The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2014

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DECEMBER 2014

Connecting Communities - Inspiring a New Generation

Season’s Greetings from everyone at The Phoenix Newspaper

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DECEMBER 2014

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NEWS

The Phoenix – December 2014

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Lambeth lays commemorative paving stones for WW1 heroes

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ar heroes from Lambeth who were awarded the Victoria Cross for their bravery have been celebrated with commemorative paving stones laid near their birthplaces.

Exactly one hundred years after their heroic actions in battle during the First World War, Captain John Vallentin and Lieutenant John Dimmer have been recognised in ceremonies near Lambeth Palace and Jubilee Gardens.

Lambeth’s Mayor Cllr Adedamola Aminu, who presided over the ceremonies, said: “I am honoured to have led the services

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ree art events, exhibitions and activities are on the menu at a new café in Sandwell.

The Sandwell Arts Café, based at Central Sixth, formerly The Public building, in West Bromwich town centre, is officially open to the public and is part of a wider offer of activities and services being run by Sandwell Council.

The opening of the Arts Café was attended by a number of special guests including Leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Darren Cooper, and Sandwell College Principal Graham Pennington.

Councillor Cooper said: “I’m extremely proud to see the Sandwell Arts Café officially open. We have always maintained that the arts would play an essential role in the future of the building as part of our partnership with Sandwell College.

“This delivers on our promise of bringing about a better use of Central Sixth, so that the many, not the few, can enjoy its benefits. It’s a building that everyone in Sandwell can now enjoy

commemorating the heroic actions of Captain Vallentin and Lieutenant Dimmer.

We are immensely proud of these great soldiers and their fellow servicemen and women who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.

It is important that we never forget the sacrifice made by so many, and these commemorative stones will ensure that Captain Vallentin and Lt Dimmer will forever be remembered.”

Records show Captain Vallentin was awarded the VC “for conspicuous bravery on 7th Nov., at Zillebeke. When leading the attack against the Germans under

a very heavy fire he was struck down, and on rising to continue the attack was immediately killed. The capture of the enemy’s trenches which followed was in a great measure due to the confidence which the men had in their Captain, arising from his many previous acts of great bravery and ability.”

His commemorative stone has been placed at St Mary’s Garden Museum near Lambeth Palace.

Lambeth’s second VC winner honoured, Lieutenant John Dimmer, who’s stone has been laid in Jubilee Gardens on Wednesday November 12th, was also awarded the VC for his actions in the

Battle of Ypres a hundred years ago, manning a machine gun under intense fire, and despite being shot five times he continued until his machine gun was destroyed.

His actions helped ensure the German attack failed and they retreated before reaching the British trenches.

Representatives of both men’s families, the armed forces, Lambeth Palace, Lambeth Council and Lord Ahmed, Minister of State in the Department for Communities and Local Government, were present at the events.

Sandwell Arts Cafe opens its doors and I urge people to come along and see for themselves.” The first exhibition; ‘Soho Road – To the Punjab,’ celebrates 50 years of Bhangra music, culture and style and will run until December 17.

Ammo Talwar, CEO of Punch Records, said: “The exhibition is a fascinating tale charting Bhan-

gra’s journey. It features an array of facts and memorabilia where the public can relive their youth as they go down memory lane.”

Sandwell Council will be using the building to run a series of lifelong learning classes including dress making, yoga and film making and provide a business

support service for local start-up companies and entrepreneurs, and also help people looking to get back into work.

Central Sixth was officially opened recently by Prince Edward, HRH The Earl of Wessex.

The Phoenix – December 2014

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NEWS

American songstress to headline Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival 2015

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oul sensation, Mariah Carey, will be the headline act as she leads some of music’s legendery performers at the 19th annual Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival set for January 29 – 31, 2015.

The “Songbird Supreme” will be making her debut, with this, her first ever performance in the Caribbean.

The Best Selling Female Artist of All Time, logging more than 200 million records sold and 18 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 Singles, will be the leading light,

with the likes of former Gap Band lead-man, Charlie Wilson and American reggae and dub band Soja.

