EN Magazine February 2011

Your FREE local magazine for the EN area Issue 34 • February 2011

Valentine’s

Gift Giveaway

Wedding Venues Finding the perfect location Property - Is this the time to invest?

Job Hunting How to find your dream Job

Local News & What’s On

Living • Leisure • Lifestlye

Hello and Welcome February 2011 issue of EN Magazine.

The New Year is well under way and we are pleased to bring you the first issue of EN Magazine for 2011.

In this issue of EN Magazine we have the first in a series of articles aimed at helping people who are currently looking for work. We have teamed up with local recruitment guru The Recruitment Guy who shares his experiences of finding the right job for the right people.

Contents Page 3 - 9 Local News and Events Page 10 - 11 Finding A New Job Page 12 - 15 Special Report The Local Property Market Page 16 - 17 Finding the Perfect Wedding Venue Page 18 - 20 Valentine’s Day Gift Giveaway Page 21 - 23 What’s On Local Business Services and Classified Advertising Contacts

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Email Editorial@enmagazine. co.uk Sales@enmagazine.co.uk Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of material published, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by omissions or errors in the printing of this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any medium without written permission of the publisher.

The country’s economy is all over place with different commentators predicting boom or bust depending on the article you read. For most people their biggest purchase is property and their largest outgoing a mortgage. In this issue of EN Magazine we have investigated, with the help of Rightmove.co.uk, the state of the UK housing market and the impact on the local area.

How can we produce a February issue without mentioning Valentine’s Day? As well as looking into the history of this day of love, EN Magazine has investigated some ideas for gifts to give on the day.

We also have competitions for our readers to win a selection of gifts to give to a loved one.

If you have found the one you love then the next step could be marriage. In the first of a series of articles relating to weddings we take a look at finding the right wedding venue. We speak to a local wedding organiser to get their advice on getting the right venue and working with the venue to create your perfect day.

EN Magazine would like to hear from its readers about the new proposed Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) for the Enfield area. A few readers have already told us that they have issues with the planned increase to the CPZ. We have heard that parking may cost as much as £750 per year in the CPZ. We would like to hear from you about your thoughts on this issue. Please email us at editorial@enmagazine.co.uk or write to us at EN Magazine, PO Box 1099 Enfield EN1 9JF. In the December January issue of EN Magazine we had a Christmas gift give away and we would like to thank all our readers who entered the competitions and congratulate the winners. To see a full list of winners please visit our website www.enmagazine.co.uk We hope that you enjoy this issue of EN Magazine.

Kind regards

Doug Douglas Lee Publisher, EN Magazine

The Fight For Chase Farm Hospital Moves On NHS London has said that it has agreed with a review led by GPs in Barnet, Enfield and Haringey that planned changes to hospital services in the area have met the four tests set by the Secretary of State.

the concerns of Enfield Council and residents living close to Chase Farm Hospital who feel that services should remain in their current locations.

The decision means that some services at Chase Farm, Barnet and North Middlesex hospitals will be moved between the three hospitals to ensure they are located in the most appropriate places to give people better quality and safer care.

“The local GPs’ clinical review confirmed that no change is simply not an option. Seeing a local hospital change is understandably worrying for local residents, but we would not support changes unless local doctors can show us how it benefits patients.

Before making its decision, NHS London’s Board discussed in detail the report put forward by local GPs, which included evidence by local councils and patient groups on each of the four tests. In particular, the Board raised questions about

“Local doctors have told us that the clinical case put forward almost four years ago has only increased in strength.

They say that continuing with plans for women’s and children’s services in the area, as well as consolidating

Ruth Carnall, Chief Executive of NHS London said:

Local News and Events services in the right places for planned and urgent care, will improve outcomes for patients.

These changes are needed to improve the quality of NHS care available for people in one of the most deprived parts of the capital.”

The Barnet, Enfield and Haringey (BEH) Clinical Strategy was first agreed by the Primary Care Trusts in all three boroughs in 2007, after an extensive public consultation which received over 13,000 formal responses. The clinical evidence underpinning the strategy was then subject to two independent reviews by leading clinicians and the Independent Reconfiguration Panel, which supported the proposals. An application for Judicial Review was also turned down in the courts. In May 2010 all major changes to NHS services were put on hold when the Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley placed a moratorium on services to review all changes against four new tests.

However not everyone agrees Nick de Bois, Conservative MP for Enfield North, told EN Magazine: “This is just another level of bureaucrats who have a grim determination to push through a plan which is not wanted by the people of Enfield.”

“Barnet and North Middlesex Hospitals are overstretched, they are absolutely packed, so where will the extra people go? Even Chase Farm has had to close its doors temporarily because of demand. The A&E, due to its close proximity to

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Local News and Events the M25, is crucial. It will put patients at risk.”

This is a view supported by Enfield council and Cllr Doug Taylor, the Leader of Enfield Council, will be meeting with health boss Andrew Lansley on the 7th March to demand answers about the future of Chase Farm Hospital.

Cllr Taylor is resolute that the four tests, set by Mr Lansley, and by which he will judge whether reconfiguration will go ahead at Chase Farm Hospital, have not been met.

These tests were: Engagement and support from GP commissioners: Strengthened public and patient engagement; Clarity on the clinical evidence base Consistency with current and future patient choice.

Cllr Doug Taylor said “Although Andrew Lansley has gone on record to say that nothing has been clearly decided regarding the future of Chase Farm Hospital, I

now want to press him for concrete answers and a decision. The threat of the closure of the 24 hour A&E, and the midwifery services at Chase Farm has been haunting Enfield residents for far too long. It is almost universally understood that Barnet and North Middlesex Hospital are struggling to cope with the patients they receive currently, especially during peak admission times such as evenings and weekends.

I am not sure how they can be expected to cope with additional patients that would come from Enfield. I believe that the criteria for these four tests have not been met, and as such no re configuration should take place.

“I am very positive about this meeting, and want to make it clear that until more research is carried out, and further consultation, no changes should be made to any services. Mr Lansley will hear this view from me very clearly.

I am there to get answers.” added Cllr Doug Taylor.

Pupils make paper to learn about recycling School children from Potters Bar have had a lesson in paper-making from Hertsmere’s recycling officer, Gemma Godfrey.

thank Gemma for coming in.”

Gemma visits schools throughout the year to help highlight ‘green’ issues to young people, including the four r’s - reduce, reuse, recycle, recover - and climate change.

She also shows them how to make paper as a way to recycle old scraps of paper as well as newspaper and magazines.

Gemma added: “I actually attended Ladbrooke School so it was nice to see some old faces and pass on what I’ve learnt about recycling and the environment to the children there.”

Gemma explained: “Making paper is really fun, the kids love it, and it’s a great way to recycle used and unwanted paper into a brand new sheet or even a greetings card.”

Councillor Jean Heywood, Environment Portfolio Holder, said: “Part of the council’s work is to promote recycling and other environmental issues so it’s great to see that schools are helping us spread the word to children.”

Donna Corke, Teaching Assistant at Ladbrooke JMI School, where Gemma has recently visited said: “Gemma’s visit was very informative and the children absolutely loved making the paper. I’d like to

For information on recycling visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/ recycling or if you’re a primary school teacher in Hertsmere and want Gemma to visit your school, please call 020 8207 7480.

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Local News and Events

Exciting new leisure and events venue opening at The Zone will be operating at Southgate College on Saturdays and weekday evenings – using the College’s existing facilities to offer activities, services and events for local residents and their families. The Zone aims to be organic and responsive to the requirements of its members. As such, new courses, activities and events will be arranged to meet local demand. Membership is free with courses and events paid for individually.

One-off activities and events – Events will be offered both on the premises and off site.

