The Phoenix Newspaper - August 2016

Inside This Month

AUGUST 2016

Connecting Communities - Inspiring A New Generation

'It’s so exciting, I could burst!’

Meet the woman breaking the taboo of Gynaecological Issues - Page 6

Sir Lenny Henry on being appointed Chancellor of Birmingham City University

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riter, actor, c h a r i t able campaigner and comedian Sir Lenny Henry was unveiled as the new Chancellor of Birmingham City University, where he will serve for the next five years.

Speaking about his appointment, Sir Lenny stated that it is a “superb opportunity” to celebrate the West Midlands and to help young people access the Arts. One of his three passions is to give life changing opportunities to young people from wide range of backgrounds, especially the creative arts.

This is something that Sir Lenny saw on his previous tour of the campus earlier in the year, as the University opens the door to the cre-

ative arts for people from a wide range of diverse backgrounds.

The Dudley born star was shown the industry standard media facilities available at the University, including radio recording studios, four TV studios and Europe’s largest static green screen.

“We are absolutely delighted that one of the country’s most well-known personalities is to be our new Chancellor. He not only encapsulates the University’s commitment to both the arts and widening participation, but he is a strong advocate for Birmingham and the region, including his home town of Dudley” said Professor Cliff Allan, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University.

Women of Excellence: Deborah Stedman-Scott Page 31

Continued On Page 3

50th Birthday Celebrations - Page 20

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Page 2

NEWS

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Year 1 pupil at Colmore Infant and Nursery School in Kings Heath has designed a sign to warn motorists against speeding, and the need to slow down in Kings Heath High Street.

Harry James Lee used his artistic skills to use designing the winning sign for a competition for schoolchildren organised by Birmingham City Council.

The sign will warn motorists to reduce their speed when the 20mph limits come into force at various points across the city.

The new sign is now installed on the High Street as part of a ‘Welcome to Kings Heath - SLOW DOWN’ sign.

Councillor Stewart Stacey, cabinet member for transport and roads at Birmingham City Council, said: “Firstly, I would like to congratulate Harry on winning the competition, which was a great way of engaging our younger citizens and raising awareness of our important road safety campaign.”

“Secondly, I would like to remind motorists that although the 20mph limits do not come into force until the autumn, we are now in the school holiday period, which means more children out and about.”

The Phoenix – August 2016

Harry’s artistic skills send clear road safety message l Cllr David Skinner

Twinning even more valuable

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l Harry James Lee with his design and the sign on Kings Heath High Street

Check out the BCA 50th Event in the centre pages

he UK population has voted to leave the European Union, and this makes twinning arrangements even more valuable than ever.

Approximately 73% of the population voted and, of those, approximately 52% voted to leave and 48% voted to remain.

Scotland, London and the area including Kenilworth voted to remain, while the Midlands and the North of the UK generally favoured BREXIT. Historians will discuss the reasons for many years, but many less wealthy people, in particular, were concerned about losing jobs to new immigrants, the pressure on the National Health Service, schools, etc. The “Leavers” also argued that some money now going to the EU could be better spent in the UK. The “Remainers” disputed the figures and wanted to maintain full access to the Single Market, but hoped to negotiate better terms over population flows.

Both the Conservative and Labour Parties were divided.

Prime Minister David Cameron resigned and Mrs Theresa May has succeeded him. Labour Party members are having an internal election about their leadership.

Complicated international discussions lie ahead and nobody can predict the future, but one thing is clear. We need friendly relations between people of goodwill everywhere.

Twinning partnerships play a major part in this and the link between Kenilworth and its partner towns is now even more important than ever.

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The Phoenix – August 2016

Page 3

NEWS

Sir Lenny to play ‘active role as a hands-on’ Chancellor

l Birmingham City University Chancellor, Sir Lenny Henry meets students from the institution in front of the University’s £62 million Parkside Building

Continue From Front Page

“Sir Lenny joins at a very exciting time for the University, as we continue to develop facilities that are the envy of other universities and even industry professionals. What I’m most excited by is that Sir Lenny doesn’t want to be a remote ceremonial figure but is determined to play an active role as a hands-on Chancellor.

He will have his own office and staff to enable him to be a big part of what we do over the next five years.”

Sir Lenny takes over from the current Chancellor of Birmingham City University, Councillor Ray Hassall, the previous Lord Mayor of Birmingham, and is to be formally installed in November.

In the academic year 2013-14, just under half of Birmingham City University’s students came from low income households,

with 48% from BME backgrounds, aligning further with Sir Lenny’s calls for a greater Black, Asian and minority ethnic representation in the television industry.

“I think all the facilities that Birmingham City University has are extraordinary. On my last trip here I saw an animation studio, a radio studio and a TV studio,” gushed Sir Lenny, “I saw people studying on all these Macs which I couldn’t quite fit into my briefcase.”

“I got to see all manner of exciting things happening here and it just feels like it is exploding with talent and diversity and cultural exchange – and that’s important.

Plus, there’s an amazing social scene here. I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t want to come here.”

Birmingham City University is the biggest producer of creative professionals outside of the South East, thanks to the Birmingham

Conservatoire, Birmingham School of Media and Birmingham School of Acting, alongside the prime location of its City Centre Campus, just minutes from Birmingham New Street Station and the iconic Selfridges Store in the Bull Ring, housing media production facilities that are part of £260m investment over the past 5 years.

Following the demolition of the old Conservatoire in the city centre as part of the Paradise redevelopment, Birmingham City University will open the UK’s first purpose built £56m Conservatoire, featuring a new concert hall for orchestral training and performance, as well as 5 public performance spaces, before also opening a new School of Education and Life Sciences at its Edgbaston Campus in 2017, to offer nutrition, teaching and sports courses in the new £41m facility.

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l Birmingham City University Chancellor, Sir Lenny Henry with Birmingham City University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cliff Allan

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Page 4

NEWS

Proud Brummie Champions Equality & Transparency

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irmingham born and bred Councillor Waseem Zaffar has recently undertaken his new post in Birmingham City Council as the Cabinet Member for Transparency, Openness & Equality, and as he prepares to shine some light on the darker corners of the City Council, The Phoenix Newspaper caught up with the man himself.

Born in the house he still lives in to this day on Leonard Road, Cllr Zaffar has lived in Lozells since 1981, attending Heathfield Primary School, where he is now a School Governor, Holte School and Joseph Chamberlain College for his secondary education, and then Aston University for his degree, Birmingham has a special place in his heart as he laughed “Birmingham is the centre of the universe as far as I’m concerned, it’s given me so much and I feelhugely priviledged to give back to the city.”

Born to Pakistani parents from the Mirpur area of Kashmir, who came to Birmingham in the 60’s and 70’s, Waseem is the eldest of 5 children, with 4 younger sisters.

The hard-working ethos of the Councillor for Lozells and East Handsworth Ward was instilled in him by his parents, who came to the UK to better themselves, and to provide a better future for their children.

“Our family’s ‘claim to fame’ was that we had the first halal abattoir in the West Midlands, Taj & Co, which is still on Hamstead Road. We were a working class family, and my parents made huge sacrifices to give me and my sib-

lings the most amazing upbringing I could’ve asked for,” mused Cllr Zaffar as he reminisced, “I wouldn’t be where I am without their support and blessings.”

A role in Politics wasn’t always on the cards for the local man despite joining the Labour party at 15, a passion for cricket growing up led him to offer then manager of Holte Leisure Centre, Jesse Gerald, his services as a coach, despite no formal training or qualifications.

Amassing over 80 young people l Cllr Waseem Zaffar, Birmingham City Council from the area for the first session, that I live in with such strong tires a plan was then put into place for ence.”

After what felt like a 10 year to me and my family helps me to longer hours and more support.

Shortly after the election of apprenticeship, Waseem was elec- do my job,” he beamed proudly.

During his time as a Councillor, Khalid Mahmood MP, Waseem ted to the position of Councillor was introduced to him before a for Lozells and East Handsworth Waseem has also held positions on a number of committees; “From cricket session. So impressed was Ward in 2011.

“I feel that to represent an area 2012-2014 I chaired the Social Khalid in Waseem’s work ethic and successes, the pair met up and set up a youth organisation that grew.

Following his time at Aston University studying Logistics, Waseem dived straight into a Project Manager role at the same Handsworth Recreation Group he had help build, working in and around the Leisure Centre.

Working so closely with Khalid was the catalyst for Cllr Zaffar to get into politics, and in 2001 he began to do more and more work for the Labour Party.

“Me and Khalid have a difficult relationship these days, and we tend to agree to disagree on more than we agree on,” smiled Waseem, “Politics is a powerful change for the better, and although I don’t like the word power, whether we like it or not, politicians have power and influ-

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Cohesion and Community Safety Scrutiny Committee, I chaired the Districts Public Engagement Committee for a year after that, and up until this May I was chair of the Corporate Resources Scrutiny Committee. The first two years though I absolutely loved it, as I got to spend a lot of time in the community.”

The leader of the city council, John Clancy is someone that Waseem has learned a lot from since 2011, and when he came into the leadership, he set out his priorities including open data, a less secretive council process, and more transparency and openness overall.

“I feel confident that I can deliver some of the leader’s commitments in his portfolio. I feel hugely privileged to be a cabinet member of the largest local authority in Europe, it’s a huge role.”

People have criticised councils and politicians up and down the country for their lack of transparency, something that Cllr Zaffar aims to improve upon in Birmingham.

“The Council is very secretive, and we need to open the doors.

There are some private agenda items that are discussed in private by councillors. I can understand some of them should be like that, but I want to ensure that as many as possible are discussed in public.” Waseem explained.

“Every single meeting that councillors are involved in I want to be streamed live, so not just a few in the council house, but the ward meetings, the district meetings, everything needs to be streamed as the public have a right to know what we are doing.”

“Ultimately what I want to see Is an increase in democratic participation by the citizens of this city, Not just on election day, but holding politicians to account, and working with us to ensure that the City Council does things with them, not to them. We need the communities far more than they need us.”

Alongside transparency, equality in the city is also an important part of Cllr Waseem’s remit; “There are inequalities within the South Asian and African-Caribbean communities, especially in health, but the main inequalities are based around the area that you live in, the neighbourhood, the quality of

The Phoenix – August 2016

housing and education.”

“We are bringing in a 40 ward equality strategy, that looks at every single ward and looks at the priorities for each and how we’re going to address them. Inequalities exist in every single area albeit they will be different for everyone.

We need to keep it simple, and fair to all communities” The City Council has access to a considerable amount of data which Waseem feels isn’t being used effectively, “Lets co-design services with our public and private sector partners to meet the needs of our communities today.

Using live data we should know and understand our communities far better, and be able to back up our intentions with the data to prove that that is what our area needs.”

“BCC uses Social Media very effectively, but a substantial proportion of our citizens are still digitally excluded, and it’s how we get to them. We are discussing if our engagement mechanisms are effective or not.”

“We need to spend a lot more time listening, rather than talking.”

In light of the recent Brexit vote, Stronger In campaigner Waseem and the whole of the City Council are committed to doing the best for Birmingham.

“We want to reassure people in Birmingham that they’ve chosen to make Birmingham their home, that we will work with them and that they are part of the fabric of this city, and always will be regardless of our status in Europe.”

Closing out the interview before rushing off to attend the first of another 3 or 4 engagements that afternoon, to the citizens of Lozells and East Handsworth Ward and all of Birmingham as a whole, Waseem had this to say: “I have an open door policy, I’m a custodian of behalf of the people of this city, I believe in engagement, not as a tick box exercise but as a means of learning about the needs of the city. I am a very proud Brummie, and I know a lot about this city, but nowhere near enough and I don’t pretend that I know it all.

“People out there will have ideas, some will work and some won’t, but come and talk with me and we will see what we can do to help moving forward.”

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The Phoenix – August 2016

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Page 6

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

Breaking the taboo of gynaecological issues with

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hen you find out that you have a medical condition, like cancer for example, there is usually a multitude of professionals, leaflets, and support networks that you can lean on for help. But what if your diagnosis is of something with very little information out there? Who do you turn to for advice?

That was the case for Neelam Heera, a 27 year old Paralegal at Irwin Mitchell, when she was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and later, Endometriosis.

“From around 15 or 16 years old, I wasn’t having a normal menstrual cycle, but I didn’t know it wasn’t normal at the time, due to poor sexual education at school,” Neelam explained.

But it wasn’t until Neelam was at De Montfort University studying Law that the massive mood swings, and other health complications caused her to seek advice.

“I had rapid weight gain, going from a size 10-12 to a size 24, I started to get acne, my hair started to fall out,” recalled Neelam, “which I put down to the massive lifestyle change, and a pretty unhealthy lifestyle, before I was diagnosed with PCOS.” “I remember the doctor told me what I had, and then printed off an NHS page on it for me, told me to start on the pill and that was pretty much it.”

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common condition that affects how a woman’s ovaries work, including irregular periods, high

levels of ‘male hormones’, and many fluid-filled sacs (follicles) in the ovaries which surround the eggs.

It is thought to affect approximately 1 in 4 women, but even with such a high percentage of the population at risk of it, there is little to no support or information.

The discovery of her PCOS affected her relationship at the time, with her partner of 5 years ending the relationship as he couldn’t deal with the possibility that she wouldn’t be able to have children.

“Both him and his family told me I was “damaged goods” and “not a real woman” for the longest time, and for the longest time I believed it too,” said Neelam as she looked off into the distance, “I didn’t, and still don’t know for sure if I will be able to have children or not.”

Neelam went back to University, this time at the University of Law to complete her Legal Practice Course and Masters in Law part time on the weekends while working full time at Irwin Mitchell in Birmingham.

After she started to grow facial hair alongside her massive abdominal pain, and got more ill, the diagnosis of Endometriosis was uncovered.

Endometriosis is where cells like the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding.

It is a chronic and debilitating condition that causes painful or heavy periods. It may also lead to infertility, fatigue and bowel and

l Neelam (Far Left) with other Award winners on the night

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The new PM’s Business Agenda is imperative

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l Neelam Heera with her Local Leaders Award for her work with Cysters bladder problems.

“Now I had 2 labels, neither of which was openly talked about, due to them being gynae (gynaecological) issues, which especially in the BME community, is a very taboo subject, sighed Neelam, “The only support groups out there are online groups for both conditions, but it’s up to people to make their own support groups in their areas, and I didn’t feel that that was good

“You aren’t defined by these labels; you’re still a woman, and you’re still you. enough.”

So about a year ago, Neelam started setting up Cysters, a group whereby she could try to break down the barriers to discussion of these topics, and attempt to end the taboo within the BME communities.

Cysters had grown to being a one-stop-shop for all gynae-related issues, giving women all over the country a place that they can discuss their conditions. “There is no one out there that really champions these issues and says that “It’s Ok, you’re still a woman” “There are amazing experts in gynaecological health, but you’ve got to go looking for them, they’re isn’t a central place you can go to to get information, advice and support for gynae issues.”

With awareness and understand-

The Phoenix – August 2016

ing comes the ability to move forward together, which is what Neelam is aiming for.

“Cysters is looking for a team of advisors to help create and curate a wealth of information for all gynae issues, as well as ambassadors from all ethnicities and walks of life to promote Cysters and raise awareness of these issues that should be openly and freely talked about without the stigma attached to them,” states Neelam proudly, almost as a battle cry of the silent sufferers.

“I want Cysters to be there from beginning to end, that’s the beauty behind the name as well, because with PCOS you have lots of cysts, and that we’re also sisters, going through this together.”

“We get a lot of private messages through Twitter and Facebook, but still people are reluctant to meet up face to face, despite there being a lot of women who want to talk, want information, want the support and an outlet, which is what I want to do for them with Cysters.”

Neelam has been nominated for a number of awards already for her work with Cysters, including the Nachural Summer Business Ball Award for Community Excellence, the Midlands Business and Community Charity Awards for Community Unsung Hero and Community Fundraiser of the Year, a Birmingham Award for Community Initiative / Charity / Volunteer, and both nominated for and won a Future Leaders Award for Local Leader.