With her distinctive five-octave vocal range and prolific songwriting and producing talent, superstar songstress, Carey, excited with the mouthwatering prospect, said: “I’m thrilled to be performing in Jamaica for the first time ever. I can’t wait to connect with my Jamaican fans (at the 2015 Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival) and I am really looking forward to spending some

time “pon de island” as well!”

As a solo artist, singer-songwriterproducer Wilson has been nominated for seven Grammy awards and three NAACP Image Awards, received a 2009 Soul Train Icon Award, and was a recipient of a BMI Icon Award in 2005.

In 2009, he was named Billboard magazine’s No. 1 Adult R&B Artist, and his song “There Goes My Baby” was named the No. 1 Urban Adult Song for 2009 in Billboard Magazine.

Lead guitarist and vocalist, Jacob Hemphill, said: “I know that we are confident of making some big noises in JA and I know we will inspire and uplift all who will be there. Our music is created to feed your soul with positive energy.”

The Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, in Montego Bay, runs from 29 to 31 January.

The Phoenix Is Rising The Managing Editor of The Phoenix Newspaper is overwhelmed by the 1,478,457 Page Impressions since the launch of the newspapers Daily Online presence.

She predicts that this should rise to 3 million plus in 2015, due to the ever increasing online readership of the paper from all corners of the world, and our drive to expand the Social Media arm of the business.

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NEWS

The Phoenix – December 2014

Need To Know Moseley restaurant fined £12,000 for dirty conditions

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p o p u l a r restaurant pleaded guilty to 12 offences under the Food Safety Act 1990 and the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 at Birmingham Magistrates Court.

Nathaniel’s Restaurant, in St Mary’s Row, Moseley, was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £1,566 in costs.

Environmental health officers visiting the bijou restaurant found a number of food items that were unfit for human consumption, including mouldy pate and liver, putrefied lamb chops, fish fillets and prawns, plus open milk and cream that was past their use-by date.

Councilor Barbara Dring, Chair of the city council’s Licensing and Public Protection Committee, said: “Officers inspecting Nathaniel’s Restaurant in March found numerous items of food which were unfit for human consumption, including prawns, fish and meat, and items of food past their ‘use-by’ date, such as pate, cream and milk, in addition to dirty equipment, filthy condi-

Poetry Presentation was ‘Just Divine’

tions in the kitchen and inadequate food safety procedures and practices.

Nathaniel’s is a place which diners often go for a special occasion, so they would not expect the quality of its food or cleanliness of its kitchen to be questioned – but this case shows even the most reputable or popular restaurants can have sub-standard practices.”

Four hygiene improvement notices were served on Nathaniel’s on 25 March 2014, which related to the lack of a food safety management system, food hygiene training, cleaning of kitchen equipment and the general cleanliness of the premises.

Nathaniel’s was allowed to remain open to diners during this investigation.

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avid Wilkes, of personalised Poetry company Just Divine presented The Phoenix Newspaper with a personalised poem, thanking the newspaper for the work it does to boost people in the community.

Kicking off the season of goodwill and thanksgiving, it was a beautiful gesture from someone

Law-breaking owner and agent fined for breaching regulations

l Councillor John Cotton could have ensured that the house complied with government regulations designed to safeguard tenants.

By avoiding the licence and checks, Mr Fakir and Hillcrest Housing put their tenants’ wellbeing at risk and I welcome the fines imposed by Birmingham Magistrates Court.

Too often tenants are fearful of losing their homes when they tell us about law-breaking landlords.

In this case we were able to proceed with minimal involvement from the tenants, using their housing benefit as evidence to prove that rent was paid by five or more tenants, and thereby minimising the inevitable stress that these prosecutions can bring.

I would urge anyone in similar circumstances to contact us as we may be able to proceed in a similar way.

Gas safety checks for vulnerable could save lives

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n owner and an agent who failed to ensure that a property rented to vulnerable people had adequate fire precautions and who failed to keep the property in good repair were each fined and have to pay £16,508 between them for failing to obtain a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licence and breaching HMO management regulations.

