Bailey's Cream was invented in Harlow

We all know that Harlow is the birth-place of fibre optic communications. But not so many know that it is also the town, where the world-famous drink, Bailey's Irish Cream was made possible.

I learnt this unexpected piece of information, in a tour of the Diageo Research Unit in Bishops Stortford - I was there with neighbouring MP Mark Prisk, and some Conservative Parliamentary Candidates from the East of England. We had been invited to tour the premises and see at first hand, how Diageo does its research before it brings its products to market.

As well as being the makers of Guinness, the company also makes well known brands like Baileys and Smirnoff Vodka. What was fascinating to learn was that the Diageo premises were previously based in Harlow, at Vinters House in Riverside Way, (under the previous Guinness Brand). The Harlow Laboratory was the one which found the correct formula which ensured that Baileys would last a long time on the shelf - in essence ensuring that the whisky and cream did not 'go off' after a few days.

It was a fascinating visit, and I learnt how much scientific research goes in to producing products that people might enjoy. It was good to know that Vanda's favourite tipple was thanks to Harlow.

by Robert Halfon - www.roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Guest Blog from Brazil

Many of the regular readers to this blog will know about my Brazilian partner Vanda. Well Brazil has been much in the news recently, both with the visit of Environment Secretary Ed Milliband to Brazil, but also because of the unfortunate story of the two British women who are alleged to have falsfied an insurance theft claim and, ended up, languishing in a Brazilian prison whilst their case was considered. I have no idea whether these two British women are innocent or not and I hope justice is served, but some press reports of the case, presented Brazil as some kind of barbaric backwater. Nothing could be further from the truth, as I have witnessed myself, when I visited the South of Brazil last Summer. Of course I am biased, but the evidence is there to see, for those who go there.

As a guest blog, Jeff Dalmoro, who is Vanda's nephew, and works in the Brazilian national Parliament in Brazilia as a journalist, has wrtten about Brazil's political democracy - specially for this blog. As you will see, like ours, it throws up its own quirks. I hope you find it interesting:

"Brazil is an independent nation since 1822. From 1500 until 1822 the country was a Portuguese possession. Well, since the independence six political party systems existed in the political scene, although some political scientists will say there were about nine.

During the Monarchy the political system was divided in Liberals and Conservatives, following the tendencies in Europe, mainly in England. But, both parties were deeply connected to the King Dom Pedro II. Liberals and Conservatives alternated as government between 1840 and 1889, when the country was a Constitutional Monarchy.

Since 1889 the Republican period is in course. From that year until nowadays five political party systems existed. In fact, from 1979, when the bipolar system with MDB and ARENA split into a multiparty system, the number of political parties increased and today they are around 30 and registered in the Electoral Supreme Court (Tribunal Superior Eleitoral). But, from this number, we have around 17 parliamentary political parties. In the lower chamber, named Câmara dos Deputados, there are 17 political parties with representation. In the Senate, they are around 12. As we can see, the Brazilian party system is extremely fragmented, mainly when compared to the Europeans ones.

With so many parties represented, the main cleavage is the government x opposition one. There is no clear ideological cleavage in the Brazilian political system today. As we can see, the party that can be considered a Conservative, the Democratas, is since 1994 allied with the Social Democrats, that were inspired by the British Labour Party. The Workers Party (President Lula`s one) is allied to a party which originated in the Authoritarian Regime, the PP. And we have another strong political party which is the PMDB. This party, in simply explanation, is always in the government, regardless of which party is in charge of the Executive.

So here is a brief explanation of the Brazilian political party system."

By Rob Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering. http//roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Bats, Butterflies, Castles, Cows, Deer and Robins

Hello there. I am back! After a few days rest and holiday in County Durham, partly to celebrate Vanda's 40th birthday, I have returned to blogworld. It was an amazing few days. We stayed at a wonderful place - Walworth Castle, just outside Darlington. The countryside was beautiful but rugged, and we seemed to have a number of encounters with one animal or another. Bats at Durham Cathedral, Butterflies in Walworth Castle, Jersey Cows at the Ice Cream Farm, Deer at Raby Castle, and Robins on the House of a nearby village.

