Twit Councillor warns of social media pitfalls!

Your meant to tweet not twit!

Click image to enlarge.

Cllr Wes Streeting has openly supported new guidelines for Redbridge Councillors on the use of social media.  Yet he has a history of impudent rantings based on his identified problem with straight people?  His comments to the Ilford Recorder are juxtaposed to his flagrant malpractice, evidenced below within an extract taken from a blogger called Dizzy Thinks.  I like many of you believe Cllr Wes Streeting is an inappropriate champion for this new set of rules.  

Here is a hyperlink termed "Jilted lovers make websites for revenge".  I am not sure why I have inserted this here, but it seemed appropriate. :)

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Below extract from Dizzy Thinks: 

This is a gay club for gay people...we'll have no straight ones here

at 6/26/2011 07:08:00 AM

Let's play a little game shall we. Imagine, if you will that you're a Tory councillor and you went out one night to a nightclub to see someone perform. Imagine to that you were standing in the queue waiting patiently to pass the bouncers and get through the door.

Whilst in the queue you noticed that they were quite a few gay couples queuing too, so, you get out your mobile phone, you fire up Twitter and you tell your 6000 or so followers that,

Resent the number of gay people in the nightclub queue. If you want to see [insert performers name] BUGGER OFF SOMEWHERE ELSE.

What do you think the screaming Left would be saying on Twitter? It wouldn't be long before you'd probably be "under pressure" from Leftie bloggers to quit. "Evidence!" they would scream of the vicious evil hatred of equality and sexuality differences.

OK, game over, now let's shoot back into reality just a few hours ago to see what a Labour councillor and former NUS President said last night.

Now..... personally I don't really have a problem with the comment in terms of its content and point.* What I do have a problem with is the inherent hypocrisy that exists within the comment given who is making it. You see, it illustrates wonderfully everything that is wrong with identity-based politics.

If you're going to go down the route of championing the rights and equal treatments of social groups, whether it be based on gender, who you have sex with, or skin colour, then you really ought to be consistent.

For example, if you're going to champion women and fight against sexism, then being sexist towards men isn't really going to put your argument on the moral high ground. Likewise, if you've been listed as one of the "50 most powerful gay people in British politics" it's probably not a good idea to start slagging off straight people.

I doubt of course that such hypocritical dickheadness will result in any newspapers article calling for this particular councillor (also tipped as a future Cabinet minister) to resign or apologise for being heterophobic - mainly because there is no such thing as heterophobia just as it not possible for a white person to experience racism.

* UPDATE: Just so it's clear here, I don't think Wes Streeting should be apologising for being "nasty" to straight people because I do actually understand his sentiment. The issue is (a) what would be his reaction if you reversed the words and a Tory councillor said them, and (b) the act of doublethink required on Wes Streeting's part to make such a comment in the first place.

Islamic New Year and the Importance of Muharram

Imam Hafiz Abdullah Muhammad and Reverend George Hargreaves speaking for peace, unity and restoration on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 at Redbridge Carnival.

Around 40 visitors attended Imam Hafiz Abdullah's presentation on the importance of Muharram in the Islamic calendar.

A spirit of unity amongst diverse people.

On the 6th December 2011 a gathering of around 40 people from a diverse mix of at least 4 faiths, attended an interfaith meeting with guest speaker Hafiz Abdullah Muhammad from Ilford based "Quran Study Group."

The British Pakistani Christian Association together with other faith groups, are holding a series of similar events, to create a better awareness of the variety of faiths represented in our locality.  Our goal is to dispel myths about "other faiths" and to create a better awareness of festivals and practices, that local people might share the goodwill that enshrines such festivities.

Hafiz Abdullah spoke of the "cultural enrichment" that communities open to other faiths benefit from and commended the work of the BPCA in organising the meetings.  Our funding was gained very much as a result of the progressive partnerships we have with groups such as Quran Study Group, the British Sikh Council and the Hindu Human Rights Group.  We are grateful to all these groups.

