Palmers Green and Southgate LIFE Winter 2016

&

Palmers Green

Southgate

LIFE

November / December 2016 Edition Issue 33

The Minchenden Oak Garden • A hidden oasis behind Christ Church

George the orphan crow • A Broomfield Park crow that inspired a novel

Enfield Disability Football Club • Helping people with learning difficulties enjoy and play football Image supplied by Enfield Council Local Studies and Archive

The Minchenden Oak in 1929, with Christ Church Southgate in the background

today den Garden The Minchen

welcome As Christmas approaches it’s been another busy year at Anthony Webb. This year saw the launch of our new community art gallery and we continued to support local charities and groups within our community.

Don’t forget to save the date for the Hazelwood Christmas Bazaar on Sunday 4th December, sponsored by us, it’s a great day out for local families.

It is still unclear what the effects of our decision to leave the EU will have the on London property market. One and two bedroom flats in London are currently the most searched for properties on the UK’s largest property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla. Houses in our area are still in demand as many ‘second steppers’ see Palmers Green as the ideal suburban destination with its leafy parks, great schools and lovely community.

In recent months we have seen the average time it takes to sell larger properties increase slightly. This could be due to buyers hesitating since the Brexit vote coupled with the normal trend of things generally slowing down towards Christmas. However, traditionally we see a peak of people registering to buy and searching on line immediately after Christmas and would therefore recommend anyone considering selling calls in an agent before Christmas.

Should you decide to sell your property we can ensure that it is online during this busy hive of activity.

We understand that many different factors may drive your decision to sell a property. If you would like a current valuation to help you make this decision and determine what you can hope to achieve in today’s market please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team for a valuation and some advice.

Tony Ourris

Martin McKelvey

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

Office Manager martin@anthonywebb.co.uk

Theo Kyriacou

Emily Berry

Sales and Lettings Negotiator theo@anthonywebb.co.uk

Property Manager lettings@anthonywebb.co.uk

Kat Georgiou

Panayiota Kyriakides

Property Manager lettings@anthonywebb.co.uk

Administrator

I hope you enjoy reading this issue of our magazine and we welcome all the new businesses that have supported the magazine by advertising their local services.

Have a great festive season and a happy New Year. If you have some time over the holidays why not take a trip to see the Minchenden Oak, read all about it on page 5 in our past times feature.

Leo Morales-Joannou Administration Assistant

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

Tony

Tony Ourris Director Anthony Webb Estate Agents

Ellie Sales

Claudeth Whyte

Magazine Editor ellie@palmersgreenlife.co.uk

Advertising Manager ads@palmersgreenlife.co.uk

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

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348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

What do you know about the London Assembly? by Joanne McCartney AM E: joanne.mccartney@london.gov.uk www.joannemccartney.com Tel: 020 7983 5524 publicly examining policies and programmes through committee meetings, plenary sessions, site visits and investigations. We also question the Mayor ten times a year at Mayor’s Question Time.

As well as examining the Mayor’s actions and decisions, we also act as champions for Londoners by investigating issues that are important to the capital. Assembly investigations are carried out by cross-party committees which cover vital areas like transport, policing, housing and planning, the economy, health and the environment.

The Assembly can press for changes to national, Mayoral or local policy and we can reject the Mayor’s strategies and amend the draft budget if a majority of two-thirds agree to do so.

Currently we are examining apprenticeships, mental health inequalities, air pollution, traffic congestion and the effects of Brexit

on London. Most of our meetings are open to the public and you are more than welcome to visit City Hall and sit in on our sessions, otherwise please take a look at our work (and please give us your views) on www.London.gov.uk.

I also speak up and raise issues on behalf of local people with the Mayor. In the past few months I have raised various issues with the Mayor including on local air quality, mental health services, child poverty, housing rental costs, the North Middlesex Hospital, our local transport network and works to the Bowes Road footbridge. If you have any issues you wish to raise with me please do make contact.

Joanne is the London Assembly Member for Enfield & Haringey and has been recently appointed Deputy Mayor of London. * The Greater London Authority (GLA) comprises the Mayor of London and the London Assembly.

F SA OR LE

Most readers will know something of the role of the Mayor of London in speaking up for our City and areas of responsibility including transport, policing, fire services, housing and economic development.

However, I suspect you may not know as much about the role of the 25 London Assembly Members (AMs), who you elected in May at the same time as the Mayor. Our job is to examine the Mayor’s decisions and actions to ensure promises to Londoners are delivered and that the GLA’s* £17bn budget is spent wisely.

There are 11 London-wide AMs representing the whole capital and 14 are elected by constituencies. I was elected to represent Enfield & Haringey. As the most powerful directly-elected politician in the UK, it is important the Mayor is held publicly and democratically accountable. We hold the Mayor and Mayoral advisers to account by

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xtensive 980 sq feet of PRIME LAKES ESTATE GARDEN FLAT. A beautifully refurbished two double bedroom converted flat occupying the entire ground floor of this Edwardian building. The property, which is offered CHAIN FREE, benefits from complete renovation and offers a 30ft living/kitchen space with integrated appliances, solid stone work surfaces and bi-folding doors to garden, modern bathroom, two spacious double bedrooms, one with doors to garden, cellar, solid wood floors, new double glazed windows, off street parking and sole use of a 100ft approx rear garden.

Derwent Road Palmers Green, N13

£550,000 Leasehold

£800,000 Freehold

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348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

The Michenden Oak Southgate Green

by Chris Horner, Chairman Southgate Green Association Its great trunk rooted in history, its leaves bathed in the memory of 800 Summers are in themselves the remembrance of things past.

This is essentially a story of linkages in terms of people, places, community groups, and local history.

Of all the trees in Great Britain The Oak, (Quercus Robur) is considered to be the King of trees. Famed for its endurance and longevity it is synonymous with strength and steadfastness. The Oak was held sacred to Zeus and Jupiter and in the classical world it was regarded as The Tree of Life, its deep roots penetrating into the underworld and its branches soaring into the heavens; priests would divine the pronouncements of the Gods by interpreting the rustling of the Oak’s leaves. Pliny wrote in the first Century, that Druids performed all their religious rites in oak groves where they gathered mistletoe from the trees using a golden sickle. Many early Christian Churches were situated in oak groves probably because they were sites of earlier pagan worship.

Dense Oak forests once covered the South East of England, people built their homes in the oak forests, using oak as a resource for building houses, furniture, barrels, sticks for kindling and charcoal and acorns for milling into flour or for feeding to herds of pigs. Oak bark was used in the leather tannin process and as a medicine. The Minchenden Oak formerly called The Chandos Oak is the last vestige of the Ancient Minchen Wood as noted on the 1600 pre Enclosure Act plan which showed this area of Southgate and Palmers Green covered by extensive dense oak woodland.

The Minchenden Oak is an ancient pollarded English Oak, and in 1883, was reputed to be the largest in England, with a spread of over 126 feet and a reported girth of over 21 feet, it is thought to be between 600 to 800 years old. Two limbs were lost in a gale in 1899 and in 1900 it was reported to have a spread of 136 feet and a height of 60 feet.(The oldest Oak Tree in England is the Bowthorpe Oak in Lincolnshire thought to be circa 1,000 years old) The tree represents the last vestige of the extensive ancient oak woodland which was characteristic of this area some of which still remains around the perimeter of The Walker Ground and in Arnos Grove Park.

