The Phoenix Newspaper August 2012

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AUGUST 2012

Entertainment Education Fashion Business Motoring Travel Sport l

Inside this Month

H.E. Aloun NdombetAssamba, the Jamaican High Comissioner @ JITS

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COMPETITION

Wii, 3DS and PC versions to be won!

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Olympic Successes See the Sport section

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Jamaica floods Victoria Square

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The Phoenix– August 2012

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Cultivation to Consumption

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ungry, green fingered locals flocked to Victoria Jubilee Allotments (VJA) in Handsworth recently to sample great, organic food freshly gathered from generous plot holders and cooked on site in a bid to raise awareness of healthy eating.

‘Cultivation to Consumption’; a pilot project put together by Legacy WM Director Aftab Rahman and Simon Baddeley of VJA, drew over 30 people to the allotments one evening. Fresh produce was collected by the young people who attended from the Bangladeshi Youth Forum along with older people from the community, all of whom participated in digging crop, cleaning and preparing the food to eat. Vegetable curry, pilau rice and fresh chapattis were on the menu along with tasty pakoras and the freshest salad!

The overall aim of the project

was to challenge the growing number of young people at risk of obesity, looking at the negative impact of fast food culture. By demonstrating how to grow food in your garden at home and how to prepare it, both Simon and Aftab hope to encourage people to reap the benefits of eating organic.

“The event raised awareness of growing and cooking your own food, and demonstrated the positive health benefits. Too many young people have adopted a culture of computer games and fast food which is having a detrimental effect on their health” said Aftab “There was an amazing buzz about the place and great community spirit with different people working together. The 32 people that were present reflected the community with young and old” “Aftab and I feel the whole thing went very well. I learned and I enjoyed myself. It's the first event

other than our very small Diamond Jubilee Picnic held on the VJA since we began in June 2010.

I judge it a good start!” added Simon.

The pilot is paid for by Keepmoat and supported by Midland Heart.

By Thaiba Ishtiaq

The Phoenix:

Rising from the ashes

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ver wondered why we are called ‘The Phoenix’? In the first of our monthly sections, we start with a broad look at the history of the Phoenix.

The Egyptians called it ‘Bennu’, the Chinese, ‘Feng Huang’, but in essence the legendary bird that is the phoenix remains the same.

The mythical bird, associated with immortality and resurrection makes mention in different cultures all over the world, from Greece to China, Europe to Native America, civilisations have long since been in awe of this exceptionally beautiful ‘bird of fire’ that lives forever.

The stories may differ, but across all cultures the phoenix has always been a source of fascination. The idea of eternal life captivates us all, and the phoenix is a creature of eternity; a symbolic representation of death and rebirth.

The classic account is that it lives for 500 years (or more according to some) after which it builds a nest of cinnamon twigs and is consumed by fire, from the ashes it rises again, with the morning sun, to live for another 500 years.

Its deep spirituality is associated with its origin which is attributed to the Egyptians; a civilisation that was obsessed with eternal life. The ‘bennu’ bird, as they called it, makes its appearance in the Egyptian hieroglyphics and is associated with the sun. It was believed to be the ‘soul of Ra’, the Egyptian sun-god, and thus a spiritual being.

Beauty

The name ‘phoenix’ originated from Greek culture, to mean ‘purple-red’ or ‘crimson’, reflecting the colour of the bird and linking it to fire and the sun. The Greek legend coincides significantly with the Egyptian myth, making this the most popular version of the story: “The phoenix dwells in Arabia, near a cool well. Every morning it sings a beautiful song, so beautiful that even the sun-god Apollo would stop his chariot to listen. The unique bird is lonely as there only ever exists one at any time; only its death will bring another of its race. As its death approaches, it builds a nest of aromatic woods, setting it alight to be consumed by the flames. From its ashes rises another, young and powerful phoenix which carries

the remains of its predecessor to the Sun City of Heliopolis in Egypt, to be deposited at the altar of the sun-god”.

The phoenix also makes its appearance in world religions.

In Christianity, the symbolism of the bird is used metaphorically to represent the life, death and resurrection of Christ and also the general belief of life-after-death.

It was found to be the symbol of Christ in numerous ways, and thus found itself on tombstones in early Christian times. The Roman Empire also used it on medals and coins as an emblem of their desire for the empire to last forever.

In Judaism the phoenix is called ‘Milcham’, a bird which has been given special status by God due to being the only creature not to eat from the forbidden tree. He is rewarded by being born anew every 1000 years and not ever having the angel of death touch him.

In Islamic mythology the phoe-

nix is called ‘Anka’ in Arabic or ‘Simurg’ in Persian, and is known as the ‘prophet of the birds’, created by God with all perfections to help humanity.

The cycle of death and rebirth is reminiscent of the trials and tribulations we face in our lives today.

Just as the phoenix rises from a burning fire, we bring ourselves out of difficult situations, rising again as a new born with renewed hope and energy, ready to tackle life again.

The phoenix is eternal, beautiful and shines bright, radiating its light far and wide to all those who appreciate its being. It exists to serve humanity as a means of hope and rejuvenation and, in the true manner of the phoenix bird, the Phoenix Newspaper rises to serve you; our community.

Each month we’ll be hearing a philosophers view on The Phoenix and all of it’s intricacies from Oracle.

To advertise telephone 0121 250 3536

The Phoenix–August 2012

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NEWS

Death of a Bollywood superstar

By Thaiba Ishtiaq

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l Rajesh with son-in-law, Akshay Kumar & wife, Dimple Kapadia, ouching tributes were paid recently to the man known as the ‘first superstar’ of Bollywood

cinema.

Rajesh Khanna passed away at the age of 69 at his family home in Mumbai, India, surrounded by his family after reports that he had been in and out of hospital due to his ill health in recent weeks.

Khanna made his Bollywood debut in 1966 with the films ‘Akhri Khat’ and ‘Raaz’. However, the title of ‘first superstar’ was given to him after 15 consecutive solo hit films in the late 60s and early 70s, a record in Indian film history which still remains unbroken.

Romance and music remained the biggest attraction of his films and

he fitted the bill perfectly; handsome, charismatic and talented Khanna created a hysteria that lasted throughout the peak of his career.

Films like ‘Aradhana’, ‘Haathi Mere Saathi’ and ‘Namak Haram’ are just three of over 150 films Khanna made, winning the Filmfare Best Actor award three times, having been nominated 14 times and the BFJA Awards for Best Actor (Hindi) four times, nominated an amazing 25 times. In 1991 he won the Filmfare Special Award for completing 25 years in the industry, appearing in a lead role in a record 106 films during this time.

2005 saw Khanna receive the prestigious Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.

l Rajesh in action with fellow star Amitabh Bachchan His fan base stretches all over the world as millions fondly remember this superstar of Bollywood his legacy lives on in his films and music.

l Rajesh Khanna

Rajesh Khanna is succeeded by his wife Dimple Kapadia and daughters Twinkle and Rinke Khanna.

l Rajesh Khanna’s Funeral Procession in Mumbai

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The Phoenix– August 2012

NEWS

Show up, dress up, stay up

One night can make all the difference

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n invitation is going out this month to join in one of the most magical nights of the year as Acorns Midnight Walk brings an atmosphere of fancy dress and fun to Birmingham’s streets.

Up to 1,000 supporters of Acorns Children’s Hospice from all over the region are expected to come together to be a part of the colourful and exciting Midnight Walk through Birmingham on Saturday 15th September.

Hundreds of women in pink Midnight Walk t-shirts and fancy dress set off at the stroke of midnight from Victoria Square. More than 1,500 ladies joined last year’s walk, described as ‘brilliant.’

Acorns Children’s Hospice this week celebrated the launch of Midnight Walk, by starting the countdown, to welcome ladies around the Midlands to sign up for the 10km female-only walking event.

Walkers start and finish in the city centre in Victoria Square, against the back drop of the moonlit Town Hall and Council House. Walkers of all ages and abilities come together, through the Bullring, the Jewellery Quarter, St Philip’s Cathedral and Brindleyplace.

Last year, participants celebrating a life, or remembering a loved one, raised much-needed funds to support local life limited and life threatened children and their families.

Acorns cares for 630 children who have life limiting or life threatening conditions and 880 families, including those that are bereaved. There is no charge to families for using the services but it does cost £750 per day for each child’s care. Acorns urgently needs donations, relying on them for the majority of its income.

Staying up to take part in the

Midnight Walk reminds people that a good night’s sleep is a rare treat when caring for a life limited child.

Philippa Gay, Acorns’ Major Events Officer, said: “Ladies who are kind enough to give up part of their night, to raise funds for Acorns’ care, do something truly wonderful: helping local families with life limited children, who depend on the support of Acorns, to cope with emotional, physical and financial challenges.

Support

“Please sign up now to join us, and keep alight the spirit of community that we have seen during the Diamond Jubilee and Olympic Celebrations. We have walkers who come alone – they join up with fellow walkers. You can get together with female friends, colleagues and family to join in this exciting night.”

Acorns also needs more than 100 men to volunteer on the evening of the walk to watch over the walkers and marshal the route, so please make contact and offer your support, which will be very welcome.

The Acorns Midnight Walk has

the kind support of event sponsor First Personnel, and media partner Free Radio.

Linda Thornton, of First Personnel, said: “This is a brilliant night; everyone has so much fun and raises vital funds for care for life limited children. We can’t wait to take part, and we are looking forward to meeting everyone – we are just delighted to be involved in supporting Acorns’ Midnight Walk.”

Jo, drive time presenter from Free Radio, said: “The Midnight Walk is an emotional night. We are really proud to be involved in this event for the 4th year running.

It’s amazing to see so many women come together to support such a worthwhile local cause.”

For more information or to register, visit: www.acorns.org.uk/midnightwalk call: 0844 984 0405 or email: events@acorns.org.uk

The closing date for entries is Friday 7th September 2012 so get signed up and get involved!

The Phoenix– August 2012

The Balti to join British elite dishes

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he EU is in talks to find out the authenticity of Birmingham’s own Balti dish, to decide whether it is a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed product.

The ’suits’ from Brussels are deciding how standardised the much-loved Asian-influenced cuisine is to join some of the

other national favourites and get the TSG seal of approval.

Balti expert, Andy Munro, who was born and raised in and around the ‘Balti Belt,’ in Sparkbrook, says: “A Balti is a genuine Birmingham creation. Anything else will always be seen as not the real deal, in my eyes.”

NEWS Ambulance Chief supports College of Paramedics

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est Midlands Ambulance Service's (WMAS) Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Marsh has recently become an Associate Member of the

College of Paramedics.

Back in July 2011, Andy Proctor, WMAS Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) Paramedic was appointed as the college's Council

l Mr. Anthony Marsh and Andy Proctor

Member for the West Midlands region. Since his appointment Andy has been working closely with college members to ensure that regional views are voiced at a national level as well as organising a number of extremely successful professional study days.

Talking about the latest member Andy said: "It is a great honour to receive this level of support from the Service's Chief Executive Officer. Mr Marsh has shown his full support following my appointment into the role last year. It is extremely encouraging to receive such great backing from such a high level at both a regional and national level.

"The College of Paramedics, as it is known now was initially set up in 2001 entitled the British Paramedic Association. The professional body provides support to members through advice and represents the interests of paramedics and ambulance clinicians through committees and advisory groups.

All members of the College are given the opportunity to comment on consultations, helping the ambulance profession to have a voice in determining how changes in the health service are shaped and implemented."

Following Andy's appointment into his role, WMAS Critical Care Paramedic, Jim Hancox has also taken on the role of Alternative Council Member. Jim was appointed into the role on 22nd June

Tesco first big sponsors for Sandwell Arts Festival

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esco was the first big name company to sign up as a sponsor of the Sandwell Arts Festival.

The retail giant pledged financial support for the two week event and is providing refreshments for workshops.

The move coincides with work proceeding on a massive Tesco superstore in West Bromwich town centre.

Jonathan Simspon, Corporate Affairs Manager for Tesco, said: "We have strong roots in Sandwell

and are proud to back a festival which is firmly focused on local communities."

Sandwell Council's cabinet member for Leisure Services, Councillor Linda Horton said: "The Arts Festival has established itself as a major event in the calendar and I would like to thank Tesco and the Arts Council, who has spent £10,000 on this year’s festival, for their commitment to this popular community celebration of the arts."

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The highlight of this year's festival is a spectacular community procession through West Bromwich.

The council has again teamed up with local arts organizations, including Multistory, Black Country Touring, The Public, Sandwell Third Age Arts and Sandwell Primary Care Trust, to run this year’s festival, under the banner: ‘Right Up My Street.’

Most of the events will be free to attend. A festival brochure will be available at venues around the borough.

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following the 2012 elections.

Andy and Jim are currently forming the West Midlands College of Paramedics Regional Group (WMRG) whose aim is to provide a link between the College and its members in the West Midlands region and to provide its members with benefits such as continuous professional development (cpd) events.

Anthony Marsh, WMAS Chief Executive Officer said: "Andy and Jim are doing a fantastic job representing the West Midlands region within the college.

"It is important that ambulance staff within the West Midlands are aware of national developments and have the opportunity to voice their views thus helping to shape future plans amongst the ambulance service nationally. Being a member of the college also provides staff with further development opportunities, allowing them to partake in a number of continuous professional development events that have been specially organised."

There are three membership categories; full membership for HPC registered paramedics, Associate membership, for anybody interested in the profession whether that be PTS, ECA's and Technicians and a student membership, which is available to anyone currently studying to be a paramedic.

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The Phoenix– August 2012

NEWS

Queen in Brum

By Thaiba Ishtiaq

T l Bhai Mohinder Singh (3rd from left) with other faith leaders in Victoria Square

he Diamond Jubilee Tour made its stop in Birmingham as The Queen visited Victoria Square along with the Duke of Edinburgh. Once welcomed by City dignitaries, Her Majesty turned to the crowds of bystanders, who were meanwhile entertained by an American Barbershop Quartet and Chinese Dancers.

Occupying a VIP area in Victoria Square was the Birmingham Faith Leaders Group, which comprises of leaders from the principal faiths of Birmingham; Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh.

Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh, Chairman of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha and Nishkam Civic Association, was amongst the faith leaders who attended the open air reception of the Royal party. “The atmosphere was great.

The Queen is a remarkable lady, she does us all proud by the sheer determination she demonstrates to meet and greet people” he said.

Celebration

l HM The Queen meeting members of the public in Victoria Square during her visit

“By coming today the Faith Leaders have shown how closely we work as different faith traditions. Birmingham is a diverse and beautiful collection of many different traditions and just as the Queen leads the Church of England, it was only befitting that the Birmingham Faith Leaders

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l HM The Queen enjoying herself during her visit

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The hundreds of well wishers included excited school children waving flags and cheering as the Royals made their appearance.

Amrick Singh, Director of Nishkam Centre also reflected on the morning “It was very touching, to see the Queen spend time talking to the young children. We saw young and old wanting to speak to the Queen; she is a source of inspiration, a role model, a faith person with an aura about her that uplifts

people – it was a pleasure to have been present”.

The Queen and Duke complete their four month regional Diamond Jubilee tour of the UK with a visit to the Isle of Wight and the New Forest, thanking the British public for celebrating 60 years of Her Majesty’s reign.

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Birmingham Faith Leaders amongst hundreds welcoming HM The Queen

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Micah Goodridge, the company’s Funeral Director, has been in operation, here in Britain, for over 40 years having served in the familyrun business in his native Barbados.

At Micah Funeral Service they offer a full range of coffins and caskets at exceptional value as well as also modern and vintage hearses, horses, carriages and modern cars.

For 40 years he has been

arranging funerals, with the very least of stress for his mass list of clients by providing a helping hand with every bit of detail, much of which is often overlooked by the grieving family of the deceased.

Offering a compassionate and sensitive service, nothing is seen as too much as they see themselves as privileged to be chosen to take family’s loved one on their final journey.

Micah’s aim is to carry out every individual’s request with the utmost dignity and attention to detail.

A legacy of great service and experience has been built over the decades, serving all

communities and faiths, no matter how near or far.

For Micah, himself, after so long in the field, he always makes the point that his business is to serve people totally, with no half measures, saying: “It is so important to allow families to have a funeral they feel best reflects the person’s wishes, be it simple or something unusual, we will always endeavour to help you arrange a personal farewell.”

The 24 Hour call out service offers visits, a pick-up service from anywhere in the UK, private chapel of rest and any relevant transfer of the deceased to their own chapel of rest.

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The Phoenix– August 2012

W

ith the West Midlands being home to the second most population of Muslims in the UK, the month of Ramadan hardly goes unnoticed, even amongst non-Muslims. Ramadan 2012 began with the sighting of the new moon on the eve of Friday 20th July and will end with the celebration of Eid ul Fitr on or around the 20th August. The Islamic calendar is lunar, therefore days begin at sunset rather than sunrise and there are often variations amongst communities depending on regional customs and new moon sightings.

Ramadan is a month of spirituality, self reflection and religious devotion for Muslims. Fasting during the 30 days is obligatory for all healthy adults, and is amongst the five pillars defining the Muslim faith. Muslims start each day with a meal just before sunrise called ‘Suhoor’ and break the fast at sunset with a meal beginning with dates and water called ‘Iftaar’. In the period between Suhoor and Iftaar muslims will neither eat nor drink, and will instead use the time to increase their worship and set themselves goals to improve their spiritual wellbeing. This year Muslims in the UK are observing a

fast lasting up to 18 hours!

In addition to the 5 daily prayers, Muslims will pray the long night prayer known as ‘Taraweeh’ and complete the entire holy book, the Quran, over the 30 day period. It is believed the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in the last 10 days of Ramadan. Remembrance and prayer is therefore increased during this time.

The Month of Mercy, as it is often referred to, ends just as it began; at the sighting of the crescent moon. It is celebrated by the festival of Eid ul Fitr.

Various fundraising events are organised throughout the month

all over the West Midlands and the UK, including food drives and community iftaars where the entire community, whether Muslim or not, is invited to come and enjoy the sunset meal together. A fantastic way to get everyone involved to

enjoy some great food, share cultures and fundraise for charitable causes all at the same time!

To help with the various health concerns amongst the Muslim community during Ramadan, the UK Department of Health have

Page 7

NEWS

published a Ramadan Health Guide providing specific information on healthy eating for those who are fasting. It can be downloaded at www.dh.gov.uk

By Thaiba Ishtiaq

Why Lee McDonald is proud of his Colours

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l Regimental Standard Bearers stand proud - with old colleague,Vince Daniels

lways a man of the people, for the people, Lee McDonald has always lived his life with the ethos of: “others first, self second.”

