On 24 June, Enfield Council's planning committee heard Enfield Clubhouse's application to renew planning permission [PDF] in order to continue to use our premises at 41 Ridge Avenue. Despite the recommendations of the committee to approve our application, it was overturned by a group of about 50 of our neighbours who objected to it. While making my deputation to the committee on Thursday night I was shouted down several times by a large group of neighbours holding placards stating 'We are not safe' and asking 'How many more?' Our neighbour's deputation included the claim that Enfield Clubhouse members should all be locked up.

We don't yet have any official confirmation of the decision and reasons, but I understand that minutes of the meeting will be uploaded to Enfield council's website on 8 July. (Minutes now available here - relevant part is section 35.)

We intend to appeal the decision of the committee, which was made in extremely disruptive, confusing and intimidating circumstances. We believe that we have the right to continue using the premises as normal while we appeal.

On reading the eight letters of objection submitted by neighbours and being present during the meeting on Thursday night, however, it's clear to me that their main objection is based on who we are.

I believe that our neighbours have genuine fears about their own and their children's safety, feeling wrongly that Enfield Clubhouse members are potentially dangerous. I also respect our neighbours' democratic rights to object.

But my understanding of what happened at the meeting is that our neighbours' strongest objection related to alleged noise disturbance coming from our premises. As the committee pointed out to them, however, they have absolutely no evidence to support this objection or any of their other objections. The committee advised that they could not, therefore, use noise as a reason to overturn their recommendation as it would not stand up at an appeal inquiry. Instead the committee advised and decided to use 'loss of a family dwelling house' as the official reason, despite having already stated in their recommendations for approval that this was not a reason to decline our application, as they did in 2005, too.

You can read the Enfield Advertiser's version of events here: http://www.enfield-today.co.uk/tn/news.cfm?id=22980&showcomall=y

London Daily News article is here: http://www.thelondondailynews.com/north-london-psychiatric-rehabilitation-unit-faced-with-closure-following-resident-protests-p-4326.html

You can find out more about us by visiting our website: http://www.enfieldclubhouse.org.uk/

You can join our Facebook group 'Support Enfield Clubhouse to Stay Put...'

Our achievements: http://www.enfieldclubhouse.org.uk/achievements.html

Our catering service: http://www.enfieldclubhouse.org.uk/catering-service.html

Annual review and accounts: http://www.enfieldclubhouse.org.uk/annual-report.html

How to find us: http://www.enfieldclubhouse.org.uk/how-to-find-us.html

David Marsden, Chief Executive of Enfield Clubhouse.

Poster designed by afrostdesigns.com

This Wordle was produced using the software at http://www.wordle.net/.

Many thanks for all the green counters, you put in the Enfield Clubhouse 'box'.

And many thanks to Waitrose Enfield!

A big thank you to the Foundation for Social Improvement for providing the Small Charity Car Draw, and to all of you who bought tickets.

And thanks to Diane for managing the admin!

The draw for the winner takes place on 1 October.

Many thanks to everyone who supported our summer bbq. 

Many thanks to Raheem for all his hard work.

Many thanks to Gunsel and all who sponsored her.

A group of members and volunteers recently visited Parkside Farm, Hadley Road which is approximately 15 minutes walk from Chase Farm Hospital.

The farm is set amidst the beautiful rolling countryside just north of Enfield and is one of a number in the area where people can pick their own fruit and veg. It's a popular place for families to visit.

Between us we picked courgettes, french beans, spinach, strawberries, raspberries and blackcurrants.

The minimum amount people have to pay is £1.50 for the fruit or veg. they pick, but obviously they can pick as much as they want.

After the fruits of our labours we had our lunch, and resisted the temptation of buying ice cream, Jersey cream, meringues, home-produced honey, and hot and cold drinks which were for sale at the farm.

It was certainly an interesting experience picking and choosing what would eventually end up on your dinner plate.

We were honoured to have a visit from the Mayor of Enfield

John, one of the members entertained us with his renditions of Bob Dylan and Beatles songs with the aid of his guitar.

Special thanks goes to all members for participating in this fund-raising event, especially Diane's brother Michael (who was on holiday from New Zealand) who helped with the BBQ.

With the entrance fees, car raffle, and other fun events such as tombola and hoopla we raised just over £100 for the clubhouse.

Thanks again to everyone who attended and we hope to see you again next year.