The Minchenden Oak Garden is a remnant of the extensive Minchenden Estate owned by The Duke and Duchess of Chandos who lived

The Michenden Oak before the garden fell into disrepair

at Minchenden House located nearby on The Green. The house, now demolished, and the estate was subsequently absorbed into The Walker families Arnos Grove Estate in 1836.

The remaining oak woodland was felled in 1939 after Lord Inverforth had sold the Arnos Grove Estate for residential development which remains today.

The tree and the garden were saved from development by Southgate Borough Council for the community and it now serves as a reminder of the links that this area has with the past.

The Minchenden Oak Garden was created as an evergreen Garden of Remembrance and was opened on 12th May 1934 by the vicar of Christ Church and the Mayor of Southgate.

The garden is fully enclosed and remains one of Southgate’s secrets. Over time the garden was neglected, became overgrown and fell into disrepair until 2013, when Southgate Green Association formed The Friends of The Minchenden Oak Garden and secured a grant from the Enfield Residents Priority fund to restore the garden and to promote its use as a community asset. The Friends group of volunteers set about: clearing the undergrowth, opening up overgrown areas, planning how the garden could be enhanced and opened up for the benefit of the wider community. The works completed so far include the removal of dead trees and the installation of a new boundary fence. The Minchenden Oak was surveyed and extensive pruning works were carried out to stabilise the tree. A new paved ramped access way was built at the entrance. The

unstable boundary wall on Waterfall Road was rebuilt. The entrance gates were repainted. The Yorkstone paved footpaths were re-laid. The dilapidated benching and paving around the oak tree was removed and a more natural oak bark chip setting laid around the tree allowing its roots to breath.

New oak bench seating was installed. Bird boxes were made and installed by 6th Southgate Scouts Group. Shrubs and trees were planted. Informative lecterns were installed to provide visitors with the background history of the tree and its environment.

On 24th May 2015 the gardens were rededicated by the Bishop of London following the extensive restoration works carried out. The garden reopened to the public on 2nd June 2015 hosting A Big Lunch which is held every year on the first Sunday in June. On Sunday 19th June the garden hosted Southgate Civic Week with an enactment of knights in battle dating from 1216, a the time when the oak tree was an acorn and a performance of a short play written by Alex Woolf, about the Minchenden Oak. Since its reopening the Garden has been a feature of Open House Weekend and is well used by the local community and by visitors from further afield.

The Michenden Oak, the centre piece of the garden, is used by The Walker School and Southgate Cricket Club as its emblem. In 1933 it was adopted by Southgate Borough Council and features at the head of the Southgate Coat of Arms the motto being Ex Glande Quercus or From the Acorn, the Oak. The tree serves as a reminder of things past and represents the circle of life, acorn to tree to acorn.

The Friends of the Minchenden Oak

The Friends of The Minchenden Oak Garden are a group of volunteers working with Southgate Green Association to maintain and restore the garden to an even better green space. If you are interested in getting involved why not help us replant the garden, or consider joining us. You can contact us at www.minchendenoak.org or www.southgategreen.org.uk

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Councillor’s Corner

by Cllr. Bambos Charalambous

Unaccompanied Refugee Children Cllr.bambos.charalambous@enfield.gov.uk Tel: 020 8379 2653 Few of us can truly imagine the horrors of war and having to flee your home to save your life. I’m sure if we were in that situation we’d desperately want to find somewhere safe to escape to. Imagine how frightening that situation would be if you were a child on your own, destitute, fending for yourself, in an alien environment, living one day to the next in a tent. There are hundreds of unaccompanied refugee children at the camp in Calais who are in this very situation reliant on the help and support of some amazing volunteers from humanitarian charities. How we respond to this situation is a measure of our humanity.

Earlier this year the Government passed the Immigration Act 2016 and acting under pressure from a number of sources it incorporated an amendment from Lord Alf Dubs which is now encapsulated in section 67 of the Act and which requires the Secretary of State as soon as possible to make arrangements to relocate to the UK

and support a specified number of unaccompanied refugee children. Alf Dubs himself was a refugee who was transported to the UK in 1939 under the Kindertransport programme for Jewish children escaping the Nazis.

It has, unfortunately, taken a while to identify and process the children and then get them resettled. The responsibility for the resettlement of the unaccompanied refugee children will fall on local authorities with all councils expected to take some of the children. Although budgets are tight and Government funding for resettlement has not been made clear, I am pleased to say that some local authorities have already taken in their share of children but there are still more to come. In London all local authorities, including Enfield, will be sharing this burden.

The situation in Calais is likely to get more urgent as the refugee camp will be dismantled in the coming months and if the children have not been resettled by then

there is real fear as to the risks that they will face without the charitable support networks that are provided at the camp.

I hope that we in Enfield will be proud to receive the refugee children and provide them with sanctuary and support. It is our duty and responsibility to help those fleeing war especially as we are only doing what other European countries have been doing for months. It is at times like these that we need to show the compassion that we would expect from others if the roles were reversed.

The remarkable work that charities such as Save the Children and Citizens UK do in the camp in sustaining the refugee children and trying to find long term support for them is incredible but it only takes us so far. We need to step in and give the long term support that the refugee children need. You never know, one day, in years to come, one of those children might be moving an amendment in Houses of Parliament.

Parliamentary Comment

by David Burrowes MP

Surprise! Surprise! The end of Enfield Southgate? david@davidburrowes.com

www.davidburrowes.com

Constituency: 020 8360 0234

Westminster: 020 7219 5414

Just when you thought there had been enough political surprises the Boundary Commission published its initial proposals which wipes Enfield Southgate off the political map.

The aim of the boundary changes is to equalise the number of constituents per constituency across the UK and reduce the number of MPs from 650 to 600. So far so good. But the devil is in the detail of the initial plans. You can read all about it on the Boundary Commission website www.bce2018.org.uk and fill in the online form or in writing send representations to the Boundary Commission for England, 35 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BQ. The consultation is open until the end of December with public hearings taking place next month. The final plans will be published at the end of 2017 and MPs will vote on whether to approve the plans in 2018.

The plan affecting Enfield basically abolishes Enfield Southgate constituency and disperses the 7 wards across 5 MPs and 3 Boroughs. It puts Grange with exisiting Enfield North wards; Palmers Green with existing Edmonton wards;

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Bowes is put with the Haringey wards of Hornsey and Wood Green; Cockfosters is put with the Barnet wards of Chipping Barnet and the remaining Enfield Southgate wards of Winchmore Hill, Southgate Green and Southgate are tacked onto Finchley wards to create a new Finchley and Southgate constituency. It sounds, looks like and is a mess! It is also a bad deal for Enfield because Enfield's representation will be splintered across 5 MPs with 3 MPs having a minority interest in Enfield wards.

I think we can do better for Southgate and Enfield and come up with a better plan which respects the community, historical, geographical and local Government links between Southgate wards and Enfield. Finchley and Southgate have no logical links.

It has been called "Operation Humpty", with the aim of putting the planned break up of the constituency back together in Enfield! In fact the Boundary Commission need only look back at its revised plan in 2012 when it decided make limited changes by adding Bush Hill Park to Enfield Southgate and adding some Tottenham

wards to Edmonton, and Ponders End returning to Enfield North.

