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Zac Goldsmith announced as Conservative candidate for Mayor of London
Ghap Shap with Strictly’s Anita Rani
04 OCT 2015
Issue 7
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16 Are you really protected by your insurance?
SYRIAN REFUGEE CRISIS:
“THE WAR HAS MADE ME STRONG”
A SYRIAN MOTHERS HARROWING JOURNEY TO BRITAIN
Read more on pages 6 and 7!
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ASIAN SUNDAY
NEWS Britain’s FIRST FREE Sunday Newspaper
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Issue 7
31 migrants found in refrigeration truck in France Thirty-one migrants, including a three-year-old child, were discovered on Friday 2 October unharmed in a refrigeration truck in northern France's Pas-de-Calais region. A total of 30 Syrian refugees and a Vietnamese national were found on highway A16 in a vehicle designed to carry frozen food, Xinhua news agency reported. Since June, about 3,500 refugees
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have been camping out in the northern port city of Calais, looking to cross to the British capital France pledged to welcome up to 30,000 refugees, mainly from Syria, over the next two years and urged joint responsibility in addressing the refugee crisis. Prime Minister David Cameron has also pledged to welcome 20,000 refugess into Britain, some of whom have already started arriving.
Myanmar: Amnesty International to launch briefing exposing pre-election crackdown
Body of six-year-old washed away in Vizag drain, in Andhra Pradesh
The Amnesty International will launch a new briefing highlighting how Myanmar's authorities are locking up and harassing scores of peaceful activists as part of an intensifying and far-reaching crackdown ahead of November's elections on Oct 8. The briefing will also mark the launch of Amnesty Internationals new campaign to release all prisoners of conscience in the country. The campaign The Land of
Make Believe will show that Myanmars human rights situation is far from as improved as the authorities claim, the Amnesty International said in a statement.
Smoking in cars with children is now illegal, but how strictly will it be enforced?
The body of six year old Sai Lavanya Aditi was found decomposed washed ashore eight days after she had stepped into an open drain. The incident happened as Aditi was leaving her private tuition in the Vizianagaram district. As she tried to get into a car it is believed she mustve have stepped into the open drain. The open drain, which
A new law which prohibits smokers lighting up in a car with children inside is has come into force, but police say they will be taking a softly-softly approach. From 1 October onwards officers are able to pull over motorists smoking while driving with children and issue an on-the-spot £50 fine, which could increase to £2,500 if the motorist is taken to court. However police chiefs say they will not be heavily enforcing the ban, meaning officers will often let motorists off with a warning, exercising ‘education not prosecution’.
connects to a major drain some distance away, was inundated following heavy downpour in the evening and so the girl may not have noticed it locals have said. After extensive search operations undertaken by both the family and the government Aditi was found eight days laternear the Dibbalapalem beach in Bhogapuram mandal of Vizianagaram district
A spokesperson for the National Police Chief’s Council said: ‘Forces will be following guidance from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health by taking an educational, advisory and non-confrontational approach.’ The relaxed attitude to the new legislation continues on from the debate between ministers on the law, with many calling the new rules unenforceable and unnecessary. However a Department of Health source told MailOnline that officials were not expecting police to hunt for offenders. The new law also stipulates that if a passenger is smoking in a car with a child present, both the adult passenger and the driver are committing an offence.
Guide TOP TIP FOR SKIN It’s not just women
Y best eateries in Bradford & District
Issue 7
men can also banish spots, signs of ageing and dry tight skin. The products we all shouldn’t go without
by ZARA HASSAN
ASIAN SUNDAY
3
THREE FOODS TO TRY AN AVOID DURING FASTING
NEWS
Through the decades, every era has had its own particular fashion trend focusing on prints and styles. We can now
If you’re planning on buying vintage I think you should always start small, shop with something in mind.
Three foods you’ve been item, told are ‘healthy’ that actually and can cause seriouspiece health in my opinion would be aincrease coat. It’sweight something small yet amore statement toproblems. introduce to your other clothes.
cleanser, a good face w•asConcentrated h and an exfoliorange ator. juice – Most concentrated juices can cause problems around the waistline, which include, cranberry, apple and other fruit juices. ious elements outif of the fruit during the concentration You should also invest Buying vintage doesn’t mean designer labels but you’re into designer labels look process. for Dior, from the 50’s or Gucci and water. So contrary to what adverts say it is believed starting your day with a big glass of concentrated juice is a in an eye cream just to really bad decision. brighten that area that From 5 October, . will be gentle to skin. supermarket shoppers
Researchers develop new method to trap cancer cells
Supermarket shoppers will have to pay 5p for their bag under new laws
bulbs and flowers. • Margarine, is another fat storing but has more serious health It canon cause you tostreet gain weight, out yourpiece good is cholesterol increase your bad cholesterol by It is believed the reason A greatfood, modern fashion piece that werisks. still see our high and is wipe a timeless leopard print. have pay 5p building up blockages in your arteries. Butter is a better alternative. Butter has fat in it too, but it’s a saturated fat that your body can burn for fuelwill instead of to building upfor blockagesfor this new law is Images as early as those from ancient Egypt show women rocking leopard spots. single-use carrier bags in your arteries, like trans fats can do. because the number of PRODUCT under a new law that single-use carrier bags OF THE haswheat bread. An •international tissue tumours, hopes to reduce litter and handed by supermarkets At number threeteam it’s whole Are around you as shocked as we were? Bread is High in Carbs and Can Spike Blood Sugar Levels discovered a new way to WEEK Xinhua help the environment. Even whole grain bread usually isn’t made out ofnews actualagency “whole” grains. in England rose for a fifth potentially "fence in" a tumour reported. consecutive year in 2014. pin up girls like Marilyn Monroe celebrated glamour and sexualLeopard prints always represent power and femininity, andThe help stop cancer cells thein healthy tissue Withand some exceptions, starches in bread get broken downThus quickly the digestive tract and enter the bloodstream as glucose. This causes a rapid spike in blood sugar insulin levels. Last year 7.6billion, or ity in this way too. spreading, according to a study the cancer such as retailers with less 140 bags per person, were Even whole wheat bread spikes blood trapped sugar faster than many cells, chocolate bars. released last week by of Cancer blocking movement In his Little Dictionary Fashion Christian Dior spike said “But wearand leopard must have kindtoofthefemininity is a little Most breads are made pulverized wheat. They their areofeasily digested and rapidly bloodtosugar insulin you levels, which canalead notorious bloodemployees, sugar “rollerand than which 250 given out, and each of Research away from the tumour. coaster” UK. and stimulate overeating. Well, you’re probably all thinking those are the main foods you eat for Suhoor (The Pre-Dawn Meal). paper bags from shops in these bags take 1,000 bit sophisticated. If you are fair and sweet, don’t wear it...” airports those Beasure to choose yourself something leopard print from the rails next time you’re on the high street, add a bit ofor glam intogiven years to break down. Not Here are some tips for healthy Tumours cause cells, called TheySuhoor tested the new approach out on trains from next only are they a very your wardrobe with a leopard print dress, a shirt, a cardigan and even some trousers (if you’re daring enough). Have fun fibroblasts, to stiffen the on mice, and the results week the law requires all visible form of litter, they Suhoor (The Pre-Dawn Meal) with it and remember always try it on before you buy. surrounding tissue so that showed that targeting supermarkets andmuscle-building large use resources andtheir poseimpora For suhoor, it is imperative to drink plenty of water, eat a good blend fat-burning and properties, and cancer cells can grip it, which fibroblasts reduced the of protein, carbohydrates, and essential fat. That’s right, “good fats” have many stores to charge a risk to wildlife. tance is even greater during Ramadan. Some good suhoor foods include: allows tunnel through movement of cancer cells minimum of 5p for every Simple them Kind toto Eyes It remains to be seen toSoothing the blood stream and spread tumour to the lungs • Raisins control the disease and save more• Olive lives,oil – preferably waysorto single-use they hand • from Proteinthe shake dates extrabag virgin (which means it’s cold this processed andwill the Cream, • Egg whites (1 yolk) whether new law around the body, the study liver through the blood • Fibrous according to the researchers. • and Cinnamon vegetables –This will help inessential fatty acids out. are preserved) £3.99 from Boots. • Chicken breast have any impact on shows. • stream. Bananas crease the feeling of fullness as well. • Plenty of water • Oatmeal plastic bag handouts but • Raw, dark Honey • All "This naturalcould peanutbe butter an exciting new way to harness Other exceptions would Use all these products • Cream of wheat not only does the Researchers from the Francis Since most deaths from • Flax seed oil – the potential of the healthy tissue surrounding be to unwrapped food, daily or as advised Government hope to see Crick Institute and the cancer are caused when cancers to contain and restrain aggressive raw meat, fish and other and you’ll be amazed an 80 per cent reduction University Copenhagen said cancer cells travel to Itnew is important tumours, to take a solid multi-vitamin, multi-mineral supplement with suhooritems as well to make daily requirements of key stopping cancer cells from breaking that couldsure pose a minimum to how greatof your skin in single-use carrier bag bylooks using experimental drugs sites in the body and grow as nutrients are met. Avoid high sodium foods like soups, sauces, condiments, gravies, high sodium bread products, and canned meats. Of course away and moving to new places in the body," food safety risk, and and feels. Also, handouts, it hopes to save they were able to stop the secondary tumours, the new eating fried foods heavy oil items cause heartburn and problems for youprescription all day so it ismedicines, best to avoid those if possible! saidand Erik Sahai fromcan the Francis Crick Institute. remember to drink lots hundreds of millions. fibroblasts from stiffening the method may lead to better He is the co-lead author of the study. uncovered blades, seeds, of water!
