Forum Topics

Find out about fostering -  at Acton market - Fri 20 May

Ealing Council will be at Acton market, tomorrow Friday 20 May, from approx 10am,   appealing to local people to help change the life of an Ealing child and consider fostering. Ealing has approximately 400 looked-after children and young people and there continues to be a great demand for people who can provide caring homes for the borough’s most vulnerable residents.  The council needs carers from all communities, but has a particular shortage of people who are from a White UK background. They would also like to hear from those who can foster children with disabilities or special needs or provide them with short breaks. There is also a  need for carers from all backgrounds who can look after older children, sibling groups and young mothers with babies. Carers receive dedicated support from the council including mentoring, access to a wide range of training including NVQ qualifications and generous allowance to help meet the needs of those in their care.  If you cant get to Acton market and want to find out more - there will be a chance to chat informally with Council staff and meet some Ealing foster carers at a special drop-in session at Northolt Leisure Centre on Wednesday 25 May from 3-6pm.The council also holds monthly information sessions for people who want to find out more about fostering and adoption. The next one will be held at Ealing Town Hall on Monday 6 June from 7.30- 9.30pm. Further information is available at www.ealing.gov.uk/fosteringadoption or by calling 0800 731 6550.

alison blake ● 5084d0 Comments ● 5084d

New book launch: Who was Jack the Stripper?

My second True Crime Story: Who was Jack the Stripper? will be launched at Abertillery Library sometime in March/April 2011. The book launch will coincide with a 1 hour drama/documentary to be aired throughout Britain and Europe focusing on Harold Jones, the killer of 2 school children in Abertillery, South Wales in 1921. (Google Harold Jones - The Welsh Killer, or Neil Milkins, or Jack the Stripper.)The documentary will be presented by television presenter and Kray Twins biographer Fred Dineage MBE and top British criminologist and criminal profiler Professor David Wilson. Jones was 15 when he murdered 8 year-old Freda Elsie Maud Burnell and 11 year-old Florence Irene Little in 1921. Jones was released from prison in 1941 having served 20 years for his crimes and owing to the turmoil of World War 11 he went off the police radar. During the times of the unsolved murders of 8 women in the Hammersmith district of London between 1959 and 1965, Jones lived in the Hammersmith district using various aliases. (He lived in Fulham, Putney and Hammersmith between 1947 and 1971 when he died.) Who was Jack the Stripper? examines the amazing links between Jones and the murdered women!Professor Bernard Knight who recovered and conducted the post mortems on all of Fred and Rosemary West's murder victims and "Taggart" creator Glenn Chandler have both read the manuscript for Who was Jack the Stripper? and have made positive comments on the amazing and startling coincidences linking Jones to the Hammersmith murders.Who was Jack the Stripper? is a follow up to Neil Milkins' top selling 2008 book: Every Mother's Nightmare - Abertillery in Mourning, which dealt in depth with the Harold Jones murders of Freda Burnell and Florence Little.Who was Jack the Stripper? will be distributed by:Neil Milkins, Rose Heyworth Press, 67 Arael View, Abertillery, Gwent NP13 1SU. Tel: 01495213744. n.milkin@sky.comemails and feedback welcomed. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Forum Home

neil milkins ● 5207d0 Comments ● 5207d

Earn a COMPLIMENTARY ticket to QPR vs Cardiff by volunteering in the community

Football Clear-Up has teamed up with QPR in the Community Trust give Hoops fans the chance to take part in their first ever ‘Football Clear-Up’.The community based event offers football fans the opportunity to represent their club in a two hour ‘Clear-Up’ to earn a free ticket for them and a Junior Super Hoop to the afternoons’ match.  The full details of the ‘Clear-Up’ will be released next week.To take part in Football Clear-Up and earn a free ticket, fans eighteen years and over, need to register at WWW.FOOTBALLCLEARUP.COM to enter the draw. Thirty lucky R’s fans will be selected to take part in the ‘Clear-Up’ and will receive a free ticket to the game in the afternoon vs. Cardiff City. As well as a free adult ticket, they will also receive one junior complimentary ticket to the big Super Hoops game against Cardiff later on that day.QPR FC Manager Neil Warnock said, "QPR Football Club is delighted with this scheme, which will further assist our work in the community. Those taking part in Football Clear-Up will be rewarded for their hard work and commitment to the community, and I hope that the boys will put in a performance to make them proud”Andrew Bell, Managing Director of Football Clear-Up said, “We are pleased to be holding QPR Community Trust’s first ever Football Clear-Up.  The support we have had from them has been fantastic. In the current financial climate watching live football for a family can be expensive, we are hoping to give football fans and their families an alternative way to get to the game”QPR Community Trust CEO Andy Evans said, "For the last 16 years QPR Community Trust has aimed to use the power of the football club to forge stronger & deeper connections with its community.  We believe that Football Clear-Up can further enhance these links and gives fans the chance to represent their club and get something back in return.”

