T H G I L E LI M
pe op le , in Cr oy A ma ga zin e fo r yo un g pe op le , by yo un g
free
do n, Su tto n an d Me rt on sp ri ng 20 12
Fashion Wonderland Check out this season , s fairytale fashions
N ic o l e S h e r z in g e r Limelight is published by Rise Media risemedia.org.uk
On going solo Whitney Houston and The X Factor
Limelight unveils the seven steps to a winning CV
limelightmag.co.uk
Limelight is sponsored by
Get that job!
London Learning Consortium courses starting from April 2012 Calling all jobseekers! Are you looking for employment but need to brush up your skills or learn new ones? London Learning Consortium are offering free fully funded courses for adults aged 19+ who are interested in finding employment. Please call 020 8774 4040 for more information or email londonlc@londonlc.org.uk Borough
Course
Venue
Start date
E nd date
Course times
Croydon
Level 2 Award in Business Admin & Employability Skills
LLC Croydon
26/04/2012
26/07/2012
10:00 - 16:00
Croydon
Intermediate Word Processing Skills
LLC Croydon
27/04/2012
01/06/2012
10:00 - 16:00
Croydon
Intermediate Excel Skills
LLC Croydon
15/06/2012
20/07/2012
10:00 - 16:00
Croydon
Intermediate Database Skills Croydon
LLC Croydon
11/06/2012
16/07/2012
10:00 - 16:00
Croydon
Advanced Word Processing
LLC Croydon
25/04/2012
25/07/2012
13:00 - 16:00
Croydon
Employability Skills Weekly Rolling Programme
Croydon Supplementary Education Centre
27/03/2012
31/07/2012
10:00 - 16:00
Croydon
Level 3 Childcare
LLC Croydon
08/05/2012
31/07/2012
10:00 - 16:00
Croydon
Adult Numeracy
LLC Croydon
09/05/2012
25/07/2012
13:00 - 17:00
Croydon
Level 3 Award in Business Admin
Croydon Supplementary Education Centre
01/05/2012
31/07/2012
10:00 - 16:00
Croydon
Level 2 Health and Social Care (full course) & Employability Skills
Croydon Supplementary Education Centre,
25/04/2012
26/07/2012
10:00 - 16:00
Hammersmith & Fulham
Level 3 Award in Business Admin Employability Skills
Masbro Centre
26/04/2012
01/06/2012
10:00 - 17:00
Hammersmith & Fulham
Level 3 Health and Social Care short course with Employability Skills
Masbro Centre
23/04/2012
30/05/2012
10:00 - 17:00
Merton
Level 2 Customer Service with Employability Skills
Immanuel House, Community Training Centre
23/04/2012
30/07/2012
09:30 - 12:30
Merton
Level 2 Health & Social Care short course
Immanuel House, Community Training Centre
25/04/2012
25/07/2012
10:00 - 17:00
Merton
Level 2 Business Admin with Employability Skills
Immanuel House
24/04/2012
31/07/2012
10:00 - 17:00
Merton
ESOL Speaking & Listening
Immanuel House
26/04/2012
26/07/2012
10:00 - 16:00
Merton
Introduction to Childcare Level 2
Immanuel House
27/04/2012
20/07/2012
10:00 - 16:00
Southwark
Health & Social Care short course
Peckham Job Centre
27/04/2012
27/07/2012
10:00 - 17:00
Sutton
Adult Numeracy
Ecoactif
27/04/2012
27/07/2012
13:00 - 16:00
Sutton
Business Admin & Employability Skills
SCOLA
27/04/2012
27/07/2012
10:00 - 17:00
Sutton
Health & Social Care short course
SCOLA
23/04/2012
30/07/2012
10:00 - 17:00
Contents 4 NEWSFLASH News you can use 5 In the Limelight The team behind the magazine 6 Local faces going places Be Inspired! 7 Limelight chats to... Matt Cardle 8 Ex pussycat doll, nicole Gives us all the gossip! 10 Catching up with... Chiddy Bang! 11 LLC NEWS All the latest on career opportunities 12 FASHION Check it out! 15 Abseiling Limelight reaches new heights!
12
Fashion
8
Nicole
7
10
Editor’s Letter The fourth issue of Limelight is about to rock your world! We have exciting interviews with the amazing Nicole Scherzinger, a chilled Matt Cardle, and the fun-loving Chiddy Bang. We also have some practical articles and features, including one on how to fund a career in the brilliant world of journalism and another on how to improve your CV. And finally, we have write-ups on inspiring young people on our local faces going places page, plus an interview with Olympic hopeful Lawrence Okoye. Although we have tried to fit as much into this issue as possible, to interest you, all I can say is I hope you enjoy it! Kris Meacham
Matt Cardle
Please call 020 8774 4040 for more information or email londonlc@londonlc.org.uk
Chiddy Bang
16 Cracking CV advice Follow it and soar! 19 Rocking Reviews What’s hot and what’s not 20 lawson The new pop band set for superstardom 22 Crystal Palace & BELS Helping the youth of today 25 sporTS A record breaker on course for Olympic glory! 26 last word with... Cover Drive Editorial Team Editor: Kris Meacham, Deputy Editor: Charlotte Veryard, Chief Sub Editor: Roxana Hall, Deputy Chief Sub Editor: Luke Thompson, Fashion Editor and Stylist: Jennie May Thompson, Music Editor: Joshua Monfries, Sub Editor and Deputy Music Editor: Peter Bint, Celebrity Editor: Barbara Bielecka, Sports Editor: Terrelle Iziren, Editorial Assistants: Devan O’Donnell, Aishat Animashaun, Tianna Haffenden, Writers/contributors: Sarah Higerty, Eon Jones, Helen Green, Greg Lee, Holly Barker, Page Perrior, Andrea Kacayio, Chantelle Phinda, Nicole Maggot Pope, Amber Scott-Mills and Aminata Cisse. Fashion shoot team: Jemima Daisy: Photographer and Stylist, Katy Roach: Assistant Stylist, Alice Partridge: Assistant Photographer, Models: Anna Carter and Lucy Clarvis, Security Guard: Lee Trow, Nertila Beshi and Nerila Beshi (hair and make-up). Co-founder and Editorial Director: Adeline Iziren.
On-going Partnership
Limelight continues to move onwards and upwards, thanks to major apprenticeship provider, the London Learning Consortium (LLC), writes Adeline Iziren, Editorial Director of Rise Media, which publishes the magazine. This is the second of three issues LLC will sponsor, the next will be published in July – just before the Olympics. Stephen Jeffery, LLC’s Chief Executive, said: “We were very pleased with the first issue we sponsored and are proud to continue supporting this brilliant youth publication, which gives young people a chance to develop key skills such as team work and communication. As a leading apprenticeship provider, we are very committed to helping young people develop these types of skills.” Limelight has been available throughout Croydon since November 2010 and in Sutton and Merton, since the end of last year. Disclaimer Limelight is a lifestyle magazine for young people aged 11-25. No part of this publication may be reproduced or reprinted in any form, without the permission of the publisher, Rise Youth Group Limited which trades as Rise Media. The views within the magazine are not those of the publisher, but of the individual writer or contributor. All information in Limelight was correct at the time of going to press. limelight 3
News you can use Free help and advice for you!
