annita Correia, who runs Palmers Green’s popular station café. Designer and former teacher Annita has in the past run the popular Waiting Room Café, which did lovely food and hosted many local events, including blues nights and craft events.

Annita now runs the recently refurbished station kiosk, whose cornbread muffins with cheese and chilli have brightened many of my mornings, and whose wonderful range of art cards have saved me from not a few last minute birthday panics. You can buy great coffee, tasty snacks and tickets for Talkies in the kiosk, and it’s a great place to meet people and find out what is going on in the area. Annita’s latest project is to revive Palmers Green’s Sunday market – and this one is a real act of love.

The old market had been ailing for some time, and ground to a halt just before Christmas. So why revive it now?

“When I moved to Palmers Green, the market was the source of my livelihood – I designed fabric and clothing. People had put a lot of work into it, and it was a positive thing for the area. To have seen it go down hill was really upsetting“.

Annita is convinced that Palmers Green should be able to sustain a market of this kind, but that it has to have local support.

“A local market is a great opportunity for people in Palmers Green to have access to products not on the high street, a chance for entrepreneurs to get a first stab at setting up new businesses, hopefully also a way of drawing more people into Palmers Green on a Sunday – we have kept the prices low - pitches will be £20 (£10 for arts and crafts)”.

The roster for the first market includes South

London’s Norbiton Cheeses, Essex artisan bakers Brownbread, Brockman’s Farm Produce, Brian and Natasha's Fresh Fish. Gringostiv's Cut Flowers and Plants, and Karl Wager of St. Albans with his handmade Furniture from reclaimed and drift wood.

Annita’s ambitions are simple: “To get the market up and running again, hopefully bigger and better than before, and attract new traders. I am keen for the market to have a buzz, and to develop a reputation for supplying products which are well made and affordable.”

Neighbours, if that is something you would like to see in Palmers Green, you know what you have to do.

* The first Market N13 takes place every Sunday from 10am - 3pm in Palmers Green Station Car Park.

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.

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Meet your local Enfield Southgate constituency candidates. Don’t forget to vote at your local Polling Station on

Thursday 7 May 2015 Paul D Smith Liberal Democrats I live, work and raise my children in Enfield Southgate and I want a better life for all of us. My story took me from council house, to comprehensive, to Oxford and every one of us deserves the same chance to create our own future.

Liberal Democrats in government have striven to balance economic stability against social responsibility, building the Stronger Economy and Fairer Society that Britain needs. But we also understand that government is not just about pounds, shillings and pence, it’s about people’s lives and the decisions we make are far reaching.

From council house to comfortable privilege, I have the experience to ensure that the decisions I make in Westminster consider all the residents of Enfield Southgate, not just a favoured few.

Bambos Charalambous Labour I grew up in Palmers Green and live locally. I have represented the area as a councillor for 21 years and know the issues that affect people in their everyday lives. School places and childcare are very important locally and parents are worried about their children's long term futures too.

When I’m out and about, people mention the NHS and crime as big concerns. If you elect me as your MP I will make sure I listen to your concerns, speak up for you, and get things done just as I have in the time I have been privileged to serve as your local councillor.

Do say hello if you bump into me in Palmers Green or on the platform at the train station.

David Burrowes Conservatives I have the experience to be a strong local voice for Enfield Southgate.

I have lived in the constituency all my life and am married with 6 children. I have been an MP for almost 10 years, and over 20 years as a solicitor, local councillor, primary and secondary school governor, and youth camp leader. I am also an active member of a local church.

I am a champion of local issues like protecting our parks, local heritage, supporting small businesses and our high streets.

I support the family and care about the vulnerable. I speak my mind and get things done.

Jean Robertson-Molloy Green Party As your MP, I would first implement electoral reform, and make each of your votes count. Being a retired social worker, I believe that everyone should have secure housing, a good standard of living, and free access to proper health care.

Our children should be educated in tolerance, alongside all members of our multi-cultural society.

And we must look after the world we live in by limiting our use of fossil fuels, banning fracking, and investing in clean energy such as wind, wave and solar power, which would also produce more jobs.

David Schofield UKIP A lifelong Enfield resident born at Chase Farm hospital . I have attended local state schools and have worked successfully in front line sales on a self employed basis.

I was a Local Councillor in our Borough from 2002 to 2006 representing Southgate Green ward during which period I secured investment to improve the living conditions of residents living on housing estates and worked with the police and the Council to deal with crime and anti social behaviour problems.

I pledge to campaign for additional investment for our overstretched health and education services and will never concede the battle to restore lost hospital accident and emergency capacity in our Borough closed by a Conservative health secretary.

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348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

Discover the Dubai Desert

by Lloyd Collier at Scott's Travel 3 Broadway, Southgate, N14 6PJ Tel: 020 8882 0141 www.scottstravel.co.uk Dubai’s year-round sunshine, sandy beaches, bold architecture, spectacular skylines and world class leisure developments are amongst the many reasons why it has such wide-ranging appeal. What people may not realise is that Dubai has a rich culture rooted in Bedouin heritage and traditions of storytelling, poetry, song, dance, and falconry. My wife and I took the opportunity to experience it first hand on a three night stay at the world class Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa followed by a four night city break.

Al Maha is set around an oasis within the large Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve offering the ultimate sanctuary and a privileged glimpse into the heritage and romance of Arabia. After a short 40-minute drive south of Dubai's airport you quite literally take a slip road into the desert.

10km further on and this incredible Bedouin-style community appears like a mirage from behind the sand dunes.

There are a total of 42 suites all with a private temperature-controlled infinity swimming pool.

The suites offer traditional architecture and antique furnishings, each with a spacious bathroom and panoramic views across the sand dunes to the distant Hajar Mountains. The resort does not allow children under the age of 10 which allows you to relax and take in the spectacular tranquility of the resort.

Two complimentary activities per day are included as part of the package, designed to provide first-hand experiences of the landscape.

We chose falconry, a desert safari, camel trekking

and a thrill seeking 4x4 sand dune safari. Other activities on offer included archery, horse riding, nature walks and a number of off-site activities under the direction and supervision of an Al Maha Field Guide.

Dining at Al Maha is an international experience embracing the culinary cultures of the East and West. The food manages to excite whilst remaining relatively simple, honest and 'homemade'. Using the finest ingredients sourced from around the world, guests are offered dune, deck or in-suite dining experiences at the signature Al Diwaan restaurant. We took the opportunity to dine in the desert by candle light, a truly magical experience where we were able to watch the beautiful sunset against the back drop of the sand dunes.

We concluded our 7 night stay with 4 nights at the Luxury Waldorf Astoria located on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, an incredible man-made island.

My wife enjoyed the excellent variety of shops and we took the opportunity to charter our own

boat for the afternoon to enjoy the city vista from the water. At £250 per hour for up to 18 people you don’t have to be a King to experience sheer luxury in this fabulous country.

★ Exclusive offer ★ • Depart 31 May 2015 from London Heathrow to Dubai, United Arab Emirates Economy • Stay at the Luxury Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa for 3 nights Full Board • Spend a further 3 nights at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Half Board (with the option of Full Board for an additional £300) • Returning 7 June 2015 • This offer includes all transfers

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Love Your DoorStep by Emma Rigby Easter Eggs for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice www.loveyourdoorstep.co.uk Spring is here and the flowers and trees are blossoming all around Palmers Green, Southgate and Enfield. Think of spring and Easter comes to mind.

Although Easter is a religious celebration, most children also associate Easter with eggs, especially chocolate eggs. The shops were overflowing with Easter eggs this year and people were frantically buying them up for the children in their families. Some families in North London, however, had more pressing issues to deal with. The families with very sick children. Thankfully they have Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, a local community based hospice service.