WEIGHT LOSS REVIEW- WAZN
Bradford man sets on a mission to help Bradford become more health aware. “I am a big fan of Dr Qazi’s work and that’s why I want to introduce his non-surgical solutions manto sets on a mission to helplocal BradBradford”, explained ford businessman become more health aware. Yasser Khan, and “I am a big fan of Dr Qazi’s work and that’sBeauty why I want to introduce his Doctor range of treatments, which includes ‘WAZN’ non-surgical solutions to Bradford”, Dr Daud is a medical pracexplained localQazi businessman Yasser titioner with licence to practise in UK, Europe, Middle and famous Beauty Doctor rangeEast of treatAsia including Pakistan. His ments, which includes ‘Wazn’ Dr Daud in medical research Qaziinterest is a medical practitioner with has enabled him to bring latest licence to practise in UK, Europe,state Midof art technologies. dle East and Asia including Pakistan. Working and living in UK, he His interest in medical research has observed the need for Non-Surenabled him to bring latest state of gical procedures to improve the art technologies. Working livhealth and well beingand of patients ing inespecially UK, he observed the need Asian populationfor as Non-Surgical procedures to improve they are more vulnerable to the health beingillnesses of patients acute and and well chronic than especially Asian population they are their counterpart Whiteaspopulamoretion. vulnerable to acute and chronic illnesses thanistheir counterpart White Dr Qazi amongst the pioneers who introduced latest technolopopulation. giesisofamongst IPL andthe Radio FrequenDr Qazi pioneers who cy andlatest Ultrasound integrations introduced technologies of IPL into UK and especially in Asian and Radio Frequency and Ultrasound community. His quest for knowlintegrations into UK and especially edge and research furthered in Asian community. His quest for him to and launch his own health knowledge research furthered & Beauty product range. This him to launch his own health & Beauty includes Dietary supplements, product range. This includes Dietary Vitamins & Minerals, Skin & Hair supplements, Vitamins & Minerals, care products and products for
certain ailments and diseases of body. His unique formulations GMP approved laboratories in USA and has made him pioneer Skin & Hair care products and products products around the globe. for certain ailments and diseases "WAZN" weight loss manage- of body. programme His unique formulations has been ment is the start of products list. laboratories in many USA and has made him “There are so health products and diet plans on the market where you have productstoday, around the globe. "WAZN" to make major lifestyle changes, Each capsule helps: Weight loss management programme Each capsule helps: such as drinking shakes etc” *Burn fat is the start of products list. *burn fat, *Boost metabolism, said Yasser “There are so many health products *boost metabolism, * Increases your energy “People simply haven’t got the energy and diet plans on the market today, * increases your level time these days, so in my opinwhere you have to make major lifestylelevel * Improves digestion ion WAZN is the answer. changes, such as drinking shakes etc”* Improves digestion * Prevents weight gain. “People like my mum won’t go to weight gain. said Yasser. “People simply haven’t got* Prevents However, WAZN is not the gym, so that’s why Dr Qazi WAZN is not prethe time these days, so in my opinion However, prescribed as an off the produced WAZN, it was created scribed as an off the counter Wazn is the answer. “People like my counter weight loss prodto help tackle obesity, without weight loss product, but mum won’t go to the gym, so that’s uct, but more as a weight making major lifestyle changes more as a weight managemanagement programme, why Dr Qazi produced WAZN, it was WAZN is a 100% natural veggie ment programme, which which works for almost created towhich help tackle obesity, without capsule, contains Raspworks for almost everyone, everyone, young, old, making major lifestyle berry Ketone, African changes Mango, WAZN young, old, male orThe female. male or female. prodis a 100% natural veggie Green Coffee Extract (allcapsule, of Theuct product is used to bewhen used is to be which contains Raspberry Ketone, which are known to release when your index is your BMIBMI index is greater enzymes that break fat). African Mango, Greendown Coffee Extract greater than 25 as it helps than 25 as it helps you It(all also contains of which are Hoodia known toAcai release youmaintain maintainananideal idealvalue value of (known have properties to kill enzymestothat break down fat). of 25 25or orless. less. off cancer), Green Tea Acai extract,( It also contains Hoodia (known teamhere here at at which has twenty plus amino to have properties to kill off cancer), WellWell ourour team Asian Sunday will be acids), Apple cider vinegar and Asian Sunday will be Green Tea extract,( which has twenty putting the capsule to the Panax Ginseng. capsules plus amino acids),The Apple cider vinegar putting the capsule to the test....keep posted as we claim to be Alcohol, Hormones test....keep posted as we and Panax Ginseng. The capsules will post results in the and Gelatine free, with no side will post results in the claim to be Alcohol, Hormones and coming editions. effects. coming editions. Gelatine free, with no side effects.
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Issue 7
ASIAN SUNDAY
NEWS
Four-year-old beheaded for sacrifice in Andhra Pradesh, India by STAFF REPORTER A mother in a remote village called Pokur of Prakasam District in Andhra Pradesh became increasing worried when her four year old son didn't return from the 'anganwadi' (also known as a courtyard shelter) The mother L Adilakshmi set out to look for him. What she didn't anticipate was that around an hour and a half later, she would witness the most horrific scene ever. Adilakshmi found her son with his head chopped off in a prayer room of the accused' home, allegedly as a sacrifice to a deity. The entire village of Pokur enraged as news spread, and the accused was nabbed, tied to a pole and thrashed before the mob set him on fire, accusing him of indulging in black magic. He was rescued by the police and shifted to a government
and later to a medical institute. "This is the first time such an incident is happening in our district," assistant SubInspector Shankar, one of the policemen handling the case told local reporters. "There was a function in the anganwadi yesterday, so the accused may have seen this as an opportunity, to slip away with the child," he adds.
a deity. However, he was missing from the scene," Shankar adds. The police plan to question the accused once his condition is said to be stable and cases have also been registered against some of the villagers who carried out the attack.
"He is still in the ICU and hasn't said a word yet. Villagers say that he had a reputation of being close to The accused who is said to be practitioners of tantric rituals and even being one in his mid 30s, was spotted himself," the police added. by a girl from the boy’s neighbourhood, who Campaigners are now calling normally accompanies him for anti superstition laws. home from school, who in The question arises whether turn informed the boy's such laws would have mother. prevented such incidents from occuring. It was then that the victims mother went to the house The police have registered a and opened the door to find case only under Indian the boy lying in a pool of Section 302 of the IPC which blood in a prayer room. deals with murder, as the state does not have any law "There was a utensil filled to tackle black magic and with blood that the accused may have planned to offer to related practices.
Though black magic is rare in the state, it definitely isn't unheard of. In January this year, a group of villagers burnt a man alive in another village called Mahubnagar, holding him responsible for a crisis in the village. They accused him of practicing sorcery, which led to "sudden death of people and domestic animals." The laws dealing with black magic are also weak and the arrested can only be charged under Indian IPC Section 420 (for cheating) or under Section 7 of the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act, which is considered a weak and outdated law itself. "The only way this could have been prevented, at least to a certain extent, is if there was a law specifically against it," Narendra Nayak, a rationalist and president of the Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations (FIRA) told an Indian newspaper.
Nayak adds, "While there can be no law against superstition itself, there should be a law against black magic and other inhuman practices, which can curb these kind of incidents. As far as the superstition is concerned, there is also the need for a massive awareness campaign to educate these people." However, he is also skeptical as he points out that no significant change can occur when the powers that be, are believers of superstition and perpetuate it themselves. It is believed that many Indian politicians believe in 'vastu' (spiritual beliefs). "Both KCR (as the Telangana chief minister is popularly known as) and Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh are firm believers in vastu and make their decisions on auspicious dates," Nayak says that change is tough to bring about in such a scenario.