One of the highlights - apart from some amazing food - was visiting Raby Castle, just a few miles away from where we were staying. This was almost a fairy-tale castle with a unique history. Built in the fourteenth century. It was originally a manor house owned by King Canute. The name 'Raby' comes from an ancient Danish word - meaning settlement and boundary. Apart from the splendid dining and living rooms inside the Castle, the best part in my view, was the Baronial Hall, which added the Medieval mystique to our visit.

I had never been to County Durham before. It really is a wonderful part of England. Durham Cathedral is in the pantheon of British Cathedrals. Less pleasing was the mad way that Cars are directed. If you drive to the Cathedral, you have to pay £2 to leave by car in order to get out of the cobbled street town centre! Apart from a multi-story car park far away, there seemed to be no other parking, so its not easy to get about if you are infirm in any way. Darlington was a smaller town, but a really unique place to visit. Great shops and a superb market. There is also a remarkable Clock Tower in the Market Square - one of the best I have ever seen.

It was good to get away and forget about politics for a few days. Travelling to this part of England reminded me just how beautiful our great country is - and how many places there are to explore and uncover. Next holiday has to be a visit to Northumberland and a visit to Hadrian's Wall.

Hope you like the pictures.

By Rob Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering. http//roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Vanda is famous in Rwanda

One of the hardest things about going away - albeit just for two weeks - was saying goodbye to Vanda, who had to stay in England as she is preparing for her advanced English examinations. I was really touched to receive some sweet notes that Vanda left in my suitcase as I unpacked on arriving in Kigali.

Her notes got me thinking how I would organize my lessons today. I started with the usual drill of vocabulary and pronounciation, for the first hour, as well as revising over yesterday's work. We then moved on to what I called 'the love day'.

On Monday, a number of my students had asked me if I was single or married. When I mentioned Vanda, they demanded to see her picture. So today, I brought a small framed picture of my beloved to the class, together with her notes. The class had to read them with perfect pronounciation. I then asked the students to write a love message to their spouses or partners in five lines of perfect English, which they then had to read out to the class. The romance of the Rwandans was a pleasure to hear.

After a serious topical discussion as to why they wanted to be English Teachers - of which one student said that: "to be a teacher meant that you would get a blessing from God (I wonder if English teachers feel the same!)", we then had a great afternoon learning the Beatles song, "All you need is love". It is one of my favourite songs and I had it on my I Phone, so I managed to write out the words, the night before.

After reading the song on the blackboard a few times, we then all sung 'All you need is love' (courtesy of the Beatles), most heartily - alongside a musical accompaniment from wonderful I Phone, practically blowing off the corrugated aluminium roof off the classroom building

It really was a 'love day'.

-- by Robert Halfon Post From My iPhone

Ickworth House

Ever heard of Celebrity 'IT' girl, Lady Victoria Hervey? You know, the one on the TV and often in mags like OK! And Hello!

Well yesterday Vanda and I went to Ickworth House in Suffolk - built by her ancestors from 1780 and now owned by the National Trust. We were there to visit a Medieval Fayre, which was taking place on the grounds nearby.

It was good to see so many Medieval men and women in resplendent costumes and suitable armour. Many were in traditional clerical cloth ware of old. To my astonishment I was told that such Medieval Fayres go on up and down the country every weekend. It is a major hobby for many people, who do all they can to recreate life in the Middle Ages.

After the Fayre, we went into the big House itself. It is a unique piece of architecture - as you will see from the picture. The main part of the building is a huge round rotunda which contains three floors. Inside, hundreds of old books, Edwardian furniture and a magnificent four poster bed - which sadly I was not allowed to rest my weary feet upon!

A long walk round the gardens followed - I was in an electric buggy, loaned by the National Trust. Trees, flowers, hedges in abundance. What was even better was that the sun came out at last. A magical day. 

