Introduction agency

I've been away in Liverpool for four days, and didn't get back till half past eight last night. I've unpacked, and spread loads of paperwork all over the bed so that at least I can sort it into related heaps.

It's absolutely tipping it down with rain this morning, so rather than walk to Wych Elm for my nine o'clock meeting and end up there looking like a drowned rat, I let discretion be the better part of valour and order a cab.

When I arrive, the Rainbow Services building is locked and the shutters are down. I tap on the door, notice the bell and ring that, and then - getting wet and desperate - thump on the door just as it's about to be opened by a very startled Claire.

Marcela and George, together with Peter Woolford and Susan, have arrived and have been waiting in the car in the Wych Elm car park. We're all welcomed, shown upstairs and offered a very welcome cup of coffee.

We're here - following the presentation Marcela gave last Wednesday at the Civic Centre - to meet Harlow 2020 chairman Jackie Sully, to discuss whether Harlow 2020 would consider itself able to act as an umbrella for Harlow's part of the relationship we have with Prague 15 district. There are so many opportunities for different groups and organisations and interests to meet their counterparts in the partner country, to give and take ideas and experience and widen our horizons. But it needs a co-ordinating body to bring all of this together, to plan it out, to map the relationships between the partners and promote the links between our two districts.

Jackie is very positive, telling us that she has already raised this with the Harlow 2020 Board last Friday, following Wednesday's presentation, and that Harlow 2020 are potentially interested - though of course they want more information and to find out what is expected.

Marcela gives Jackie copies on disc of the presentation she gave last week, and promises to email myself and Peter with more notes for her. We all come out feeling very encouraged that perhaps more residents in Harlow - and in Prague 15 - will be able to benefit from the relationship in future.