Michelin Restaurant Guide 2015 Recommended Best Indian Restaurant 2015 by Oliver Awards
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Issue 7
ASIAN SUNDAY
COVER STORY
Syrian Refugee Crisis: “The war has made me strong” A Syrian mothers harrowing journey to Britain by Ann Czernik Over the next five years, Britain will re-locate a total of 20 000 refugees living in camps in Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. The UK has provided around £1 billion in aid to facilitate those living in the surrounding areas but those on the ground say more is needed. Last month, Britain announced an expansion of the existing Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme. VPRS was set up in January 2014 to help the most vulnerable Syrian refugees. Those who are accepted are granted humanitarian protection giving them leave to remain in the UK for five years with full access to employment, benefits, and rights to family reunion. If the refugees do not return to Syria, they may be eligible to apply for settlement but the future for Syrian refugees in Britain remains uncertain. Asian Sunday talks to Mouna Almawas who was one of the first families to come to the UK under the scheme. She arrived in Britain with her four children, and just a change of clothes. Their future is far from settled but she says, Britain has given her and her children “everything” Horton Housing (HH) in Bradford is one of a handful of organisations currently providing accommodation and support for Syrian people coming to the UK under the Government’s Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme (VPRS). HH was the first organisation in the country to sign up to the programme in March 2014. Since then, HH has helped to resettle nearly half
Mouna Almawas with her son
of Syrian refugees who have entered Britain under the scheme including Mouna Almawas and her family. Paul Gartland, Chief Executive Officer for HH says” People don’t realise the issues. They are saying we will offer a room. We have recruited staff with the experiences and understanding and who have gone through a similar system themselves. The expectations of the people coming across is not to live in someone’s back bedroom. They want to establish their own home. They are looking to establish themselves in our society.” Gudrun Carlisle is services manager for Horton Housing
and says “One of the things that strikes me about working with Syrian refugees is that they had lives very much like we have. Then there has been this dreadful war and they’ve lost everything. They worked like we did, had cars, went on holiday and the kids have gone to school, and played. That’s all just gone and that is something we should all learn from. People see refugees as not having a life before that. Well they did, and often a good quality of life at that. That is something we need to remember.” For Gudrun, there is one family she will never forget. A little boy who came to Britain with really bad burns. Gudrun says “He’s fine
now. If he had been left in Syria, he would have died.” But he didn’t. His name is Khalid Almawas and he wants to be a doctor. Until the war, Khalid and his extended family lived on a farm just outside Idlib in Syria amidst olive groves and fruit trees. His mother Mouna said “It was easy to live there. There was nothing to worry about.” In the evening, friends and family would gather and drink tea on the terrace as the sun set. Like so many girls in her village, Mouna left school at 12 and married at 18. Her husband was a plasterer. Every week, Mouna’s family and her brothers gathered for a
shared breakfast or a lunch, and neighbours would join them. Life was simple and good. Mouna says “I love my country but my children didn’t see anything of how beautiful life was before the fighting” It was 3 December 2011 when the trouble came to Mouna’s village. She said “There was fighting in the village. The army came to the house and if the person they wanted wasn’t there, they would take anyone, your wife, your daughter, even the women.” Mouna said that women were murdered, or disfigured and
Issue 7
ASIAN SUNDAY
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COVER STORY Mouna said that women were murdered, or disfigured and sent back to their family. She said “Some of the women, they came back. The soldiers had sex with them. The women stayed for a long time, like a prison and when they came back they said they would sleep with me, use me. When the women came back, they wished they were dead.”
“I’m living here now and
my children are settled. There is a future here for them. There is no future for them in Syria. After 5 years, if I go back, there will be nothing to start with there. My life is here.
Lebanon to find a job, waiting on his family to join him. Idlib was a rebel stronghold, where people wanted change and freedom from the Syrian regime. Mouna said “Some houses were destroyed. My house is destroyed. The army came and hit the people, told them the plans and dropped the bombs on the village. When I left my house, I took the three children” In the chaos, she forgot the little one. She said “I got far away and remembered. I had to go back. The child was hiding under the sofa and there was the sound of machine fire everywhere. He was two years old. We walked to find any transport and travelled an illegal way to Lebanon. The way to Lebanon is very hard to pass. If you walk on the road, there are collections and checkpoints and the army will come” It took Mouna and her family ten days to walk to Lebanon going from one village to another staying as far as possible from the main routes. When they eventually arrived at the Syrian border, the light was beginning to fade. She said “I was pregnant. I walked with the little one on my shoulder, holding the other children’s hands.” In the darkness, as the frightened family stumbled over the rocky terrain, she fell. When she arrived in Lebanon, the baby was dead. Her husband had managed to obtain work, and a one room apartment. The family of six struggled to pay the rent and work was scarce. In Lebanon, the influx of refugees had increased rents and property was in demand. Mouna said “The prices
”
Mouna Alwamas
have all gone up and they blame the Syrians. Food has gone up and everything is very expensive so they blame the Syrians.” Mouna said “It was hard to make money. There wasn’t work for everyone. My son, Khalid was about 11 and he began working at a garage. On 4 September 2013, his boss said I’m going. I’ll be back later to give you your money. Khalid had been using petrol to clean machinery and some men turned up. They said you are a Syrian. You are like a dog, you shouldn’t come here, we should kill you. They lit a rag and threw it at Khalid. He was covered in petrol and went on fire. They just left him to burn” As smoke poured out of the garage, some people found the boy. In an attempt to stop the fire, they reacted quickly pouring a nearby bucket of water over him. It dowsed the flames but it made matters worse. The water contained a cleaning agent used to mop floors. At the hospital, the boy was refused treatment. Mouna said “The doctor said we can’t help him because he is Syrian. Noone can treat you here because you are Syrian.” The series of operations that Khalid needed to save his legs cost $50 000. For three months, Mouna tried to prevent infection setting in but gradually the burns festered and the house was filled with the smell of the boy’s rotting flesh.
She tried to return to Syria to see if she could obtain treatment but her papers were out of date. At the checkpoint, Mouna and Khalid were turned away. She had to return to Beirut and have her card renewed. The official told her to go back in 15 days. She didn’t think Khalid had that long. People had told her “Maybe the Red Cross will help your child.” She carried him to the makeshift injuries unit and was devastated when the doctor told her that her son’s legs needed amputation. In the room preparing for the operation, Mouna screamed and said “I couldn’t leave him like that. He might die but he would die whole. The doctor said she needed to decide. I said, no, I need to take him home.” People started hearing about Khalid. From Germany, Turkey, Britain, all over and they came to her house and saw how the family was living. There was a doctor from Syria. He took photographs of Khalid and said he would try hard. He said he would show the photographs and maybe someone would come. Eventually, a doctor from Palestine living in the US said he would do the operation in Lebanon. By this time, Khalid could not walk or stand. He couldn’t straighten his legs. The operation to restore mobility to the legs began at 8am and went on for over 8 hours. Whilst Khalid was in the hospital,
Mouna received a call. Whilst she had been caring for her son, the family had been evicted. She begged the landlord for a few weeks grace, but he said no. Her children were on the street and she walked to buy the blood needed for Khalid’s operation. When someone from the UN came and asked what can we do for you, she started shouting. The family were accepted onto the VPRS. When Khalid could be discharged, Mouna had just enough money to get to the airport. She said “We slept on the beach. It’s a good thing it’s warm in Lebanon.” By chance they met a doctor that had treated Khalid. The doctor contacted the UN, booked a hotel for the family and a car to take them to the airport. The next day Mouna and her family went to the UK to start the next chapter in their lives.
Mouna was petrified. She said “It was a new country. How can I live here with my children but this country has everything I’m looking for, a safe place for my children, education and people just live together. Nobody says anything about your religions. I’m a single mum and it’s not easy to live in Syria as a single mum. Here I can get all my rights for my children. I’ve made many friends and it’s like I’ve known them for a long time. I have been looking to make a normal life with my children and I can” In time, she hopes to open a shop selling Syrian food. She says “We will give back to this country because it’s given me everything. I will make sure my children take the right way for this country.” The war has changed her and Mouna said “The war has made me strong and it’s given me strength. I’ve got many troubles during this time and I have to be strong. I couldn’t deal with these things before and the war has given me the power to just carry on. I had to be strong. I had to show my children I am strong” Looking at her children laughing and joking in the modest terraced house in the middle of Bradford, remarkable how far this family has come in the 15 months that they have been in the UK. Khalid is sick of being asked about his experiences and what he wants to do with his new life. For now, he just wants to forget. He hopes that one day all children will be kept safe and far away from the ravages of war. But that’s going to take a bit more than hope to achieve that.
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Issue 7
ASIAN SUNDAY
News
Sikhs in Britain can now wear turbans at workplaces Sikhs in Britain will no longer face legal action for wearing turbans in majority of workplaces after the government announced a new set of rules "Turban-wearing Sikhs will now have the right to choose not to wear head protection and will be exempt from legal requirements to wear a safety helmet in the majority of workplaces," said a statement from the Department for Works and Pensions . Since 1989, Sikhs working in the construction industry have been exempted from rules requiring head protection but because of a
legal loophole, those in less dangerous industries, such as those working in factories and warehouses, were not. A new landmark clause was added to the Deregulation Bill 2015 to extend the existing exemption in the Employment Act to all workplaces. "This change demonstrates that, whoever you are, whatever your background, and whatever industry you choose, if you work hard and want to get on in life, this government will be on your side," said MP Priti Patel, Minister for Employment and Indian Diaspora Champion in a statement.
"As the prime minister's Indian Diaspora Champion as well as employment minister, I'm delighted to be part of the government that has made this change. It makes me proud that Britain is the home of such a talented, ambitious and hardworking community," she added.
only in hazardous operational situations when the wearing of a safety helmet is considered necessary," the statement read.
As per the new rules, should an individual suffer injuries as a consequence of not wearing head protection, employers will be legally protected through the extension of limited liability.
This may include, for example, entering a burning building or those where protective clothing needs to enclose the whole body in situations such as bomb disposal, or dealing with hazardous materials like chemical leaks, biohazards or radiation.
