Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Proper food

And a proper fishcake.


Blooming Tower Hamlets

Limehouse lock - Lunchtime walk...







Monday, May 28, 2012

Today's walk





Runners brave heat wave for inaugural Maryam Centre charity run

Emdad Rahman

Running enthusiasts of all ages came together to pound the streets of Tower Hamlets whilst raising money for charity. 

On a scorching hot summer day, 500 runners put the barbecues and cocktails on hold to sport their trainers whilst running, sprinting and walking to raise funds for completion of work on the Maryam Centre, the London Muslim Centre's exciting new development. 

The run began outside the East London Mosque in Fieldgate Street. Addressing the crowds, Dilowar Khan, Executive Director of the Mosque, said, “Health is a crucial part of a Muslim’s life. We should work to maintain good health, and the Mosque offers many health initiatives to help our community get fit, such as Faith in Health and Hayaa Fitness.”

Decked out amongst the customised and vibrant colours was the youngest competitor in the field. In pursuit of the glory of the finishing line, five year old Shameen Yesar locked horns with veterans, 81 year old Monohar Ali and Mohammed Toboris Ali, 71.

Lokuj Jaman, a University fitness instructor said: "Hundreds have come here with one purpose - to unite and to fundraise. I have particularly enjoyed the community spirit, and with the banter I shared with my old friend I haven't enjoyed such a laugh in a long time. 

"I'm hoping that this becomes an annual event as it can only go from strength to strength and we can contribute to worthy projects and causes to support in our community."

Iqbal Khan ran with his three sons and raised more than £90,000. He described the East London Mosque as ‘truly unique’ in the work it does for the community.

Mohammed Zabadne from Bamford Trust, who generously sponsored the event, sounded the start bugle to herald the start of the run at 11 am, and then joined in himself with his two sons.

The route took runners along a carefully marked course through the streets of Whitechapel and Stepney Green, before turning into Mile End Park, finally finishing at Wennington Green Park.

The Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, presented medals to the top runners and praised them for taking part in such a great community event, saying “the East London Mosque will always remain at the heart of the community.”

Dr. Muhammad Abdul Bari, Chairman of the Mosque, commended the inspirational fundraising efforts of the runners and the community.

Speaking after the event Shaynul Khan, Assistant Director of the Mosque said, “We hope events like this can inspire the communities of Tower Hamlets to sustain healthier lifestyles. This run has seen enthusiastic participation by many from our community, who normally never take part in any kind of sporting activity.”

The Mosque hopes to organise a similar run next year and is encouraging participants and the community to fundraise and fulfill their commitment to fundraise for the Maryam Centre, which is scheduled to open in 2013. 

I had the privilege of running alongside fifteen year old Rahat Hussain (pictured above left) who finished the route in 39 minutes. Some of the 30-35 year category runners like myself, used Rahat's father's Londis store on Burdett road as a drinks pit stop. Rahat, a pupil at Sir John Cass Redcoat School said: "I'm running with my youngest uncle and we are both very competitive. I'm confident of beating him and looking forward to seeing my Dad and his friends cheering us on the route. That will give me a really big boost I'm sure. 

In a Seb Coe style burst of pace at the death, Rahat edged ahead of his uncle to defeat him in the final straight. He added: "I'm really happy to have the chance to raise a little money for the development of the Maryam Centre which will provide excellent services for members of our community. 

"Many of my friends now want to take up running for leisure and charity and I'm very pleased to have inspired them to do this. It's an excellent event and has been full of fun. I thought the start of the race where the announcer was struggling to get excited runners behind the starting line was really funny."

The following runners won prizes for being the fastest in their respective age groups: Naeem Kawsar (under 14s), Rohim Ali (15–30), Rashid Ali (31–45) and Abdul Hasanath (45+).

Heatwave optical illusion

I spotted this in East Ham yesterday on Dersingham Avenue. If you stare long enough at the picture you may spot a unique keep cool in a heatwave yoga method...



