Good morning and Happy New Year!

It’s Monday, 6th January 2025, and the festive season is officially behind us. The holiday trees and twinkling lights are coming down—if they haven’t already—but you can bet the final touches of the season will fade away this week. What lingers, however, are the Winter sales and perhaps a few lingering Christmas gift returns.

It’s been a while since our last newsletter, but don’t worry—we’ve been busy behind the scenes, reorganizing and refreshing our format to bring you the most exciting stories and events that remind you why Enfield is such a great place to live and work.

Here’s what we’ve got in store for you today:

• Enfield Stands Strong: Residents and supporters defied the weather to represent Enfield Council at the London New Year’s Day Parade.

• Raising Eyebrows: The Enfield Dispatch’s January edition has sparked lively discussions in the community.

• Acts of Kindness: Meet the Good Samaritans making a difference right here in Enfield.

And that’s just the beginning. Stay tuned for more updates and stories that celebrate the heart of our community.

Let’s dive in!

MEME OF THE DAY

NEWS AT A GLANCE

Enfield Shines Through Rain at London New Year’s Day Parade

You might not know how many Enfield residents braved the rain for the New Year’s Day Parade, but you’ll certainly want to know who brought them together. Local optician and community champion Garry Kousoulou single-handedly coordinated Enfield’s parade entry at the request of Mayor Mohammad Islam, becoming a true local hero in the process.

Fueled by Garry’s infectious enthusiasm, a diverse array of residents, groups, and businesses came together to make the event unforgettable. Participants included Bengali dancers, Gardener’s Trees, Centre Transport Sales, Red Eyewear, Gordon Thomas Opticians, Fieldtown Newsletters, and Supple Feet. Direct Boot sponsored custom T-shirts featuring the Enfield logo alongside flags representing the borough’s many nationalities.

Two local charities, Mission to Raise Awareness for MS and Family Based Solutions, joined the parade, while the environmental group N0CO2 pledged to plant trees in Madagascar to offset the event’s carbon footprint. The theme of the borough’s entry celebrated Enfield’s rich diversity, with banners and T-shirts resembling a multilingual eye test chart showcasing some of the 88 languages spoken in the community.

Mayor Islam was deeply impressed by the effort and spirit of the event. “What Garry has created goes beyond a parade entry,” he said. “It’s a living, breathing testament to Enfield’s spirit of inclusivity.”

Reflecting on the day, Garry said: “When you see hundreds of people marching together, wearing these shirts, speaking different languages, but moving as one community – that’s magic.”

Despite the challenging weather, the energy and enthusiasm on display were undeniable. With better conditions, one can only imagine what Enfield might achieve in future parades. Residents are already being urged to look forward to the 2026 New Year’s Day Parade. Let’s keep our eyes on the prize and make the next event even bigger and better!

Enfield Council Criticised for Failing to Protect Whitewebbs Park Amid Controversial Lease Deal

Following the publication of Enfield Dispatch’s January Edition last week, there’s been a lot of talk about Whitewebbs Park. This is what we know. Whitewebbs Park, one of Enfield’s treasured green spaces, has become the centre of a heated debate following the decision by Enfield Council to lease it to Tottenham Hotspur Football Club for use as a training ground. While the agreement includes provisions for public access and maintenance, local wildlife experts and campaigners have raised serious concerns about the long-term impact on the park’s ecological integrity and community value.

Whitewebbs Park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including rare and protected species. Local conservationists warn that the council has failed to take adequate steps to safeguard the park’s natural habitats in the leasing process. Critics point to the absence of a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, which they say is crucial for understanding and mitigating potential harm to the area’s biodiversity.

“The council has a responsibility to protect these green spaces,” a local wildlife advocate said. “Without clear safeguards, we risk losing the very things that make Whitewebbs so special.”

The lease has divided opinion among residents. Supporters argue that the agreement could bring much-needed investment and improvements to the park, ensuring its upkeep for years to come. However, many others fear the deal prioritizes commercial interests over the needs of the environment and the local community.

Campaign groups have mobilized, with petitions and public demonstrations calling for stricter ecological oversight. Residents worry that increased activity and infrastructure changes could disrupt the tranquility of the park and limit its accessibility for recreational use.