Andrew Bell ● 5268d0 Comments ● 5268d

Check Your Health, Save Your Life - Free NHS Health Checks

Your local NHS is now making it easier for you to stay healthier for longer, by introducing free NHS Health Checks to six local pharmacies from Wednesday 8 September.The Health Check is available to everyone aged between 40 and 74 and can see if someone is at risk of developing serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.During the quick 20 minute Health Check fully-trained pharmacists will ask questions about a person’s lifestyle, family history and current medication.  They will record a person’s weight, sex, height, blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels to get a result, which will be explained in full at the end of the check.  Everyone who takes the check will be given advice and information on improving their health.  Anyone who needs more specialist help will be referred to a GP, or a more appropriate NHS service.Dr David McCoy, NHS Hammersmith and Fulham Acting Director of Public Health, said: “In Hammersmith and Fulham around 13,500 residents are affected by heart disease, stroke, diabetes or kidney disease and sadly they account for 37% of deaths in the borough each year.  The good news is these health problems can be prevented, controlled, or even reversed, which is why we’ve introduced the free NHS Health Check at six community pharmacies.  “People who are overweight, smoke, have high blood pressure or cholesterol, and take little exercise are at greatest risk of developing the diseases Health Checks can diagnose. Even if you feel well it’s a good idea to be checked.  These common diseases and conditions often don’t have any obvious symptoms and are not picked up until it’s too late and that’s what we want to avoid.”You do not need an appointment to have a free NHS Health Check at one of the following six pharmacies:• Healthside Pharmacy, 90 Shepherds Bush Road. W6 7PD• Parmay Pharmacy, 122  - 124 North End Pharmacy. W14 9PP• Bush Pharmacy, 334 Uxbridge Road. W12 7LL• Westway Pharmacy, 11 Westway. W12 0PT• Fulham Pharmacy, 608 Fulham Road. SW6 5RP• Boots the Chemist, Unit 5 – 6 The West 12 Centre, Shepherds Bush. W12 8PPIn addition to offering NHS Health Checks at six local pharmacies, NHS Hammersmith and Fulham has organised teams of healthcare professionals to carry out the checks at a range of community events during the next 12 months.  Look out for information on the events online at www.hf.nhs.uk and in the local press.  Alternatively, if you are aged between 40 and 74, you can request to have a Health Check carried out by your GP. For information about Health Checks visit www.nhs.uk or call the national NHS Health Checks helpline on 0845 850 9850.  Alternatively, call NHS Hammersmith and Fulham’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service on 0800 389 9092 to find out more about Health Checks locally.

Louise Tweddell ● 5340d0 Comments ● 5340d

Sme's looking for more business

I am setting up a business networking group in W12. The New Westfield Chapter of Business Network Int'l meet on Wednesday at Del Aziz, Westfield Southern Terrace, Ariel Way, LONDON W12 7GH at 6-45am for a 7-00am start until 8:30am, where we share BNI's secrets to success through "word-of-mouth" marketing.BNI is a business and professional networking organisation whose primary purpose is to exchange qualified business referrals. It is the most successful organisation of its type in the world today, with over 5000 Chapters in operation in 36 Countries. Last year, members of BNI passed more than 4.9 million referrals which generated more than £1.1 billion worth of business for its members.What makes BNI unique is that it allows only one person per profession to join a Chapter. Thus, once you have joined, there is no conflict in passing leads, and none of your competitors can participate!I would like to invite you to the meeting on the 8th September so you can learn more about the organisation, and find out if you would be interested in generating a steady source of referral business for yourself.Seating may be limited, so please RSVP by emailing alyson@thesnippet.net or calling Alyson on 07989320893. There is a nominal £10 meeting fee, which does include breakfast. There is no commitment to joining by attending. Remember to bring plenty of business cards to pass around, as you will meet a lot of like minded business people who can help develop your business further.

Alyson Roach ● 5359d0 Comments ● 5359d

Hammersmith & City and Circle lines between Hammersmith and Edgware Road set for three week upgrade

• Closure between 24 July and 15 August due to Crossrail and LU station upgrade works  at Paddington • LU will take advantage of closure to carry out additional upgrade work Work at Paddington to help deliver Crossrail and an upgrade of the Tube station will mean London Underground’s (LU) Circle and Hammersmith & City line services will be suspended between Hammersmith and Edgware Road for three weeks this summer.The works at Paddington will involve the demolition of a disused taxi ramp and canopy that sit above the Hammersmith and City platforms and means that trains will not be able to operate in that area. London Underground will also take advantage of the closure to carry out essential renewal and upgrade works, which otherwise could have required weekend closures. These include: • Platform extension works to accommodate the new longer air-conditioned trains;• Installing energy efficient conductor rails; • Track replacement and drainage works. The closure will begin on Saturday 24 July and services will resume on Monday 16 August. Hammersmith & City services will operate from Edgware Road to Whitechapel while Circle line services will operate the old route. Rail replacement services will operate between Hammersmith and Edgware Road and there will be ticket acceptance on local bus and Tube services. If you wish to find out more or discuss this with someone from LU, there will be LU managers at Wood Lane station on Wednesday 14 July from 07:30 – 10:00 and 16:00 – 19:00.

Patrick Green ● 5396d3 Comments ● 5361d

Your Healht 2010 - Come and Join in the fun on Saturday 3 July

Making this summer your healthiest everA brand new NHS health and wellbeing festival is taking place in Hammersmith’s Lyric Square and Theatre on Saturday 3 July.Your Health 2010 is running from 10am to 4pm and will be a mix of fun and serious debate on local NHS issues. With free drop-in health checks, interactive exercise sessions, and fun entertainment for children, the festival will be a one-stop shop for practical advice and information about health and wellbeing.Find out how to eat your way to better health, have your teeth checked, and get expert fitness advice. You can also drop in anytime to speak to local doctors, nurses, and health visitors about the NHS services in your area.There will be information on how NHS money is spent and the big plans for improving local services. If you have ideas about how to improve NHS care, you’ll be able to take part in a series of special workshops.  Leaders of the local NHS will be also taking part in an open debate giving local people a chance to ask questions about any aspect of the NHS. The debate starts at 1pm in the Lyric Theatre and will be chaired by Lord Victor Abedowale.Sarah Whiting, Managing Director of NHS Hammersmith and Fulham, said: “The festival is all about having fun, getting quick and easy health advice, and telling us what you think about the NHS and how we could improve. “Health is such an important issue and it’s vital that we get it right. Our plans to improve health in the borough need to be built on the views of residents and local doctors. This event is the start of a genuine discussion with local people about how to improve health services and address the financial challenges facing the NHS.”If you have a question you’d like to ask, or would like a free ticket to the open debate event at 1pm in Lyric Theatre, email communications@hf-pct.nhs.uk or telephone 020 3313 7254.For more information about the festival and the free workshops, click on www.yourhealthfestival.org.uk.

