Harlow Community Update

Here is my latest update of the community organisations I have visited over recent days:

Harlow College.  It was back to the College again - this time for a visit by Lord Baker.  I had asked the former Education Secretary to visit the College in order to see the College Apprentice Scheme.   Lord Baker has been tasked with rolling out pre-apprenticeships for young people across the UK.

Harlow Rotary Club.  To the Rotary members lunch.  I had been asked to give a speech and set out my work as MP.  I talked about apprenticeships and other areas I am working on, including my fight for an extra junction on the M11.  The lunch - held at the Canons Brook Golf Club was excellent too, and I could not have been made to feel more welcome.

Any Questions.  It was good to participate in a Question Time type panel to discuss health reforms with east of England NHS Managers.  Questions ranged wide :  from GP Commissioning to the existence of G-D.

Princess Alexandra Hospital.  I was asked by PAH to support their campaign for more careful use of Accident and Emergency Services.  The Hospital is trying to persuade people to use A&E mainly for emergency and GPs for more routine problems.  You can read more details HERE.

Dobbs Weir Residents.  I held a surgery for local residents of Dobbs Weir and also met with the residents association.  This was to discuss a range of issues including the future of the DW Village Hall, environmental and noise issues.  DW have a really active residents group and do much to support DW village and campaign for residents concerns.  I am advocating for some issues on their behalf.

George Cook MBE.  As you have read on previous blogs, I am strong supportive of strengthening Special Constables.  For this reason, It was good to meet Britain's oldest Special Constable, Mr George Cook and discuss with ideas for policing,   Mr Cook is also President of the Special Constable Association.

Harlow Tennis Club.  I have been a long support of the club and met with officials to get an update of club activities and discuss anti-social behaviour problems with some vandalism of the fences.  I will be doing what I can to help on this, through contacting the relevant authorities.

Holy Cross School Roast Dinner Day.  One  lovely visit was to have a Roast dinner at Holy Cross School.  Many parents came too for this special day.  

Kingsland Residents.  Residents here have a real problem regarding parking.  On a previous visit, I had said i would bring an Essex Council Highways Official to visit them.  The second visit, with the official, was a useful one as he was able to explain how difficult any changes would be.  Unfortunately, there are no easy solutions to making the parking easier in this part of Harlow - as in so many others.

Dizzie Ducks.   This new nursery has opened up in Harlow Leisure zone.  I had to cut the ribbon for its opening day.   Well worth a visit if you have children.

I also went to Harlow Library Careers day, met with Harlow Creditsave, attended Ann Wafula Strike's autobigraphical book launch at WH Smith in Broadwalk and then attended the Playhouse to see the amazing Brenda Taylor dance school extravaganza.  I also held my regular constituency surgery.  A busy time!

Tomorrow it will be back to the Commons, as Parliament returns from Recess.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Harlow on the TV

I have seen two great programmes representing Harlow over the past couple of weeks.  First it was 'My Story', which featured the life and biography of Anne Wafula Strike.  Her story is an inspirational one.  Struck down by Polio in Kenya at a young age, Ann is now an Olympic Paralympian and living in Harlow.  She is shortly to publish a book about her life.

The second Harlow TV Appearance was a three part series about Pear Tree Mead School.  It shows how the school hire Gareth Malone for just a term, in order to try and improve the boys literacy skills, which are way behind the girls.  Through a mixture of unconventional teaching methods - including special competitions and teaching in the woods (as opposed to the classroom), gradually, Mr Malone turns the boys literacy kills around.  As you watch Mr Malone's methods, and get to know the boys, character by character, you can't but think something amazing is happening.

It is great that Harlow is represented this way on Television.  Watching Ann, and seeing the Pear Tree Mead series, I feel I have learnt much :  For Ann - determination is everything.  For the school - thinking outside the box, means that everything is possible.

P.S.  You can read more about Ann Wafula Strike HERE.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Meeting President Obama's Step-Mum

To Passmores School this evening for an event of much extravaganza. I was there as a guest of Ann Wafula Strike for the launch of her new charity, the Disability Empowerment Association.

This was a very special launch: it was held in the presence of Mrs Kezia Obama, (the step-mother to the U.S. President), and a number of other distinguished guests. We were treated to a wide array of dance, music, a fashion show and sumptuous African food.

It was fascinating to meet Mrs Obama and I wondered what had brought her from Kenya to Bracknell in Berkshire - where she now lived. She was clearly a woman of great dignity.

Ann had asked me to give a speech, which I was very glad to do. My main points were that her new organisation would be transforming - because it was about opportunity to those who wanted to succeed. I noted that despite having a bad leg, I never felt 'disabled' as such. In fact I never see anyone as disabled, just that we all have different abilities and advantages and disadvantages.