Examples of events that are in planning now are: chocolate making, concerts, vehicle checks, day trips – to places of interest, theatre etc Cinema – Children’s cinema every Saturday morning (Do you remember Saturday morning pictures?) plus silent movie nights (with Piano), arthouse films, theme events and film festivals Courses of activities – will be

offered to meet the interests of different groups of local people; from silver surfer IT sessions for over 50s, a range of fun sports and keep fit activities, to short courses to improve your holiday languages, inter-generational cooking, and new fashionable activities such as Knitting.

Services – While at the Zone you will be able to enjoy a manicure, have coffee and a snack lunch in the Bistro and even have your car washed.

Booking and payment will be mainly online (although there will be facilities to pay at Reception) and there will be a Loyalty Card Scheme. For further information call 020 8982 5050 or visit www.sczone.co.uk

651 tonnes or 81 elephants saved from landfill!

Less rubbish has been sent to landfill following the roll out of more than 32,000 brown bins across the borough of Hertsmere.

The bins, which allow more items to be recycled including glass and additional plastics, have helped Hertsmere save 651 tonnes of waste from landfill - that’s the equivalent of 81 elephants, 93 doubledecker buses or 572 Ford Fiestas!

Councillor Jean Heywood, Environment Portfolio Holder, said: “The amount we’ve saved from landfill so far is a great start and fantastic news for the environment. We can’t keep sending rubbish to landfill as space is running out and it’s much cheaper to recycle it.“Residents have really

embraced the scheme so it’s really down to them that we are now recycling so much more.”

The scheme proved even more popular than expected, with bin stocks running short before Christmas. This meant the council had to order more and the last 100 bins were delivered last week.

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Local News and Events

Local Bar and Restaurant gets a new Look

The Stag bar and restaurant in Enfield Town has reopened with a new look and a surprising offer.

“We totally refurbished the pub and restaurant when we first became owners five years ago, but we felt that it was time to give the venue a fresh lick of paint,” David Wright co

owner told EN Magazine. “We closed down for a few weeks in January to freshen up The Stag investing £150,000 in the new look. However we decided to go further than just a bit of decorating and have opened up the access to our restaurant “the room above”. Many people are aware that we have a dinning room upstairs

but had commented that it was not very accessible or easy to find so we have created a larger drinking space and easier access to the restaurant.”

The Stag has reopened with an updated look creating a fresh modern urban feel. Bright greens blend with browns and cream on the walls and new modern lighting throughout the bar create a trendy welcoming environment. Tall tables and stools throughout the main bar area create a space designed to relax while you enjoy a drink. With tables, chairs and small stools throughout the rest of the bar area there is plenty of space and seating.

The colour scheme follows through to “the room above” which has been redesigned to create a larger dinning area

with ample space to sit 40 dinners in comfort. The new look stag offers a venue where customers can relax and enjoy themselves whether it’s sitting down for a meal, a quick drink or a night out.

“To coincide with the opening with our new look we have launched new menus and we will continue to offer a late licensed premises Thursday to Saturday” added David.

The new menu really is a surprise; two courses for £9.95 with a selection of eight starters and ten main courses as well as seasonal specials to choose from there is something to please everyone.

on id iture a T P rn VA en Fu ch Kit

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Reading through the menu, which includes Warm Chicken Liver Salad or Mussels, to start and Bangers and Mash and Sea Food Linguine for mains had my mouth watering and that was before I even got to look at the selection of tempting deserts.

“We are well aware that it is a tough time for people at the moment, but that does not mean they have to give up going out and enjoying themselves,” said David. “We have created, what we believe is an affordable and exciting menu which customers can enjoy. We have held all our drinks prices to the same as before we closed and resisted

adding the VAT increase to our drinks.”

As well as the restaurant menu there is as a bar and snack menu available daily and a Sunday Lunch available on Sundays from 12-5pm.

“We hope that customers old and new will enjoy the changes that we have made to the Stag and will join us to eat as well as drink,” said David.

For further information on opening times at The Stag or to book for your chance to try the new dinning experience call in or phone 020 8363 1836.

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Local News and Events

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A Night of Classic Soul Tired of sitting in on long dark evenings? Why not brighten up your Saturday night with a musical extravaganza. The Great American Soulbook will be appearing on Saturday 5th February at the Wyllotts Theatre in Potters Bar. Along with a stunning 8 piece band made up of the UK’s greatest musicians from the bands of Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Jeff Beck, Jerry Lee Lewis, this is an amazing night made up of some of the greatest soul songs ever written.

The legendary Gary U.S Bonds will host the show, and as well as belting out his own hits such as ‘New Orleans’ and ‘Quarter To Three’, you’ll also hear Gary sing some of the world’s most loved tunes from one of the most loved eras. Gary will be teaming up with another Soul legend, Ben E. King for what

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promises to be one of the most talked about tours to come to the U.K in years.

These two legends will be performing songs that have provided the soundtracks to many people’s lives, songs such as: In The Midnight Hour, Respect, Soul Man, , Knock On Wood, Under The Boardwalk, Stand By Me, Midnight Train To Georgia, Sittin’ On The Dock Of A Bay. For more information on this night of musical classics and more forthcoming events visit Wyllyotts Theatre Box Office at www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk or call 01707 645005.

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Local News and Events

Can You Cope When Your Computer Goes Wrong?

Computers have become part of every day life both at work and at home. From checking emails and staying in touch with friends and family on facebook and twitter, to banking and booking the next holiday, storing photos videos music and playing games, what would we do without a computer?

of the matter is that with data constantly moving on and off and

However computers are machines, they have working parts and when they go wrong the frustration and anger that this can lead to when you miss an email or lose photos and information can be intense.

around your hard drive it becomes scrambled, corrupted or in most cases infected with Virus’s adware and spyware. Through years of experience at Hi Tech Computers we use the correct methods to repair your operating system getting it to run as if it was new.”

Nick Davidson of Hi-Tech Computers told us “Most people think that when your computer goes wrong that you need to buy a new computer.

However, this is often not the case 90% of the time. The fact

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“Many people think that their computer is crossing the line into old age when it starts to slow down or when it can no longer handle running more than one program at a time.

But this is often far from the truth.

Your computer’s health and life span depends almost entirely on how well you take care of it. Basic maintenance and fine-tuning can, in most cases, double the life of your machine, continued Nick.

“When you have a problem with your PC or Laptop it is essential that the fault is diagnosed correctly by an

experienced technician. In our repair centre the team carry out the necessary tests, diagnose and repair problems on PC’s and Laptops. If there is a hardware fault i.e. hard disk failure then the customer is notified with the respective replacement costs quoted. In many cases all the PC or Laptop need is a good service, which is what Hi-Tech specialise in.

Frequently customers find that their systems operation is dramatically improved by our full system clean up service.”

Operating from their fully insured premises on Chase Side means that Hi-Tech’s customers can drop-in and leave their system to be repaired. This saves customers both time and money as there is no call- out charges or the inconvenience of a Technician on their premises for an unknown period of time.

“All of your system data documents pictures settings etc are safe, the only thing that is cleaned from you PC or laptop is all the nasty bugs

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Local News and Events

and junk slowing it down.

Once this is done we leave some tools on your desktop so you can continue to maintain it yourself. A full internal and external valet is carried out as well.”

At the moment Hi-Tech Computers offer a full service which includes a Years Kaspersky Anti-virus. At a special reduced rate of £99.00 Inc VAT Hi-Tech Computers also hold a large stock of original Laptop chargers and computer cables in their shop, which

they make sure, are the most competitively priced in the area. “and if we do not have what you are looking for or need we will find it for you, added Nick. “We also still give a generous 10% discount to all local community services including School Teachers, Police and Fire brigade and NHS employees.”

For more information contact Hi-Tech Computers on 020 8363 9424 or visit them at 149 Chase Side Enfield.