Friday, May 25, 2012

My new friend

Blooming Barking

Northern Relief Road...


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

GB wheelchair team defeat Germany to take giant leap towards Paralympic World Cup trophy


Jon Pollock top-scored with an impressive 18 points as hosts Great Britain wheelchair basketball team saw off Germany 57-53 in a thrilling match on the first day of team action at the BT Paralympic World Cup.

Pollock, who was part of the team that took bronze at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, led from the front as GB justified their position as world number two and a real contender for a podium finish at this summer’s Games in London.

Great Britain, who led throughout the match, in truth deserved the win and while Pollock admits he felt his side could have scored more, he says the most important thing was developing fitness levels and understanding within the team.

Pollock said: “It was going to be tough. They’ve done their homework and we’ve done ours. It was a battle of attrition out there. Today we came out on top, which is a good thing.

“The key is getting the fitness and getting used to playing together and I think we made strides in that department today. We would have liked to have scored more, there’s no doubt, but we won, which is all that matters.

“I'm not interested in personal points or anything like that, I'm only interested in how the team did with our objectives. I'm pretty sure we didn’t hit all of our targets, that’s why they came so close, but we’ve got lots of direction, but we’re moving in the right direction.”

The BT Paralympic World Cup is the largest annual international multi-sport competition in elite disability sport. BT is entering its fourth year as title sponsor, upholding its strong commitment to disability sport in the UK that stretches back over twenty years.

Manchester has committed for the eighth consecutive year to hosting elite international athletes competing across Wheelchair Basketball, Athletics and Football 7-a-side. In addition, Boccia will once again be represented, with an international match being staged during the competition.

The 2012 BT Paralympic World Cup will once again be broadcast by Channel 4. For more information about Channel 4’s Paralympic coverage, visit: www.channel4.com/paralympics.

The BT Paralympic World Cup is sanctioned by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) and supported by ParalympicsGB, BT and Manchester City Council.

Tickets for the BT Paralympic World Cup are on sale. For more information visit: www.btparalympicworldcup.com

The London Eye - View from the sky

At 135m, the EDF Energy London Eye is the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel. It was conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects and was launched in 2000. It has already won over 75 awards for national and international tourism, outstanding architectural quality and engineering achievement and has now welcomed over 39 million visitors.

The team at the London eye are a dedicated and passionate team of 180 people who aim to inspire visitors by offering excellent service, unrivalled views and an occasion to remember.

Prior to visiting with my youngest I had researched the fun facts:

The total weight of the wheel and capsules is 2,100 tonnes - or as much as 1,272 London black cabs!

Each rotation takes about 30 minutes, meaning a capsule travels at a stately 26cm per second, or 0.9km (0.6 miles) per hour - twice as fast as a tortoise sprinting; allowing passengers to step on and off without the wheel having to stop. You can see around 40km from the top as far as Windsor Castle on a clear day.

The height of the London Eye is 135m (equivalent to 64 red telephone boxes piled on top of each other) making it the fourth tallest structure in London after the BT Tower, Tower 42 and One Canada Square in Canary Wharf.

The London Eye carries 3.5 million customers every year. You would need 6,680 fully booked Boeing 747-400 jumbo jets to move that number of fliers!

The spindle holds the wheel structure and the hub rotates it around the spindle. At 23 metres tall, the spindle is around the size of a church spire and, together with the hub, weighs in at 330 tonnes: over 20 times heavier than Big Ben.

The circumference of the wheel is 424m (1.392ft) - meaning that if it were unraveled, it would be 1.75 times longer than the UK's tallest building One Canada Square.

As a heavyweight champion each of the 32 capsules weighs 10 tonnes. To put that figure into perspective, it's the same weight as 1,052,631 pound coins!
We were treated to a breathtaking view of London, including the houses of Parliament and the Thames. The experience will astonish, amaze and excite with an incredible perspective of London that is at once a history lesson, geography lesson, cultural lesson and a lesson in engineering and design.