He’s just returned from a weekend stay in Somerset, for one of those re-unions that will live forever in his memory for more reasons than one.

The amiable Lee was at a gathering in the quaint little coastal town of Watchet to meet with some special friends who he will always see as ‘brothers.’

The get together was that of the Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers, a band of brothers who served for Queen and country both at home and abroad with proud distinction.

For Lee, who served the regiment for nine years between 1964 and 1973, it was one of those weekends that he always has, and will, hold very dear to his heart.

The much loved McDonald always speaks with great emotion about his time in the forces and how it shaped his life for the good ever since. He will also speak highly of the subsequently regular reunions held since then. On both scores, you will always see his eyes light up just that extra bit brighter. You can tell what and how much that period in his life.

Always wanting to be in the forces, he was in the scouts as well as other affiliated groups, back in Hanover and Westmoreland, in his native Jamaica, but, because of his size, was held back in moving forward: “At 5’6” I was deemed too small to join the forces back home, but, having read about Field Marshall Montgomery, who was only 5’5”, at the age of 18, I decided to come to England and joint the forces here.”

toria during her reign.

Served in countries as diverse as Germany, Borneo, Hong Kong, Canada and Northern Ireland, his 9-years were the most exciting, bonding and fulfilling in his life.

Come 1973 and, in leaving the army, which was one of the most difficult decisions he ever had to make, he was ready to start a new life in Canada. However, with his mother suffering with diabetes, he decided to stay and look after her: “I was never going to leave my mother here,” he says.

Lee quickly learned the welding and engineering trade and spent his working life here, in the West Midlands.

He’s been on a huge number of parades, as the Standard-bearer for both the Royal Warwickshire and the West Indian Caribbean Regiments.

An integral part of the recent Armed Forces Day parade, in Birmingham, and also carried the flags during the Jamaican track

and field team’s stay in the city.

Now a spritely 67, Lee McDonald serves as a member of the West Indian/Caribbean Veterans Association, at the F.C.F. Social Club, in Handsworth and also facilitated the ‘dignified’ funeral of local icon, Lester Kidd, a 76-year-old Oxford Graduate who was spared a paupers funeral, when all the Handsworth’s multi-cultural communities got together to pay for a proper send-off.

Lee is a very active member of the British Legion (Birmingham region) and just wants people to know what a vital a role Caribbean men and women have played in defending these shores, as well as the life and times of Lester Kidd.

‘Why Are West Indians In This Country-England’s Hidden History’ is a book out now, by H. Barnes, detailing the prominence of the Caribbean during major wars around the world.

By Steve Williams

Inspirational

l The West Indian/Caribbean Regimental flag is on show

Now an infantry man, whilst in Watchet, he was also affiliated to the West Indian/Caribbean Regimental colours, a long-standing regiment, bestowed by Queen Vic-

l Lee carries the Regimental flags during Armed Forces Day

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The Phoenix– August 2012

NEWS

Sandwell young women honoured

l (l-r)Anika Saghir and Pardeep Dhaliwal, both aged 18 and 15-year-old Sasskia Roberts with their awards

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group of young volunteers from Sandwell who make sure opportunities are provided for hard to reach young women have been honoured with the national award.

The SPICES Smethwick Young Women's Forum received the Princess Diana Champion Volunteer Award at a ceremony in London.

Three young women - Anika Saghir and Pardeep Dhaliwal, both aged 18 and 15-year-old Sasskia Roberts, represented SPICES (Social, Physical, Intellectual, Cultural, Emotional and Spiritual) to officially receive the award.

The group give up their lunch and after school times to meet every Tuesday at Holly Lodge High School, Smethwick.

They support and provide opportunities for personal development for themselves and their peers to ensure that their voices are represented and opportunities provided for some very hard to reach young women.

Improve

Sandwell Council's young people's services has worked with the forum for over two years and involved the young women in consultation work to improve services provided for young women.

The group's achievements include: work around building confidence and self-esteem, learning new skills, consulting with young women, stimulating discussions and debates around issues concerning young women and gaining accreditations. SPICES were also

runner-up at the Sandwell Shadow Youth Cabinet’s Star Awards earlier this year.

Maggie Turner OBE and Chief Executive of the Diana Award said: “We are delighted to recognise young volunteers who give their time to support and improve their communities. We know that others will be inspired to make a real positive difference."

Anika Saghir said: “Receiving the Diana Award has been inspirational and a motivation for us to carry on with the work we are doing.

We all felt humbled when we heard of the number of young people facing extreme difficulties who are continuing to bring about change by leading on different activities to make improvements in

all areas of society."

Councillor Linda Horton, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for Leisure Services, said: “To have been chosen from hundreds of applications across the country is a real achievement. SPICES Smethwick Young Women’s Forum should be proud of their commitment and efforts and for representing Sandwell so well.”

The Diana Award was established in 1999 as a lasting legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales' belief that young people have the power to change the world.

The award exists to celebrate young people who support others and strive to improve their communities.

‘Best of British AGA’ demo at Ironbridge

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012 is the year of celebrating being British and the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust is continuing the

l Dawn Roads from AGA

trend.

Join them for an evening to celebrate the Best of British food, all cooked on an iconic British brand – the AGA range.

Dawn Roads, of AGA, will be cooking delicious food in the Museum of Iron Café, at Coalbrookdale, on Thursday September 13.

Guests will have the chance to try fabulous fresh from the oven dishes made from local ingredients which are classically British - all served with a glass of wine.

Ruth Brown, Fundraising Manager, said: “This promises to be

a fantastic event for anyone who loves to cook and eat. It’s also an opportunity for all AGA owners to get to know their ranges a bit better. AGA has a long history in Coalbrookdale and it’s a great opportunity to join forces and host an evening which supports the Museum and its charitable aims.”

All proceeds from the fundraising event will go to Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust and there will also be a chance to buy AGA cookware at an amazing discount.

All tickets priced at £15 are inclusive of free entry into the Museum of Iron from 6.30pm – 9.30pm, a glass of wine and food tastings; numbers are limited.

l Wolverhampton City Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities Councillor Elias Mattu making final preparations for the reopening of the swimming pool at Central Baths.

Wolverhampton’s Central Baths reopens

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o l v e r h a m p t o n ’s Central Baths is now reopened following major repair

work.

It closed earlier this year following an act of vandalism, which led to the competition-standard pool’s tank requiring extensive re-tiling.

Vandals smashed a number of panes of glass and, as the pool was drained to allow the broken glass to be removed, a number of tiles came loose from the side and floor of the pool.

It was subsequently agreed that, rather than carrying out temporary repairs to the affected areas, a complete retiling of the entire pool area should be carried out which would extend the 22-year-old pool’s lifespan by around 25 years.

That work, which saw more than 20,000 tiles removed and replaced, was completed earlier this month, and following the filling of the pool, treatment of 136,000 gallons of water and the installation of new timing touch pads used in galas, the pool will be reopened to

the public next week.

At the same time, Central Baths’ new steam room was also opened, for the first time.

Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities, said: “This has been a time-consuming and complicated project – not helped by flooding to the plant room as a result of June’s downpours – but we are delighted that we finally opened the new and improved Central Baths pool to the public.

It is also very pleasing that the facility was opened in time for the summer holidays for children and young people to make the most of it.

I’d like to thank all our many customers for their patience during the closure and hope they enjoy the new facilities.”

Swimmers who use a Fit Card at Central Baths should note that their memberships will be extended by the period of the closure of the pool.

Have you got a story you think we should feature? Get in touch with newsdesk - 0121 250 3535

Page 10

The Phoenix–August 2012

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

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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 coming soon!

Mark Dwayne

Daniel Riley Ian McLaughlin

O

n Wednesday August 29th 2012 some of the UK’s hottest creative talent will be gathering in Birmingham for a unique one-day creative boot-camp.

Music Potential is being held at the Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA) and will be the first of its kind in the region. Supported by Barclaycard and Global – owners of Choice FM – Music Potential is designed to kick-start the careers of 250 unemployed youngsters through innovative work with music and digital technology.

Confirmed talent already includes Ashley Walters from TV drama Topboy, Akala, Sasha Brooks, KC, RoxXxan, Seani B and Semtex. Punch CEO Ammo Talwar says: “Music Potential is a chance for the creative industries to step up and show they can give back something real to the community people’s lives. Some of these young people may very well have bright ideas that could help boost the region’s economy.”

Each young participant will be given their own hands-on projects to develop on the day – along with a ‘memory’ wristband on which all their work will be recorded. They will create their own media con-

Stars to support new Birmingham Music and Arts Academy tent, learning how to write their own scripts and then filming them, recording their own mixtapes and radio promotional pieces. All of their work will be stored on their wristbands, for them to take away.

The Music Potential event will be backed up by real learning, hands-on training and work placements for local young people across the autumn of 2012. 30 of participants from the boot-camp will go on to undertake a structured three-month learning program based around transferable skills to equip them for their future

careers. There will also be ’Dragon’s Den’-type funding available for any young entrepreneurs who can show that they have marketable business ideas.

The Music Potential programme has been designed and delivered

by Punch, a music development agency, based in Birmingham’s Eastside. Punch are the producers of the annual BASS festival, as well as last year’s Jamaica Live!

Olympic event in Birmingham, attended by over 30,000 people.

A Diamond in the rough

T Opening Times Tuesday - Saturday : 10.30am - 6.30am

Telephone: 0121 551 7999 Studio 23, Multicultural House, 55 Great Hampton Street, Birmingham, B18 6EL

attooing has been a staple feature in artistic body decorating for centuries.

From the ancient Bronze age, Pazyryk culture, Egyptian period, through African, Indian and Chinese dynasties, to the modern, created designs we see up and down every High Street in Britain today.

From early English explorers, who returned home with tattooed Polynesians to exhibit at fairs and the likes, to today’s self-exhibitions of fine art, by every-day men and women, tattoos are pretty much a thing that would make you feel odd, should you not have one, hidden, or prominent, about your person. The more exclusive the design, the greater the attention.

At Black Diamondz Inc. Tattoo Studio, in Birmingham, it’s one of those almost rare places where every tattoo is 100% customer de-

signed.

The Hockley-based studio has been creating bespoke, one-off tattoo images for the past four years and, for proprietor/ tattoo artist, Jawal Morrison, it’s the main reason why this establishment stands out so much from many other tattoo parlours.

Expertise

The stand-out take on his work is that he only does designs that wanted by each individual client, pretty-much all of which is current and singularly relevant: “Ever since I’ve been here, I’ve never done any two tattoos that are the same. I’ve always refused to do repeats.”

Highly qualified in the field, Jawal, whose lasting dream was always to be a tattoo artist, gets great satisfaction when creating and applying exclusive images of heroic figures, like Marcus Garvey, Bob

By Steve Williams

Marley and The Honourable Haile Selassie I: “I never use flash-books to get images,” says the very amiable Morrison “and that’s what all my clients want. I feel that I’ve started a new trend.”

He has a large client-base, from all the cities thriving communities, but, for him, ‘too much’ is never enough. The ever-growing clientbase are, each and every one of them, satisfied customers, subsequently creating fantastic recommendation for this high-end, top quality tattoo studio.

Jawal now has two apprentices on board, 21-year-old CJ and Ryu (20), both from Birmingham, who, like the man himself, were inspired to do this, from a very young age.

Black Diamondz Inc. is in great, steady and very creative hands, for now, tomorrow and years to come.

To advertise call 0121 250 3536

The Phoenix–August 2012

ENTERTAINMENT

The Cosmopolitan Cutting Edge Entertainment Magazine

Ben Forster to star in Jesus Christ Superstar

R

eality TV winner, Ben Forster, will play the lead role of 'Jesus' in the first ever UK arena tour of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's ‘Jesus Christ Superstar.’ He will join Tim Minchin as 'Judas Iscariot', Melanie C as 'Mary Magdalene' and Chris Moyles who plays 'King Herod' at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena, on October 4.

Ben, who came first in Lloyd Webber's television casting show 'Superstar' said, "This is a dream come true. I'm a massive fan of Andrew's work. To have the chance to perform in front of hundreds of thousands of people in an arena with such an l Andrew Lloyd Webber with his Jesus and Mary Magdalene (l-r) amazing cast is a real honMelanie C, Ben Forster, Andrew Lloyd Webber our. look forward to when he takes on Laurence Connor, the acclaimed For the first time in the director best known for the 25th history of musical theatre, 60,000 this iconic role."

Anniversary performance of The people will see Jesus Christ SuperMelanie C added: "My lead- Phantom of the Opera at the Royal star in its opening week. The arena tour has already sold in excess of ing man has been found! It's been Albert Hall, the 25th Anniversary 100,000 tickets and generated ad- great to watch Ben get to the fi- Concert of Les Misérables at Lonvance box office sales of over £5 nal. He's worked so hard and has don's O2 arena, and the new UK million. Jesus Christ Superstar will consistently got it right. I'm really tour of The Phantom of the Opera.

Following the news that Ben give arena audiences the opportu- looking forward to working with Forster will be starring in Jesus nity to witness a full production of him on the tour."

Christ Superstar, the National Inthe musical including a full stagThe spectacular production will door Arena will be hosting an extra ing and live band. come alive with a set and lighting date for the show.

Andrew Lloyd Webber com- design by Mark Fisher and Patrick The second date will be Friday 5 mented: "Once again, the British Woodroffe, who have previously public has got it right. Ben is a created designs for the likes of the October.

Photo credit © Kieron true rock star and he just oozes Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and 'arenability'. The UK has a lot to U2. The show will be directed by McCarron / ITV

BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY

August 14 Silent Filter ft. The Dark Eyes 16 Catapult Club VeXXen, Datota Ruins, Take Down 17 Silent Filter ft. The Mills 18 Brum Notes Present in Association with Manifest Live 23 Catapult Club Meet The Maker, Lumi Tunes 24 Silent Filter ft. Fustercluck 24 Jar Music Live presents Plug’d In Showcase 26 Midlands Regional Showcase 26 A Wilhelm Scream 26 Emma Scott Presents...

Sevendaze, This Elegant Chaos 28 The Flatliners 30 Catapult Club The Charmers, The Domino Set 31 Dive Bella Dive Proxies, The Hype Theory, Maycomb September 01 Silent Filter ft.

Claustrophobique 01 Manifest Live ft. City Lightz 02 Emma Scott Presents... Red Method, Chasing Highs 03 Pearl Jem (Europe’s No.1 Tribute to Pearl Jam) 06 Catapult Club The Secret Year, Conduit, Elevenmilesbetween 08 The Rollin’ Clones: The 50th Anniversary - Meals On Wheels Tour 08 Emma Scott Presents...

Lexicomane!, Beyond Sevensigns 09 Tom Hingley (The Beast Inside UK Tour)

09 IWRESTLEDABEARONCE 10 Sue Denim

BIRMINGHAM HMV INSTITUTE

August 25 Uproar - The Laser Spectacular, Gammer September 05 Church Of Love & Ruin, B. Dolan 08 Reservoir Hooks

NIA

September 04-08 Mrs Brown Rides Again 13 Kevin Hart 14-15 Michael McIntyre 17-22 Michael McIntyre

CIVIC HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON

August 22 Mark Lanegan Band (Wulfrun Hall) September 06-09 Frankie Boyle August 25th Obzidian : The Last Days of Sodom (Civic September 7th Uli Jon Roth Hall) 07 The Enid & InMe (Wulfrun TOWN HALL Hall) September 12 Plainsong

BIRMINGHAM ASYLUM

SYMPHONY HALL

August 23 Nelsons Conducts Beethoven’s 9th September 01 The 160th British Open Brass Band Championships 02 Brass Gala Concert 04 Dave Stewart - The Ring Master Tour 08 Musical Picnic: Maraca2 08 Mid-day Mantra: Harmeet Singh Virdee 08 Free Jazz Gigs: ArtsFest Special 10 Nigel Kennedy presents: Bach plus Fats Waller

SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON

August 18 Slade Alive - Crash + Guns 2 Roses + Higher On Maiden 24 CityLightz 31 Laugh Out Loud Geoff Norcott September 02 The Burning Crows 07 Ovation Music presents Incendia + Frantic Empire 08 A Charity Rock Night with Insomnia 09 Broken Stereo presents Neomantix

To advertise call 0121 250 3536

L

Page 11

ondon 2012 continues with its theme of diversity in the spectacular London 2012 Festival by featuring the seriously hot, larger-than-life, Brooklyn based dhol 'n' brass band ‘Red Baraat’. The nine piece band fly in from New York City for their debut UK tour at the end of August this year, performing all over the UK in London, Bracknell, Edinburgh, Manchester, Leicester, Isle of Wight, Birmingham and Bristol.

Led by dhol drummer Sunny Jain, the band includes drums, percussion a sousaphone and a five piece horn section.

A fusion of North Indian rhythms of Bhangra with Funk, Jazz, Latin and Gogo; we are talking a sound that is big, brassy and full of energy! Causing a stir with their electric live performances all over the US, the band is rocking audiences everywhere; from basements and warehouses to prestigious venues such as New York’s Lincoln Centre, Chicago World Music Festival and most recently the White House, to name a few.

The unique sound of Red Baraat reflects the rich cultural mix that

Red Baraat bringing you the sounds of “Dhol ‘n’ Brass” is the group. Bringing together individuals, as well as instruments from all around the world, the band attracts audiences from far and wide.

And now it’s their time to rock Birmingham!

We suggest you dig out your dancing shoes and hot foot it down

to one of Red Baraat's performances, you won't regret it!

Red Baraat will be playing at the Town Hall, Birmingham on 7th September 2012

Page 12

The Phoenix–August 2012

ENTERTAINMENT

The Cosmopolitan Cutting Edge Entertainment Magazine

Big Screen.....

Here at Street Cred, we love our movies, and this month Ian McLaughlin is bringing you previews of the eagerly anticipated

“Man of Steel”, and reviews of Seth MacFarlanes first movie attempt, “Ted”, Christopher Nolan’s thrilling Finale to the Dark

Edited by Ian McLaughlin Knight trilogy, and to round off a comic book movie summer, the remake of “Dredd”. Don’t say we never spoil you!

The Dark Knight Rises: Review C

hristopher Nolan‘s epic literally brought tears to my eyes. It’s a fitting, emotional and exciting conclusion to what must now be considered one of the best cinematic trilogies in history. Period.