Enfield Arts Network

A new community for the artists of Enfield The Enfield Arts Network has been set up by local artists and arts supporters to bring together artists of all art forms and arts organisations based in Enfield, North London.

Artist and organisation Listings.

The mission of the Enfield Arts Network is to:

6. Secure special offers from businesses that provide for the Arts.

1. Link Artists of all Art Forms, Arts Organisations and businesses that provide services to Artists and Arts Organisations from across the borough of Enfield.

2. Provide Networking and promotion opportunities through quarterly events.

3. Promote Enfield Arts through supporting events such as Exhibitions, Painting, Dance, Acting, Poetry Readings, Performances etc.

4. Produce a quarterly newsletter/brochure promoting Arts Events and stories with

5. Provide a website where Artists, Organisations and Arts linked businesses can list themselves and promote their events and special offers.

7. To produce an annual brochure for Enfield schools with information about local Artists and projects that they might have on offer.

8. Build a mailing list that the general public can sign up to be kept up to date with arts events across the borough.

The Enfield Arts Network will be having a Launch Event in March/April 2011. To register your interest and or to join the Network visit www. enfieldartsnetwork.co.uk

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An Evening of Burlesque Sat 19th February 8.00pm Tickets: £18, £17 concs Live vocals, breathtaking choreography & couture costumes!

Wonderful Day Sun 27th February 8.00pm Tickets: £14, £13 concs Celebrates the life of Doris Day with live band!

Call the Box Office for further information or if you would like to receive our free cinema and entertainment brochure.

WYLLYOTTS BOX OFFICE 01707 645005 Wyllyotts Theatre, Wyllyotts Place, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, HERTS EN6 2HN www.wyllyottstheatre.co.uk

Job Hunting

How To Find and Keep Your Dream Job advice from the

Job-hunting is a skill, just like learning to use a computer, drive a car or speak a foreign language. Unfortunately most people spend more time researching a holiday than they do planning for a new job.

in its self! Spending 8 hours a day job hunting might sound extreme, but it will pay dividends! After all, you are competing with others for your ‘dream job’ and you don’t want to be beaten in this particular ‘race’ do you?

Whether you are looking for your very first job, changing jobs or planning a career change, a little research goes a long way! If you are not currently working, then the job search process should be considered a full time job

So, start your job search with a fresh pad of paper, some pens, highlighters and preferably access to the internet. If you don’t have a computer at home, then go to the library or internet café. Alternatively, you could probably borrow a

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Before you start looking for a new position, work out what you are actually looking for. Are you looking for a similar position in a different company or a different job altogether? The trick is to think clearly; what are your current skills? How relevant is your experience? Are your qualifications appropriate? Are your IT skills good enough? Do you need to brush up?

The internet is a great place to start. Use Job Sites to research the variations in each sector. A job as a divorce solicitor is very different to a conveyancing solicitor, for example. It might be worth you contacting a local employer to find out what is REALLY involved in the job you are interested in! The reality might be different to your perception of the role.

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friend’s. Peace and quiet helps too. Try to focus and turn off your radio & TV.

It is also very helpful to write down where you’d like to be in 10 years, 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 6 months time. Maybe you want to change direction completely and need to go back to further education?

I find it very upsetting when I meet young people who have followed a specific course only to discover that there are very few actual jobs available for them. Forensic science is a great example.

The TV series CSI has inspired thousands of people to study forensic science at university; only to find out that there are really only a limited number of vacancies available. And those positions go to applicants who have studied at specific educational establishments.

A little research goes a long way!

Also, think about getting some relevant work experience. I met a young lady who had studied journalism at University and was still looking for a job in journalism 7 months after graduating. She kept missing out because she had no work experience…but had only written to the two local papers once. She had ignored all the other local

press/publishers and had not even attempted to make contact with publishers in central London. No wonder she was out of work.

Think about the hours you want to work and where about in the country. Will you need to relocate; do you need to drive?

Once you have worked out what your ‘dream job’ is, and if you are eligible; then start your search. Don’t just use the obvious methods such as; Local and National papers and well-known job boards such as Reed, Monster and Total Jobs.

Also look at local independent recruitment agency sites, specialist sites and those of specific companies you’d like to work for. Don’t forget the Job Centre of course; you’d be surprised how many employers only use the Job Centre network.

Getting out and about can pay dividends too; many of the local independent recruitment agencies have a wealth of local contacts that the big guys just don’t have. Also look at social networking sites such as Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter. A great resource is friends & family; make sure all your immediate family & friends know exactly what kind of work you seek and ask them if they have any useful contacts.

Lastly, don’t try to do everything in one day; plan what you will do on certain days. Write down a list of your objectives; break them down into daily tasks and then tick them off as you work your way through them. And give yourself a pat on the back; very few people actually do this!

You are on your way. Good luck!

In the next article, The Recruitment Guy will deal with Application forms, CVs, covering letters and ‘cold’ approaches to prospective employers.

You can contact the Recruitment Guy at help@ therecruitmentguy.com or watch a series of Free Videos at www.therecruitmentguy.com

Get the Job You Really Want Right now the job market is balanced in favour of companies - they have the pick of the crop. More than ever you need to have that extra something to stand out from the crowd. At times like these you need the best advice and strongest resources available to land your perfect job. You are going to be up against seriously stiff competition.

James Caan re-invented how to place people in the jobs they wanted and propelled himself into a new career as an entrepreneur and a stalwart of the BBC’s Dragons’ Den. He did it all by following his mantra: “Observe the masses and do the opposite.” In ‘Get The Job You Really Want’, James Caan shows you how to find the best employers, get a foot in the door, thrive in the interview, and close the deal on a job offer.

Job Hunting to package yourself to make sure you secure an interview.

The vital importance of preparation, so that you are relaxed and give a great performance at interview. How to show your passion, and ask the perfect questions. And finally, how to use your power by closing the best deal on a job offer. At every stage I will help you rethink the traditional, formulaic approach to job hunting. It is the detail that makes the difference. This book is not about hoping you get lucky. It is about creating your own luck.”

EN Magazine has a copy of ‘Get the Job You Really Want’‚ published by penguin to give away.

For your chance to win tell us which TV programme James Cann appears on. Send your answer with your name, your date of birth, address and a contact number to EN Magazine at competitions@ enmagazine.co.uk or EN Magazine PO Box 1099, Enfield , EN1 9JF. Entries must arrive by Monday 20th February to be included in the draw.

James Caan says: “It is possible to have the job of your dreams. Together we are going to set about getting you there. Before I joined the BBC’s s Dragons’ Den, I spent thirty years setting up and running recruitment companies, placing hundreds of thousands of candidates in the jobs they really wanted.

I will take you through the process step by step. How to stay positive in a difficult economic climate and find the right opportunities. How

Looking for a Job? Check out the new jobs section on www.enmagazine.co.uk for current vacancies 11

The Property Market

Property- Is this the right time

to invest and the right area to move to?

Data provided by

“An Englishman’s home is his castle” but for many people buying a property has been seen as an investment and security for their future. Over the last few years the impact of the rescission and the effects of sub prime lending (making loans to people who may have difficulty maintaining the repayment schedule) have slowed the growth in the property market, property values and mortgage lending.

In association with Rightmove. co.uk and local estate agents EN Magazine has taken a look at the local property market over the last year to see how it has performed and what 2011 may bring.

“2010 was a tough year for the property sector” says Richard Oughton of Ellis and Co, “although we did see some movement in property sales it was incredibly slow. Already this year we have seen demand for property grow from both first time buyers wanting to get that first foot on the property ladder and people wanting to move up the ladder. Seeing an increase in the number of people looking to move up is a positive sign that the market is picking up momentum as

these people free up space for first time buyers. The one negative that we are still seeing is the failure of banks and building societies in lending money. When they do we are finding that people have a good selection of properties available to chose from.”

