Harlow Community Update

Much to report, so here goes:

Today had somewhat of a lottery flavour, as I visited two community groups which have recently received lottery funding.

First, Harlow Young Concern Trust, a superb project working with young people, recently received a lottery grant - via a phone vote. As a result, it has been able to transform its HQ in Maddox Road - with the help of Apprentices in Harlow College. Its a fabulous refit - counselling rooms, hi-tech offices, and a great main hall.

Second, was to Harlow Stroke Support Group (HSSG), for their social club at the Great Parndon Community Association. I have visited HSSG before and the charity provides an invaluable service. It was good to walk into a room, and see so many playing dominoes - or knitting nic nacs. Despite their illnesses, everyone was clearly very happy.

Earlier, I went to Milwards School to meet parents, Governors, and the Head Teacher. We had a good discussion about League Tables and Special Needs. At present Millwards has over 4% special needs pupils - compared to an average of 1.3%. Yet, national League Tables don't reflect the number of special needs students, meaning that their results can be skewed unfavourably. I have promised the school to raise this with Education Ministers.

Finally, last night I presented the Jack Petchey awards to an array of Harlow cultural youth groups. To a packed auditorium in Harlow Playhouse, groups as diverse as Essex Dance School, Harlow Steel Band, Harlow Ballet Society, Harlow Rock School, HipHop, Livewire and Phoenix, Razed Roof, Phoenix performed some remarkable different shows.

At the end I made a speech saying that we were very lucky: first to have all these youth groups teaching the performing arts in Harlow, and second to have so many young people involved. If these young people are the future, then Harlow is very lucky indeed.