The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual’s long-term commitment to volunteering and the Special Recognition Award is for individuals who have given exceptional service to others, particularly over the past year. Volunteers were presented with certificates and medals.

Cllr Gina Needs, Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion and Enforcement at Enfield Council, said: “Our local community is stronger because of our incredible volunteers who work tirelessly and give their time to help others.

“I would like to say a big thank you to every volunteer who works to make our borough a more supportive, and welcoming place.

“Our award winners’ dedication truly makes a difference, and we are proud to hold our annual event to thank, celebrate and recognise their achievements.

“I would encourage our residents to look into becoming a volunteer and to find out more about the current opportunities available in Enfield, so we can help to make the borough a better place to live.”

The winners were chosen from nominations made by residents, voluntary organisations and community groups.

The awards were launched in December 2021 to recognise and to celebrate volunteering effort and commitment.

Enfield Voluntary Action works closely with Enfield Council to help people and community groups access the knowledge, skills and resources to make a real impact in the borough.

To find out more about volunteering opportunities in Enfield visit: https://www.volunteerenfield.org.uk/

Transport for London (TfL) marks the 10th anniversary of The Sarah Hope Line, the flagship customer incident support service that offers compassionate, practical support to anyone affected by a fatal, life-changing, or traumatic incident on TfL’s transport network.

Alongside TfL's steadfast and ongoing commitment to improving safety it is vital that support is available to victims and their loved ones if safety incidents occur. The Sarah Hope Line was set up in 2016 by TfL in partnership with Sarah Hope MBE, after she tragically lost her mother and sustained lifechanging injuries alongside her daughter in a devastating collision with a bus in 2007. Over the last 10 years, the Sarah Hope Line has provided vital, tailored support to more than 600 individuals and families.

To mark the milestone anniversary, TfL, the Mayor of London and Sarah Hope MBE hosted a commemorative event on 16 February. This brought together those who have been supported by The Sarah Hope Line with those who have shaped and championed the service over the past decade, including its founder, Sarah Hope MBE, who joined attendees in reflecting on the profound impact the Sarah Hope Line has had across the capital, and the difference it will continue to make in the years ahead.

TfL Image - TfL staff at Sarah Hope Line

Anyone who contacts The Sarah Hope Line receives tailored support according to their circumstances. This can include trauma counselling, guidance towards specialist charities and organisations, help with travel costs, assistance with funeral expenses and arrangements, and short-term accommodation. The team also regularly supports individuals affected by incidents that occurred years earlier, but who are only now ready to seek help.

The introduction of The Sarah Hope Line formed a key part of TfL’s wider commitments to Vision Zero to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from London’s transport system. As part of this work, TfL and the Mayor of London committed to collaborating closely with regulators, operators and other stakeholders to thoroughly investigate serious incidents and ensure lessons are learned and shared.

Sarah Hope MBE, founder of the Sarah Hope Line, said: "For ten years, the Sarah Hope Line has stood beside people on the hardest days of their lives, offering kindness, compassion and practical help when it’s needed most. Every call reminds us that behind every incident is a real person and a family who deserve to be heard and supported — and it gives us hope that together we can build a safer, kinder future. I ask everyone to play their part: stand with us, speak up for reducing danger, and help make London’s streets safer for all."

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "The aftermath of a serious incident on our transport network is harrowing, and it’s vital that everyone affected gets professional help when they need it

"The Sarah Hope Line has provided vital support to Londoners affected by serious incidents on our transport network over the past decade, and I want to thank Sarah for her strong campaigning which made this service a reality.

"This service is a key part of our commitment to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from the capital’s transport system, as we continue building a safer and better London for all."

The next Superloop express bus service, SL11, is going into service for the first time this weekend, (Saturday 24 January) reducing journey times and strengthening transport links in southeast London. The SL11 route will run as a limited-stop express service between Abbey Wood and North Greenwich via Thamesmead and Woolwich and will provide Londoners with a sustainable transport option. It will also support regeneration plans in the Thamesmead area and the DLR extension, which was given the green light in the Government’s Autumn Budget.

It comes after Transport for London’s (TfL's) latest consultation on proposals to extend the DLR from Gallions Reach to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead demonstrated strong public backing. The introduction of route SL11 is a key milestone in supporting thousands of new homes and jobs, unlocking growth and improving sustainable travel options in the area.