In his address on the Islamic Calendar, Hafiz Abdullah described how the English word ‘month’ comes from the word moon and the Islamic Calendar is based on the Lunar Calendar that many Ancient Civilisations as well such as the Babylonians, Jews, Greeks, Egyptians, Aztecs, Indians and Chinese. Each month is just over 29.5 days long, the period it takes for the moon to complete a full cycle of the Earth.   The Islamic calendar is therefore 10-11 days shorter than the Gregorian Calendar.  A result of this is the difficulty to coordinate holidays in the UK, as Eid and other dates move forward by a week and a half each year.  An advantage of the Lunar Calendar is that religious periods such as Ramadan and Hajj are subject to climatic variations with "different length of hours in submission to Allah where human imagination plays no part."

Hafiz Abdullah informed us that the Islamic Calendar was initiated by the second Caliph Umar in 16 AH/ 637 AD.  He said:

"The event of the Hijrah, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 AD, was chosen to begin the Islamic Calendar."

Hafiz Abdullah explained when setting the calendar the Caliph and his advisors wanted to select an important event and it was believed that the Hijrah was the first major sacrifice made by the early Muslims for the preservation of Islam in its formative years.  He said;

"The Hijrah year reminds Muslims, every year, of the sacrifice made by the first Muslims and should prepare them to do the same."

Hafiz Abdullah described the period of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic Calendar and one of four sacred months.  He informed us that although not obligatory, it is recommended to fast during this period as there is Prophetic Tradition that states:

"The best fast, after Ramadan, is in the month of Muharram"

Hafiz Abdullah further explained that this fasting was originally done to thank God for liberating the ancient Jews from the oppression of the Pharaohs and the Jews remember this event during Passover.

Hafiz Abdullah also mentioned that the Prophet’s younger grandson Imam Hussain was tragically martyred on the 10th day of Muharram 680 AD.  He said;

“The heroic martyrdom of Imam Hussain demonstrates to Muslims the need to uphold justice and to fight against tyranny and evil.  They should be prepared to give their lives in similar cause if the need arises not just for Muslim's but for all people”. Hafiz described the peaceful message of the Quran and gave examples of the mercy shown by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) towards his enemies.  This is in total contrast to a minority of extremist people who carry out atrocities in the name of religion.  He also spoke about the tolerance of Islam and quoted the Quran (2:256):

"There is no compulsion in religion, for the right way is clearly from the wrong way”.

After the meeting, all visitors enjoyed a period of fruitful discussion over a warm buffet.   Hafiz Abdullah will be returning sometime in the New Year to present on other Islamic celebrations. 

Squatters Fright! Caught unawares....

 Gloomily walking through the streets these women set off to find their next victims!

 Wilson Chowdhry with his loud Buskers Pa shouting "We are all watching you, you will not be allowed to continue your crime on our roads!"

 A 3 hour eventual eviction was extremely demanding!

 Police noted a lack of road tax on vehicles used by the squatters.

 Small children being groomed into a very insalubrious lifestyle - why were social services not present?  

 Over 10 beds were found and in excess of 30 people exited from the property.

 Their amassed furniture and luggage blocked the streets prohibiting normal use of pavement area.

Tragic image of a community that is at odds with societal norms and with a lower moral code.

On Monday 5th December 2011 Mayfield Ward Police, with the assistance of officers from Goodmayes and Seven Kings, removed the squatters from 22 Gordon Road.  In excess of 30 people exited the property and simply dumped their possessions on our streets while they awaited relocation to their next Fagan's Den.    This group who originate from Romania are a closely linked criminal group who originally moved from Littlemoor Road to Cavenham Gardens and have also entered several vacant properties on Green Lane.  

Each time they have introduced high levels of criminality and antisocial behaviour.  The group have been viewed attempting to remove items from unlocked vehicles, by checking car door handles.  They have on several occasions been seem stashing stolen items at the Gordon road premises and regularly rummaging through junk left on the forecourts of local houses.  