It firmly plants its flag alongside other classic trilogies like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, The Godfather, Back to the Future and the Lord of the Rings. Like all of those, though, there’s usually a weak link and The Dark Knight Rises is it. Nolan’s film, while a great cinematic experience, attempts to raise the stakes to such incredible, devastating and un-

solvable heights, the narrative tends to lose itself from time to time.

It would be near impossible to top the sheer perfection that is Batman Begins and The Dark Knight so, instead, Nolan takes the best things from both those movies, puts them together, and gives audiences maybe not the ending they need, but one they deserve.

Frightening

The Dark Knight Rises starts eight years after the events of The Dark Knight and finds Gotham City in a pretty good place. Enter

Bane, a man hell bent on raising chaos and doing a pretty good job of it too. His antics force a reclusive Bruce Wayne out of retirement and put Batman, his allies and others, through an almost insurmountable series of hellacious trials. There is a massive ton of story stuffed into with what feels like less actual Batman than the first film, Batman Begins. Instead, the heroism is balanced by two equally exciting performances by Anne Hathaway as Selina Kyle and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Officer John Blake.

Each have charisma to burn and keep the movie running on all cyl-

Dredd is back

I

w a s treated to a sneak preview of Lionsgate’s ‘Dredd’, the Judge Dredd reboot due for release next month, and it was incredible. If ‘Die Hard‘ and ‘Sin City’ had a brilliant, violent baby, this film would be it.

Dredd is a violent, gory film with its energy spent on how the body reacts to being punished.

The last time I saw that was in Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan.

I’d be very, very surprised if this movie is not granted an 18 certificate.

I am a fan of the 2000AD comic and I must be one of the very few who actually liked the 1995 Stallone film, and I was pleased with this new iteration. Dredd is a very disturbing movie to watch.

The film captures Judge Dredd’s personality perfectly, and much of what makes the character work on the printed page seems incredibly sadistic and fascistic when you actually see someone doing it to another person.

But director Pete Travis knows just when to hit the brakes, and the character may do things that make you squirm in your chair a bit, but he never actually crosses the line into being hard to root for.

In fact, both Karl Urban’s Dredd (and thank God, he doesn’t remove his helmet at no time at all – as it should be!) and Olivia Thirlby’s Judge Anderson were pretty hard not to love. Anderson in particular

has the deck stacked against her from the word go, and even Dredd himself doesn’t particularly care for her.

That along with her strong sense of personal morality and responsibility, something Dredd lacks, make her an irresistible character even before you get into the fact that Thirlby is a terrifically talented actress who sticks the landing in Dredd.

Urban has somewhat less to work with, but he’s a perfect action hero! He spouts catch-phrases, takes on wave after wave of bad guys by himself, and has moments of gratuitous violence that toggle between brutality and hilarity.

Lena Headey, who plays villain Ma-Ma in the film, is arguably a low point, but only in that she’s merely passable, not that she’s all that bad. When compared to a group of actors at the top of their game, she looks worse in context than she would in a similar film where the actors around her weren’t upstaging her performance.

Having been somewhat concerned after seeing the stylized slow-motion filmmaking in the

movie’s trailer, it was halfway into the movie before a switch in my head flipped and I realized I was dealing with something that was like ‘Sin City’. The 3D effects and the visual effects in general stopped being realistic, and I felt they were just poorly-done, but stylized for a purpose. That’s the moment the film went from being a good actioner with moments of shoddy effects to one that really had something interesting to offer cinematically.

The Die Hard comparison isn’t made lightly, either; it’s really two people against the world in a series of increasingly-unrealistic and yet awesomely entertaining scenes of combat. The overwhelming forces that Dredd and Anderson find themselves mowing through serve to make their entire ordeal feel heightened like eventually they’ll just be swarmed and consumed like in a zombie movie.

That they’re able, time and again, to find a clever way to reverse the tide and come out with some spectacular win is the kind of thing that makes an audience stand up and cheer, even if it’s during a time when something really grotesque and inhumane is happening to someone onscreen.

Dredd will be in cinemas from 7th September and man, it’s gonna cap one hell of a successful, comic book movie summer! *****

inders.

Fantastic

But even so, the movie is still 165 minutes long and most of that is spent setting up a situation that Batman literally can’t win on his own. Bane, played by Tom Hardy, is at the center of it all: an imposing, frightening character who isn’t quite as interesting as one would expect. Still, he’s a very strong presence, especially in fight scenes, and his plan makes the Joker’s seem like child play.

Both Batman, and the audience, feel ill at ease whenever he’s around. When you can understand his voice (which is about 90% of the time), Hardy does a solid job.

As Bruce Wayne, Christian Bale is the best he’s been in this series simply because his character goes through so much more this time around. He’s like us, exhausted

and overwhelmed with everything we’re seeing. For Bruce Wayne, that’s a trial, but for the audience, it’s kind of nice. Even with a huge film like The Avengers, you always felt like you had everything at hand. That’s never the case with The Dark Knight Rises. You never ever feel calm and collected. You’re constantly on the edge of your seat, on pins and needles, waiting to see what happens next.

Much of that palpable wonder ends up being explained through long bits of exposition linked together on a wonky timeline. Technically the movie takes place over roughly six months, but it keeps jumping around awkwardly: eight years here, two months there, etc.

Along with that, plot holes begin to appear, relationships seem forced (especially female ones)

and actions occur quite matter of factly instead of being earned through character and plot.

Even so, it’s a Christopher Nolan Batman movie. Every shot looks great (especially in IMAX), sounds great (Hans Zimmer’s score is just fantastic, itself a true conclusion to a three-film master work) and creates a very enjoyable experience. Just because it’s an experience that isn’t exactly wrapped in an air tight narrative won’t matter to most. It might, however, leave you feeling a little of disappointed. Just a little.

But that’s okay. Nolan himself set such a high bar with the last two films coming even close with Rises is a minor miracle.

Overall, The Dark Knight Rises is a brilliant film. ******

Nolan’s statement after the Dark Knight Rises shooting Christopher Nolan has released a statement regarding the shooting at a midnight screening of “The Dark Knight Rises” in Colorado last month.

“Speaking on behalf of the cast and crew of The Dark Knight Rises, I would like to express our profound sorrow at the senseless tragedy that has befallen the entire Aurora community. I would not presume to know anything about the victims of the shooting but that they were there last night to watch a movie. I believe movies

are one of the great American art forms and the shared experience of watching a story unfold on screen is an important and joyful pastime.

The movie theatre is my home, and the idea that someone would violate that innocent and hopeful place in such an unbearably savage way is devastating to me. Nothing any of us can say could ever adequately express our feelings for the innocent victims of this appalling crime, but our thoughts are with them and their families.”

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The Phoenix– August 2012

The Cosmopolitan Cutting Edge Entertainment Magazine

Page 13

ENTERTAINMENT

EXCLUSIVE

A

loose inquiry into the origins and craft of hiphop, Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap, Ice-T's enjoyable directorial debut, features some big names: Snoop Dogg, Nas; Prada,Gucci.

A more consistent and impressive source of medicine than analysis, ‘The Art of Rap’ travels from the East to West Coast, via Detroit, while canvassing Melle Mel and Eminem, Grandmaster Caz and Kanye West.

Ice-T begins with a baseline set of questions. About influences, technique, and style and has each subject sign off with a few bars.

(I don’t like Kanye West much, but his impromptu “Gorgeous” is riveting.)

Styled as an antidote to the homogenizing effects of popularity, the film's thesis that rap lacks the respect given to jazz and the blues feels thinly argued. Now a mass-cult phenomenon, hip-hop emerged from a complex respect-

based economy (Nas alludes to the ‘eff-you’ attitude behind assbaring pants; KRS-One describes being drawn into rap by a public dissing); a sensibility, as the hyperconfrontational lyrics suggests, that revels in aggression, not acceptance.

Ice T described what a pleasure it was to work with Eminem on the movie. 'He was difficult to get because of his schedule, but once I got to him, I was with him all day,' Ice-T revealed.

‘Man Of Steel’ kicks off its campaign with teaser trailer!

I

’ll say this much for the initial teaser trailer for Zack Snyder’s upcoming “Man Of Steel”.

Warner Bros. made a big choice, and they went with it. I’m just not sure that choice was the right one in terms of reintroducing this iconic character to mainstream audiences.

One thing this campaign appears to be selling is reverence, and while I certainly appreciate that Zack Snyder is careful to play into the classic notions of what a character looks like and does when he adapts something, I think reverence is exactly what did not work about “Superman Returns.” That movie was so busy tip-toeing around the fondness people have for Richard Donner’s original film that it felt like it had no pulse at all. If this movie’s going to work, it’s going to have to have a life of its own.

It’s also a dangerous first trailer because it is distinctly possible audiences won’t know what they’re looking at. The distinctive “S” logo shows up at the end of the trailer, sure, but to tease your giantbudget reboot of the single most important superhero character you own with a trailer that spends most of its time showing a bearded man working on a fishing boat and a little boy running around the yard of his house seems a little odd.

'Eminem was really deep, he started to talk about personal issues, about overdosing and things a lot of people don't know.'

The movie is persuasive when it explores the importance of place and brands to sound and identity (and the distinction between a rapper and an MC), "Something From Nothing" confirms the art of the form from the inside.

At the start of "Something From Nothing" Ice-T states that the documentary "isn't about the money, the cars, the jewelry, the girls."

It is, of course, at least partly. It's show business, and always was.

The best rappers and DJs also

A

Awesome

This is, in many ways, a condensed version of what Warner Bros. showed at Comic-Con this year, but the difference is that they included just enough in that Comic-Con reel to suggest how big the action in this one might be, and they also showed enough scenes of Henry Cavill in costume to give us a sense of how his Superman carries himself. There are actually two versions of this trailer floating

l Ice-T and his wife Coco atttending a promo for his documentary

around on the net. One of them features the narration by Russell Crowe as Jor-El, and the other features Costner as Pa Kent, but the imagery in both is identical.

Since I saw ‘300’, I’ve been a big fan of Snyder’s work , and I think he might be the exact right man for this film. But considering how strong his work is when dealing with iconography, this is an odd mis-step as the kick-off to

a campaign.

Then again, my son told me with very wide eyes that the trailer is “awesome,” and since that’s Zack’s favorite word, maybe it worked after all. We’ll see next summer.

“Man Of Steel” flies into cinemas June 14, 2013.

lmost every kid has a best friend at some point in their lives.

Even the unpopular kids who have a difficult time making friends will eventually find at least one. That’s exactly what happens to the kid in the movie Ted. The only difference between him and everyone else is that his best friend is a teddy bear that can talk to him.

In Ted, John Bennett (Mark Wahlberg) was an outcast growing up. No one else in his neighborhood wanted to hang out with him and he was always on his own. This was his everyday life until one lucky Christmas when he’s given a stuffed teddy bear as a gift. Later that night, he wishes that his new bear could actually come alive and be his best friend forever. To his surprise, his wish ends up coming true. For the next 27 years, John and Ted (Seth MacFarlane) develop a friendship that appears to be unbreakable. That is until other people begin to step into their lives.

The comedy in Ted is crude, of-

happen to be genuine poets, and although Ice-T's film is more infomercial than inquiry, it makes for a helluva soundtrack.

And the man himself, Ice-T and his wife Coco along with an entourage were in London last month to promote the documentary ‘Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap’ at a Brixton bar called ‘Upstairs at the Ritzy.’

Photos: © 2012 Dee Constantine-Simms

l Ice-T

fensive and continuous.

They use things like race, religion, sex and even the refined and distinguished accents o f the lovely ladies from Boston, Massachusetts to create funny moments. It starts right from the opening scene where we meet Ted and John for the first time and it continues all the way through the end. Most of it is comedy that’s predicated on wordplay and verbal jokes. You’re going to get a great deal of profanity and various types of foul language during this time, and if you don’t mind that, you’ll probably find much of it to be funny.

As a whole, Ted is a raunchy and outrageous movie, but just not to the extent that I had originally anticipated. While it did push the limits when ever it got the chance, I actually wanted it to go quite a bit farther than it did in some cir-

cumstances.

I mean I liked it overall, but it didn’t live up to my seemingly lofty expectations. It’s a funny, goofy and at times outlandish movie that I can see people liking overall, but I would have liked it if they would have went harder than they did.

Ted is a movie that sees its Writer/Director Seth MacFarlane just having fun with the movie making process. It looks like he and the others involved are just using almost everything they can think of to make the audience laugh and nothing is ever taken seriously.

They’re not worried about substance, a good story or even good acting for that matter. It’s rare for a movie of any genre that’s done like this to be any good, but you can say that this may be the reason why Ted actually succeeds enough to get a passing grade in my eyes. ****

STREETPARTY WIRELESS

Page 14

GADGETS

with Daniel RIley

Samsung Beams into the Galaxy

S

amsung Mobile have announced the UK release of the Galaxy Beam. The Galaxy Beam is a projector smartphone that lets people display and share multimedia content wherever they are.

People can use the Galaxy Beam to transform any room into a mini home-theatre by projecting full screen video clips, maps, business information and games onto the wall or ceiling – all in highdefinition and up to 50’’ wide.

Holiday snaps can be captured and shared instantly using the Galaxy Beam which also boasts a 5MP camera. It’s also a great device for both students who can collectively share videos or work in any room or student lounge, and gamers who

The Phoenix–August 2012 Wireless portable speaker with speakerphone

Portable stereo StreetParty Wireless is the perfect summer travel gadget for any smartphone, tablet or MP3 player withfor Bluetooth technology. speakers It’s wireless connectivity allows music to be heard loud and clear without the need for any iPod andto be iPhone music device docked, meaning you can select and listen to your favorite tunes whilst

A

the Bluetooth device is in your hand. s the summer is here, GEAR4 is pleased to What’s more, this new product from GEAR4 is portable and lightweight, making it the ideal announce the launch of music accompaniment on0your summer travels to the pool, park or this seasons festivals. the StreetParty Size With Itsrange; re-chargeable battery, and minimum 8 hour battery life, you’ll be sure to Colours a set of lithium-ion sleek, keep the music and entertainment flowing all evening. portable music docking stations, available in four eye-catching colIf you don’t have a bluetooth device, don’t panic, as this stylish speaker has a line-in port ours.

The StreetParty Sizemusic 0 Colours for use with other players. but perfectly formed docks Compatibility docking stations boast an ultra- small, StreetParty Sizequal0 Colours still deliver superb sound iPod, iPod touch, iPhone thin design, are fully portable and stereo speakers for and iPhone ity, Portable and were described byiPod BBC Available in: Grey, Blue, Pink, useRRP: 4x AAA battery power (not £69.99 Focus magazine as the best value Green and Black included), meaning it can acAs the summer is here, GEAR4 is pleased to announce the launch of the StreetParty Size 0 Stockists: www.gear4.com docking around. Giving a Stockist RRP £69.99 Colours range; a set of sleek, portable music docking stations, available in four eye-catching company you to the park, pool or portable colours.

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It comes mains adaptor, which enables your iPod to be charged also line-in port with for aextra to your favorite tunes. whilst listening to your favorite tunes.

Weighing in at just 320g, these connectivity.

can download their own or choose from over 1,000 games available via Game Hub, Samsung’s dedicated virtual gaming store, then project games to turn gaming into a shared experience.

As well as its full built-in projector, the Galaxy Beam is still stylist and portable. Measuring just 12.5mm thick and featuring a sleek design, the device runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread and is powered by a 1.0GHz dual-core processor, so its quick and responsive. 8GB internal memory means there’s tonnes of space to store multimedia content, whilst its 2000 mAh battery means people don’t have to worry about Galaxy Beam running out midway through sharing their content.

Weighing in at just 320g, these small, but perfectly formed docks still deliver superb sound quality, and were described by BBC Focus magazine as the best value portable docking around. Giving a Kindle a run for its money in the slim-stakes and accompanied by its own remote control, the unit also features a line-in port for extra connectivity.

StreetParty Union Jack Range

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Compatibility iPod, iPod touch, iPhone Available in: Grey, Blue, Pink, Green and Black

Portable speaker, iPhone and iPad cases, tweeters

he StreetParty GB docking station, with it’s ultra-thin design, is fully portable using 4x AA battery power (not included), meaning it can accompany you to the park, pool or beach this summer. It comes with a mains adaptor, which enables your iPod to be charged whilst listening to your favorite

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No iPod? don't worry – it more information contact alsoFor has a line port for use with gear4@cowpr.com other music players 020 7234 9150 too. RRP: £34.99.

The Union Jack protective shields for iPhone and iPad will not only add a bit of royal glamour to your device but also ensure that it is safely guarded.

RRP: from £19.99 - £29.99.

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£69.99 If this wasn’t enough, there’s also the Union Jack headphones.

Compatible with all music devices and boxed with three different sized ear buds for added comfort. RRP: £24.99.

With so much on offer, you’d be regally silly not to purchase one!

StreetParty Union Jack Range Portable speaker, iPhone and iPad cases, tweeters

COMPETITION

Mensa Academy offers players the ability to determine and improve their Mensa Academy score in Play, Coach and Test modes. Play mode challenges players to take on 100+ replayable levels in five disciplines— Numeracy, Language, Logic, Memory, and Visual, packed with stimulating questions endorsed by Mensa.

We will be reviewing the Mensa Academy game next month, but in the mean time, we have copies of the game up for grabs!

The game is available on the Nintendo Wii, PC and Nintendo 3DS, and we have 3 copies of each version for you to win. All you have to do is answer this very simple question!

What part of your body does Mensa Academy

The StreetParty GB docking station, with it’s ultra-thin design, is fully portable using 4x AA battery power (not included), meaning it can accompany you to the park, pool or beach this summer. It comes with a mains adaptor, which enables your iPod to be charged whilst listening to

STREETPARTY WIRELESS

your favorite tunes. No iPod? don't worry – it also has a line port for use with other music players too. RRP: £34.99.

Wireless portable speaker with speakerphone

The Union Jack protective shields for iPhone and iPad will not only add a bit of royal glamour to your device but also ensure that it is safely guarded. RRP: from £19.99 - £29.99.

Wireless Heaven

If this wasn’t enough, there’s also the Union Jack headphones. Compatible with all music

StreetParty Wireless is the perfect summer travel gadget for any smartphone, tablet or devices and boxed with three different sized ear buds for added comfort. RRP: £24.99.

