Christmas fun in Harlow

One of the best things about Christmas, is all the events that go on, before, during and after.

I have really enjoyed visiting a host of Harlow Christmas activities in the past couple of weeks and they all have been great fun - but meaningful too.

I thought you might like to have a flavour of what I have been up to:

Last week I was at Holy Cross School for the annual Christingle service. It was a very moving occasion as candles in oranges were lit, bit by bit by the assembled children.

Today I have been at Pets Corner, where my good friend, Nick Churchill, doubles up as Father Christmas (he is a Councillor the rest of the year). His son Alex was serving hot drinks to the many people - who were watching the children's Nativity Play in the cold. Nick's passion - for Pets Corner, and his love for animals is such a joy, and I enjoy his email bulletins about what's occurring at this wonderful place.

I was also pleased to attend a party (and disco!), for young toddlers held by the Integration Support Services - which does so much to assist those who come from overseas. The ISS have received a grant recently, which will enable them to continue their work and extend their outreach work considerably. I am glad of this - especially since Director Mimoza is an inspiration. Her compassion and decency shine through.

Anyway, I hope you like the pictures, which show the Christingle Service, some Llamas and me with some of the staff at the ISS!

Its amazing what you can do with Six Pounds

I was at Harlow Tennis Club at the Latton Bush Centre this afternoon for the official opening of their state of the art indoor tennis courts. Greg Rusedski was on hand for the offical ceremony, to take autographs and play tennis with some of the youngsters. It was a really a special occasion as the Club Committee, led by Will and Karen, have worked for many years to transform the Club into what it is today. As Karen said to me: "to think that the whole thing was started with just £6 pounds in the bank!"

As well as the new indoor court, there is a great Club House and some first rate outdoor courts. I was particulalry pleased to be at the ceremony, because a few years ago, the Club faced incredible opposition to erecting the indoor court from Liberal and Labour Local Councillors. We brought the then Shadow Sports Minister, Lord Moynihan down to support the Club's plans - and he subsequently brought up the Tennis Club issue in the House of Lords. Former Tory Leader, Iain Duncan Smith also came to the Club in 2004, in order to support the expansion plans. The support from Conservative Parliamentarians and Conservative Councillors was incredibly helpful (it was good to see so many there today), and this was acknowledged by the Tennis Club Committee in their speech. Former Councillor John Paul Goddard, was also instrumental in the campaign.

Having said that, nothing would have happened without the determination, enthusiasm and love for the Club from all those involved - and that includes the many members. The passion for the Club is felt the moment you walk through the doors. Absolutely everything - from the tennis coaching, to the catering in the Club House, is done with the utmost care. There is even a beautiful new patio area, surounded by flowers, which members can sit in the sunshine and watch the outdoor tennis players play.

Congratulations to everyone involved for ensuring that there is yet another reason to be proud of Harlow.

P.S. Lord Moynihan's questions in the House of Lords in 2004, are below:

House of Lords Questions 12 November 2004:

Harlow Tennis Club

Lord Moynihan asked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they and Sport England have made to Harlow District Council regarding the proposed expansion plans for Harlow tennis club to establish indoor tennis courts for after school programmes in the Harlow area as well as for community use and the provision of tennis coaching for disabled children. [HL4775]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: There has been no direct representation to Harlow District Council by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport or Sport England. However, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is one of four national governing bodies given responsibility by government and Sport England for the initial identification, project development and progress monitoring of Community Club Development Programme (CCDP) projects. Harlow lawn tennis club community tennis project has been awarded a £898,949 CCDP grant.
The LTA, on behalf of government and Sport England, is working closely with Harlow lawn tennis club to offer advice and guidance in support of its discussions with Harlow District Council about the project. The LTA also has plans to meet representatives from the council by the end of November 2004 to discuss the project's future development.

Lord Moynihan asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have met Sport England and the Lawn Tennis Association to discuss the proposed expansion plans for the Harlow tennis club to support the Government's school sport and local club link programme. [HL4776]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: We have not met the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) about Harlow lawn tennis club. However, the LTA has recommended the Harlow lawn tennis club community tennis project to 12 Nov 2004 : Column WA104 the Community Club Development Programme (CCDP) project board to receive a grant of £898,949. The CCDP project board is chaired by Sport England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is represented on the board.

We and Sport England are aware of Harlow tennis club's plans and, through the LTA, are working with the club to deliver its developmental objectives for the project and to enhance the provision of tennis facilities in the Harlow area.

Lord Moynihan asked Her Majesty's Government:
Which principal tennis projects in the Harlow area have Sport England and Lawn Tennis Association approval for new tennis courts to meet the target to extend the provision of tennis facilities to local schools and the wider community. [HL4777]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: The Harlow lawn tennis club has been awarded a community club development fund (CCDP) grant of £898,949 for new indoor facilities and additional floodlit courts. Harlow lawn tennis club has previously received a loan of £30,000 from the Lawn Tennis Association and a grant of £52,200 from the Sport England Lottery Fund towards a new clubhouse.

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