Good Morning and Happy Monday!! 

It’s the 28th January, the weather might be gloomy, but we’re all about finding silver linings—and with payday week upon us, there’s a little extra reason to smile as our wallets get a much-needed breather.

In this edition, we’re diving into key topics shaping our community, including:

• The challenges of Enfield’s budget blackhole and its impact on residents.

• The completion of the Liveable Neighbourhood project.

• 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz.

• The latest updates from the Towners.

Plus, don’t miss our roundup of exciting events happening across Enfield, featuring highlights from Dugdale, Chickenshed, Enfield Libraries, and the Millfield Theatre. Let’s make the most of the week ahead!

If you’re new here, welcome to the Fieldtown Newsletter—your hub for news, events, and stories in Enfield! Got a local issue, community achievement, or topic suggestion? We’d love to hear from you. Let’s stay connected!

Stay warm, stay informed, and enjoy this week’s edition!

Now, let’s dive in 💌 

MEME OF THE DAY

NEWS AT A GLANCE

Enfield Council’s Budget Battle and Its Impact on Our Community

Enfield Council is grappling with significant financial challenges, with budget cuts looming as resources are stretched thin. Limited funding has forced tough decisions, prioritising some services over others.

Cllr Tim Leaver, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, acknowledged the pressures, citing years of government underfunding, rising demand for social care, and the homelessness crisis as key issues. Despite these hurdles, he emphasised the council's commitment to setting a balanced budget, applying for Exceptional Financial Support to protect against future risks without additional debt.

While concerns about the council’s financial outlook remain, it’s essential for the community to stay informed and engaged. Let’s support thoughtful decision-making and keep residents' well-being at the forefront. Stay tuned for updates on how these decisions could shape our town.

Phase 1 of the Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhood Project Officially Completed

After months of anticipation, Phase 1 of the Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhood project was officially unveiled over the weekend in a lively ribbon-cutting ceremony at Saddlers Square. Originally slated for completion in November 2024, the project’s first phase was launched on Saturday, 25 January 2025, at 1:00 PM, with a celebratory atmosphere as residents and stakeholders gathered to witness the transformation.

The Council expressed its excitement about the project’s completion, which marks a significant step towards creating a more accessible, green, and vibrant town centre.

Phase 1 has introduced a host of improvements to Enfield Town, including:

• Cecil Road Upgrades: A brand-new signalised crossing connecting Library Green to Town Park for safer pedestrian access.

• Saddlers Square: This revamped junction of Church Street and Little Park Gardens features new seating areas and rain gardens, offering both functionality and beauty.

• Community-Inspired Designs: Unique stepping posts and river path features co-designed with children from George Spicer School, complemented by poetry from the Enfield Poets.

• Library Green Enhancements: A widened diagonal footpath and realigned pedestrian crossing seamlessly link the town centre with Town Park.

• Raised Table on Cecil Road: Improving pedestrian safety and accessibility.

• Greener and Wider Walkways: Along the high street, with additional greening and resurfaced carriageways for a refreshed look.

Following the ribbon-cutting, attendees enjoyed refreshments at the nearby Dugdale Centre, rounding off the day with a sense of community pride and optimism for the future.

Stay tuned for more updates on this project and what’s next for the Enfield Town Liveable Neighbourhood initiative, as efforts continue to make Enfield a more liveable and sustainable place for all.

A Bright Start for Enfield’s Families: £1.5 Million Funding Boost

Families in Enfield are set to benefit from £1.5 million in government funding to enhance Start for Life services, supporting parents and children up to age two.

The funding will provide advice on pregnancy, infant feeding, early language development, and creating a positive home learning environment, while also improving mental health and strengthening bonds between babies and caregivers.

Part of a £126 million national initiative, the funding targets areas with higher deprivation to ensure families receive the support they need. For Enfield, the £1.5 million builds on investments in the borough’s Youth and Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme, with hubs now open at Ponders End and Craig Park.

The funding has also enabled the introduction of tools like Anya, a breastfeeding and parenting app, and Qwell, a free mental health service for adults.

Cllr Abdul Abdullahi, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:

"This funding supports our mission to give every child a healthy, happy start and ensures parents and caregivers have the resources they need during these crucial early years."

This comes as Enfield Council prepares its Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2024–30, which prioritises thriving children, better nutrition, improved mental health, and early interventions to empower families.

This investment is a step towards a brighter future for Enfield’s youngest residents—be sure to explore the resources and services available to support your family.

Discover Enfield’s Hidden Gems: Revised Local Heritage List Announced

Enfield’s most treasured buildings, schools, and landmarks have been added to the updated Local Heritage List, featuring 48 new entries that celebrate the borough’s rich and diverse history.

With contributions from over 40 volunteers and the Enfield Society, the list highlights hidden gems, including:

• Slades Hill Gun Emplacement – a wartime relic.

