The Phoenix Newspaper April 2016

MoneyGram & Post Office Celebrate 20 Years of Partnership and 20 Million transactions - See Page 6

APRIL 2016

Connecting Communities - Inspiring a New Generation

Signature Awards Pages 30-31

Virgin Atlantic Caribbean Evening - Page 42

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l Speakers and Delegates from CAS2016 alongside keynote speaker HE Solomon Dalong, Minister for Youth and Sports for Nigeria, Marcia McLaughlin, Founder/CEO of The Phoenix Newspaper, Dayo Israel CEO of GleeHD Foundation, Paul Ramsey of McDonald’s and Paul Harrison of PK Media

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Page 2

NEWS

Tributes flood in for late Sandwell Council Leader Councillor Darren Cooper

0121 339 5885 advertising @thephoenixnewspaper.com Contact us with your details, as well as the details of the advertisement, and one of our team will get in touch with you as soon as possible to secure your place in the paper.

l Councillor Darren Cooper, Leader of the Sandwell City Council

The Phoenix – April 2016

T

he sad news came after Deputy Leader Councillor Steve Eling announced "It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of the leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Darren Cooper who died last night.”

“This is of course a terrible shock to everyone who knew Darren. He was hugely liked and respected by both his colleagues at the council and the constituents who he was dedicated to serving."

“Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife and family and we ask on their behalf that their privacy be respected at this extremely sad and difficult time.”

Tributes have been paid for the father of three, including former Labour Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

Tributes were today pouring in for the 52-year-old, married father of three, who died yesterday.

Tony Blair said: “Darren Cooper was one of Labour’s most committed and passionate local government leaders of the last twenty years and stood resolute in his support for the people of Sandwell.”

“A long-serving councillor, he worked diligently to implement Labour’s core values of social justice and equality of opportun-

ity despite the huge challenges faced by local government over the last few years. My deepest sympathies are with Darren’s family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time.”

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown added: "Like many I am shocked at the sudden death of Councillor Darren Cooper.”

“He had an outstanding record of public service which was recognised across the country and his work for the people of Sandwell will be sorely missed.

Our thoughts are with his family."

Birmingham City Council Leader, Councillor John Clancy mused: “I was heartbroken to hear this morning about Darren’s passing away.”

“I deeply valued his personal friendship and his steadfast personal support over many years.

He was someone who I could go to for advice about anything and he’d give it with wisdom, humour and realism.”

“I have lost a great friend.

Sandwell has lost one its great sons, and Birmingham has lost one of its great allies. We all feel lost today.”

“The political and economic life of the West Midlands are also much the poorer for his passing.

My thoughts and prayers are with Karen and the family: my heart goes out to them this Easter."

Eighth wonder, Willard, brings rock legend, Noddy, down to ‘micro’ size

I

t was a homecoming for internationally renowned micro-sculptor, Willard Wigan MBE, with an exhibition of some of his incredibly unique works, as well as a special tribute to a Black Country legend.

Held at the Light House Media Centre, in the city’s Chubb Buildings, the Wednesfield-born phenomenon took especially great pleasure in his latest work, a sculpture of rock legend and former Slade frontman, Noddy Holder, only visible through a mi-

l Willard Wigan on stage at the Light House

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In front of a live, packed theatre, he was able to talk about his life growing up in the area, the ‘eureka moment,’ when his first creation was a ‘house’ which he made for an ant; “It began when I was five years old,” he said. “I started making houses for ants because I thought they needed somewhere to live. Then I made them shoes and hats. It was a fantasy world I escaped to. That’s how my career as a micro-sculptor began.”

His micro-sculptures are now so minute that they are only visible through a microscope. Each piece commonly sits within the eye of a needle, or on a pin head.

He highlighted the personal sacrifices involved in creating such unbelievably minute pieces of never-before-seen works.

Willard talked about how he enters a meditative state in which his heartbeat is slowed, allowing him to reduce hand tremors and

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l Willard Wigan MBE with former Slade frontman Noddy Holder in front of a magnified version of his latest creation sculpt between pulse beats. Even the reverberation caused by outside traffic can affect his work, so he often works through the night when there is minimal disruption.

The artist, called ‘The 8th Wonder of the World,’ creates minute pieces of art which are displayed and viewed through microscopes.

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He often creates sculptures in the eye of a needle or on the head of a pin, and his following is worldwide, with exhibitions attracting visitors in their thousands.

Reflecting on his view of the region, he said; “Incredible beauty and creativity is all around us, but that because of the Black Coun-

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try’s natural modest nature, it sometimes needs to be discovered and highlighted.”

The exhibition, at the Chubb Buildings, will run until May 2, with a Business Event linked to the exhibition with talks, event planning info and a fabulous showcase.

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The Phoenix – April 2016

Headteacher speaks of pride at OBE award

A

Headteacher who was given the OBE in recognition of services to education dedicated the award to staff, parents and pupils at her schools.

Georgetta Holloway received her OBE for her services over the last 20 years – in particular the role she has played at the Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rated Heath Park School who recently moved into state-of-the-art accommodation created as part of the City of Wolverhampton Council’s £270m Building Schools for the Future programme.

Executive Headteacher at Heath Park and Moseley Park schools, Georgetta, said: “I was overwhelmed to be given this award, and at the same time immensely proud.

It is recognition of everything that Heath Park has achieved over recent years – but these achievements are not the result of one single person’s efforts and endeavours and instead are down to the collective hard work and commitment of everyone connected with the school; the staff, the parents, the community we serve and especially our young people.”

She added: “The Investiture at Buckingham Palace was a truly wonderful experience, meeting others and hearing about their courageous and inspirational work.

To be honoured for my work is fantastic but I feel equally honoured every day to be Executive Headteacher at Heath Park and Moseley Park – our young people are amazing.”

Councillor Claire Darke, the City of Wolverhampton Coun-

Page 3

NEWS

cil’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This honour is well deserved and testament to the dedication she has shown to the young people of Wolverhampton over the past two decades.”

Georgetta, who was born and raised in Bradford, started teaching at Heath Park in 1995 and became headteacher there in 2008.

She is also director of the Central Learning Partnership

T r u s t , the academy sponsor of Heath Park and Moseley Park, which is also responsible for Westcroft Sports and Applied Learning College, Wolverhampton Vocational Training College, Woden Primary School and three primary schools in Rotherham.

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Page 4

THE FULL MONTI - ADVERTORIAL

The Phoenix – April 2016

The Full Monti Invades The UK F

resh off the platform of the Taliah Waajid Stage at the USA’s largest and longest running International natural hair show, comes Lamont Morris, (AKA) Full Monti of Natural Hair; celebrity stylist for Nicki Minaj, Butta B Rocka and Mabeline’s Jessica White.

He will be in the UK at the end of April to share his skills, tips and knowledge over two full days with the 40 lucky people who book a place in his class.

His training is unique, intense and fun. Participants will learn the latest natural hair styling skills and techniques.

Classes are ‘all hands on’ and will run for beginners/intermediates as well as for advanced/professionals.

With a growing demand for natural hair styling, completers of the course should be able to offer their services straight away.

The event recognises a growing and renewed interest by Black/ African women to ‘Return to their Roots’ for cultural, spiritual, political, personal, practical, health and well-being reasons.

This event celebrates Black/

African culture and heritage of which hair plays a large part.

More and more women are remembering, reclaiming and redefining what it means to be a black/ African woman in the diaspora, rejecting outdated destructive definitions of beauty.

The Full Monti of Natural Hair Boot-Camp will take place from 29h April – 1st May in Birmingham with a range of additional activities such as ‘hands on’ mini workshops, live demonstrations, fashion show and Question Time.

A day pass for Saturday/Sunday will give you the opportunity to shop and find out about the latest natural hair and beauty products available.

The market place will showcase a range of amazing stalls promoting and selling natural hair and beauty products, African fashion, wraps, jewellery, and much more.

The organiser working in partnership with Monti to bring this event to Birmingham is Khembe Clarke who has over 35 years’ experience as a natural hair stylist now specialising in loc starts and maintenance.

She is tapping into Black women’s yearning to not only return to natural but confidently manage and ‘rock’ their natural hair in whatever shape or form: twist outs, braids,

crochet styles, afros, locs…..

Khembe was herself trained by Taliah Waajid fifteen years ago.

She attended her International Natural Hair Show, in Atlanta, last summer (the largest of its kind) and witnessed thousands and thousands of women proudly expressing their love for their natural tresses and was so inspired vowed to bring a similar opportunity to the UK for women to celebrate their natural tresses and be proud of what has been for some, a ‘head of shame’.

Particularly, for those who accepted the lie that their hair was not quite ‘good enough’ or that they had ‘bad’ hair.

“There’s a real movement back to natural,” she says.

“Women are now realizing the immense damage harsh chemically based relaxers, perms and hair products are doing/ have done to their hair and scalp.”

“And to have Lamont Morris, AKA The Full Monti visit the UK, is a very special, unique

and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people here, to benefit from his knowledge and experience right here.”

Khembe herself began her journey at the age of 15 creating beautiful natural hair styles for family and friends before starting her hair business at seventeen which quickly blossomed into a thriving business alongside her other business pursuits.

Over the past 5 years she has organised a series of hair events entitled ‘Return to your Roots,’ staged in Birmingham.

She now says, ‘I am really excited and privileged to be working in partnership with Lamont Morris to stage The Full Monti Natural Hair Boot camp.

‘Transforming the way women look and feel’ is her mantra as she believes, all women are beautiful but sometimes need encouragement and support to see the natural beauty in themselves.

The event falls within the fourth Annual Natural Hair Week, celebrating natural hair and beauty across the UK, from 7th April – 2nd May. She would also like to thank the following businesses for their support in sponsoring a training place for participants on the Beginners programme: Cleone Foods, Amity Properties, AKD Solutions and Liberty House Cares and The Phoenix Newspaper (confirmed sponsors at the time of printing).

It’s not too late to sponsor a training place if you are a business and interested, Khembe would like to hear from you.

The Phoenix – April 2016

Page 5

ADVERTORIAL - THE FULL MONTI

Loving your natural hair? Looking for the right information and guidance on how to manage your natural hair?

Well look no further!

Friday 29th April - 7pm

Meet & Greet evening with The Full Monti of Natural Hair Cost £20.00 + VAT (£25 on the door) Find out all you need to know about natural haircare.

Get your questions answered by the expert - discussion, question and answer format.

Saturday 30th April - 7pm African Fashion Show & Panel - Question Time £10 Adults, £5 (under 12s)

Discussing the politics of natural hair. Why are more women choosing to go natural? Do men find women with natural hair attractive?

Whose concept of beauty are we subscribing to? And more…

The Full Monti Specialist Classes If you are interested in securing a place you must book prior to the event either by contacting – 07886 305 842 or by visiting: http://fullmonti.eventbrite.co.uk

Saturday 30th April 2016 10am - 4pm Beginners/Intermediate Want to learn natural hairdressing skills & techniques and earn full/parttime income? Want to improve your natural hairdressing skills?

Then this class is for you: Hair Variables™, proper take down and hair prep, shampoo and conditioning, blow drying, product use, Natural hair braiding, twisting, cornrows, flat-twist, loc starts and touch ups, colouring, pressing, haircare at home and much more....

Sunday 1st May 2016 Advanced/Professional Practioners Turning away clients with natural hair? Want to grow your client base by extending your service offer?

Then this class is for you: all beginner/intermediate techniques (just a refresher nothing extensive), Two Strand Twist w/Extensions hair, flat twist, silky flat twist, Senegalese twists, tree braids, Interlocking, Loc extensions, and finishing techniques for braids As well as twists, extension styles, properly sealing the ends of extension styles, bridge building for thinning areas, overnight care and much more……

Take your business to the next level: marketing and business information

For more information contact: Khembe Clarke Tel: 07886305842 or Email : info@khembes.com

www.khembes.com

All day Saturday/Sunday: 10am – 5pm £10 for Adults (under 12s free) Browse some amazing stalls: African clothes/fabrics, Jewellery, books, hair and beauty products, massage therapy, health and wellbeing and much more...

Free Mini workshops: information and demonstrations: Including: taking care of your child’s hair, introduction to cane-rowing and braiding for all ages, knots and kinks hair care.

Information on maintaining healthy locs, achieving a great looking make-over, great hair starts with great health and nutrition, women in business and much more...

http://fullmonti.eventbrite.co.uk

Page 6

MONEYGRAM AND POST OFFICE CELEBRATIONS

The Phoenix – April 2016

MoneyGram and Post Office launch new services

G

lobal money transfer provider and payment services, MoneyGram and Post Office Limited celebrated a milestone in their successful long-standing business alliance by marking their 20-year relationship and their 20-millionth money transfer transaction at a ceremony at London's British Museum.

As part of the celebration, the partners also introduced a new "MoneyGram Plus" card program to enhance the customer experience, saving time and making transactions even more convenient.

"MoneyGram Plus" allows both the sender and receiver information to be stored in the MoneyGram system, thereby simplifying the process for repeat transactions.

Serves over 17 million people a week, the Post Office has been an agent for MoneyGram since 1996, providing money transfer services in more than 11,500 branch locations across the UK. In celebrating 20–year of partnership, a new MoneyGram Plus” card program was introduced, designed to enhance the customer experience, saving time and making transactions even more convenient.

MoneyGram's Executive Chair, Pam Patsley, was on hand and said; "This is a significant milestone and a very proud moment for all of us at MoneyGram.

The 20-year business relationship we are celebrating today is a testament to the strength of a shared commitment MoneyGram and the Post Office have to each other and most importantly to our customers."

She went on to say; "We are excited to continue working closely with the Post Office to provide customers with simple and convenient access to financial services they depend on and trust."

Chief Executive of the Post Office, Paula Vennells, said; "We are delighted to be part of the new service launch on the same day as we celebrate our 20-millionth transaction together.

Through our successful 20-year relationship with MoneyGram, we have made sending or receiving money around the world easier and, with the introduction of new services, this will get even easier."

Post Office is the largest UK retail

network with extensive operating hours and over 3,000 branches open seven days a week making it convenient for MoneyGram customers to access a wide range of services at a time that suits them.

Nick Kennet, the Post Office’s Group Director of Financial Services said “It’s great to know that 20 million have used MoneyGram with us. We are in every community throughout

the world. The Post Office’s convenience is vital for us."

Peter Ohser, EVP (Business Development) for MoneyGram, America and Europe, highlighted the advantage of using the new MoneyGram Plus service; "It’s a simple and effective card to use which is exclusive to the Post Office and is easy to track transfers as you can send direct to accounts."

MoneyGram Plus allows both the sender and receiver information to be stored in the MoneyGram system, thereby simplifying the process for repeat transactions.”

There were also celebrations for the vast growth of the Mobile Wallet service in Africa – the largest subscribers of the service.

"The need for our services is not diminishing," said Pam. According to the World Bank, the UK is home to nearly 8 million immigrants. The biggest diaspora groups moved to the country from India, Poland, Pakistan and the Republic of Ireland. The World Bank data reveals that in 2014, an estimated $2.5 billion USD was sent from the UK and $1.8 billion USD flowed into the country.

l Chief Executive of the Post Office, Paula Vennells and MoneyGram’s Executive Chair, Pam Patsley exchanged trophies to celebrate 20 years of partnership and 20 million transactions.

l

Panellists answered questions on the partnership

l Chief Executive of the Post Office, Paula Vennells and MoneyGram’s Executive Chair, Pam Patsley helped celebrate 20 years of partnership and 20 million transactions.

l Peter Ohser, EVP (Business Development) for MoneyGram, America and Europe

l Nick Kennet, the Post Office’s Group Director of Financial Services

Send money

The Phoenix – April 2016

to Jamaica from only

£2.5

*

moneygram.co.uk 0800 026 0535

0815-81779

Send at:

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*In addition to the transfer fee applicable to a transaction, a currency exchange rate set by MoneyGram or its agent will be applied. £2.50 fee applies for sends up to £100 via the next day service, collection after 7am. Post Office, Thomas Cook, The Co-operative Travel and Tesco Personal Finance PLC are agents of MoneyGram International Limited in the provision of money transfer services. MoneyGram, The Globe and MoneyGram Bringing You Closer are trademarks of MoneyGram International Limited. Post Office and the Post Office logo are registered trademarks of Post Office Limited. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. MoneyGram International Limited is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority. ©2015 MoneyGram.

Page 7

Page 8

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT - PROMOTING EXCELLENCE

The Phoenix – April 2016

g n i t o Prom xcellence E As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting the positive and inspirational individuals and organisations in our communities, The Phoenix Newspaper presents Promoting Excellence - a closer look at our role models, entrepreneurs, community figures and success stories.

Childrens books Y aim to inspire young people into alternative professions

oung children are being encouraged to think about a career in plumbing in a new book for three

l Nuno Lourinho,Yu-Lin Fang,Yu Tang and Mark Esling

BCU students challenged to find the future beneath their feet by Saint-Gobain PAM

T

he manhole cover and drain beneath your feet could receive a makeover as students from Birmingham City University aim to develop its design and/or function as part of a joint collaboration project with Saint-Gobain PAM UK, the premier supplier of ductile iron and cast iron products to the UK's key utilities, telecoms, highways, civil engineering, construction and housing companies.

MA Product Design and Design Visualisation students will be tasked to come up with solutions to address both design and function and explore how such products might help solve infrastructure challenges such as pollution, flooding or increasing population density which could result in water supply or traffic management problems.