Rightmove.co.uk’s monthly report for the London area in January provides early indications of potential buyer and seller activity in the capital, giving a timely insight into the London property market patterns that may emerge in the year ahead. New stock levels this month are at a two year low, and this lack of new supply is expecting to assist an upward trend in new sellers’ average asking prices for the next few months as it coincides with the run in to the spring moving season.

Nationally the market remains thin and open to volatility. On the upside a shortage of fresh property stock helps push prices upwards in popular areas, giving a positive sheen to countrywide averages.

Battling to bring the national

average down are those less desirable locations and property types where prices are under pressure due to a famine of ready, willing and able buyers. There is clear evidence of the knock-on effects of two-tier mortgage lending. Prospective buyers of flats, terraced and semidetached are, by definition, less likely to benefit from the higher deposits built up by detached property purchasers and therefore will be thinner on the ground. Consequently, Rightmove has recorded year-on-year asking price falls for flats, terraces and semidetached properties of around 1%, while detached properties have increased by 1.6%.

Miles Shipside, director of Rightmove comments: “This month’s price rise will come as a welcome respite to prospective sellers as they had witnessed falls in five of the previous six months. However, it is a two-tier market. Those areas and property types coveted by mortgageready buyers are likely to

experience a supply famine that will help underpin their prices this spring. Wherever those deposit-rich choose not to wander, the on-going mortgage famine will ensure sellers in those areas will remain buyer-hungry and will continue to see downward price pressure”.

As well as the slight rise in new sellers’ asking prices, record internet search traffic provides a welcome sign of pent-up buyer demand. The first ten days of the year were Rightmove’s busiest ever period for website traffic, averaging 25m pages viewed per day.

The semi-detached property type is in the shortest supply, down 30% on last year, while detached, terraces and flats are all down around 10%.

Owners of semi-detached homes wishing to move rely heavily on the ability of terrace home-owners to trade up, but terrace occupiers, in turn, are hardest hit by the dearth of first-time buyers and lack of chains. In addition, for owners of semis bought within the last few years, the overall price standstill during that period has probably seen their equity stagnate or diminish.

“These figures show that owners of semis aspiring to trade up are the most likely to feel trapped and frustrated of those stuck on the property ladder. They would previously have sold to owner-occupiers of terraces, who in turn would have sold to first-time buyers or buy-to-let investors. With fewer buyers at the bottom of the chain, and short chains due to more vacant property, some are obviously unwilling or unable to come to market.

Also semi-detached owners

12

The Property Market

13

The Property Market base rates for the majority of 2011 is very important if we are to avoid the de-stabilising effect of increased repossessions and encourage greater transaction volumes,” added Miles Shipside

National Asking Price Trend by Property Type

face the biggest price jump to trade up to their target market of detached homes, and lenders are no longer as profligate in their ways to fund this traditional step onto the next rung of the ladder.” said Miles Shipside.

While there has been much property market speculation on the effects of a rise in base rates, the impact of the

recent increase in VAT has gone almost unnoticed. This major change in fiscal policy is now picking the pockets of everyone. However, it is likely to have a more damaging effect on those looking to make a financial commitment in the already challenging first-time buyer, terrace, flat or semi-detached markets, rather than the more financially resilient and established

owners of detached homes.

“The sustained period of record internet property traffic we have seen at the start of the year shows that the prospective mass market are searching avidly to find the right buy that will satisfy their housing needs. But everyone now sees less money in their wallet as a result of the VAT increase and so stability in

Archers Financial Services TIME TO FIX

With inflation at 3.7% and expected to rise even further householders are urged to fix mortgage interest payments to create some degree of certainty in what is looking a very uncertain year indeed!

The Bank of England is facing its sternest test in more than a year with concerns that the recent VAT rise from 17.5% to 20% could further fuel inflation.

With the Retail Prices Index (RPI) having risen to 4.8% (18/1/2011) it is no longer a question of will interest rates rise but when.

The office for National Statistics said the biggest drivers over the last 12 months were fuel, utility bills and food costs.

Top risers over this period were petrol and Rate

Miles Shipside, added, “This month’s price rise will come as a welcome respite

1 Windmill Hill, Enfield, Middlesex EN2 6SE

020 8364 5445

www.archersonline.co.uk

diesel, cooking oil and soft drinks which Paul Fisher, the ‘Bank of England’s’ executive recorded increases of over 10% to household director for markets and a member of the bills for the last 12 months to December 2010. rate-setting Monetary Policy Committee admitted in a recent interview that he was “Whilst borrowers on variable rate mortgages “very uncomfortable” with the current level have enjoyed low interest rates in recent of inflation (Bloomberg news 18th January) years now is the time to begin fixing. With but suggested the bank would take whatever mortgage offers valid for up to 6 months measures were required to combat inflation borrowers should be lining up mortgage offers “despite whatever unpopularity comes our now with the view of drawing down the new way”. deal as rates begin to rise.”

David Tinsley, an economist in London who Whilst the markets were suggesting very used to work for the Bank of England points little movement in 2011 economists are now to interest rates rising as early as April or factoring in at least three rate increases May, a signal that is likely to concern many before the end of the year. households. The message is loud and clear fix and fix soon!

Many in the city are concerned that responding with higher rates too soon could For more information please contact be suicidal and indeed derail the economy.

Archers Financial Services 020 8364 5445

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14

While nationally new sellers average asking prices increased by just 0.3% (£711), they were outperformed by the confidence of the capital’s sellers who pushed theirs up by 1.1% (£4,470).

This is the first increase in London new sellers’ average asking prices for three months, and is a timely positive sign for new sellers as it breaks the downward spiral of falls seen in the previous two months when prices fell by a total of 2.4%.

3.08% (4.50% APR)

2 Year fix (1/4/2013)

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Insurance Investments Mortgages Archers Financial Services is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Investments can be made into a selection of funds which invest in different asset classes such as cash, gilts, property and stocks & shares. These funds carry differing levels of risk.

The value of the funds can fluctuate and may fall as well as rise. The Financial Services Authority does not regulate taxation and tax advice.

The Property Market crunch levels of around 14,000.

The heavy snow will have played some role in the low listing numbers, and it will be important to see to what extent figures bounce back in the next few weeks.

Average Property Values in Enfield and Greater London Month on Month

to prospective sellers in the London area as they had witnessed falls in both November and December.

Sellers in the run up to Christmas normally have a pressing reason to sell so chopped back their prices, while sellers launching to the market in the New Year are traditionally more optimistic.”

London has measured rises in

new sellers’ asking prices in January for seven of the last nine years. This year’s increase has been assisted by upward price pressure resulting from a shortage of fresh property coming to market. The 7,894 newly marketed properties measured in the Rightmove. co.uk report are 5.4% down on the 8,348 recorded in the same period last year, and remain well-below pre-credit

Cedar Park Road North Enfield

Although the news across London from Rightmove. co.uk is not as positive as most of us would like, local estate agent Andrew Standen of Chamberlains has a much brighter outlook.

“We have started the year very optimistically with a considerable number of valuations being carried out and new properties coming to the market. The type of properties we are visiting covers the full spectrum from first time buyer homes right through to the larger detached family houses. It is also encouraging to see the substantial number of serious buyers who have registered with us since the start of 2011”.

According to the Council of Mortgage Lenders gross mortgage lending in

December was an estimated £11.0 billion. This represents a 6% drop from £11.7 billion in November. December was the fourth month in a row where the monthly outturn has been the weakest since 2000 (£10 billion).

The figure is 18% lower than the £13.3 billion in December 2009, although comparisons are distorted as some households brought forward house purchase activity in the closing months of 2009 to take advantage of the stamp duty concession expiring at the end of the year.

