Rehman Chishti runs for Age Concern
Posted by Alan Collins on Sunday, November 25th, 2007 at 00:53

Rehman Chishti, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Gillingham and Rainham, ran the Jersey half Marathon for Gillingham Age Concern.

On Sunday, November 18, 2007, in some of the most difficult running conditions encountered in Jersey (strong winds and heavy rain), Rehman ran the half marathon in 2 hours and 17 mins, a personal best for the Rainham Central Councillor.

Rehman said, “this was certainly tough, but certainly worth it, as Gillingham Age Concern plays a key role in the local community in helping the elderly.”

In his third half marathon this year, Rehman raised over £300 for Gillingham Age Concern.

In March he ran the Reading Half Marathon for Rainham Youth Cricket club and the Dobson Trust, which provides care for the elderly, and in August, he ran the Isle of Wight Half Marathon, for St Margaets Church Rainham.

From: Gillingham and Rainham Conservatives

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It’s only been a few months, but now I’m their new best friend
Posted by Alan Collins on Wednesday, August 8th, 2007 at 00:32

IT IS virtually inconceivable for me to think that only nine months ago I was a Political non-entity. Sure, I was a member of the Conservative Party, but nobody had asked for help, nobody had wanted my assistance.

One quiet Sunday in November 2006 changed all that, however, when a fairly short, Asian Councillor knocked on my door asking specifically to speak to me. Instantly I was blown away by his charisma and ability to actually answer a posed question, rather than skirt the issue like most other Politicians.

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Friday, June 22, 2007
Posted by Alan Collins on Friday, June 22nd, 2007 at 14:13

Medway Messenger

Party Politics
It could be a touch of sour grapes

I WAS pleased to read the responses to my letter of Friday, June 8, particularly those of Cllr Chishti, who endorsed my comments, and Mrs Miller, who not only ridiculed my suggestion of of politicians throwing party affiliation aside and working together for the greater good of the community, but attempted to tone down Cllr Chishti’s efforts.

I would just like to remind Mrs Miller, and other readers, that the Conservative Party Conference was held in October 2006.

Mrs Miller states in her letter that Cllr Chishti missed his last run because it coincided with the conference.

However, Cllr Chishti’s last run was in March 2007 - five months after the Conservative Part Conference.

If one were to re-read my letter, one would see I was not criticising those who give what they can to such causes, as their contribution is valued highly.

Instead I was suggesting that Paul Clark MP and Cllr Chishti put party politics aside and run side-by-side for this important institution - a suggestion that Cllr Chishti put forward in his letter of Friday, June 15.

One wonders if Mrs Miller has a touch of sour grapes after she failed to inherit the third Gillingham North seat alongside former Labour councillors Last and Price, while Cllr Chishti, alongside current Conservative Councillors Kemp and O’Brien, managed to secure his seat in Mrs Miller’s own ward of Rainham Central quite convincingly.

On an unrelated note, I would like to send my thanks to Bernie Pinner, who conducted a Falklands Conflict memorial service at Brompton Garrison Church wonderfull, and to those who turned up to remember those who died for the freedom of the Islanders.

Alan Collins
Goudhurst Road
Gillingham

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Round-up of the Medway Messenger’s main stories
Posted by Alan Collins on Monday, June 11th, 2007 at 16:38

Friday, June 8, 2007

Let him stay

The Medway Messenger leads today with the story of 19 year-old Husien Panahi from Rochester.

This Chatham Grammar School for Girls (Luton and Wayfield) student is facing deportation after the Home Office rejected his request to remain in this Country after the previous leave expired. An appeal decision will be made on June 28th.

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Friday, June 8, 2007
Posted by Alan Collins on Friday, June 8th, 2007 at 13:38

Medway Messenger

MARATHON EFFORT: He’s learning to walk before he can run

YOU reported last week on Paul Clark accompanying Rev Alan Vousden for the beating of the bounds in order to raise money for St Margaret’s Church (Rainham Central).

Mr Clark was quoted as saying the three-and-a-half miles he walked was “very hard work”.

I wonder if he would consider joining Cllr Rehman Chishti in running the 13.1 miles of the Isle of Wight Half Marathon, in order to raise money for the same church.

I believe it is very important politicians of all sides work together for important causes such as this, and I hear Cllr Chishti would be only too happy to run alongside Mr Clark.

I dread to think what words Mr Clark may use to describe a 13.1 mile run if he describes a three-and-a-half mile walk as “very hard work”.

Alan Collins,
Goudhurst Road, Gillingham

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