They provide support for children and young people under the age of 19 with life-limiting or lifethreatening conditions. Support is also available for siblings and parents. The hospice covers five North London boroughs, including Enfield and Barnet.

At Easter the members of Love Your DoorStep (LYDS) donate Easter eggs to the hospice for their annual Easter Eggstravaganza at Capel Manor Gardens. For

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two days, over Easter, Capel Manor Gardens, Enfield was transformed in to a magical wonderland with playing card signage and Alice in Wonderland activities, creating an Alice in Wonderland world to delight over 2,200 visitors . The much anticipated Easter egg hunt involved searching for clues around the garden with the prize of a chocolate Easter egg.

The Easter Egg Trail took the children around the gardens and the Queen of Heart’s maze, with characters from the book Alice in Wonderland to greet them along the way. As well as the egg hunt there were lots of other activities for the children including the Mad Hatter’s tea-cup ride, a bouncy castle, facepainting, a chance to see Disney’s Alice in Wonderland film at a pop-up cinema and lots more.

opportunity to donate without having to travel too far. They were all LYDS businesses; The Queen’s Head Pub, Café Fresco, Anthony Webb, Good Looking Optics, Vic Smith Beds and Tessa Stevens. Thank you to all those that donated we collected over 700 eggs.

If you didn't get a chance to donate eggs to Noah’s Ark this year, there is always next year!

It was a wonderful event that raised over £10,000 and gave families the opportunity to enjoy a day out together while helping a local children’s charity at the same time.

LYDS have been collecting Easter Eggs for the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice for the last three years. Now, in our fourth year, we arranged drop off points for the caring people of Enfield and the surrounding areas to donate Easter eggs in aid of the Hospice. We had six LYDS drop off points so that everyone had an

There are always lots of events going on throughout the spring and summer so be sure to keep an eye on our Events page or better still, subscribe to our weekly Newsletter at www.loveyourdoorstep.co.uk and we will keep you posted!

Southgate Photographic Society

by Kevin O'Neill Some say we live in a golden age of photography. High quality cameras are everywhere, and in the next

year more digital photos will be taken around the world than in almost two centuries of film photography.

How can we make an image that stands out from the billions of disposable uploads? Technical knowledge, such as the functioning of cameras, is relatively easy to absorb from books or online tutorials. Most people find however that “softer” knowledge on making aesthetically pleasing images is easier to acquire face to face. A supportive, knowledgeable and discerning audience provides a great environment in which to work on your hobby and make new friends. This is where your local photography club comes in.

Southgate Photographic Society offers a social setting for enthusiastic amateur photographers of all abilities and ambitions. We meet weekly, roughly in term time, on Tuesdays between 8-10pm upstairs in the church hall behind St Paul’s, Winchmore Hill.

This year we will host lectures on fine art, nature, safari, travel and landscape photography. Although we don’t offer formal classes, we run workshops, studio shoots and excursions. We also like to put the cameras away and meet socially. The core of our programme is a series of competitions; learning opportunities where the members provide images to be critiqued by external Judges.

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SPS started in 1938. The committee welcomed the end of hostilities in 1945, hoping that petrol rationing would end soon so that “Judges would once again be able to visit”. In the early years before widespread access to TV or jet flight, the annual exhibition would be sold out for a week with illustrated talks on exotic far-away places such as Paris or the Peak District. As twin lens reflex boxes gave way to Rangefinders and then to SLRs, club members supported one another through the constant technological change. In the early ‘80s, debate raged on the acceptability of prints not made in members’ own darkrooms. However even though evenings that were once filled with esoteric darkroom techniques are now more likely to feature Lightroom editing tips, the basic principles of making interesting images have not changed.

why we have no specific equipment list for new members. We also work on our technical skills, learning about camera settings, lighting, image processing, printing and mounting.

Interested? Just drop into a meeting and see what is happening. We have a tea break at 9 so we can chat. Membership is only £50 a year for around 35 evenings. Check www.southgatephoto.org.uk to see what’s on and to see our latest work, or email info@southgatephoto.org.uk if you have any questions. We look forward to meeting you!

Concepts we discuss today such as composition, subject placement, leading the viewer’s eye, separation of subject from background, dark and bright areas, sharpness, depth of field, perspective and so on would all be completely familiar to a member of the 1940’s. They also apply equally to mobile phone and large-sensor cameras, which is

348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

Pre-empting politics

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 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 20th & 21st May 2015 from 10-5pm. All surgeries last approx 40mins and are held in the strictest confidence and without obligation.

As politicians debate the future of tax relief on pension contributions, retirement savers might be wise to take advantage of current rules.

Few would doubt Chancellor George Osborne’s claim that the pension reforms due to be introduced in April represent “the most radical change to how people can access their pension in almost a century”.

Yet, before the changes have even been implemented, political parties are warming up for May’s general election with further proposals that aim to close the retirement funding gap and pay for other campaign promises.

There have been calls from the pensions industry for a period of stability to give individuals and providers time to adjust to April’s new regime. However, it seems those pleas could go unheeded as the political parties stake out their differences.

The Labour and Liberal Democrat parties have in their sights an overhaul of the tax relief on pension contributions. Currently, the government tops up individuals’ contributions according to the rate of tax paid – 20% for basic rate, 40% for higher rate and 45% for additional rate taxpayers.

At the top end, that means a £10,000 pension contribution could cost an additional rate taxpayer as little as £5,500. The result is that 75% of the £2.4 billion relief given to individuals goes to higher earners; however, these are the workers who pay the most tax.1

Flat rate Labour has pledged to abolish 45% tax relief for additional rate taxpayers; those who earn more than £150,000. Instead, these would qualify for only 20% relief.

The Liberal Democrats propose to abolish the higher rates of relief and level the playing field for all pension savers. They would provide 50 pence of tax relief at source for every £1 paid into a pension, making an effective 33% flat rate of tax relief for everyone.

Presently, the maximum amount that people can put in their pension pot – the lifetime allowance – is £1.25 million; anything above is taxed and does not qualify for tax relief.

Labour says it will cut the lifetime allowance to £1 million, however, and plans to reduce further the annual allowance from £40,000 to £30,000.

The Liberal Democrats party has said it too will reduce the lifetime allowance to £1 million, although the party’s pensions minister Steve Webb has suggested there should be no upper limit at all and that the lifetime allowance should simply disappear.

However, it is clear that a reduction in higher rate tax relief would increase the cost of a pension contribution for some savers – and these individuals would receive greater tax benefits if they made contributions now rather than in the future.

Individuals with the required level of earnings who make use of unused allowances from this and previous years could contribute more than £40,000 before the tax year-end – and take advantage of current rules while they remain in place.

In some cases it will be possible to contribute considerably larger sums: someone who uses allowances for this year, the previous three years and next year before 6 April could pay in up to £230,000 – if they have earned income to support this level of contribution in this tax year.

Even if that size of contribution is out of reach, there are good reasons to pay a single contribution before the new tax year begins, when the ability to exploit any unused 2011/12 allowance will fall away.

And who knows what the election may bring.

Contribute now Of course, no one knows what will happen after the general election or how soon any changes might be implemented.

1 Source: Pensionstatistics.com, March 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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Safe Rod – a simple and effective formula for success www.saferod.co.uk 020 3816 0397 info@saferod.co.uk From starting out with a single vehicle, serving Southgate and Palmers Green, Safe Rod has grown to become one of London’s best-known drainage services providers. Part of the Safe Group family of companies, the business has expanded to cover all areas of the city, and it operates a fleet of purpose-designed vehicles that are equipped to solve any drainage problem.

In common with its sister companies, Safe Rod was formed in response to a need. From modest beginnings in 2004 – when CEO Alex Mierzejewski founded the business on arrival in London from his native Poland – Safe Group is now one of the capital’s fastest growing service sector companies.