Palmers Green and Bowes residents will be familiar with this boundary battle, having fought it twice before and won. So residents in Palmers Green and Bowes will need to dust off those community arguments about wanting to stay in Enfield Southgate and not be in an Edmonton or a Haringey constituency respectively. This time they will be joined by residents in the other old Southgate borough wards who do not want to be artificially tacked on to wards in Finchley. So let battle commence!

You can find out more about the campaign at www.saveoursouthgate.org. Do check out the SOS facebook campaign page over the coming weeks with details of how to get involved in petitions, letters, and making written submissions.

I am holding a public meeting at The Intimate Theatre 521 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, London N13 4DH on November 15th at 8pm. Please come and do have your say by December 5th.

348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

Enfield Town Disability Football Club by Shane Tant I've always had a passion for helping those with disabilities try and live a normal life because a few of my relatives have disabilities. I have also always had a passion for football, especially non-league football. I contacted Richard at Enfield Town Football Club, via their Facebook page, and I arranged to go to a training session with their disability team.

I instantly fell in love with the team, they all connected with each other and made me feel so welcome. The head coach Julian came over and shook my hand and said welcome to Enfield Town Disability Football Team. After a few sessions with the club I offered up a few ideas and Julian liked them. Before long he and another coach had to go on their level 2 coaching course and I was left in charge of the team for a month. I had played for a few teams in the past so I had a good understanding of how to run training sessions. All the players respected me and listened to the training and both coaches were happy with the progress the team continued to make.

Our club has been running for 5 years, but it’s only been in the last 3 years that we have made a name for ourselves and become more established. We have made contacts with other

disability teams in Norway and Germany and they both came over in the first weekend of October for a mini tournament with us.

The club was originally set up by Tottenham Hotspur and Enfield Children and Young Persons Services Foundation to enable a group of young people with learning difficulties in the Borough to enjoy participating in football.

Within two years we began competing in the Middlesex Pan Disability League and we have recently found a sponsor to provide some financial support to the team. Enfield Town Football Club have also agreed to provide a minibus for the team to get to and from our tournament at Ruislip on the first Sunday of every month.

Another problem we face is getting proper training equipment. I have purchased some

Our team with the helpers from the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and the Mayor of Enfield.

equipment out of my own pocket to keep the team focused and help them to improve. I think it's important to get disability football more well-known and recognised as these girl's and guy's are no different to anyone else and have so much to offer to the game.

If you would like to find out more about Enfield Town’s Disability Football Club please check out their facebook page www.facebook.com/etdfc.uk. We are currently raising funds for new training equipment and a new kit so if anyone wants to help here's the link:- https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/etdfc?utm_id=119

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Urban Wonders

– Constantinos Ptochopoulos

Anthony Webb are pleased to introduce Constantinos Ptochopoulos as he opens his first UK solo art exhibition this November at our offices.

Constantinos Ptochopoulos glances at urban settings in an idiosyncratic and fundamentally transformative way. He stares at people doing everyday things- walking down the street or waiting for the bus for instance- in a manner that reveals a deeper search for serenity and connection with what surrounds them.

Through his art, Ptochopoulos inserts a distance from the familiar, and this distance in turn offers emotional and spiritual proximity. The person is presented as an integral part of his or her environment, be it urban or natural, creating a spiritual and aesthetic whole. With this series of works, the artist is essentially inviting us to see everyday scenes in a new light in a spirit of distance from daily concerns and of proximity to the inner self with its desires, hopes and struggle for happiness and acceptance.

Constantinos Ptochopoulos was born on 17th May, 1979. He grew up in an artistic environment. He studied art at Aristotelion University of Salonica. He now lives and works in Larnaca. He has participated in many solo and group exhibitions and we are extremely excited that he has chosen to exhibit his work at our gallery in London. Constantinos' oil paintings range from small, to large scale epic canvases. Through expressive brushstrokes he creates compelling and memorable portraits of people and animals.

SOLO EXHIBITIONS 2006 2008 2010 2015 2016

– – – – –

Art 10 Gallery - Nicosia, Cyprus K Gallery, Nicosia, Cyprus Theasis Museum, Larnaca, Cyprus Apocalipsy Gallery, Nicosia, Cyprus Kypriaki Gonia Gallery, Larnaca, Cyprus

GROUP EXHIBITIONS 2003 – Sani - Halkidiki, Greece 2004 – Paraolimpic 2004 - Thessalonikis Soldier Museum, Thessaloniki , Greece 2004 – Kodra Thessalonikis - Thessaloniki, Greece 2004 – Art Forum, Athens, Greece 2005 – Macedonian Museum Modern Art, Thessaloniki, Greece 2007 – K Gallery, Nicosia, Cyprus 2007 – Aspelia Gallery, Larnaca , Cyprus 2009 – Larnaca Municipal Art Gallery, Larnaca, Cyprus 2009 – House of Letters and Arts, Larnaca, Cyprus 2010 – Theasis Museum, Larnaca, Cyprus 2011 – EKATE, Larnaca Municipality, Larnaca, Cyprus 2011 – Kypriaki Gonia Gallery, Larnaca, Cyprus Please take the time to visit the gallery throughout November and December to enjoy his artwork first hand. You can also find out more about Constantinos on his website. www.cptochopoulos.com

10% of all gallery proceeds are donated to the North London Hospice.

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348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

Champions of our community Celebrating the people that make our community great!

Champions of our community - Kindly sponsored by Gordon Thomas Goodlooking Optics and Good Looking Happy People Enfield.

Congratulations to Old Grammar ians Rugby Club in W inchmore Hill havin g recently achieve d RFU accredited status (England Rugby official accreditation). It demonstrates the ir commitment to the development and growth of their clu b. They are alway s looking for new pla yers from age 6 and up and welcome players of all abilit ies.

Congratulations to Winchmore Hi ll student Lewis Du nn on his fantastic GCSE results 5 A* 's 4 A's and 2 B's!

Do you know someone that you would like to see featured here?

On Saturday 1st October local resid ent Eva, with the help of Maddy at Starb ucks in Palmers Green, hosted a charity ar t workshop for child ren raising funds for the Noah’s Ark Ch ildren’s Hospice .

Please get in touch with our team, contact ads@palmersgreenlife.co.uk

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Well done to self funded Memory Lane Cafe and Carers Club in Southga te on being awarded the Atul Pathak (OBE ) Community awar d in London for providing a most successful and wonderful club for people with Dementia and the ir carers. The clu b opens every Frida y between 10.30 am and 1.30pm at St Monicas social clu b, 6 Cannon hill, So uthgate, N14 7H G.

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IDD Therapy uses computer-controlled pulling forces to gently draw apart targeted segments of the spine to relieve pressure on specific discs and nerves whilst gently stretching muscles and stiff ligaments.

NOW IN

ENFIELD

Over 36,000 treatments carried out in the UK

Whilst remaining fully clothed, a soft ergonomic harness is attached to your pelvis and upper back and the machine tilts, helping you get onto the treatment bed without pain or difficulty.

My condition was very debilitating. I hardly slept - I was woken several times a night by the pain. I had an acute episode and my co-worker literally had to struggle to pick me up and lay me in the back of my van. He drove me to Enfield Osteopathic Clinic. After a 25 minute IDD Therapy session I got up from the treatment bed and was able to walk out of the clinic. I was absolutely amazed by the immediate relief I felt just after this first session. As the sessions continued my pain eased a bit more and soon I felt like new again. Alex, Potters Bar

Once you are comfortably harnessed, a series of computer-controlled pulling forces are gently applied at precise angles to gradually draw apart the vertebrae surrounding a targeted disc.

