Emergency Ward - Liverpool 0-1 Wolves

Boo choruses at the end

Eighth loss this campaign

Ward striking the shock winner

Mick McCarthy relished Chow Mein

"I have to hope the fans will become supporters”

Woy’s post match claims

“Because we need support”

“We are not deliberately losing games"

Deafening chants for Dalglish

More so like a command

And "Hodgson for England"

Deafening the fans demand

29.12.10

Number7

© Emdad Rahman

www.football-poems.com

Padded Cell and other stories

Loss: By Gerrard Mannix Flynn.

Ring the bell “hard” when you visit because you may end up thinking the exhibition is closed and leave disappointed. I really enjoyed visiting this hauntingly powerful exhibition and even got a call a week later. There had been an “incident” involving the gallery and the host decided to play Miss Marple, thinking it was suspicious that I had left my card (standard practise).

How bizarre and what drama – Naturally I wasn’t best pleased.

Back to business! Since the foundation of the Irish State a great many people have been forced to emigrate in search of a better life - sometimes just for life itself - and the United Kingdom was the first port of call for many hundreds of thousands.  

Among these emigrants were a group of individuals who had been incarcerated in Ireland’s State-sanctioned Religious institutions and, on release, they fled  traumatised from Ireland and found sanctuary in the UK.

After decades of cover-up, recent State investigations have, at last, uncovered the scale of the abuse perpetrated against Irish children by Church and State.  The reports published answer in painful detail the questions of what was done to children in Irish institutions, how it was done and where it was done, but other more disturbing questions remain; the questions of why this abuse was allowed to happen and what is to be done now.

I believe that those involved - the victims, the perpetrators, the colluders and those who stood idly by while children were exploited, raped and tortured - know the why. It was because these children didn’t matter.  They were rubbish children and so people felt they could do whatever they wanted to them without consequences. And they were right; they didn’t have to face consequences at the time the abuse happened and they haven’t had to face any consequences since.

In the investigations into child abuse in Religious-run State institutions over 30% of those who gave testimony came from the UK to do so. The work in Loss is intended to highlight their issues and bring understanding and acknowledgment to their particular plight and the generations of children who came after them.


"This work is dedicated to the women who were incarcerated in the Magdalene laundries, Mother and Baby homes and other such institutions.  Women who after death still await the justice denied them in life."

Dialogue, 43A Vyner St., London E2 9DQ.

Please ring 0208 9805809 if you wish to view the work privately or with a group.

Avraham (Avi) Cohen

Belter on last day of the season
Reds champions by end of the day
Scored for and against the Villa
Motty uttered ‘Oh I say!'

‘Me and you, same!’
King Kenny looked moodish
‘What do you mean by that?’
Avi said, ‘Both learn English!’

'Orthodox Jews don't play Saturdays'
Chronicle to Mister Paisley
Gaffer with a wry smile
‘I’ve half a dozen like that already!’

'Beckenbauer of the Middle East'
Came on for Ray Kennedy
Memories measured and happy
Farewell and goodbye Avi

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

Venky's take over Blackburn Rovers

Could this be the new Executive Chairman? - seen outside Shadwell Jame Masjid on Boxing Day 2010.

Peter Donnelly – Rolling back home

Emdad Rahman

Paraplegic Peter Donnelly from St Helens, Merseyside has got a T6 spinal cord injury and over the Christmas break, I was able to interview this special man and find out a little bit what he is doing to raise awareness and funds for charity.

Peter told me that he is currently volunteering at the CRP in Dhaka, Bangladesh. “After I finish my 3 months here I will be heading back to the UK, but I will be travelling over land in order to raise money for the CRP in Savar, Dhaka.

The Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) headquarters are in Savar, approximately 25km from Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. Set in around 13 acres of land, the centre comprises an extensive range of services for disabled people as well as CRP's academic institute, the Bangladesh Health Professions Institute (BHPI) and CRP's inclusive school.

CRP moved to Savar in 1990 after eleven years operating from different premises in Dhaka. In addition to the infrastructure necessary for CRP's work, CRP-Savar has been expertly landscaped and provides a peaceful and relaxing environment which is such a vital component of the rehabilitation process. Many different types of trees and flowers are in bloom in different seasons so there is always a colourful display of flora. Sports and recreational facilities are used by CRP's patients, staff and students of BHPI. A large multi-purpose hall provides facilities for cultural events, conferences, meetings, sports events and patient activities.

