Tag: Local News

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Women’s Walking Football Flourishes in Harlow

Paringdon Pirates Football Club is thrilled to announce the launch of a new women’s only walking football training session, thanks to a generous grant from Active Essex. This exciting development aims to introduce more local women to the sport, offering a delightful blend of fun, fitness, and friendly competition, regardless of age or experience.

Every Thursday evening, from 7-8pm, St Albans School in Harlow transforms into a hub of energy and camaraderie. These sessions are tailored for women of all ages and abilities, welcoming everyone from complete novices to seasoned pros. The club proudly hosts participants ranging from their twenties to sixties, including some who have represented the England Women’s Walking Football Team. Others are experiencing the joy of kicking a ball for the very first time.

Walking football is a fantastic low-impact sport that retains all the excitement of traditional football but at a more leisurely pace. It’s perfect for those keen to stay active while minimising the risk of injury. Whether your goal is to get fit, have fun, or challenge yourself, Paringdon Pirates warmly welcomes all players. The club even enters two women’s teams into the over 40’s Essex League, providing a competitive edge for those eager to elevate their game.

To encourage newcomers, the club offers a free first session. Subsequent sessions are just £4, with a convenient pay-as-you-go system. Choose from two sessions: a mixed men’s and women’s session on Mondays or the women’s only session on Thursdays.

For more information or to sign up, contact Anna Hutson at 07759 283041 or via email at annahutson27@hotmail.com. Join in and experience the joy of walking football!

Image: Unsplash

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Free Trees for Londoners: Planting Joy

Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes a wonderful opportunity for Londoners to contribute to a greener future. A spirited campaign is underway, inviting residents to plant trees and help combat the global warming crisis. This initiative promises not only to protect our cherished open spaces but also to enrich our urban environment with lush greenery and vibrant wildlife habitats.

In a heartening call to action, conservation volunteers are seeking enthusiastic individuals from all walks of life to join their free planting sessions. Whether you’re a seasoned environmentalist or a newcomer eager to make a difference, everyone is welcome. The campaign has garnered support from the Mayor of London, Haringey Council, and various local authorities and community groups, underscoring the collective commitment to a sustainable future.

City Hall is generously distributing 70,000 saplings, adding to the impressive tally of over half-a-million trees funded since 2016. These efforts are crucial in enhancing London’s resilience to climate change while providing habitats for birds, insects, and other wildlife. Already, 100,000 trees have been shared with schools and community groups, fostering a sense of community and environmental stewardship.

Recently, Deputy London Mayor Mete Coban joined volunteers at Railway Fields nature reserve in Harringay, emphasising the vital role trees play in improving air quality and supporting wildlife. With the support of Haringey Council leaders, the initiative is gaining momentum, encouraging Londoners to embrace nature.

No experience is necessary to participate—just a willingness to roll up your sleeves and dig in. Tree packs are available for schools, community groups, and individuals, ensuring everyone can partake in this rewarding endeavour. Visit tcv.org.uk to secure your tree pack and join the movement to create vibrant green spaces that benefit both people and wildlife.

Image: Unsplash

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Discover Snowdrops: Winter’s Floral Gems

February may still be winter, but it brings the delightful promise of spring with the emergence of snowdrops. These delicate white blooms, peeking through the remnants of winter, are a testament to nature’s resilience. With their hardened leaf tips and natural antifreeze, snowdrops are a marvel of survival, captivating many with their beauty.

The history of snowdrops in Britain is as intriguing as the flowers themselves. While some believe they arrived with the Romans, others suggest Italian monks introduced them in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Regardless of their origins, snowdrops have become a beloved symbol of the changing seasons.

For those enchanted by these blooms, known as Galanthophiles, snowdrops are more than just flowers. With 20 species and thousands of varieties, enthusiasts and breeders continually seek to cultivate new and unique types. Notably, Cambridgeshire breeder Joe Sharman made headlines with his ‘Golden Tears’ variety, selling for a staggering £1,850.