Iqbal Hamoodi Fakir, age 62, of Sandford Road, Moseley, and Hillcrest Housing Limited of Stratford Road, Sparkhill, failed to indicate the escape route or display the contact details of the manager.

The property in Yardley also had missing handrails, a defective bathroom door which shut occupants inside, loose steps on the stairs, no refuse bins and uneven surfaces in the yard.

Iqbal Hamoodi Fakir was fined £4,000 with £2,134 costs and a victim surcharge of £120.

Hillcrest Housing Limited was fined £8,000 with £2,134 costs and a victim surcharge of £120.

Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Councillor John Cotton, said: “Had Mr Fakir or Hillcrest Housing applied to the council for an HMO licence from the onset then council officers would have been aware of this multiple occupancy and

who has admired the work of The Phoenix Newspaper since its first edition.

It was a touching piece of work, and you can read the full poem to the left. Thank you Dave!

You can contact Just Divine on 07896787235 or go to facebook.com/justdivinepoems.

Commonwealth aims continue to grow

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irmingham Commonwealth Association’s ‘Communities’ Focus Group’ met again in November, for the last time this year. Meeting at the Council House on a chilly evening, the group discussed a number of topics, including the short (6-9 month) and longer term goals.

Attendance, and diversity of attendance are still in their early days for the group. Group Chairman Wade Lyn CBE expressed that the group still very much open, and would like to see a higher representation from the other countries in the Commonwealth that are currently not represented, or underrepresented.

One of the short term objectives is to raise the profile of the group with Commonwealth Day on March 9th 2015, hopefully with a flag raising at the Council House and to get the various high commissions across Birmingham to fly the Commonwealth Flag on that day to focus everyone onto

the Commonwealth.

The Focus Group have been in talks with the Registry Office and are looking to hold a special Citizens Ceremony, to celebrate new UK Citizens, specifically all from Commonwealth Countries in honour of Commonwealth Day. The group is also looking at staging a service on the 9th of March, similar to that held at Westminster Abbey, which was unfortunately unable to be hosted by St Phillip’s Cathedral, but currently St Chad’s Cathedral is being looked at as the possible venue.

Sted Wallen spoke with the group about the City of Birmingham Olympic Legacy Tour, which is looking for budding cricketers, willing sponsors, and enthusiastic supporters to be a part of the trip, scheduled for September 2015.

Proudly announcing “Jamaica Here We Come”, the aim of the tour is to build on the Olympic legacy between Birmingham and Jamaica by strengthening sport-

ing, cultural and other links.

An action packed itinerary includes six Olympic Legacy Cricket Matches across the island, two Olympic Legacy Cricket Coaching Clinics, an Olympic Legacy “Good Deed Days”, an Olympic Legacy Gospel Concert and other exciting activities including Dominoes.

The group is still looking for a site that could be used as a base and also as a storage area for collected goods to send to countries in need of them, and to possibly start gathering these items in the early part of next year.

If anyone has any ideas for events to celebrate the Commonwealth Day, or would like more information about attending the group and lending your expertise, please get in touch with the group by emailing Mike Murray at Mike.Murray@birmingham.gov.uk or Heather Law at

Heather.Law@birmingham.gov.uk

with your ideas.

olverhampton City Council is helping to raise awareness of gas safety by providing free gas safety checks to vulnerable residents which could save lives this winter.

Residents who meet certain criteria could benefit from free servicing and repairs to gas appliances including boilers and fires.

The gas safety measures are being offered through the council’s Home Improvement Service which is dedicated to helping older people, people with disabilities and vulnerable people to live in their own homes safely and comfortably.

Gas appliances fitted by unskilled tradesmen or appliances that are old, faulty or not serviced often enough can let deadly carbon monoxide into people’s homes and cause gas leaks, fires and explosions.

Carbon monoxide is also poisonous, does not smell and can kill quickly with no warning.

