Saturday, July 28, 2012

Jack Taylor OBE: 1930-2012

Cruyff decked by Uli Hoeness in Munich 
Corner flag delay in the World Cup final
Jack Taylor gives Oranje a spot kick
West Germans yet to touch the ball

Beckenbauer's protests the black rock dismissed
First penalty since the Copa began
Striding up aggressively Der Kaiser hissed 
“Taylor, you’re an Englishman!”

Gentleman Butcher from the Molineux shadow
More than a thousand games the total yield
Thirty three years officiating the show
John Keith Taylor has now left the field

Number7
(c) Emdad Rahman


Friday, July 27, 2012

Blooming Barking

Mayesbrook Park...






Monday, July 23, 2012

Olympic Park before the party starts

I love this one. I took this from the A12...


Interview with Anthony Ramsay – Mayor of Barking


Emdad Rahman

Councillor Anthony Keith Ramsay was born in the Royal Free Hospital, London in 1955. He was brought up in Hertfordshire and Essex, attending the Broxbourne Primary School, John Warner School Hoddesdon and the East Herts College of Further Education. Councillor Ramsay has a BA (Hons) degree in Public Administration from Manchester Metropolitan University and passed his Chartered Secretaries examinations at Barking College.

He has lived in Barking and Dagenham for 33 years and is married to fellow Councillor Jeanne Alexander. His children Nicola and Ben attended local schools.

Councillor Ramsay is a season ticket holder at the Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club and a member of the Dagenham Rugby Club said: “I am immensely honoured to be chosen by my colleagues to be the Mayor of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham for 2012 - 2013. I am really looking forward to working alongside local residents and organisations that work tirelessly for local people and raise money for my nominated charities.” He moved to the borough in 1978 and fell in love with the area immediately: “My first memory is a saunter down Ripple Road. I never changed my mind after that, never considered leaving. It is one of the friendliest areas of London. It is diverse, the most hospitable in London and home to me and my family. Barking is a wonderful place to live.”

Councillor Ramsay explained his role and responsibilities: “It’s an opportunity to do what I enjoy doing the most, meeting the people of this borough at community events, meetings, and ribbon cutting events. Anybody is free to request the Mayor’s presence at their community events and I would be very happy to visit.”

Education is a passion and Councillor Ramsay has been a governor of Eastbury Comprehensive School since 1986, serving as Chair of its Finance Committee since 1990 and as the governing body Vice Chair since 1998. He is also a governor of Rush Green Junior School. Previously he was a governor of Eastbury Infants, Ripple Infants and Ripple Junior Schools

Councillor Ramsay works as a Data Analyst in Newham’s Environmental Services Division, having previously worked as Principal Officer (Resources and Administrative Services) in Social Services. He was a member of the trade union TSSA whilst working for British Railways in 1973-1974. He said: “I worked for Newham Council in 1976-1977 and again from 1978 joining the union Nalgo, serving as the branch Vice Chair in 1980-1981. I am now a member of Unison following trade union amalgamation and have represented the branch on the Barking Constituency Labour Party’s General Committee.

“I have been involved in the Labour Party since the 1970 general election. Locally I have been a member of both the Gascoigne and latterly the Abbey Ward branches and was elected as councillor for Eastbrook Ward in May 2010.” He was elected Chair of the Labour Group of councillors in 2010 and also chairs the Dagenham East Regeneration Group set up to work in partnership to save jobs and develop services on the Sanofi site in Dagenham.

Councillor Ramsay reminisced his political adventure: “It may be 42 years of active participation but I have had a keen interest in politics since 1964. The 1970 general election was a catalyst. I worked my socks off to get Harold Wilson elected and tasted early failure as Ted Heath became PM. I wasn’t disheartened. I put my heart and soul into political activity and was spurred on remembering the joy of 1974, when we celebrated a narrow Labour victory over Ted Heath’s Tories at Harlow Town Hall, near to where I lived at the time. I have been involved with Labour in the capacity of Vice Chair, Ward Chair, Secretary and Secretary of the local Government Committee and the last two years as Chair of the Borough’s Labour group.”

