Blooming Barking!

Taken today at Barking Park...

Lothar Matthäus

Personified a dynamic midfielder
The Kaiser's on field leader
When the legs began to lack for pace
Brains and vision to switch to sweeper

Lothar Herbert Matthäus
From Erlangen the young man hailed
Mönchengladbach at just eighteen
National team his boat soon sailed

Euro champ in nineteen eighty
Eighty two a punch from Altobelli
Though not in the final first team
Lothar gasped at Rossi and Tardelli

Bayern general of much repute
Topping lists of planet football's pick
Mexico final brief to shackle Diego
But Maradona had one last trick

Spun by his marker at the death
Matthäus lost sight of Maradona
Slinky run, split pass to Burruchaga
Voller's Azteca brace succumbed to the winner

Inter lynchpin by Italia ninety
Missile against Yugoslavia
Mazy power sprint and breathless strike
Calcio winner crowned Europe's best player

Four goals and in prime peak form
Finale against old foe Maradona
Lifting the gold piece as skipper
Gifting the winning spot kick to Brehme

In ninety four a twenty first world cup game
Joining Diego, Seeler and Zmuda
Fuel in the tank for France ninety eight
Broke the record after replacing Sammer

Evergreen Matthäus reigned long
Elusive Champions league medal proved too hot
Mesmerising runs, vision to boot
King of the heat seeking shot

Number7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Wilted roses

Taken yesterday...

Franky Van Der Elst

Franky's journey began at Molenbeek
When he was still very much a pipsqueak

Thereafter he wore the national rouge
And a career move to Club Brugge

Four world cups, eighty six to ninety eight
Two golden shoes for this defensive midfield great

Diligent carrier with Leo his namesake
For Enzo Scifo was the icing on the cake

Amazed after his only goal against Norway
Amidst thunderous applause by the Belgian soirée

Number7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Fontaine

Way back in the fifties
In the days of tolerant France
From Spanish Ma, Moroccan Pa
Led defences a merry dance

Knight of the French attack order
Justo Fontaine galloped with a lance
Yet an all time world cup record
Cracking home every thirteenth chance

Debut hat-trick for the future French boss
Rubber stamping French allegiance
Goal in every match of a World Cup
Ghiggia's record matched at a glance

Marrakech Fontaine's goal in every game
A quadruple for an advance
Then a hattrick and two braces
Thirteen by the end of the trance

Lycée lyautey, Casablanca, Nice
Stade de Reims to form an alliance
With Madrid bound Raymond Kopa
Aged twenty eight the knee failed the distance

Number7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Shep pie for Iftar

Absolutely gorgeous!!!

Purple Apples interview

Purple Apples depicts the life of a young girl, Donna Charlton, whose life transforms when she meets a lady with purple nails who serves her up a tasty treat. However, this treat is not just tasty it is also magical! Enjoy reading this enthralling tale which describes how this miraculous delight changes Donna’s life and takes her through a spiral of events!

EMDAD RAHMAN interviews rising literary star Stephanie Duncan.

What inspired you to write Purple Apples?

I decided to write a book that touches upon the issues teenagers face during family breakdowns. I wanted to show them that if you are going through bad times you can still find some light at the end of the tunnel.

What has been the response so far?

A lot of people have said that they are very interested in the story and are looking forward to the next book.

Is self publishing difficult?

It is quite difficult because you have to ensure that what you publish is good enough to sale. This is quite tricky on your own but I enjoyed doing it because it allowed me to learn more about the world of publishing which was very beneficial.

Have you received interest from the mainstream?

I have not received much interest yet because it is still early days and many bookstores do not know about the book yet. At the moment I am in the process of talking to bookstores and getting them interested in the book.

What advice do you have for budding writers?

Keep on writing and be determined. Even if you get many rejections from publishers just keep thinking positive and don’t stop believing because it will happen!

How will young people identify with Donna Charlton?

Donna Charlton is very sensitive and vulnerable at the time that we are introduced to her in the story. These are feelings that teenagers experience quite regularly through their development. I think young people will relate to the feelings that the character encounters and look at her as a role model as she puts a positive twist on most of her situations.

What are your three most influential personalities?

