The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2013

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Inside this Month APRIL 2013

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JOIN USRelief AND Roundup DO SOMETHING Comic - Page 5 FUNNY FOR MONEY. rednoseday.com Photo credit: Dave Nelson, Trevor Leighton, Rhian Ap Gruffydd, Š Disney, John E. Barrett. In support of Comic Relief, registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland). RND13/231

Adoption & Fostering Our ongoing campaign to help the children in need in our communities

Legal Services - Page 7

Adoption & Fostering - Page 23

EXCLUSIVE - Trinidad & Tobago Carnival After a dreary month of wintry weather, Carnival is here to warm you up! - Starts Page 17

Bright Sparks show off at Engineering Event + other education news - Starts on Page 27

And much more...

Page 2

The Phoenix – April 2013

NEWS 47 – 49 Durham Street London SE11 5JD Tel: 020 7793 4594.

Web: www.wateraid.org

1 St Johns Lane London EC1M 4AR Tel: 020 7012 6400 Email: legacies@savethechildren.org.uk Web: www.savethechildren.org.uk

103 Oak Tree Lane Selly Oak Birmingham B29 6HZ Tel: 0121 248 4850 Email: info@acorns.org.uk Web: www.acorns.org.uk

Young candidates triumph in record city elections

S Weston House 42 Curtain Road London EC2A 3NH Tel: 0800 1111 Web: www.childline.org.uk

tacey Atim-Uma and Elizabeth Williams were elected Members of the UK Youth Parliament through which they will be able to have their say on national and international policy, as will their Deputy Youth MPs Carrie Ball and Kashmire Hawker.

17 young people were elected as Youth Councillors to influence decisions about services for young

local people. They are: Jodie Allen, Noel Allen, Kenneth Benion, Tyrell Brown, Emma Curran, Jordan Kiefer Dearn, Joshua Sami ElWaer, Ashleigh Fergusson, Keiron Howe, Uzma Hussain, Rashae Johnson, Abbie Marney, Talisha McDonald, Miranda Roberts, Summaya Shaikh, Katie Tonks and Amari Wright.

In total, 13,393 votes were cast, a 17% increase on the last Youth

Elections in 2011.

The results were declared before an event at a packed Wolverhampton City Council Chamber with Councillor Susan Constable, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, saying: “Congratulations to all the successful candidates who I am sure will do a really important job for the young people of Wolverhampton.

They will influence council pol-

icy by sitting on the Children and Young People's Scrutiny Panel and will also take part in a variety of forums with decision makers such as the Wolverhampton Partnership and the Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, and carry out consultations with their peers in schools, youth clubs and at big events like the City Show.”

40 Bernard Street London WC1N 1LE Tel: 020 7239 3000 Web: www.gosh.org

Emergency Services Number: 999 Police non-emergency number: 101

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Pie in the sky for humble crust?

C

ountry pub group, Vintage Inns, has launched an official ‘pie’tition to change the official definition of ‘pie’ to include those without the traditional pastry lid.

According to the official definition of what constitutes a proper British pie, a pie is not a pie when

it has a topping that isn’t pastry that means the classic Shepherd’s Pie or Fish Pie are not considered by the experts as real ‘pies’.

Launched in line with British Pie Week, if the ‘pie’tition is successful it will save both Shepherd’s Pie and Fish Pie from the ignominy of being classed, officially, as fake pies.

Vintage Inns spokesperson said: “It’s unfair to us that pies have to have a pastry lid to be officially classed as a pie. What about the traditional Shepherd’s Pie or Fish Pie? What about an Apple Pie with a lattice lid? Surely they are as deserving of a ‘proper pie’ classification as anything with a pastry top?

“We want equality for the clas-

sic Shepherd’s Pie, Fish Pie and all those other fantastic pies which, until now, have been regarded by the experts as poor pie cousins of those with pastry lids. We will campaign to the bitter end to get the definition of pies changed.”

The Phoenix - April 2013

West Midlands PCC building Trust and Confidence

T

he recent ‘Trust and Confidence Summit’ in Birmingham, had special guest and keynote speaker Doreen Lawrence OBE, making her second visit to the city

l PCC Bob Jones

in recent weeks, calling it; "an important opportunity to ensure that community issues drive policing in the West Midlands. That trust and confidence in local policing is taken seriously."

The Summit, chaired by Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Yvonne Mosquito, with some of the city’s leading community figures present, including Maureen Mason, Director of High Urban Growth Enterprise, Birmingham Mind worker, Ibrah Uddin and Steph Keeble from Birmingham LGBT discussed how the police will improve communications with diverse communities by working in partnership.

Commissioner Bob Jones said: "We want communities to have trust and confidence in their local police. We all need to see we are being served by an efficient and fair police in order to feel safe within our neighbourhoods.”

Mrs. Lawrence, founder of the Stephen Lawrence Chari-

table Trust, a national education account. charity committed to providing opThe public now has a voice in portunity and access to disadvan- building trust and confidence in totaged young people, said: day’s police force.

"Police and Crime Commissioners can play a key role in building trust and confidence in policing, and I applaud the work that Bob and Yvonne are doing to bring communities into decision-making. This summit is an important opportunity to ensure that community issues drive policing in the West Midlands."

“We cannot stress how important and valuable your contribution is to both our planning and consultation processes,” PCC Jones emphasized.

The Police and Crime Commission is about ensuring an efficient and effective police force is in operation, all the time. To consult on proposals for structures for engagement with victims groups, options for commissioning victims services and hold the Chief Constable to l Guest Speaker Doreen Lawrence

Page 3

NEWS

l Deputy West Midlands PCC Yvonne Mosquito

INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION!

Easter Egg Mission

l Left to right, front – Asha Bhatia and Pritika Bhatia, back – Dr Tarlochan Singh Bassan, Rick Bhatia, Kuldeep Roopra, Kiren Gupta, Joanne Maher and Harmohinder Bhatia

T

he Children's Ward at Sandwell Hospital this month received a donation of over 100 Easter eggs from members of Sant Nirankari Mission.

Eggs were distributed among the children as a celebration of Easter

and to mark the start of the Mission's worldwide human unity celebrations in April. As well as the donations to Sandwell Hospital, the Mission will also be making donations in other cities including London, Bradford, Leicester and Oxford. Rick Bhatia, form

the Mission, said “We gave 115 Easter eggs... for the benefit of the children and also front line staff whose dedication and commitment we also wanted to recognise during this time.”

Raise your paw for Acorns

M

ake your dog a superhero and join Acorns’ sponsored walk to raise funds for local children’s hospice.

You can take part in the annual Acorns Dog Walk during Children’s Hospice Week and show your support for the vital work Acorns does with local life limited and life threatened children.

The sponsored walk is on Sunday April 28, at 10am in Sutton Park, with owners having the choice to participate in a scenic 3km or 6km walk. Entries cost £5 per dog with proceeds going to Acorns Children's Hospice.

For more information or to register your dog, visit: www.acorns. org.uk/dogwalk.

To advertise telephone 0121 250 3536

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Page 4

The Phoenix – April 2013

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

IAB help launch national Asian business support group

P

rominent Asian business people from Greater Birmingham were part of a highpowered delegation that were recently in London for the launch of a National Asian Business Association (NABA), the first of its kind in the UK. With around 50,000 British Asian businesses in Britain, this is seen as a national voice representing the fast-growing sector.

Nasir Awan, president of the Institute of Asian Businesses, part of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group and his team joined 10 other regional Asian business organisations for the launch which was attended by Business Secretary, Vince Cable MP

Instrumental in forming the national organization, Mr. Awan said: “I am delighted that discussions finally came to fruition after two years. Government support gives Asian businesses a huge amount of confidence to support the economy and help to get the UK out of this economic recession.

Asian businesses, more often than not self-sufficient and Government support gives Asian businesses a huge amount of confidence to support the economy and help to get the UK out of this economic recession.”

National Asian Business Association is being funded by Santander.

Ammo’s

W

H&M Release First Quarter Results

H

ennes & Mauritz have released their financial report for the first quarter of 2013. The Swedish fashion retailer reported increased sales on the first quarter of 2012, however, this didn't prevent a drop in profit.

Net sales for Q1 2013 were reported as 28,392m Swedish Krona (SEK) (£2,884m) compared to SEK 27,832m (£2,827m) reported the previous year. However, profit for the period was SEK 2,458m (£249m), falling from SEK 2,739m (£278m) in 2012.

There are a number of contributory factors to this drop in profit. CEO Karl-Johan Persson said “unfavourable weather conditions during parts of the quarter... meant that sales in the first quarter did not reach our expecta-

New Beat Generation for now & beyond 2013

tions.” it is also reported that the company felt the effects of a negative currency translation, reporting that had exchange rates

been the same as for Q1 2012, sales would have increased by SEK 1.3billion (£132m).

However, despite this, H&M continues to expand at an increased rate, announcing that 350 new stores will be opened compared to the previously planned 325. It has also been announced that H&M will be entering a number of new markets in the coming year, with plans to enter Chile, Estonia, Lithuania and Serbia, with plans to establish a franchise in Indonesia.

H&M will also be entering the Australian market in 2014 as well as launching an extended sports concept.

hen we see a butterfly spreading her wings in the sun, how often do we think of her struggles to escape from the chrysalis? But those long, lonely endeavours are the story behind every success.

That’s the journey you can only take when you’re young.

When your talents are being fully tested and taxed, so you can emerge ready to chase down your dreams. The concrete cocoons of Birmingham’s postwar, post-blitz, post-industrial urban landscape have hatched out generation after generation of creative caterpillars – and still they keep coming! Especially from the city’s Black communities!!

I’ve always believed that Birmingham – once called ‘The City Of A Thousand Trades’ – is really the city of a thousand stories. And because I’ve worked with musicians all my life, their stories are the ones I know best.

We’ve all heard about Ozzy Osbourne – “Straight Outta Aston” to “Welcome to LA”. But there

are so many others. Stories about The Streets, Jamelia, Musical Youth, UB40, Steel Pulse, The Editors, about Apache Indian, Joan Armatrading, Malkit Singh, Napalm Death, Benjamin Zephaniah, Ocean Colour Scene, about The Beat, Fuzzbox, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Duran Duran, Pato Banton. All hatched here in Birmingham.

But what about the new skool, I hear you shouting? Over the past 5 years the city’s black community has hatched and carved out a plethora of new artists encompassing a DIY attitude (DIY meaning Do It yourself with others) Jacob Banks, Laura Mvula, Lady Leshur, Preditah, Roxxxan,C4, Dapz on the Map and many more.

All sharing data, dub plates and downright good will. These are the future faces of the city, all developing major audiences online and off.

But why? Birmingham’s size and scale meant it could become – and still is today – a playground for young people from across the region. Every day young ambitious rule breakers travel in by bus, train or tram from all over. This is why Birmingham is the secret Nashville of the West Midlands! Birmingham is the place for anonymous exploration. Birmingham is where young people come to develop a new identity, as a DJ or an MC, a rapper or a poet, a

guitarist or a graffiti artist.

This is a city full of studio’s that are ‘off the beaten track’, and of dance floors in alternative spaces where reputations can be won and scenes can be started. Birmingham is where the rebel beats kicked off first: 2-tone, UK Ska, the New Romantics, UK Garage, Bhangra and Dub. Birmingham is proof that the city where things happen is not always the hippest city in the world, the biggest city or even the city that always gets things right. But it must be the place where the young people come to make things happen in spite of it all. Because youth is the future, and the future is nearly here!

Watch out for the new beat generation Ammo Talwar MBE CEO Punch Records

Chambers search for top companies and entrepreneurs

T

he search was on to find Greater Birmingham’s leading businesses and entrepreneurs as the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group (BCCG) organised a gala dinner to mark its bicentenary with several awards on offer this month.

With Lord Michael Heseltine as the main speaker, BCCG events director Henrik Court said: “We selected categories that reflect the sort of attributes all businesses need to have today.

Special awards marking the Chamber’s 200th year replicates a stunning brass commemorative figure created for the occasion.”

Businesses will be able to showcase their achievements in front of an audience reaching 1,000,

with award categories including: ‘Excellence in International Business,’ ‘Excellence in Customer Service,’ ‘Excellence in People Development,’ ‘Excellence in Contributing to the Community,’ ‘Excellence in Environmental Management,’ ‘Excellence in Innovation,’ and ‘Future Face of Business.’

The event, at the International Convention Centre, is open to all businesses, regardless of Chambers membership.

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The Phoenix - April 2013

RED NOSE DAY ROUNDUP

Page 5

Red Nose Day 2013

O

n the 25th anniversary of Red Nose Day, Comic Relief once again broke its own record by raising a staggering £75,107,851 for poor and vulnerable people in the UK and Africa.

This year, BT had 2 Red Nose Challenges. Hell and High Water featuring Dara O Briain, Melanie C, Jack Dee, Chelsee Healey, Phillips Idowu and Greg James completing a 5 day challenge, travelling down the almighty Zambezi River in Africa. Miranda’s Mad March took Miranda Hart across 5 major cities in England in a week, completing madcap challenges along the way. Together these two events raised over £2.2 million, with BT pledging £500,000 of that.

A Guiness World Record was broken by British Airways on their way to raising just over £2 million, by staging the highest concert in the world, and the UK Government matched pound for pound Comic Relief’s

By the end of the live show on the 15th, donations to Comic Relief had reached a staggering

own commitment to improving the lives of women and girls in Africa by pledging £16 million.

The night itself, Comic Relief – Funny for Money was packed with pure comedy gold, hosted by a raft of celebrities including Michael McIntyre, Rob Brydon, Dermot O’Leary, Davina McCall, Lenny Henry and Claudia Winkleman. Highlights included Simon Cowell walking down the aisle in front of celebrity friends and acquaintances, only to marry him-

self, Peter Kay’s Stand Up Sit Down for Comic Relief saw the comedian travelling from Belfast to London in the “most gruelling” Red Nose Day challenge to date, and after a 10 year break, Slough’s most famous salesman David Brent returned to screens with a Red Nose Day special - The Office Revisited.

If you want to see any of the highlights from the night, they are available on iTunes for download, with a donation to comic relief included in the price.

*

£75,107,851

Jessie J chops off her locks for Comic Relief!

L

eading the way with her head for Comic Relief was Jessie J, completing her dare on the live show by shaving off her luscious locks to just 0.5mm in length.

Lenny Henry helped to “cut-off” proceedings, then Jeesie’s stylist took control to finish the job.

Speaking afterwards, a relieved Jessie said: “This has been building up for so long and I’m so glad I’ve finally done it. I can’t thank the public and my fans enough for their support in helping raise as much money as pos-

sible for Red Nose Day. Perhaps surprisingly I haven’t been nervous in the build-up to the head shave but I admit I did feel a bit uneasy when Lenny was stood next to me with the clippers, especially knowing that so many people were watching!

It’s all been worth it though and I’m really honoured to have been part of this year’s campaign.”

Jessie also visted Body & Soul, a Comic Relief funded project using money raised through Red Nose Day to help young people living with HIV. Following her visit, Jessie was more determined than ever to raise as much money as possible.

Smithy - A rallying cry for the nation

J

a m e s Corden reprised his role as Gavin & Stacy character "Smithy" on the night at Comic Relief Funny for Money.

Host M i -

chael McIntyre began interviewing the audience, before turning to a Smithy from Billericay, who reveealed he'd raised £64 making flapjacks.