A number of calls form myself and other residents ensured that local police knew that this property had become a hive of illicit activity, placing high on their policing priority list.

Local residents met to discuss the problem at the Clementswood/Mayfield Community Centre on Thursday 1st December.  At which I informed them of the impending eviction of the 5th that would be facilitated by the local Police.  We all agreed to meet with the unfortunate son of the former resident to support him and give the group a stark warning that we would not allow a continuance of their crime on our streets.

The occupants awoke to a big surprise on Monday as they were asked to leave.  They seemed bewildered and unprepared.  Usually after a court eviction the court bailiffs can take up to 12 weeks to evict illegal occupants.  this whole process took less than 3 weeks, a local record I am told and that because of the very cooperative Mayfield ward Safer Neighbourhood Police.

I brought my mini PA so that they could be told that their criminal activity would be watched by our road and a number of residents took pictures of the felons so that thy could be easily recognised in future.  We warn residents that they must be vigilant, it has been noted by many that the woman with the pushchairs are acting like finders, seeking empty properties and forecourt waste to be searched for valuable items.

They are all equipped with mobile phones and can force open a door in seconds.  We know this as the vacated property was locked and my brother in law agreed to stay last night, to look after the property.  The property has only an external toilet which was not accessible due the need to secure the damaged rear door. As a consequence when my brother in-law left the property to use our toilet a group of 3 men who must have been waiting for the opportunity, broke back into the property.  They did not know my wife Juliet was watching the property and another resident.  Both went out to approach the men who ran off on being seen. 

They then loitered with another 3 men at the top of my street until I led a group of 4 residents to meet with them, as emergency police failed to arrive despite regular calls to 999.  We had not intended violence only to warn them that the Police were on their way.  The men left before we reached them and we all sighed a breath of relief.  

I checked the property for tresspassers with the same group of four and after checking it was in good order, (except the missing lock) I returned home.  My wife placed my brother in-law in one of our vehicles, from here he could monitor the property in relative safety (unlocked home was vulnerable).  No more incidents occurred during the night and I will assume the criminals now know our community is both vigilant and aware of their deeds.

We will be reporting the children out of schools and young lad in the pictures- who has been drinking on the streets while underage -to the local truancy officer and social services.

Tell British Gas to: "Read the Meters!"

British Gas is demanding higher payments than are due.....instead of reading meters.

Let's campaign for HELP FOR PENSIONERS, THE ILL AND DISABLED who may not be able to get outside and down to meter-level, especially in the cold of winter.

Will you, your local councillor or MP join in asking British Gas to take on their responsibilities, read all outside meters, and rescind all bills where they have not bothered to read a meter which is located outside a property and fully accessible?

Miss. Jill Beeton from BRCASIG who met with us at our community meeting 1st December 2011, started the campaign which is now boroughwide, by speaking up at local community meetings trying to bring to councillors' and residents' attention matters related to the 200 pensioner deaths a day nationally during the winter; and her own idea for a campaign to go some way to help.  British Gas has been sending out estimated bills locally, and no doubt across the country, as it did last year: even where meters are outside and perfectly accessible to read if only the company bothered to ensure it was done!  

Miss. Beeton told of one bill last year where the estimated bill was three times the actual due, and another where the pensioner paid the £150 extra being demanded on top of what should have been the maximum due.  Yet this year the estimated bills have started again, and when she phoned British Gas to ask for a meter reading at one occupant's address the call centre operator said that he cannot do that!  She was not asking to discuss the bill, just for him to note it had not been read and that a meter reading needed to be taken before the occupier was billed.  So now reminders are coming out from British Gas for undue amounts, even where someone tries to get a correct reading, with British Gas threatening added costs on top! 

Getting people to do their own meter readings is simply not possible in many vulnerable people's circumstances.  As Miss. Beeton said, "Pensioners and the disabled cannot necessarily get outside, nor down to meter level!  There are plenty of people, elderly or with sight difficulties who could not read the numbering even if they could get to the meter." 

