Rak Train

I am a bit late with posting this, but I wanted to let you know about an incredible organisation that I visited last Friday afternoon. Called Raktrain, it has been started by a small group of individuals, one of who, runs the Motorcycle Learning Centre in Edinburgh Way. Its objective is simple: to provide learning opportunities for youngsters (many of them with troubled backgrounds). Raktrain provides first class teaching in Maths, English, Computer Training, as well as taking its students on special boat trips and offering support for army training.

The results are quite remarkable and numerous students have achieved an astonishing array of qualifications. I reproduce the Raktrain figures supplied to me below:

The most recent cohort of twenty learners achieved the following 89 qualifications while on a 22 week programme:

· 14 passes in Key Skills Application of Number Level 1 and Level 2

· 14 passes in Key Skills Communications Level 1 and Level 2

· 18 passes in Key Skills ICT Level 1 and Level 2

· 10 passes in key Skills Working With Others Level 1

· 9 Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Competent Crew Certificates

· 4 RYA Start Yachting Certificates

· 9 First Aid for the Appointed Person Certificates

· 11 Motorcycle Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) Certificates

Illiteracy and innumeracy rates are quite high in Harlow, and Raktrain is offering invaluable support for young people across the board: for those who, for whatever reason, may have dropped out of conventional education.

The best thing about Raktrain, is that no-one told the individuals concerned to set up this organisation - there was no edict from some Government Agency. It has been established by true social entrepreneurs, by people who believe that whatever one's background, if you have a good education and learn key skills, anything is possible. I couldn't agree more and I will be doing all I can to support Raktrain and all that it does.

P. S. The individuals who behind the success of Raktrain are: Rob Kelvey - Founder/Course principal, Charlotte Mason - Course co-ordinator, Leon Buteux - Senior tutor and Duncan Peek. they can be contacted on 01279 412378.

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

Fed up with Harlow Traffic

I have written before about traffic problems in Harlow and campaign hard for an extra bypass on the M11 (a junction 7a), to relieve traffic problems and create a second entry point into Harlow. Well, although the Government have not guaranteed any funding for this, thanks to strenuous efforts of Conservatives in Harlow, and in Essex County Council, there will be dualling of the A414 from the M11 roundabout entry point, up to Southern Way.

This morning, I went to an exhibition about the plans, held at the Park Inn Hotel. The good news is that the construction work has to be completed by March 2011, otherwise Essex Council will lose their grant allocation for the road.

It is hoped that the work starts at the beginning of next year. The proposals outlined at the exhibition, include dualling the existing carriageway, traffic signals replacing Southern Way roundabout, and improvements to the pedestrian/cycle crossing facilities.

It was good to see John Curry, stalwart of the Harlow Civic Society, at the exhibition, doing his best to ensure that the plans protect cycle tracks and checking through the environmental impact of the plans. As always, Harlow would be at a loss without John, as he cares so deeply and passionately about the town.

Although, during the construction, there will be a huge inconvenience to motorists and nearby residents (particularly at Priory Court off Southern Way), it will be worth it in the end, as the dualling will lighten traffic loads into Harlow considerably.

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

Rak Train?

Curious? Well, I will tell you more tomorrow as it involves something else I did today. Need to get some sleep now........

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

Where do I start? Perhaps with meeting Michael Jackson

I had such a packed day this Friday, that I don't know where to start! I have just come back from meeting Michael Jackson, so I might as well fill you in on how that came about. Well, in truth, it wasn't Mr Jackson's ghost from 'Never Land'. It was actually at an eighties disco, organised by the esteemed and highly successful Langley Rangers Football Club, a Premier Division member of the BISHOP'S STORTFORD, STANSTED & DISTRICT LEAGUE. I was there to present some trophies for the best players over the past year. 'Michael Jackson', was one of the guests at the party, and one of the players!

I was very proud to be asked to present the awards, by Langley Rangers, Director, Gary O' Donnell. A year ago Gary approached me to see if I could help with fundraising, in order that the team could pay for kit and some other materials. With a bit of luck here and a few approaches there, I managed to find some of the funds and the team now have a great kit. Langley Rangers got to the Cup Finals this year which was a tremendous achievement given that they have only been in existence for a few years.

By co-incidence, earlier in the afternoon, I was at a football match at Downs School. It was the Schools Cup-Final between Downs and Tanys Dell primary schools. Both sides played brilliantly, and even though Downs, won 6-2, Tanys Dell, put in a tough performance.

I was asked by David Yeld, Downs Head Teacher, to hand out the Cup & Medals, as well as choose man of the match. It was a tough choice, but it had to go to young Billie, in goal for Downs, who made some remarkable saves. I understand Billy is a Rugby player, so if his Rugby is as good as his footie, he is destined to be a great sportsman.

I really enjoyed the match and it was a real pleasure to give out the medals. It was tough though to see some of the glum young faces of Tanys Dell, having come runners-up. Their feelings were no different to those who lose out at Wembley.

Its been an astonishing couple of days with so many sport related activities - today's duties were just the kind of activities which make being a Prospective MP, so enjoyable - and a privilege too.

P.S. I hope you like the pictures, the dark ones are at the Langley Rangers party at the Maypole Club. Sorry about the quality of the photograph. There is also a picture of me with Gary O'Donnell, presenting him with the cheque, in Broadwalk earlier in the year. There are also two pictures from the Schools Cup-Final, and the pictures are much better. My Nokia N86 - 8 million pixel camera phone, is working a treat!

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

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

Remember the Government's mortgage scheme?

This was the one which was to help hard-pressed families avoid re-possession of their home. It was announced with great fanfare by Gordon Brown some weeks ago. Well, as you will see from the weblink below, just six families have benefited in the whole country!

This is yet another example of the Government making policy on the hoof and just trying to get favourable newspaper headlines, without doing anything of substance.

It explains why their unpopularity has reached record levels. Meanwhile, record re-possessions continue and unemployment rises above 2.1 million.

You can read the weblink article about this in The Guardian, HERE.