Plum Vodka to celebrate Victory Day

Vanda and I have just been to an amazing Russian Concert in London, having heard about it randomly through Facebook.

Accompanied by copious plum vodka and other Russian delicacies, we heard a range of Russian war songs to celebrate Russia's Victory Day, which was on Saturday. The violinist, a young lady, was quite remarkable. The concert was performed by a Duo by the name of Mazaika and they are on You Tube if you want to see a clip.

It was fantastic fun, though Vanda found the vodka a little strong. I was happy to oblige!

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Who says romance is dead? Not on the buses it isn't!

Here is a nice Bank Holiday Story for you!

I was at a Staple Tye community party on Saturday evening, in St James Church Hall, organised by local Conservatives. I met a couple madly in love, Vera and Paul (see picture). What is so lovely about their story is that they met on the bus - literally. Paul is a Bus driver for Arriva in Harlow, and Vera is a regular passenger. The romance started with Vera chatting to Paul on the bus and moved on to cups of tea and then some true romancing. Now a day never goes by, without Paul and Vera being together.

Vera, although a senior pensioner, is as fit as a fiddle, and often goes out delivering leaflets and for long walks. I hope that when I reach their mature age, I will not only be as sprightly, but will be as romantic as well! Now where is Vanda........

By Rob Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering. http//roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Parking Angels helped us get to Jerusalem

Yet another St George's Festivity today - and definitely the last - at least for this year. Vanda and I were invited to the Royal Albert Hall, for a St George's Day Gala concert. All the concert pieces - played by the Royal Philarmonic Orchestra, were English favourites such as Jerusalem and 'We'll meet again'. The Royal Albert Hall is a beautiful venue and was absolutely packed for the occasion. Everyone was waving St George's Day flags and singing heartily, including Andrew Rosindell, Romford MP, who we were sitting with. Andrew is well known for his love of all things English and is a campaigner for all proud Englishmen and women in the House of Commons. I showed Andrew, our St George's Day Cards, which we have sent to every house in Harlow and he was mightily impressed.

By amazing coincidence, I bumped into a lady from Potter Street, Mrs Betty Smith (see the picture above), on one floor and then, Don and Hilda Gillespie, from Copse Hill on another. Extraordinary. Clearly Harlow residents were out in force to watch the concert - in fact, Mrs Smith told me that she had come with a whole coach full of locals!

We had a nightmare journey to London as the roads were blocked because of the London Marathon (which, being a noodle head, I had completely forgotten about). Yet, with a fair wind, we still got to the Royal Albert Hall, just in time. Thanks to a kind hearted Parking Angel, we managed to put the car exactly outside the entrance we needed to go in.

Anyway, it was a special way to spend our Sunday, and I can say that I could not have had a better St George's week. Starting last Saturday, giving out cards, in Broadwalk, to the Rainbow and Dove on Friday, watching the Essex Yeomanry yesterday, and today at the Royal Albert Hall, it feels good to be an Englishman, born and bred.

Goodnight for now.

By Rob Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering. http//roberthalfon.blogspot.com

No more Eels for Vanda

We were out celebrating St George's festival tonight at the wonderful Rainbow and Dove in Hastingwood - one of my favourite Pubs. In a tribute to St George, the whole menu was the best of English food and it was absolutely delicious. Vanda and I were with our friends, Lee and Sarah Dangerfield. Don't tell anyone, but Sarah particularly enjoyed the desserts!! Vanda, being from Brazil, and somewhat brave, decided to try, the most English of dishes, Jellied Eels. I somehow get the feeling that this was the first and last time, she will be enjoying such a delicacy. I of course, being adventurous, had a first rate steak and chips, with sponge and custard for dessert. Rumours that I had to be carried home, are of course exaggerated.

All in all a great evening. The Rainbow and Dove, did England proud, as we all put on the pounds!

P.S. Looking forward to further celebrations tomorrow, when the Essex Yeomanry march through Harlow, in what is an historic occasion.