Commenting on the collabor-

ation with BCU, Saint-Gobain PAM’s Mark Esling said: “As a company we are committed to innovation and this project enables us to look beyond our current research and development.

Our challenge is to consider our environment and how we can help make a sustainable habitat for the future.

We already explore how we can reduce our carbon footprint as an organisation, but we must also address how to be proactive in how we shape our living environment.

By partnering with Birmingham City University we can access fresh thinking and talent and get the chance to look at things from a different perspective.

The university is well known for product design and its MA courses attract some of the brightest minds in this area, so we couldn’t ask for a better partner”.

l Kerrine Bryan and Jason Bryan w

“It is also very important for us as a company to support the future of research and development in engineering and attract the people who will make a difference in years to come.”

MA Product Design Course Director at Birmingham City University, Nuno Lourinho, said: “We have a strong tradition of working closely with industry partners.

Our students really benefit from such collaboration as they can engage with and understand industry needs and working processes. It gives them a real advantage when they qualify and seek employment.”

The project is being run as part of the students’ Masters degree and as a competition with the winner receiving a £1000 prize. They will also have the opportunity to see their design developed as a prototype. l Proud Parents: Niah Stewart and Barbara Matthew with daughter Talisha Matthew following her graduating in BA Journalism at Coventry University

To Advertise - Telephone : 0121 339 5885 or email us : advertising@thephoenixnewspaper.com

The Phoenix – April 2016

with My Mummy Is A Plumber

tional accreditation scheme for plumbers which promotes best practice in the industry.

Butterfly Books aims to raise awareness of future careers for children at a young age to help reduce skills shortages and promote more traditional male jobs to young women.

Julie Spinks, of WaterSafe, said: “We were delighted to work with the authors on the ‘My Mummy is a Plumber’ book which shows how she saves the day to tackle burst water pipes and overflowing toilets.

WaterSafe is keen to support young people coming into plumbing, particularly through apprentice schemes, and this books supports our own campaign, Get Girls Plumbing, to encourage more women to consider plumbing as a career.”

Butterfly Books has already released ‘My Mummy is an Engineer’ and is also working on ‘My Mummy is a Scientist’. A ‘My Daddy’ series is due to follow.

Author Kerrine Bryan, said: “We hope that the books will educate children on the world of work, and the wider range of careers open to them. In creating My Mummy is a Plumber we also learnt a bit about basic plumbing too.”

Value of apprenticeships in the construction sector

A

survey of over 1000 employers in the construction sector was carried out to coincide with National Apprentice week.

Apprentices are not only vital to the sector as a whole but also provide real benefits to the companies that employ them, which is shown clearly by the responses in this survey. Out of all the employ-

Page 9

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT - PROMOTING EXCELLENCE

W

to seven-year-olds called ‘My Mummy is a Plumber.’

The book has been published

by Butterfly Books, in collaboration with WaterSafe, the na-

ers interviewed, 75% said that apprentices provided skilled workers for the company going forward, 35% reported that the apprentices had already made their business more productive and 14% said that hiring an apprentice had directly and positively impacted upon their profits. Perhaps most interesting is that almost one quarter of respondents feel that having an apprentice

Nicola setting the ‘tone’ in world of fashion

olverhampton-born Nicola Smith epitomises everything you look for, and expect, in a generation often blighted with ill-received publicity.

The 22-year-old garnishes a 1st Class Honours degree, in Law with Business, at Nottingham Trent University, which has laid the perfect foundations for her to fulfil her burning ambition and start her own business.

She has started on her first tentative steps by setting-up her business in fashion and creating ‘nude-tone’ clothing, especially dresses, ideal for women of colour.

A new concept in the fastpaced world of haute couture, for Nicola, it was a natural progression in life as; "Setting up this business was something I had always aimed to do," she said.

"After years of looking for clothing ideally suited to my complexion, this was born out of the issues I faced in too many fashion stores, up and down too many High Streets."

A workaholic, the former student of St. Edmunds RC school, in her hometown and later, St. Thomas More, in Willenhall, Walsall, with in-hand, she gained a scholarship, to do her Masters in Business Management, again at Nottingham, before taking up work experience with national law firm, Freeth Solicitors.

"I prefer the business side of Commercial Law," she said.

And later, she was assigned to bringing greater standards to education in Great Britain, by the British Standards Institute.

With a special Virgin Loan due the driven Nicola is ready to get her e-commerce store, aimed at the 21-35 year old market, up and running.

"Every day brings great progress for my business," she says. "Then, after the dresses, I will be focusing on other lines of clothing for the mass market." l

on their staff looked good to clients.

Almost half of those who were interested in hiring an apprentice admitted they did not know where to start. On top of this, over 1/3rd of employers who have not yet hired an apprentice are unaware that grants are available.

This survey is part of a campaign

by Power Tool World to promote the value of apprenticeships across the sector, in response to the urgent need for young people to help fill the expected 230,000 jobs to be created in construction over the next four years.

Chris Guy, Managing Director of Power Tool World, said “You can see from the results of this survey how important apprenticeships are to the construction industry and that there is still work needed to raise awareness and educate the industry.

We’re taking any opportunity to do our bit to promote the scheme to young people and employers on the many benefits of apprenticeships.”

Nicola Smith

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Have you got something to say? Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 10

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

A

s he continues to send defenders into a stir, on the pitch, Liverpool striker, Daniel Sturridge, is embarking on a ‘stir’ of a different kind – in the kitchen.

The England international is set to bring out a new range of cooking sauces inspired by his family's Caribbean roots.

26-year-old Daniel, who is banging in the goals again, after his lengthy injury lay-off, is taking the inspiration of his mother’s culinary genius by introducing a new range of 'Sturr Crazy' sauce on his website.

Following the popularity of his mother, Grace’s, cooking at their annual summer party the goal-scoring superstar was convinced that the general public should share in the family secret.

Sturridge said: "Our family always enjoyed meals together, and still do.

The reaction of guests tasting mum's especially unique sauces for the first time made it clear that it wasn't just me who thought they were amazing.

We are working on getting it out there, to the mass public, and aiming to get Sturr Crazy into store, nationwide, very soon."

Perhaps it could be England’s ‘secret weapon,’ in the European Championships, in France, this summer.

England striker, Daniel, ‘Sturring’ it up in the kitchen

Leadership Excellence

with Dr Neslyn Watson-Druée CBE FCGLI FRCN

I l Daniel Sturridge with mother Grace

The Phoenix – April 2016

n my last column I introduced leadership excellence. In this column I continue the theme of excellence by sharing with you five practices that adds to leadership excellence.

I will also share with you the importance of your awareness that as a leader you are hosting leadership. So, it is important for you to be aware of your daily practices in how you are leading.

Jim Rohn, the great American Philosopher said: “Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day, while failure is simply a few errors in judgement, repeated everyday.”

“It is the accumulative weight of our disciplines and our judgements that leads us to either fortune or failure.”

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way. - John Maxwell

Leadership Excellence – Five Practices Practice 1 - Value your team(s).

Your leadership requires you to inspire, empower and unite people.

You are creating a culture that is exciting, value driven, effective, fun and worthwhile in your enterprise. So the value you have for your team is essential.

Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel.

If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish. - Sam Walton

Practice 2 - Show courage.

To be an even more excellent leader, you need to be courageous; you sometimes need to go down the untravelled path.

The world’s excellent leaders act courageously in facing their challenges and in chasing their dreams.

By courage I mean the ability to

face down those imaginary fears and reclaim the far more powerful life that you’ve denied yourself.

Imagine if you will, you being courageous. “The original definition of ‘courage’ is from the Latin word ‘cor,’ meaning ‘heart.’

The earliest definition was to show you who you are by telling your story with your whole heart.

What is it that keeps you from being courageous?

You sometimes hold back from taking the courageous path because of fear. So let me ask you some questions: • Where in your life and business do you need to be courageous?

• Are there storms in your business, work or personal life that need to be anchored?

• Do you have the courage to follow your intuition?

• Do you have the courage to be adaptable and to let your creativity shine?

Leading your business and your life requires courage. Yet you may not be achieving your full potential because of fear. Marianne Williamson says: “Our Deepest Fear - is not that we are inadequate... Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”

“It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?”

“Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.”

“We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.”

“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

- A Return To Love’ (1992) by Marianne Williamson

Why is it important to have courage?

Courage is the key to excellent leadership. Excellent leaders demonstrate bold reasoned judgment, spirited but calculated risk-taking and a confident reflective disposition.

From my studies of leadership and my lived experience of leading in complex environments, I have found that courage is the most important virtue of leadership.

Aristotle called courage the first virtue, because it makes all other virtue possible both in business and in life.

Leadership requires you to make bold and often unpopular decisions. Leadership takes courage. Innovation involves creating ground-breaking but tradition-defying ideas.

Innovation takes courage. Sales requires being repeatedly rejected before closing a deal. Sales takes courage. Take away courage, and sales, innovation and leadership lose their potency.

“And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” - Steve Jobs, Stanford commencement speech, June 2005 There are times when you may find that you allow fear to rob you of your courage.

Fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of going broke, fear of being alone, fear of humiliation, fear of public speaking, fear of being ostracized by family and friends, fear of physical discomfort, fear of regret and fear of success.

• How many of these fears are holding you back?

• How would you live if you had no fear at all?

• You’d still have your intelligence and common sense to safely navigate around any real dangers, but without feeling the emotion of fear, would you be more willing to take risks, especially when the worst case wouldn’t actually hurt you at all?

• Would you speak up more often, talk to more strangers, ask for more sales, dive headlong into

The Phoenix – April 2016

those ambitious projects you’ve been dreaming about?

• What if you even learned to enjoy the things you currently fear?

• What kind of difference would that make in your life?

You are more likely to demonstrate your courage if you are able to control fear. Oftentimes fear is misunderstood.

Fear is important in signaling to you that an issue is important. Yet if you become paralyzed by fear, you procrastinate and take no action.

Unchecked fear then becomes disabling because excessive fear closes down your solar plexus, which is a close network of nerves with connecting tissue at the bottom of your rib cage.

The solar plexus is sometimes referred to as the sun of the body so if your sun is closed down, you will not shine.

The first step in your journey to leadership starts with courage. The voice of your experience can be a catalyst and inspiration to others.

Within your life or within your business, is there a catastrophe waiting to happen because you lack the courage to do the right thing?

“It takes courage ... to endure the sharp pains of self-discovery rather than choose to take the dull pain of unconsciousness that would last the rest of our lives.”

- Marianne Williamson, “Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of ‘A Course in Miracles Being bold in the face of uncertainty will help give your people courage and motivate them to keep striving when the going gets tough.

Leading with courage goes hand in hand with leading with character and when your leadership is rooted in character, your lead-

ership matters because it reflects your integrity.

“You don’t lead by pointing and telling people some place to go.

You lead by going to that place and making a case.” - Ken Kesey

Practice 3 - Be a trailblazer.

Excellent and outstanding leaders are trailblazers, navigating the path for others to follow. Excellent leaders, however, encourage their people to climb higher, inspire people to be their best, dream bigger, and achieve greater.

An even more important leadership skill you can develop as a leader is the ability to provide inspiration to your people.

Trailblazers empower others and when you lead with empowerment, you will instil confidence in others and empowered people take ownership of their work.

Practice 4 - Listen to People.

Your people are your greatest resource; listen to their feedback and encourage their dreams. You never know where your next great idea will come from, so empower everyone up and down the corporate ladder to contribute and innovate.

“To lead people, walk behind them.” - Lao Tzu

Practice 5 - Lead with communication.

Listen to people and seek to understand the issues, understand what is needed for innovation, what is working well, what is not working, how resources can be better utilized and harnessed.

Effective communication is base of all relationship building. An excellent leader and a master communicator not only has the mastery over the functional skills of

communication but also mastery of personal qualities such as interpersonal communication which involves interaction between persons. An effective communicator always adapts to global audiences.

The quality of your communication equals the quality of your life and when your communication is vivid and real in such ways that your communication generate possibilities, design opportunities and move your commitments to fulfillment, in that space you have access to your power and the ability to create.

Your listening host the depth, breadth and impact of the communication.

When you invest time in listening to people’s concerns and ideas you fuel your leadership with communication because you remember that communication is a two way process.

In so doing you are also leading with recognition, valuing and treating people the way that makes them feel valued; as well as leading with connecting for when you surround yourself with quality connection to people and you invest time in building genuine relationships, you then extend your leadership beyond your personal strengths.

Most people to whom we talk do not want to listen, usually because: • They think they have something better to say • They already have the answer to what they know to be the problem • They have no reason or motive to listen • They do not like us or what we represent or what we have to say • They comprehend more quickly than we can speak • They are filtering the message • They are thinking about what they are going to say next • Talking is ‘action’ listening is ‘inactive’ (Assumption good managers take action) • They are distracted or they have more immediate problems Occasionally, some listening occurs, usually because: • The speaker is liked or admired • The speaker has something to say • There are rewards or punishment involved • A response might be expected • The speaker might say something which can be used later • There are no other distractions

Page 11

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

• The listener is consciously trying to listen I invite you to listen: • Listen to what is being said • Listen to how the communication is delivered - in other word to how something is said?

Understanding how to practice good communication in your business, your day-to-day life, among friends, family, and significant others, is important for a number of reasons.

Good communication fosters good self-esteem, maximize productivity, improving relationships, being an even better leader and even becoming a better speaker.

At this point I will share with you five fundamental communication practice of excellent leaders.

They mind what they say.

They only say what is necessary, they are congruent with what they say - their actions align with their words.

They know that it is better to say nothing or delay communication until they are confident that their actions will ring true.

come through your communication, another person’s voice may be more eloquent and it is not your own.

People want you to be real and they respect you when you are real. People follow you

when you are real. Avoid disguising who you are, be genuine and people will respect you for being genuine.

• Great leaders are visible. Visibility is about engaging with people and your stakeholders so that they get a feel of who you are and what you care about.

Theodore Roosevelt Quote is pertinent here - “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

I want you to really get this: Although e-communication serves a valuable purpose, it is no substitute for dialogue voice-to-voice communication and face-to-face communication.

They make the complex simple.

We are in an information age when people are bombarded with information and hence simplicity never been more powerful or necessary.

Great leaders distill complex thoughts and strategies into simple, memorable terms that people can grasp and act upon.

Be clear and be on alert for technical jargon and business speak both of which adds complexity.

Say what you mean in as few words as possible.

Great leaders speak with their own voice.

It is essential that you find your own voice, it is about your authenticity - You may wish to follow-up this aspect in my book, Authentic Choice: Be You. Great leaders use language that is distinctly their own. So the insight for you is to let your values

I want you to grasp that in today’s environment, people are often burned out and need to feel personal connection to you and the work that you believe in.

Manage your diary and ensure that you are engaging with people, show people that you are engaged and that you care about them and the contribution they are making to your business.

Great leaders listen with their eyes as well as their ears.

They practice the habit of stop, look and listen. They know that effective communication is a two way process and they know how to ask engaging questions and then listen with their eyes and ears.

In this regard the insight is that it is easy to be very focused on getting your message out, or persuading others and you miss tuning into what you see and hear.

You need to read between the lines, listen to what is being said as well as what is not being said.

Listen for the question that is not being asked. Listen and hear what is coming back to you.

Look for the non-verbal cues.

Sometimes a person’s body language will tell you all you need to know. It is well reported in psychology and communication literature that nonverbal cues and language accounts for 55% of our communication message, tone of voice - how we say the words accounts for 38% of the communication message and words - what is actually said accounts for 7% of the communication message.

Excellent leaders are exceptional communicators. Communication is the real work of leadership. It’s a fundamental element of how leaders accomplish their goals each and every day. You simply can’t become an excellent leader until you are a great communicator. reat communicators inspire people. They create a connection with their followers that is real, emotional, and personal regardless of any physical distance between them.

Great communicators forge this connection through an understanding of people and an ability to speak directly to their needs in a manner that they are ready to hear.

Regardless of whether you’re talking about business, politics, sports or the military, the great leaders are first-rate communicators.

Their values are clear and solid, and what they say promotes those values. Their teams admire them and follow their lead.

Likewise, if you want your company to reach new benchmarks of achievement, you must master the art of clear communication.

Successful leaders see the opportunities in every difficulty rather than the difficulty in every opportunity. - Reed Markham Neslyn.com offers: • Books • Audios • Webinar • Seminars • Breakthrough Leadership Coaching • Consultancy Join Neslyn.com membership model http://neslyn.com/join/ Neslyn’s next live event – 4 April 2016 - Being Authentic and Confident http://neslyn.com/being-authentic-and-confident/

There is a limited offer on Leadership Breakthrough Coaching at

http://neslyn.com/breakthrough-coaching you can contact Neslyn at

Telephone: +44 208 241 4762 http://Neslyn.com

Email: Neslyn@Neslyn.com

Facebook: https://goo.gl/7HGTu0

Page 12

THE STURRIDGE FOUNDATION CHARITY GALA DINNER AND DANCE

The Sturridge Foundation Presents: A Gala Dinner & Achievement Presentation for the Sturridge Academy

T

he Sturridge Foundation will be holding its first Charity gala in recognition of special achievements at their Westfield FC Academy and will be presenting awards to its students and notable members of staff.