• North Middlesex University Hospital Administration Building – a historic architectural landmark.

• Two Brewers Pub Memorial Garden – a beloved community space.

• Gilpin’s Bell – a historic pub with a rich past.

• New River Loop – a peaceful slice of local history.

Cllr Ergin Erbil described the update as a reflection of Enfield’s heritage and vibrant communities, while John West of the Enfield Society praised the collaboration behind the project.

Take a moment to explore these remarkable sites and celebrate the stories that make Enfield unique. Discover the list today!

THE WORLD

The World Remembers Auschwitz 80 Years After Liberation

Eighty years after Auschwitz's liberation, survivors, now in their late 80s and 90s, led commemorations to honor the 1.1 million victims, mostly Jews, murdered at the Nazi death camp. Among them was 94-year-old Jona Laks, who survived with her twin sister, calling Auschwitz a "laboratory for killing people."

Ceremonies at Auschwitz I and Birkenau included wreath-laying at the "Death Wall" and "Death Gate," attended by dignitaries like King Charles and Emmanuel Macron. Russia, whose troops liberated the camp in 1945, was absent due to the Ukraine conflict.

The event highlighted the Holocaust's horrors, with survivors recounting gas chambers, medical experiments, and the selection process. Historians stressed the urgency of preserving their testimonies as their numbers decline.

Auschwitz, the largest of six extermination camps in Poland, claimed millions of lives, including Jews, Poles, Roma, and Soviet prisoners. The survivors' message remains clear: the world must never forget and ensure such atrocities never happen again.

Crews Hill’s Iconic Pet Shop Listed for Sale: What’s Behind the Move?

According to a Friday report by the Enfield Dispatch, Jollyes, a long-standing pet shop on Theobalds Park Road in Crews Hill, has been listed for sale. Open since 1971, the shop is part of the Jollyes brand, which now has over 100 stores nationwide and was recently acquired by TDR Capital, the parent company of Asda.

While Jollyes remains a successful business, the reason for the Crews Hill branch’s sale is unclear. The Dispatch noted that many businesses in the area have been bought by housing developers since Enfield Council earmarked Crews Hill for potential Green Belt de-designation and 5,500 homes in its Local Plan. However, the listing describes Jollyes as a “retail premises,” with no evidence suggesting it is intended for redevelopment.

The sale raises questions about whether changing local dynamics or corporate strategies are driving the decision. As Crews Hill faces increasing development pressure, the community will watch closely to see how this sale plan fits into the broader picture.

New Second-Hand Furniture Shop Opens in Edmonton, Supporting Sustainability and Community Impact

A new second-hand furniture shop has opened in Edmonton Green Shopping Centre, offering affordable home goods while promoting sustainability. Run by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), the shop champions the circular economy by giving preloved furniture a new life.

The store features a wide range of items, from sofas and beds to wardrobes and white goods, all curated by staff and volunteers. Positioned at the heart of the community, it invites locals to shop sustainably and support a great cause.

Sean Connor, BHF’s area manager, praised the community’s support:
"The response has been amazing, from donations to shoppers visiting us. We’re excited to be part of Edmonton Green and look forward to welcoming everyone."

With new stock arriving daily and a free collection service for donations, the shop makes it easy for locals to participate. Proceeds support the BHF’s lifesaving research, and the team is also seeking volunteers to help in-store.

Located in the north square of Edmonton Green Shopping Centre, this shop is more than a place to find bargains—it’s a step towards a more sustainable and connected community. Stop by, donate, or volunteer to make an impact.

FOOTBALL

Weymouth 1 Enfield Town 1

Town Denied Vital Win by Last-Minute Penalty Heartbreak

Town’s survival hopes took another blow as a stoppage-time penalty saw them draw 1-1 with Weymouth, leaving them stuck in the relegation zone. Dominating possession and creating the better chances, Town looked set for a crucial win after Youngs converted an 85th-minute penalty. However, a needless foul by Bailey Brown in added time gifted Weymouth a lifeline, with Jake McCarthy smashing home the equalizer.

The match was marred by setbacks for Town, including a serious knee injury to Lennon Peake and a straight red card for Xavier Benjamin. Manager Gavin Macpherson slammed Brown’s error as “the stupidest thing I’ve seen in a long time” and lamented his team’s inability to finish chances.

With injuries and suspensions mounting, Town’s fight for survival grows ever more precarious, while Weymouth escaped with a point they scarcely deserved.