Louise Tweddell ● 5409d0 Comments ● 5409d

FREEDOM PASS - PETITION TO KEEP IT - FOR SIGNING AND PASSING TO OTHERS

There appears to be a real and sudden new danger to the Freedom Pass in London.  Downing Street needs to be sent as many signatures as possible on this petition. For those not so old, you might consider  that your time will come!Open the link at the bottom to sign the petition to keep the freedom pass, and send this on to anyone you can think of The three-year funding deal for the Freedom Pass agreed between Government and London's Councils in 2008 has been re-opened by theDepartment for Transport which is seeking ways to cut costs. As a result, London is set to lose £29m (half its agreed funding for  2010-11). Leaders of London's Boroughs are opposed to this re-opening of the  previously agreed three-year funding deal, and have said that, although they will endeavour to protect the Freedom Pass, the money will have to  be found SOMEWHERE. THERE IS CONCERN THE AXE MAY FALL ON THE FREEDOM  PASS, OR AT LEAST SOME ASPECTS OF IT. A Petition has been organised to demand that the Prime Minister  intervene to protect the Freedom Pass's funding, and every London resident who might be affected is urged to sign it. It has been  submitted by Barry Macleod-Cullinane of London Councils, and the wording on 10 Downing Street website reads- We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to intervene to secure  the Freedom Pass by protecting the previously agreed level of concessionary travel funding for London, for 2010-11, from the proposals  currently being consulted on by the DfT that would cut £29m of agreed funding for the boroughs, following the DfT's re-opening of a 30year funding deal in its third year. The deadline for signing this Petition is January 29, 2010 and,  currently over 6,000 signatures have been attached, but this is unlikely to be enough so if you feel inclined, DO join by using this  link:   http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/29m4freedompass/

Libby Kemp ● 5564d1 Comments ● 5508d

Multilingual Britain

Multilingual BritainThe miracle of human variety is in danger of disappearing, if all of us speak alike, dress alike, eat the same food, read the same fiction and enjoy the same music. It would be a great loss to our colourful planet. Public sector needs a multilingual work force. Teachers and police officers can help with race relations in the classroom and in the community. Public sector is seeking multilingual recruits to serve multicultural Britain. The ability to speak languages from Arabic to Urdu is considered to be an asset. Linguistic skills, in addition to the usual entry criteria, will boost the number of recruits in teaching, police, medicine, nursing and the civil service. Bilingual teachers, police officers, doctors and nurses are in a better position to serve the bilingual Muslim community.  The language system has been used successfully in the United States. Mary Doherty at TTA, points out those bilingual teachers can be particularly welcome in state schools for bilingual pupils. Various studies show that bilingualism increases overall intelligence. Monolingualism leads to isolationist and inward thinking. Exposure to different languages and cultures can increase tolerance. Language learning in childhood lays the foundations for developing real fluency in that language. Every child should have the opportunity to study a foreign language and develop their interest in the culture of other nations. Languages can be seen as an important way of putting more fun into primary learning and of broadening the children experience. Learning a second language boosts your intellectual powers by physically increasing the number of nerve cells in the language centres of the brain. A study at University College London shows that the brains of bilingual people are structurally enhanced compared to the brains of people who can only speak one language. The effect is even more marked in people who learnt a second language before they were five. Speaking a second language is like having access to another world. No other subject expands mental horizons in the same way. In an ordinary inner city school in England, nearly 100 languages are spoken, yet still essentially this is still a monolingual nation. London is the most multicultural city in the world with over 300 languages spoken everyday. Bilingual Muslim children need state funded Muslim schools with bilingual teachers as role models during their developmental periods. All state schools where Muslim pupils are the majority should be designated as Muslim community schools. They are in a better position to provide balanced education by teaching the National Curriculum along with Arabic, Islamic studies, Urdu and other community languages. An Islamic atmosphere will help to develop Islamic Identity crucial for mental, emotional and personality development.Iftikhar Ahmad

Iftikhar Ahmad ● 5508d0 Comments ● 5508d

Health & Safety and Equality Considerations for Christmas Songs

The Rocking SongLittle Jesus, sweetly sleep, do not stir;We will lend a coat of fur,We will rock you, rock you, rock you,We will rock you, rock you, rock you:Fur is no longer appropriate wear for small infants, both due to risk of allergy to animal fur, and for ethical reasons.Therefore faux fur, a nice cellular blanket or perhaps micro-fleece material should be considered a suitable alternative.Please note, only persons who have been subject to a Criminal Records Bureau check and have enhanced clearance will be permitted to rock baby Jesus.Persons must carry their CRB disclosure with them at all times and be prepared to provide three forms of identification before rockingcommences.*********************Jingle BellsDashing through the snowIn a one horse open sleighO'er the fields we goLaughing all the wayA risk assessment must be submitted before an open sleigh is considered safe for members of the public to travel on.The risk assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly if passengers are of largerproportions. Please note, permission must be gained from landowners before entering their fields.To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we would request that laughter is moderate only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance.******************************While Shepherds WatchedWhile shepherds watchedTheir flocks by nightAll seated on the groundThe angel of the Lord came downAnd glory shone aroundThe union of Shepherd's has complained that it breaches health and safety regulations to insist that shepherds watch their flocks without appropriate seating arrangements being provided, therefore benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available.Shepherds have also requested that due to the inclement weather conditions at this time of year that they should watch their flocks via cctv cameras from centrally heated shepherd observation huts.Please note, the angel of the lord is reminded that before shining his / her glory all around she / he must ascertain that all shepherds have been issued with glasses capable of filtering out the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and Glory.**************************Rudolph the red nosed reindeerRudolph, the red-nosed reindeerhad a very shiny nose.And if you ever saw him,you would even say it glows.You are advised that under the Equal Opportunities for All policy, it is inappropriate for persons to make comment with regard to the ruddiness of any part of Mr. R. Reindeer.Further to this, exclusion of Mr R Reindeer from the Reindeer Games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence.A full investigation will be implemented and sanctions - including suspension on full pay - will be considered whilst this investigation takes place.*********************************Little DonkeyLittle donkey, little donkey on the dusty roadGot to keep on plodding onwards with your precious loadThe RSPCA have issued strict guidelines with regard to how heavy a load that a donkey of small stature is permitted to carry, also included in the guidelines is guidance regarding how often to feed the donkey and how many rest breaks are required over a four hour plodding period.Please note that due to the increased risk of pollution from the dusty road, Mary and Joseph are required to wear face masks to prevent inhalation of any airborne particles.The donkey has expressed his discomfort at being labelled 'little and would prefer just to be simply referred to as Mr. Donkey.   To comment upon his height or lack thereof may be considered an infringement of his equine rights.***********************************We Three KingsWe three kings of Orient areBearing gifts we traverse afarField and fountain, moor and mountainFollowing yonder starWhilst the gift of gold is still considered acceptable - as it may be redeemed at a later date through such organisations as 'cash for gold' etc,gifts of frankincense and myrrh are not appropriate due to the potential risk of oils and fragrances causing allergic reactions.A suggested gift alternative would be to make a donation to a worthy cause in the recipients name or perhaps give a gift voucher.We would not advise that the traversing kings rely on navigation by stars in order to reach their destinations and suggest the use of RAC routefinder orsatellite navigation, which will provide the quickest route and advice regarding fuel consumption.Please note as per the guidelines from the RSPCA for Mr Donkey, the camels carrying the three kings of Orient will require regular food and rest breaks.Facemasks for the three kings are also advisable due to the likelihood of dust from the camels hooves.**********************Away in a Manger No Crib for a bed- Social services???????