“As with all our companies, we identified a gap in the local market for a quality, dependable service with unbeatable pricing,” says Alex. “It’s a simple formula, and it’s proved highly successful.”

Safe Rod services include drain cleaning, drain and toilet unblocking, CCTV drain surveys, drain jetting, repairs and maintenance, for both residential and commercial premises. The company also provides drain, pipe and sewer line inspections, scheduled

drain and sewer maintenance and protection plans.

Unlike some providers, Safe Rod agrees a price with the customer before beginning any work, based on a free initial survey. “This has proved very popular,” says Alex, “as it means our customers know exactly how much they are going to going to pay in advance, with no hidden add-ons or nasty surprises.

Our aim, as always, is to deliver the best value service in London, and our customers tell us we’re succeeding.”

Safe Rod is on call to deal with all drain emergencies, around the clock, every day of the year.

There is no call-out fee and no extra charges for evenings, weekends or bank holidays. Its experienced engineers are qualified to handle any

drainage or plumbing need.

The company is also happy to work directly with insurers, and this has been another important factor in its success. In the event that a drain is damaged or collapsed, the cost of repair is often covered by a customer’s building insurance. Safe Rod liaises directly with insurers and manages the entire process on behalf of the customer. “It’s just one less thing for people to worry about in their busy lives,” continues Alex. “All we ask is that the customer provides us with a letter of authority that enables us to communicate directly with their insurer, and leave the rest to us. We also carry out the drain repair while the claim is being processed, so there’s no waiting.”

Safe Rod offers a complete drainage service, supporting homes and businesses in Southgate and Palmers Green, together with a city-wide vehicle network covering all areas of London.

For all drainage problems, call 0800 043 3445 today, or email info@safe-rod.co.uk A member of the Safe Rod team will be delighted to assist you.

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348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

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In the Garden with Paul Knight Front Gardens Contact Paul on 07957 942728 info@outside-designs.co.uk www.outside-designs.co.uk Based in Crouch End, North London, Outside Designs is a family run business with over 25 years of experience. Paul who trained locally at Capel Manor College, Enfield, takes great care to deliver the highest possible standard of work, creating beautiful gardens that clients are delighted with. If you are in need of some advice or are considering re-designing your garden please contact Paul for a free estimate.

A front garden can be a thing of beauty. Not just a drab area of concrete with bins on right in on front of your house. It can be an eyecatching place full of plants and shrubs that can add interest all year round.

Of course you have to take into account the practical issues of where to put the bins and bike stores etc but this can be accounted for in designing the garden. Even in a small front garden that most of us have there will be space for a few choice plants and possibly even a small tree that will soften the appearance of the property and collectively, the neighbourhood whilst creating a natural environment for birds and insects.

A good front garden will really enhance the appearance of any property and will add value too. It is the entrance to your home and its

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style should reflect you and the property style so materials for the structure should be chosen carefully.

If it is done well it will give you pleasure every time you see it. Which is all the time!

If you are installing a new front wall, choose the type of brick carefully. It doesn't have to match the bricks the house is built with and you do not want a wall that stands out too much as your eye will be drawn to the wall rather than the garden within. A simple bin surround constructed with trellis and climbing plants to grow round it to disguise the bins but still gives you easy access to them.

with a separate area of paving.

As I said before, plants will soften and enhance a house. Whether the garden is in sun or shade there are lots of plants that will thrive. Window boxes will add a splash of colour and can change with the seasons and a climbing rose, Wisteria or many other climbers will look amazing trained on the front of the house.

Get outside and get gardening!

Until next time‌

The garden path is an important aspect as you use it constantly and you see it all the time The materials for the path can match the materials in the rest of the garden or they can differ, for example have a tiled path

348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

Safe Power Flush www.safe-powerflush.co.uk Tel: 020 3816 0397 Mob: 077 1338 6973 Based locally, Safe Power Flush is London’s complete heating system and radiator flushing service. Our citywide vehicle network covers all areas of London and is equipped with the technology to solve any heating system problem – fast.

Safe Power Flush is one of London’s most trusted and well-known plumbing and heating companies.

Since 2004, we have established a reputation for delivering a reliable, high quality service, backed by unrivalled customer care. Our smartly uniformed engineers are qualified to take care of all your heating system needs. You can be confident that all work will be carried out to the highest standards and that your property will be respected at all times.

Safe Power Flush keeps your central heating running at optimum effectiveness all year round. As well as saving you money on your fuel bills, it can protect your boiler system from the build-up of oxidative sludge and other pollutants that, if left untreated, lead to the corrosion of system parts leading to poor performance, costly repairs and reduced system life.

Ensuring your system is operating at its optimum also minimises your impact on the environment.

BEFORE POWER FLUSH

AFTER POWER FLUSH

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Safe Power Flushing removes the old, potentially harmful, water from your heating system and replaces it with clean water that is treated with vital corrosion inhibitors. Clean and safe to perform, it restores effective water circulation and eliminates the costly problems that commonly affect heating systems caused by a build-up of debris and byproducts.

Today’s high-efficiency boilers are built using narrower gauge technology than older boilers, making them susceptible to blockage from sludge or debris. It is therefore vital when installing a new boiler into an existing central heating system that the system is first cleaned and all sludge and debris flushed through. If damage to your new boiler is found to be caused by a dirty system, the manufacturer’s warranty is likely to be invalid. If you’re thinking about installing a new boiler, avoid this costly mistake and call us for a no obligation quote today.

Our experienced and qualified engineers are trained in all aspects of power flushing, and you can be assured of their courtesy and commitment at all times. All staff are CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) checked and carry photo ID. We make every effort to minimise disruption and ensure that your home is left clean and tidy. Most power flushing jobs can be completed in just one day.

Importantly, unlike some companies, we agree a price with you before we begin any work, so you’ll

know exactly what you’re going to pay with no hidden add-ons. There’s no call-out fee and we don’t charge extra for evenings, weekends or bank holidays. We provide you with a clear and accurate quotation, and all work carried out comes with a written certificate of guarantee. We pride ourselves on delivering the best value power flushing service in London. Why pay more?

And don’t forget that we’re also experts in boiler servicing, repairs and installation. ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Lower fuel bills by up to 50% Reduced water heat-up time Extended boiler life A more efficient system with improved circulation Peace of mind that your boiler warranty won't be invalidated A cleaner, sludge and lime-scale-free system Reduced system noise - eliminates knocking A warmer home and hotter water Higher radiator output Boiler system protected from costly damage or premature replacement Minimises emissions and your impact on the environment No hidden extras All work guaranteed Full public liability insurance

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Brunswick Park Road, N11 A two year old modern gated ground floor apartment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, secure gated parking and own section of rear garden. Conveniently located for Arnos Grove's shops, Arnos Park and underground station (Piccadilly line).

£725,000 Freehold

£400,000 Leasehold

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Conway Road, Southgate, N14 PRICE REDUCTION – A three bedroom PERIOD house with three receptions, many original features, OFF STREET PARKING and GARDEN to rear situated on the ever popular Lakes Estate. MODERNISATION REQUIRED.

Riverway, Palmers Green, N13 A CHAIN FREE well presented four bedroom Edwardian family home boasting a wealth of period features with South East rear garden overlooking the picturesque New River.

£580,000 Freehold

£650,000 Freehold

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Hamilton Crescent, Palmers Green, N13 A well-presented three bedroom and loft room semi-detached period house located close to Palmers Green’s shops, restaurants and mainline station (Moorgate). Front garden and well- maintained 80ft rear garden.

Fox Lane, Palmers Green, N13

Crawford Gardens, Palmers Green, N13

MODERNISATION REQUIRED. An original four bedroom Edwardian house located on Fox Lane. The property, which is offered chain free, benefits from many original features including fireplaces and stained glass windows. Front and rear gardens.

