Wonderful Parndon Mill Arts Weekend

Yesterday I went to one of my very favourite places in Harlow,  Parndon Mill.  I was there for the special arts weekend in which all their studios are open to the public.  

Greeted by the 7th Scouts on arrival, you could walk round studio after studio watching glass bottles being made, gaze upon some remarkable paintings or touch some astonishing ceramics.

The weather was perfect - at long last. Outside many were having picnics or eating noodles and hot rice made on the premises. The canal looked beautiful and the boats gleamed in the sunshine. It helped make the Open Day even more special.

I was really pleased to see some more 'Lions' by artist Angelica Hinton.  I love the lions and even have one on the wall in my House of Commons Office.

Wonders at Parndon Mill

If you haven't been yet, go to Parndon Mill tomorrow, as there is wonderful art exhibition, from loads of local artists, many of whom have their studios there. There are paintings and sculptures of all shapes and sizes, including a chance to watch some glass-blowing. I even met one of the most famous had made guitar-makers in England (he makes just ten a year).

It is great to have Harlow as the centre of culture in the East of England.

General Election Day Three: coming home to a packet of Cameron crisps

What can be better than coming home after a long day to a packet of Cameron Crisps? A good friend has sent a whole box of them to sustain me for the weeks ahead.

It is during elections that one is really struck by the kindness of some tremendous individuals. Whether it is the hours spent by volunteers leafleting and canvassing on your behalf, the many messages of support from old friends, or even a hearty slap on the back from passers-by wishing "good luck mate". It is this sort of thing that gives you such a morale boost and stops you worrying about anything and everything.

Yesterday was good. Travelling all over the Town, I got loads of thumbs-up and a feeling that there is a genuine movement of support to us. Leafleting in Longbanks, I was really pleased to meet a chap who formerly worked at Harlow Council and had bought his house under Conservative right to buy. He knew everything that was needed to know about our town.

At the end of the evening I went to an exhibition at Parndon Mill - my favourite place in Harlow. Invited by local architect Mark Cotton, it was to see a number of beautiful paintings - mainly of seascapes. A real moment of calm from the craziness of campaigning. When you see the beauty of the Mill and Canal, it puts everything into perspective.

Mr Black is so wrong about Harlow. Its a great place to live

After reading Mr Black's letter in the Harlow Star last week (7 January), I have to say I am truly mystified. At best his criticisms of Harlow simply perpetuate a number of myths about our town, at worst he provides unthinking ammunition to all those who wish to denigrate Harlow, of which sadly there are plenty. He criticises our education, yet schools like Holy Cross have been shown to be one of the best in England.
He says there are no landmarks. I ask him, has he been to Parndon Mill, not only picturesque but also one of the most romantic places in Essex? Or even Parndon Nature reserve or the Town Park and Harlow Common to name just a few wonderful places that ensure Harlow really is a special place.
Has he not seen our sculptures that many other places in England would give their right arm to possess?
Mr Black totally ignores the great community spirit in the town. Organisations like the Civic Society that do so much to preserve Harlow's rich heritage.
The charities and voluntary groups that work day and night to help those in need. Voluntary groups like the Harlow Homeless Centre, the Canal Boat Project and St Clare Hospice are ground-breaking in their own way and have been recognised nationally for the work that they do.
From Glenn Hoddle, to Paralympian Ann Wafula Strike, Harlow is also proud of the many famous people that come from the town.
Not forgetting its many famous political representatives, ranging from John Perry Watlington in the 19th Century, Winston Churchill from 1924-1945 (when Harlow came under the Epping constituency), Leah Manning, Norman Tebbit, Stan Newens, Jerry Hayes and now Bill Rammell.
The truth is that Harlow is a great place to be. We have everything here. A history and heritage, great shops and restaurants and countryside all around us.
Of course there is some unsightly concrete - which the new town centre regeneration proposals will largely get rid of. But far from talking Harlow down, Mr Black and any other detractors should get behind those who want to make Harlow an even better place to live.

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

More news from Parndon Mill

Further to my posting about my visit to Parndon Mill yesterday, to see an exhibition, Roger Lee, from Parndon Mill Gallery and Chair of Harlow Cultural Venues group, has sent me a statement from Liz Boast, the artist, whose work was on display. It is a powerful read.

Roger has also sent a much better picture of me with Sally Anderson, a picture of the Gallery, and Liz Boast at work in her Studio. In contrast to my camera phone, Roger has a state of the art camera, so the picture quality, puts my meagre efforts to shame.

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

My favourite place in Harlow

Last night, before I went to Roydon Parish Council meeting, I was very pleased to be invited to Parndon Mill by owner, Sally Anderson, to see a new exhibition, by local Artist Liz Boast. I love Parndon Mill, it is my favourite place in Harlow. It is just so beautiful, both the Mill and the Canal outside with the Boats propped up against the Moorings. In fact, as the two pictures above show, there is no better guide to the changing seasons, than seeing Parndon Mill in the Winter and the Spring. When I visited Parndon Mill after Christmas, it was if I had entered Narnia. Yesterday, in the early evening Sunshine, it looked like Aslan had returned.

Inside the Mill, the exhibition was original, and imaginative. Etchings of dog headed men, were particularly unusual. It was good to see the pictures and I enjoyed meeting some friends there, like Mark Cotton. Mark is a particularly lucky architect, as his office is actually inside Parndon Mill, so he works from an office with one of the best views in the County. All in all, going to Parndon Mill Gallery was a wonderful way to spend an hour after work, with good wine too!

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