Services which are located at CRP-Savar include:

·        A 100-bed hospital for spinal injuries

·        Operating theatre for spinal and orthopaedic surgery

·        Physiotherapy Department for in-patients and out-patients

·        Occupational Therapy Department for in-patients and out-patients

·        Halfway hostel where patients prepare for returning to their home community

·        Social Welfare Unit assisting with a variety of issues for CRP's users

·        Metal workshop which produces wheeled mobility aids and other appliances

·        Wood workshop which produces furniture to order and a range of toys

·        Special seating workshop for individually crafted seating units for disabled children

·        Orthotics and Prosthetics workshop which produces assistive devices for disabled people

·        Paediatric Unit with residential and out-patient care for disabled children

·        William and Marie Taylor School which provides inclusive education in an enabling environment

·        Bangladesh Health Professions Institute (BHPI) which trains the health professionals of tomorrow

·        Administration area ensuring the smooth and transparent operation of CRP

On his intense and gruelling challenge, Peter said: “On my way back I really would like to explore the lifestyles of wheelchair users and how they differ. To do this I would like to meet people who work in the field such as spinal units or consumer groups.”

Why Bangladesh? “I volunteered over here as I think this is an amazing organisation and I have experience that would be useful over here. I mainly work with wheelchair skills, sport and patient education but also do some work with the counsellors and fundraising.

Peter told me about Al-Amin (16), who comes from a poor family and was working as a fruit picker when he fell and broke his neck, leaving him with no movement below the neck.

“Al-Amin arrived at CRP with 35 pressure sores and has spent the last 2 years in bed while they heal. Because of the help provided by CRP both in healthcare and helping his parents find employment Al-Amin is hopeful for the future and intends to return to school when he is discharged. 

“Money donated to CRP will help people like Al-Amin go on to live as independently as possible by providing them with rehabilitation, providing them with mobility aids, education about their injury and employment opportunities so they can support themselves.”

I asked Peter to inform me of the nature of the disability that has affected his daily living: “The higher the spinal cord injury then the more function is lost. Low injury cases like me lose the ability to walk but people who break their neck can lose hand function, the ability to move their arms and respiratory problems.”

Peter has been in Dhaka since October 2010. He said: “My journey will start on the 22nd January.”

“I was amazed at the spinal rehabilitation services offered here at the CRP and so I chose to come and volunteer here as rehabilitation and independence after a spinal cord injury is something that I am very interested in.”

Peter has enjoyed the hospitality of the natives of the luscious and green country of Bangladesh: “Bangladeshi people are very friendly, offering help most of the time when I need it.

I enquired whether developing nations held negative attitudes towards the disabled. In some cultures, disabled people are seen as omens of bad luck. Disabled children are discarded at birth, and those who survive are left to fend for the rest of their life through various acts of begging.

“I feel like there is something of a negative stereotype against disabilities,” said Peter, “but I don't know that can be placed only in developing countries. Admittedly things are much easier in the UK but there are many people working to make change over here.

“Communities should be understanding of disabilities and not treat people differently because they have a disability, if they don't understand what is affecting a person then ask them.

“Always ask if they require help instead of assuming that they do. Make public areas that people may want to access as easy as possible, put a ramp in where possible.”

Before I interviewed Peter, he wrote to me – “If you could help me tell people about what I am doing I would very much like to hear from you, it's not just about raising money it's also showing people what is possible with a disability.” Quick as a flash, I emailed him back within seconds. I thrive on fleeting moments of contact with people on my journey through life, and our exchange has been nothing short of inspiring.

Lincoln Rhyme, forensic genius and brilliant criminologist and Quadriplegic may be my favourite, but Paraplegic Peter Donnelly is definitely a very close second! 

www.justgiving.com/rollingbackhome

Demotivated? Angry with our lot? Alone at Christmas?

Let's all turn over a new leaf - Let's all learn from Nick Vujicic...

www.attitudeisaltitude.com

Christmas Day at The Whitechapel Mission

Winter is a difficult time for the homeless. It is a time of loneliness and cold, and the celebration of religious festivals offers a timely and appropriate reminder of those who may have fallen on hard times.

Months ago I had signed up to volunteer on 25th December. Christmas day offered a chance to do some beneficial work to offer a little assistance to those less fortunate.

As I was growing up I would pay particular attention to advice given to me by the learned and wise regarding voluntary service to help develop ones community whilst supporting fellow humans.

Having despaired at Bianca Jackson squealing about not having a "proper Eastenders Christmas," I woke up early and travelled down to the Whitechapel Mission for a brisk and bright 5 am start.