Are you aged10-25 and hoping to gain some life changing opportunities? Then the Centre of Change Project is here to help you. The Centre of Change Project is based in the Timebridge Youth Centre, New Addington. The Centre offers free services which include help with school work, mentoring, career advice and also relationships and sexual health advice, in a safe and confidential environment. The Centre also offers a range of fun activities such as street dancing and football. Everyone is welcome at the Centre, so pop along to get the support you need. For more info ring 07758 702 452 or email: centreofchangeproject@hotmail. co.uk By Charlotte Veryard
Funding for a career in journalism Always wanted to be a journalist, but can’t afford an accredited course? Well, help is at hand thanks to the Journalism Diversity Fund. The fund has been set up with the help of the Newspaper Licensing Agency (NLA) and leading publishing companies such as Guardian Newspapers and Associated Newspapers, to support the training of journalists from ethnically and socially diverse backgrounds. Applicants will need to be passionate about current affairs, have the ability to think on their feet, meet deadlines and possess the drive and determination to succeed in a dynamic career. If you think you’ve got what it takes then visit: journalismdiversityfund.com and go to Can I Apply? By Andrea Kacayio 4 limelight
Lauren and David
Sutton students interview paralympic gold medallist David Weir for sports festival Double Paralympic Gold Medallist, David Weir MBE, has been interviewed by Sutton students for a short film to be shown at the Sutton Paralympic Festival and Sutton Sports Awards, throughout London 2012. Lauren Hewitt of Carshalton College, was one of three students who interviewed David, for the film, which will be produced and edited by students from Orchard Hill College. “Making the film provides an exciting opportunity for the young people of Sutton to feel a part of the London 2012 Games and support their local sporting hero,” said a spokesperson from Carshalton College. David, was born in Wallington and still lives in the area. He is not only a double Paralympic medallist (Beijing 2008), but also a five times London Marathon winner and double world record holder for 1500m and 5000m. Following his Olympic success in Beijing, David was honoured with an MBE and given the Freedom of the City, in his hometown of Sutton. For more information on the Paralympic Festival and Sutton Sports Awards, please contact Maxine Alexander. Email: Maxine.Alexander@carshalton.ac.uk or ring 020 8544 4558 By a Limelight contributor
Find out how much you can earn after a degree! If you’re doing a degree or set to start one, and need inspiration on what to do after graduating, then check out a fantastic new website from The Careers Group - the University of London’s careers service. The website shows the occupation, employer and salaries of London graduates over the last five years. More than that, it allows you to examine these trends by subject area and then to delve deeper, so that, for example, you can find out the employment destinations of full-time, female, geography graduates over the last one, three or five years. For more information, visit: wlgd.thecareersgroup.co.uk
meet the limelight team! Over 30 talented young people from Croydon, Sutton and Merton helped put this fabulous issue of Limelight together. Here are some members of the team…
Salut, my name is Roxana Hall and I’m the Chief Sub Editor of Limelight, in charge of editing and rewriting articles that need to read better. I’m 13 and attend Wallington High School for Girls. I have an ambition set in stone: to become a doctor and to someday find a cure for conditions as great as haemophilia and as small as grey hair (all hair dye companies can go BANKRUPT MWAHAHAHAHA)! I have been with Limelight since I was 11, and my experience on the magazine has given me a chance to improve my writing and team work skills. I don’t have any intention of leaving Limelight until I exceed the age limit of 25 and so you can be sure to read my written or rewritten features for many years to come! Hello, my name is Andrea Kacayio. I’m a young carer, who looks after an older sibling. I’m 16 and go to Harris Academy, Purley. Later on in life I’d love to become a successful psychotherapist or fashion designer, with my own brand. I joined Limelight to get an insight into the world of glossy magazines. Hi my name is Barbara Bielecka and I attend Croydon High School. I am a 14-year-old with big ambitions that seem to switch every day. One day I want to be a brain surgeon
and the next a worldclass actress. For now my main occupation is being the celebrity editor of Limelight. This amazing programme that is run by young people opens so many opportunities and teaches so many vital skills such as team work and communication.
Hi, my name is Chantelle Phinda. I’m 15 and attend Shirley High School. When I leave school I’d love to become either a film producer or a director. I joined Limelight a few weeks ago and have worked on a few articles. I joined the team because it gives me a chance to do many of the things I would like to do when I’m older. My name is Peter Bint. I’m 20 and unemployed, but looking for work. I’m also an ex-offender and I joined Limelight because I was doing nothing but getting into trouble. Limelight got me off the streets and gave me an opportunity to do something with my life as well as give something back to the community. I want to continue being a journalist after leaving Limelight because I thoroughly enjoy it! Hi, my name is Charlotte Veryard and I’m 16-yearsold. I am currently studying for my A levels at Coloma Convent Girls’ School in Croydon. I joined Limelight in January and have thoroughly enjoyed working on this issue. Limelight has really helped me with my writing skills and given me an insight into journalism. When I am older these skills will be
invaluable as I would like to become a journalist. I have worked on various stories for this issue and was elected to be Deputy Editor. Hi my name is Devan O’Donnell. I’m 11 and go to Oasis Academy, Coulsdon. After leaving school I would like to become a Solicitor, Dentist orJournalist. I joined Limelight last summer and a wide range of great opportunities opened up for me, including interviewing Cover Drive at Universal Studios in central London and then seeing them support Dappy in concert at The O2. I joined Limelight as I saw it as an opportunity to have fun, while improving my chances of securing a great career in the future. Hello fashionistas! I’m Jennie May Thompson, 21 yearsyoung and my role is Fashion Editor. Fashion is a form of self-expression, anyone can be fashionable by following the latest trends but not everyone can hold their own style. I work part-time for Biba at House of Fraser, but the rest of my time is dedicated to pursuing a career in fashion journalism/PR. I have previously interned at the magazines Cosmopolitan, Sugar and Look. I hope to one day get paid for working at a publication! Peace Out xXx Hi, I’m Josh Monfries, I’m 16 and attend Whitgift School. I hope to go to university to study languages. I love languages, especially oriental languages. One day
I hope to help many people through charity work, both in the UK and abroad.
My name is Kris Meacham and I’m 17. I attend Whitgift in Croydon and hope to go on to do physics at university. I am the current editor of Limelight. I enjoy being part of the team and thought it would be a worthwhile experience when I joined, but it has turned out to be more than worthwhile. I have had the thrill of interviewing Lawrence Okoye, the Olympic discus hopeful and saw The Wanted in concert, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I think others should have the opportunity to do what I’ve done . Luke Thompson I’m 19 and unemployed. Since joining Limelight, I have abseiled for charity, which was really thrilling and exciting and attended a youth event at Crystal Palace Football Club. I’ve also conducted interviews with people, including a firefighter. I’ve done write-ups on these events and interviews, which have been great. I really enjoy being involved in Limelight, but my main ambition is to create a gaming website. Hi, my name is Aishat Animashaun. I am 12years-old and go to Norbury Manor Business and Enterprise College for Girls. I joined Limelight, to improve my team work and communication skills. On Limelight I write, edit and interview inspirational people, such as the fashion designer on the local faces going places
page. I would like to become a journalist.
My name is Greg Lee, I’m 21 and looking for work as I’m unemployed. I write reviews and features for Limelight, and also edit whenever I get the chance! I love reading and writing, and want to use these skills in my future profession as a journalist. I joined Limelight to gain more journalism skills, and I’m having a really good time so far. I’m Terelle Iziren, Sports Editor of Limelight. I’m 14 and go to Harris Academy, Crystal Palace. My main interests are sports and music. Currently, I play the piano but used to play the recorder when I was younger. I joined Limelight because I’m interested in getting into sports journalism. During my 18 months with Limelight, I’ve interviewed the likes of Professor Green, Double Olympic Gold Medallist Dame Kelly Holmes, Mayor of London Boris Johnson and written a profile on Crystal Palace soccer star Sean Scannell. My teachers were so impressed with my contribution to Limelight, that they nominated me for a Jack Petchey ‘Outstanding Achievement’ Award, which I won, when I was 12. Hi, my name is Tianna Haffenden. I go to Norbury Manor Business and Enterprise College for Girls. My passion is to be a journalist or an owner of an academy for journalism, where young children get to do stories on what they learn. limelight 5
Music
matt cardle the music man
M
att Cardle chats about his music and up-coming charity work to Peter Bint, Limelight’s deputy music editor. He also leaves a positive message for Limelight readers who aspire to break into the music industry. Enjoy!
