Mike Penning MP for Hemel Hempstead, invited the committee of Hemel Hempstead’s Muslim Welfare Association (MWA) to attend a personally conducted tour of The Houses of Parliament, which included both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Mr Penning explained the workings of both Houses as well as talking about their place in British society. Those present from the MWA committee included Aftab Nawaz (President), Muhammad Daoud Khan (General Secretary), Raja Shakeel Ahmed (Senior Vice President) and Naeem Khan (Vice President), as well as committee members, Saqib Altaf, Mohammed Karim, and Jameel Khan..

In addition, Mr. Aslam Khan, the president of Hemel Hempstead’s mosque committee was in attendance along with other male and femal representatives from the Muslim community in Mr Penning’s constituency. Mr. Penning fielded questions during the tour, in what proved to be an informative and most enjoyable evening for all invitees. At the close, all expressed their thanks to Mr. Penning for organising the evening and providing them with an interesting insight into the culture and history associated with The Houses of Parliament.

Press Coverage

On Sunday the 30th of September, the Muslim Welfare Association of Hemel Hempstead (MWA) held a ‘Community Iftar’ event.  Muslims all over the world are currently fasting as it is the holy month of Ramadan, a period when they abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset.  Traditionally the daily fast is completed in the evening with a meal called iftar, which literally stands for ‘breakfast’.

This was the first time in its history that the MWA had organised an iftar, and the event proved to be a great success, bringing together many different people, both the old and the young.  Invited guests included members from all three main political parties, including the serving MP of Hemel Hempstead, Mike Penning, as well as the Revered Lawson from St Mary’s Vicarage in Apsley.

The President of the MWA, Aftab Nawaz, began proceedings with a short talk outlining the achievements of the new MWA committee during the past six months, demonstrating how significant progress had been made.  He touched upon initiatives such as the new website for the Association, a newsletter to keep the community informed, the MWA’s organisation of youth activities including a ‘Sports and Fun’ day and football tournaments, and the efforts being made to work with other bodies such as the local Police.

Mr Nawaz stressed how the ethos of the MWA was focussed on engagement between communities, reflected by the participation of guests at the iftar from different organisations and sections of the community.  He said “In the current climate where there is a consistent scrutiny of Muslims in this country, both in political circles and the media, it is imperative that we open the doors and create an atmosphere that is conducive to discussion and greater understanding and harmony between people.  That is the only way we can hope to dispel many of the false myths and stereotypes that are propagated in the mainstream media today and resist the growing polarisation between communities.  The Muslim community in the UK is law abiding, peaceful and one that has contributed much – and indeed has much more to contribute.  I’m confident that the work the MWA is doing in conjunction with our colleagues from across the wider community will help to yield positive results and bring great benefits to all”.

The Reverend Lawson, addressing the audience, spoke highly of the MWA’s involvement in local interfaith work and hoped that such dialogue would continue to expand and grow stronger.

Councillor Saqlain Mahmood echoed the sentiments of the Reverend, praising the proactive nature of the new committee and applauding the vast progress made recently, in contrast to many previous years of unfulfilled potential.

Ayfer Orhan and Dr. Richard Grayson, parliamentary candidates for the Labour and Liberal Democrat Parties respectively, also spoke about communities coming together and the pivotal nature of the MWA in this work.

Mike Penning shared his thoughts with those present, reminding them that the best approach for success was to combine the energy and enthusiasm of youth with the experience and wisdom of older generations.  He resolved to build on his relations with the Muslim community, specifically the MWA, and pledged to give his attention to some of the issues facing Muslims in Hemel Hempstead such as the current lack of space at the existing mosque.  Mr. Penning emphasised the need for all to ensure they were conversant in English, not only to help facilitate their personal lives but as a means to promote better communication amongst people in society.

All the guests thanked the MWA for the opportunity to participate in such an event and wished the committee every success for the future, expressing the hope that the MWA would continue to moving forward positively.

The event ended with dinner being served and a chance for attendees to interact with each other in a relaxed atmosphere as well as meeting and speaking to the guests and exchanging thoughts with members of the MWA committee. Press Coverage

The Dacorum Neighbourhood Police Team organised a 5-a-side football community tournament on Saturday 22nd September 2007. MWA put forward three teams in the event, two of which participated in the adult format and one in the youth tier of the competition. The day was successful for everyone - spectators and players alike. Majority of the players in the MWA teams were fasting and still put on an admirable display of strength and stamina in the heat of a beautiful late summers day.

