Two weeks ago strong winds struck Watford which very sadly resulted in a fatality. The emergency services across the town delivered a very fast and effective response to the damage caused by the storms and as a result were able to prevent any more serious incidents. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the man who died, and we all owe a huge thanks to the emergency services.
- Watford Remembers
- Becoming Watford Workshop Patron
- Supporting the End Child Neglect Campaign
- Next Public Meeting
- Out and About in Watford
Watford Honours Remembrance Sunday
On Remembrance Sunday, a number of commemorations took place across Watford, to remember those who gave their lives in past wars and to give thanks to those who currently serve in our Armed Forces at home and abroad.
I joined with others to attend a memorial service at St Mary’s church in Watford to mark the two minutes silence at 11am. Later, I attended a formal ceremony at the Town Hall memorial.
In the days leading up to Remembrance Sunday, my team and I had been selling poppies in the Intu centre. We had a great response from so many people wanting to support the British Legion.
We owe a huge amount to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to secure the freedom of our country. We will remember them.
Watford Workshop Honour
I have been honoured to be made the first Patron of Watford Workshop, a local charity which provides employment and training for disabled people.
Having visited the charity several times, I am a strong supporter of the work they do, allowing disabled people to gain greater independence, increasing integration into the community and where possible introducing them to mainstream employment.
The staff and volunteers work hard to support disabled people and are looking to build links with Watford businesses who may be interested in getting involved in the charity or providing contracts to the organisation. I would highly recommend them to any businesses which requires services such as packaging or electrical assembly. If you would like more details, please get in contact with me or click here.
Every time I go I am so impressed with the attitude and achievements of the staff and those in employment. I look forward to continuing to support the organisation.
Ending Child Neglect Campaign
Watford based Charity Action for Children is leading a national campaign to end child neglect. Last week, I joined them at their event in Parliament to lend my support to their campaign.
Action for Children believes that the police and authorities should be able to intervene in cases of emotional and psychological abuse and are in the process of speaking to the Government about how to achieve this goal. Government Ministers have confirmed that existing legislation allows for intervention and this is also recognised by the Crown Prosecution Service.
I am supporting their campaign to bring greater awareness of child neglect in all its forms. If you would be interested to learn more about the campaign or the work of Action for Children click here.
Public Meeting
My next Public Meeting takes place on Saturday 23rd November, 1.30pm at St Luke’s Church, Langley Way, Watford, WD17 3EG.
The meeting is open to all Watford residents, and is a chance for you to ask me anything about local or national issues.
There is no need to register, but if you would like any further information about the meeting please get in touch by emailing richard@richardharrington.org.uk or by calling 01923 296 790.
Out and About in Watford
Since my last email, my diary has included;
- Speaking at an event for the 10th Anniversary of the Watford Town Centre Chaplaincy, who offer help and support in the Town Centre through their Street Angels and God After Dark programmes.
- Meeting with the young people taking part in the YMCA’s Youth Work Week. The young people I met are the ‘Y Team’ who meet weekly at the Orbital Community Centre in North Watford to plan and deliver community projects in their local area. For more information about the scheme contact Emma Brown, YMCA Watford Youth Work Manager 01923 353 631, Pauline Butcher, Youth Work Team Leader (Watford) 07769648524.
- Opening the Careers Fair at St Michael's School.
- Holding a surgery at Tesco Extra in Watford.
- Celebrating Diwali with Watford Hindu’s at a number of events across the town. I also visited the Watford Gujurati School to meet with teachers and students.