A beautifully presented three/four bedroom 1930's built house located in a quiet residential turning off Hedge Lane. OFF STREET PARKING for two vehicles and a well maintained 65ft rear garden. The property is conveniently situated for Palmers Green's shops and transport facilities.

£699,995 Freehold

£550,000 Freehold

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348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

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Pymmes Green Road, New Southgate, N11 A CHAIN FREE, FOUR bedroom detached house built in 2008 located in this popular residential turning close to Arnos Grove Underground Station. Paved drive to the front for several vehicles and 55ft East facing rear garden. The property has a NHBC Building Guarantee remaining.

£500,000 Freehold

£649,995 Freehold

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Greenwood Gardens, Palmers Green, N13 A well presented CHAIN FREE three bedroom cottage style end of terrace house with two receptions and rear garden. The property falls within the popular St. Monica's primary school catchment area.

Ashley Gardens, Palmers Green, N13 A brand new built two bedroom detached bungalow located behind secure ELECTRIC GATES in a residential turning within easy reach of Palmers Green's shops, restaurants and mainline station (Moorgate). The property is offered CHAIN FREE.

£699,995 Freehold

£399,995 Freehold

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The Rise, Palmers Green, N13 PRICE JUST REDUCED. A spacious and beautifully presented Edwardian three bedroom house. The property, which retains a wealth of PERIOD FEATURES, benefits from a modern fitted kitchen, entrance hall with original tessellated tiled floor, front and rear GARDENS.

Derwent Road, Palmers Green, N13

Trent Gardens, Southgate, N14

A split level three double bedroom Edwardian converted flat located on the ever popular Lakes Estate. This spacious flat offers 120sqm of floor space over the first and second floors. Own section of rear garden.

A spacious detached 1920’s built five bedroom bungalow accessed via a secure gated drive way. Off street parking for several vehicles and beautifully landscaped and secured gardens. Located within easy reach of Southgate’s shops, restaurants and underground station.

£499,950 Leasehold

£945,000 Freehold

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348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

Local Care Provider joining a National Dementia Awareness Campaign in May www.homecarepreferred.com Email info@homecarepreferred.com Telephone 020 8364 3670

Home Care Preferred offers the care and support needed to allow people to live fulfilled lives in the comfort of their own familiar surrounding.

Home Care Preferred, a care agency based in Winchmore Hill, is holding what promises to be a great musical night as part of their campaign to raise dementia awareness.

The national Dementia Awareness Campaign will take place in England from 17-23 May this year.

starting a world tour with Blur. Tickets are limited and guests should expect a night of fantastic music including soul, R&B, Motown and Reggae.

Tickets are £17.50 and can be bought from Home Care Preferred. Call Ken Waterhouse or Raksha Patel Telephone: 0208 364 3670 or email ken@homecarepreferred.com. Tickets are selling fast and Home Care Preferred advise booking soon to avoid disappointment.

Home Care Preferred has secured Wayne Hernandez and his band to perform at Waterhouse Hall in Winchmore Hill on Saturday May 23rd.

Hugely successful within the music business Wayne has worked with Tina Turner, Roberta Flack, Madonna, Tori Amos and is one of the singers with the band Gorillaz. He is currently

Ken Waterhouse, Managing Director at Home Care Preferred, commented “Our Company supports many local people with Dementia and we are always keen to raise awareness of this condition. In 2015 there will be 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, with numbers set to rise to 1 million by 2025. In the health care profession we need to do what we can to support people with dementia and their loved ones and just as importantly help raise awareness. My team and I

are always willing to talk to people who have either been diagnosed with dementia or of course their family and friends”.

In addition to raising awareness Home Care Preferred will donate all proceeds from the raffle to The Enfield branch of Alzheimer’s Society.

Raksha Patel, Community Relations Manager at Home Care Preferred and a local Dementia Champion explained; “The word dementia describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease or a series of strokes.

Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse. People often think Alzheimer’s and Dementia are two different diseases where actually Alzheimer’s is the most common type of Dementia”

More information can be obtained from Home Care Preferred Telephone: 020 8364 3670 www.homecarepreferred.com or Alzheimer’s Society 0300 222 11 22 www.alzheimers.org.uk

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Savour the Season

by Fran at Teensy Wonders Nursery Palmers Green

Orange Syrup Cake Cooking is one of my passions, especially making cakes and desserts. I often change my recipes and experiment with new and exciting ingredients.

I also find that I want to make different cakes at different times – sometimes the weather, or photo in a magazine and most often a memory from childhood inspire me.

This recipe is one of my favourite memories from growing up on a small island in Croatia, surrounded with lemon and orange trees.

I have made this cake on many occasions for my family and my friends and it is always a winner. It is light, zesty and refreshing and if you add berries or other fruit you like, it is a perfect morning boost.

These days I share this recipe with the children at Teensy Wonders where we often make it together.

They say that the proof of the pudding is in the eating and who better to judge than children.

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This cake would make be a great summer party cake as it is light, spongy and has that awakening orangey taste. Decorate it with Easter eggs or orange slices and some mint and …..sit back and enjoy.

Ingredients: • 175 gm butter • 1 large orange • 225 gm caster sugar • 200 gm rice flour • 2 eggs • 2 tsp baking powder • 75 gm ground almonds • 300 ml freshly squeezed orange juice

3. Bake at 180C for 40 minutes 4. Cool for 10 minutes and transfer to a deep serving plate 5. To make syrup: combine reaming sugar (150 gm) and orange juice, bring to boil and simmer for 1-2 minutes.

6. Pierce the cake randomly and drizzle the syrup over the cake.

7. Decorate with sliced oranges and fresh mint leaves.

Method: 1. Grease and base-line 20 cm round tin 2. Cream the butter and 75 gm of sugar then beat in the eggs. Fold in rice flour, baking powder and ground almonds. Stir in grated orange and 15 tsp of orange juice.

348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

J.E. Pipkin on how painting has given him a way of life

by Ellie Sales Jim Pipkin, 70 has been creating art since the age of 5, and has been a full time artist for the past 26 years. Like many young artists, he originally started out drawing and doodling before going onto develop his passion for painting.

Having met his wife Pam, a scientist, whilst working together at the Medical Research Council in Hampstead in 1970, they moved to Palmers Green some 40 years ago and have remained here ever since.

exhibition at The Framers Gallery in London between 12th-22nd May. It’s a great opportunity for me to show case my work. Painting has given me a way of life and I enjoy sharing my work with the public.

Today Jim, using oil paints and acrylics, creates stunning, even inspiring landscapes that captivate the imagination.

Based at his Tottenham studio he is lucky enough to paint on a regular basis producing around 5 finished pieces of artwork per year.

Have you exhibited in the past?

Yes, I have been involved with the Tottenham EuroArt Open Studios for many years and my work will be on display during their open studios and art exhibition event between 5-7th June 2015. My last solo exhibition was back in 2008 in Smithfield.

What inspires you to paint?

Painting is a working evolutionary process. I would describe my style as abstract and representational. Most of my work is inspired by landscapes, conveying a mood related experience, a generalisation of different types of landscapes you might encounter often creating a minimalistic image.

What are you working on at the moment?

I always work in a cycle, on numerous pieces of artwork at the same time. My works are made up of many thin layers of paint to achieve density of pigment and intensity of colour, which can take a long time to complete. I am also currently preparing for a solo

artisan in attendance, bar an astronaut! There were a group of us known as the ‘Palmers Green Seven’ that met with Enfield Arts and Leisure Council and together we held art exhibitions in vacant shops across the borough. I have fond memories of those times with friends, sadly some of whom are no longer with us.

Do you have any pieces on public display?

