News
Press releases 2008
September 2008
11 September 2008
60 years not out as Enfield's longest tenants are celebrated
1948 was a very eventful year, it saw the creation of the NHS, the Olympic Games came to London, and Bill and Ethel Philo moved into their council house in Barrowell Green in Winchmore Hill.
The Philo’s are Enfield’s longest serving tenants, celebrating over 60 years of living in their home, and to celebrate the Chief Executive of Enfield Homes, Bob Heapy, presented them with a hamper of flowers, champagne and chocolates.
Bob said “It’s amazing to think that the Philo’s have lived in their house all this time, they have such a beautiful front garden, Bill obviously has very green fingers.”
Bill, who is 89, said there have been some changes since they moved into the street in 1948.
“Barrowell Green was just a lane when we moved in” he said “.. and there was a huge open air swimming pool across the road. The children used to love to go there.
“The roads round the back of here were built by German prisoners of War, they used to knock on our doors and offer to help us with our gardens.
“There was also a gun site based here during the War, though I am sure not a lot of people would remember that now.”
Bill has been a lifelong member of Southgate Olympic Football Club, he has been a supporter for 74 years, and all his sons have played for the club, he continues “Being a big supporter this is one of the reasons I couldn’t leave this area, the grounds are just across the road.”
Wife Ethel, who is 90 was delighted by her visit from Bob and is proud to be a council tenant, she said “We are the only council tenants in Barrowell Green now, all the other properties are now privately owned except us.”
Bob Heapy said “This lovely couple have been model tenants. We thought it was fitting to mark the occasion of their 60th year of renting with this small celebration.
“We wish all our tenants were like Mr and Mrs Philo!”
2 September 2008
Sun shines for first of Festivals
The sun shone Saturday for the first of five Community Festivals which are going to be held throughout the borough.
Arranged by Enfield Homes, the organisation responsible for managing the council’s properties in Enfield, the day was a huge success, attracting over 700 visitors.
The event, which took part in Grove Street Edmonton, was packed full of activities and great things to see, including music and dance, things to try, a global market, workshops and plenty for kids.
There were many young families who came and enjoyed the activities and entertainment.
Bob Heapy, the new Chief Executive of Enfield Homes said “Saturday was a glorious day, bathed in sunshine, which put Enfield Homes firmly on the map.
“The event was a fun way of promoting the valuable services that we provide to all our tenants and leaseholders, and gave recognition of the cultural diversity of the communities that we serve.
“Everyone I met on the day said that they thoroughly enjoyed it, and I would urge anyone who could not make it to Saturday’s Festival to try and come to one of the remaining four events.
“I hope the lovely weather will remain the same for those too!”
The other Community Festivals are taking place between 1.00pm and 5.00pm on:
Saturday 13th September 2008 – High Street Open Space near Garfield School, Springfield Road N11
Saturday 20th September 2008 – Chelsfield Green, Mottingham Road, Edmonton, N9
Sunday 5th October 2008 – Hilly Fields, Phipps Hatch Lane, Enfield, EN2
Sunday 19th October 2008 – Albany Park, Hertford Road, Enfield, EN3