To celebrate the launch, pay as you go customers will be able to enjoy free travel on SL11 for the first week. Customers will still be required to touch in with a valid Oyster card or contactless card as they board the bus as usual but won't be charged.

The SL11 route builds on the success of the game-changing Superloop network, which has carried around 60 million passengers overall since its introduction. With the inclusion of SL11, the Superloop bus network will increase to 218 kilometres of routes, transforming travel in and around outer London and adding 8.1million of bus kilometres per year to the capital’s network. The BL1 express service from Waterloo to Lewisham, mirroring the proposed Bakerloo Tube line extension route, launched last September and has seen positive results. The route saw more than 27,900 customers tap in during its first seven days when it also offered free fares. Plans are now in place to expand the network even further, ensuring buses continue to play a critical role in a green, healthy, and inclusive future for London.

The SL11 replaces route 472 (in the daytime only), improving journey times in the southeast and providing quicker connections to other key services in the capital. It will run at a higher frequency than route 472 improving wait times. The route will also take a more direct route through Woolwich town centre and provides easy connections with Superloop route SL3 at Abbey Wood for journeys towards Bexleyheath, Sidcup, Chislehurst and Bromley North. The buses will have dedicated priority seat moquettes and most buses will have USB chargers at seats. SL11 will have a timetabled frequency of every six minutes during the day Monday to Saturday between 07:00 and 21:00, and every 10 to 12 minutes during other times, except early Sunday mornings when it will be every 15 minutes.

The night route, N472, will also be introduced from 00:15 to 04:45 and serve all bus stops currently served by route 472. Buses will operate every 30 minutes on all nights of the week and will use the same buses as the SL11.

The initiative has a primarily charitable purpose: through the official website www.longesttiramisu.uk, it is possible to donate by booking your own slice or tray of tiramisu, directly contributing to the fundraising campaign in support of the Esharelife Foundation, a UK-based charity recognised by the Charity Commission. The foundation supports projects in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world and also backs the Mayor of London’s Food Bank Project, providing tangible help to families and individuals in need.

The event will take place at Chelsea Old Town Hall and is organised by COMPLITALY TV, the news and media channel for Italians in the United Kingdom, and promoted by Nexa Events Ltd. The project represents one of the most significant initiatives ever undertaken in the UK to promote Italian gastronomic culture. The initiative benefits from the patronage of the Embassy of Italy in London, the Consulate General of Italy in London, the Italian Chamber of Commerce for the United Kingdom, the Italian Cultural Institute, ICE – Italian Trade Agency, and the Consulate of the Republic of San Marino.

The record attempt will be carried out in partnership with leading brands of Italian excellence, which will actively contribute to the preparation of the tiramisu: Azienda Carnevale, Sterilgarda, Forno Bonomi, Eurovo, Illy Caffè, Bontà Italia and Gelecta—companies that represent the very best of Made in Italy worldwide.

Alongside the main partners, the event is supported by a strong network of sponsors, including: Tratos, Eataly, Gruppo San Carlo, Coach House, McArthurGlen, Zonin, Del Vigna LTD, Ricchetto Law, Britaly SM & Partners, Blacksmith Insurance Brokers, and BR.IT. Customs, confirming the project’s economic and institutional relevance. A central operational role will be played by the gastronomic supporters, who will be directly involved in the hands-on creation of the record-breaking tiramisu: Federazione Italiana Cuochi UK, Italian Culinary Consortium, and Etica del Gusto, which will coordinate the chefs and pastry chefs taking part in the challenge.

Separately, the event will also welcome the participation of schools, present as symbolic and community-based entities: the Italian school SIAL.school in London and Chelsea Park Walk School, highlighting the connection between Italian culture and the local area, with an operational involvement in the record-making process. Additional supporters include Lyre’s and the cultural association Il Circolo, which will contribute to enhancing the event and its related activities.
The initiative will be amplified by a network of media and radio partners, including FPA, Rai Italia, Rai Radio 2, Vero, London Mums, Radio Venezia, Radio Monte Carlo 2, and Gotobeat, which will also serve as the official ticketing platform for the evening concerts.

The programme will in fact include live concerts on Saturday evening, organised with the support of Gotobeat (ticketing platform), featuring performances by Chiara Nova, The Italian Radio Society, and Ed Sheeran Experience, turning the record attempt into a large, public celebration. Not just tiramisu. Over the two days, the Italian Expo will also take place—an exhibition featuring stands from selected Made in Italy excellence brands. The project also carries a strong symbolic value: the tiramisu will be dedicated to King Charles III and Queen Camilla, as a gesture of gratitude towards the United Kingdom and as a celebration of the deep bond between Italy and Great Britain, strengthened by the presence
and contribution of the Italian community. Through the official website, it is also possible to register as a volunteer, becoming part of the team that will help deliver the Guinness World Record and experiencing first-hand an event
destined to make history.