The Gala Dinner and Achieve-

ment Presentation for the Sturridge Academy, sponsored by Grace Foods UK, at Aston Villa FC's 1874 Suite, will include dinner, dance and live entertainment, to be hosted by the incredible Bobo El Numero Uno. The Sturridge Foundation Charity Event, on Friday

l Daniel Sturridge and Digicel representatives at the launch l of Sturridge’s foundation and fun day

May 27, will consist of a three-course meal, to be followed by live entertainment from celebrated comedian, Slim and a very special guest PA on the night Christopher Ellis and also Jah Son. There will be charity raffles where guests can win Liverpool shirts and football boots worn by England striker, Daniel Sturridge, 4 corporate box tickets & be guest to the Sturridge family at Anfield Liverpool season 2016 /2017 and a Nike Town voucher worth £1,000.

Other prizes to be won on the night will also include a food hamper, courtesy of sponsors,

The Phoenix – April 2016

Grace Foods, up for grabs.

After dinner entertainment will be provided by the legendary Stone Love Movement (with world famous Rory around the Wheels of Steel), SturrClass Ent (The Uk's hottest celebrity sound) with DJ Pepsi & Father Sturridge, plus DJ sets from Robbo Ranx, formerly part of BBC 1Xtra, Hurricane Jermaine and Mister Len. The sound system will be provided by Birminghams' very own Immortal Sound System.

The black-tie Sturridge Foundation Gala Dinner and Achievement Presentation commence at 7.00pm with ticket priced from £65 per person for Standard Dinner, £100 per person for VIP Dinner and £20 per person for Stand- l

Daniel Sturridge at the Sturridge Academy, Westfield FC in Woking, London

Michael Sturridge in white with his father, Leslie Sturridge presenting a cheque on behalf of the Sturridge Foundation

ard After-Party Entry.

l Daniel Sturridge at the Sturridge Academy, Westfield FC in Woking, London

The Phoenix – April 2016

Page 13

SPECIAL STREET CRED SUPPLEMENT IN THE PHOENIX NEWSPAPER

APRIL 2016

www.streetcredmagazine.com

SPRING BLING

Featuring Francesco Group and Clarins

Page 14

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

TV - Online - MAGAZINE

Tipped for a biggie

W

hen I saw the video for this tune I was like ‘Yooo, I’ve got to play this in the club!’

Our boy Jay Sean is back with the mighty Sean Paul with the Funky latino

Editors Note

I

t really went down this month I swear. Especially the Bank Holiday weekend I was the host of 5 major parties in Birmingham city alongside some great DJs and artists including So Solid Crew, Rampage Invasion Crew, Masterstepz, DJ Spoony and many others.

It was definitely a big party weekend and great to see a lot of the old skool artists still have that major buzz.

Also was nice to be invited to the Clarins make up range shoot in Bull Ring

where they showed me and Steve the mens range.

Definitely been a busy month and Its also good to be back in the studio again for my therapy, it has been a good ten years since I recorded music and now I am back with a new sound that I cant wait for people to hear.

The new single will be titled “Shades in the Club” and I am looking to make it

/markdwayne

The Phoenix – April 2016

dancehall type banger and I’ve got to say I am loving this!!!

The chorus is catchy and you may recognize that it is taken from the 80's Maxi Priest Hit "I Wanna Get Close To You”.

Always love a UK and International collaboration especially when its so good. This seems to be the way forward for UK tunes I mean look at the Krept and Konan featuring Jeremih.

Keep it moving UK! We good!

a big buzz for the summer and the video to go with it will be hot!

Check out shots of what we been up to right here in Street Cred you know how we do this!

DJ Mark dwayne’s TOP TEN CLUB BANGERS

T

he number 1 single of the month is Rihanna featuring Drake who are smashing right now.

I played this track 3 times in a row from start to finish in the club by the mad demand the crowd had for it, Awesome song!

Zayn was nearly number one for me as I sing it all the time at home and of course it goes down in the clubs but nothing is stopping Ri Ri the song is very addictive and those that know the song know exactly what I mean! Talk about bringing sexy back!

Mark Dwayne MDG

@StreetCredMag

www.streetcredmagazine.com

quadhut

1 - Rihanna And Drake Work!

2 - Zayn - Pillow Talk 3 - Malik Berry - For My People 4 - Jay Sean And Sean Paul - Make My Love Go 5 - Tinashe & Chance The Rapper - All My Friends 6 - Craig David - When The Bassline Drops 7 - Kid Ink Feat Fetty Wap - Promise 8 - Justin Bieber - Sorry 9 - Westrn - In2 10 - WASH - CANT TRUST THOTS

Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul line up announced

motors, esc’s, frames, fpv,accessories and spares

www.quadhut.com 337 Slade Road, Erdington, West Midlands, B23 7JX

I

t’s been announced that the opening night of the Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival 2016 will be headlined by one of the

biggest Hip Hop artists of all time De La Soul.

They will be arriving in Birmingham with the full live band in tow. Expect to hear all the classics including 'The Magic Number', 'Me, Myself & I' & 'Eye Know'.

They will be joined by the equally legendary Grandmaster Flash and Blackalicious to make Friday night unmissable for classic Hip Hop fans.

They will also be joined

by Nubiyan Twist, Wyles & Simpson, Alternative Dubstep Orchestra, Bostin' Brass & Call Me Unique.

Other names confirmed for the weekend include; The Average White Band, who will perform as part of regular, Craig Charles’ DJ set, Mercury nominated Eska, and a return for two funk lengends; 2011 headliner, Booker T and George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, who will return to Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul following their phenomenal performance back in 2012.

To Advertise - Telephone : 0121 339 5885 or email us : advertising@thephoenixnewspaper.com

The Phoenix – April 2016

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Punch Announces Soul Acoustic ’16 Tour

T

he UK’s leading music and arts development agency Punch returns with their Soul Acoustic tour taking place across the UK in April 2016.

Now in its fourth annual outing, the developmental tour will feature an all-female line up in 2016 to honour women’s contributions to music and continue the celebration of the British Female musical experience.

The 5-date tour is set to showcase impressive live performances in an acoustic setting.

Soul Acoustic provides a great platform for audiences to experience the depth of quality of song writing, singing, and performance from an elite line up of artists.

Previous artists have included, Omar, Shakka, Carroll Thompson, Terri Walker and We Are Dora Martin.

Confirmed artists for 2016 in-

clude Misha B, first coming to prominence as an X Factor finalist, who then went on to tour alongside Nicki Minaj; Aleighcia Scott, winner of Radio Cardiff’s best local artist, currently nominated

with Bridget Kelly.

“We are proud to be rolling out Year 4 of Soul Acoustic”, said Punch CEO Ammo Talwar MBE. “Live music, and the opportunity to perform in such a pure style has always been a vital component within the black music market and I am pleased to see that some of the artists we have championed previously have gone from strength to strength” You can catch the Soul Acoustic Tour 2016 at the following locations:

for MMG’s Best Reggae Act; One of the UK’s most talented MC’s and writers, Birmingham’s own MC Roxxxan; Headhunted by JME for his ‘48 Hour’ mixtape London based songstress Miraa May and 18 year old singer songwriter Kara Marni who recently toured

Sunday 24th April

Belgrave Music Hall, Leeds

Monday 25th April Studio 2, Liverpool

Wednesday 27th April

Notting Hill Arts Club, London

Thursday 28th April

Glee Club, Birmingham

Friday 29th April

2Funky Music Café, Leicester

Page 15

ENTERTAINMENT

‘White Dee’s’ Column The Benefit Street and Big Brother star writes EXCLUSIVELY for The Phoenix Newspaper.

F

Email: whitedee@streetcredmagazine.com irst of all, I would like to apologise for missing my column last month. What started off as a normal day suddenly turned into an absolute nightmare.

Unfortunately I cant go into to much detail at the moment BUT it kind of leads me to ask - what on earth is happening to the kids of today. By kids I mean our young people, our future.

As a parent of an 18yr old girl and a 9yr old boy, all I seem to do nowadays is worry about their futures, which I should because they are my responsibility.

I live in the hope that I have brought them up well, that they know right from wrong, that they are good in school and hopefully will leave with all their qualifications and hopefully go to college, maybe university and then hopefully land their dream job and grow up into amazing adults, which would make me as a parent feel like I’ve succeeded.

Obviously if they don’t end up going to university, but I know in my heart of hearts that they have tried their best - then that’s a winning situation for me as a mom too.

Does it really matter how good a parent you think you are, when at the end of the day could your child be swayed by what is called peer pressure.

Is there pressure on our kids to join a gang, do we constantly have to worry about our kids just being in the wrong place at the wrong time, do we worry that our kids will end up dabbling in drugs, should we keep our kids inside for the rest of their lives, trying to protect them from what is unfortunately the real world?

No we shouldnt, they should be allowed to live normal lives, playing in the park with their friends, not having to worry about getting beat up or worse, because of their postcodes.

Last week I woke up to news that a 18yr old young man - with his whole life ahead of him had been shot in Ladywood, an area that I was born and bred in - this was just awful news as it was, never mind the fact that I then found out he was related to a very close friend of mine.

Why did this young man lose his life - apparently he just looked at the wrong person at the wrong time, but I doubt that will reassure his family and friends who have lost someone

very close to them, who will miss him every single day for the rest of their lives.

How can we put an end to all this stupidness - yes stupidness - kids shouldn’t be walking the streets with guns, knives or things that can end someones life. Is educating them the answer, would they actually listen.

I don’t know the answer, all I know is that no matter what, I hope someone comes up with an answer real soon - as I just don’t like the way our beautiful city is being turned into a crime capital.

I have hope for the young people of our city, I have met some amazing people through my work with the Princes Trust, but we have to remember all it takes is for that 1 stupid moment, that can ruin so many lives forever.

Im signing off this month by asking - don’t carry knives or guns, they ruin lives - ONLY COWARDS CARRY. Much Love Dee x x x

BRUNO W ow I haven’t seen this guy in years actually it was in the early 90’s when he came into the Barbershop Frizzy Lizzy for a Trim for his Pantomime performance and here we are again at the Grosvner Hotel 18 years later and he remembered me.

This event was the BEDSAs which celebrates Diversity in British Sports where I witnessed him receive his first lifetime achievement award in Boxing!

Can not deny the legacy this man has created and an amazing public figure for Great Britan we love you Frank!

HOT NEW MUSIC - UK STAND UP!

F

ollowing the announcement of her stellar collaborative album project ‘Honey’, Katy B has announced her new single ‘Who Am I’, with Craig David and Major Lazer, which was premiered by Annie Mac as her ‘Hottest Record’ on BBC Radio 1.

It marks Katy’s first single since her chart topping #1 ‘Turn The Music Louder (Rumble)’ with KDA and Tinie Tempah.

The stars align perfectly on ‘Who Am I’, a soaring, hands-inthe-air club ballad, with some of KATY’s most heart-on-sleeve lyrics, delivered through a spellbind-

ing vocal duet with Craig David and set to Major Lazer’s majestically futuristic sonics.

“This project means a lot to me because I got to work with so many artists that I respect so highly”, KATY summarizes.

“Writing it was so natural and I hope people enjoy listening to it as much as I did making it.”

The KATY B 'Honey' album will be released - 29th April 2016 coming soon to you all!

To Have Advertise you got- Telephone something :to 0121 say?339 Send 5885 in your or email stories usto : advertising@thephoenixnewspaper.com newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 16

ENTERTAINMENT

The Phoenix – April 2016

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Clarins ‘Urban Oasis’ pop-up experience providing time for you

B

eauty and skincare house, Clarins, hosted their ‘Urban Oasis’ pop-up experience, as it looked to promote the benefits of 'me time' to a baying public.

Located outside the Rotunda building, outside Birmingham’s Bullring Shopping

Centre, it provided a ‘wellbeing haven’ featuring four different zones to activate each of your senses through touch, play and sound, before finishing with a real time facial projection in its face mapping pod.

This unique experience offered full skincare and makeup consultations and

daily talks from its experts who held workshops on topics such as ‘taking a mind vacation’ and speedy skincare solutions.

Staring from a ‘blank canvas’ to create each individual’s own world, the ‘Urban Oasis’ introduced the latest innovation in facial care as they took you ‘the

time in your life,’ recreating the make-up of then and the very best way to apply to you.

"It’s new, it’s beautiful. It’s all about you," said Clarins’ Sophie Waring. "It’s a completely different experience to a store; it’s a fun way to experience a day in the life of your skin."

Colleague, Paula Hamilton, said, "Using the richness of the plant world, Urban Oasis is amazing. It’s about educating and taking more care of your skin."

Opening with its first location, at Westfield White City in London, after its successful run in Birmingham,it finally ended at Castle Street, in Edinburgh.

Have you got something to say? Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

The Phoenix – April 2016

Page 17

COMMONWEALTH SPECIAL REPORT SPONSORED BY

In honour of Chief Mrs Opral Benson

Lest We Forget...

T

he Phoenix Newspaper ’s F o u n d e r / CEO, Marcia McLaughlin was looking resplendent as she stood in honour at the Royal Air Force Bomber Command Memorial, in Green Park, London, which commemorates the crews of RAF Bomber Command who embarked on missions during the Second World War. Ms. McLaughlin was honouring the fallen heroes as part of the

Commonwealth Africa Summit, which included a special wreath laying at Memorial Gate, Hyde Park Corner.

Queen Elizabeth II unveiled the Royal Air Force Bomber Command Memorial in June 2012, the year of her Diamond Jubilee.

The Phoenix Newspaper were the official Media Partners for CAS 2016, and Marcia was styled

by Jacques Vert for the Summit.

Page 18

COMMONWEALTH SPECIAL REPORT - WREATH LAYING

The Phoenix – April 2016

Standing United Commonwealth Re l H.E Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of Nigeria lays a wreath at the memorial

l Dr Neslyn Watson-Druee CBE with Ken Olisa OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Greater London

A

Commonwealth Day commemoration service took place at the Memorial Gate Hyde Park Corner on 14 March 2016.

The service was and excellent dedication to all ranks of people (who served in the British Armed Forces during the two world wars) from Africa, the Caribbean and the five regions of the Indian Sub-contin-

l Marcia McLaughlin, Founder/CEO of The Phoenix Newspaper with H.E Chief

Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of Nigeria

l Marcia McLaughlin, CEO/Founder of The Phoenix Newspaper with Colonel Brigade of Gurkhas,

Colonel J G Robinson and the two Queen’s Gurkha Orderly Officers, Captain Mukti Gurung and Captain Buddhi Bhandari

l Marcia McLaughlin, CEO/Founder of The Phoenix

Newspaper with Baroness Flather JP DL FRSA

ent (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka).

There was an outstanding delegation of delegates from Headquarters Brigade Gurkhas inclusive of Colonel Brigade of Gurkhas, Colonel J G Robinson and the two Queen’s Gurkha Orderly Officers, Captain Mukti Gurung and Captain Buddhi Bhandari.

Additional notable attendees included Field Marshall Sir

The Phoenix – April 2016

Page 19

COMMONWEALTH SPECIAL REPORT - WREATH LAYING

Together As The emembers Its Fallen John Chapple GCE CBE, Lt Gen Sir Peter Duffell KCB CBE MC, Kenneth (Ken) Olisa OBE, FRSA, FBCS Lord Lieutenant of Greater London.

There were a number of representatives from Commonwealth Countries included the Charge d’Affairs of the Nepalese Embassy, Mr Tejbahadur Chhetri.

This was a moving and memorable service. It was followed

by the last Post and Laying of the Wreaths by invited distinguished guests including HE Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeriaxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx.

Colonel Brigade of Gurkhas laid a wreath on behalf of all ranks at the Brigade of Gurkhas to commemorate the memory of those who volunteered from Nepal to serve in

l H.E Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of Nigeria speaking

at the memorial

l Marcia McLaughlin, CEO/Founder of The Phoenix Newspaper with Ken Olisa OBE, Lord Lieutenant

of Greater London

Page 20

COMMONWEALTH SPECIAL REPORT

The Phoenix – April 2016

l Ranjiv Goonawardena l HRH Prince Andrew hosts CAI Co Chair and CEO at Buckingham Palace

T

o me the Commonwealth is a Beacon of hope and I value the spirit of the Commonwealth to keep the core values of democracy; human rights; international peace and security; tolerance, respect and understanding; freedom of expression; the rule of law and good governance alive.

I value the Commonwealth Charter which expresses the commitment of member states to the development of free democratic societies and the promotion of peace and prosperity to improve the lives of all peoples of the Commonwealth.

The Charter aligns with my own highest values of love, peace, light, empowerment, and the desire for a world that is better for everyone with no one left out.

I give gratitude for the focus of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the development of leadership for young leaders. Leadership is crucial in shaping our world that is in the midst of changing economic climates and uncertainty.

We live in a fast paced and interconnected world where life is accelerating and challenging, where breakthrough technologies, demographic shifts and political transformations have far reaching societal and economic consequences.

We experience unprecedented threats to peace and security and so the need for the Commonwealth is great and is very alive.

The Commonwealth is a compelling force for good and

is a creative network for the co-operation of nations and for promoting the development of the people of the Commonwealth.

I look forward to every four years when 54 countries of the Commonwealth, large and small, rich and poor gather to celebrate through sports and the Commonwealth Games.

During the games, for me it is a source of pride to see my mother country Jamaica, a small Island punching its weight above its size.