Andrew Standen added “Although we are hearing that the amount of lending from banks and mortgage companies is down year on year locally we are seeing property sales completing with funding in place. Going forward we see the market potentially picking up but need to see the banks and building societies releasing funds to sustain the market.”

ANOTHER QUALITY DEVELOPMENT OF CHARACTER FAMILY HOMES TWO AND THREE BEDROOM HOUSES FINISHED TO A HIGH SPECIFICATION

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15

Wedding Planning

Finding the Perfect Venue for Your Wedding This year the media will be filling pages, screens and websites with talk of Weddings. Spurred on by the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton who will marry on 29th April in Westminster Abbey, with a reported £12 million budget for this Royal occasion, it is sure to be a wedding to remember.

However not everyone has the kind of budgets available to royalty but still want to put on a day that will be remembered forever by the happy couple and guests alike.

One key area to the success of the day is the location. We cannot all afford Westminster

Abby and processions through London but choosing the perfect location can help create your dream day.

The first thing to take into account when choosing a wedding location is that there are likely to be two parts of your wedding to organise – the wedding ceremony and the wedding reception. As regards the ceremony, a church wedding is still the favourite choice for many couples, and most have a particular church in mind. In this case, the reception must be planned around the ceremony location. Factors such as ease of transport from service to reception will be important when planning your church

wedding. If, on the other hand, you’re thinking about a civil wedding, you have the option of choosing a venue that will host both your wedding ceremony and your wedding reception.

If this is what you are hoping for, you will need to choose a venue that is licensed for marriage ceremonies.

The type of wedding you have will depend partly on how big it will be, so here are some things to think about before approaching wedding venues.

Venue capacity: It may sound obvious but many venues will not be able to magic up extra space from nowhere if you add 20 extra guests at the last minute. You should have a good idea of numbers before you start looking at venues.

Seated or standing wedding reception? A formal meal will obviously require more space than a stand-up buffet, so a venue whose seating capacity is 100 might well be able to accommodate 200 for a canapé reception. Which do you want?

Entertainment facilities: Bands and other entertainment can take up a large amount of space, as can a dance floor, so decide when and where you want the entertainment to take place, and check with the venue that this can be done in the space available.

Your budget is often a determining factor when selecting a venue. Rob Jameson, Manager of Forty Hall Banqueting, told EN Magazine. “When speaking to wedding venues, some people are reticent in giving them a clear indication of their budget. A good

16

venue is not necessarily trying to increase their share of the budget but to make sure that it is best appropriated to create your perfect day. The more information that you give the wedding planners and organisers about what is essential to you and the budget available; their experience can help you to cut back in some areas and splash out in others. In this way we can help you create exactly what you want within budget.”

“If choosing a venue that offers civil partnership you can often have more flexibility on the day. We cater for an increasing number of “fusion weddings”, bringing together two distinct cultures to blend their traditions for the day. We recently hosted a Jewish and Chinese wedding and from our experience of organising both types of weddings before, we where able to help fuse the traditions of these two cultures to create a memorable event for all.”

“A civil ceremony in a licensed venue does not mean you have to turn your back on religious beliefs, unlike a registry office.

Once the civil service has taken place a Priest, Minister, Maulvi or Rabbi can bless the wedding.”

“Most wedding venues have lists of preferred suppliers.

These are often seen as companies who may be more expensive. However as a

Wedding Planning wedding organiser this is the last consideration for us. The companies on our preferred supplier list are ones that we trust not to let us and more importantly the Bride and Groom down on the day.

We have worked with these companies before and can often negotiate better prices on behalf of our clients.”

of history and with legends of a witch that watches over the caves you can chose to marry in one of 3 limestone caves – you should probably remind your guests to bring a jumper and if below ground gets too much for them they can always stand outside and take in the outstanding beauty of the surrounding Mendip Hills.

“Knowing local suppliers and working with them regularly means we can find the right supplier to make your wish come true. Don’t always think you have to stick to the traditional wedding themes.

Creativity and imagination are free and help to make an even more memorable day.

We recently had one bride who suffered from hay fever so rather than floral decorations on each table we sourced jars of different coloured sweets as decorations.”

The London Eye is available to hire for ceremonies as well as stag and hen do’s. Vows can be exchanged 135 feet above London looking at the breathtaking views in a private capsule for you and your guests during a 1 hour flight on the wheel.

If the more traditional venues aren’t for you, don’t worry – Britain has a wealth of unusual and unique place for you to tie the knot.

Wookey Hole Caves in Somerset is just one of the showcaves in Britain to be fully licenced to allow you to hold your wedding down there.

Steeped in over 50,000 years

Brighton Pier is one of only a few piers in Britain where you can hold your ceremony, start your day exchanging your vows in Victoria’s Bar and then into Palm Court where they can cater for your event. You can finish the day off nicely with a ride on the merry-go-round.

HMS Belfast is a London landmark and one of the capital’s most unique venues.

Voted the eighth most popular wedding location in the World, it is sure to provide a memorable day and with amazing views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, your declarations of love to each other couldn’t be any closer to the heart of London For football fans perhaps marrying at Old Trafford could be more what you have in mind. The home of Premier league team Manchester United is fully licensed to hold your ceremony and your reception in one of it banqueting suites.

Planning a Wedding? then visit

www.enmagazine.co.uk

to download your free wedding planner and read articles packed with advice for your big day

Planning a Wedding? Looking for a Venue?

Come to the

Wedding Fair Sunday March 6th 11.00 – 3.30 at

Bush Hill Park Golf Club

See our newly refurbished Clubhouse Get expert advice from our exhibitors

Free Admission Bush Hill, Winchmore Hill, N21 2BU 020 8360 5738 www.bhpgc.com

17

Valentines Day

Valentine’s A day to say

“I Love You” Today fortunately the stakes are not so high, but get your Valentine the wrong gift, and you might not live it down either.

Red roses are traditionally associated with Valentine’s day as the gift to give but what other gifts can say I love you, EN Magazine has some suggestions.

As a nation we spend an average of £2.4 billion every year on flowers, chocolates and dinners for two on Valentine’s Day. But where did this tradition come from, and who was St. Valentine anyway?

A look into the past tells us that February 14th was originally a celebration of the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses, Juno. She was also the Goddess of women and marriage and the following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia, where names of young boys and girls were drawn from a vessel to match up partners for the duration of the festival.

In Roman times boys and girls were always kept apart except for this one evening a year when more often than not this early from of matchmaking led to love and marriage.

During the early 200AD, the Roman Emperor Claudius II was finding it difficult to

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enlist young men to become soldiers in his bloody and unpopular campaigns. Blaming the happy marriages of the people of Rome, Claudius the Cruel, as he later became known, cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome to encourage more young men to leave their loved ones and families behind and join his crusade.

Father Valentine was a priest in Rome at the time and together with his accomplice Father Marius, they secretly married the young couples. For disobeying the Emperor, the Prefect of Rome condemned Father Valentine to be beaten to death with clubs and have his head cut off! But before his death on 14th February 269AD Father Valentine passed a love note to the gaoler’s daughter signed “from your Valentine”, which is said to be where the tradition for sending valentine cards originates.

love tonic is just the thing to get hearts racing on Valentine’s Day for guilt free passion.

Love Potion is a saucy blend of Passionfruit, Blueberry and Jasmine with sensory botanicals Angelica, Chocolate and Damiana, all known for their aphrodisiac qualities.

Get the romance flowing with a Love Potion.

Firefly Tonics, the 100% natural infusion drinks producer, is bringing back the Love Potion. This special edition

This very limited edition range will be available from Harvey Nichols, Whole Foods, on-line at Holland&Barratt and other independent retailers while stocks last. You will also be able to order it directly from the website packaged up as an extra special Valentine’s card for that someone special.