Limelight: What attracted you to music? Matt: Michael Jackson and the fact that music struck a cord with me; I knew it was what I loved the most. Limelight: How did it feel to win The X Factor in 2010? Matt: It was absolutely amazing. I couldn’t believe it was happening to me. Limelight: Did you believe you had a chance of winning The X Factor? Matt: I didn’t think for a minute I had a chance, after watching all the other contestants audition. Limelight: From working in factories and on building sites to now being a
6 limelight
music sensation, how has the change affected you? Matt: It hasn’t affected me. I’ve been trying to get into this position all my life and now I’m finally in a place where I can make it happen. Limelight: I understand that you’re getting involved in Sport Relief. What will you be doing to raise money? Matt: I’ll be involved in a number of charity events around the UK. We’ve already been to Tanzania with Sport Relief to look at the work done there. Limelight: What was the first album you ever purchased? Matt: Michael Jackson’s Bad in the 80s. Limelight: How challenging is it to be a musician? Matt: It is very challenging pushing myself to constantly improve and finding new inspiration for songs. [But] it’s my life and what I love to do. Limelight: Do you have a positive message for young aspiring musicians? Matt: If you want to have a career in the industry, never ever give up trying, just believe in yourself, because eventually other people will too.
Matt Cardle
Local faces going places Alima
Alima shoots for the stars Alima Priest, has recently been selected to play in the England netball team. The 16-year-old from Croydon, was playing for her team Surrey Storm when she was spotted by an England netball player who asked her to attend try outs for the England team. Alima has been playing netball for over five years and started off playing in her school team. Although Alima has now reached the top, pursuing her dream has not always been plain sailing. Alima found that she was too late to get into some netball teams, which meant that she had to wait for a try out. However, this did not stop her from being motivated to reach her goal. Now Alima is a national netball player it means that she has to train seven days a week, while juggling her A levels. Alima, said: “To keep track of my training and up-coming matches I always use my diary; it keeps me organised.” If any of you are aspiring to be as successful as this talented young lady, then take her advice! Alima said: “You must be determined, committed, hard working and really enjoy what you are doing.” By Charlotte Veryard
Adam is vInspired to help others
Former Croydon College student Adam Yasir has spoken of his joy at having been selected as a vInspired award finalist. Adam, who arrived in Croydon five years ago as a refugee from Sudan, decided volunteering would be a great way to “give something back” and help other people in the Adam same way he was helped. Adam, 21, began voluntary work at Croydon Voluntary Action on London Road in West Croydon, and then founded his own charity, The Green Hope Campaign, in 2009, while studying at Croydon College. The main aims of Adam’s charity are to encourage recycling by adding extra bins in classrooms and raise awareness among students and staff about global warming. The charity has since recruited more than 40 students eager to improve their environment, and Adam has been selected as a finalist for this year’s national youth volunteer awards, run by the charity vInspired. At the time of going to press, Adam had just attended the vInspired award ceremony . “I personally didn’t take home an award, but to have been nominated for one at a national level is just AMAZING,” he wrote in a text message to Limelight. Adam, from Thornton Heath is studying for a degree in International Relations at Goldsmiths, University of London. Asked about his plans for the future, he said: “I’m going to carry on studying for my degree then try to work with as many humanitarian organisations and charities, as possible, to be able to help other people in the way they helped me.” By Greg Lee
Ghassimu flies high with the Eagles Ghassimu Sow is a local rising star, striving for long-term success in the competitive world of football. The Crystal Palace apprentice started playing at the age of six and discovered he had a talent for the sport at ten. Now 17, the Arsenal fan, has already tasted great success, having won Crystal Palace Academy Player of the Year in 2010 and getting the call up to represent England in a Victory Shield match against Northern Ireland. “I was delighted to have been chosen and was determined to make myself and my family proud.” The centre midfielder hopes one day he’ll fly the flag for The Three Lions and play for some of the top football clubs in the world. Ghassimu’s favourite player is Ramires Santos do Nascimento of Chelsea and he admitted the soccer star influences his style of play. “I try and copy what he does and add it to my own game.” By Joshua Monfries
Ghassimu
For more inspiring local faces going places, please check out Limelight at Risemedia.org.uk
Chika’s fashion success story
A chief executive of her own company, she’s exhibiting her work at a London festival this year and she’s only 18. The talented teenager laughs in the face of unemployment and proves there are no limits to what a young mind can achieve. The young designer said: “I love fashion so much; it is all I have ever wanted to do.” Her Nigerian roots are projected in many of her artistic fashion pieces as she involves many vibrant colours and fantastic designs in much of her work. The young designer revealed her ultimate dream is to begin manufacturing in Nigeria, a country she feels could skyrocket her career to the next level. This local star motivates young people to follow their dream and never give in to any hurdles found on the challenging road to success. For more info visit: chikacouture.com By Barbara Bielecka
Chika’s design
limelight 7
Nicole
Interview
Ex-doll Nicolegets close to achieving her goal! By Peter Bint and Chantelle Phinda
The ex-pussycat doll with attitude is soaring higher than the stars with her debut solo album Killer Love and its chart topping singles, including the amazing Don’t Hold Your Breath. Nicole has had an exceptionally busy few years, not only making music, but dazzling us with her brilliant performances on Dancing with the Stars - which she won! So how does Nicole feel about these accomplishments and what does the future hold? Limelight as usual has all the answers you want…
N
“I miss The X Factor in the UK because the contestants were bubbly and fun”
icole is ecstatic about the British public’s reaction to her debut solo album, Killer Love. The album’s second single, Don’t Hold Your Breath,went straight to No 1 in the UK singles chart, making it her first No 1 hit as a solo artist. “I’m so happy, I’m so excited and so grateful for my UK, Pussycat and X Factor fans,” she gushed. The amazingly talented singer is also overjoyed about the great success of her mini tour back in February, where she performed for thousands of fans at Hammersmith Apollo, Manchester Apollo and The O2 Academy, Birmingham and because it went so smoothly she promises to be back for more later this year or next year. “My ultimate dream is to have a bigger UK tour, but also a world tour,” she said. “But you’ve got to start somewhere and I’m honoured that I got to star in theatres and the fans came out for the shows.” Nicole is a music lover, and before rising to fame, she
8 limelight
was a musical theatre college student. Nicole expressed her passion for musical theatre by performing at last year’s Royal Variety Performance, blowing everyone away with her rendition of Christine in Phantom of the Opera. “Theatre has a big place in my heart,” she enthused. “There’s nothing like a stage and that’s why I was honoured to play Christine in Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Variety Performance.” Nicole got her break in the music industry on a US reality show and so she was able to empathise with contestants in her role as a judge on both the British and US versions of The X Factor. “I knew what they were going through, how they felt and how much it meant to them,” she said. Nicole loved working on the US version of The X Factor, but loved working on the British version a lot more. “I miss The X Factor in the UK because I found the contestants bubbly and fun and the crowd really outrageous and very outspoken, which I loved.” The singer came second in the US version of The X Factor and when asked how she felt about such an achievement, she said: “I always aim for first. Like Simon says, you don’t go into a competition hoping to come second. But I’m proud of the work I did with Josh and I feel like we won.” In 2013 it will be a memorable whole decade since Nicole with her Pussycat colleagues banded together to shoot for the stars. This talented songstress had her ambition set in stone ever since she received Whitney Houston’s first album and a cassette player as a Christmas present back in 1985 at the young age of 7. “My parents had no money, but they got me this player and Whitney’s album, which had Greatest Love of All on it,” she recalled. “Her voice was so powerful and from that moment on I wanted to sing. I didn’t care about being famous. I wanted to do musical theatre and then make records because I saw how much albums connected with people. Whitney Houston really touched me and changed my life.” When asked about her plans for the future, Nicole said: “After this Killer Love album, there’s going to be another album, and as long as the fans connect and love it, I’ll keep making albums and never stop!” Limelight is grateful for an amazing interview and can’t wait to see what the rest of 2012 has in store for this lovely lady. This feature is based on an interview conducted and supplied by Warren Higgins of Chuff Media
“My parents got me Whitney Houston’s first album when I was 7. Her voice was so powerful and from that moment on I wanted to sing. Whitney Houston really touched me and changed my life” limelight 9
Chillin’ With...