The attraction also offers a range of visit options to cater for all school parties during term time, plus free tickets for teachers.

London Eye Experiences provide the perfect setting for students of all ages to discover historical London landmarks both on the River Thames and on view from the London Eye. Students are encouraged to bring London to life with an experience on the London Eye. To help plan the day, the London Eye also offers free planning visits for teachers planning on bringing students for a visit.

Up to two tickets are available per booking, and tickets will be available once the booking is confirmed and payment has been received.

From every angle, the London Eye is an exceptionally useful and inspiring educational tool. This is because so many different disciplines went into its creation and there are so many ways in which it can be used to exemplify aspects of learning - whether in specific areas such as design, technology, architecture and engineering, or more broadly to promote numeracy and literacy, commercial or community issues. 

The London Eye is located within easy walking distance from several London Underground stations: Waterloo, Embankment, Charing Cross and Westminster.

During this Olympic summer, the London Eye will operate extended opening hours until midnight.



Monday, May 21, 2012

Rui Rodrigues - Voices of Hartley

At Barking Learning Centre. Mentored by Faisal Abdu Allah

8- 29 May 2012
Rui Rodrigues devised and delivered a four month project working with Hartley Youth Centre In East Ham 2010.
This series of paintings in oil and acrylic explore the artist fascination with youth culture. They are loosely based around youth ambition, looking at positive change for young people in the community.
This project was part of "Pass it on " supported by Artsadmin, funded by a Creative and Cultural Skills Award from LDA managed by Arts Council England.



Today's Origami


Tower Hamlets Life

Three Colt Street...


Sunday, May 20, 2012

Lea Valley walk to Olympic stadium

A nice lunchtime walk with super views...















Friday, May 18, 2012

Kenny Dalglish and the Anfield cull


Liverpool's decision to sack Kenny Dalglish was business, not personal
By Emdad Rahman 

Original article - I have refrained from writing about the exit of Kenny Dalglish from Liverpool until now as I wanted to be totally engulfed by the storm and sample the range of emotions emanating from fellow Reds before attempting to make sense of the end of season cull at Anfield.

Dalglish had just completed what some deemed a ‘disappointing’ league campaign by leading Liverpool to their first trophy since 2006. The fabled Scotsman guided Liverpool to their first Wembley visits since the white suit parade of 1996.

He successfully plotted the downfall of several of the Premier League big guns and city rivals Everton at a Wembley semi-final. His decision to let Andy Carroll loose on Chelsea in the FA Cup final almost paid off.

Dalglish’s Liverpool played with a spark and verve that was reminiscent of the good old days, but the Anfield men lost to the likes of Roy Hodgson's West Bromwich Albion, Queens Park Rangers, Fulham, Wigan Athletic, and Swansea City - games in which nothing less than 15 points would have been acceptable in the past.

The day Steven Gerrard was named captain and four Liverpool players were deemed to be good enough for Hodgson’s Euro 2012 squad, Fenway Sports Group made an executive decision to terminate the contract of Liverpool’s greatest player. Kenny Dalglish had spent 20 long years waiting to return to the Anfield. His latest reign lasted one full season and a bit.

Even the most vociferous critic amongst the fans would have thought that another season or even a run till Christmas would have allowed for enough time for Kenny’s team to settle and begin their ascent up the Premier League table.

Despite the names of Andre Villas-Boas, Frank Rijkaard, Roberto Martinez, Paul Lambert and Brendan Rodgers being thrown into the bullring I believe it will be the experience and tactical acumen of a Fabio Capello or Rafael Benitez who will be handed the reins and asked to steady the ship.

Jamie Carragher will most likely be offered a coaching slot in an attempt to appease fans. Those with big dreams may think that Liverpool still have the clout to attract a manager of the calibre of Josep Guardiola but John Barnes made an interesting point in an interview with Richard Keys and Andy Gray on talkSPORT.