You will feel totally relaxed during the 25 minute session on the SPINA machine.

Afterwards, some cold therapy is applied to minimise any temporary soreness which may be caused by muscles being worked in a new way.

Gentle exercise and activity are gradually introduced as treatment progresses - essential for long-term pain relief.

Who can benefit from IDD Therapy?

BE FREE FROM BACK PAIN AND SCIATICA AT LAST

SUFFERING WITH BACK PAIN? SURGERY NOT AN OPTION? IDD THERAPY IS FOR YOU. IDD Therapy is the targeted disc treatment for sufferers of back pain, neck pain and related symptoms such as sciatica. In clinics nationwide, this non-invasive option helps to bridge the gap between ‘hands-on’ treatments and surgery.

What is IDD Therapy?

Intervertebral Differential Dynamics (IDD) Therapy is a non-invasive, targeted disc treatment for unresolved back pain, neck pain and associated symptoms such as sciatica (leg pain).

Available through a network of clinics across the UK, IDD Therapy delivers a precise and more consistent treatment than is possible with the hands alone or with traditional mechanical methods like traction.

IDD Therapy is supported by a body of evidence and all providers have a commitment to evidence-based medicine.

Computer-controlled pulling forces gently draw apart targeted segments of the spine in order to decompress specific discs and relieve muscle spasm.

By reducing the pressure on an injured or bulging disc and stretching the soft tissues, IDD Therapy aims to improve mobility in the spine and allow your body’s natural healing

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Some patients with back problems need something more than hands only treatment to get them out of pain.

IDD Therapy is the disc treatment tool which can change people’s lives.

John Yeboah Clinic Director, Enfield Osteopathic Clinic

What does the programme involve?

How does IDD Therapy work?

DISC CLINIC

mechanisms to operate more efficiently. In doing so, it can relieve pain caused by muscle spasm and alleviate nerve compression and irritation caused by bulging discs.

You will be fully assessed before undergoing treatment; this includes a review of a recent MRI or suitable scan.

IDD treatment is gentle and safe and delivered by the SPINA machine. Sessions begin with some Thermedic infrared heat therapy on the lower back to warm up the muscles and ligaments.

I had slipped-disc for 2 years, I had to endure extreme pains and spasms in my lower back.

After the very first session, in fact the next morning, I managed to get out of bed painfree which I thought wow this is a miracle already. After my seventh session today my pain which was ten on a scale of zero to ten, has come down to zero.

Typical candidates for IDD Therapy are people who have had back pain, neck pain or sciatica for three months or more and have not responded to manual therapy and exercise.

Reasons to choose IDD Therapy?

• Your current treatment is not working • You want to stop taking painkillers • You are seeking long-term pain relief • You want to return to normal activities

If you have a back pain problem and need help, call Enfield Osteopathic Clinic on or go to:

www.EnfieldOsteoClinic.com Enfield Osteopathic Clinic 93 Saint Mark’s Road Enfield, EN1 1BJ **2 Mins Bush Hill Park Station** **On street parking**

Maria, Enfield

IF YOU ARE SUFFERING WITH UNRESOLVED BACK PAIN, NECK PAIN OR SCIATICA, CONTACT ENFIELD OSTEOPATHIC CLINIC NOW

Call 0208 482 1112 or visit www.EnfieldOsteoClinic.com

348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

FREE IDD Suitability Assessment Quote IDD25

I was struck down with unbearable back pain but now I'm well again after IDD Therapy Non-invasive treatment solves Alex's slipped disc agony Flooring expert Alex Robinson thought he might never work again when he was struck with excruciating back pain. He finally found relief with a targeted spinal disc treatment which is being championed by back pain experts at Enfield Osteopathic Clinic.

44 year old Alex from Potters Bar explains: "My back pain started about six years ago. As a floor layer, I'm often kneeling over in the same position for hours at a time. At first the pain was a bit 'hit and miss' but soon the episodes became more frequent until last summer when I had three weeks of complete agony which ended with me flat on my back and unable to work.

Alex's condition had a very negative effect on his life: "My condition was very debilitating. At its worst, I could hardly move despite taking strong painkillers. I hardly slept - I was woken several times a night by the pain." Alex had tried manual treatments over the years but none gave him any lasting improvement. "Over the years my GP has arranged for me to have physiotherapy and acupuncture but it didn't really make any difference to the pain. Eventually I got an MRI scan which showed disc degeneration in my lower back. I looked on the internet to see if there were other non-invasive treatments for disc problems. I found IDD Therapy at Enfield Osteopathic Clinic."

Intervertebral Differential Dynamics (IDD) Therapy is a mechanical treatment which gently draws apart specific spinal segments where discs are damaged or herniated (bulging), taking pressure off targeted discs and any trapped nerves.

Things came to a head in August when after working in the same position for three hours, Alex's back seized up and he was locked in agony. "My co-worker literally had to struggle to pick me up and lay me in the back of my van.

He drove me to Enfield IDD Therapy relieves back pain, neck Osteopathic Clinic but the pain and leg pain (sciatica) clinic wasn't open so he rang for an ambulance because I was in so much pain. As it happened, the Clinic Director, John Yeboah turned up before the ambulance and he and my friend carried me in to the clinic.

John put me straight on the IDD Therapy treatment bed and

warmed up the muscles in my back with some infrared heat therapy be“After a 25 minute fore starting the machine up. The IDD Therapy treatment was very soothing. I could session I was just feel gentle ‘ripples’ through my able to get up back. After a 25 minute session I got and walk out up from the treatment bed and was able to walk out of the clinic. I was of the clinic” absolutely amazed by the immediate relief I felt just after this first session. As the sessions continued my pain eased a bit more and soon I felt like new again. I finished my treatment programme last month and I’m feeling so much better. I only get pain now if I’m hunched in the same position for hours at a time - so I try to break up the tasks in my working day a bit better now.”

Enfield Osteopathic Clinic is part of an international network of 1000+ IDD Therapy Disc Clinics.The treatment was developed in the US in the late 1990s and has been adopted by clinicians in the UK following the exceptional outcomes: they report a significant improvement in 70-90% of patients. John Yeboah’s expertise in treating spinal conditions spans over 23 years. He continues to be impressed with IDD’s capabilities: “Alex’s story sounds like a modern day miracle but IDD Therapy is genuinely capable of producing exceptional results like this for people like him. With IDD Therapy, back pain and sciatica sufferers are finally getting their lives back to normal after being on the merry-go- round of manual treatments, painkillers and spinal injections. It’s wonderful!”

Enfield Osteopathic Clinic, 93 Saint Mark’s Road, Enfield, EN1 1BJ Contact us on 020 8482 1112 or go to: www.EnfieldOsteoClinic.com

Call 0208 482 1112 or visit www.EnfieldOsteoClinic.com

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The Broomfield Park crow that inspired me to write a book by Helen Fox Whilst living in Athens, I wrote children’s books and children’s plays for the Greek National Radio.

I have watched every child’s film and TV series and read lots of young children’s books; they are fascinating, for they transport you to a child’s magical world.

I have lived in Palmers Green, close to Broomfield Park for thirty odd years.

I often spend hours at the park feeding the squirrels and birds. I love all birds, but I am mostly drawn to crows, for though they are the least loved of all birds, they are very intelligent and charismatic. I found that three crows were at the same spot every time I went to feed them. I discovered they liked meaty stuff more than seeds, so I tried to oblige. I noticed that when one flew off the grass the other two would follow. I gathered they must be a family. Father, mother and maybe their son?