When McIntyre was seemingly underwhelmed by his efforts, Smithy launched into a full on attack on Comic Relief, after asking McIntyre how much he'd given, considering he'd been charged £35 to see him at the O2. Taking to the stage, Smithy shot down Let's Dance for Comic Relief, raged about the sheer number of red noses available, and even proclaimed that Sport Relief, Comic Relief's sister event was just "switching Lenny Henry

for Gary Lineker" He continued into an almost Churchill-esque battle cry to the people, rallying everyone to the cause, even mentioning "What else could you do with a fiver thats better than saving someones life?" before relating to the masses with a comment about the deals at Yates'.

Soon it was clear that Corden was channelling Smithy to address common accusations levelled at events like Comic Relief, that they are more about publicising celebrities than actually raising money for what matters. "It's not about celebrities or TV shows, it's about you."

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The Phoenix – April 2013

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Orvel Douglas: A Community Man In The USA

Health ‘facebook’ AnonCare improve patient wellbeing

A

new digital innovation to help users share health related experiences has been developed by a volunteer at Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) and the Nishkam Civic Association in Birmingham.

Jyotveer Singh Gill with guidance from GNNSJ Chair, Bhai Sahib Dr Mohinder Singh, created AnonCare – a patient portal promoting faith inspired values of compassion and empathy, to the suffering of others.

A Healthcare Communications Specialist, Jyotveer created this platform to empower healthier communities with the right information and network.

AnonCare revolutionizes the way people communicate about health, allowing people to share experiences with others who feel isolated, lonely, and helpless.

Attracting patients worldwide on: www.anoncare.com AnonCare offers free membership gaining access to a range of features including: Joining groups, keep track of information about their wellness, note the presence of new symptoms, share information and lots more.

Jyotveer said: “I am convinced that members of the system can

go beyond self interest and help support others live healthier lives.

Individuals just need to act for the greater good. I would encourage anyone with an interest in health or healthcare to sign up.”

Bhai Sahib Dr. Mohinder Singh said: “The NHS has made a commitment to reduce over reliance on healthcare services and bring care back into the community.

What better way than through the practice of these share values. “ Dr. David Kerr, Consultant Physician and Diabetologist at the Bournemouth Dia-

betes and Endocrine Centre commented: “AnonCare promotes a culture of ‘no decision about me without me’ by encouraging the practice of collecting and sharing good information to improve the quality, safety and effectiveness of patient care. It’s the facebook for health.”

A

popular figure in the community can be stretched to anywhere in the world, and Orvel Douglas is a man who is doing just that. The healthy way!

Born in Birmingham, England in 1964, he moved to the United States in 1993 and his journey into nutrition started over 10 years ago, when he weighed about 198 pounds and he did not like the way he looked or felt. So, Mr. Douglas maintained a focus and he started to read numerous publications on health and nutrition and immediately started changing his diet and exercising.

In about 8 weeks he lost 50

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pounds of fat and transformed his body into a lean, muscular physique.

He continued to work out five days a week, training his upper body and abdominals on Mondays and Fridays and training his legs once a week on a Wednesday. He also performed cardiovascular training in the morning on an empty stomach on the days he was not weight train-

ing.

His diet consisted of 3 meals and two Smoothies eating every 2 to 3 hours to keep his metabolism high and to keep his body in full fat burning mode. He also gave up fried foods, processed foods, salt and sugar.

Mr Douglas is now Certified Nutrition and Diet Specialist with the International Therapy Examination Council (ITEC).

He works for a successful organization

called "BODYSCULPT OF NEW YORK" and was involved in the annual “Children's Health And Fitness Expo" that was held at a Boys & Girls High School in Brooklyn, USA. All day until 4pm, 25 different activities, including Basketball, Archery, Fencing, Football just to name a few and all the children took part.

6 nutrition workshops were also arranged throughout the day, teaching children and parents about healthy living.

He sets the example for children and parents and arranges popular sportsmen to get involved and sign autographs in any session he is involved with. “Brooklyn Fit” is a popular session kindly sponsored

by The Brooklyn Nets basketball team that includes a six week fitness & nutrition program. Some of the players will show up and participate in the program followed by autograph signing.

If you would like to know more about nutrition or Mr. Douglas' particular diet, feel free to contact him by email orveldouglas@yahoo.com

Paralympic star to open Naidex International

P

aralympic Games medalist, Ade Adepitan, will open Naidex National - the UK’s largest disability, homecare and rehabilitation event -at the NEC Birmingham later this month.

Open to trade, health care and care management professionals plus members of the public, Naidex National will welcome more than 10,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors, between 30 April and 2 May, showcasing the latest independent living equipment and services.

Visitors can also attend the free CPD certified Naidex Conference, offering over 55 discussions and presentations in four dedicated theatres by more than 30 UK thought leaders and opinion formers. It’s a vital opportunity for those seeking the latest thought, techniques and independent living strategies.

World Record javelin thrower Nathan Stephens will also attend the event. The three-time Paralympian – who most recently competed at the London 2012 Paralympic Games- will be joining the Invacare team on the mobility stand B130 at 11am on Thursday 2 May

as their special guest.

Fiona Davies, event director for Naidex said: “We’re delighted that Ade will be opening Naidex National and that Nathan will also be in attendance; both are truly inspirational and I’m sure will share some wonderful tales of their amazing Paralympic summer. Ade will be revealing how independent living technology has helped him, while Nathan will talk about how he’s dealt with life’s challenges and experiences having lost both legs in an accident at just nine years old.

Ade added: “I am delighted to have the opportunity of attending Naidex National and to open the show, especially in the capacity of Invacare’s ambassador.”

The Athens 2004 bronze medalist and TV presenter is an Invacare ambassador and will visit the

Invacare stand to see their latest mobility and independence equipment. The company will be showcasing a selection of its new mobility products and independent living solutions, which include the latest powerchairs, as well as Alber, Kuschall and Top End brands.

They will also show their innovative lifting, bathing and hygiene products that support the company’s brand promise of making life’s experiences possible.

The Phoenix - April 2013

LEGAL SERVICES - SUPPORTED BY

Welcome

W

elcome to the brand new legal services section where we are proud to announce that we have formed a partnership with the Birmingham Law Society.

This partnership will see the BLS providing us with a number of fea-

Ryan Sparrow

Features Co-ordinator

ryan.sparrow@ thephoenixnewspaper.com

tures in this and future editions of The Phoenix.

I

am law graduate from Nottingham Trent University, having a particular focus on commercial areas of the law.

In this edition, we have an introduction to the BLS and what they do and also a piece on the pro bono work that they do. We also have Jennifer Housen's monthly piece on immigration law.

In this section of The Phoenix, I will provide you with the latest legal news and advice in a manner which is informative, helpful and easily understandable.

Legal News in Brief

T

he three main political parties have come to an agreement on the regulation of the press.

They have agreed to set up an independent regulator, with the use of a royal charter.

A royal charter is passed by the Queen and is not a law made by parliament. The royal charter will state that it can only be amended by a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of parliament. This will involve minor amendments to two laws. Firstly, the Crime and Courts Bill will include a provision making it advantageous to publishers to sign up to the regulator. Secondly, the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill will provide that a royal charter can only be changed by a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament.

Each political party is claiming victory from the agreement, while members of the press remain divided.

This month we also heard the plans of the home secretary, Theresa May, to take the UK out of the European Court of Human Rights.

This has found support from justice secretary, Chris Grayling.

However, the plans will not go ahead unless the Conservatives win a majority in the next election in 2015, as the Liberal Democrats will not approve such a move.

Lib Dem MP Chris Huhne and his ex-wife, Vicky Pryce, have both been sentenced to eight months in prison for perverting the course of justice.

The offence relates to Huhne asking Pryce to take points for speeding so that Huhne could keep his driver's licence. The con-

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm Saturday & Sunday Closed

Page 7

viction all but ends Mr Huhne's promising political career.

The trial against Mick and Mairead Philpott and co-defendant Paul Mosley continues.

The case relates to the deaths of six of the Philpotts' children, with each defendant pleading not guilty to six counts of manslaughter.

The case has brought to light a number of startling facts about the Philpotts' private lives, including that Mr Philpott hadn't bathed in 12 weeks prior to the fire that caused the death of his children. It has also come out in court that the three defendants had a threesome just hours before the fire started and that the Philpotts also went dogging 'about once a month' which saw Mrs Philpott fall pregnant to a stranger and have an abortion. Mr Philpott also admitted in court that following the death of his children, he started smoking cannabis regularly to help him 'cope with what was going on'.

Danny Nightingale, the SAS sniper who was sentenced to 18 months military detention for illegally possessing a pistol has had his conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal after it was found that he had been under 'undue pressure' to plead guilty.

Mr Nightingale had been convicted following the discovery of a 9mm Glock pistol and 338 rounds of ammunition at Nightingale's Hereford accomodation, which Mr Nightingale said had been given to him as a gift whilst he was in Iraq and that he had forgotten about it. He will now face a retrial.

In each edition, I will provide news and advice that is important to all members of the community, including areas such as immigration, employment and family law.

It is hoped that this section will help to establish links between the legal profession and the wider public and break down barriers to legal advice for ordinary people.

If you have any legal problems that you would like advice on, email me at ryan.sparrow@thephoenixnewspaper.com.

B

About

irmingham Law Society or BLS, as it is affectionately known, was established in 1818.,The Society has grown in size since then and rapidly over the last 5 years.

It represents more than 4,000 members of legal profession across the whole of the West Midlands - including Solicitors, Barristers and Law Students. As well as supporting lawyers across the region, BLS: • helps the public to find specialist lawyers; • lobbies Government on changes to the law; • speaks out in support of legal aid and free legal advice schemes; and • and runs a complaints

Education Law Child Care Law Harassment Law

conciliation service.

Lead by an elected President and officers, BLS has a small and very hard working team of office staff based in central Birmingham. The Society’s governing body is its elected Council which comprises local lawyers and representatives from the academic and voluntary sectors. Meanwhile a recently appointed Board of Directors looks after its business activities.

Society members volunteer to work on specialist law committees looking at the detail, for example, of the inner workings of the criminal, family, employment and property laws.

The Society builds links with local law students, the Judiciary and Members of Parliament as well as the local business community.

Further afield BLS promotes links with lawyers in other counties.

In recent years BLS has helped promote Birmingham as a business destination with foreign law firms from Spain to India and beyond.

BLS is often consulted by the Government on proposals for new legislation and also provides training courses to its members on current legal issues.

Drastic cuts in legal aid are being brought in on 1st April as part of the Government’s austerity measures.

These will include the withdrawal of legal aid for family matters. BLS and others are concerned about the effect these changes will have on a range of individuals who will be left without legal representation and so without effective access to justice.

The full impact of these and other changes is yet to be felt but coming on top of cuts in funding for law and advice centres the effect will inevitably be to make it harder to find legal advice on your local High Street.

It is envisaged that BLS has a busy time ahead!

Martin Allsopp & Eileen Schofield Birmingham Law Society.

Tel : 0845 475 1996 Employment Law

0121 270 1566 Injunctions Law Fax: 0121 523 5295 Domestic Violence Law

SOLICITORS in England and Wales. Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. www.sra.org

Branston Court, Branston Street, Birmingham, B18 6BA

Page 8

LEGAL SERVICES - IMMIGRATION

with Jennifer Housen

The Phoenix – April 2013

Love Across Borders

W

elcome again to our Immigration Advice Page. We encourage questions but strongly urge you to seek individual advice on your particular circumstances. Our focus for this month is the effect of the law when the love of your life is from a non-EEA country.

How do you approach the immigration issue of your nonEEA partner coming to the UK to live with you here?

Although there are some limited provisions for fiancé/fiancées, the primary immigration rule is that the partner seeking to come to the UK must be a spouse, or unmarried partner or same sex civil partner. The partner living in the UK must be a British

national, EEA National resident in Britain, or Non-EEA National with Indefinite Leave to Remain.

In order for your partner to join you in Britain five main criteria must be satisfied: you have both met, are married, have a genuine relationship, adequate accommodation and sufficient funds in the UK. Unless yours was a cultural wedding allowing for persons to marry without meeting each other, most persons will easily meet the first and second criteria. Also, most persons in the UK rarely have difficulty with accommodation as, even if it is inadequate, you can change to a new tenancy. It is the funds and the relationship requirement that tends to cause problems for Applicants.

The funds requirement has now been made simpler. Since July 9, 2012, the law is that the partner in the UK must show an income of at least £18,600 per year (but if you get certain benefits you are exempt from showing this).

This makes it easier, as once this is met, then there is no need for other evidence, such as bank statements. The problem, however, is that if the UK partner makes less than £18,600 per year, he/she

must show savings of £16,000 plus 2 ½ times the shortfall of the salary. So, for example, a UK partner making £15,000 would need to show £25,000 in savings (£16,000+ (£3,600 x 2.5)). Although a gift of cash can be used (e.g., from a parent or sibling) to meet the savings requirement, unfortunately, it cannot be a loan. Letters of financial support from family is no longer acceptable and will not meet the requirement and the application will be refused.

Regarding meeting the relationship requirement, the UK Border Agency takes a zero tolerance to persons who marry to take advantage of the immigration laws. As such, you must show that your relationship is genuine. So evidence of the relationship is needed showing that there is substance to it, for example, documents showing cohabitation, emails and telephone records are helpful. Of course, it will depend on your particular situation.

If you meet the requirements, you stand a good chance of your partner joining you to live in the UK. However, please note that any criminal convictions that your partner has, may be taken into account in the consideration

IMMIGRATION MATTERS What we do: l

l

Deportation/Removal Marriage Visa

l

Children

l

Overstaying

l

Indefinite Leave to Remain

l

Student Status

We: Understand the Caribbean Community Office in Jamaica for your convenience Serving the Immigrant Community since 2005

CONTACT THE SPECIALISTS

The Immigration UK Partnership (Registered Office) 373-375 Brixton Road, London SW9 7DE

020 7738 6081 (876) 754-1170 (Jamaica) To make an appointment in Birmingham call

07572 271691

Authorised & Regulated by the

About Jennifer

J

ennifer Housen is a barrister-at-law qualified to practice in England & Wales. Additionally, she is an attorney-at-law qualified to practice in the USA in the state of New York, and also qualified to practice in the Caribbean island of Jamaica.

Jennifer was born in Jamaica and moved to Britain as a teenager.

of his/her visa application. Once your partner arrives in the UK, however, that is not the end of the matter, as your partner (since July 9, 2012) is under a 5-year ‘probation’ before he/she can get the right to permanently live in

the country.

Contact The Immigration UK Partnership for an appointment in London or Birmingham.

From The Files : A Spouse Applicant’s Story

I

n 2011, Muriel*, a British citizen, married John*, a Jamaican citizen who was an overstayer in the UK. Muriel is employed as a caterer making £13,000 per year. The couple agreed he would return to Jamaica in March 2012 and apply for a spousal visa to return.

On July 10, 2012, John made an application at the British embassy but was refused because they did not show sufficient funds so that they would not likely end up on benefits. John is not sure what to do.

Although the government implemented a policy that overstayers in the UK had to seek permission and get a certificate to marry, this violated a person’s human rights and it was subsequently abolished.

So, even if a person is an overstayer in the UK, he is not prohibit from getting married in the UK. This of course meant that Muriel and John were legally married in the UK. John’s decision to leave the UK and apply was the best course as applications in the UK can take years, but an application to a British embassy takes only a maximum of three months.

If John had previous convictions in the UK, the deci-

sion to leave the UK to make the application must be taken with care and legal advice, as convictions can impact the application.