Carol Burge ● 5609d1 Comments ● 5608d

World AIDS Day Quiz Night raises funds for Terrence Higgins Trust

On Tuesday December 1, World AIDS Day, a quiz night is being held in Ladbroke Grove to raise money for sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust.  The event is being held at Lighthouse West London on Lancaster Road and will kick off at 5.30pm. The quiz will include various rounds including general knowledge, true or false, the written word and picture rounds. A maximum of eight people will be allowed in each team. Although this is primarily a fun night out and a fundraising event, there is a prize of a case of wine for the winning team. Phillipe Bruyer, the event organiser said “If you’re looking for a way to support Terrence Higgins Trust on World AIDS Day, why not come along to the quiz with some friends?  Test your brain cells, have a laugh and raise vital funds to help people living with or affected by HIV.” Tickets must be bought in advance and are being sold for a minimum donation of £5. A cash bar will be open on the night and mezze to share is included in the ticket price.  Lighthouse West London is at 111- 117 Lancaster Road, W11 1QT.  For table reservations please call reception at Lighthouse West London on 020 7313 2900.  Tickets can be paid for by cash or cheque.Philippe BruyerEvent OfficerLighthouse West London111-117 Lancaster RoadLondon W11 1QT Switchboard 020 7313 2900.Direct Line 020 7313 2963Mobile 07956 680 927Email philippe.bruyer@tht.org.uk HIV - Still no cure-Still no Vaccine -Still Ignoring it?  Please consider the environment before printing this emailTHT, committed to making a positive difference to the environment

Philippe Bruyer ● 5630d0 Comments ● 5630d

Recession Causes Sharp Drop in Council Income

So are the May 2010 elections ones which the local Tories would rater lose? Whoever wins could be in for a nightmare of having to implement a budet for 2010-2011 which has cuts built into it - to make it balance - which are not however spelt out, since it will have been set before the elections when to do so would be politically "difficult".The fundamental difference is that the local Tories like cutting public spending and local Labour does not. One foolish decision, I believe, has been promoting each school to have its own 6th form. These will, I believe, drain resources from 11-16 education, and not be very viable educationally. I cannot believe each school can offer an effective A level choice, nor offer a decent range of non-academic post-16 vocational education. One of the great virtues of the William Morris Academy was that those attending had elected to stay on in education but had put behind them the misdemeanours of the school years. I suspect that some headteachers want the beneficial behavioural effects of some more mature pupils on the younger kids, plus the kudos from having a 6th form, But it is a big investment at a time of scarcity.I fear that child protection services will be under pressure as ever, and that residential facilities for the elderly will be reduced. Both are very labour-intensive and expensive, and both will come under a lead cabinet member not as committed as the late Councillor Lillis.

Dan Filson ● 5720d3 Comments ● 5699d

New fresh fish seller at Acton Market (it's not very far away)

Dear customers,We are pleased to introduce to you, from this week onwards, Les Lawrence of Christchurch Line-Caught Fish.Les is a day-boat fisherman from Dorset who is fully committed to sustainable fishing practices. Les's traditional rod-and-line fishing techniques mean that he is able to ensure minimum wastage - no dead fish are thrown back in the sea, and all that he catches (hopefully) goes straight to the bellies of his fish-loving London customers.Les only started selling his wares on London markets less than a year ago, and has swiftly built up a cult following in South Kensington, where he has been selling his fish for many months now - everyone has really taken to his produce as soon as they have seen how fresh it is (Les brings up the catch from his previous day's fishing expeditions, something the supermarkets can only dream of). Now Les is fishing more often, and ready to bring his wares to pastures new. Acton is his next port of call...Les will be attending weekly from now on, as long as he has a good enough catch.Many of you have been asking after Martin Yorworth, the popular fisherman from Canvey Island. Unfortunately, Martin is not well enough to make it up to London at the moment, but we certainly hope to see him back and selling his produce to his faithful punters at some point in the near future.Enjoy the fish this weekend.Regards,Sandy, Jill, Geraldine, Cheryl, Mark and ArthurLondon Farmers' MarketsTel. 020 7833 0338www.lfm.org.uk11 O' Donnell CourtBrunswick CentreLondonWC1N 1NY

Sara Nathan ● 5764d11 Comments ● 5733d

Former community centre goes under the hammer

See story on news pagesI don't particularly approve of housing being used for non-housing purposes but it is a pity to see yet another demise of a location for community groups. The adjacent wildlife area was often visited by the children of Miles Coverdale SchoolMore worryingly, there has been an acceleration in recent months of the folding of community groups in the borough due to withdrawal of borough support. Now I recall the period after 1986 when Labour came into power - the last occasion before 2006 when the council changed hands - when I told the chair of the then Community Organisations Support Committee that even with an injection of cash into the budget, which there was, the only real way to get more funds into the hands of all the new community bodies was to reduce or turn the tap of the funding of some existing ones. In short, it was a question of assessing priorities and also of judging competence and effectiveness of spend.Now I don't doubt that the incoming Tories has attempted to do a little bit of this = assessing priorities and also of judging competence and effectiveness of spend - but the signs are that their assessing of priorities is having the effect of reducing the funding of organisations either run by ethnic minorities or operating where the ethnic minority populations are likely to be substantial beneficiaries. I understand there are now NO ethnic minority organisations remaining council-funded (in part or in whole) left in the borough; I stand to be corrected if I'm wrong. This pockets of core-funding money can achieve results out of proportion to their size, provided they are kept going. The reality is that small organisations cannot be self-funded and die without core funding. I cannot help making the contrast with organisations supposedly assisting people into or back into employment - here the funding can run into tens or hundreds or thousands and premises are lavish, main street properties. Count for yourself how many properties from John Snow down to the Central Line tube are in this area of operation.I also suspect that more wealthy Fulham is getting a higher proportion of the diminishing cake than previously.