Locally, there are numerous opportunities to witness these enchanting displays. Anglesey Abbey, a National Trust site, offers guided tours throughout February, showcasing their impressive collection. In Norfolk, East Ruston Old Vicarage hosts a Snowdrop Day, while Thorpe Market Church combines snowdrop viewing with art and refreshments.

Suffolk’s Fullers Mill Garden and Cambridgeshire’s Chippenham Park are also must-visit locations, each offering unique experiences and the chance to purchase snowdrops. Essex and Hertfordshire boast several gardens open for snowdrop viewing, with events like Snowdrop Sundays at Daws Hall Nature Reserve.

For those inspired to bring snowdrops into their own gardens, planting them ‘in the green’ is recommended. The Royal Horticultural Society provides excellent guidance on this, ensuring your garden can enjoy these resilient blooms for years to come.

Image: Unsplash

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February Challenge: 12 Miles, 12 Charities

This February, Helping Herts invites you to embark on a rewarding journey with the “12 Miles for 12 Charities 2025 Challenge.” This initiative, spearheaded by the official charity of Stort Valley Rotary, encourages participants of all ages and abilities to walk, run, cycle, swim, or engage in any activity of their choice to support 12 Hertfordshire-based charities.

The challenge is a unique opportunity to unleash your creativity while fostering community spirit and teamwork. Whether you’re a dance school twirling through the high street or a group of friends taking a scenic walk, the possibilities are endless. The Helping Herts team once completed their 12 miles walking backwards, proving that fun and fundraising go hand in hand!

Local schools like The Adeyfield Academy, Simon Balle School, and St Albans Girls’ School are already on board, organising “Pedal for a Purpose” events. Their collective efforts will support the Herts Mind Network, with Helping Herts match-funding donations to amplify the impact.

Funds raised will benefit a spectrum of causes, including mental health, homelessness, education, and family support. Gordon Morrison, co-founder of Helping Herts, emphasises the simplicity and joy of the challenge, encouraging schools, scout groups, and local organisations to participate. Co-founder Jim Tatchell adds that whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just seeking a fun way to stay active, this challenge is a brilliant opportunity to do good while feeling great.

To join the challenge:

Sign up: Visit the event page at https://12milesfor12charities2025.heroes.help/ to register and start fundraising.
Complete the challenge: Cover 12 miles at your own pace, individually or as a group.
Share your journey: Use the hashtag #12MilesFor12Charities to inspire others and celebrate your achievements.
This is your chance to make a meaningful impact in your community. For more information and to sign up, visit www.helpingherts.com.

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Cricket Icon Backs Buntingford Cougars’ Progress

At Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents, we’re not just about property; we’re about community too. That’s why we’re thrilled to share the news about a local sports team, the Buntingford Cougars, receiving a significant boost from an unlikely source.

The Cougars have been the recipients of a generous donation from the Gigaclear Rural Sports Club Fund. This fund, backed by none other than England cricket legend and Strictly Come Dancing winner, Darren Gough, supports grassroots teams in rural communities. The Cougars, who play on various pitches around Buntingford, applied to the fund to purchase new goals for their younger players.

David Deane, a Buntingford Cougars executive committee member, expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting how quality equipment can enhance player performance and pride in the club. Darren Gough, the fund’s ambassador, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the fund’s role in supporting rural sports teams now and in the future.

Founded in 1971, the Buntingford Cougars is a community football club managed by local parents. The club welcomes young people of all abilities, aiming to bring out their best. Teams range from under-6s to seniors, with most playing in the Royston Crow League.

In addition to supporting local sports, Gigaclear is also contributing to the community by providing over 2,700 homes and businesses in Buntingford with access to full fibre broadband offering ultrafast speeds up to 900Mbps.

At Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents, we understand the value of community and the role of local sports in fostering a sense of belonging. We’re proud to be part of a community that supports its own, and we’re here to help you find your place in it. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent, our expert team is ready to assist you.

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Edmonton Film Night Supports Vital Hospice

As estate agents deeply rooted in the Edmonton community, we’re always keen to share meaningful local events that strengthen our neighbourhood bonds. The upcoming screening of Alba Rosa at Millfield Theatre represents exactly the kind of community spirit that makes North London such a special place to live.

