Tag: Local News

As winter casts its magical glow over North London, the borough of Enfield is buzzing with festive anticipation. For those dreaming of a home that combines a strong sense of community with excellent local amenities, Enfield offers a compelling proposition. The area’s vibrant spirit is on full display this season, and there’s no better place to experience it than at the Enfield Town Christmas Market.

On Sunday, 14th December, the historic Market Place will transform into a winter wonderland from 9am to 4pm. This much-loved community event is the perfect opportunity to soak up the festive atmosphere while supporting local enterprise. Visitors can explore a delightful array of stalls, offering everything from unique, handcrafted gifts to delicious street food that will tempt any palate. It’s a day of family fun, where neighbours connect and the cheerful spirit of the season comes alive, creating a warm and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.

This vibrant community life is a cornerstone of Enfield’s appeal. Beyond the festive events, the borough boasts beautiful green spaces like Trent Park and Forty Hall, providing a tranquil escape from city life. The property market here remains resilient, with the average house price at £482,000 as of September 2025, showing a steady 1.3% increase year-on-year, outperforming the wider London trend. With excellent transport links via the Overground and National Rail services, commuting is a breeze. First-time buyers are also finding opportunities, with average prices around £409,000. Enfield truly represents a perfect blend of suburban charm and city convenience, making it an ideal place to put down roots and create lasting memories, especially during this magical time of year.

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In an exciting development for Enfield’s educational landscape, six Catholic schools are poised to join the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust (SFACAT). This strategic move, involving two secondary and four primary schools, marks a significant expansion aimed at bolstering the quality of education for the Christian community in North London.

The schools in question—St Ignatius College, St Anne’s Catholic High School, St George’s Catholic Primary School, St Edmund’s Catholic Primary School, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, and St Monica’s Catholic Primary School—have all secured governing body approval to proceed with their applications for academy conversion and trust membership. This initiative aligns with the national strategy, endorsed by Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols, encouraging Catholic voluntary-aided schools to transition to academy status within Catholic academy trusts.

SFACAT, which has been nurturing educational excellence for four years, currently oversees nine schools, having recently welcomed St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in Cheshunt. The addition of these Enfield schools is expected to further enhance the trust’s ability to provide robust educational support and maintain the schools’ distinctive ethos within their local communities.

Importantly, the academisation process promises not to alter the schools’ unique identities or their integral roles in the community. Each school will engage in thorough consultations with parents, staff, and stakeholders, ensuring that all voices are heard before final decisions are made.

The conversion process is anticipated to conclude between late 2026 and early 2027, with formal consultations set to commence soon. As always, Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents is here to support the community through these transitions, offering expert advice and services to families navigating these changes.

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Dyspla, an innovative arts group from Enfield, has been shortlisted for the esteemed Peugeot’s Artist of the Future Award. Their thought-provoking project, ‘Enfield is Disabled’, has captured the attention of the art world, standing out among nine other contenders. Originally developed during a residency at Arbeit Studio, this digital artwork is now set to grace the prestigious halls of the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea. The exhibition opens its doors on Saturday, 25th November, and will run until January, culminating in the announcement of the winner on Tuesday, 25th November.

The competition is fierce, with ten talented artists from Enfield showcasing their work. Dyspla’s mission is to elevate the voices and creativity of neurodivergent and disabled artists within the community, and this nomination is a testament to their dedication and impact. The winner of this coveted award will not only earn the title of ‘Artist of the Future 2025’ but also receive a generous cash prize of £10,000.

For those of us in Enfield, this nomination is a source of immense pride. It highlights the rich tapestry of talent and creativity that thrives within our community. At Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents, we are passionate about supporting local initiatives and celebrating the achievements of our neighbours. This recognition of Dyspla’s work underscores the vibrant cultural scene in Enfield, making it an even more attractive place to live and work.

We encourage everyone to visit the Saatchi Gallery to experience the exhibition firsthand and support our local artists. As always, Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents is here to assist with any property needs, offering expert advice and services to help you find your perfect home in this dynamic community.

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In the heart of Enfield, a remarkable milestone has been celebrated at Hammond Opticians, where the esteemed optometrist Deven Lakhani has marked 25 years of dedicated service. Since joining the practice, Mr Lakhani has not only become a pillar of the community but has also elevated the practice to new heights of clinical excellence.

Hammond Opticians, nestled on London Road, has been a staple of the Enfield community since its founding in 1932. Under the leadership of Mr Lakhani, who became director in October 2000, the practice has continued to flourish. As the third owner, following the footsteps of the Hammond family, Mr Lakhani has upheld the tradition of exceptional eye care while infusing modern advancements into the practice.

With a career spanning over three decades, Mr Lakhani’s expertise in myopia management, contact lenses, diabetes, and glaucoma has been instrumental in the practice’s success. His commitment to patient care and clinical excellence has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the numerous accolades Hammond Opticians has received. In the past two years alone, the practice has proudly garnered five awards, including the prestigious Independent Opticians of the Year from the London Prestige Awards.

To commemorate this significant anniversary, Hammond Opticians hosted a joyous two-day celebration on October 3 and 4. The event was a testament to the strong bond between the practice and the local community, with patients and residents joining in the festivities. A raffle was held, with proceeds generously donated to the Enfield Food Bank, further highlighting the practice’s dedication to giving back.

At Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents, we celebrate such community milestones and are always here to support local businesses and residents alike. Here’s to many more years of visionary service at Hammond Opticians!

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