Dan Filson ● 5775d1 Comments ● 5749d

Muslim Children and Sex Education

Muslim Children and Sex EducationMuslim parents teach their children to respect their teachers. From a very young age, we are taught that Islam teaches us that after our parents, our teachers are most deserving of respect. It must be an extremely confusing time for the Muslim parent in Leytonstone, London. For up to 30 parents may face prosecution for withdrawing their children from school, disobeying the teachers in the school, simply to secure a decent moral upbringing for their children. The school had decided to have a week of lessons about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history. Part of this was a special adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet retitled Romeo and Julian as well as fairytales and stories changed to show men falling in love with men. Rather than filling the heads of impressionable boys and girls with fatuous drivel about gay penguins, schools should be ashamed of the fact that they are sending children out into the world barely able to read, write and add up properly. Muslim children are leaving schools without learning their cultural roots and linguistic skills.The action was being taken against the parents as part of a policy of ' promoting tolerance'. So why not tolerate parents, who, for sincerely-held reasons, consider their children too young to be taught about gay relationships? This isn't education, its cultural fascism. A record numbers of pupils persistently played truant in 2006-07, with around 272,950 pupils persistently absent in 2007, missing more than 20% of school. We rarely see councils prosecute the parents of these persistent truants. Yet, the parents who removed their children as a one-off to protect their morality may be prosecuted!If the local council does decide to go through with a prosecution, it would be in line with the government's approach to the Muslim community. Muslims who believe homosexuality is a sin would be labelled as extremists. Liberal totalitarianism is a growing phenomenon in Britain and the west in general but many people will be shocked that the school can override a parent's view of what's appropriate or inappropriate to teach their children. This latest episode should be a wakeup call for Muslim parents. Muslim parents MUST explain our moral standards to schools and be prepared to take steps to protect our children’s morals and values from a growing agenda to impose liberal values upon them. This is an eye opening for those Muslim parents who keep on sending their children to state schools to be mis-educated and de-educated by non-Muslim monolingual teachers.The solution of all the problems facing Muslim children is state funded Muslim schools with bilingual Muslim teachers. Those state schools where Muslim children are in majority may be designated as Muslim community schools. Bilingual Muslim children need state funded Muslim schools with bilingual Muslim teachers as role models during their developmental periods. Iftikhar Ahmadwww.londonschoolofislamics.or.guk

Iftikhar Ahmad ● 5788d14 Comments ● 5780d

How to stop the BNP on June 4th

A recent nationally-conducted YouGuv poll of voting intentions for the forthcoming Euro elections found: Con 26%; Lab 21%; Ukip 16%; LibDem 14%; Green 9%; BNP 7%.Although the London area sometimes votes differently to the country as a whole, it usually does vote in a broadly similar fashion.If these figures DO represent the share of vote in London on June 4th, then people might be interested to know how this would translate into seats.There are EIGHT seats up for grabs in the capital.As the party with the most votes, the Tories would be awarded ONE seat; their vote would then be halved from 26% to 13%. Because Labour's 21% is higher than this new Tory figure of 13%, Labour would then be awarded ONE seat. Hooray!! (That's me being strictly unbiased, by the way). Labour's vote would then be halved to 10.5%.Because Ukip's 16% is higher than both the new Tory figure of 13% and the new Labour figure of 10.5%, Ukip would be awarded ONE seat; Ukip's vote would then be halved to 8%.Because the LibDem's 14% is higher than the new Tory figure of 13%, the new Labour figure of 10.5% and the new Ukip figure of 8%, the LibDems would be awarded ONE seat. The LibDem vote would then be halved to 7%.At this point, the Tories get allocated a SECOND seat. This is because their revised figure of 13% not only exceeds the revised figure for Labour, Ukip and the LibDems; it also exceeds the Green Party's 9% and the BNP's 7%. The Tory vote is then HALVED AGAIN, leaving them with 6.5%.And so the process keeps on going. So far, five seats have been allocated. This is how the other three seats would go ...Those nice Labour people get a SECOND seat, their figure is HALVED AGAIN, leaving them with 5.25%;The Greens get their FIRST seat; their figure is HALVED, leaving them with 4.5%.Finally, Ukip get their SECOND seat (because their revised figure of 8% is just ahead of the BNP's total of 7% and the Lib Dems' revised total - which is also 7%).The final total: Con 2; Lab 2; Ukip 2; LibDem 1; Green 1. I'm sorry if this sounds complicated but hopefully it informs people of how best to keep the BNP out. You need to vote for a party that will come AHEAD of the BNP in the popular vote. If you are to the left of Labour and want to stop the BNP then it's no good voting for Bob Crowe's party (or for Arthur Scargill's Socialist Labour Party) because they are barely registering in the polls.Having said that, I would be lying if I was to say to people on the left that they should vote Labour to stop the BNP. It is just as likely that a LibDem or Green vote will have the same effect; it simply depends upon how the cookie crumbles. The polls have varied wildly in the Euro election and the above is only one example of how things might turn out.The above poll puts the BNP on 7% - yet another poll gave them only 1%. (In the 2004 Euros, they polled 4%). It is possible, though, that some people who do intend voting BNP may deny it to the pollsters because they are (rightly) ashamed. If this is so, then their poll rating is an underestimate of their true level of support.Another factor is this: the polls are showing that Ukip's vote is on the slide and it seems that they may have peaked too early. The fall in their popular vote is likely to benefit both the Tories and the BNP.My hunch is that the BNP will not gain a seat in London. People point to the fact that they won one on the Greater London Assembly - which operates on the same electoral system - but remember that there are 25 seats on the GLA (against only eight for the London region Euro election).   The only prediction I will make is this: I feel pretty certain that Labour will win TWO seats (nothing more, nothing less) - because just about every realistic estimate arrives at that result. So you may well ask "Why vote Labour". Because it would still be good for Labour to get a good aggregate vote in order to try and keep their vote total as close as possible to that polled by the Tories.To people on the left, yes you have every right to be pissed off with Labour. But always remember its HISTORY and its IDENTITY. Most of all, never forget that it is the party that is most closely associated with our multi-racial society: and that, more than anything, is worth a vote.