Neelam has a few words for anyone going through any gynae issues; “You aren’t defined by these labels; you’re still a woman, and you’re still you. I am available all the time, please get in contact.

Cysters has Twitter and Facebook.

While the pages themselves may not seem busy, we get a lot of private messages, so please do get in touch.”

You can contact Cysters on Twitter at @CystersBham, or on Facebook by searching for Cysters Birmingham.

t is often said that ‘a week in politics is a rather long time’. Fast forward, the former Home Secretary, Mrs Theresa Mary May, is the new Conservative Party Leader and Britain’s 76th Prime Minister (the second woman to achieve such eminent status in the country).

She pledged to govern the country, by emphasising; “A vision of a country that works not for the privileged few, but that works for every one of us because we’re going to give people more control over their lives and that’s how, together, we will build a better Britain.

With her endurable stewardship at the Home Office and a brief stint as Minister responsible for Women and Equality, Mrs May will need to call on her dual public and private sector calculus, to place the minority ethnic dividend at the epicentre of UK macro-economic policy.

Since changes to the equalities legislation in the first half of this century, ethnic monitoring has almost disappeared from the radar in terms of business and industry, except for a few areas in public life.

And yet, the contribution of ethnic firms and women-owned businesses combined, exceeds over £30 billion, with the former input to the treasury estimated at £20 billion per annum (Diversity Magazine 9 June 2016).

Despite the incredible achievements of these ‘captains of industry’ for generations, the recent closure of enterprise development agencies and the diminution of Business Links across the English Regions, have left thousands of existing and new minority entrepreneurs, without consistent and reliable technical assistance and enterprise support.

The hundreds of ‘arms-length’ agencies set up to offer support to small and medium-enterprises (SMEs), is not ‘seamlessly’ working as was first mooted by state officials.

The clamour by a leading business leader for a renewed ‘SME Task Force’ (‘The Phoenix’ July 2016) is therefore opportune.

With more women and young people of ethnic background setting up commercial firms and social enterprises, the necessity for additional support measures, is not altogether unreasonable.

Mrs May’s depiction as a ‘moral and ethical’ politician, rather than a definitive ‘ideologue’, is an attribute that is needed to reinforce the ‘fairness doctrine’ Britain (so loudly) proclaims rather testily.

With the post-EU Referendum uncertainty, the time is propitious for the review of a rationally inclusive SME Policy that gives credence to the contribution of ethnic firms to the national coffers.

Certainly, this policy can be part of the new Premier’s legacy of ‘ethical integrity’ which can be likened unto her renowned endowment of moral sensitivity.

Hundreds of ethnic businesses are located in diverse communities that experience incidences of economic deprivation and social exclusion.

Much of these dislocations are

A

w a r d - w i n n i n g journalist, editor and publisher Dr Christopher Johnson writes his monthly column in The Phoenix aiming to inform, educate and entertain.

due in part, to the velocity of public expenditure reduction especially, to essential services, over the past 6 years.

In spite of this situation, business owners are contributing to jobs, wealth creation, social cohesion, scientific and technological advances and generally, helping to reduce material poverty (including the collapse of low-income economies), in the process.

Ethically, Madame Prime Minister May, will need to find a delicate balance between recognising the valuable input of ‘Big Business’ to large scale investments and the invaluable contribution of minority firms to the economy as a whole.

The following actions by the May Administration will therefore go a far way to find a ‘common ground’ in the current ‘ethical dilemma’ on ethnic firms:• Undertake a comprehensive review of the organisation and performance of minority firms, as a first step towards recognising their contribution to the British economy.

• Re-integrate minority firms within wider macro-economic policy with a responsible ‘Czar’ leading on this.

• Offer greater prominence to women and young people’s entrepreneurial flair and their influence on local economies.

• Encourage government departments and agencies to simply procurement and related tender procedures, to facilitate minority firms’ access to commissioned work especially in their locale.

• Instruct the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) to work with established minority entrepreneurs, to promote a culture of ‘Ambassadorial Enterprise’ in emerging [Commonwealth] democracies - Africa, the Caribbean, South Asia and the Pacific group of countries – particularly where material poverty tends to inhibit orderly development and growth spurts.

Undoubtedly, Mrs May’s governance will seek to redefine Napoleon Bonaparte’s famous assertion of Britain being ‘a nation of shopkeepers’. `The new PM’s strategic trajectory will be perceived as more than an empty slogan, but one which bears the hallmark of modernising the ‘ethnic business realm’ across the British Isles.

0121 339 5885 or 0208 865 1922

The Phoenix – August 2016

Page 7

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

Of Prime Minister Theresa May and President Buhari

High Speed UK Backs Calls To T Scrap The HS2 High Speed UK – Connecting the Nation ‘Vanity Project’

by Augustine Togonu-Bickersteth

here are interesting developments between Britain and Nigeria in respect of British Prime Minister Theresa May and Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari.

Theresa May was born on October 1 1956 . By the Christian tradition her Birthday falls on the feast of Saint Teresa of Lisieux. Exactly four years later, on October 1 1960, Britain granted Independence to Nigeria.

Further more, based on the polls which took place on March 28 2015,the 500th anniversary of the birth of Saint Teresa of Avila( A Carmelite like Saint Teresa of Lisieux).

Muhammadu Buhari became President elect to be sworn in on MAY 29,2015 which by the Christian tradition coincides with the feast of Elia of Saint Clement.

Interestingly One time British Prime Minister Clement Atlee and Muhamadu Buhari share some things in common.

They were both soldiers ,they are both conservative politicians turned progressive, they are both associated with ushering in welfare states.

Atlee aslo served as a Member of Parliament( MP) representing Walthamstow in East London and Buhari confounded observers and analysts by choosing as his finance minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun a graduate of the University of East London.

Like Clement Atlees Labour Party, Kemi Adeosun is espousing Keynesian policies.

H

igh Speek UK (HSUK) have welcomed a report published by the Taxpayers’ Alliance which they describe as ‘damning’.

The key findings of the report which calls for the HS2 project to be abandoned outline that the costs of HS2 are projects to rise and reach almost £90billion of taxpayers month.

It has also been claimed that the project is unlikely to be delivered on time, and that its business case is flawed.

The fact that other proposals provide much greater value for money, especially to the Northern Powerhouse, which HS2 will be unlikely to help develop the economy of at all.

HSUK, an alternative high speed rail scheme proposed by experienced rail engineers Colin Elliff and Quentin Macdonald, will reportedly cost £21 billion less to build.

Moreover, it claims to deliver hugely enhanced capacity and connectivity, vastly superior to that of HS2 and HS3, and will enable the delivery of the promised step-change economic and environmental benefits.

Jonathan Isaby, Chief Executive of the Taxpayers’ Alliance, said: “HS2 is a wasteful vanity project which is unlikely to be completed on schedule and will cost taxpayers a fortune.”

"The new Prime Minister should now be pursuing bold and imaginative policies to

boost economic growth and increase productivity – and that positive approach must include scrapping HS2, which has cost taxpayers far too much already.”

“Ministers should instead be embarking on more worthwhile infrastructure projects that will cost less and deliver far better value."

In response, Colin Elliff, HSUK Civil Engineering Principal, said: “Today’s report

follows a series of damning reports on the ill-conceived and economically flawed HS2 project.”

“The cost saving of the HSUK scheme will not only save the taxpayer money, but will also address the capacity and connectivity issues of the current rail network, unlike HS2 which will predominantly serve London.”

Delivering the High Speed Network the Nation Needs

l Dr James Nussey

New FD For Clarke Willmott

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ational law firm Clarke Willmott LLP has appointed Dr James Nussey as its new Director of Finance.

Nussey moves to the law firm’s Bristol headquarters from listed education support services provider Tribal Group, where he has spent the last 6 years in a number of different finance roles.”

Stephen Rosser, chief executive of Clarke Willmott, said: “While Bob Bruce has been our Director of Finance we have expanded from four offices to seven nationally, and the partnership has grown from 71 to 104, so it’s been an exciting period and he’s made an invaluable contribution.”

“Bob’s are big shoes to fill, but we’re confident that James Nussey is also going to be a fantastic asset to the firm.”

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Page 8

NEWS

New MD Pushes Grace Towards 2020 Target S

l Adam Reader, Managing Director of Grace Foods UK

ince Adam Reader joined Grace Foods in April 2000, there has been a love for the brand Grace that you can hear in the way he talks about the company that he has called home for the last 16 years.

When Funnybones Foodservice Limited was acquired by GraceKennedy, Adam made the leap from his old job in audit to the business side, becoming a management accountant. The family atmosphere harboured at the company became the springboard to Adam’s career,

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“I love the company, people and dynamics, and making the change away from bureaucracy in audit to business was great!”

While in his role as a management accountant, the position above him, that of Chief Financial Officer of Grace Foods UK, became available. “Planning is critical,” Adam explained, “and where possible we promote from within, giving people within the organisation the chance to step up and become more than they thought they could be.” Adam was given the opportunity to move up into the CFO position, thanks to a solid framework, mentoring and support, and took up the role in 2008, following the acquisition of WT Foods in the previous year.

It is evident that the father of two is so proud of the company he works for, and is grateful for the opportunities he has been given.

Since GraceKennedy acquired WT Foods back in 2007, seen as the gateway into the UK food market that Grace had been looking for, it has had massive growth in the UK and European markets.

Now offering a wider range of world foods, including Caribbean, Oriental and Mexican cuisines, Grace has become the name in world foods.

In October 2015 after years of support and preparation, Adam was promoted to Managing Director, with the CFO role he left behind again being filled from within, with Brian Mitchell, a Management Accountant from the Kingston branch being relocated as part of succession planning with the view for more senior leadership.

Under his command, Grace Foods UK has recently won three major awards in the hotly contested ‘Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2016’, organised by Herts Chamber of Commerce. In addition to winning the ‘Excellence in People Development’ award, Grace Foods was voted ‘Medium to Large Business of the Year’ and won the most prestigious award of all, ‘Overall Business of the Year’.

“Winning the Excellence in People Development award just goes to show how much time and effort the company puts back into the people that it employs,” beamed Adam proudly. “I’ve enjoying opportunities to grow and develop myself, move skillsets into

areas I never imagined to go, and I was encouraged to push boundaries and stretch myself.”

“From seeing the Grace business in the WT Foods days, as small family businesses in different locations, to the point now where we have a central distribution centre in Hertfordshire and a multi-national com-

pany is brilliant.”

Looking to the future, Adam, and Grace as a whole are focused on their 2020 vision: “By 2020, 50% of the revenue from our food division will come from outside of the Caribbean, with overseas growth a key pillar for the division.” Adam clarified, “International food is split into West, throughout Canada, the US and South America, East, which is Europe and West Africa.”

With the acquisition of La Fe in 2014, the largest acquisition Grace has made to date, they now have a direct line into the largest diaspora within the United State, the Hispanic community.

Grace is a company that listens very closely to the thoughts and recommendations of its customers.

“In the UK, we have 3 key product groups,” Adam continued, “Nurishment, the biggest brand that we have, Encona Sauces which are now in the world food and mainstream sauce aisles alongside new product innovations like jerk BBQ, Chilli Ketchup and Brazilian sauces, and the final is Grace Brands, including Coconut Water a n d

The Phoenix – August 2016

milk, plantain chips which are targeting the snack market, and the Aloe water brought in about 18 months ago and has seen 60% year-on-year growth.”

“The pulp in the Aloe drink is a very marmite or divisive topic, so after lots of interactions with our customers we have brought in a lower calorie variant and now a pulp-free, sugar free ‘smooth’ variant as a direct response to these consumer trends.”

The major event in Grace’s calendar in the next few months is Caribbean Food Week, a big event finishing in London that is now in it’s fourth year running from August 22nd to August 29th.

“This will culminate in a 2 day event in Windrush Square, Brixton, featuring a massive jerk festival, entertainment, stalls, how to cook Caribbean food masterclasses and BBQ’s,” Adam explained excitedly.

“We also support a number of charities including the Basic Schools Foundation as well as Diaspora Charity events. Recently we have worked with Oaklands College with catering students learning to cook Caribbean food with our development chef, before hosting an evening to showcase what they have learned and produced.”

Adam and Grace Foods UK are looking forward to a bright future, and he for one isn’t looking to go anywhere.

“I’m working to consolidate and deliver on my 5 year plan as MD, and want to continue my career progression, wherever that may take me.”

“I’d like to say a big thankyou to Grace consumers and I am so proud to be a part of the Grace family, leading the Grace team within the UK. The Grace consumer is, always has been, and always will be at the heart of, and key to our business.”

0121 339 5885 or 0208 865 1922

The Phoenix – August 2016

Page 9

CARIBBEAN FOOD WEEK

Celebrate Caribbean Food Week with Grace Foods UK!

C

elebrate this year’s Caribbean Food Week (August 22nd – 29th) with this mouth-watering Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pizza recipe, courtesy of Grace Foods UK, the No.1 name in Caribbean food and drink.

One of this year’s

Caribbean Food Week highlights is the two-day food festival at Windrush Square, Brixton on August 26th and 27th, featuring live cookery demonstrations, sampling, a range of Caribbean street food stalls and vendors, live music and an authentic Caribbean market.

Jamaican Jerk Chicken Pizza

Serves: 1-2 people Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

. 2 tbsp olive oil . 200g chicken breast fillets . 1/4tsp Dunn's River Jerk Seasoning (wet marinade) . 1 tbsp Grace Jerk BBQ sauce . 250g pizza crust with tomato sauce

. 2 garlic cloves, crushed . 8 chorizo slices . 125g light mozzarella, drained and sliced . 8 sub-blushed tomatoes, drained from oil . 1 handful rocket leaves . 1tsp balsamic vinegar

Method

1. Heat 2 tsp oil in a pan, add the chicken and Jerk seasoning and fry for 5 mins. Add the Grace Jerk BBQ sauce and cook for a few more mins.

2. Heat the oven to 220°C, Gas 7, and put in a large baking sheet to warm up.

3. Drizzle the pizza base with 1tsp of the olive oil and sprinkle with the garlic.

4. Arrange the chorizo, cheese and sun-blushed tomatoes and chicken on top. Sprinkle on same sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, then drizzle with the rest of the oil.

5. Put the pizza on the preheated baking sheet and bake for 7-10 mins, until crisp.

6. To serve, top with the rocket leaves and drizzle over the balsamic vinegar Enjoy!

GRACE CARIBBEAN ADVERT.indd 1

24/06/2016 12:11

Page 10

Queens Birthday Celebrations AND Eid Extravaganza

The Phoenix – August 2016

Faiths and Cultures Unite to Honour Her Majesty The Queen

I

n extending an invitation to join in with celebrations for Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th Birthday and also Eid Ul Fitr, this BIna-Tul-Mulsalmeen (BTM Global) - in association with BOPA (British Organisation for People of Asian Origin - mega event saw attendees including: Vice Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Colonel George Marsh TD, Afzal Khan MEP, John Clancy Leader of Birmingham City Council, the presence of the Consulate General of India, the Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham Carl Rice with Oxford Lord Mayor Altaf Khan Sahib, Beverly Lindsay OBE OD DL and Satinder Kaur Taunque OBE DL

To Advertise

turn out for an evening of multi-cultural and multi-faith entertainment to highlight the unity that the city truly represents.

With representatives from the Universal Peace Federation, Birmingham Commonwealth Association, Mercia Lions Club of Coventry, One Britain One Nation, British Army Engagement Team and many other faith groups in Midlands area and other associated groups/businesses also present a night of unity was the key at Digbeth Hall in the second city.

BTM Global is a unique Muslim Women’s Voluntary group that has been working with like-minded British Asian community groups in UK on promoting British identity, integration, community cohesion and peace

0121 339 5885 or 0208 865 1922

The Phoenix – August 2016

agenda.

Entering the hall, all were greeted by the Royal Standard bearers from the Royal British Legion, British Armed Forces (Engagement Team) and Police officers, showing that everyone was on the same team in the UK. Although it was marked as a night of celebration, a minute silence began proceedings – for the death of noted Pakistani philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi, who parted just days before.