It is therefore crucial that homeowners ensure all gas work is undertaken by people who are qualified to work safely and legally and that appliances are serviced regularly.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Prosperity, said: “I am pleased that we are able to offer these essential safety measures free of charge to the city’s most vulnerable homeowners.”

To Advertise - Tel : 0121 240 7310 or email advertising@thephoenixnewspaper.com

The Phoenix – December 2014

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

DPD (UK) discuss Employee Engagement and company ethos with The Platinum Group

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he Platinum Group discussed Employee Engagement with DPD UK, a member of The Platinum Group, at their Hub in Oldbury, West Midlands, as Charlie Shiels the Executive Director of Central Operations, David Poole the Director of HR & Training and Mandy Holford the Head of Customer Services, presented their company ethos of values, employee recognition and customer service goals to The

Group.

The feedback from those attending was excellent and quotes from members confirmed that DPD lead and inspire their teams continuously, where their core values are; passion, respect, accountability, honesty, hard work and flexibility.

DPD is one of the leading parcel delivery companies in the UK. It is part of GeoPost UK which is a subsidiary of French postal group, La Poste, employing 5,300 people in the UK, and operating more than 3,000 vehicles from nearly 50 locations to deliver one million parcels a week.

The Platinum Group is a group of strategically important

businesses in the Black Country, who work with each other to share best practice and tackle the issues facing their industry.

The aim of the Chamber is to double the size of the Black Country economy in the next 10 years. The Black Country is the Industrial Heart of the UK and in order to drive the manufacturing led recovery it needs to ensure that its businesses are fully engaged with their employees.

Peer to peer learning is key to enabling this across the region.

Brighter than banking; cooler than construction; it’s time for the creative industries to pitch in and start creating a better future for young people.

Ammo’s

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hen you meet me you’re sure to be disappointed. I just don’t look very creative!

Somehow this doesn’t seem fair.

I’m CEO of Punch, a progressive and thriving music development agency that sits right at the heart of Birmingham’s trendy Eastside district.

And I try hard to be hip and engaged; to be contemporary, independent and unique, I really do. But somehow I’m still the most mainstream-looking cultural radical in the UK. You’ll find me chairing the kind of meetings where creatives get up and draw multicoloured squiggles on whiteboards; squiggles that stand for main stages and beer tents and on-trend audiences and toilet blocks and chill-out yurts.

But when everyone else is updating their timelines I’m the one washing up the cups in the obligatory half-size belfast sink and over-straightening all the chairs.

I no longer think this is any kind of a bad thing. My role gives me ways and means to influence and alter real people’s lives, not just radio playlists.

Because the creative industries are worth £8m an hour to the UK economy, with our growth currently outperforming all other sectors.* Cultural capital is based on

innovation, not scarcity - the more we can produce, the richer we will be as a nation.

So why are so few homegrown creative entrepreneurs working to seed the ground they grew from? I think being ordinary reminds me that my story is nothing special.

When I opened Punch in 1997 it was as a record shop in what was then called ‘the community’, not a music development agency in a ‘creative quarter’.

Punch Records bought and sold rare vinyl for DJs and collectors.

I mostly started Punch so that I could listen to those same records all day in the shop, and then get on the guest list for the DJ’s gigs and soundclashes after we closed. But things took a turn I hadn’t planned for.

DJs and rappers would walk into the shop each day with amazing ideas and plans and ask us if we could back them.

Within a year we were creating new events across the city.

Then we were programming workshops for schools and galleries desperate to reach out to young people.

Transforming lives through music became our motto.

Punch had become a network of resources and opportunities with an annual festival - BASS - to run. So I closed my shop.

My dad still hasn’t forgiven me. He was working six days a week in a foundry, and when I had the shop we suddenly had a family business!

I think he hoped to convince me to turn it into a cash and carry given time. To this day he has no idea how I make my money now the shop is gone - But he still stuffs brochures for retail opportunities into my wife’s handbag when she visits.