One afternoon the crows weren’t there. I sat on the bench and waited. The smallest of the three, (the son?) landed on the grass trotting anxiously around. A minute later he took to the air carking his throat out. Was he calling his parents? Were

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his carks cries of fear and despair that his parents may have abandoned him or been killed?

This scene inspired me to write the story about ‘George the Orphan Crow’ who after his parents are killed, he finds a new home in Blossom Valley where a community of all sorts of creatures live in harmony. The story is told by George and other strong characters key members of the creature’s community and also by their enemies who threaten to ruin their harmonious life and take over Blossom Valley.

George the Orphan Crow and the Creatures of Blossom Valley Target reading age is 9–13 years

by Helen Fox is available to purchase on Amazon Kindle Edition £2.99

Paperback £6.99

348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

F SA OR LE

F SA OR LE

• Detached six bed home • Spacious gardens • Spacious extended living space • Three bath/shower rooms • Off street parking

• Original five bed Edwardian house • Three receptions • 75ft approx rear garden • In need of modernisation • CHAIN FREE

£950,000 Freehold

£850,000 Freehold F SA OR LE

Fox Lane, Palmers Green, N13

F SA OR LE

Crothall Close, Palmers Green, N13

• Four bed Edwardian House • Three receptions • Modernisation required • Off street parking • Rear Garden

• Edwardian conversion ground floor flat • Spacious living room • Modern kitchen • Complete freehold • 97ft rear Garden

£750,000 Freehold

£430,000 Freehold F SA OR LE

Burford Gardens, Palmers Green, N13

F SA OR LE

Palmerston Crescent, Palmers Green, N13

• Two bedrooms & Loft room • Off street parking • Share of Freehold • Grade II listed • CHAIN FREE

• Three bedroom apartment • Two balconies • Secure gates & lift • Riverside development • Parking space

Menlo Lodge, Crothall Close, N13

Bayswater Close, Palmers Green, N13

£450,000 Share of Freehold

£475,000 Leasehold

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348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

The world is a book… By local author Allan Boroughs Scott’s Travel your local Worldwide travel experts, serving our clients for over 80 years.

Scott's Travel, 3 Broadway, Southgate, N14 6PJ Tel: 020 8882 0141 www.scottstravel.co.uk

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” – St Augustine It was while I was packing my bag for Antarctica that my son gave me his carefully considered assessment of my research habits. ‘Dad, isn’t it true that you just write books about the places you want to go and visit?” He had me there.

On the other hand, I reasoned, why would anyone write a book about a place they didn’t want to visit? As a writer of children’s adventure stories, travel is the most essential tool I have and no adventure story is going to be convincing to a critical audience of 12 year olds unless I have experienced some part of the adventure myself.

For me, the key to a successful adventure story is to give the reader a sense of being ‘on the journey’ and to achieve that, first-hand experience is the most essential tool I have.

In the last five years my writing has taken me on adventures of my own to Russia, Mongolia, China, the Antarctic and Venezuela.

In the cause of research I have eaten scorpions and termites, traversed jungle rivers in a dugout canoe, fallen down a crevasse and become frozen to a toilet door in Siberia.

on Wikipedia than in a month spent travelling there. But what first-hand research does give me is a much deeper sense of place that is grounded in all the senses. No Google search will ever tell you what it feels like to breathe the gin-clear air of the Antarctic, how a Venezuelan rainforest smells or what fermented mare’s milk actually tastes like (yoghurt and cat pee in case you were wondering).

Angel Falls, So

Of course, I do ‘routine’ research on the internet like everyone else and I can easily find out more facts about Siberia in an hour

It is said that the great aviator and adventurer Richard Halliburton left on a round the world flight in a biplane with only twenty minutes preparation, however this is not generally advisable. Most adventures requires careful planning and advice, preferably from someone with expertise in the region you are going to. And although many believe that the adventure only really begins when things go wrong, these are exactly the times when you will need back up and a friend who can help you out of a difficult situation.

Moonrise over the Antarctic peninsula

Nomadic camp in Northern Mongolia

Flying the flag

In all my journeying I have relied heavily on my relationship with my travel agent, Matt at Scott’s Travel. This is not just a bland advertorial endorsement. I have genuinely valued the personal service offered to me by this small independent travel agent and without their expertise, support and attention to detail then I am certain that many of my adventures would not have ended as favourably as they did. Whether I missed a connecting flight in Santiago, required a visa for Mongolia or needed a safe escort through an airport where tourists are routinely kidnapped and ransomed, Scott’s Travel has been able to help me.

Of course your own travel plans might be more modest, and I also enjoy a week by the pool now and again. But however you find adventure your concerns will be the same – good advice, good planning, good value and reliable back up if you need it.

Wherever you go, travel safely, travel adventurously and travel well.

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uthern Venezu

ela

in Port Lockro

y, Antarctica

Allan’s books are available on Amazon

IRONHEART is set in Siberia BLOODSTONE is set in Antarctica

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Teensy Wonders gets off to a great start at their new location in Palmers Green by Ellie Sales We were recently invited to take a look at the new nursery setting located in the Tottehall Sports ground. Seka, the owner, has successfully run a nursery from her home in Palmers Green for three years. Over the summer Seka, with the support of her family, took the plunge and moved to new premises. They soon set about renovating the building to a high standard including the large garden. This new facility now offers an excellent alternative when looking for a nursery place for your child.

Seka said “It’s great to have such a fantastic space for our children to enjoy.

The garden can be used all year around and we will shortly be creating our very own allotment. My focus has always been on happy children, and my team are great at balancing learning through activity based play which is fun and interactive.

Every child’s progress is logged on an on-line journal with photos and comments allowing us to engage with parents and extend childrens learning and development at home.”

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The daily routine consists of Morning - Free play with snack 11:30 - Circle time with a story and puppets 12:30 - Lunch time Afternoon - Activity curriculum based play On a weekly basis the team invite Gemma a ballet instructor, Chiara a dance teacher and Kurt a football instructor into the setting to interact with the children.

The process at the nursery is simple, each child has his/her own key worker. The teams hands on approach ensure that children settle into a home style environment and grow in confidence preparing them for their all important move on to primary school.

The Teensy Wonders circle to success!

Observation Development programme

Planning

Assessment

348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

Meet the team The nursery’s relaxed approach to eating helps children master key skills in a happy environment.

Sample Menu All lunches are cooked using fresh quality ingredients.

Home-made salmon pasta with seasonal vegetables .....................

Home-made apple pie with custard and fresh strawberries or Cheese and biscuits .....................

An emphasis on healthy eating is a crucial element of the nursery’s ethos.

Fresh fruit and healthy snacks are offered every two hours alongside water and milk

Even the fussiest of eaters generally settle in well with encouragement and support.

Teensy Wonders offer morning, afternoon and all day sessions. If you want to discover more about their little oasis, pop in for a chat, give them a call or simply email them. There is free parking on the site and disabled access.

Teensy Wonders Tottenhall Sports Ground Tottenhall Road, Palmers Green London, N13 6DL 020 8881 9937 / 07528 086 757 info@teensywonders.co.uk

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Maintaining your rental property by Mick Lawton Living in Palmers Green I have worked for many local Estate Agents and Landlords over the years and I am often asked “How often should I redecorate my rental property?”