MP3 player with Bluetooth technology. train? treetParty Wireless is the vorite tunes whilst the Bluetooth battery life, you’ll be sure to keep

S

the music and entertainment flowing allwithout evening. the need for any It’s wireless clear tablet or MP3 player with from GEAR4 is portable and lightIf you don’t have a bluetooth music device to be docked, meaningweight, you making can select and listendevice, to your tunes Bluetooth technology. it the ideal music don’tfavorite panic, as this stylishwhilst Stockist RRP To be in with a chance of winning, email your answer along with your preferred platform (Wii, 3DS or PC), It’s wireless connectivity allows accompaniment on your summer speaker hasspeakerphone a line-in port for use Wireless p ortable s peaker w ith the Bluetooth device is in your hand. www.gear4.com StreetParty GB £39.99 and full name, address and telephone number to competitions@thephoenixnewspaper.com. Competition music to be heard loud and clear travels to the pool, park orCases this seawith other music players. from £19.99 closes at 23:59 on 31st August 2012. First drawn will get their first pick, and alternatives offered if all of that withoutFor themore needinformation for any music sons festivals.

Tweeters £24.99 contact platform is allocated. There is no cash alternative. Winners will be contacted in the week commencing 3rd devicethis to be new docked, meaning you With Its re-chargeable lithiumRRP: £69.99 making it the ideal What’s more, product from GEAR4 is portable and lightweight, gear4@cowpr.com September 2012. can select and listen to your fa- ion battery, and minimum 8 hour Stockists: www.gear4.com

A: Brain

B: Stomach C: Tongue

perfect

summer

travel

device is in your hand.

STREETPARTY WIRELESS

gadget for anyonallows smartphone, What’s more, new With so much offer, you’d be regally silly not tothis purchase ones connectivity music to be heard loudproduct and

music accompaniment on your summer travels to the pool, park or this seasons festivals.

020 7234 9150 With Its re-chargeable lithium-ion battery, and minimum 8 hour battery life, you’ll be sure to keep the music and entertainment flowing all evening.

The Phoenix– August 2012

The Cosmopolitan Cutting Edge Entertainment Magazine

A

utumn fashion is here and this month we go shoe crazy highlighting Chloe Jade Greens new range. These funky and

fresh shoes are really what is needed if you want to stand out and be querky. I have selected ones that grabbed my eye and what i think would bring swagger to your life.

Take a look at these colourful jaw dropping shoes that have personally been named

by Chloe after members of her family close friends and special people in her life.

Page 15

FASHION LICK

Chloe Jade Green @ Topshop

Street Cred Shoe Fest

“Magda” Black open toed heels £150 “Lydia” pink open toed heels £165

Green open-toed heels, £115

“Lady Mama” Black wedge £175

“Lousia” Open-toed heels, £175 “Bella Bea” Cream wedge £150

in Brief(s) M&S have a new range of underwear, and as you can see below, they’re all looking rather good!

Long Sleeved Leather Biker Jacket with embelished Collar details and zip Colour: Black Leather Miss Selfridge £TBA

Long sleeved bright blue shirt with Japenese style print Blue Miss Selfridge £45

Page 16

BEAUTY ADVERTORIAL

The Phoenix–August 2012

The Cosmopolitan Cutting Edge Entertainment Magazine

Salon Tan & Beauty - Dazzling Heights

S

elly Oaks first and only Tanning and Beauty Salon - Le Tan & Beauty, this years celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Q) “What is LeTan & Beauty all about?”

Sue: “We not only offer our customers both stand up and lie down sunbeds, we offer a full range of Beauty treatments from Waxing to Botox and from Manicures to Fish Spas. We also have a designated spray tan area and a separate private, fully equipped treatment room. Le Tan & Beauty is all about making our customers feel relaxed in a friendly, informal atmosphere, whilst maintaining the highest level of service and standards. All the girls are qualified beauticians and keep meticulous records of our clients requirements and previous treatments so that our customers are always at ease “ Q) “Where did the inspiration come from?”

Sue: “We originally owned a local hairdressing salon which had 2 spare

rooms, we converted one of the rooms to a beauty room and into the other we installed a stand up tanning booth. Before long we had queues forming to use the sunbed and so we decided that Selly Oak really needed its own Tanning Salon. After many months of sourcing the best beds and equipment and then converting this shop, including installing a new 3 phase electric supply we opened the doors of LeTanfasique”

Q) “LeTanfasique? thought this salon was called LeTan & Beauty?”

Sue: “Originally we named the salon LeTanfastique however about 18 months ago we introduced beauty treatments and thought that Tan & Beauty was a more apt name so we changed the name of the shop but the business is still registered as LeTanfastique and out of sentiment I wanted to keep the ‘Le’ so the shop is now known as LeTan & Beauty” Q) “What kind of feed back do you get from

clients who com here?”

Sue: “Our customers love the friendly atmosphere and the fact we know them all by their first names. Clients like to sit and chat and have a complimentary glass of wine or a cappuccino and the lucky ones may even get one of our chocolates, that’s provided the staff haven’t pinched them all that is!”

Q) “So at the moment is your target audience students?”

Sue: “Obviously with the university just across the road we have a lot of students and at times such as the graduation ball or other functions we do a tremendous amount of spray tanning. However we still have a loyal regular, local customer base some of whom have been with us since day 1.

We do have 2 ladies who travel from London to use us and of course it always nice to see ex students who call in” Q) “How passionate are you about your business?”

Sue: “This is a major part

of my life and we all just love the fact that we help make people look their best and as importantly feel special, you have to enjoy what you do and as you can see from the staff they have a real passion for it” Q) “Where do you want to take it to next?”

Sue: “We are planning to expand the beauty side by converting the first floor into treatment rooms, that would then free up more space downstairs to install a least another sun-

bed. We are also looking to increase the retail side by offering our clients a further range of products as we currently tend to limit our stock to tanning creams and lotions as we have limited shelf space” Q) “What is it like working with your family?”

Sue: “ Its great, we are all very flexible and help each other out, as I have 2 children and sometimes need to attend school things and visa versa. We all genuinely get on very well and that helps create

a happy pleasant atmosphere not only for us but also for the customer” LeTan & Beauty certainly seem to have the right mix of relaxed approached whilst providing a very high standard of service, so next time you need a beauty treatment or want to top up that tan why not call into LeTan & Beauty – 602 Bristol Road – Selly Oak – B29 6BQ – 0121 472 4144.

The Phoenix– August 2012

Page 17

EDUCATION

Rachel is building a bright future

Y

l Councillor Bob Badham

Post 16 Education

T

he number of young people in Sandwell continuing in education and training is higher than

ever.

And figures show the number taking part in post-16 schemes is continuing to remain above national rates.

Cabinet member for children and families Councillor Bob Badham said he was delighted that more youngsters were staying in education and training.

He said it was difficult for

school leavers to get employment and the more training and skills they obtained would only help them get on the jobs ladder.

He added: “This confirms that all of the additional work and support by local schools in recent years is helping.

More young people are now staying on in education and training and by doing that they are increasing their future employment prospects."

The figures have been issued by the Department of Education.

oung and unemployed people have been given the opportunity to grasp a life-changing chance to learn trade skills at Frank F Harrison's Skills Centre.

The centre is being used by learners who have enrolled on Walsall Adult & Community College's Construction and Green Skills Academy.

Eleven students are taking part in the 24 week programme which began in April and is aimed at learners aged between 18 and 24, who are out of work and are not in education or training.

Apprentices will be taught skills, including brickwork, plastering and plumbing, to achieve a Level 1 City & Guilds qualification once they’ve completed the course in October.

Among the group of learners is 20-year-old Rachel Letford from Walsall.

Rachel was on Job Seekers' Allowance when she discovered the programme and was keen to join the course.

She said: "I was always interested in construction and I'm not one for sitting at home.

I'd studied Painting and Decorating at Walsall College when I left school but I couldn't find a job in that field.

I’ve has great supported in whatever I've chosen to do from my parents. I'm more of a practical person and I've always enjoyed

putting my hand to decorating at home."

Always looking for a career in a stereotypically male industry she went on to say: "I don’t see it as a big problem.

From day one, the lads have been great to get on with. My gender and the colour of my skin has never been an issue. We enjoy socialising after college and there's a real camaraderie among us."

John Rawlinson is one of Rachel's tutors at Frank F Harrison.

He added: "Rachel has done really well since she started here. Her attendance has been very good and she's a hard worker two key ingredients to succeed on this course.

She's demonstrated a real flair for plastering and her assessments are of a high standard. We're confident she'll complete the course."

From September, the college will be recruiting new learners to its Construction & Green Skills, Sports and Health & Social Care Academies.

Maria Gilling is the College Principal. She said: "There’s a major need for young people in our communities to learn new skills, to receive information about training opportunities and gain experience in the workplace.

This is a really exciting opportunity for young people to learn the basic skills of construction as well as improve their functional skills in writing, spelling and learning computers."

l Rachel Letford on the 24 week program aimed at 18-24 year olds who are out of work and not in education or training.

Determined student launches teaching career

A

teaching assistant at a Walsall school is about to embark on her dream of becoming a teacher after completing her GCSE Maths course with Walsall Adult & Community College (WACC).

Twenty-five year old Kayleigh Norton will begin her PGCE (postgraduate certificate in education) at Worcester University in September 2012.

But as a learner with dyslexia, it hasn't always been plain sailing for the Willenhall resident.

The former Pool Hayes Sixth Form pupil is honest when she admits that at school, Maths was her "worst subject". Armed with 4 A levels in Sociology, General Studies, Home Economics and Health & Social Care, Kayleigh enrolled on Worcester University's Early Childhood Studies programme and it was during her third and final year that she discovered she was dyslexic.

Upon finishing her degree, Kayleigh began working as a teaching assistant at Mary Eliot School, a role she has loved dearly but one that she saw as a stepping stone to progress to becoming a teacher.

"I didn't want to be a teaching assistant all my life," she says, "but not having my GCSE in Maths stopped me from progressing further.

"I was nervous about failing again. I'd taken the subject at Sixth Form when studying for my A Levels but I didn't have the time nor the opportunity to really give it a good go.

Essential

"I'd been successful in achieving my Adult Numeracy level 2 course during my second year at Uni, but it was the GCSE qualification that I was really gunning for.

"Eventually I discovered that I

l Kayleigh Norton (right) and a staff member from the college could study an evening course at Walsall Adult & Community College. The college was great and, after a wobbly start, I found the support I needed."

Despite successfully passing an equivalency test during her University course, which would enable her to begin her PGCE in September 2012, Kayleigh was determined to complete her GCSE Maths with the college and in April this year she gained the required grade.

"I could've pulled out after passing the equivalency test but I knew that it would boost my confidence if I stuck to my guns and went for it.

"I've always been the type of person that if I really want something, I'll try my hardest to achieve it."

From September 2012 Walsall Adult & Community College (WACC) will be offering learners the opportunity to study GCSE English and Maths for FREE. The college, which provides learning opportunities and pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship schemes for over 8,000 students each year,

has already been running a series of English and Maths 'taster' sessions during July in preparation for the new academic year.

Joanne Keatley, director for curriculum and learning at Walsall Adult & Community College said: "We're delighted to know that Kayleigh received the support she needed from the college and we wish her all the best in her teaching career.

"Maths is increasingly becoming an essential life-skill and these are subjects that employers always look for when recruiting or when deciding who to move up in an organisation.

"Gaining good GCSEs in Maths and English also helps build selfconfidence and it's never too late to improve on old school grades."

If you would like to know more about the new course programme for GCSE Maths and English or to book yourself onto a taster course, call Walsall Adult & Community College on 01922 663000 or email info@wacc.ac.uk.

Your LIFE E R U T U F Your E C I O H C Your

Look out for the 12 page Careers, Training and Education supplement in the September edition of The Phoenix.

To Advertise contact Riff Devin Senior Account Executive

0121 250 3536 riff@thephoenixnewspaper.com

A NEWcollege for Birmingham

South and City College Birmingham opened its doors on 1 August becoming one of the biggest and newest further education colleges in Birmingham.

South and City College Birmingham has been created by the merger of two already popular and successful colleges; South Birmingham College and City College Birmingham. The new college still offers the

great vocational courses, excellent facilities and outstanding support for its learners and the community as the separate colleges did, but together there are more campuses, more facilities and more courses on offer.

With hundreds of courses being run from nine main campuses and centres across the city, South and City College Birmingham has something to offer everyone.

The Only Way is

South and City College Birmingham Did you see the adverts for The Only Way is Birmingham? Sadly for some, and to the relief of others, there is no reality TV programme called The Only Way is Birmingham coming our TV screens.

It was a campaign counting down to the opening of the new college South and City College Birmingham.

The idea was to capture people’s attention and get everyone talking about the newest place to get the skills and qualifications you need to get ahead.

And it did!

Do you want to be a hairdresser like Hayley, but need the qualifications before you can get a job in your favourite salon? Are you a budding entrepreneur like Sam but need to get a business qualification before you can build up your empire?

AN OUTSTANDING COLLEGE South and City College Birmingham is the only general further education college in Birmingham and Solihull to have been given Beacon College status – a prestigious award that recognises excellence and celebrates success within colleges.

www.southandcity.com T: 0800 111 6311

Or perhaps your dream is to be a fashion designer like Kira but need to hone your fashion skills in our brand new fashion campus before your designs hit the catwalk?

Then, really, the Only Way is South and City College Birmingham.

Want to be in...

Don’t be disappoi nted if you were hoping to be in the cast of The O nly Way is Birmin gh am who enrol at Sout h and City College . Students this September w Birmingham ill have the oppo rtunity to be the stars of their own show. The Only W ay is South and City College Birm ingham will beco me an online series that will showcase the lives of young pe ople in Birmingham .

To see clips of Th e Only Way is Birmingham, an d to find out how you can be involved, visit www.southandc ity.com

www.southandcity.com

Courses Business & ICT Accounting & Finance Catering & Hospitality Health & Social Care Childcare Construction Civil engineering Motor Vehicle Motorsport Travel & Tourism Fashion & Textiles Games Development Music Performing Arts Photography & Video Media Hair & Beauty

Apprenticeships Brickwork General construction operations Maintenance operations Painting and decorating Plastering Plumbing Refrigeration and air conditioning Wall and floor tiling Warehousing and storage Wood occupations Business administration Customer service IT and telecoms Team leading Management Childcare Health and social care Security services Live events and promotions Technical theatre Electro-technical services Barbering Food and beverage service Hairdressing Hospitality services Retail

Higher Education HND in Media Communications and Production HND in Performing Arts HND in Pop Music Practice HND in Music Foundation Degree in Early Years HND in Working with Children and Families HND in Health and Social Care Foundation Degree in Islamic Studies HNC in Building Services Engineering HNC in Construction HNC Business and Management HNC and HND in Business HNC in Business with IT HNC and HND in Accounting HND Business and Management HND Business and Marketing HND Computing and Systems Development Foundation Degree in ICT Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair HND in Fashion

Enrolment dates at all campuses ... l l l l l l l l l l l l

Thursday 16 August 10am – 4pm Thursday 23 August 10am – 4pm Wednesday 29 August 10am – 8pm Thursday 30 August 10am – 8pm Friday 31 August 10am – 4pm Saturday 1 September 10am – 2pm Monday 3 September 10am – 8pm Tuesday 4 September 10am – 8pm Wednesday 5 September 10am – 8pm Thursday 6 September 10am – 8pm Friday 7 September 10am – 4pm Saturday 8 September 10am – 2pm

Locations Digbeth Campus | Balsall Heath Women’s Centre | Fusion Centre | Bordesley Green Campus | Tyseley Campus | Golden Hillock Women’s Centre | Hall Green Campus | Handsworth Campus | Ladywood Centre

Location maps can be found on our website: www.southandcity.com

in conjunction with

Public Services Science Sports

t s e f

COME ALONG TO CELEBRATE YOUR GCSES, CHILL OUT, HAVE FUN AND THINK ABOUT YOUR FUTURE (BUT ONLY IF YOU WANT TO!)

Supported Learning

Thursday 23 August

Retail

Celebrate GCSE results day 10AM – 4PM | CHAMBERLAIN SQUARE | FREE Chillout tent | Live music sets | Fabric flower making | Video game demonstration/playing | Have a go at Samba drums | Build your own music track and green screen filming | Make your own pop video | Present the news | Have a go at carpentry and tiling | Science experiments, creative activities and first aid activities | Audition for a role in The Only Way is South and City College Birmingham | See our racing car and have a go | Spray tattooist | Meet the Free Radio presenters | Win a pair of weekend camping tickets to a festival | Thinking of an apprenticeship?

Find out about our current vacancies and speak to an apprentice ...

GET THE FESTIVAL VIBE RIGHT HERE IN BIRMINGHAM

Page 20

The Phoenix–August 2012

EDUCATION

The only way is not Uni

Kingswood Nursery Play Day for all

T

hursday 16th August will be a nerve wracking day and a life changing time for many young people in Birmingham as they open their A-level results.

A recent survey by www.lifetimetraining.co.uk reveals that 32% of 16-18 year olds in Birmingham, currently in school or sixth form college, feel pessimistic, nervous or scared about their future job prospects. Worryingly, 33% of the young people surveyed also revealed that they had not received adequate careers advice whilst at school or sixth form to help them make informed decisions about their future career.

Leaving school and deciding what to do next can be a daunting prospect, however, there are plenty of exciting career opportunities out there for young people, especially in the sport and fitness industry. 17 year old Katie Poolton, from Kinver, near Birmingham, completed her Level 2 Fitness Instructor course through the Lifetime Fitness Academy and is now a Gym Instructor at Fitness First. “University just didn’t feel like the right route for me.” Katie explains, “I’m so glad that I discovered an alternative career path through Lifetime; I was able to learn ‘on the job’ and take my first steps into the working world.

Being a Fitness Instructor and working in the fitness industry is a dream come true!”

There are various programmes,

l Katie Poolton

like the Lifetime Fitness Academy, which will help provide school leavers with a clear development path along with pre-employment skills training and support into a relevant job.

Despite the fact that the fitness industry continued to grow, regardless of the broader economic downturn, young people are still not recognising the fantastic career opportunities the industry has to offer. When surveyed, only 23% claimed that the excitement around the London 2012 Olympics had inspired them to look for a job within the sport, health and fitness industry.

Choice

Nigel Wallace, Development Director at Lifetime, comments: “These young people are the future generation and therefore it’s our duty to encourage them to be more optimistic when it comes to thinking about jobs and careers.