I am listed in the Public Art Foundations records having two pieces on display. A painting, ‘Landscape in Blue’ was purchased by Enfield Council and included in its Whole Storey project of 1998. It is on display at the Civic Centre. I also have a painting at the Burton Art Gallery in Bideford, North Devon having attended Art School in Devon between the ages of 16-19 years.

You have remained in Palmers Green for over 40 years do you have any fond memories?

During the 1990’s I could be found at ‘The Whole Hog’ on Green Lanes, you could find every kind of profession and

Jim’s solo exhibition can be found at The Framers Gallery, 36 Windmill Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 2JT www.theframersgallery.co.uk/exhibitions.html

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Starting a new business 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 am looking to start a new business and I’m unsure as to whether to open a company or not. Also I don’t understand what I need to tell HMRC.

Answer: It’s always exciting to start a new business and the procedures involved often worry people. Ultimately the decision you make when starting a new business is whether to operate as a sole trader (or partnership if more than one person) or as a company (limited or otherwise). Each structure has its advantages and disadvantages so it’s vital you understand what each offers you.

Sole trader: In most cases, if you are new in business, the easiest structure to use is a sole trader. This is relatively simple to set up – all you have to do is to submit form CWF1 and send to HMRC. There is no requirement to deal with Companies House when operating as a sole trader, as you include the results of your business on your self-assessment tax return.

You can run all your business expenses through the sole trader business and make any adjustments for private usage when preparing your accounts and tax return at the end of the year. You are taxed on your profits, irrespective of what money you take out of the business. As a sole trader, if your profits exceed approximately £40k, you will start to be taxed at the higher rate of 40%. If you make a loss (which is common with a new business) this could potentially be offset against other earnings in the year.

Limited Company: One of the biggest advantages in running your business through a company is that all of your

profits are taxed at 20% (as opposed to being a sole trader, where any profits above approximately £40k are taxed at 40%). You will only be taxed personally on the money taken out of the business, which if taken out in a salary/dividend format, can work out more tax efficient than operating as a sole trader.

This point usually influences people down the limited company route.

There are more reporting requirements in running a limited company however, the fact that it’s a separate legal entity often influences people in choosing this structure, due to the limited liability protection.

In conclusion, the decision on whether to operate as a sole trader or company has to be assessed according to each person’s circumstances. In most cases it is usually best to start as a sole trader and once the business grows to a certain level of profitability to then incorporate and continue to operate as a limited company.

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

Open O pen For Forr Businesss An A EExper Expert’s t’s Op O Opinion pinion i i byy Andr b Andrew rew Charalambous Core Cor ore Dais

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hinking ab hinking about out branding branding is an important imp ortant step step when establishing a new new business, business, but often often sor sorely ely overlooked. o verlooked. FFor or some the assumption assumption is either to delay to delay the concept of branding, brand ding, assuming that it is something that onlyy big business get in volved in or es involved or,, tr tryy and do it b byy themselv themselves without an anyy rreal eal thought about th the he implications implications..

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Every compan Every companyy has a diff different ffeerent set of needs and expectations. expec tations. Budgets Bu udgets must be managed, managed, there there w on’t be a tougher tougher time when costs are are stacked stacked won’t ahead of a new new business, business, but an investment investment in a ne w logo and good g marketing material material new simple marketing will help raise a business above above the parapet and shor tim me between between the tip of the tongue tongue shortt cut the time ne th he guys that come first to to mind. mind. w guys and the new RRather ather then charging charging an hourly hourly rate, rate, which may may be daunting; Our Ou ur approach approach is to to offer off ffeer our clients ititemised emised quotes quotes with fixed fixed fees fees e so that clients can sta top of their t budgets. It It can be difficult stayy on top budgets. tto o rreplicate eplicate wh what hat a desig design n tteam eam can do do,, w wee have ha ve experience experience and knowledge, knowledge, but also the

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8882 7888

02035518828

inf info@coredais.co.uk o@coredais.co.uk

w www.coredais.co.uk ww.coredais.co.uk

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Take the stress out of moving home with Safe Removals

by Alex Mierzejewki www.saferemovals.co.uk 020 8888 3917 Never underestimate the amount of physical and mental organisation it takes to move the contents of your home to a new one. Packing boxes is one thing, but lugging them in and out of vans and up and down stairs is another, and can be extremely exhausting, especially if you're on a tight deadline to vacate the property. If you have a sizeable amount to shift, or lots of valuable items, such as antique furniture or fragile pieces, it's best to choose a removal company to take the burden off your shoulders, so you can concentrate on organising the rest of your move. Be aware that moving house at peak times, such as Saturdays and during school holidays, will be more expensive, as demand is usually very high at these times. If you can, try and arrange to move on a normal weekday when it might be cheaper.

Packing up a house full of possessions is involved and is time consuming. Paying a bit extra for professional help is usually well worthwhile.

Try estimating if the new place will have enough space to put all your belongings at once, If not then it might be worth considering sending some items to storage for a few months while you sort out where everything is going to be placed in your new home.

Where will the removal lorry park? You will need to consider the availability of parking at your existing property and at your new property. If there is likely to be any inconvenience to your neighbors then it may be prudent to give them prior warning. This will also be a good opportunity to knock on the doors of your new neighbors and introduce yourself.

Don’t get stressed by worrying about the endless list of jobs that will need to be done. Just steadily work your way through it step by step and focus on the fact that you will complete the process eventually.

Safe Removals offers a dependable home removal service for customers of every type and budget, and operates across London. Removals are fully insured, and carefully planned and managed from start to finish, including advance parking permits for all locations.

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348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

Your Local Family Law Specialists Setting Up Home Together

by Karen Chapman Moving in with a partner is an exciting time and there are lots of things to think about. Understandably you won’t want to dwell on what might happen if you split up. Whilst you may not need a piece of paper to prove your commitment to the relationship, it is essential to have financial security, whatever your relationship situation.

1. The Common Law Myth Many people mistakenly believe that couples living together have the same rights as married couples and that ‘common law marriage’ is a recognised legal status.

2. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do The law affords married couples more security on the break-up of their relationship than it does for unmarried couples. When a married couple divorces, a court decides how to divide their property based upon the needs of both spouses and any children they have. When a cohabiting couple break up, each person retains ownership of their own property, regardless of need.

3. Put Your Cards On The Table Before moving in with your partner, have an upfront discussion about your personal and financial circumstances. If you do decide that you are going to have a formal written agreement in place, it is necessary to disclose your financial circumstances in the contract in order for it to have a reasonable prospect of being upheld.

4. Property Ownership – Co-owning If you are buying a property together, there are two different ways to co-own it; as joint tenants or tenants in common. All too often we see clients at the end of their relationship shocked to discover that they have paid the bulk of capital toward a property, only to find that they have no greater claim on the equity, or that no election was made as to the shares that they hold in the property.

With a joint tenancy, neither owns a distinct share in the property. Each owner will have a potential share equal in size to that of the other joint tenant, irrespective of any difference in the level of contributions to the purchase price, prior to the breakdown of a relationship. If a joint tenant dies, the other joint tenant acquires his interest in the property, regardless of the content of a will. If a coowner under a joint tenancy spends money improving the property he acquires no increased share in the property.

With tenants in common, at the outset you will each specify the separate identifiable share in the property that you own. This can be equal shares or something different, e.g. 60%/40%.

Tenants in common can leave their share in property by will and if they haven’t made a will their share will pass according to the Intestacy Rules.