Someone I look up to with great inspiration is Oprah Winfrey. She is a hard working woman who helps people who are struggling in their lives. In the book, the witch Isla has a very similar personality as she helps people that are suffering. I think that this is an essential element to have as there are many people who need aid to reinforce their lives.

Another person who has influenced me greatly is the singer Beyonce as she is like Oprah Winfrey, very hard working and focused. She has built her career with great effort and has successfully achieved her goals creating a positive light for young women.

One other person who I look up to is my mother as she is always there for me and gives me much encouragement and love. She is the reason why I have got so far in life because of her support and her persistence to tell me that I can do anything. I feel it is important to surround yourself with people who have good intentions for you and your future.

Any hobbies?

My favourite hobby is baking. I absolutely love to bake cakes and biscuits; it is a real passion of mine! I get pleasure from creating new recipes and trying out different cake mixtures. I also enjoy watching people eat my food as I get delight from pleasing others. I am writing a British-Caribbean cookbook as I am British with Caribbean roots and I think that the market could do with a recipe book with British recipes with a Caribbean twist!

Another hobby that I have is of course writing! I love to write stories, poems and lyrics for songs. As soon as I get any spare time I like to write, I see it as quite therapeutic and intriguing as I never know how a story will turn out until I finish it. At the moment I am in the middle of writing the next book that follows Purple Apples.

Your favourite Author?

I have a variety of different authors that I like such as J. K. Rowling, Roald Dahl, Charles Dickens and Omar Tyree. I like these authors because their writing is creative and imaginative. When reading their stories you feel as though you are in the story, you can almost smell and taste the images that they are portraying.

What's the best thing about mystical stories?

The best thing about mystical stories is the fact that they lead you to a different world and take you out of the ordinary. They stretch your imagination and make you believe that the impossible could be possible. I love to write mystical stories as you can turn anything into a reality.

Do you plan to continue writing and if so, what's in the pipeline?

Yes I am continuing to write, like I have said I am in the process of writing the sequel to Purple Apples. In this story the main character is the witch Isla who we learn much more about and we take a trip into her past. I am also writing a British-Caribbean cook book which will include a range of different recipes created and adapted by myself.

Purple Apples can be purchased by visiting www.authorhouse.co.uk

Torres Baggies three points - Liverpool 1-0 West Brom

Raul presented to the faithful
Dane immediately taken to heart
Konchesky sat in the stands
Poulson made his first start

Scott Carson looked real handy
Zonal marking was not recalled
Morrison red-carded for a tackle on Torres
Gonzalo Jara escaped a handball

Number Nine came to the rescue
Di Matteo’s men outfoxed
Superman with a cross from the left
Bounced volley from the edge of the box

29.08.10

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Dasaev

Кубок мира stalwart for USSR
Rinat Fayzrakhmanovich Dasayev
World number one in eighty eight
In the footsteps of the great Lev

Named six times best goalie by Ogonyok
"The Cat" from Spartak Moscow
Little way past the twice champion
When “The Iron Curtain” hung low

Three world cups from eighty two
Second most capped Soviet ever
Moscow Olympic bronze
For the much celebrated Tatar

UEFA Champions league ambassador
Euro eighty eight final esprit
Rooted he had no chance
With Van Basten's astonishing volley

Number7
(c) Emdad Rahman
Dasaev

Кубок мира stalwart for USSR
Rinat Fayzrakhmanovich Dasayev
World number one in eighty eight
In the footsteps of the great Lev

Named six times best goalie by Ogonyok
"The Cat" from Spartak Moscow
Little way past the twice champion
When “The Iron Curtain” hung low

Three world cups from eighty two
Second most capped Soviet ever
Moscow Olympic bronze
For the much celebrated Tatar

UEFA Champions league ambassador
Euro eighty eight final esprit
Rooted he had no chance
With Van Basten's astonishing volley

Number7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Our garden produce :)

London walkabout

Chelsea at Adidas Oxford Street

To celebrate the launch of the new third kit, adidas gave Chelsea fans the ultimate money-can't-buy prize - an invitation to meet some of the players for a photo and kit signing.