This poignant independent film, centring on a bereaved woman named Grace, tackles the challenging subject of grief with sensitivity and depth. The screening, scheduled for Thursday, 30th January at 7.30pm, offers local residents more than just a cinema experience – it’s an opportunity to support the invaluable work of North London Hospice.

What makes this evening particularly special is the post-screening Q&A session. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with the creative team, including lead actress Nicola Wright, writer Tommy Kear, and producer Jeffrey Salkilld. Adding depth to the discussion will be representatives from North London Hospice, including their bereavement support specialist and a counsellor from their innovative Grief Café initiative.

As property professionals who regularly work with families during significant life transitions, we understand the importance of community support services. North London Hospice provides essential care not only to patients but also to their loved ones, making our area a more compassionate place to live.

The event exemplifies why Edmonton continues to attract homeowners looking for a strong community spirit. All proceeds from ticket sales will directly benefit the hospice, with additional contributions coming from DVD sales. We encourage our clients and neighbours to support this worthwhile cause while experiencing thought-provoking local cinema.

For those considering moving to Edmonton, events like these showcase the area’s vibrant community life and strong social conscience – factors that often influence property choices and contribute to the neighbourhood’s enduring appeal.

Image: Alba Rosa

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Majestic White Lionesses Find Forever Home

The property market isn’t the only place where finding the perfect forever home matters. This week, we’ve been following the heartwarming story of Hertfordshire Zoo’s beloved white lionesses, Izulu and Zuri, as they embark on their well-deserved retirement journey.

Just as we at Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents understand the importance of matching clients with their ideal homes, The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent has provided these majestic sisters with a carefully selected new habitat. The two-hour journey from Broxbourne marked the end of an era for Hertfordshire Zoo (formerly Paradise Wildlife Park) and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for these remarkable creatures.

These distinguished residents of our local community have been cherished figures in Hertfordshire’s landscape. Izulu, born in April 2009, and her younger sister Zuri, born in January 2013, have captivated visitors with their rare white coats, a result of a genetic condition called leucism. Their presence has significantly contributed to our region’s reputation as a centre for wildlife education and conservation.

The careful planning of their relocation mirrors our own meticulous approach to property transitions. Their new enclosure neighbours Kasanga, a male African lion, with whom they may form a harmonious pride in their golden years. This thoughtful arrangement demonstrates the same attention to detail we apply when helping families find their perfect neighbourhood match.

While we’ll miss these magnificent creatures in Hertfordshire, their move represents a positive change, much like the property transitions we facilitate daily. Their new sanctuary promises peace and tranquillity – essential elements we always consider when helping our clients relocate.

As local experts who value our community’s unique features, we’re proud to have had these extraordinary lionesses as part of Hertfordshire’s rich tapestry. Their story reminds us that whether for humans or magnificent big cats, finding the right home is always a cause for celebration.

Image: The Big Cat Sanctuary

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Historic Enfield Sites Gain Protected Status

As estate agents deeply rooted in the Enfield community, we are delighted to share news of the borough’s expanded Local Heritage List, which now includes 48 additional sites of historical significance. This development not only enriches our local area but also adds considerable value to the surrounding properties and neighbourhoods.

The recent update, the first since 2018, showcases the remarkable diversity of Enfield’s architectural and cultural heritage. From the poignant Two Brewers Pub Memorial Garden in Ponders End, commemorating 20 lives lost during World War II, to the characterful Palmers Green Post Office, these newly protected sites tell compelling stories of our borough’s evolution.

Of particular interest to property seekers is the inclusion of notable landmarks such as The Fishmongers Arms in Southgate and Community House in Edmonton Green. Such protected status often contributes to the stability and desirability of surrounding residential areas, making them increasingly attractive to potential homebuyers.

The list’s expansion eastward reflects the borough’s commitment to preserving heritage across all communities. As property specialists, we’ve observed how well-preserved historical features can significantly enhance an area’s appeal and property values. The recognition of industrial heritage sites and wartime structures, such as the fascinating Slades Hill gun emplacement, adds layers of historical interest to our neighbourhoods.