As a British Citizen residing in Britain since 1969, when I came to England, my mindset was that I was coming to the mother country. I came to serve and I am still serving and adding value to Britain.

The health, wealth and prosperity of the people of the Commonwealth and this biosphere in general is of significance to me.

I look forward to the achievement of the global goals for sustainable development to end poverty, combat climate change and fight injustice and inequality; achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls being achieved in the Commonwealth.

In addition, the achievement of goals ensure healthy lives and promote the well-being for all ages and goals to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

May the Commonwealth go from Strength to Strength.

Neslyn Watson-Druée Dr Neslyn Watson-Druée CBE FRCN FCGLI

A Celebration of Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey

A

celebration of the diverse, equitable, fair and tolerant international community of The Commonwealth of Nations took place at Westminster Abbey on 14 March 2016.

The Commonwealth of Nations dates back to the mid-20th century it is commonly referred to as the Commonwealth, made up of a voluntary association of fifty three independent and equal sovereign states.

It is the home of 2.2 billion citizens, and includes some of the world’s largest, smallest, richest and poorest countries, spanning five regions.

Thirty-one of the Commonwealth members are small states, many of them island nations; the Celebration Service at Westminster Abbey has been the largest inter-faith gathering in the UK. We’re connected by currents of humanity alliances, allegiances, histories …. There’s a ‘U’ and an ‘I’ in Unity…

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth, in her annual message to mark Commonwealth Day, urged people to support ‘those in need’ and others who ‘feel excluded’.

Her Majesty said: Helping those less fortunate would be a way of embodying this year’s Commonwealth Theme of Inclusivity.

In her message, Her Majesty wrote: Today, and in the year ahead, the theme ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’ is an inspiration for us all.

Let us give it practical effect by supporting those in need and those who feel excluded in all walks of life. By doing so, we will continue to build a truly representative Commonwealth community.

Our value, and the wisdom of

mutual respect for each other, is set out in the Commonwealth Charter.

Its opening words, 'We the people of the Commonwealth' convey the conviction that individuals, as well as governments, build and shape our success.

Being inclusive and accepting diversity goes far deeper than accepting differences at face value and being tolerant….

True celebration of the dignity of each person, and the value of their uniqueness and contribution, involves reaching out, recognising and embracing their individual identity.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, stressed further that, working together for the common good was an essential ingredient of belonging to the family of nations.

Each of us has cause to celebrate the sense of belonging expressed in our 2016 theme: An Inclusive Commonwealth. The Prime Minister the Rt Hon David Cameron MP attended the Service.

The Rt Hon The Lord Howell of Guildford, Chairman of the Council of Commonwealth Societies said in the programme welcome: “It is my greatest pleasure, as Chairman of the Council of Commonwealth Societies, to welcome you to this very special Commonwealth Celebration ….

Empowered by the miracle of information technology, new ties and new relationships stretching across the Commonwealth are taking shape. Over the past decade, few have been more truly percipient in understanding the vast new opportunities and possibilities opening out ahead than Her Majesty The Queen, who is now in her sixty-fourth year as Head and guiding spirit of the Commonwealth family.

In the Bidding, the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, commented: This year’s theme

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M

l Marcia McLaughlin, CEO/Founder of The Phoenix Newspaper with Dayo Israel of GleeHD Foundation

To Advertise - Telephone : 0121 339 5885 or email us : advertising@thephoenixnewspaper.com

The Phoenix – April 2016

l Dr Neslyn Watson-Druee CBE, Deborah Leary OBE and Marcia

McLaughlin, CEO/Founder of The Phoenix Newspaper

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COMMONWEALTH SPECIAL REPORT

is An Inclusive Commonwealth so, as we give thanks for our diversity of faiths and for the variety of resources and circumstances of our countries, let us pray that we may be united in one common bond of mutual support and friendship.

‘An inclusive Commonwealth’ refers to the values of tolerance, respect and understanding, as well as equity and fairness as set out in the Commonwealth Charter.

‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’ offers possibilities for building on work undertaken for the 2015 theme, ‘A Young Commonwealth’.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma led the Act of Affirmation to the Commonwealth: We affirm that every person possesses unique worth and dignity. We affirm our respect for nature, and that we will be stewards of the earth by caring for every part of it, and for it as a whole.

We affirm our belief in justice for everyone, and peace between peoples and nations. Joining together in kinship and affinity as members of one worldwide Commonwealth family…….

The principal reflection was given by Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General. He marked the Queen's 90th year by praising her ‘steadfast devotion’ to the Commonwealth. He noted that, that nobody has made a greater contribution to the achievements of the Commonwealth than Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth 11.

Mr Annan in his tribute to Her Majesty Mr Annan said: You have shown an unwavering and steadfast devotion to this grand project.

We are greatly honoured and deeply grateful for your extraordinary commitment….

The Commonwealth not only strengthened links between member countries, it offered practical support from election monitoring to promoting security co-operation…… He added: Today the Commonwealth stands as a confident, modern, multi-cultural and proudly inclusive organisation.

Other reflections and prayers were read by: Sara Ezabe Malliue, Social Inclusivity Campaigner and Queen’s Young Leader and Dr Selina Tusitala Marsh.

Representatives from communities were: Shaykh Dr Mohammad Bahmanpour who represented the Muslim Community; His Grace Bishop Angaelos, represented the Coptic Orthodox Church; The Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala, represented the Buddhist community; Rabbi Danny Rich, Liberal Judaism represented the Jewish community and Trupti Patel, represented the Hindu community. Other speakers were Dr Joseph Muscat KUOM, Prime Minister of Malta who read Romans 12:9-18.

Ellie Goulding sang Fields of Gold from the Nave and Simon Shibambu sang Qongqothwane from the Sacrarium Steps.

The Abbey Choir, conducted by James O'Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers, sang Jubilate Deo by Matthew Martin and extracts from Psalm 47 O clap your hands by Ralph Vaughan Williams, and the organ was played by Daniel Cook, Sub-Organist.

Before the Service, there were performances by The Melodians Steel Orchestra, and The Commonwealth Youth Orchestra and Choir, under the direction of Paul Carroll.

The flags of the 53 Commonwealth countries were processed through the Abbey at the start of the Service.

Have you got something to say? Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 22

COMMONWEALTH SPECIAL REPORT

l Mr. Moseray Fadika - Executive Director, Pan Africa Minerals

l Dayo Israel - GleeHD Foundation

l Mr. Moseray Fadika - Executive Director, Pan Africa Minerals

l Dr Caroline Harper, OBE - CEO, Sightsavers Global

l Baroness Flather JP DL FRSA

l Ifie Sekibo - MD/CEO of Heritage Bank

The Phoenix – April 2016

l Marcia McLaughlin, Founder/CEO of The Phoenix President of the Senate of Nigeria

To Advertise - Telephone : 0121 339 5885 or email us : advertising@thephoenixnewspaper.com

The Phoenix – April 2016

Page 23

COMMONWEALTH SPECIAL REPORT

l Marcia McLaughlin, Founder/CEO of The Phoenix Newspaper, Dr. Adonis Aboud, CEO, MultiChoice - Sierra Leone, Dr Neslyn Watson-Druee CBE, and Paul Harrison of PK Media

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ormer Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was one a list of Heads of State and Government officials, as well as 1,500 leaders from business and society at the third Commonwealth Africa Summit 2016, organized by a partnership and with support from the Business Council for Africa (BCA), GLEEHD Foundation, Amandla Consulting, The Memorial Gates Trust, and the Royal Commonwealth Society, Held at the Palace of Westminster, in London, under the theme: Shared Prosperity, Mutual Security. amongst the specially invited media and guests, The Phoenix Newspaper was accredited media partners for this high-octane three

days of Royal presentations, highlevel talks and celebration.

This was the ideal opportunity for the wider public to be exposed to the benefits of working with, and alongside, African Commonwealth member states.

With leading figures, from home and abroad, including Heads of States, other politicians, businessmen and women, global investors and leading entrepreneurs present, the three-day affair saw Africans in the Diaspora, stock exchange executives, security sector professionals, diplomats, senior executives and other stakeholders from across Africa and the Commonwealth gather to discuss ways for the continent to move forward, locally, nationally and internationally.

A delegation from The Phoenix, Marcia McLaughlin, Founder/ CEO, Daniel Riley, Director of Production, Paul Ramsey of Mc-

Donald’s Sandwell, and Dr Neslyn Watson-Druee CBE, Chair of the Board of Directors, and other stakeholders from across Africa and the Commonwealth, spoke about key issues, including trade and investment, power generation in Africa, business and investment opportunities, counter-terrorism and women’s empowerment.

Also featuring high on the agenda was infrastructural development, exploring mineral resources potential, security and development and youth culture.

Plus, delegates also explored the increased collaboration between the Commonwealth economies in Africa, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and the Americas in order to promote global economic development and map shifting patterns of co-operation between these countries and those of the mature industrialised countries.

The presence of political leaders

l H.E Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of Nigeria

at the highest level proved to be a testimony of the importance of the development of Africa in the growth of the Commonwealth.

As part of the summit, visiting Government and Senior Business Leaders from Nigeria being offi-

cially welcomed with a reception at the House of Lords with Peers and MPs in attendance, during which, they were also conducted in a tour of the House.

x Newspaper with H.E Senator (Dr.) Bukola Saraki -

Have you got something to say? Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 24

COMMONWEALTH SPECIAL REPORT

D l Bishop John Francis

l Paul Harrison, PK Media Ltd

l Dayo Israel - GleeHD Foundation

l Madeleine F White - Challenges Worldwide l

l Eoghan Mackie, Chief Executive,

Challenges Worldwide

l Clive Carpenter - Vice Chairman Business

Council for Africa

ay 3 of the summit was, held at Bishop John Francis’ Ruach City Church’s Gaumont State Theatre, in Kilburn.

As HE Solomon Dalong, Minister of Youth and Sports for Nigeria entered the room, there was a sense of euphoria as the keynote speaker had arrived.

As the charismatic and impressive individual spoke passionately about the young people and the importance of giving them the right infrastructure, he mentioned that Ministers needed to be more

l Dr. Mrs Mary Manzo - CEO MARY Alistair Soyode - Founder, BEN Television ELIKA FOUNDATION

The Phoenix – April 2016

humble and approachable.

The youth, he said, need to be invested in, not just giving them the latest gadgets or clothing.

With this investment, the future development of Nigeria will be assured, and hopefully the alleviation of corruption will come with it.

Here was the chance to network, have exhibitions, discussions and a High Commissioners Dinner with the Secretary General for selected delegates.

Paul Ramsey of McDonald’s Sandwell, one of the invited guests of The Phoenix Newspaper, made

a point of saying how impressed he was with the attendance of powerful people from all corners of government, business and industry, from all corners of the globe, and was delighted by the diverse nature of the individuals attending the summit, and feeling that people should take seriously the investment opportunities that are available in Africa Day 3 had the scheduled Parliamentary Roundtable: Creating shared prosperity through people centred legislation in the Commonwealth, Meeting for Africa’s Infrastructure Challenge, and Intergenerational Dialogue.

The Phoenix Newspaper was proud to be media partners working alongside BEN TV and others to ensure great coverage of a significant and memorable occasion.

The Phoenix – April 2016

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COMMONWEALTH SPECIAL REPORT

l Clive Carpenter - Vice Chairman Business Council for Africa & Marcia McLaughlin

l HE Solomon Dalung, (centre) Minister for Youth and Sports in Nigeria with the rest of the panel

l Paul Harrison of PK Media with Alistair Soyode, Founder of BEN TV

Challenges Worldwide developing and delivering sustainably in Africa through profit

I

by Madeleine F White

l Madeleine F White - Challenges Worldwide & Marcia McLaughlin, CEO/Founder of The Phoenix

n their 2015 report Women In Business and Management the ILO (International Labour Organization) cites that, at moment, of the nearly 7 million women-owned SMEs in the formal sector in developing regions, 3.5 million are in East Asia and about 0.5 in Sub Saharan Africa -along with the fact that 95% of African start ups fail.

With only 24% of African CEOs being women, a picture starts to emerge that suggests significant room for growth if gender mainstreaming were to be prioritized across the continent.

In the World Banks’ recent Gender Equality, Poverty Reduction, and Inclusive Growth strategic report – robust, country level diagnostics were seen as critical –

for example if the effectiveness of Kenya’s change to public procurement regulations to reserve 30% of government contracts for women, youth and persons with disabilities is to have the hoped for ripple effect.

In the ILO report a 2015 global study on laws is cited, which relates six areas crucial to setting up a business (accessing institutions, using property, getting a job, providing incentives to work, building credit and going to court).

These points are critical areas of intervention for International Charities and other intermediaries looking to create a bridge from humanitarian interventions to sustainable communities.

For a bridge to work effectively it needs solid foundations. It also needs to be built where there is the greatest need as well as the closest point of connection.

If successful women-owned business are seen and their performance is measured, it is far easier for them to become an important part of an overall narrative – able to showcase a stable, forward-looking investment climate.

Therefore, by fostering an ecosystem in which women are able to participate equally, Challenges technology allows sectors and even nations to become more investable. This increases employment opportunities and thus wider empowerment not only for women but for communities as a whole.

In the end, what people are really looking for is employment, not just a job. Women and men want to participate in a formal economy.

The transformation of enterprises is led by the transformation of individual expectations. The transition point starts with an individual who believes that he or she can and

then starts leading communities into building sustainable, inclusive economies.

At the moment a disproportionate number of women believe that they can’t. By linking human dignity to economic need we transform the aspirations of women and indeed whole nations.

At the CAS panel discussion, HE Solomon Dalung, Minister for Youth and Sports for Nigeria stated that: “Our institutional problem in Africa is one of mentality. We have a ‘low-cost’ mentality, in which the only gain at leadership level of any value is seen as being that of personal gain. By demonstrably shifting the power balance, to encompass women and youth leaders, this mentality will shift and a more inclusive form of leadership will start to demand prosperity for all.”

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COMMONWEALTH SPECIAL REPORT

The Phoenix – April 2016

Don’t Skimp - ABCC President

P Commonwealth MBE honour for Contributions Yemisi Jenkins

Y

emisi Jenkins, one of the most influential Nigerians in UK and a highly respected leader in the Nigerian community made the 2016 honours list and has just been awarded an MBE by the Queen.

The University Of Jos, Nigerian graduate is the current President

of the Association of British-Nigerian Law Enforcement officers (ABLE), the organisation responsible for raising awareness within the Nigerian community and creating a platform for engagement between the Nigerian community in the UK and the various Law enforcement agencies.

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elebrating Commonwealth acheivements, A Nigerian born scientist, Samuel Achilefu, won the prestigious St. Louis Award for 2014 for creating cancer-visualizing glasses.

His achievements mean that Doctors are nearing that final step to allow them to be able to completely remove all cancerous cells during an operation, rather than then having to start the patient on a course of chemotherapy.

Dr. Achilefu, a professor of ra-

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diology and biomedical engineering, and his team developed the imaging technology in cancer diagnosis into a wearable night vision-like goggles so surgeons could see the cancer cells while operating.

“They basically have to operate in the dark,” Bloomberg Businessweek quoted Dr. Achilefu, 52, as saying.

“I thought, what if we create something that let’s you see things that aren’t available to the ordinary human eye.”

Dr. Achilefu won a scholarship from the French govern-

ment to study at the University of Nancy, according to St. Louis Post-Dispatch, a regional newspaper in St. Louis, U.S., and is the 87th person to receive the annual award since it was established in 1931.

“Our efforts start with two words: ‘What if?'” Dr. Achilefu said during his acceptance speech.

“These words may sound simple, but they embody the belief that each person has the potential to make a difference, if only he or she can take the time to understand the problem.”

resident of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce, Saqib Bhatti, told a group of more than 100 business leaders not to skimp when it comes to professional services.

Speaking at a monthly ‘Chutney and Natter’ event organised by Birmingham based training provider, the Pathway Group, he said that the best businesses surround themselves with the best possible people and get the best possible advice.

The event, held at the Paranzo Restaurant, in Sparkhill, in the city, heard the story about how Saqib had decided to return to the Midlands to work in his family accountancy business and he warned that trying to save money on professional services including accountancy and legal advice was almost invariably false economy.

Mr. Bhatti said that it would be the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of small businesses that will drive the recovery from the economic downturn.

The Pathway Group provides apprenticeships and vocational training to businesses across the West Midlands.

A miracle of music

T

by Ingrid Gruen

he British Suzuki Gala Concert on Easter Sunday, 27 March 2016, at the Royal Albert Hall was hosted by the British Suzuki Institute (BSI), which was formed in 1978 and established as a charity in 1980 to advance education in music by the promotion of the methods of education developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, with particular reference to the musical education of children in the UK. Their mission is as follows: “Our purpose does not lie in a movement to create professional musicians, but to create people of beautiful minds and fine ability.

We engage in human education through music, so that children will grow beautiful with high sensitivity through an unparalleled musical approach.”

The Japanese visionary, Shinichi Suzuki (1898-1998), whose music school has eventually been named the Talent Education Research Institute resulted in 1,300 children (from around the world with only one day’s practice) gave a world class concert in the Royal Albert Hall on Easter Sunday.