"There are exclusions for emergency response services and the military, which apply
This will not, however, bar Sikhs from the armed forces, police and fire services, and
New laws mean Turban-wearing Sikhs will be exempt from legal requirements to wear a safety helmet in the majority of workplaces
the new clause will make no blanket ban on participation by turban-wearing Sikhs. There are about 4,000 Sikhs in police and 230 across the armed forces. Welcoming the new rules, Gurinder Singh Josan, spokesperson for Sikh Council, Britain, said: "We are pleased that parliament listened to our campaign and enabled this vital change in the law." "It will make a real difference to Sikhs in Britain by increasing the number of workplaces that turban wearing Sikhs can work in whilst maintaining their religiously mandated identity," he added.
Home of traditional South Asian and continental cuisine
Come and taste the experience 113 Psalters Lane - Rotherham - S61 1DL www.aarisrestaurant.com T. 01709 550077
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Issue 7
ASIAN SUNDAY
NEWS
Should children be climbing trees and enjoying poems, or climbing gaming levels and enjoying high scores? by ADEEBA SANNA ZAHOOR Children are spending more time than ever before in front of a screen of some sort, be it a tablet, laptop, computer, phone or TV. The last 20 years have seen a drastic increase in this behaviour according to a report carried out by Childwise, a market research firm. Every year, a survey is carried out of approximately 2,000 children from ages five to 16. Not only has screen time increased but the study also found that children are often using more than one screen at a time. So this could be, looking at a phone and watching TV simultaneously. The report found that with the internet and screen time being so available and accessible, this is likely to influence the way children engage and participate in family days out. Certain demographics showed a greater likelihood for such behaviours, where
teenage boys were found to spend the longest time in front of a screen, averaging at eight hours. Eight-yearold girls were found to spend the least, averaging at threeand-a-half hours. So is there a downside to children now picking up a tablet instead of reading a poem, or choosing to climb levels of Candy Crush instead of climbing a tree? According to a compelling report carried out by the National Trust (2012), there is
strong evidence to suggest that children, and thus future generation adults, are experiencing a modern phenomenon known as ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’. The report defines Nature Deficit Disorder as “the human costs of alienation from nature, among them: diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, and higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses”. Contrariwise, the report highlights the key benefits of children being engaged in nature according to studies and research. The benefits have been categorised as follows and below are just some of the many benefits: •
Health Benefits • Reducing obesity rates • Increased life expectancy
• Educational Benefits • Higher concentration span • Better in reading, maths and science • Community Benefits • Stronger communities • Reduction in crime • Environmental Benefits • Increasing concern for the environment • Develops knowledge and skills to help protect the environment Another report argues that screen usage leads to reduced reading (Childwise Monitor, 2008). According to this report, children being exposed to screen technology early on and often, is strongly linked to a significant and continuous decline in time spent on reading books regularly. One study showed that pre-school children spend three times longer in front of a television or
computer, than reading. A study of children from 41 countries found that England has fallen from number three to number 19 in the international reading literacy league table since 2001 (PIRLS, 2007). Edutopia (2015), the nonprofit set up by film-maker George Lucas to encourage and celebrate innovation among children, argues that reading is crucial in this endeavour. One area of its site, focuses on poetry as a means to engage children in the most impactful way. The following are stated as some of the reasons for this: • Poetry helps children get to know each other and build a community. • Poetry allows children to use language so it helps them to find voice and representation. • It is the most kinesthetic of all literature, it is physical and activates the heart and soul. • Poetry is universal and helps bridge gaps and develop understanding on the micro and macro levels. • Poetry builds resilience in children and facilitates social and emotional learning. It can help provide insight which may have been missed in another context.
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NEWS
Poets like William Blake have been championing children’s immersion in poetry and nature, centuries before now and the relevance and truth in their message is perhaps more apparent in today’s digital age than ever before. In William Blake’s opening poem to the collection, ‘Songs of Innocence and of Experience’ (1794) Blake illustrates the importance of children’s connection to poetry and nature when a child in the poem “Piping down the valleys wild” asks to hear a “song about a Lamb”. The child then tells the narrator to “sit thee down and write/In a book that all may read”. The
narrator makes a “rural pen” from a “hollow reed” and begins writing the ‘Songs of Innocence and of Experience’. There is definitely a huge disconnect between this child and the child of the modern day and it is clear that the balance needs to be redressed. A child will never forget their first squirrel or the first poem they loved, just as they will never remember their first high score on a computer game. It is an important duty to ensure we regain this balance and expose children to what they are naturally “wired” to enjoy, benefit from and respond to.
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ASIAN SUNDAY
POLITICS
Zac Goldsmith Elected as Conservative Mayoral Candidate Zac Goldsmith has been elected as the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London following an online primary. He was elected with 70 percent of the vote. Zac Goldsmith said, “In the last seven years London has come a long way. Under Boris, London now leads the world in business, tech, media, art and culture – benefitting from unprecedented investment. It is why so many people want to live, work and do business here, and it is also putting increasing pressures on our city. “We have seen record
investment in our transport network, but we will need to continue that investment just to avoid grinding to a halt - while at the same time continuing to bear down on the cost of travel so that it delivers value for money for Londoners. Our living environment is facing increasing pressure, and we will need to protect, enhance and improve access to our green spaces, as well as radically improving the quality of the air that we breathe. “But the biggest challenge of all is the housing crisis. Londoners are being priced
Zac Goldsmith elected Conservative candidate for Mayor of London out of their city and we will need a step change in the number of homes built, and the manner in which they are built. “I am honoured to have been chosen as the Conservative mayoral candidate and I will work tirelessly to repay that debt. I have campaigned hard as an MP, delivering for my constituents and I will fight just as hard to become Mayor so we can build on the progress under Boris in making London work for Londoners.”
Syed Kamall Conservative Mayor of London runner up
The Asian candidate for the Conservatives, Syed Kamall received the second highest votes coming in with a total of 1,477 (16 per cent), followed by Stephen Greenhalgh with 864 (9.4 percent) votes and Andrew Boff with 372 (4 percent) votes.
London Regional Chairman Ian Twinn said, “In 2016, Londoners will face a choice. We can back Zac Goldsmith and build on Boris’ great achievements - more jobs created, more investment, transport infrastructure hugely improved and more homes built.London Regional Chairman Ian Twinn said:
“In May next year this City needs its new Mayor to be a fighter, someone who’s not afraid to knock some plaster off the political ceiling in pursuit of the best possible deal for London.
“Or we can let in Sadiq Khan who stands for more of the same old Labour policies; more borrowing, more spending and higher taxes – all of which would take London backwards not forwards.”
“I have no doubt he’s the best candidate we could possibly have to deliver the vital infrastructure improvements, new housing, jobs and growth London’s rapidly growing population will need in the years ahead.”
Boris Johnson MP, the current Conservative Mayor of London said, “I’m delighted for Zac - he’s principled, hard-working, and dedicated, he’s fizzing with ideas, and he’s passionate about London and its people.
To rival Zac for the Mayoral seat will be Sadiq Khan for Labour, George Galloway for the Respect Party, Sian Berry the Green Party candidate and Caroline Pidgeon for Lib Dems
“Zac Goldsmith is that fighter. He’s fearless. He will make a brilliant Mayor.
MY COMMUNITY
Your Local News from
Bradford and District
IN THIS ISSUE Local cricketers remember local hero
Countdown to opening Westfield, The Broadway And much more.....
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ASIAN SUNDAY
MY COMMUNITY
Local Community radio announces launch of interactive online TV Following years of planning, hiccups and preparation popular community radio station Fever FM recently announced the launch of Fever TV. The Leeds based community radio station have described the project as their most exciting and innovative platform the local community has seen yet. Fever FM director, Jabbar Karim said “It’s a very exciting time for us as we’re evolving from audio to visual. We want to offer our listeners multiple platforms for creativity and the opportunity for local businesses to reach out to their local community via both radio and online TV. It’s the way forward.” Followers of Fever TV will be able to enjoy live streaming and video’s of various Fever presenters and special guests
The channel will also promote community groups and their services in the local area. Fever TV members will also be able to upload their own two minute videos for all to enjoy, with the best video winning a prize. “This is our way of providing a platform to help promote local and new talent,” said Mr Karim. Viewers will also be able to buy and sell items with discount voucher schemes and much more. There will be a small annual membership fee of £10 to cover the cost of running the community initiative So if you want to engage more in community TV or fancy yourself as a film director (you can participate and interact by uploading your own videos) then get involved with Fever TV
fever FM presenter in action
Fever FM presenter preparing for Fever TV
Local Cricketers Remember Local Hero by Ayyaz Malik It can be destroyer of the lives of families, the friends of families and lives in general. I am referring to cancer. Cancer is something that we can all relate to. Whether it be that friend, family member or even yourself, cancer has taken the lives of loved ones over the years. There comes a time though where enough is enough. Although cancer can never be fully stopped, surely there are things that can be done to reduce the deaths from cancer Bradford’s Asian community agree. Local cricket players teamed up to raise awareness for Yorkshire cancer centre and help improve care to fight it. The centre has been running for a number of years and with your help has been able to treat 2,000 patients who most of undergone a cancer diagnosis. The aim of this event was to raise funds in the memory of one of West Yorkshire’s own (Gulbar Ahmed) who sadly lost his brave eight year battle against cancer in 2014. As a tribute to the great man who played mainly in the Bradford League in a 30 year career, all proceeds of the event which took place on Sunday 27 September and was held at Bradford Park Avenue cricket club would be going to Yorkshire cancer centre appeal. The event itself was a family extravaganza for all. As well as a cricket match which saw a Gulbar Ahmed All
Star Xl against a Bradford League XI. Players such as Gulbar’s nephew Moin Ashraf formerly of Yorkshire and ex England international Kabir Ali took part in the charity match. There was also guest appearances for Bugs Bunny as well as Mickey and Minnie mouse. If that wasn’t enough there was also a bouncy castle and lovely home-made biryani and cakes! Moin Ashraf who was captained the winning team on the day told Asian Sunday that the main purpose of this friendly community cricket match was to pay tribute to his uncle who passed away last year. He said “Well it was very good to win. I am
Moin Ashraf
very competitive by nature and would have been gutted if we didn’t win. At the end of the day it was about remembering my uncle that was the most important thing. It was very good to see people who knew my uncle turn up and people who love cricket turn up. We hope we can improve for next year as this was the first year doing this” Former England international Kabir Ali was also present and he said, “Cancer doesn’t discriminate against people (it can effect anyone) when I heard my good friend (Moin Ashraf) lost his uncle through cancer I definitely wanted to do my bit to help.”