Whichever route you opt for, you should seek independent legal advice to work out what is best for you. Consider how you will contribute to the mortgage and any future home improvements, particularly if you have specified unequal shares in the property and make sure that your intentions are documented by your solicitor.

another, your name is not being placed on the title deeds. This could be because your name is on another mortgage or your credit history is weak and the mortgage could only be obtained in your partner’s name. It may be that the property being purchased is a right to buy and needs to be in the name of one person alone. If your name is not going on the title but the intention is for you to have a share in the property, get it in writing. Your solicitor can prepare a document known as an express declaration of trust, to record this. Without it, you face an uphill struggle trying to prove that there was an agreement to share the property.

If you have moved into a property in your partner’s sole name and have made direct or indirect financial contributions to the property, this may demonstrate that you are entitled to claim a financial interest in the property. The law in this area can be very complicated and if nothing is written down you can face costly legal proceedings trawling back over financial records trying to demonstrate what each of you intended.

6. Cohabitation Agreements It is essential to sort out who owns what from the outset and what each person is responsible for. A cohabitation agreement can help you do this by stating clearly what financial interest each person is intended to have. Such agreements can also be reviewed in the event of significant changes in circumstances and at specified intervals.

5. Property Ownership – Property In One Party’s Sole Name It may be that you are purchasing a property together but for one reason or Here at Chapman Pieri Solicitors we offer a no obligation, Fixed Fee Initial Consultation for £75 plus VAT. Please call us 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 C, Ground & First Floors, 284B Chase Road, Southgate, London, N14 6HF.

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Local Events Whatʼs going on locally in Palmers Green & Southgate If you have an activity to list here please get in touch at ellie@palmersgreenlife.co.uk

Hazelwood Schools’ Summer Beach Party Sunday 14th June, 12-4pm Hazelwood Lane, Palmers Green, N13 5HE Please join us at our Summer Fete, enjoy games, live entertainment and lots of fun for the whole family

North London Symphony Orchestra Saturday July 4th 7.45pm United Reformed Church, Fox Lane, N13 Richard Strauss and Brahms are on this programme by the North London Symphony Orchestra.

Chickenshed Chase Side, Southgate London, N14 4PE Summer Arts Festival, 12 July 2015 www.chickenshed.org.uk/summerarts-festival A free family arts festival with different arts activities and performers from the boroughs of Enfield and Barnet.

Broomfield Park There’s plenty going on over the summer at the park including a Plant Swap at the conservatory on 26th April, a herb sale on Sunday 12th July and much more alongside their Proms in the Park summer music performances please see their website for all events www.friendsofbroomfieldpark.org/events

Graham Hine BLUES ON A FRIDAY NIGHT ST HARMONICA’S FRIDAY NIGHT Aug 7 The Delta Ladies LINE UP SUMMER 2015 Aug 9 Broomfield Blues 2 Blues Chapter / Haunting May 1 The Haunting AD Aug 14 The Disclaimers with Ms Julia May 8 Too Many Drivers Gannon May 15 Low Down Dogs Aug 16 Broomfield Blues 3 Low Down May 22 The Vintage Half-Term Blues Dogs / Tressell Jam Aug 21 Debbie Bond & the TruDats May 29 The Blues Chapter Memphis Blues June 5 Serious Blues with Frankie Aug 23 Broomfield Blues 4 Gypsy Jazz Connolly / Lester Clayton Jun 12 Professor Redhair Aug 28 Chris Hargrave & The Bluerays Jun 19 Jimmy C and the Blues Aug 29 Livestock at Forty Hall Farm Dragons Aug 30 Broomfield Blues 5 Prof Jun 20 Palmers Shopping Fest Redhair / Paul Lamb Jun 26 Clyde Morris Band Jul 3 Big Mama’s Door The Vintage Blues Music Association (London) Jul 10 Paul Lamb & Chad Strentz Jul 11 Southgate Shopping FRIDAYS Fest Jul 17 Private Party St Harmonica’s Blues Club CLOSED!!!

Jul 18 The Vintage Summer St Harmonica’s Blues Club is rapidly on its way to becoming the best Blues venue in London. Some of the finest bands Blues Jam and Blues acts in the country, as well as from Europe and Jul 24 John Verity Band the USA, play every Friday from 8.30pm.

Jul 31 The Odyssey Blues Band www.thevintage.org.uk Aug 2 Broomfield Blues 1 Cannon House, 6 Cannon Hill, Southgate, London N14 7HG Customtones / AD F M RE IS E SI ON

KEEP FIT for the 50 plus with Trish Every Wednesday 10 - 11.30am 020 8368 0657, St Andrew’s Church, Chase Side Southgate Come along and join us - first class free.

Friends of Broomfield Park AGM and Open Meeting Monday May 18th at 19.30pm Ruth Winston Centre, 190 Green Lanes, N13 5UE. Come along and hear what's going on and tell us what interests you.

Send your questions and/or interest in joining the committee to: secretary@friendsofbroomfieldpark.org Italian lessons in Palmers Green Evening a day time classes

By Laura Scaramella www.parlaitaliano.co.uk

David Williamson

HERE FESTIVAL A GREAT SUCCESS!!!

Thanks to the brilliant efforts of Talkies partners and volunteers, HERE FILM FESTIVAL has been a great success and it still has three more events to go: SATURDAY MAY 2 PAPADOPOULOS & SONS Waterhouse Hall, N21 WEDNESDAY 6 MAY LONDON THE MODERN BABYLON The Fox, N13 FRIDAY 15 MAY 1000 LONDONERS AND PALMERS GREEN TALES Baskervilles Tea Shop, N13 As well as the festival and our summer collection (right), we are planning an OUTDOOR CINEMA on Friday 4 Sept in Broomfield Park with GHOSTBUSTERS and in October a big Halloween event with THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW at St John’s N13. Lots to enjoy!

ALL TICKETS £5 www.talkies.org.uk

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THURS JUNE 4 DUGDALE, ENFIELD

POTICHE FRI JUNE 19 BASKERVILLES, N13

SO YOU THINK YOU DON’T LIKE SCI-FI? THURS JULY 2 DUGDALE, ENFIELD

THE WALL WED JULY 15 THE FOX N13

HER THURS AUG 6 DUGDALE, ENFIELD

FILL THE VOID

When her husband is taken hostage by his striking employees, his ‘trophy wife’ (Deneuve) takes the reins of the family business and proves to be a remarkably effective leader.

It’s not all about aliens…Palmers Greenie Graham Ainsley uses a sample of classics that show how a good story is central to the genre and how the best sci-fi films capture our imagination, attention and emotions. Graham’s selection is also an interesting insight into the changing role of women in film.

A woman inexplicably finds herself cut off from all human contact when an invisible, unyielding wall suddenly surrounds the countryside. She becomes immersed in a world untouched by civilization and ruled by the laws of nature.

Sweet, soulful, and smart, Spike Jonze's Her uses its justbarely-sci-fi scenario to impart wryly funny wisdom about the state of modern human relationships.

In Rama Burshtein's exploration of life within an ultraorthodox Jewish community, a young Hasidic woman is pressurised by her family to marry the widower of her recently deceased sister.

348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

Men’s Hairs Styles for Spring/Summer 2015

by Kiri from Fabulous Hair Company Fabulous Hair Company 382 Green Lanes, N13 5PD Tel:020 8886 7070 Hello and welcome back. In the last two articles we looked at style and colour trends for women in 2015. For this month’s article I feel the guys should get a mention too. But before we start I recently received two emails that I thought would be nice to talk about. The first email asked me to show an example of a female Mowhawk which I wrote about in Januarys article on trends for 2015. Luckily for me, I came across this great picture of the celebrity Scarlett Johansson sporting a Mohawk.

The second question was how to deal with grey roots inbetween salon visits. In one of my very early articles I wrote about the different options you have for temporarily covering grey roots. Hair crayons are a popular, easy and inexpensive way to cover greys and are available through most salons.