It was a truly unforgettable musical experience at the Royal Albert Hall with international guest teachers and Suzuki students from all over Europe participating in the Gala Concert on Easter Sunday Talent is no accident of birth … the right environment can change a person with undeveloped ability into a talented one" Clemency Burton-Hill, the gala compare was not only beautiful and articulate and in addition,

was a participant, for holding “court” for the entire event.

This inspirational event saw over one thousand Suzuki students from all over Europe performing and learning together.

Dr Suzuki himself, believe that: Where love is deep, much can be accomplished.

The first item on the programme was a piece of music called Wishing – For the Happiness of All Children, conducted by Mr Kodi Toyoda. Music by S. Suzuki arr.

K.Toyoda/TK Murray. All instruments took part. Piano: Timothy Murray + Ensemble. This is the first piece of music taught to children using the Suzuki method called Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. The third item on the programme was The Swan. Leader: Haukur Hannesson. Composer: Saint-Saens. Performers: Cello.

Piano Dominic John.

The concert sets the stage for “lieders of the future” bringing about a new social commonwealth of music, understanding and caring with no boundaries of nationality, ethnicity, colour, religion, creed but the desire to create beautiful music in harmony

with each other.

Coincidentally, sitting next to Ingrid in the audience were a couple from Atlanta, Georgia, who decided on the spur of the moment to get a ticket and they expressed that it was the best way they could have spent their time and they also were not familiar with the Suzuki method. I personally interacted with families from Norway, Belgium, France, Iceland and India.

I would like to thank the BSI, all the participants, parents, sponsors and audience participants for the most numinous day I have experienced in many years. I trust this article find fertile minds and hearts to encourage parents to open the way for their children to become part of this movement.

There will be a DVD available, which I suggest, if you are interested you contact the BSI and I understand it can be used for promotional purposes.

When the balloons fell from the “gods” the children were ecstatic and promptly popped them with loud bangs!

The Phoenix – April 2016

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COMMONWEALTH SPECIAL REPORT

The Birmingham Commonwealth Association Leads Commonwealth Day Celebrations For All

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his year’s Commonwealth Day saw a multi-faith service take place in Westminster Abbey with a speech by H.M. the Queen broadcast around the globe, whilst in Birmingham the day was marked with the raising of the Commonwealth Flag in front of the Council House, in the presence of the Lord Mayor, Councillor Raymond Hassall, Chair of the Birmingham Commonwealth Association (BCA), Keith Stokes-Smith and Wade Lyn,CBE, Chair of the BCA’s Communities Group.

The Association, (BCA), co-organised with the register office a Commonwealth Day UK Citizenship ceremony, where 27 citizens of Commonwealth countries were recognised as citizens of the UK in

a special occasion marked by the BCA with several speeches given by three members of its communities group.

Mr. Quaye Botchway; president of the Ghana Union Midlands, Nura Ali Dhuhul; Executive Director of Allies Network and Marcia Lewinson, Chief Executive of W.A.I.T.S. each highlighted some of the Commonwealth values, reminded those present of the importance of respect, tolerance, understanding and gender equality.

The day’s events culminated with the BCAs Annual Commonwealth Day Networking Dinner at the University College Birmingham’s Brasserie attended by the Universities Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Gary Wood , the representative of the Queen, Vice

Lord-Lieutenant, Colonel George Marsh TD; the Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Mike Leddy; Councillor Ken Wood; the Consul General of India, Jitendra Kumar Sharma; South African Honorary Consul of the Midlands, Avi Lasarow; the Vice-President of the Institute of Asian Businesses, Saqib Bhatti; the Bangladeshi Assistant High Commissioner, Muhammad Zulqar Nain; Deputy Lord Lieutenant Satinder Kaur Taunque OBE.DL and the now retired Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr. Jagjit Taunque MBE. DL among other illustrious Birmingham citizens, including the immediate past Lord Lieutenant of the West Milands, Paul Sabapathy CBE and representatives from the business and education community.

The ceremony was also attended by the representatives of the two charities that Keith Stokes-Smith announced the Association would be supporting. Nura Ali Dhuhul; Executive Director of Allies Network, who work on raising awareness around and preventing female genital mutilation; and Marcia Lewinson, Chief Executive of W.A.I.T.S. Action, a charity that works with women victim who face issues relating to ethnicity/culture/ faith.

Mr. Stokes-Smith formally launched the recently published ‘Birmingham Commonwealth Association Document’ and its four sections dedicated to ‘Who are We?’ the ‘Trade and Business Group,’ the ‘Communities Group’ and the ‘Education Group.’

Hope you ALL had a Lovely Mother’s Day Thank you for supporting Miss Lily’s x

The document outlines the aspirations and achievements of the Association and its three sub-groups.

He also announced the first patron of the Birmingham Commonwealth Association, Ruth Lea, representative of Economists for Britain.

After this the first two Birmingham Commonwealth Association Youth Community Award winners, Jordan Jarrett and Kesar Abbas were introduced by Harry Fowler from the Birmingham Association of Youth Clubs and presented with their awards by the Association’s Chair Keith Stokes-Smith and Communities Group Chair, Wade Lyn. The evening was brought to a close by the words of H.M. the Queen’s Commonwealth Day speech and a loyal toast proposed by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Colonel George Marsh TD.

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COMMONWEALTH SPECIAL REPORT

The Phoenix – April 2016

Royal Street Party Road C Closures- Application Details Announced

ity of Wolverhampton Council has released details of how people can apply for road closures to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday later this year with a street party.

They were the first council the country to announce it was waiving the costly licence fee people would normally have to pay for a road closure to mark the royal birthday.

Other councils have since followed Wolverhampton’s lead and made it free for people to celebrate Her Majesty’s 90th with a traditional outdoor knees-up.

There will be a weekend of national celebration to mark the Queen’s official birthday on the 11th and 12th June. It is during this weekend that people are being encouraged to organise their own street parties to coincide with the huge ‘Patrons Lunch’ taking place on The Mall outside Buckingham Palace.

City of Wolverhampton Council has made it easy for people to apply for a road closure by creating a page on its website at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/ streetparty

On the website people can download a form to apply for a road closure. Official permission needs to be given by the local authority to close a public highway.

Councillor Ian Brookfield, Mayor of Wolverhampton, said: “We were the first council in the country to waive the normal fee if someone wants to apply for a road closure. This will save anyone wanting to organise a street party for the Queen’s birthday up to £700.

“The Queen is a much-loved

and respected figure around the world and we know that many people will wish to celebrate this milestone birthday.

I would join with Buckingham Palace in saying that we hope to see as many local events over that weekend as possible.

Parties can be big or small and may or may not require a road closure. It will be wonderful to see a bit of good old fashioned community spirit as people come together to celebrate Her Majesty turning 90.”

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The Phoenix – April 2016 Page 29

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Afro Hair Excellence with Francesco Group

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escribing her style of work as creative and bespoke, multi-award winning stylist, Michelle Thompson, cuts hair to suit the individual . . . with a twist.

With a high energy approach to the craft which has given her the drive to achieve so much in her 16 year career, the Director of Hairdressing at the Francesco Group Academy & Salon, in Stafford, has now brought her highly successful expertise in African/Caribbean-style trestles to a new level, at its salon in Birmingham.

‘Afro Caribbean Hairdresser of the Year,’ Michelle, invited guests to a special VIP Evening of Afro Hair Excellence, with her specialist team, including; Afro Specialist Tracey Robinson,

Afro Hair Jemma Donavon and Specialis Senior Afro Specialist Shalani Williams, to highlight the excellence on hand and the high level, diversity in hair styles available there.

For the Creative Director, she has come full circle, from training at the top-end hair and beauty institute, to being hand-picked to lead this new, fully-fledged approach to afro-style hair at the world-renowned Francesco’s.

The Evening showed off the team’s excellence with a fashion show laid on showcasing the many varied styles available for people with tight curly hair.

It was also an ‘open door,’ to let people know, fully, about the great history and wonders of the Group, with Anya Dellicompagni, niece to the organisation’s founder and the man who’s name

fronts the business.

She proudly talked of the Francesco Group’s humble beginnings; the importance My Uncle, the son of an Italian immigrant, opened his first salon in 1968, in Stafford and now there are 40plus opened throughout the Heart of England and throughout the south.

And, keeping the family name going strength, there’s a few family members involved throughout the group – at varied levels.

Michelle is ‘part of the family,’ if you like, because she comes direct from one of our academies to be leading this new, expansive angle to the business. There couldn’t be anyone else. She’s just perfect.”

Michelle herself was at pains to point out the emphasis, made by the management, of nurturing afro hair, at the highest level, within the company ethos of; high quality at all times. And it’s great that all the students here want to work with curly hair.

It’s also important to make clear that this is a working salon, as

FASHION

well as being a leading academy of hair. That point needs to be made.”

Elizabeth Okeudo is the newest addition to the growing team of afro hair design specialists at Francesco’s, especially weaving, which shows that the future of this fast-paced, ever growing organization is in safe, creative hands.

The models for the night were prepared by Make-Up by Jessica Williams.

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Page 30

SIGNATURE AWARDS

The Phoenix – April 2016

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Signature Awards celebrate the best of Asian economy in the UK

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elebrating excellence in business, the Signature Awards 2016 highlighted and rewarded just some of the leading Asian companies, organisations and professional individuals who have made a signification contribution to the economic upkeep of Britain and further afield.

Held at Warwickshire County Cricket Club’s Edgbaston Stadium, there was an array of amazing nominees and equally outstanding award winners at the prestigious event, hosted by

charity and awarding body Signature.

Heralding pioneers and unsung heroes, who through education and training are striving to break down the social and communication barriers, it celebrated those who are breaking down the barriers for the UKs 11 million deaf and deaf/blind people.

Ninder Johal, President of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and Managing Director of Nachural Records and Nachural Corporate Communications, told a packed audi-

The Phoenix – April 2016 Page 31

www.streetcredmagazine.com

ence; “You are wealth creators and we all need to believe in ourselves and show how we can work together.”

Nachural assists organisations looking to communicate the value of their brand through events and video, and provide event production for events of all sizes, specialising in staging, lighting, video production and sound for events.

Ninder’s business experience covers creative, services and manufacturing, with Nachural having recently launched HRA loudspeakers for professional audio. What's more, HRA loudspeakers are completely manufactured in the Black Country.

One of a line of illuminated guests present for the event, with LoveBrum, who engages with local people and businesses to build an even better Birmingham, as the chosen charity, was former Signature Award winner, Rai Singh, Creative Director of Birmingham’s leading celebrity diner, Praza by Pushkar, who said; “The Signature Awards represent the best of Birmingham business and what’s great

and thriving in the city. And with that I’m immensely proud to be part of its illustrious history.”

Keynote speaker, Birmingham-born multi-millionaire property magnet and real estate investor, Paul Bassi CBE, gave some useful advice, saying; “Getting to where I am today was down to the simple things in life – Believe in faith and the bigger picture.

I encourage entrepreneurs to seek the best quality professional advisors and surround themselves with positive thinking people.”

The event, hosted by BBC Asian Networks Tommy Sandhu, with sponsors including; Business Desk, Pathway Group, Birmingham City University, Cobra Beer, Hollywood Monster, Wolverhampton University, Rational FX, BSJ Fixings, East End, Divya Group and Vision, this grandeurs affair was the epitome of the South Asian community working together and celebrating each other in a massive way.

SIGNATURE AWARDS

Page 32

BIG SCREEN

www.streetcredmagazine.com

BIGScreen

REVIEW

wORDS by antony brown

B

atman v Superman: Dawn of Justice has finally arrived, in all of its big, bombastic, bizarre, puzzling, action-packed and entertaining glory that falls short of perfection, but rarely fails to impress.

Now, it’s no secret that Zack Snyder is a director who thrives on spectacular visuals but struggles to tell an engaging story. The vast majority of his movies look fantastic, but lack heart when it comes to the drama behind those aforementioned spectacular visuals.

However, it’s clear to see that he, along with writers Chris Terrio and David S. Goyer, have worked hard to establish a strong emotional foundation from which to build the movie around, with that foundation being the finale of Man of Steel, in which a large portion of Metropolis is completely levelled during the climactic showdown between Superman and General Zod. With arguably one of the best openings of any superhero movie ever made, Batman v Superman begins during the battle between Superman and Zod, tying in seamlessly with Man of Steel.

The Phoenix – April 2016

We see Bruce Wayne racing frantically through the debrisladen streets of Metropolis, saving everyone he can along the way.

It’s an action-packed opening drenched with emotion as we see Superman’s power from a human level. People are hurt. People are dead.

It’s a hard-hitting sequence that kicks off the movie in a big way by immediately letting us know that this is going to be a much darker superhero movie than we’ve grown used to.

Which is fantastic for mature audiences, but it’s hard to imagine a child being able to enjoy Batman v Superman, which is a strange thing to say about a superhero movie.

Snyder manages to handle the action here far better than he did in Man of Steel, which is plagued by a shaky-cam style that often makes it hard to decipher exactly what is happening.

This time around, the action is easy to follow and it’s absolutely exhilarating. However, it isn’t all

perfect.

Due to the sheer scope of this movie, Snyder and co are often trying juggle far too many characters and sub-plots, leaving the structure of the movie to feel somewhat unfinished.

Snyder also seems to have an irrepressible love for dream sequences and they are an enormous hindrance on the film as a whole.

They may be visually striking, but there are only so many dream sequences an audience can take before they grow tedious, especially when they fail to advance the plot in any way.

Henry Cavill returns as Clark Kent/Superman and he nails it.

In only his second appearance, he has really made this role his own.

He embodies a much more entertaining version of Superman than we’re used to seeing - a man who knows how powerful he is and is confident in his abilities; perhaps even a little cocky.

“If I wanted it, you’d be dead already.”

However, this is also a Superman who is heavily burdened by the fact that no matter how many people he saves, thou-

BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY

April 02 Rick Ross 05 Scotty T’s World Tour 07 Brainstorm 12 The View 14 ALXNDR 16 Wolfmother 21 Hollywood Undead 24 The Flatliners

O2 INSTITUTE

April 02 The Cat Empire + Black Peaches 06 KREPT & KONAN + TY DOLLA $IGN 08 Jack Garratt 09 PVRIS 13-14 Funeral For A Friend 13 Eliza And The Bear 16 Newton Faulkner 22 LOGIC 28 Mac Miller

TOWN HALL

April 09 The Next Step 11 G4 Back for Good UK Tour 2016 12 Paul Zerdin 13 The All Star Stand Up Tour 17 Alcester Male Voice Choir presents A Gala Concert 22 THE SOLID SILVER 60’s SHOW 25 Psychic Sally 29 Liza Pulman sings Hollywood 30 Russell Kane Right Man, Wrong Age

sands of people died as a direct result of his power at the end of Man of Steel, which bestows the character with a moral complexity we haven’t really seen before.

Gal Gadot makes her first appearance as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman and, considering her casting raised a few eyebrows due to her slim-build in comparison to Wonder Woman’s trademark Amazonian physique, she is fantastic.

Spending the majority of the movie in her civilian guise, she is mesmerising whenever she is on-screen; oozing a confidence and charisma many will not be expecting from a relatively untested actress.

When she does finally don the Wonder Woman outfit, all hell breaks loose. She is an absolute force to be reckoned with and it’s refreshing to see a female character in a comic-book movie that’s just as useful, perhaps even more useful, than her male companions.

Equipped with her gauntlets, shield and sword, she lays waste to anything in her path and will leave audiences eagerly awaiting her solo movie, coming out in June 2017.

Dawn of Justice also marks Jesse Eisenberg’s first appearance as Lex Luthor and with it he brings an outlandish, flamboyant and very unique take on the character, which isn’t necessarily a good thing.

His performance is often so over the top that it feels like he belongs in a children’s cartoon, not a bigbudget, live action blockbuster.

There are moments of greatness in his performance and he has some of the best dialogue in the entire movie, which he delivers with an admirable zest, but his hyperactive, goofball tendencies often bury those moments.

Now, on to Ben Affleck; a man whose casting was greeted with nothing but blind rage and universal dismay from comic-book fans the world over.

A man everyone thought was destined to fail miserably and be

SYMPHONY HALL

April 02 Sartaaj Live 06 RICK ASTLEY 08 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Zoë Gilby Quartet 08 Michael Bolton 09 Last Night of the Rotary Proms 13 CBSO 2015-16 - Bruckner’s Ninth 15 Jazzlines Free Gigs: MOSAIC 15 The Next 25 - Official 25th Birthday Concert 16 Disney Frozen in Concert 20 Science of Sound 2015/16 21 The Speakmans 23 CBSO 2015-16 Romeo and Juliet

NEC

April 02-03 Miniatura 07-10 Antiques for Everyone 07-09 Who Do You Think You Are? Live 2016 14-17 Homebuilding & Renovating Show 22-23 National Engineering & Construction Recruitment 26-28 Naidex 2016

BARCLAYCARD ARENA

April 02 Muse 12 Hans Zimmer 16 WWE LIVE WRESTLEMANIA REVENGE 23 Peter Kay’s Dance For Life 26 Macklemore & Ryan Lewis 28 2016 Betway Premier League Darts 29 Dixie Chicks

remembered with the same eyerolling exasperation as George Clooney’s infamous nipple-suit.

Well, there’s no easy way to say this, but here it goes; Ben Affleck is not only one of the best, but he may even be the best Batman we have ever seen.

That may seem like a big statement to make after only one appearance as the character, but this is the Batman we’ve always wanted, nay...deserved, and never got until now.