Back to work tomorrow! But a lovely weekend in Rutland

Back home today after a great weekend! Although I have come back with a stonking sore throat, our two day visit to Rutland was a fantastic way to spend the Easter Holidays. I had wanted to show you some photos of Rutland Water, but it was raining, so I only have three rain swept pictures for your perusal!

I had no idea that Rutland Water had been built in the 1970s, with water piped in from nearby rivers. It was created, as there were forecasts at the time, that Rutland would have severe water shortages. Apparently there are a few old farm houses underneath the water, though not a whole village as some have suggested. We went on a boat trip around the water, but apart from the unique Normanton Church, it was difficult see anything except water, because of the inclement weather.

After Rutland Water and a lunch of jacket potatoes by the waterfront, we drove to Burghley House, just outside Stamford. The splendour of this huge Elizabethan House is quite unbelievable, particularly since it was built in the late sixteenth Century, for William Cecil, Chief Adviser to Queen Elizabeth I.

Now, I am a great fan of Lord Burghley for one particular reason. And its not because he was a hard-working servant to my favourite British Monarch. The great man had a bad leg (caused by gout) and was worried about his service to his Queen. Her Majesty replied:

"My Lord, we make use of you not for your bad legs, but your good head".

To those who know me, you will understand why I like this quotation - but don't worry, I don't suffer from gout! But its a true story and quote, nevertheless.

Later by complete contrast, we visited Yew Tree Avenue. These are Yew Trees that have been carved into many special shapes over a number of years. Being a bit presumptuous, I stood by a particular tree (as you will see from the picture)! This tree avenue is something else and the trees have been clipped since 1870 and some since the 1960s, and a few have special messages on them carved into the tree.

We stayed in a very special place, the ancient Vaults Pub in Uppingham. With mostly independent shops (except a Boots chemist) and second hand bookshops, this is a town that has withstood the ravages of modern consumerism. The 14th Century Church, has a magnificent clock (built in 1898), which chimes every hour and half hour of every day and night, for the whole town to hear.

The Pub food was superb and we ate too much as always. The Vaults were recently taken over by a Latvian couple, Kaspari and Edita, and it was good to experience some first-rate Eastern European Hospitality, in the heart of old England!

Rob Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering. http//roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Happy Easter everyone!

Robert Halfon
Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering

A day in Cambridge

Despite the weather and heavy M11 traffic, yesterday, we decided to enjoy the Bank Holiday and went to Cambridge.

It was well worth it. Even with clouds and dark skies, the City was a wonder. In a spontaneous moment, we got in a boat on the River Cam and were given a tour and history of some of the Colleges on the river bank - St John's being particularly stunning. Its incredible to think that some of these buildings took close to a 100 years to build.

At the end of the day, we went to a tea shop, trying hard to resist all the goodies on display! We didn't stay for long especially as Vanda is rather partial to anything chocolaty.

Anyway, I thought you might like to see some of the pictures!

Robert Halfon ~ Working hard for Harlow, Hastingwood, Nazeing, Roydon & Sheering. http//roberthalfon.blogspot.com

Why is this night different from all other nights?

To Harlow Synagogue this evening, for a second night communal Passover dinner with eighty others. Vanda and I were invited as a guest of Cllrs Josh & Muriel Jolles and we all had a delightful night. Exactly 3,000 years ago, the Jews were escaping slavery in Egypt, and Passover (or Pesach in Hebrew), is a time when Jewish people come together and have a dinner 'a seder night', to remember what happened so long ago. Before eating, Rabbi Irit Shillor, recounted the tales of the Jews in Egypt in both ancient Hebrew and English. We all ate Crackers called Matzahs, which is basically bread in which the yeast has not been allowed to rise. The reason for this is that when the Jews fled Egypt, they didn't have time to bake proper bread, so it was unleavened.

After the stories and the prayers, we all got down to the essential part of the evening, which was of course the food! Everyone had brought a special dish (Vanda & I, a giant cheddar). Muriel Jolles had made some state of the art poached salmon and vegetables, so we all feasted a plenty. Our cheddar was so big that we sent it around all the tables, and I was delighted that at least half was eaten by everyone present.

