The Phoenix Newspaper - April 2014

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0121 240 7310 or 0208 865 1922 advertising@thephoenixnewspaper.com Catch up with all your entertainment news and reviews in Street Cred starting on Page 13

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T

John Barnes wows Lewisham with Western Union

See Page 4

he Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair, one of the largest celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths for young people proved another overwhelming success

as it continued to inspire our future scientists and engineers through exciting hands on activities and interactive exhibits.

Delivered by over 200 organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors, the two-day event, at the NEC Birmingham, gave young people from around the country a flavour of the real scale and diversity engineering and science in the UK has on offer as a career.

Led by EngineeringUK in partnership with the British Science Association, the Science Council, the Royal Academy of Engineering and Young Engineers, the event, supported by The Department for Business, Innovation and

Continued on Page 30

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Keybridge House plan brings homes, jobs and site for a new school

L

ambeth council has given the go ahead for the redevelopment of the Keybridge House site in Vauxhall that will bring over 100 jobs, 419 new homes and space secured for a new two-form entry primary school to meet additional demand generated by the area’s predicted population growth.

The building, formerly a purpose built telecommunications centre operated by BT will be demolished. Five new blocks rising from four to 36-storeys in height will be a mix of residential, retail and office space. Two of the blocks will be 73m and 128m high respectively.

The scheme will see substantial public realm improvements along Wyvil Road and Miles Street.

Councillors agreed that in order to se-

H

ighlighting opportunities available for children and young people, “Every Child Needs A Mentor” is a book,

l Herman Stewart

cure the land for the new school, they would accept a reduced affordable housing offer subject to a thorough viability assessment. Nineteen affordable family size homes will be provided, all with outside amenity space.

Cllr Lib Peck, Lambeth council leader, said: “This scheme obviously falls short of the affordable housing we would normally accept but in exchange the council has secured the site for a primary school.

Robust and independent viability assessments show that this is actually a good deal for local people, and allows us to plan sensibly for future pressure on school places.

The affordable homes that are included will be of a very high standard and are big enough for families which is what we need most in the borough.”

which sets out to educate, support and empower mentors, teachers as well as parents to encourage a new breed of mentors as we shape a bright future for children and young people in the UK. Written by Herman Stewart, who is an author, speaker, mentor and teacher trainer and the creator of the award winning RAMP® - Raising Achievement Mentoring Programme.

Herman also offers strategic school improvement and consultancy packages through his organisation Every Child Needs a Mentor Ltd. Once the Lead Mentor of Birmingham, many schools across the country are now realising that mentoring cant just be reactive and are adopting the programme laid out in the book as it highlights how to provide effective mentoring for young people across the board and not just those who are underperforming in school.

“Every Child Needs a Mentor” engages and inspires those who support young people.

But, it also encourages mentors, whether they are individuals, within schools, or centers where the focus is children and young people.

The purpose is to

support and mentor a broader range of children in society.

The book highlights the need to engage and support not only those considered to be ‘problematic,’ which traditional mentoring programmes do or those considered to be gifted and talented but, more importantly the larger and often ignored, percent of children some-

where in the middle who are “thought to be” alright and are just left to get along with it without receiving any additional support.

Furthermore, it also aims to empower today’s big business leaders, people in power, families and, communities alike to engage with mentoring children to make a significant social impact. Everybody should benefit from the power of mentoring Herman believes, who is also mentored.

A mentor himself, Stewart declares: “It’s part of what I am. I travel throughout the UK work-

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The Phoenix – April 2014

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

ing with young people, teachers and senior leaders to help transform how young people achieve.

If children are only given a mentor when they are disruptive, this sends out a negative message, which many schools are doing at present. This is because, mentoring’s predominantly delivered through a deficit model within most schools which means a student must be failing or doing something wrong to get mentoring support.

This approach promotes failure but we believe in an asset based which enables all children to experience mentoring which is game changing.

Mentors were originally there to fill a gap and engage with the socially excluded, disengaged or those excluded from education.

For me, it’s about all young people having the opportunity to experience their own epiphanies, so the book shows schools and parents how they can help this to happen. A mentors’ hindsight becomes a child’s foresight” ‘Every Child Needs A Mentor’ highlights just that; every child needs a mentor-whether they are exceedingly good, not so good, or indifferent.

A leading mentor, consultant, trainer, public speaker (within the public and private sector) and now author, Herman is a revered role model among young people within his vast area of influence.

“A mentor isn’t just someone to talk to, it’s also someone who

can ‘open doors’ for you,” he says and Every Child Needs A Mentor is proving to be the perfect key.

Every Child Needs A Mentor

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The Phoenix - April 2014

P

olice and Crime Commissioner's Outstanding Citizen Awards was presented to three people in Coventry who have shown exemplary dedication and commitment to helping their fellow citizens.

Husband and wife, Rose and Allen Tyrrell, and Daniel Read were given awards in recognition by the Police and Crime Commissioner for their consistent dedication to their communities.

Winner of the ‘Outstanding Young Citizen Award,’ Daniel Read, decided he wanted do more for his community so he joined ‘Grapevine’ (organisation that helps disabled children and adults cope with everyday life).

Through this organisation Daniel has contributed to the lives of many people being particularly helpful in raising the confidence of members in activities like cooking, using public transport, going on holiday and many others.

He also DJ’s for some of the many fundraising events that help fund Grapevine and within the last year he has become a member of St Oswald’s Church organising fetes and helps out at the Foodbank.

Wanting to ‘give back’ to his own community, Daniel has become a member of the Bannerbrook Organisation arranging meetings, fundraising events and activities.

He is undertaking a Princes Trust Programme and fund-

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NEWS

l Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Yvonne Mosquito is pictured with Rose and Allen Tyrrell and Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner Faye Abbott. Also centre back is the Lord Mayor of Coventry, Cllr Gary Crookes

WMPCC Awards given to outstanding Coventry citizens raises for their chosen charity (Barnardos) and he is an active member of his local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, taking it upon himself to ensure

that neighbours and members get to the meetings when they are scheduled.

‘Outstanding Citizen Award’ winners, Rose and Allen Tyr-

rell, are known to all community safety partner agencies for their work and commitment to the area in which they reside and to the city as a whole. All of the works they do within the

community are voluntary and nothing is done for personal gain.

Despite their many commitments the couple have taken on the initial training of Police

dogs, something they take very seriously, giving the young dogs every opportunity and experience they can.

a successful career and I achieved a lot at the BBC. This is a new and different opportunity for me and an opportunity to pass on my skills to the new generation of broadcasters.”

A Birmingham man, born and bred, Former Holte School pupil, Ashley strongly believes that his home city deserves its own local TV channel, with stories and features exclusive to, and for, the ever-thriving city.

In no way dismissing his previous high level of success, he said: “I have been very lucky to have had the chance to do what I wanted in my TV career thanks to the BBC.” He has a book out; ‘Shining Bright Lights in Dark Places,’ a diary of his time spent in prison, capturing his feelings, both personal and those expressed by others at the time.

Former BBC star to re-launch career at new station

T

he broadcaster is set to re-launch his career four years after completing a twoyear jail term for wounding a reveler with a wooden pole at his bar and restaurant in Sutton Coldfield.

Blake, 44, describes it as: “A new and different opportunity for me,” although the long-

awaited City TV launch, still in the pipe-lines as work to get the new channel off the ground, has now extended from its original April date, now for later this year, in September.

“I never thought my career was ever over or that I was finished,” he says. “I’ve had lots of knocks in my life and now it’s all about getting up again. I had

Page 4

NEWS

The Phoenix – April 2014

Western Union & UEFA bring football legend to the people

by Steve Williams Sports Editor

N

ot too often do the people of Lewisham get lauded with celebrities in their

midst.

But when former England international John Barnes turned up on the High Street, it was joyous pandemonium as regular Saturday shoppers couldn't believe their eyes as the Liverpool legend turned up as part of Western Union's sponsorship collaboration with the UEFA Europa Cup and their push to encourage more people to signup to their worldwide money transfer service.

John Barnes MBE proved a massive attraction as he spent

the day meeting and greeting curious passersby, signing autographs, posing for endless photos and talking to just about everybody who was fortunate to be in the pressense of football greatness.

Lewisham's never seen anything like it before and as the day went on and more people were aware of just who was in town, greater was the occasion as numbers grew ten, twenty, thirty-fold.

The Jamaican-born former footballer and manager was on hand to oversee all the fun and frivolities as Western Union laid on a fun based penalty shout-out competition, the winner of which having the chance to win a 'Family Reunion at the UEFA Europa Final.'

With a steel band playing

throughout the day's proceedings and face painting too, everybody, young and old, male and female, were fully catered to as they stood, many openmouthed, in the presence of footballing greatness.

One elderly lady stood there in awe saying to her friend: "John Barnes here right in front of me. To think of all the great charity work he does for my country (Jamaica) and he's here in Lewisham. Respect to him!"

Another person, massively shocked by who was in town said: "To think, the guy who scored that world class goal for England, against Brazil, in the Maracana, here, today. I will remember this for the rest of my days."

One other shopper, unaware than Barnes was in town, was

left dumb-struck. He simply mouthed; "John Barnes. John Barnes." Western Union was on a winner that day. Make no mistake.

Of the day, the araldite, articulate Barnes said: "I am proud to be the face of Western Union's collaboration with the UEFA Europa Cup. And it was an honour to spend time in Lewisham and meet so many people. Also, for Western Union to do so much for the Caribbean is fantastic."

Marketing Specialist, Amrik Sanghera, summed it up: "This is proving to be a huge success for us. Western Union teamed with the UEFA Europa League because we are more similar than you'd think.

We connect people around the world in a global community

and the UEFA Europa League is the most diverse competition on earth.

Players from over 100 different nationalities take part and where there is football, there is Western Union and where there are football fans, there are Western Union locations."

Barnes, 51, who currently works as a commentator and pundit for ESPN and Super-

Sport, in Abu Dabi and South Africa, was twice voted Player of the Year by the Football Writers Association.

The Western Union Family Fun Day is going out nationwide and will reach a town near you very soon.

The Phoenix - April 2014

J

ustice Williams is a key figure in Birmingham and the Midlands for changing people’s lives, in particular young people with criminal records who want a change in life.

She is one person who can show how you can have a complete turnaround. What she does for others is what she does for herself and her work now is focused on young people in general and women.

Mentoring, supporting and being an inspiration to the youth in the community, they can relate to her as she herself turned her life around from being involved in crime, spending time in prison, to becoming a successful entrepreneur having featured in many reputable newspapers and national magazines.

“I came from a good home but I got caught up in a lifestyle that wasn’t who I was, it was just what I chose to be at the time and I made the decision to turn it around, it’s all down to purpose.”

In 2009 she became the youngest woman of AfroCaribbean heritage to receive an MBE from the Queen, for services to young people in Birmingham and is listed as one of the top 50 most powerful and influential individuals in Birmingham, ranked 30 on Birmingham’s Power 50.

A social entrepreneur and business mogul, Justice is constantly busy as a magazine editor, enterprise consultant and coach, trainer and public speaker with a passion for organising events including founder of the West Midlands Women of the Year Awards which, in fact, is just the tip of her very full ‘iceberg.’

Her focus in whatever she is doing is always based around changing people’s lives for the better, but she knows it’s never easy.

“There are initiatives which

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NEWS

Justice Williams is an inspiration to all help young people get into employment but when I was working with young people in gangs who we’re making thousands of pounds a week, a minimum wage job did not appeal to them but business and becoming self employed did.

Many have turned their life on crime and gone into business full time, or turned their hand to the big screen to become accomplished actors.

I have the ability to see things from different perspectives, whether a perceived middle class politicians point of view and from the everyday reality of a street hustler.”

As founder and editor in chief of City&Style magazine and currently in the process of establishing a community interest company, Justice is also working on the Birmingham City

Council Enterprise Catalyst initiative, where she supports individuals from the 12 most disadvantaged wards in Birmingham to start their own business.

“Being a mother to a beautiful 3 year old boy has changed me completely and I go out of my way to make life an experience.

‘I got to a stage in life where it was not about me anymore, and I realised that when having my child this was the opportunity to really live. I always believe you have to have time for yourself, I am very spiritual and love to cook and listen to acoustic music to sooth my soul. I have learnt to say no a lot more, then people appreciate your yes, don’t use me utilise me.”

She lives her life by the mantra; “. Value your worth - especially to the women out there.”

Flood Hero honoured for selflessness

W

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hilst most pupils are spending their half-term breaks by lounging around the house, spending hours in front of a screen, Zafar Ahmad took the opportunity to go one huge step further.

During the February holiday, the 16-year-old volunteered with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association's flood relief campaign, and joined hundreds of volunteers who were assisting families affected by the floods around the country, including

Staines, Chertsey, and Somerset areas.

And, for his extraordinary selfless efforts, he was presented with a 'Flood Hero' award by ITV Daybreak. Along with four other Flood Heros, Zafar received the award live on the show and a £5,000 prize to go towards his chosen charity by Sir Richard Branson.

A proud Zafar said: "It was a humbling experience to see those who are affected, but I am glad that the communities quickly came together to help. I don't

consider what I did to be special, but simply fulfillment of my religious duty as a British Muslim to serve my country. Nevertheless, I greatly appreciate this award, ITV for highlighting the floods and the kindness of Mr. Richard Branson. I hope those people affected can get back to their normal life soon. We all have a duty to help them."

AMYA is the youth auxiliary organisation of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

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The Phoenix - April 2014

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

W

Check out entertainment, gadgets, big screen, fashion and more in the Street Cred Entertainment section starting on Page 13 SPECIAL STREET CRED SUPPLEMENT IN THE PHOENIX NEWSPAPER

APRIL 2014

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e Demand a Referendum Now Party candidate Mohammed “Andy” Adris MBE launched his election campaign at the European Parliament in Brussels.

The elections will be held on Thursday May 22 and anybody registered to vote that lives in the West Midlands is able to vote for Andy.

Second on the party list in the West Midlands and number one on the We Demand a Referendum Now Party list is Nikki Sinclaire MEP. Since her election to the European Parliament in 2009, she has staunchly worked to defend Human Rights across the world, taking a particular interest in Kashmir and other occupied zones. In keeping with UK belief in one’s right to self-determination Nikki and Andy are doubling up and are calling for a referendum on our continued EU membership and Kashmiri independence NOW! In 1948 the Kashmiri people were promised a referendum to freely choose their own political future. Sixty six years later the Kashmiris are still waiting. At every opportunity, as friends of Kashmir, Nikki and Andy will highlight the plight of the Kashmiri people, alongside human rights abuses in Afghanistan and Gaza.

Mohammed Adris MBE said:

Avoid being a victim of fraud ALWAYS know who a you’re Avoid being Never send money dealing with, especially if it’s an victim fraud to someone unsolicited prizeof oryou gift offer.

Kashmiri MEP candidate launches campaign in Brussels l Nikki Sinclaire MEP and Mohammed “Andy” Adris MBE “Yesterday was a fantastic opportunity to launch my MEP campaign in Brussels.

I’m a working man who shares your daily experience of striving to make a living to support my family. I am not a professional politician and do firmly believe politicians must serve, listen to and respect the electorate.

If elected as an MEP I will report on fraud, corruption and waste in the EU and explain to all why Kashmir deserves its own free and fair referendum to

decide its own political future.

If you think you have a right to a referendum now, then please don’t follow the herd – follow us and be heard.”

Nikki Sinclaire MEP said: “Here is a unique opportunity to elect our first Kashmiri MEP to the European Parliament. Andy is in an electable position if the Kashmiri people in the West Midlands support him. We must continue to highlight the horrendous human rights abuses in Kashmir and push those in pow-

Health and safety warning as recovery gathers pace City welcomes HS2 chair’s plea for urgency

B

usiness leaders in Greater Birmingham welcomed the latest plans for HS2 following the announcements by HS2 chairman Sir David Higgins.

Jerry Blackett, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “I welcome Sir David’s comments on the potential of HS2 to drive transformational regeneration.

HS2 has always been about increased rail capacity and the potential to use the station investment in particular as a catalyst for a far-reaching programme of physical and skills-led transformation.

Mr Blackett said he now looked forward to hearing what Lord Deighton, commercial secretary to the Treasury, has to say given his strong support for Curzon Street at a launch of the plans in Birmingham and the strong appetite from investors in the pro-

ject that was much in evidence at MIPIM. He added: “The plan to build through to Crewe as part of the Phase 1 London to Birmingham work looks very sensible. Importantly, this will reduce the environmental impact of the build for Lichfield and the surrounding area - something that has been a worry for our businesses in that part of the region. So this is very good news.

The wider region will also benefit from the released capacity and we urgently need HS2 and Network Rail to move soon to full and comprehensive consultation on the best use of the spare capacity that will be created once the new line has been built.

don’t really know ALWAYS research an offer to be Never sure it’s send real. money to someone youthat wirALWAYS remember don’t moneyreally is like know sending cash.

Are you ing sending money?

When you send it, it’s gone - you ! ALWAYS know who you’re can’t get itdealing back.with, especially if it’s an unsolicited prize or gift offer.