As proceedings then took place, singers, Bhangra dancers, orators, Dhol drummers and martial arts performers from around the world made for an unforgettable celebration as they all represented their respective communities, faiths and the defense of the realm as one, but it was Tally Kore who would be the overwhelming representation of the night.

The Israeli-born singer of Syrian and Polish heritage was overcome with emotion for being part of what was an auspicious occasion; “Through my music, I want to show that we are all speaking the same language.”

“Not many Israelis would do this – perform here – but, that Britain allows to show that we can co-exist, I am very passionate about being here.”

Page 11

Queens Birthday Celebrations AND Eid Extravaganza

‘We must join together to fight our mutual enemy – which is our ignorance,’ she quoted.

“Her Majesty The Queen is setting new standards and changes the image of Muslims in Great Britain,” said Cllr. Clancy. “Birmingham is a young and the most diverse city in Europe and we need women – like those in BTM - to be empowered to be part of the city’s growth.”

Lord Mayor Carl Price said; “I am proud to see so many of you women here as we celebrate Her Majesy’s 90th Birthday. It’s testimony to the outstanding work you do.”

A beaming BTM chair, Sumaira Furrakh, summed up the evening saying; “I am hugely delighted to see a wide and diverse representation of Birmingham here tonight so we can draw on each other to unite and move forward as one. This is history in the making for British Asian communities in the Midlands area in UK.” The night ended with the cutting of a large birthday cake, the singing of the British national anthem and flag-waving throughout the room showing everyone’s solidarity and respect for Her Majesty The Queen.

Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 12

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT - PROMOTING EXCELLENCE

g n i t o Prom xcellence E

Chinese gr entreprene all the righ

A

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.

B

ack in 2009, inspired by the story of the Tuskeegee Airmen, a 15-year-old from Compton, California flew a single-engine Cessna plane to Newport News, Virginia from her hometown.

Thought to be the youngest African American female pilot to complete the trip, Kimberly Anyadike took 13 days to make the trip, after learning to fly through the Tomorrow’s Aeronautical Museum.

The museum offers lessons in aviation to disadvantaged youths as part of an after school programme.

87-year-old Levi Thornhill was one of the Tuskeegee Airmen during World War II, and went along for the ride with Kimberly alongside an adult safety pilot, just in case she got into any difficulties.

"They left such a great legacy," Anyadike said of the U.S. Army Air Corps' all-black combat unit. "I had big shoes to fill. ... All they wanted to do was to be patriots for this coun-

l Birmingham Conservatoire Graduate, Beibei Wang

The Super Business Girl

Y

ou may not know her yet, but you soon will do! Asia Newson, or Super Business Girl as she is known has been touted as Detroit’s youngest entrepreneur.

n organisation set up by a Birmingham Conservatoire graduate from Shenzhen in China brought an opera classic to the stage in London.

The East-West Arts Initiative aims to introduce classical musicians to wider audiences through artist management, promotions and touring opera productions.

The organisation was set up to help musicians bridge the gap between their education and a career, and is using a cast made up from those artists that it has helped to develop to bring this to life.

Operatic soprano Beibei Wang, from Shenzhen in China, graduated from Birmingham Conservatoire, part of Birmingham City University, with an MA in Music in 2012.

And the organisation she set up presented Puccini’s ‘Madama Butterfly’ in Cadogan Hall on Friday 22 July, with Beibei joined by a cast of

15 year old record breaker

try. They were told no, that they were stupid, that they didn't have cognitive development to fly planes. They didn't listen.

They just did what they wanted

At just 13 years old, she makes and sells her own candles and merchandise to the citizens of Detroit through her business “Super Business Girl”.

So perfectly polished is her sales pitch, which she has been

To Advertise

The Phoenix – August 2016

to do. I wanted to inspire other kids to really believe in themselves."

Kimberly is certainly an inspiration in her own right. honing for the last 5 years, strangers in the street can’t help but be bowled over by her confidence, enthusiasm and great attitude.

Super Business Girl was started at the ripe old age of 5-years-old, after learning how to make candles from her father.

Hoping to open a shop in downtown Detroit and even become the city’s Mayor, the aspirations are high for this little inspirational girl.

Asia has been nominated for, and won numerous awards, including being names in the Grio’s Top 100 list, while also featuring on top American TV shows, including the Ellen Degeneres Show, Disney World’s Cinderella Stage, MSNBC, ABC News and America’s got talent.

First up for Asia though, is to finish middle and high school, as she dreams of attending Harvard University. Who you’d have to agree would be crazy to turn her down with everything she has done already, and everything that she has still to do before then.

l President Buhari celebrates educational achievement with his graduate children, Halima, Zahrah, and Yusuf

Graduation Celebrations for Buhari

P l Yusuf and Zahrah alongside their mum, Aisha Buhari and sisters

resident of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari’s children, Zahrah and Yusuf have graduated from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom, while their sister, Halima has been called to the bar.

This is a massive achievement for all concerned, well done and continue the good work!

0121 339 5885 or 0208 865 1922

The Phoenix – August 2016

Page 13

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT - PROMOTING EXCELLENCE

raduate eur hitting ht notes international singers trained at various UK conservatoires and accompanied by the London International Sinfonia.

Speaking about the production Beibei stated that “The production features over 40 young, talented international singers and instrumental musicians, stage settings and costumes designed by staff and alumni from London Central St Martin, and principal music coaching by a young conductor from the Royal Opera House. All in all, this is a fantastic combination for us as performers, as well as for the audience coming to experience it – I am so looking forward to it.”

In the story of the Japanese Geisha girl, Beibei will take on the role of Cio-Cio-San, a girl who is bought and then abandoned by an American naval lieutenant.

Directed by Harry Burton and conducted by Peter Knapp, the performance has a long history of ex-

l Beibei Wang in performance perience presenting opera in London and beyond.

Beibei has been endorsed by Birmingham City University to remain in the UK following her education as part of the Government’s Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa programme. It allows international students to remain in the UK for up to two years to set-up and run a business upon graduation.

“Beibei is a charming individual, as well as inspiring other international students at Birmingham City University by highlighting that, on

completing academic studies, you can remain in the UK to set-up and run an enterprise.” stated Richard Leighton, Enterprise Advisor from Birmingham City University.

“Her passion, desire and love for music is infectious and I really admire her ability to use performances to create intercultural relations that strengthen links and bonds between continents, nations and nationalities.”

“She is a privilege to support and we are all honoured at the University to play a small part in her con-

What is culture?

O

by Kesa Nkulu

nly we ourselves can define our culture and the components that exist within that culture. Ne Muanda Nsemi founder of Bundu Dia Kongo, teaches us that: Culture is the Expression of the ‘SOUL’... 'Culture,' is natural Divine Inspiration and vision, which manifests 'five' Natural elements: 1. Language 2. Spirituality, (which was taken and developed into religion) 3. Education 4. Tradition 5. History African people have a rich, natural cultural heritage, with cultural patterns, practices and traditions, spanning thousands of years. All the above elements can again be divided into sub-categories.

This culture although seldom referenced to by non-Africans, and even African people themselves when examining the origins and development of human beings, are actually the foundations upon all ancient and modern theories.

Although often cited as simple, crude, childish and even savage by many researchers, African culture offers us a unique, in-depth insight into ourselves, our environment, nature the cosmos and the divine intelligence that is absolute, invisible and

visible everywhere and within everything (natural), most importantly within ourselves.

African culture is not static and adapts to the changing environment, it has done so through the development and evolution of time.

However the fundamental principles and concepts remain unchanged, identifiable and inclusive to African thought and consciousness. In 1482 the European Invaders came to the heart of Central Kongo, the Kingdom of 'Kongo Dia Ntotela' and began its destruction, with a view to preparing its colonisation.

After destroying the infrastructure they then began to eliminate the Natural Culture by imposing their own Culture, Language, Education, Religion, Tradition, History and Education. Scholars like Amos Wilson, Chancellor Williams and Dr. Henrik Clarke have all highlighted similar conclusions in their many books.

Spirituality

The differences between Spirituality and Religion are import-

ant and significant.

The main differences between Spirituality and Religion are; that Spirituality indicates the practice, connection and initiation with the Universal Forces i.e. The Cosmos, The Nature, The Ancestors and also to manifest the Force's and the knowledge of the Universe. Spirituality is to manifest these Creative attributes which exist within the Source, therefore to connect with the source relates to an individual being 'in-contact' with these forces invisible and visible.

During these Spiritual practices there are no 'Sacrificial' Humans or Animals. There is no shedding of blood to create a connection or to achieve the development of Spiritual Evolution.

Only through adherence to Comic Laws = Spiritual Principles, can an individual attain Spiritual growth, it is these values that are 'the way of life' = the corner stone for the student of African Spirituality.

Religion

Religion, as we know it indicates a following, glorification and adoring of an individual or system of mind control that is meant to be

tinued success.”

To date, East-West Arts Initiative has led and participated in a range of activities within The O2 – the world’s busiest music area – Trafalgar Square and Cadogan Hall.

Beibei added: “Birmingham Conservatoire is one of the most inspiring institutions I have had the pleasure to be a part of. It has the most friendly atmosphere and I made beautiful memories there. I appreciate Birmingham City University’s sincere support to allow me to explore my dream career in the UK.” a mediator between an individual and the source, The Divine Forces, within and without, the invisible and the visible.

These methods are employed to stop or retard the spiritual advancement of all people.

Today Religion is used to manipulate the people of the Earth.

Corrupt so-called leaders, lead not by example but through lies which they exploit and profit from by their un-savoury actions.

Spirituality of Our Ancestors

The Love, Force and Spiritual System of the Creator remains constant. It was ‘us’ as a people who deviated from the rightful path that our Ancestors left.

History is the foundation of Knowledge and in the History we see and learn that the system used to defeat the Colonisers whether in Brazil, North America, Haiti, Kongo or other was the same.

If there were two or three systems then that would divide the people and create rivalries and conflict, this could lead to permanent divisions and has done so.

The same language, practices, teachings and history are still alive today.

Therefore today the same system that our Great Glorious Ancestors used to create civilisation will again be the instrument which our Archangel Ne Muanda Kongo will use to liberate Kongo and the World.

Ingetta ibobo ibobo

l Adil Ray (right) alongside Professor Cliff Allan (left) Birmingham City University’s Vice-Chancellor. Credit: Birmingham City University

Citizen Khan creator receives Honorary Doctorate from BCU

T

he star and creator of hit BBC One sitcom ‘Citizen Khan’ Birmingham-born Adil Ray received his Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University in a ceremony at Symphony Hall, alongside students graduating from the Birmingham Conservatoire, Birmingham School of Acting, Birmingham School of Media and the Schools of Art and English.

Speaking on the day, Adil said “Standing here at the International Conference Centre reminds me that I’ve been here so many times for different events, from concerts at Symphony Hall to weddings, and I never thought in a million years I’d be coming here to receive an honorary doctorate.”

“Looking around also makes me really proud of Birmingham. There are two graduation ceremonies here today and it is great to see such diversity, which I think is something you take for

granted if you’re a Brummie.”

As the first British Asian to host a daily radio show on commercial mainstream radio, Adil then joined the BBC Asian Network in 2000.

Following on from his Breakfast Show, to focus on his comedy projects, Adil left the BBC Asian Network but also joined BBC Radio 5 Live.

He is a regular on TV programmes including “Pointless” and “Have I Got News For You” as well as a guest presenter on “The One Show”.

Earlier this year, he was appointed an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his services to broadcasting.

Adil has also warned fans to prepare for a funeral in the upcoming fifth series of Citizen Khan, saying “There’s a funeral this series. I have to say if you’re a fan of ‘Citizen Khan’, someone will be leaving us. It won’t be one of the main characters, so don’t be worried too much.”

He added: “We’ll be exploring more of the world of Alia, the younger daughter, including her boyfriends. And we might have a couple of guest stars this series that, without giving too much away, we hope people will enjoy.”

“For this series we’re particularly excited, as we’re coming back to film in Birmingham.

We’ll be filming even more scenes on the streets of Birmingham.”

“There’s also Mr Khan and his fascination with cricket. There’s a great episode where he goes down to Edgbaston Cricket Ground.”

Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 14 The Phoenix – August 2016

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT - PROMOTING EXCELLENCE

BCU Graduation Celebrations

by Dr Neslyn Watson-Druée CBE FRCN FCGI

T

he Phoenix Newspaper was present at the finale of the graduation ceremonies of Birmingham City University in Symphony Hall where more that 5,000 students graduated – so far the highest number in the University’s history.

Dr Neslyn Watson-Druée CBE chair of the Board of Directors of the Phoenix Newspaper and Doctor of Birmingham City University was a member of the Pro-Chancellor’s Procession at the final ceremony during the afternoon of 28 July 2016.

Prior to the ceremony, Dr Neslyn and the Editor in Chief of the Phoenix Newspaper shared lunch with dignitaries.

Each year, Birmingham City University confers a number of Honorary Awards that recognise outstanding service to the University, to the City of Birmingham and West Midlands, or to public or professional life nationally and

internationally.

The Phoenix is pleased to report of a selection of the 2016 Honorary Awards from Birmingham City University that were conferred to: • Anita Bhalla, BBC Broadcaster and Birmingham City University governor. Anita received her award for her services to Broadcasting • Jo Brand, Comedian and Actress, BAFTA award-winning comedian. Jo received her award for her work in raising awareness around mental health • Jim McCarthy, Chief Executive of Poundland and former managing director of J Sainsbury plc received his award for over 40 years experience in retail • Adil Ray, actor and Broadcaster (Sticom – Citizen Khan) received his award for his work in the arts and media • Gillian Wearing, Turner Prize Winner received her award for her work in conceptual art • Louise Brooke-Smith received her award for her achieve-

ments across land, property and construction sectors • Mark Selway, Chief Executive at IMI received his award for his contribution to the field of engineering • Andy Street, Managing Director John Lewis received his award for achievements to business • Sir Mike Tomlinson, Education Commission for Birmingham received his award for services to education

Paul Harris a former Birmingham City University graduate was honoured as the University Alumni of the Year, in community engagement and leadership category. Paul received his honour for improvement of the performance of learning and teaching within East London schools, while still in his 20s.

Another Alumni award was given to Tina Swani, Chief Executive of St Mary’s Hospice

l Professor Brian Edwards, Dr Neslyn Watson-Druée CBE & Professor David Cox OBE

l Dr Neslyn Watson-Druée CBE & Ms Ajay Burlingham-Bohr, Chief Information Officer

l Dr Neslyn Watson-Druée CBE & Marcia McLaughlin, Editor In Chief of The Phoenix Newspaper

l Ms Karen Stephenson, University Secretary, Mr Mark Hopton, chairman of the Board of Governors & Dr Neslyn Watson-Druée CBE

The Phoenix – August 2016

Page 15

SPECIAL STREET CRED SUPPLEMENT IN THE PHOENIX NEWSPAPER

AUGUST 2016

www.streetcredmagazine.com

JULIAN JU JU MARLEY

Prepares to come home

Page 16

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The Phoenix – August 2016

www.streetcredmagazine.com

TV - Online - MAGAZINE /markdwayne

@StreetCredMag www.streetcredmagazine.com An Epic moment onstage

W

hen Puff Daddy brings out the legend Jay Z on stage for his Bad Boy 20th year reunion tour at the Barclays In New York!

You couldnt ask for a better lineup than this. 112 Faith Mary J Blige Mase The Lox DMX Busta Rhymes Usher Mario Winans Designer Lil Kim Total and anyone associated to Bad Boy was here.

P Diddy is on to winner with this and hopefully will be taken worldwide.

Recordings, snakes and callouts

TOURING

+ IBA MAHR

UK TOUR

SUN 21 AUG THE SCALA 275 PENTONVILLE RD LONDON N1 9NL

WEDS 17 AUG O2 INSTITUTE 78 DIG BE TH H IG H ST BIRMINGHAM B5 6DY

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To Advertise

PUNCHRECORDS.CO.UK

Do You Know About Tully?