Jill asks, "Why should the elderly and vulnerable, those who are ill, injured or disabled, be asked to go outside in the cold over winter, and risk slipping and freezing to death in their own gardens, something which  unfortunately happened to some poor souls last winter?"  Why is British Gas not sending staff out, whether their own staff or contractors?  "The fuel companies simply should not be allowed to send out reminders where they have not read the outside meters in the first place!"

Surely Britsh Gas is in breach of the Equality Act 2010, by sending out demands and threats of extra costs when they have not even bothered to read an accessible outside meter?  In then not accepting a request that they do get someone to read an occupant's meter they are adding further failings, and unecessary inconvenience and stress to people who may be very vulnerable.

Will you ask your local councillor or MP to join in asking British Gas to take on their responsibilities, read all outside meters, and rescind all bills where they have not bothered to read a meter which is located outside a property and fully accessible?

Or contact British Gas themselves on Freephone:

0800 107 1211  
Mon - Fri 08:00 - 20:00 and Sat 08:00 - 18:00

Borough Commander assures Redbridge People of protection and safeguarding, during the Wednesday 30th TUC Day of Action

Dear Business Colleague - The following information has been received from the Borough Commander with a request that this is forwarded to businesses in the borough. 

May I please ask that if you are able to, to please forward to businesses in your locality.  Thank you for your assistance.  

Kind regards

Bev Stratton, Town Centres & BIDs Manager
Planning Policy & Environment

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Information regarding the TUC Day of Action.
Sent on Behalf of the Borough Commander, Det Chief Supt Sue Williams.

Redbridge Police would like you to be made aware in advance of Wednesday 30th November what we are doing to deal with the issues that may arise on this day due to the industrial action.

The MPS will have a proportionate and strong presence of Police and Community Support Officers across London on the day of the protest, including at places of potential vulnerability and transport hubs. Officers will continue to provide Londoners with a visible, accessible and familiar presence in their local communities in order to cut crime. Redbridge policing arrangements will see a large Community Police presence across the borough to reassure our residents that day to day business will continue as normal.

We are also aware that a number of schools on the borough will be closed due to industrial action. The MPS will facilitate peaceful protest on the day but we expect young people of school age to continue their education and to go to school as usual if their school is open. They should not try to travel in to central London or become involved in any protest during school hours. Their unauthorised absence from school will make them subject to truancy laws and police and education authorities may take appropriate action.

Here at Redbridge, we would ask that parents support this measure and do all that they can to ensure that their children go to school if possible. If their children's school is closed, then we would ask them to make appropriate arrangements to cater for their children's safety and supervision. We would also ask that parents know where their children are and what they are doing during the day so as to limit the opportunity for travelling to any central London protests or the possibility of committing anti social behaviour.  On the day itself, the MPS and Redbridge police aims are:

• To provide a lawful and proportionate policing response to protest, balancing the needs and rights of protesters with those impacted by the protest

• To maintain public order, to prevent crime and take all reasonable steps to intervene and bring offenders to justice if crime is committed

• To work together with event organisers/participants and other agencies to minimise criminal activity and anti-social behaviour associated with the event

• To prevent serious disruption to the life of the residential and business community and vehicular traffic

Throughout the day, we will endeavour to keep you updated. The MPS will be making greater use of social media than in previous public order events and locally we will be using the free electronic messaging system called Neighbourhood Link. This system will enable our community partners, the public and businesses to receive information from the MPS about local crime and policing and is to become the sole corporate external messaging system for the MPS in time for the final build up to the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.Neighbourhood Link is accessible via the following link:

          http://www.neighbourhoodlink.met.police.uk/registration/

Total Policing is the Met's commitment to be on the streets and in your communities to catch offenders, prevent crime and support victims. We are here for London, working with you to make our capital safer.

Squatters blight!