NEVER wire money to some! ALWAYS research an offer to be sure it’s real. one you don’t know. Never. ! ALWAYS remember that wiring money is like NEVER deposit a check from sending cash. When you send it, it’s gone – who tells you to send you can’t getsomeone it back. ofsomeone the money back ! NEVER wire some money to you don’t know.to them.

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NEVER wire money to a rela! NEVER deposit from someone who tells tivea check in crisis without checking you to send some of the money back to them. er to ensure that the referendum out the story first. ! NEVER wire money to a relative in crisis without that the Kashmiri people were NEVER send money to receive checking out the story first. promised happens. In electmoney. ! NEVER send money to receive money. ing Andy the EU will be sent a Remember neither Moneystrong message.

Gram nor its agents will be liable I am proud to be able to have Remember neither MoneyGram agents will be if you ignorenor theits fraud warnings liable if you ignore the fraud and still Mohammed in such a prominent above andwarnings still above choose to send money. position on my list. I know choose that, to send money.

NOT disclose your unique MoneyGram if elected to the European DO ParDO NOT disclose your unique Reference Number to anyone other than the liament, Andy would work person just receiving MoneyGram Reference Number your funds. as hard as I have for the West to anyone other than the person Midlands”. receiving your funds.

A

s the construction industry continues to see strong signals of growth, a specialist training provider is warning firms not to risk damaging their business by overlooking health and safety training for workers.

Lichfield-based built environment specialist Bromak is stressing the importance of the training, particularly now employment is rising as the recovery gathers pace.

In support of its warning, Bromak has secured accreditation from the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health to deliver courses in Working Safely, Managing Safely, and Directing Safely.

New recruits are three times more likely to be injured at work than employees who have been with a company for a year or more.

In addition, a number of recent high profile HSE investigations have highlighted the importance of health and safety training at management and board level.

Mathew Bewley, director of training for Bromak, said:

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“While the recovery is very positive news, it means we’re seeing greater numbers of new and inexperienced staff on site who need to be aware of all health and safety risks for their role.

“More generally, as work in- l Mathew Bewley, director of training for Bromak creases it’s imThe IOSH courses cover a portant to bring home to all staff range of health and safety topics, just why health and safety is such risk assessments and environan essential part of the job. As a mental considerations. Bromak training provider, we felt it was has already delivered courses in essential that we were able to of- Directing Safely to Liverpool fer accredited health and safety Mutual Homes, and delivered training to remain at the top of Managing Safely training to utilour game. ity specialists PN Daily.

The three courses focus on Bromak boasts an expandchanging behaviour to increase ing network of offices which the wellbeing of staff at all lev- includes Bolton, Durham, Livels. The safety message has to erpool, Sheffield, Lichfield and be driven from the top down, Watford. which is why it’s imperative that directors and managers are fully aware of the risks and responsibilities, as well as the day-to-day workers on site.”

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M

ore than 80 Midlands retail entrepreneurs are to be offered an incredible opportunity to sell their products in the region’s most popular shopping centre.

PopUp Birmingham is set to open next month in the Bullring for seven weeks*.

Every week, 12 fledgling retailers will collaborate in the prime retail space curated by pioneering pop-up initiative PopUp Britain, part of the ATCM. The aim is to support local start-ups by giving them an opportunity to co-fund and co-work in a retail space on a short term basis, keeping costs low while stirring up entrepreneurial spirit in the region.

PopUp Britain manager Becky Jones said: “This is an amazing opportunity for any new brand.

Most of the start-ups we work with already have an online presence and are looking for a way to test products, meet their customers, get feedback and sell.

It’s an experience every new brand would benefit from.”

The Phoenix - April 2014

Page 7

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

Time for a wheelie good idea for waste collection

W

heelie Bins are due to be rolled out into a further 4 areas of Birmingham following a pilot scheme in Brandwood and Harbourne, that saw significant increases in recycling paper and card (25%), and plastics/tin cans (40%) alongside a 20% decrease in the amount of black bag waste collected.

Thanks to funding from the government, Birmingham will join 82% of the rest of the UK in having wheelie bin collections for their black bag waste and recycling. Speaking exclusively to The Phoenix, Councillor James McKay, Cabinet Member for a Green, Safe and Smart City, said “The bin service is the one council service that everyone

uses, week in week out. There is therefore obviously a very high level of interest when you change something.”

“Recycling is obviously very good for the environment, but it’s also really good for the taxpayers wallet as well, because you’re selling on the recycler to get an income for the tax payer, and you’re getting lower and lower costs to dispose of a smaller and smaller amount of black bag waste, so it makes economic sense as well as environmental sense.” stated Councillor McKay. “By saving money on the wheelie bins, we are protecting as far as we can, other services and mitigating the need to make cuts to those services.”

The new waste collec-

tion scheme is set to roll out throughout Birmingham over the next 2 years, with the Ladywood District, including the Aston, Ladywood, Nechells and Soho wards, the first to receive their new wheelie bins in the coming months. The first stage of the switch over to wheelie bins comes via a red or green card through the letterboxes of households in these wards. This will inform the residents if their property is suitable for wheelie bin collections or not.

There are a small number of properties that won’t be suitable, and these properties will remain on the current bag and box system for waste collection.

If your property is deemed to be suitable for the new scheme, but you, nor anyone else in your household would be able to move the wheelie bins to the pavement, you will be entitled to aid through

Assisted, or Point of Storage collections.

The new wheelie bins will be chipped to aid tracking of lost or stolen bins, and to provide data of collections. There has been some negative thought on these chips, and touching on the topic of the possibility of these chips being used for pay-as-you-throw or charging for residual waste in the future, Councillor McKay was quick l Councillor James McKay to respond; “it’s abtions where you can incentivize solutely not a route people to recycle more, so we’ll we want to go down.”

“The bins are being chipped be looking at that once this two to essentially future-proof the year period is out of the way, service,” McKay continued, and the wheelie bins are across “It’s allowing for future innova- the city.”

For more information on the

Changes to your rubbish and recycling collections

In April, households in Aston, Ladywood, Nechells or Soho areas of Birmingham that currently have weekly black sack rubbish collections will receive a GREEN or RED card through the post explaining changes to rubbish and recycling collection services.

It is important you read this.

If you receive the green card you will get a wheelie bin, if you receive the red card you will remain with a black sack service.

Lo ok ou t for a ca rd th ro ugh yo ur do or.

For further details visit birmingham.gov.uk/wheeliebins

details of the scheme, and the timetable for rollout of the wheelie bins where you live, check out http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/ wheeliebins.

Page 8

COMMUNITY NEWS

The Phoenix – April 2014

Birmingham leads way in worldwide celebrations

F

rom Dublin to Cheltenham, to Paris, then Birmingham, New York and Nairobi, it was smiles all the way as St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated in fantastic style to top a week that many will never forgetespecially for those from the Emerald isles.

For those with Irish dissent those few days in March would be difficult to erase from the memory. From their annual pilgrimage on the Gloucestershire downs, for regular success in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, then victory for the rugby heroes

in the Six Nations clash with title-challengers, France, the culminating St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Britain’s second city was one to behold.

Even the sun made sure it didn’t miss out on that incredible Sunday as, bathed in glorious sunshine, Birmingham’s Irish Quarters brought people from near and far, by land, sea, or air, to be part of a cultural heritage that has been an integral part of the city’s history since its birth.

Converging onto the city’s Digbeth district, the main feature of celebrations enjoyed

by the city’s strong Irish community was the large parade-organised by the St Patrick’s Festival Committee in co-operation with the City Council’s Events Sectionsaw highly decorated floats; include a Dragon, Pipe and Drum Bands, along with vintage motorbikes, classic cars and Willie “Fergus” Finnegans massed tractors, plus much more, meander through the streets which was a sea of green as far as the eye could see.

Also the patron saint of Nigeria, the home to about 20 million Roman Catholics, St. Pat-

rick’s Day in Lagos saw hordes of people take to the streets and churches to celebrate with equal fervour.

More than 1,500 years ago, a former slave later known as Saint Patrick brought the message of Christianity to Ireland.

Centuries later, Irish missionaries spread that message to the African nation of Nigeria.

As well as in the US, Saint Patrick's Day was also celebrated in Canada, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.

St. Thomas Wines: A Labour of Love For The Kumars

F

rom classics to a collection of the outrageous and quirky, St. Thomas’s Wines have something for every wine and spirits lover.

Every customer can expect to receive the very highest level of service from dedicated staff, who have a passion for their work and the people they serve.

For Raj Kumar, and his merry men of workers at St. Thomas’s Wine, in Birming-

ham’s Erdington, region it’s a real ‘labour of love’ that shows no signs of ending, any time soon.

I’ll drink to that.

WEDDINGS PARTIES FUNERALS CONFERENCES CHRISTENINGS pbcaribbeancusine@outlook.com 07896 174 219

The Phoenix - April 2014

Page 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

Introducing: Denge Levi

l Denge Levi

D

enge Levi, the unimposing man of the community has led an eventful life, helping everyone that he is able to, while fighting for what is right wherever he can.

Jamaican-born Levi grew up in Portland, and spent the early years of his life in the sun of the Caribbean, before moving to the UK at 18.

The culture shock when moving here was intense for him, to see the issues between people of different skin colours or nationalities, which he had never experienced in Jamaica.

Through this time, of Teddy Boys and race riots, Denge started his work in the community, to bring together people of all backgrounds.

With the evolution of the Rastafarian movement, he became the chairman of the Rastafarian Association Movement in Handsworth, bringing a lot of issues to the attention of the authorities and the government in general.

Pioneering the idea of community policing, and helping to push changes in how evidence is handled and presented to the court, Levi was trying to build bridges between communities, and between those communities and the authorities after issues arose, especially those between Rastafarians and the Police.

While imprisoned, Levi became the chairman of the inmates race relations group, essentially doing the same thing he used to do in his local area, but with the inmates, sorting issues between the minority prisoners and the prison authorities.

Advising in the community has been a way of life for Denge, with volunteer work bringing him closer to the people with which he is trying to help. One of the most memorable people that he has helped was Steve Thomp-

son, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia after being arrested. After he had issues with the prison officers in Winson Green, it was recommended for him to be transferred to a Mental Hospital.

Levi managed to help him with his release from prison and arranging supervision outside over the hospital.

He has worked with many people and organisations over the years, including prominent members of the community such as Lloyd Blake, Chief Inspector Webb, Manpower, the Cadbury Trust and Tony Wilson.

Denge has also tried to bring the culture of the Afro-Caribbean and African communities to the knowledge of everyone by putting on cultural exploration and art exhibitions, including artists, poets and performers from all corners of the world, in an attempt to educate people to remove ignorance between communities.

Having helped people with their defense in court, how to approach things like complaints, and being imprisoned himself, Levi would love to hear from people with news of what is happening in the community, and with community policing and young people in the prison system, especially those from minority backgrounds.

As you all know, the tagline of The Phoenix is "Connecting Communities" and as he is such a prominent member of a number of communities in Birmingham and the West Midlands, and has spent his life dedicated to creating and strengthening inter-community relations, we are proud to present Denge Levi.

If you have any questions for Denge, or have stories from within the community for him, please email denge.levi@thephoenixnewspaper. com.

Page 10

AZUZA STREET WITH ROLAND JOSEPH TETTEH

G

REETINGS FROM GHANA TO THE BELOVED PEOPLE OF GREAT BRITAIN. My name is Roland Joseph Tetteh. I am your brother in the Lord.

I was born in October 3, 1966 in Ghana. I now work as a logistics manager at William Pitt construction in Accra Ghana.

I love the lord and the lord love us all, every month I will be bringing to you God’s News from various different perspective.

As a little background to myself presented in this document, I am persuaded to bring certain things to light because until we receive the understanding of God, we will continue to walk in darkness.

This write-up is aimed at

going beyond the ordinary; to appreciate the spiritual blessing that comes to us very second in our life.

Every man’s ignorance is his mountain. The solution that changes our lives is the revelation of God. Like the good book says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be

The Phoenix – April 2014

no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children”. Hos 4:6 I present this document as an access to proper knowledge and this revelation should surely be the cause of great anxiety for those truly in search of God’s redemption.

The Quest For Immortality

I

mmortality is defined as the ability to live forever or everlasting life. It is the ability to transcend disease, aging and death and live indefinitely.

Due to the inevitability of death, immortality has not only become desirable, but illusive pursuit of an ideal fraught with uncertainties because the ability to live forever, enjoy everlasting life is yet to be achieved by humans.

The quest for immortality permeates ancient literally and

philosophical schools of thought.

It is the subject of countless tales of heroes and legendary figures who embarked on a journey to conquer death and achieve immortality.

But the idea of enjoying everlasting life received sacred attention until quite recently in religious contexts. It is a boon promised by God, a reward for living righteous life.

It is the ultimate objective of humankind to aspire to be immortal, to unite with the divine, to reassert our divinity which has

lost its divine speck or spark and has become perishable because of our relation to gross materialism.

Scientists claim that what is fueling their interest in exhausting all the possibilities available for the attainment of immortality is the fact that immortality one way or the other has been achieved in Hydra, a fresh water organism and Turritopsis nutricula, a jelly fish.

These organisms are biologically speaking immortal and are of special interest to scientists

and a tremendous inspiration for ible. the quest for immortality.

One idea that has been adDrawing inspiration from the vanced involves uploading an infew organisms which have been dividual's personality and memoable to achieve biological im- ries via direct mind-computer mortality, modern science and interface. the activities of life extension The individual's memory may researchers, futurists, longevity be loaded to a computer or to a experts have made monumental newly born baby's mind. The progress in the field of discov- baby will then grow with the preering various ways and means vious person's individuality, and which will help humans achieve may not develop its own personlong life. ality.

Technological immortality is Complex scientific and techthe prospect for much longer life nological possibilities have respans made possible by scientific vealed that immortality or life advances in a variety of fields: extension is achievable within nanotechnology, emergency the foreseeable future. room procedures, genetics, bioBut is immortality something logical engineering, regenerative that was denied humans by God? medicine, microbiology, and oth- What was God's original plan of ers. creating humankind?

Cryonics, the practice of preCertainly the Bible makes it serving organisms (either intact explicitly clear that the wages of specimens or only their brains) sin is death but the gift of God is for possible future revival by everlasting life. storing them at cryogenic temThis means that immortality peratures where metabolism or eternity is not something that and decay are almost completely Our condolences go out to the stopped, can be family, friends and colleagues of used to 'pause' for those who believe Oralette Dawn Duncan. that life extension technologies will not develop suffiShe was the wife of Carlton ciently within their Duncan (ex headmaster of George lifetime.

Dixon School and first black headIdeally, cryonics would allow clinimaster of a secondary school, cally dead people pictured right) who passed away to be brought back recently. in the future after cures to the patients' diseases have May she Rest In Peace. been discovered and aging is revers-

we inherently lack and must use scientific or technological means to achieve.

It was a precious gift, the gift of life bestowed by God on humans which has been obliterated by our sinful actions.

So in other for humans to become genuinely immortal, then we must search for the remedy, which is the word of God. Sinful actions results in death.

The path to God consciousness, higher spirituality and righteousness can only be obstructed by sin. By acting contrary to the immutable laws of God. When we desist from destructive activities, actions that destroys the body, acts that works ill against righteousness, we will be able to transcend death and achieve immortality.

Words by Roland Joseph Tetteh

The Phoenix - April 2014

l

L-R Clare Bowman, Clerk to Central England Area Meeting, Nigel Brookhouse from Sparkhill food bank, Patricia Hoskins, Central Foodbank, Rt Revd Andrew Watson, Bishop of Aston Rt Revd David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham, Major Sam Edgar Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army, Lord and Lady Mayoress of Birmingham Mike and Pauline Leddy, Canon Gerry Breen, Dean of St Chad’s Roman Catholic Cathedral (virtually hidden,)Very Revd Catherine Ogle, Dean of Birmingham Cathedral.

T

Wednesday to open a ‘Hunger Hut’ in Cathedral Square as the focus for the End Hunger Fast campaign in Birmingham.

End Hunger Fast hit the headlines when Bishops and Chris-

tian leaders wrote an open letter to the Government calling for action on behalf of people who did not have enough to eat in this country.

Christians in Birmingham

Page 11

AZUZA STREET WITH ROLAND JOSEPH TETTEH

Hunger Hut Opens As End Hunger Fast Is Launched he Bishop of Birmingham, the Lord and Lady Mayoress, faith leaders, food bank representatives and community groups got together on Ash

joined the campaign to fast in solidarity with people who are hungry, to raise funds for a charity providing breakfasts for the homeless and to lobby the Government to ensure work pays and that there is a safety net for those on benefits.

During the launch of the Hunger Hut, campaigners collected the ash thumbprints of those who signed the open letter– including the Rt. Revd Andrew Watson, Bishop of Aston; Canon Gerry Breen, Dean of St Chad’s Roman Catholic Cathedral; Major Samuel Edgar, Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army and the Very Revd Catherine Ogle, Dean of Birmingham Anglican Cathedral.

As well as launching the Hunger Hut as a place of prayer, awareness-raising and fundraising, Hunger Journals were given to foodbank representatives to collect stories of food poverty alongside stories of those fasting during Lent.

The Rt Revd David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham said: "I was delighted to open the Hunger Hut which is a powerful visual symbol of the concern we have for those who do not have enough to eat in this city.