R

ecently snapped in Ayia Napa with Wiley, we do an exclusive look into one of the big promoters who operates the London club life behind the scene.

As all eyes turn to the UKG manager Matty Tully also co founder of curiosity but now more recognised as UKG all star manager hosting the biggest stars in our music culture .

Mr Tully is often not in the spot light but when he is you can be sure he spotted with A list stars in music scene , We get an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes as we go back in time of how a South London Croydon boy becomes one of London most important link to London club life with exclusive gossip with the man behind all the hard work in the scene Mr Tully

gives us an intimate insight telling us how his career started with music commitments of putting up flyers on lamppost for events in the 1990s to organising pirate radio station and promotions events for artists in 2016 holding biggest music events at London 02 and festivals and all over London .

Mr Tully says “It's been hard work over the years ,from clocking up unlimited miles on the motorway to traveling all over the world for the passion of music to bring only the best to the ravers highlights the highs and lows of being invited to celebrity parties to sleepless nights to ensure the events are a show to remember ,I have one of the best jobs in the world being the exclusive management of luck and neat artful dodger and many artists” Mr Tully is non stop putting on events for London and the world with the

U

nless you’ve been living under a stone this last month you’ll have heard about the Kanye/ Taylor/Kim debacle.

What exactly is going on? Does anyone know? Does anyone care? exclusive Australia tour to commence in October 2016 it appears there's no end to successful path he has created for music .

The UKG manager has a packed out roster of music artists which includes some of biggest names in the club circuit such as DJ luck and neat , MC creed and Romeo the so solid crew and not to mention all members of the UKG all stars. The South London boy who started selling tickets with only a few attending there first event to now 1000s with garage nation in Dubai and the U.K. Under his belt leading the garage scene,It appears to be non stop for the man behind the scenes of our music London life.

Next time

London has the excitement of so may promoters on the scene who have dedicated the passion for music we look out for further insight into sun city and jungle mania how it all began.

LONDON LIVING

by Sammy Winter

0121 339 5885 or 0208 865 1922

The Phoenix – August 2016

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Page 17

ENTERTAINMENT

Catch the king and queen of hearts this Autumn

M

W

hy are you still single?

You should be married by now? Don’t you want to have children? It must be you, you are too fussy.

No-one is perfect.

Who are you waiting for, God himself to come down and whisk you away?’

Yes I have heard it all. I never knew being single was a sin. It is not as though it is something I decided on, I just haven’t found ‘The One’.

‘Ah ‘The One’, well he doesn’t exist. There is no such thing. It’s time you grew up’.

Wait a minute... what happened to finding someone who understands me? What happened to finding someone that I click with? What happened to finding someone that I am attracted to mentally and physically?

‘So why don’t you go and find ‘The One’. - How? He is obviously not falling from the tree outside my window.

'Well maybe you need to go out more’. - I do and I seem to be attracting ‘the wrong type’.

‘Why don’t you try some dating websites?’. - Yes I have and I didn’t really have a good experience. I met some men but they all lied about something or another and obvious things like their height (which is not really a problem but I do prefer for him to be taller than me), or their profile picture is completely different from how they look.

One man I met took me to a nice Thai restaurant. Conversation was flowing until he called for the waiter. The waiter came along and asked him what he would like to order. All of a sudden he snapped at the waiter, he spoke to him abruptly and rudely.

I was so embarrassed and that was it for me. A total turn off. To be honest I was shocked. I just finished my meal as quick as possible, made an excuse to leave and never contacted him again.

I also tried a speed dating event

ary J. Blige and Maxwell will tour together for the first time ever, on the co-headlining King and Queen of Hearts World Tour, beginning in October.

Maxwell's ‘blackSUMMERS’night’ was released on July 1 (Columbia Records), and is being talked of as one of the most acclaimed albums of 2016. This is the two-time Grammy winner's first European tour in seven years.

Maxwell says, “Mary is the epitome of soul. She embodies all that is woman and speaks for the everyday struggle and triumphs of all

The Dating Game: Why are you still single?

by Neena Kapoor with a friend in London. It was our first experience. The women sat in a row next to each other and the men would sit opposite them, and speak to them for about 3 minutes individually and then move to the next lady for the next 3 minute chat and so on.

The women stayed put while the men moved along. I spoke to a few men but had no luck in finding a good match for me.

My greatest issue I realised was with myself. I am successful in every aspect of my life except in relationships. What was I doing wrong?

For a while I did not understand what was going on until I started to study ‘ME’.

I started to do a course in Life Coaching as I am interested in helping people to get over their fears, blockages and limited beliefs. I became very interested in people’s behaviour and their behaviour patterns.

women. I can’t wait to get on the road with her."

Mary J. Blige has sold over 50 million albums worldwide while winning nine Grammy Awards and five American Music Awards.

Her highly anticipated new album will be out this Fall.

Ms Blige says, "Maxwell's music is amazingly soulful and calm with a colourful tone that speaks to the hearts of women. His music makes them feel loved and I'm excited to get on the road with him."

Catch them on Friday 28 October - London, The O2 as part of BluesFest, Saturday 29 October at Birmingham Genting Arena or Sunday 30 October at the Manchester Arena.

SNEAKBO

Meets fans in Birmingham at the Punch Records Headquarters

The biggest problem some people have is that they are in denial. It is very easy to blame the other person but the answers are always within you. You attract what you are or feel.

Your subconscious mind holds a lot of information that you have fed it for years and unfortunately it may not all be positive, hence what makes you behave in a certain way.

I had to tackle my own barriers first before I was able to help others. And so I did and still am. I am the ongoing project. But one thing I will say is that I am ready to date again and attract the right kind of guy for me. I know what I want now. I am single ready to mingle! :) Is there something that you are struggling with? It could be your relationship, career, goals or even fears. I would love to hear from you. A problem shared is a problem spared!

Always here to help! X

Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 18

ENTERTAINMENT

The Phoenix – August 2016

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Paltry crowd clouds su

T

here was plenty of entertainment for all as Shardfest marked its third year with a weekend of music, laughter, delights and entertainment for all in the east side of Birmingham.

Originally set out as a platform for local artists, this year’s line-up was much bigger than ever before with an impressive array of international artists to wile a sun-drenched weekend; for young, old and everyone in between.

Stars past and present, including; James Arthur, So Solid Crew, Union J, Reggie ‘N’ Bollie, Musical Youth, Bree, who travelled all the way from the USA, The Specials’ own Neville Staple and Roddy Radiation and singer Lemar shared the big stage with locally-based performers like Little Liam, Xova,

Safrone, Samuel Rodgers, Lucy Tennyson, Cold Summer and the equally well-received band The Underclass.

The vast open space of Shard End Park, with a full-on fun fair lying side-by-side with stalls from businesses, local and otherwise, was set-fair for the biggest community-based outdoor festival in the city this year, but the two-day affair was only able to attract a sparse 3000-plus – a paltry return for what could have, in fact should have, been .

Previous years saw a charge of £1, but this year’s hike – upwards of £15-per-day – was always going to be a very difficult pill for locals to swallow, despite the impressive hike in the level of artists on show this time round.

“Disappointed with the very

The Phoenix – August 2016

www.streetcredmagazine.com

un-drenched Shardfest small turnout,” said organizer, Adrian Howell, as he looked over an overwhelmingly huge sight of unwalked green grass.

“People did complain about this year’s costs, but the fact that you get stars of this calibre, and more, all in Shard End Park, has got to be more than worth it.”

“So, for those you did enjoy the weekend, it was more than value for money. A local pub put on an Olly Murs tribute act and packed the place out – at £8-a-head. Here we had the real deals, the genuine articles.”

“We tried to get UB40 old boy, Ali Campbell, here but he was already booked for the USA – and he desperately wanted to be part of Shardfest 2016, but we are already in talks for 2017. So, all is not lost for next year.”

With an obvious presence of Leon Security, including Leon’s Bars, which were always packed out with thirsty festival goers, the day was aptly covered.

With X Factor winner, Arthur, delivering a storming polished performance and the Asher D, Lisa Mafia and Romeo-led ‘Crew stealing the whole show, a salient lesson for local rapper, Farky and Young Farky; mentioning the ‘N-word’ over 20 times on one set, in 21st Century Great Britain – or anywhere else for that matter - is just dumb, plain and simple.

Nevertheless, for Shardfest 17, perhaps making people beyond Shard End, nay, Birmingham, aware of a show of such magnitude might be a good idea…eh?

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ENTERTAINMENT

Page 20

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Celebrating 50 years on the planet Rafiu Abbey Adebambo parties with friends and family from near and far

The Phoenix – August 2016

The Phoenix – August 2016

Page 21

SPECIAL REPORT

The BCA Hits 50!

T

o mark 50 years of serving its diverse and multicultural city, Birmingham Community Association (BCA) invited some of the city’s leading figures to join them in celebrating what was a historic occasion for the long-standing organisation.

In the company of some of the its long-standing dedicated leading lights, members and special guests, including; The Phoenix Newspaper Founder/Managing Editor, Marcia McLaughlin, Deputy Lieutenant to the West Midlands, Beverly Lindsay OBE OD DL and founder and GM of Diamond Travel travel agent, Father Oliver Coss, vicar at All Saints’ Church which neighbours the BCA, Reverend Canon Eve Pitts of Holy Trinity Church, in Birchfield and Monica Coke representing Wade Lyn, Jamaica’s Honorary Consul, Birmingham, were there to say ‘thank you’ to all who, since 1966, played their part in its setting-up and continued existence.

Greeted by the stunning skills of 10-year-old steelpan player Rujaun Richards- self-taught since he was 3 - men, women and children entered the plush setting of the Trinity Suite, at Aston Villa FC, side-by-side with the invited V.I.P. guests, as the colourful and upstanding Why Are West Indians flag bearers led all to be seated and set the mood for a night of nostalgia, celebration and forward-thinking for the Small Heath-based organization.

This auspicious milestone had many of the special guests eulo-

gizing over its longevity in serving the community, especially with it having to overcome so many obstacles, in its early years and more recently.

Ms. Lindsay said; “It takes a lot of dedicated people and many sacrifices for an organization like the BCA to first get started and be able to stand the test of time.”

“I hope the next generation can continue this great success story and take it to even greater heights of success.”

Madge Millford-Green of MMG Consultancy & Training said; “This is a great example for others to follow and I hope there are

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BIRMINGHAM COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

The Phoenix – August 2016

Here’s to y l Reuben Lynch, Toastmaster on the night

For 50 years of serv enough people to pick up the baton and continue its success.

We need more like this.”

After the dinner, more people stud up to talk about their experiences at the BCA before Chair, Jacqui Daniels, proud and overwhelmed with emotion, introduced the management committee, and beamed as she highlighted the massive achievements made over the past 50 years when she said; “It

was never an easy road for the seven people who started this whole thing all those years ago.

We applaud their creativity, tenacity and determination and will to win. And today, we continue those traits that did them, and us, so well for so long.

We live in a community which needs centres and services like ours to help cultural diversity barriers disappear and I certainly want to be part of that

The Phoenix – August 2016

Page 23

BIRMINGHAM COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

you BCA

ving the community bridge. For that, we rely on your charity so that we can survive.”

“The past makes sense,” said Rev. Pitts. “To look forward we first need to look back,” she said.

BCA Director, Lester Burke, “For the past 50 years the BCA stands steadfast in its field and I applaud those who put their own money in to keep this place going.”

The Birmingham Community Association was formed in 1966

as the African/Caribbean communities grew. Initially focusing on providing a social framework of support for the new communities it followed with further core service provision as the demands of the African Caribbean communities increased; providing specialized and tailored welfare activities, particularly for communities, in Small Heath and surrounding areas.

Here’s to the next 50 years.

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BIRMINGHAM COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

The Phoenix – August 2016

The Phoenix – August 2016 Page 25

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Julian Ju Ju Marley

Prepares To Come Home

A

by Ray Paul

n energetic Julian “Ju Ju Royal” Marley spoke to us from Algeria, the latest stop on his extensive tour, which rolls into the UK on August 16th kicking off in Brighton before hitting Birmingham, Norwich, Leicester, Liverpool and London.

His live show is something special – the active schedule he has undertaken across the globe has helped him master his craft and contributed to becoming a seasoned performer. Surprisingly this is his first nationwide UK tour, so why has it taken him until now to hit the road here?

“Everything happens at the right time”, he says, “I have played in the UK but not as a full tour, so I’m excited to play for the people, and want them to come out and hear what we have been doing around the world”.

Marley was born in the UK and his affinity to Britain is clear. “It is one of my homelands because I was born there so it part of my root

along with Jamaica and Barbados.”

The last couple of years have been particularly busy for Ju Ju. “I have been working on my next album for the last 12 months, and the entire project has been completed independently. That means it takes a bit longer than we would have hoped, but the artistic and musical freedom that we have had to create what we want was definitely worth it.”

So what can we expect from his fourth full set, 20 years after his debut album, “Lion In The Morning.” “It’s very upbeat, we have branched out on our subject matters – everything from talking about beaches to the need for compassion around the world – I’m very proud of what we have created and we are now just mixing the final product.

Jah has blessed us with the tools to create this music.”

His commitment to the message is clear – and he is determined to engage with those who want to listen. His previous tour saw him alongside his Father’s band ‘The Wail-

ers’ as they toured Brazil. “It was amazing – good to see the two generations mix and create something special – it’s going out and performing night after night with your Uncles – a really special vibe – and I’m sure the elders who set the path, people like my Father, Peter Tosh & Bunny Wailer will be pleased with what we did” It isn’t just music that consumes Julian’s time – his business interests now extend to the emerging Vape Pens market. “I licensed my name to a business who operate in the Colorado legal herb market and I have a strain which I endorse. I’m very involved in it, because we have been praising the positive properties of herb for years – now it cannot be denied and the wider world is sitting up and taking notice. The Pens are part of my “Ju Ju Royal” range, and this is an areas we will be putting focus on in the forthcoming years” The future looks very bright for Ju Ju Royal, and the best seems yet to come.

Corinne Bailey Rae announces Bring Me The Horizon UK tour

B

ring Me The Horizon have announced Don Broco and Basement as support acts on their highly anticipated UK Arena tour this Autumn/Winter, which includes two sold out shows at the 02 Arena.

The band have been riding the wave of global success since the release of their last album, That’s The Spirit, which topped the charts in over 10 countries around the world.

2016 has seen the band play sold out shows in cities across North America, South America, Europe and Asia as well as a stunning performance at the Royal Albert Hall, with a full orchestra, for Teenage Cancer Trust and a storming set at Glastonbury Festival. As they head into the autumn they will perform their biggest UK headline shows so far.

Check them out across the country - 31st October – London, O2 Arena, 1st November – Bournemouth, International Centre, 2nd November– Nottingham, Capital FM Arena, 4th November – Birmingham, Barclaycard Arena, 5th November– London – O2 Arena, 6th November– Sheffield, Arena, 8th November – Manchester, Arena, 9th November– Glasgow, SEE Hydro.

A

fter the critically acclaimed release of her new album The Heart Speaks In Whispers, Corinne Bailey Rae has confirmed the dates for her first UK tour in five years as she brings her sensational live show to major cities across the country.

Starting in her hometown of Leeds, the nine-date tour will pass through Bristol, Glasgow, Newcastle, Brighton, Birmingham, Manchester and Cambridge, ending in London at O2 Shepherds Bush Empire.

See full dates below.

Both fans and critics have heaped superlatives on her captivating performances throughout the summer, including this year’s Glastonbury Festival, an astounding support set for Stevie Wonder at British Summer Time, Hyde Park as part of his Songs In The Key Of Life extravaganza, a huge UK arena tour with Lionel Ritchie and further shows at this year’s V Festival, Cornbury Festival and across the USA.

ENTERTAINMENT

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BIG SCREEN

www.streetcredmagazine.com

BIGScreen REVIEW

S

ophie, a ten-year-old orphan girl is not like other children. She's an emotionally distant loner who struggles to sleep and spends her nights roaming the orphanage doing all of the jobs the incompetent matron has failed to do.