Whilst there is no recommended time scale on redecoration I encourage landlords to regularly inspect their properties to determine what work needs doing. Often during the term of a tenancy minor repairs are required such as removing mouldy sealant and grout in bathrooms and re sealing. This is essential to prevent small leaks, which often go un-noticed by tenants, becoming a bigger issue. Other issues that can arise include mould on walls and ceilings, especially at this time of the year when we are all switching our heating on. Prevention is always better than cure so it’s wise to make sure that your property is well ventilated and that there is not too much furniture restricting air flow in your rooms. If you have an issue with mould this should be dealt with quickly and the areas treated to prevent spreading.

When it comes to re-decoration it’s often easier to do this when your tenants are switching over

and your property is vacant. You may find that only some rooms need attention such as the communal areas or bathrooms. I offer a quick turnaround for landlords looking to freshen up their properties to help them to maintain the maximum rental income. Please give me a call for more details and prices.

Maintaining property can be a headache. If you need some advice, are thinking about some home improvements, need internal or external redecoration please do not hesitate to contact me for a no obligation quote. I’ve recently updated my website where you will find examples of my work.

• Decorating • Kitchen & Bathroom fitting • Tiling • Plastering • Carpentry

Contact me on 07985 412599 or via e-mail on micklawton@live.com Please visit my website for genuine customer reviews www.micklawton.com

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348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

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348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

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LE TO • Four bedrooms • Spacious through lounge • Two bath/shower rooms • Modern kitchen/diner • Rear garden • Offered furnished • Available 3rd November

• Two/three bedrooms • First floor flat • Modern living/kitchen space • Modern bathroom • Offered part furnished • Available end of November

Tottenhall Road Palmers Green, N13

Kelvin Avenue Palmers Green, N13

£2,400 per calendar month

£1,450 per calendar month

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Christmas Hair Trends

by Kiri from Fabulous Hair Company Fabulous Hair Company 382 Green Lanes, N13 5PD Tel:020 8886 7070

Christmas is nearly upon us and it's at this time of year we start thinking about clothes and hair for the anticipated office party.

What can we do to change our appearance so we feel different and look fabulous? We spend time looking for the perfect outfit but our hair always seems to be an afterthought and always left to the last minute. Let us look at one of the trends for hair right now that’s perfect for Christmas.

The outfits you decide to wear this holiday season are definitely important, but the devil is in the details, and in this case, we're

talking hair. Hair accessories have been all the runway rage, but how to apply the trend to real life without looking like a little girl?

Fret not there are so many accessories to choose that will wow and accent your outfit in just the right way—such as hair jewels that are all grown up and provide a quick way to add a dash of glam to any look.

Whether you're rushing to a party from the office, or can't decide on earrings or a necklace, let these festive hair accessories add a dose of sparkle to any of your seasonal looks.

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.

How does your shoulder interfere with you doing the ordinary things in your life?

by Nicola Forward, your local Amatsu Practitioner.

Do you get a sharp pain if you lift your arm too quickly? Or is the ache pretty constant, only increasing when you move?

Has it become difficult to brush your hair or put on a belt, to carry light shopping or lift your brief case? Perhaps turning the steering wheel in your car is painful or maybe you can no longer hold the newspaper comfortably to read? Are you finding that you just can’t do these simple everyday actions without a grimace of pain?

This may have all started a while ago with a dull ache in your shoulder or down your arm.

Then over time it has got worse and worse until you notice – with alarm - just how stiff your arm is as you reach into the medicine cabinet for your painkillers?

Exercises, steroid injections and even surgery are all possible options...but you may be interested in trying a different approach – Amatsu.

Amatsu client, Bina says “I used to wonder if I was ever going to be free of this pain and I admit, I was quite sceptical, but after just a

few sessions with Nicola my pains have receded and I am looking forward to being pain-free eventually.”

My training as an Amatsu Practitioner allows me to address the unique “whole body pattern” associated with the discomfort that each of my clients is experiencing and so involves working with your whole body at every session. There is no need for you to undress as I work through your clothes using gentle soft tissue pressure and various natural movement techniques.

Clients variously describe feeling deeply

relaxed and fully energised after our sessions and they notice other positive changes in their lives…hearing Bina describe the sheer joy that she felt at being able to pick up and hold her six month old granddaughter for the very first time brought tears to my eyes.

What are the ordinary things your shoulder is interfering with…what are the extraordinary things you would like to be able to do if it weren’t for your shoulder?

You could call me for an informal chat about Amatsu and you.

Mobile: 07720 81 01 01 Email: nicolaforward@aol.com www.amatsutherapyintl.com And you could benefit from my special offer of “3 for 2” if you contact me during November and December quoting this article.

Get in touch and get back to living your life.

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348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

So you want to work as a Support Assistant Your questions answered Local care provider Home Care Preferred are employing more local people due to an increase in business.

The award winning company provides care and support to people in their own homes including older people and younger adults with Learning Disabilities, Brain Injury and a variety of other conditions.

The following are questions often asked by people considering a career in care: Q. Do I need experience in care to become a Support Assistant?

We welcome applications from experienced carers. However, we will consider people without experience providing they share our passion for care and are willing to be trained.

Q. Do I need to work full time to be offered a position at Home Care Preferred?

No. We have people working from 10 hours per

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week through to full time.

Q. Do you have vacancies for live-in Support Assistants?

Yes. This is a growing part of our service and we are actively seeking people who wish to live with a client and provide them with support. As well as being highly rewarding it is also means you can earn decent money whilst living without the cost of housing and food.

Q. I think I may be too old to work as a Support Assistant?

We do not have an upper age limit and we have excellent team members of various ages.

Therefore whether you are 20 or 70 years old providing you have passion for the care sector and the ability to support our clients then we would be happy to consider your application.

Q. What training and support will I receive?

We provide first class training locally at our dedicated training school in Enfield. You will also work towards a nationally recognised healthcare qualification. Our management team provide friendly, on-going support.

Q. Are there career development prospects at Home Care Preferred?

Most certainly. In recent years a number of our Support Assistants have been promoted into senior positions within the company. One example is Figen Karadogan. She started with us as a Support Assistant, was promoted to a Senior Carer and is now our brilliant Care Manager at Winchmore Hill.

Q. Can I have an informal chat before applying?

You certainly can. Our friendly HR & Recruitment lady, Monica Muprhy, will happily tell you more about working for us. Call 020 8364 3670 Due to the popularity of the service Home Care Preferred is constantly looking for dedicated people to join their team of Support Assistants.

Working as a Support Assistant entails visiting clients in their own home and providing a variety of different services. This can include light housework, personal care, shopping, meal preparation, escorting people to health care appointments and of course companionship.

Monica Murphy who is responsible for recruitment at the company commented “We have people join us from a wide range of backgrounds.

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David Williamson Coming up at Talkies….

A local premiere…

In November we are supporting one of our local up-and-coming filmmaking stars – Artemis Szekir-Rigas. Some of you will have seen her documentary about a David Bowie tribute band. She has branched out now to produce a short drama about gender identity. We are screening it on November 30 at the Fox, alongside a wider short film programme. Don’t miss it!

Do you know someone in films?

Do you have any connections to directors, producers, actors or anyone involved in film making?

We are keen to promote local talent through our programme of films. Just email us via the website.