I also suggested that the emblem of DES (as you can see above) would make a far better sign than that of current disabled symbols, such as the dreaded blue car parking badge. Simply because it shows individuals with their hands in the air, rather than a stereotype of someone sitting in a chair.

P.S. Pictures thanks to the excellent Everything Harlow website.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

A Perfect Sunday with Harlow Canal Boat Project

I was very privileged today to be invited by the Canal Boat Project for a ride on one of the Canal Boats.

Although cold, It was a beautiful sunny day, and we sailed from the Moorhen to just past beautiful Parndon Mill. We would have gone further, were it not for the icy river.

It was great to be on the boat. I was given some 'steering practice' by some of the dedicated volunteers - which was great fun. They also gave me a good education about canals and the issues affecting British Waterways.

It was also good to be sailing with a number of others, including Ann Wafula Strike, the Harlow Paralympian and some of her family.

I have been to Canal Boat Project a few times now, but until today, I had never had to chance to sail in one of the boats. It is a great experience. You get a feeling of just how much, the groups of youngsters - many of whom have significant disabilities - who use the Canal Boat Project - enjoy the experience. Definitely one of the nicest Sunday's I have had in recent times.

I hope you like the pictures.

Sun, Sports and Art

A sweltering day on Thursday, I have to say that the best part was when I was in Harlow Football Ground's Function Room and feeling the icy blast of the air conditioning. I was there for the launch of the second Harlow Herald Annual Sports Awards. These awards are given to anyone in Harlow who is a sporting hero and shows some prowess in the sporting arena. I was pleased to see my friend, Anne Wafula Strike, the amazing medal winning Paralympian, who made an inspirational speech to the assembled audience, about what motivated her, and, how sport had changed her life. The Sports Awards are a great idea and I congratulate Barry Hunt, Herald Editor, who has established the Sports Awards as a major concept.

After, I drove up the road to Parndon Mill, to see a new art exhibition by artist Anthony Lysycia. It was good to sit outside the gallery, drinking copious amounts of apple juice, and taking in the breeze. The artist had a mixture of paintings, carvings and sculptures on display, and I was particularly struck by an amazing antique wooden chest carved on all sides with remarkable pictures. As always, Parndon Mill Gallery exhibits some wonderful items, and it was a real pleasure to be there.

By Rob Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering. http//roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Local and National - Harlow is at the forefront for helping the disabled

As I mentioned earlier, Mark Harper, Shadow Minister disabled people visited Harlow today. I wanted Mark to see some ground-breaking organisations that help disabled people and those who have had other difficulties of some sort or another.

First stop was Motabilty, just by Harlow Greyhound Stadium. Motability is truly one of the great charitable endeavours of our time. It empowers disabled people by enabling them to get a car, without having to worry about huge costs. The cars are also adapted for their needs. I myself, am a Motability customer since 2007, having bought my car from the excellent Kia Garage in Potter Street. I have to say, Motability has made my life much easier in terms of travel.

Today, Mark and I met the senior management of Motability, but also toured the offices meeting hard working staff, many of whom, I am glad to say, are local. Motability has 500,000 customers across the UK - and it is good that it bases much of its national operation in Harlow. I was astonished to meet one employee, who remembered my application of 2007 and had the responsibility of deciding whether my application was valid! All the staff were clearly passionate about Motability, and many have worked at the charity for over a decade.

After Motability, I took Mark to see The Canal Boat Project, which I visited not so long ago and wrote about HERE and HERE. Mark set out some useful funding ideas, particularly from the County Council. I was again struck by the passion of the volunteers involved. Mark also met with Para-Olympian Anne Wafula Strike at the project. Anne was able to set out some of the difficulties disabled athletes faced - because of Government cuts to sports funding.

We then drove to the Latton Bus Centre to meet up with clients and workers from Employability. This is a charity that helps those with mental health difficulties find jobs. It has great success in doing so. Mark spoke with a number of clients who had found work through Employability. They all the made the point that the difference between Employability and a Government Agency, is that they were not treated as digits on a computer, but were given mentoring and real support that valued their dignity as human beings.

Mark said after, that it was good to get away from Westminster - from the Ivory Towers - and see real organisations on the ground doing important work. As someone who has a walking disability, I am glad to be the Prospective MP for a town that is at the forefront of helping the disabled.

By Rob Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering. http//roberthalfon.blogspot.com

The Canal Boat Project

I have just visited, with my friend Anne Wafula Strike, the Canal Boat Project today in the glorious sunshine. The weather just added to the beauty of the view and the Canal boats gleamed against the river.