 Two police officers simply were not enough to handle the 50+ squatters in the house. Back up was needed!

 Even with four officers the occupants of the house vastly outnumbered the police.

The Police van gave local residents some solace and comfort.  It was clear the police were taking local concern seriously. 

Today, faced with the increasing crime on my street, I belligerently called the local Safer Neighbourhood Team and the new non-emergency Police telephone number 101, seeking help.  My local woes arose around 3 weeks ago after a group of Eastern European squatters broke into a house just two doors away from me.  I called the police after seeing 2 vehicles turn up and load cables and a significant number of power tools into the illegally occupied house.

The property had been vacated only 3 months earlier.  The much loved elderly resident (of in excess of 80 years of age), who had resided in the property since the 1950's, health had deteriorated to such an extent that she had to be relocated to a local care home.  Her son managed to obtain her agreement to sell her adored property, at which she had spent her entire married life, in part to support the cost of her care.

The son duly contacted estate agents who failed to assess the threat to security, that installing "for sale"signs would indubitably beckon.

I met with the son, himself in his late fifties and concerned about his mother's declining health.  He was  distraught at the news of the defilement of his parental home, a concern that he intended to shield his mother from.  Moreover, after communicating his concern to local police, he discovered great indifference, leaving him the unique option of undertaking a lengthy civil action, whilst over 50 people camped in his home.  They are currently causing damage to the property, using the location for alleged drug trafficking and before my yes have been stashing lots of stolen property including telephone cable and a plethora of power tools.  This family have not only suffered the ignominy of the invasion of the sanctity of their home, but have now had to endure a wholly unjustified elongated period of forced occupation.

Two police officers originally entered the hallway of the house today.  As they approached a few of the squatters standing in the doorway rapidly left in an ensuing panic that was darkly humorous. The police walked into the very accessible building, at which the front door remains open till 22:00 most days.  Streams of squatters left the property (at least 20) whilst the police were confronted by a number no less than 20, who prevented further progress into the property.  I took pictures of the scurrying scoundrels at this point, comforted by the police presence.  One man accosted me and questioned me on whether I had called the police.

In my temporary emboldened state I replied;

"You have picked the wrong road for your scheming, this street has a close community and we will not sit back and watch you undertake crimes.  I suggest you leave and go somewhere where residents are less observant."


He seemed surprised and shocked by my response, but still glared at me whilst he rushed into his van with his female partner.


I overheard the police questioning them on the legality of their presence within the home. The squatters responded by stating that they had an agreed tenancy.  Of course, when asked documentary evidence they failed to do so.

I felt concerned for the safety of the two police officer's who duly of their own accord called a supporting Police van.  The police acted bravely and professionally and whilst they laboured with the squatters I called one to my home.  The Constable revealed to me that the same large group of squatters had been moved from several previous properties in the ward and had similarly undertaken a number of local crimes.  The Police could not arrest or evict anyone as a court hearing for their eviction was now scheduled for Tuesday morning, at Ilford County Court.  Worse still, the property could not b checked for stolen property due to the lack of a warrant.

Since the escapade the unsavoury elements living with the property have been staring menacingly at my wife and I, whenever we leave the home.

Disturbed by this recent event I am holding a community meeting, to discuss what we can do to stop this growing local malaise.  The meeting will be held on the Thursday 1st December from 19:30, at 14 Connaught Road (off Green Lane).


I have also created an electronic petition calling changes in statute to protect communities and individuals from the repercussions of this galling crime:

http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/squattersblight

Clemenstwood/Mayfield Community Centre launched again!

We are pleased to announce the reopening of the Clementswood/Mayfield Community Centre, a project set up to build community spirit 2 years earlier.  

A grant of  £5000 from the Church Urban Fund “Mustard Seed” grant and £5000 via their “Near Neighbours” grant, has made this scheme possible.  

Community cohesion is the main focus of the community centre, with interfaith

harmony essential to this new programme.  