Councillor Ramsay was keen to point out the advantages of being Mayor: “I feel immensely privileged to represent this borough as Mayor. Our citizens are amongst the friendliest and meeting and representing the good people is certainly the best part of being Mayor. Our citizens are what make our borough function so well and we have diverse groups, youth organisations, religions, ethnic minorities and others not attached to any groups who always make their Mayor most welcome.”

He has met a few well known faces too: “Tommy Walsh was an honour to meet as I have been an admirer for such a long time. Colin McMillan is one of the nicest and down to earth people I have met and 12 year old singer Molly Rainford was an absolute inspiration.”

Councillor Ramsay will soon take part in the Costermonger service and festival which is part of a tradition started in the 1800’s. Dignitaries are joined by Pearly Kings and Queens, in a memorable occasion at the spiritual home of the London Cockney. The London Mayor’s Walk in March will involve a five mile charity walk from Whittington Hospital to Mansion House, fully robed but with sensible footwear” he said.

Councillor Ramsay has advice for aspiring politicians and young people in general: “Always stick to your convictions. Sometimes it may seem very hard but your time will come and before long political opportunities will arise. Barking and Dagenham used to be seen as a place for the older generation, and now it has a very healthy balance of both young and old and opportunities for new councillors have opened up. My other piece of advice is to enjoy your youth. Be idealistic and enthusiastic. It is part of growing up and really important.”

The mayor is keen to point out the importance of political participation: “Democratic involvement in the political process is a vital ingredient to not only a borough, but a nation’s stability and progress. We have seen the consequences when such participation has broken down. Sadly we saw what happened in our own borough when the racist and divisive British National Party made political headway. We eventually woke up and stood firm to drive them out. Politics is a mass activity and should not be restricted to a few. It is the only way to get positive outcomes.”

Councillor Ramsay’s nominated charities are Living the Dream Trust and St Francis Hospice.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

The Olympics are here

Walking has become a hobby and as readers will know, I do like taking pictures.

Checking out part of the High Street 2012 Walk I took this one near the Olympic Stadium and minutes later was greeted by three of the  finest from the boys in blue as I was walking back towards Bow.

It was raining and I had a large beanie hat on. Parking my car in Bow, I had also changed my jacket for my coat, absentmindedly leaving my wallet behind. I therefore had no ID to prove who I was but then a spark lit up and I showed the officers my blog and book site to offer some proof whilst we waited for plod to corroborate my ID.

Three things caught my attention. The officers weren't very good at communicating, though we did talk Andy Carroll being reported as a swap deal for Theo Walcott. The radio broke down so I waited 20 minutes for my background to be checked out, and none of the officers had the slightest knowledge of the local area whatsoever. Still they were a nice enough bunch though and it's reassuring to know that safety is a huge priority, tight security is in place and as one officer put it, "people will be challenged." I'll take that if it means a safe event. On the way back I took the pic below. Silly not to I thought as I snapped one.

I'll be avoiding walks in that area until the Olympics have gone. It'll be less like North Korea, more peaceful and a whole lot more dignified.

Olympic torchbearers assembly at Harry Gosling School

I was very fortunate to be invited back to Harry Gosling, my old primary school, where I talked about my upcoming Paralympic torchbearer run. It was super to be back. The children were awesome and I met some dear old faces too. We also did a raffle draw for winners (pictured) for family tickets to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. A big thank you to current headteacher Jennie Bird for arranging the assembly.


Sparring with the Atomweight

Interview with Muay Thai champ Ruqsana Begum

By Emdad Rahman: 

Ruqsana Begum entered the macho world of combat sports as a teenager. Fast forward and after ten years of training, the British Atomweight Muay -Thai boxing champion is now gearing up for a shot at the big time. Ruqsana had only two and a half years of professional fighting experience when she won the British Atom weight (48-50kg) championship. Spurred on by the early success, the Architect proved it was no fluke, gaining a bronze medal at the World Championship in Bangkok.

Speaking to me at a Sporting Equals event Ruqsana said: “I also won gold at the European Club Cup in Latvia in July 2011.” The Redbridge fighter trains in Bethnal Green and was recently short listed for the Muslim Sports Woman of the Year award.