After the food was finished, we all sang about biblical stories in Egypt, based on modern tunes of famous songs. It was such great fun - especially to see Vanda singing heartily!

We came home feeling so contented and lucky that we had been able to participate in such an important, but happy occasion.

P.S. The pictures show everyone at the table, Vanda, myself and Rabbi Irit and the Jolles. There is also a picture of Ruth Brooks (one of the organisers at the synagogue), and her young daughter Hannah. I took a picture of them both because many of you will know that she, and some fellow Harlow residents from Milwards, are soon to do a sponsored walk up Ben Nevis in Scotland, to raise money for Breast Cancer. After the 2001 election, I visited Ben Nevis but stayed firmly at the bottom of the mountain. It truly is a place of outstanding beauty -but a mammoth feat to climb.

Sheering at Sunset

What can be more beautiful in the Spring than the sunset? I just had to show you this magical picture taken by Vanda last night, when we were outside Sheering Village Hall. We were in Sheering to visit a new youth club set up by Paul Forsey. Details are HERE.

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.

Marley & Me, Eggs, Sausages and Roast Beef

I hadn't wanted to see 'Marley and Me' but was persuaded to go yesterday evening after Vanda had bribed me with delicious eggs and sausages for lunch.

So off we went to Cineworld, off Edinburgh Way, using our season tickets, (which are great value at £11.99 a month, as you can see any film, at any time, in any Cineworld - except ones in Central London).

Anyway, to Vanda's amazement I really enjoyed the film about a loveable but annoying and naughty Labradoodle which brings a family closer together.

By the end, I had a lump in my throat as Marley joined dog heaven. Despite my initial reluctance to see the film, I loved it, especially as I was brought up with many dogs as my Mother just adores them.

She currently has two dogs, a small Whippet called Percy and a Labradoodle called Cocoa (he is chocolate coloured). There is also a cat called Pepe!

When I was watching the film I thought about a recent incident with Cocoa. My Mother had invited me over to break the fast of Day of Atonement (it is a Jewish holy day once a year, where you can't eat for a whole day).

As I got to her home, starving, she opened the front door, distraught, saying that Cocoa had eaten all the Roast Beef Sandwiches. This was all the more surprising because, at my request, the sandwiches contained lashings of hot Colmans Mustard. Poor Cocoa was oblivious to my fasting and hunger pangs. He just ran round the kitchen wagging his tail, licking his mustard stained lips.

Anyway, I was glad to find out from Vanda that 'Marley and Me' is based on a true story - as Cocoa's Roast Beef temptation gave me regular flashbacks of what happens when there is a Labradoodle about the place!

P.S. In return for seeing Marley and Me, Vanda has agreed that we can both go and see the new film about Brian Clough. I am also really looking forward to The Boat that Rocked which should be great fun.

40 years and Mr Happy

I mentioned to you last week what a wonderful day I had on my birthday with Vanda in Greenwich. Well, I was lucky to have another treat this weekend. One of my good friends, Tim Montgomerie, whom I met at University (the very first person I came across), organised a wonderful 40th birthday Party last night and invited some of my closest friends.

The Party was in the New Inn Pub, Roydon, a beautiful old Pub. After drinks (or three) we sat down to Shepherds Pie, Guinness Pie and - as the picture shows - some delicious birthday cake. It was such a great evening, and as always I ate too much.

Tim and David Burrowes (an old school friend), proceeded to make some speeches about my more youthful days, perhaps revealing a little too much!! One of the nicest moments was when Vanda received a big bunch of flowers from a friend of mine who was unable to come. They are so huge, we have had to put them in a salad bowl. I shall have to buy a vase pronto!!

All in all it was such a wonderful evening and I hope to post more photos at a later point. Last night, I felt a very lucky and happy chap. Great friends, a special girlfriend, a party in a fantastic village Pub and a vocation that is a passion.

P.S. - to my friends - please note word 'amazing' is not mentioned once in this post above.

P.P.S. Thank you to all my friends- and Tim especially for an AMAZING evening.