The collaborative effort between Enfield Council, The Enfield Society, and over 40 dedicated volunteers demonstrates our community’s commitment to preserving its character. This careful balance between conservation and development ensures that Enfield remains an attractive location for property investment while maintaining its unique historical charm.

For those considering moving to Enfield, these protected sites offer more than just historical interest – they provide a sense of place and community that many homebuyers seek. Whether you’re interested in properties near these heritage sites or elsewhere in the borough, our team can provide detailed insights into how such historical designations might benefit your property investment.

Image: Enfield Dispatch

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Harlow Midwife Excellence Shines Through Care

The vibrant community of Harlow has another reason to be proud as one of its dedicated healthcare professionals receives well-deserved recognition. At Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents, we’re always delighted to share positive stories about our local healthcare heroes who make our community such a special place to live.

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust recently celebrated the outstanding contribution of Ciaran Villa, a midwife whose commitment to patient care exemplifies the excellence we’ve come to expect from our local healthcare services. This recognition comes in the form of the prestigious DAISY Award, an international programme that acknowledges exceptional nurses and midwives.

What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is Ciaran’s holistic approach to care. Despite being in the early stages of his career, he has already demonstrated the kind of comprehensive support that makes Harlow’s healthcare services stand out. His attention not only to the birthing mother but also to their partners showcases the family-centred care that our community values.

For those considering relocating to Harlow, stories like these highlight the quality of our local healthcare infrastructure. As estate agents deeply embedded in the community, we often emphasise to prospective residents the excellent standard of care available at Princess Alexandra Hospital, particularly in their maternity services.

The DAISY Award, which includes a beautiful hand-carved sculpture from Zimbabwe among other honours, represents more than just individual recognition. It symbolises the high standards of healthcare that make Harlow an attractive place for families to settle and grow.

We at Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents understand that access to quality healthcare is a crucial factor when choosing a new home. Ciaran’s achievement reinforces what we’ve always known – Harlow offers not just houses, but a community supported by dedicated healthcare professionals who go above and beyond in their service.

This recognition of excellence in our local healthcare services adds another compelling reason to consider Harlow as your next home. Whether you’re starting a family or looking for a community with strong support systems, our team is here to help you find the perfect property in this thriving area.

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Enfield Shows True Colours Through Unity

As estate agents deeply embedded in the Enfield community, we were thrilled to witness our borough’s spectacular display of unity at this year’s London New Year’s Day Parade. Despite challenging weather conditions, nearly 100 of our neighbours demonstrated the true spirit of Enfield, showcasing what makes our area such a desirable place to call home.

The creative concept, masterfully orchestrated by local optician Garry Kousoulou, perfectly captured the essence of our borough’s rich cultural tapestry. The innovative use of multi-lingual eye test charts, representing the 88 languages spoken in our community, symbolises the diverse nature that makes Enfield such an attractive location for homebuyers.

We’ve long appreciated how Enfield’s multicultural character enhances property values and creates vibrant neighbourhoods. The parade entry, featuring local businesses, Bengali Dancers, and various community groups, demonstrated the strong sense of community that prospective residents can expect when moving to our borough.

The involvement of Southgate College students in designing a new borough logo showcases the creative talent nurturing within our community. This collaboration between education, business, and residents is exactly what makes Enfield an increasingly popular choice for families looking to settle in North London.

The environmental consciousness displayed by local group N0CO2, pledging to offset the parade’s carbon footprint with tree planting in Madagascar, reflects our community’s forward-thinking mindset. This commitment to sustainability is increasingly important to today’s property buyers.

As property experts in Enfield, we regularly witness how this strong community spirit and cultural diversity contribute to the area’s appeal. The parade’s success, bringing together various local businesses and charities, exemplifies the collaborative spirit that makes Enfield not just a place to live, but a place to belong.

Whether you’re considering making Enfield your home or are already part of our community, events like these remind us why this borough continues to be one of North London’s most sought-after locations.