Judging Easter Eggs at the Maybury Centre

I had a very hard task today. Visiting the Maybury Centre, with Alistair Burt MP, and Cllr. Mike Garnett, I was given the tough job
of judging an Easter Egg competition. These weren't just any eggs, these were hand made real eggs, painted and decorated with the most beautiful patterns and faces. Many had eyes and clothes too. The eggs were made by the users of the Maybury Centre, an impressive community organisation, that provides a range of activities for those who have certain disabilities or other difficulties.

The Maybury Centre is truly a special place. There are games, food, artistry, sewing - all kinds of things to do. It is a mixture of a 'home away from home' and a Club, whose members find harmony and friendship. What makes the Centre is the staff, who are mostly volunteers and passionate and dedicated about their work. They provide services for local residents, that 'state funded social services' would find hard to fill. Part of the Michael Roberts Charitable Trust, run by Gary Knott, the Maybury Centre forms part of a number of charitable endeavours, all inspired by the Christian faith that guides the organisation. Help for Ghana, the Harlow Foodbank, London City Aid are just a few of the aspects of the MRCT.

I have always believed that the best help for the vulnerable will always come from within the community. The Maybury Centre is a living example of what is possible, when an organisation, rooted in Faith, is determined to live up to the ideals of charity, humanity and care.

Anyway, back to the Easter Egg competition. Almost an impossible choice, I had to pick one winner, and it really was an egg to behold. The winner was Clare Cooper of Old Harlow, who had made an egg that Faberge would have been proud. She is in the picture, proudly holding her winning certificate.

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

Meeting Berecroft residents

One of the best things about being a Prospective MP, is that I am able to visit community organisations across the Constituency. As you know from my earlier post, we had a VIP visit in Harlow today. Alistair Burt, a senior Conservative, who is passionate about social justice and community activity, came to visit Berecroft Residents Association, Chaired by Zulgar Cheema, in Staple Tye. Alistair was here to listen and learn and go back to Westminster to report what residents were saying.

Berecroft Residents is a remarkable group. Cheema is someone who is passionate about making Berecroft better for local residents and he, and members of the Residents group, have worked day and night to try and improve things.

Together with Cllr. Lee Dangerfield, who lives on the Estate, Berecroft has seen a number of improvements, including better street lighting and a fabulous community office, which is used for events, a youth club and computer training. Despite a recent arson attack on the community office, the BRA ensured that it was re-opened as soon as possible.

Today Alistair sat with residents to discuss local issues, including education, anti-social behaviour, youth matters and regeneration. It was a good meeting and a delicious lunch was provided. BRA is a model residents association - those who live on the Estate are lucky to be represented by a team, who will stop at nothing to make Berecroft an even better place to live.

After Berecroft, we rushed over to the Maybury Centre, which I will write about in a separate blog.....I shall also add some more photos later.

Another V.I.P.comes to Harlow

In political terms, Harlow is regarded as one of the most important Constituencies in the Country as it represents an important weather vane of public opinion, and also because of its narrow majority (readers will know, I lost to Labour in 2005 by literally, 97 votes). For this reason, I am proud that so many senior Conservatives come to visit Harlow. They usually come to visit local commmunity organisations and to talk with Councillors and Party Workers. In recent weeks, Eric Pickles (Party Chairman), Theresa Villiers, (Shadow Transport Secretary) & Caroline Spelman (Shadow Local Government Minister) have made wide ranging visits. Their purpose is to take some best practice in Harlow, back to Westminster.

Today, we have another important visit, with Alistair Burt MP, who has a fantastic programme around Harlow, including going to Berecroft Residents and the Maybury Centre.

Alistair's full programme, as sent to the Press, is below:

ASSISTANT Chief Whip and Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party Alistair Burt MP will be visiting Harlow today(Monday, April 6). He will be meeting with Berecroft Residents Association at 1pm.

At 2.15pm Mr Burt, accompanied by prospective Conservative MP Robert Halfon, will be visiting the Maybury Centre - Harefield Church, Burgoyne Hatch, Momples Road, Harlow, CM20 3EH - which looks after people with special needs and provides a weekly club with painting reading, etc. They are also starting a Food Bank.

At 3.30pm Mr Burt will join local Conservatives canvassing in Staple Tye for the by-election. He will be available for photographs. His visit is due to end at 4.45pm.