After reading Mr Black's letter in the Harlow Star last week (7 January), I have to say I am truly mystified. At best his criticisms of Harlow simply perpetuate a number of myths about our town, at worst he provides unthinking ammunition to all those who wish to denigrate Harlow, of which sadly there are plenty. He criticises our education, yet schools like Holy Cross have been shown to be one of the best in England.
He says there are no landmarks. I ask him, has he been to Parndon Mill, not only picturesque but also one of the most romantic places in Essex? Or even Parndon Nature reserve or the Town Park and Harlow Common to name just a few wonderful places that ensure Harlow really is a special place.
Has he not seen our sculptures that many other places in England would give their right arm to possess?
Mr Black totally ignores the great community spirit in the town. Organisations like the Civic Society that do so much to preserve Harlow's rich heritage.
The charities and voluntary groups that work day and night to help those in need. Voluntary groups like the Harlow Homeless Centre, the Canal Boat Project and St Clare Hospice are ground-breaking in their own way and have been recognised nationally for the work that they do.
From Glenn Hoddle, to Paralympian Ann Wafula Strike, Harlow is also proud of the many famous people that come from the town.
Not forgetting its many famous political representatives, ranging from John Perry Watlington in the 19th Century, Winston Churchill from 1924-1945 (when Harlow came under the Epping constituency), Leah Manning, Norman Tebbit, Stan Newens, Jerry Hayes and now Bill Rammell.
The truth is that Harlow is a great place to be. We have everything here. A history and heritage, great shops and restaurants and countryside all around us.
Of course there is some unsightly concrete - which the new town centre regeneration proposals will largely get rid of. But far from talking Harlow down, Mr Black and any other detractors should get behind those who want to make Harlow an even better place to live.
Excellent reply, Rob, well said!
ReplyDeleteHarlow also has some wonderful heritage buildings in Churchgate Street, Potter and Old Harlow plus ground breaking, 40s, 50s and 60s heritage in the new town.
We also have some stunning churches: from the gorgeous carvings and interiors of the two, ancient, St Mary's at Great and Little Parndon, to the glorious St Mary at Latton to St Mary and St Hugh's at Churchgate Street, St Mary Magdalen and the lovely Baptist church at Potter Street, Harlow is blessed with church heritage.
Mustn't forget the lovely Netteswell church (or the beautiful, nearby tithe barn!) and St John's, Old Harlow, all now converted for community use.
And, of course, dotted all around the town are some lovely small churches...and some great pubs!
But, the jewels in Harlow's religious architectural crown have to be the stunning
50s - 60s churches of St Paul's at the town centre and our Lady Of Fatima near the Stow.
Stan Newens is entirely right in identifying these breath taking buildings as two of the finest post war churches in Britain.
However, I do sympathise with Mr Black a little. Harlow is notoriously difficult for new comers to navigate their way around.
ReplyDeleteNot least because of Harlow's irrational and confusing house numbering system! I once spent an hour looking for a number in Longbanks.
I would also agree that, for those unfamiliar with Harlow, it can be difficult to tell some of our rather similar, open front housing estates apart.
But just because you've been lost a few times since moving here, Mr Black, is no reason to condemn our entire town