Well done Harlow Homeless Centre

I attended a great event this evening: the Harlow Community Awards: sponsored and arranged by the Herald Newspaper. Readers were invited to send in nominations. I sent one in - to recommend Patsy Dye for an award, as Director of Streets 2 Homes (also known as the Harlow Homeless Centre).

It was good to see Patsy winning an award from the independent panel of judges and it is well deserved. For many years she has dedicated her life to help the homeless, and many have been helped through her wise counsel. I wasn't surprised that so many volunteers from Streets 2 Homes came along, to give Patsy a good round of applause.

Many other Harlow heroes won all sorts of other awards, and it is heartening to see what efforts are made by those - who would normally get very little recognition - to help those in need.

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