It is a scandal that in the 7th richest nation in the world more than half a million people have needed to use a foodbank in the last year and thousands have been admitted to hospital suffering from malnutrition.

It is the bread and butter work of Christians to follow the example of Jesus by rolling up their sleeves and work against injustice, speaking up for those who do not have a voice. The season of Lent with its focus on repentance and fasting is a good time for us to speak, pray and act for justice."

On April 16 campaigners will take the Hunger Journals to London to present to MPs.

Kirk Franklin

M

ultiplatnum selling gospel artist Kirk Franklin has, for nearly two decades now, reflected Christian life in his music that both the young, and young and heart can relate to.

Frankling hosts, and is the executive producer for, Sunday Best, the highest rated gospel talent show in BET history.

His latest album is “Hello

Fear” featuring songs with other gospel artists and ministers, Marvin Sapp, Mali Music and John P. Kee. Singer, Songwriter and composer, Kirk seeks God during the soul-testing modern times we live in.

Recently posting “I won’t stop..until I totally become what He wants me to be.

Character over gifts. Go.”, Franklin has a depth of character that shines through in his work.

Super Churches

B

ritain's most influential Black-led churches are playing an increasing role within the Black community in the UK and are amongst the most influential buildings an places of worship throughout the length and breadth of the country. In fact, they are seen, by many, as the very centre of their individual existences.

Described as a place of worship which attracts more than 2000 parishioners, the superchurch is an indication, if ever it was needed, that more people are going to church than ever before.

On the day the Archbishop of Canterbury warned payday lenders that the Church of England will try to force them out of business by helping credit unions compete with them, African and African Caribbean Black-led church leaders and scholars are realising the role

of Black churches during these times of austerity as the Transatlantic Roundtable on Religion and Race held a lecture with UK and African American pastors at London's Birkbeck University recently.

The recent surge in superchurches in Britain, has opened the question; “Are superchurches just a laird for megarich pastors highlighting the lack of transparency in Black church structures throughout?” or, is demand simply outweighing supply?

Seeing is believing and the regular, overwhelming turn-out of a super-church in Britain is proof itself that as long as there is God up above, then the number of people who do believe will always be...well, indefinable.

And, as long as that is the case, then where better to worship than in the comfort of a fully-catered for super-church.

Page 12

LEGAL SERVICES - SUPPORTED BY

P

arents are entitled to express a preference for schools for their child upon transfer to secondary school. The reality is that, other than undersubscribed schools, most parents only have a few schools at which they stand a realistic prospect of securing a place.

A child living near Birmingham city centre is not, through the normal admission procedures, realistically going to get into a popular school miles away that allocates places based upon distance from the school.

A non-Catholic pupil is unlikely to secure a place at a school whose admission criteria gives priority to Catholic pupils.

The admission authority therefore allocates places in oversubscribed

Supported by

E

ach month, we will bring you the latest legal news and advice, which is suitable to you with the full backing and support of the Birmingham Law Society.

We will present editorial from participating law firms who feel the need to share some advice on the options available to a person in particular situations.

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

The Phoenix - April 2014

Admission Appeals Secondary Transfers

schools in accordance with their admission criteria/oversubscription criteria. Parents are often left disappointed by the process.

Parents can appeal against the decision not to offer a place at a school.

If the admission arrangements are lawful and were correctly applied, an appeal panel hearing an appeal must first decide whether the admission of additional children would prejudice the provision of efficient education or the efficient use of resources.

The panel must uphold the appeal where it finds that the admission of additional children would not prejudice the provision of efficient education or efficient use of resources.

Where the panel finds that the admission of additional children would prejudice the provision of efficient education or efficient use of resources, it must then balance the prejudice to the school against the parents’ case.

If the panel considers that the parents’ case outweighs the prejudice to the school it must uphold the appeal.

In multiple appeals, where the panel finds that more children’s cases outweigh prejudice than the school can admit, it must then compare the appeals and uphold

the strongest ones.

When places have been correctly allocated to the published admission number, it is hard to show that the admission of one further pupil would not cause prejudice – it reduces the staff/ pupil ratio.

Panels need very good reasons to allow an appeal. Arguments that friends are attending the school or it is convenient for parents’ work commitments are rarely in themselves enough for an appeal to succeed.

Parents need to be prepared to identify particular reasons why a school is appropriate for their child.

If the child does not meet the

criteria for any of the preferred schools, it will not be possible to offer any of the parental preferences and the child will be offered a place at one of the nearest schools with places available at the time places are offered.

If parents only choose schools for which they do not meet the selection criteria, they could find that one that they might have chosen is already full and the child is left travelling some distance to school when a nearer or more appropriate school place could have been obtained. The only option then is to appeal.

Phil Storey Birmingham Law Society

We specialise in: Education Child Care Domestic Violence Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm Saturday & Sunday Closed

Employment Injunctions Harassment

Tel : 0845 475 1996 0121 270 1566 Fax: 0121 523 5295

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

Branston Court, Branston Street, Birmingham, B18 6BA

Who Judges the Judges?

T

wo senior judges who specialise in criminal law have agreed not to hear any criminal cases for the time being.

Another judge, of some seniority, has resigned after a finding of serious misconduct. Who, then, is judging the judges?

The answer is, ultimately, the judges themselves – though the lord chancellor still has a formal role.

The only image many have of a judge comes from movies or TV

shows. However, Chris Grayling and the Lord Chef Justice, Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, are supported by a group of officials known as the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO).

Like the Office for Judicial Complaints, which it replaced last October, the JCIO was created under the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. Before that, complaints about judges were a matter for the lord chancellor alone.

We know more about judicial

complaints than we ever did and judges who are accountable for their actions, can be named and shamed for any miscarriage of justice on their part, with relevant details of any misconduct available for viewing.

Among those reprimanded (and, where appropriate, sacked) have been high court judges, coroners, part-time judges, tribunal members and magistrates.

Judges, like everybody else, will always be judged-by judges themselves.

The Phoenix - April 2014

Page 13

SPECIAL STREET CRED SUPPLEMENT IN THE PHOENIX NEWSPAPER

APRIL 2014

www.streetcredmagazine.com

UR O D A RE EST G I D LY WEEK GS N I H T L OF AL ENT M N I RTA ENTE E! ONLIN

WIRELESS FESTIVAL | BIG REUNION | KEYSHIA COLE FASHION PLUS GADGET SHOW, OMG LIVE AND AFRO HAIR & BEAUTY TICKETS TO BE WON!

Page 14

ENTERTAINMENT

The Phoenix - April 2014

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Editors Note

S

treetcred is here again to show you what really is cool in the world of entertainment and lifestyle.

We always have to be cutting edge and keep you informed with what we see as worthwhile to read gossips and fresh fashion that you may not have heard of..

Keeping our trendy unisex readers in the know is our job, we go out a look and thankfully a lot of talented people come to us and let us know what they are about. So how have you all been?

Enjoying our weird weather in the UK? Its bad when you get used to it ha its all here in Sc the hot spring wear latest gadgets and shows to go. Really looking forward to the Wirless Festival to hit Perry Park in Birmingham OMG Kanye

/markdwaynemdg /streetcredmag

West Pharell Drake and 100's more who would have thought that would take place here??

Birmingham is definitely on the map right now see centre page so much to see here in this taster SC supplement in the Phoenix and you can read more on our website weekly www.streetcredmagazine.com

We are always on the move baby. Turn over guys and see the world of Streetcred!

Mark Dwayne, MDG

@MarkDwayneMDG1 @StreetCredMag

www.streetcredmagazine.com

BOY BAND MANIA DAMAGE, 3T, 5TH STORY, BLUE, FIVE

R

eality really hits with these TV shows.

Looks like christmas came early for all of these who have been said to be doing nothing with their lives well in the music area anyway.

Many have said they are doing

normal every day jobs but we all know our boys Damage have been doing their thing and these are streetcred favourites. Many of the artists we are happy to see getting work but we have to big up Damage the most as they are truly Streetcred supporters.

l

Clockwise from top left: Damage, 5th Story, 3T

Brand new local breakfast and drive show

A

s part of Global Radio’s policy of ‘National Brands delivered locally, Smooth Radio have a brand new local breakfast and afternoon drive show in the West Midlands providing listeners with the perfect relaxing music mix, alongside local news, plus traffic and travel reports.

After an impressive 24 years on radio in the West Midlands, broadcasting legend Nigel Freshman will present ‘Smooth Breakfast’ every weekday morning from 6am to 10am and Charlie Jordan will present ‘The Smooth Drive Home’ from 4pm to 7pm.

Of his new role, former Beacon Radio breakfast show presenter, Nigel said, “It’s great to joining Smooth. It’s a fantastic station with a great vibe and I get to

Chantelle’s

Spot

Hi readers, my name is Chantelle Guy, I'm a 31 yr old single parent to a ten year old little madam.

I sometimes like to say to young people ‘yeah yeah been

hang out with a whole bunch of friends everyday over coffee and great music. I have the best job in the world.”

Birmingham-born Charlie began her career in 1980 at the tender age of 22, presenting for a number of local radio station and is no stranger to Smooth, as she previously hosted the city’s Sunday morning show.

She said; “It’s great to be back with my Smooth family in the West Midlands. After a busy and often hectic day for our listeners, I’m helping them relax and de-stress on their way home and into the evening.” there done that' But to an extent I'd be lying!

Young people are different nowadays! I asked group of boys (~15 years old) their opinion about girls nowadays.

The answers were so contradictory it is astounding…BE PREPARED! ‘clothes are too tight but I like it’ ‘they wear too much make up sometimes but more time I look it cos they look pretty with it’ ‘they act like no it alls but my girl must be UP on her game!!!

Now, for me, in order for an individual to be 'UP on their game' their career should be in place, they should be happy with their lives and themselves and really living rather than just

l

Charlie Jordan

existing!

So for a teen to say that really astounded me! Do these young men mean that they like older women?

They are still in the place of 'self-seek'! They cannot be UP on their game as they are still unclear of what their game actually is!

Does this then mean that young men have their type of women in their peripheral vision already?

Young men are exactly that, Men who are young, not fully formed, not 100%, they know but they don't know that they know yet!

To be fair how fully formed were you at 15? Let's ease up on them!

The Phoenix – April 2014

Page 15

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

O

n Saturday May 3 the UK’s top B-Boys will descend upon Birmingham’s Q Club, going head-to-head, toe-to-toe for the coveted Red Bull BC One crown and a chance to make their mark on the global scene representing the UK at the European Qualifiers later in the year.

2013 UK cypher champion, B-Boy LB, said: "Red Bull BC One is a whole different ball game! The intense oneon-one environment is a true test and with so much at stake, you really have to bring your A-game. I'm excited and a little nervous see what everyone brings to the floor this year in Birmingham."

Selfie Hype!

We have a ne

ge d u J o t a Rihan-nFactor?

X

w follower!

Celebs are real ly addicted to Instagram if you ever weren’t sure if were vain then these stars ad on there and yo d them up u will see pics of them all day long.

Not that were complaining at all

at r and wh n X Facto el. o n w o d n een going r judge on the pa t we all u ta gs have b The ratin a credable supers s need publicity b nt show le ave dge ta h ju e to th re r a e n t tt o a e b e stars th her being y nothing Usually th a doesnt and with . Inside sources sa honest n re V n a a e IT ih r w know R r lick fo et but if be a majo nt confirmed as y ld u o w it e ndred perc is one hu it. e se we cant

makes Birmingham singers dream come true

Birminghams monthly old skool party Swish threw a competition to the masses on Facebook asking them to post their best Selfie pics. Over 500 entered to win a fabulous portfolio shoot.

Whoever had the most likes won and Bubzie’s pic had the most likes in the competition. Bubzie was ecstatic about winning but even more so because they threw in a videoshoot to film her single which will help take her career further.

ear! alersItarSNikw It’sng moRneyesup ki Minaj has

You firm rounded overdenied rumours that her butt is truly genuped sha y bod sized for her smaller than what ks loo ine. In this photo it we saw last week. who cares.

Who knows eh? Actually

There’s a new chef in town...

D

’licious Dlites is a Caribbean Diner that provides traditional Caribbean food with a twist to cater for the urban fast food eating lifestyle, with healthy fresh cooked meals Combining traditional meals with a casual atmosphere, and produce the right mix of food, desserts and

drinks.

We continue to exceed our guest’s expectations of a traditional Caribbean diner with good food, desserts and freshly made juices to offer excellent customer service to a highly competitive market.

All meat used at D'licious Dlites is Halal. We also have Vegan and Vegetarian options.

Unit 7, Fletcher’s Walk Paradise Circus,

City Centre

Birmingham, B3 3HJ

0121 572 4713

BIRMINGHAMS NEW RESTAURANT AND TAKEAWAY OPEN TIL 5AM WEEKENDS!

Mutton, Curry Goat, Snapper, Jerk Chicken, Dumplings Mix & Match your meals and desserts

For everything that’s delicious and fulfills your delights with a Caribbean Twist - D’licious D’lites is now open!

Opening Times Mon-Thur 12 noon - 8pm 12 noon - 5am Fri-Sat 12 noon - 6pm Sun

www.dliciousdlites.com

The Phoenix - April 2014

cal threat than a psychological one; The Winter Soldier manages to be a brutal and memorable villain whilst barely uttering a single word.

This is a small miracle from Marvel, as they have always seemed to struggle with creating memorable villains within their movies. Aside from Jeff Bridge’s Obadiah Stane from the original Iron Man and Tom Hiddleston’s Loki from Thor/The Avengers/ Thor: The Dark World, every other villain within the Marvel cinematic universe has been instantly forgettable.

Thankfully, The Winter Soldier does not fall into that bracket. He matches Captain America move for move and turns out to be the most prominent physical threat any of The Avengers have had to face to date.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a near perfect superhero movie. It's fun, intelligent, emotionally engaging and explosively action packed. Not only is it the best post-Avengers Marvel movie, it may very well be the best standalone Marvel movie ever made.

Page 16

BIG SCREEN

www.streetcredmagazine.com

BIGScreen Review

S

teve Rogers is now a highly-regarded, fully operational agent of S.H.I.E.L.D, executing high-risk missions all over the world whilst trying to adjust to the modern way of life.

However, when a S.H.I.E.L.D. colleague comes under attack and numerous attempts are made on his own life, Steve becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue that threatens to put the very world at risk.

On the run and with nobody to trust, Captain America struggles to expose the ever-widening conspiracy while fighting off professional assassins sent to silence him at every turn.

The closer Rogers comes to unveiling the truth, the more danger he finds himself in and

tense flick.

Directors Anthony and Joe Russo have absolutely knocked it out of the park here. Mostly known for their work on small scale TV comedies such as Community, Happy Endings and Arrested Development, many fans called into question their ability to deliver on the mega budget action extravaganza they were expecting, but I am happy to report that the brothers have delivered a film that showcases their abilities outside of the genre they are known for, and shows that they can tangle with the best of them when constructing big action setpieces.

In fact, Captain America: The Winter Soldier has some of the best action of any Marvel film to date and that’s saying something.

The shootouts are violent and intense, the chase scenes are rapid and the hand-to-hand combat is some of the best ever committed

wORDS by Antony Brown

soon enough, his past comes back to haunt him in the form of an unexpected and formidable new enemy known as The Winter Soldier.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is awesome in every sense of the word. From its fastpaced and paranoia riddled plot to the blistering action set-pieces that send a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart, this really is a superhero movie worthy of the name.

What separates The Winter Soldier from most other movies within this genre is the constant presence of danger. Whereas in most superhero movies, we know that nothing bad is going to happen to our heroes, here, Captain America is never truly out of danger and this causes for an exhausting and brilliantly in-

to a superhero movie.

Anthony and Joe Russo have introduced us to a Steve Rogers we have never seen before – he is confident in his own abilities, perhaps even a little cocky, and he absolutely kicks ass.

He is callous and vicious, dispatching his enemies with a power and a brutality we have never seen from him before. It’s a joy to watch!

The performances here are solid all around. Once again, Chris Evans embodies Steve Rogers with an innocent charm that makes him instantly relatable and endlessly likeable.

He is a guy who is easy to root for, because his morals and beliefs are simple – he believes in good and anything that isn’t good must be stopped. Scarlett Johansson is great as the tough as nails femme fatale, Black Widow.

It is refreshing to see a female character kicking just as much ass as the male characters in a movie of this genre and the popularity of her character is growing with each new instalment.

Screen legend Robert Redford joins the cast as Alexander Pierce, a powerful and mysterious S.H.I.E.L.D agent with ulterior motives and Anthony Mackie is a welcome addition to the cast as former soldier Sam Wilson AKA The Falcon. Sebastian Stan stars as The Winter Soldier, a villain who is more of a physi-

Old Skool Sundays Are Back On Broad Street

I

ts about time we had an old skool R&B party on a Sunday night in Birmingham.

Well here it is, the weekly 360 party catering for the mature over 25's who love classic R&B. We at Streetcred decided to take a look one of the Sundays and now it has become a must at-

tend for our staff every sunday since. The legendary DJ Major D + guests give you quality floor filling bangers at this upmarket venue. Mooch Bar is very delightful, it boasts very snazzy décor, comfy seating areas and massive dancefloor. 360 is the only old skool Sunday party in the Midlands and to top it off

the nicest venue open on Broad St we say. We recommend you guys see what is happening right here, the coolest crowd and music everysunday. So if you havent been down yet then go and feel the quality of back in the day anthem after anthems and party with a quality crowd.