Six Chelsea men were at the adidas Sports Performance Store today - Nicolas Anelka, Florent Malouda, Branislav Ivanovic, Salomon Kalou, Daniel Sturridge and Gael Kakuta.

The Premiership trophy too was there. Fans never stood a chance. The players came for an hour and the queue stretched for ever. Being a mug I took the kids along too. We, like the majority, stood no chance and I felt bad for the kids. A fickle stunt and publicity drive by Adidas. We're going back to star spotting at West Ham.

Barking - Mayesbrook Park

Captured this beauty whilst out on a jog - Quite pleased with myself!

2010 GCSE Results: Tanveer is a shining light

I taught Tanveer for four years, so imagine my delight when his Father called me out of the blue to share the family's delight at the youngster's GCSE results.

As his teacher I always had him marked down as a child protege, featuring him as one to watch in a newspaper article when he was ten years old.

Tanveer, who suffered a horrific leg break three years ago, has displayed tremendous guts and determination, overriding major obstacles in his bid for success.

Tanveer, a pupil at Oaklands School in Bethnal Green, attained eleven GCSE’s, including 9A*s and two As. Tanveer achieved an A* in Mathematics, Biology, Physics A, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature A, Media A, Humanities A, Design and technology A, ICT A*(x2).

Tanveer’s Father Abdul Rob and his mother Roushna are ecstatic with the teenager’s runaway success.

“We are over the moon,” said his Father. “This is one of the happiest days of my life, and I thank my son for this.

“It is his sheer will and single mindedness that has led to these super results.

“Tanveer now has an outstanding chance of doing well in the future and these grades will be a huge springboard for the rest of his life.”

“All the hard work has paid off,” added Roushna. Tanveer has worked himself into the ground and his results are testament to the graft that he has put in.

“We are very proud of Tanveer, and he has set a great example for the rest of his cousins to follow. He is now a positive role model for young people.

“The whole family is delighted, and we will be celebrating this for the rest of the summer.”

Modest Tanveer plans to study medicine. “I couldn’t have done it without the support of my parents and teachers,” he said. I’m really happy and would like to say a big thank you to these people, my friends, cousins, uncles, aunts and wellwishers.”

This young man has all the ingredients, very supportive parents and family networks, hard graft, good looks, a clinical brain and above all modesty - he will go far!

Don't make me angry!!!

Or you will be dealt with in a most undiplomatic manner...

Sky Blues Sheikh Reds

So at last a cameo appearance
From the Eastlands big boss
As the Guvnor beamed Mancini said,
"Avoid losing at any cost"

Roberto under the spotlight
£130m summer spending spree
In the end it was a victory cruise
For the Sheikh who changed the face of City

Barry hit home an early lead
Man of match Milner assisting
Tevez a second from close range
More thought for Roy's rebuilding

Ngog and Torres with a rebound
Hart's brilliance still on a roll
Skrtel upending Johnson in the box
Tevez with the clinching third goal

Barca bound Masch refused to travel
Skipping Yaya strong as a tree
Johnson and Milner outstanding
Clipboard ticks from Franco Baldini

24.08.10

Number7
(c) Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Diving into the Everton FC bath!

Wonder what Mikel Arteta, Francois Pienaar, Phil Neville and Tim Cahill will make of this!!! My Everton source tells me David Moyes may put out a contract- yikes!!!

Éder

With dazzling ball control
"The Cannon" put on a show
Not quite the paciest on two feet
Left wing Éder of Gremio

Going back to Espana 82
Soviets given a number
Deft flick coupled with rocket volley
Searing twenty five yard rumba

Next up Alan Rough
Mock the bonny Scots goalie
Magical loft into the far corner
After an elegant feigned shot folly

Number 7
(c) Emdad Rahman
Www.football-poems.com

Here's the one against the Soviet Union:-



And here's Eder chipping poor Alan Rough -

Shopping offer

Surely that must be an attractive incentive to spend a tenner???

Madeleine McCann - Age progression poster

www.findmadeleine.com

Dave Smith - Manchester United

After visiting Manchester United I couldn't help but write a few words about this gentleman. With an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things United, Dave Smith is a brilliant Ambassador for this mighty club. His energy is admirable and it's obvious that being a club tour guide is a whole lot more than just a job for this fella. I particularly enjoyed sharing some really witty and humorous banter with him, not surprising as he'd worked out early doors that I was Liverpool. I've written to the club to congratulate them on having such superb representatives. Cheers for a great tour Dave.

