Tag: Local News

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the importance of having a fire escape plan. However, the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) is urging families in Harlow and across Essex to take a moment to prepare. A well-practised escape plan can be life-saving, especially for children who may become frightened or confused during an emergency.

Aileen Wilson, ECFRS’s Education and Specialist Interventions Manager, emphasises the importance of preparation: “We know how busy family life can be, but taking just a few minutes to talk about your escape plan, and even better, practice it, can save lives. If a fire starts at home, every second counts. Children especially benefit from knowing exactly what to do.”

Three Simple Steps for Families:

1. Plan Your Escape Route: Ensure everyone in the household knows the quickest and safest way out. This knowledge is crucial when every second counts.
2. Practice Together: Conduct a walkthrough with your children. Repetition makes the escape plan second nature, reducing panic in real situations.
3. Test Smoke Alarms: Regularly check that smoke alarms are functioning and that everyone recognises their sound. This is a vital step in early fire detection.

To further support families, ECFRS offers free home safety visits. A friendly team member can assist in creating or reviewing your escape plan, testing and fitting smoke alarms if necessary, and providing personalised fire safety advice. Additionally, fun and educational activity sheets are available on the ECFRS website to help children learn about fire safety in an engaging way.

At Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents, we understand the importance of safety in the home. Our team is here to support you with expert advice and services to ensure your home is not only a place of comfort but also safety.

Image: Pixabay

Harlow Lawn Tennis Club’s rising star, Max Keni, has delivered a series of remarkable performances representing Essex in the 10 and under County Cup. This was Max’s debut in the prestigious tournament, and he certainly made his mark.

The event took place at Woodbridge Lawn Tennis Club, where Essex competed in South Area, Group B, against Suffolk, Norfolk, and Bedfordshire. The competition format included four singles and two doubles matches against each county.

On Saturday, Essex triumphed over Bedfordshire with a 6-0 victory and then defeated Norfolk 5-1. Although Max didn’t play in these matches, his unwavering support for the team was invaluable.

Sunday was a pivotal day for Essex, as they aimed to secure a spot in the National finals. Max was called up to play and delivered an outstanding performance. He won his singles match with scores of 4-2, 4-1. Max then teamed up with his partner for a thrilling doubles match, which they won 2-4, 4-2, 10-6.

Thanks to Max’s contributions and the team’s collective efforts, Essex topped their group and advanced to the South Area National Finals in Southampton, scheduled for the 7th and 8th of June.

Harlow Lawn Tennis Club is immensely proud of Max’s debut performance and the team’s achievements throughout the weekend. We extend our best wishes to Max and the Essex team as they prepare for the National Finals.

At Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents, we celebrate local talent and community achievements. Max’s success is a testament to the dedication and spirit of our community, and we look forward to supporting more local stars in their endeavours.

Image: Unsplash

Ethan White, a nine-year-old BMX prodigy from Church Langley, is gearing up for an exciting new season. With the BMX season about to kick off, Ethan is ready to take on new challenges and continue his remarkable journey in the world of BMX racing.

Ethan’s father, Terence, proudly shares that Ethan has received his GB race top for the World Championships in Copenhagen this July. It’s been an incredible journey for Ethan, who started as a young boy with a passion for riding his bike every day. His dedication and hard work have paid off, as he is now recognised as one of the best riders in the country for his age group.

The road to success hasn’t been without its challenges. There have been tears, tantrums, and even trips to A&E, but Ethan’s determination has never wavered. Along the way, he has made great friends across the country and created memories that will last a lifetime.

A special thanks goes out to Ethan’s coaches at Braintree BMX Club for their invaluable guidance and support. Additionally, Ethan’s sister, Layla, deserves recognition for her unwavering support towards her brother.

Ethan’s next big race is the nationals in Manchester on May 24th and 25th. The event will be streamed live on YouTube under BMX Race Hub, allowing fans and supporters to cheer him on from afar.

At Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents, we are thrilled to see local talent like Ethan thrive and achieve greatness. As proud supporters of our community, we wish Ethan the best of luck in the upcoming season and look forward to watching his continued success.

Kidz OK, nestled within Little Parndon Primary School in Harlow, has recently been awarded an Outstanding rating by Ofsted, and it’s no surprise why. This pre-school is a beacon of excellence, where children are not just cared for but are nurtured to thrive in an environment that celebrates learning and development.

The Ofsted report highlights how children settle exceptionally well, greeted warmly by staff who are committed to engaging with families. This creates a seamless transition into the setting, ensuring children feel secure and ready to learn. The curriculum is ambitious and well-sequenced, allowing children to immerse themselves in a learning environment filled with resources that cater to their interests.

At Kidz OK, independence and confidence are key. Children are encouraged to make choices, from selecting songs during group time to deciding when to enjoy a healthy snack. This empowerment is further reinforced through positive reinforcement, such as ‘wow’ and ‘kind-hand’ awards, which celebrate kindness and achievements.

The pre-school’s commitment to inclusivity is commendable. Children with English as an additional language receive excellent support, with dual-language books and cultural celebrations enriching their learning experience. The ‘I wonder’ board is a fantastic tool for sparking discussions about cultural diversity, broadening children’s understanding of the world.

Mathematics and literacy are seamlessly integrated into daily activities, with storytelling and problem-solving at the forefront. The outdoor space is a haven for physical development, where children explore mud kitchens and navigate climbing equipment, building essential core strength.

Kidz OK’s partnership with parents is outstanding, offering bespoke workshops and maintaining open communication to ensure a holistic approach to each child’s development. The dedication of the staff, coupled with strong leadership and continuous improvement, makes this pre-school a shining example of excellence in early years education.