“This project shows how a record can become a collective act of solidarity,” says Mirko Ricci, Director of COMPLITALY TV and creator of the initiative. “It is our way of saying thank you to this country and of showing what the Italian community can achieve when it works together.” Compliance with all Guinness World Records regulations will be ensured by Gaglione Notaries and Solicitors, who will support the official adjudicator throughout all verification and validation stages of the record attempt. Ricci already holds five Guinness World Records, including the record for the largest tiramisu in the world, achieved in Italy in 2015 with a monumental dessert weighing over 3,015 tonnes. His other records include the largest profiterole, millefoglie, and focaccia in the world. Finally, the event takes place in a historic moment for Italian cuisine, recently recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, making this London-based record
attempt a global symbol of excellence, solidarity, and cultural identity. ITALIAN VERSION Il Tiramisù più lungo del mondo: qualcosa di grande sta per arrivare a Londra Un tributo da record a Re Carlo III e alla Regina Camilla per celebrare l’eccellenza, la cultura e la solidarietà italiana nel cuore di Londra Un grande record può essere anche un grande gesto di solidarietà.

Nasce con questo spirito “The Longest Tiramisu – Guinness World Record Official Attempt”, l’ambizioso progetto che il 25 e 26 aprile porterà a Londra il tentativo ufficiale di realizzare il tiramisù più lungo del mondo, superando i 300 metri sotto la supervisione dei giudici del Guinness World Records.

L’iniziativa ha uno scopo primariamente benefico: attraverso il sito ufficiale www.longesttiramisu.uk è possibile donare prenotando la propria fetta o il proprio vassoio di tiramisù, contribuendo direttamente alla raccolta fondi destinata alla Esharelife Foundation, charity con sede nel Regno Unito riconosciuta dalla Charity Commission. La fondazione sostiene progetti nelle aree più svantaggiate del mondo e supporta anche il Food Bank Project del Mayor of London, offrendo un aiuto concreto a famiglie e persone in difficoltà.

L’evento si svolgerà presso la Chelsea Old Town Hall ed è organizzato da COMPLITALY TV, il canale di informazione per gli italiani nel Regno Unito, promosso da Nexa Events Ltd. Il progetto rappresenta una delle più importanti iniziative di promozione della cultura gastronomica italiana mai realizzate nel Regno Unito.

L’iniziativa gode del patrocinio dell’Ambasciata d’Italia a Londra, del Consolato Generale d’Italia a Londra, della Camera di Commercio Italiana per il Regno Unito, dell’Istituto Italiano di Cultura, dell’ICE – Italian Trade Agency e del Consolato della Repubblica di San Marino. Il record sarà realizzato in partnership con marchi dell’eccellenza italiana, che contribuiranno
attivamente alla preparazione del tiramisù: Azienda Carnevale, Sterilgarda, Forno Bonomi, Eurovo, Illy Caffè, Bontà Italia e Gelecta, aziende simbolo del Made in Italy nel mondo.

Accanto ai partner principali, l’evento è sostenuto da una solida rete di sponsor, tra cui: Tratos, Eataly, Gruppo San Carlo, Coach House, McArthurGlen, Zonin, Del Vigna LTD, Ricchetto Law, Britaly SM & Partners, Blacksmith Insurance Brokers e BR.IT. Customs, realtà che confermano la rilevanza economica e istituzionale del progetto. Un ruolo operativo centrale sarà svolto dai supporter gastronomici, che si metteranno in prima linea nella realizzazione materiale del tiramisù da record: Federazione Italiana Cuochi UK, Italian Culinary Consortium ed Etica del Gusto, che coordineranno chef e pastry chef coinvolti nell’impresa.