Robin Taylor ● 5809d29 Comments ● 5801d

West London: Staff threatened in Hammersmith Park

Hammersmith Park is behind TVC Several reports have recently emerged of confrontations between staff in White City and gangs of youths in nearby Hammersmith Park. The first incident took place in the park early last week at around 6:30pm. The female member of staff, who was wearing headphones, found herself surrounded by a group of ‘five or six teenagers’ who were wielding blocks of ice ‘about the size of two coke cans’. After being hit on the head by one, which she later discovered had caused bleeding, she screamed at the gang and continued walking, calling the Police Community Support Team when she arrived home. The second incident occurred last Friday evening, when the man was followed by a gang of ‘six to seven teenage males and a female who was filming’ after objecting to them throwing stones at a woman with a pushchair. The gang hurled further projectiles at the male staff member, who safely exited the park through the BBC security gate on Frithville Gardens. The matter has been reported to the local Safer Neighbourhood Policing Unit, and officers from the unit are patrolling the park and surrounding area in an attempt to put a stop to this behaviour.The following security advice is offered to staff who use the area and roads in and around Hammersmith Park:Be vigilant while in the area and try not to have on display any valuables such as telephones or laptop computers. If you carry a shoulder bag, carry it across your body, with the bag in front of you. As always, be careful in how you interact with anyone that confronts you in the area. For your own safety it is best to ignore them if possible.Remember that help is nearby in the form of the uniformed security guards at the various posts around the Television Centre, where you can go to report any criminal or unruly behaviour, and get appropriate assistance.You can also report any such activity directly to the police on 0300 123 1212.

Carol Burge ● 5814d2 Comments ● 5812d

Dawn of a new era?

I thought I would click on the Local Govt button to see what was new. First item clicked was:New council leader hails mandate for positive change Cllr Stephen Greenhalgh welcomes "dawn of a new era" Curious, I thought, no local elections since those in May 2006. Turns out, this was put there in May 2006. What I remember of the launch of the new administration was the launch of their new borough logo, which must be almost unique in that the words Hammersmith and Fulham don't feature on it, and for a suppsedly non-political emblem of the borough, it looked remarkably like the Tory party logo!Since then as Stephen Cowan has pointed out, a lot of cuts of good services and few signs of innovation in generating any new ones. As ever, the obsession to the exclusion of improving services, with holding or reducing the Council Tax. No effort to even begin to resolve the chronic and growing housing shortage, especially at the affordable end - people there left to swing in the wind of insecure tenure in the fickle private sector or pitch for part-rent part-buy at prices they can barely, if at all, afford. No sign of Lib-Dem opposition around the borough being even remotely an alternative. So come 2010 it will be up to borough voters to chop them or keep them. I hope Stephen Cowan has a new intake of very able fresh Labour councillors lined up to take over again; my word what a lot of work to do to clear up the mess Greenhalgh and his gang will have left.

Dan Filson ● 5825d0 Comments ● 5825d

State Funded Muslim Schools

The demand for Muslim schools comes from parents who want their children a safe environment with an Islamic ethos.Parents see Muslim schools where children can develop their Islamic Identity where they won't feel stigmatised for being Muslims and they can feel confident about their faith.Muslim schools are working to try to create a bridge between communities. There is a belief among ethnic minority parens that the British schooling does not adequatly address their cultural needs. Failing to meet this need could result in feeling resentment among a group who already feel excluded. Setting up Muslim school is a defensive response. State schools with monolingual teachers are not capable to teach English to bilingual Muslim children. Bilingual teachers are needed to teach English to such children along with their mother tongue. According to a number of  studies, a child will not learn a second language if his first language is ignored. Bilingual Muslim children need state funded Muslim schools with bilingual Muslim teachers as role models during their developmental periods. Muslims have the right to educate their children in an environment that suits their culture. This notion of "integration", actually means "assimilation", by which people generally really mean "be more like me". That is not multiculturalism. In Sydney, Muslims were refused to build a Muslim school, because of a protest by the residents. Yet a year later, permission was given for the building of a Catholic school and no protests from the residents. This clrearly shows the blatant hypocrisy, double standards and racism. Christians oppose Muslim schools in western countries yet build their own religious schools. British schooling and the British society is the home of institutional racism. The result is that Muslim children are unable to developself-confidence and self-esteem, therefore, majority of them leave schools with low grades. Racism is deeply rooted in British society. Every native child is born with a gene or virus of racism, therefore, no law could change the attitudes of racism towards those who are different. It is not only the common man, even member of the royal family is involved in racism. The father of a Pakistani office cadet who was called a "Paki" by Prince Harryhas profoundly condemned his actions. He had felt proud when he met the Queen and the Prince of Wales at his son's passing out parade at Sandhurst in 2006 but now felt upset after learning about the Prince's comments. Queen Victoria invited an Imam from India to teach her Urdu language. He was highly respected by the Queen but other members of the royal family had no respect for him. He was forced to go back to India. His protrait is still in one of the royal places. There are hundreds of state schools where Muslim pupils are in majority. In my opinion, all such schools may be designated as Muslim community schools with bilingual Muslim teachers. There is no place for a non-Muslim child or a teacher in a Muslim school.Iftikhar Ahmadwww.londonschoolofislamics.org.uk