Statistics state that 3673 people in London slept rough in 2009/10. This was an increase of 6% from the previous year, and more than a thousand since 2006.

This year 61% of rough sleepers are new, 27% have been rough sleeping for two years or more, and 13% have returned to rough sleeping after a gap of one year.

We met the Kiwi crew and after initial tasks I was paired with Glaswegian Anthony, who I assisted in hairdressing visitors. Toni & Guy eat your heart out.

We were soon joined by the amiable Manny (above) from West London, a QPR fan and St John's Ambulance volunteer who's been providing voluntary medical aid once a month for the last three years.

I caught up with Ramesh, one of my loyal customers from the time when we owned a store on the Bethnal Green Road.

Sue Miller helps run the show and the Governess made us feel most welcome all throughout. At the current count Sue's completed thirty years at the Mission. "I'm probably going to spend my living days on the job," she told me with a glint in her eye.

Then there are the visitors. 50 pence gets them a breakfast fit for a king. There are razors, hot water for showers and clothe changes.

The most important lesson I learn involved human judgement. Not one attendee was similar to the next, they did not fit the widely held stereotypical image of the homeless and vulnerable held by society.

The level of short intellectual discussions I shared with the various visitors were both memorable and inspiring.

Vulnerable people who attend the Mission are often condemned. They are frowned at with distrust. I know, I’m a local lad.

The harsh reality is it can take a mental breakdown, due to family, financial or work pressures that in a flash can transform complete independence to complete hopelessness.

It is up to us to offer short and long term support to our fellow human beings. You will lose nothing but gain everything.

Each visitor had their own story and some, amongst others, a top grade student, and a competitive martial artist, shared their fascinating life experiences.

Though vulnerable, it was clear that visitors appreciated the lending of an attentive ear. Most just wanted to chat - to make and feel a human connection.

I particularly enjoyed sharing superb banter with Anthony, Sue, Simon, Shah, and Dominic, the ever charismatic “Timelord”.

Our volunteer duties included preparation of a full English breakfast, serving the punters and washing/cleaning up.

My mate kas visited for a chat and we sauntered down to meet his Missus for a well earned Halal Turkey lunch at Senses Restaurant, situated within the Whitechapel NHS Walk in centre.

I received a lesson in humility. Thank God, my experience has hammered home how good my personal life situation is. It has hammered home how important it is for us to make very small sacrifices by volunteering with similar support projects.

Thanks to Sue & Tony for the opportunity.

I spent a morning at the Mission helping homeless visitors. A more accurate reflection is visitors to the Mission helped me a whole lot more.
 

www.whitechapel.org.uk

Reds request to Santa

Good morning from Whitechapel Market

Talksport - warming the cockles

My car heating has jacked in and the window gets very misty. But hey, Ismael, Zahir and I have Talksport, Goughie with star man Adrian (hot air) Durham keeping us warm on the drive home.

Readers winter scenes

Jane Hotvedt from Minnesota, USA:

Jane's niece and 2 sons enjoy the Winter Olympics at school. The weather is a scorching -52 celsius. Yes, they are crazy

Ismael, Talha, Hamza at Barking Park

Jane Hotvedt from Minnesota, USA:

Blizzard. Time to dig out!

Muhammad Rashid - Flip flops in our front yard

Ibrahim Ali - My girls Jannah and Raodah with the finished snowman. Saniya was having a break   

Roy Hil - Hi Emdad, this is the church in our small village of Glyncorrwg, in South Wales, Glyncorrwg church  

 

Santa's Grotto - Museum of Docklands

Hannah Rashid and her snow sister 

Barking Park

Alam shaikh's neighbour

Cain say's hi from Switzerland

Kasam's snowy street

Raising funds for your organisation - A presentation from Dr Besiro Sirage

Emdad Rahman: As a participant on the Tower Hamlets Community Leadership Programme, I had the very good fortune of being present at a lecture given by Dr Besiro Sirage (MBA, MA, PGCE, PGD, BA).

Dr Sirage addressed participants on the age old subject of raising funds to support your organisation.

Fundraising is a complex and fast – changing profession. There are also various techniques, challenges and opportunities that confront voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations everywhere.

The lecture focussed on basic foundations of effective fundraising and effective fundraising and effectively communicating elements of intentions and/or project proposals to funders.

Dr Sirage discussed the principles of fundraising:

• Who are you?
• What is the need you intend to meet?
• What is the solution you offer?
• Why should you do it?
• How much do you need?
• What future do you have?

The Academic feels that it is far easier to raise money for something specific than to appeal for administrative costs or general funds: “Funders prefer to feel that their money is going in order to fund something they are genuinely interested in.”