It’s the way forward Yaar
www.fevertvleeds.co.uk
Fever FM @ The Resource Centre 233-237 Roundhay Road - Leeds LS8 4HS Tel: 0113 380 5680 - Direct: 0788 170 1133 Email: radioasianfever@yahoo.co.uk - www.radioasianfever.co.uk
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MY COMMUNITY
Afternoon Tea party hailed a success as it raises thousands to repair damage at cancer centre A full house of more than one hundred and eighty guests enjoyed a real Afternoon Tea experience at Café Zoya, all in the name of charity. The event, which took place on Sunday 13 September was organised by Asian Sunday and Cafe Zoya, in order to raise vital funds to recover cost of damages following a series of vandal attacks at the Bradford Cancer Support Centre. Cafe Zoya donated the use of its banqueting suite for free for the tea party, along with their best delicacies. A full afternoon tea menu was created, including a range of macaroons, scones with cream and jam, a range of petits fours, and sandwiches were served alongside teas and coffees. Whilst guests indulged in their treat, stories were shared by people who had experienced cancer. The event was a great success and raised £2,700 for the charity. Sarah Wood Services Support Manager at Bradford Cancer Support said: “Well, what can we say? The event was a huge success and we are so grateful for all the wonderful support given and the care shown by
everyone. The staff and delicious cakes at Zoya’s, the volunteers who generously gave their time and Asian Sunday all went above and beyond anything we could have hoped for. We wholeheartedly thank everyone who was involved in making the event such a success. It has been living proof of the good a community can achieve in times of distress and what we can accomplish by coming together and supporting each other. You have all supported us to go on and continue supporting those in the Bradford and Airedale district.” Luke Williams, Support and Community Adviser also added: “The generous donations we have received are greatly appreciated and we look forward to being able to use them towards repairing the damage to our centre. Thank you so much for a truly wonderful Afternoon Tea Party and we can honestly say ‘everyone had a fantastic time’.” Fatima Patel, founder of Inspirational Women Foundation and a co-organiser of the fundraiser said: “It was a great afternoon. The delicacies provided by Zoya were fantastic, but the community spirit in the room was unbelievable. This is
the Bradford I know. Everyone coming together for a fantastic cause. Well done to all involved.” Councillor Ralph Berry, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health and Social Care, was also at the tea party and said: “The event showed Bradford our best, generous caring and determined to support the amazing work being done for our community.” The money raised on Sunday should have been spent on the support for cancer victims and their families but instead it will be used to repair damages. The cancer care centre at Daisy House Farm by Bradford Royal Infirmary was targeted four times last month, where marbles or ball bearings had been used to damage windows. Police were called in to investigate and have opened up an appeal, whilst at the same time asking for people in the area to be vigilant. The Cancer Support Centre have given an open invite to anyone who wishes to come to the centre and see the work they do, but also see where their money is being spent. For more information visit- www. bradfordcancersupport.org.uk
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MY COMMUNITY
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MY COMMUNITY
Sikhs spearhead awareness campaigns against sexual grooming in Bradford by NiNder Kaur
Last week, over 400 people attended the ‘Bradford Against Grooming event, which took place at the Kala Sangam Centre in Bradford. Community members and parents were openly invited to attend the event where Local Sikhs had come together to form the organisation “Bradford Against Grooming”. With sexual exploitation of children being rife in Bradford, a number of people from the local community had come forward to raise concerns about the number of young Sikh girls being victims of sexual grooming/ exploitation. Mr. Singh from Bradford Against Grooming said: “Having initially discussed these cases with a group of volunteers who are helping victims and their families through desperately traumatic times, it became clear to us that the number of families affected by this crime was very high – in fact this small group of volunteers had recorded 22 cases in the last 24 months just in a few areas of Bradford. “We then contacted local councillors, and we were hoping to show to the authorities that the local community can stand
together in the face of this crime and demanded some action to be taken. After months of hard work and great support from Paul Hill from Bradford Safeguarding Children’s Board we managed to organise this event.” The organisers of the event had only anticipated 50-100 people to turn up but over 400 attended, which was a great turn out. The awareness campaign began with a production play entitled, “Somebody’s Sister, Somebody’s Daughter” by the GW Theatre Company. The production has been shown at most of the secondary schools in the north and over 20,000 pupils have seen this play in the last two years. During the course of the evening tips were shared on safeguarding children against being exposed to and manipulated by sinister groups. Techniques used by groomers, tips for parents on how to keep ahead of the game when it comes to Social media dangers and the Internet were also discussed. This was shortly followed by a Q&A session with the following panel: Mohan Singh (Sikh Awareness
Society), Jagmeet Singh (Basics of Sikhi), Dave Jones (GE Theatre Company), Paul Hill (Bradford Safeguarding Children Board Manager), Esther Hobbs (Inspector, West Yorkshire Police) and Cllr Ralph Berry (Bradford Council, Health and Social Care). Cllr Ralph Berry said: “This was a very impressive community event, working to raise awareness, it was the best attended community event I have been to. This will enable Bradford to build a broader response and increase the support for victims.”
Detective Inspector Esther Hobbs, of the Bradford District Safeguarding Unit, said: “It was an amazing show of support from the community and I felt very privileged to be part of this event. “Police in Bradford are committed to tackling child sexual exploitation and we hope that this will encourage victims to report these crimes to our specially trained officers, who will work closely with partners to investigate all reports sensitively and thoroughly with the aim of bringing offenders to justice.”
Paul Hill, Bradford Safeguarding Children Board Manager also added: “I think that the event made good progress towards its first aim of increasing awareness of child sexual exploitation and I also hope that those who attended would now feel more confident about approaching the Council or West Yorkshire Police if they have a concern that a child may be at risk.” For more information contact BradfordAgainstGrooming@ mail.com
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ASIAN SUNDAY
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MY COMMUNITY
Not long to go for The Broadway, Westfield opening by Ninder Kaur The countdown to Bradford’s brand new shopping centre is on, with just 32 days to go until the doors of The Broadway Bradford are opened to shoppers for the first time. The £260 million development will open on Thursday, 5 November ahead of the Christmas rush. At 570,000 sq ftThe Broadway will be the largest UK retail centre to open in 2015 and will create 2,500 new retail jobs. The Broadway is now well over 80% let with leading department and fashion stores, including anchors Debenhams and Marks & Spencer, and high street fashion favourites H&M, Next,
Topshop, Topman, New Look, Schuh and River Island. It has also been announced that UK stationary brand Paperchase will also be setting up a spot in the new establishment. Myf Ryan, Westfield Director of Marketing, said: “After a lot of hard work and support from the Bradford community, we are now less than two months away from opening our doors to the public for the very first time on Thursday 5 of November. I’m delighted that the centre is now well over 80% let and we have some fantastic retailers lined up for shoppers in Bradford, including our anchor retailers M&S, Debenhams and Next, as well as some new retailers for Bradford, such as Schuh, Paperchase and Superdry, and Bradford’s first food hall featuring names such as Taco Bell and Love Koffee. “ “Securing these retailers is yet another vote of confidence in both The Broadway and Bradford and will not only bring more choice to shoppers in Bradford but will also provide 2,500 new job opportunities. The centre will also help deliver a significant boost to the local and regional economy whilst continuing to attract inward investment for the City’s regeneration.” Bradford resident Eileen Everson, 45, who is eager for the centre to open said: “I cannot wait until it opens. Its not long to go now. It is such a great opportunity for the city of Bradford and I do hope it brings in a lot more people from neighbouring cities and towns.”