My dad’s opinions notwithstanding, the creative industries in the UK are a homegrown economic success story, worth £71.4 billion per year to the UK

and accounting for 8% of all service industry exports.

What’s more, the sector is growing at 10% per annum, even in the downturn. In 2012 the creative industries employed 1,680,000 people, 5.6 per cent of the UK workforce*.

Yet the largest private investments of time and money that Punch receives into our youth development programmes - which each year reach hundreds of disenfranchised young people outside of both education and employment - are not from anyone in the creative industries.

They are from multinationals like Barclaycard and from local business leaders: the family of the region’s cash-and-carry king - Latifs, for example, who support our work in schools.

The UK is booming with young talent able to create amazing new work which we can broadcast, licence or sell to contribute to our bottom line as a nation.

If most of that talent isn’t living in London, isn’t working as an intern in a creative agency and isn’t writing on a blog; how will we hear their voices?

Ammo Talwar MBE CEO of Punch www.punch-records.co.uk @punchrecords *Official DCMS figures Jan ‘14

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

GRAND CENTRAL BIRMINGHAM SECURES ALL ITS RESTAURANTS

Leading eateries to open for the first time in the city

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en months ahead of the opening of Grand Central Birmingham, the city’s new £150 million premium retail and dining destination, 13 restaurants

have signed up with many major new eateries coming to Birmingham for the first time.

Grand Central Birmingham, which is owned by Birmingham City Council and will sit above

The Phoenix – December 2014

the transformed New Street Station, has successfully concluded deals with an exciting array of restaurants that will encourage dwell time amongst Grand Central shoppers and train station commuters.

This will be the first time that some popular eating outlets such as, Pho, Caffe Concerto, Square Pie and Tapas Revolution have opened restaurants in Birmingham, most currently only found in London and the south-east.

Stephen Wall from Pho said, “We are really looking forward to opening our first Birmingham restaurant in the new Grand Central development. It’s an exciting time for the city and for us as we’re playing a part in this significant transformation.

Grand Central will be one of the major destinations for shoppers dining in the city centre, and we can’t wait to share with them a taste of the Vietnamese food we love so much.”

Keith Stone, leasing director for Grand Central, said: “We are delighted to see some of the country’s favourite restaurants finally having a footprint in Birmingham thanks to the Grand Central and New Street Station developments.

The investment from such well known dining brands further demonstrates why we are so confident of the long term benefits Grand Central and New St Station will bring to the city.”

The launch of Grand Central, whose anchor store will be John Lewis, will coincide with the opening of Birmingham New Street station in September 2015.

The 13 brand new restaurants will complement a range of premium high street retail names including brands such as The White Company, Joules, Cath Kidston, Kiehls, L’Occitane, Fat Face and Monsoon Accessorize.

The distinctive contribution of minority firms to the UK Economy

I When you spend over £5.99 Open Monday to Saturday 11.30 till late

EAT IN OR CALL COLLECT @ THE DRUM THEATRE C A L L : 078 0 5 0 1 9 6 0 9 o r 075 4 2 6 9 1 4 3 8 144 Potters Lane | Aston | Birmingham | B6 4UU E: info@reggaefood.co.uk W: www.reggaefood.co.uk

n the last edition we examined the significance of ‘ethnic monitoring’ as a strategic tool for the equitable allocation and/or distribution of resources across the cultural divide.

Over 40 years, Britain’s ethnic communities have been researched (exhaustively) with principal issues of ethnicity and immigration dominating the media.

Yet, apart from several focused studies, little public attention has been paid to the distinctive contribution of minorities to the UK economy.

And whilst the recession has impacted on business closures, minority firms have managed to survive and in the process, introduce various products and services to the marketplace.

As is the case, owners are still struggling in many respects with market discrimination, societal prejudices, and inequalities in procurement and negative stereotyping, all of which tend to restrict mainstream lending practices.

Challenges aside, since the 1880s, sections of the British minority population have established commercial firms and social enterprises in essential

sectors.

These include construction, creative industries, education and training, food and hospitality, manufacturing, engineering, transport logistics and social enterprise among others.