Chiddy Bang! They stormed the USA`s charts, banged up more than 17 million YouTube views with their Opposite of Adults single and rocked the UK charts at No 11, with the popular track. Limelight’s Celebrity Editor Barbara Bielecka and Chief Sub Editor Roxana Hall got a chance to have a chat with Chiddy Bang’s Noah to find out which UK artists he likes, how he got started in the industry and much more Limelight: How did the band form? Noah: In 2008, at the very end of the year, while we were at Drexel University, in Philadelphia. The next year we started making tunes together and audio CDs. I made the beats on all the tracks and Chiddy did all the lyrics. Limelight: How did you get yourself known? Noah: We started asking people around what kind of websites they have and where we could start blogs and we came up with a list of different internet sources. We came up with a list of like 100 different blogging websites where we posted our music in
the hope people would listen. Limelight: How was it growing up in Philadelphia? Noah: It was amazing. It’s a very multi-cultural place with different kinds of music and is an hour away from New York. Limelight: Do you think you have come far since your music career began? Noah: I am not yet at the point of thinking that I’ve made it and that I’m awesome, but I’m happy about how far I’ve come. Limelight: How did you come up with the name Chiddy Bang? Noah: Chiddy is the name of my other band mate. His real name is Chidera, but I don’t know anyone who calls him Chidera apart from his mum and dad. We were writing so many tunes quickly that we didn’t have time to do more work or think of another name. Then we thought of ‘Chiddy Bangin’’ and that’s where we got the name. Limelight: Do you have any role models who inspired you? Noah: Yes, definitely. My main one is Jimmy Hamilton who taught me everything I know.
Quick fire questions
Cricket or American Football? American football, definitely Orange or Apple? Apple Coke or Pepsi? Coke Long-sleeved or short-sleeved? Long-sleeved Night in or night out? Night in Beyoncé or Rihanna? Beyoncé Justin Bieber or Justin Timberlake? Definitely Justin Timberlake. JT is a legend. Justin Bieber has not done enough yet. Limelight: Do you believe in soaring to fame via shows such as The X factor and American Idol? Noah: I don’t really like those shows for two reasons: firstly, to be a real musician you have to make music everyday and be happy with yourself; secondly, it changes the whole music industry, with the winner always likely to get to No 1 with their first single. Limelight: Have you ever felt like giving up? Noah: There have certainly been times when I‘ve felt frustrated, but I’ve never wanted to quit. It’s never been about success, I mean I’ll be happy working in a nightclub or a restaurant as long as I can do music. Limelight: What UK artists do you like? Noah: I like many, especially Wiley. I am a big Wiley fan. But you guys have a whole range of amazing people. You have amazing singer/songwriters and amazing producers such as Labrinth and amazing rappers. Limelight: Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time? Noah: Hopefully becoming a producer and doing tracks for people. Edited by Aishat Animashaun
10 limelight
“Chiddy Bang go opposite the adults.”
LL C ne ws news
Career-ability The London Learning Consortium(LLC) has joined forces with a vibrant youth organisation to deliver an exciting new programme just for you – if you’re unemployed and actively seeking work! London Youth is the organisation and it’s focused on helping you make progress as you navigate your way in a very challenging job market. LLC’s and London Youth’s Islington-based programme, will give you the skills employers really want, but in a new way, thanks to a great team of trainers who focus on who you are and what you want to achieve. The programme includes two residential sessions to be held at London Youth’s Woodrow High House Centre in the Chiltern Hills. The first, over five days will help you to work effectively in teams, solve problems, benefit from numeracy and literacy support if you need it and learn to communicate in ways that get results and boost your confidence. At the end of the first session, you will not only have achieved an award in employability skills, but will have received really solid advice and support to help you decide where your ambitions lie. “The weekend at Woodrow High House takes a fresh look at job market applications, shortlisting and interview technique,” explained Stephen Jeffery, Chief Executive of LLC. “Throughout the whole programme, the support team will help you, not only complete the course, but take the next steps to a bright future, whether that’s a job, an Apprenticeship, or another higher level course.” Courses will run over the summer and recruitment evenings take place from 4pm-6pm on April 18 and 23 at London Youth, 47-49 Pitfield Street, London, N1 6DA (nearest Tube: Old Street). Please visit: londonyouth.effusionlovesyou.co.uk
Job Fit programme
Acres of coverage
LLC enjoyed plenty of media coverage before and after its recent annual awards event. The Sutton Guardian, Croydon Advertiser, Woking Informer and Bromley Times are just a few of the dozen or so newspapers who did positive write-ups on the LLC, thanks to the PR skills of Limelight ›s publisher Rise Media. Rise Media’s PR clients include the University of London’s careers service, The Careers Group.
Are you 16-24 not working or just doing short term casual jobs? If so why not talk to the LLC. We can help you with our Job Fit programme. With Job Fit we are able to identify your strengths and weaknesses and tailor make a support programme to help you into employment. Through Job Fit we can support you with employability skills, literacy and numeracy, confidence building, work experience and vocational qualifications such as: l Business Studies l Retail l Customer Service l Health and Social Care l Childcare l Youth Work Once you have found the job that’s right for you we can support you through your intermediate and advanced Apprenticeships to ensure you enjoy long-term employment and career progression. For further information contact LLC on 0208 774 4040 or e-mail londonlc@londonlc.org.uk
Office worker Sharon wins LLC top gong! Sharon Playle left school without any GCSEs, but refused to let a lack of qualifications hold her back. The determined 20-year-old landed a good job, started an LLC Apprenticeship and now she’s an award winner, having scooped the top accolade at the LLC’s annual celebratory event. Sharon from Bromley, in Kent, was presented with a special award for showing “great initiative throughout the apprenticeship, staying committed, focused and completing the apprenticeship on time,” said Catherine Flattery, LLC Apprenticeship Assessor. Sharon began the Apprenticeship after getting a job as an Office Assistant at the Foyer Federation, a London-based charity, which supports young people. Her role involves answering the phones and doing most of the administration. The LLC apprenticeship enhanced Sharon’s working life and armed her with knowledge of employment rights and entitlements such as pensions. “I’m now better at organising and prioritising my workload, as well as being able to work under pressure,” she said. So how does Sharon feel about winning an award? She said: “I was so shocked and so pleased. I wasn’t expecting it at all!” LLC’s annual celebratory event was held at The Art Workers Guild in central London, in November, where Tim Campbell, winner of the first series of BBC’s The Apprentice, delivered an inspirational keynote speech.