A total of 47 retailers have signed up so far. Here’s the full official line-up: • 3 Store • Boots • Burger King
• iBrow and Beauty
• River Island
• JD
• Schuh
• Sainsburys
• Card Factory
• Juice
• Carphone Warehouse
• KFC • Khaadi
• Costa
• Kiko Milano
• Debenhams
• Love Koffee
• EE
• M&S
• The Case Tailors
• Ernest Jones
• Mooboo
• The Entertainer
• Footasylum
• New Look
• Thomson
• Goldsmiths Boutique
• Next
• Topshop
• Office
• Vision Express
• H Samuel
• Paperchase
• Vodafone
• H&M
• Pattisserie Valerie
• WHSmith
• Perfume Shop
• Yangtze
• Hey Potato • Holland and Barrett
• Poundland
• Spud U Like • Subway • Superdry • Taco Bell
• Wrap Chic
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ASIAN SUNDAY Issue 7
GHAP SHAP with Anita Rani
by Ninder Kaur This Bradford-born television presenter is never far from our screens, whether she is getting down and dirty on Countryfile or reporting for the One Show. But now she has taken on a different challenge swapping her wellies for sparkly stilettoes. We caught up with the star that made her dancing debut last week on
Strictly Come Dancing as Team Glita. How does it feel to be swapping wellies for spray tans and sequins? Ha, not quite spray tans but I love Strictly. I always thought if the phone rang and they asked me, I would immediately say yes and that’s exactly what happened. It is the most beautiful and glamorous show on telly. It is proper family entertainment and you get to
learn a new skill, which is great. I have always wanted to learn how to dance. How is it working with newcomer Gleb Savchenko? He is such an amazing dancer and a brilliant teacher. He is the most gorgeous man on earth so I am a very happy woman. Every so often I look up at him and I’m like wow you are beautiful and he’s like “Focus, Anita focus.” Have you managed to discover your inner-Beyoncé? I thought I already had an inner Beyoncé before I started training with Gleb. Now that I am training with him I realised I don’t know anything about dancing. What you do in a club or at a wedding is nothing like proper dancing. It’s like learning a new language. I have never done any dance training before. I am a complete novice and it is really tough.
Who is your dancing inspiration? Beyoncé naturally. Audrey Hepburn, Madhuri Dixit, Helen from the old school Bollywood movie. She was a cabaret dancer. She was amazing. She was in all the classic films like Sholay and she performed all the raunchy sexy numbers. Can we expect something of the sort? Maybe, yes why not? I am not holding anything back. You are one of the rare few people to have made it big on mainstream TV how does that feel? I never even considered I wouldn’t be in the mainstream. I always thought if I were going to have a career in telly of course it would always be in the mainstream. It would be weird to not work in mainstream television because you are chopping off 90% of who you are.
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Did you face any challenges whilst pursuing your career? Not really. I have been quite lucky. I moved to London after university in 2001 and started working as researcher. I was working at Top of the Pops when I was 20. I just used to go up to really important people and say “Hello I’m Anita, can you give me a job?” And they would be like all right yes. An executive producer said I should work in TV and he gave me my first TV time. It was a really gilded way to become a presenter. You have had some award winning shows and been nominated as Best on Screen Personality. What would you say makes a good presenter? To become a good presenter its like any other profession you are constantly learning and constantly improving. For me, the people I like to watch are the people who are the most real. The ones that when you meet them in real life, they are just like that and you think- ahh that was effortless that didn’t even seem like an interview. They are just so themselves. For me they are the best presenters.
You are one of the most diverse broadcasters on the BBC: from presenting the Asian Network’s breakfast show to covering the Royal Wedding - What do you enjoy the most about your job? If I am doing a live broadcast for D day and I am talking to a veteran from the Second World War or if I am in the middle of the countryside talking to a farmer or if I’m in India talking to a person about their daily commute, its all the same for me. I am basically getting somebody to tell me their story. You have never shied from discussing culturally sensitive topics whether that is encountering victims of forced marriages or investigating the difficulties facing the over 65’s in the workplace. What has been the most challenging topic to discuss? Usually when I am covering stories for work, it isn’t coming from a personal point of view, I am just covering the story and I am quite impartial.
Naturally, if it’s a story about forced marriages for example and I am talking to young Punjabi women then it does cut me because obviously that is a community that I understand. I am incredibly passionate about women’s issues and although I have not vocalised them too much, I am passionate about empowering young women to be educated and not to have arranged marriages and basically stand on their own two feet and be who they want. I understand the pressures that Asian girls may go through that other people might necessarily go through. You recently made headlines after discovering your family’s fate during the violence that consumed India at the end of British rule. How was that for you? It was amazing, a completely life changing experience. To be asked to do a, ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ was such a huge honour. I went to go explore the story of my maternal grandfather, who I had never met because he died before I was born. Then obviously I am telling the story of partition, which is absolutely directly part of my history. Then I
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found myself not only telling the story about my grandfather but about millions of people who had gone through the same thing. It was a very powerful and moving experience. Why did you decide to take part in the programme? I wanted to know about my grandfather. In Indian families you ask questions and somebody gives you some answer and then somebody says we don’t know and then you think- you lot are useless. This opportunity was brilliant as someone has gone off and done all the thorough research so that I get the proper answers that I am looking for. It was only because my grandfather was in the army that there were records. What can we look forward to? Strictly and Countryfile. But Strictly, Strictly, Strictly, I need all the support I can get. I need people to back me if they think I am worth backing. Friends have set me up as Rani’s Army. Gleb and me have the best team name because if you put both our names together its team Glita.
Tell us more… If you weren’t a presenter…I would be dancing in another life. I would have loved to be a dancer. Favourite programme? Countryfile Favourite film? Enter The Dragon Favourite food? Curry Favourite place to visit? Whitby What do you do in your free time? Free time? What’s free time? I cook and I potter around listening to a lot of music. I like reading too. Favourite place in Bradford? Mum and dad’s house. Strictly is on every Saturday at 6:20 on BBC1.
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business
Are you really protected by your insurance? by S Gulfraz I am a great believer in looking through insurance documentation to know what I am covered, or rather what am I actually paying for. I have a good friend who came to me this weekend, as he has purchased his first rental property after saving hard for many years. He was ecstatic knowing he has purchased the property with a view to getting a pension at 60 from the property through rental income. My friend had gone to an insurance brokerage, and they had sold him the cheapest policy they had, which was with a well know large insurance brand. After having a quick look at the paperwork, and then taking longer to read it, as I felt there was certain important covers missing I told him he is not covered, if his tenants decided to deliberately damage his property. Now you would think taking out a buy to let property insurance should automatically cover you for damage to the property by your tenants, as let’s face it the chance of someone else damaging the house is remote in comparison to the tenants damaging the house. It also transpires he is not also covered for theft from the property by tenants. The difference between this insurance cover, and one that did cover him for malicious damage and theft by tenants was £29.00!! The insurer in question has significant branding showing how its policy is the best in the market place, yet it leaves out fundamental aspects of cover, and worse the advisers who sold the insurance should know the basics, and tell customers what they are covered for or not. So for those of you who have taken out some form of cover during your lifetime, (it does not matter what it is or was for) however think back how many of you read beyond the policy schedule. Do you read the terms and conditions, and most importantly do you read
the exclusions? I have to hold my hand up and say most of the time I brush through the terms and conditions; however recently I have started to be more careful. I would recommend all our readers to go back into the drawers, pull out the insurance paperwork, and read through it. You never know you might pick up a valuable piece of cover that is required, but you’re not covered for. Trust me, when I say it is far better to change
insurers than argue and be left vulnerable in case an event arises, when you really need cover. Also is it prudent to rely on your advisers? Well the answer is no. At the end of the day they are there to advice you, but let’s face it, at the end of the day, their objective is to sell you cover, and unless they know the product inside out (which you would expect) they have no better knowledge than you do as the product purchaser.
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BUSINESS
LESSONS ON BEING ANFROM BAJRANGI BHAIJAAN: ENTREPRENEUR A BOLLYWOOD STORY
I really do love Bollywood movies. I’ve previously talked about how watching Bollywood movies can be very motivational (you can read more on my blog www. theclearcoach.com) A Bollywood movie none more so than the latest blockbuster from Salman Khan; Bajrangi Bhaijaan (currently the second highest grossing movie in India of all time). A movie about a man (affectionately known as Bajrangi Bhaijaan with Salman Khan playing the titular character) with a magnanimous spirit, who tries to take a lost young mute Pakistani girl back to her homeland to reunite her with her family. It’s taken me a while to get round to watching it, and I’m so happy I did. It had the usual Bollywood feel good factor, friendship, comedy, romance, the obligatory song and dance routines (my favourite, the ‘Chicken Song’ which I’ll leave for another blog), the hero defeating baddies and rescuing a damsel in distress (in this case a six year old mute girl), tear-jerker scenes and the happy ending that one expects from a Bollywood movie. The movie ran me through the whole gamut of emotions.