Affleck plays a charismatic, yet tortured Bruce Wayne and a vicious, relentless Batman – it’s like nothing we’ve ever seen. When the bat-suit is on, all bets are off.

He becomes an animal, a predator, ready to take out his prey by any means necessary and it’s an absolute joy to watch him shoot, stab, beat and bludgeon his way through the streets of Gotham with a controlled savagery.

He is a master tactician who is always five steps ahead of his opponent and has a contingency plan for every likely outcome in any given situation.

He is equipped with a vast array of gadgetry, which we see him make use of more than in any other Batman movie and finally, he is unrivalled when it comes to hand-to-hand combat.

In terms of pure loyalty to his comic-book counterpart, this is by far the most accurate representation of the Batman we have ever been gifted with. Ben Affleck has defied expectations enormously... plain and simple.

While far from perfect, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is still an enormously successful superhero movie.

Most of its shortcomings are a direct result of how ambitious the movie is trying to be and it’s very hard to hate an ambitious movie.

Full of interesting characters, ferocious action and one of the most pulse-pounding climaxes to any comic book movie in recent memory, Batman v Superman is a cinematic event you shouldn’t miss, regardless of its shortcomings.

30 Harlem Globetrotters

GENTING ARENA

April 01-02 Adele 03 Little Mix 06-10 Disney On Ice presents Silver Anniversary Celebration 14 5 Seconds of Summer 16-17 Jeff Lynne’s ELO 29 Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds 30 Bryan Adams

SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON

April 01 Destroyed Beyond Belief 02 Mama 06 Amped 08 The Rezillos 09 The Mayor’s Wolverhampton Rock Festival 16 Battle of the Bands 16 Moose Blood 20 Amped 21 We-Are-Z 23 VIP Music Fair 23 Ovation presents SLAM CARTEL 24 Raymond Froggatt 27 Amped 29 Under A Banner 30 Soley Mourning

The Phoenix – April 2016

Page 33

NEWS

Life of Local Chef ‘Slaughter’ celebrated

W

ith a reputation that spread far and wide for some years, Ronald Canute Williams was remembered by hundreds at his funeral after his recent passing.

Known by hordes of followers for his remarkably tasty food, Chef Williams a.k.a. ‘Slaughter,’ was wellknown throughout Birmingham and far beyond after making a name for himself, first at the Ackee Tree Caribbean Restaurant, in Erdington, before really stamping his mark, at people’s favourite, Inner Circle, in Hockley, in

the city.

Jamaican-born Williams, coming from a long line of ‘foodies’ was the leader, as his siblings, brothers and sisters, all set-out to make their own respective stance with their own inevitable presence in the market.

Ronald’s presence, though, stood out like a beacon. Not only with family members, but, with Caribbean

New images show off future Wolves railway station

food outlets, in general.

His funeral was testament to his overwhelming popularity as the ever-popular New Testament Church of God, in Lozells, was full to overflowing, as family, friends and colleagues, throughout the years, said their own ‘goodbye’ to a culinary great.

Ronald was 64.

I

mages have been unveiled at MIPIM Cannes of what Wolverhampton’s new state-of-the-art railway station will look like.

The artist’s impressions featured as part of the City of Wolverhampton Council’s presentation showcasing the city’s regeneration successes and future developments.

Work is due to begin on the new railway station next year following the extension and refurbishment of the railway station multi-storey car park, which is expected to be completed by Christmas 2016.

It forms part of a £120 million Interchange project that will also see a Metro line ex-

tension, including a new stop at the station.

The new station will also benefit from an enhanced Birmingham New Street-style ticket office, larger passenger concourse, ample ticket barriers to ease flow onto and off platforms, much improved retail and café facilities, increased taxi rank provision and a more efficient passenger drop off/ pick up arrangement.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Assets, said: “There is £3.7 billion of investment currently on site or in the pipeline across Wolverhampton.

As part of this regeneration it is crucial visitors to our city

get the best first impression possible and their travel experience is enhanced - this new state-of-the-art station will deliver that.”

Steve Parry, Managing Director of Neptune Developments, added: “These emerging proposals for the main railway station building illustrate that the city will soon have a new high quality gateway.”

Dave Whitehouse, Virgin Trains Station Manager Wolverhampton, said: “The images really bring the plans for the new-look station alive.

There’s a real sense of excitement as we work together to give the city a station to be proud of.”

Grand Central Embraces Local Talent in Brum

S

ix months on since the launch of Grand Central Birmingham, one of the city’s most talked about developments in decades; the centre provides a nationwide platform for young, talented filmmakers.

In a recent partnership, Grand Central has been working with The Year of Arts & Young People in Birmingham (YAY 16), to help engage more young people to take part in opportunities offered by theatres, galleries and concert halls.

Through Maverick TV, MAIA Creatives, the West Midlands High Sheriff and Birmingham City Council the ‘Through Your Eyes Project’ has enabled talented young creatives to try their hand at film making and animation to create a short 10 second film capturing Birmingham through their eyes.

Partnering with the project which has been funded by Birmingham City Council, Grand Central will be providing 10 of the winning entries with a public platform to showcase their film via the three media eyes located at the entrances of Grand Central and New Street station.

Page 34

CAMARA’S SPOTLIGHT

The Phoenix – April 2016

The Nurses Association of Jamaica (UK) 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.

T

his month in Camara’s Spotlight I would like to introduce you to The Nurses Association of Jamaica (UK) and my contact Sherill Gregory who I first met at The Phoenix Newspaper’s 5th Anniversary Award Ceremony in Birmingham in December 2015 and was taken by her friendly manner.

My father and I spoke with her discussing of course Jamaica (my dad’s favourite topic) and the fact that they had connections in Spanish Town Hospital where my Aunt Jean Allen also worked, led me to read up on the charity that she was involved with.

The Nurses Association of Jamaica (UK) was founded in 1978 by a small group of nurses keen to have direct links with Health Services in Jamaica and to support and develop nurses coming from Jamaica to the United Kingdom.

I must admit I was pretty impressed with their achievements although not widely boasted. A few weeks later I had an email from Sherill asking me if I would perform at their annual fund rais-

ing concert to be held in Croydon, Surrey.

I am pleased to say I accepted. Part of the funds raised will go to support health projects in Jamaica which will include Dementia and Cancer care alongside mother and child care here in the UK. I read up on their core objectives which is and has always been too improve the health of their communities, promoting the study and practice of Nursing, midwifery and health visiting through application of research and improving nursing standards.

In all honesty the amount of projects NAJ (UK) are positively involved in within the community is quite phenomenal.

NAJ (UK) has two branches one being in Birmingham and the other in London. Although it was founded in 1978 it was 1998 when the association gained charitable status and is managed by an elected executive committee of a president, trustees and nominated members from each branch.

It is the longest serving Nursing Charity for Nurses who originated from outside the UK and

in Unity going from Strength to Strength.

Their mission to assist and support individuals or organisations to achieve their potential through access to facilities enhancing their educational needs are out of the ordinary.

Grants and bursaries are given to support students in need to study on health and social care programmes and NAJ (UK) also support individuals that want to further their education in the UK and overseas, such as student nurses in Jamaica and medical students on a research programme in Uganda etc.

To me this is passing on a vital link of positivity and one that I believe will/is having a major impact on lives in the communities both near and far.

Some of the UK projects include: Sandwica Nursery, Cope Black Mental Health Foundation, British Caribbean Veterans Association, Trinity Hospice, St Christopher’s Hospice, Croydon University Hospital Children & Maternity, Health Awareness and promotion with local BME communities, Contribution of £4000 towards Mary Seacole statue appeal, Collaborative work with RCN, Jamaica High commission, CBEN, as well as other Caribbean Associations.

NAJ (UK) has a history of supporting health and education projects in the UK, Jamaica, and African, and here are some of past and on-going work.

Joint fundraising between NAJ (UK) and fourteen other Jamaican Community organisations to refurbish Spanish Town Hospital in Jamaica, Provided medical equipment to hospitals in Kingston, Manchester, St Andrew, St Ann, St Catherine, & St Elizabeth in Jamaica to improve health care.

They have also supported change management by working collaboratively with Safe Birth in Chad Foundation to improve hygiene and Midwifery practice in Chad North Africa, resulting in reduced maternal and neonatal mortality rates, and provided fin-

ancial support for health service delivery to HIV and AIDS projects.

This is all alongside The Manchester Sickle Cell project in Jamaica, Financial and health care support for disaster appeals in Mozambique, Haiti, and other Caribbean Island, Provided funds to support Breakfast Club for Berwick All Age School Riverside PO St Catherine, Jamaica, Provision of hygiene and other facilities for schools in Jamaica, namely Porus Primary School Clarendon, Ramble School and Seaside Early Childhood Centre in Portland.

To be quite honest the NAJ (UK) are actively involved in so many projects I really would not be able to mention all of them so

please look them up online their website is due to be updated in the very near future.

If you feel that you would like to become a member or get more involved please contact them on their website and download a form or better still donate and come along to the concert to be held on 16th April 2016 (see

flyer).

I am so impressed with their work that I highly recommend The Nurses Association of Jamaica (UK) for their inspirational work, they have certainly inspired me.

Congratulations for living up to your motto “Unity is Strength’ Thank you Sherill for sharing your associations journey.

Get in Touch with Camara camara@thephoenixnewspaper.com www.camaraofficial.com www.youtube.com/camaraofficial www.linkedin.com/CamaraFearon

Camara (aka mizzcamara for websearch)

Nurses Association of Jamaica (UK) Annual Celebration

Concert to celebrate

35 Years

AnniversAry of Nurses Association of Jamaica (UK)

featuring..

Jamaican Comedy reggae Jazz Jamaican Play Doors Open 17.30 Soul Singing Show Begins 18.00 Jamaican Poetry and much more..

RAFFLE Caribbean Cuisine on sale

saturday 13th april 2013

at arch Bishop Lanfranc school Mitcham road, Croydon surrey Cr9 3as Tickets: Adult £15 - Children £6 There will be no sale of tickets at the door, all tickets to be purchased in advance.

Part proceeds to support: Victoria Jubilee Hospital Jamaica and Health Awareness in the UK

CONTACT

Paulette: 07950496667 - Lurline: 0208 684 2174/07903819379 Beverley: 07772216510 - Pauline: 07944328199/02086790474 Registered Charity 1063008

To Advertise - Telephone : 0121 339 5885 or email us : advertising@thephoenixnewspaper.com

The Phoenix – April 2016

Page 35

ADOPTION AND FOSTERING

W

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

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

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

Make the pledge to help tackle child sexual exploitation

P

eople in Wolverhampton are being urged to make a personal pledge and help tackle child sexual exploitation (CSE).

Councils across the West Midlands teamed up with West Midlands Police to support the national CSE Awareness Day last month.

Organised by charity National Working Group, which is dedicated to helping combat CSE, the aim was to encourage everyone to think, spot and speak out

against abuse.

On the day people were asked to write a personal pledge on their hands and then post a photo of it on social media using the hashtag #HelpingHands - the pledge being anything from speaking out about CSE to educating others on the signs of abuse.

The seven West Midlands Councils, along with the police and partner organisations, are working together to raise the profile of CSE in the region through the See Me, Hear

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

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 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.

Barnado’s marks 150 years at Royal birthday celebrations

Me campaign and website, www.seeme-hearme.org.uk, which aims to increase people’s understanding of child sexual exploitation and how to spot the warning signs.

Alan Coe, Chair of Wolverhampton Safeguarding Children Board, said: "The sexual abuse of children is a crime. It is exploitative and a misuse of adult power.

We cannot for one moment be complacent and believe we have got everything right to protect children - instead we must continue to support all communities to identify the signs of abuse and understand how to respond to them.”

Anyone who is concerned about the safety of a young person should call the police on 101, speak in confidence to Barnardo’s or in an emergency call 999.

Childline also has counsellors available online at www.childline.org.uk.

F

or 150 years Barnardo’s has been transforming children’s lives helping hundreds of thousands of children to grow up happy and healthy.

The UK's leading children's charity, founded by Dr. Thomas Barnardo, is offering fantastic profile-raising and fundraising opportunities for charity and corporate partnerships ahead of the anniversary.

Barnardo’s. Chief Executive, Javed Khan, said; "2016 is here at last and this promises to be an exciting year for all of us at Barnardo’s.

This year, we mark the 150th anniversary of when Thomas Barnardo first set out to help vulnerable children and young people. I am so proud that we have staff, volunteers and supporters who are dedicated to making sure we can always be here for children.

I want to make my own pledge to fundraise for Barnardo's. This year, I’m going to do an abseil

to raise money for our work and children and young people we show my dedication to our bril- work with will be excited to find liant charity.” out how they can take part in what The charity, whose famous chil- promises to be a historic weekend dren include dress designer Bruce of celebration.”

Oldfield, former footballer John The charity began its "boarding Fashanu, and brother, the late out" or fostering scheme in 1889 Justin and author Leslie Thomas, but only became a registered adwill be one of 600 organisations option society in 1947. to join a street party to mark Her In 1966 the charity changed its Majesty The Queen’s 90th birth- name from Dr Barnardo's Homes day on Sunday 12 June. to Dr Barnardo's.

Khan, said; "Barnardo’s is honoured to have The Queen as our Patron and a street party on The Mall is a great way to bring together and acknowledge the diverse range of charities that she supports.

I know all our staff, volunteers and the many l Javed Khan, Chief Executive

FOSTER CARERS WANTED Tel: 0121 234 6210 info.futurefamilies@futurehsc.com

www.futurefamilies.co.uk Independent Fostering Agency

(west midlands ltd.)

Future Families West Midlands Limited, Chamberlain House 28-30 Hall Street, Hockley, Birmingham B18 6BS Tel: 0121 234 6210 Fax: 0121 234 6215 Email: info.futurefamilies@futurehsc.com Web: www.futurefamilies.co.uk

‘where every child matters today, tomorrow and in the future’ Registered Charity no. 1056907

Registered in England and Wales.

Registered Office: 2-4 Summer Hill Terrace, Birmingham B1 3RA

Page 36

ADVERTORIAL - WHAT IS NOËLLE BLAKE?

M

l Haunting My Ghosts is the first book by Noëlle Blake

aureen Goodin-Pryce is a multitalented and multifaceted individual.

Born in Birmingham, the mother of two is an artist, an author, and an interior designer, but this creative maestro doesn’t rest on her laurels, as up until a few years ago, these passions took a back seat in her life, just waiting to burst through.

Maureen had worked in a number of jobs, starting out as a nursery nurse, carer, care manager and most recently as a project manager for a local authority, but no matter what job she has been in there has always been a thread connecting them.

“In all of my 9 to 5 employment in the past, at the heart of them I’ve always tried to enable someone else to better their life through whatever means were available to me in that position,” explains Maureen, “if I couldn’t utilise my creative talents, at least I could support someone else to realise theirs.”

But being made redundant 2 years

The Phoenix – April 2016

What Is Noëlle Blake? ago gave Maureen the chance to make a change. “I had actually managed to secure an alternative post, however, the break gave me an opportunity to re-evaluate my aspirations and determine whether it was really what I wanted to do.

So I asked myself, if I could choose what I wanted to do, what would it look like?”

“I had always painted, written, drew and made things since about the age of 9 when I made a teddy bear, which the person I gave it to still has to this day! Creating is just something I’ve always done. “ It was at this time that Maureen decided to bring her creative talents to the forefront, and so Noëlle Blake was born. “Noëlle Blake is actually my name - Noëlle is my middle name, and Blake is my mother’s maiden name. My mother was a very strong, formidable and amazing woman. She has passed away now, but using her name was an opportunity for me to honour her, and I know that completing my

book would have been something she would be thrilled about.”

“Noelle Blake is my brand as well as the pen name that I write under.

It encapsulates all the creative and collaborative work that I produce, working with the team of professionals that support me.”

Having written short stories for close family and friend’s eyes only for many years, Maureen chose one of those short stories to develop and subsequently complete. In 2012, Maureen self-published her first fiction novel; Haunting My Ghosts, which won Editor’s Choice and Rising Star awards from the publishers.

The psychology graduate used this completely fictitious piece of work to create relatable characters, whose emotional journey’s she hopes everyone can understand and learn from, regardless of their own backgrounds and experiences.

In 2013 after being asked to have her story represented as a part of Black History Month at Walsall

Library, Superintendent Keith Fraser from West Midlands Police reviewed the book and came along to speak about it. “It was a real moment for me to have somebody that I hold in high regard read my book and absolutely understand all the different levels that I’d tried to create within it.”

The promotion still continues, and in April she will be touring as part of ‘Still I Rise’, a group of newly published female authors, visiting Leamington Spa, Birmingham and Bristol, and with any luck en route to the USA to explore publishing opportunities in the States.

While all this is going on, Maureen began setting up the Interior Design arm of Noëlle Blake. “I’ve now got a team of carpenters, decorators, seamstresses, upholsterers, re-upholsterers, woodwork finishers, artists and graphic designers.

So depending on what is required for a client I can tap into the appropriate resources.”

With such a diverse team and

l Some of the pieces of furniture that will be available via the website like the two above are amazing

To Advertise - Telephone : 0800 009 6909 or email us : advertising@thephoenixnewspaper.com

The Phoenix – April 2016

Page 37

ADVERTORIAL - WHAT IS NOËLLE BLAKE?

l Some stunning soft furnishings in the range

l A beautiful scene inspired by International Womens Day

some boasting over 30 years of experience in their respective fields, Noëlle Blake has found a number of niche markets that they have already made their mark in, and to this end, the business has three main branches.