As John had no criminal convictions, this was the better option for them as it speeds up the process and John could return with the ability to work immediately on his return to the UK. John was refused because of the new law of July 9th. As Muriel’s salary was lower than £18,600 she needed to show savings of £30,000 based on her £13,000 salary. John can make a new visa application any time in the future, but only if his wife’s salary increases, or they have amassed savings which take them over the law’s requirement. *Not their real names.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general information purposes only. Nothing in this column, or associated pages, advertisements, documents, comments, answers, responses or other communications in connection with it should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. The information in this column and on this page, or viewing of this information does not constitute a legal relationship or legal privilege, nor is it intended to be relied upon, solely or otherwise, as a basis of legal advice for subsequent action.

http://www.facebook.com/immigrationuk

Jennifer gained experience in immigration law having been an oversight Director of Programmes on the Immigration & Asylum Accreditation Scheme when the UK government sought to set an assessment framework all for immigration lawyers and advisors. Building on her academic experience in the area, Jennifer’s immigration practice has helped thousands of applicants with their immigration matters including entry clearance, visitor applications, deportations, removals and leave to remain. She has particular associations with the Caribbean community and has a dedicated immigration office, Immigration UK Limited, in the Jamaican capital of Kingston, which has assisted her many clients over the last few years. She has appeared as a guest adviser on immigration law on several radio and television programmes in Jamaica and the UK. With an expanding immigration practice, and conscious of the needs of her clients in the UK who she had assisted with their entry clearance visas, Jennifer opened The Immigration UK Partnership in July 2011, together with Kemesha Lynch, an experienced immigration solicitor. The Immigration UK Partnership has worked intimately with its clients in their immigration matters including detention, indefinite leave to remain, discretionary leave to remain and deportation matters. The firm continues to go from strength to strength as it takes a personal and sensitive approach to its clients and their needs. The firm further supports its clients and the community by delivering free immigration seminars at various locations/times throughout the year.

The Immigration UK Partnership’s office is in Brixton, London, however Jennifer is able to see clients in Birmingham by appointment. Questions can be asked through the firm’s Facebook page, but responses are limited as individual circumstances differ and may require an appointment.

Jennifer Housen, Barrister-at-law (England & Wales), Attorney-at-law (USANY & Jamaica).

The Phoenix - April 2013

LEGAL SERVICES

l The Pro Bono Founding Committee: Ruth Creed (President), Inez Brown (Vice Chair), Rebbecca Parker and Julia Bates

Birmingham Law Society Pro Bono Committee

P

ro bono is the term for free legal help that provides access to justice for someone who cannot afford to pay for legal assistance and is not entitled to legal aid.

Birmingham Law Society’s Pro Bono Committee was established two years ago by four solicitors who were shortlisted for the Birmingham Law Society Pro Bono Award. Since then the committee has trebled in size1.

Sweeping cuts are due to made in publicly funded legal aid from 1 April 2013. Many solicitors and charities have expressed regret at these plans and lobbied against the changes. Pro bono cannot and should not be a substitute for legal aid. However, these changes are

coming into force and action is needed to ensure that the most vulnerable in our community are still able to access justice.

Birmingham’s lawyers have unique skills which are desperately needed by so many in our society. The Pro Bono Committee aims to support; co-ordinate; promote; signpost; and raise the profile of pro bono work amongst Birmingham Law Society members and the local community.

The “pro bono costs” jurisdiction is now in operation, including within the Supreme Court. If a civil case is won with pro bono help, pro bono costs can be ordered by the court, or included in settlements. The costs cover any period when free representation was

provided and the amount is based on what a paying client would recover. The costs must be paid to the Access to Justice Foundation, which distributes the money to agencies and projects that give free legal help to those in need.

The Birmingham Law Society Pro Bono Committee should be the first port of call for members of the local community, lawyers and voluntary sector agencies seeking information about pro bono legal advice and representation. Visit our website or send us an email: http://www.birminghamlawsociety.co.uk/our-profession/probono-services probono@birminghamlawsociety.co.uk

Birmingham Law Society Pro Bono Committee members: Chair: Ruth Creed, Associate, Mills & Reeve LLP; Vice Chair: Inez Brown, Partner, Harrison Clark Solicitors; Rebecca Parker, Associate Professor, The College of Law; Alex Wild, Solicitor, Nicholls & Co; Victoria O'Sullivan, Solicitor, Wragge & Co; Pete Lowen, Birmingham Law Centre; James Dixon, Barrister, No.5 Chambers; Linden Thomas, Solicitor, SGH Martineau LLP; Hannah Ayers, Trainee Solicitor, Bailey Wright & Co Solicitors; Abisola Latunji, Trainee Solicitor, SGH Martineau LLP; Iqbal Mohammed, Barrister, St Philips Chambers; Mark Jones, Barrister, St Ives Chambers.

1

l Some current Committee members: Back Row - Inez Brown, Alex Wild, Julie Bates. Front Row - Kelly Barnett, Louise Costello, Ruth Creed, Rebecca Parker and Victoria O’Sullivan

To advertise telephone 0121 250 3536

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Page 10

The Phoenix – April 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

The Cosmopolitan Cutting Edge Entertainment Magazine

www.streetcredmagazine.com

W

elcome to the new exciting Street Cred Magazine entertainment and lifestyle section to be featured every month in the Phoenix Newspaper.

Myself and assistant editor Daniel Riley will bring you the most funky and glamorous news in the Fashion world, weighty news in the music industry and keeping you in the know with what’s

really hot in gadgets.

Street Cred brings to you what we see as the in thing.

We are very excited about our collaboration with The Phoenix as we are able to reach more readers every month and of course these pages are only a teaser from our 100 page digital edition which you can view online at our website above. SC is always cutting edge bright and devoted to bringing

positive news to our readers.

We also accept editorial contributions and ideas you may have for our section.

Street Cred entertainment is one of the biggest and most credible features you will ever find in a newspaper. We are a 15 year established name brand so what we will bring to you will be the very best international news.

Check out the newest edition of Street Cred out now!

Mark Dwayne Daniel Riley Ian McLaughlin

F

lex FX celebrates the 10th year anniversary in spectacular fashion with a new musical dance extravaganza and bring you Bollywood like you’ve never seen it before.

Bollywood Showstoppers takes place in the worlds no.1 arena ‘The O2’ and the internationally renowned ‘LG Arena’.

The Showstoppers include the beautiful Bollywood icon Bipasha

Basu, the dancing queen Malaika Arora Khan, the sensational Shaan and the rockstar return of Atif Aslam. All performing live and exclusive, supported by the UK’s most popular Bollywood dancers Bolly Flex led by the pioneer Naz Choudhury & classical dance sensation Leena Patel Ticket booking hotline : 0203 544 2277 www.bollywoodshowstoppers.com

THE SHOW EXCLUSIVE

Backstage pictures and story, only in the April edition of Street Cred Magazine

The Stylistics The Sound of the 70s

F

ormed in Philadelphia, in 1966, The Stylistics had a string of success including "You're A Big Girl Now," "Stop, Look, Listen to your Heart," "You Are Everything" and "Betcha By Golly Wow" On the hit Avco Records label.

Known as the Philly group with the sweet love songs, Herbert Murrell and Airrion Love, the re-

maining original group members, keep their institution of 70's music alive.

Now The Stylistics will be bring their unique Sound of Philly to Wolverhampton later this year.

You can see them and witness that soulful sound of the 70s at the Civic Hall this November. Betcha

By Golly make sure you don’t miss them.

The Phoenix - April 2013 Page 11

The Cosmopolitan Cutting Edge Entertainment Magazine

L

egendary super-group Deep Purple will be at the NIA later this year in support of their forthcoming new album ‘NOW What?!’

The British rockers have announced their autumn dates which include the NIA in October.

Produced by Bob Ezrin, one of the most important rock producers of all time, who has also worked with Alice Cooper, Kiss and many others, NOW What?! features 11 new songs with the excellence and elegance of earlier album ‘Perfect Strangers’ and the wild freedom of ‘Made in Japan.’

There will also be a limited edition version with a bonus DVD featuring the band discussing the new album and bonus studio cover version.

Deep Purple, formed in 1968, have become one of rock’s greatest bands, releasing 19 albums over their career. At the 2011 Classic Rock Awards in London, they received the Innovator Award.

ENTERTAINMENT

Laura the Voice of 2013

G

oing by almost unnoticed at this year’s BRITS was a Birmingham singer/ songwriter who despite her low profile at the showcase is already heralded to be the next big thing both here and abroad.

Laura Mvula, form Kings Heath, is wowing music critics for her self-penned debut album; “Sing To The Moon,” which she has just released and with her appearance on The Graham Norton Show recently, her nomination for the Critic’s Choice award has seen her single from the album, ‘Green Garden,’ is getting massive TV and radio play.

She’s currently on tour with Jessie Ware and will be performing dates with Paloma Faith in June.

It’s just reward for the 25-yearold former Black Voices singer who can’t praise the support of her family enough: “My parents always encouraged singing in the

B

rand new show, brand new jokes, same old Jimmy.

family and my brother and sister; James and Dionne, were always instrumental from a very early age It Was non-stop music in our house.” Husband, Themba, is no exception, performing as a baritone with Ex Cathedra.

Ex CBSO receptionist Laura is “one to watch in 2013,” which means she will be watched and judged on a national level, which is all part of her big dream...of becoming the next big thing.

"Gagging Order" promises to be an hilarious night out packed with one-liners, stories & jokes, some clever, some rude and a few totally unacceptable....let's see shall we.

Everybody’s welcome. Just leave your conscience, sense of common decency and moral compass at home and come on out for a laugh.

See Jimmy during his live UK tour, including Birmingham Symphony Hall in May and experience what he does best, his live comedy show.

Feel closer this Easter Send money to your loved ones in the Caribbean at great low fees* Send a or on t agent lo line t c oday ation mon at e

ygram .co.u k

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Receive at:

And anywhere you see the MoneyGram sign

*Subject to agent hours of operation and local regulations. Post Office, Thomas Cook and Speedy Cash are agents of MoneyGram International Limited in the provision of money transfer services. Post Office and the Post Office logo are registered trademarks of the Post Office Limited.

MoneyGram and the Globe are trademarks of MoneyGram. **For full fees please visit MoneyGram.co.uk. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. MoneyGram International is an authorised payment institution regulated by the Financial Service Authority. ©2013 MoneyGram. All rights reserved.

Page 12

The Phoenix – April 2013

BIG SCREEN

The Cosmopolitan Cutting Edge Entertainment Magazine

BIGScreen Edited by Ian McLaughlin

Robot & Frank (12A)*****

T

imes are changing and grumpy ex-jewel thief Frank (Langella) is not coping with the influx of new technology and his deteriorating mind. Sometime in the near future robots are replacing humans and Frank has been given what he thinks is a robot butler by his son to help out around the house.

Though Robot (voiced by Peter Sarsgaard) is never given a name by Frank, he is humanised by him. Frank trains him to pick locks, making him an accomplice to some heists and eventually embracing him as a welcome companion – a buddy movie premise that works well, with the duo overcoming initial disagreements in a comical fashion, and Robot b e coming the calm

Starring Frank Langella, Peter Sarsgaard, Susan Sarandon.

Directed by Jake Schreier

voice of reason to the frustrated and furious oldster, who does not react kindly to the discipline of a health regime implemented by the machine.

Sarsgaard has pure comic timing and the soothing tone of his voice is such that you can’t help but laugh when he delivers lines like “Do not molest me!” The chemistry between Frank and Robot is entirely winning, and works because of the strong central performance from Langella, his cantankerous charm contrasting nicely with Sarsgaard’s deadpan humour.

In this he's helped by a wellwritten script that does not patronise but instead explores the pair's odd-couple relationship in a thoughtful manner. There is also keen direction from Jake Schreier, who plays with physical comedy to great effect - a robot, with a hoodie on, popping his head out of foliage is just a funny thing to behold!

Frank spends much time at the library, quenching his thirst for knowledge and flirting with librarian Jennifer (Sarandon), who is due to be replaced by a bow-tie wearing box of a robot called Mr. Darcy. Emulating the obsession with robots in various '80s movies, the film brings to mind 1986’s ‘Short Circuit’ where friendship between man and machine is touching and a lit-

tle cheeky. There are also hints of 1972’s ‘Silent Running’ with Robot’s pre-occupation with growing a garden and Frank’s desperation at preserving the artificial life source who has now become his friend. There is some great interplay between all of the characters, but an especially brilliant moment involves the meeting of Mr. Darcy and Robot, punctuated with the expression “I’m functioning normally” ...a phrase that no human could ever use with a straight face.

There’s something extremely satisfying about watching a film that has put so much thought into what it is to suffer from dementia and begin to lose your memory. It questions what it is to be human in a sweet, smart and funny way.

It will make you smile, laugh and perhaps shed a tear.

A sci-fi comedy that brings all of its robotic parts together to make one big, heart-warming film.

Jack the Giant Slayer (12A) ***

F

e, Fi, Fo, Fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman... This is an interesting vision of Jack the Giant Slayer.

We all know the original story of a boy climbing a beanstalk and outwitting a giant and this adds more... a medieval adventure with knights, crowns and a fair damsel.

While the title implies that the hero, Jack played by Nicholas Hoult, would be slaying giants by the hundreds, the film focused less on gore and more on the story.

The film concentrated on a story that was slightly predictable, but character interaction and interesting special effects made it an enjoyable journey to watch. Even though the giants were clearly computer-generated, the film made their actions very dynamic. They weren’t just mindless brutes and every action had a purpose behind it. This film managed to keep the medieval context, monsters and violence from overshadowing the fact this was meant to be a fairytale brought to life.

Starring Nicholas Hoult, Stanley Tucci, Bill Nighy, Ewan McGregor and Eleanor Tomlinson.

Directed by Bryan Singer The problem with most fantasy films is they frequently make the violence a primary focus, spending 10 minutes on an unnecessarily bloody fight scene and only three minutes of dialogue before the next bit of violence.

Unlike many of the fairytale reboots released lately, Jack the Giant Slayer’s story and characters were the center of attention and there was only as much violence as needed to fit the storyline.

However, there are some issues with following a fairytale. The characters, besides Jack, don’t really grow. Even Jack’s journey from farmer to hero seemed too easily achieved. The characters were mainly archetypes of the hero, noble knight (Ewan McGregor), overly-protective father/king (IanMcShane), scheming villain (Stanley Tucci), and damsel in distress that are in almost every fairytale.

First Look at New 'Original' Spidey Costume in The Amazing Spider-Man 2

L STOP PRESS!! PAUL GIAMATTI JOINS SPIDEY 2 AS ‘THE RHINO!’

W

hen Paul Giamatti was a kid, he dreamed of being a Spider-Man villain. Not Spider-Man, but one of his many foes.... The Rhino!

"I thought Rhino was the greatest thing when I was a little kid," Giamatti told a reporter back in 2011."It was a guy who was basically in

this rhinoceros outfit and I always thought, 'Why don’t they have The Rhino in one of their movies,' but maybe The Rhino wasn't that big of a deal for anybody but me...

If they ever go with The Rhino I would be ready and waiting."

Now, he’s got his wish and with the cast is already pretty full, it’s unclear just how big a part Giamatti and Rhino

would play in the film. Maybe he’ll appear at the beginning of the film as the villain Spider-Man takes care of before moving on to the main body of the film rather than in another forced big screen bad guy team up.

Either way, we’ll find out when AMAZING SPIDERMAN 2 hits cinema screens April 18th 2014.

ast month, returning director Marc Webb had teased a sneak peek at the new costume for "The Amazing Spider-Man 2". The new red-and-blue outfit that will be worn by Andrew Garfield in the upcoming film has now been unveiled.