Dr. Rakish Rana describes himself as a Clear Coach and is a professional mentor. He has over 16 years’ experience (and counting!) in dealing with high end clientele in the highpressured world of Investment Banking. He loves reading (lots of) books, enjoys English, Hindi and Punjabi movies
“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others” - Albert Schweitzer
Dr. Rakish Rana Reflecting back on it I found myself thinking of Bajrangi’s journey throughout the movie and that of an entrepreneur growing a business. In fact, my own journey in growing my coaching practice resonated immensely. In this column I’ve picked out key moments in Bajrangi’s journey during the movie and how I believe they relate to that of an entrepreneur or anyone starting out on a new venture: 1.Have an idea - Bajrangi’s initial thought was to ensure
and just switching off from the world, as well as being a round the clock dad and husband. Dr Rana is our guest columnist this edition and he gives us an insight into business lessons and Bollywood. Yes that’s not a typo, we are deadly serious we’re talking business lessons with Salman Khan. Read on…..
that Munni (the young mute girl) was reunited with her parents. He didn’t know how this was going to happen or who would do it, but he just thought that this needed to be done. We all have seeds of an idea which we look to grow, but it’s knowing which ones to really go after. As with Bajrangi it can be part of your nature or it can be your passion or just that ‘gut feeling’. 2.Learn from failure - Bajrangi searched for Munni’s parents, spoke with the police, and when on
learning that Munni was from Pakistan, he tried the Pakistan embassy and even tried to get a travel operator to have her escorted over the border. None of which helped. It’s then when he realised what he had to do and how he would help Munni. It’s sometimes after our failures or at our most desperate times that we get the clarity to focus on our goals. 3.Self-belief - Bajrangi learned from his failures and from them his eventual goal was defined, and it allowed him to clearly focus on the jour-ney ahead. He decided that he would deliver Munni to her family in Pakistan himself and he knew how he would do it. He had the belief in himself and he never gave up. In life we attempt many things which don’t always work out first time, but like Bajrangi, it’s about having the resolve to not give up and to stick to your convictions. 4.Ask for advice - When Bajrangi had realised that he would have to take Munni to Pakistan himself, he was in a dilemma. It’s at this juncture he turned to his betrothed, Rasika (played by Kareena Kapoor) and sought her counsel. Starting your own business is
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ASIAN SUNDAY
family and to eventually help build bridges between two nations. The use of social media, be it Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. is key for business growth. Used correctly, as in the case of Munni, it helps you be found. Bajrangi Bhaijaan offers up many more lessons, including those in friendship, selfsacrifice, respect and humility. But one final take away is that of gratitude and recognition. never an easy task, and none more so for those doing it for the first time. So like Bajrangi, don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. We don’t necessarily always have the right answers ourselves. 5.Do the right thing - Bajrangi followed his conscience on a righteous path, and made sure he did everything his way; the right way. As we’ve seen with the re-cent Volvo scandal, there can be many temptations to take short cuts or dishonest ways to gain success, but it will always be to a detrimental outcome. Do the right thing; all the time, every time. 6.Trust in others to help - Throughout Bajrangi’s journey he meets many characters, but it’s the news reporter, Chand Nawab (played superbly by Nawazuddin Siddiqi) that he befriends, who
preneurial journeys it’s key to build strong relationships and to learn to trust those closest to us. With all the best intentions, Its important to understand that we can’t always do things on our own. Power of social media - The use of YouTube was key in helping Bajrangi and Chand help reunite Munni with her
helps him on the noble cause of uniting Munni with her family. On our own entrepreneurial journeys it's key to build strong relationships and to learn to trust those closest to us. With all the best intentions, Its important to understand that we can't always do things on our own. 7.Power of social media - The use of YouTube was key in helping Bajrangi and Chand help reunite Munni with her
“Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest”- Albert Schweitzer
This movie is a Salman Khan vehicle, and yet it was the lesser known actors, Nawazuddin Siddiqi and Harshali Malhotra (Munni), who rightfully took all the accolades. So as in life, we can achieve many things and grow our businesses to great success, but we should never forget to recognise and be thankful to those that helped us on our journey.
“Humaare dil mein Ram basein hain, huma are liya koi bhi cheez asambhav nahin hain.”
Bajrangi Bhaijaan (Lord Ram resides in my heart, nothing is impossible for me)
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Boost for London’s young jobseekers Six major businesses in the capital have joined forces to tackle youth unemployment in London. Modelled on a successful pilot in the North West of England, the London Youth Engagement Programme has enlisted big energy and utility sector businesses to boost the employment prospects of young jobseekers and make them ‘work ready’ within a matter of weeks.
Plus and the first group started on September 28. After an intensive twoweek induction programme developing their employability skills the following eight weeks will be practical experience with the partner organisations. UK Power Networks’ recruits will complete their work placements at the company’s London depots in Camden, West Ham, Brixton or Falconwood.
Led by London’s electricity provider, UK Power Networks, with partners, Amey, Clancy Docwra, SGN, Morrison Utility Services and Affinity Sutton, the companies have worked in
Chris Degg, director of human resources at UK Power Networks, said: “They will gain tangible work experience within a large corporate brand and build self-confidence in
partnership with the Energy & Utility Skills Group to develop an engaging 10 week pre-employment training programme and practical onthe-job work experience for young people with a number of intakes happening over the next year.
their own potential. Even if they decide the utility sector isn’t for them they will leave this programme with the confidence to seek out a career they want to pursue.
In the first two weeks the recruits will face an army leadership development course, join a community volunteering challenge day with a London youth charity, learn about money management, personal brand, conflict management and safety psychology. They will also be helped to set up a profile on the Energy & Efficiency Industrial Partnership’s Talent Source Network to promote themselves to potential employers. The recruits will be mainly identified via the Jobcentre
“Our energy industry is facing an ageing workforce, yet there is a large pocket of young people we don’t have access to. We have great opportunities for apprentices and experienced staff but some young people don’t fit the mould because they don’t have the qualifications for example. Not everyone does well at school, but that doesn’t mean an individual is any less capable. We will see young people in action that we might not normally have the chance to meet and identify as talent for the future. “I’m very excited about this scheme because it’s something I feel extremely passionate about.”
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ASIAN SUNDAY
JOBS
Reporters/Journalists wanted
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Asian Sunday is expanding nationally and therefore is looking for journalists or reporters. We have a cracking news patch here and we want enthusiastic reporters who will get out and about bringing in exclusive stories and getting into the heart of our communities. You will have all your preliminary qualifications, including 100 wpm shorthand. The ideal candidates will have knowledge of Asian Communities living in the UK along with business and lifestyle. We are an equal opportunities employer and therefore accept
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join the organisation and help make decisions which lead to equality for women locally, nationally and internationally.
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4 year appointment, approximately 12 days per year.
The foundation is now looking for Non-Executive Board members to
Non-Executive Member
Pay: Voluntary first year. Thereafter £150 per day plus expenses Number of positions: 6 The appointed candidate(s) will be expected to contribute to the strategic development and direction of the IWF, oversee the development and review of key performance targets, ensure the foundation complies with its statutory requirements and ensure that a high standard of corporate governance
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– Inspirational Women Foundation
Inspirational Women Foundation is a not for profit organisation established to support, empower and inspire women of any age, any back-ground, whether in the home, at work, in the community or in business.
Inspirational Women Foundation is currently funded by the proceeds of the Bradford’s Inspirational Women Awards, (now in its fifth successful year) and various funding activities across the country.
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are observed at all times. Candidates who are able to offer advice to senior management on a range of general management issues, such as HR matters and management best practice would be advantageous. We are looking for candidates with a background in business, HR, finance, law, training above all with the ability to perform at Board level. Candidates must also be able to demonstrate: integrity and a commitment to transparency of decision-making; effective communication, influencing and inter-personal skills; high level of analytical ability; and the capacity and temperament to work in an open, inclusive and collaborative environment. Previous experience as a Non-
Executive Director is not essential but an aptitude for strategic thinking, the ability to work as part of a team and a commitment to IWF’s objectives are. Applications are welcome from individuals of any background, gender and disabled people who are able to make a real contribution to this organisation. Members are expected to attend quarterly board meetings and to participate in additional meetings, conference calls and sit on ad hoc committees from time to time. Most meetings take place in the evening. Interested candidates should submit a CV to founder@ inspirationalwomenawards.org.uk with a covering letter explaining why you believe you are suitable for the role.
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Issue 7
MATRIMONIALs
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ASIAN SUNDAY
Sports
Freddie Flintoff’s generous donation hits Lord Mayor of Bradford for six by Ninder Kaur The former international test cricketer Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff came to St George’s Hall with his tour ‘Freddie Flintoff - 2nd Innings’ on Tuesday 29 September. Freddie is currently on tour across the country to celebrate the ten years since he helped England beat Australia 2-1 to win the 2005 Ashes series. Whilst on tour, the 37-yearold Preston born cricketer has been joking about his past mistakes and “there’s a lot of them” he admitted. “People turn up not knowing
what to expect. So far, the response has been good,” he said. “There is a cricket theme but you don’t need to be a cricket fan. It’s more about my mistakes and there are a lot of them. It is just meant to be fun to be honest. It is not too staged.” Whilst on tour the do-good cricketer has been making donations to a local children’s charity in each of the cities he is visiting. He kindly agreed to donate half the ticket price on 100 of his meet and greet tickets to this year’s Lord Mayor’s Appeal. The Lord Mayor’s Appeal this year is
split between the Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity and the Lord Mayor’s own ‘Spread a Smile’ Campaign. Freddie Flintoff said: “People pay a bit extra for the meet and greets. There is no way people should pay extra to come meet me so everywhere we have been, we have donated to local charities.“ The Lord Mayor Coun Joanne Dodds said: “This is an incredibly generous donation to my Lord Mayor’s Appeal and it will make such a huge difference. He is such a nice guy and it is great to welcome him to Bradford. He is raising funds for my charity so we are benefiting from his visit.