The Phoenix – April 2014

O

Music

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

n an unusually chilly night considering recent weather, thousands of fans of Elyar Fox, The Vamps, and The Wanted made their way to the LG Arena for the Birmingham night of The Wanted's Word of Mouth Tour.

Kicking off the night was 18 year old Elyar Fox, who The Phoenix interviewed in anticipation of this tour. Taking instant command of the stage, Elyar had everyone jumping, on the floor and in the stands, to his debut single 'Do It All Over Again'.

Following an acoustic cover, Elyar performed 'Smile', which is sure to be an instant hit if it is released as his third single. To round off his set, his hotly anticipated new single 'A Billion Girls' was a huge hit and got everyone revved up for The Vamps and The Wanted.

The Vamps blasted onto the stage halfway through their music video for Last Night, to rapturous applause. Brad and Conner are both from the West Midlands, and they announced that they were expecting the Birmingham gig to be the loudest crowd on the tour for that reason!

Holding control of the entire arena, The Vamps performed a number of their hits to the screams of excitement from their

|

Theatre

F

Birmingham was ‘Glad You Came’

or years now fanatical teenage music fans have been asking for an event that’s designed solely for them.

Well here it is ….

OMG Live 2014! the massive music event exclusively for young people.

And better still it's happening in the Easter Holidays!

With over 30 acts performing across a 9-hour show, OMG Live is set to be the most talked about event of the year.

OMG Live is the UK’s first under-18’s indoor Music Festival- featuring over 30 live acts across three stages!

Running from 1pm-10pm at

l The Wanted on Stage in Birminghm + The Vamps (inset) fans before informing everyone of their headline tour, with presale tickets available as a package along with their new album. The future is bright for the Vamps, who have already charted highly with their first two singles, and with their debut album 'Meet the Vamps' due out in April, things are on the up and up.

The Wanted kicked off with Gold Forever from behind a huge curtain, which after solo pieces from each of the boys, fell with a bang to reveal their stage, the band and their instrumentalists. As this tour is their farewell

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Comedy

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Dance

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tour with the band focusing on other ventures for a while, the night was tinged with slight sadness, but the excitement and pleasure at performing for thousands of their fans was evident.

Playing a number of their songs from the past four and a bit years, the crowd went wild for hits including Walks Like Rihanna, Chasing the Sun, Heart Vacancy, and Demons. During two intervals, the big screens played host to a mini-documentary of a highlights reel from the bands favourite events in their time together.

With a number of clothing changes, and a rising platform in the centre of the extended stage, alongside pyrotechnics and fireblasts, The Wanted put on a performance that will last in the memories of their fans for years to come. Hopefully the boys will be back together again in the near future, ending on their international hit 'Glad you Came', the sentiment was shared by both the band, and the fans alike.

Literature & Spoken Word

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Film

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Visual Arts

Shall I Kill Mama Sat 12 Apr, 7:30pm Tickets: Advance sales only £30

GL360 presents

Manifest Fri 25 Apr, 7:30pm Ticket: £7.50 (£5)

the LG Arena and Forum Live on April 24th , OMG Live includes numerous chart-toppers including headliners Lawson and Union J, plus FUSE ODG, Neon Jungle, Elyar Fox, GraciousK and Ollie Marland.

All these plus DJs and the freshest new talent will be performing throughout the day.

Tickets available from www. theticketfactory.com or 0844 338 8000 For the latest info on the lineup visit www.omglive.co.uk

WIN! WIN! WIN!

For your chance to win one of two pairs of tickets to Easter’s biggest pop event, just answer this simple question!

When is OMG Live taking place? a) Easter Holidays b) Summer Holidays c) Christmas Holidays

Just email your answer, along with your name and contact number to competitions@thephoenixnewspaper.com. With the subject “OMG Live 2014”. Competition closes at 23.59 on 16th April 2014. There is no cash alternative.

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Events

UPCOMING EVENTS @ Underword Screening and Spoken Word Showcase

Page 17

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Workshops

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Young People

Singing Nina Fri 9 May, 7pm Tickets: £14 (£12.50), £15 OTD

Fri 11 Apr, 7pm Tickets: £3

The Drum | 144 Potters Lane | Aston | Birmingham | West Midlands | B6 4UU

THE UK’S PREMIER INTERCULTURAL ARTS CENTRE www.the-drum.org.uk 0121 333 2444

The Phoenix - April 2014

Page 18

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

The Legend is back

Ken Dodd´s Merry Christmas Laughter Show

L

ike a fine wine Ken Dodd simply gets better with age and you can join him and his special guests for his all new hilarious Christmas show.

Your festive celebrations just aren’t complete without a marathon of jokes, fun, songs and happiness courtesy of Knotty Ash’s finest.

See Ken Dodd´s Merry Christmas Laughter Show 2014 at Wolverhampton Civic Hall, Sunday December 14.

G

rammy-nominated R&B legend Angie Stone is set for a long-awaited six date tour across the UK this month. Backed by her full US band and supported by singer/songwriter Ms D, this is a highly-anticipated opportunity to see one of the giants of R&B performing live.

Her rootsy and sophisticated fusion of soul, funk and hiphop, as heard in her landmark solo albums “Black Diamond” (1999) and “Mahogany Soul” (2001), embodied the breakthrough Neo Soul sound. She has inspired artists as diverse as Alicia Keys, Estelle, Bilal, Joss Stone, Amy Winehouse and Mary J Blige.

She’s been seen on the big screen in “The Fighting Temptations” and “Pastor Brown,” and on television in “Moesha”, “Girlfriends” and “Lincoln Heights.”

On touring the UK Stone says: “I’m really, really excited because I’m so well received in the UK.

There is so much talent here waiting for their breakout moment,” listing the late Amy Winehouse’s recordings as a continual inspiration. She previously tipped Adele for chart success.

Punch CEO Ammo Talwar says; “We’re proud to be bringing a voice and a talent like Angie Stone’s to the UK. So many people, like me, will have worn out their “Black Diamond” and “Mahogany Soul” albums as a part of the soundtrack to their clubbing year. But this tour especially with support from Ms D - will be showing the full range of her talent and repertoire.”

T

FESTIVAL T

his is the big one, everybody is talking about the Wireless Festival In Birmingham.

We have to thank the organizers for seeing Birmingham as a city to have such an incredible event of this calibre, never before has the midlands experienced so many

huge artists at once.

For many years we always say why does Birmingham get left out when the artists come over but these smart organizers are seeing that we are the hot city right now and to be fair we have been for a long while now.

We at Street Cred have always

worked to put our city on the map and its finally happened. Anyway were not going to go to political about this lets just be thankful and say yes thank god we finally have arrived.

I used to travel to London or abroad for these kind of events and now its happening on my doorstep

BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY

21 Sick Puppies 22 Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats 24 Blood Red Shoes 25 The Smyths 25 Catapult ClubInfo 25 Propaganda 26 Brody Dalle 26 Glassbullet 27 Norma Jean 27 Eli Paperboy Reed 28 Patent Pending + People on Vacation 28 Fearless Vampire Killers 29 Clutch

05 Canterbury 05 Highgrade – The New Wave 07 Sophie Ellis Bextor 08 Boyce Avenue 10 Penetration 10 The Correspondents 18-19 UB40 19 Jaws 20 Legends Of The Dark Black 22 Of Mice & Men 23 Pentatonix 24 Alkaline Trio 25 RÜFÜS 26 Ash & Lucas 29 Rae Morris

April 04 Emblem3 04 Propaganda 05 The Vibe 07 Halestorm 10 The Last Carnival 10 Memphis May Fire 11 Novana (Nirvana Tribute) 11 Propaganda 12 Sex Pistols Experience 12 Matt Cardle 13 Patti Russo 16 Within Temptation 17 Catapult Club 17 Propaganda 18 The Summer Set 18 Propaganda 18 Catapult Club 19 Jar Music Live Presents Ones To Watch 19 Fight The Dice

BIRMINGHAM INSTITUTE April 01 Boy George 01 Marmozets 02 Sounds Like Teen Spirit 03 Robert Glasper Experiment 04 Morgan Heritage 05 Walk Off The Earth

LG ARENA

April 04 Miranda Hart 05 Elbow 08,19 Gary Barlow 10 Johnny Mathis 11-12 Justin Timberlake 14 Harlem Globetrotters 18 CBeebies Live! The Big Band 24 OMG Live!

TOWN HALL

l Justin Timberlake @ LG Arena

April 04 The Spring Quartet 05 An Evening with David Sedaris 06 Rising Stars: Van Baerle Trio 09 Raphael Wallfisch 11 Solid Silver Sixties Show 2014 12 Bach at the Harpsichord 12 András Schiff 13 Bach Concertos and Suites from the Academy of Ancient Music 15 Aston University Awards Ceremony 16 Go!Go!Go! Live 17 Let’s Hang On

The Phoenix – April 2014

Page 19

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

W

ith her new album “Kiss Me Once” out now, Kylie has announces the Kiss Me Once Tour which will open here in the UK and will comprise of 31 shows in 15 countries - including a show at the NIA, Birmingham on October 7.

Famous for her live shows, Kylie’s Kiss Me Once Tour will be true to form as a celebration of both new and old material.

‘Kiss Me Once’ is Kylie’s first studio album since 2010’s ‘Aphrodite’ and her first since signing to Roc Nation Management and was executive produced by Kylie and Sia, who also penned the title track.

Kylie also teams up with Pharrell Williams (who wrote and produced ‘I Was Gonna Cancel’) with other producers including Ariel Rechtshaid (HAIM) on ‘If Only,’ MNEK on ‘Feels So Good,’ and Greg Kurstin on bonus track ‘Sleeping With The Enemy.’

TO HIT BIRMINGHAM so just imagine how this feels for me!

It is great to see that when we at Street Cred started promoting these urban artists they never had the exposure they do now. Many of these acts were performing at nightclubs when they first started out and now they are headlining 18 National Youth Choirs of Great Britain 22 Hetty Feather 28 Lunchtime Organ Concert: Thomas Trotter

SYMPHONY HALL

April 02 Susan Boyle in concert 03 From Hackney to Hollywood: The Don Black Songbook 04 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Poll Winners’ Concert 04 Lang Lang 05 Mid-day Mantra: Khiyo 05 Alcester Male Voice Choir Gala Concert 06 Warwickshire Music Education Hub: Singtastic!

06 Warwickshire Music Education Hub: Gala Concert 09 Psycho Live 11 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Ivo Neame Quintet 12 Musical Picnic: Lluis Mather and Friends 13 Bach at the King of Instruments 14 Lunchtime Organ Concert: Thomas Trotter Family Concert with presenter Jeremy Nicholas 17 Folk for Free: Red Shoes 18 Good Friday Bach St John Passion 19 St George’s Day Annual Celebration Concert 21 An Evening with Kenny G 22 Frank Skinner: Man In A Suit 25 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Tomorrow’s Warriors - Nérija + The Jazzlines Trio 26 CBSO Belshazzar’s Feast

festivals.

There are over 100 artists performing over the weekend of the 5th 6th 7th July. Headlining will be Kanye West, Drake, Outkast, Bruno Mars, Sean Paul, Robin Thicke, Tinie Tempah and Pharell.

As you can see the organizers are giving people what they want and

28 Neil Finn 29 Ben Harper

NEC

April 01-02 The Professional Clothing Show 01-03 Sustainability Live 2014 04-05 National Engineering & Construction Recruitment 07-11 MACH 2014 08-10 Drives and Controls 08-10 National Electronics Week 2014 09-13 The Gadget Show 10-13 Antiques for Everyone 12-13 Practical Classics Restoration Show 29-May 01 Commercial Vehicle Show 29-May 01 Sign & Digital UK 29-May 01 Multimodal 2014 29-May 01 Naidex 2014 30 Evolving Connectivity

NIA

April 08-10 Miranda Hart 18-21 Torvill & Dean’s Dancing On Ice The Final Tour 2014 27 Satinder Sartaaj 29 Rick Wakeman’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth

CIVIC/WULFRUN WOLVERHAMPTON

April 03 Status Quo (Civic Hall) 04 Therapy? Troublegum 2014 (Wulfrun Hall) 05 Devildriver (Wulfrun Hall) 06 Manic Street Preachers (Civic

thats all you have to do to be successful. We are looking forward to one massive weekend here at streetcred we are celebrating the music with thousands saying look where we are now.

WIRELESS HERE WE COME!

1St bIRtHday baSH 4

fRIday 11tH aPR 201

CLUBBIN

Words : Mark Dwayne Hall) 08 The Wildhearts (Wulfrun Hall) 10 Status Quo (Civic Hall) 11 Only One Direction (Wulfrun Hall) 14 Deaf Havana (Wulfrun Hall) 15 Foreigner (Civic Hall) 16-17 Frank Skinner: Man In A Suit (Civic Hall) 18 James Blunt (Civic Hall) 19 Sartaaj Live (Civic Hall) 19 VIP Record Fair (Wulfrun Hall) 20 Martyr De Mona (Wulfrun Hall) 22 The Temperance Movement (Wulfrun Hall) 24 Josh Widdicombe: Incidentally (Wulfrun Hall) 25 Battle Of The Bands - Final (Wulfrun Hall)

SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON

April 03 Prong 04 Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club 05 Soley Mourning 06 Matt Richardson 08 Little Caeser 09 Amaranthe 10 Nightingales 11 Arcane Roots 17 Simon Evans 20 VMG Live presents Jordan O’Keefe & Guests 22 dan le sac vs Scroobius Pip 23 Kvelertak 25 Ian Prowse and Amsterdam 26 Warped Acoustic Basement Tour 29 Joe Lycett

maRk dWayne oLd SkooL cLaSSIcS Set

mISta SmooVe maLIa | mIxeR deUce myStIkLe bLUe | ambItIoUS | SoUndboy coby SPonSoRS 07586 808139 WWW.boLW.co.Uk

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The Phoenix – April 2014

Page 20

FASHION AND BEAUTY

KEYSHIA COLE SHOE COLLECTION IS SMASHING IT!!!!!

www.streetcredmagazine.com

leb e C y b n Fashioress Mis eavailable att D here Marke

Katie Price calls on Bir mingham h a ir s ty lis t fo r new look.

Supermodel Katie always keeps her ear to the ground and on

d asis picture d in O Catsuit ess Me base ile Dr d a wh Celeb tre t in an a show e g n to e its hile City c ke a w or sure Must ta One thing f t. ou to get stopper.

jumps on it. who is the next big thing Here is her new look don e by Birminghams own See ane Chynte. Check her out www.facebook.com/hairth at erapybyseaane

Find us on

17 Years in Business

Tamanes Hair Design

Extra Special Care for Hair

10%f of

181 Corporation Street Birmingham, B4 6RG

0121 236 2111

T

hey come from near and far on a regular basis, to make sure that they receive the very best level of treatment from one of the very best in their field.

For the past 12 years Tamanes Hair Design has been serving an ever increasingly demanding public with the best level of hair treatment and design with a staff that is as knowledgeable, and welcoming as they come.

The effervescent Tamara, erstwhile owner of the salon, is the figurehead of operations there and with her team of equally knowledgeable, ever-pleasant staff makes for the place to go for anything ‘hair,’ in Birmingham city centre.

Situated on Corporation Street, in the city’s Law district, a steady, constant flow of women, and men, will find their way to Tamanes, knowing that it’s their ‘crowning glory’ that they are dealing with, so it’s the tried and very much trusted who they go to.

“We’re just about hair,” says Tamara and when it comes to your here, where better to go?

In fact she has customers from Devon to Jamaica, Barbados and beyond making sure it’s only her

and her experienced, talented and caring staff that can put their hands in their hair.

Different to many other salons, multi-award winning Tamanes extra special care for hair stands it out from many others who claim to be equals.

17-year-old Shane Quailey, a student at Bourneville College, in the city, enthuses: “I’m getting valuable experience working here as I’m getting first class mentoring in all aspects of hair care. It’s truly fantastic.”

19-year-old Natalie is studying criminology, criminal law and social science at Wolverhampton University and is also Tamara’s daughter. She says: “I’m following in mum’s footsteps.

It’s a family tradition. I’ve been working for mum since I was 15, which has made me ultimately wary of how hair should look, feel and be cared for.”

Miranda Mitchell has been working with Tamara for 12 years. She says: “Having worked at renowned Madison’s, it was Tamara who convinced me to go out and be part of her business.

Scary as it was at first, I’ve not looked back ever since.

Tamara is an inspiration to me and I can’t thank her enough for

giving me the opportunity in the first place. She’s never afraid to step up and raise already high standards even higher. I love that.

Adeline Noubissi, another staff member, says: “Hair was a hobby for me for a long time.I was engrossed by many TV shows on hair and beauty which inspired me to take it up full-time.

Working here has allowed me to complete my NVQ1-3 in Hair & Beauty and Degree in Business Management.

I needed a standard high enough to match my Degree and that’s why I’m here.