One night, during one of her late night escapades, Sophie sees something that is destined to

The Phoenix – August 2016

wORDS by antony brown

change her life forever...a giant roaming the streets of London.

After locking eyes, the giant plucks Sophie from her bed and takes her to Giant Country, through fear that she will make his existence public knowledge.

Initially terrified, Sophie quickly comes to learn that the giant who took her is actually a gentle, kindhearted soul known as The Big Friendly Giant, and together, they

must help each other overcome their greatest obstacles.

Steven Spielberg is a name that will transcend time and will live on longer than any of us. His body of work is comparable to any other filmmaker in the history of cinema and he will almost always come out on top.

However, every now and then, in between delivering masterpiece after masterpiece, Spielberg likes to make fun little movies designed to do nothing more than entertainment and The BFG is one of those movies.

A visually dazzling spectacle designed for family enjoyment.

Those of you unfamiliar with Roald Dahl's The BFG will probably be left quite bewildered at what you're watching, as it truly is a weird and wonderful tale that involves dim-wit giants, hidden planes of existence within our world, the literal creation and manipulation of dreams and the Queen of England.

It's a brilliantly bizarre story and there aren't many filmmakers who could have brought it to life quite like Spielberg. He brings the vibrant world of The BFG to life perfectly and truly honours the source material.

The visual effects in this movie are arguably some of the best of year, utilising motion-capture to get a genuine performance from the actors playing the Giants and it truly makes them burst from the screen.

Everything from the texture of their skin and the individual strands of hair on their heads to the grime on their teeth and the rolls of fat on their stomachs is rendered to perfection and brings a certain gravity to a group of computer-generated characters.

The standout amongst the Giants is, you guessed it - Mark Rylance as The Big Friendly Giant.

Often regarded as one of the greatest stage actors of his generation, Rylance has had a career that includes two Olivier Awards, three Tony Awards, a BAFTA and, most recently, an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his turn as Rudolf Abel in Bridge of Spies, also directed

by Spielberg.

Rylance's performance here bursts through the motion-capture, to the point where you feel like you're watching a living, breathing gentle giant.

The motion-capture technology captures all of his facial expressions and the subtle nuances of his performance perfectly, resulting in one of the best motion-capture performances this side of Andy Serkis, because let's face it, Serkis is a pioneer of this technology.

Newcomer, 12-year-old Ruby Barnhill, also shines here in what is only her second acting gig and it's difficult to believe that she hasn't had more experience.

The movie rests quite heavily on her shoulders and she carries it with ease like a true professional.

BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY

August 05 Propaganda 06 Beres Hammond 08 Dag Nasty 10 Big D and The Kids Table 11 Death Spells 12 Catapult Club feat. The Mojo Filters 12 Propaganda 17 Hawthorne Heights 18 A Level Result Laser Rave 19 Catapult Club feat. Flight 15 19 Propaganda 20 Templeton Pek 26 Propaganda 27 Our World Below?

31 Raghu Dixit

O2 INSTITUTE

August 01 Don Broco: Automatic + More 06 Straight for the Sun 12 The Tide 17 Julian Ju Ju Marley 18 Ministry 18 Motion City Soundtrack: So Long, Farewell Tour 19 Annabella’s BOW WOW WOW 19 Moon Sugar

It's a charming little performance from a charming little actress who is sure to have a wonderful career ahead of her.

The movie isn't particularly fastpaced, as the story is more about the relationship between Sophie and The BFG as opposed to big spectacle, so there are very few genuinely exciting moments in the movie, but Roald Dahl's original story is very much the same, so if anything, it's difficult to criticise an adaptation for being loyal to the source material.

There are also several missed opportunities where Spielberg and company could have really pulled on our heartstrings and emotionally involved us in the story a little more, but any time the opportunity presents itself, one of the characters makes a silly joke and then all emotional tension is immediately dispelled and this is what stops

20 Bass In Black - Birthday Bash 27 Good Charlotte 27 Dirty Jane 28 B2T Presents The Birthday (Bank Holiday 10hr Special) 31 Hoodie Allen

BARCLAYCARD ARENA

September 03 The King Is Back Ben Portsmouth is Elvis 24 A R Rahman

NEC

The BFG from rising above being a "good" movie to being a "great" one.

A story about an orphaned girl befriending a giant who has been disowned by his own kind has the potential to be beautiful, but they never spend enough time exploring the deeper elements of the story and it has an adverse affect on the movie overall.

The BFG is not Spielberg at his best, but when you take Spielberg's filmography into account, that isn't necessarily a criticism.

This is a man who has given us some of the greatest motion pictures of all time and while The BFG is far away from reaching the dizzying heights of Spielberg's best, it's still a fun, light-hearted, gorgeous little movie that is sure to keep families across the world entertained for a few hours.

26 Symphony Hall Tour (SH) 26 Welcoming Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla (SH) 29-30 Sarah Millican (SH)

SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON

August 06 Devil Red 13 Sex Pistols Experience - 40th Anniversary 20 Ovation presents NOVACROW 27 VIP Music Fair

August 19-21 Jehovah’s Witnesses Convention 2016 (IBSA)

TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL

August 05 Edward Gardner conducts National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (SH) 06 Project Soundlounge Festival 2016 (TH) 13 Mendelssohn’s Elijah (TH) 13 Miranda Sings Live (SH) 20 National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain: Under 12 Orchestra (TH) 22 Town Hall Tour (TH)

l Beres Hammond at the O2 Academy

The Phoenix – August 2016

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Page 27

ENTERTAINMENT

Homelands: Shakka

H

OMELANDS is a year long series of global tours, artistic residencies and insights that documents musicians visiting their ROOTS, helps them learn about where they came from and then create something new in response to

their journey of self discovery.

In this part of the HOMELANDS road trip we walk alongside singer/songwriter Shakka as he discovers Dominica as part of his international, HOMELANDS GO SEE! Q. What did you do when it was confirmed you were going

To Advertise

to Dominica?

A. I called all of my cousins, aunties, nephews and uncles, even though I didn't fully know if I had enough time to see them all.

Q. What was your first impression?

A. My first impression was immersed in flashbacks. The colours of the airport, the smell and humidity of the atmosphere. I genuinely expected to hear my mum hurrying me to somewhere in patois.

Q. Where did you go from the airport?

A. The first spot we hit was the market by the sea in Portsmouth.

I surprised my uncle: he knew I was coming, but he just didn't know when. We poured rum into a full coconut, and made a toast to our reunion.

Q. What was your first day like?

A. My first day was overwhelming. Call-

ing people to organise meeting points when I didn't know where people lived. Also trying to navigate in a place where google maps don't serve much assistance - no postcodes, minimal road names.

Just landmarks and the hope that people know them. After a while though, I became one with the rhythm.

Q. You weren’t wasting any time, so what was next?

A. J’Ouvert. 4am with people dancing to a constant drum beat, chocolate smeared everywhere.

Nothing but the very few street lights and our voices to guide us.

Like we were trying to communicate to our ancestors.

In the afternoon, we drove across the island to Grand Bay, visiting Asa Banton - Dominican artist and Bouyon pioneer - talking to him about his "Strictly Local" ethos; the importance of being himself with vernacular, clothing style and subject matter.

The following days included meeting the original indigenous inhabitants of the Island: the Kalinago people; learning of their his-

tory and the history of mankind, their struggle, and how they live in Dominica today.

Q. What about the HOMELANDS collaboration?

A. This was new - I had never collaborated with an outfit who specialised in Bouyon. Neither had I made music in the country of my parents birth. I don't know if it were the stew chicken I had before we started, or the buzz of carnival still in my system. After 5 minutes, making the song felt like clockwork.

Q. Did you get a chance to learn a little about Dominican

culture?

A. I was reminded about how our people can be quite loud and misleadingly confrontational haha. The pace is a lot more relaxed than London. But the appreciation for agriculture and the product of farming and living off the land is great.

Q. What was the last day like?

A. A part of me wanted to get back in the studio ASAP. The other part wanted more time with the Island. I felt like she had more to tell me.

Pic Credits- Tara Manandhar

0121 339 5885 or 0208 865 1922

Page 28

CAMARA’S SPOTLIGHT

The Phoenix – August 2016

ROBIN LOCKHART - THROUGH UNITY

A

s many of you know I am involved in many charities but THROUGH UNITY was one of the first I became involved with at the age of 12 after losing a friend to Knife crime.

I used to and still do attend the Through Unity Family Days on a regular basis and because of this I quickly became friends with other bereaved families.

Each year we meet with new victims joining us. However, there was a clear change at the last meeting, especially in the young people as we attended the PEER2PEER Project weekend away a few months back.

Our bond was stronger and we built some great relationships which enabled us to open up with each other.

Saturday 23rd July was a hot day in East London and in stark contrast to the heat, Through Unity were holding one of their cool regular Family Days whose aim is to provide informal support for families bereaved through homicide.

I caught up with the charities new CEO at the event! Someone I would like to introduce you all to.

I have met Robin Lockhart on a number of occasions but our first meeting was some 8 years ago when Robin and Hazel a previous CEO of Through-Unity

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

l The group at the Peer2Peer Project weekend away. invited me and a few friends to try and set up a peer mentoring group on one of many troubled estates in East London.

So let me introduce you to a very successful friend of mine who has broken down barriers and built up communities and groups all over the place.

However, in March 2016, Robin Lockhart took on the role of CEO with the UK Charity

l A relaxing massage at one of the family days

To Advertise

‘Through Unity’ after working alongside them for many years through his Social Enterprise ‘Catalyst In Communities’.

Robin has built a strong track record for working with people in acute need - he has worked with Victims, Perpetrators, Witnesses and the families who are affected by these terrible crimes.

He has supported people of all ages through some other most challenging times.

Robin said, “Through Unity exists to support families bereaved through Homicide and this is a cause that I have supported through working alongside Through Unity for many years on numerous projects, so when they offered me the CEO role, I immediately responded with a YES!” “Now that I’ve had a while to settle in to the post, I have begun to share my vision with the Board for the future of the charity.”

“I want to provide more for the families we work with: more opportunities, more support, more training and more development.”

“I want to develop the work that we do with young people affected by homicide and other violence because they tend not to be offered that much support through other sources.”

“We have already begun our PEER2PEER programme for the young members and they attended a residential in June where they participated in lots

of team building outdoor activities as well as put together the strategy for the project’s future.”

“They want to tell their stories. They have all been through intensely difficult times and the impact of them sharing their insight in to the wider impact of murder and violence (whether it is related to ‘gangs’ or not) is extremely valuable.”

“Other young people will listen to what they have to say and will relate to the underlying messages of peace and hope far more readily than if the same message was delivered by an adult.”

With Robin and the team we know that this is achievable and have already made a giant step towards greater goals. Through Unity offer a comprehensive package of support to their members and are now expanding on their offer by campaigning to Unite all the numerous charities and community groups that all exist to combat violence because as Robin says “Through Unity, Our Voice is Louder!”

Little did I know, Robin has many notches on his belt! Robin a BA (Hons) in Informal and Community Education is from a family that includes multiple ethnicities and faiths and has utilised this background to enable him to provide effective engagement to diverse communities.

He has been able to do this through his Social Enterprise, Catalyst In Communities. He is also a Director of Griffin Research Consultancy where he focuses more on research, evaluation and training in the field of Crime and Community Safety.

In addition to the above, Robin is also a Director of The Community Coaching Academy – a Social enterprise offering 1 to 1 and Group Coaching to young people in order to enable them to realise their full potential!

Over the years Robin has developed a reputation as an outstanding specialist professional, offering project management, training, research, evaluation and front-line delivery services to communities, with a long-standing personal commitment to Diversity, Equality and Peace Initiatives - particularly relating to programme’s involving Young People.

In 2009 Robin was awarded the Kids Count Inspiration Award and in 2012 he received a Team London Award from London’s ex-mayor Boris Johnson.

In 2016 Robin was shortlisted for the Restorative Practitioner of the Year Award.

l Robin Lockhart There is no end to Robin’s capabilities and I believe he has made major strides in such a short time in his relationship with Through Unity.

Thank you Robin and the team at Through Unity, we support your work in uplifting and nurturing everyone that you come across!

I know many of the stories from the Families in Through Unity but a heart breaking testimony from one parent on Saturday was that she lost two children in one week - one murdered through knife crime and the other when he came home to help his mother cope with the tragedy, went to sleep and did not wake up again.

I have known her through the family meetings for over 5 years and this was her first share of what Through Unity has done and what they are doing to support her and I am privileged to have witnessed it.

If you have been affected by any of the above or have any enquiries, feel free to get in touch with Through-Unity: reachingout@throughunity.com Through Unity Knowledge Dock Business Centre 4 University Way London, E16 2RD Alternatively, please view www.throughunity.com where you will find lots more information and where you can make a donation to support the families of Through Unity.

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

Camara (aka mizzcamara for websearch)

0121 339 5885 or 0208 865 1922

The Phoenix – August 2016

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Shyam and chill

NO CARBS BEFORE MARBS

H

Glam Girls Love Marbella..

With Fabulous Dahlinn Donna Marie

3

.00pm on Wednesday afternoon, can only mean one thing, it's time to swap the Nike trainers and school runs for the glamorous heels and champagne party life of Marbs. #Rule no.1 Every day thou shall release the inner goddess, wear lipstick and heels with oversized sunglasses and handbags. #Rule no.2 In Marbella dahhlin you will be kissed twice upon been introduced, so be sure to be wearing your most sensual fragrance, just a little spray on the sides of your neck, just below the earlobes should do it. My personal favourites are Chanel Chance for daytime and Tom Fords Black Orchid for an evening. #Rule no.3 Think housewives of Beverley Hills at all times... Wear only the most fabulous dresses whether it's out for dinner or dancing until the sunrise.

Ssssh between just us I found some amazing dupes of designer pieces on sites such as Missguided and Boohoo.com Four days, three great friends and so many Marbs memories later, however will I fit this all into one article.

Marbella is simply every glam girl dream I ever had. It's lined with designer shops, amazing restaurants, bars and nightlife. Cocktails are a plenty and Shisha con-

taining Vodka is enjoyed in most outings.

With the bustling atmosphere of every cosmopolitan city, a stunning marina filled with big fancy white yachts that glimmer and decorate the waters, live music, sunshine and every super car you can imagine, Marbella most definitely lives up to its playground party reputation for the most rich and glamorous of lifestyles.

An epic Marbella fail made fabulous

So I stepped off the plane in beautiful gold detailed heels that would make even Guiseppe Zannoti jealous.

I oh so elegantly got into the drop top Aston Martin ready to hit the open roads.

It was amazing, the views were breathtaking and my beautifully blow dried hair was blowing in the breeze, yes ladies this was my moment, my ultimate glam girl turned film star moment.

Epic Fail was right around the corner, for little did I know that upon arriving at my destination that beautiful warm breeze I so enjoyed at high speeds had turned my luscious long hair into a wonderfully tangled mess that now resembled something of a birds nest!

Well lesson learnt this is not a movie ladies, always always tie your hair back!

Rescue at the Bardou

After such an experience there was only one way forward, you guessed it. A ladies pamper day at the salon. I was rescued with a glass champagne upon arrival, well quite a few actually if we're gonna be honest here.

Don't judge me it's what glam girls do! This salon oh wow it catered to all my heavenly needs.

From Jessica gel manicures and pedicures, the perfect blowdry that lasted for days and a killer make up application. Champagne in one hand, lipgloss on and many hours later we were ready to hit the beach party's and nightlife of Puerto Banus.

Favourite Restaurants

La Sala, Habanas, El Anchla

Nightlife hotspot

Olivia Valere, Suite, Tibu

"No carbs before marbs"

Yes ladies it's true, get super Marbella ready! Hit the gym, eat healthy and drink plenty of water in your pre Marbella prep.

However once you arrive it's all high heels. Swimwear and dresses, so enjoy, live life and drink champagne. Be you, Be beautiful and stay glam.

ello everyone and welcome to my new newspaper column my name is Shyam - the y is silent so it’s ‘Sham’!

