6 The Scene

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Thursday, October 21, 2010

News in brief

Message in a Bottle packs distributed by Harlow Lions Club www.scene rst.co.uk

Harlow student made history on Tuesday by becoming the irst apprentice ever to work for an MP. Andy Huckle, 20, is currently studying level three business admin at Harlow College and has been appointed as an apprentice for Harlow MP Rob Halfon. The MP decided to hire an apprentice after being inundated with requests from interns, and after approaching the college the application process got under way. Funding for wages was made available by Essex County Council and local businessman Dean Barclay. The one-year apprenticeship offer attracted 19 applicants, shortlisted to 11. Only two reached the inal stage. The assessment process was robust and consisted of written work, an interview and a presentation over two days. Andy, who is one of triplets, wrote about Martin Luther King and had to present on How is the Coalition Protecting the Poor? Finally, on September 17, Andys 20th birthday, he found out that he had been successful. Mr Halfon said: The moment Andy left the room I said, this man is understanding, hungry, hard-working and decent.

Student is hired by Harlow MP

From left to right: Dean Barclay, John Hayes MP, Cllr Ray Gooding, Andy Huckle, Colin Hindmarch, MP Robert Halfon, Lord Baker

New cycle route in Southern Way

CYCLISTS in the town will soon be able to benefit from a new cycle route along the north side of Southern Way. Work on the 1.6km track, which will provide a link between Great Parndon and Potter Street, gets under way on Monday and is set to open to cyclists in April 2011. The new route is the first phase of a project which will also see clearer signage for cyclists, new cycling maps and numerous improvements made to the existing cycle network, which is one of the best in Essex. The project is being delivered by Essex County Council (ECC) in partnership with Harlow Council and the primary care trust as well as schools and cycling groups. Cllr Kevin Bentley, ECCs cycling champion, said: By making improvements to routes that offer good links to key locations we hope many more people in Harlow will give cycling a try and see how easy and enjoyable it is to travel around town by bike and make it part of their everyday life. Cycling is a realistic alternative to car use, especially for shorter journeys, and not only benefits the town by having less cars on the road but also benefits residents as its a cheap, quick and healthy way of travelling.

natalie.dearman@archant.co.uk

Report by NATALIE DEARMAN

It would not have been possible to have taken him on without the ground-breaking programme developed by Essex County Council which has provided half the funding for the apprentice, or Harlow College, which will provide Andys collegebased training. To mark the historic appointment, a ceremony was held at Portcullis House in Westminster on Tuesday where Andy was of icially presented with his parliamentary pass. Attendees included Andys family, apprenticeships minister John Hayes, representatives from Essex County

Council and Lord Baker - the former secretary of state for education. Colin Hindmarch, Harlow College principal, said at the ceremony: A key part of my life has been to help young people prepare for work or further education. One of the best ways to do this is through apprenticeships and I am pleased to see one of our students working in the House of Commons. Andy, who had been working full-time for local company Biggles, will now be spending one day in the constituency, three days in Westminster and one day at Harlow College. His proud parents, Rosemary and Nigel, told the Scene: Hes been into politics for years and this position is just perfect for him. enjoyed it. Theres a lot to take in but its been great so far. What are the things you are looking forward to most? I think I would have to say working around the constituency. Im con ident I can manage it all as well as carrying on with my studies at the college. What are your hopes for the future? Ill have to wait and see whats open to me after this. Im looking into going to university to do a history degree.

Plea for old furniture

ST CLARE Hospice is calling for people to donate any unwanted furniture to their charity shops. Selling second-hand goods has been the main way in which the Hastingwood hospice raises money to provide its services. The hospice operates a free, full-time furniture collection service, six days a week, which covers the whole of west Essex and border of East Herts. Retail sales manager Louise Hamilton said: We have just one van, therefore it may take a few days for furniture to be viewed and collected so we ask donors to give us as much notice as possible when offering donations of furniture. To find out more email shops@stclarehospice.org.uk or call the retail office on 01279 773732/773734.

THE Scene spoke exclusively to Andy after he was of icially handed his parliamentary pass on Tuesday. How do you feel? Its a great privilege to be named as the irst apprentice to an MP. Its a valuable experience and a once in a lifetime opportunity. My role will mainly involve doing admin, sitting in on meetings and helping out drafting questions, as well as work around the constituency. Why did you apply? Ive always been interested in

Q&A
Andy Huckle -Apprentice of MP Robert Halfon
politics but never thought I could do anything about it without a degree. I thought about it long and hard before I applied as I knew it would be a big deal. How has your irst week been? Its been really good, Ive really

Lions celebrate 30th

MEMBERS of the Harlow Lions Club will attend a celebratory luncheon on Saturday to mark their 30th anniversary. They will be joined at the Hunters Meet restaurant in Hatfield Heath by past members, members of their twin club in Ottersberg, Germany, friends and family. Lions president Ronni Ayres will be reporting on the clubs recent successes, including

the distribution of Message in a Bottle packs and fundraising for community groups such as All Ability Sports and Leisure Group and the Scouts. The club is looking for new members to expand the service they can offer to the community. It is also looking for specialist help to repair the club caravan. For more information contact 0845 833 5742.

Your day your way Unit 5 The Service Bays, Bush Fair, Harlow, Essex CM18 6LX Tel: 01279 441083
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