FOR MORE DETAILS AND TICKET BOOKING, VISIT

www.talkies.org.uk

Palmers Green Tales

Featuring the premiere of a new Talkies Commission ANOTHER MAN by local young film maker Artemis Szekir-Rigas, and a feast of short films looking at how we see ourselves as man, woman or other.

CAESAR MUST DIE THURS 3 NOV DUGDALE CENTRE

Inmates at a high-security prison in Rome as they prepare for a public performance of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.

A SONG FOR MARION FRI 11 NOV BOUNDS GREEN

An affectionate, bitter-sweet comedydrama in which grumpy Arthur helps out in his wife Marion’s local choir when her fading health means she can’t continue.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING THURS 1 DEC DUGDALE CENTRE

Shakespeare’s classic comedy is given a contemporary spin by director Joss Whedon.

Creative Exchange News

by Jenny Bourke www.palmersgreentales.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/331208790354294/ or just go to Facebook and look for Palmers Green Tales and ask to join the group. Our twitter address is @PGTales

We have recently made two films in and about Palmers Green and have two more planned before Christmas. The first of our films is about Pete Davey, he runs Nordic Walking classes in Broomfield Park and in other parks around Enfield. Pete has always enjoyed keeping fit and although he has overcome a major illness he has recently completed the 2016 South Coast Challenge, a 100km, 24 hour walk from Eastbourne to Arundel.

Read more about his experience here. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/petedavey62mile-challenge Our second film is about Starfish loves Coffee, the lovely art and music café in Palmers Green. We took some great photos as the band set up for the Prince tribute evening and interviewed Aykut Hilimi about the café he has set up with his wife Ingrid. Aykut grew up locally and he likes living and working in Palmers Green, with his young family.

At the Prince tribute night

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WHO IS S/HE? WED 30 NOV THE FOX, N13

Blow your own glass bauble Thursday 17th November 2pm, Surrey

Master craftsman Adam Aaronson is leading an exciting, hands-on workshop which includes a demonstration and then working with each person to blow their own bauble in a colour of their choice - a delightful introduction to wonderful craft. A fascinating afternoon with a rare chance to see behind the scenes at Adam’s studio where he employs several people who help him work on high profile commissions. His latest work can be seen at the Houses of Parliament.

All blown out... you can relax and browse Adam’s gallery and enjoy mulled wine and a mince pie. This promises to be an inspiring and sociable pre-Christmas outing!

More info and to book: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/EGIGII To keep in touch with Creative Exchange: admin@creativeexchange.uk.com

348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

In the Garden with Paul Knight Where garden design meets nature Contact Paul on 07957 942728 info@outside-designs.co.uk or visit his website www.outside-designs-shop.co.uk We were given a brief to re-design a section of a large garden. Our client was looking for a place where they could sit in the late afternoon sun and enjoy a beautiful view for various viewpoints around the garden. An area which could also display a variety of plants adding year round interest.

This was quite a difficult challenge as the area was on quite a slope and some of it covered in thick concrete and outbuildings.

With the slope in mind I set about designing a pergola structure above a wide path that leads to a circular seating area. Making use of the natural slope, we built a natural looking stream that runs alongside the path.

The pergola is the frame that will eventually become a tunnel of climbing plants such as

Wisteria sinesis and Clematis. The surrounding area is planted with various species of grasses that blow gently in the wind adding winter interest, Acers as the main shrubs, Sedums at the waters edge and Heuhera.

The stream creates a natural feel in the garden with the sound of flowing water, movement and the reflection of light. It attracts birds and even dragonflies. The place feels alive and ever changing and is a very peaceful place to Site being cleared be, at one with

nature.

With the careful use of lighting the garden looks great at night. Spot lights from the pergola light the path and ground lights highlight certain plants and the stream making it joy to sit out and enjoy the summer evenings.

Creation of the stream

The finished effect

Call us for all your garden needs; Garden design • Planting design • Landscape construction • Irrigation • Maintenance Follow us on Twitter outsidedesigns1 See our range of bespoke garden furniture at www.outside-designs-shop.co.uk

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LE TO • Ground floor bedsit • Living/kitchen area • Bedroom • Shower room • Offered furnished • Available now

• One bedroom flat • Spacious and bright • Good condition • Laminate floors • Offered furnished • Close to shops and station • Available now

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Oakwood Crescent Winchmore Hill, N21

Green Lanes Winchmore Hill, N21

£800 per calendar month

£1,000 per calendar month

348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

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Can you help the Enfield Talking Newspaper? by Philip Dawson What do we do? The Enfield Talking Newspaper was the first talking newspaper in the UK, established in 1961. Fifty five years on, our purpose remains the same - to create an audio recording of the news articles in our local newspapers and to deliver this, as quickly as we can, to blind and partially sighted residents in the borough. The service is entirely free and the charity run and managed by volunteers. In 1961 we began with 6 listeners; today around 170 people receive a memory stick or hear our recording via the internet each week.

The Enfield Talking Newspaper was formed in 1961

Why do we do it? To some listeners we offer companionship, to others we are simply a source of useful information. To all we provide a valuable service, which is free to access.

How you can help… New Listeners – Do you know a friend, neighbour or relative who might like to receive a free weekly recording of our local newspapers and other useful

information? We can offer listeners who are in receipt of means tested benefits a free memory stick player. To receive our weekly recording free of charge, listeners must be blind or partially sighted and live within the London Borough of Enfield. Please contact Diane de Jersey, our Listeners Representative on 020 8805 6578, for more information about how to become a listener.

Volunteers - around 40 volunteers help to produce the Enfield Talking Newspaper, working in weekly teams as editors, readers, recorders and production assistants. We are currently looking for volunteer recordists. If you are interest in sound recording (or learning how to become a recordist!) please contact Phillip Dawson on 07843 445 963 or email enfieldtn@hotmail.com We are also keen to hear from people who can help us edit our events information, collecting listings from the internet and social media and writing a weekly list of events – to ensure our

listeners get a chance to hear about what’s going on in our borough.

Fundraising – we rely on donations to remain a free to access service. Each new listener costs around £50. We welcome donations large or small. Please contact Phillip Dawson on 07843 445 963 or email enfieldtn@hotmail.com for a gift aid form.

Going digital

Find out more and listen to our latest edition by visiting our facebook page

Please join o us ffor orr our

H nd Han Handmade Handm dmad ade a de Cr C Crafts, raff ts, ts,, Arts A Ar ts & R ts Refreshments, e res efr e hments eshments, eshm h ent ents, s, Contact C Cont n act Manjit M Ma a Aujla-Starr Aujla-S u a Starr ffor or mor or more ed details etailss on: n: 020 2 83 8 8343 343 3 8841 88 841 4

Saturday Sat urday 1 19 9N November ovember 2016 2016 1 2pm - 5pm 12pm North N or th London Hospice, Hospice e, 110 110 Barrowell Barrowell Green, Green, London, N21 N 1 3AY N2 3A AY

FREE EN ENTRY NTR RY North Nor th LLondon o ondon Hospic Hospice eR Registered egistered Char Charity ity No. N No. 285300 2

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348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

Your Legal Questions Answered

by Fariz Uvais

Fariz Uvais is a consultant in the law firm Harper & Odell. Write in and ask your legal questions. Fariz will try and answer your questions in Palmers Green LIFE each month.

Send your questions to Harper & Odell, 61-63 St John Street, London EC1M 4AN or by email to farizu@yahoo.com.

