Tag: Local News

Nestled discreetly behind one of Harlow’s iconic statues, New Ground café-come-restaurant is a culinary treasure waiting to be discovered. This hidden gem, camouflaged among the town’s bustling houses and shops, offers a delightful escape for food enthusiasts seeking something extraordinary.

New Ground lives up to its intriguing name by serving a menu that is both comforting and adventurous. With brunch available until three and supper until eight, diners can indulge in classic favourites or take a daring leap into the unknown with some of the café’s more adventurous offerings. Each dish is crafted with confidence, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

On a sunny day, the café’s al fresco dining area is a perfect spot to enjoy a meal, while the indoor seating offers a unique ambiance with its panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows. These windows not only provide a stunning view of the surrounding greenery and quiet road but also create a seamless flow of natural light, enhancing the café’s airy atmosphere. The industrial-style bulbs hanging from the ceiling add a touch of modern charm to the space.

For those in search of refreshing beverages, New Ground’s menu boasts an array of smoothies and spritzers, perfect for quenching your thirst on a warm day. Each drink is crafted to complement the vibrant flavours of the dishes, making every visit a delightful experience.

As local experts, the Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents team is proud to highlight such hidden gems in our community. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, New Ground is a must-visit destination that promises to surprise and delight with every bite.

The Harlow Food and Drink Festival is back, bringing a feast of flavours to our community while supporting a fantastic cause. This delightful event, co-hosted by Redchurch Brewery and Stort Valley Gifting, is set to take place on Saturday, 13th September, with the generous sponsorship of Genmar IT (UK) Ltd. It’s a day that promises to tantalise taste buds and warm hearts, all in aid of the disability charity, Accuro.

This year’s festival promises an exclusive array of artisan food and drink, showcasing the best local producers have to offer. Regular favourites like Cupcake Daisy, Epping Forest Honey, and Je t’aime Chocolate will be joined by exciting newcomers such as Caine’s Pizza Limited and The Grazeful Girls Essex. With product exclusivity, attendees can savour a diverse range of culinary delights.

Adding to the festival’s charm are new craft and gift stalls, featuring vinyl records, candles, and flowers, all nestled within the Tap Room. As you explore, enjoy the live musical stylings of Miss Lauren Martini, setting the perfect backdrop for a leisurely afternoon.

The festival not only highlights the region’s incredible food and drink but also raises vital funds for Accuro, enabling them to continue their invaluable work in the community. With a suggested donation of £2 on entry and a raffle, it’s an opportunity to give back while indulging in local delights.

At James Anthony Estate Agents, we appreciate the significance of events like the Harlow Food and Drink Festival. They enrich our community and showcase the vibrant local culture. We’re here to help you find your perfect home in a community that values togetherness and support.

Exciting news for Harlow! Former local athlete Bebe Jackson is set to make her senior international debut for Team GB at the World Para Athletics Championships in Delhi, from September 26 to October 5. At just 19, Bebe is already making waves in the world of athletics, and her upcoming participation is a testament to her dedication and talent.

Bebe will compete in the T44 100m and 200m events, where she is currently ranked third and fourth globally. Her impressive track record includes making history in August 2023 as Team England’s first Commonwealth Youth Games medallist, securing a silver in the F42-44/F61-64 discus in Trinidad & Tobago. Additionally, she holds the European record for the T44 long jump and has competed in prestigious Diamond League meetings, including a recent 100m race at the London Stadium.

Her journey is inspiring, balancing rigorous training and competition schedules with long shifts in the NHS. Bebe’s commitment to her sport is unwavering, and her achievements are supported by her coach, Alan James, at Woodford Green Essex Ladies. Living with foster carers Mick and Pauline Davis since age 10, Bebe’s talent was first recognised by Mick at a school race, where she outshone her peers.

Bebe’s future looks bright as she transitions to the Paralympic World Class Programme this autumn, which will provide additional support and funding. With her sights set on the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles, she’s also been invited to the 2024 Games in Paris to gain valuable experience.

Harlow can be proud of Bebe Jackson, a rising star in athletics. Her journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of community support. Keep an eye on this remarkable athlete as she continues to achieve greatness on the world stage.

Image: Unsplash

Harlow’s sports clubs are set to receive a fantastic boost, thanks to a £9.8 million investment aimed at getting people active and strengthening communities across Essex. This generous funding is part of a broader initiative by Sport England and has been secured by Active Essex through the Place Partnership programme.