Separatamente, l’evento vedrà anche la partecipazione delle scuole, presenti come realtà simboliche e di comunità: la scuola italiana SIAL.school di Londra e la Chelsea Park Walk School, a testimonianza del legame tra cultura italiana e territorio, con un coinvolgimento operativo nella realizzazione del record. Tra i supporter figurano inoltre Lyre’s e l’Associazione culturale Il Circolo, che contribuiranno alla valorizzazione dell’evento e delle sue attività collaterali.
L’iniziativa sarà amplificata da una rete di media e radio partner composta da FPA, Rai Italia, Rai Radio 2, Vero, London Mums, Radio Venezia, Radio Monte Carlo 2 e Gotobeat, che sarà anche ticketing platform ufficiale per i concerti serali.
Il programma prevede infatti concerti dal vivo il sabato sera, organizzati con il supporto di Gotobeat (ticketing platform), che vedranno sul palco Chiara Nova, The Italian Radio Society ed Ed Sheeran Experience, trasformando il tentativo di record in una grande festa aperta al pubblico.
Non solo tiramisù. Durante le due giornate si svolgerà anche l’Italian expo: un’exhibition di stand di alcune eccellenze del Made in Italy.
Il progetto assume anche un forte valore simbolico: il tiramisù sarà dedicato a Re Carlo III e alla Regina Camilla, come gesto di riconoscenza verso il Regno Unito e come celebrazione del legame profondo tra Italia e Gran Bretagna, rafforzato dalla presenza e dal contributo della comunità italiana.

Attraverso il sito ufficiale è inoltre possibile iscriversi come volontari, entrando a far parte del team che lavorerà alla realizzazione del Guinness World Record e vivendo in prima persona un evento destinato a entrare nella storia.
“Questo progetto dimostra che un record può diventare un atto collettivo di solidarietà,” dichiara Mirko Ricci, direttore di COMPLITALY TV e ideatore dell’iniziativa. “È il nostro modo di ringraziare questo Paese e di dimostrare cosa la comunità italiana è in grado di realizzare quando lavora unita.”

A garantire il rigoroso rispetto delle regole del Guinness World Records sarà lo studio legale Gaglione Notaries and Solicitors, che affiancherà il giudice ufficiale durante tutte le fasi di verifica e convalida del record. Ricci vanta già cinque Guinness World Records, tra cui quello per il tiramisù più grande del mondo, realizzato in Italia nel 2015 con un dolce monumentale di oltre 3.015 tonnellate. Tra gli altri primati figurano il profiterole, la millefoglie e la focaccia più grandi del mondo.

L’evento si inserisce infine in un momento storico per la cucina italiana, recentemente riconosciuta dall’UNESCO come Patrimonio Immateriale dell’Umanità, rendendo questo tentativo londinese un simbolo globale di eccellenza, solidarietà e identità culturale.

Children spend a significant portion of their lives at school, making the quality of education, environment, and support critical. The Tes Awards aim to highlight institutions that excel in these areas, from innovative teaching to exceptional student outcomes.

This year’s awards, held on June 20, spanned multiple categories, including Inclusive School of the Year, Teaching Assistant of the Year, and Subject Lead of the Year. Among London’s winners:

• Oasis Academy South Bank: Recognized for its high teacher retention, positive student outcomes, and nurturing atmosphere. Tes praised the academy for providing “a warm, inclusive, and supportive learning community that sets pupils up for life,” noting that attendance is among the highest in the borough despite challenging circumstances for many students.

• Rosemead Preparatory School and Nursery: Awarded Independent Prep School of the Year. Judges highlighted its forward-thinking approach, including AI-enhanced learning, robotics on the curriculum, and innovative assessment methods. One expert described it as “a school to watch.”

• Harris Federation: Named Trust of the Year (10 schools or more) for consistently high attainment levels and strong Ofsted ratings.

• Abingdon House School: Won Best Use of Technology for leveraging specialized tools to support neurodiverse students.

• William McWhirter, Kingsdale Foundation School: Recognized as Subject Lead of the Year for his work as head of PE.

These awards shine a spotlight on London’s schools providing high-quality education in both state-funded and independent settings, ensuring children are supported academically and personally.
While private institutions often make the headlines, state schools like Oasis Academy demonstrate that exceptional education is available without tuition fees. Parents looking for guidance can also consult other league tables, including the Sunday Times Power Guide and Which School Advisor rankings, to explore top-performing comprehensive and selective schools across the UK.

The Mayor of Enfield Council, Councillor Margaret Greer, and STEM Activities Coordinator, Linda Van Keimpema from Imperial College London, presented award certificates to the students who accomplished some of the highest grades across various subjects, including an additional award for the students who achieved the highest results in STEM subjects.

The evening also included informative workshops for students and their parents and carers, offering discussions about university choices, careers, and higher education, including a panel session with representatives from Oxford University, Cambridge University, Imperial College, and others.