The Canal Boat Project, really is an extra-ordinary organisation. It has a small fleet of boats that are used to take disabled, or disadvantaged youngsters, down the river for a day or even night trip. What is really fantastic about the Project is that it is manned by over 100 volunteers, many of whom drive the boats, provide training and do a host of other duties. I was shown round by Doreen who looks after the Project and ensures things are running smoothly.

All of the boats are in immaculate condition and have sofas, kitchens and shower rooms inside. There are special lifts that ensure those in wheelchairs can get on and off with ease.

I am looking forward to visit the Canal Project again, especially as I have been promised a trip down the river by Doreen!

The best thing about the Project is that those who have set it up, run it, and help on a day to day basis, do it because they love what the Project does. From what I have seen today, I can understand why.

P.S. The picture shows Doreen, Para-olympian Ann Wafula Strike and myself, standing by one of the boats. I shall put some more pictures and add web-links on later, when I get home.

A few days as Prospective MP!

Sometimes people ask me what a Prospective MP does, so I thought I would give you a small illustration!

Thursday -

Such a good day! After spending hours doing constituency correspondence, with my long suffering volunteer assistant, Ann Russell-Day, I then went to the Harvey Centre to meet a determined Harlow student, who is a real go-getter and offering to help on my campaign. He is currently studying in London, but comes back regularly. I am sure he will be a great asset. It is a great feeling when someone pro-actively offers assistance, especially someone like this chap, who is clearly going places. Later I have a long meeting with my Constituency Chairman, Cllr Lee Dangerfield. His home is like the Pentagon, with every manner of computer and serious hi-tech gear.He downloads Twitter on my Blackberry (telling me Facebook is so yesterday), and at last I feel I have joined the Twenty First Century. Over delicious Bolognese (without spaghetti for me - diet), we discuss our campaign plan. The Campaign Team arrive a while later and we go through a check-list of various activities. We have so much to do and like every anxious PPC, I always feel I am not doing enough. Everyone else tells me I am doing too much and to pace things a little! I am lucky to have such a great team of volunteers, who have spent days, months and years, doing everything they can to turn Harlow blue. After the meeting, I rush home to watch Margaret on BBC2. As I settle down to a glass of whisky, I feel like such a Tory!! In the end, the programme was disappointing and ended rather flat.

Friday -

I put on my nice dry-cleaned suit (from M&S – I am still a fan) and get ready for a day of constituency activities. Fridays are always packed as I visit a range of community organisations and meet local residents with problems. First, off to Epping Forest District Council, with some Hastingwood residents to meet with officials. For years, the residents have had to put up with a waste contractor in the village. Their homes and cars have been covered in dirt and dust, there is constant noise, a rat infestation and the grass verges have been ruined. What amazes me is the confusing plethora of agencies there are to approach to deal with the problem. The residents have been campaigning for years to little avail, so this meeting – which lasts for two hours – is with some of the agencies concerned, to get things moving. To be fair, the officials were reasonable and understand the problem, and a follow up meeting is scheduled. But how much will really be done to improve the lives of residents?
After this it was back to Harlow to Nandos - to meet an amazing woman, Anne Wafula Strike. On the way, I got a call from my local paper about a donation Lord Ashcroft gave us back in 2005 – have Labour got nothing better to do?

I park my car in the Water Gardens, and as I put money in the parking machine, it keeps spewing it out. A kind pigeon then decides to make a deposit on my formerly very clean suit. The pleasures of being a PPC.

Anyway, back to Anne. She is a disabled Olympic Athlete, and expected to compete in 2012, having participated in Athens (she was injured for Beijing). Anne is a true hero and I am proud she is in Harlow. I was amazed to learn that Anne has had her grant funding cut by sporting organisations.

After another party meeting, I rush off to meet David Gauke. He has come to meet a very successful small business, Top Form Clothing (which supplies school uniforms and equipment to parents and children). Top Form is run by an inspirational lady, Claire Harrison, who is a real entrepreneur. What struck me in our discussions with David, Claire and her partner Kath, was the disillusionment felt with all politicians. Nevertheless, I feel that with the right policies - and if we convey a sense of trust - these voters will choose us next time. I doubt they will be voting Labour.

At a superb dinner later with Harlow Conservative Women’s Committee, David gives a first class speech and is just so personable and friendly to everyone. I, of course, overdo it with the cheese. Will I ever learn?!

Saturday -

A Campaigning day! Our Association is out in full force to deliver leaflets and canvass. I do a stall in Staple Tye with my best Canvasser, Clive Souter, who has done his back in – thanks to canvassing. Despite some difficult issues going on locally, we get a fantastic reception, and are fortified by some McDonald's cappuccinos. Then I go home, watch some Gavin and Stacey on DVD and get ready to meet my mother. It’s her birthday and I promised to take her to dinner (being a good boy, present was already bought). The diet goes down the pan (in this case Italian), yet again...




Rob Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering.