May Updates from GRH OYD
TODAY MAY 17th IS THE
BIRTHDAY
Of GRH RESIDENT
CICELY
Cicely and her husband John on their 50th Wedding Anniversary - 1998
Cicely and John moved to River View in 1962 and whilst there opened a Florists shop in Chase Side. In 1974 they moved to Gentleman’s Row and opened an Antique and Gift shop on Windmill Hill next to where Barnfield’s now stands. When she retired Cicely went into voluntary work with Nightingale Cancer Support.
Today a party is being organised by her family and many friends.
EVERYONE AT GRH SAYS ‘A HUGELY HAPPY BIRTHDAY CICELY’ AND CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR AMAZING
100 YEARS
From Coastlines to Cat Colonies: The Vital Work of Nelly’s Trust
GRH Residents Clive and Klaudi are currently based on the Croatian island of Brač, but their days are spent on a mission far removed from typical island relaxation. Together, they run Nelly’s Trust, a dedicated rescue operation looking after approximately 135 street cats across two villages on the island's southern coast.
A Focus on Sustainability
The heart of the Trust’s work is TNR (Trap, Neuter & Return). In an area where cat populations can quickly spiral, this is the only effective way to manage the numbers humanely. While the colonies are fed twice daily by a small, tireless group of volunteers at coastal feeding points, the logistics of their medical care are a world away from UK standards.Although there is a vet on Brač, facilities are limited. For neutering, repairing broken limbs, or treating serious infections, Clive and Klaudi face a seven-hour round trip to the mainland.
The True Cost of Care
Managing 135 cats is a massive undertaking. To put the scale into perspective, last year alone the Trust required:
· 8,600 tins of wet food
· 8,400 kg of dry food
· Significant funds for travel and veterinary fees
As the local economy is seasonal, fundraising is a constant challenge. The Trust relies almost entirely on support from outside Croatia, with the majority of life-saving donations arriving from supporters in Northern Europe.
While all the resident street cats are now sterilised, every summer brings a heart breaking new challenge. Kittens from other parts of the island are frequently dumped on the seafront. Finding forever homes for these newcomers is a struggle; while some are adopted locally, others have started new lives in Sweden, Germany, Austria, and even—despite the logistical hurdles—the UK.
You Can Help !
Whether you are interested in the story behind the name, want to support their daily feeding rounds, or are considering opening your home to a Croatian kitten, your support makes a direct impact on the ground.
· Visit:www.nellystrust.org
· Follow the journey: Instagram @nellystrust
2026 SUMMER GARDEN PARTY
The Annual Garden Party for GRH members, their friends and family is a real highlight of the year with music, dancing, games, big raffles and a well-stocked bar. It’s also an ideal time and place to bring along a picnic.
Adrian and Ann our fantastic neighbours at 5 GENTLEMAN’S ROW have again given over their beautiful walled garden for the annual event. This year the party is:
SUNDAY JULY 19 2pm – 6pm
TICKETS £7.50 from here
MORE DETAILS WILL FOLLOW SOON
THE CONTINUING, SAD STORY OF ENFIELD’S
FOUR IGNORED, GRUBBY, RED PHONE BOXES
Enfield’s increasingly famous Four Red Phone Boxes on Church Street refuse to move !
Last year they were put up for auction with a reserve price of £28,000 for the four of them. Nothing happened. After a break of six months they went again to auction in February with a reserve of £21,000 but this time again no takers. No one seems interested including Enfield Council who don’t even keep them clean.
There is now talk of leaving them where they are but giving them another purpose or use. One example that has been given is the row of red phone boxes opposite the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. One of them is wholly taken over by plants growing from inside and another has examples of Abstract Art on its windows. In Russell Square one Red Phone Box is now used as a place to buy your Ice Cream.
GRH resident, member of the Enfield Society and experienced Blue Badge Guide Sue Grayson Ford is eager for something to be done with the four remnants of Enfield’s heritage. ‘We’re lucky to have four survivors’, she says, ‘The red phone box was chosen in 2006 as an iconic British design and is recognizable throughout the world.’
Like many Enfield residents she is disappointed and annoyed by the present state of the four boxes. ‘It’s frustrating to see these abandoned phone boxes deteriorate further. As historic, listed structures they deserve a better future and could be transformed into community assets’.
Sue has written with her concerns to Mark Sullivan, Head of estates with Enfield Council, who was so very supportive with the GRH battle with the Millennium Fountain.
WE’LL KEEP YOU INFORMED
GRH RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION AGM
Wednesday May 27th 7pm
Free with Wine & Snacks
We are pleased to invite all residents to the GRH Residents’ Association Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 27th at 7pm in Jubilee Hall, Enfield.
The AGM is a great opportunity to hear updates on the Association’s activities, discuss local matters, and meet fellow residents in an informal setting.
Following the meeting, there will be drinks and a short talk from local historian Sue Grayson Ford, who will be sharing fascinating insights into the area’s history.
We hope as many residents as possible will join us for what promises to be an informative and enjoyable evening.
EACH YEAR MAY IS THE MONTH WHEN IT’S TIME
TO PAY YOUR SUBS
AS A FULL MEMBER OF
GRH RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
The cost for a household to be members is just £10
The money raised is to help subsidise GRH activities. This includes the Summer Garden Party, The Carol Singing and Buffet and the Hanging Baskets.
To Pay please online click here or you can pay in person at the AGM on May 27th
Thank You
AND FINALLY, SOME POINTS FROM LAST WEEK’S ELECTION
Enfield Labour lost total control after 16 years, losing 11 seats.
Conservatives won 6 new seats, but missed taking control of the council by one seat
The Greens won 5 seats
Reform failed to win any seats
Conservaives (31) Labour (27) and Greens (5) are now running the Council.
Local Enfield paper The Dispatch calculated that 77.2% of voters backed parties promising to protect the Green Belt.
AS ALWAYS PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE:
Ideas on how to improve things
Stories you would like information on
Issues you would like to know about
Just write to us at the below address.
STAY IN TOUCH
EMAIL: grhresidents@live.com
WEBSITE: www.grhresidentsassociation.org
INSTAGRAM: @grhenfield
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/grhenfield