I am 16 years old and have been given the opportunity to write my first ever newspaper article in The Phoenix Newspaper.

My interests are cars, hip hop music, keeping up to date with fashion, gaming and watching sports like football and boxing.

My favourite boxer is Anthony Joshua and my all-time favourite boxers are Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson.

In Shyam and Chill I will be featuring cars and talking about what makes them interesting. To start with this month, here’s a couple of my favourites – the Lamborghini Veneno and the Aston Martin

Page 29

ENTERTAINMENT

One-77.

The Aston Martin One-77 has been well designed and beautifully crafted, with a maximum speed of 220 mph and an engine which is an alloy quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve, 7312cc V12 for all you experts out there who know about cars.

It costs £1.5 million or if you live in the United States that is a whopping 2 million dollars!

My dream car though is a Lamborghini Veneno. Lamborghini have designed this car so that it has less weight making it more fun to drive in, with a high tech interior. Reaching a top speed of 221 mph and 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds this is one seriously fast car. The price of the Lamborghini Veneno is about £2.8 million. If you have any cars that you would like to be featured then send in your suggestions!

As well as cars I am going to be talking about fashion, and this month, Nike trainers as I am a big

l Shyam Bulsara, junior roving reporter

fan of the Air Max 90 and the Air Max 1 iD. Nike trainers are usually comfortable to wear, and you have the option to design the trainers yourself and then are able to buy them.

Nike also focuses on everyone from small children to adults and it does not discriminate as they want everyone to be able to buy their shoes. You don’t just see white people or just black people wearing Nike, every ethnicity wears them.

Just like Nike, The Phoenix is doing a great job with getting people from all communities and all backgrounds involved. That is how it should be at the end of the day; we all bleed the same and everyone should be treated equally.

I look forward to meeting with a lot of the car dealers out there with ideas of how to put together the ultimate motors section

Page 30

FASHION

The Phoenix – August 2016

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Wedding Season Left : Two Tone Flower Headpiece - £149 with Lace Bodice Prom Dress- £149 Middle : Lace Covered Disc - £129 with Layers Bodice Crepe Dress - £169 Right : Feather Flower Pill Box - £99 with Floating Bodice Lace Dress - £129

Bring this voucher with you for a 10% discount off FUNERAL FLOWERS Miss Lily’s Flowers Gifts & Balloons Studio 15 @ 2 - B18 4NR 0121 454 4455

A

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The Phoenix – August 2016

BIRMINGHAM PERSONAL

Page 31

DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE Creating Opportunities: Business and Personal Guest Speakers Dr Dawn Elson Group Engineering Director, Merlin Entertainments plc

Baroness Stedman-Scott, OBE, DL FRSA

B

aroness Stedman-Scott, Deputy Speaker in the House of Lords and former Chief Executive Officer of Tomorrow’s People Trust.

Baroness Stedman-Scott is a founder member of the Employment Related Services Association and was its first Chair. She has had a number of positions including Trustee of New Philanthropy Capital, NPC Trustee, Gov-

ernor of Bexley Academy and a member of the Charity Select Committee She won the Charity Times Award for Charity Principal of the Year in 2005.

In August 2007, She was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of East Sussex. Her role, along with a number of other Deputy Lieutenants, is to support the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex.

Her Majesty The Queen, awar-

D ded her with The Most Excellent Order Of The British Empire (OBE) for services to the unemployed in the 2008 New Year’s Honours.

D

Health Service Innovation and Leadership. She is the recipient of the Millennium Nurse Award for outstanding contribution to nursing leadership.

Dr Neslyn holds fellowships of the Royal Collage of Nursing (UK) and City and Guilds London Institute; She is Doctor of the University of Birmingham City University and Bradford Univer-

Having previously served 23 years in the Royal Air Force, Dawn is a committed advocate of encouraging more girls to become interested in STEM subjects at school.

A Fellow of both the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and the Royal Aero-

nautical Society, Dawn is a committed role model for women in engineering.

Dr Kathryn Hinchliff RGN, RM, MSc, D.Ed. (HON)

Dr Neslyn Watson-Druée, CBE FRCN FCGI CEO Beacon Organisational Development, neslyn.com and Chairman of The Board of Directors of The Phoenix Newspaper

r Neslyn is a multi-award winner and professional international speaker. She received the honour of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for Nursing Leadership, Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for Health Service Innovation and Leadership, Her Majesty’s Queen Elizabeth 11 Medal for

awn is one of the most influential women in UK engineering she is responsible for Group Engineering strategy, policy and standards, maintenance system and compliance at Merlin. Dawn won the prestigious Woman of the Year Award in 2014.

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She has a very successful background in 25 years on various boards including 10 years as a Chairman for a National Health Service Commissioning Organisation in the UK

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Page 32

NACHURAL SUMMER BUSINESS BALL AND AWARDS 2016

The Phoenix – August 2016

l Lifetime Achievement Award – Charan Dass Sohal

O l Business of the Year – BJS Distribution

l Hospitality – Red Leaf

l Business Person of the Year – Makhan Singh Padda

l Entrepreneur of the Year – Raj Gill

n July 15th at Wolverhampton Racecourse, the Nachural Summer Business Ball & Awards 2016 brought the best of the region together to celebrate the successes and achievements of businesses in all sectors.

Over 450 people attended the glitzy night as organiser Nachural, the company behind the Signature Awards and the BCABA Awards pulled together the movers and shakers into what was a great night, and an awesome networking opportunity.

With guest speaker Mr Paul Lalli, the CEO of multi-million pound turnover business Solid Systems Global based in Derby, who spoke about the hard work and persistence that would be needed in light of Brexit, as well as the growth of his own company, and entertainment from comedy illusionists Craig and Russ of Slightly Unusual, the stage was set for an evening of great food, laughter and celebration.

There were 10 awards on the night, from Business Start up, won by Zuri Coffee Shop, and Community Excellence, which went to

The Phoenix – August 2016

Page 33

NACHURAL SUMMER BUSINESS BALL AND AWARDS 2016

l Business Woman of the Year – Natalie Murison

SAFS, to the Lifetime Achievement Award which was taken home by Charan Dass Sohal.

Ninder Johal, CEO of Nachural, spoke of the fall out following the Brexit vote. While he asserted that the short term would be very uncertain, he also boasted of the UK’s ability to continue to innovate, add value to its products, and build on the strengths of its economy and role in world affairs, and that the future was still very bright.

In signing off from his speech, Ninder left on a note of hope for the future for the UK as a whole, as well as everyone attending on the night, - “Let 2016 be the year that the country and this region becomes a better place to live, work and play.”

Nachural would like to thank Promise Dreams, the charity on a night where over 450 people attended and where over £3500 was raised, and also to their hosts for the evening who were Sukhi Bart of Brit Asia and Suzi Mann of the BBC. It was a great night, enjoyed by all. Here’s looking to next year!

l Innovation and Enterprise – Interiors Italia

l Community Excellence – SAFS

l Regeneration – Park Hall Ramada Hotel

l Business Start up – Zuri Coffee Shop

Page 34

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

l Chocolate Dash

Last dash for Hospice fun run

B

irmingham St Mary’s Hospice’s ‘Chocolate 5K’ series will be coming to an end for 2016 with a final run in Solihull.

Starting from Dorridge Village Hall on Saturday 10th September, the ‘Chocolate 5K’ gives chocolate lovers the opportunity to burn off the calories whilst collecting sweet treats along the route.

Runners will also receive a chocolate medal and Chocolate 5k goody bag as well as gain free entry into the post-run chocolate buffet.

The event will raise vital funds for Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, which provides free care and support for terminally ill patients and their families across Birmingham and Sandwell.

Lucy Watkins, Events Manager at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice said: “The Chocolate 5K is a challenge with a difference and we’ve been delighted with the response we’ve had so far. To date the 2016 series has raised over £25,000 of vital funds so far and we hope locals can make the final Chocolate 5K of the year one to remember.”

Former soldier to take part in 150th marathon challenge for QEHB Charity K arl Hinett, a courageous former soldier who survived significant burns when his warrior tank was petrol-bombed during a rescue operation in Iraq, is now preparing to run a 105 mile route in under 40 hours to raise money for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham where he was treated. All the money he raises will go to QEHB Charity, the official charity of the hospital.

Karl had been in Iraq only five months when he was injured in September 2005 at just 18 years old. His regiment was part of a rescue operation to free two British soldiers who had been captured and held in Basra.

Ponies join Yardley Dementia Activity Group

P

eople with dementia at Alzheimer’s Society’s Activity Group in Yardley were joined by a pair of Miniature Shetland ponies named Angel and Lollipop.

Alzheimer’s Society regularly hosts an Activity Group at Yardley’s Digbeth in the Field United Reformed Church and this caters for people with more advanced dementia who want to keep active and socialise with others.

The groups are run by facilitators who provide a structured pro-

gramme of activities.

The ponies were provided by Lollipop Pony Parties and joined the members of the Activity Group on a spacious field and seemed to appreciate the copious amounts of grass at hand.

They were calm and willing to be patted, stroked and ruffled as Group members got to know them.

The height of the animals meant that members could engage with them from a seated position which was helpful for some of the members with mobility issues.

Since the injury, which left Karl with 37% burns to his hands, legs, arms and face, the marathon man has dedicated much of his time to fundraising for QEHB Charity, completing an impressive number of intense races to help patients.

In 2014, Karl won the Pride of Birmingham Award for Outstanding Bravery in recognition of his courage and compassion.

Karl’s latest goal is to complete the ‘Lakeland 100’ which is a 105 mile foot race around the Lake District, taking place on Friday 29 July. The race has a strict 40-hour cut-off time, making it even tougher. This will be Karl’s 150th officially organised marathon-length race.

Karl, who is from Dudley, said:

“I first attempted this race in 2013 but had to withdraw at mile 40. As the checkpoints have strict cut-off times, I could feel the pressure to keep pushing and at that point I knew, even with my previous race experience, that I was outside my limit. The navigation and running through the night is hard enough, but it’s the steep ups and downs of the terrain that make this race extremely difficult.

“The cut off time is 40 hours for the whole event. I’ve studied the route extensively and planned my predicted pace for a finish of around 36-38 hours. I know I’m not fast, but this race is the exact definition of ‘it’s a marathon, not a sprint’.

“I’m supporting QEHB Charity

The Phoenix – August 2016

New campaign launches in West Midlands of lung and heart disease

B again, as even though my treatment is finished for now, when I visit the hospital I still witness first-hand the amazing work being done. The staff go above and beyond for patients time and time again, and always put patient care first. I want to ensure that they have the resources and equipment available to them to continue doing what they do best.”

Justine Davy, Head of Fundraising at QEHB Charity, said: “Karl is a truly inspirational supporter of ours and we feel very lucky to have him as a fundraiser. We wish him the best of luck in his next endeavour.”

e Clear on Cancer, a new campaign by Public Health England aims to raise the awareness of the symptoms of lung cancer, lung disease and heart disease - leading causes of death in England.

Around 3,860 people in the West Midlands alone are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, with around 108,367 diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and 199,913 with coronary heart disease.

Earlier diagnosis can improve the quality of life of those living with conditions such as COPD. Dr Lola Abudu, director for Health and Wellbeing at PHE West Midlands, said: “If lung cancer, lung disease or heart disease is diagnosed early, they can be managed and treated successfully.”

“This campaign will help people recognise the symptoms and encourage them to seek help, potentially saving lives from what are three of the biggest causes of death in England.”

TUESDAYS Birmingham The BCA Jenkins Street Small Heath 7.30pm Contact Rose 07482300587

The Phoenix – August 2016

Page 35

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE

Making a Difference: Deborah Stedman-Scott, OBE, DL, FRSA

by Dr Neslyn Watson-Druée CBE FRCN FCGI

B

aroness Stedman-Scott is a Conservative member of the House of Lords and former Chief Executive Officer of Tomorrow’s People Trust – A national employment charity that works in some of UK’s most deprived communities. During her time at the Charity 440,000 people have been helped on their journey back to work.

She was born in Paddington London, educated at Ensham Secondary School for Girls, Southwark Technical College and the Salvation Army Training College.

Baroness Stedman-Scott is a founder member of the Employment Related Services Association and was its first Chair. She has had a number of positions including Trustee of New Philanthropy Capital, NPC Trustee, Governor of Bexley Academy and a member of the Charity Select committee.

She won the Charity Times Award for Charity Principal of the Year in 2005 and in August 2007, Debbie was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant of East Sussex. Her role, along with a number of other Deputy Lieutenants, is to support the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex.

Her Majesty The Queen, awarded her with The Most Excellent Order Of The British Empire (OBE) for services to the unemployed in the 2008 New Year’s Honours. In 2010 Baroness Stedman-Scott was called to the House of Lords Baroness Stedman-Scott stands for social justice and is driven by enthusiasm her belief that nothing is impossible. She is a leading thinker in the Welfare to Work sector and her advice is sought by many think-tanks and advisory boards. She was the Deputy Chair of the Social Justice Policy Group, during which time they published the very persuasive Breakdown Britain and Breakthrough documents.

Baroness Stedman-Scott is passion-

ate about Early Intervention, Social Mobility, Improving Life Chances and the transformation of prisoners She has spoken in the House of Lords on the policies for work in prison. She believes that the journey that prisoners would take while working in prisons should be seamless. From day one when they start work, it should be part of their journey into sustained employment.

During her speech in the House of Lords she said, I suggest that there are many people in our prisons who are very clever in ways we wish they were not, but if that were channelled in the right direction they could become exemplary employees, contributing to society while securing qualifications during the process.

She is inspired by communities working together to support young people. At a Youth Employment Convention she spoke passionately for: • Preventative work to enable young people into economic activity • Sustainable and viable jobs • Help for young people to manage their period of economic inactivity.

The Baroness says: “Those who say it cannot be done should not stand in the way of those who are do-

ing it,” and she prioritises addressing that which gets in the way of people being written off.

Her accomplishments that have given her the most personal fulfilment are the number of Tomorrow’s People clients who have achieved when they did not think possible.

She is proud of Tomorrow’s People not just helping people to get a job but to keep a job.

When asked, what keeps her spirit and her motivation high? She chuckled with a twinkle in her eyes with the statement; “I would never have dreamt in a million years that I would be fortunate enough to do what I have done and I want everyone to have the opportunity to shine.”

Success in Life for Baroness Stedman-Scott is about doing the best job in the right way.

When asked ‘What more would you do if you knew you could not fail?’ she replied, “Embed in the education system every young person having a personal journey plan – (preparation socially, skilfully, emotionally intelligent), from the time they walk into primary education to the time that person secures a job and for no one to rely on social security benefit.”

If she were looking back at the end of her life, the events she wished never happened or events she could skip is the wish that Nicky has never been killed.

What has she learnt from the challenges of life that has made her a better person? To measure twice and cut once and neither to jump to conclusions nor assumptions.

When asked how important is the new generation to you, she responded, “Everything – they are coming into a world that is changing faster than you change your handbag, the pressure to duck and dive, jam and drive and we have seen how important integrity has become.”

Finally, the advice she would give to someone starting out is “Spend everyday in your education, soaking it up, look after your friends, treat people with respect, avoid jumping to judgements and be straight and not play games with people’s lives.”

Page 36

AZUZA STREET - BISHOP BROWN TRIBUTE

The Legacy of Bishop Brown

S

l Bishop Brown

adly, in the early hours of Sunday 10th July 2016, at the age of 92, Bishop Herman Darius Brown passed away. Husband to Margaret Brown, he leaves behind 7 children (Bill, Gilroy, Juliette, Ruth, Owen, Marcia and Joel), 19 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Born in Hanover, Jamaica in 1924, Bishop Brown moved to the UK 5 years after marrying his wife, and in 1953 became co-founder and pastor of the first blackled cross-denominational fellowship in Wolverhampton at the YMCA in Stafford Street, Wolverhampton.

Six years later, he founded Mount Shiloh Church, on

Hickman Avenue in Wolverhampton on the 26th July 1959.The humble, welcoming and approachable minister served for 61 years in Wolverhampton, and was well known to teaching and training future church leaders.