One regular customer said: “Every time I get my hair done here, people are always keen to find out who did my hair and can they do it for them. Just walking in the streets is testimony to Tamanes Hair Design.”

One other customer, new to Tamanes, said: “I care hugely about my hair, so only the very best can treat it. That’s why I come here.”

Olympic sprint champion, Yohan Blake is one of a long list of famous people who veer towards Tamanes Hair Design every time they are in town. It’s about time you did too.

The Phoenix – April 2014

Page 21

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

THROUGH UNITY

I

first became involved with Through Unity when a family friend was murdered in the same spot I was due to perform at for a Summer event in Waltham Forest at Walthamstow Central.

It led me to get interested in a group that was fighting back in a positive way, trying to find a way in persuading youth off the streets and out of trouble.

I met and joined many groups all aimed at helping my peers to pursue safer ways in growing up in an ever growing, hostile environment.

There were many doing a great job but it was Through Unity that tugged at my heart and that was for their support in helping those of us that had lost someone through violent crime.

The pain doesn’t just effect one person, it has a ripple effect for the whole family and can destroy relationships. I am still a strong member of this vital charity and would like you to know about them.

So let me introduce you to how Through Unity was born.

Through Unity was founded

by Richard Taylor, the father of Damilola Taylor murdered in November 2000 and Ian Levy, father of Robert Levy, murdered in September 2004 They were then joined by Peter Sinclair whose step son was also a victim of knife crime and buried in September 2006 All three fathers have a charity or foundation of their own to honour their lost sons.

The Damilola Taylor Trust http://www.damilolataylortrust. org.uk/ The Robert Levy foundation http://www.robertlevyfoundation.org/ The Flavasum Trust http:// www.theflavasumtrust.org/ After meeting up the three fathers felt that by joining together they could strengthen their efforts to raise awareness and develop strategies to combat knife crime. On 2nd December 2008 ‘Through Unity’ was registered as a charity..

The original Board of Trustees has changed over the intervening years. The Charity is currently governed by a Board of six members, some of whom are families bereaved by knife crime, others come from backgrounds that bring a range of skills and expertise.

Early in its history Rani King MBE FRCS was appointed as the CEO. Rani, who worked at the Department of Children Schools and Families, came on a secondment from the Home Office.

It was later that Rani persuaded the, then Permanent Secretary

Welcome to ‘Camara features’ a new column where I will be spotlighting some of the most amazing charities, organisations and people I have had the privilege of working with. Be a part of my journey and learn and enjoy about being inspired.

l Through Unity family day out. for the Home Office, David Normington to offer some further secondments.

Six, senior managers from different departments joined up with Rani to form a project

l

for other families fighting for justice and putting them at the heart of the criminal justice system. The ethos of Through Unity also lives on through her work and the many others by their self-

l

Mrs Rani King MBE, FRSA

team to further the development of the charity over a period of 6 months. For various reasons, some had to return to their full time posts earlier than planned, but others continued.

Although Rani resigned from Through Unity to become PA to Helen Newlove, who had also suffered through Violent crime, as along with her three daughters watched helplessly as her husband/father was kicked to death by a gang of drunken youths.

Helen was made Baroness Newlove. Rani helped her take her place in the House of Lords and in government as ’first Communities Champion’ and then ’Victims Commissioner’. There Baroness Newlove speaks out

Jayden, Devon & Karen Burke from Therapy4Healing

less and wonderful work. Rani still carries on helping with other projects needing her help and expertise.

At the end of the period one of the secondees called Hazel Evans asked for, and was granted, a further 6 month extension.

During that year the charity was beginning to attract a great deal of interest and some small amounts of funding.

Some of the original secondees remained as volunteers. Nigel Hills, designed and set up the website for Through Unity www. throughunity.com and still maintains this. Nigel also monitors our compliance with governance and does all the returns to the Charity Commission.

l Family day with Ian Levy (centre) from RLF

Anne Burke, continued to act as the Treasurer and Accountant until very recently.

Hazel found it difficult to contemplate returning to her original role because Through Unity was

l

l Ahmed Faeem organises collections for Through Unity the only place the charity could afford.

As funds depleted – even that became unaffordable and so Hazel applied to a Construction Company, with York roots, to have a desk in its offices near Kings Cross, not really expecting anything to come of it. Amazingly, it did and the Company gave Through Unity a desk and access to its office services.

Around this financial crisis, Rani had stepped down from being CEO to take up a post with Baroness Helen Newlove as her PA. Hazel Evans then took over as CEO. It was a difficult time as funds depleting, a major fundraising drive went ahead and several successes followed.

Gradually, the charity began to turn around.

Unfortunately, around this time

Need to talk and Share

still at a vulnerable developmental stage, so she resigned as a Civil Servant after 22 years, to work full time for the charity. A private sponsor paid her for 12 months, but when that came to an end, she agreed to stay on as a full time member of staff. As she lived in York, it was necessary for her to travel down to London and lodge from Monday to Friday, so it was agreed to pay her 2 days salary for her living expenses and the other 3 she would give as a volunteer.

The same private sponsor, also funded a prestigious office in Liverpool St for some months, but when that ended the Charity office morphed in to a broom cupboard in Hackney, which was

TU through that, I was humbled by the strength of many of the families I met in dealing with such a traumatic event in their lives. I felt drawn towards helping and supporting them in whatever small way I could. I retired from the police in 2011 and continued to work with TU, taking over interim CEO role in April 2013. Part of my role was to develop a stronger structure to the charity which I have been able to do by recruiting our first employee, an admin assistantDaiva, and finding a new CEO to take the charity forward in the longer term. This has also been achieved with the appointment of Kirk Siderman who takes up his post on the 1st April.

We have also been able to extend our support network and now offer family days in London & Newcastle, with plans to host one in the East Midlands in the coming months”.

Thank you Through Unity team and families I am looking forward to the next family day!

Do you want to get involved with volunteering, or just advice about Through Unity’s services?

Then email me or contact: daiva.raguckiene@throughunity. com or chris.west@throughunity.com or alternatively you can log onto www.Throughunity.com Through Unity is registered on the Charity Commission website as Through Unity: Registration number 1127016 .

Hazel’s mother had a horrendous accident and Hazel needed to remain closer to her parents and resigned from the post and any paid work. Thankfully however, she does remain as a volunteer and works 2 days a week.

Chris West was appointed as an interim CEO. As its projects evolved, the two that attracted the strongest feedback were ‘Peer Support’, ‘Family Day Successes’ and the ‘Knife Awareness l It’s good to talk Programme’.

Other developments, have seen the introduction of facebook and twitter accounts and an increasing number of volunteers.

I asked Chris how he became involved with Through Unity, he went on to explain. “I became involved with TU whilst devising the Knife Awareness l Family Members Programme for schools. At the Get in Touch with Camara time I was a camara@thephoenixnewspaper.com police officer www.camaraofficial.com working in the Safer Schools www.youtube.com/camaraofficial Partnership www.linkedin.com/CamaraFearon in Haringey.

Camara (aka mizzcamara for websearch) Working with

The Phoenix – April 2014

Page 22

FASHION AND BEAUTY

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Bonafide Original Lace Wigs

I

ntroducing Blondie based in Birmingham the founder of Bonafide Original Lace Wigs providing all Remy Virgin Brazilian and Indian hair, and her exclusive design New Style synthetic lace fronts collection.

This lady is known to many as a former librarian, medical records clerk, Business woman and a few might forget dancer/ professional choreographer and managing her own dance agency and girl group Whurl ah Girls then later under the direction and management of Dr Funk management, Multi Shades was born from Whurl ah Girls.

With an incredible journey in the music and the hair industry, Blondie is now established as the queen of Lace wigs in Birmingham and gaining a great reputation for her work worldwide.

Bonafide is doing remarkably well in selling the best lace wigs and Hair Extensions around with clients buying from the UK and overseas. With a business growing so fast it is a sure thing that Blondie is set for global domination.

'I have the real Indian, Brazilian, Chinese and Virgin Indian Hair by BVH; the brand celebrities in the USA use, including R&B divas Keke Palmer and Faith Evans all wear BVH which are all in stock' expresses Blondie.

'You will find that very few places store the right hair in our city and don’t even know what they are talking about! 80% of the hair they sell as Brazilian or Peruvian etc is really just Chinese virgin hair or processed and not the real raw virgin hair.’

‘How I got interested in virgin and Remy hair was after doing extreme makeover UK and having Remy hair extensions.’

‘I remember watching Beyonce hair once on a video saying to myself I want that hair not knowing it was a lace wig at the time and that kind of gave me the inspiration to further a career in lace wigs and hair extensions, so I studied and researched the hair industry.’

‘I am now in partnership with the Great Looking Hair Academy where Im also studying my wig training and all aspects of Hair extensions with owner Simon Beale and look to achieve a BTEC Level 3 diploma.’

‘I will be one of the few who is really qualified and has a real di-

ploma. My personal hobbies are reading, not romance but more history & the past. Real people and I am very much into philosophy and real world issues.’

Blondie of Bonafide Originals Lace Wigs has made many connections overseas, including celebrity colourist and stylist Daved Scissorhands, with Amber Rose, Lillipore, Jenna Jameson, Debbie Cakes and Die Deere being jus a few of his clients.

She has also provided wigs for hair editorials and fashion shows in the USA and UK with Daved who is part of her team as custom colourist for hair extensions and lace wigs.

Her synthetic wigs were also used in a magazine shoot with celebrity stylist Erica Matthews for Huff magazine.

Last year was very big for Blondie as it gave worldwide recognition as the exclusive designer of the new style collection of heat resistant synthetic lace fronts.

‘I know a few of you have seen my wigs on other profiles and sites and may be confused.

When I started 7 years ago I found it very hard to get the colours and the density I wanted with a lot of manufacturers, as I was always told it was not popular with the market at the time, to which I knew different!’

So when I found a manufacturer who understood my vision, we started work on some new and vibrant colours and thats what you see today. A lot of hard work to deliver the latest trends.

We do sell to resellers round the world and it makes me so proud to see my designs and vi-

brant colour lace wigs bring joy around the world.”

So now you all know who the creator of the New Style synthetic lace wigs and that's Blondie, keep yours eyes peeled. She’s just getting started to make sure that her clients get the best products.

Starting out wasn’t easy as she went through a hard stage starting her business without funding and when she separated from her husband she was stripped to nothing and even homeless with children forcing her to start life all over again.

Being a fighter and with determination, Blondie started her own business and taught herself the hair trade to perfection.

'This business is huge' she tells Street Cred reporter Mark, 'Lace wigs are the new crack! In this time of recession, I saw this many years ago and now everyone is jumping on it as a hustle but not everyone who is into the business does it right and sell the genuine product.

We are called Bonafide Originals for a reason because that’s what we are and everything I do is just that; Original, and thats how I want my customers to feel and I just love the name' Blondie laughs, ‘cause I'm well Bonafide and Original States the Queen of Wigs’ With a big music background and known amongst many celebrities such as Keith Sweat, Soul 4 Real, and Busta Rhymes to name a few, Blondie of Bonafide Originals Lace Wigs is your woman to go to.

'It was never something I planned to do, I have always been that person doing music and always into hair but never took it seriously as a career until now. I am very passionate about the hair trade and I want people to have the real deal...Bonafide Originals, it is what it is'.

Blondie provides all Remy and Virgin hair. Indian, Chinese, Mongolin, Brazilian and the new style synthetic lace fronts collection - The best lace wigs in the UK. www.bolw.co.uk

T

he Afro Hair & Beauty LIVE is back this May Bank Holiday hosting the ultimate hair and beauty experience.

Europe’s biggest showcase is back, taking place on May 25 and 26 at the Business Design Centre, Islington.

Afro Hair & Beauty LIVE is the only place you’ll find award winning hairdressers, specialist beauticians and cutting edge fashion all under one roof.

Take the time to be indulged with a customised manicure at one of the many pop-up beauty booths or take the stress off you mind with an Indian head massage or spa facial. The show has everything you could wish for from henna tattoos to professional eyebrow threading and eyelash extensions.

Not only that but the runway stage will be in full action with

fashion shows, dynamic hair competitions and show special presentations from the leading names in the ethnic hair and beauty industry. If any of the clothes you see catch your eye visit the Afro Hair & Beauty Fashion Boutique to bag a oneoff piece at a special show price.

After the success of last year

the interactive debate will be returning, a chance for you to put your burning questions to our top industry panel. Plus this year for the first time ever Afro Hair and Beauty LIVE are bringing you a beauty interactive debate with our panel to consist of well-known names in the beauty industry.

WIN! WIN! WIN!

We’ve got 2 pairs of tickets to Afro Hair and Beauty Live, and all you’ve got to do to win is answer this question!

When is Afro Hair & Beauty Live? a) Easter Bank Holiday b) May Bank Holiday c) New Years Day

To be in with a chance of winning, email your name, address, and contact telephone number to competitions@thephoenixnewspaper.com. There is no cash alternative. Competition closes 23:59 on May 16th 2014.

Telephone: 07586 808139

www.bolw.co.uk /BONAFIDE.ORIGINALS.LACE.WIGS

The Phoenix – April 2014

I

am firm believer in the advantage of in-ear bud headphones and have stuck with them for years to give superior sound quality, the Jabra headset has challenged that. Once they were connected I was pleasantly surprised by the excellent sound quality they produced.

The Jabra comes with several different gel ear buds that can be switched out easily.

A bit of trial and error and I found the perfect fit for my ears and enjoyed the excellent sound quality blissfully ignorant of the screaming children on the morning commute.

The main downside comes in the mechanism of being wireless. Lots of tech is stored in the ear surround making it quite thick.

After listening for around 90 minutes, this started to become a bit uncomfortable, being used to sleek in ear buds only. A main advantage of the tight fit, however, is that once they’re in place, they're not going anywhere – excellent for a run.

One feature that I loved about the Jabra headset was that once connected it feeds back to your phone its current battery level.

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Words by Laurence Sutton

The battery life could definitely be improved as even listening to music at a medium volume I got around xx hours of playtime before needing a fresh charge.

However, once you have the very fiddly battery port open (I needed to used a paperclip to get it open) it charges very quickly indeed.

Having used many other Bluetooth devices in connection with my phone, car or whatever I wanted to create a score for how easy the headphones were to pair with my phone.

The headphones connect easily, and reconnect quickly once paired and you are ready to go within around 3 seconds.

These headphones have all the additional features that we come expect from headphones nowadays the only difference being that double pressing the playback button rather than skipping a track redials the last number called.

Not realising this, having to speak to my boss and explain why I had called him at 6am on a Sunday morning was an issue.

Perfect for a run with the wireless giving great freedom but if you’re looking for a pair you can use for long periods of time, probably not the best choice.

W

ireless, the final frontier... or something like that. While it’s true that gaming headsets, especially top of the line offerings like the SteelSeries Wireless H, and last months wired 9H headsets, don’t come cheap, can you, and should you justify the £260 price tag placed on this sleek behemoth of a headset?

Some may say that the not one, but two, 20-hour batteries that come with the Wireless H is overkill, but the ability to charge one in the transmitter, whilst using the other in the headset ensures that you will never get cut off completely during a gaming session. Comfortable isn’t the word for this headset, as it is light enough to wear easily for many hours at a time, with leather earcups and leather padded sections on the headband, accented with orange to offset the general black design.

The microphone, like it’s baby brother, is retractable back into the headset until only a few millimetres are exposed. A gentle pull will extend it out and round in front of your mouth for easy communication, and is

GADGETS AND GAMING

clear and loud enough to get your message across during frantic exchanges.

On the bottom of the right earcup, there is a dual purpose button. A long hold turns the headset on or off, and a light tap will mute the microphone.

At the top, a scroll wheel controls the volume, but can also be used to control the transmitter, via it’s beautiful and bright OLED screen.

With connections for Playstation 3 and 4, Xbox 360 and One, and PC/Mac, the transmitter is a feat to behold. Using the cables provided, you can hook up your Wireless H to all of

Big noise from a small mic

B

ridging a gap in the market between the built in laptop/notebook microphones, cheap and cheerful VoIP headsets and the higher end dedicated microphones, Blue Microphones Tiki is the first USB microphone to use proprietary noise-cancelling technology, voice isolation and intelligent mute.

This allows the Tiki to focus in on the desired sounds, for example your voice during a Skype call, while reducing background noise to minimal levels. At only

W

e’ve teamed with Gadget Show Live to offer five lucky readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to this year’s event at Birmingham NEC from April 9-13.

Gadget Show Live is the UK’s biggest technology consumer event, where visitors can get hands-on with the newest gadgets on the market from big name exhibitors including Microsoft, JVC, Citroen, Pioneer and Virgin Media. With specialist areas like the ever-popular Game Zone, dedicated to the latest next gen games, Combat Ops, for the ultimate indoor authentic combat experience, Future Tech, Kids Tech Arena, and the launch of the British Inventors Project, showcasing the best of British innovation, there will

Page 23

£50 RRP, the Tiki is an attractive option for those looking for a compact microphone to take along with their laptop if they are a regular Skype user, or Podcaster.