With candidates queuing up for the Anfield hotseat Barnes has insisted that the allure of Anfield is not as it once was. He said: “If Liverpool could get Jose Mourinho that would be fantastic, but that’s not going to happen.

“Realistically no big name manager is going to risk their reputation at Liverpool.”
FSG need to hurry up with the appointment of a saviour. The established guard may not consider that they have the time or be in the mood to be part of a new dawn and don’t be surprised to see if a few big names decide to move on sample pastures new.

A memo to the new manager: You can win a cup, any cup, and bask in the adoration of millions of global fans as you soak up the glory at Wembley – the national stadium of stadiums. But not finish fourth and you will be out on your backside.

Jamie Carragher was at the launch of Euro 2012 by ITV Sport. Carragher related the conversation he had with Kenny after the FSG decision to split ties: "I spoke to him just before he was getting on his flight and asked: 'is it Kenny now or gaffer?'. He said 'it is Kenny now.'
"I am sorry to see him go, but that is football.

"It is a sad day for him, but we respect the owners decision and we have to look forward now.
"I will be fully committed to whoever the manager is."

If the Americans are really as shrewd as made out then they will immediately propel Jamie Carragher into the number two position. Football is now purely dictated by money and FSG’s decision would have been primarily based on protecting and raising the value of their vast investment.

Fourth is fourth and silverware is nothing. Despite the decision FSG didn’t waste time awing over Kenny’s accomplishments and the website became inundated with tribute pieces. It’s business, not personal.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Tower Hamlets life

Tanks on Limehouse Lock...


“Religion is amazingly important”

Interview with Bishop Adrian Newman of Stepney
Emdad Rahman

Bishop Adrian Newman is the Suffragan Bishop of Stepney. The former Dean of Rochester was Newman was conferred with Honorary Fellowship of Canterbury Christ Church University in 2009.

Bishop Adrian was an economist prior to becoming Vicar of Wadsley Bridge. Before being appointed Bishop of Rochester he was Rector of St Martin-in-the-Bullring, Birmingham from 1996 to 2004.

In 2011 Downing Street announced Bishop Adrian’s successful nomination to take over from Stephen Oliver as the new Bishop of Stepney. Richard Chartres, the Bishop of London consecrated Bishop Adrian as Suffragan Bishop of Stepney in the Diocese of London in July 2011.

Bishop Adrian has quickly settled into his new surroundings: “I fell in love with the locality as soon as I retured to the east end. It felt right and I felt at home. When I was first ordained I worked in Forest Gate in neighbouring Newham. I love the vibrancy and diversity this borough provides. It is challenging, whilst at the same time very attractive and stimulating. I am a city animal by nature and I am very comfortable here.”

Bishop Adrian has ideas on fostering sound community relations. “I’d like to mention two things. Firstly, it is essential that we make the effort to meet people, go out into the community and make a real effort to really know and understand our neighbours and fellow citizens.

“Secondly, I greatly encourage individuals to participate in activities, deeds and initiatives that promote interfaith awareness and understanding whether it is through serving the homeless at soup kitchens, supporting those with drug and alcohol addictions or becoming involved in action projects through which we can collaborate together.”

With the year being 2012 and with the importance and reliance on religion and faith being negatively scrutinized and questioned on a daily basis, many are beginning to question or wane in their faith. Others see religion as a burden and steer clear altogether. The question therefore on the lips of many is whether religion, prayer and faith are important to us in this day and age. Bishop Adrian makes a few clear points: “In our shared world it is important to work together to meet ends, share objectives and bring ourselves together. Such unification in a common cause would make it extremely hard for us to be divided.

“Faith unites us with something that is common. In an increasingly secular world there is something profoundly interesting in a common view that people are actually united with a common purpose – and that is to recognize and worship God.

“Religion is amazingly important, even more so in the modern day. Back in the 90’s when Henry Kissinger wrote his masterful book about international politics, he did so without mentioning religion in 900 pages. You couldn’t do that today because our religious culture increasingly and overwhelmingly dominates each and everything that we do in our daily lives.