The costume may not look very different from the one in "The Amazing Spider-Man". But fans will notice that it has much bigger eyes and a number of changes in color and texture. The design is close to the one featured in the original comics, especially Mark Bagley's take in Ultimate Spider-Man. Reports say that the sequel would feature a new Spidey costume started spinning at the end of last year. It was said that the costume design would go back to the traditional Spidey suit as seen in the original comic books.

The studio reportedly considered the idea to alter the suit because hardcore fans of the masked vigilante "have been screaming for an outfit with an original look."

While the sequel is currently filming, a series of photos taken from the set in New York made their way to the internet.

"The Amazing Spider-Man 2" will arrive May next year. In it, Peter Parker (Garfield) finds that his life is busy, between taking out the bad guys as Spider-Man and spending time with the person he loves, Gwen (Emma Stone), and wishes high school graduation can't come quickly enough.

Peter hasn't forgotten about the promise he made to Gwen's father to protect her by staying away but that's a promise he just can't keep. Things will change for Peter when a new villain, Electro (Jamie Foxx), emerges, an old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, and Peter uncovers new clues about his past.

Despite this, the actors performed their roles well and made the story entertaining to watch.

While this film is not the greatest fantasy film of this generation, it did the best with what it had. It also stayed true to the somewhat nostalgic ideal of child-friendly fairytales and did better than most films that that focus on turning beloved childhood tales into hardhitting fantasy bloodbaths.

This is a film worth going to see if you enjoy a simple adventure tale straight off the pages of a classic story with a unique style to it.

This is the tale of a hero who faces extreme challenges without having to be bitter, angry, or even very violent to prove himself.

While it may not be trendy, I welcome this kind of story over the all-too-common anti-hero types who think they’re better than everyone because they can only kill.

The Phoenix - April 2013 Page 13

BIG SCREEN

The Cosmopolitan Cutting Edge Entertainment Magazine

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS

Release Date Changed...

...But don't panic guys, this is change for good! (Well, for UK cinema-goers anyway.)

It's just been announced that us Brits will be getting to see J.J. Abrams eagerly awaited sequel a full week earlier than scheduled – and available in IMAX 3D, 3D and 2D presentations, the new official UK release date for ‘STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS’ is May 9th!

within their own organisation has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis.

With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction.

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any people of my generation will remember the original movie, a classic that set the benchmark for the 1980’s horror movie.

After years of rumour, fan outrage and speculation regarding Army of Darkness sequels and Bruce Campbell cameos, the Evil Dead remake is finally here. And I can safely say this remake is a great remake.

A disconcerting prologue starts the movie that feels culled from a Hillbilly movie or something.

As the first blast of ultra violence hits like spade to the face, the tone is set perfectly - it's Evil Dead, but not as we know it. And then, we go to the cabin in the woods, where we are introduced to five young people and a dog called Grandpa.

Mia (Levy) is a recovering drug addict, driven out by her friends to this remote shack to kick her drug addiction. Also present is her estranged brother David (Fernandez), wearing a very familiarlooking denim shirt. As they batten down the hatches and prepare for the onset of Mia's withdrawal symptoms, the group discovers something awful hidden in the cellar...

Wrapped in black bin liners and barbed wire is the Necronomicon (never actually named as such) and hippy Eric (Taylor Pucci) is stupid enough to read a few passages aloud. No audio book required as this version of the book is good enough to have written the most dangerous lines of text in English. It's The Necronomicon for Dummies.

Then, deep within the woods, something stirs...

Ranting about being attacked by the woods themselves and not being alone in the cabin, everyone at first attributes Mia's change in behaviour to her going cold turkey.

Eric suspects differently though, having seen all this depicted in the book. But by now it's too late. It has begun. And it doesn't let up again for the rest of the movie.

Evil Dead 2013 is the most relentless, harrowing, violent horror movie experience in years!

I think it's the bloodiest cinema release of all time. At one point,

When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from

As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left ... his crew.

Evil Dead (18) ***** Starring: Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci, Elizabeth Blackmore.

Director: Fede Alvarez it literally rains blood. It's torrential. From the misty, foreboding cinematography to the excellent, practical special effects, Evil Dead is gorgeous. That seems like an odd word to use to describe a movie in which one character vomits gallons of blood into another's face, but it's true.

Alvarez and cinematographer Aaron Morton do an outstanding job of modernising the Evil Dead experience.

Looking past the grit, the grime and the gore, however, the movie isn't without its flaws. The script is particularly clunky, with many of the lines not gelling with the film's more realistic style. At least we're spared any of the kids say-

ing “groovy” though. Likewise, the young actors are a mixed bag.

Jane Levy is wonderful as Mia, both sympathetic and terrifying at the same time. She and the others handle an insane level of abuse – particularly poor Lou Taylor Pucci, who winds up getting a brutal beating from every character in the film at some point or other.

Oddly unaffected is Shiloh Fernandez, who somehow manages to avoid too much bodily trauma

and seems almost disaffected by the carnage around him. Perhaps he too was distracted by the constant references to the earlier films – from the props (there's the boomstick! And chainsaw!) to certain shots (the roving camera is back) to a scene very much influenced by Evil Dead 2. The film's obvious reverence is lovely to behold and it will win much fan favour – but there's a sense that it holds this Evil Dead back from ever truly becoming its own entity. It stands tall alongside Alexandre Aja's The Hills Have Eyes and Zack Snyder's Dawn of the Dead as a solid horror remake which does its predecessor justice without ever going the extra mile.

Getting lazy towards the end and one strange twist, Evil Dead is unrelentingly fun. Again, fun might be a strange way of describing a movie in which a woman cuts her own jaw off with a shard of glass (You will need a strong stomach but many fans will love the many dismemberments going on!)

Horror fans will love it. It's the loudest, messiest and cruellest horror film in years and it’s going to take a lot to top this soon to be classic. Make sure to stay in your seat past the beautifully designed end credits too, for a treat that would put Marvel to shame.

“The most terrifying film you will ever experience?” Not quite, but it's certainly one ‘hell’ of a experience, all the same.

simon@inprintz.co.uk www.inprintz.co.uk

4 Tame Road, Witton, Aston, Birmingham, B6 7DS

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GADGETS

The Phoenix – April 2013

The Cosmopolitan Cutting Edge Entertainment Magazine

iOS Snapshots

T

he new, fourth generation Galaxy S, the Galaxy S 4; designed to get you closer to what matters in life, and bring your world together.

Samsung have once again brought out a sleek, sophisticated and innovative smartphone.

Weighing in slightly lighter and slimmer than the offerings of the previous Galaxy S range, it somehow ships with a larger screen and battery!

All of the S 4’s innovative features were developed based on the insights and needs they found from consumers all around the world. With a stunning world’s first Full HD Super AMOLED display, the 5-inch screen displays at 441ppi for amazing viewing quality. Although slimmer that it’s predecessor, the S 4 utilizes Corning’s new Gorilla®

Glass 3, enabling it to stay strong and durable for all of life’s adventures.

The new “Dual Camera” and “Dual Video Call” functions enable the Galaxy S 4’s 13 megapixel rear camera to capture alongside the front camera simultaneously.

“Drama Shot” allows you to see all the action in one continuous time-lapse, while “Sound & Shot” stores both sound and voice with the picture to capture those special moments in the truest form imaginable.

Further bringing the social aspect of a modern day smartphone to the forefront, the “Group Play” function allows users to enjoy music, photos, documents and games with those around them without requiring a WiFi Access Point or cellular signal. Direct connections to others allow in-

stant sharing, including “Share Music” which syncs the same song across multiple phones to create the best part atmosphere.

Face, voice and motion detection in the S 4 come together to produce new ways of interacting with the phone. “Samsung Smart Pause” controls the screen depending on where you look. If you’re watching a video, it will pause when you look away, then resume when your concentration is back on your phone. “Air Gesture” will allow the user to change the music track, scroll up and down through web pages, or accept calls with a wave of your hand.

The phone will probably set you back in the region of £500, and if you want to make use of it’s 4G connection, at the moment you’ve only got one choice with EE, but you will be paying a premium for the pleasure. Expect to pay about £30-40 p/m for the S 4 on contract.

Birmingham is 6th most tech city in the UK

B

irmingham residents own an average of 27 gadgets compared to top-of-the-table Liverpudlians with 40. Cardiff is ranked the UK’s second most tech city (39 gadgets per resident) with London in third (37).

A new survey has hailed Liverpool as the UK’s top tech city, pushing London into third place behind Cardiff, with Birmingham down in sixth. In a poll of 1,000 people carried out by Gadget Show Live (3-7 April, NEC), Scousers own on average 40 gadgets, one more than the residents of the Welsh capital and three more than Londoners.

The Scots fared poorly with Glasgow and Edinburgh taking eighth and ninth place respectively, hovering just above Geordies who own a mere 15 pieces of tech and sit at the foot of the tech league table in tenth.

Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and Belfast sit above them with 32, 30, 27 and 26 gadgets to their names.

Top 10 Tech Cities 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Liverpool Cardiff London Leeds Manchester Birmingham Belfast Glasgow Edinburgh Newcastle

40 39 37 32 30 27 26 23 19 15

Sonic speeds onto our iOS devices with Sonic Dash, which is in essence, Temple Run in Sonic clothes.

What it does better than Temple Run however, is bringing you back to the feeling of the good old days of Sonic (we’re talking Mega Drive days here kids!) with the tinkling of rings, lavish detail in the randomly generated tracks, and an ever increasing difficulty curve. What it does badly however is the constant pushing

and almost necessity of In-App purchases. Every game over rewards you with a reminder of the purchasable items, and if you want to run as anyone other than Sonic then you’re almost required to purchase some Red Rings, as their acquisition within the game is very slow. Brilliantly designed and executed, but let down by the moneymen making a grab for more of your money. Sonic Dash is £1.49 on the App Store. 6/10

Hell Yeah! Pocket Inferno is a portable spin off of the console game Hell Yeah! Wrath of the Dead Rabbit, however it swaps the platforming for side scrolling!

The same character design and art style are present, but it feels like it has lost something by porting to iOS. With 50 levels to complete, and a number of challenges via stars in each level to

achieve including killing a certain number of enemies, collecting a certain number of coins or not killing anything at all, there is enough to be getting on with, however you are used to how the game works by the end of the first few levels. Your only controls are jump and fire, which can lead to the game getting repetitive rather quickly. Hell Yeah! Pocket Inferno is on the App Store for £0.69. 5/10

Mini Ninjas takes you straight into the side-scrolling universe of Hiro, with your sole aim to run as far as possible, by slicing down foes, finding your friends, and jumping over obstacles!

With easy and responsive controls, Mini Ninjas allows any user to quickly get into the game and join Hiro and his gang. With an interesting crafting interface, and a number of consumables and outfits to purchase, there is enough in the game to keep you playing and replaying. The audio and visuals are nice, but if sidescrollers aren’t your thing, this probably isn’t going to be enough to keep your attention. Mini Ninjas is available on the App Store for £0.69. 7/10

The Phoenix - April 2013 Page 15

FASHION

The Cosmopolitan Cutting Edge Entertainment Magazine

H

&M is proud to announce a new partnership for its summer campaign with global superstar Beyoncé.

The entertainer, who kicks off her sold out Mrs. Carter Show World Tour on April 15, will appear in television and print ads featuring pieces from the H&M summer collection. The print and outdoor billboards introduce "Beyoncé as Mrs. Carter in H&M”, the idea that all women can be all things: strong, vulnerable, sensual, maternal, fun, flirtatious. The clothing will be available beginning May in H&M stores worldwide and online.

The summer campaign features swimwear and beachwear pieces as well as a tie-dye bikini from this summer’s H&M for Water collection. 25% of sales from the H&M for Water collection will be donated to H&M for WaterAid. Since 2002, H&M’s initiative with WaterAid has raised £2,650,000.

The campaign images were shot in Nassau in the Bahamas by photographers Inez & Vinoodh, while the commercial was directed by Jonas Åkerlund. The commercial highlights the opposing nature of the four basic elements and will be available to view online in its entirety, with edited versions for TV. The commercial also features a new song from Beyoncé, Standing On The Sun, which will be available worldwide online and hm.com beginning May.

Beyoncé in H&M Summer Collection Feel closer this Easter Send money to your loved ones in the Caribbean at great low fees*

Burberry Menswear moves to London

A

fter ten years of showcasing Burberry menswear in one of the fashion capitals of the world (Milan), Burberry have decided to move their collection to another fashion capital- London.

Burberry has been proudly supporting London Collections since its original launch in 2012, hosting celebratory events of British menswear at the brand's Knightsbridge stores.

Christopher Bailey, Burberry Chief Creative Officer passionately said : “ London is the creative heart of Burberry and our global headquarters, so we are incredibly excited to be showing our next men's collection here.” He continued to say : “It is a wonderful time to be bringing our

menswear show home”.

Considering Burberry's global headquarters move to London in 2009, Burberry continues to invest in its UK manufacturing, retail and office operations which contributes to more than 1000 jobs to the UK workforce, who are some of the most skilled in the world.

At the Castleford facility in Yorkshire, Burberry tirelessly continues to produce its heritage rainwear where capacity has actually doubled since 2011. The stylistic and iconic gabardine fabric used in the coats' construction is woven at Burberry's mill which is expertly woven in Scotland.

Since 2011, Burberry have significantly increased their London store footprint, including the opening of the flagship, standalone men's store on Regent Street.

It is clear that Burberry is committed in kindling the next generation of creative talent in the UK. Including the establishment of the Burberry Design Scholarship with the Royal College of Art in London.

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Page 16

The Phoenix – April 2013

MAHOGANY PRODUCTS Sponsors of the Trinidad & Tobago A BRIEF HISTORY Tex Flint, entrepreneur and owner of TEX’S brand products, one of the UK’s most respected food manufacturing companies, provides a huge range of tantalizing and tasty seasonings and coatings with ingredients sourced from the Caribbean and all across the world.

Tex Flint shared : “ If you want to be successful, be consistent and very much aware of your customer needs. Be prepared to give all the necessary time needed and to work harder than everyone else.”

It’s clear that Tex is a highly driven individual, working tirelessly 16-hour days. His entrepreneurial flare is based on 3 simplistic but vital ingredients : quality, service and price.

Tex’s passion is as addictive as the coatings which he sells, declaring : “I believe in the quality of products that I sell and I am always prepared and willing to continue the learning process and acquire as much knowledge as possible.”

Tex Flint, CEO of Mahogany Products Limited was born in the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba and moved to Carriacou (Grenada’s sister island) aged 4. Tex joined his family in England in 1964. Although a man of many talents, working in various jobs he decided to make it big for a career in music.

At the age of 16, he (wisely) invested in a saxophone and after quickly mastering the technique he started working with bands such as JALN, Souled Out, Jimmy James and Superbad to name but a few. Tex toured the world achieving chart success and international stardom.

by Tofunmi Babalola Features Coordinator

tofunmi@ thephoenixnewspaper.com

THECarnival BUSINESS Feature

After touring, he left to continue in the industry by managing several bands as well as setting up a recording and publishing company with much success. This enabled Tex to diversify into the clothing and food industries.

Tex Flint “ As a Caribbean man, I always attended the annual Notting Hill Carnival and was especially interested in the costumes and the Bands and thought it would be a good idea to stage the first ever Carnival in Birmingham”. This idea was turned into reality in the form of the first Caribbean Carnival in Birmingham successfully staged in 1984, becoming an annual event until 1996 when he retired from the Carnival.