Or add a bit of sparkle with Nicolas Feuillatte champagne.

For her - She (Rose), is delicate, sensitive, laden with strawberries which will overwhelm you .

This Champagne will surely tingle your senses creating the perfect atmosphere to fall in love. Or for him – He (Brut) is elegant well balanced and confidant and will make your day special. Woo your special someone and say I love you with Nicolas Feuillatte’s champagne available exclusively at John Lewis.

Valentines Day restore your lips’ natural moisture; protect your lips from all weather woes and ensures our luscious lips are kept soft, smooth and kissable.

Chocolate – need we say more!

Having got your loved one in the mood perhaps passion will start to take over and you lean in for the kiss. You’ve perfected your pucker in time for a full-on snog fest. Trouble is, you’ve got killer coffee breath that’ll knock your date out instead of bowling them over. Sort your breath in seconds and kiss with confidence thanks to the new Anatomicals Snog Me Senseless Mints (£2 from Topshop & New Look). Each sugar-free fix of minty freshness contains Xylitol to fight bad breath and help reduce cavities to put a punch in your pucker, leaving you with the coolest breath in town. These pocket-sized minty pillules are wrapped in a funky little tin that’s perfect for slipping in to your back pocket or handbag for fast breath freshening on the go.

But you need to make sure that your kiss is soft and gentle and with the cold weather, lips can become dry and chapped.

Don’t worry you can repair and

prepare your lips with Softlips.

These come in two lipcare variants: sophisticated French Vanilla £1.83 or voluptuous Vitamin Enriched £2.03 for smooth results.

With SPF 20, Softlips helps

Established by Joseph William Thornton in 1911, Thorntons is one of the UK’s oldest chocolate retailers. Spoil your soulmate with Thorntons Heart Collection Box. Filled with truffles, pralines and caramels in a smooth milk chocolate heart, it’s the perfect way to share the love. Or why not melt their heart with Thorntons Heart Plaque – go the extra mile and personalise this delicious milk chocolate plaque with a message of your choice.

Thorntons’ luxurious Valentine’s Day range is available in Thorntons’ stores nationwide and online at www.thorntons. co.uk with prices ranging from £0.69 for the Valentine’s Lolly to £49.99 for the Continental Chocolatier’s Tasting Collection, so there is something to suit every starryeye budget.

Planning on proposing? Or want a unique way to present a gift?

Why not buy one of the Waitrose Fill –Your-Own Valentine’s Crackers (2 crackers for £5) and pop the engagement ring or gift

a collection of luxury toilet tissues available from The Designer Toilet Roll Company to see more visit www. thedesignertoiletrollcompany. co.uk

Create a luxurious spa of love with the delicately fragranced English Rose

There is nothing that says ‘I love you’ more than roses – so this Valentine’s Day give your beloved a lgift that lasts - with the Brown & Harris Rose Collection.

Influenced by the original romantic poetry of Keats and Wordsworth, this luxurious, traditional English collection is the perfect Valentine’s gift to fill your house with love all year round.

Moisturising Foaming Bath Essence followed with the sensual English Rose Moisturising Body Lotion to leave you feeling sensual, seductive and relaxed – the perfect end to the day - or start of the night!

in. She’ll (or he’ll) be impressed with not just the gift, but the originality.

If your loved one spends to much time in the bathroom or toilet why not give them a reminder of how much you care for them with Love Heart toilet tissue. This is part of

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Valentines Day Struggling for ideas or trying to find the perfect gift why not check out the 24studio.co.uk site which has a wide range of gifts that are perfect for saying ‘I Love You’. The range includes the the Henry Mug, based on the design of the Henry vacuum cleaner so once your loved one is all done and dusted let them sit down and have a cuppa with Henry!!

Get up close and personnal this Valentine’s Day, the day of love and romance with a massage!

Massage is thought to be one of the oldest forms of therapy practiced on the human body, with many people today using massage as a way of relieving tension, unwinding and relaxing. Giving your partner a massage on Valentine’s Day is more thoughtful, economical and romantic than sitting in a packed restaurant full of lovebirds.

Nelsons Arnicare bath & massage is a unique dual purpose balm, which can be used to massage aches and bathe tension the perfect way to relax your partner on Valentine’s Day. Enriched with arnica extract Arnicare bath & massage balm harnesses the invaluable natural properties of arnica. Nelsons Arnicare arnica bath & massage balm costs £8.15 and is available from Boots.

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EN Magazine has 4 Valentine’s gift packs to give away Pack 1 Brown & Harris Rose Collection and candles Nelsons Arnicare bath & massage balm

Or for a adult theme to spice up your Valentine’s how about taking your loved one to An Evening of Burlesque at the Wyllyotts Theatre on Saturday 19th February, at 8pm. For further details vist www. wyllyottstheatre.co.uk.

This is a brand-new theatre production that recreates the tradition of Burlesque, giving it a modern-day twist.

An Evening of Burlesque brings to life this intriguing art form. “The show brings variety back to the theatre, combining comedy, magic and vocal harmony with couture costumes, breathtaking choreography and a fabulous score,” says show producer Michael Taylor.

Elegant showgirls combine Parisian charm with Las Vegas glamour in a spectacle that marries live vocal talent with the art of burlesque.”

An Evening of Burlesque is compered by the delectable Kiki Kaboom and includes the cream of British Burlesque talent including Miss Hotcake Kitty, Amber Topaz, Chrys Columbine, Miss Slinky Sparkles, Ginger Blush and The Kalki Hula Girl.

With magic, music and song this is a production that promises to be the talk of the town for months to come. It is for over18s only.

Valentine’s The Single Girl’s View

Pack 2 Henry Mug Thorntons Heart Collection Box Love Potion Softlips lipcare Snog Me Senseless Mints Pack 3 Love Heart toilet tissue Thorntons Heart Plaque Love Potion Softlips lipcare Snog Me Senseless Mints Pack 4 (over 18’s only) Two tickets to An Evening of Burlesque Nicolas Feuillatte ChampagneNelsons Arnicare bath & massage balm For your chance to win tell us which year the first Valentine message was sent? Send your answer with your name, your date of birth, address and a contact number to EN Magazine at competitions@ enmagazine.co.uk or EN Magazine PO Box 1099, Enfield , EN1 9JF. Entries must arrive by Thursday 10th February to be included in the draw.

For those in couples, Valentine’s Day is a cause for celebration, but for millions of single people it is simply one of those days that can’t go quickly enough. Finding a dearth of cards at your front door, being surrounded by couples holding hands and hearing stories of romantic gestures just seem to enhance the feeling of loneliness. To make matters worse, the approach of ‘V Day’ seems endless, with cards, gifts and decorations in the shops for weeks; a stark single status reminder at every turn. So for those of you in couples, have a heart for those without that special someone!

This year however, I have vowed not to let my single pride wane. I’ll be reminding myself that this hyped-up, money-making celebration isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

I was recently at a restaurant with a friend who began lamenting about our single status when she realised we were sandwiched between two tables of couples. But whilst they barely uttered a word and looked infinitely bored, we were gossiping and laughing away as only two happy-go-lucky single girls can. If that is what being in a relationship amounts to, I choose singledom every time! And when you look at Valentine’s Day like that, it doesn’t seem so bad at all!

What’s On Things to do in February Sport Unlimited – Spring 2011 FREE!! Squash Coaching sessions for8-16yrs (New participants only) Every Wednesday from 18th January until 29th March (No coaching during half term) Wednesday 5pm – 5:45pm or Wednesday 5.45pm – 6:30pm Additional coaching is available for previous participants 6:30pm – 7:15pm – U12s 7:15pm – 8pm 12yrs+ £50 non members/£40 members you must phone text or email to secure your placePhone: - Vickie Prow on 07904 300288 Email: sport@thewalkerground. co.uk Barnet Ghosts: guided walk Meet outside High Barnet tube station booking office, February 12th and March 5th 7.30pm. Phone 020 8440 6805 www.barnetwalks. talktalk.net The King’s Web an inspiring story of love and rebellion.