Iftikhar Ahmad ● 5874d14 Comments ● 5862d

Multi-faith Schools

. Multi-faith Schools• A Muslim charity In Swindon is bidding to run the first Multi-faith Muslim School for Muslim and non-Muslim children and have teachers from different faiths. An hour of the timetable each day would be dedicated to studying Arabic and the Holy Quran. Non-Muslims pupils would be able to be exempted from the lessons, but it is hoped that the majority would choose to stay in class to gain more “insight” into the Islamic faith.• In my opinion, Multifaith school is not going to be successful because non-Muslim parents would not send their children. In the past, a plan for a Multi-faith secondary school in Westminster for 1000 pupils could not be materialised because faith groups could not come to any agreement. Now even Hindu community has set up state funded school in Harrow. Black community is also thinking of setting up its own school with Black teachers. • According to David Lammy MP, there are still too many inequalities in the education system which prevents disadvantaged children from applying to study for a degree. British schooling is wholly responsible for the inequalities. A culture of low expectation and a lack of rigour holding these pupils back. Every child must reach his full potential regardless of his background. Justice Secretary Jack Straw MP said British society should be one which recognizes and celebrates differences. One in which we all have an opportunity to flourish, regardless of who we are or where we are from. British schooling has been trying to integrate and assimilate Muslim community through education in the name of integration. The Imams and Masajid have been playing their parts to keep Islamic faith alive, but that is not enough. British schooling does not promote global cohesion. It does not encourage dialogue and increases understanding. • Bilingual Muslim children need state funded Muslim schools with bilingual Muslim teachers as role models during their developmental periods. They need to learn and be well versed in Standard English to follow the National Curriculum and go for higher studies and research to serve humanity. They need to learn and be well versed in Arabic to recite and understand the Holy Quran. They need to learn and be well versed in Urdu and other community languages to keep in touch with their cultural roots and enjoy the beauty of their literature and poetry.• Iftikhar Ahmadwww.londonschoolofislamics.org.uk

Iftikhar Ahmad ● 5966d3 Comments ● 5953d

Tommy Cooperism's................

1. Two blondes walk into a building....you'd think at least one of them would have seen it. 2. Phone answering machine message - "...If you want to buy marijuana, press the hash key... 3. A guy walks into the psychiatrist wearing only Clingfilm for shorts. The shrink says, "Well, I can clearly see you're nuts. 4. I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I couldn't find any 5. I went to the butchers the other day and I bet him 50 quid that he couldn't reach the meat off the top shelf. He said, "No, the steaks are too high. 6. My friend drowned in a bowl of muesli. A strong currant pulled him in.7. A man came round in hospital after a serious accident. He shouted, "Doctor, doctor, I can't feel my legs!" The doctor replied, "I know you can't, I've cut your arms off. 8. I went to a seafood disco last week...and pulled a muscle.9. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly. They lit a fire in the craft, it sank, proving once and for all that you can't have your kayak and heat it. 10. Our ice cream man was found lying on the floor of his van covered with hundreds and thousands. Police say that he topped himself. 11. Man goes to the doctor, with a strawberry growing out of his head. Doc says "I'll give you some cream to put on it." 12. 'Doc I can't stop singing The Green, Green Grass of Home' "That sounds like Tom Jones syndrome. 'Is it common?' "It's not unusual." 13. A man takes his Rotteweiller to the vet. "My dog is cross-eyed, is there anything you can do for him?" "Well," said the vet, "let's have a look at him" So he picks the dog up and examines his eyes, then he checks his teeth. Finally, he says, "I'm going to have to put him down." "What? Because he's cross-eyed?" "No, because he's really heavy". 14. Guy goes into the doctor's. "Doc, I've got a cricket ball stuck up my backside." "How's that?" "Don't you start." 15. Two elephants walk off a cliff...boom, boom! 16. What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh. 17. So I was getting into my car, and this bloke says to me "Can you give me a lift?" I said "Sure, you look great, the world's your oyster, go for it.' 18. Apparently, 1 in 5 people in the world are Chinese. There are 5 people in my family, so it must be one of them. It's either my mum or my Dad, or my older Brother Colin, or my younger Brother Ho-Cha-Chu? But I think its Colin. 19. Two fat blokes in a pub, one says to the other "Your round." The other one says "So are you, you fat ba*tard!" 20. Police arrested two kids yesterday, one was drinking battery acid, and the other was eating fireworks. They charged one and let the other one off. 21. "You know, somebody actually complimented me on my driving today. They left a little note on the windscreen. It said, 'Parking Fine.' So that was nice." 22. A man walked into the doctors, he said, "I've hurt my arm in several places" The doctor said, "Well don't go there anymore" 23. Ireland 's worst air disaster occurred early this morning when a small two-seater Cessna plane crashed into a cemetery. Irish search and rescue workers have recovered 1826 bodies so far and expect that number to climb As digging continues into the night!

Carol Burge ● 6001d1 Comments ● 6000d

Day of Action to tackle obsessive compulsive disorder

My name is Paul and I am a volunteer press officer for the UK charity OCD Action. Since 1991 OCD Action has been promoting recovery, awareness and understanding of obsessive compulsive disorder. We have a day of action on November 22 at Imperial College London to show those who are affected by OCD how to fight back against their tormenting thoughts and secret rituals.OCD is a clinically recognised condition in which people experience repetitive and upsetting thoughts (obsessions) and use rituals (compulsions) to control the anxiety these thoughts produce.OCD can affect anyone at any time and it can hit hard. Do you know what it's like to try and rein in the uncontrollable anxiety that surges through your body when your mind is awash with obsessive compulsive disorder, and neither fight nor flight can defeat this invisible enemy?If you do then please come to OCD Conference 2008Date: Saturday, 22 November 2008Time: 9:30am – 5.30pmPlace:  Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZFees: £20 / £30 for members or supporting charities and £75 for professionalsPhone OCD Action to book your ticket on 0870 360 6232.www.ocdaction.org.ukOCD Action helpline 0845 390 6232 Professors, mental health experts and people who suffer from obsessive compulsive disorders will join forces in a series of presentations and workshops to raise awareness, increase understanding and share methods of how to treat the biological disorder that affects an estimated 1.8 million people in the UK. Read about ticket details on www.ocdaction.org.ukThere will be workshops for young people, adults and families on how to treat fears on contamination, hoarding, checking and reassurance, as well as Tourette syndrome, body dysmorphic disorder and skin-picking. 