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PureGym Harlow has undergone a stunning transformation, bringing a fresh, modern look and the latest state-of-the-art equipment to fitness enthusiasts in Harlow and the surrounding areas. As the UK’s largest gym operator, PureGym is committed to providing affordable and flexible fitness options, and this refurbishment is a testament to that commitment.

The upgraded PureGym Harlow now boasts a brand new women’s workout space, complete with a dedicated stretch area, lifting zone, and a free weights area. Fitness aficionados will be thrilled with the addition of squat racks, adjustable benches, dumbbells up to 30kg, and a variety of glute-focused machines, including the impressive BootyBuilder V8.

The functional area has also received a significant upgrade, featuring a prowler track and bike & ski ergs, perfect for those looking to add variety to their workouts. The dual studio has been given a fresh look and feel, enhancing the overall workout experience. Additionally, new fixed pin machines, such as the prone leg curl and another BootyBuilder V8, have been introduced to the gym’s repertoire.

A spokesperson for PureGym expressed their excitement about the transformation, highlighting the importance of providing first-class gym equipment to support members’ physical and mental wellbeing. The team at PureGym Harlow eagerly anticipates welcoming both returning and new members to enjoy the refurbished facilities.

At Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents, we understand the importance of community investments like this, which enhance the quality of life for local residents. Whether you’re new to the area or a long-time resident, the upgraded PureGym Harlow offers an excellent opportunity to embark on or continue your fitness journey.

Image: Unsplash

Charlotte Roberts from Harlow was recently honoured at a prestigious event at Windsor Castle, celebrating her remarkable achievement of earning the King’s Scout Award. This accolade, the pinnacle of Scouting recognition, was presented by Chief Scout Dwayne Fields and The Duke of Kent, Joint President of The Scouts. The event marked a significant milestone, celebrating The Duke of Kent’s 50 years of dedication to the organisation.

The King’s Scout Award is a testament to the dedication and adventurous spirit of Scouts aged 16 to 25. To earn this award, participants engage in community service, undertake challenging expeditions, complete residential projects, and develop new skills. These activities not only foster personal growth but also leave a positive impact on local communities.

Charlotte’s journey to the award was filled with memorable experiences, from environmental projects to a daring rescue during a sailing expedition. Her achievement is particularly noteworthy as she is the first person in Harlow to receive this award in 14 years. Charlotte’s story is an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance and community spirit.

The event at Windsor Castle, held annually since 1934, coincides with St. George’s Day celebrations. It is a joyous occasion where young Scouts and their families gather to celebrate achievements and create lasting memories. This year, Scout Ambassadors like Astronaut Tim Peake and Olympian Helen Glover joined the festivities, adding to the excitement and recognition of these young leaders.

At Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents, we are proud to celebrate the achievements of local heroes like Charlotte. Her story exemplifies the vibrant community spirit that makes Harlow a wonderful place to live. We are committed to supporting our community and recognising the incredible contributions of its members.

Image: Your Harlow

In a heartwarming move, a Harlow-based business has announced its official charity partnership with a vital UK organisation dedicated to supporting families affected by leukodystrophy, a rare genetic disorder impacting the brain and spinal cord. This partnership is especially meaningful for the business, as it honours Lily, the two-year-old daughter of their Head of Product, who was diagnosed with leukodystrophy in August 2024.

The Head of Product expressed her gratitude, stating, “The charity has become a lifeline for our family since Lily’s diagnosis. I’m incredibly proud that our business is supporting a charity so close to my heart.” The business is committed to raising awareness and funds for the charity, ensuring families like Lily’s receive the support they need.

The partnership kicked off with a family-fun day at the business’s new Harlow offices, raising £1,200. Future initiatives include a Three Peaks Challenge, a 24-hour darts marathon, and ongoing fundraising through product sales. These efforts aim to bolster the charity’s mission to support families and advance research for better diagnosis and treatment.

The Managing Director emphasised the importance of this partnership, saying, “As a team, we’re determined to raise as much awareness and money as possible for this vital cause.” The charity’s CEO expressed her gratitude, highlighting the significant impact the business’s support will have on the leukodystrophy community.

The charity remains the sole UK organisation dedicated to all leukodystrophies, offering expert guidance and advocacy. To contribute to this noble cause, visit the charity’s donation page.

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Exciting culinary news for Harlow residents! The vibrant community of The Stow has welcomed a delightful new addition: Rasoi, an Indian-Bengali restaurant that promises to tantalise taste buds with its unique blend of traditional and contemporary flavours. The grand opening was graced by none other than Harlow MP Chris Vince, marking the occasion with a touch of local prestige.

Rasoi is not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Indian-Bengali cuisine, offering a menu that beautifully marries time-honoured recipes with modern culinary twists. The opening event was a resounding success, with over 150 meals generously handed out to visitors, local businesses, and passers-by. This gesture of hospitality set the tone for what diners can expect—a warm, welcoming atmosphere paired with delicious food.

For those curious about what Rasoi has to offer, a quick visit to their social media pages provides a glimpse into the vibrant dishes and the family-oriented environment that Sham and his family have cultivated. The images and posts reflect the passion and dedication that go into every dish, promising a dining experience that is both authentic and innovative.

At Peter Cuffaro Estate Agents, we understand the importance of community and the role local businesses play in enriching our neighbourhoods. Rasoi’s opening is a testament to the dynamic spirit of Harlow, and we extend our heartfelt wishes to Sham and his family as they embark on this exciting culinary journey. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Rasoi is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to indulge in exquisite Indian-Bengali cuisine.

Image: Unsplash