Chickenshed Theatre Chase Side, Southgate, London N14 4PE Friday 4 March – Thursday 17 March Tickets: £15, concessions £13 Box Office: 020 8292 9222 / bookings@chickenshed.org.uk / Women’s World Day of Prayer for 2011.

This will take place on 4th March 2011 – 10.30am Enfield Baptist Church, Cecil Rd, Enfield EN2 6TG and 7.30pm at Jesus Church, Forty Hill, EN2 9EU. The service has been prepared by Christian Women of Chile on the theme ‘How Many Loaves Have You?’ the speakers are: Revd. Jackie Fish at the morning service and Mrs. Sue Warwick in the evening.

chinchillas. Take a tractor and trailer ride or a walk through the countryside to see cows being milked in our modern dairy farm.

Kids can play in the tractor barn, piglets’ paradise, the soft play Bundle Barn and on the Jumping Pillows and incredible Spider Tower. A delicious bite to eat at the Orchard Café can keep Mum, Dad and the kids happy for the whole day.

Lee Valley Park Farms, Stubbins Hall Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF Lee Valley Minithon Saturday 19 February, 13:00 - 17:00, £8 per person, booking essential, aimed at children under 12. A popular athletics competition for school years 3-7, offers the chance to take part in three different sporting disciplines at London’s state of the art Athletics Centre. Kids can enjoy high jump, vertical jump and long jump, shot putt and 60m hurdles. Age restrictions may apply to some events. Entry forms available from the Athletics Centre on 020 8344 7230. Early booking is essential.

Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Meridian Way, Edmonton, London N9 OAR Star Track Monday 21 - Friday 25 February, 13:00 - 16:00, booking essential, from £33 for a five day course The perfect way to keep your children active during the half term week! Children aged eight to twelve years will receive coaching in sprints, relays, jumps and throws from top coaches at the UK’s best athletics venue. To book contact the Athletics Centre on 020 8344 7230.

Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Meridian Way, Edmonton, London N9 OAR

call 01992 628 403.

Herts Young Mariners Base, Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, EN8 9AJ Broomfield Badminton Club Saturday Shed at Chickenshed Chickenshed, Chase Side, Southgate, London N14 4PE Saturday mornings from 29 January 2011 – 19 March 2011 Times: Ages 6 – 8 years at 10 am Ages 9 – 12 years at 11.15 am Price: £5 per workshop / £35 for block booking of 8 workshops Saturday Shed is a new and exciting creative weekly workshop which will explore a wide range of performance skills through movement and drama based sessions.

Workshops will include Street Dance, Dance Like Michael Jackson and Dance Like Diversity.

These workshops will be delivered in the Chickenshed Theatre Dance Studio. or further information please contact the Box office 020 8292 9222, email bookings@ chickenshed.org.uk or visit the website www.chickenshed.org.uk The Age of Justinian: the Flowering of Byzantium 8th Feb 11 Jubilee Hall, 2 Parsonage Lane, Enfield EN2 0AJ Time: 20:00 - 21:15 Free A talk organised by the North London Branch of the Historical Association This talk by Dr Fiona Haarer (King’s College, London)

covers the! reign of the Emperor Justinian whose conquests and building projects in the 6th century revived many of the glories of the Roman Empire.

All welcome. No need to book.

Further information 020 8368 5328.

Regular Events Broomfield Badminton Club Friendly club plays at Enfield Grammar Upper School every Wednesday 8-10pm. Facilities with 4 courts include changing rooms, showers and parking.

New members/visitors welcome.

For details please contact Naren on 07967 672212 or by email to Narenshah@blueyonder.co.uk.

Edmonton Camera Club meet each monday at 7.45pm at Angel Community Centre, Raynham Road, Edmonton, N18 2JF for lectures, discussions, practical evenings, learning events, competitions and exhibitions. We are a friendly club and welcome any visitors.

See our website; edmontoncameraclub.co.uk or ring Peter on 020 8363 1568 Enfield National Trust Association meet twice monthly, one afternoon at Holtwhites Sports & Social Club and one evening at either Enfield Grammar School or Enfield County School, Holly Walk, Enfield.

Lose Weight Now - Ask Me How For further information or a free consultation call or text: Koren on 07788 623 956 www.help2achievewelness.co.uk independent distributor

Opening weekend at Lee Valley Park Farms Saturday 19 February, 10:00 17:00, Adults £7.50, children £6, under 2’s go FREE The doors open for the 2011 season at Lee Valley Park Farms on Saturday 19 February. Come and meet our incredible new meerkats as well as pigs, goats, llamas, lambs, giant rabbits and

Adventurous Activities Monday 21 - Friday 25 February, 09:30 - 15:30, booking essential, Koren weightloss.indd 1 £12 - £23 Adventurous activities for all the family including kayaking, sailing, climbing, bell boating and caving.

Half day or full day programmes available. For full information and to book visit www.hymb.com or

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What’s On

TANGO

We have summer outings, London outings, concert & theatre outings as well as lectures.

Please ring Peter on 020 8363 1568 for details.

throughout the year. Phone the secretary Graham Coldrick on 01438 832504 and he will put you in the picture.Website: www. pottersbar.org/photosociety

Enfield RSPB meet once a month at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Silver Street, Enfield @ 7.45pm for lectures, quiz evenings, etc & have monthly mid week walks, coach outings & two “birding” holidays a year.Check our website; rspb. org.uk/groups/enfield/news or ring Pauline on 020 8363 1568

Enfield Video Makers meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Jubilee Hall in Parsonage Lane.Please contact Jim Meehan phone 0209 351 1829 if you would like any further information about our activities. email address is jymsyl@blueyonder.co.uk

The Potters Bar Photographic Society The Wyllyotts Centre at 7.45pm most Mondays Members enjoy a varied programme of photographic competitions, illustrated lectures, tutorials and workshops

Enfield Woodcarving Club meets every Tuesday evening 7.30 to 9.30pm in the technology room at Chace Community School, Churchbury Lane EN1 3HQ. Please join us! Beginners welcome.

Ring George 0208 363 2529 or Paul 0208 363 9223

Useful Contact Numbers Enfield Borough Police Crime Prevention Office Crimestoppers Neighbourhood Watch Anti Terrorist Hotline Hertfordshire Police

020 8807 1212 020 8345 1102 0800 555 111 020 7963 0160 0800 789 321 0845 330 0222

Enfield Council 24 Hour Contact No Hertsmere Council Hertsmere Out of Hours Welwyn & Hatfield Council Welwyn & Hatfield Out of Hours

020 8379 1000 020 8207 2277 0845 300 0021 01707 357 000 0800 111 4484

NHS Direct 0845 46 47 Chase Farm & Barnet Hospital Switchboard 0845 111 4000 Chase Farm Hospital Accident & Emergency 020 8375 1010 Barnet Hospital Accident & Emergency 020 8216 5003 North Middlesex University Hospital Switchboard 020 8887 2000 Potters Bar Community Hospital 01707 653 286 Age Concern Enfield 020 8375 4120 Alcoholics Anonymous Gamblers Anonymous Narcotics Anonymous

0845 769 7555 08700 50 88 80 020 773 0009

Childline Cruse Bereavement Care Helpline Samaritans

0800 1111 0870 1671677 0845 790 9090

RSCPA 24 Hour Emergency Vet

0870 555 5999 01992 762699

Three Valleys Water Freephone Leakline 0800 376 5325 Thames Water Freephone Leakline 0800 714 614 National Gas Emergency Service Freephone 0800 111 999 London Electricity Freephone 0800 0280 247 National Rail Enquiries Congestion Charge Phone Line

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08457 48 49 50 0845 900 1234

From Buenos Aires, Argentine Tango, passionate, intimate and powerful - the ultimate dance of man and woman. Our professional, international teachers offer gentle encouragement to beginners and a wealth of experience to intermediate or more advanced dancers. Enjoy an evening of the best in traditional and nuevo music in an atmospheric setting. No partner necessary.