Councillor Louise McKinlay, deputy leader of Essex County Council, expressed her enthusiasm, highlighting the transformative power of sport. She proudly acknowledged the collaborative efforts with the Greater Essex Partnership over recent years, which have successfully supported individuals in reaching their potential through active engagement. This new funding is expected to further enhance the initiatives of Active Essex, promoting healthier and happier lifestyles.

The programme’s primary goal is to increase physical activity, improve health outcomes, and create positive experiences, particularly for children and young people. Dr William Bird, chairman of Active Essex, emphasised the importance of creating thriving community conditions. He is confident that this additional investment will be fully utilised to benefit the local population.

At Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents, we understand the value of vibrant communities. This investment not only promises to enrich the lives of Harlow residents but also enhances the appeal of the area for potential homebuyers. A community that prioritises health and well-being is a community that thrives.

For those considering a move to Harlow, this investment is a testament to the town’s commitment to fostering an active and engaged community. As local experts, Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents are here to guide you in finding the perfect home in this dynamic and promising area. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or simply seeking a lively community, Harlow is the place to be.

Harlow Town Pirates’ women’s walking football teams have dazzled in the Essex Walking Football League, securing both league and cup victories in July.

The Women’s Cup matches saw the Red team from the Premiership shine brightly. After a strong start with a 3-1 victory over Colchester, they drew 1-1 against Billericay Blue, advancing to the semi-finals. Here, they comfortably defeated Leyton Orient 3-0. In a thrilling final, they faced Billericay Blue once more, clinching the trophy with a 1-0 win.

In the Women’s Premier League, Harlow’s dominance was undeniable. They won all five matches, finishing 19 points ahead of their closest competitors and achieving a league and cup double. Their victories included a 1-0 win over Leyton Orient, a 1-0 triumph against Billericay Town Blue, a 3-0 defeat of Valley Green Rovers Diamonds, a 2-0 win over Romford Randoms Blue, and a final 1-0 victory over Beacon Hill Rovers.

Meanwhile, the Championship team, the Pirates, remained undefeated on the day. They drew 0-0 with Billericay Town White and secured wins against Valley Green Rovers Emerald (4-0), Romford Randoms Yellow (2-0), and Beacon Hill Rovers White (1-0). Despite their impressive performance, they finished 10 points behind the champions, Hawkwell Athletic, due to too many drawn matches.

The Men’s Over 60s and Over 65s teams faced a challenging day in their Cup matches. The Over 60s experienced a mixed bag of results, while the Over 65s narrowly missed out on progressing to the finals day. The Men’s Over 70s had their matches postponed due to hot weather, with games rescheduled for later in the season.

Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents congratulates all teams on their efforts and achievements. As local experts, we understand the importance of community spirit and are here to support all your property needs in Harlow.

Image: Unsplash

The South East Harlow Sports & Youth Association (SEHSYA) is thrilled to announce a delightful series of free family tennis events at the newly refurbished Church Langley Field Tennis Courts. Every Saturday from 10 am to 11 am, until mid-autumn, families can enjoy an hour of fun-filled tennis activities, thanks to the collaboration with Simmply Active CIC. These sessions are led by trained volunteers, known as tennis activators, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages and skill levels.

The refurbishment of the tennis courts has been a labour of love, made possible by the unwavering dedication of SEHSYA volunteers and the invaluable support of local council members, including Cllr Nicky Purse. The community’s commitment to enhancing local sports facilities is evident in the success of these courts, which have quickly become a hub of activity and joy for residents.

While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the on-site Community Café. Not only does it offer a warm and welcoming space to relax, but it also raises funds to support the ongoing work of SEHSYA. Every cup of coffee or slice of cake contributes to the sustainability of this wonderful community initiative.

To join in the fun, simply register for the events on the Simmply Active website or by emailing sehsya@gmail.com. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a complete novice, these sessions are a fantastic opportunity to get active, meet new people, and enjoy the great outdoors.

At Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents, we celebrate the vibrant community spirit of Harlow and are always here to assist with your property needs. Whether you’re buying, selling, or renting, our expert team is ready to help you find your perfect home in this thriving area.