We can do this by increasing awareness of the opportunities that do exist, such as vocational, on-the-job training.

“We are working in partnership with many employers in the fitness and leisure sector to deliver Apprenticeship programmes. Last year more than 920 people aged 16-24 were helped into employment via this route. There are plenty of career options out there.

The problem lies in trying to make more young people aware of how to access them.”

Lifetime has Academies running across the country every month so you can book onto a course near you and current training venues include Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Leicester, Sheffield, London, Newcastle, Bristol and Southampton.

To find out more about the Lifetime Fitness Academy please visit www.lifetimetraining.co.uk/ looking-for-a-job/ To get a head start with your CV this summer, visit www.lifetimetraining.co.uk/cvbuilder.

Here you’ll find some great tips for making your CV shine.

A

l (l-r): Head teacher, Rachel Wells; Sienna Birch, aged 4; Isabella Hardle, aged 4; Nyah Wilkha, aged 4; Cllr Phil Page, Cabinet Member for Schools, Skills and Learning

day of child’s play, hosted by Wolverhampton’s Kingswood Nursery and Infant Centre, encouraged children and their families to 'Get out and play!' recently.

A host of activities was put on during the national campaign which celebrates children's right to play.

Youngsters were able to enjoy Kingswood’s many facilities during the open day, including natural play spaces, two ponds, a log garden, bird hide, meadow, grass and wild areas. Not to mention meeting the Kingswood pets which include a collection of rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, tortoises, goldfish and giant snails.

Home to many species of trees, shrubs, and plant life which provide shelter and food for a large

population of woodland creatures, Kingswood encouraged families to bring picnics and enjoy the nine acres of woodland on the site.

"This is an outstanding campaign and we were delighted to support it” said Councillor Phil Page, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Schools, Skills and Learning "It is important to ensure children across the city have the opportunity to play outdoors. Not only is it great fun for them but it is also vital for their health, wellbeing and happiness." He added.

Head teacher Rachel Wells said, "Children and families are often concerned about safe places to play and we hope this event enabled a real sense of freedom and fun for all."

Top fellowship award for Coventry University lecturer

A

professor of civil engineering at Coventry University has won an award as part of the 2012 National Teaching Fellowship Scheme.

Professor John Davies was awarded the accolade - which recognises excellence in learning and teaching - by the Higher Education Academy. The award is open to all higher education institutions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

After practicing as a civil engineer for eight years and becoming a Chartered Engineer, Professor Davies began his academic career at the Polytechnic of Central London (now the University of Westminster) in 1980. He moved to Coventry University in 1997 where he continued his research and pursued his passionate interest in engineering education. Between 2001 and 2010 he was head of the Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Building.

John's approach to supporting students' learning in his main subject, civil engineering hydraulics, is to focus on helping them under-

stand how to apply their skills in a working environment. By using realistic case studies as the basis for his teaching, students are able to better understand the practical application of their learning. John also makes sure his students experience the complications seen in real-world projects, especially those which reinforce their understanding of basic engineering principles.

His recent education work has focused on projects which are funded by the National HE STEM Programme and which relate to part-time students, as a third of the University's civil engineering undergraduates study on day release from l Professor John Davies work. One project has involved a scheme by which part-time hance the experience for students. students act as mentors to fullThe NTFS recognises all aspects time students, while another has of what I've been trying to do, and collected examples of effective that is particularly rewarding." practice in part-time delivery.

The NTFS aims to raise the proProfessor Davies said: file of learning and teaching in "It's really great to have won the higher education sector and to this award. I love working with make a positive impact on student students and I also value the oplearning. A number of awards portunity to work with staff to en-

each of which are worth £10,000 - are made each year to recognise individual excellence and are intended for Fellows' professional development in teaching.

Changing lives through education and football

U

sing football to help some of the UK’s most disadvantaged young people to make a positive change in their lives, Street League is helping the most disadvantaged 16-25 year old NEETs (Not in Employment, Education or Training), who are often ex-offenders, have been excluded from school or who have a history of substance abuse.

With more than one million 1625 year-olds out of work in the UK, Street League uses weekly ‘Street Football’ drop-in sessions to attract recruits, for intensive eight-week academies, combining football and education to help

participants improve their employability levels.

The academy provides a structured programme of two hours educational training followed by two hours of football – the game acting as an incentive for students to do their work each day.

The brainchild of Dr. Damian Hatton, in 2001, Street League operates across the UK, with participants receiving help with CV writing, goal setting and gaining qualifications. They also take part in mock interviews and employability workshops. One-to-one careers advice and support is offered throughout.

Up to 75% of graduates find em-

ployment, training or get back into education, prompting Dr. Hamilton to say: “Football is a great way to make contact with hard to reach groups because as well as the structure given to their lives players will be motivated to make positive changes in their general lifestyles through the desire to improve their sporting performance.”

Over 600 young people a year find their way back into work.

Street League aims to increase that figure to 2,000 by 2014, when they hope to be in 12 different cities across the UK.

l Dr Damian Hatton

The Phoenix– August 2012

Page 21

REGGAEBABY LOUNGE MONTHLY

Artist Profile: Bingiman

A

Who’s been at the lounge?

Birmingham born sing-jay with a distinctive infectious style, Bingiman has been performing for nearly three decades with a mission to encourage, uplift, inspire and motivate those around him. His unique music, combining different art forms has earned him over 65,000 fans all over the globe, ranked him number 4 on the reverbnation charts, and voted him number 1 on The Official UK Reggae Chart with the track ‘Love Is A Message’, featuring the internationally renowned Rose Capri, on his third and most recent album ‘You Girl EP’.

The ‘It’s Not Alright’ track written and performed by Bingiman is featured on the soundtrack of the recent internationally acclaimed movie, ‘Bob Marley The Making Of A Legend’ which has won 7 awards so far across the UK, US, and Jamaica.

Urban Karma’s Remix of ‘Ghetto Girl’, another track featured on the new album, has received compliments from the likes of Ewan Macfarlane (Apollo 440 Lead Singer), Mennska and Cliff Hewitt from Schiller (Pet Shop Boys Drummer). And that’s not all.

The ‘Corporal’ then took a 10 year break from the scene in the late 1990s, returning in 2009 as ‘Bingiman’ with ‘Rocstar Riddim’, which successfully put him back on the map in the US and UK with over 30,000 hits on video share site, YouTube.

Bingiman started his music career back in 1991 as ‘Corporal Benji’, touring the UK with one of the UK’s best sound systems; King Alloy, recording his first dubplate track, and making his first stage appearance alongside Gregory Issacs and Barry Boom in 1994.

In terms of live performances, Bingiman has graced many a stage over the years, supporting acts like Gregory Issacs, Thiller U, John Holt, Gappy Ranks, Vivian Jones, Macka B, Sandra Cross and Daddy Lizard. His return as Bingiman was marked in his first performance at a Dennis Brown reunion dance in Birmingham in 2010, followed by his track ‘International Herbz’ being made best authentic track of 2010 on Sting FM by Little Richie.

As a regular act at Reggaebaby Lounge held at The Drum Centre in Birmingham, he crafts his stage presence and ensures he keeps in touch with his home roots. A ‘natural man of superb talent’, Bingiman is here to sing about the ‘real things’, keeping to the ‘real life’ he has experienced, experiences he can share with his fans and the upcoming talent of today.

Page 22

The Phoenix–August 2012

OVERSEAS NEWS

The Yawl Boat Race;

a sporting spectacular unique to Martinique

C

arnival is to the Caribbean as fish are to the sea - one simply cannot exist without the other.

In Martinique, the analogy is taken one step further when sports and sea were brought together for a celebration unlike any other, the famed Yawl Boat Race (Tour des Yoles Rondes).

A yearly highlight of the Martinican social calendar, this year’s Yawl Boat Race literally encircled the Isle of Flowers with a boundless spirit of joy, replete with pulsating rhythms, prodigious libations and nonstop parties.

"This is a uniquely Martinican cultural event that gives a wonderful expression of our seafaring environment and the importance that the daily catch still holds in our society. It’s a great party with celebrations across the island," said Muriel Wiltord, Director of the Americas for the Martinique Promotion Bureau/CMT USA. "The Yawl boats featured in the race were constructed with painstaking detail in the grand tradition of Martinican fishing vessels initially developed by local craftsmen in the 70's,” he continued.

This year's race departed from the picturesque seaside village of Le Robert, continuing in a counter-clockwise fashion around the island in seven stages. Teams

CTO Celebrates region’s Olympic success

T

Are you looking for a business opportunity, or looking for Mary Kay products to purchase?

Call Mary on 07834 517 097

he Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the region’s tourism development agency, joins the rest of the Caribbean in celebrating our athletes’ success in the 2012 Olympics. We are particularly proud of the achievements of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who became the first woman in 16 years to successfully defend the 100 metres title, and Usain Bolt, who took another giant step on his journey to being a legend, by retaining his 100 metres title in an Olympic record.

Their feat, together with the silver medal won by Yohan Blake, also of Jamaica, is even more satisfying as it comes at a time when Jamaica is celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence. It has also strengthened Jamaica’s position as the world’s top track and field nation – an amazing accomplishment for a young nation of fewer than three million people.

We join the region in celebrating the success of Kirani James, the Grenadian teen whose win in the 400 metres has warmed our hearts.

We honour silver medallist, Santos Luguelin of the Dominican Republic and bronze medallist, Gordon Lalonde of Trinidad and Tobago, who, together with Kirani, gave the Caribbean a clean sweep in the 400.

We salute too, Cuba’s Yarisley Silva, who captured silver in the

pole vault; Idalys Ortiz (gold ), Yanet Bermoy Acosta (silver) and Asley Gonzalez (silver), all in judo; silver medallist Ivan Cambar Rodriguez in weightlifting; and Mijain Lopez Nunez who won gold in Greco-Roman wrestling; the Dominican Republic’s Felix Sanchez who won gold in the 400 metres hurdles; and Venezuela’s Ruben Limardo Gascon’s gold in fencing.

They all have made their countries and our region proud. The Caribbean has produced some exceptional sports persons over the past several decades, and these ambassadors continue to represent us well.

Over the remaining days of these Olympics, there’s high expectation that the Caribbean athletes will continue to do well, will wow the world, and will win more medals.

We will cheer them along, even from a distance.

representing various towns across Martinique competed alongside international competitors from neighbouring islands.

Visitors and locals turned out by the thousands each day of the race to offer enthusiastic support and enjoy the festivities.

As is the case with traditional land-based carnival celebrations, the Yawl Boat Race is a spectacle of colour. Each vessel was festooned for the occasion with crewmembers sporting matching corporate-sponsored race-wear akin to that of a Formula One race team. Local food, invigorating music and dances punctuated each day's victory with the largest spectacle reserved for the race finale and the crowning of the overall winner.

Throughout the race, the party extended to the high seas where hundreds of yachts, catamarans, speedboats, and other private vessels trailed the racers, partying along the way. Charter boat operators offered affordable race packages, including meals, excursions to secluded beaches and more, enabling visitors to experience the race up-close and at sea.

Whether experienced on land or by sea, the Yawl Boat Race is a uniquely Martinican take on traditional Caribbean celebration.

Goodwill

T

o enjoin in the goodwill month of Ramadan, the Begum Mehmooda Welfare Trust (BMWT) has distributed ration packs to the needy and poor families of Desra valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, located in the North West of Pakistan, recently. The trust’s food support program delivers food including ghee and wheat to more than 300 needy families who reside in the region every month, where such food is extremely unreachable in terms of both availability and prices.

This area of the North West Province is the most deprived with people living lives below the poverty line. At the beginning of Ramadan, the trust has also distributed additional food items such as dates, juices and chickpea flour.

The Begum Mehmooda Welfare Trust (BMWT) is a not for profit organisation established under Trust Act of Pakistan. This family-driven trust was started with a purpose and has been working for many years to bring positive and lasting changes to people in need across the Pakistan region.

So Happy 50th Jamaica and congratulations to all our athletes. We celebrate your success, even when you do not medal.

To advertise call 0121 250 3536

The Phoenix– August 2012

Page 23

HEALTH

Dietitian uses food to get us fitter

C Survey proves fruits & plants make healthier staff and business

H

ot on the heels of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) Employee Outlook survey showing a strong link between employee engagement and wellbeing, Ambius, the workplace environment consultancy has added fresh fruit delivery to its range of workplace services. While employee wellbeing should be high on the Agenda for firms, a survey conducted

by Ambius found that almost a third (27%) of employees don't have time for a lunchbreak.

Kenneth Freeman, International Technical Director for Ambius said: "The CIPD's findings support our own research which has demonstrated the link between productivity and plants in the workspace.

Indeed, a workplace that provides access to nature - whether it's simply a view of trees through a window or a bowl of fruit on a desk, has been shown to have a positive

impact on employee well-being.

The addition of fruit to our planting, flowers and scenting services was therefore a natural next step.

Fruit has proven health benefits, so access to a fruit bowl at work could help staff stave off colds, as well as increase productivity and morale."

The Ambius Fresh Fruit delivery service is available to businesses with 10-500 people and is offered with free delivery within central London. With no contract to sign, Ambius Fruit can be used for a specific event or for regular delivery.

Working directly from the very best wholesale markets across London, packages include popular fruits, such as bananas, apples, nectarines and pears. Alternatively, businesses can upgrade to a 'deluxe' package including grapes and strawberries or have a bespoke delivery created from a choice of products, including berries,

oventry University are this week launching a revolutionary new cookbook and app that can help you use food to get fitter. The Cooking for sport and exercise recipe resource shows you how easy it can be to eat healthy and improve your exercise or training regimes.

This exciting and easy-to-use cookbook makes the science of food and nutrition simple to understand and offers tasty nutritious recipe ideas that work well alongside a healthy active lifestyle.

Created by Dr Ricardo Costa, Senior Lecturer and Researcher in Dietetics at Coventry University, each recipe includes all the nutritional information you need to chose the best meal or snack and when is best to eat it. Brimming with tempting recipes, from creamy tomato pasta to an all-day breakfast panini (with low fat sausages and bacon), and honey and cinnamon energy bars to fatless carrot cake, Cooking for sport and exercise offers nutritious meals and snacks that are tasty but also easy to prepare.

As an ex-professional athlete, Ricardo has been involved in sport and exercise nutrition for over a decade. In this new book he offers a helpful resource for busy people whatever your fitness programme be it elite athlete training or simply a recreational athlete trying to imgrapes, nuts, exotic fruits and chopped fruit and vegetables.

Kenneth Freeman concludes: "By operating our own team of buyers, Ambius Fruit can ensure that we are only delivering the very best quality produce to our customers, helping businesses look after staff and visitors from the inside out. The provision of fruit is another quick win for businesses keen to retain talent, improve engagement and engender feelings of goodwill."

Working FAST to overcome a stroke

D

o you know what to look for if your loved one has a stroke? Would you recognise a stroke?

Every year, around 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke. That's one person every five minutes. It is the third most common cause of death in the UK after heart disease and cancer.

Although most people who have a stroke are older, around a quarter of strokes happen in younger people; over 20,000 people under 65 have one every year.

If someone has a stroke, it is really important that it is diagnosed quickly. The sooner the stroke is discovered, the sooner it can be treated and the greater the person's chances of survival and recovery.

You can learn the classic symptoms of a stroke by remembering 'F.A.S.T.' It was developed by leading stroke physicians and is used by all ambulance services like WMAS to help detect the signs.

Facial weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye

drooped?

Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms?

Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?

Time to call 999.

If a person fails any one of these tests, get help immediately by dialling 999.

West Midlands Ambulance Service works with hospitals in the region to ensure patients suffering from a stroke get taken to a specialist stroke centre as quickly as possible so that they can undergo treatment that will minimise the effects of the condition.

Once in hospital, the patient should have a brain scan to determine if the stroke was caused by a blocked artery or a burst blood vessel; which part of the brain has been affected; and how severe the stroke is.

If you would like more information about FAST, log onto the Stroke Association website where you will find a wealth of information: www.stroke.org.uk

l Dr Ricardo Costa, the creater of the App version of Cooking for sport and excercise prove your fitness levels. Breaking the recipes down into useful sections, such as loading up the carbs; don't forget the vegetables; sport and recovery drinks; and where is the protein, helping users jump easily to the topic they want.

An app version of the book has been created in collaboration with the University's Serious Games Institute (SGI), offering users the opportunity to download the

recipes direct to your mobile device. Alongside all the nutritious recipes, the app also allows you to build up a shopping list of ingredients as you browse the recipes.

Dr Costa said: "Sport and exercise are an essential part of the healthy lifestyle and good food choices can help make a massive difference in the results you get from workouts. By using this recipe resource, you can plan

your meals and snacks to get the best possible sport and exercise outcomes, and develop healthier eating habits."

"Digital tools and channels are an essential way of engaging people in sport, health and fitness, so I am really pleased we can offer an app as well as book. This imaginative use of new technology can only help in planning your sport, training or exercise programmes."

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acial weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?

A S

rm weakness: Can the person raise both arms?

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T

ime to call 999.

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Performing Arts

Page 24

HNC in Building Services Engineering HNC in Construction HNC Business and Management HNC and HND in Business HNC in Business with IT HNC and HND in Accounting HND Business and Management HND Business and Marketing HND Computing and Systems Development Foundation Degree in ICT Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair HND in Fashion

Photography Video JAMAICA IN &THE SQUARE - SUPPORTED BY Media

Freddie McGregor

Hair & Beauty Public Services Science Sports Supported Learning Retail

The Phoenix–August 2012

Jamaica in fest the Square Thursday 23 August I in conjunction with

COME ALONG TO CELEBRATE YOUR GCSES, CHILL OUT, HAVE FUN AND THINK ABOUT YOUR FUTURE

Thousands descend on Victoria Square in the 5 day event

(BUT ONLY IF YOU WANT TO!)

nternational reggae star, Fred- NewStyle Radio 98.7FM, was GET THE FESTIVAL VIBE die McGregor, brought an end testament to just how massive RIGHT an HERE IN BIRMINGHAM to a five-day extravaganza to impact people who hail from the celebrate the 50th anniversary Caribbean Diaspora has made, not of the independence of the Carib- only here in Birmingham and the bean island of Jamaica.