The main mode, while the Tiki glows a lovely shade of blue, is the active noise cancellation and voice isolation “Intelligent Speech Mode”, but with a press of the button on the end of the device, it will glow purple, and enter “Natural Recording Mode” for CD quality recording for pod-

these with relative ease, and be gaming away in no time, although with Xbox One not supporting third-party headsets, you can’t use the microphone. Supporting Dolby 5.1 on consoles and up to 7.1 on PC/Mac, the Wireless H provides clear, crisp audio, as you would expect with such a premium price tag. Films, games, and music are all just as beautiful to listen through the headset, with a deep, immersive and rich sound.

The price tags on these headsets are by no means a small investment, but if you are in a position to make such an investment, and especially if you like the idea of being free from wires, you’ll be making a sound purchase with the SteelSeries Wireless H Headset. - DR

casts, vocals or instruments.

The Tiki comes with an extension cable, allowing the microphone to be placed where required, rather than just out of the nearest USB port to you. This is great if you’re using it with a desktop PC or a laptop with USB ports at the back.

If you’re looking for a microphone for Podcasting, recording your performances or general Skype use, the Tiki from Blue Microphones is a quality choice.

- DR

Thursday or FriWIN! WIN! WIN! Wednesday, day, just answer this simple question!

TICKETS!

be fantastic features for all the family, bringing technology to life.

There will be performances throughout the day in the show’s theatres. The Super Theatre will see Gadget Show TV presenters, Jason Bradbury, Rachel Riley, Jon Bentley and the return of Ortis Deley in action, while the Innovation Theatre and the HUB will show off the best in tech for 2014 and beyond.

To be in with a chance of winning tickets to the show on the

What is the name of the specialist area dedicated to the latest next gen games?

Send your answer, along with your name, address and contact information to competitions@ thephoenixnewspaper.com with the subject “Gadget Show Live” Entries must be received by 23:59 on 03/04/14. There is no cash alternative.

Note: Prize tickets are for standard admission to the Gadget Show Live on Wednesday April 9th, Thursday April 10th or Friday April 11th only.

The Phoenix - April 2014

“Everybody’s tastes are different,” says Taylor, “so it’s important to have that correct balance; Not overly spicy, nor too under seasoned. Caribbean food has always been based on the culture that’s why it’s important that quality overrides quantity. Simplicity sells,” he says.

His Slade Road front is his ‘flagship,’ a base from which his unique recipes can be delivered,

and served, at others of his outlets (in due time).

Recommended try; Akee Tree Cuisine’s own fried dumplingsLightly cooked, with an air pocket in the centre, where you can fill with anything from meat, fish, salad, or anything you want “Ackee Tree Cuisine is a field with fresh seeds, ready to develop,” says Everton Taylor. A chef on a mission.

kok.” Quite an accolade when you think of all the exciting things you can do there.

Now you have the opportunity to taste this remarkable Thai food for yourself without leaving the UK, to learn how to cook it and to hear more about the ministry of UNOH at the same time.

Poo is coming in person to the UK to present a series of cookery classes and demonstrations. Two of which will be held at Rowheath Pavilion in Birmingham on April 4.

There will be a cookery school taught in person by Poo plus an interactive cookery demonstration which will also feature stories from KlongToey, an op-

portunity for people from the audience to join Poo in cooking a dish, and an open Q&A time.

The cookery school costs just £30 per person, and the demonstration is £10. Places are strictly limited so please book early.

You can find out more about Poo at www.cookingwithpoo. com. If you can’t make it to Birmingham to meet her, there are events in other parts of the country.

For more information go to: www.syzygy.org.uk/cookingwith-poo/. This will be a sell-out so advance registration is necessary.

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EATING OUT

Everton Taylor – A man on a mission.

I

t’s been a long time since Caribbean food has been forcing its way into the hearts of Britain’s taste buds.

It’s been longer still since Caribbean restaurants and takeaways have put its head ‘above the parapet’ to allow the nation to experience the sheer delights of what is ‘Caribbean food.’

One such eatery is the Ackee Tree Cuisine. A quaint takeaway that gives you the quintessential flavour of the idyl-

lic, tropical Caribbean, right here on your doorstep.

You have the chance to take in some of best dishes, cooked with extreme care and attention that makes you say; “Wow! Why haven’t I tasted anything like this before?”

Run by the experienced Everton Taylor, the 56-year-old qualified international chef, bags years of experience, working at some of the world’s top restaurants, in Jamaica, Canada and here, in the UK, preparing foods from countries around the world, whatever you get at Ackee Tree Cuisine is prepared, cooked and

served from the heart.

Whether it is the celebrated Caribbean Breakfast choice ackee and saltfish, fried plantain or cornmeal porridge, these are just three of his signature dishes for the ideal start to the day.

Jerked chicken, curried goat, lobster and oxtail are just a tip of the iceberg, in respect of great value meals, and then there’s his own twist on fish, red peas, mutton, or chicken soup.

Enough to attract regular customers, from all nations around the world, giving each individual their own personal eating experience, with a worldly twist.

ACKEE TREE CUISINE CARIBBEAN & ENGLISH TAKE AWAY GOOD FOOD TAKES TIME TO PREPARE...

Breakfast Caribbean Breakfast

£4.00

English Breakfast

£4.00

Ackee and/or Callaloo, Salt Fish, Fried Plantain and Fried Dumplings.

Fish or Vegetarian Fingers, Beans and Fried Plantain, Toast or Fried Dumplings.

Porridge £2.50 Reg £3.50 Lrg

Main Meals All dinners are served with either Rice & Peas, Plain Rice or Hard Boiled Food, accompanied by Steamed Veg or Salad

Reg

Lobster (Half or Full Portion) Roast Fish Steam Fish Brown Stew Fish Ackee & Salt Fish Pak Choy with Salt Fish Curried Prawns Stewed Soya Chunks Mixed Vegetarian Chunks Stir Fry Vegetarian Chunks Stew Peas Curried Chicken Brown Stew Chicken Jerk Chicken Curried Goat/Mutton Cow’s Foot Oxtail

Delivery Orders Over £10.00!

Lrg

From £10.00 £10.00 £8.00 £5.00 £7.00 £4.00 £8.00 £3.50 £7.00 £.400 £8.00 £3.50 £7.00 £3.50 £7.00 £3.50 £7.00 £3.50 £7.00 £4.50 £9.00 £4.50 £8.00 £5.00 £10.00 £4.50 £9.00 £4.00 £9.00 £5.00 £10.00

I And much more...

300 Slade Road, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 7LU

Tel: 0121 377 6565

Open 7 Days a Week!

Mon-Thur : 10am-10pm Fri-Sat : 9am-11pm Sun : 12pm-10pm

t may sound quizzically strange, but this is a story about Poo, a Thai lady who used to runs a small catering business from her home.

People used to pass by and stop to buy freshly-cooked snacks and treats before rampant food price inflation hit Thailand, After which she was unable to make ends meet.

She then met development workers from Urban Neighbours Of Hope, who partnered with her to provide start-up capital for a small cookery school which has subsequently become what TripAdvisor has called “One of the best-rated activities in Bang-

The Phoenix – April 2014

www.streetcredmagazine.com

S

ome of the world’s most popular and appealing travel destinations are in jeopardy, vulnerable to issues like climate change and unsustainable development. Several leading organizations have joined forces to address these challenges headon by helping tourism destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America to safeguard their natural and cultural assets.

The new Sustainable Destinations Alliance for the Americas marks the largest-scale effort to date through which public and private entities have united.

The Alliance includes the Organization of American States, the Caribbean Tourism Organization, global NGO Sustainable Travel International, leading cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and the United States Government through the United States Permanent Mission to the Organization of American States.

The SDAA will offer each participating destination with an evaluation of destination management practices designed to recognize areas of strength and access to an online sustainable tourism course called ‘Sustainable Tourism Professionals.’

Facilitating implementation of sustainability practices, its des-

tination sustainability monitoring framework is called SMART, which will support the tracking of key performance metrics.

The non-profit STI will conduct assessments in each destination using its Rapid Destination Diagnostic tool, which provides a snapshot of the destination’s sustainability status, a summary of destination management priorities, and valuable input to inform and shape destination level policies.

The announcement was also the first step in an active effort to expand the SDAA to include more than 30 destinations in the next few years, which would make it the largest initiative of its kind in the world.

The SDAA initiative underscores the close inter-agency cooperation among the OAS and its regional partners, the strong involvement of key stakeholders, and collaboration with the private sector.

The OAS Executive Secretary for Integral Development, Sherry Tross, says: “We are strengthening our ability to assess issues that are critical to the competitiveness and destination product and to make targeted recommendations that, among other things, will help to ensure the maximization of benefits for local communities.

It is important that these issues

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HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

Private And Public Sectors Unite To Guide Caribbean Destinations Toward Sustainability

remain as an integral part of the sustainable tourism policy dialogue so we can respond effectively to the needs of our member states.”

Rich Pruitt, Vice President, Safety and Environmental Stewardship, Royal Caribbean Cruises Limitd said: “It’s critical that companies look at ways they can have a positive impact in the places where they do business. We want to see the unique-

ly beautiful destinations of the Caribbean and Latin American region thrive, and are committed to move these destinations toward greater sustainability.”

U.S. Ambassador, Larry L. Palmer, remarked: “We are proud to facilitate the strengthening of the tourism industry in the Caribbean and Central America to ensure that our region meets the highest sustainable tourism standards and a tremendous op-

portunity to keep tourism development on a steady path.”

CTO Secretary General, Hugh Riley, acknowledged that multisectorial partnerships are the ideal way to pursue sustainable tourism. “By bringing to bear the views of the public, private, and NGO sectors, this initiative supports our mandate to establish best practices in sustainable tourism.”

Statia Sustainable Conference: "Community Tourism"

E

very year during the month of September the Standards and Trade Development Facility celebrates Tourism Week which revolves around World Tourism Day set by the WTO. The island of St. Eustatius in the Dutch Caribbean takes on a different approach, in the form of the Statia Sustainable Conference and Exhibition.

This was the first of its kind for the island whose goal was to achieve a greater awareness of sustainability in their community by an extra 20% and to educate the community at large that sustainability is more than just changing your light bulbs

or planting a tree.

A great variety of speakers and presenters both locally and from abroad were invited to be part of the conference which proved to be a massive success after it covered topics such as; Climate Change, Water & Tourism, Costal & Marine Spatial Planning, How to Manage a Small Scale Artisanal Fishery, St. Eustatius Drink Water Production, Agritourism, Sustainable Agriculture and much more- for natives and tourists.

The regional framework for achieving development CARICOM stated: “Establish and guide the Caribbean’s direction for the continued building of resilience to the impacts of

global climate change.”

More commonly known as Statia, the island, situated in the north eastern corridor of the Caribbean, is some 250km east of Puerto Rico and has a population of 39,000 people in its 11.8 square mile.

With very little unemployment there, the main source of employment is provided by the St. Eustatius government, but, as with many of the other islands in the Caribbean, they do focus heavily on tourism.

Sustainable tourism, in Statia in particular, and the Caribbean as a whole.

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HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

Book now for savings Wimbledon

I

f you’re planning a trip to Wimbledon this summer leading online travel retailer, redspottedhanky.com, explains why booking your train tickets NOW will get you the best deals.

Discounts on rail bookings are released 12 weeks in advance and can offer savings of up to 80% off the price of the ticket.

Therefore with fixed sporting and music dates already in the calendar, people can save money by planning how they are getting to venues well in advance.

The online travel retailer reveals that people who are flexible with journey times on their chosen day of travel will be able to search for the best ticket options by avoiding costly commuter routes and times.

It is also sometimes cheaper to book two single tickets rather than a return journey, and if you’re not fixed to an exact date to travel you can find yourself paying a lot less.

Punitive Air Passenger Duty to be lowered

F

rom 2015, flights to the Caribbean will be reduced, Chancellor George Osborne announced as part of his Budget cuts.

Air Passenger Duty, added to all flights depending on the distance between London and the capital city of the destination, was introduced in 1994 and with annual tax increases, it, in turn increased the cost of travel to the Caribbean, which especially in recent times, has come under huge criticism.

In his announcement, the Chancellor explained that “the APD will be simplified into a two band system: Band A for short haul flights of less than 2,000 miles from London and Band B for all long haul flights more than 2,000 miles from London. The new Band B will be charged at the planned rate in 2015-16 (£71 for reduced rate passengers and £142 for stand-

ard rate passengers).”

The proposed reduction to APD will be a significant break for those entertaining the idea of a Caribbean vacation. The Caribbean destinations were charged a higher rate of APD than the United States which put them at a clear competitive disadvantage.

“As a country we have lobbied independently for this reduction and we are enormously pleased that our efforts have paid off. We have also been supportive of the positioning taken by the Caribbean Tourism Organization who has been lobbying since 2010 for this reduction and other Caribbean nations who have been similarly affected by this restrictive fee,” commented Cayman Islands Minister of Tourism, Hon. Moses Kirkconnell.

Statement from The Hon Richard Sealy, Barbados Minister of Tourism and International

Travel Indochina Charters New Asia River Cruises

L

eading Asia specialist, Travel Indochina, has released a new ‘Burma & India River Cruising’ brochure featuring soon-to-launch river cruises and a collection of exclusive charters for 2014-16.

Those casting their gaze to Asia’s great rivers can discover life along the Irrawaddy and Ganges with deluxe cruises on board the brand new Irrawaddy Explorer and Ganges Voyager I, sailing in total elegance to places rarely seen by travelers.

Launching in September, the Irrawaddy Explorer will be the most luxurious river cruiser to set sail on Burma’s Irrawaddy River. Inspired by Burma’s rich British-colonial era, the vessel will offer five-star luxury with modern facilities, world-class cuisine and a high staff to passenger ratio for an intimate cruising experience. Its 28 stylish and spacious suites reveal floor-toceiling glass doors that open onto private balconies for panoramic views of the river, while other key features include a state-ofthe-art fitness centre and stylish spa offering traditional Burmese massages.

Alternatively, Travel Indochina’s customers can experience life along the Ganges River as

they sail in unprecedented luxury on board the brand new Ganges Voyager. Set to launch in January 2015, the all-suite vessel exudes elegance with exquisite design and facilities that rival some of the finest boutique hotels in India. Guests can enjoy sumptuous dining in the East India Dining Room, cultural performances in the Governor’s Lounge, or simply relax in one of the 28 spacious suites with private balconies as they watch the everchanging river scenery.

These exciting new cruises reflect Travel Indochina’s approach to travel, with the smaller vessel sizes affording greater access to onshore excursions

for a deeper insight into local life. What’s more, by exclusively chartering departures, the specialist operator provides a range of extras including the expertise of an on-board Western Cruise Director; 100% guaranteed departures; all meals (while cruising and on land); and all on board beverages. In addition, on-board entertainment and lectures help to ensure that everything is taken care of, leaving guests to sit back and enjoy their journey.

Transport on the Reform of the Britain’s Air Passenger Duty (APD): “I welcome the news that the United Kingdom has decided to level the Air Passenger Duty tax bands following years of concerted lobbying. I want to further thank the British government for taking our long standing concerns on board.

CTO Chair, Beverly Nicholson-Doty said: “This is a complete victory for the Caribbean, which, led by the CTO, has been lobbying against the unfair system which charged a higher rate of APD on flights to Barbados than Hawaii and placed the United States at a competitive advantage.”

The Phoenix – April 2014

linked websites.

Existing rules are not clear on what protection is available for holidaymakers, often leaving both traders and travellers in the dark when something goes wrong.

However, the legislation now adopted by MEPs will bring the directive in line with the internet age to provide greater protection for the 120 million people who buy customised travel packages.

Malcolm Harbour, who is the Chair of the Committee responsible for this legislation said: “This is really good news for holiday makers from across the West Midlands.

These new rules make it clear to both traveller and travel company who is responsible for resolving complaints and providing assistance.

"The internet has revolutionised how we book our holidays but EU law has not kept up to date until now. We have finally addressed the grey areas to ensure that people can book their holidays with peace of mind."

Harbour welcomes peace of mind for holidaymakers

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ith package holidays being increasingly booked online, EU law providing protection for travellers has been brought up to date by a vote in the European Parliament.

The law on package holidays was last set in 1990 - during the days when package holidays were booked at the travel agents, with holidaymakers browsing through brochures.

Today, most holidays are booked online with greater customisation of packages, either through one trader or several

The Phoenix – April 2014

Page 27

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Stereo Hype Birmingham 2014

M

ental Health problems have long been a stigma, especially within families hailing from Africa and the Caribbean, so the ‘Stereo-Hype Festival’ proved the ideal opportunity for people in the know, and those not, as two days at the mac birmingham created a platform for discussion and exploration into mental health stigma, discrimination and wellbeing issues within African and Caribbean communities, through performance, visual and audio arts.

With the support of Time to Change, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Trust and Birmingham City Council, it challenged the stereotypes surrounding mental health as the two-day event planted seeds of guilt, some regret, foresight and a new open mind.

With 1 in 4 people in the UK said to be suffering some level of mental health issue, the programme of events had stalls, including Black-led businesses supplied by BEX Live, the Pam-

pering Zone, Wellbeing Workshops, Youth Zone, Fashion Show, Question Time Debate plus much more to keep minds in tune to the purpose of the festival.