And if you’ve been caught out and need a quick fix, try dusting your root with a little eye shadow on a damp brush (match the eye shadow closest to your hair colour).

with a styling cream like Mitch Clean Cut which leaves the hair soft and pliable with a light shine, style with your hands, rather than a brush, for softer finish).

Men’s hair styles change gradually over the course of a season and difference can be very subtle. Sometimes it’s hard to see the change between an old look and a new trend. To me this season is going to be about length and texture.

Texture & Length.

When I think of longer hair with texture, the first thing that springs to mind is the next day beach hair that had that lived in look and was a trend a few years back. The difference this time is that the hair is freshly washed (Paul Mitchell Heavy Hitter shampoo is the perfect product to prepare the hair for styling); the hair is groomed yet understated (I like working

was 1930s meets 1970s. The guy’s sides were slicked backed and polished and the hair on top was styled with a loose, soft texture. A mixture of the iconic 1930’s Hollywood actor Clark Gable and the 70’s pop star David Bowie, David Beckham is always a great example when looking for men’s current trends. For the Elle Fashion Awards the main product I worked with was Mitch Barber’s Classic a soft hold high shine pomade and a soft setting spray to keep the styles in place all night.

There are other great looks that will trend for guys in 2015 and we will discuss them in next month’s article.

Images courtesy of hji.co.uk and David Beckham in the H&M spring collection 2015

Well Groomed.

Polished slicked back looks are always a favourite. I recently was lucky enough to work for Elle magazine for the Elle Fashion Awards where the theme for the guy’s for the evening

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 enjoyed my article let us know, Like us on Facebook and we will enter you in our monthly competition for a chance of winning 1 in 10 Paul Mitchell in-salon Awapuhi Wild Ginger Keratin treatments worth £25. Just go to our website and www.fabuloushaircompany.com, or click the Facebook icon to Like.

Palmers Green Tales

by Jenny Bourke www.palmersgreentales.com www.facebook.com/groups/331208790354294/ or just go to Facebook and look for Palmers Green Tales and ask to join the group twitter : @PGTales Email us at palmersgreentales@gmail.com Celebrating the work of Steve Potter who is retiring after 48 years of service for Enfield Council and 23 years at Hazelwood Schools.

There are now a lot more adults involved in schools and of course there are computers and electronic whiteboards in every classroom. There are also more activities available in school; breakfast club, after school club, Greek School and any number of other activities open to children and their parents.

Steve has really enjoyed being part of the Palmers Green community, as he says, getting involved is what makes the job enjoyable. “I will miss the social life and being part of the community when I retire but I am looking forward to having the time to travel” said Steve.

Steve has spent 48 years working for Enfield Council.

After leaving school he worked in the offices of Routes, a car company in Piccadilly. However he hated commuting and he started working with Enfield, initially in the parks department. Steve’s father had been a school caretaker at Oakwood School, which became Southgate lower school, so Steve has lived in tied housing since 1950. When his father retired Steve took over from him until the Southgate Lower school site was sold. He then applied for the job at Hazelwood where he has been for the past 23 years.

Steve is a member of the PTA and works very closely with parents to ensure that their events run smoothly and all resources are readily available on the given day. Parents have played a large part in the development of the gardens and playground at Hazelwood, changing it from plain tarmac into attractive wild life, growing , teaching and play areas. Steve has also become part of the famous Hazelwood Pantomime as the children enjoy seeing him on stage.

One of Steve’s favourite memories is working when Peter Gordon, a previous Infant Head Master at Hazelwood, and dressing up as Cedric the Dragon, to celebrate the children raising over £1,600 for NCH Action for Children.

Steve feels his role has changed considerably over the years as education methods have changed.

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Liz Constantinides, a long serving governor and parent at Hazelwood said ‘Steve is always reliable, helpful and supportive of everything we try to do at Hazelwood, we will be very sorry to see him go but wish him a happy and much deserved retirement.”

We wish him a happy, fulfilling retirement.

We have 2 more interviews in the pipeline, one with John Peace about his house, the Gables and his grandfather Albert Frederick Simmons who built a large number of houses on the Hazelwood estate and one with Yvette Walczak, social worker, author and biographer.

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Fresh Furnishing Focus – Spring into Summer!

by Julia Sondack, Drapemasters Interior Furnishers Julia@drapemasters.co.uk www.drapemasters.co.uk The seasons are changing as we move through spring into summer there is no better time to take a look at updating your interiors. At Drapemasters we are busy bringing in fresh new looks through our latest fabric collections in order to help you revitalise and create comfort in your homes. So how can you create your perfect interior living space?

WORK, REST AND PLAY We suggest that there are 3 main areas you should look at in terms of your lifestyle. How and where do you work at home? Where do you like to relax and rest at home? And which rooms do you like to play in? By this we mean in terms of entertaining guests or home games room, gym etc. Once you have worked out the functions for these rooms, some of which may be multi- purpose then you can start selecting the right products for them.

For example a bedroom where sleep is essential, maybe a blackout blind or curtains are required, particularly with the increased hours of sunlight. Following along the same line of thought we would highly recommend these products in a nursery, allowing baby to sleep peacefully through the day or night.

Are you a keen Wimbledon fan? Do you just love watching Andrew Murray do his thing? Well if you appreciate the perfect view of this then we would recommend a sheer or dim-out blind at your windows to ensure no glare is placed on your TV screen. You would also do well to consider these products in a home office situation to reduce any glare on your computer screen.

If you love entertaining then you might require a more opulent feel in your dining room – perhaps some stunning silk curtains or fabulous florals - wonderful if your room opens onto to your garden?

Continuing along the garden theme – would you like to extend your entertaining into your garden? Are you a

keen chef de barbeque? The addition of an exterior awning to your home affords you the opportunity to enjoy an uninterrupted al fresco lifestyle and now is the perfect time to consider it in order to make the most of the British summer.

We hope this has given you a few pointers in the right direction for creating your perfect interiors for summer living and that you very much enjoy doing so.

For further ideas on getting your home summer ready and specific products available or indeed any advice on interiors do feel free to contact us on 020 8360 3082 or email me direct: julia@drapemasters.co.uk

BESPOKE CURTAINS, BLINDS, UPHOLSTERY, SHUTTERS & AWNINGS

SUMMER

020 8360 3082 info@drapemasters.co.uk www.drapemasters.co.uk 48 Vicars Moor Lane Winchmore Hill, N21 2QH

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348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

The Green Deal - Helping to benefit your pocket and your planet

by Tony Ourris

Over the next couple of years the government are making changes to procedures that are going to affect Landlords and homeowners. All properties need a current Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) before they can be let or sold. This provides information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs. It includes recommendations on how to reduce energy use so you can save your money and the environment. It will also include an energy efficiency rating which is between A for most efficient and G for least efficient.

From 2016 all landlords will be required to implement the improvement recommendations on the EPC - if the tenant requests and there is a suitable financial package available - and from 2018 it will become illegal to offer a property to let with an EPC rating of ‘F’ or ‘G’ where an E or above is achievable. This will benefit tenants and buyers, but could mean necessary changes for homeowners looking to sell and landlords with properties to let.

There are many ways to reduce a properties energy use, resulting in a greener home and lower energy bills. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is to look for more Energy Efficient appliances to use within your home. An A+++ rated fridge will use 60% less energy than an A rated fridge of the same size. This could save you up to £50 per year on your energy bills. In the same way, replacing 10

incandescent bulbs within your home to compact fluorescent bulbs could save you £100 per year on energy, and because they last longer, it also saves extra money for you on maintenance. These are little steps that can make a big difference.

If you are a landlord, whether you have a portfolio or just one property, there are benefits to be had by creating a more energy efficient environment for your tenants. Not only do you save money yourself, but you can boost your own reputation by doing it.