Keynote speakers included Highlands School alumni, Rishan Patel, PhD Candidate at UCL, and Tia El-Ahmadi, apprentice at BlackRock within the Client Experience Department.
Congratulating the students, Councillor Abdullahi said, “I would like to say a huge well done to all the pupils that have received outstanding results this GCSE. A lot of hard work and endless dedication has been put into the work, so it brings me great pleasure to recognise and dedicate the evening to our rising stars.

“This would not have been possible without the support from the schools, teaching staff and headteachers who are always on call to support the students during class time. I would like to give a special thanks to Vincent Mclnereny, Headteacher of Highlands School, for hosting the evening and leading on parents Q&A session.”
“100% of maintained schools in Enfield are now rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted across all four key categories.

“We hope we can continue to push the boundaries forward to give the students in our borough the best chance of succeeding.”
The Mayor of Enfield Council, Councillor Margaret Greer said, “A wonderful end to the day at the Enfield High Achievers Awards at Highlands School. Honoured to celebrate our outstanding Year 12 students, their dedication, and the families and teachers who helped guide them.
“My speech tonight recognised their resilience, excellence, and bright futures. Truly inspiring to witness such talent shaping the future of our borough.”
The event has been made possible through sponsorship from St Peter’s College Oxford, and Newnham College Cambridge.

Emma Strain, Customer Director at Transport for London, said: “We know how important it is for our customers to feel in control of their journeys, and these new TfL Go features are all about making that easier. Whether it’s getting real-time notifications on your line or checking which bus stop to head to next while on the Tube, these updates give our customers the information they need, right when they need and want it most.”

Regular updates to TfL Go are part of TfL’s ongoing commitment to improving the customer experience and making travel information more accessible and personalised. Last month, TfL improved access to bus stop information on the app. Customers can now find any bus stop and check arrival times for bus services anywhere in London simply by moving the map in the app, making it easier to plan ahead or coordinate travel. Previously, this was limited to local bus stops based on GPS-based views, but the update means that users can now check onward bus times while travelling on Tube and rail services.

Disrupted or closed bus stops are now clearly marked, adding even more convenience for daily travel. iOS users can now also view entire bus routes on the map, search for specific stops, and save favourites for quick access, with Android support for these features coming soon.

Launched in 2020, TfL Go provides real-time arrival times and information in a mobile-friendly and accessible way to customers travelling on Tube, bus, and rail services across London. It also suggests alternative routes, and walking and cycling options, and provides information about which stations have toilets and where they are located.

The app has around 1.4 million monthly active users and has been downloaded more than ten million times since it launched. Earlier this year, it was updated to allow customers to easily access their contactless or Oyster online account and then view their journey history directly in the TfL Go app, rather than having to do so via the TfL website.

The TfL Go app is free to download and available on both iOS and Android devices at www.tfl.gov.uk/go

During her tenure, Cllr Comer-Schwartz has overseen a series of achievements, including:

Pioneering the council’s approach to community power and tackling inequality 

The transformation of the council’s youth justice service from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘outstanding’ and £2million investment in services for survivors of violence against women and girls 

Building hundreds of new council homes for local people 

Taking decisive action on the climate emergency – with Islington ranked as having the healthiest streets in London 

Leading the borough’s recovery from the Covid pandemic 

Taking 8,000 of the lowest income households in Islington out of Council Tax completely for the first time to support those most affected by the cost-of-living crisis 
Cllr Comer-Schwartz said: “It has been the privilege of my life to serve as a councillor for the community where I grew up for the last 11 years and to lead this fantastic borough.

“I am extremely proud that this council has delivered so much for local people on the manifesto that we were elected on – fighting against inequality, transforming youth justice, tackling the housing crisis and creating liveable neighbourhoods that are healthier and safer for families and children.

“I know that this passion will continue because of the dedication to public service that thousands of council officers display every day in Islington.

“London is the greatest city on earth, and the opportunity to continue the fundamental reform of policing and approach to justice the Mayor has worked hard to deliver is an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Nothing is more important to me than keeping Londoners safe. Kaya brings extensive experience to the role, working to make Londoners safer and improving trust and confidence in the police, which we know leads to reductions in violence and crime.

“I’m pleased to appoint Kaya Comer-Schwartz as London’s new Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime and I’m confident that she will help us to continue reforming the police and deliver a safer London for everyone.”

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