“I have always been into physical sports and fell in love with this type of combat at a very young age. More than anything, I’m hooked on the adrenaline and stress release. I can leave all the stresses of life in the gym, and I always do. I had a memorable day meeting the Queen and she asked if it hurt. I told her it didn’t because I’m usually so excited and full of adrenaline.

“A training session relaxes me and helps make me a better sister, daughter and friend. My sport helps me to stay focussed, level headed and calm. It makes me happy!”

Ruqsana is trained by Kru Billy Judd at the KO Gym in Bethnal Green in the east end. Her timetable includes six workouts a week involving pad work, cardio fitness and drills. Raised in the east end she is the second eldest of four children. Apart from reaching the top of her sport Ruqsana hopes to become an inspiration for women. “I want women to tap into their talent. I want them to enjoy sport as it is by millions. Not everyone can be a world champion but absolutely everybody can enjoy sport.

“When I started training my family were naturally worried at my participation in a combat sport, but they have always stood by me and supported me as I walked this path. I left it late to tell them what I was doing, but it has worked out very well. My Dad is my greatest fan.”

Olympic torchbearer Ruqsana has a day job and is seeking funding support. “For many years I have been participating in competitions as a hobby. As I have become successful the invitations have increased. It’s not cheap and it will cost about £1000 for me to compete at September’s World Championships in Uzbekistan. I believe that if I can continue with my good progress I can continue to make an impact in the sport.”

Ruqsana who is an Architect, has become a role model and has offered an alternative dream to young people: “I have lots of youngsters approaching me and saying how they identify with my background. You certainly won’t find me complaining if young people can take positive inspiration from what I do and I can do whatever I can to help them. Pursue your passions with vigour and don’t hold back. If you give it your best shot you won’t do badly at all.”

The Science technician is also a coach at Fight for Peace, a charity which uses boxing as a prevention and rehabilitation model to confront the problem of child and youth participation in crime, gangs and gun violence within disadvantaged communities.

Next up is competing on the global stage: “I have been training for approximately ten years, which is a relatively short time in any given sport. I’m both excited and determined at the prospect of representing England as a kick boxer.”

It’s clear to me that Ruqsana has the eye of the tiger. Heading for the World Championships in September she’s focussed on the task ahead: “I’ve prepared hard and I’m dead keen on bringing back a gold medal from Russia.”

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Fabio Borini: In focus


All you need to know about Liverpool new boy Fabio Borini

By Emdad Rahman 

Original article - Fabio Borini, nurtured by Brendan Rodgers as a 16-year-old Chelsea apprentice, has returned to England as the new Liverpool manager's first summer capture.

Familiarity is important in football and Italian starlet Fabio Borini, who worked with the Liverpool gaffer as a youth star at Chelsea and on loan at Swansea, has swapped the Eternal City and an opportunity to work with Zdenek Zeman for Merseyside. Borini, 21, completed a medical at Melwood before signing a five-year contract in a deal worth almost €10 million.

Under Rodgers tutelage, Borini made his breakthrough with Chelsea reserves in 2007. The young star captained the reserves before being reunited with Rodgers at Swansea in 2011.

The Italian hitman scored six goals in nine matches for the Swans and also won a Wembley penalty in the Welsh outfits play off final victory over Blackpool. Borini did not to return to west London and before his memorable spell at the Liberty, but instead had already signed up for a loan stint at Parma.

Last season at Roma, Borini’s mercurial gameplay and attacking instincts were rewarded with 10 goals in 26 appearances. It was good enough for a call up to the national squad and earned the starlet an international debut in a friendly against the USA.

The Liverpool manager, who beat off competition from Carlo Ancelotti and Paris Saint-Germain, has paid glowing references and described his new charge as the “best physical player” he has worked with.

Rodgers told the clubs official website: “He’s a big talent, 21 years of age, he scores goals, and his passion, focus and concentration is a very important part of his game – and a big part of what you want from a player.”

He added, “I think the supporters will love him. He’s a multi-functional player who can play in a number of positions and someone I believe has got great growth.

“I’d anticipate that over the next two or three years he’ll really progress and I’m sure do very well for Liverpool.