Tuesdays 8:00 – 8:45 Intermediate Argentine Tango class 8:45 – 9:30 Beginners Argentine Tango class 9:30 – 11:00 Milonga (Free practice time for all levels) £9.00 per person which includes classes, general dancing and complimentary soft drinks and nibbles Venue- St Paul’s Centre, 102 Church Street, Enfield, EN2 6AR 07903 244085 www.dancematrix.com/tango

Cuffley Floral Art Club We are a friendly flower arranging club meeting every 2nd Tuesday in the month (except January and August) at Cuffley Hall, Maynards Place from 8pm-10pm. Doors open from 7pm, visitors always welcome. For more information ring Jackie 020 8441 3663 or Val 01707 889447

Grange Park Flower Club meets at Church in the Orchard Hall corner of Old Park Ridings and Park Drive every 3rd Monday of the month at 2pm.No December meeting. Flower arrangements are made by a demonstrator,then raffled afterwards.Visitors are most welcome £4.00. Contact Marion at 8360 1328

Oakmere Bridge Club Held at Wyllyotts Centre, Darkes Lane Potters Bar every Monday, 7.30 p.m. to 10 p.m. We are a small friendly club and would welcome new members. We have vacancies for improvers and intermediate players We play Chicago Bridge. Interested? Then contact either:Janet (Secretary) on 01707 651461 Eleanor (Treasurer) on 01707 650376 Charles dance matrix2.indd 1 (Chairman) on 0208 449 8448 Enfield Winemakers St. Stephen’s Church Hall, Village Road, Enfield3rd Friday of each month @ 8 – 10.30pm New members welcome Enfield Croquet Club at Bush Hill Park (off Southbury Road) Cecil Road Entrance Play a sport where men and women can compete on equal terms Club open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday from 2.30pm - FREE tuition - Equipment available - Free Hire- Flat soled shoes must be worn Contact 020

8886 6643 (Basil) 020 8883 6612 (Wendy) www.enfieldcroquet.org St. Benedicts Art Club, we are a friendly group who meet on Friday mornings from 9.00 t 12.00 at Bramley Road, Southgate. All artists and budding artists welcom.

Fee is £2.00 per session, which includes tea, coffee and biscuits.

Contact: Carol on 020 8366 6306 Winchmore Writers Group & Reading Group Both groups are small,friendly and informal and welcome new members. The writing group meets occasional Saurdays 10am - 4.30pm .The reading group meets Tuesdays 1-3pm (term-time only) .We meet at the Friends Meeting House N21. The groups are lead by an experienced teacher and published writer and there is a modest charge.

For more details,contact Christine on 0790 5209 459 or christine@ roomofherown.plus.com Potters Bar Petanque Club Meets Sundays 10.15.a.m. to 1.p.m and Tuesdays 6.p.m. to 8.p.m. we now are open on the first saturday of each month 2.p.m to 4.p.m. at Oakmere Park New members are made very welcome,. First 3 visits are free. Contact Michael Penn 01707 654606 or just turn up.

Potters Bar Flower Club The club meets at 8.00pm on the second Wednesday of every month (except August) in the main hall of King Charles the Martyr Church, Dugdale Hill Lane, Potters Bar. Visitors are welcome (£4.00 a meeting). If you would like further information please ring Anne on 01707 850089’.

What’s On Potters Bar Cine & Video Society Wyllotts Centre, Potters Bar Alternate Thursdays 8.00pm Contact Penny 01707 656446 or John 01707 872210 www.pottersbarcineand videosociety.org for amateur cinematographers. Programme includes §editing, filming techniques, competition evenings, social functions Grange Park (Evening) W. I. would love you to come and join us at 7.30pm on the first Monday of every month in St. Peter’s Church Hall, Vera Avenue, when we have a speaker or a quiz and make bookings for social events such as theatre outings etc.... If you are interested please telephone Louise Watson on 020 8360 6969 “Ears of Enfield”, Enfield’s very own social group for hard of hearing people, meet at Oakwood Baptist Church, Merrivale, Southgate, London N14 4TE. Our meetings are on the first Tuesday of each month from 2pm to 4pm. We have a varied and interesting programme to suit all tastes. For details ring 020 8482 0212.

Friern Badminton Club (Potters Bar) intermediate players (no beginners) meets at the sports hall (5 well lit courts) at Dame Alice Owen’s School (EN6 2DU) every Wednesday evening (8.15pm to 10.15pm). Visitor fee £4, membership available. Contact: ann-marie.rowland@fds.co.uk for more info.

Enfield Computer Club meets at St. Lukes and St. John’s Community Center, Hawthorn Grove, off Morley Hill, Enfield, every second Sunday in a month from 11am - 5pm. New members always welcome. We are a “selfhelp” club and do not provide formal lectures or lessons. . More details at www.nel80.com or telephone 020-8366-6162.

The Civil Service Retirement Fellowship, Enfield and Edmonton groupsholds meetings on the first Monday of the month in Enfield (at St. Andrews Church Hall Enfield; and the third Monday at Millfield

House. Edmonton,each meeting from 10am to noon. All former, serving, and retired Civil Servants and their partners welcome.

Contact Sue on 020 8360 4361 for more information.

Enfield Camera Club meets at Trinity Church Hall Thursday evenings at 8 pm. New members are always welcome.

Alternatively they can contact the club through the website www. enfieldcameraclub.co.uk or email to mail@enfieldcameraclub.co.uk.

The subscriptioin rate is £32 for the full season - Visitors are asked to pay a £1 visitor’s fee,

Domestic Cleaning with Excellence Not enough time in the day to do your cleaning and ironing?

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•Regular cleaning on a weekly or fortnight basis• After tenancy cleaning

•Pre and after party cleaning, including weekends• One off cleaning •All our cleaners are fully vetted, insured and take pride in what they do.

The Rotary Club of Enfield Chase For bookings or additional information please contact us: Meets on Thursday mornings from tel:01707 659915 email:info@domestico.co.uk www.domestico.co.uk 7.30am until 8.30 am in the Coffee Lounge, Enfield Baptist Church, • Digital Aerials Cecil Road, Enfield Town. For more • DAB Domestico4.indd 1 24/8/10 information call 020 8367 7278

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Dance Classes Latin and Ballroom Combining the elegance of Ballroom with the dynamic Latin American dances these nice ‘n’ easy fun introductory classes will ease even the most hesitant firsttime dancer on to the dance floor with confidence.

WEDNESDAYS 8:00 – 8:45 Improvers/Intermediate Class 8:45 – 9:30 Beginners Class 9:30 – 10:15 Social Dancing for all levels St Thomas’ Hall 79a Prince George Avenue Oakwood N14 4SN Car park is at the rear of the building. Call 07903 244085 for details

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• Free Estimates Call John on 07957 493933 or 01707 859708 www.rocketaerials.co.uk

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No cold calling no - catalogues to deliver Call Pat for further information 020 8245 3856 www.being-wealthy.co.uk

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Vera Avenue Grange Park N21 1RJ on Wednesday evenings 7:008:15 PM £1.50 followed with Mainstream and Plus Dancing till 10:00 PM Singles & couples welcome. Full information from Ted 020-8360-5569

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to have your business, event or club listed here and on-line visit www.enmagazine.co.uk or email editorial@enmagazine.co.uk

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