“We are having a new state of the arts children’s ward built which the NHS is paying for but the charity pays for things on the wish list, things that will make the children stay more comfortable such as innovative toys for when
they are having treatment, a sensory room, multi-use gym for cystic fibrosis sufferers. It all goes towards a needy cause.” Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff is on his UK tour until November.
Rashid Looking To Add a Positive Spin For England by Ayyaz Malik Yorkshire spinner Adil Rashid after enjoying a fine one day series against Australia will no doubt be looking to establish himself in the England squad. The 27 year old Rashid who has become a key player for his country and county will no doubt be looking to build on his good form for the up and coming series against Pakistan in the UAE. For so long the outcry in England has been to have quality spinners. If Surrey spinner Zafar Ansari is to overcome a nasty looking finger injury then England will have three spinners to call on. For so long England were
reliant on Graeme Swann. Monty Panesar was a good back up bowler and the pair did work well in tandem in test series such as the series in India. The thing is though with the former Essex man Panesar is that as good of an economical bowler he was, he wasn’t as much of a Wicket taker as Swann was. England do have that now however (two wicket taking bowlers in Moeen Ali and now Adil Rashid). The proof of that was the recent one day series against Australia. I know what you will say, this is a one day series and the Pakistan series will be test matches on dry pitches -but the signs looked good. I
have you know that Adil Rashid was a very important bowler for England and Captain Eoin Morgan had been turning to the 27 year old all- rounder for wickets. The faith was repaid as well as Adil Rashid was England’s second highest wicket taker in the series. To compliment that Rashid showed some of his undoubted ability with the bat. The Yorkshire player scored 35 in the last match of the series. Although that was in a losing cause, Rashid’s batting could be priceless in the UAE. All the best sides have a deep batting order, this was something which England may have been missing in yester year but not now though however things look a little
rosier.
we say.
The inclusion of Adil Rashid just might take the pressure off the rest of the England batter which has had its fair share of criticism. I close my argument with this. England haven’t had a leg spinner in a very long time and in Rashid you have a player who knows how to use a cricket bat shall
Adil Rashid’s stats speak for themselves as the 27 year old has hit centuries for his County this year as well. After being humbled last time they went to the UAE this time however though I feel it will be a bit more of an even playing field.
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ASIAN SUNDAY
23
Sports
World Cup Rugby: England on the Brink of Early Exit When the news was announced that England will be hosting the rugby world cup, many dared to dream of the same success achieved in 2003 when England beat Australia. Sadly though this tournament doesn’t look like it would end that way for the English. In 2003 England the inspirational Martin Johnson and the super star Jonny Wilkinson were at England’s disposal - but sadly England fans those players have moved into the realms of retirement. George Ford is a respectable fly half - but no Jonny Wilkinson and maybe that’s the problem.... expectations of the public. This England team is a team
in transition. There has been signs of improvements on the horizon in the Six Nations for example - but crucially Wales and Ireland have been better in the past few Six Nation tournaments. Such is the hype placed on the England national team in cricket, football and rugby that we do forget that this is a team in the process of transition. An impressive win over Fiji in the opening game was encouraging, as other hosts have stumbled in their opening game in the past. That potentially suggested things could be good for England in tournament. Unfortunately though defeat to Wales leaves England going
in to their match against Australia knowing that they need to win or they could well be knocked out of the tournament. Is it a forgone conclusion that England won’t qualify for the next round? Well no ... you just can’t say that. Simple reason being that one should remember Japan against South Africa. Japan is no doubt one of the lowest ranked teams left in the competition and they beat one of the strongest in the competition (South Africa). This world cup has been a good spectacle. It’s been played in good spirit like it always is in Rugby, there has been some amazing tries scored and let’s not forget
there has been some shocks such as Japan beating South Africa. As good as all that has been the excitement will be lost if England get knocked out early.
I don’t think England will win the tournament mind you, that honour will go to New Zealand I think - but for keeping people interested in the tournament I hope England go far.
Seth Stings The Vigilante But Is The End Of The Icon? by Ayyaz Malik It’s potentially the worst news you could hear. Well that’s if you’re a wrestling fan - but after Sting’s match against Seth Rollins, rumours have it that Sting suffered an injury that night which could be
career threatening. Sting who is now 53, has been a wrestling veteran of the last 30 years. Along the way ‘The Icon’ has won six WCW titles and multiple TNA titles. Even when WCW were losing their best stars to the WWE, Sting stayed loyal.
In fact Sting stayed loyal till the days when the gates of the WCW arena shall we say closed for ever. Despite offers from WWE, Sting opted to join TNA wrestling where former WWE stars such as Kurt Angle and Jeff Hardy wrestle. A few world titles followed in TNA and then finally ‘The Icon’ made his long awaited WWE debut in the Survivor Series. ‘The Vigilante’ crucially helped Dolph Ziggler pin the Authority team captain Seth Rollins. After that the creative team in WWE decided to create a feud between Sting (who many saw as the face of WCW) and Triple H (who many saw as the face of WWE). Several humiliations by Sting to Triple H lead the creative team to put them in a match against each other at Wrestle Mania.
That match which was won by Triple H, which would end the rivalry Sting had with the establishment or so we thought. WWE had other ideas and after a few months absence, Sting became embroiled in a new rivalry with Seth Rollins. Not an angle I agree with as Sting stated that he isn’t after Triple H because he is someone who he respects. That begs the question was this the Authority setting up Seth Rollins? How by putting yet another difficult obstacle in his path. Well it’s hard to say as unfortunately Sting looks to be out of action for some time. What lead to the injury was the force that Sting bounced off the turn buckle. The way ‘The Icon’ did bounce off and fall even made Rollins
himself break out of character, such was his concern for the wrestling veteran. The extent of Sting’s injury is not clear just yet - but what is certain is that WWE should never have booked this match. I think this ridiculous decision to put Sting in such a match is a sign the WWE are lacking direction. For arguments sake if putting ‘The Vigilante’ is the way to go then surely give him the title? Seth Rollins’ character is strong, the WWE need not to worry about that. Whether it was right to book that title match or not, Sting’s injury could signal the end of his career. I am sure many wrestling fans dread that thought and I am most definitely one of them. Get well soon Sting!
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Sports
Lewis Making Ham Sandwiches Out of Everyone by Ayyaz Malik
Not since Michael Schumacher or even more recently since Sebastien Vettel has one driver dominated F1 as much as Lewis Hamilton is doing now. Englishman Hamilton who in his debut year went agonisingly close to secure the world title in his first season in 2007 with McLaren but did win the world title the season after that. If that was the sign for Hamilton to dominate the sport and maybe become the next Damon Hill or Nigel Mansell, sadly for Hamilton and his fans such wasn’t forthcoming…just yet. Years of deemed failure by some ensued and it was starting to look like the promising talent of Lewis Hamilton although he had been a world champion would not be fulfilled. Thankfully for Hamilton though however a second title followed but the Englishmen did have to wait six years! It was worth the wait for Lewis Hamilton fans as the 2014 season saw Hamilton fight it out against team mate Nico Rosberg in what was memorable tussle. It was a battle that Hamilton ultimately came out on top in. This season again has been a two horse race between Hamilton and Rosberg but not quite as open. With seven
Lewis-Hamilton F1 Testing Jerez Day-One
wins from 12 races for Lewis Hamilton that probably explains why. Can anyone stop Hamilton’s dominance? Sadly not anytime soon by the looks of things. There was supposed to be more competition for Lewis Hamilton this season in theory - but there has been anything but. Rosberg hasn’t been able to go at a consistent pace like he did last year and Sebastien Vettel is still settling into life at Ferrari it could be argued.
For the sake of keeping F1 entertaining I for one will hope that next season will be more competitive. With Hamilton having a 50 point lead over his rival Rosberg, I think it’s fair to say that the title is wrapped up for this season. So the question leads to next year can anyone close the gap and mount a sustained challenge to Englishman Hamilton? One struggles to see that happening. Fernando Alonso who is a former two
time champion, Sebastien Vettel who is a former three time world champion or Nico Rosberg seem like the likely challengers. If any of these drivers are to compete with Hamilton they will be hoping that their cars perform better than what they have done this year. In Lewis Hamilton though however you have a champion who is very motivated and determined. You can have the best car in the world but with
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Lewis Hamilton what has made him stand out is his hunger and desire to win. That’s what has made the 30 year old the man become undefeated. Sorry F1 drivers if that’s what you don’t want to hear but this guy (Hamilton) looks like an unstoppable winning machine. It’s back to the testing lab for the chasing teams as they look to close the huge gap Mercedes have on the rest.