Stereo-Hype Birmingham 2014 was about all people, young and old, male and female, from every corner of this, multicultural Britain, making blatantly clear that mental health affects all of us, at whatever level.

With the theme based around the subject of ‘Shared Problems - Shared Solutions,’ the event promoted the idea that improving the mental health experience of African and Caribbean communities is not just the responsibility of the communities affected but should be shared by services and organizations too.

Stereo-Hype founder and coordinator, Sandra Griffiths, said: “Just by chatting and getting to know each other within a creative arts environment, we can challenge prejudice, stigma and discrimination together. We want more people to be part of a community conversation aiming to make a difference.

l Well Being Community Choir and The Choir with No Name

l Stereo-Hype founder and coordinator, Sandra Griffiths

Mental health problems are common - but nearly nine out of ten people who experience them say they face stigma and discrimination as a result. This can be even worse than the symptoms themselves. StereoHype Birmingham challenged mental health stigma and discrimination head-on.

Stop Smoking In An Hour

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ix million people in the UK smoke yet two thirds say they want to quit.

But while methods such as nicotine patches and e-cigarettes help just 7 per cent to give up, smokers who try bioresonance therapy can expect a success rate of between 70 and 90 per cent.

A single, painless treatment of bioresonance therapy is usually all that's needed to help smokers kick the habit for good.

Therapist Marjorie Green offers the treatment in Holland Park, London.

She says: "The therapy works primarily by removing the physical addiction to nicotine. However, I use the latest state-of-the-art bioresonance equipment, the Bicom Optima: its programmes help smokers to quit the habit by targeting nicotine addiction as well as helping with the emotional dependency. Not only is it completely harmless but you will start to notice the benefits immediately.

People find it hard to believe that the treatment can have such amazing results, but it does work and there is a long list of satisfied people to prove it."

So what's the science behind bioresonance therapy? Scientists discovered that everything in the universe has a frequency/ vibration. The Bicom inverts the frequency of allergens so that the body no longer reacts to the allergen.

Bioresonance therapy is used worldwide to treat ailments such as allergies and asthma. In recent years, it's been found to be extremely effective in treating nicotine addiction.

A qualified nutritional therapist, Marjorie has been a bioresonance practitioner since 1997 and an energy psychologist since 2006. She uniquely qualified to help people, not only with their physical dependence, but their emotional dependence too.

She has recently finished writing a book based on the treatment: The Formula for Happiness, soon to be published. She uses techniques from her book to help strengthen client's resolve to remain smoke free.

She is one of only two practitioners in London to offer smoking cessation treatments with the new Bicom Optima bioresonance machine. Marjorie practises in W11 and, from the beginning of April, in NW3

Page 28

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Calls for Action on Sugar

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ction on Sugar is asking for 5% to become the WHO recommendation and urges governments to act now Chairman of Action on Sugar, Professor Graham MacGregor; "Added sugar is completely unnecessary part of our diets, contributing to obesity, type II diabe-

tes and tooth decay. We strongly urge the WHO to recommend reducing sugar intakes to below 5% daily calories, as this will have the biggest impact on our health.

We have known about the health risks of sugar for years and yet nothing substantial has been done - new recommenda-

tions will be a wakeup call to the Department of Health and the Government to take action on sugar now by forcing the industry to slowly reduce the huge amount of sugar added by the food industry across the board.

Setting targets for sugar reduction will not rely on the industry determined Responsibility Deal

Calorie Pledge which has had no measurable effect on calorie intake.

Unless they act now, obesity and diabetes are going to completely overwhelm the NHS." Professor of Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Liverpool, UK, Simon Capewell says, "WHO recommendation to reduce sugar intake to 5% of energy are long overdue. A 5%

A

worldwide drive to encourage people to commit to a prescription for better physical and mental health is being launched this spring.

Scottish-based charity, 5X50 Challenge, kicking off its 50 Days To Fit campaign, which aims to get people of all ages in as many countries as possible to pledge themselves to 30 minutes of exercise every day for 50 consecutive days.

Awarded ‘Commonwealth Games Legacy,’ status in recognition of its positive impact on the health, happiness and well-being, the 5x50 Challenge not only endeavours to change exercise habits for a lifetime but it has also set a target of raising £500,000 for charity.

This is the third year that the Challenge has set out to attract the attention of people – from school pupils to workers to stayat-home mums and dads– to sign up and enjoy the lasting legacy of a commitment to improving fitness and well-being.

The Phoenix - April 2014

target would reflects extensive scientific evidence linking excess sugars with obesity, diabetes, heart disease and common cancers (and rotten teeth in kids).

Brits currently consume about three times too much sugar, 15% not 5%. This is because of the huge amounts of added sugars HIDDEN in most processed foods: soups, yoghurts, ready meals, sugary drinks, fruit juices & smoothies.

Starting on March 30, the Challenge is already backed by the Chief Medical Officers for Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales and has the support of organisations and famous names, including; former 10,000-metre world champion and Olympic athlete Liz McColgan, renowned athlete and doctor Andrew Murray, Scottish Minister for Sport and the Commonwealth Games Shona Robison and TV presenter Jenni Falconer, who are committed to healthier lifestyles for everyone.

Being active and doing the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week for adults is not just good for your physical health but also your mental health.”

5X50 co-founder Raymond Wallace says: “The Challenge started off as a personal challenge in 2012 – but the impact the challenge has had in such a short period is amazing.”

The 5X50 Challenge runs until May 18.

Letter to the Editor

I

’m all too aware of the devastating impact that bowel cancer can have on people’s lives; my mother successfully beat the disease, but sadly my grandfather lost his battle.

This April, during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, I’ve signed up to Beating Bowel Cancer’s Lift the Lid Day. On Wednesday 16 April, the charity is encouraging everyone to start up a conversation about bowel cancer. By lifting the lid l Matt Dawson MBE on the condition, we can help tation, every conversation you beat the taboo surrounding it.

If caught early over 90% of have could be lifesaving.

So help me Lift the Lid on cases can be treated successfully. That’s why it’s so impor- bowel cancer and let’s beat tant to spread the word about bowel cancer together: www.beatingbowelcancer. symptoms. Whether it’s a chat over coffee with your family, org/liftthelid Matt Dawson MBE putting up a poster at work, or Patron of Beating Bowel encouraging an older relative to take up their screening invi- Cancer

The Phoenix – April 2014

ADOPTION AND FOSTERING

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There are already so many fantastic individuals who foster and adopt children into their families- but we need more!

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

At the Phoenix, all of our team are committed to raising awareness of fostering and adoption through our campaign not just for the month of May, but for an entire 12 months!

We will be highlighting the

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

Page 29

inspiring work of current carers, the extensive support and training that is available and the difference that you could be making in a young persons’ life.

If you feel that you can offer this, or even if you would like to find out a little bit more – don’t hesitate! It could make the greatest difference to a child’s life.

With support from

Adoption Activity Days What is an Adoption Activity Day?

Adoption Activity Days are an addition to the existing range of family-finding and matching practices. They allow for adopters to directly meet a range of children waiting to be adopted in a prepared, supported, safe and fun environment.

Adoption Activity Days are entirely child-centred, predominantly an activity day for children, and the most important factor is that the children have a really fun day!

Where did the idea come from?

The idea was used in the UK in the 1970s originally, but was replaced by other methods of family finding, and profiling children in print became more popular.

However, “Adoption Parties” have been run continuously in the USA for the past 30 years, and there is evidence that the outcomes for matching children are higher there than for other methods of family-finding activity.

Revisiting the idea was based on wanting to maximise the opportunity our children have of finding a family in the UK, where there is a shortage of adopters.

Adoption Activity Days have been found to be a particularly helpful method of family finding for children who may traditionally wait much longer for a family, for example, older children, large sibling groups or children with additional needs.

The model has been adapted considerably for a UK setting, and a pilot project was run in one area of the UK by the BAAF Adoption Activity Days Programme Manager, Bridget Betts.

What is the difference between an Adoption Activity Day and other forms of family-finding activity?

The purpose of an Adoption Activity Day is for adopters to meet the child first and to establish whether or not they feel any emotional connection.

Our children in care can have a complex set of needs, and adopters who encounter that first in reports can feel understandably overwhelmed.

Traditionally, adopters will read reports and profiles of children, and they then might see photographs or a DVD, but they would usually meet the child only after the match is approved.

Adoption Activity Days reverse this process – adopters get the chance to find out if they are drawn to a child, and the information about them is exchanged after this.

This doesn’t negate the assessment of adopters, or the very thorough matching process agencies undertake, but it also recognises the huge importance of chemistry within human relationships.

Who attends an Adoption Activity Day?

The children who attend all have a plan for adoption in place.

There is no upper or lower age limit – children who have attended previously have ranged from 9 months to 9½ years old.

They are a diverse group of children who attend with their foster carer(s).

Foster carers attend with the child/ren who have been referred to the Adoption Activity Day by their agency. There is no more than one carer per child where possible, to limit the number of adults attending.

Other children in placement with the carer, or the carer’s own children, cannot attend, and nei-

ther can fostering social workers.

Childcare social workers will attend who know the child/ren, and who are able to talk to adopters and their social worker, either on the day or afterwards.

This isn’t always the child/ren’s social worker and sometimes one worker will attend from an agency who is able to talk about more than one child.

Adopters attend, some with their adoption social worker, others who are supported by BAAF workers on the day. Some adopters choose to bring their own children, having discussed this with their adoption social worker, and this can be a positive way for those children to become involved.

Adoption social workers support their adopters both before and after an event and are involved in the agency staff briefings to support them to do so.

Volunteers attend, some from BAAF and some from the involved agencies. Their role is to support and facilitate the day.

Volunteers will either be wearing a red BAAF T-shirt or a badge so they can be easily identified.

Where and when are the days held?

Adoption Activity Days can take place in any venue large enough to hold all the adults and children comfortably and which is already child-centred, or where a child-centred day can be created.

The day is a closed event – our children are all on legal orders, and we respect their confidentiality. Everyone is clearly identifiable on the day, including helpers and BAAF staff. Venues used successfully in the past have included children’s centres, schools, activity centres and youth centres.

Dates of forthcoming events are posted on the website and circulated to adoption agencies in the vicinity of the event.

However, exact details are only given out a short time prior to the event, and to those we have registered to attend.

Is information about the children available to adopters prior to the Adoption Activity Day?

Adopters are given information

Adoption & Fostering Our ongoing campaign to help the children in need in our communities BAAF has also created colourful workbooks for older children to complete with their social workers and/or foster carers, in preparation for the day.

How do adopters and children interact?

about children on the day, during a briefing, but not before. Adopters are given the opportunity to see children as children first, and are encouraged to attend with an open mind, without preconceptions of children in care, and to rule themselves in rather than out.

It is not unusual for adopters with a recommendation to be drawn to a child outside that range, and those links can be explored with them by their adoption social worker and the childcare social worker, in order to establish if it is a viable match.

How are children prepared for and supported during an Adoption Activity Day?

Childcare social workers will routinely undertake work with children in order to support them to understand what is being done to find them a family.

BAAF advises on preparing children for an Adoption Activity Day in a way which builds on this. BAAF guidance is to be honest with children about why they are attending the day, and for their social workers to build on the life story work they are already undertaking with children which explains why they were removed from home, why they are in foster care, and what is being done to find them a new family with whom they can grow up The preparation for the Adoption Activity Day will be dependent on a child’s age and level of understanding, but BAAF briefs staff groups and foster carers on how best to take this approach with their children, and the way this can be adapted to the individual needs of the child.

On the day itself, adopters arrive before the children, who

and these are sent to their local authority, to be included in their life story work, which shows children how hard we are working to find a family for them.

During the preparation time, agencies plan the best way to support children, adopters and foster carers after the day. This might take various forms but we ask adoption, fostering and childcare workers to be available during the following week, to make contact and to visit the parties involved in recognition of the emotive nature of the event.

Do children feel rejected if they aren’t “chosen”?

arrive with their foster carers whilst adopters are still being briefed. Children are therefore already playing by the time the adopters encounter them.

Adopters are supported throughout the day by experienced adoption social workers and members of BAAF staff, and this includes supporting them to engage with children.

Adopters can approach and talk freely to children – we do give them a list of dos and don’ts in their briefing, but we also encourage them to have fun!

What happens after an Adoption Activity Day?

Adopters can make an expression of interest in a child they have met at the Adoption Activity Day and all of these are followed up.

Links will be discussed and reports exchanged if they appear to be good matches, with all the usual information exchanged, but with the bonus of having met the child.

On the day, we also ask adopters to leave feedback on colourful comment cards for children

We always ensure children know that, whatever happens on the day, they are going home with their foster carer – there is no sense that they will be “chosen” on the day, or go home with someone else.

The preparation before and support after the day is focused on finding the right family for that child; the narrative is very much about the right people needing to be there on the day, and if they are not there, that their social worker will carry on looking.

Children who are old enough to understand what the event is about can feel empowered by being involved in finding their own family, and even if they are disappointed that adopters they have met don’t progress to being a match, they are reassured that they know how hard their social worker is working to find the right family for them.

All family-finding activity carries an emotional risk for children, but generally children have felt reassured after an Adoption Activity Day that there are other children like them, who live with foster carers and are waiting to be adopted; they have met some adopters and seen that they are friendly and caring people like their foster carers; and they know what their social worker is doing to find the people who are special enough to be their family!

Page 30

CAREERS, RECRUITMENT AND EDUCATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH

The Phoenix – April 2014

Continued from Front Page

RIGHT BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE C OU RSES T O BR I G H T EN UP YOUR L IFE If you haven’t studied for a while and you are worried about taking the first step, we are here to help, with short courses in:

Construction, Hair & Beauty, Health & Social Care, Gardening, Parenting Skills, Photography, Sewing, Setting up your own business, Volunteering. Plus learn how to improve your English Skills.

Many courses are free for those on benefits and are offered at convenient locations. t:0121 362 1174 w:bmetc.ac.uk e:ask@bmetc.ac.uk

M AKE T H E BR I G H T CHOICE

Skills as well as numerous sponsors from industry in Britain, provided a platform for young innovators, with some of the most mind-blowing ideas and creations, to express their ingenuity on a scale they could hardly ever wished for.

Leading local, national and multinational engineering and science companies and organisations were on hand to provide dedicated careers advice, with a fresh, new perspective on where their school subjects can lead them.

EngineeringUK CEO, Paul Jackson, called it: “A ‘science theme park’ for pupils who didn’t see science or engineering as a viable option as a career choice. The Fair is fast establishing itself as the biggest youth event in the country, showing just how much can be achieved when we work together to reach out to the next generation of scientists and engineers.

“It’s not just about creating the next fast car; it’s about creating medical devices for the developing world. Science and engineering is the best to open a world of doors.”

“Engineering provides a 25% uptake in qualifications so it’s important to not lose sight of that. We do need water, we do need electricity, and we do need transport. We take it for granted so it’s important that we have the get the right people in for that.”

The Big Bang Fair showed the 11-18 year olds that science and engineering is vitally important; whether it be in sports, music, food and hygiene, or even in the legal profession.

Some of the vast amount of pupils who took part included Jae-Eun Park, a 16-year-old from King Edwards VI High School for Girls, who investigated the idea of an irongelatine foam as a precursor for carbon catalysts, William Boucher, 13, from Woodrush High School with his creation; ‘Mr. Sid,’ a product that uses motion sensors to pause and play music, Aniela Preston, Beth Prichett and Nimryta Sembi from Rugby High School who were doing research on how being left or right handed affects us and Grace Rock, Bethany Trevor and Harry Jenkins from Thomas Telford School, in Shropshire, who were investigating toothpaste stain removers.

Even the most well-informed school student found something new to explore at The Big Bang Fair. A showcase like this is crucial in encouraging the next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians as young people were able to discover careers they hadn’t previously heard of and meet people with exciting careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.

l Paul Jackson, EngineeringUK CEO, and Liz Truss MP

l William Boucher

l Jae-Eun Park

l Aniela Preston, Beth Prichett and Nimryta Sembi

l Grace Rock, Bethany Trevor and Harry Jenkins

The Phoenix - April 2014

Page 31

CAREERS, RECRUITMENT AND EDUCATION

Project calling for volunteers to teach basic English l Sir Christopher Stone

Education leader receives Doctorate

A

n exciting new project from the volunteering charity TimeBank is encouraging people in Birmingham – mainly from the Bangladeshi, Somali and Pakistani communities – to learn everyday English.

4.6% of the city’s population has poor or no English (source: DCLG). Dave Conroy, programme manager at TimeBank’s Birmingham office, says: “Language skills are vital to build strong, united communities and without them, people can feel marginalised.

Our Talking Together project aims to develop individuals’ life-skills and confidence, particularly for women who may find it difficult to do vital, everyday things like talk to their children’s schools or visit the doctor.”

The charity is now appealing for volunteers aged 18 and over who live in Birmingham or are willing to travel there, and would like a unique opportunity to lead small, informal English classes.

Volunteers will receive full training before being matched with a class in a local community setting. No special skills or experience are required, just patience, commitment and enthusiasm.

Dave Conroy adds: “The training and experience will provide volunteers with real skills in teaching, English language learning and classroom management.”