Free courses from April Calling all jobseekers! Are you looking for employment but need to brush up your skills or learn new ones? LLC are offering free fully funded courses for adults aged 19+, who are interested in finding employment. Please call 020 8774 4040 for more information or visit: londonlc.org.uk/ services/courses_starting_from_april/
limelight 11 For more information about LLC's apprenticeships please ring: 020 8774 4040
Alice’s Wonderland Lucy (left) Anna (right) Lucy wears - Lace mint blouse: Primark, £8. Louche jersey pencil skirt: Joy, £28. Iron fist shoes: FYfo.co.uk, £57.99. Blue blazer, top hat and bow tie: Stylist’s own Cup and saucer set: Joy, £7.50. Cake stand: Joy, £35. Anna wears – White fur shrug: Stylist’s own Louche dale floral print dress: Joy, £55. Shoes and necklace: Stylist’s own
Anna wears – Pink collared blouse: Primark, £10. Floral skinny camel jeans: Primark, £13. Suede style wedges: Primark, £16. Necklace: Stylist’s own
Do you remember Through the Looking Glass and Alice in Wonderland? Picture yourself at the tea party with Alice, the Mad Hatter and the March Hare. Then watch the untold story of what really happened in Alice’s wonderland unfold in front of your eyes…….. t’s snowing outside as Alice stumbles into an open field where a tea party has been set. She notices that no one is around, but is tempted by the cupcakes, placed on the table in front of her. Suddenly the Mad Hatter and March Hare appear. “Who are you, my dear?” quizzes the crazy old man in a top hat and blue jacket. “Well I’m Alice, of course, who are you?” asks Alice in a brattish tone. Covered in white fur and looking rather like an intellectual Easter bunny the March Hare screams: “She’s Alice, She’s Alice”, and the Mad Hatter’s evil grin spreads to his eyeballs. “Alice mmm. Alice you look pretty tasty, ” enthuses the Mad Hatter. Alice starts to feel nervous and uncomfortable. Staring into the crazy eyes of the stranger before her, she begins to wish that she’d never ventured out on her own. The Mad Hatter and March Hare slowly come towards her and in a moment of panic she grabs a teapot and smashes it over their heads, before pounding them to the ground. With one final blow, Alice finishes the bludgeoning. As she stands above the bloody mess a shrieking cackle emerges from her lips. Taking the Mad Hatter’s clothes, she wipes off the blood and dresses herself in them. “I can’t believe you just did that,” shouts a familiar voice from behind. Alice turns and there stands her best friend, Anna. Holding the rabbit’s head up in glory, Alice asks: “Do you fancy some tea?”
I
Lucy wears – Slip dress & belt: Very.co.uk, Fur coat, boots & necklace: Vintage
Top trend lace
Lace is something we just can’t get enough of this season, so whether it’s that dainty tea dress or head to toe lace mania make it stand out! Don’t be afraid to experiment. Too much lace is not something to be afraid of, look at Valentino, Miu Miu and Louis Vuitton’s Spring Summer collections for further inspiration. To your left, our model Lucy is wearing a mint Primark lace blouse only £8 and bang on trend – our top buy! 12 limelight
Anna (left) Lucy (right) Anna wears – Rose quilted jacket: Primark, £22. Cream blouse: Primark, £10. Denim shorts: Primark, £12. Pink tights: ASOS Lucy wears: Cream lace blouse: Stylist’s own High waisted skinny jeans: Primark, £13. Necklace: Stylist’s own
limelight 13
Abseiling
That’s one small Step for Man
Anna wears - Peach maxi dress: Christina Dami, £550. Stockings: Vintage
Trend Alerts for Spring Our favourite trends for this season are:
Print: Polka Dots Colour: Mint Fabric: Lace
Lucy wears - Sequin maxi dress: Luxe at Very.co.uk, £60. Corset: Corset Art, £110. Stockings: Stylist’s own
one Giant Leap for Charity! Limelight’s Peter Bint and Luke Thompson threw caution to the wind and jumped off a tall building to raise money for charities through Croydon Commitment, which helps businesses engage with local community organisations. Here’s what they had to say about their exhilarating experience!
Peter Bint Would you ever go abseiling? I grabbed an opportunity to abseil for charity and trust me, it was amazing! The day was February 24 2012. We (Luke and I) met at 12pm outside Voyager House, where the jump took place. After handing in the money I had raised, I headed to the back of Voyager House where everyone was standing, watching and waiting for the next person to jump down the building. Luke and I were prepped and then we were strapped in to our harnesses. I looked up at the building. It didn’t look too high, so I said to Luke: ‘This is going to be easy.’ But it wasn’t easy at all, as I soon realised when I stood 85ft high above Voyager House, looking down on everyone. The adrenaline started pouring through my body, and then
14 limelight
Peter and Luke
Lucy (left) Anna (right) Lucy wears – Spot print skirted dress: Joy, £39. Vintage Shoes, bag and pearls: Stylist’s own Anna wears – Polka dot print dress: Very.co.uk, £20. Shoes: Primark, £12. Socks and belt: Stylist’s own
Snow unexpectedly fell in London on Sunday February 5 2012, but despite this, Limelight’s Fashion Editor, Jennie May Thompson, and a talented young team comprising models and a photographer, braved the harsh weather conditions to bring you this fabulous fashion spread.
Peter set for safe landing
the possibility that this could be the last thing I’ll ever do began running through my head. I started feeling dizzy and my lunch nearly joined the outside world, lol. After I was strapped in with a rope, I knew there was no going back. I then started to jump down and before I knew it, I had reached the bottom. ‘Phew!’ I said to myself as I touched solid ground. I raised a total of £50 for Croydon Commitment and so I would just like to say a big thank you to all the people who sponsored me! I would also like to thank Croydon Commitment and my boss Adeline for giving Luke and me this opportunity.
Luke Thompson
Abseiling down the 85ft Voyager House building three times for charity was a thrilling and exciting experience and thankfully, the nerves abated after the first drop. The day started off with me handing in my £70 sponsorship money to Rebecca Wells from Croydon Commitment, then sitting anxiously as I waited to be called up for the jump. It wasn’t long before I received the call. I walked around the building, with Peter and looked up, thinking: “This is going to be easy.” But the minutes leading up to the
abseil were mixed with emotions. I felt nervous, yet excited and happy because I was doing this for a good cause. Around five of us packed into a lift, bound for the top floor of the building. Once we got to the top, we walked a few more steps before we reached the roof, where two professionals tightened our gear and assured our safety. They then harnessed Peter and me on to a rope and our stomachs churned. Then my heart started thumping as I made my first jump off the building. Peter and I decided to race each other down the wall, to make it more exciting. As I bounced and jumped several times down the building, each jump became easier and easier and before I knew it, I had reached the ground where I received a round of applause from spectators, who included, my mum and my sister, Jennie. I jumped a further two times and afterwards got a gift bag from Jury’s Inn, containing things such as a pen and a nail file. Peter and I then went to a small reception at the Inn, with our families, where we tucked into sandwiches, cakes, biscuits and drank water and coffee. Overall, abseiling was an amazing experience and I would love to do it again!
Luke takes the plunge
limelight 15
careers
7 keys to a winning CV
Writing a winning CV is a skill that can be learnt. In 7 Keys to a Winning CV: How to create a CV that gets results, Mildred Talabi shares the seven fundamental keys to creating such a CV. If you take the time to apply each of these keys to your own CV, you will soon find yourself with a winning CV!
Key no. 1: Know your target
Generic CVs do not work – your whole CV should be geared towards the industry you would like to work in and the type of job you would like to have within it.