By demonstrating good practice you are more likely

to be approached and tenants are likely to feel more confident about renting your properties. In addition you may be more attractive to tenants than other landlords, in a competitive market, by offering a property with lower typical energy costs therefore saving your tenants money.

The government has set up the 'Green Deal', a programme that provides funding for the installation of certain measures that can improve the energy efficiency of a home or commercial building.

Repayments are then deducted from the property owner’s bill following the ‘Golden Rule’. This means that payments are covered by the expected reduction in energy costs. The Green Deal can help you to make improvements in the following areas; Hot Water Systems, Heating, Insulation, Windows and Doors efficiency.

If you wish to find out any more information about energy efficiency within your home or rental property please visit the Government's website www.gov.uk/green-deal-energy-saving-measures/overview Happy Savings!

Do you want to learn to play drums?

Palmers Green-based tutor teaches people of any age and ability Option to learn on a top acoustic or electronic kit £15 for half an hour or £25 for one hour’s tuition

Call Will Jackson to book your first lesson

07545 351 992 8882 7888

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Headway North London Registered charity no: 1115801

Contact Julie at the office on 020 7625 3236 or email enquiries@headwaynorthlondon.org www.headwaynorthlondon.org Helpline: 020 7372 4477 Head injury has become a relatively common aspect of news these days. In recent times Michael Schumacher, James Cracknell and Phillip Hughes have been the subject of head injuries sustained during participation in sport.

Headway, the national brain injury charity works to improve life after brain injury. In Palmers Green and Southgate, the North London group of Headway works directly with people with brain injury offering support, understanding, signposting and events and activities to help those affected by brain injury and their families and carers. Led by a board comprising those who have lived with brain injury, plus neurological and

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legal professionals, Headway North London is the first point of call for many who are learning to cope with brain injury.

• emotional reaction and behavioural changes which, in turn, can make it difficult for friends and family to adjust to life after a brain injury;

Brain injuries can be sustained in many ways. Traumatic head injuries can occur through road traffic accidents, assaults, falls and accidents at home or work. Acquired brain injury can be sustained through brain tumours, stroke, aneurysm and diseases such as encephalitis. Brain injuries can affect anyone at any time and the effects and impacts are commonly life-long and life-changing.

• cognitive problems, such as speed of thought, memory, understanding, concentration, solving problems and using language;

The effects of brain injury can be wide ranging, and depend on a number of factors such as the type, location and severity of injury. Every person's injury is unique, so they will experience any number of the symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. The common effects can be grouped:

• reduced awareness; • communication difficulties; the ability to communicate requires extremely complex skills and many different parts of the brain are involved; • physical problems; • hormonal imbalances and pituitary dysfunction.

Brain injuries are difficult because they often have no physical sign that they exist. They are very hard to predict and understand. They have an impact much wider than just the

person affected.

Hazel was diagnosed with a brain tumour, which she battled with for eight years. Headway provided support and guidance for her, provided advice and input into her medical case conferences and provided a place where her fears and worries could be listened to by experienced people that she found easy to trust.

Phil fell off a ladder in his garage, banged his head and found he could no longer carry out his work in the petrochemical business. Emotionally, he found it hard to cope, and he became increasingly distant from his wife and family. However, over a number of years, and through the support of the local Headway group, Phil was able to come to terms with his injury and bring his family together in support of a different future.

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 recently suffered from a hit and run accident while driving my car. I would like to know if there is anyway to claim compensation for the damage caused to my vehicle and for the injuries that I have suffered?

motorists have the right in law to deal with their own affairs, and the agreement does not permit the MIB to ignore their rights. However, if the uninsured motorist does not co-operate, the MIB will tell you what options are available to progress your claim.

The first consideration is whether or not you were able to note down the registration number of the other vehicle. If you did, it would be possible to trace the insurer of that vehicle and to start a claim against the insurer. The claim would progress in the usual way.

If you have been injured by a vehicle that does not stop and where you were unable to note down the vehicle registration details, you will be able to submit a claim to the MIB under the Untraced Drivers' Agreement. You would not be able to claim for property damage if the vehicle causing the damage was not identified. However you would be able to claim compensation for the injuries you have suffered.

If you were unable to note down the registration details, or if it turns out that the vehicle was uninsured, you can nevertheless make a claim.

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) is a body set up and funded by the insurance companies to provide compensation in these circumstances.

There are two schemes, called the MIB Uninsured Drivers’ Agreement, and the MIB Untraced Drivers’ Agreement.

Once a claim is made to the MIB under the Uninsured Driver’s Agreement, the MIB will try and contact the uninsured motorist to obtain his or her account of the accident as well as his or her permission to intervene. This is due to the fact that even uninsured

There are, however, stringent time limits and reporting requirements to be eligible to make a claim to the MIB. The accident must be reported to the police within 5 days and a claim must be made to the MIB within 9 months.

If you have been injured you must have reported the accident within 14 days to the police or as soon as reasonably possible.

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

Blitz Kleen C a rp e t & U p h o l s t e r y C l e a n i n g PLUS End of Tenancy Cleans for Landlords, Tenants & Letting Agents Please call for a FREE no obligation quote Telephone: 07973

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Creative Exchange News Art Trail takes a break but Network continues to grow!

The Open Studios & Art Trail will not be running this year. We’d like to thank everyone who has supported the event over the past three years – it’s your support that has enabled the event to grow so successfully. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from the public has been heartwarming, with great appreciation for the vibrancy we've brought to the area. Having experienced such rapid growth, and being run by a very small team, we thought it timely to take stock and give artists enough time to make new work for a future event. Creative Exchange continues to host bi-monthly events throughout the year with industry speakers, practical workshops and “safari” studio visits. We’re a diverse group of designers and artists with valuable experience to share and the network has become a catalyst for fruitful collaborations. We’re a friendly bunch and welcome new members and guests. If you work on your own and are interested in meeting like-minded people, join our mailing list by contacting: admin@creativeexchange.uk.com We’re looking for sponsors to help us continue to support our creative community. Please get in touch if you are interested.

Looking for an artist or designer for a project you’re involved in? Send us details and we’ll forward it to our members.

UPCOMING EVENTS June Gillian Beagley – safari studio visit (members only – to join the network email: membership@creativeexchange.uk.com) September Paul Regan – how to approach galleries and frame your work professionally (all arts practitioners welcome) CURRENT EXHIBITION of members’ work continues, bringing a diverse range of work from paintings, photographs and graphic prints to 2D leaded glass and fine porcelain relief works, all at affordable prices. Pop in for some inspiration and a warm welcome at Anthony Webb and maybe even take a piece home!

Opening times Monday to Friday 9am – 7pm and Saturday 9.30am – 5.30pm Anthony Webb Palmers Green branch at 348 Green Lanes, London N13 5TJ (corner of Hazelwood Lane) Angela Dierks painting angeladierkspaintings.com Angela aims to give her abstract representations of landscapes paintings as much of texture and 'feel' as possible. She finds her inspiration in the beauty of the outside world. Her work has attracted buyer from UK and Europe

Belgin Bozsahin Nori Jemil

fine porcelain

landscape photography

belginbozsahin.com

norijemil.com

Belgin makes distinctive, sculptural ceramics with rich textures and smooth surfaces that create evolving dimensions within space. Her work is held in collections and she exhibits at the UK and International shows and galleries.

Nori is a freelance photographer and travel writer whose favourite subjects are wild environments such as Antarctica, Patagonia and the Chilean Andes. She has won several awards, including Wanderlust Magazine's Travel Photographer of the Year.

The Group Show also features stained glass by Cheryl Powling (cherylpowlingglass.co.uk) graphic prints by Jo Angell (joangell.com) paintings by Helen Ryan (helenryan.co.uk) and Karen Tinney (karentinney.co.uk)