In the adult tournament a number of games were played before elimination rounds began. One of the MWA teams was knocked out of the tournament in a close quarter finals game against the police team. The remaining MWA squad then faced the same police team in an equalling thrilling semi-final in which we succeeded in to proceed into the final. The final between MWA and the Ambulance team was highly competitive with both teams deserving of the win. However the MWA had to settle for the runners up place as the Ambulance service team took the cup in the last few minutes of the game coming back from 1-0 to finish at 2-1.

The youth tournament completed mid-afternoon, our youth team did well but could not progress into the semi final stages. However they did put on a good display of sportsmanship and most importantly enjoyed themselves representing the community.

The MWA youth committee is extremely proud of the effort and sportsmanship showed by all of the participants in the three teams and was congratulated by the Police team for the discipline, organisation and discipline shown by our teams. Naeem Khan (head of the MWA Youth committee) after receiving feedback from Richard Barnes (Bennetts End Community Officer) said “The lads all played with great heart and enthusiasm, and we impressed many of the teams and the organisers – more so when they realised that most of our guys were fasting. It was a good event for the community and for the MWA to continue our drive to working towards greater community cohesion and cementing cross community links”.

Press Coverage

The MWA fun day held on Saturday 8th September 2007 was a resounding success. Though the activities were limited those who were involved enjoyed themselves throughout the day.

The bouncy castle was in constant use from the moment it was ready for use. The slide that accompanied the castle was also a hit with the kids (and some adults alike). A massive thank you goes to Saleem at SasaQuads (www.sasaquads.com) for providing the inflatables on the day.

The delicious chicken kebabs served up by Khalid Khan and later Mohammed Ishaq proved a success as the food stall sold out completely. Marvellous was the word echoing around the food area!

There was a flow of people that came throughout the day; one distinguished guest was Hemel’s MP Mike Penning who was present for some duration, sampling the food and taking the opportunity to catch up with some of the youth. The Bennetts End councillor, our own Saqlain Mahmood was also present and very kindly took part in the award presentation at the end of the day.

The football tournament was very competitive and fitness levels of the participants were tested thoroughly. Within the tournament a penalty shootout was held, the shootout attracted many entrants who went through an elimination process before we came to an eventual winner. The penalty shootout was made hard for the players by some high quality saves by the goalkeepers Alex Turner and Abdul Raheem Ahmed. Little Qasim Akram gave everyone a run for their money dropping out only in the very final stages. The top penalty taker and winner on the day was Imran Khan.

With players suitably warmed up after the penalty shootout, the football tournament got underway. Predictable and surprising results came in equal measures as the tournament progressed, matched with some great performances by individuals; Curtis Donaldson, Qasim Kayani, Ifzal Nawaz, Ahmed, Adil, Khawar Akram, Zabair Fraz, Younas Yousaf, Niqaash Mahmood, Suliman Rafiq, and Imran Kayani to name just a few. A special well done to Nadeem from Lahore Panthers for partaking in the tournament.

The eventual winners of the MWA tournament 2007 were Mean Machine (Mudasar Kayani, Curtis Donaldson, Suliman Rafiq, Awais Ahmed and Junaid Khan). The runners up spot was filled by Itehaad United (Majid Khan, Ifzal Nawaz, Abdul Raheem Ahmed, Nadeem Khan and Naeem Khan). The third place was taken by Mujahideen B (Younas Yousaf, Moin Parvez, Imran Khan, Hamim and Alex Tudor).

Acknowledgements and small speeches were given by Naeem Khan and Aftab Nawaz before the awards took place. Trophies and medallions for the winners, and medallions for the runners up were presented by cllr Saqlain Mahmood. Whilst Imran Khan picked up the Penalty Shoot out trophy to conclude the days proceedings.

The attendees of the MWA fun day showed great character, spirit and attitude in the tournament which proved to be the main highlight of the day and thus achieved the objective set out by the MWA Fun Day organisers Saqib Altaf and Naeem Khan; who extend their warmest gratitude and acknowledgement to each and every person involved in the Fun Day – players, spectators, scorers, referees and general helpers.