Next Level Business Branding – understanding the essence of a business or organisation, and establishing that within their physical environment, going beyond just a logo.

Styling Events – with such a talented team, themed events and set designs are easily within reach.

Interior Design – everything from bespoke silk floral arrangements, through sourcing a bespoke piece of furniture, to a room redesign or restyling and coordinating a complete home.

“The work we do covers a range of styles from Retro to Rococo, Baroque to Bauhaus so there is something for everyone.

I love it because everyone in my team has a very different style, but we have the same eye.”

“I enjoy the challenge of being able to create something, be it written work or an artistic piece, that resonates on more than one level.”

Noëlle Blake has already been noticed by some big names, with Heads Up Business commissioning her to style all 4 of their networking events this

year, beginning with their International Women’s Day event in March.

April will see products from the Noëlle Blake collection available to purchase directly from the website, consisting of a combination of newly sourced home interior items from around the world, one off Noëlle Blake branded home interiors and products available to order.

Of course, all of these successes have come from hard work and a strong mental attitude, but Maureen hasn’t got here alone; “I’ve got to thank Harley and Ethan, my two boys, and my husband Barrington who are my rocks. They’ve been so supportive and helped me every step of the way to realise my dreams.”

To all the budding creatives out there, Maureen has a few words of wisdom; “Don’t let the creeping doubts tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams, because with hard work, commitment and determination you absolutely can. It is important to recognise that things may often be difficult, but they are not impossible.”

Noëlle Blake is your one-stopshop for all of your design and interior needs, and if you look out in the near future, Noëlle Blake may just become the next bestselling author too.

l Another scene with a completely different feel, bespoke chair included

www.noelleblake.com

ELEGANCE FOR YOU At Noelle Blake we can create bespoke interiors for your home, business or event.

Utilising a range of traditional methods and innovative techniques, a dedicated team of professionals work to produce individual interiors, create next level business branding and style themed and corporate events.

WHAT WE OFFER

We can design original furniture, supply high end furniture, produce original artwork create and coordinated soft furnishings to your specification.

Do you want something original, or something created just for you?

Are you looking for something that’s not on the high street but don’t know how to source it?

Call us to discuss your requirements or visit our website.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GET IN TOUCH /thenoelleblake

/noelleblake

/noelle.blake

Or Call Us On 07473 524 227

www.noelleblake.com

Page 38

BAJAICAN BLESSINGS

Bajaican s g n i s s e l B

The Phoenix – April 2016

enixnewspaper.com

ajaican@thepho via email at alison.b n iso Al th wi ch tou You can get in 08 865 1922 or by calling her on 02

A

s part of my Mothers’ Day celebrations I ventured out to St Edmunds’ Community Hall in Edmonton to attend the Honouring Inspirational Mothers Award (HIMA) celebration.

On this special night, Father 2 Father and the local community honoured, celebrated, praised and thanked mothers for all they have done.

The event also awarded mothers who have gone over and beyond their own Mothering responsibilities to Motivate, Inspire, Nurture and Empower others in the community.

There was poetry, drama, musicians and inspirational speakers to keep us entertained on this special night.

A 16 year old young man played a popular medley of Gospel tunes on the keyboard for us and later shred he started to teach himself 2 years ago. I was pictured at a table but spotting me below is a bit like “Where’s Wally?”

The person who had made me aware of the event and jumped into my car as I searched for available parking was also part of the team of men serving food to the guests as they enjoyed the evening.

The MC kept us all amused with her very humorous quips and honesty about her own family life experiences.

The man behind the whole event and others like this then took to the microphone and presented an award to a very involved mother who he was inspired by.

She - raising her children alone - had given him, as the teacher of both her teenage children, permission to address any issues that

arose at school as he saw fit.

Mr Courtney Brown is part of the Father 2 Father team who actively seek to support fathers in socially deprived areas.

As I journeyed home reflecting on the evening’s events, I thought about extending the theme of celebrating men who do positive work within the community - in advance of Fathers’ day coming up in June.

Of course I could re-visit the theme then but, as a heads up, I thought it was vital to give praise where praise is due as there are so many men taking hold of the reins of leadership and attempting to provide solutions where there appears to be none.

One such individual pictured above with me on my left 5 years ago is Viv Ahmun who, apart from being involved in a number of social and economic platforms currently is part of Aspire Prep GCSE Boot camps.

Like all good strategists, Viv focuses the bulk of his resources on solutions and prevention whilst doing his best to help fight the fire downstream.

That is why he and his business partners created Aspire Prep Boot Camp. If you want to ensure your child or grandchild gets the right economic foundations for a price that fits your budget, you should introduce them to “Aspire Prep”.

Viv and co set up and run Aspire boot camps because they believe the mainstream education system is broken and bankrupt.

If they can avoid it, parents who see their children as family assets

do not entrust the education of their children to the state schools.

They pay for private or supplementary education of some kind.

Not only does that mean that your child receives a higher standard of education and one-to-one tutoring from professionals who are actually able to give their best, your child is also in an environment with other young people who want to succeed.

These young people go on to form their social network/capital as they get older (similar to the old boys’ network that the wealthy leverage every day) If you do not prioritise your child’s development you run the risk of failing them at what is the

most critical stage in their development.

Too many parents wait until the year before final exams to send their children to Aspire Prep at which point the child is already under extreme pressure to deliver.

The perfect point to send them to Aspire Prep is when they are 10 years old and getting ready to move in to bigger school.

The first year of secondary school is where the majority of children lose their way, especially the boys, and if their parents

are divided in the home then the pressure on them is even greater although they do not often say it.

When Aspire Prep begins to work with them at that age they are able to ensure their path to success is assured.

So far, I’ve mentioned 2 individuals working in the community to provide solutions. “Solutions to what?” I hear you cry!

Have you ever wondered why we hear of so many murders and crimes committed within certain communities – often nowadays via modern-day messaging or social media sometimes from people who witness the aftermath in their own street?

In the same month that she celebrated Mothers’ Day, a woman in North London had to stand behind a police cordon unable to go to her son lying in the street having been shot in cold blood.

The video footage that went viral shows her shouting “That’s my son!” over and over. We will never know if Oliver Charles Tetlow’s death could have been avoided but every mother knows how she feels when news is brought to us that yet another son has been killed.

Courtney and Viv are part of a

large movement of men trying to rectify and heal the mentality amongst some who are broken and are reaching out for help to restore their lives.

Oliver’s friends and family have set up a “GoFundMe site to pay for funeral costs. Over £3k has been raised in 10 days.

Another friend who seeks to reach out to the homeless and needy with a free hot meal and has opened the doors of his Caribbean restaurant every Christmas Day for at least 8 years or so is Richard Simpson of Cummin’ Up fame.

Easter Friday 2015 saw Richard take his generosity to new level by extending the invitation to share an Easter meal for free.

Richard, his family and volunteers gratefully receive donations of food, time and assistance. After years of helping Richard promote this venture I spent a few hours in the midst of those unforgettable festivities Christmas Day 2014 and can vouch for the great service and menu the restaurant provide.

Saturday 19th March 2016 saw the performance of “Soweto Voices at The University of West London, Laurence Hall, St Mary’s Road, Ealing. Geoff Schumann – a former teacher now radio presenter and DJ invited us to the production that he wrote and directed himself.

Geoff and the team took us son a journey through the eyes and sounds of Soweto in South Africa.

A night that increased my awareness of a time of great struggle within South Africa.

On the night there were 5 short plays intermixed with music fused with spoken word poetry and traditional South African drumming and dance.

The 5 short stories of “Soweto Voices” charted some of the historic struggles of this beautiful township. Young amateur dramatists came together to perform on a night of culture infused as edutainment.

It is 40 years since the pupils of

The Phoenix – April 2016

Soweto confronted the apartheid state. It was the beginning of the end of white rule in South Africa.

But the children – many of them very young – paid a terrible price.

In the first day alone around 200 were shot down by the police.

All proceeds from the event were split between The 100 Black Men Of London and The Felix Dexter Foundation.

Now, most of us have heard of 100 Black men of London that was founded in 2001 and became a registered charity in 2004.

One such person who has been involved with the London chapter is Tony Warner who is the founder and director of “Black History Walks” as well as promoter of monthly African Odysseys Films at the Southbank BFI and Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley, London.

Tony’s passion for education and sharing knowledge exudes from his work.

He is keen to explore the vital and vibrant contributions made by black Britons and his organisation provides the only opportunity for a guided tour of the most popular parts of the London, while bringing to light the contributions made over the centuries by people of African descent and creating the opportunity for others to learn about the City of London in all its fullness.

Black History Walks is the quintessential way to discover the hidden African heritage around the capital city of London and beyond in the streets, institutions and architecture of England’s great metropolis.

The walks take place in five different areas from February to November and last about two hours.

Private walks also available on request, at times to suit your Primary/Secondary School, University, Birthday Party or Staff group. You can discover 2000 years of London’s Black History.

Tony is also director of education at 100 Black Men Of London an organisation formed by a small group of concerned and committed men who came together and decided that if change was going to come in their community... they would have to be proactively involved in that process.

Tony and his colleagues believe that collectively we can make a difference.

100 Black Men also have chapters in Birmingham and

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BAJAICAN BLESSINGS

Luton if you want to get involved.

The Luton Black Men Community Group is an Afrocentric male facilitating organisation enhancing the Black community with mentoring, education, economic empowerment and health & wellness via self-funded programmes.

They need more men to join this organisation to provide solutions for whole African / Caribbean community.

Some of us will remember the 20 individuals who were selected nationally as outstanding community role models in 2008.

All who were in-

volved in the Reach Role Model project know that the high-profile role model programme was not a magic wand to address the low achievement of many black boys.

The 20 individuals had two primary objectives: first, to inspire young black men to be the best they can be; second, to encourage all black men to embrace their role as role models to their own children, and those of extended families.

They delivered this message through talks at schools and community centres, and at functions such as those organised by 100 Black Men. They were also encouraged to use the media to disseminate their positive message, and with their work being coordinated and monitored they hoped that in the end 20 will inspire 20,000, and the 20,000 will inspire a generation.

Reach were acutely aware that this is only a small part of the solution and realise that when black fathers in broken families play little or no role in their children’s lives, positive male role models are crucial.

In highlighting role models who are not only sportsmen, Reach aim to promote the value of good parenthood and cerebral and entrepreneurial endeavour.

Reach Society was conceived by Donald Palmer, Rob Neil and Dwain Neil who discussed their concerns about the government’s decision to end the grant funding of the national REACH role model programme after three years.

Each of them had been involved with the programme and saw its positive impact on Black boys and young Black men; and so they knew that something needed to be done to maintain this work that was transforming young lives.

Once they had conceived a model for Reach Society they lead a series of conversations with serving role models in order to identify other professional Black men who felt the same way; to test whether they would choose to continue to help boys and young men from their cultural backgrounds; and test whether they could work with the Reach Society model.

In this way a movement of Black professional men choosing to help boys and young men was initiated.

Reach Society’s 5th Careers Conference will be held on Tuesday 5th April 2016 at the Royal National Hotel, Bedford Way, Russell Square, London WC1H 0DG So if you have ever wanted to get involved in worthy causes who support our men who are attempting to rectify issues and offer effective solutions, please get in touch with any of the organisations mentioned above.

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AZUZA STREET

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

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he highest form of prayer requires attention of heart and mind which links the object of our life to the elements of nature.

As the heart, so is the life. Nothing remains unrevealed. It is in the nature of mind to create its own conditions, and to choose the status in which it shall dwell. For only there we find real pleasure and love.

Seeking real pleasure and love comes from the four elements of nature: Earth, water, wind, and fire.

When men seek for help from God, they invoke the elements into their struggle.

These elements runs through entire of our blood streams for nour-

ishment and protection. For God is not far from all creatures soul, in God we all live and have our being.

Human soul benefit from nature and so is one with nature.

All elements work together with man. Man is one in harmony with nature.

For example there are Key points to notice for prayer in health and healing which comes from the following elements;

Water

Water sustains all forms of life, including human life. Our source of healer is water. If you are praying for to be heal from heartburn, arthritis, back pain, migraines, colitis, asthma, Water is important to be able to understand the lan-

PRAYER guage of health and the enzyme activities in the living organism.

We go to water for help of our problems. Water is life.

Earth

There are approximately 102 minerals found in the earth, the same number found in the body of human. Human are in the earth (soul) and the earth is in you.

The soul is one with all other elements. The nutrition (food) we provide for our souls must be of the same composition as those organs that are requiring renewal.

The mineral requirements of the soul (inner organs) of human cannot be met through the consumption of animals.

All creatures depend on minerals in the earth for sustainability.

Restore your natural power over the destiny of your physical body.

Therefore the Earth is spirit and gives life.

Wind

We all knows where the spirit is coming from and where is going. It is the words that we speak that are spirit and they gives life.

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tonewall, the lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality charity, held a seminar with religious leaders to start conversations on LGBT equality across all faiths.

Over 200 delegates attended the event in London to hear faith leaders sharing best practice in a range of areas, including tackling homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying within their congregations.

The session was also used to discuss the possible introduction of a interfaith network of LGBT people within the UK. Panellists included Dr and Imam Ludovic Mohammed-Zahed, the founder of mosques that are inclusive of LGBT Muslims and women based.

Also there were Reverend Sally Hitchiner, an English Anglican priest and founder of Diverse Church; Ruby Almedia, chair of Catholic LGBT group Quest; and Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu, the rabbi of Kehillah North London and Director of Youth, Education and Development and Finchley Reform Synagogue.

Ludovic Mohammed-Zahed said: “Fighting discrimination against both LGBT people and faith communities is so important.

Multi-faith dialogue gives individuals and groups a chance to share best practice and learn about how tackling prejudice in different communities.

It’s been great to visit London and hear more from faith leaders based here in Britain, and I hope

Religious Leaders discuss LGBT Equality at Stonewall Roundtable of Faith that sharing my experiences as a gay Imam has been informative and useful to them too.”

Keynote speakers on the night included Dr Masuma Rahim, a clinical psychologist who specialises in supporting young people who come out as LGBT and Surat-Shaan Rathgeber Knan, the founder and manager of both Twilight People, a project celebrating transgender and gender-variant people of faith, and Rainbow Jews, a group that celebrates LGBT Jewish history.

Masuma and Surat-Shaan were joined by Kieran B o h a n , LGBT Ministry Facilitator at inclusive

Anglican church St Bride's Liverpool and Katy Staples, who works for Bristol Diocese and is one of the authors of ‘Valuing All God’s Children’.

Surat-Shaan Rathgeber Knan said: “It’s essential that faith role models are a part of this, and that their voices are amplified to address these stories.

As this vital work continues I hope we see more and more people, regardless of their faith, address others with these similar values” Ruth Hunt, Chief Executive, Stonewall said: “An essential part of Stonewall’s work involves amplifying the voices of individuals and LGBT faith groups to counter narratives around mutual exclusion and incompatibility.

Your sexual orientation, gender identity and faith should not present barriers to one another.”

The only treatment prescribed

by God for our revival is the Holy Spirit leading you to know all truth.

The words you speak are the languages of the universe which sanctify and magnify the God you are afflicted with.

Nature is the intellect’s name for God. And God is the spirit, soul, light and life. Nature restores the natural harmony existing between spirit, soul and body of all creatures. Therefore Wind is life, because it gives life.

Fire

Fire is the light of our soul. A heat that generate power to know the connection between you and your Godly nature or your state of life.

A natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through space-time, as well as, related concepts, including energy and force.

More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.

Fire/light is the source of energy for life on earth. Commitment to

the nature of light is the highest energy of all. Remember, God is a consuming fire.

Therefore Human tongue is fire, because it can destroy and at the same time it can build and provide.

Seeking the face of God, is the spirit in you that you are presenting, crying out for the mercy.

Sometimes we do not know how to pray but the spirit comes to the aid of our weakness.

The spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groaning. And the one who searches hearts knows what the intention of the spirit is, because it intercedes for the holy spirit’s according to God’s will.

Let God pray in you. The spirit who is in you will do the praying.

Invoking God into the struggle of our lives, this would begin with a word. Words has creative power.

Words connect you to way of life and becomes your culture.

When we puts words together, they stand to control our way of life for tradition, culture and even religious believes.

Alphabetical languages of all life is the creator. Words are seeds planted in our minds and they must produce a particular yield.

The prophetic idea is that every person controls his life and death which is unknown to them. Every person is indeed ultimately re-

Pope Francis announces sainthood for Mother Teresa

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he was called "a living saint," and now, 18 years after her death, Mother Teresa is on the road to officially holding the title.

Pope Francis cleared the way for sainthood last year when he recognised a second miracle attributed to her.

The Roman

Catholic nun who worked with the poor in Kolkata (Calcutta) in India, was said to have been behind the healing of a Brazilian man with several brain tumours in 2008.

The woman who captured the imagination of the world through her unrelenting dedication to the destitute, diseased or repellent they might have been, founded, the Missionaries of Charity, which grew to include 3,000 nuns and 400 brothers in 87

The Phoenix – April 2016

sponsible for his own death, but every person is not conscious of this. This is the matter of life and death.