West Midlands, but throughout the Already basking in the added bo- world. of glorying in Jamaica’s domi- SQUARE With stalls|upon stalls of typical10AM –nus 4PM | CHAMBERLAIN FREE nance on the track, at the London ly Jamaican food, drinks, music, Olympic the Jamaitexts and much Chillout tent2012 | Live music Games, sets | Fabric flower fashion making historical | Video game cans really |came massanmusic air of colour to demonstration/playing Haveout a goinattheir Samba drumsmore | Buildbringing your own es as thousands upon thousands of pop the video city, the country truly showed track and green screen filming | Make your own | Present the from justand about every one experiments, off exactly how rich, vibrant and news | Have apeople, go at carpentry tiling | Science creative ouraid diverse communities turned extremely proudWay the Jamaican are activities andoffirst activities | Audition for a role in The Only the centre of Birmingham’s of theircar heritage. is South and up CityinCollege Birmingham | See our racing and have Victoria |Square to pay to For |every and child a go | Spray tattooist Meet the Freehomage Radio presenters Win aman, pair woman of the island that already gave so of an who took part over the 5-days of weekend camping tickets tohas a festival | Thinking apprenticeship? much to the world. they Find out about our current vacancies and speak tocelebrations, an apprentice ... will, each and The 5-day cultural bash open-air every one of them, will always fill ‘Jamaica in the Square, promoted with pride whenever they say: “I overwhelmingly by local station, was there…”

Celebrate GCSE results day

Nikk Bever i Tapper, Syb ley Lin i dsay Ol Spence BE, O D

Spicy Fingers & Lloyd Blake

Raising of the Flag

G-Man

Sir Albert Bore, leader of Birmingham City Council

Lord Mayor Cllr John Lines & Lady Mayoress Kathleen Line

Thanks to NewStyle 98.7 FM Radio presenter LJ for her commitment to this special cause

The Phoenix– August 2012

Page 25

JAMAICA IN THE SQUARE

A

special “Thank You” goes to The Phoenix Newspaper’s official photographer, Max Marriott for her devoted and dedicated work in capturing the true and unique essence of ‘Jamaica in the Square’.

HNC in Building Services Engineering HNC in Construction HNC Business and Management HNC and HND in Business HNC in Business with IT HNC and HND in Accounting HND Business and Management HND Business and Marketing HND Computing and Systems Development Foundation Degree in ICT Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair HND in Fashion

Performing Arts

Page 26

Photography Video JAMAICA IN &THE SQUARE - SUPPORTED BY Media Hair & Beauty

The Phoenix–August 2012

in conjunction with

Public Services COME ALONG TO CELEBRATE YOUR GCSES, CHILL OUT, HAVE FUN AND THINK ABOUT YOUR FUTURE

Science

(BUT ONLY IF YOU WANT TO!)

Sports Supported Learning

Thursday 23 August

Retail

Celebrate GCSE results day 10AM – 4PM | CHAMBERLAIN SQUARE | FREE Chillout tent | Live music sets | Fabric flower making | Video game demonstration/playing | Have a go at Samba drums | Build your own music track and green screen filming | Make your own pop video | Present the news | Have a go at carpentry and tiling | Science experiments, creative activities and first aid activities | Audition for a role in The Only Way is South and City College Birmingham | See our racing car and have a go | Spray tattooist | Meet the Free Radio presenters | Win a pair of weekend camping tickets to a festival | Thinking of an apprenticeship?

Find out about our current vacancies and speak to an apprentice ...

Charles Small

Thanks

R

ecognition goes to Charles Small, Chief Executive of The Drum for the entertainment, Beverly Johnson of JLB Shipping for Press & PR of the dignitaries, NewStyle 98.7 FM Radio for promotion, Steve Hollingworth, Deputy Director of Sports & Culture and Sir Albert Bore, leader of Birmingham City Council who made it all happen.

Photos

L

t s e f

Steve Hollingworth

ook out for your picture in the September edition, the final roundup of Jamaica in the Square and the Olympic heroes.

If you have taken a picture with one of the Olympic teams, then send it in and we will feature them in the next edition.

GET THE FESTIVAL VIBE RIGHT HERE IN BIRMINGHAM

The Phoenix– August 2012

Page 27

TRAVEL

Readers Response: El Gouna By Hawk Eye

R

Lake District Getaways H ollins Farm camping and touring site nestles on the edge of the picturesque village of Silverdale, overlooking the vast open skies of Morecambe Bay, flanked on one side by the majesty of the Lakeland Fells and on the other by the gently rolling hills of the Forest of Bowland.

Hollins is the perfect place to relax, a place where you can immerse yourself in the landscape, a place where you can truly unwind and get back to nature. Silverdale forms part of Britain's smallest Area of Outstanding Natural

Beauty, with its abundant wildlife, rich ground flora of herbs, relic limestone grassland, cliff tops and dappled shady woodland.

The perfect place to take a stroll and explore some magnificent cliff top walks taking in the Cumbria Coastal Path with the Lakeland panoramas offered by Arnside Knott or the Lancashire Coastal Paths with the stunning seascapes over Morecambe Bay from Jenny Brown's Point. Hollins is also the perfect base to explore on two wheels, with National Cycle Way Route 6, one of the best cycle routes in the country encompass-

ing the Cumbrian and Lancashire Cycle Ways, running right past the farm gate.

Unwind

If that isn't enough there are a whole host of things to do less than a five minute walk away at Hollins Farm's sister site Holgates Silverdale Park, including a very enticing leisure club complete with a swimming pool complex with a sensational 17m heated swimming pool, complete with bubble pool, turbo seat, spa pool and toddlers' pool, as well as an ultra-relaxing sauna and steam rooms. Hollins Farm is the

perfect place to explore the beauty of the coastline and the majesty of the Lake District, Cumbria, offering 50 touring standard pitches, and 25 tent pitches with prices starting from at £28 per night for a tourer and £ 28 per night for a tent pitch complete with electric hookup, based on 2 adults sharing, plus 1 car, including awning.

For further information about Hollins Farm, Silverdale, the fees, sister sites and visiting the area please log onto www.holgates. co.uk or call 01524 701508 or email info@holgates.co.uk

Lazy British men let mum pack for their holidays – as she knows best

L

azy Britons are blaming the stress of holiday preparation for allowing a loved one to do the hard work – with some even leaving it to their mums!

New Travelodge research into the nation’s packing habits uncovered the astounding facts that 28% of British men let their partners do their packing, but worse still - a further one in male adults farm it out to their mothers!

Travelodge spokesperson, Shakila Ahmed says, “We were shocked to find over a quarter of British men dodging their own holiday preparation. It’s packing avoidance at its worst!

“And we’re not talking about teenagers: 25 to 34 year olds were revealed to be the biggest culprits!”

In the study of 5,000 people, the number one reason for delegating is that they find packing stressful (26%). Not having enough time (21%) is second on the list, followed by partners or family members not trusting their organisational skills (18%).

The Welsh are first for letting mum do their dirty work whilst Londoners are most likely to have their partners pack for them.

But packing avoidance doesn’t happen without a fight – 59% of partners and parents getting lum-

l

Flingers: People in the South East throw items into the bag in no particular order

Lazy

bered with someone else’s chores said that it causes arguments in their house and 20% said it added significant stress to the run up to their break.

Essentials

However, 25% admitted that their loved one is so unorganised that they find it easier and less stressful just to do it for them.

Travelodge’s study into packing habits also revealed that people from Northern Ireland are the most organised, while those from the East of the country are the least.

Levels of planning vary to extremes with 21% of Britons creating a written schedule of outfits to pack while 19% just throw a selection of clothes into a bag and hope

for the best.

The majority of the nation (40%) makes a list of essentials to tick off as they go into the suitcase, while 33% of people lay their clothes and accessories out on the bed in outfits.

Packing styles also vary across the country with five main approaches being taken: l Rollers: The Scottish favour folding and then rolling clothing l Wrappers: West Midlanders avoid creases by wrapping clothing in tissue paper l Stackers: Those in East Anglia neatly fold and stack l Shrinkers: Londoners vacuum pack their clothing by outfit

More people from the North West admit to finding the preholiday process stressful than anywhere else in the country. Women are also more likely to be harassed by packing than men, and spend an average of 59 minutes longer getting it done.

On average, Britons spend 2.4 hours planning and packing their bags, with a fair few indulging in up to a whopping 12 hours!

Continues Shakila, “Our research also found that packingavoidance is hitting Britons where it hurts the most – the wallet: 92% of those who outsource the task rarely have everything they need, and have to shell out as a result.”

“Whether they’re heading for Bognor or Barbados, Britons waste an average of £26 a trip replacing things they’ve left behind. That’s nearly £600m a year, thrown away because of poor organisation!

“Sunglasses are most frequently forgotten, followed by swimmers, socks, trainers and a jumper.

“Call us crazy, but in the interest of looking after the pennies, perhaps it’s time British adults give their mums a break from packing their bags!”

eading July’s edition of The Phoenix I was pleasantly surprised to see the article in the Travel section referring to my second home, El Gouna, a little known town in Egypt. Although it was a brief mention, I felt I wanted to share with you a little more about what El Gouna has to offer and why I love to travel there as often as I do.

Some people think that the only place to visit is the Caribbean, and who can blame them, but there is so much beauty in the rest of the world to see that we should not give this one a miss.

Mention Egypt to anyone and the first place everyone thinks of is Sharm El Sheik or if they are a little more adventurous Cairo home of the pyramids or even Luxor with the Valley of the Kings. Very few know of Egypt’s best kept secret, the Red Sea Riviera of El Gouna.

A place for the more discerning traveller who likes quality.

Ask any Egyptian and they all speak fondly of this exclusive little town.

Let me tell you more. As you approach the airport of Hurghada, you can’t miss the myriad lagoons of El Gouna. It is quite easy to hire a boat and explore the whole town by water.

Security

It boasts its own hospital, international school, PGA golf course, and a variety of 3, 4 and 5 star hotels to stay in, there is even a 7 star hotel if you really want to spoil yourself. El Gouna has its own bus and taxi service, which gets you around quite cheaply at £3.00 equivalent for a week bus pass and £1 for each taxi ride anywhere in the town.

It has its own security company to ensure the safety at all times for its guests. Oh, and I forgot to mention, if you happen to have your own yacht, you could moor it in one of the four beautiful marinas that it boasts. But don’t worry if you don’t own one, as you can always hire one with it’s own captain for the day

for you and your friends. Here anything is possible.

El Gouna is a hassle free town, no problems with the shop keepers here, and the added benefit of no lager louts to spoil your peace. Not many British visitors here as they don’t yet know about this secret. The internal phone service is free, so if you are in a hotel, apartment or villa you can speak to anyone within El Gouna for free. Although there is a variety of food you can eat at the local hotels and restaurants, you can also choose to go self catering and buy your food at the local supermarkets.

Entertainment

There are a variety of beaches to visit which are never overcrowded, so you can feel comfortable to sunbathe and listen to the soft music playing in the background from one of the many beachfront restaurants nearby.

If you decide you want to do a little more than chilling, there are more adventurous things to do if you are so inclined such as: Red Sea excursions, kite surfing, beach volley ball, scuba diving, snorkelling, deep sea fishing trips, barbecues. Horse riding, camel riding, golf, go karting, desert safaris, and my favourite desert quad biking.

Compared to other countries, these excursions are a fraction of the cost you would expect to pay.

Between the months of April – November there is free evening entertainment which is put on for the guests twice a week in the square and on the Abu Tig –Marina. It is so nice to go out in the evening eating fresh fish and drinking fresh fruit juice at one of the many restaurants – then to take in the cultural dancing and live bands, just rounds off the evenings beautifully. It is perfectly safe to walk anywhere, anytime as the friendly security is never far away.

Although I could carry on, the best way to experience what I am telling you is to treat yourself and see for yourself.

Highlights of Mexico

15 days from £1,795pp

15 day Highlights of Mexico tour with Virgin Holidays Worldwide Journeys, including return Continental Airlines flights to Mexico City via Houston, accommodation and sightseeing encompassing Mexico City, Oaxaca, Chiapa de Corzo, San Cristobal, Palenque, Campeche, Uxmal, Merida and Cancun. Prices are per person based on two adults sharing on a mixed board basis and includes sightseeing with experienced English-speaking guides and transfers.

Price includes all applicable taxes

and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Prices are based on 03 November 2012 departures.

Book by 31 August 2012.

Page 28

The Phoenix–August 2012

LOCAL BUSINESS

l Mark Ansell and Lee Jamison, Scout7

Scouting and Recruitment hub at Birmingham Science Park

W

ith 90 per cent of English Premier League clubs on their client list, Birmingham Science Park-based Scout7 has acquired Open Source Factory - the developer of Xeatre. tv - creating professional football’s leading global supplier for scouting and recruitment intelligence.

Over 50 per cent of clubs in the top Leagues of France, Germany, Netherlands and Spain, makes Scout7 professional football’s leading global supplier for scouting and recruitment intelligence.

Employing 30 people, with two thirds based at its Birmingham Science Park, since 2001, its annual post-acquisition turnover is already £3 million.

The company provides webbased recruitment, squad and scouting management solutions for its 175 professional football industry clients. It was the exclusive sales agent for Xeatre. tv, which films and stores video footage from every match played across 60 professional football leagues worldwide.

Mark Ansell, Chairman of Scout7 said: “Over the past three years, Xeatre.tv has evolved into the preferred video-based scouting solution for elite professional football clubs. This acquisition

enables us to further develop a joint product offering to maintain our position as the leading supplier of scouting and recruitment intelligence to the professional football industry. We can now embark on a highly exciting new era of further growth and expansion.”

Founder and Managing Director of Scout7, Lee Jamison, said: “The extended range of data we can now provide our client base with, at the touch of a button, is exactly what is required by elite football clubs striving to find the cutting edge to enhance performance.

Successes

In 11-years of serving the football industry, we’ve seen significant changes in the way clubs structure their recruitment.

Over 2,500 professional football staff across the globe subscribe to Scout7 and Xeatre.tv products and this acquisition ensures that all subscriber content can be made available from one single source, covering video analysis, scouting reports, analytical research and general market intelligence.”

Launched in 2009, Xeatre.tv is the world’s most advanced video scouting, management and analysis solution, capturing football footage from all over the world.

Subscribers can watch via an internet video stream, or from an archive of match recordings.

Uniquely, the application also incorporates online editing tools, enabling users to crop and save footage remotely, to prepare highlight videos on individual players - or on whole teams - for internal analysis.

Dr David Hardman MBE, CEO of Birmingham Science Park said: “Scout7 has been based at the Science Park since 2005 and have expanded three times within the iBIC building. It has been highly rewarding to see the impressive growth of the company, with a formidable client list that includes UEFA Champion’s League winner Chelsea, FA Premier League trophy holder Manchester City, and Bundesliga winner Borussia Dortmund.

The success of Scout7 is a reflection of the innovation, entrepreneurship and business success that is being demonstrated by Birmingham’s top flight of SME’s.

As a city, we need to nurture these companies, celebrate their successes and create an environment where more highly innovative start-ups will prosper, creating many more much-needed skilled jobs.”

Enter your business for Queen’s Awards for Enterprise

E

ntries for the prestigious Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2013 are now being accepted and outstanding businesses in the Black Country are being urged to enter.

The free annual awards are presented to the best of UK businesses by HM The Queen. The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which works closely with businesses and local authorities to support economic growth in the Black Country, encourages local firms to get involved.

“As a region the Black Country needs to be heard and we need to celebrate our fantastic successes.

We know there are plenty of Black Country companies who deserve

credit for their fantastic work and the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise offer the perfect recognition” says Ninder Johal, Black Country LEP lead on communications and perception.

Councillor Mike Bird, Black

Country LEP board member and leader of Walsall Council, said: “Winners not only receive worldwide recognition among their peers but they can also display the awards emblem for five years after receiving the accolade.

We would encourage Black Country businesses to find out more and submit an entry to ensure they get the recognition they deserve.”

Entries can be made online at www.bit.ly/QueensAwardsE before 28th September.

To find out more information about the awards, visit www. queensawards.org.uk, call 020 7215 6880, or email info@queensawards.org.uk

To advertise call 0121 250 3536

Baileys serving a gold performance

B

aileys Restaurant owner, Robert Bailey, knows that when it comes to serving healthy, succulent Caribbean and English food anywhere in Birmingham, there’s not many places that could beat him for flavour, and value with the emphasis put heavily on healthy, nutritiously balanced food.

Providing customers with first class cuisine for the past two and a half years at Baileys, based in Newtown, they are confident that whatever your desire they would go to great lengths to source, expertly prepare and serve any one of their delicious menu choices.

Here, you get the very best from the Caribbean as well as an

outstanding selection of English foods and snacks.

They already boast an overwhelming list of high recommendations, from companies and organizations, which include the regular presence of Birmingham City Council employers/employees, to equally regular SME businesses and individuals from near and far.

Endorsed by Reggae Reggae Sauce entrepreneur, Levi Roots, at the recent Caribbean Food Festival in Birmingham, Baileys Restaurant is also fully backed by healthy eating organizations including Change4Life, the NHS 5-a-day campaign and Birmingham City Council, regular visitors to the res-

taurant.

Robert is thrilled by how far and fast things have developed and he knows why, saying: “We cater for all our customers’ needs. Whatever they want, we do our very best to serve. If it isn’t to hand, we will go out of our way to source it.”

There’s an exciting range of punches and juices apt for the next month, including the ‘explosive’ Carrot Bolt punch that will: “fortify the body and guarantee you a gold medal performance for the rest of the day,” he enthuses.

Baileys caters for the flavours to savour so why not pass by and try it for yourself.

By Steve Williams

The Phoenix–August 2012

Page 29

LOCAL BUSINESS

‘Flowers n Things’ shoots up in Birmingham

S

ally is set to spread her flowers and things around the world.

Offering beautiful bespoke flowers and arrangements, for all occasions, a new florist is now open, and well set-up, for orders, big and small, from anywhere throughout Birmingham and beyond.

Flowers ‘n’ Things provide the ideal floral displays for weddings, christenings, funerals, corporate events, special occasions and flowers for the home.

Situated in Lozells, since opening, back in June, it has already bloomed to prominence, getting orders for one-off and regular orders from local individuals, organizations, colleges, schools and nurseries.

It’s a rosy start to business for owner/proprietor, Sally Vry, who, after seeing the ideal gap in the market, had no hesitation serving a community that was, up to then, short of an outlet of this kind.