Flower power!

Took a snap of this eyecatching bunch at BYL headquarters, Luton.

Shahab Uddin Ahmed - Luton

Shahab Uddin Ahmed (centre). Ex Pakistan Air Force Pilot, war hero, civil servant - a true Bangladeshi hero! Pictured with me and BBC broadcast journalist Maruf Ahmed.

Purple Apples - By S.L.Duncan

You can preview & buy the book here. Or here. Or here.

Garden pears

Our own produce :)





















Prior to picking...

Luton Crescent Summer School Presentation Evening

EMDAD RAHMAN: Luton's Crescent Summer School project invited the local community to an evening of fun, entertainment and presentations.

The summer school has been operating successfully since 1990, continuing to provide a safe and enjoyable place for young people to spend their summer holidays. The project was created and nurtured by young people for young people.

The much popular and celebrated event was attended by guests and members of Luton's diverse communities.

The event took place at a packed Beech Hill Conservative club.

Highlights included an introduction from Musthafa and Juleka, Quran recitation from Kasim and an Islamic rap by Jabed.

Rushanara Khanom offered a volunteers perspective;" this whole experience has made my summer holidays so enjoyable.

"I've particularly enjoyed the kickboxing so stay out of my way. I'd like to thank everyone who has helped to make this experience so memorable. "

There were also speeches from Shabina, Halim and Councillor Abdur Roquib of Luton Borough Council.

"We are very proud of these young people," said BBC broadcast journalist and ex Bangladesh Youth league Chair Maruf Ahmed. "A tremendous amount of unheralded effort is put into these programmes and the community is thankful to all contributors and well wishers," he added.

Councillor Tahir Khan said; "I am moved to see young people like yourselves partaking in such positive activities.

"Ramadan is a time for reflection and I hope we will use this month as a springboard to continue striving for the greater good of our communities."

Councillor Tom Shaw, the honourable Mayor of Luton, was in attendance as chief guest. After presenting various awards Councillor Wallace said; "This event has gone a long way to show everyone how special a place Luton is. The young people have loved this programme and I am proud to support this great initiative."

London Bangla Executive Editor Emdad Rahman, who was a guest and speaker at the event said; "Congratulations to the young people and adults who have worked so hard to engage these young people.

"This full room of happy young faces is testament to the brilliant efforts of the volunteers and outreach workers involved with this magnificent project."

He added; " you are all a credit to Luton."

Luton Town Football Club

I used to hate Luton Town and their plastic pitch. They were Liverpool's 80's small bogey team. Secretly I admired them though. A club graced by Stein, Foster, Donaghy, Preece, Hill, Wilson and of course Mick Harford. I won't start on the David Pleat Maine road dash.

Community Activists Shop Robbed

EMDAD RAHMAN: Help is sought after a business belonging to Respect Mayoral candidate and community activist Mahbub Mamun Alam was robbed in broad daylight yesterday.

Shop assistant Manirul Islam and Mr Alam's business partner were attacked during the violent robbery. Islam received on the scene first aid and treatment from paramedics at the scene of the crime. £250.00 was taken by the criminals, as well as 3 laptops and an I-phone.

The five suspects are described as black men in their late 20's.

Alam said; " three men entered the shop whilst two stayed outside. We have suffered injuries and it has been a very traumatic experience. We hope that witnesses will come forward with much needed information."

Anyone with information is requested to contact the Police.

Lutfur Rahman meets Miliband

EMDAD RAHMAN: Councillor Lutfur Rahman joined a small select number of Labour activists to meet David Miliband in London. The Shadow Foreign Secretary discussed grassroots engagement with the ex Tower Hamlets Council leader.

“David Miliband is keen to stay in touch with the grassroots, and we have had a very frank and insightful discussion,” said Rahman.

Councillor Rahman, a Miliband’s supporter, also discussed his Mayoral prospects with the Labour leadership frontrunner.

Mr Miliband wished him luck for October’s Tower Hamlets Mayoral elections.