“With the hustle and bustle, and break neck speed of our daily routines, I think we have lost touch with our spiritual side. We are not on different sides of the fence but united in believing in something transcendent, something which is so much bigger than us and this is something the western world needs to understand.”

Upon his announcement as Bishop of Stepney, the Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres, welcomed the announcement: "Adrian Newman's experience exactly matches the needs of the Stepney Area, as identified by the Area Council. He has extensive, personal inner-city experience and chose to spend his sabbatical looking at the challenges of urban church life, following the Faith in the City report.

"I am delighted that Adrian has accepted my invitation to join the London team. He has much to offer this Diocese - not least his own sporting prowess, with the 2012 Games in mind."

Bishop Adrian, who has run the London Marathon, is an instantly likeable character and a football lover to boot. He’s not perfect though. His first football allegiance is dedicated to Vicarage Road and the crew from Watford. Although he has a soft spot for West Ham too Bishop Adrian hopes the Hornets can again reach the heady heights of the eighties when managed by Graham Taylor, the likes of Mo Johnston, Steve Sherwood, Nigel Callaghan,David Bardsley, Luther Blissett, John Barnes and Kenny Jackett ruled the roost.

Bishop Adrian is a runner and has completed the London Marathon. He took a sabbatical in 2010 to research the role of the Church in addressing urban poverty. His view on community service was shaped early on in his life when as a 17 year old he worked at a hostel for the homeless: “It changed my perception forever,” he said.

Bishop Adrian’s new community is not without its issues and I carry out a quick spot test. He is aware and has constructive suggestions: “We are faced with common issues on a very frequent basis. There are daily issues that require attention, things such as education, training, jobs, housing, community safety, giving young people hope and a future, and learning to live together. I’m a great believer that to be truly effective in life we must plan locally to achieve nationally. I believe that regional planning and activism is a better strategy to tackle overall issues we face. Career schemes to create local economic activity can greatly help to improve unemployment on a local level.

“Opportunities are out there and if people of good will come together and work collectively for the greater good of society we will reap wonderful benefits.

“Generations of our young people face unemployment and it is imperative that we do all that is possible to harness their enormous talent, harvest their energy and best utilise their passion for the good of society.”

Bishop Adrian’s brief is to build bridges. I remain committed to our communities, the Mosques, Churches, and the Temples, and all religious and non religious establishments. We must build windows, not doors.”

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Tower Hamlets life

The Ack Ack gun at Mudchute farm - the largest inner city farm in the UK. This are was used as an anti-aircraft defence site for the Millwall Docks during the Second World War.



Rain fails to dampen spirits at tenth Safer Neighbourhood Tournament


Emdad Rahman

The tenth year of the Safer Neighbourhood Tournament (SNT) has proven to be an unprecedented success. Despite drab weather, the rain was not able to dampen the mood of the participants, officials, guests and fans. This year’s event was given a boost with the inclusion of a women’s tournament.

Abdal Ullah has watched the tournament grow in stature: “I have seen this tournament flourish,” he said. “From humble beginnings we have now become an annual celebration of community cohesion. I look forward to making this a 100 team event next year.”

The first official speaker of Tower Hamlets Council attended and presented trophies to lucky winners. Councillor Mizan R Choudhury said: This is a colourful and popular football carnival, promoting fitness and celebrating unity through sport. Football unites and I hope that the organisers can continue to organize these showcase events for many years to come.”

Tournament organizer Afazul Hoque said the SNT Cup has been a tremendous success and it has helped celebrate the diversity of the participants participating in our sessions."

Afazul’s colleague Akik Miah added: “The SNT aims to promote and support fit communities. We are happy that we have been able to encourage great completion and contributed to improving the quality of life for participants and communities.