Mahogany Products Limited (MPL) manufacturers of TEX’s brand products was launched in the UK in 1984 1988 and has gone from strength to strength, with their factory located at Brearley Street, Hockley, Birmingham.

TEX’s brand products are created from 19 authentic herbs, spices and other ingredients utilising the very best quality products internationally sourced to give a real Caribbean taste which is loved globally.

Currently, there are 10 products in the company’s portfolio, with plans to launch a delicious ‘Minute Marinade Collection’ later on this year. TEX’s Original Fried Chicken Coating is the market leader with global recognition.

CARIBBEAN COLLECTION COAT & BAKE COATING ORIGINAL FRIED CHICKEN COATING EXOTIC LAMB TROPICAL PORK JAMAICAN CURRY MUTTON JAMAICAN JERK FAMILY CHICKEN JAMAICAN JERK SEASONING HOT & SPICY CHICKEN COATING FISH FAMILY CHICKEN SEASONING BARBEQUE

At heart, TEX’s brand products are developed from his famous family recipes, to give the distinctive taste of the Caribbean. With the best quality this side of the equator it’s clear that the world is waiting for Tex Flint’s next entrepreneurial adventure.

TEX’S SEASONING FACTS! was made using the best quality spices and herbs from Tex seasoning was launched in September 1984 and s are all based on original and genuine family recipes the Caribbean and around the world. The seasoning recipe in existence for over 70 years. years.

70been over have and nce USfor of the in existe South been havethe which ean and which originated in the Caribb

MILLENNIUM COLLECTION TROPICAL MULTI-PURPOSE SEASONING EXOTIC CURRY SEASONING JAMAICAN STYLE CURRY POWDER

The original chicken coating was the first product launched in 1984 by the company and is still the most popular of all the products.

BAR-B-Q SEASONING ORIGINAL FRIED CHICKEN AUNTY NELL’S FISH SEASONING

historical and tradiTex’s Seasonings are blended from carefully selected herbs and spices which have a long s that adds instant seasoning TEX’S of taste tantalising and distinctive unique, the create this foods in tional use flavour to any dish

LOW IN FAT !!!

L SWEETENERS; VERY ICIA TIF AR NO ; ING UR LO va-Licious!!

NO ARTIFICIAL CO talising! Flavourful! Gra Delicious! Delightful! Tan

The Phoenix - April 2013 Page 17

THEPRIME PRIMEMINISTER MINISTEROF OF THE

TRINIDAD&&TOBAGO TOBAGO TRINIDAD KamlaPersad-Bissessar Persad-Bissessar Kamla

* *

CARIBBEANTOURISM TOURISM CARIBBEAN ORGANISATION(CTO) (CTO) ORGANISATION WHYTRINIDAD TRINIDAD&&TOBAGO TOBAGOISIS WHY THEPLACE PLACETO TOBE: BE: THE

BIODIVERSITY BIODIVERSITY

the Nylon an in-sea shallow white the Nylon pool,pool, an in-sea shallow white attracts tourist worldwide. sandsand poolpool thatthat attracts tourist worldwide.

Biodiversity: Trinidad has over Biodiversity: Trinidad has over 450 450 species,55 reptiles,25 amphibians, birdbird species,55 reptiles,25 amphibians, GOLF of mammals 108 108 typestypes of mammals and and 620 620 typestypes of of GOLF Tobago’s Mount Irvine Course Mount Irvine GolfGolf Course are are butterflies, making the island of the Tobago’s butterflies, making the island one one of the have awesome views of the scenic natural have awesome views of the scenic natural richest outposts of biodiversity in the richest outposts of biodiversity in the habitat surrounding it as well as providhabitat surrounding it as well as providCaribbean.

Caribbean. a glimpse of sea. the sea. ing aing glimpse of the

CARNIVAL CARNIVAL

haven’t experience the true You You haven’t experience the true spiritspirit of carnival yet without attending of carnival yet without attending one one at at Trinidad.

No carnival is quite as stunTrinidad.

No carnival is quite as stunall embracing as Trinidad’s ningning and and all embracing as Trinidad’s national festival. national festival.

SHOPPING SHOPPING

UNSPOILT BEACHES UNSPOILT BEACHES

Tobago is home to various many beautiTobago is home to various many beautiunspoilt beaches; some are very fullyfully unspoilt beaches; some are very secluded others are equipped secluded others are equipped withwith life life guards, concessionaires modern guards, concessionaires and and modern facilities. facilities.

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BIRD WATCHING

BIRD WATCHING In Trinidad are spoilt for choice In Trinidad you you are spoilt for choice Sit back, enjoy the scenic relaxrelax and and enjoy the scenic loca-locaplaces to shop.

There are hundreds Sit back, withwith places to shop.

There are hundreds tions Tobago has for bird watching tions Tobago has for bird watching withwith of small variety shops family-run of small variety shops and and family-run over 200 bird species on just 116 square businesses, as well as large multi-level over 200 bird species on just 116 square businesses, as well as large multi-level miles of land miles of land shopping malls shopping malls CULTURE CULTURE

VILLA VILLA

From traditional Caribbean gingerbread traditional Caribbean gingerbread Diversity is celebrated on two the two island From Diversity is celebrated on the island homes to new luxurious properties, the festivals reflect culturehomes to new luxurious properties, and and the festivals reflect this.this.

EachEach culture Tobago has a fantastic variety of luxury is celebrated by everyone is celebrated by everyone thatthat live live on on Tobago has a fantastic variety of luxury rental to suit budget. rental villasvillas to suit youryour tastetaste and and budget. islands. thesethese islands.

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STEEL PANS STEEL PANS

is Trinidad Tobago’s steelsteel pan pan is Trinidad and and Tobago’s Come experience the serene, colour-The The Come and and experience the serene, colournational instrument.

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The The Island is also home to to its really done. its really done.

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V_UK_Pricing_Jamaica_133x350.indd 1 V_UK_Pricing_Jamaica_133x350.indd 1

2/12/13 2:35 PM 2/12/13 2:35 PM

Page 18

The Phoenix – April 2013

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Feature Sponsored by

2013 Carnival

T&T Page 2

The Phoenix - April 2013 Page 19

Page 20

The Phoenix Lands in Trinidad THE LANDS with the PHOENIX Mighty Jamma Sponsored by

IN TRINIDAD WITH

TJAMA he Trinidad and Tobago Carnival brought its usual display of dazzling costumes and energetic celebrations. Legendary steel pan star Mighty Jamma was there for The Phoenix Newspaper to savouring it all.

He kicked off with J'ouvert, where thousands of people, dressed up in elaborate costumes and performed onstage to be crowned Masquerade Band of the Year.

For Birmingham-based Jamma, being there proved massive: “I was there for six weeks, before, during and after the Carnival and the experience was one of those

by Steve WIlliams Associate Editor

steve.williams@ thephoenixnewspaper.com

life fulfilling things for me.”

Whilst there, he collaborated with calypso kings, The Original DeFosto Himself, known for his work on Lester Paul’s world-famous “Feeling Hot Hot Hot,” Together they worked on Jamma’s latest release: ‘We Come Out To Play,’ which was written for the Carnival.

Our man was in his element orchestrating music for Carnival giants, Harlem Syncopators and Curepe Scherzando for the massive Panorama – yearly steel pan competition: “There’s up to 200 steel bands in Trinidad & Tobago with 120 plus in each band and as generations grow and move on, the next just steps in and move the music on to another level.

l

Jamma, right, with The Original DeFosto Himself

You can’t walk for more than 10 yards without hearing a different steel band their tunes. That’s what it means in T&T. This is Carnival.” he says.

Jamma, the UK's Number 1 steel pan artist for the last 35 years was there with 18-year-old son, Jamina, a successful steel pan artist in his own right. With an EP and album already out under his own (JDS Music) label, Jamani’s album: ‘The Next Chapter,’ is bringing a new generation of worldwide fans to the steel pan

and he loves every minute of it: “I want people to take the steel pan seriously and judging by the response I’ve seen already my music is going in the right direction.”

Around 60,000 people travelled to Trinidad to join in the hundreds of thousands who celebrated the Carnival. With The Mighty Jamma being in the thick of it, The Phoenix Newspaper was very much part of the celebrations.

The Phoenix – April 2013

The Phoenix - April 2013 Page 21

Cooking With

St Lucia BBQ Chicken Salad

Grenada Grilled Salmon with Tex’s Special Sauce

Cuba Prawns with Vegetables

Anything else just isn’t...

Trinidad Curried Pineapple Chicken with Rice and Peas

Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa

Tex’s Sweet Potato Chips with Crispy Fish + Veg

Aruba Grilled Chicken

Barbados Prawns Creole

THE TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN Mahogany Products Ltd

Telephone : 0121 359 0088 || Email : tex@mahoganyproducts.fsnet.co.uk || Web : http://www.texspice.co.uk

The Phoenix–February 2013

Page 3

NEWS

Page Page222

NEWS - PRODUCED BY FEATURE

The Phoenix– February 2013

The Phoenix – April 2013

Hereward College students team up with The Phoenix Newspaper

S

tudents from Hereward College looking to move into a career in the Media and Journalism industry are to undertake a work placement at The Phoenix newspaper in Birmingham.

It is hoped that their time at the newspaper will encourage the students to become more confident in their skills and enhance their knowledge.

Some of the things the students will be doing include design work for the paper, writing articles for already established features and starting their very own features.

Working in partnership with the newspaper, Phoenix Managing Director Marcia hopes to help the students develop their knowledge and understanding of the world of media.

A student involved in the partnership, Katy Oakes, said, “I am really looking forward to working here and learning new skills. I have already enjoyed the amount of freedom and creativity I have been allowed to have, it’s allowed me to progress quickly!”

Students will be given the chance to work with staff at the magazine to develop their own features which will be featured either in The Phoenix or in our sister publication, Street Cred.

With a diverse range of students, it is hoped that the students will bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to the paper and help further promote it within the local community we serve.

The Phoenix Managing Director commented “I am excited to be working with the students of Hereward College to not only help them develop themselves but also to develop this paper. The skills that these students have already shown to us make me confident that big things will be happening in the near future. Watch this space!”

“

who will oversee their work and give them help on how to improve. Students will be given the opportunity to work either from college or they can work in the office and get a feeling for journalistic life.

Phoenix Managing Director added “We are looking forward to letting the students into our office and giving them a real taste of what it is like in the world of media work. They will be given the chance to work with our own designers and writers to further their own knowledge.

To support the students, they will be guided and helped by senior staff at the newspaper

I am really looking forward to working here and learning new skills.

”

About us

Hereward College is a general FE College in Coventry providing both day and residential places. We welcome all students including those with diverse and complex support requirements. In addition to residential students, day disabled an non disabled students also attend the college.

College Address:

Hereward College Bramston Crescent Tile Hill Coventry CV4 9SW Tel: 02476 461231 Fax: 02476 694305 www.hereward.ac.uk

E

aster is the most important and oldest celebration in the Christian calendar and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Around the world, many countries have their own traditions with regards to celebrating Easter.

Much like we have chocolate eggs, other countries have dramatic reenactments of The Last Supper and the crucifixion.

We’ll be looking at how Easter is celebrated in five different countries around the world.

Telling you about their traditions and their ceremonies.

A tradition in the UK is that we decorate and paint hard-boiled eggs and conceal them around the garden for an Easter egg hunt.

However, it is also a time where many people who are not regular churchgoers will attend church and receive communion. Another tradition is that those who attend church usually wear a bright, new piece of clothing with an Easter bonnet, adorned with flowers or ribbons.

I

P

n the Ukraine, Easter is the most important event on the calendar, celebrating God’s resurrection or ‘Velykden’.

oland culture is heavily embodies in the Easter festivities and plays a prominent part in life within the country.

In Ukraine, the rule is to fast before Easter and it is not desirable to sleep on Easter night.

The “blessing basket” is one of the more unique Easter traditions in Poland. The blessing basket is prepared on the Saturday before Easter Sunday. The basket is filled with coloured eggs, bread, cake, salt, paper and white coloured sausages. The basket is taken to the church to be blessed.

In the evening, people attend church for the Vesper service, bringing in baskets of food.

The Easter service begins at midnight, their is a procession with the choir whilst the priest blesses the food that people have bought with them.

They then will light thousands of candles to light up the temple in what could only be described as a beautiful sight.

After the service, people greet one another with shouts of “Christ is risen!” and go home to “razgoveetsya”.

Another tradition unique to Poland is the ‘Dyngus’ or ‘Smingus Dyngus’.This is celebrated on the first Monday after Easter. On this day, boys roam around their neighbourhood to sprinkle girls with water or even perfume. This custom of ‘watering’ has its roots in Pagan traditions.

The pouring of water is an ancient symbol of cleansing and purification.

Easter Monday has also been celebrated in Poland as “Switching Day”. This is because on this day boys swat girls with a small willow branch. On the following day, the girls get a chance to swat the boys back.

T

he Philippines bring their own unique flavour to Easter celebrations.

On Palm Sunday, people will bring ‘palaspas (Palm fronds) to the church to be blessed by the priests. They will then take these fronds back home with them.

Most of this holy week in the Philippines is eerily quiet. TV and Radio stations tend to go off the air whilst Catholics tend to stop eating meat and turn to fish, whilst the more devout go on a liquid diet.

Among some superstitions Filipinos have surrounding Good Friday is that children are prohibited to play. This is because they may injure themselves and their wounds may not heal. This is because they believe that Jesus died at this time, and as such bad things may happen during that period.

One of the more striking sights during this week is to see Filipinos re-enacting the torture and death of Jesus. Some will be whipped whilst others will be nailed to the cross.

E

A

aster traditions vary all over the world but with Brazil being the largest country in South America, their traditions grab special attention.

ustralia’s Easter traditions are quite similar to those of the UK. There is one or two differences down-under however.

Easter celebrations in Brazil begins with the Holy Week rituals, which involved the blessing of palm branches. Worshippers carry out walks, where they are carrying statues of Mary and the body of Jesus.

On Easter Sunday, many people receive or search for traditional Easter eggs. Many communities across Australia organise Easter egg hunts in parks or gardens.

The world-famous Rio Carnival takes precedes the Easter celebrations.

In towns and cities across Brazil, they will also have their own celebrations during the period.

Such as folk dances and as Easter day approaches, the streets will be filled with shops and stalls. These shops and stalls will sell Easter bunnies.

People in Brazil also worship popular Easter symbols, such as the Macela flower. A flower which blooms only in Lent and is worshipped by devotees. People would bring this flower to the church to be blessed, before taking it home to use as a herb.

Traditionally though, Easter eggs were thought to be delivered by the Easter Bunny. In Australia though, rabbits are seen as pests as they destroy crops. For this reason, Australians tend to say that eggs are hidden by the ‘Easter Bilby’.

The Easter weekend is an important date in Australians calendars however. The four-day weekend provides a welcome break to those that are not Christians whilst those that are, enjoy special church services, even if they do not attend regularly the rest of the year.

Many see the day as a chance to relax with their families spend the day watching important sporting fixtures. Such as yacht racing, horse racing meets or football matches.

Article by Martin Berisford (Hereward College)

The Phoenix - April 2013 Page 23

ADOPTION AND FOSTERING

BAAF encourage Adoption Champions and those with disabilities often take longer to find parents, which leaves them without permanent families for too long.

E

very year nearly 4,000 children across the UK are unable to stay with their birth families and need to be adopted.