Paul Carter ● 6019d0 Comments ● 6019d

An Open Letter to Ed Balls

An Open Letter to the Secretary of State for Education Ed BallsThe debate over the trajectory of the western sociopolitical system and its strained relations with Islam is the most pivotal of our time.  Muslims are in one of the most difficult phases of their history when malicious attacks including allegation of terrorism are being made on Islam and Muslims all over the world. The malicious campaign against Muslims is politically motivated. The world is obsessed by Islam. Anti-terror measures are ruining lives of Muslim youths. If you go around arresting young Muslims, you are going to find that you are going to ostracise this community. Young Muslims don’t need to be ostracized, they need to be engaged. According to the Arch Bishop, Rowan Williams, acceptance of some facets of Sharia not only “seems unavoidable”, but could actually improve social cohesion. Muslims should be able to choose to have marital or financial matters dealt with in a Sharia Court. Such courts should therefore be incorporated into the British legal system as a constructive accommodation with Islam.  Schools are being asked to help “win hearts and minds” in the battle against violent extremists on both sides. British born Imams should go into schools to supplement the teaching of RE, PSHE and Citizenship so that all pupils can learn about the Holy Quran and Islam in the context of a multicultural society. OFSTED must make sure that their services should be fully utilised by the schools, otherwise, it will be waste of public money. The British Establishment is wrong to assert that Imams and Masajid have been radicalising Muslim youths.  The roots of extremism are in the British society and schools where institutional racism is at its peak. The racism within schools has got little media coverage. The school attended by 7/7 bombers in a part of Leeds known for its history of racial tension between British Asians and native Brits. Leeds council was so worried about the violence that it had to call in Foundation for Peace, a government funded peacekeepers who were used to keep Catholics and Protestants from killing one another in Northern Ireland. True message of Islam should be promoted because British media and society have always portrayed Islam in a negative way since Crusades and the siege of Vienna in 1683.  School Curriculum should be used to convey a deeper understanding of Islamic faith, history and culture. Prison is not the answer of those who are vulnerable to, or are being drawn into violent extremism unless they have clearly committed an offence. The greatest challenge to humanity is learning to live in a crowded and interconnected world that is creating unprecedented pressures on human society. The rector of Oxford’s largest Anglican Churches has called a Muslim call to prayers from the main Masjid “un-English”. This is a clear case of intolerance. Gibraltar is a British colony. Five Pound currency note has a queen image on one side and on the other side there is an image of the Muslim Conqueror with a sword in his hand. There is more hatred of Muslims seduced by the Western media, education system and church leaders like Bishop Nazir Ali. Catholic nuns have worn veils for centuries, with no public controversies arising. There is no reason why any girl’s school uniform can not now be modified to include a veil. Wearing a veil to school or to work must be a matter of choice for all. Iftikhar Ahmadwww.londonschoolofislamic.sorg.uk

Iftikhar Ahmad ● 6031d6 Comments ● 6028d

Teachings of Zen!

1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me for the path is narrow. In fact, just piss off and leave me alone.2. Sex is like air. It's not important unless you aren't getting any.3. No one is listening until you fart.4. Always remember you're unique. Just like everyone else.5. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.6. If you think nobody cares whether you're alive or dead, try missing a couple of mortgage payments.7. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.8. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.9. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.10. If you lend someone £20 and never see that person again, it was probably well worth it.11. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.12. Some days you are the bug; some days you are the wind screen.13. Don't worry; it only seems kinky the first time.14. Good judgment comes from bad experience and most of that comes from bad judgment.15. A closed mouth gathers no foot. 16. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.17. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.18. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.19. We are born naked, wet and hungry, and get slapped on our ass ... then things just get worse.20. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night. Handle every stressful situation like a dog, if you can't eat it or hump it. Piss on it and walk away.

Carol Burge ● 6031d1 Comments ● 6030d

Retendering of local bus services have your say

TfL are currently consulting on the retendering of bus routes.Please bear in mind TfL’s advice on suggestions, comments, etc on routes:  They are looking for comments from the public to Stakeholders in this case London TravelWatch. They would particularly welcome information on any particular problems you may have identified rather than a specific suggestion for extension or enhancement of an individual route. This is because the best solution to a problem may be a change to another route rather than the one being directly reviewed. Closing date for comments put on the forum by 23rd September.  I will then take them forward to Tfl. Suggestions might include:                                                 ideas which enhance social inclusion;                        corridors or areas which might benefit from new or enhanced Sunday or night services;                        areas or corridors on which you feel increased frequency or larger vehicles are needed to  cater for demand;                         identifying routes which you feel are unreliable;                        ideas which improve integration with other transport modes or interchange with other bus  routes or improve access to major developments.”  The routes affected are: 207, N207, 427, 427, 607 195 266, N266 260 120 70, R70 94, N94 11, N11 195 X26 110, 111 81 211, C1

Libby Kemp ● 6065d10 Comments ● 6059d

Goldhawk Road Developments

So...another high-density development is proposed within a conservation area, a few hundred yards from the mooted Allied Carpets high-rise. In the past couple of years, four other high-density, mixed usage developments have been constructed within approximately a mile and a half of both the suggested sites. Given that our local schools, doctors and dentists are oversubscribed and groaning under the pressure, would it not be wiser to invest in our local infrastructure rather than constantly slap up new housing? Better still, refurbish the vacant housing stock that already exists in the borough - or would this result in less profit for developers? For, however cosy their stated intentions and murmurs of 'social' and 'affordable' housing, developers are in this to make a profit (or at least to pay their directors fat salaries) and neither scheme would enhance or benefit our already crowded community. As for 'affordable' housing and  part buying schemes - they are still too expensive and therefore rarely benefit those key workers such as teachers and  nurses who are most in need. Given the current parlous state of the housing market, is it even wise to be contemplating new-build developments that might then stand empty, blighting the area and attracting the usual security problems that beset empty properties? At least the Goldhawk Road site has already had residential usage - the Allied Carpets site has been commercial premises for many years and its change to high-density residential usage would have a severe impact on an already congested corner. Do the developers really think that a car park with an entrance from Greenside Road will not significantly add to the increasing traffic caused by the Westfield Centre, the Polish Church, the extended congestion zone et al? Greenside Road is a narrow, residential street and already often at a standstill. And what about the chaos caused by vehicles on site while works take place? I have just received a letter from the Council Planning Dept. inviting comments/objections to the scheme before 20th June and will be responding with the points I have outlined above. I will also be objecting to any development at the Goldhawk Road site on the same grounds. We need investment in infrastructure to enhance and sustain our existing community before we bow to developers' demands to make a fat profit at the expense of local residents.

Amanda Lees ● 6164d2 Comments ● 6163d