The centre (address as in header of this blog) is to be open for Public Meetings every Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 19:00 - 22:00.  

If you know of any local groups that might wish to provide a workshop or provide a seminar on a local subject please make contact.

Kind regards

Wilson Chowdhry Project Chairman

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Programme of Events

Tues 29th Nov: Muhammad Shoaib Director Universal Legends College - invites us to learn about Islamic New Year.

Thurs 1st Dec:  Local Community meeting on how to be more vigilant against squatting after a spate of forced occupations and associated criminality.

Tues 6th Dec: Imam Abdullah Muhammad will advise on  the importance of the Muharram in the Islamic Calendar.

Thurs 8th Dec:  Wilson Chowdhry; Redbridge Carnival; it’s local history and faith participation.

Tues 13th Dec: Redbridge Against Knife Crime Meeting; how to reduce local violent crime

Thurs 15th Dec: Upkar Rai from the British Sikh Council describes the “Sacrifices of the 9th Guru”

Tues 2oth Dec:  Clementswood Ward Police Community Meeting

Thurs 22nd Dec: Festive Party with food, music and a quiz evening.

Thurs 5th Jan: Ian Dowling Ilford Central Library’s “Local History and Archives Manager to speak on Clementswood history and local faith contribution.

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Things to note: The next few meetings will involve a number of key local speakers.  Imam Abdullah Muhammed from the Quran Study group; spoke at Redbridge Carnival 2011, during the 1 minutes silence for victims of 9/11,  on it's 10th anniversary.  He is committed to dispelling misconceptions about Islam. Imam Muhammed will be describing the practices around the period of Muharram and it’s spiritual meaning.

Upkar Rai from the British Sikh Council is a key leader for over 24 Gurdwara’s in East London.  He is a humanitarian figure that has been challenging existing persecution in India and Pakistan.  He will be detailing the sacrifice of “Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji” also known as the “Shield of India”.

Peace in Redbridge an innovative way to achieve it....

Redbridge Peace Monument

A short description of the Redbridge Peace Monument installation and first large scale Peace concert in our borough.  The event was held on the 24th September 2011 the last day of the official "London Week of Peace." 

Redbridge Carnival and the East Ilford Business Partnership (who also funded the installation of the monument0, organised and managed the Peace Concert.  Wilson Chowdhry the Chairman of both groups deserves credit for his efforts in seeing these two project to fruition. 

Superintendent John Sweeney spokes of the need for communities to work together to restore local peace and cohesion.

VIP Kids manager described an appeal to Simon Cowell for support for the anti-violence rappers

Ann Oakes-Odger MBE spoke of the pain she suffered when her son lost his life in a violent attack.

Hundreds Gathered in Ilford Town Centres biggest ever event..

Evolution Dholl kicked things of in style.

Desi Dholl - a must see in Ilford Town Centre

Ravi Benot a man holding another meeting in the Town Hall came out  to ask visitors to join his event too.  We must have had some impact!

Angel Dance Academy were inspiring...

Rani King PA to Baroness Newlove spoke on behalf of the Baroness and described hope that our endeavour would have success.

Mayor Chris Cummins, Cllr Balvider Saund  and various other dignitaries joined the unveiling of the monument.

Wilson  introduced speakers at the monument.

Mother of slain Kashif Mahmood- Parvin Mahmood was joined by Ann Oakes-Odger MBE in unveiling the monument.

The monument revealed in all its glory!

Designer Gary Drostle spoke of his inspiration for the design and the intrinsic symbolic messages of peace, hope and unity.

People were awestruck that a project with initial council disdain was able to succeed and produce a fitting tribute to victims of violent crime in Redbridge.

Families stopped to hear the testimonies.

Mayor Chris Cummins spoke of his pride that our community was so resilient.

Flowers at the base of the monument reminded us that a tragedy had occurred at the location.  Gandhi's words inspired us with hope.

A 1 minutes silence caused an emotional outpouring and deeper reflection.