“Mentally, he’s very strong. We’ve got a player who is on the up and someone who I think Liverpool will benefit from.”

Jan Molby is one of Liverpool's most celebrated playmakers and the great Dane has endorsed the transfer believing that Borini is integral to the style of play his manager demands.

Borini is looking forward to playing alongside Luis Suarez . Speaking to Liverpoolfc.tv he said: “A lot because he is maybe another player who is similar to me because he works very hard in every game. I've watched a few games, and all of Europe wants him. Every player wants to play with him, so it will be a pleasure.”

The 21-year-old is a live wire and is unlikely to be playing second fiddle to anyone at the club, be it as an attacking midfielder or as a foil for Luis Suarez.
It's an exciting acquisition and the Italian schemer is most likely to be immediately handed an central role to rubber stamp and choreograph Rodger's brand of play.

With the teenager now hopefully the finished article, Liverpool fans will dream that Borini's third stint working with Rodgers is a long and fruitful one.

Player facts:

- Borini joined Chelsea at the age of 16. As reserve striker he finished as top marksman, scoring 10 in 11 appearances.

- The Italian’s trademark goal celebration is the “knife between the teeth” routine, first seen by Swansea fans during a two goal debut against Nottingham Forest in 2011. “In Italy it means you've got the knife between your teeth,” he said, adding: "when you want to achieve something so badly that you are angry to reach your goals, you put the knife between your teeth."

- Apart from captaining Chelsea reserves Borini also led Italy in the 2010 European Championships.

- Cesare Prandelli named him in the Azzurri squad for Euro 2012. He did not make a finals appearance.

- His football hero is World Cup and Champions League winner Pippo Inzaghi.

- The new boy hails from Bentivoglio, a comune in the province of Emilia-Romagna, located about 15 km northeast of Bologna.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Olympic year British 10k to support the homeless


I  completed my fourth consecutive British 10k powered by Nike. Running to support the homeless who are served by Tony & Sue Miller's team at the Whitechapel Mission, I raised just over £500:00 and am very pleased to have reached my target. I'm also very happy to have played a very small part in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

Many thanks go out to the many family, friends and well wishers who continued to support me right up to and beyond the finish line. I was very pleased that it was a rainy day as it helped keep most of us very cool throughout."

25,000 runners took part in the landmark event. Runners included Sky Sports pundit Chris Kamara and Shadow Justice Secretary and Labour MP Sadiq Khan (below left).

 

Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Mahmoud Al Sarsak – A matter of life and death


I disagree with the great Bill Shankly
Death still hovers in the South Gaza strip
Rafah arrest denounced by Amnesty
No indictment, just an iron clad grip

Humanity hushed, meek and blind in denial
Three year detention a truly tragic flaw
No formal charges, certainly no trial
Under the "Unlawful Combatants Law"

Administrative detention and starved of justice
Hell of a red card for the Balata Youth star
Alarm from FIFA shows up gross remiss
Step in Platini, Chomsky, Kanoute, Cantona

Hunger strike protesting that which is so unfair
Mass striking Palestinian prisoners raise their voice
Mahmoud’s plight stresses others out there
Ramallah’s Nimr and Olympian Abu Rois

Number7
(c) Emdad Rahman

Monday, July 02, 2012

Today's Origami

Backdrop held up by Jeeshan, Yusuf provided the straw & Ifaz got to keep it. Everyone's a winner!


History making Spain storm to Euro 2012 glory


Spain 4-0 Italy - Euro 2012 final

Eyes on Kiev savour sensational Spain
Front man Cesc sets Long John Silva
Endures football's most amazing reign
Xabi's through ball swooped on by Alba

Red Matadors frankly impenetrable
Iniesta with all the intricate movement
Golden Torres clearly unstoppable
Buffon simply powerless to prevent

Torres served the fourth on a platter
By then the game was a training knockabout
Sweet left foot icing from sub Juan Mata
Who needs an economic bailout?

Powerless Azzurri snarled with Di Natale
Lost a body and Motta's endeavour
The stable of the Marquis Del Bosque
Will mark history as the greatest ever

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