Tournament highlights:

Under 10 & 12 winner - Eastside Eagles FC 
Under 16 winners - SOUL
Ladies tournament - Hackney Women
 Veterans Cup- FC London
Open age winners - Beaumont FC, collecting a cheque for £1000

Monday, May 14, 2012

Swansong at the Liberty

Swansea 0-1 Liverpool

And so to Premiership D Day
Sir Alex’s corps de ballet
But Mancini’s Citeh took control

Further down the pecking order
Liverpool again flounder
Danny Graham with his hundredth goal

Number7
© Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

Saturday, May 12, 2012

GMF tribute: Brian Hall


Brian Hall was the energy and drive in the Liverpool engine room

By Emdad Rahman

Original articleThe game against Fulham this month offered up an opportunity for Anfield and the fans to express their thanks and pay tribute to one of the finest ambassadors to have worn the glittering red rouge of Liverpool Football Club.

Liverpool legend Brian Hall picked up an award from Ian Ayre, retiring upon completion of 28 years service to the Reds as both player and head of public relations.

The Glasweigan didn’t fit the stereotype and wasn’t an average footballer. As a fresh faced student he arrived in Liverpool to read Mathematics and three years later had graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.

His astute and studious nature and characteristics were reflected in the way he played the game at the heart of Bill Shankly's red revolution.

Diminutive in stature, Hall provided the energy and drive in the Liverpool engine room. Coupled with the dynamism was a calming influence on his fellow players as well as intelligent reading of games. It was enough to catch the attention of Shankly who earmarked Hall for a role amongst his stable of thoroughbreds.

After a debut in April 1969, Hall's big break had to wait two years, replacing the injured Ian Callaghan on the right side. Such an impression was made by the new boy that upon his recovery and return to the first team Shankly switched Callaghan to centre midfield in order to accommodate his new star.

Shankly preached simplicity, and Hall’s quantum theories were swapped for a philosophy of passing to the nearest red shirt and moving, passing to the nearest red shirt and moving. Shankly liked his players to stick to a routine until it became embedded within the self.

Hall, who starred for Liverpool during two prominent decades is remembered most fondly for giving Everton a bloody nose - his memorable winner against the Toffees was enough to take Liverpool back to Wembley for the first time since 1965.

Reminiscing the moment Hall said: "It's not so much me remembering my first-ever goal for Liverpool. I’m not allowed to forget it.

"To score it at Old Trafford in an FA cup semi final against Everton, and it turns out to be the winner, is not a bad memory. In fact, things don’t come much better than that do they?."

Liverpool lost the final thanks to Charlie George and a rampaging double winning Arsenal team, but three years later Hall tasted FA Cup glory, adding further silverware to the League Championship and UEFA Cup.

In 1976, after winning two First Division titles, an FA Cup, Charity Shield and two UEFA Cups, Hall transferred to Plymouth Argyle after losing his first team place to Jimmy Case. He also played briefly for Burnley and Northwich Victoria before taking up teaching.

In 1991 he returned to Anfield to head up the Public Relations department until his retirement.
The 65-year-old played 224 games and scored 20 goals for the Reds between 1969 and 1976 added: “This was something I didn’t expect. I was happy to just slip away and enjoy my retirement.

“It’s very special and I’d like to say a big thank-you to everyone at Liverpool Football Club, especially our wonderful supporters who have been with us for all these years.

“I’ve had the privilege of walking out on this pitch thousands of times.

“It’s been an incredible 28 years.”

Happy retirement Brian – you’ve earned it.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Keelan Phillips - BMX Maestro

Keelan Phillips started riding BMX in primary school when he was given a 'hand me down' from his brother. His dad taught a kid who raced at his school and Keelan started to go down with him to the track and race.

At 10, Keelan got his first proper bike and slowly began to drift away from racing into the world of street BMX.

In 2003, Keelan won his first group 'B' contest and moved up into the pro class. The following year, he won his first UK pro contest.

In 2006, he reached the pinnacle of the sport by winning his first international pro event in France.

There, he surprised the entire field by taking first in the semis and again in the final, all in the face of very strong competition from the top guys in the world.