For Sally, a hugely experienced

florist, it’s a first venture into running her own business. But, having gained 15-years experience managed at the once famed Flowers ‘N’ Plants shop, in nearby Erdington, plus working as a florists’ delivery driver, in Sheldon, before that, the time was right for her to set out for herself.

Fully qualified in her much loved field, Birmingham-born Sally was quick to spot the high potential for opening a florist on the busy footfall Lozells Road, saying: “This area had no florists, for some considerable time and I realized it’s actually a lot busier than many people would think.

Noticing the empty building, some time ago, I just knew it was meant for me. I’m in a fantastic location which is easily accessible and in the heart of one of the city’s thriving and diverse communities.

It’s a ‘win/win’ situation.

Business has been great since I started and I know that it will continue in upwards way.”

It also sells some of the most

Images: Max Marriott

unique, ornate candles and statues, exclusively designed cards, designer photo/picture frames, plus other related products.

Flowers ‘N’ Things is also affiliated to eFlorist, which means that no matter where in the world, you can have the perfect bouquet delivered, that same day, from Lozells.

Now, just how fantastic is that?

With loyal and dedicated support from her son, Alex (22), Sally Vry knows she’s planted the seeds for a great future, for this flourishing business.

42a Lozells Road Lozells Birmingham B19 2TH Tel : 0121 572 3990 Mob : 07968 246 773 sallyvry23@hotmail.co.uk

Page 30

The Phoenix–August 2012

BUSINESS

BCABA Awards

T

Ammo’s

l Business Person of the Year - Ravinder Singh Cheema

l Young Entrepreneur Award - Aman Bhandal

he Black Country Asian Business Association’s (BCABA) 11th anniversary awards dinner was marked by around 400 people attending at the Wolverhampton Racecourse recently.

Ninder Johal, chair of the BCABA, and also Board member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership with which BCABA works closely, highlighted the achievements of the Black Country businesses. The need for the region to be recognised was emphasised as, despite the gloom surrounding the economic environment, the Black Country has much to be proud of.

“Despite everything it is reassuring to see that the Asian business community is still thriving.” said Mr Johal.

Baroness Usha Parshar CBE of Runneymede, and newly appointed President of the National Asian Business Association, also spoke at the Awards. The impact Asian businesses have in Britain as a whole was the prominent feature of her speech, “The British Asian community is no longer the new migrant community. The British Asian community is a mature community actively supporting all facets of life in Britain, which they now call home” she said.

Proud

l Communnity Excellence Award - Sweda

Arts Directors? Really?

H

ow many local arts directors do you know who are really boring?

When you gotta go, go! That was my message last month, and we should all drink to that.

I've got total respect for anyone who can walk away when they know their race is run and their time is done. The departing Artistic Director of the English National Ballet is exactly one of those people. He hasn't said why he's going, but he did tell the Telegraph that current funding levels could leave the ENB; "like one of those rather crappy touring Russian companies, with horrible sets, an orchestra of twenty and students with stickon moustaches."

So what will happen after he leaves? Everything and more, Someone will come in who relishes that particular challenge.

Someone who loves stick-on moustaches and wants to work with orchestras. Someone who can see what support there is as a lifeline and not a shoestring.

And wonderful things will continue to happen. Because a great artistic director really can work magic, just like a big-name football manager. They can turn the national team into an international success story.

But what about all the artistic directors who aren't so good and or just worn out? Do you know any in Birmingham? Too many

people in venues all across the UK make executive decisions about creative programming believing they always know what's best for the public. Surrounded by strange consultants who know more about spreadsheets rather than sheets of music, they never tune into their staff, their local artistic community or their audiences to find out what people really think, want and need.

Why would they after all they know best hey?

All too often they offer up the safe play or blame funding for being less risky. They keep bold new work away from the public and re-skin the classics to make them seem fashionable. Deep down they have no confidence in their audiences or themselves artistically. The Blair-era boom in funding brought this clique of people into the arts industry, yet they still manage to hang on in the region's venues while new artistic endeavours, young creatives & front of house staff on a fraction of their salaries seem to vanish, like a puff.

The US arts and recession "guru" Michael Kaiser has shown how vital it is to develop a powerful and holistic artistic vision in tough financial straits.

Always back the art, or people instigating the work. Will the arts in the UK really change?

Let’s see hey.

Ammo Talwar MBE

l International Trade Award - Perfection Foods Ltd

Praising BCABA for its ‘vital role’ in supporting Asian entrepreneurs, the Baroness highlighted the need for passion in business but, more importantly, for business leaders to be passionate about their contribution to society.

The variety of sectors being represented at the Awards, in particular the younger entrepreneurs bringing in a fresh perspective of business, was impressive.

“The West Midlands is brimming with business talent, and the Black Country Asian Business Association plays an essential role in helping local businesses reach their full potential. It was an honour for me to explore the opportunities that lie ahead for Asian businesses to contribute to the great country we call home” added the Baroness.

The main beneficiary of the Awards evening was Walsall’s

West Midlands businesses target growing automotive sector

B

ritish Chambers of Commerce says International trade is our number one priority and to help and support businesses wanting to venture into new waters, Enterprise Europe Network, part of the BCCG is organising a series of networking events to the world's leading trade fair for the automotive industry.

Automechanika 2012 will be held in Germany from 12 to 14 September, with Jonathan Webber, head of international at the Chamber saying one of the major growth areas in the UK and abroad being the automotive sector. He said: "The latest quarterly economic survey by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Part-

nership reveals that the number of businesses reporting a fall in export sales is 38 per cent, down from 41 per cent in quarter one.

So we must do more to provide businesses with the confidence to take up the many opportunities abroad."

Growing

Enterprise Europe Network is inviting West Midlands based automotive suppliers to participate in the international Business-2-Business events at Automechanika. These events provide representatives from the automotive industry and research, the opportunity to find distributors, subcontractors, licensees, technological partners, service providers and others.

Project manager, Sunny Claire, said: "The automotive industry is a fast growing sector and Au-

tomechanika is the place where companies can meet with other companies to do business. These meetings are free to attend and this is an exciting platform which can be used to connect and communicate with prospective partners."

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group, one of the UK's oldest and largest Chambers, represents about 9000 member companies and affiliates that employ over 200,000 people. It offers extensive services to industry and commerce, having served the interests of business for nearly three centuries, promoting trade locally, nationally and internationally.

For more information on the trade mission call Sunny on: 0121 607 1895

‘Perfection Foods’ sweeping away the International Award and the Innovation and Enterprise Award.

Operating from three sites, the business has grown rapidly in ten years and is now exporting its cakes all over the world. With a year upon year growth of 40 %, the business is looking to increase investment in both capital and people.

Other Awards winners included: Business Start Up: AIB foods Young Entrepreneur: Aman Bhandal of Chop and Wok Community Excellence: Sweda Regeneration: CBS Packaging Business Person of the Year: Ravinder Singh Cheema The host for the evening was Tommy Sandhu, a BBC Asian Network presenter. Entertainment was provided by the Bhangra band ‘Achanak’. The night also raised money and awareness for the Cure Leukaemia Charity.

Soy Sauce Street Test

K

ikkoman, the world’s largest producers of naturally brewed soy sauce was on a free tastings and money-off coupons campaign.

The Kikkoman sampling teams were found outside local Sainsburys, Tesco and Asda , in Coventry, Solihull, West Bromwich and Walsall, handing out delicious food seasoned with soy sauce so you see for yourself how it can really enhance the flavours of everyday food.

As well as cooked rice served with delicious Kikkoman Soy Sauce, there was hot Kikkoman Teriyaki Chicken and salad sprinkled with a citrus and soy dressing.

6 delicious recipe cards with recipes developed by MasterChef 2011 winner Tim Anderson was also given out. The recipes, including Salmon with Soy Butter and garlicky greens, Memphis-Style BBQ Ribs and delicious Double Chocolate Brownies with Soy Caramel Sauce really showed how versatile Kikkoman Soy Sauce can be.

Visitors to the stand also had the chance to win £100 of Lakeland voucher by entering their email address into a prize draw.

As an added bonus, by purchase a bottle of Kikkoman Soy Sauce in-store, there was the fantastic opportunity of winning 1 of 25 holidays to Japan for two people.

There will be demonstrations at Morrisons stores later in the year

The Phoenix–August 2012

“Apprentice” style challenge for UoB PhD Researchers

U

niversity of Birmingham’s PhD Researchers took up an ‘Apprentice’ style challenge with Birmingham and Black Country Community Foundation (BBCCF) recently.

PhD Researchers worked closely with Social Enterprise; Nechells Regeneration Project (NRP) to help rejuvenate the centre and raise its profile in the community.

12 PhD Researchers with facilitators from the Entrepreneurship and Innovation unit at University of Birmingham arrived at NRP in true ‘Apprentice’ style to be split into three teams to create a initiatives and solutions for the enterprise undertaking 3 key areas; Health & Wellbeing, Conferencing and Community.

The University of Birmingham Postgraduate Enterprise Summer School is an intensive week-long programme developed specifically for PhD Researchers. This year’s event provided a fantastic opportunity for top quality train-

ing alongside the opportunity to work on the real strategic issues faced by BBCCF. BBCCF is part of the wider Community Foundation network. It is an independent charity that has awarded £7m in small grants to over 1500 community and volunteer groups in the last 2 years across Birmingham and Black Country. Its unique approach to philanthropy allows individuals and businesses to support their own specific local interests and causes and in doing so invest in the future of their community.

BBCCF were approached by University of Birmingham because of its local community knowledge and experience in connecting people who care with causes that matter, to help identify a real life community case study of a Social Enterprise in need of development and support, NRP was agreed as the ideal project.

Gurpreet Jagpal, Postgraduate Enterprise Consultant and Op-

erations Manager stated; “We see BBCCF as an integral part of the region, enabling community groups to link with people who want to make a difference.

Our Researchers are very excited to be a part of this initiative, to gain first-hand experience in developing a hub for the local community. We believe the best learning comes from real life involvement and this apprentice programme provides just that.”

Yvonne Palmer, Director – Operations & Programmes, Birmingham and Black Country Community Foundation commented: “We are proud to be working collaboratively with University of Birmingham and to be given the chance to offer our knowledge and expertise. In 2003 NRP was converted from derelict city swimming baths into a community centre and now we would like to give the opportunity to some of our regions finest to develop this project further. “

Page 31

BUSINESS

l Some of the participants in the University of Birmingham Postgraduate Enterprise Summer School

Altimate Care Agency Ltd Caribbean Takeaway

Breakfast, Beverages, Fish Dishes, Side Orders, Meat & Chicken

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Page 32

The Phoenix–August 2012

MOTORING

The new generation G-Class T

he new G-Class goes into production next month with greater power than any UK-specification model before it, more technology and a greater range of comfort and safety equipment.

Priced from £82,945 OTR for the G 350 BlueTEC, the new G-Class has increased levels of standard equipment including new LED daytime running lights and a reworked interior that, for the first time, is fitted with COMAND Online. Also fitted as standard is Parktronic, an audio and visual parking aid and new leather upholstery in conjunction with heated front and rear seats. A new design of 18” five-spoke alloy wheels, electric folding and heated mirrors, instrument cluster with colour display and a mighty Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound audio system complete the changes.

The 3.0 litre V6 engine fitted to the G 350 BlueTEC model delivers 211 hp (a 1 hp gain) and retains the same fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of the model it replaces – 25.2 mpg and 295 g/km respectively.

The new G 63 AMG is priced at £123,115 OTR. Its hand built, bi-turbo 5.5-litre V8 AMG engine delivers 544 hp and 760 Nm of torque – an improvement of 37 hp and 60 Nm over the outgoing G 55 AMG. Despite these gains, the new V8 sees combined CO2 emissions reduced by 13% to 322 g/km and combined fuel consumption improved by 15% to 20.5 mpg.

l The new generation Mercedes G-Class

Distinguishing the G 63 AMG from the rest of the G-Class range is a unique AMG radiator grille with twin chrome fins running through the black mesh grille. The changes extend to a set of AMG wheel-arch extensions finished in the vehicle colour, a bespoke AMG sports exhaust system with chromed twin tailpipes and a new 20” five-twin-spoke alloy wheel design in Titanium Grey highsheen finish.

Inside, the G 63 AMG now features single-tone designo leather trim, an AMG selector lever with leather insets and an embossed AMG emblem, AMG stainless steel illuminated door sill panels complete with AMG lettering and an AMG instrument cluster with colour display. Finally, a powerful Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system and COMAND Online with Media Interface and DAB radio ensure the G 63 AMG is fitted with the latest in-car enhancements.

In addition, the G 63 AMG comes with the Chrome Package and Exterior Styling Package as standard (optional on the G 350 BlueTEC - £765 and £1,515 respectively).

Despite its focus on performance the G 63 AMG, in common with every new G-Class, is fitted with permanent all-wheel drive, fully engageable differential locks, four wheel Electronic Traction System (4ETS) and a low-range gear reduction to ensure it remains a viable and adept off-road vehicle.

Cannonballers make dreams come true at Beaulieu

C

annonballers in an array of prestige cars recently gathered at the James Bond – Bond in Motion exhibition at the Beaulieu Motor Museum and gave a funfilled dream day out for children and their families from the charity Dreams Come True in advance of the first ever Cannonball 2000, which leaves London at 1430 on Wednesday 5th September 2012 from the prestigious Hilton, Park Lane, London.

Cannonball 2000 participants

took Dreams Come True children and their families out in a variety of cars which included; a bright orange Lotus, an Aston Martin DB9, Jaguar XK8,a Maserati Gran Cabrio, Ferrari 458 Italia and Ferrari California. Model Katie Green and TV presenter and WAG Lizzie Cundy added a touch of fun and glamour, alongside James Bond stunt driver Ray Dehaan who talked stunts and film with the Dreams Come True children and their families.

Ford sales are looking bright in 2012

F

ord continues to build on its UK market lead through 2012 with increased car sales and share to the end of July, compared with the same period in 2011.

Ford car sales were up in July and sales for the year to date (end July) have increased by 3.8 per cent, compared with 2011. The UK car market as a whole was also up 3.5 per cent for the year to date, according to the official figures released today from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT): Ford car sales and share up through 2012, Ford Fiesta is the UK best seller in July and for the year to date.

Ford’s strong car sales perfor-

mance is headed by the Ford Fiesta, which was again the best seller for the month as well as for the year to date. Ford Fiesta sales for the year to date have increased from 58,338 to 67,103, compared with the same period in 2011, and its car market share is up from 5.1 to 5.6 per cent.

Ford’s car sales were up across its range in July and, as well as the Fiesta, Ford Ka, Ford C-MAX, Ford Kuga, Ford Mondeo, Ford S-MAX and the Ford Galaxy all recorded sales increases in July, compared with July 2011.

Mark Ovenden, Ford of Britain managing director, said: “Despite fierce competition Ford’s UK market lead remains solid with car

and commercial sales increasing in July.

“Propelling the increase in car share through 2012 has been a cascade of new and technologically exciting Ford products, including the award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine in Focus, which is accounting for 30 per cent of that model’s registrations, while the new Focus ST and B-MAX are poised for customer deliveries during the important September sales month. Also on its way is the much acclaimed new Ford Transit and Tourneo and there is still more Ford product news to come.”

Ford’s total CV sales were up in July, increasing from 5,436 in July 2011 to 5,806 this year. Ford

medium commercials, headed by the industry-leading Ford Transit, have accounted for 31.6 per cent of sales in that segment for the year to date, up from 28.3 per cent in 2011. In July, Ford medium commercials accounted for 34.6 per cent of sales in the segment, up from 31.1 per cent in July 2011.

Ford Transit’s position as the UK’s best-selling commercial vehicle remains unchallenged: Transit holds 17.6 per cent of the CV market for the year to date compared with 5.6 per cent for its nearest challenger. In July, Transit accounted for 18.7 per cent of the total CV market.

The Phoenix–August 2012

D

Mr Smith: Hi Phoenix, we are D’Votion. Mr Smith, T & CZee ...

Thanks for this opportunity. The name D’Votion comes from our childhood days singing together in the church choir, our father is a Pastor of a church and we were raised singing Gospel music together.

D’Votion also means to give praise and also dedication and as brothers we are dedicated to each other, as a group we are dedicated to our music careers, and Devoted to our families and God first of all.

Big shout out to our hometown Wolverhampton.

MD: What are your best achievements since being in the group? Most memorable moments?

T: We have had releases in the UK and Europe with the dance label Ministry of Sound, and other indie labels which always get good radio & DJ support, and we also were invited to perform for the London 2012 Olympic Torch relay in Wolverhampton in June 2012.

CZee: One of our biggest achievements was in 2010 when we were on a UK televised sing-

Tour Dates

up “Inspired by D’Votion social enterprise” development programmes to young people in the Midlands.

We thank our fans as they made our recent promo music video go Viral with 56,000 views in 3 weeks, and that is only possible with loyal fans. (You tube search Everybody Needs a Dream - D’Votion). Our vision was to make D’Votion like a brand and a family that you can take with you anywhere.

MD: ‘Everybody needs a dream’ is your new single release and is inspired by the Olympics, a tour is ahead I believe? Is this your first tour and are you buzzed about it?

Mr Smith: The exciting thing about our new single, is the story behind it, a successful singer called Barry Pritchard (of harmony beat group from the 60’s called The Fortunes) and his son Nick Pritchard, wrote the unpublished song for the Olympics and Paralympics games, it was discovered by his family and released in his memory. To be involved in a project of this magnitude and pedigree with such a positive “feel good” message is something we have always dreamed about. BBC TV and Radio and Co-operative stores nationwide and charity Women’s

like. That’s a good thing, The power is in the hands of the artists at last. D’Votion want to share that message and empower young people to be freelance and be independent cos the rewards of making it yourself are amazing.

T: Music is sold more by downloads now, and it has it’s own chart, music stores are selling less CD’s because more and more people have iTunes, iPads, mobile phones and other technology to get their music quicker and easier, so as an artist and label you always gotta keep up with the game.

CZee: HMV recently distributed our album in their stores, this proved to us that being an independent does not mean that you cannot still access huge brands if they like your music. It also proves that some people still like the old fashion values of buying a CD or record in a store and getting that experience. Being independent was the making of D’Votion.

MD: Tell me about D’Votion album, what type of topics can we expect? I mean what is the message you are giving to your fans?