“This park is more than just land—it’s a sanctuary for wildlife and a vital space for the community,” said one campaigner. “We need assurances that it will remain protected.”

Enfield Council has defended the lease, highlighting commitments from Tottenham Hotspur to maintain significant areas of public access and invest in the park’s maintenance. They argue that the partnership will ensure the park’s sustainability, but critics contend that these measures do not address key environmental concerns.

The controversy surrounding Whitewebbs Park reflects a larger challenge faced by many urban areas: how to balance development with the preservation of green spaces. As cities grow, these spaces play an increasingly important role in supporting biodiversity, promoting mental health, and fostering community connection.

For Fieldtown readers, this issue serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed and engaged. Whether through petitions, public meetings, or community groups, residents have an opportunity to shape the future of their green spaces.

Fieldtown will continue to follow this story, keeping you updated on developments and ways to get involved in the effort to protect Whitewebbs Park.

Palmers Green Faces Sharp Decline in Bank Branches Amid Digital Shift

The rise of digital banking has transformed the way people manage their finances, offering unparalleled convenience for tasks like checking balances, transferring funds, and paying bills. Yet, this shift has come at a cost: the decline of traditional bank branches and the jobs that rely on them. The impact has been particularly acute in areas like Palmers Green, where high street banking options are dwindling.

Halifax is set to close its Green Lanes branch next Thursday (9th), making it the fifth major bank to leave the N13 area in just three years. The closures of Nationwide, Lloyds, HSBC, and Barclays have already left the community with limited choices. Once Halifax shuts its doors, only NatWest and Santander will remain in Palmers Green.

In its review, Halifax cited a sharp drop in branch usage. Between 2019 and 2024, customer transactions decreased by 54%, and cash machine withdrawals fell by 17%. Additionally, 88% of the branch’s customers had used alternative banking methods, including online services or other Halifax locations, during the six months leading up to April 2024. The branch was reportedly serving just 265 regular customers.

Halifax has directed its Palmers Green clients to its Southgate or Wood Green branches for in-person services. In a statement, the bank explained: “Most customers are now using our mobile banking app, online banking, or calling us instead. This means they are using branches, including our Palmers Green branch, much less. Because of this, we’ll be closing our Palmers Green branch.”

While online banking has brought significant benefits, the loss of physical branches raises concerns for residents who rely on in-person services, including older individuals and those less familiar with digital platforms. The closures reflect a broader trend across the banking industry, leaving communities like Palmers Green to navigate the challenges of reduced local services in an increasingly digital age.

Community Spirit Soars in Enfield: A Lost Plane and a Heartwarming Rescue

Enfield is a place where kindness and community spirit take centre stage, even in the most unexpected situations. This holiday season, a heartwarming story unfolded in Enfield Fields, proving that even the simplest of challenges can bring a community together.

It all began with a young boy who, thrilled with his new remote-controlled airplane gifted by Santa, begged his parents to take it out for its maiden flight. Enfield Fields, with its open spaces and lack of obstacles, seemed like the perfect spot. However, in a twist of fate, the airplane ended up stuck high in a tree, leaving the child heartbroken and his parents at a loss.

Despite their best efforts—throwing balls and brainstorming solutions—the plane remained out of reach. Determined to help their little pilot, the family turned to social media, sharing photos of the stranded airplane and asking for assistance. The response from Enfield residents was nothing short of extraordinary.

Suggestions poured in, from hiring a tree surgeon to using creative DIY solutions. Among the responders was a kind-hearted man who regularly walked his dog in the area. He promised to keep an eye on the plane over the weekend, exchanging contact details with the family. True to his word, the man spotted the airplane after it fell from the tree and safely retrieved it. He quickly contacted the family, bringing immense joy to the young boy and his parents.

Overflowing with gratitude, the mother decided to pay it forward by making a donation to a local charity, turning the ordeal into an act of kindness that would benefit others. Social media was abuzz with uplifting comments, celebrating the community’s collective effort and showcasing the remarkable spirit that defines Enfield.

This small but powerful story highlights the essence of Enfield—a place where neighbors look out for one another, and even the simplest of acts can bring joy and connection. It’s moments like these that make Enfield not just a great place to live, but a truly special community to be a part of.