2003 was the official 50th Year of Ministry - Golden Jubilee for Bishop H. D. Brown and Mother Brown in the Wolverhampton Diocese.

During more than six decades of service, he travelled across the world spreading the word of God – from Liberia and Nigeria in Africa to Calgary and Toronto in Canada. On 24th August 2013, Gilroy Brown and Sonia Bennett were officially installed as Pastor and Assistant Pastor respectively at Mount Shiloh, with Bro Colin Bennett, Bro Michael Griffin and Sis Maxine Scott ordained as Evangelists as Bishop Brown handed control of the day to day operations of Mount Shiloh to the next generation, and with that, the next chapter of Mount Shiloh has begun and will not forget the generosity and tireless work of its founder.

The Phoenix – August 2016

Tributes Pastor Gilroy Brown, Mount Shiloh Church Wolverhampton

We are very grateful of the example that you set for us in your personal lives, always striving to give us the best guidance in our natural and spiritual lives. We feel proud and privileged to be the results of your parenthood.

Pastor Sonia Bennett, Mount Shiloh Church Wolverhampton

Your commitment, zeal and faithfulness have helped to birth many churches here and abroad.

Your personal examples of Christian living have helped to shape and nurture many successful Church leaders today. You Leave a legacy that is an inspiration to us all.

Bishop Melvin A. Brooks and Pastor Yvonne Brooks, New Jerusalem Apostolic Church

My Father Bishop J E Brooks is one of such souls; who through your ministers accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal saviour. Today he is a bishop ; and most of his children are serving God with several leading churches or serving as ministers and evangelists, all thanks to you and Mother Brown.

Hundreds and thousands have come to accept the Lord Jesus

Christ as their personal savior, and are also preaching the gospel around the world.

Mount Shiloh has indeed been prolific in producing pastors and preachers of the highest calibre, venturing into areas that were no longer seen as conventional for the church to work in.

Your leadership and your steadfast example in your walk with God, l Bishop Brown and Mother Brown your integrity and connight or day. He always has a stancy is to be held up as word of encouragement to give…. an example to all.

Your work with the seniors both You are a great anointed preacher, in the community, the church and teacher and singer. A man of God. their families must be applauded.

Overseer Bailey and Mother Bailey

We have known you over the past 50 years and we have been greatly blessed by your words of comfort and the times we have spent with you. We have sat and talked and today we cherish those thoughts and words of wisdom and we are honoured that we are able to share them with others also.

Evangelist L. McFarlane, Bethel Manchester

Bishop Brown is a man of dignity and integrity, he is approachable, available at all times whether

Elder & Mother Peterkin, Mount Olivet

How can I forget 1959 within the month of July when I knocked your door and said I need Church.

That was the start of a new life and 55 years on I can say I am not sorry I have answered the Masters Call.

You have taught me that there is no substitute for Holiness that I should never put money against the souls of men; I must stand up, speak up and shut up.

In 1963 I went to Dudley under your supervision, the Lord blessed the ministry and 5 more churches have been established. To god be the glory!

l Mount Shiloh Church, Wolverhampton

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The Phoenix – August 2016

Page 37

AZUZA STREET

A Biblical perspective of a true love

By Prophet Abiodun Ajayi of Christ Apostolic Church Wolverhampton UK cacpentecostalassembly@gmail.com 07404404716

I

n this month edition, I shall be talking about what a real love is in line with Biblical perspectives.

Real and true love, according to the Bible, true love is evident when the happiness, health, and spiritual growth of another person is as important to you as your own.

The word of God commands us to love our neighbour as ourselves, it does not command us to love our neighbour more than ourselves we are to love God more than we love ourselves, but we are to love our neighbour, boyfriend, girlfriend, or our mate in marriage as we love ourselves.

Ephesians 5:28 helps us understand the nature of love better: “ so husband ought to love their wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself” the next verse explains this further “ for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it , just as the Lord does the church.”

As we can see, God definition of true love means to nourish and cherish, that is to protect ( cherish ) and provide for ( nourish) the happiness, health, and spiritual growth of another person in the same way you protect and provide for your own happiness, health and spiritual growth of another person in the same manner you provided for yourself.

The word for true love as in the Hebrew word is called agape.

Agape love, is an unconditional response to the total person “I love you in spite of the weakness I see in you.”

It is a concern for the welfare of someone without any desire to control that person, or to become master over him or her, it goes beyond a willingness to give when the loved one is not able to reciprocate, wether due to illness, failure or simply an hour of weakness.

God agape love repairs all kind bonds severed, be it unfaithfulness, indifference or jealousy. The bible told us, God is love and that whoever that did not love did not know God. So the best example of this love is God himself. “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son”( John 3:16) I invite you all to join the glorious family of Christ apostolic church Wolverhampton at our coming yearly event.( The international gathering of the glorious one’s ) titled “Hope in God “ from 24-28 of August.

Till then shalom. Yours in Christ Pastor Abiodun

T

hey Also Served is a project by Churches Together In England funded by Heritage Lottery Fund to bring to life the contributions of African and Caribbean servicemen.

The project, managed by Dr Angelia Osborne launched at the Lib-

rary of Birmingham last month to a room full of people interested in both their family history of servicemen, helping with the project, and in some cases wanting to bring their previous research together to collaborate and ensure the success of the project.

They Also Served will work with the African and Caribbean churches in the Midlands as well as to wider communities to deliver a series of talks, screenings and workshops, to eventually product an exhibition that will explore the experiences of the men who served in the British imperial forces, as well as the stories of the experiences of Caribbean and African men who lived in Britain who were enlisted into the British Army.

Bringing these people together, the project will provide the op-

portunity for people research their own personal ancestry as well as aiding them to engage with the history, and share their own stories.

The project is looking for volunteers to get involved with the project, so if you are interested in the topic, then get in touch at www.theyalsoserved.co.uk.

8

Small Heath Park breaks record for Eid al-Fitr 2016

F

ar exceeding 2015, this year’s Eid al-Fitr, the biggest event of its kind in Europe, saw in excess of 90,000 people converge onto Small Heath Park, in Birmingham, to mark the end of the fasting, for the Muslim community, throughout the month of Ramadan, and the start of Shawwal, with organisers releasing a timetable of the day that started with prayers at 9am, and then festivities and entertainments from 10am to 6pm.

A days entertainment, including funfair rides, a soft play area (with bouncy castles, assault courses, sumo suits and a ball pool), laser clay pigeon shooting, mini golf, exotic animal handling, balloon modelling and a bazaar with stalls selling food, drink, clothes, gifts and crafts, made 2016’s Eid one to be remembered for time to

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come.

In the largest Eid prayer in Europe all who attended were able to unite, under the banner of Islam, to encourage brotherhood and to practice a great Sunnah and emphasize the importance of the city on the world’s stage.

Amir Ijaa, Centre Manager at the English-speaking Green Lane Mosque, in Small Heath, and one of the event organizers, was pleased with the record-breaking turnout, saying; “We’ve been celebrating Eid, in Small Heath Park, since 2013 and broke the record last year when 70,000.”

“This year’s 90,000 plus – half the total Muslim population in the area - makes this one of the biggest in the world, and I’m hugely proud of that.”

“And with such a diverse turnout it just proves how united we are as a city.”

0121 339 5885 or 0208 865 1922

Page 38

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT

The Phoenix – August 2016

Mr Handsworth MBE retires after 31 years of service

H

e’s known as many names by many people in his community, but one particular stands out for all as it speaks volumes for who he is and where he represented.

Now, after 31 years of defending the streets and people where he lives and promoting it to all and sundry, Hector ‘Mr. Handsworth’ Pinkney MBE has decided to call time on it all and put his feet up in what is now his retirement years.

The 63-year-old spent years as a security officer at Handsworth Library but his countless duties and network of contacts made him the go-to man for people across the area.

Also known as ‘Captain Boogey’ by a lot of his peers from his Rialto nightclub

days, the martial arts specialist and keepfit guru set up a karate club, especially for the young people in his area, became a youth mentor, organized a weekly running club and exercise classes for the Soho Elders’ Group, and organised benefit nights as well as helping the library hold talent competitions and live music events.

A man for all people, Pinkney was made part of all the communities represented in Handsworth, whether it was Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, native African, his own Caribbean and eastern European.

Indeed, he was...and still is THE man of his people.

Mr. Handsworth it’s time to put your feet up – but we all know that’s not going to happen anytime soon.

l Hector Pinkney MBE, with Marcia McLaughlin, Editor-in-Chief of The Phoenix Newspaper, Bishop Dr Neville Wolliston, Reverend Dawn Myrie and Amrick Singh Ubhi, Centre Director of the Nishkam Centre during Bishop Wolliston’s return to Handsworth and Soho Road in 2014

T

he World Bank states that "Reliable logistics is indispensable to integrate global value chains – and reap the benefit of trade opportunities for growth and poverty reduction".

The Caribbean Diaspora Delivery System, serves this purpose as its alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals also encompasses 4 strategic objectives that translate into key deliverables for achieving Inclusive Growth and Development Co-operation: • International Trade & Logistics • Rural Growth & Supply Chains • Global Health & Wellness and • Learning & Skills Development The CDDS is a Knowledge driven approach to value creation and co-ordination of assets, data, resources, skills and systems.

Evidence-informed Diaspora policy formulation and adoption is key to involvement of professional services and practitioners with a proven track record of achievement within host countries.

Enhanced by a culture of collaboration, trust and co-operation amongst intermediaries, dedicated to developing cohesive, productive and effective teamworking to enable knowledge transfer, capacity-building and programme implementation for improving the lives of young people and adults within their countries of origin.

The Sustainable Development Goals are global and designed to meet the aspirations of all nations and aligned with national traditions, policies and priorities: • Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all Ages

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The Digital Transformation of Traditional Diaspora Leadership, Management & Involvement Model

l Rudi Page with Professor Allam Ahmed • Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all • Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls • Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all • Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels • Strengthen the means of im-

plementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development The Caribbean Diaspora Delivery System facilitates the integration of Diaspora skills and expertise within health, education, economic and tourism infrastructure to provide system enabled, high quality, easily accessible, sustainable services.

It also facilitates the integration of Diaspora skills and expertise within health, education, economic and tourism infrastructure to provide system enabled, high quality, easily accessible, sustainable services.

0121 339 5885 or 0208 865 1922

The Phoenix – August 2016

NIGERIA SPOTLIGHT - LANDMARK UNIVERSITY OMU ARAN

Landmark University Secondary School Omu Aran Kwara State Nigeria

I

t is another moment of Joy to the parents, students, school management and staff of Landmark University Secondary School (LUSS) on July 30th, 2016, as the school turns out another set of graduates from the institution.

Landmark University Secondary school is one of the twenty fifth Academic Network of schools, founded with a vision and insight by the leadership of the Living Faith Church Worldwide.

It is a Co-educational Christian mission school in Nigeria, established to provide high level professional instructions and learning, that will culminate in academic excellence.

Spirituality and creativity is the platform of secondary education as inspired by biblical principles and purposeful living.

Since inception, the school has operated at the level of international standards in all ramifications.

These include academics, personnel, facilities, productivities, co-curricular, extra-curricular etc. it is factual that, at Landmark University Secondary school, average students are transformed into good students; good students are worked upon to become better; better ones are polished to emerge the best; juvenile delinquents are re-modelled to be prides of their parents and the society and gifted students are inspired and guided to discover and utilize their natural talents.

In a nutshell, here, the school doesn’t just teach students; their staffs are tutors, counsellors and

l Cultural display practice in session

l Graduates exhibiting their Jubilation at passing out with potable water.

In terms of vocational studies, there are the resources that assist students to practice their various vocational skills such as catering craft, Dyeing and Bleaching, painting, Music, Fashion Designing, Sculpture and Sports, and of course, enjoying a twenty-four hours power supply round the year; this makes studying interesting and effective at Landmark University Secondary School.

STRATEGIES

l Pst. John Aderogba, Principal LUSS role models to their children-like students.

DISCIPLINE

Page 39

The bible says. ‘’Spare the rod, and spoil the child”. At Landmark university Secondary School, discipline is upheld with esteem.

The school does not condone any form of bullying, immoralities, examination malpractices and other vices among the students, and the goal is to produce school leavers who are worthy both in character and learning.

On Staff, the principal noted that they have preference for highly spiritual, disciplined, intelligent and qualified teaching and none teaching staff at landmark university secondary school.

They confidently say that all

their teachers have teaching qualification and experience. As a matter of fact, their members of staff are missionaries with visions of assisting our students fulfill their God designed purpose in life.

FACILITIES

Landmark University Secondary School is blessed with world class and ultramodern facilities.

The Science Laboratories are well equipped and furnished and the computer and ICT room is of international CBT paradigm.

By God’s doing, the language Studio shall be inaugurated in a few weeks’ time.

Also, the student sports field is at completion stage and all the dormitories are well ventilated, fully netted and sufficiently supplied

l Student rehearsing for Sunday service program

At Landmark University Secondary School, they employ both the theory and practical strategies to actualize their vision.

For science and vocational subjects, students are exposed to practicals on a bi-weekly basis after the normal classroom learning.

Likewise for language subjects, the focus is on developing students’ reading, writing and speaking skills. Hence writing tasks are given to them bi-weekly, to evaluate and improve their writing proficiency.

Even as they have a language Studio in the pipeline, they makedo with some audio-visual teaching aid to help the students master the languages being taught in the school.

In term of spirituality, students are nurtured with the word of God at least three times in a day. These include devotions and church services. Spiritual powers (SP) is a compulsory subject for all students.

There is also a “spiritual parenting” programme to create a bond between teachers and the students outside the class platform.

PRODUCTS

The school presented candidates for WAEC, NECO and JAMB for the first time in 2015 and the

results were very outstanding.

In JAMB, 98% of students scored 200 points and above; an average credit pass at 97% in WAEC, including English language and mathematics; an average credit pass of 98% in NECO, including English language and mathematics.

OkaforSussie Ada Chidinma, who is a student of the Institution and also one of the graduate noted that landmark university secondary school is a school that parents should send their children to, stressing that the standard of l OkaforSussie Ada Chidinma education and school delta State (2014). methodology is of international • LUSS was among the top ten standard, because the facilities in finalists at the first EDALAF the school are second to none.

Nigeria Inter-State science The quality of teachers are not Competition. compromised by the school management, and students are well • At the 2014 Landmark University life & Grace Essay Comgroomed to be professional in petition, the school came first their chosen professions. and third respectively.

“I learnt a lot from this great • At the 2016 National Commisschool throughout my stay. The sion for Museums and Monuschool impacted on me in all ments the school came 2nd ways, academically, spiritually, among the 48 schools that parmentally and physically.” ticipated.

OkaforSussie Ada Chidinma • At the 2016 science Olympiad further advises incoming students Competition, one of the stuto have direction, and to remain dents took the 1st position in focused as she assured them of Mathematics in Kwara State better performance in their acaand qualifies along with four demic and great future. students for the national stage.

She gave God Almighty the glory for seeing her throughout • 2016 SOK foundation competition: First positions in Mathemthe years of her secondary educaatics and English Language in tion and appreciate her parents Dr both senior and junior categor& Mrs. Okafor for giving her the ies (100% score in Maths) was best of education in a well recogwon by our students. nized school in Nigeria.

• 2nd position in the 2016 COMPETITIONS AND AWARDS Thomas Adewumi International Landmark University SecondCollege Social science Quiz ary School has partaken in several competition. local, state and national competiCONCLUSION tions, where students performed We can confidently say that excellently well. Below are few of Landmark University secondary such glorious feats; • The 2014 SOK foundation com- school stand out among its equals.

To find out more informapetition, involving the junior and senior classes the school tion or to enrol your children/ emerged best in mathematics ward(s) with us, visit our website and second best in English lan- www.ifcec.org or alternatively www.landmarkuniversitysecondguage.

• The 2014 Annual NNPC na- ary.com or contact them via teletional Quiz Competition, LUSS phone on +2348104825116 for admission and other information. again emerged the second best.