Mr Smith: Our album is called DV.I.P and was released in November 2011 on D’Votion Records. The concept of the album

Saturday 4th August - Leicester Carnival (Victoria Park, Leicester) Saturday 18th August - Manchester Pride Sunday 19th August - Stokeon-Trent Carnival & Party in The Park (Cannock Park) Saturday 25th August - Cannock Chase Leisure Centre Sunday 26th August - Derby Carnival & Black Pride (Birmingham) Sunday 9th September Time:7pm - Arts Fest, BBC Stage (Centenary Square Birmingham) 5th - 7th October UK Festival 4 Stars Final (Pontins Holiday Resort, Prestatyn, North Wales) Sunday 18th November - UK Festival4 Stars Final (Venue: Holiday Inn Runcorn)

ing competition called “Number 1 Family” on GMTV; we came 2nd place in the grand finals, which was live in front of a televised audience of 5 Million people.

Mr Smith: We have gigged all over the UK, and Germany.

The biggest achievements for me was writing, recording and releasing our debut album DV.I.P, negotiating for HMV to sell it, and the 1st time commercial radio stations played our music.

MD: Tell me about your record label and how that started T: D’Votion Records started in 2011, and we set it up specifically to release our album DV.I.P, we had worked so hard to get it to completion so we wanted to do ourselves justice and see how far we could take it on our own. (Big shout to our boy Alex Wheeler who was the magician in the studio helping the dream take shape).

The label is now part of the management team of UK National singing and dance competition UKFestival4Stars Talent Search to develop new talent (7 - 24 years old), and we deliver artist development, song writing, music production, music marketing for young musicians too. There are some amazing singers and rappers out there locally that just need the opportunities, so we have also set

SPORT

9-a-side football funding

D'Votion in tune for the Olympics ’Votion are set for a UK Tour and supporting Olly Murrs and J Lo.

Page 33

Y Eleanor puts herself through it for more Olympic glory

W

ith nine, two hour sessions of swimming a week, gym work three times a week and a nutritionist, physiotherapist and psychologist amongst a whole team on hand to keep her on the right track, paralympian swimmer Eleanor Simmonds must really look forward to having Sundays off.

But she's probably her own hardest task master, according to her father Steve.

"It's a tough regime for anyone, but while it can be tough sometimes Eleanor always pushes herself to be the best she can be.

She really steps up to the mark when the pressure's on with a major competition like the Paralympic Games.

She’s working with a nutrition-

ist to get her race weight right.

It has to be spot on. She has a whole team of specialists which is all part of helping her train, compete and achieve her full potential."

He says that Beijing 2008 gold medalist, Eeanor couldn't just decide to have a day off or go out socialising if she feels like it. her first race is on Saturday 1 September," he said.

Becoming the first swimmer to break a world record in the 200m individual medley at the London Aquatics Centre in March the 17-year-old, who received an MBE in 2009 was the youngest person to receive this honour, Eleanor, whose family home is in Aldridge, was born with achondroplasia, commonly known as dwarfism.

outh football teams wanting to play 9v9 football in England this season can now apply for funding for new goalposts from the Football Foundation.

A pot of £1.5m – made available by the Foundation in association with the FA – will support clubs and leagues taking up the new 9-aside format of the game – a key part of the FA’s new approach to youth football, announced in May as part of their Youth Development Review.

FA Head of Elite Development, Gareth Southgate, said: “The changes are vitally important for the development of young players and the future of football in this country.”

The new 9v9 format is played on a smaller pitch with smaller goals than 11-a-side. It will be mandatory for under-11s from the 2013/14 season, with under-12s following suit from 2014/15 onwards.

But rather than wait for its introduction, many leagues and clubs have opted to start playing 9v9 straight away. So much so that Nick Levett, the FA’s National Development Manager for youth football, believes that 9v9 will prove more popular than 11v11 at under-11s level at the start of the 2012/13 season

Edgbaston welcomes Latifs as Family Stand partner

Aid are all working with us on a campaign to promote this single, and we are donating money from the CD sales to Women’s Aid. We are in the middle of UK Festival and Carnival Tour now including performing on the BBC Stage at Arts Fest on the 9th September in Centenary Square Birmingham.

T: Our Booking agents 1st Call Management (UK) & Stars Concerts (Germany) have put together a 25+ date tour from July-March 2013, which will see us perform at festivals, carnivals and venues all over the UK, in Austria, Germany, Italy, plus more.

CZee: We’re due to support Olly Murs in Europe later this year, and performances at some after show parties with JLo and Taio Cruz MD: How do you feel about being independent? Is that the way forward today or is there an aim for a major record deal?

Mr Smith: The Internet and social media has made the music industry more accessible to everyone and broken down a lot of walls, so more artists are now setting up independent record companies, and releasing their own music and building their own rosters, performers now have the freedom to express themselves as individuals and collaborate with who they

follows the real life of D’Votion... from singing, to partying, to being in and out of love. There’s a few songs which celebrate Women, and their awesomeness. Please download the album on iTunes, and Amazon, Nokia Music, Spotify plus many more, as well as in music stores in the UK like HMV. T: All the songs were written by my big brother, Lead singer Mr Smith, and we give a massive shout to everyone who supported us to make the magic happen.

CZee: The album is R&B / Soul all the way through; that is what D’Votion is all about. Vocals, sexy beats, and harmonies.

MD: Anything else you wanna say?

T: We are already working on the new studio album “DVeloped” set for release in early 2013, which we are very excited about, as all the album tracks will be produced

by D’Votion namely Mr Smith and Jason Smith (Black Smith Productions / Itchy Fingaz).

Our dance remix album “DV The Remixes” will be available for digital download at the end of 2012, this features Bassline, Dubstep and Dance remixes by Burgaboy, SnatchSound, Mista Maff, Tru Fam Entertainment, The Dentist, BassTwinz plus many more.

l Unveiling the Latifs Family Stand at Edgbaston; Kashif Latif (right) – Managing Director – and

W

Sumeet Chadha – Operations Director at Latifs.

arwickshire County Cricket Club’s Edgbaston Stadium secured a new partnership with Latifs to sponsor its Family Stand over the next two seasons.

With stores in Bilston, Stoke-onTrent, and its flagship Birmingham store, it has taken branding on the former Press Box Stand, which has been renamed as the Latifs Family Stand, the partnership also including tickets at major matches and a corporate cricket day on Edgbaston’s hallowed turf.

Sumeet Chadha, Operations Di-

rector at Latifs, said: “Edgbaston is one of the UK’s finest sporting venues and taking naming rights on the Family Stand provides a great opportunity to benefit from greater exposure amongst our primary, family audience.

Our branding has great presence within the stadium, and with a high volume of international matches and several Floodlit t20 Finals Days secured and to come, we look forward to receiving great exposure of the Latifs brand around the world.”

Edgbaston has 25 days of ‘Major Match’ cricket confirmed up until

the end of 2016, including the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, an Investec Ashes Test Match in 2015, plus four consecutive Friends Life t20 Finals Days.

Edgbaston Stadium’s Commercial Director, Gareth Roberts, said: “I am delighted to have such an established brand like Latifs as one of our partners.

It’s a great fit for them to be the primary sponsor of the family stand as they continue to service and support all of our local communities. I’m confident that our partnership will flourish over the next few years.”

Page 34

SPORT - LONDON 2012

The Phoenix–August 2012

F

ollowing the USA track and field team’s successful ten-day stay in Birmingham for their preOlympic training camp, World Champions Carmelita Jeter and Jason Richardson will be making a swift return to the city, when they headline an strong list of American stars in the Aviva Birmingham Grand Prix at the Alexander Stadium later this month.

Carmelita, the second fastest woman of all time, was keen to return to the city, saying: “Birmingham was like a home away from home for the US track team.

Everybody we came across was so hospitable and always gave us a warm Birmingham welcome.

Clearly everyone loves their athletics over here so it will be great to repay all your communities for what they did for us, at the coming Grand Prix.”

100m sprinter, Tyson Gay said he would take away happy thoughts of his time in the Midlands, saying: “I really love Birmingham, it’s got a great track (and field) facilities. The support from Birmingham was just great.”

Gay, the world’s second-fastest man, spoke at an open training

session at Alexander Stadium, the Perry Barr track which was the US team’s Birmingham base.

US pole vaulter, Brad Walker, said, just before he left for London: “I felt very much at ease during our stay here in Birmingham."

The 31-year-old, in his second Olympics, continued: "I didn't feel threatened in any way. There have been a lot of issues about security, but I had no fear about that situation whilst in the city. Birmingham was a great host city for our training camp and the facilities were first class. We were just happy to

USA Athletics Team training

Free BMX coaching for children and young people in Sandwell

T

eam Extreme, the UK's only professional team for BMX, skateboard, inline & scooter displays, performers and coaches, is running courses at locations across Sandwell, aimed at children aged eight and over.

The scheme, organised by SLT (Sandwell Leisure Trust), Sandwell Council, the Friends of Victoria Park and Street Games, The venues and dates are: The series of courses started at Brunswick Park, Wednesbury, with further venues and dates including Britannia Park, Rowley Regis: Tuesday 14 to Thursday 16 August, Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23, at Lightwoods Park, Smethwick finishing at Victoria Park, Tipton from Tuesday 28 to Thursday 30 August. The courses run from 11am to 3pm with prizes up for grabs on the final day at each park.

Extra locations were added after a hugely popular run in Victoria Park last summer.

Lisa Rashid, SLT physical activity development officer for Tipton, said: "This type of activity has been requested by young people across the borough and it will provide them with something positive to do during the summer holidays."

Some of the scheme’s funding was also provided by Sport Relief Community Cash Grants, with Councillor Linda Horton, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for leisure services saying: "This is a great opportunity for young people to practise their skills or pick up new ones."

People should contact Sandwell Council's Young People's Services for more information.

be here."

To top off their visit to the city, a surprise guest showed up for the USA team in the guise of Hollywood star, Danny DeVito, who was also in Birmingham for the UK premier of the film, The Lorax.

It was the perfect end of the perfect guest of Birmingham, the perfect host

By Steve Williams Sports Editor

The Phoenix–August 2012

Page 35

LONDON 2012 - SPORT

Who God bless, let no man curse The Bolt Supremacy

H

By Steve Williams Sports Editor

Levi Roots

Locals turn out en masse for Jamaican training day

A

fter 12 days in Birmingham, the Jamaican track and field team left their University of Birmingham training camp to excite, enthrall and conquer at London 2012.

Their presence here was the perfect fit as they trained in a city with the largest number of fellow-Jamaicans outside London, during a very special year for their country.

Birmingham was in the midst of the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the guest nation’s independence and the Jamaican icon’s presence, for fellow-countrymen, proved apt as it was a massive boost for the team to do what they do best, win.

‘King’ Bolt, ‘Queen’ Shelly-Ann and the rest of the all-conquering team were the perfect guests at the university, making it their priority, whilst here, to be as open, welcoming and above all, fully prepared.

Their stay here drew overwhelming attention from the world’s press and, subsequently, the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands as proved at the team’s open training day shortly before they left for London. Bus loads of children from across the region turned out in force just to catch a glimpse

of their sporting heroes.

Some of the stars were out and about too, as they visited the famous Birmingham Bullring, MG Rover and the very special starstudded ‘Jamaica 50th Independence Cultural Extravaganza and Farewell show” at Symphony Hall.

Professor David Eastwood, Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Birmingham said: “Sport plays a pivotal role in the life of the campus and is a key part of the student experience. 2012 is a special year for sport at Birming-

ham as our campus played host to the Jamaican track and field team.

Our students, alumni and researchers made a major contribution to the success of the London Olympics, as they made a major contribution to the profile of the university, in particular and the city, in general.”

The Jamaican team in Birmingham proved to be history in the making.

e’s the greatest sprinter of all time and every time ‘Lightning strikes,’ it’s to Him that ‘The Legend points to and gives thanks for.

After his earth-shattering performances in Beijing, this, his second consecutive treble-goldmedal show, at London 2012, left the 80,000-strong Olympic Stadium crowd, and the billions watching worldwide, mesmerised, in no uncertain way. A spiritual Usain Bolt made it clear, as he always does, both before and after all of his spell-bounding races, who he owes his legacy to.

Legend

Bolt is the ‘greatest athlete of all time’ and his magnificent gold in the star-studded 100metre finals, followed by him leading the Jamaican 1-2-3 in the Men’s 200’s topped off by the recordbreaking Jamaican 4x100m relay finals has rubberstamped his position as a legend.

“This (legend status) is what I wanted and what I’ve got. I’m very proud of myself,” he said.

The 25-year-old delivered on the big stage, yet again, silencing the few doubters who questioned his fitness before the Games.

It was yet another perfect ending for Bolt, in particular and a celebrating Jamaica, in general.

Blessed

“Birmingham great”

The all-conquering sprinting ‘IThrees’ of Bolt, Yohan Blake and Warren Weir were magnanimous in their victory, sighting both Birmingham and the University of Birmingham for their dominant performances. ‘Superman’ Bolt, saying: down to their fantastically catered for stay in Birmingham, ‘Superman’ Bolt said: “The Birmingham people were just great to us. There was a lot of love for us in the city, and thank you guys - you helped us do our best,” adding how grateful he was for the first-class facilities the University of Birmingham laid on for the team of champions.

A proud Blake adding further: “Big-up Birmingham! You guys were great. Birmingham people, you took care of us and we have to give you all the respect.”

Twenty-two-year-old new-comer, Weir heaped even more praise on the city and its university: “All the glory goes to Jamaica. Thank you so much. This is a tremendous feeling and to have the one, two, three, words can’t explain how I feel. It’s just a wonderful feeling and I love Birmingham,” he said, concluding: “I did it for my mother, my fiancée and everyone back home.”

Jamaica’s women were also in on the celebrations with ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce’s 100m gold medal win adding to the jubilations. Fellow-Jamaican sprinter Veronica Campbell-Brown gained a bronze medal.

Who God bless, let no man curse. Nuff respect to Bolt the legend.

By Steve Williams Sports Editor

Jamaican Legacy T he speed at which the world’s media gathered at the University of Birmingham’s Munrow College Sports Centre is testament to the huge impact the island of Jamaica has made on the world.

Whilst here, the country’s track and field teams presence drew the biggest media day this city had seen for some time, with the world’s media vying for the perfect spot to catch a word from and snap of any of the array of Olympic champions on show.

Children and young people from schools, colleges and youth groups right across the West Midlands mingled with the press on what was a special day for the city The Jamaican team turned out in force for what was their last full day’s training before heading south for their now customary

Olympics ‘gold rush.

London was on their collective minds, of course, but, with their country’s 50th Anniversary celebrations also at the forefront, it was great to see members of the team, including 400m runner and captain, Novlene Hilaire Williams-Mills, sprinter Nester Carter and 400m-hurdler Melanie Walker on show, especially to share their excitement Jamaica’s big day.

The West Midlands holds the largest number of people from the Caribbean diaspora, and with the massive Jamaica in the Square celebrations in full swing, what an apt time for Birmingham to host their very special guests.

The mass numbers of children and young people from a wide number of schools, colleges and youth centres including King Heath Boys School, Sir Edmund

Campion School, Erdington, Broadway, Perry Barr, and the Continental Stars Football/Education & Community Club, were out in force to pay homage to their hero.

There stay was history in the making, topped off with their presence at the Jamaica 50th Anniversary concert at Symphony Hall, with the pride of Jamaica, including Jaki Graham, Jamelia and Beverley Knight paying their homage to to their heroes; An unforgettable evening, in which Usain, fellow sprint-king, Asafa Powell, women’s sprinter, Veronica Campbell-Brown and their teammates enjoyed immensely.

The legacy left by the Jamaican track and field team, in the city, is immeasurable, their presence here, unforgettable.

Gold for Grenada!

Kirani James gets first gold.

Mo-bot in Brum

A

thletics fans in Birmingham are in for a treat later this month as Olympic hero Mo Farah heads a star-studded lineup at the Alexander Stadium.

Farah who won both the 10,000m and 5,000m golds at the Olympics, will compete in the Aviva Birmingham Grand Prix on 26 August.

Birmingham City Council redeveloped the Alexander Stadium last year, adding a new 5,000-seater stand and reconfiguring the track. As a consequence the city signed a three-year deal to host the prestigious Samsung Diamond League.

And Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Ian Ward, is urging Birmingham residents to make the most of the opportunity.

He said: “I’m sure we’ve all been inspired by the Olympics and this is now a fantastic opportunity to see dozens of the world’s top athletes competing at our very own Alexander Stadium.

“Mo Farah’s 10,000m gold has been one of the many highlights from the Games so far and it’s a real coup for Birmingham to host

the first major post-Olympics athletics event. I’m sure people from across the city will grab the chance to see the likes of Mo in action.”

Farah, who already holds the British indoor 2 mile record, having broken it at the Aviva Grand Prix in Birmingham in February this year, received a standing ovation as he ran to victory and smashed the 5,000m Stadium Record by 16 seconds at last year’s Aviva Birmingham Grand Prix.

He said: “I’m looking forward to coming back to the Aviva Birmingham Grand Prix at the end of August. It was a special atmosphere there last year and another victory would be great.

“It’s a big year for athletics in the UK. The crowd has really got behind me on home soil in 2012, and I’m sure they’ll be in high spirits to cheer on the returning Olympic contingent in Birmingham.”

Back the team and watch the world’s best athletes in action at the Aviva Birmingham Grand Prix at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium on 26 August. For tickets, visit www.uka.org.uk/aviva-series or call 08000 55 60 56.

Final Medal Table

l lver Bronze Tota Country Gold Si 104 29 29 46 USA 87 22 27 38 CHN 65 19 17 29 GBR 82 33 25 24 RUS 28 7 8 13 KOR

Team Midlands leads the Olympics gold-rush

W

hen Anna Watkins and Katherine Grainger’s destroyed the field, in winning gold in the women’s double-sculls at Eton Dorney, it proved the perfect catalyst for what is turning out to be a fantastic

record-breaking London Olympics 2012 Games for Team GB. It was also proof that it took the Midlands to get overwhelming gold-rush going.

Whilst attention was deservedly heaped on Grainger, for winning

her gold medal after the fourth time of trying, 29-year-old Atkins, from Leek, in Staffordshire, of course got equal standing for winning her first Olympics double sculls gold too.

It was the perfect start to a near

perfect Games, for Team GB in general and Team Midlands in particular.

And the Paralympics hasn’t started yet.

Team GB Olympic Successes

We can’t show them all, but here are some of the Olympic success stories from what has been a memorable London 2012 games. Well done to all of Team GB, as well as all of the athletes from every country that participated!