Some children, particularly groups of siblings (who need to stay together), older children

The British Association of Adoption and Fostering (BAAF) are working tirelessly to find loving homes for children who are so desperately in need of them. 2010 seen the launch of the Adoption Champions scheme, which is brilliantly designed to encourage both adoptive parents and adopted children to go into their communities and share their experience as a means to inspire others who

may be considering adopting. The initiative is growing, with over 300 volunteers throughout the UK spreading the message and inspiring parents to adopt.

to the UK.

The preconception among many adoptive parents seems to be they never considered adopting until a chance conversation with a neighbour or family member; this is why the initiative is so important

to change. Shegun and his wife Seyi, who were among the first to sign up as Adoption Champions, adopted a little boy from the black community in 2005. They said: “Adopting Joushua has bought

Sadly, children from the UK's rich multicultural community often wait longer for adoption, but we feel this is something that has

so much joy to our lives and, as Adoption Champions we hope to encourage others to adopt by sharing their experiences”.

Although adoption can often be emotionally and physically challenging, the rewards of adoption are life changing.

Shegun added: “We believe it is so important for people to hear, not only how rewarding it is to adopt a child, but also to have the opportunity to ask questions of someone who has first-hand experience”.

If you would like to find out more please visit www.baaf.org. uk

W

ith a national shortage of Foster carers across the UK, there are more children than ever who need a caring and loving environment which every child has the right to experiencing.

Whether a crisis in the family, illness or relationship difficulties could be some of the reasons why a child is placed in care.

There are already so many fantastic individuals who foster and adopt children into their familiesbut we need more ! At the Phoenix, all of our team are committed to raising awareness of fostering and adoption through our

Ciaran Brady

Features Co-ordinator

ciaran.brady@ thephoenixnewspaper.com

campaign not just for the month of May, but for an entire 12 months!

We will be highlighting the inspiring work of current carers, the extensive support and training that is available and the difference that you could be making in a young persons’ life. If you feel that you can offer this, or even if you would like to find out a little bit more –relax: don’t hesitate! it could make the greatest difference to a child’s life.

Fostering and Adoption launches campaign in Scotland.

W Adoption & Fostering Our ongoing campaign to help the children in need in our communities

ith considerable focus on placing babies and younger children in care, there is a need to place primary-aged children and older children with complex needs and disabilities.

The Aberdeen based Barnardo’s service, which works in partnership with local authorities across Scotland, specialises in the provision of placement of children with disabilities.

Launched in November 2011, the service works across all Scotland and after the launch nearly two years ago

have extended their families from Edinburgh to Glasgow, Sterling and many more have been approved as adoptive parents and currently in the process of assessment.

Speaking on the first day of the campaign Stephanie Stone said: “ There needs to be range of placements so that the system works for all children and young people.” With the correct support, guidance and training adoptive parents can make some of the most incredible improvements in a child's life and give them better life chances on becoming adults.

Page 24

The Phoenix – April 2013

FOSTERING AND ADOPTION

Midlands Councils join force in fostering recruitment drive

S

andwell Council has joined forces with other local authorities in the Midlands to create a single source of information for people interested in fostering online.

The new online information hub, www.fosteringwestmidlands.org.uk, aims to guide people through their first steps to becoming a foster carer.

The website features testimonials from real-life foster carers and provides an insight into a carer’s motivation for becoming a foster carer, including their experiences and the differences they are making in the lives of the children they care for. As well as provid-

ing information about the role of a foster carer, the application processes and links to each local authority Councillor Bob Badham, Sandwell Council's Cabinet Member for Children & Families, said: "I welcome this joint approach as it seems the best way to attract more foster carers. Working together we stand the best possible chance of getting the right people."

Chair of the West Midlands Fostering Consortium, Claudia Gordon added: “By bringing together all the information about fostering in the West Midlands to one place, we are giving people access to everything they need to

make an informed decision. They will then be able to contact their relevant local authority and access the gold standard of support and training that it provides to support foster families.”

James Foyle, Recruitment and Retention Consultant at the Fostering Network, said: “It is great that the local authorities have come together to raise the profile of fostering in the West Midlands.

At least 950 more foster families are needed across the region this year alone, so we urge everyone to seriously consider whether they have what it takes to offer children a loving home and visit the new website to find out more.”

Celebrating achievement for children in care

W

olverhampton was overrun with hundreds of young people, as people in care showcased the endless amounts of talent they have at a gala celebratory event. The annual ceremony : Achieve Your Dreams, celebrated the efforts of Wolverhampton's Looked After Children.

The achievements of the young people were recognised in many categories, which ranged from education to sport and the creative arts. Wolverhampton City Council's Strategic Director of Community Sarah Norman highlighted : “The event also celebrated people's achievements in creativity and art, recognising the achievements of young people who have left care and are taking the next

steps in their lives” Many prestigious awards were fiercely battled for in seven categories. With the Personal Achievement Award was given to individuals who had made immense positive changes in the last 12 months.

The Positive Transition Award was widely celebrated the young people who have successfully made the sometimes difficult transition from care into their adult lives. Noted for excelling in cultural, artistic or creative arts were presented with the Creative Achievement award.

In total, more than 400 young people proudly accepted awards during the event- enjoying the well deserved party afterwards !

Councillor Susan Constable, Wolverhampton's City Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “I enjoyed hearing some fantastic stories of our young people and being able to recognise the invaluable support of their carers...”

Children in Derby adopted by West Midlands Families.

C

hildren of all ages from Derby are in urgent need of adoptive parents. Derby City Council aspires to provide a home for the 90 children who are currently without fixed parents.

Currently, almost a quarter of children adopted from Derby are welcomed with open arms by families in the West Midlands, as some prefer to adopt children away from their place of birth, which could hold many memories a child may wish to forget.

Adoptive parents Jane and Chris, from Birmingham shared: “We did not want the possibility of bumping in to the birth parents of the child. It also helps a child to make a fresh start if they live with a family away from their birth parents.”

They continued to say : “You get excellent support before and after adoption with Derby City Council and, except for training days, the assessment is done at your home, with a social worker visiting from Derby regularly for several months” Derby City Council are searching for potential parents who have the time to make a difference in a child's life. They notice a particular shortage of parents to adopt children over 4 years old and sibling's. It's important to emphasise that children of all ages require a home to improve their quality of life.

Same-sex adopted children are thriving

E

xtensive research conducted at Cambridge University has looked in-depth at the experience of children adopted by gay and lesbian couples.

The research highlighted that the support same-sex carers provide for young people leads to a thriving child. The research aimed to explore the important aspects of family relationships and child adjustment. Although same-sex couples have had the legal right to adopt since 2005, but are a small portion of the number of adopters.

9605 Sandwell Fostering Bus Scrolling 6 sheet.indd 1

01/05/2012 13:28

The majority of the children who took part were well adjusted to family and school life. Face-toFace interviews with parents and children old enough to take part showed how openly they spoke with the children they are about to adopt. Overall virtually all parents across the study reported how positive the adoption process had been, a great number speaking warmly about the support they received.

Sir Martin Narey, government advisor shared: “There is clearly scope for more LGBT people to

provide safe, loving homes for children.”

With such a high number of foster carers needed, it is vital to strengthen our society by increasing awareness of same-sex couples adoption and fostering.

Many of the couples involved were aware of the extra challenge that they may face, however the results will raise children to develop a sense of security within their own identity and to value the importance of diversity.

To advertise call 0121 250 3536

ADOPT_PhoenixFPG.vs2_Layout 1 19/03/2013 15:55 Page 1

The Phoenix - April 2013 Page 25

Could you...

ADOPT with Birmingham?

Birmingham's Black and Mixed Heritage children are waiting longer than other children to find adoptive homes.

Text ADOPT 31 to 63333 or

%

0121 303 7575

www.birmingham.gov.uk/adoptionandfostering

Page 26

The Phoenix – April 2013

GIG GUIDE BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY

April 03 Bluey Robinson 03 Bethan and the Morgans 05 Ill Niño 05 Dumb 05 Propaganda 06 Catapult Club 07 The Next Big Thing Competition - Semi Final 1 08 Emmure 08 Ourzone Found Tour 2013 10 Catapult Club 11 Catapult Club 12 Room 94 12 Propaganda 13 Ones to Watch 13 Fearless Vampire Killers 14 With One Last Breath / Adept 17 Missing Andy 18 Star & Dagger 18 Luxtorpeda Lynchpyn 19 The Smyths 19 Counting Crows 19 Propaganda 20 McFly 20 Patent Pending + Erik Chandler 23 Bleed From Within 24 Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls 24 Manifest Live ft. Lovats 25 James 25 CrashDïet and Jettblack 26 Minus the Bear 26 Propaganda 26 Catapult Club 27 Peace Superfood 27 Ovation Music Management Presents: IHYM 29 Parlour Flames

BIRMINGHAM INSTITUTE

14 Russell Peters 17 One Direction 20 WWE Wrestlemania Revenge Smackdown 21-22 P!nk 26-27 BEYONCÉ

April 01 Swans + Xiu Xiu 02 KODALINE 05 British Sea Power 09 Imagine Dragons + The Good Natured 09 To Kill A King, Spring Offensive + FITZ 10 Just Talent 11 Rival Sons, Graveltones + Ulysses 12 The Fratellis 13 Page 44, Amberline + Face The Ocean 14 I AM KLOOT 16 Sonata Arctica 18 And So I Watch You From Afar + GALLOPS 19 Wiley, Skepta and JME 20 So Solid Crew 21 Daughter l Beyoncé @ LG Arena 23 Hadouken TOWN HALL 24 Canterbury, LostAlone + April 05 Chas and Dave: Back by Morain Demand 26 New Blood 06 Joe Brown in Concert 27 Frank Hamilton 07 An Evening with Eric Johnson 27 Rudimental 08 Lunchtime Organ Concert 27 UK BASS MUSIC PAYBACK Thomas Trotter: Handel With SPECIAL Care 29 King Charles, Liberty Ship + 11 We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Jessica Tonder 20 One Night with Joan 29 The Apples + Yes Sir Boss 21 Angela Hewitt: Beethoven 30 Paul Rose & the All Stars plus... Bach 22 Lunchtime Organ Concert LG ARENA David Baskeyfield April 05 Bollywood Showstop- 22 Town Hall Tour pers 27 Tom Paxton 06 Gurdas Maan 28 Rising Stars: Igor Levit 07 Sportshall UK Final 29 Capuçon Brothers play 11 CBeebies Live! presents Justin Brahms, Ravel and Fauré & Friends 12 Meat Loaf 13 Il Divo & Katherine Jenkins

SYMPHONY HALL April 04 Symphony Hall Tour 04 Only Boys Aloud 05 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Lydia Glanville Quartet 10 CBSO Viennese Masters

Butcher Band 26 Brahms Fourth Symphony from the Budapest Festival Orchestra 27 Sax In The City With The Notebenders 27 Michael Ball: Both Sides Now 29 OMD

NEC

11 Folk For Free: Chailo Sim 12 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Chris Maddock Quintet 12 Beethoven’s Emperor 13 Musical Picnic: Yaaba Funk presents Anansi the Spider 14 Ludovico Einaudi 17 CBSO Comedy and Tragedy 18 Beyond Classical: Drastic Measures 18 Mick Hucknall sings American Soul 19 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Andy Bunting Quartet 19 CBSO Can’t Help Singing Hollywood’s Leading Ladies 20 Mid-day Mantra: Kirpal Singh Panesar 20 Birmingham St George’s Day Association - Annual Concert 24 CBSO British Classics 26 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Ray

April 03-07 Gadget Show Live 2013 04-07 Antiques for Everyone Spring 2013 09-11 Commercial Vehicle Show (Trade) 13-15 Optrafair 2013 (Trade) 14-16 Farm Shop & Deli Show 2013 14-16 National Convenience Show (NCS) 14-15 CIH Tradeshow 2013 14-16 Forecourt & Fuel Equipment Show (Trade) 16-18 Traffex, Parkex and Street Design 2013 (Trade) 16-18 Sustainabilitylive! (Trade) 23-25 Multimodal 2013 (Trade) 30- May 02 Naidex National 2013 30- May 02 Sign & Digital UK 2013 (Trade)

NIA

April 10-14 Walking With Dinosaurs 19-21 Celebrities On Ice 25 2013 McCoys Premier League Darts 26 Chris de Burgh 27 An evening with Shreya Ghoshal 28 Cesar Millan Live UK Tour 2013

CIVIC HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON

06 Simple Minds (Civic Hall) 06 Blast Off Clubnight (Wulfrun Hall) 07 The Wildhearts (Wulfrun Hall) 12-14 Marillion Weekend (Civic Hall) 13 Blast Off Clubnight (Wulfrun Hall) 17 Lower Than Atlantis (Wulfrun Hall) 18 Rich Hall (Wulfrun Hall)

l Rich Hall @ Wulfrun Hall 19 Matchbox Twenty (Civic Hall) 19 Wolverhampton Soul Night Out (Wulfrun Hall) 20 Blast Off Clubnight (Civic Hall) 20 Henning Wehn (Wulfrun Hall) 23 Micky Flanagan (Civic Hall) 24 Big Country (Wulfrun Hall) 26 Two Door Cinema Club (Civic Hall) 26 Saxon (Wulfrun Hall) 27 VIP Record Fair (Wulfrun Hall) 27 Stewart Francis, Craig Campbell and Glenn... (Wulfrun Hall) 27 Blast Off Clubnight (Wulfrun Hall)

SOUL ACOUSTIC — A national tour featuring the UK’s finest soul artists, all performing exclusive acoustic sessions.

6th Inverness 9th London 11th Birmingham

TOUR JUNE 2013

TERRI WALKER

SHAKKA

7th Liverpool 12th Cardiff 14th Nottingham

For more information on the tour call 0121 224 7444, visit www.punch-records.co.uk or follow us on twitter @punchrecords

CALL ME UNIQUE

SHEA

KOF

SHEZAR

The Phoenix–February 2013

Page 3

NEWS

The Phoenix - April 2013 Page 27

EDUCATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH -

Hereward College students team up with The Phoenix Newspaper

S

tudents from Hereward College looking to move into a career in the Media and Journalism industry are to undertake a work placement at The Phoenix newspaper in Birmingham.

It is hoped that their time at the newspaper will encourage the students to become more confident in their skills and enhance their knowledge.

Some of the things the students will be doing include design work for the paper, writing articles for already established features and starting their very own features.

Working in partnership with the newspaper, Phoenix Managing Director Marcia hopes to help the students develop their knowledge and understanding of the world of media.

A student involved in the partnership, Katy Oakes, said, “I am really looking forward to working here and learning new skills. I have already enjoyed the amount of freedom and creativity I have been allowed to have, it’s allowed me to progress quickly!”

Students will be given the chance to work with staff at the magazine to develop their own features which will be featured either in The Phoenix or in our sister publication, Street Cred.

With a diverse range of students, it is hoped that the students will bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to the paper and help further promote it within the local community we serve.

The Phoenix Managing Director commented “I am excited to be working with the students of Hereward College to not only help them develop themselves but also to develop this paper. The skills that these students have already shown to us make me confident that big things will be happening in the near future. Watch this space!”

“

AND

who will oversee their work and give them help on how to improve. Students will be given the opportunity to work either from college or they can work in the office and get a feeling for journalistic life.

Phoenix Managing Director added “We are looking forward to letting the students into our office and giving them a real taste of what it is like in the world of media work. They will be given the chance to work with our own designers and writers to further their own knowledge.

To support the students, they will be guided and helped by senior staff at the newspaper

I am really looking forward to working here and learning new skills.