WEEK WEATHER 🌧️ 

Monday 27th January

8°C 🌡️ 7°C | 🌧️ Light rain and fresh breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 07:47 Sunset 16:40

Tuesday 28th January

9°C 🌡️ 3°C | 🌧️ Light rain and moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 07:46 Sunset 16:41

Wednesday 29th January 

11°C 🌡️ 8°C | ☁️ Light rain showers and gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 07:44 Sunset 16:43

Thursday 30th January

6°C 🌡️ -1°C | ☁️ Light rain and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 07:43 Sunset 16:45

EVENTS - MUSICAL - THEATRE- SHOWS

Alba Rosa 2025 – Film Screening & Q&A in Aid of North London Hospice

📅 30th January 2025
🕖 7 PM
📍 Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, Edmonton, London N18 1PJ

Join us for a special screening of Alba Rosa, a gripping exploration of grief starring Nicola Wright (Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey, Sexy Beast). The film follows Grace as she struggles to cope with the violent loss of her husband, navigating depression and strained relationships.

After the screening, enjoy an in-person Q&A with lead actress Nicola Wright, writer Tommy Kear, producer Jeffrey Salkilld, and representatives from North London Hospice, Brenda and Simon, who will share insights on supporting bereaved carers.

🎟️ Tickets: £7 + booking fee
All proceeds support North London Hospice.

Book now and help make a difference!

The Marvin Gaye Songbook 2025 – A Celebration of the Prince of Motown

📅 1st February 2025
🕢 7:30 PM
📍 Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, Edmonton, London N18 1PJ

Get ready to groove as we pay tribute to the legendary Marvin Gaye in this spectacular live show! Featuring all the hits, from I Heard It Through the Grapevine and Sexual Healing to Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and What’s Going On, this unforgettable concert recreates Marvin’s magical sound with respect and soul.

Starring West End and X Factor star Nate Simpson, fresh from his role as Bob Marley in Get Up, Stand Up!, and backed by a superb live band of West End musicians, this is two hours of pure Motown magic.

🎟️ Tickets: £31.50 & £29.50
For wheelchair-accessible seating, please call our box office directly.

Don’t miss this musical journey through Marvin’s chart-topping hits—book your tickets today!

The Legends of American Country Show 2025

📅 5th February 2025
🕢 7:30 PM
📍 Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, Edmonton, London N18 1PJ

Europe’s No.1 country music show returns for a night of toe-tapping nostalgia! Celebrate legends like Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Kenny Rogers, and more, with new tributes to icons like Hank Williams and Garth Brooks.

Starring Kelan Browne, Tracey McAuley, and Antony McBrien, plus a live band, the show brings the sounds of Nashville to life.

🎟️ Tickets: £26.50
For accessible seating, call our box office.

Don’t miss this award-winning celebration of classic country—book now!

Enfield Youth’s Got Talent 2025

📅 13th February 2025
🕕 6 PM
📍 Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, Edmonton, London N18 1PJ

Get ready for a night of incredible performances as young talents from Enfield take the stage! From singers and dancers to musicians, poets, and magicians, Enfield Youth’s Got Talent showcases the extraordinary creativity and passion of performers aged 11–19.

With diverse acts, a panel of judges, and audience voting, this electrifying event celebrates youth, self-expression, and the power of art. The night concludes with an exciting award ceremony to honour the top talents.

🎟️ Tickets: Adults £2 | Children £1
For wheelchair access, please call our box office.

Don’t miss this inspiring celebration of young talent—secure your tickets today!

Join the Black Film Club – A Celebration of Black Cinema!

🎬 Enfield Caribbean Association and Dugdale Arts Centre are proud to present the Black Film Club, showcasing the best of Black talent and stories through film. From heartwarming romcoms to animated adventures and cult classics, our pilot season has something for everyone.

📅 31st Jan – 20th Mar 2025
🎟️ Special Introductory Tickets: £5 / £3 for kids under 12

Featured Screenings:

• Rye Lane (2023) – Fri, 31st Jan, 7 PM
  Two strangers connect over an unforgettable day in South London. Followed by a DJ party with themed cocktails!

• The Wild Robot (2024) – Sat, 22nd Feb, 11 AM
  A robot’s adventure on a deserted island—perfect for kids. Stay for face painting and robot-building fun!

• Babylon (1980) – Thu, 20th Mar, 2 PM
  Experience the life of Black youth in 1980s London. Join a post-film discussion with special guests.

Come watch, connect, and celebrate Black cinema with us. Book your tickets now!

Jo Collins & Friends – Live at Chickenshed

📅 Sunday, 9 February 2025
🕖 Doors Open 7 PM | Music Starts 8 PM
📍 Chickenshed, Chase Side, Southgate, N14 4PE

Join the immensely talented Jo Collins, Co-Founder of Chickenshed, for an unforgettable evening of live music. From pop and soul to funk and folk, enjoy an eclectic set of covers performed with her incredible in-house band.

🎶 Running time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including interval)
All proceeds support Chickenshed’s vital work.

Bring your friends and experience the magic! Book now!

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Wishing you a fantastic rest of your day!

Cheers,
Editor-in-chief | Emeka Ogbonnaya

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