This is whether it’s a training programme to enhance the employability of local over 25 Bangladeshi women, or buying play equipment for disabled children to enjoy and use.

Thinking of work in project terms and designing projects that will attract support is the basis of successful fundraising and to cost a project, one needs to include all the direct and indirect costs that can reasonably be attributable to the running of the project; an appropriate percentage of the management salaries, the cost of occupying  the building, usage of the telephone, photocopying etc. Some funders will refuse to fund these core costs, so they will have to be incorporated within the overall project plans.

Analysis of the environment is critical and there are various ways in which the fundraising environment can be explored:

• SWOT Analysis – involves trying to identify the organisations strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
• PEST Analysis – To explore external factors in greater detail under the headings Political, Economical, Social, and Technological.

The fundraising strategy should involve identification of the organisations aims through strategic planning and the formulation of a working business plan. Objective setting is crucial in deciding what needs to be achieved over a certain timescale. Activity analysis, scheduling, resourcing, setting targets and standards and setting up monitoring procedures are crucial factors within this process.

A project must have rationale behind it and the organisation must be able to explain factors like:

• Why are you targeting who you are targeting?
• Why you have decided on what you will do?
• Why you will provide services in a particular place?
• Why you have decided on particular times?

For these very reasons Goal Setting is a good way of keeping a project on track and ensuring that you achieve the results you require. However, goals don’t happen, they need to be developed and are often based around your values, beliefs, desires and sense of purpose.

Up to date information on fundraising is available at www.thirdsector.co.uk.

Regenerating the Ocean

And true to form, the snow returns today...

Nelson Street drug warren

Stake out worked today. Caught this gentleman sneaking in.

Should I venture inside next time.

Lord Nazir hosts Cross Party Eid Event in honour of Mayor Lutfur Rahman

Emdad Rahman: A Cross Political Party Eid event was hosted by Lord Nazir Ahmed this week. Dignitaries, politicians and activists were present at the well attended event at the House of Lords.

The prestige gathering honoured the achievement of the first BME & Muslim Executive Mayor, Lutfur Rahman, his Deputy Cllr Ohid Ahmed and the induction of LibDem Councillor Qurban Hussain to the House of Lords.

The event was also attended by cross party MP's, Peers and Community Leaders.

Blooming Tower Hamlets

Shoreditch.

Interview with the BBC's Maruf Ahmed

Emdad Rahman: It seems like forever that Maruf Ahmed, the British Bangladeshi and established household name has been working with the BBC as a broadcast journalist.

For five years, the Luton lad has combined his day job with a popular radio presenters role with the Beeb.

Maruf finds combining his passion with a regular day job is the best way to move forward: "I feel that I have achieved a lot as I have not had to worry about money. My bread and butter job pays the bills, and this gives me the freedom to serve the community with entertainment, news and views via the BBC.

"I believe it's the way forward," say's Maruf. Hold down a steady day job that pays the bills, whilst pursuing a hobby – in my case its journalism.

"Many people do the same, be it as a Musician, community activist or a Politician."

Since Maruf moved to live in England, he has rapidly become a very popular and an iconic figure amongst the community. As a journalist he is most at home covering news, views, culture and issues that affect society.

A keen interest in journalism became apparent during Maruf's teens – "I developed an interest in news from a very early age.

As a student in Bangladesh, I regularly wrote reports and summaries of events. I merely strengthened and harnessed this passion when I took a role with the BBC."

Maruf cites Nelson Mandela as a great role model and influence: "Here we have a man who was horrifyingly demonised on a global scale.

"Even worse, he was imprisoned for over a quarter of a century.

Mandela returned to lead his country. His forgiveness and spirit, as well as his obsession with uniting the Rainbow Nation is a lesson that will be carved into history."

In terms of journalistic influences, Maruf surprisingly has none: "Well, not one, but many," he laughs aloud.
"I hesitate to follow one style from one individual and prefer to adopt the best from the cream of the talent out there.

"If I'm watching a presenter or listening to them I'll make mental notes on aspects that are appealing and would enhance my own repertoire of presentation skills.

"This is the advice that I offer to young people looking to progress in their careers."
Doubling up as a community activist, Maruf is a well known face in the Bangladeshi community. In Bedfordshire he is pipped as a future Labour Councillor.

During Ramadan 2010 I was fortunate enough to meet Luton Mayor Tom Shaw, and be given a grand tour of the youth and community facilities that Maruf and his colleagues have worked to set up for Luton youth. I was also given a tour of the Shaheed Minar, the iconic Bangladeshi martyrs memorial monument in Bury Park, Luton.

