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.

Friday's Constituency Activities

Yesterday I had my second surgery as MP, this time at the Latton Bush Centre. We are currently looking for a suitable office in Harlow which will make things a little easier, and will be used by myself and Caseworkers to assist local residents.

I also intend to have surgeries all around Harlow and the villages, so as to make it as easy as possible for residents to meet with me. Our surgery lasted three hours and reminded me just how important an MPs role is in helping constituents with any difficulties they may face.

The Surgery followed a day of activities including meeting with Harlow Renaissance to talk about the Town Centre Regeneration and with Peter Martin, Leader of Essex County Council to discuss my campaign for a Road bypass to the M11. We also looked at the Essex Council Apprenticeship Programme, which has a number of Apprentices in Harlow, including Harlow College. I would like to see this excellent programme expanded. The more opportunities for Apprentices, the better.

P.S. On Thursday evening, I was very pleased to spend time at the Jack Petchey Performing Arts festival at Harlow Playhouse. I had been asked to present Awards to a remarkable range of performing artists. It was a fabulous evening with Harlow showcasing the very best that performing arts can offer. It was a proud moment for Harlow.




by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Great Speech makers at St Marks

To the Jack Petchey Young Speaker awards this evening to help judge a young speaker's tournament. Some of the best student speech makers in West Essex were assembled in St Marks school giving speeches that electrified those present.

The standard was high and there were exceptional speeches from students from St Marks and Passmores. A young girl from a school in Romford - who won on the night - spoke movingly about 'fear'.

I have never been a judge before and felt really involved with the contest. It was particularly enjoyable, as this was my very first engagement as MP for Harlow. I have promised to take the winner to tea in the House of Commons. She thoroughly deserved it.

Apart from this event, it was an active day in Harlow. I went to see a debt counselling service in the morning (based in Old Harlow), which helps hundreds of people with financial difficulties. Later, I had an important and constructive meeting with Harlow Fire Officers to discuss the Berecroft fire. This was in advance of my surgery at Berecroft tomorrow evening.