Image: Unsplash

Harlow Gymnastics Club has returned from the Spiral Rocks Competition 2025 in Peterborough with an impressive haul of medals. Competing in this prestigious East of England event, the club secured four overall trophies, 41 gold medals, 46 silver medals, and 28 bronze medals, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication.

The club’s standout performers included Willow R, who dazzled with the Emerald trophy, Dulcie K with the Topaz trophy, Erin V with the Jade trophy, and Indie B with the Amethyst trophy. Each gymnast demonstrated remarkable skill and poise across various events.

In the Emerald level, Willow R shone brightly, capturing the overall trophy and excelling on vault and bars. Her teammate Genna L also impressed with a gold on beam. The Ruby level saw Millie S, Freya S, and Lucy B among others, achieving multiple medals across different age categories.

The Topaz competitions were equally thrilling, with Dulcie K dominating her age group and Polina V, Penelope-Blue B, and Francesca W adding to the club’s medal tally with outstanding performances. The Jade level was highlighted by Erin V’s victory, alongside strong showings from Stefania B, Minnie H, and Jessica D, who all contributed to the club’s success.

In the Amethyst level, Indie B led the charge with a trophy-winning performance, supported by Grace W, Royah A, and Darcey-Rae J, who each earned multiple medals in their respective events.

The coaches and the entire Harlow Gymnastics Club are incredibly proud of their gymnasts’ achievements. Their dedication and hard work have truly paid off, bringing honour and recognition to the club. This remarkable success not only highlights the talent within the club but also sets a high standard for future competitions.

Cricket enthusiasts in Harlow, rejoice! The legendary Graham Gooch, former England cricket captain, has inaugurated the Advanced Cricket Academy, a state-of-the-art indoor facility set to revolutionise cricket training in the area. Nestled on Central Road off Edinburgh Way, this brand-new academy is the brainchild of John O’Sullivan, whose passion for cricket and commitment to nurturing local talent is truly inspiring.

The Advanced Cricket Academy is not just another training centre; it is a haven for aspiring cricketers eager to hone their skills. Equipped with cutting-edge bowling technology, the academy offers batsmen the unique opportunity to face a variety of deliveries, from deceptive googlies to challenging yorkers, and everything in between. Whether you’re a budding cricketer or a seasoned player looking to refine your technique, this facility caters to all skill levels, ensuring that every player can improve and excel.

John O’Sullivan’s vision for the academy is clear: to provide cricketers from Harlow and beyond with the best possible environment to develop their game. With the support of cricket legend Graham Gooch, the academy is poised to become a cornerstone of the local cricket community, fostering talent and passion for the sport.

At Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents, we understand the importance of community initiatives like the Advanced Cricket Academy. They not only enrich the local area but also provide invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth. As experts in the Harlow property market, we are proud to support such endeavours that enhance the vibrancy and appeal of our community.

Whether you’re a cricket aficionado or simply curious about the sport, the Advanced Cricket Academy is a must-visit. Embrace the opportunity to witness the future of cricket training right here in Harlow!

Image: Unsplash

Harlow’s beloved free paddling pools and splash parks are officially open for the school summer holidays, offering families a fantastic way to cool off and enjoy the sunshine. With all preparations completed ahead of schedule, these delightful spots are ready for residents to enjoy throughout the six-week break.

As part of the council’s mission to enhance services for local residents, further improvements have been made to these facilities. New sunshades have been installed at Staple Tye and Sumners, with plans to add more at other locations lacking natural shade. This year, Harlow boasts four paddling pools at Harlow Town Park, Bush Fair, Norman Booth in Old Harlow, and Sumners, as well as two splash parks at Staple Tye and Potter Street.

Councillor Danielle Brown, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Culture and Community, expressed her delight at seeing so many happy faces enjoying the splash park at Potter Street. She highlighted the joy these spaces bring to the community and praised the continued council investment that keeps improving these facilities. Thanks to the hard work of council teams and HTS, the sites are open even earlier than planned, despite a few unexpected challenges.

Visitors are encouraged to make the most of these fantastic facilities, with all paddling pools and splash parks open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm. Please note that Staple Tye Splash Park is extremely popular, and parking is limited. Walking, cycling, or using public transport is recommended, and if driving, please park responsibly.

For updates on the status of each site, check the council’s website or social media channels. Here’s to a summer full of fun and laughter in Harlow!

Image: Unsplash