”

About us

Hereward College is a general FE College in Coventry providing both day and residential places. We welcome all students including those with diverse and complex support requirements. In addition to residential students, day disabled an non disabled students also attend the college.

College Address:

Hereward College Bramston Crescent Tile Hill Coventry CV4 9SW Tel: 02476 461231 Fax: 02476 694305 www.hereward.ac.uk

Bright sparks show off at eye-popping engineering event We will fulfil you child’s potential.

B

We will fulfil you child’s potential.

right spark engineers the main aims of the event is to -high-tech hoody- which acts as of the future had the highlight the frontrunners of cut- an interface to manipulate sounds. opportunity to show- ting edge concepts from the next With wiring in the sleeves and a CES are English and Maths Specialists in Key Stages, GCSE’s and A-Level. case their intriguing generation of engineers. A panel of credit card sized computer, this exCES are English and Maths Specialists in Key Stages, GCSE’s and A-Level. ideas at a special event at Coven- experts will assess student submis- citing project could easily develop q Are you struggling to help your child with their homework? try University. sions, rewarding the most original more mainstream applications. q Are you strugglingThe toUniversity help your their solutions homework?

Projectchild Even- with and creative to contemAmong the projects the sensory q Could this impact their future progress? ing is offering a class competition porary challenges in engineering. teddy bear stands out, which is q Could this impact their future progress? from Coventry's Institution of EnConcept ideas were judged in designed for children with special q 90% of our students show clear improvement within 6 monthsgineering and Technology (IET). different categories, ranging from needs, specifically with autism.

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Jimmy Khan, Director of Aspects Care

q Improve your child’s life chances from as little as £7.50 per hour CES Call us on 07940 840 345 and startCentre improving CES St Andrews Community Learn English language skills in: your child’s English today.

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Community Education Services academic writing your child’s English today.

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The Phoenix–February 2013

Page 3

NEWS

Page 28

EDUCATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH -

The Phoenix – April 2013

AND

World Book Day celebrations S Hereward College students team up with The Phoenix Newspaper

S

tudents from Hereward College looking to move into a career in the Media and Journalism industry are to undertake a work placement at The Phoenix newspaper in Birmingham.

by Ciaran Brady

t.

Edmund Campion School in Erdington, put on a World Book Day event like no other. On 7th March, pupils ( a n d staff) chose to dress as literary characters to raise lots of funds for the school library.

With everyone rising to the occasion,

Features Co-ordinator

ciaran.brady@ thephoenixnewspaper.com

l

Operations Manager Gary Smart and Headteacher Philomena Steele

It is hoped that their time at the newspaper will encourage the students to become more confident in their skills and enhance their knowledge.

Some of the things the students will be doing include design work for the paper, writing articles for already established features and starting their very own features.

Working in partnership with the newspaper, Phoenix Managing Director Marcia hopes to help the students develop their knowledge and understanding of the world of media.

A student involved in the partnership, Katy Oakes, said, “I am really looking forward to working here and learning new skills. I have already enjoyed the amount of freedom and creativity I have been allowed to have, it’s allowed me to progress quickly!”

Students will be given the chance to work with staff at the magazine to develop their own features which will be featured either in The Phoenix or in our sister publication, Street Cred.

With a diverse range of students, it is hoped that the students will bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to the paper and help further promote it within the local community we serve.

The Phoenix Managing Director commented “I am excited to be working with the students of Hereward College to not only help them develop themselves but also to develop this paper. The skills that these students have already shown to us make me confident that big things will be happening in the near future. Watch this space!”

“

who will oversee their work and give them help on how to improve. Students will be given the opportunity to work either from college or they can work in the office and get a feeling for journalistic life.

Phoenix Managing Director added “We are looking forward to letting the students into our office and giving them a real taste of what it is like in the world of media work. They will be given the chance to work with our own designers and writers to further their own knowledge.

To support the students, they will be guided and helped by senior staff at the newspaper

I am really looking forward to working here and learning new skills.

”

it was certainly has arranged a With many books generously About us a day to rememfocus of read- donated on the day and lots of ber with the puing, with pu- money raised for the refurbishpil population pils delving ment of the library, its clear that transformed into into their own St. Edmund Campion School will an array of charimagination by have plenty to read for a long time acters such as Cat creating short to come. in the Hat, Alice stories, in Wonderland , analysThe Hobbit and ing what many more. With makes a staff refusing to be villain left out, many arvillainrived at the school ous and l on the day from speed Woman In Black book datto the humorous ing.

Oompah Lumpa.

Mr. Smart , Operations But the fun did not stop there, Manager commented : “ the timetable noted many events This was a fantastic event throughout the day in most sub- and everyone had a great jects, with Modern Foreign Lan- day whilst also promoting guages translating book titles as a the literature and raising lots means to explore Spanish in more of money for our school lil Head of Year 9 Mr Hall depth. The English department brary”.

Hereward College is a general FE College in Coventry providing both day and residential places. We welcome all students including those with diverse and complex support requirements. In addition to residential students, day disabled an non disabled students also attend the college.

College Address:

Hereward College Bramston Crescent Tile Hill Coventry CV4 9SW Tel: 02476 461231 Fax: 02476 694305 www.hereward.ac.uk

Luke Clift as Gandalf

Aston lecturer wins Law Teacher of the Year Award

A

n exciting achievement for Aston University as a senior lecturer has won a prestigious award for the Law Teacher of the year. Course director Odette Hutchinson for the Graduate Diploma in Law, was one of only six academics in the UK to be short-listed for the Award.

This award highlights the vital role that teachers pay in the education of lawyers and rewards outstanding teaching. This process involved a campus visit from the panel, where candidates were intensely observed during a lecture or seminar with their students and colleagues. Odette received resounding praise from students. She also displays a distinguished use of technology for the best possible learning experience.

Odette Hutchinson commented: “I'm overwhelmed. It is an honour to be named Law Teacher of the Year. This award puts teaching, learning and the student experience at the forefront of its

aims.”

This is a fantastic achievement for this institution and a personal achievement for Odette.

Professor Jill Poole, Head of Law at Aston and Deputy Dean of the Aston Business school said : “Odette has always been an invaluable source of support and inspiration for the students and colleagues. Odette is always looking

for finding new and improved ways of of delivering and enhancing the student experience.”

Odette's commitment to teaching is mirrored in the number of awards she has rightfully achieved, and the many more she is likely to receive during the rest of her career.

Olympian Lecturer to swap classroom for streets

S

ports lecturer Sally Walton, who is also a team GB winner Olympian will be trading her hockey stick for a police baton in response to her invitation to 'cut it' as an officer with Solihull Police for the day.

In recognition of the 80th anniversary of female officers having the power to arrest. The lecturer will be put through her paces when she enters the public order training, which exposes Sally to a variety of scenarios that our police

l

Odette Hutchinson with her award.

officers have the potential to face daily.

Today, it is a stark difference from the early days of female policing. Shockingly, it was not until 1918 that females were admitted entrance to the police force. During this time in history, female officers were not even permitted to carry personal protective equipment. Sergeant Sam Price from Solihull Police was overjoyed to be able to invite a sporting star to pull on the boots of an officer for the day. Sam highlighted : “Sally,

along with members of Team GB and everyone linked to London 2012, did a fabulous job and showcased the country at its best.”

Solihull born, Sally has in the past played for Aston Villa ladies but pursued a career in hockey.

Sally has represented England and Great Britain over a hundred times. During the Olympics last year, Sally demonstrated her skill as part of the bronze medal winning team.

Post-Grad study funded by the Bank of Mum & Dad

S

urveys recently conducted found a high percentage of undergraduate students were contemplating relying on parental support to fund future study.

With fees rising and public funding in murky waters, the plan to borrow money from their parents seems like the most affordable option.

The realm of jobs is a fierce one, postgraduate qualifications can increase long-term employability and its not surprising that more undergraduates are aiming for a greater qualification. The surprising evidence from recent surveys suggests that 49% of respondents planned on borrowing money from their parents, while just 36% were banking on working part time during the programme due to the lack

in official funding. The results also suggest that a larger number of students would consider distance learning courses where fees are

lower, which is something we have discussed in the previous edition.

The lack of funding can be so severe for some students that they are forced to looking outside the UK, with 40% of survey respondents seriously contemplating taking a postgraduate course abroad.

Many places are a lot lower in price and in some countries actually free of charge, with the benefit of the education being delivered in English.

It is no surprise that students have voted employability the highest expectation from a course, but in return for spending either their own ( or their parents') money, 66% claimed the reason they were studying for a post graduate degree is to get a better job.

The Phoenix - April 2013 Page 29

OVERSEAS NEWS - CTO ROUNDUP Grandson of resort founder to inspire hopeful vision at STC-14

T Exotic and historic T&T await CTO delegates D elegates attending the 14th Annual Caribbean Tourism Organization Sustainable Tourism Conference this month will get to explore some of Trinidad and Tobago’s most exotic and historic sites as part of the conference experience.

A full day of exhilarating study tours is planned, revealing a diversity of the host country and the various sustainability models being employed there.

The tours are among the most sort-after aspects of the STC programme with delegates consistently rating them as the most rewarding sessions.

Gail Henry, CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Product Specialist said: “Study Tours provide an opportunity for delegates to experience firsthand some of the very issues that we discuss during the plenary sessions and workshops, and are a powerful learning tool. In addition, they take delegates away

from the confines of the walls of the conference site to see community tourism from a very practical perspective.”

A number of options are available to delegates attending STC-14 which include the Grande Riviere - one of the villages that make up the Turtle Village Trust; Salybia Beach where delegates can hike to the Matura Waterfall, take the Red Howler Monkey Tour in an ancient Mora-filled forest or go kayaking on the Salybia River; and the To-

WestJet extends Caribbean service

C

anadian air-carrier WestJet Airlines is extending its flying schedule to Antigua and Barbuda into the summer.

The move shows a vote of confidence in the destination, by operating its Toronto to Antigua flight through to October.

WestJet has been a popular lowcost option for travelers to and from Canada, to Antigua, since the addition of the route from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport last year. The airline will utilize its bigger 174 seat Boeing 737-800 series aircraft during

the summer months, September apart, when it will use its smaller Boeing 737-700 136 seater.

Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. John Maginle expressed his satisfaction of the

deal, saying: “Greater accessibility to the destination has proven to be beneficial for Canadian travelers, and the market has responded positively, with WestJet seeing heavy load factors since the inception of the service last

October.”

Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority, noted: “Over the years we have seen the airlift out of the Canadian market increase and with this we have seen a direct correlation with growth from the market, which indicates continued interest in the destination.”

Increased airlift out of Canada has been a Ministry of Tourism, and Tourism Authority strategic initiative, and it has shown signs of success this winter season.

Antigua and Barbuda goes HD

A

new tourism high definition commercial has been produced and launched showcasing why ‘the beach is just the beginning’ in Antigua and Barbuda.

It takes viewers from the streets of St. John’s to the secluded beaches of Barbuda and ends with a brand endorsement by Antiguan international icon and national

hero Sir. Vivian Richards.

Marketing Manager of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Charmaine Spencer, describes the project as: “A virtual visit to Antigua and Barbuda. The videos offer the viewer a connection to our island and our people and focusing on the charm and natural personalities.

The Hon. John Maginley, Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, maintains that high quality digital marketing should remain a very strategic focus as more consumers use the web for planning holidays and travel. He explains: “Antigua and Barbuda is attempting to maintain its image as technologically savvy in its use

of digital marketing media. HD quality media goes a long way in assisting in the tourists’ decision.”

The creative production is being followed with utilizing both TV and the web to allow the destination videos to be seen by as many people as possible.

The 30 second commercial, aired on the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), rotating on the ‘Caribbean News Line’ segment, reaches approximately 1,785,300 potential households throughout the Caribbean region, including at least 21 countries with some networks in the US Tri-State area.

The 60 second commercial was released with a soft webcast. To see the video, visit the Facebook page of Antigua and Barbuda Tourism or search ‘Visit Antigua Barbuda’ on YouTube.

bago Heritage Park for a lesson in the history of cocoa in Tobago and rum and chocolate tasting sessions.

Under theme of ‘Keeping the Right Balance: Enhancing Destination Sustainability through Products, Partnerships, Profitability,’ STC-14 will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain from 15 to 18 April.

he grandson of one of the lead developers of the world famous Punta Cana Resort & Club in the Dominican Republic, will be the feature speaker at the Caribbean Tourism Organization 14th Annual Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC-14) in Trinidad & Tobago.

Jake Kheel, the resorts’ Environmental Director, will inspire a vision of what tourism should aspire to be in a presentation on how businesses can enhance the sustainability of a destination.

His grandfather is the late American attorney and labour mediator Ted Kheel.

He was one of the lead developers of the resort and together with Dominican entrepreneur Frank R. Rainieri, created its community that respects the natural habitat while providing visitors with a worldclass vacation experience.

During STC-14, at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, he will present specific examples of solutions that the company has developed in response to some of the tourism industry’s greatest social and environmental challenges. He said: “The two attractions that draw

visitors to the Caribbean are our unique natural and human resources. For Punta Cana Resort & Club, sustainable development achieves a balance between economic growth and environmental protection, while promoting community inclusion and a celebration of local culture.”

The resort has received numerous international awards, including the prestigious World Tourism and Travel Council ‘Tourism for Tomorrow’ award for Destination Stewardship, the Conde Nast Traveler ‘World Saver’s Award’ and the ‘Global Vision’ award from Travel & Leisure magazine.

“When the resort began over 40 years ago, the concept of ‘sustainable development’ didn’t yet exist. Its founders based all of their important decisions on common sense, their limited financial resources, and a deep respect for the country, its people, and its incredible natural resources. However, this philosophy has unintentionally become the guiding ethos of Punta Cana Resort & Club, allowing it to develop into one of the most successful companies in the Dominican Republic,” Mr. Kheel said.

The event takes place between 15 and 18 April.

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Page 30

The Phoenix – April 2013

TRAVEL

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The Great Easter Getaway

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BTA, UK’s leading travel association, estimates 1.7 million British holidaymakers travelled overseas for Easter.

Spain being the most popular destination with the Canary and Balearic Islands the most popular areas. People also made for Egypt and Tunisia looking to escape the freeze. Mexico is the most popular long haul destination Skiers are delighting in one of the best European snowfalls in years with tens of thousands heading to the slopes, especially in France and Austria for some of the best snow conditions seen for years.

Foreign city breaks are popular at this time of the year with Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam, Rome and New York the top five choices.

ABTA Chief Executive, Mark Tanzer, said: “With no end in sight to the winter, Brits are desperate for some sunshine. It’s a particularly busy Easter and we advise travelers to allow plenty of time for their journeys.”

Take a holiday in Trinidad & Tobago

hese glorious, vibrant islands are the jewel in the Caribbean’s crown.

The colour, diversity and excitement in Trinidad & Tobago are limitless. With fishing, diving, sailing, a fascinating history, world famous festivals and an enviable year round climate you’ll simply never want to leave.

The island’s culture and history is a rich tapestry of Spanish, French, British and African influences. They have a well established folklore and dance tradition and a visit to the islands will no doubt result in you being exposed to some fantastic stories and truly memorable experiences.

The surrounding waters boast over 300 different species of coral and fish, plus other sea creatures. Charter boat excursions to amazing locations like Grande Riviere one of the villages that make up the Turtle Village Trust on the north coast of Trinidad, Salybia Beach where you can hike to the Matura Waterfall, or take the Red Howler Monkey Tour in an ancient Mora-filled forest.

