Tag: Local News

Harlow’s rich historical tapestry takes centre stage this September as the town participates in England’s largest festival of history and culture through Heritage Open Days. Running from 12th to 21st September 2025, these free events showcase the remarkable heritage that makes Harlow such an attractive destination for first-time buyers seeking both cultural richness and affordable homeownership opportunities.

The diverse programme includes fascinating explorations of St. Mary’s Church in Old Harlow, historic Great Parndon, and the elegant Parndon Hall, alongside guided walks revealing the town’s architectural evolution since its designation as a pioneering New Town in 1947. The “Reconstructing an 18th Century Estate” event particularly highlights how Harlow successfully balances historical preservation with modern development.

This cultural vibrancy contributes significantly to Harlow’s growing reputation as one of the UK’s premier destinations for first-time buyers. Recent data reveals that Harlow has experienced an remarkable 87% increase in first-time buyer mortgage applications over the past decade – the largest increase nationally. With average first-time buyer prices of £277,000 in June 2025, compared to significantly higher London rates, the town offers exceptional value for money.

Properties in Harlow sold for an average of £344,424 over the past year, representing substantial savings compared to London alternatives whilst maintaining excellent transport connectivity to the capital. This combination of cultural heritage, community spirit, and financial accessibility creates compelling opportunities for young professionals and families.

Government initiatives further enhance Harlow’s first-time buyer appeal, with shared ownership schemes and the First Homes programme offering discounts of 30-50% for local and key workers. These schemes provide multiple pathways to homeownership.

We specialise in guiding first-time buyers through Harlow’s diverse property market, understanding how the town’s unique blend of historical character and modern affordability creates exceptional opportunities for both heritage properties and contemporary developments.

The Harlow Chorus is pulling out all the stops to celebrate its 50th anniversary season, and it promises to be a year to remember! With the appointment of the talented James Morley Potter as the new Musical Director, the group is set to deliver a series of exhilarating performances. James, who also serves as the Precentor and Director of Music at Magdalene College, Cambridge, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the chorus.

Kicking off the season, the Chorus will perform Rossini’s “Petite messe solennelle” at St John’s Church in Epping on 1st November. This will be followed by a delightful community carol concert in December at St Stephen’s Church in Harlow, and a special carol programme at Copped Hall in Epping. The spring concert in April will feature songs inspired by the sea and travel, offering a diverse musical journey.

The grand finale of this celebratory season will be a spectacular 50th anniversary concert at Saffron Hall in Saffron Walden. Here, the Chorus will collaborate with the esteemed British Sinfonietta and top soloists to present Mendelssohn’s monumental oratorio, “Elijah”. This promises to be a truly unforgettable event, showcasing the remarkable talent and dedication of the Harlow Chorus.

For those inspired to join this musical adventure, Harlow Chorus is hosting an ‘open rehearsal’ on 15th September at St John’s Arts & Recreation Centre in Old Harlow. This welcoming event is a perfect opportunity for aspiring singers to experience the joy of choral singing, with music provided and a friendly atmosphere guaranteed.

Join us in celebrating this milestone year with Harlow Chorus, where music, community, and passion come together in perfect harmony.

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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.

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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.

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