Favourite Finds

🚉 Transportation

The Origins of Turkey Street Station’s name explained by a YouTuber (Jago Hazzard)

Week Weather

Monday 6th

12°C 🌡️ 0°C | ⛅️ Gusty winds and heavy rain | ☀️ Sunrise 08:06 Sunset 16:07

Tuesday 7th

4°C 🌡️ -3°C | ⛅️ Sunny intervals and a moderate breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 08:05 Sunset 16:08

Wednesday 8th 🎅 

2°C 🌡️ -2°C | 🌤️ Sunny intervals and light winds | ☀️ Sunrise 08:06 Sunset 16:10

Thursday 9th

2°C 🌡️ -3°C | 🌤️ Sunny and gentle breeze | ☀️ Sunrise 08:05 Sunset 16:11

UPCOMING EVENTS

Timeless Resilience - An After Maghrib Event

🗓️ Date: 11th January 2025
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, Edmonton, London N18 1PJ

Join us for Timeless Resilience, an inspiring convention that bridges the profound lessons and legacies of Imam Ali (AS) with the resilience and activism our world so desperately needs today. This inaugural After Maghrib event promises to be more than just a gathering—it’s the start of a movement.

Featuring:

• 12 dynamic speakers from around the globe

• Three live podcast panels

• Performances by renowned reciters

• Interactive game shows

• And much more!

This is an opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this powerful and transformative event.

🎟️ Tickets:

• Adults: £20

• Students: £18

• Youth: £15

Be part of the conversation. Be part of the movement. See you there!

The George Harrison Project 2025

🗓️ Date: 18th January 2025
🕢 Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, Edmonton, London N18 1PJ
🎟️ Tickets: £25

Celebrate the music of a Beatles legend with the UK's leading George Harrison tribute! Experience iconic hits from The Beatles, his solo career, and The Traveling Wilburys in an unforgettable live show.

Don’t miss this hit-packed tribute—fun for all ages!

Joyful Crocheting Workshop

🗓️ Date: Saturday, 11th January 2025
🕒 Time: 10:00AM
📍 Location: DAC Main Space, Dugdale Arts Centre, 39 London Road, Enfield, EN2 6DS

Unleash your creativity and find inspiration at the Joyful Crocheting Workshop! Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter refining your skills or a beginner starting a new hobby for the year, this workshop is perfect for all levels.

🧶 Details:

• Ticket Price: £12 (workshop only)

• Optional Beginner Kit: +£7 (includes a Basic Crochet Kit)

• What to Bring: Your own skein of yarn and crochet hook (or purchase the optional kit).

Join a group of like-minded crocheteers, relax, and create something beautiful. The workshop will be held at the café tables in the DAC main space. For any questions, please ask at the welcome desk.

Website Creation & Coding Workshop

🗓️ Dates:

• 18th January 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• 25th January 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

• 1st February 2025, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📍 Location: DAC Main Space, Dugdale Arts Centre, 39 London Road, Enfield, EN2 6DS

💻 Hosted by: Atypify

Calling all neurodivergent females and nonbinary individuals aged 14+! Join this free, hands-on workshop to dive into the world of web development. Learn to create your own websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and boost your digital skills in a supportive, fun environment.

🎟️ Tickets: Free – Book yours here!

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, create, and connect!

Do Us A Little Favour

We need your help to grow the Fieldtown community, and we’d love it if you could share our newsletter with your friends and family. To show our appreciation, we’ve prepared some exciting rewards for those who go the extra mile:

🎉 Get 3 people to sign up: Receive a birthday shout-out in our newsletter.
🎉 Get 5 people to sign up: A birthday shout-out for you and your best mate.
🎉 Get 15 people to sign up: Dinner for two at a secret restaurant in Enfield—on us.
🎉 Get 100 people to sign up: A free Fieldtown branded hoodie (worth £65).
🎉 Get 1,000 people to sign up: A luxurious Spa Weekend for you and your best friend anywhere in Enfield and Hertfordshire.

Your support means the world to us, and every new subscriber brings us closer to building a stronger, more connected community. Share Fieldtown with your network today and help us grow!

That’s all for now!

Thanks for reading Fieldtown today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who loves Enfield as much as you do. 

Fieldtown Newsletter Team

MESSAGE US!

Have feedback for us or want to get your business in front of Enfield locals? Email us at [email protected].