And, for sports fans, there are six world class golf courses, plus plenty more.

The mixture of cultural influences has created a mouth watering option of delicious dishes.

Bake and Shark, or Souse are just two of the wide array of sumptuous delicacies associated with the islands.

The nightlife is healthy and vibrant with nightclubs, traditional dance clubs, shows and bars to keep you going all night long. If you are looking to for some rest and relaxation there are plenty of little places around the glorious coast line to rest up, have a coffee and watch the world go by.

Whatever Trinidad & Tobago holiday you choose, you can be sure your break to the Caribbean will not fail to excite and inspire.

The Phoenix - April 2013 Page 31

TRAVEL

New holiday homes in spectacular south Devon

S

ix stunning contemporary cottages and apartments with panoramic sea views on a spectacularly sited new cliff-top coastal development near East Portlemouth, south Devon is now available through West Country self-catering specialist Helpful Holidays.

Sleeping four and five guests, the properties at Gara Rock have shared use of an excellent on-site restaurant, café, indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and landscaped gardens Once the dramatic site of a coastguard’s station, it is situated in a remote but magical spot near East Portlemouth; far away from the

pressures of everyday life.

The magnificent views are out to sea as well as towards the wild and rugged headlands of Prawle Point and beyond Salcombe Estuary to Bolt Tail

All apartments and cottages have exclusive year-round use of the kidney shaped indoor pool and leisure facilities, while the outdoor pool, together with its changing rooms, showers and sunbathing terrace, can be used from end May until end September.

The informal, contemporary restaurant has a glazed wall for watching the view all year round, plus a terrace for outdoor dining on warmer days.

The stylish accommodation is set beyond the restaurant and within the enclosed grounds. Every holiday home is light and bright with sensational sea views. Inside they are individually furnished to a very high standard with well-equipped kitchens and smart bathrooms.

This is the ideal spot to unwind and watch the ebb and flow of the tide, rather than the clock, and is sure to make you want to keep coming back.

Scandinavian Airlines moves to evening flights to Stockholm

S

candinavian Airlines is moving from a midafternoon departure to an evening flight from Birmingham airport on the recently launched Birmingham – Stockholm route. Starting on 27 June, the service will operate every day except Saturday, using a Boeing 737-600.

SAS Regional General Manager Western Europe, Hans Dyhrfort, says: “SAS’s enhanced schedule will make the route far more convenient for business passengers – as well as leisure. Business passengers will now be able to conduct a full day of work in the UK before flying to Stockholm and vice versa. We are very pleased to be able to adjust our timetable to meet their needs. Plus, the new departure times are also an excellent complement to our Copenhagen route, providing our customers with more choice of flights beyond Scandinavia.”

Martyn Lloyd, Commercial Director for Birmingham Airport, added, “SAS has responded to the requirements of its customers, particularly business travellers who need to depart later in the evening to accommodate a full working day in either Birmingham or Stockholm. I’m confident that this

move will be welcomed by customers currently having to fly into airports further away to return home, and we praise the airline for making this change.”

Page 32

The Phoenix – April 2013

OVERSEAS NEWS

Birmingham helps prepare for Jamaican Diaspora Conference l

Key Speakers included Paulette Simpson, Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs and Public Policy at Jamaica National, and the Honourable Arnaldo Brown, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

J

amaican nationals were at Birmingham’s Council House to attend the launch of the Jamaican Diaspora Conference 2013.

In the presence of digitalis including Jamaican Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Honourable Arnaldo Brown, Mr. Lloyd Wilks, Director, Diaspora and Consular Affairs Department and the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Her Excellency Aloun Ndombet-Assamba, Birmingham’s Jamaican business leaders, community workers, and citizens born on the Caribbean island were in force to here the direction the country is going, in terms of economic strength and what every Jamaican has to do to be an integral part of its growth.

In his first visit to Britain in his capacity as a Minister, the Honourable Mr. Brown did emphasize that it is down

l Her Excellency Aloun NdombetAssamba and Beverley Johnson

to every individual to play their part by buying Jamaican, selling Jamaican and controlling what is bought and sold, to keep the JA dollars flowing strong in the country.

In making reference to the Biennial Conference, to be held in Montego Bay (June 16-19) with sponsor representatives from Grace Kennedy, Jamaica National Building Society, represented on the night by Paulette Simpson, Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs and Public Policy, and, equally, Victoria Mutual Building Society, he said: “Jamaica is open for business. However, it is also ready for refinement.”

The visit was essential for Mr. Brown.

With his responsibility for Diaspora Affairs and Trade, he was determined to hear the views and concerns of his fellow Jamaicans. One of which is improving on the numbers of nationals who go

back to their place of birth-standing at between 11 and 15 per cent: “There is a programme in place to attract Jamaicans in the UK travel back,” he said.

With prominent figures in a packed audience determining their role in Jamaica’s continued economic growth, the presence of the likes of local politician and businessman, Desmond Jaddoo, veteran anti-racism campaigner Maxie Hayles, company director, Camille Ade John, Charles Small, C.E.O. of The Drum Arts Theatre, Beverley Lindsey OBE OD, owner of travel business, Diamond Travel and Chair of the Association of Jamaican Nationals in Birmingham and leading African/Caribbean self-help community leader, Beanie Brown showed just how important this year’s Conference will be for the Jamaican Diaspora. A landmark and a turning point for Jamaica

The Phoenix - April 2013 Page 33

T

Bentley Flying Spur makes NA Debut

he new Bentley Flying Spur, the world’s most refined performance sedan, makes its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show.

With its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology, the new Flying Spur takes the worldwide success of its iconic predecessor further.

Bentley’s styling team has developed an athletic design for the new Flying Spur that combines traditional Bentley styling cues with a sporting stance and contemporary details. Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED day-time running lights, dipped headlights and taillights complement the front and rear profiles. The interior designers have created a luxurious, spacious cabin that dresses advanced acoustic and electronic technologies in exquisite handcrafted leather hides and wood veneers.

Powering the new Flying Spur is Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, coupled to a ZF eight-speed transmission.

Developing 616 horsepower and 590 pound feet of torque, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley fourdoor in history. A 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the outgoing model delivers a breath-taking 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph.

In the modern Bentley tradition, power is delivered to the road via all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a surefooted, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions.

The new Flying Spur has a base MSRP of $200,500.

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Page 34

The Phoenix – April 2013

MOTORS

JLR Opens Regional Office in Singapore

W

est Midlands based Jaguar Land Rover has opened a regional office in Singapore to support its growing sales success in the Asia Pacific region at a prestigious event hosted by the British High Commission in Singapore.

Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Asia Pacific, David Blackhall said: "I am delighted to announce the opening of our regional office in Singapore. Asia Pacific is

Jaguar Land Rover's second fastest growing region, with sales growth of 38% YOY in 2012. Extending our global presence to Singapore confirms our commitment to pursuing the tremendous potential in this region and to supporting our Importer partners."

Jaguar Land Rover opened the Singapore regional office this month as part of ongoing global expansion plans and is recruiting locally for its new team. The company's regional hub will support

its Asia Pacific Importer partners in their sales, marketing and aftersales operations.

The Singapore office adds to Jaguar Land Rover's existing presence in Asia Pacific, with national sales company offices in Australia, Japan and South Korea. This expansion reflects the demand for Jaguar Land Rover products, driven by the company's new smaller and more efficient engines which resonate well with Asian customers

Toyota Joins Mayor’s London Hydrogen Partnership

T

he development of a hydrogen economy in London will help support the Mayor’s ambitions to secure new jobs and investment whilst at the same time reducing environmental impact.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) are accepted by many as a viable long-term successor to today’s diesel and petrol passenger vehicles, with many major global automaker developing FCEV. Over the last few years the LHP has initiated over £50 million worth of hydrogen

projects; attracting and rollingout new hydrogen buses, taxis, scooters, refuelling stations, materials handling vehicles and fuel cell Combined Heat and Power units to London.

Deputy Mayor, Kit Malthouse, said: “We want Toyota and the London Hydrogen Partnership to develop a roadmap for fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen refuelling station rollout. Toyota will provide invaluable insights and bring global experience to the Mayor’s innovative ‘smart’ low carbon low emission transport activities.

I welcome their commitment to

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l Deputy Mayor Kit Malthouse with Toyota’s ‘Mr Hydrogen’ Katsuhiko Hirose

London’s positive economic future”.

Graham Smith, Managing Director, Toyota Motor Europe, London Office commented: “We are pleased to participate within the London Hydrogen Partnership and add our support to its ambitions to develop and enable clean, sustainable hydrogen fuel cell transport for the capital. Toyota believes this technology offers great potential for sustainable transport and will be among the first manufacturers to bring hydrogen-powered vehicles to the European market in 2015 where hydrogen supply infrastructure is in place.

“With the benefit of our extensive experience in fuel cell research and development as part of our mission to develop low carbon low emission transport, we aim to provide practical insights into how London might best encourage and benefit from hydrogen-powered transport.

“It is important that all interested parties, including vehicle manufacturers and government bodies, work together to help build a lower carbon society. The London Hydrogen Partnership provides an excellent forum for this, ensuring the benefits of fuel cell electric vehicles can be appreciated and realised through co-ordinated dialogue”.

The Phoenix - April 2013 Page 35

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

Bears confirm USN as first Sport Nutrition Partner

W l Councillor Liam Preeece, ambassador to West Bromwich Youth Council, presents certificates to (l-r) Immanuel Daffon, Ronan Cresswell, Jamie Knowles and Jordan Meades

Future football stars receive accredited certificates

F

ootball stars from a West Bromwich youth club picked up a prized football qualification – and won a prestigious tournament.

Sandwell Council organised a 12-week training course for ten members of Lodge Road Youth Club who trained with a Level 2 qualified coach and watched Albion’s home game against Southampton.

After successfully complet-

ing the course, they received certificates from ASDAN, a charity offering programmes and qualifications to help young people

develop their personal and social skills The group also played in the Positive Activities Futsal Tournament at the Futsal Arena Birmingham, and came away as Junior Champions.

Team member Jordan Meades, 16, said: “I enjoyed taking part in the programme as I love football. I learnt new skills and also got to watch the Baggies.”

Bolt to be a UK boost after Budget

B

ritish athletic fans can thank Chancellor George Osborne for the real chance of seeing Olympic double triple-gold winner Usain Bolt at this year’s London Anniversary Games, the 2013 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and other major meets on these shores.

The Jamaican sprint legend is just one of a list of international sporting stars who previously

refused to compete in Britain due to tax demands on all appearance fees, prize money, and endorsement income.

But after recent Budget measures which included tax exemption for "non-resident athletes," there’s greater likelihood of Bolt and many other leading sporting greats of gracing major sports venues up and down the land from here on.

"We want to attract the very

best athletes, and this helps us do that," said Sports Minister Hugh Robertson.

The London Anniversary Games will be held on 26-28 July at the Olympic Stadium to celebrate the first anniversary of the London 2012 opening ceremony. The event contains a weekend of Diamond League athletics on 26-27 July followed by a day of Paralympic competition on 28 July.

a r w i c k s h i r e nership with Warwickshire CCC into cricket with the LV= County County Cricket secures USN branding on the Champions is the perfect fit.

Club has con- non-leading arm of the Bears’ new The Warwickshire coaching firmed USN as its Friends Life t20 shirt as well as team’s ethos of leaving no stone first official Sports Nutrition & hospitality packages for matches unturned in their preparation has Supplements Partner. at Edgbaston. made them a dominant force in Bromsgrove-based USN, one Karl Bickley, Events Manager English cricket, and we’re sure of the leading providers of body- and Athlete Liaison at USN, that they’ll see great benefits and building, weight loss, high protein said: “The opportunity for USN enjoy using our product range in and endurance supplements will to extend our ambassadorship the 2013 season.” supply its range of products to the Bears throughout the defence of the LV= County Championship.

Chris Armstrong, Wa r w i c k s h i r e ’s Fitness and Conditioning Coach said: “Sports nutrition is a constantly evolving industry in elite sport.

“USN is one of the market leaders in sports nutrition, and by signing our first official partnership we can ensure our squad will always have access to the best sports products and supplements available.” l Chris Armstrong, Fitness and Conditioning Coach at Warwickshire CCC (centre), The official part- with Bears Fast Bowler Recordo Gordon (left) and Batsman Laurie Evans.

Trinidad & Tobago Carnival - Centre Pages

Qatar Airways to join forces with La Liga giants

by Steve Williams

steve.williams@ thephoenixnewspaper.com

Q

atar Airways will enter into a strategic partnership with football giants FC Barcelona that sees

the airline’s brand name appear on first team shirts from the start of the 2013/14 season. The three-year agreement will be effective from 1 July 2013.

They will become the club’s Global Main Partner, signaling the first time the airline has engaged in a sponsorship with a major soccer club.

Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: “It will be a unique partnership between the world’s best club and the best airline in the world. The alignment with Barca is a ‘fitting match’ for both organizations.

FC Barcelona is a club that exemplifies passion, pride, heritage and culture at its core. These are

Paralympic Legacy for Disabled adults in Wolves & Walsall

A

dults with learning disabilities are reaping the benefits of football coaching sessions run by sports students.

The initiative, set up on the back of the 2012 Paralympic Games, enables those with disabilities to engage in an active, social event within the community every week between now and Easter.

Run by students at the University of Wolverhampton in conjunction with Wolverhampton City Council’s learning disabilities team and the local NHS Trusts, group sessions are held in both Wolverhampton and Walsall.

In Wolverhampton, the sessions take place at the university’s sports

hall every Friday and in Walsall at the sports centre on the Walsall Campus.

Hannah Dingley, lecturer in Sports Coaching at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “It is really important to build on the legacy of last year’s Olympic and Paralympic games, particularly in regards to establishing initiatives involving those in the local community.

The sessions provide a chance for our first year students to actively engage with the public and to adopt positions of responsibility, both experiences that will help them over the course of their degrees.”

values we share, admire and are fundamental to Qatar Airways.”

He was joined by FC Barcelona president Sandro Rosell to announce the upcoming partnership.

He said: “From July 1, we will be able to work with global company Qatar Airways, with whom we share many things such as the search for excellence. This sponsorship deal will bring great advantages, not just for the club, but also for our city and our country.”

He also thanked current shirt sponsors Qatar Foundation: “This is an organisation we have had a very productive relationship with during these last two years and which we will continue to be connected with as our Human Development Partner.”

As part of the agreement, the airline’s name will adorn Barca’s first-team shirts from the start of the 2013/14 season.

Birmingham Lions set to represent GB

U

niversity of Birmingham’s UBSport Birmingham Lions American Football team was proud to see many of their club players selected to represent Great Britain in the

Great Britain Student American Football Programme.

An impressive thirteen players were selected to play for the team in this month’s Sweden Student Programme, alongside two further players selected for the Great

Britain Student Development Programme.

This historic event is the first time two International Federation of American Football student members will compete against each other, proving to be an exhilarating game.

University of Birmingham Head Coach Wayne Hill commented "The players have been through an extremely rigours process and have worked extremely hard to get to this position.

They have been able to showcase their skills through the trials and training camp process which has now resulted in their selection to the travelling squad to Sweden in April.

The players selected for the programme include; Greg Freeman, A-Jay Crabbe, Edward Cheadle, Sam Marshall, Greg Pearson, Maxwell Petitjean, Craig Harris, Tristan Varney, Daniel Conroy, Stefan Rowden, Williams Hussey, Joshue Vines and Thomas Levick, with Julian Morgan and Frazer Magunda.