Cockfosters and North Southgate Synagogue hopes the appointment of its first community directors will encourage more young families in its catchment area to become involved.

The husband-and-wife team of Simon and Joanna Hamilton recently moved to Cockfosters with their two young children. Mrs Hamilton is a qualified nurse who has volunteered with a number of Jewish organisations. Her property developer husband is familiar with the Cockfosters set-up, having grown up in the shul’s satellite community of Hadley Wood.

CNSS chair Jon Barron said: “We are delighted that Simon and Joanna are on board to further enhance all aspects of life at CNSS for the younger families within our community.”