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”(John 3:19). Life and death are in the power of the tongues of men that resonate the mind daily for a purpose of living. (Proverbs 18:21) Prayer is the seed that you sow to reap the fruits thereof. The “seeds” or thought forms of the prayer “grow” and become the prayed for condition.

The condition of inner character and the state of your life. Your words of prayer are establishable upon the progression of a course of thinking and doing.

Our existence is created by what we think. Obviously, there are words and actions that constitute the basis for reward or punishment.

You cannot escape until you are conscious of what it is.

The effective prayer comes from the words you speak, foods you consume, clothing you wear, places you frequent, etc., are all part of an observable manner of worship, all reveal the living and the dead, and identifies whom you worship, served and pray for help.

countries, tending to the poor and dying in the slums of 160 cities.

In 2002, five years after her death, Pope John Paul II judged that the healing of a woman suffering from an abdominal tumour was the result of Mother Teresa's supernatural intervention cleared the way for her beatification (the first step to sainthood) in 2003.

In 1979 she accepted the Nobel Peace Prize and asked that the grand gala dinner be cancelled and the proceeds be given to the poor of Kolkata.

Born in 1910 to Albanian parents, Agnese Gonxha Bojaxhiu grew up in what is now the Macedonian capital, Skopje, before joining the Irish order of Loreto and in 1929 at the age of 19 before teaching at a school in Darjeeling, in India, under the name of Therese.

It usually takes decades for people to reach sainthood after their death, but Pope Francis was known to be keen to complete the process during the Church's Holy Year of Mercy which runs to November 2016.

Mother Teresa died in 1997 aged 87.

To Advertise - Telephone : 0121 339 5885 or email us : advertising@thephoenixnewspaper.com

The Phoenix – April 2016

Page 41

DS Smith puts health at the heart of the company in Oldbury

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T l Left to right Richard Turnbull, Grace Turnbull, Beverley Fairbank, Professor Charlie Craddock CBE & patient John Lovell

JLR present Cure Leukaemia with £20K from Great Birmingham Run 2015

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ar giants Jaguar Land Rover presented Cure Leukaemia with a cheque for £20,000 at the Centre for Clinical Haematology (CCH) at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

In October 2015, 50 JLR office staff and 10 employees of their creative agency Pink Squid ran the Great Birmingham Run to raise a figure that is worth £200,000 in potentially life-saving drug and transplant treatments for blood cancer patients in the

Midlands.

Beverley Fairbank, Employee Relations Director at Jaguar Land Rover, present the cheque to Professor Charlie Craddock CBE, Cure Leukaemia Trustee Richard Turnbull, his daughter Grace and blood cancer patient John Lovell, at CCH. She said: “It was fantastic to meet Professor Craddock and visit the CCH to see the amazing facility and people our fundraising has helped support. Meeting John and hearing his story was in-

credibly inspiring and I am proud that our fundraising and running efforts in the Great Birmingham Run last year has helped people suffering from this dreadful disease. I’m sure all of our runners will be delighted to see the difference fundraising for Cure Leukaemia has made.”

Cure Leukaemia are hoping for their biggest ever team for this year’s Great Birmingham Run and beating the total raised after the 2015 run.

l Beverley Fairbank, Employee Relations Director at JLR

Ex-patient and volunteer to lead Kings Norton walk for charity

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l Karamat Iqbal

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

UK Sugar Tax may not have desired effect

he UK government’s announcement of a new sugar tax on soft drinks may only serve to underpin the efforts of an alreadyevolving market, rather than driving any real change, according to an analyst at Canadean.

The tax is intended to tackle childhood obesity by reducing the number of sugary drinks bought and consumed, and by putting some of the money raised through the tax towards primary school physical education.

Canadean analyst Fiona Baillie says: “The low-calorie still drinks segment saw a growth of 6% in 2014, a much stronger increase than the 2% that the regular-calorie segment experienced.

Furthermore, with pure fruit juices and milk-based beverages exempt from the tax, the declining trend juices have seen due to sugar concerns may see a turnaround, with consumers migrating back to these drinks due to better pricing and a change in consumer perception about natural fructose.”

A number of other nations have already experienced similar sugar taxes, which may act as a guide to how the UK will fare.

Baillie says: “With a link between lower income consumers and high sugar intake in the UK, the tax may face similar criticisms.

However, it is worth noting that the UK has seen larger declines in, showing that it is currently a decline driven by consumer choice and therefore less likely to prompt an outcry.”

The new sugar tax will be introduced in April 2018.

volunteer chaplain and ex-patient at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham is organising a sponsored walk this summer to raise funds for QEHB Charity.

Karamat Iqbal, a published writer whose works include ‘Dear Birmingham: A Conversation with My Hometown’, will lead a sponsored walk on Saturday 4 June from Kings Norton to the QE and back, after vowing to do so back in 2014 whilst fighting for his life in hospital.

The funds generated will be split between QEHB Charity and Karam Foundation, Karamat’s own charity which supports children’s education in Kashmir,

Pakistan.

In July 2014, 58-year-old Karamat, who led a healthy lifestyle and rarely even caught colds, began suffering severe constipation; later he discovered this was because he was undergoing a bowel malfunction.

“When I woke up,” Karamat said, “I couldn’t breathe properly, talk, or even turn myself over in bed. I remember thinking ‘will I be this way forever?’” He had undergone an ileostomy, where an opening is made in the abdomen and a special bag attached to collect waste. “A few days after my surgery, the physiotherapist came to see me and said to me ‘tomorrow I want you to walk’. I didn’t believe him at first.” But the following

day, Karamat did walk a few steps, an incredible achievement considering his condition.

Dr Andrew Coward, Karamat’s GP from the Kings Norton and Ash Tree Surgery, said: “ It is wonderful and inspiring to see patients take up exercise and raise money for good causes- evidence shows that staying active is the key thing to stay fit and well or to help in preventing illnesses from coming back.”

Happily, in November 2015, and following 14 months with his ileostomy bag, Karamat was able to have the procedure reversed and no longer requires the bag. In celebration, he has organised the sponsored walk he first dreamed of

he Oldbury site of DS Smith has been awarded a silver Healthy Heart Mark, the packaging UK designs and manufactures award, by national charity Heart Research UK for encouraging healthy lifestyle habits among its employees.

By choosing to take on the healthy heart checks that Heart Research UK provides, the packaging supply cycle specialist provides employees with the opportunity to have their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, BMI and waist measurements checked and ask questions about their lifestyle habits.

The Healthy Heart Mark award is an accreditation that shows how an organisation values its workforce by making positive contributions towards employee health and wellbeing.

Following this round of healthy heart checks the company improved on their bronze mark awarded previously by introducing further initiatives at the site; this included everything from organised walks to providing workers with fresh fruit in the morning and afternoon.

David Sanders, Plant Manager at DS Smith’s Oldbury site said: “New additions such as group walks and healthier food options have been welcomed by all and it’s been great seeing employees encourage one another to lead healthier lives.”

“The healthy heart program has kick-started a company-wide culture change, inspiring everyone to stop and think about their health.”

Brian Wark, HR Director at DS Smith’s UK Packaging Division said: “Health and safety is extremely important in the packaging and manufacturing industries, but often most of the focus is on safety and not on health.

We have a duty of care to our employees and we are committed to supporting initiatives that lead to a healthy and happy workforce.

In fact, this campaign originated from one of our sites and when it proved to be very popular we secured support from the senior team to roll out the programme at all of our locations.”

DS Smith offers the Heart Research UK healthy heart checks at its 31 sites – from Livingston to Launceston - with many receiving Bronze and Silver Healthy Heart Marks over the year. This latest award will support DS Smith’s aim to achieve a Healthy Heart Mark (HHM) employer award later this year.

Page 42

CARIBBEAN EVENING

l Paul and Karen Harrison of PK Media

l Beverly Lindsay OBE OD DL, Rudolph Walker OBE, Marcia McLaughlin

l Dr Neslyn Watson-Druee CBE, Marcia McLaughlin and Phillip Murphy

The Phoenix – April 2016

l Dr Neslyn Watson-Druee CBE and Jacynth Ivey

Virgin Atlantic and Diamond Travel enhance beauty of the Caribbean with exclusive deals

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irgin Atlantic and Diamond Travel invited people to join them as they hosted a special Caribbean Evening at the Holte Banqueting Suite at Aston Villa FC to experience one of the true wonders of the world.

The leading travel company and the Birmingham-based travel agency joined forces to announce an exclusive arrangement in offering some low cost flight fares to the Caribbean.

An evening of cocktails,

Caribbean food and entertainment marked a series of new deals and extended destinations, by Virgin, throughout the Caribbean as new, tempting offers to Montego Bay, in Jamaica, Barbados and Antigua were highlighted by the carriers’ representative.

A special celebrity guest appearance by award-winning actor, Rudolph Walker OBE, saw him enhancing the beauty of the tropical holiday destination as a whole and why it should be the first place of

choice when choosing a summer holiday destination.

With a room full of people familiar with Diamond Travel events of this magnitude again there in support, this was an opportunity to introduce new faces to the beauty of the Caribbean.

A wonderful evening of sun, sea and getaways proved to be just the tonic for the congregated masses, who were already planning their next trips with the splendor and comfort of the support of Virgin Atlantic.

l Tony Sealey OBE and Marcia McLaughlin

l Beverly Lindsay OBE OD DL, Garry Peal

l Me and Terry Wallen

l Desmond Jaddoo, Martin Levermore MBE and Dr Neslyn Watson-Druee CBE

l Beverly Lindsay OBE OD DL and the NHS Blood & Transplant team

l Maureen Smith of Tropical Connections and Miss Caribbean UK 2015

The Phoenix – April 2016

Page 43

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

Semi-pro star, Jai, breaking new ground in Dubai

l Easah Suliman

Youngster, Suliman, hoping to be a ‘first’ in a new Villa

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l Jai Verma footballer from the West Midlands is swapping his life as a semi-professional, over here, to play the game, at the highest level, in Dubai.

Jai Verma, from Birmingham, is the first UK footballer to join Al Shabab, in the UAE and is living the ultimate schoolboy dream.

The 23-year-old, a Sports Science student at university in Nottingham, who played junior football with Park Village, was

scouted by the United Arab Emirates Arabian Gulf League side said; “I will be flying over for a trial session and they will see what my skills are like and then be able to make the decision as to whether or not they want me in the team.”

He said "I am so excited to see where this takes me and commit football to my life. I’m so excited to be playing football in Dubai.”

Verma will be travelling to the Gulf for trials with the left winger concentrating hard on his training schedule and if successful he would be the first United Kingdom player to join a squad in the Arabian Gulf League.

Usain Bolt T Confirmed To Light Up Friday Night Of London Anniversary Games

l Usain Bolt

he world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, has confirmed that he will compete on the night of Friday July 22 at the two day London Anniversary Games this summer.

The world record holder will take to the track for the IAAF Diamond League meeting at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London for what will be one of the best athletics meetings in the world and one of the showpiece events in the British sporting summer.

Staged at the former Olympic Stadium in Stratford, East London on 22-23 July 2016, the event will provide the final races for many of the world’s best athletes before they head to Rio for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In 2015, Bolt successfully defended his 100m, 200m and 4x100m titles at the Beijing World Championships and is the twotime Olympic Champion at 100m, 200m and 4x100m.

He has previously flourished under the floodlights on the Friday night of the London Anniversary Games, winning the 100m in both 2013 and 2015 with world class

Edgbaston ranked best for atmosphere in spectator report

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times of 9.85 and 9.87, and is looking forward to experiencing the ‘special atmosphere’ again.

Bolt said: “The London Anniversary Games will be one of my last races before the Olympic Games in Rio. It will be good to return to the Olympic Stadium on the Friday night and get more of the special atmosphere that the fans always produce. I always get great support in the UK and I expect the stadium to be packed.

See you in July.”

Niels de Vos, Chief Executive of British Athletics said: “Usain Bolt is a global sporting icon and this will be one of the last opportunities for families to attend the Anniversary Games and see him compete.”

“I’m sure the British fans will create a special atmosphere under the floodlights in this amazing venue. The London Anniversary Games is one of the very best sporting events in Britain and in particular the Friday night will be an incredible exhibition of some of the world’s best athletes, made even more special this year due to its proximity to the Olympic Games.”

irmingham's Edgbaston Stadium has been officially recognised for having the best atmosphere of UK cricket venues in a study of all match days in 2015 undertaken by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

The atmosphere on the third day of last summer's Investec Ashes Test Match at Edgbaston received a score of 9.5 out of 10 by the spectators in attendance, which was the highest score of any international fixture or final played in the summer of 2015.

Gareth Roberts, Commercial Director at Warwickshire County Cricket Club, said:

s his seniors signal the ‘death knell’ of the once proud Premier League giants, for Easah Suliman, it’s the ideal chance to shine and become a ‘first’ in a new beginning.

The promising young centreback will be hoping to be one of the ‘new broom’ that will see Aston Villa return to greatness in double-quick time.

The Moseley-born player has been gaining great reviews and acknowledgement during his progression through the ranks, at Villa Park, and is eager to be part of a new chapter as the claret and blues prepare for life in the Championship.

On a personal level, he has already been a winner after been voted the 2016 Youth Sport Trust Young Sports Person of the Year at the British Ethnic Diversity Sports Award (BEDSA), at the Grosvenor Hotel, in London.

A jubilant Suliman says; "Winning a BEDSA is an honour and a confidence boost for me.

To see us lose our place in the top flight has been painful, but, on a personal level, it might mean to grasp the opportunity to stake a claim in a new Aston Villa.

So, from now, I will be working towards my dream of making my Aston Villa debut."

And when that happens, Easah will be the first South Asian player to don the Lion crest on the hollowed turf of the former European Champions.

"The atmosphere at Edgbaston is world renowned and differentiates the stadium from any other cricket venue in the country. We are very proud that the atmosphere is ranked by the spectators in attendance as the best in the country.

It's fantastic to see our investment recognised in the scores given by spectators who attended our matches in 2015."

The ECB issues postmatch surveys to ticket buyers of all UK international and NatWest T20 Blast games, with an opportunity to score 10 elements of the match day experience, including atmosphere, seating, public announcements and

the food and drink offering.

Steve Elworthy, ECB's Director of Events said: "Putting fans at the heart of the game is one of the ECB's key priorities and the atmosphere at Edgbaston last summer shows how passionate people are about this sport.

The team at Edgbaston are to be congratulated on tapping into this passion and the needs of their community in order to deliver a great event for everyone involved."

This summer Edgbaston hosts England in the Royal London One-Day International (ODI) and the Investec Test Match against Pakistan.

It also hosts NatWest T20 Blast Finals Day in August.

Have you got something to say? Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Bolt will be back to brighten Anniversary games - Page 39

UB40 to start Great Birmingham 10K Run 2016

l UB40 will be starting the race

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irmingham music legends UB40 will see off 7,000 participants of this year’s Great Birmingham 10k Run taking place on May 1.

The internationally renowned reggae group will be seeing off charity fun runners and elite athletes alike as they run, walk, or crawl the streets of the second city during the coming Bank Holiday.

Brothers Robin and Duncan Campbell are set to fire the starting gun as the runners set-off and prepare to take in some of the iconic buildings and landmarks which makes up the Run. The both of them will be at the start line on Jennens Road and they will be joined by fellow band members Brian Travers, Earl Falconer, James Brown and Norman Hassan.

Robin said: “This is a great event to be part of and it will be fantastic to see so many people taking part raising money for great causes."

“I actually get involved in the run every year – as it comes past my house," Duncan added.

This year’s run will again pass some of Birmingham’s iconic and memorable sights including Millennium Point, the Bullring and the MAC in Cannon Hill Park.

Hoops Aid to return for 2016 F

ollowing on from its success at the 2015 BBL Play-Off Final, Hoops Aid is returning again this year to add yet more razzmatazz to an already spectacular day of basketball action.

It promises to be another mem-

orable day for British basketball when a huge crowd prepares to once again descend on The O2 for what is going to be the first ever BBL and WBBL Play-Off Finals double-bill.

Building on last year's record-breaking near-15,000 crowd for the BBL Play-Off

Final, the 2016 edition will also see the cream of the women's game in the UK light it up in the capital.

Hoops Aid 2016 is scheduled to take place during half-time of the BBL Play-Off Final and will see a star-studded line up of celebrities, sports personalities, actors, and many more.

Confirmed so far to appear are football personality Adebayo Akinfenwa, current MK Dons striker Jay Emmanuel Thomas, Dan Osbourne of TOWIE, BBC Breakfast presenter Mike Bushell, Paralympic Gold

Medalist Richard Whitehead MBE, ex Premiership referee Uriah Rennie, and actor Colin Salmon of the James Bond films.

All these and many more will be coming together to raise money for Sports Traider, a charity arm in aid of creating sporting opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged children.

Hoops Aid Founder, Lance Haggith, said; "We're delighted to have Hoops Aid back at the BBL Play-Off Final at The O2 this year.

Working alongside the BBL was a tremendous honour and we're excited to be back with them to create more awareness for sporting opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged children and to create some more spectacular memories for the fans in attendance. " BBL Chief Operating Officer Andy Webb added, "Alongside the BBL and WBBL Play-Off Finals, Hoops Aid will add even more extravaganza to an already packed day of entertainment and thrilling British Basketball action."