I have been informed that as a leasehold owner of my flat I have the right to acquire the freehold title if more than half of the leaseholders agree. Are there any significant advantages to acquiring the freehold title?

One of the main advantages is your ability to extend the length of your lease up to 999 years, so long as there is agreement among those joining in the purchase of the freehold to do so once the freehold is acquired. Also there will be no more ground rent to pay.

Whilst it is possible to take over management of your block of flats without having to acquire the freehold, once the freehold is acquired, you will take over management of your block. Since the responsibility for the block management is borne by the flat owners, even if the day to day management duties are then contracted out to a

professional management company, the management costs are firmly within the control of the flat owners, who have first hand knowledge as to whether or not they are getting value for the service charges they pay. As service charge disputes is probably one of the most contentious issues that commonly arise between leaseholders and the freeholder, acquiring the freehold title enables leaseholders to entirely circumvent this problem.

If you have to put up with a difficult landlord, acquiring the freehold will permanently alleviate the problem.

The value of your flat is also likely to increase and as you will be owning a share of the freehold in addition to your lease, this would probably make it easier to sell your flat.

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

Harper & Odell Solicitors Property and Litigation Solicitors Established 1948

Specialist affordable property advice is only a phone call away.

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

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

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

www.harperandodell.co.uk

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Introducing our team .... The Family Law Specialists

Christina Pieri

Mena Ruparel

Karen Chapman

Martha Koumbas

Marion Foley

Rene Panayiotou

Karen Weiner

Hi there, we hope that you are all keeping well and enjoying this mild autumn. Are you beginning to prepare for Christmas which is now only weeks away – where has the time gone?! I can’t believe that we are already thinking about where we should take our staff out for our Christmas meal and luckily we have such a great choice of restaurants all around us. This year has turned out pretty busy for us here at Chapman Pieri Solicitors and have had to double our work force to ensure that we continue to provide a first class service to all our clients. We have lots of new instructions, primarily divorce and financial matters but also a number of children’s cases to deal with. I actually prefer dealing with children’s matters as this is a subject close to my heart. There has also been an exceptional number of prenuptial agreements this year especially for clients who are re-marrying and are this time going in with their eyes wide open!

In this edition of Palmers Green & Southgate Life, I have set out some helpful tips and guidance if you are thinking about separating and hope you find the tips helpful:-

THINKING OF SEPARATING? HERE ARE CHRISTINA’S TEN TOP TIPS: 1. Children If you have children, the first consideration must be the children. The separation will naturally impact on a child’s life as change is inevitable.. In an ideal world, you and your partner should both sit down together and talk to your child/ren (depending on their age/s) in a sensitive manner. However, the sad reality is that it is rare that parties embarking upon separation are going to want to speak to one another let alone cooperate in this way. There is a lot of helpful information online that can set out different ways to support your child/ren during this difficult time and how and when it is best to speak to them about the separation. It’s also worth looking at websites such as Resolution (first for family law), Gingerbread and Relate who all offer helpful advice.

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2. Arrangements for Children Think about practical arrangements for the children. Chances are that you will have to live under the same roof until you reach an agreement about the finances of the marriage. However, once the finances are dealt with, an agreement will need to be reached about time spent with the children, who does the school drop off/pickups/activities etc. You can agree to alternate Saturday and Sunday so neither parent or the children miss out on quality time. If you cannot agree, it is open to either party to make an application to the Court for a Child Arrangements Order.

What if one parent moves out? The parent moving out should, if possible, stay as logistically and geographically close to the former

348 Green Lanes, Palmers Green, N13 5TJ

Chapman Pieri Solicitors Tel: 0208 882 9850 www.cpfamilylaw.co.uk marital home so they can continue to play an active role in the child/ren’s lives.

3. School/Parental Responsibility Keep in contact with the children's school. If you have Parental Responsibility, then there should be nothing stopping you from informing the school about the separation. You should ensure that the school has all of your up-to-date details and that you both receive any letters, emails, newsletters or school reports that are sent out.

4. Communication Communication is key. Think about the best form of communication that would work for you both. Face-to-face can be difficult as you will probably both be feeling stressed and under some pressure because of the breakdown of the relationship. Depending on your circumstances, you should consider limiting the communication between the two of you so as not to increase any tension. Think carefully about what you write by text message or email as messages can be misconstrued and misinterpreted. It may be that your partner would be willing to attend family therapy or mediation which are forums where both of your voices will be heard (and possibly the children if age appropriate).

5. Finances Work out what you need to live on each month. Look at your bank statements, credit card and utility bills to work out what you spend every month. Identify how much of this is essential and how much is discretionary; don't forget expenditure that happens only a couple of times a year. How much do you need to spend on a holiday in the summer? What is your budget for Christmas and birthday presents?

6. Take control. Understand your financial position This is an ideal opportunity to get to grips with your financial position.

Make a comprehensive list of your property/bank accounts/other assets financial resources/liabilities/pension/ income. If you own property, do some research on its value and ascertain the mortgage redemption figure. If you have a pension, find your most recent statement and contact the pension company for an estimate of its current transfer value. If you work, make sure you have copies of your recent payslips and your last P60 which sets out what you have earned in the last financial year. If you don't work, what sources of income do you have?

Are you entitled/could you be entitled to child benefit or any other forms of benefit such as working and child tax credits? If you are the only adult in the house speak to your Local Authority and seek a single person’s discount of 25% in respect of your council tax.

researching areas that you could move to. If you haven’t worked for a while, think about retraining, going back part time to begin with or increasing your hours to maximise your income and future mortgage potential.

8. Google isn’t always your friend!

We now live in a time when you can literally find anything you want on Google and I am a regular offender! If my children ask me something that I am not sure about, my first response is “Google it”!

I just want to flag up that whilst Google is a great search engine, it is no comparison to meeting with a solicitor face-to-face, explaining your position and obtaining advice specifically for your particular circumstances as no two cases are ever the same. Make sure you get advice from a specialist family solicitor as decisions made now are likely to affect the rest of your life so it’s vital to get them right.

9. Find the right solicitor It may sound like the most obvious thing for me to say but even if you only seek some initial advice, it is important for you to understand the process, your options, the alternatives and the likely costs of having legal advice from the outset. Ensure that you consult a lawyer that has expertise in family law so will have the right experience and knowledge to help you. It’s vital for you to get you the best settlement possible.

To find a family law solicitor, you can contact us directly or, Resolution who are an association of family solicitors who subscribe to a code of conduct which prioritises a constructive approach. Make sure you instruct someone that you know that you can trust to do their very best for you and someone that you can have a good working relationship with.

10. Contact Chapman Pieri Solicitors It may be that we can consider alternative options for you such as mediation.

7. Moving forward What are your goals and what would you like to achieve upon divorce? How can you make these happen? If you need to move, then once you have an idea of how much you have to play with, begin At Chapman Pieri Solicitors, we offer a no obligation, Fixed Fee Initial Consultation at £150 plus VAT. You will receive excellent advice from one of our experienced team.

Should you require any further information, please give us a call here at Chapman Pieri Solicitors on 0208 882 9850 to set up an Initial Consultation or alternatively you can email us at: info@cpfamilylaw.co.uk. Please have a look at our website where you will find a lot of helpful information: www.cpfamilylaw.co.uk. Address: Southgate Office Village, Block D, 286 Chase Road, Southgate, London, N14 6HF.

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