From there, Keelan has gone from strength to strength taking victory in a multitude of international and national competitions from Hungary to USA, and placing highly in just about any and every competition he enters.

But for Keelan, it's about more than just winning competitions. He has invented over 10 moves!  

He’s also busting out the old ones with huge style and grunt. One of his signature moves is the 'no-handed nose wheelie'. 'It's nothing like what's been done before’, and adding, 'and then I did it with one foot too.'

Keelan takes his riding very seriously. When off his bike, he trains hard with free weights to keep up his fitness and strength.

Keelan now performs all over the world at all different kinds of events for the biggest clients, and also runs his team of top BMX riders 'Style Bicycle' who he performs and organises events with. 

For videos, visit keelanphillips.com and stylebicycle.com

Wednesday, May 09, 2012

UEFA Euro 2012 Official Sticker Collection


Join the European national football teams as they compete for the ultimate European honour. Experience the drama, thrill and action of the prestigious UEFA Euro 2012 tournament with this awesome sticker collection from Panini. A collectable dedicated to an event that unites countries and people, celebrating their passion for football. Packed with fun facts, stats and all your favourite football stars!

There are 540 stickers to collect including 40 special holographic glitter stickers!
Get your collection off to a flying start with a fantastic sticker starter pack that includes an album and 21 stickers!

Starter Packs: £1.99
Sticker Packets: 50p

START COLLECTING NOW!

Coeliac awareness week


Coeliac UK is challenging the nation to eat gluten-free for National Coeliac Awareness Week (14-20 May). This gives us all the perfect opportunity to take part in a national campaign to raise awareness for a disease that affects one in 100 people in the UK.  So this year we’re doing our part by baking a gluten-free chocolate cake using Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Extract.

With over a century of experience, Nielsen-Massey produces a vanilla that is arguably the best in the world.   The Nielsen-Massey range includes pure Madagascan Vanilla Extract and Vanilla Bean Paste - a high-quality, convenient and economical replacement to vanilla pods.

This rich chocolaty recipe provides a decadent alternative to your standard chocolate cake recipe. It’s so delicious, you won’t even know it’s gluten-free.

Gluten Free Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:

150 grams Chocolate Chunks, 70% cocoa solids
110 grams Margarine Diced
125 grams Unrefined Golden Caster Sugar (Billington's)
4 Happy Eggs Separated, large
50 grams Gluten Free Flour
1 tsp Gluten Free Baking Powder

Method:

·         Click on the text to highlight the different stages as you go along,
or click the button below to enlarge all text
·         Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas mark 4. Grease and line a round, loose-bottomed 20cm tin.
·         Place the plain chocolate and margarine into a large bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Heat gently to melt the contents. Stir until the mix has melted then add the golden caster sugar.
·         Remove from the heat and pour into a bowl with the egg yolks, flour, baking powder and vanilla extract. In another clean, dry bowl beat the egg whites until stiff.
·         Add the egg white mix one tablespoon at a time and fold into the cake mix. Gradually mix everything together, pour into a cake tin and bake for 50 minutes.
·         Leave to cool for five minutes before turning out and serving with fresh cream and raspberries. 

Occupy Mile End - Update


Tower Hamlets Council has successfully gained a possession order for occupied land in Mile End Park.

Following a hearing at Bow County Court today (May 09, 2012), the council has now moved a step closer towards having occupiers give up possession of the park land. The group promised to leave the area peacefully over the weekend, but if they don’t the Council may go to the High Court Sheriff to have the occupiers moved.

Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: “While I fully support the principles of the Occupy movement, I feel they have done their movement a disservice by occupying a local park where local kids play football and senior citizens walk their dogs.

“Mile End Park is a fantastic open space that is used by the whole community and I want to ensure that residents can continue to enjoy their park.

“With the support of the courts we will now move quickly to reclaim the park for local residents.”

Tower Hamlets Life

Limehouse Parish church - St Anne's