• Students represented Kwara REPORT COMPILED BY State at the Science teachers Mr. Alex Emeka Akwaeze and Association of Nigeria National Engr. John P K Fowoyo Competition held in Asaba,

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The Phoenix – August 2016

PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE

New Housing Minister must build on positive legacy, says FMB

T

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he new Housing and Planning Minister, Gavin Barwell MP, must build on the positive legacy left behind by his predecessor Brandon Lewis MP, the Federation of Master Builders has said in response to the appointment.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “We welcome the appointment of Gavin Barwell as the new Minister of State for Housing and Planning. The Government has rightly identified housing as one of the greatest challenges facing this country and having reaffirmed its commitment to building one million new homes over the course of this parliament, Barwell is assuming an important position at a critical juncture.”

“Brexit presents a challenge to the house building industry, and it will require bold leadership if the progress that has been made over the last few years isn’t to be lost as

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a result of any sense of uncertainty within our sector. Momentum must be maintained.”

Berry continued: “It’s encouraging that Barwell has previous experience in the Department for Communities and Local Government as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Greg Clark, who has been a great champion of local house builders.”

“Barwell’s predecessor Brandon Lewis similarly understood the significance of reviving the SME house building sector if the Government is to achieve its housing targets, both by increasing volume and speeding up build out rates.”

“It’s of vital importance that Barwell continues with the positive legacy Lewis left behind, which saw house building completion figures rise and a range of initiatives introduced aimed at empowering smaller developers.

Berry concluded: “SMEs are nevertheless still at a serious disadvant-

l Gavin Barwell MP age in this country with far too many struggling to access the finance they need to build and hampered by a planning system that all too often places the same requirements on small developments as it does for larger ones.”

“More needs to be done to overcome these constraints. With a new Prime Minister in place, now is perhaps the time to start thinking about more radical solutions to the housing crisis, including enabling local authorities to fund house building by lifting borrowing caps.”

“Local house builders are ready to play a much larger role in getting Britain building again, and we look forward to working with the new Housing Minister in identifying how SMEs can help him achieve this."

While Wales' hopes of greatness in the Euros may have been dashed in their defeat from Portugal, there's plenty of greatness in their property investments. Wales has always been thought to be one of the most beautiful parts of the UK. With beautiful country side as well as majestic mountains and serene sea views, it's the perfectly place hotel investments like the ones in today's selection.

Conwy, UK - 1 Bed Apartment - £149,000

1 Bedroom Villa at Caer Rhun Hall This outstanding 1 bedroom villa at Caer Rhun Hall is now available for investment purchase. The property will generate 10% NET returns for 10 years from a fully-managed investment proposition.

Llandudno, UK - 1 Bed Apartment - £55,000

Double Bedroom, The Harrison Hotel. This double bedroom within The Harrison is available now with a multi-purchase discount. If you buy more than one unit, you save £5,000 on the cost of each room.

Conwy, UK - 1 Bed Apartment - £75,000

Standard Double Bedroom, The Annexe at Caer Rhun Available now for investment purchase, individual rooms within the Annexe at Caer Rhun Hall provide investors with 10% NET returns for 10 years, from a fully managed investment proposition.

Cardiff, UK - Studio - £59,995

Home to over 43,000 students, Cardiff’s student population makes up over 12% of the city’s residents.

The Cardiff Student Village of 249 luxury, fully furnished studios is a ‘hands off’ opportunity providing investors with 10% NET yield for 5 years.

Wales, UK - Room - £75,000

Caer Rhun Hall is a late-Victorian country retreat of timeless elegance, offering rooms for purchase with 10% NET return and assured 125% buy back, rooms from only £75,000.

Llandudno, UK - Room - £40,000

Operational seaside hotel with beautiful bay views.

This traditional Victorian Hotel offers an alternative to a traditional buy-to-let and a completely hands-off investment with a number of attractive highlights.

The Phoenix – August 2016

Page 41

HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

A ‘mint’ day out for all the family

F

or those looking for a family day out over the summer holidays, The Royal Mint Experience is the perfect choice - allowing visitors to discover the unexpected wonder of coins and find out how they make their way into pockets and purses around the world!

Located in Llantrisant, near Cardiff, The Royal Mint Experience will give visitors first-hand knowledge of the manufacturing journey of a coin, while a series of static and interactive exhibitions will bring the 1,000-year-old organisation’s rich heritage to life.

During the summer holidays The Royal Mint Experience is also running a ‘Six weeks of Summer’ event programme with different family-friendly activities taking place each week to keep visitors of all ages entertained.

Put a ‘Staycation’ on your list of potential holiday destinations

U

K Tourists still think that Britain is great, especially for a ‘staycation’ that has become a major feature of the British holidaymaker’s calendar.

The findings of Secret Escapes, which runs 'best-in-market' flash sales of four and five-star hotels and holidays worldwide, have shown that 40

per cent of Brits are committed to taking a UK break and over half (52 per cent) consider this UK-based stay to be one of “life's little luxuries”.

These statistics show more than half of Brits consider taking staycations of between three days and a week long, while one in 4 take shorter home-based breaks in addition to their main holidays abroad.

15 per cent have spontaneously booked a last-minute staycation to make the most of good weather.

With the short periods of good weather the UK has seen over the last month, it would seem that a last minute staycation is possibly your best best for a homegrown getaway this summer.

Page 42

OVERSEAS NEWS

United Airlines Expands Service to St. Kitts

l Adam Stewart

Caribbean maverick to keynote SOTIC’17

T

he leader of one of the world’s leading resort companies will outline a vision for Caribbean tourism as he sets the tone for the region’s most important tourism gatherings, the State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC).

The chief executive officer of Sandals Resorts International, Adam Stewart, will deliver the keynote address at the 14-16 September event in Barbados.

“We are honoured and excited to announce Mr Adam Stewart, the chief executive officer of Sandals Resorts International as the keynoter for SOTIC. Sandals is an influential Caribbean brand. Its impact on the economies of the countries in which it operates, and the other benefits it brings, such as immense global exposure which we otherwise could not afford, cannot be missed,” Mr. Sealy said at a news conference at the CTO headquarters.

Described as “a maverick on a mission, an energetic change agent, and an innovator who is not constrained by convention”, Mr. Stewart is expected to share his views on the opportunities that lie ahead for Caribbean tourism and what must be done to cash in on these opportunities.

His presentation will focus on the conference theme, Honouring Our Legacy, Defining Our Future, and is expected to draw on the Sandal CEO’s experiences in leading the growth and expansion of the global brand since he took over as its chief executive officer at the age of 25.

The Phoenix – August 2016

Tenerife sends the UK a #BigWarmHug following Brexit

F

ollowing the Brexit vote in the UK, the Tenerife Tourism Corporation’s #BigWarmHug campaign, produced to demonstrate the people of Tenerife’s love and appreciation for their European friends in the UK, regardless of whether or not the country remains in the EU, had proved to be a massive hit.

Apart from the evident happiness and love being shown by those taking part in the campaign, it has managed to reach over two million people via Twitter, with 59,000 more on Facebook in just seven days.

The campaign has been widely supported by travel industry professionals, UK consumers, and Tenerife locals, those in the tourism industry, football players, golf club members and more all joining in.

The Tenerife Tourism Corporation has also made a fun video, available on YouTube, summarising activity from the first week of the campaign – including images of Tenerife's President, Carlos Alonso, embracing a British citizen at the launch of the initiative.

In reference to the campaign, which is fully backed by the Tenerife Island Government, Mr. Alonso commented: “Our aim was to launch a warm and friendly campaign based on a hugging theme to communicate to all British people that they can count on us no matter what.”

Alberto Bernabeé, Tourism Minister for the Tenerife Island Government added: “The relationship between Tenerife and the UK is like a love story and this is why we wanted to give a virtual hug to our British friends to demonstrate our love and support of them.”

S

t. Kitts and United Airlines have announced the expansion of the Saturday service between New York/Newark gateway airport, Liberty International Airport and St. Kitts.

United will recommence service on November 19, 2016 and will fly throughout the winter, summer and fall in 2017.

"I am very pleased that we will be receiving additional flights from United Airlines," said the Hon. Lindsay F.P. Grant, Minister of Tourism, International Trade, Industry & Commerce.

"The extension of United's service will significantly increase capacity into the Federation from the New York metro area, a primary market for visitors to St. Kitts."

United will operate 50 percent more flights between EWR and SKB and will begin its winter season early this year on Nov. 19.

United will operate Saturday-only service between EWR and SKB: United will continue to utilize a 737-800 aircraft with capacity ranging from 154 to 166 seats for these flights.

These flights will complement existing non-stop airlift into St. Kitts from North America, providing more convenient options for travel to St. Kitts.

The Phoenix – August 2016

Page 43

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

London To Host 2017 IAAF Congress At Excel

l The Excel has been used before for sporting conferences

T

he International Association of Athletics Federations has announced that they will host their 2017 Congress at ExCeL in London on August 2 and 3.

The Congress is expected to welcome 800 international delegates from more than 200 nations worldwide to the city.

ExCeL was chosen in part due to its close proximity to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, where the IAAF World Championships London 2017 takes place in the days immediately following the congress.

London 2017 will be the biggest event to be staged in the Olympic Stadium since the 2012 Olympics and Paralympic.

The IAAF World Championships begin on 4 August and run until 13 August with the IPC World Championships taking place from July 14 to 23.

Why it’s time to put polo back on the Olympic roster

W

ith the Rio 2016 Olympics upon us, it’s been 80 years since polo has featured on the official Summer Olympics programme. But with the sport increasing in popularity and accessibility, talk is of put the game back on the

Olympic map.

It was dropped from the Games, after 1937, for no clear reason and last year it failed to make the final shortlist for inclusion at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020.

Despite this, polo is undoubtedly evolving into a sport that should warrant serious

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with Anthony Kelly

A l Niels de Vos Niels de Vos, London 2017 Championships Director, said: “Next summer London will become the first city to jointly host the World ParaAthletics Championships and IAAF World Championships London 2017 in the iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Stadium. We will also welcome the IAAF for their congress.

All the key decision makers in track and field from across the globe will be present for what will undoubtedly be a highly significant event for the world of athletics. We are delighted that their congress will take place at ExCeL.” ExCeL London Executive Director, James Rees, added: “We are delighted to have been selected as the host venue for the IAAF Congress. Located at the heart of London’s ‘events district’ means that delegates will be able to enjoy easy access to the Olympic Park and surrounding attractions, hotels and restaurants.”

ugust is a month of the year in Britain when most people are enjoying summer as well as the school holidays.

Only once in every four years the Summer Olympic Games happen and this time it will be held in Rio, Brazil from the 5th to the 21st of this month.

As an avid sports fan I would like to address the issue of performance enhancing drugs which has been making international headlines for quite some time.

I remain baffled as to why anyone would seek an unfair advantage by taking illegal substances in order to boost their performance and gain a competitive edge when the side effects including damage to internal organs and the possibility of an early death might be the end result. It beggars belief.

The number of high profile athletes over the years from so many countries who have been caught and been exposed as drug cheats reads like a who’s who list.

It is truly heartbreaking and soul destroying for clean athletes trying desperately to compete with them on a level playing field.

I intend to single out with

good reason just one track and field athlete, the great sprinter Merlene Ottey from Jamaica who was given the nickname the ‘Bronze Queen’ due to all the third place finishes that she achieved whilst competing against athletes who had been doping.

It is so sad to know that her God given talent was not duly rewarded with the silver and gold medals she was deprived of over many years.

What a poor example these drug cheats have been setting to the next generation of youngsters who want to emulate these sports stars that they often view as their role models and their idols.

I hope these Olympic Games will be drug free as science and technology are gradually catching up on the drug cheats who in my opinion should be banned for life.

consideration as a legitimate contender for inclusion.

Polo may once have been a pastime dominated by the privileged few, but the industry has opened up in recent times to appeal to a

wider market.

Clubs such as Warwick-based Dallas Burston Polo Club offer a number of family-friendly and inclusive events, many of which are free entry, meaning that elitist

element of the sport that may have put people off attending in times gone by is diminishing, maximising public exposure, and earning new fans from all walks of life and age groups.

As a result, attendance and interest in these events and the sport as a whole has been steadily increasing over the years, as Dallas Burston’s Marketing and Communications co-ordinator Ella Cloak explains, “It’s clear that there is a real audience and market demand for polo that has spiked over the past few years- our polo days attract thousands of spectators, and the number is increasing year on year. These kinds of events really help raise the sport’s profile and contribute to its status as a sport worth of Olympic consideration.”

Double Olympic cycling gold medalist Victoria Pendleton has turned her talents to polo, having recently joined Leicester’s King Power Foxes team. In June, Pendleton joined other sporting stars such as 2012 Team Dressage gold medalist Laura Tomlinson, Zara Phillips, pentathlete Heather Fell and racing legend AP McCoy for a charity match- if it’s good enough for Olympians, shouldn’t it be good enough to appear on the Olympic programme?

If multinational history, worldwide appeal and public interest aren’t enough to sway the decision, then surely endorsements from Olympic athletes themselves should give the cause some clout.

Time to bring Polo back to the Olympics? - Page 43

l Lincoln Moses MBE and Prince William with some of the children who use the Hub.

Community Sports Hub recognised with the Queen’s Award

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Birmingham-based sports hub was recently honoured with the ‘Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service,’ the highest award any voluntary group can receive in the UK. The groundbreaking hub has enhanced the community by developing individuals using sport as the medium and regular attracts 600/800 young people a week.

The state-of-the-art Holford Drive Sports Hub leisure centre, in Perry Barr, run by four clubs catering for four core sports; Aston Boxing Club, Holford Drive Tennis Club, Continental Star Football Club and Continental Cricket Club, is a community-run for the community.

Hub Trustees Lincoln Moses MBE, Keith John and Diane Sawyers attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace where they met Her Royal Highness and other winners of this year’s award.

Overwhelmingly proud HDCSH Chair, Moses – who is also the General Manager of HDC-

SH-based semi-professional outfit, continental Stars FC - said: “I am not by nature an excitable person. On the contrary, life’s oscillations have left me pretty cynical.”

“But I’m so excited about being at the genesis of the Holford Drive Community Sports Hub revolution and am proud of transforming the lifestyle of many people who have come through our doors.”

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Committee Chair, journalist and former broadcaster, Sir Martyn Lewis, said: “I warmly congratulate all of the inspirational voluntary groups who have been rewarded for their community work with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The judging panel for this year’s awards was struck by the quality and breadth of all the successful groups.

The thousands of volunteers who give up spare time to help others in their community and to help solve problems demonstrate the very best of democracy in action.”

Just as withdrawal sets in, football is back!

W ith the Championship League in England stealing a march on the Premier League, starting a week ahead of the Premier League

kick-off, football fans up and down the country can get out their favorite team’s shirt, dust it down and wear it with pride.

Hope and great expectations, whether it’s Leicester City or Lin-

W

ith 619 wickets in 132 games and a wealth of worldly experience behind him, India’s primary Test wicket taker, Anil Kumble, has taken up the baton to be his country’s new Head Coach on a one-year deal.

The 45-year-old, with no international or first-class coaching experience behind him, formerly served as the Cricket Committee

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many as the jubilation - reserved for the chosen – will be savored on beaches around the world next summer.

Here’s to the new season. Here’s to your expectations.

Kumble appointed new India Head Coach

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coln, Aston Villa or Accrington Stanley, Chelsea, Carlisle, Birmingham City or Barnet, the expectations are the same.

Come next May, the sad reality, though, will kick-in for the

Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) from 2012 to 2016 after retiring from cricket and is the first person to take-up the post since Duncan Fletcher who left after the 2015 World Cup. A panel including former players Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly made the verdict to assign Kumble after an 18-month pursuit.

Kumble, who led India in 14

Tests, said; “It’s a huge responsibility, but I am more than ready to take this role. Coaches come later, it’s always players first. My strategy will be to win.”

India won the 2013 Champions Trophy with Fletcher but suffered from a 3-1 defeat in the Test series in England in 2014 and was unsuccessful in defending their World Cup title.

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