It is hoped the monument will become a beacon of hope for all people in our borough illustrating the futility of knife crime and the severe consequences to perpetrators of violent crime.  Plaques are to be introduced to base of the monument that will contain eulogies to victims Kashif Mahmood and Wesley Odger.  This year a schools/local groups painting competition will result in  the conversion of young peoples art to mosaic designs for installation at the base of the monument.  We hope to see this work complete by the first anniversary of the monument installation. Families of victims have agreed to speak of the impact to their lives that the loss of a family member circumstances caused, it is hoped that local schools will contact us to facilitate such meetings. Wilson Chowdhry said:

Wilson Chowdhry said:

"Although, unintentionally the monument is shaped like a pencil- I hope it will be used like a pencil to write a more positive future for our borough"

King George is dead!

Wilson and Tony Parker submitting a petition to save King George Hospital last year.

The Redbridge Community will no doubt be in fury as they learn that local people have lost the campaign to save Accident and Emergency facilities and Maternity facilities at our much beloved hospital.

On Thursday last week Andrew Lansley accepted a report form the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) for it's closure, leaving local people anxious about the level of service that can be provided by Queens hospital, that is already burdened with a small and significantly burdened A&E.

The IRP reason for this huge loss revolves around a belief that reducing the burden of the maternity and A&E function, would allow our local PCT to address with more vigour other more important deficiencies.   I have always believed that local A&E was an essential service and felt that local mothers deserved a stress free treatment close in proximity.  This decision undermines the needs of a rapidly burgeoning community and bodes ill (excuse the pun) for the future quality of life and health care in the borough.

Upkar Rai (Mian Organiser), Cllr Ralph Scott, MEP Jean Lambert, Wilson Chowdhry (Main Organiser), various Doctors and religious leaders at the British Pakistani Christian and British Sikh Council community protest for King George Hospital in February 2011.

As leader of several of the local campaigns to retain local facilities I thank all those who supported our campaigns and would call on local people now to continue the drive to improve other languishing health care facilities.  Moreover, I am concerned this is only the first stage in a war of attrition that will eventually lead to an end to King George Hospital in it's entirety.  Please continue to be vigilant and prevent any further loss to our beleaguered community.

Previous articles:

http://wilsonsthirdway.blogspot.com/2010/04/images-from-save-king-george-hospital.html

http://wilsonsthirdway.blogspot.com/2011/06/king-george-hospital-review-panel.html

http://wilsonsthirdway.blogspot.com/2009/11/save-king-george-hospital.html

http://wilsonsthirdway.blogspot.com/2010/03/mike-o-visits-king-george-hospital-with.html

http://wilsonsthirdway.blogspot.com/2010/04/save-king-george-hospital-interview.html

http://wilsonsthirdway.blogspot.com/2010/04/wilson-chowdhry-hands-king-george.html

http://wilsonsthirdway.blogspot.com/2009/11/king-george-hospital-demonstration.html

http://wilsonsthirdway.blogspot.com/2010/02/redbridge-march-to-save-accident-and.html

There are many more...

If you would like to inform Andrew Lansley what you feel about his decision please use the following details:

Rt Hon Andrew Lansley CBE MP
Secretary of State for Health
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA

020 7219 3000
lansleya@parliament.uk

Redbridge Peace Monument and Peace Concert 24th September 2011

Many of you will remember former posts in which Wilson informed residents of a scheme to introduce a Peace monument to South Ilford.  The East Ilford Business Partnership a group that Wilson Chairs, raised £5000 towards a potential peace monument in Redbridge.   In April this year we secured a further £5000 via the East London Community Foundation.  The mother fo Kashif Mahmood (RIP) contributed £2000 and Ann Oakes-Odger contributed £1000.

The proposed monument will be installed at the Winston Way Roundabout just outside the town centre, opposite Vine United Reform Church Car Park (location of the tragic attack to Kashif Mahmood in September 2005).   We have scheduled an official inauguration of the monument  at 15:00 on the 24th September 2011.

