INVITE: Harlow Festival 2012

The second Harlow Festival is soon to begin with only 10 days before the 5th May start date.

The festival which lasts until 27th May, is packed full of Acts and performances Film, Drama, Music, Dance and Comedy.

There are also a series of other activities including a Creative Writing Workshop, Sculpture Tours and Exhibitions.

There is something for everyone, with some events being completely free.

Last years Festival was incredible and this year is set to be even better.

You can find out more by reading the brochure here.




by Robert Halfon - Working Hard for Harlow.

Such a lovely weekend

It was so good to get away from politics for a while. Last night, Vanda and I went to Enfield Cineworld to see The Damned United, a film about Brian Clough as manager of Derby and Leeds. It was a brilliant production, with first rate acting. Mr Clough was played by Michael Sheen, the actor who played David Frost, in Frost V Nixon and Tony Blair, in the film The Queen. I think that Michael Sheen is one of the most remarkable actors of his time. He manages to play his characters with such sincerity, that you almost believe your watching the true character as opposed to the fictional one. A classic moment in the film, came in the changing rooms, when ashtrays and oranges were laid out before a match, so the players could have a cigarette before going out onto the pitch!

After, despite ice cream and popcorn in the cinema, we stopped off at a great Turkish place on the Hertford Road, and had a fantastic Meze meal, all for fifteen pounds. The Restaurant is called Sunset Grill and is not just good value for money, but the service was excellent too.

Today, we braved traffic jams on the M25, to drive to Alton, Hampshire, to have a delicious Roast Chicken lunch. We were visiting some good friends, Damian and Jacqui Hinds (the picture on the right shows Damian and Jacqui in Rwanda, where we all were last Summer, teaching English to Rwandan teachers). Like me, Damian is a Parliamentary Candidate, so it was inevitable that some politics came up over lunch!! They have a beautiful house, crammed with CDs, books and some unusual pictures too. It is the kind of place you could stay for hours, without ever needing to go out.

It was such a good way to spend Sunday, and to wind down from a heavy week. Although it all starts again tomorrow, as senior Conservative Alistair Burt will be visiting Harlow.

P.S. If you would like to read more about what we got up to in Rwanda, please click on HERE.

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

Pubs and Watches

Its been a busy but enjoyable few days and I have had loads to do.

On Thursday night, I was invited to open the new White Horse Pub in Old Harlow. The new landlord, Graham Northcott and a number of committed partners, has taken over the pub, and in the space of three weeks - has entirely rebuilt the whole Pub. It really looks amazing and I am sure it will be a great success.

Graham said to me that it had always been his dream to open a Pub, so it was good to see a dream coming reality. Many Pubs in Harlow are having a tough time given the Recession and the Government's handling of the economy and a number have closed in recent weeks. I am sure that the White Horse will buck the trend.

I had to rush off to Roydon for a Parish Council meeting as I am a local Councillor and I arrived 30 mins late (although I had told the Chairman beforehand). As I sat down I dropped my Blackberry on the floor and it then started ringing, so my late entrance was slightly embarrassing!! At the meeting we discussed giving money to the local Citizens Advice Bureau and I am glad that a grant was given. CAB does a great job and should be supported.

On Friday I was invited to visit Rotary Watches in Westcliff-on-Sea. This is an amazing place. It is where they make and service all their watches. We should be proud that this company, which started in 1895 in Switzerland, uses the best of English craftsmanship and is based in Essex (see picture).

Then it was back to Harlow, in time to attend the Council Chairman's charity night at Harlow F.C. in aid of child Victims of Crime. The cold weather meant that attendance was low, but it was good to chat to the Simon Morgan, Harlow F.C. Chairman whilst I was there.

Saturday morning meant catching up with constituency correspondence and making telephone calls.

The afternoon and evening were pure treats. I was invited to watch Chelsea and met my childhood hero, Kerry Dixon. Even though we were rubbish against Hull, meeting Kerry helped to soothe the pain!

After I went to see the new film Benjamin Button with my girlfriend Vanda. She was really keen to watch it, before she goes back to Brazil on Thursday.

It is really weird and stars Brad Pitt who is born old and grows younger every day - and falls in love with Cate Blanchett! I suppose the moral of the film is that you can never take time for granted. I certainly didn't as the film was over 3 hours long! But we enjoyed it anyway.

Anyway, I hope to have a peaceful Sunday, as I have a big work week ahead. I hope you enjoy yours.