Key no. 2: Get in order
Your information should be arranged in a way that is clear, structured and tailored to your industry. A skills-based CV layout where your skills are the main focus works best for most sectors.
Key no. 3: Engage your intro Your intro should be a very quick summary of who you are, what you’ve done and what the employer can hope to see in the rest of your CV. Think of this like a trailer to a movie or some 16 limelight
blurb on the back of a book – keep it short, sweet and to the point; no more than 2-3 sentences.
Key no. 4: Reveal your skill
sometimes be inaccurate. If in doubt, get a fresh pair of eyes to look over it.
Key no. 7: Sell, don’t suffocate!
There is no need to include absolutely everything you have ever done in life on your CV – only what is relevant to your target market (remember key number one). Two pages is the best length for a CV; three if you really need to. The few exceptions include academic and technical CVs which can, and often need to be much longer.
? ng ni ai Tr or nt me oy pl Em n, io at uc Ed not in Get ready to move on in your life with support from BELS!
7 Keys to a Winning CV: How to create a CV that gets results is available on Amazon and in all good bookshops. For more information, visit: mildredtalabi.com
A skill is something you are good at, whether naturally or developed by training. When listing your skills, it is very important to remember that a skill does not have to come from a work environment – often extra-curricular activities such as community or voluntary work or religious membership roles give you vital transferable skills you can include on your CV.
Key no. 5: Looks can kill!
Content is king but presentation is very important also – the key is to make your CV as clear and as easy to read as possible. When choosing fonts, avoid Times New Roman as it is very outdated. Go for more modern fonts such as Tahoma and Verdana – Arial only if you really have to!
Key no. 6: Check it out
Spelling and grammar mistakes are a big turn off for employers and so be diligent about getting this right. Do not overly rely on Microsoft Word spelling and grammar checker as this can
Mildred
y l d n e i fr r u o l Cal team on
0 0 7 0 6 2 7 8 020 email:info@bels.org.uk
3rd Floor, Surrey House, Scarbrook Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 1SQ
Advertorial
London Learning Consortium’s Annual Celebratory Event The London Learning Consortium (LLC) held their first ever annual celebratory event in November 2011 to launch their new employment agency, LLC Recruitment and celebrate the achievements of LLC apprentices. Tim Campbell, having been crowned the winner of the first series, of Lord Alan Sugar’s The Apprentice was the inspirational speaker at the event. He caught everyone’s attention with praise for not only the efforts of young hard working apprentices but also his exciting journey from winning The Apprentice to setting up his own social enterprise – The Bright Ideas Trust. The Trust helps young budding entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds start business ventures, by giving them greater access to start-up finance and real business mentors. The highlight of the event was celebrating the success of the LLC learners, their hard work, and achievements. It was with great pride, that LLC’s Assessors and Tutors watched, as a large number of learners collected awards for successfully completing their Apprenticeships. The atmosphere, already radiating with positivity was further enhanced as LLC recognised a number of learners, nominated for specific special achievement awards. Although choosing a winner was a difficult decision, as the calibre of the nominees was so high, three lucky people were presented with specific awards by LLC’s chair, Andy Wilson. They were: l Sharon Playle, of The Foyer Federation, who won a Special Achievement Award l Jamie-Leigh Clark, of Surrey County Council, the winner of Learner of the Year Award for 16-24-year-olds l Kimbia Rogers, from the Greenwich Association of Disabled People, who won Learner of the Year Award, in the category for over 25s
Kimbia Rogers, winner of Learner of the Year Award (25+) and Sharon Playle, winner of the Special Achiever of the Year Award
Reviews
Lawson
live
Lawson 3.5/5 The show kicked off with support act, Mike Hough (previously seen auditioning on The X Factor). His superb vocals wowed the crowd and by the end of his set, it was so hot in the room that we could imagine steam pouring out of Lawson’s guitars as they strummed away. To our satisfaction Lawson did not disappoint, singing gloriously in tune and playing their instruments to perfection. Even Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber (who may I add was standing a few feet away from us) nodded in approval! There’s an indie edge about Lawson, which makes them different from other bands on the scene. Although, to their dismay I would not class them as an indie rock group as they are far from Pete Doherty and Oasis. I am inclined to create a new genre for them. This would be a pop rock genre that represents rugged raw motivated talent with wide appeal. Overall, Lawson are a genuine bunch of guys who enjoy creating musical magic. I can see them doing very well this year! By Jenny May Thompson and Page Perrior
Tim Campbell, first winner of BBC’s The Apprentice with Adam Hess, Edinburgh Fringe & Chortle Student Comedy Award winner, who hosted the event
DVD
Warrior 5/5
Luisa Short, LLC’s Management Services Administrator receives her certificate from Andy Wilson, Chair of the LLC 18 limelight
I’m not usually a fan of sports films, so I was a bit sceptical when I first went to see Warrior. It was, without a doubt, the biggest surprise of my life that I actually really enjoyed it! Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton both gave Oscar worthy performances playing estranged brothers who entered the ultimate
boxing competition. The film kept me on the edge of my seat throughout, as the character development was brilliant and the cinematography simply perfect. It was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish: there were ups and downs, smiles and tears; it had everything you could want from a story. It felt genuine and real, which made it hit me that little bit harder in the heart. Absolutely outstanding, I can’t recommend it enough.
Seven Keys To A Winning CV is jam-packed with amazing quality advice, that will make you a CV writing expert by the end of the book! All I can say now is go get this book as soon as possible!! The seven key to a winning CV are: 1. Know your target! 2. Get in order! 3. Engage your intro! 4. Reveal your skill! 5. Looks can kill! 6. Check it out! 7. Sell, don’t suffocate! By Chantelle Phinda
Album
By Greg Lee
Book
Seven Keys To A Winning CV 4/5 After just reading a few pages of this fantastic book, I was filled with new ideas on how to improve my CV. One major lesson I learnt was that employers get bored with looking at old fashioned fonts such as Times New Roman and so changing this small detail could mean you have a CV that’s more visually appealing to a potential employer. The book highlights the fact that writing a winning CV is a skill that’s easily learnt. The book also shows the importance of avoiding CV crimes, such as the use of meaningless words, ie ‘conscientious approach to clientele situations’. Set out in an easy to read format, the book has 81 pages, which means you won’t spend the rest of eternity reading it. Plus it has a comical side, which makes the idea of writing your own CV a lot less boring.
Breakfast Chiddy Bang 3/5 After their hit single Opposite of Adults, which was released in February 2010, people have been wondering when they were planning to release some more awesome tunes. Well, now they’re back with their debut album, Breakfast! Named after one of their songs, it was released in February and prior to its release, two of the album’s tracks had already raced up the singles charts - Mind Your Manners, which was released early last summer and Ray Charles, which was released in November. Chiddy’s unique style, catchy lyrics and awesome beat promises to get you out of your seat. However, after listening to the whole album, it gets boring as you realise… the songs all sound the same!) You have to be in a particular mood to listen to the duo. To appreciate them for the talent they are, I would suggest shuffling the album with other songs. By Joshua Monfries limelight 19
Lawson
Rugged Raw Motivated Talent Cheeky upcoming pop rock group, Lawson, are four guys who are looking to take on the world with their musical talent. Having previously supported Avril Lavigne, Will Young and The Wanted, Lawson - consisting of Andy Brown, Adam Pitts, Joel Peat and Ryan Fletcher - are set to do very well this year, with many admirers in the industry cheering them on.