The Cenotaph in London is a poignant reminder of the futility of war, we hope our monument will be a beacon of hope and a reminder of the futility of violent crime.

We will allow families of existing victims and future ones to add a small plaque to the base ensuring that the monument always has a current focus. 

Once the project funds are in place, we will be holding a boroughwide Schools competition for the design of small mosaics that will replace temporary ones in its initial design, during its first anniversary. This will give ownership of the project to young people and create a sense of responsibility for the only officila artwork in Ilford South..  The first of these designs will be chosen form children from the local area who enter our competition during Redbridge's first ever Peace concert to be held from 12pm - 6pm on 24th September 2011 in Ilford Town Centre.    

Activities include;

• Live performances
• A painting competition (best ones chosen for mosaic in monument design)
• "Whale of a time" workshops using clay modelling to improve learning about endangered species and the environment
• Community stalls and much more.

The one day event has been sponsored by the Redbridge Community Chest fund operated by the Strategic Services department of Redbridge and "Awards for all"

In time we hope schools will take children and young people to the monument for talks and presentations on the impact of violent crime. Parvin Mahmood the mother of victim Kashif Mahmood, has agreed to talk to schools about the impact of the attack that led to the loss of her son's life. She has already spoken in various schools and colleges across the borough.


Read more (Ilford Recorder)


Here is what our funders form the East London Community Foundation said:


"East London Community Foundation assists a large number of community groups in Redbridge with small project grants up to £5,000. We support local people - like the Mahmood family and Wilson Chowdhry - to take the initiative and do something positive to tackle local issues. We were pleased to offer funding from our Grassroots Grants programme to East Ilford Business Partnership for the Peace Monument in Winston Way roundabout. We feel the monument will be a useful focal point to raise awareness among young people that using knives as a weapon can so easily have lethal consequences. We liked the multicultural and inclusive nature of the monument, and the fact that local children will have the chance to be involved in its design. We hope it will unite local people to prevent violence and knife crime."


Here is what the Ilford Recorder said:

http://www.london24.com/news/ilford_peace_monument_unveiled_for_victims_of_knife_crime_1_1028799

Here is another version of the story:

http://www.knifecrimes.org/Peace-Monument.html

Whale of a Time at Redbridge Carnival

Local Residents urged to visit Whale of a Time at Redbridge Carnival

Award Winning Eco-Warrior Irene Schleining, founder of Whale of a Time is asking residents to get down and dirty at Redbridge Carnival as she uses creative arts to connect the community with nature and wildlife.

The Whale of a Time Workshop will be arriving in Redbridge for the first time ever at Redbridge Carnival held on September 10^th and 11^th 2011 at Valentines Park.

“We provide a fun and hands-on activity where young and old are able to model whales and other endangered species out of clay and at the same time learn about the environment, biodiversity and sustainability whilst having a whale of a time!

Participants will make a model of endangered animal and/or plant species. Participants can not only explore their knowledge about endangered species but also investigate ways we can actively change our behaviours towards a sustainable society with less impact on the environment and find ways to take steps to preserve endangered species.”

Director of Whale of a Time Irene Schleining commented;

“We met with the Redbridge Carnival Committee this week and were pleased to mutually agree a commission to undertake our programme at an event that seeks to bring community together in a positive manner. Their focus on community and preserving the environment is similar to ours and we hope that our being present will add a new dimension to an already successful event, whilst challenging local people to preserve our ecosystem.”

The Whale of a Time Workshop has won the Making a Big Difference Award 2010 and NHS Community Wellbeing Competition 2010. It has been nominated for the London Peace Awards 2010, the Archant London Business Awards 2010 and the Archant London Environmental Awards 2009. Recently Whale of a Time has been nominated for the Future Friendly Awards 2011.

For more information go to our website at www.whaleofatime.org

Have a whale of a time! ;)

Your Whale of a Time Community