S l Walsall College students take in the sights outside the famous Reichstag government building

Students Explore Berlin’s Past and Present

A

group of Creative Media Production students from Walsall College have returned from a field trip to Germany’s capital city Berlin where they toured the sights and explored its cultural past and present.

The Level 2 and 3 media students got the chance to visit Berlin and all its culture and had a taste of its modern day history from visiting Brandenburg Gate, the Jewish memorial and the Berlin Wall that divided East and West Berlin until it was demolished in 1990.

They also visited Museum

Island, the 368 metre-high Fernsehturm TV Tower offering panoramic views of the city and Berlin’s Film Museum where they learnt the history of the moving image as we know it today.

During the four-day trip in February, students braved the snowy weather and were given challenges such as communicating with different cultures and purchasing meals and train tickets themselves.

They were tasked with thinking about the present cultures of Berlin and those that have shaped it. The group of 15 were able to showcase their research

BTEC in Sport Mayor Strengthens College’s International rap Around Training Ltd is offering a new BTEC Sports proLinks gramme for young people be-

W

tween the ages 16 – 19 starting in September at the Doug Ellis Sports Centre in Perry Barr, Birmingham.

Suitable people will gain a BTEC Level 2 qualification and will be assisted with travel expenses and snacks which will be provided. During the programme young people will gain experience in fitness training, football coaching and have the option of gaining their FA standard level 2 referee badge.

This is a free course and is on offer for any people who are in the NEET category. For further details, contact: asha@wraparoundtraining.co.uk.

I

nternational students from Saudi Arabia and Kurdistan have been given a rare insight into the complex job of keeping Walsall running smoothly after visiting the Mayor of Walsall.

Councillor Mohammad Nazir, the current Mayor of Walsall, delighted the group of 14 Walsall College students after showing them his collection of Mayoral robes and gold chain of office. He then took time to answer some searching questions on the roles and responsibilities of Walsall’s 60 councillors.

During the trip to Walsall Town Hall, at the end of Febru-

techniques, looking at both qualitative and quantitative data, to identify facts about the locations visited which allowed students to give a valid explanation to the significance of the building, monument or artwork.

Lecturer Lyndon Bayliss, who organised the trip, said: “It was a culture shock for our students having to take ownership and responsibility by purchasing various items over the four days.

For many, this was their first trip away from parents and guardians but seeing them all gain confidence was so rewarding.

“It is clear that students benefit so much from these types of ex-

periences and it will, ultimately, prepare them for the independence of the world of work. One parent told me that her son had literally changed overnight – a light switched on and he has become an adult.”

Kane Pearce, a 17-year-old Level 2 student, said: “Berlin is a magnificent city and I’m really grateful that we had the opportunity to experience a different culture and learn about how the moving image has evolved over time. I thoroughly enjoyed it and actually surprised myself with how independent I can be!”

ary, the Mayor told students that he had once been a student at Walsall College before studying for his degree and was impressed with changes at the l The Mayor of Walsall shows international students from Walsall College around College.

L e c t u r e r the town hall Shirley Mahony, if he ever paid a return visit. He sall is chosen and which political who attended the event with fel- then presented students with an parties are in power in Walsall. low tutor Sundeep Dhillon, said: engraved pen as a token of the It was a very valuable experi“The Mayor also told students visit. ence and we thank the Mayor he had visited Mecca in Saudi The students were very inter- for taking the time to meet our Arabia and was immediately in- ested in how Local Government students.” vited to visit the students’ homes works, how the Mayor of Wal-

utton Coldfield’s education figurehead, Sir Christopher Stone, received an Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University in recognition of his outstanding services to education.

Currently the Executive Headteacher of The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, Sir Christopher is recognised as an outstanding leader, not only regionally but also nationally and internationally, providing support for fellow Headteachers in both secondary and primary schools.

His inclusion in the New Year’s Honours List in 2013 endorsed his outstanding service to education when he was awarded a Knighthood. He has played a significant role in education across the region, having acted as Chair of the School Improvement Board in Birmingham (2010-2012), which was charged with leading the strategic programme, with the Department for Education, for improving vulnerable schools across the City.

Sir Christopher has worked as a Headteacher Adviser for several Authorities. Between 2005 and 2007 he was a member of the first Specialist Schools & Academies Trust (SSAT) cohort to undertake the Executive Headteachers Programme. 2007 saw him invited to Downing Street to meet the then Prime Minister Tony Blair, in relation to Sir Christopher’s work with Extended Schools.

Sir Christopher is committed to placing the child at the heart of school improvement and his belief in a relentless focus on leadership, learning and teaching helps schools to improve on their previous best. Upon receiving his award, he said: “I am humbled by this Award and deeply thankful to everyone who has helped and supported me along the way. Education has truly set me free.”

He received the award at last month’s Awards Congregation ceremony which celebrated the achievements of students graduating from the Faculty of Education, Law & Social Sciences.

If you haven’t studied for a while and you are worried about taking the first step, we are here to help, with short courses in: Page 32

Construction, Hair & Beauty, Health & CAREERS, RECRUITMENT AND EDUCATION

The Phoenix – April 2014

Social Care, Gardening, Parenting Skills, Photography, Sewing, Setting up your own business, Volunteering. Plus learn how to improve your English Skills.

College Helps Support NHS Recruitment

B

Job Skills ManMany coursesPauline areJones, freeAccount for ManthoseTina onDalzell, benefits ager at Jobcentre Plus, said: ager at Birmingham Metropoliand are offered at convenient locations.

“Our aim by working in partner- tan College, said: “We have put

irmingham Metropolitan College and Jobcentre Plus have worked in partnership with Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust to support local people in preparing for and securing work placements and traineeships at hospitals in West Bromwich and Smethwick.

Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust offer work experience opportunities for people who are unemployed and looking to get back into work. The scheme was promoted across Birmingham and the Black Country by Jobcentre Plus and potential candidates were offered a two week free pre-employment training course through Birmingham Metropolitan College’s Job Skills Shop.

ship with

BMC is to support

over 50 local people through our

help them find long term employment. The innovative NHS Trust work placement scheme provides candidates with a varie-

a variety of modules including developing self, team work, individual rights and responsibilities, preparing for work, healthy living and managing social relationships amongst others. Some of our candidates have been out of work for a long time and some have just left university so it’s a broad mix of people who are looking to get back into employment.

The course prepares them and equips them for interviews, writing CVs and gaining valuable insights into the world of work.”

Red Francis, 21, from Smethwick, had been unemployed for four months after leaving

back into work and equipe:ask@bmetc.ac.uk Job Skills Employability prot:0121 362 1174people w:bmetc.ac.uk them with relevant job skills to gramme taking them through

M AKE T H E BR I GHT CHOICE

ty of opportunities to prepare for interviews and build their confidence through work experience placements which last for eight weeks. Some of them will then have an opportunity to apply for full time work across a range of different departments.”

l From left to right: Tina Dalzell, Angie Seal (Job Skills at Birmingham Metropolitan College), Red

Francis, Elaine Palmer (Jobcentre Plus Advisor) and Pauline Jones (Account Manager, Jobcentre Plus).

university with a Media & Cultural Studies Degree. He was signposted by his Jobcentre Plus advisor to the NHS Trust Work Experience Programme.

He said: “I was struggling to find work because, despite having a degree, I didn’t have any work experience and employers wanted to see evidence that I had some. I completed the

employability training which really helped me focus on what employers are looking for and was lucky enough to be picked for one of the eight week placements in the Eye Care Department at Sandwell Hospital.

I really enjoyed the routine of working and am really pleased to say that I’ve just secured full time work with the NHS Trust

after being interviewed to join their Recruitment Bank.

Without a doubt, the advice and support given to me by Jobcentre Plus and my tutor from Birmingham Metropolitan College on the employability course gave me a great head start to getting into work.”

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The Phoenix – April 2014

Page 33

OVERSEAS NEWS

RIP Veronica St. Louis

V

eronica St. Louis joined the Caribbean Tourism Organization in 1990 when she and Carrole Guntley of Jamaica opened the CTO’s London Office.

For nearly a quarter of a century, Veronica remained

a loyal and faithful servant, not just to the organization, but to its members and partners.

Veronica passed away on Sunday 9 March after a brief illness. The following is a tribute from her colleague and close friend, Johnson JohnRose.

Hi Beautiful, Frankly, I still can't believe you’re gone. I can still feel the sting of your death; I'll feel it for a very, very long time. I simply don't understand how someone so full of life, so energetic can simply die so quickly. I don't understand how someone so helpful, so kind, so lovely can simply pass on like you did. So many encounters left to experience, so many promises that can no longer be kept, so much left to dream.

You were the next best thing we had to an angel here on earth, and I'm sure you're already the top angel in heaven. I can hear the choirs of angels singing, I can hear them making merry. But while there's merriment in heaven, there's mourning here on earth, while there's happiness in heaven, there's hollowness in our hearts here on earth.

While I'm at it, let me say that for all of the times you went out of your way to make me comfortable, for all of the times you offered to take the pressure off me by going beyond the call of duty, for all of the times you admonished me to take care of myself, for all of the times you assured me that "we can't afford to lose you", for being a loving, caring and devoted friend, for all of that I thank you.

I won't tell you to rest in peace because I know you won't rest. You'll be out there ensuring that everything is well with the angels, you'll ensure the choirs are set to sing, you'll pick them up when they're feeling down. Maybe this is why they took you from us, maybe they felt they needed a better angel than they had. Clearly, heaven couldn’t' wait.

Enjoy eternal life, Veronica St. Louis. If I can be just a small fraction as good as you have been, maybe I'll get so see you someday.

Johnson JohnRose

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In order to generate more Puerto Rican visitors to the island of Saint Martin, and in particular to the French side of the island, the Saint Martin Tourism Office has retained the services of Paradigm Associates to effectively promote this attractive destination.

“Paradigm Associates has great firsthand knowledge of our island and all it has to offer to the Puerto Rican visitor as they have

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been working with the Dutch side Tourist Bureau for over 13 years now,” noted Grégoire Dumel, the Regional and Local Manager for the Saint Martin Tourism Office.

At a reception held in March, at la Concha hotel in Puerto Rico, for travel professionals, travel press, top executives of jetBlue and Seaborne Airlines and members of the French community in Puerto Rico, Jeanne RogersVanterpool, Commissioner of Tourism of French Saint Martin, together with her colleagues, Silviane John, General Director of the Office de Tourisme de Saint Martin and Grégoire Dumel, announced important marketing initiatives for the Puerto Rico market in collaboration with the Saint Martin Hotel Association and two strong travel industry partners.

Travel with Sears and Popcorn Tours have created air and land packages especially designed for the Puerto Rico market and will offer these packages through the Travel with Sears retail network, as well as to all travel agents in Puerto Rico through Popcorn Tours, a leading travel wholesaler in the island.

Besides the convenience of one stop vacation shopping, these air and land inclusive packages offer Puerto Rican consumers more significant savings than when air and hotel services are purchased separately.

Tito Mediavilla, President of Travel with Sears, was present at the reception and provided further information on these packages to travel agents attending.

Page 34

The Phoenix – April 2014

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The Phoenix - April 2014

Page 35

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

FA to honour Wharton

Future of women’s sprint doubly assured

W

l Cheriece Hylton

ith 140 personal bests set at the recent British Athletics Indoor Championships, two sisters stood out with performances which saw them finish second and fourth respectively in the 200m final.

Twins, Shannon and Cheriece Hylton, stood out, not just because of their striking resemblance, but because, individually, and as a whole, they made a statement which said that women’s sprinting in Britain is in good hands-or feet.

With a natural affinity for sprinting, which was spotted in them both since primary school, they knew athletics was the track they needed to follow.

Both 17, they set impressive times in the 200metres.

Shannon clocked an impressive 23.24secs., a personal best, whilst sibling, Cheriece, set a personal best time of 23.49s.

Not overwhelmed with their shared arrival on the athletics scene, Shannon said: “I’m so happy. I was on the outside lane so I knew that I had to go out hard as there was no one to chase. I knew on the last bend I just had to push all the way to the line and that’s what I did and I got a PB so I am really happy.”

Cheriece added: “I was really happy with how I ran so close to 23 seconds but I was really happy. The 400metres is my main event so if I do run a 23 second 200m I will be really happy.”

With the outdoor season fast approaching, Shannon added: “We got picked up in primary school people said we ought to go down to the track, which we did, and since then, haven’t looked back.

We have a great balance with our A Levels and it’s fantastic.

For the outdoors, we’d like to go to the World Championships and keep getting personal bests.”

l Shannon Hylton

Sports association scores major milestone

A

sports association which helped launch the careers of Olympic stars such as Denise Lewis and Tessa Sanderson is celebrating its 40th birthday this year.

And WASPS (Wolverhampton Association for Sport in Primary Schools) are marking the occasion with commemorative medals and plaques made to present to each participating school.

Established in 1974 with the aim of organising competitive sport across the city, the tradition has continued ever since.

A Wolves City football team, featuring youngsters from across the city, played a special match to mark the anniversary against

Moorcroft Wood Primary School in Darlaston. It was chosen as the venue because the first ever match that took place featuring Wolverhampton City boys playing Walsall Boys 50 years ago was held there.

A milestone will also be marked at Aldersley Leisure Village, in June, when Athletics heats will take place.

WASPS is managed by teachers who meet termly, in their own time, to organise competition in many sports including football, tag rugby, cricket, netball, rounders, athletics and swimming.

WCCC launch city name for NatWest t20 Blast

W

arwickshire County Cricket Club launched their new name for the coming NatWest t20 Blast tournament with the team, sporting the new look for their new name.

Birmingham Bears will be carrying the name of the city, exclusively for the competition, which starts on Friday, May 23.

NatWest t20 Blast is the new, revamped format for the competition which will see the Bears play seven matches at their Edgbaston home, five of which is scheduled for Friday evening.

Warwickshire Chief Executive, Colin Povey, said: “We believe that by carrying the name of the city for the NatWest t20 Blast creates a great opportunity

for us to engage even more with our fans who live in and around Edgbaston and the heart of the city.

Asian families and people working in Birmingham’s commercial districts and local cricket clubs are just three particular audiences we are targeting.”

Warwickshire County Cricket Club has also secured a new three-year partnership with Birmingham City University to be the Club's first Official University Partner for at least the next three years.

The Bears begin their campaign at home to Yorkshire, Vikings and face local rivals, Worcestershire in July.

This year’s NatWest t20 Blast Finals Day takes place at Edgbaston in August.

T

he Football Association is to honour Arthur Wharton, the world’s first Black professional footballer, with a statue at the National Football Centre at St George’s Park in Burton-upon-Trent.

The Arthur Wharton Foundation, in collaboration with the FA, will unveil the Vivien Mallock designed 16ft bronze fullscale statue of Ghanaian-born Wharton on the grounds of the facility, which is also home to The FA’s coach education department, FA Learning.

The figure will be flanked by

education materials supplied by the Arthur Wharton Foundation and Sheffield-based Football Unites, Racism Divides (FURD) project.

A second statue is due to be erected at the New York Stadium, home of Rotherham United, Wharton’s first professional club.

From Accra, goalkeeping hero Wharton moved to England in 1882 before playing for Darlington, plus Rotherham, Preston North End, and Sheffield United.

One of sport’s early pioneers and trailblazers he was also a professional cricketer, rugby player and cycling champion.

Major Milestone - Page 35

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heels for Change, the cycling challenge that will help to turn young lives around and is supported by Barclays, will see seven 100km cycling rides taking place simultaneously on Saturday May 24.

With Wheels for Change, the money you raise will go to UNICEF. With your help, UNICEF will focus the funds on transforming the futures of disadvantaged young people around the world, helping them to turn their business dreams into reality.

The event will provide local sports fans with a fantastic challenge, as well as the opportunity to raise funds for UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s organisation.

Multiple Olympic track cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy has got

behind the Wheels for Change cycling challenge. He said: “As a UNICEF UK Ambassador, I’m proud to support Wheels for Change.

Cycling transformed my life and now through this fundraising event we have the chance to help transform the lives of disadvantaged young people across the world, to turn their business dreams into a reality.”

Money raised will have a hugely positive impact on some of the world’s most disadvantaged young people - what better reason for your readers to get on their bike.

With your help, UNICEF will focus the funds on transforming the futures of disadvantaged young people around the world, helping them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Local students climb their way up the league

A

ston Villa FC coached the next generation of young business minds, through a unique partnership with Birmingham City University’s Business School.

Players Nathan Baker and Antonio Luna recently took their place on the Dragon’s Den style panel at Birmingham City University, where local school chil-

dren pitched their business ideas for a chance to win £200 worth of ‘seed’ funding.

Local pupils, between the age of 14-16, spent months brainstorming ideas for a social enterprise business, with the help of Birmingham City University Business School students and mentors Adam Freeman, Martina Aleksieva and Joshua Bentley.

Business ideas on the day included a hospital radio station raising money through advertising slots; a baking product company whose proceeds would go to help tackling homelessness in the Midlands; ‘Smooth Shakes’ a beverage company helping in the fight against obesity; and a fitness programme for youngsters which would partner with Aston Villa to help encourage

youngsters to be more active.

Having impressed members on the judging panel, which included football stars, academics and university students, each team that took part in the business challenge received a cheque from Aston Villa to help pupils bring their ideas to fruition.