"I enjoy empowering people," adds Maruf. "It gives me great pleasure to be able to support our communities and I enjoy seeing people smiling and living in harmony."

Maruf feels that Newspapers are becoming dominated by advertising and feels that media providers, reporters and Editors must pay greater attention on the accuracy of reporting that they provide to the general public: "Journalists have a huge responsibility. We often forget how influential we are. It is therefore vital that we exercise great caution and care when we report on and portray news stories and subjects.

"It's important that we differentiate between fact and fiction. Sometimes we find it hard to put a line between Michael Moore & the Da Vinci code."

Thumbs up to the BBC for supporting journalists of such a background and calibre. Full marks to the Beeb for also recognising and harnessing raw talent from the ethnic minorities.

We hope that Maruf's dulcet tones will continue to remain a fixture on the BBC radio waves for many more years to come.





Roger Milla traps Higuita

World cup 90 Italia
Indomitable Lions faced Columbia
Hitman in thirty eighth year
Sought place in one Quarter

Cameroon President Paul Biya
Said "come back" Roger Milla
Who dispossessed Rene Higuita
Then Boogied in the corner

Lions Semi dreams blown over
By Platt and Lineker
Record four years later
World Cups oldest goalscorer

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

Bengal House demolition

It's going to take more than eight weeks.

PlaToon - Newcastle 3-1 Liverpool

Dark storms brewed at St James
Liverpool eased the pain
Gifting the Magpies three points
For Alan Pardew's new reign 

Dark mood before this win
Far from celebratory 
Fickle nature of football
Chrissie Hughton now a distant memory

Defensive legend lost in thought
Sol heading a big girls blouse
Kuyt sandwiched one
Between two from the boys Scouse

Protests turned to cheers
Hammer from Carroll's right
Banners unfurled on the Gallowgate 
Discontent turns to delight

11.12.10

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

Tesco: stamping on the little guy

Let me clarify the obvious. I'm a paid up and card carrying Tesco consumer.

I recently switched (temporarily I hope) to Iceland where we get free deliveries and save lots on unwanted shopping stress.

Asda is closer but too crowdy and I hate the weekly shop experience to the supermarket. This arrangement is working great. Tesco is great but I do think the company has now turned into a playground bully, branching out with Tesco Local stores and killing off longstanding local businesses.

I understand the predicament of local companies. From the mid Nineties through to the millennium we owned Rahmania Grocers on Bethnal Green Road, next door to the Bohola Public House and opposite Woolworths, which as it happens is now a branch of Iceland. Our neighbours shop on the right was where firemen Bill Faust & Adam Meere were tragically killed whilst tackling a blaze in 2004.

We ran a small store and competition was rife. Tesco Bethnal Green was 200 hundred yards on the right and they trampled every grocery. So desperate were we that Dad ordered us to remain open till six at least on Sundays so that we could benefit from a steady (non existent in my analysis) trickle of shoppers who would have gone to Tesco had the juggernaut not had to close at four pm due to Sunday trading law.

Tesco Local now ensures a monopoly that is lowering prices and strangling local trade. In my vicinity the immediate victims are Brothers (pictured) and Best Food on Longbridge Road.

It will get worse. One in every eight pounds in Britain goes to Tesco, and with the sheer bulk that they purchase and shift in goods on a daily basis, it is a given that Tesco would negotiate super low prices on goods purchasing. This will lead to greater grocery discounts for the consumer, taking them away from Tesco's competitors. In a recession this is a directed strategy, and there'll be plenty of high street victims. I'm not preaching about boycotting Tesco here, but hoping to provoke discussion and debate.

Supermarkets even serve Halal meat now and before long we will be able to conveniently purchase everything under one roof. It will being about the end if the friendly local grocers.

Today's lunch

Wonderful blend of colours wouldn't you say. Reminded me of a Jamie Oliver top tip on the psychology of food presentation and how this affects food choices and enjoyment.

Handbag or glitzy vest?

I'm still trying to fathom how this camp vest doubles up as a girlie handbag. I think it's rather grotesque but apparently it's regular fashion ensemble. I thus stand to be educated and my ignorance banished by well informed fashionistas...

Give Blood - Latimer Congregational Church

Help to save a life. Give Blood - Latimer Congregational Church. 2-4:30 pm & 5:00-7:00 pm today. Make a difference. Please donate - www.blood.co.uk

Regenerating the Ocean