News, comment and features

In the face of unprecedented demand, Cooking Champions have introduced new procedures for their food bank and are appealing for more volunteers and donations.

On Saturday 11th March tens of thousands of people - NHS staff and concerned patients and public - amassed outside University College Hospital at the start of a nationwide demonstration under the slogan SOS NHS!. Members of local campaign group Defend Enfield NHS were pleased and proud to be in the thick of it as protesters went on to march through central London to Downing Street.

Enfield Council is seeking residents' views on two projects within the Bowes Primary quieter neighbourhood. One will create a walking and cycling route between the two low-traffic neighbourhoods on either side of Brownlow Road; the other involves creating 'a space for people to enjoy' at the junction of Maidstone Road and Warwick Road.

It was a day for celebrations in Southgate on Sunday, as people got together to mark the 90th anniversary of the first day of operation of the Piccadilly Line extension from Arnos Grove to Oakwood, and in particular the opening of Southgate Station. Naturally, there was a birthday cake, created by local shop Wiltons.

Ahead of a meeting of Enfield Council's Environment and Climate Change Scrutiny Panel, members of Enfield Climate Action Forum's air pollution working group have written to all councillors who are members of the Forum to draw attention to a document which the working group submitted during a consultation last year, setting out actions that they consider important for incorporation in the borough's next Air Quality Action Plan.

People from Palmers Green were among more than 1100 cyclists who took to the streets of central London on Sunday for the Women's Freedom Ride, and the main organiser of the ride was a PG resident. It was a joyous celebration, but carried a serious message: a demand for a better deal for women cyclists throughout London.

Celebrate World Book Day with Palmers Green Libraries by having a go at our Guess the Author quiz!

The Ruth Winston Community Centre celebrated its 62nd birthday this week. Various new activities and classes will be starting soon.

Local singing and voice coach Simon Gilbert is back at the Ruth Winston Centre helping people learn to project their voice and personality, build self-confidence and discover the Real You.

Recent news items posted on the Friends of Broomfield Park's website include updates on plans to memorialise Broomfield House and to refill the model boating pond, plus the story of local characters Julia, Caesar, Dozy, Beaky and Titch and their successful campaign to defend themselves from a lonely outsider.

On Tuesday last week people gathered in the function room at the Fox to celebrate the awarding by Enfield Council of a Lifetime Achievement award to Roger Hallam, who until a couple of years ago lived in Burford Gardens, and before that in Old Park Road. Francis Sealey tells us why Roger was given the award.

At 2.30 on Sunday 12th March, people will come together to sing Happy Birthday to Southgate Station, marking 90 years, less one day, since its first day in passenger operation in 1933. The sing-a-long will be just over half way through a day of celebration and festivities, which will include behind-the-scenes tours of the striking Streamline Moderne station (book now or you'll miss your chance).