20 limelight
Limelight interviewed the band at the Islington Academy in January and then watched them perform on stage. Ahead of the concert, the Islington Academy was crowded with gorgeous girls eagerly anticipating Lawson’s stage performance. Were they groupies, fans or girlfriends? Who Knows? We didn’t have the time to find out, as we were ushered backstage, where the band greeted us. The backstage area was full of equipment, so much so that
there wasn’t even room for chairs! We stood in the cramped yellow lit room, yet the mood was bright and this shone through like a UV light. Finding the nearest available space, we began our questioning, and throughout the interview we exchanged many smiles and jokes. Their uplifting attitude was welcoming and for a while we were able to ignore the fact that we were in what seemed like a broom closet... Limelight: Are you excited about the gig tonight? All: Very Excited Limelight: You seem quite relaxed, don’t you? Andy: You know what Jennie, we’re just preparing. We’re just having a drink, trying to relax. Limelight: What, with a bottle of water? Andy: Well, we’ve got a Wagamamas coming in a minute, which should be quite interesting. But yeah, we’re excited and so glad this is the first London gig where we’ve sold out all the tickets. Limelight: You obviously like Wagamama’s but what’s your favourite take away? Adam: I don’t like Chinese Ryan: I like Chinese Adam: I like Italian, I prefer It. Limelight: You used to be called The Grove. Why did you change your name to Lawson? Ryan: The Grove comes from a place in LA , where we go, but Lawson means more to us. Limelight: Why does Lawson mean more to you?
Adam: Well, Andy had a brain tumour and the name of the doctor who treated him is Lawson and so we thought it would be meaningful if we named the band after him Limelight: Do you ever get stage fright? Adam: We get really hyper before shows and of course we are nervous, but excited. Limelight: What was it like supporting The Wanted? Adam: Yeah, we love The Wanted. Limelight: Where do you see yourself in five years’ time? Adam: Well, we would like to be as big as Adele. Ryan: Not literally though! Adam: We’re also inspired by Ed Sheeran; he had such as successful year in 2011. Limelight: Who would you like to collaborate with? Joel: Taylor Swift Adam: Bruno Mars Andy: John Mayer Limelight: We haven’t had a famous boy band who can play instruments since Mcfly. How do you reckon you compare to them?
“We would like to be as big as Adele” Andy: We’re nothing like Mcfly; we see ourselves as more of a rock band. Limelight: What do you think makes a good boy band? Ryan: You used the b word !!! Limelight: What, boy band? Adam: Boy bands remind us of the 90s and Take That. Can you just call us a band? We don’t like the stigma that’s attached with the label ‘boy band’. Andy: Yeah we would prefer to be called a man band rather than a boy band. Limelight: OK, then so what makes a good ‘band’? Joel: Making a good band is all about communication. We all get on really well, and it wouldn’t be the same with anyone else. Limelight: Who do you look up to in
the music industry, then? Andy: We aspire to be like The Script. Ryan: Yeah, their album is really good. Limelight: Who writes the songs? Adam: Andy writes the songs. They’re all about his ex and breaking up. Andy: If you ever experience a bad break up, you should listen to the album. Limelight: Does he ever write songs you think are really rubbish? Joel, Adam and Ryan: Yes!! Andy: Out of every one hundred songs there are only about 10 songs which we use. Adam: More like 10 out of three hundred! Limelight: OK, last question, would you ever date a groupie? All: Yes! Joel: Definitely Andy: I would date a groupie and I’ve dated many groupies in the past. Thanks for your time guys and good luck with the show tonight. Interview by Jennie May Thompson and Page Perrior Words by Jennie May Thompson
You can make the news Are you interested in beginning a career in journalism but need help funding your training? Are you a British citizen residing in the UK? Do you have the drive and determination to succeed in a demanding and dynamic career uncovering the news and delivering it to your community? Are you passionate about current affairs? Can you think on your feet? Can you work to deadlines? We are looking for people from socially and ethnically diverse backgrounds who need help funding their journalism training. If you think you might meet the criteria and want to find out more about our application and selection process, check out our website:
www.journalismdiversityfund.com
Become a journalist with our help
Ardent Palace fan Peter with two of the team’s players
BELS
it all went swell cos bels did well! In response to the riots, Business Education London South (BELS), a charity which helps 16-24 year old find work, joined forces with Crystal Palace Football Club and the young people of Croydon to host a one day youth event. Called Action for Impact, the event sought to counter the negative perceptions of young people in Croydon and showcase the range of activities and support available to those looking for work. Limelight’s Peter Bint and Luke Thompson went along to the event
E
xtraordinary is the word to describe how well BELS executed the “Action for Impact” event in the players’ lounge at Crystal Palace Football Club. The event provided an opportunity for young visitors to have fun in workshops such as music, art, communications and sports. The music production workshop, which was run by Croydon Youth
Case Study: Tom Pugh Tom Pugh, who wants to become a train driver, was one of the BELS’ young people who helped organise Action for Impact. “I am 20-years-old and started BELS in March, last year. Since then, they have taught me precious Tom Pugh interviewing skills and helped me create a CV. I have now had numerous interviews and I’m looking to start my career as a train driver very soon!”
22 limelight
Development Trust, provided young people with the chance to create a sample of music using a professional mixer. This was very appealing to young people keen to work in the music industry. The communication activity was led by Karen Azaadi and Sue Murkin of BELS, who read out to young people, news headlines, following the riots. Karen and Sue gave young people an opportunity to come up with alternative headlines from their perspective. Some of the headlines created on the day included ‘Croydon Youth Take the Rap’ and ‘Achievements go Unnoticed’ Sports activities on the day included table tennis and they were organised by Crystal Palace Football Club. The arts activity gave people a chance to show off their creativity on a black canvas surrounded by buildings. It was organised by Positive Arts, a graffiti street arts company, working to inspire and empower young people. Action for Impact took place on February 2 2012. It was organised by BELS’ young people, as well as the organisation’s staff and Crystal Palace Football Club.
“Only 0.07% of young people commit violent crimes, but 25% of adults asked, thought over 50% of young people commit such crimes”
To find out more about BELS’ work, we had a chat with the charity’s senior project manager, Sue Murkin Limelight: I understand that BELS help young people aged 16-24. Can you please give examples of what you do? Sue Murkin: We work with this age group as long as they are not in employment, education or training. We help them create great CVs, focus on what to say in interviews and communicate well with employers. We also introduce them to different experiences such as art projects and master chef competitions, designed to prepare them for work.
Limelight: What do you think can be done to change the negative way young people are perceived in society? Sue Murkin: “The national media need to portray young people accurately. This would be a good start, as youth violence is exaggerated. As Croydon Today accurately reported recently, out of 400 people arrested during the riots, only 24 were aged 25 and under.” Limelight: What do you think young people achieved from the Action for Impact event? Sue Murkin: “The event gave them an opportunity to find out about many of the activities available to them in Croydon, as well as the support available to help them find work.”
Fact file Croydon has nearly 3,000 job seeker allowance claimants, the third highest figure in London, after Newham (3,300) and Tower Hamlets, which has 3,430 – 10% of its young people. Youth unemployment figures have more than doubled in Croydon, Redbridge, Ealing, Havering and Barnet, since 2008.
Sue Murkin BELS’ Senior Project Manager
“Out of 400 arrests during the riots only 24 of those arrested were young people”
Only 0.07% of young people commit violent crimes, but 25% of adults asked, thought over 50% of young people commit such crimes, according to Independent Academic Research Studies (IARS)
limelight 23
Advertorial
croydon college: Today Britain Tomorrow Another year of the world success! for record breaker By Kris Meacham and Joshua Monfries
David Mullane, The Mayor, Councillor Graham Bass and Frances Wadsworth Alex Pamnani, Gordon Smith, The Mayor, Councillor Graham Bass, Frances Wadsworth and Helen Walley
C
24 limelight
Lawrence ended 2011 as the UK’s best discus thrower
Lawrence
The Principal’s Award Winner, David Mullane
roydon College celebrated yet another year of success with its ninth annual awards presentation, which recognised the achievements of over 30 students who studied a range of courses during the last academic year (2010-2011). During the event, held on the evening of March 5, award winners were honoured for a variety of reasons, including excellent exam results, overcoming or dealing with learning difficulties and active involvement in enrichment activities. Frances Wadsworth, Principal and Chief Executive of the College, delivered one of the main speeches, at the event. She said: “Tonight, we can prove that Croydon is full of talented, ambitious and determined students who have
Sports
leading a scout group. “I can’t explain how humbled and honoured I am to win the Principal’s Award,” he said after picking up the top accolade. Over 150 guests and supporters attended the event, including Alex Pamnani, who won the Principal’s Award, last year. After leaving the College, Alex started his own nonprofit organisation, Future4all. The organisation has over 80 representatives at 80 different universities and helps disadvantaged young people get into top universities and workplaces across Britain. www.facebook.com/croydoncollegeofficial @croydoncollege
achieved so much during their time at the College.” This year’s Principal’s Award Winner, selected by the Principal for his outstanding overall achievements while at the College, was David Mullane. He successfully completed the full-time National Diploma in Civil Engineering and is now studying Civil Engineering at Kingston University. Outside his studies, David became an active participant in a wide range of enrichment activities which included helping disabled children in Croydon, volunteering as a football coach and
Lawrence Okoye is an accomplished discus thrower who amazingly set a new British record of 67.73m , after just one brief year of training. Croydon-born Lawrence was just 19 when he became a record breaker, in July, last year. The former Whitgift pupil joins a growing breed of great British athletes, including Rebecca Addlington, who are breaking records at a very young age. After we congratulated him on his achievement, he said “Obviously, it is good to have a British record at my age, but I plan to improve and break a lot more records.” Success often comes with sacrifices and in September 2010, Lawrence Josh, Lawrence and Kris
sacrificed a promising career as a junior rugby player, to devote himself fulltime to discus training, with a view to representing Britain in the Olympics. “I still hold a passion for rugby and enjoyed the time I played the game – it’s just a shame I can’t pursue both sports.” Lawrence has lots of hopes and dreams for the future. He would like to go to university and return to playing rugby, but for now his mind is focused on securing a place in the London Olympics. He said his chances of getting into the Olympics were “pretty good”. And he’s right.
If he finishes in the top three at the Olympic trials in June, he’ll be off to London 2012. “I just need to perform at my best and when I do that anything can happen,” he said confidently. To close the curtain on this inspirational meeting with Lawrence, we asked him to tell us who was the most supportive on his climb to the top and what his every day standard diet is like during training. “I would probably have to say the most supportive person was Mr Barnett, my headmaster at Whitgift, as he got me started on the ladder. “As for my diet, it has changed massively. I eat a lot of protein and carbohydrates about six times a day.” Edited by Limelight’s Chief SubEditor Roxana Hall, along with guest Sub-Editors Nicola Maggot Pope and Amber Scott-Mills. limelight 25
Last word with...
Devan hangs out with Cover Drive, before they go on stage, ahead of Dappy, at The O2
cover drive! Photos: Eulan George
Following the success of their previous songs Lick Ya Down and Twilight, Cover Drive’s new single Sparks is set to be another hit. We caught up with Cover Drive to see if they love this twi-lalalala lalalala limelight! By Devan O’Donnell
Limelight: What do you love about the UK? Amanda: Hmm I would say..... T-ray and Barman: NANDOS!!!! (All laugh) ALL: IT’S SOOO GOOD AND THE BEST EVER!!! Limelight: How does it feel to be performing at The O2 (indigo2)? ALL: Incredible, amazing! Limelight: And on the same stage Dappy will be standing?! ALL: We’re massive Dappy fans and so it’s once again incredible! Amanda: It’s amazing to be opening for Dappy [at The 02], as he’s really nice and he has always supported us. When he asked us, we were amazed and obviously we said YES! Limelight: How long are you staying here for? T-ray: Err, we’re here until Wednesday, but we’ve been here for the last three months. Limelight: Do you miss Barbados? Amanda: Aw yeah, we miss it all the time. T-ray: Yeah, it’s a lot warmer there than it is here! (All laugh and agree) Limelight: What it’s like in Barbados? Amanda and Barman: Very chilled and slow-paced. T-ray: We don’t swings from trees though! (All laugh) Amanda: It’s a small community, so everyone knows each other and it’s really relaxing. Limelight: How did you do in school?
26 limelight
Amanda wows the crowd
Bar-man in action
T-ray: You were a nerd (to Amanda). Amanda: What? I wouldn’t say I was a nerd, OK. I was always trying to do my best at school as you have to learn and get an education. I didn’t always have fun at school, as I didn’t always get the subjects that I wanted to study. We didn’t have theatre, arts and stuff like that for me to get where I wanted to go… so I just did my best. Limelight: What where your ambitions 10 years ago? T-ray: Well, I was 8 and wanted to dig up dinosaurs and be an archaeologist. Amanda: I always wanted to be a singer or on stage. Bar-man: Racing car driver! Although that’s no longer my ambition as my car flipped! Limelight: Really???!!! ALL: Yeah Limelight: Was anyone hurt? Bar-man: Well, T-ray was my shield! (all laugh) Limelight: Did you play any sports at school? T-ray: No not really, musicians aren’t really good at sport.
Amanda: Well, these ones aren’t any way! Limelight: What are your favourite sports? ALL (apart from Amanda): Skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding. Amanda: I like football and team sports. Limelight: How would you describe your music? ALL: We call our music cara-pop music because it feels good, it’s relaxed and makes you want to dance. Limelight: Now where do you see yourself in ten years? ALL: Dominating the world! (All laugh and T-ray does evil laugh) Limelight: How did you form a band? Amanda: We were all friends studying performing arts and so T-ray’s mum suggested we form a band. We agreed. Now she’s manager, but we call her momager!
“It’s amazing to be opening for Dappy [at The 02], as he’s really nice and he has always supported us”
The Limelight team want to say a big thank you to our sponsor, funders, advertisers, partners and supporters. They include:
The London Learning Consortium, Business and Education London South (BELS), Croydon College, Croydon Commitment, Croydon Voluntary Action, Carshalton College, Troublemaker Associates (design), The Magazine Printing Company, Primark, Joy, The Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund and The Journalism Diversity Fund
Join our winning team!
Limelight gives 11-25 year olds a chance to have fun while developing key skills such as team work and communication - the kind employers need!
If you like what you’ve read and would love to get involved in social media, design, PR, writing, photography, editing or sales, then get in touch! Contact: adeline@risemedia.org.uk
Com visit e and us!
Croydon College
Open Events 2011/12
Plan your next step by visiting us and: • Find out about the courses. • Meet the tutors. • Speak to students about life at the College.
• Take a look around the College and its facilities. • View demonstrations. • Get a copy of the latest prospectus.
Open Event Dates:
– 2.00pm Saturday 26/11/2011 11.00am – 7.00pm Wednesday 08/02/2012 4.00pm – 7.00pm Wednesday 21/03/2012 4.00pm – 7.00pm Wednesday 02/05/2012 4.00pm
www.facebook.com/ croydoncollegeofficial
.com/croydoncollege
– 7.00pm Wednesday 27/06/2012 4.00pm
T: 020 8760 5914 E: info@croydon.ac.uk W: croydon.ac.uk