Government estimates (2013) suggested that minority firms alone, contributed over £35 billion to the economy.

Other statistics from authoritative sources including the UK Government and the Institute of Economic Affairs highlighted the following trends:• 70,000 social charities in the UK contribute £18.5 billion to the UK. • Almost 1 million persons are involved in this sector.

• 15% or 10,500 of these firms are led by minority ethnic communities.

• Minorities therefore have a market share of nearly £3 billion to the social economy.

• Official figures suggest that over 6.4% or 300,000 minorities are self-employed.

The ‘proof of the pudding is in the eating’; in that wherever one travels, whether it is to inner cities and suburban areas, these locations are replete with minority ethnic-owned business and professional services.

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ward-winning journalist, editor and publisher Dr Christopher Johnson writes his monthly column in The Phoenix aiming to inform, educate and entertain.

Demographic trends also point to the rootedness of ethnic entrepreneurship in the nine English Regions.

In Scotland, Wales and Ireland, there are growth spurts among ethnic entrepreneurs as they compete in the marketplace of ideas, goods and services.

It is ‘high’ time for Establishment figures to take notice of this real economic dividend and celebrate it on a national scale.

The Phoenix – December 2014

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

£11m turnover for former black cab driver

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Birmingham ex-cabbie is now the owner of a multimillion pound wine company sold exclusely to independent retailers.

Budge Dhariwal's Premier Estate Wines employs a team of 30 and has suppliers all over the world and growing exponentially since its formation in 2005.

The last financial year having seen volume sales for Premier Estates Wine increase 74.19%, and group turnover for the last financial year was £11 million.

Dhariwal was a cab driver for over 10 years at Birmingham taxi firm, TOA, before making a transition into retail.

It was during his time as an independent retailer that he became

frustrated by the lack of choice in the branded value wine sector and having to battle against the prices offered by the Multiple Grocers.

Determined to find a solution, he recognised a gap in the market for a range of branded wines. If he had a great product that was really good value, he could keep his customers happy and, more importantly, loyal.

After some initial research, Budge travelled all over Europe visiting major vineries and trade shows, a few suppliers began to understand his vision and he convinced them that there was a huge market in the UK for an independent-only wine brand that was good value and great quality.

The result; a range that has been crafted especially for the inde-

pendent retailer.

Working closely with wine producers across the globe, Premier Estates Wine offers a full range of quality wines, fairly priced, with strong margins for retailers and excellent value for shoppers.

“The speed with which the brand took off was a huge shock.

As soon as I told retailers that it would not be available in the major supermarkets, they bought into the concept straight away.

They loved the fact that this was a brand just for them,” Budge said.

Sales of Premier Estates have continued to grow, thanks in no small part to Premier Estates now being accredited suppliers to Booker, Nisa, Costcut-

ter, Best One, P&H, Landmark, Blakemore and many other independent wholesale outlets.

Following the success, Budge Dhariwal has brought out a superb quality vodka, which is currently going through a re-branding, with future plans to introduce a range of ciders which, again, will be available just for the independents.

‘I know too well the struggles independents face. I want to remain faithful to this market and continue to develop products that work solely for them and their customers. It’s been a great journey so far, hopefully there will be greater things ahead,’ he said.

Dragons’ Den star and diversity champion recognised amongst most influential Black Britons

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ragons' Den star and Co-CEO of leading cloud services provider Outsourcery, Piers Linney, is once again a high-profile inclusion in the annual celebration of the 100 most influential people in Britain of African and African Caribbean heritage.

Piers has long been an evangelist for diversity and inclusion and the strong business and social value which comes from integrating a commitment to diversity into business from the boardroom to employees to the supply chain in order to ensure relevance and success.

Fresh from his selection as the first ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ at the inaugural EY sponsored Black British Business Awards in October 2014; his significant contribution to business is once again highlighted in the Powerlist 2015.

He has maintained his interest in all forms of ethnic minority inclusion, working alongside MSDUK, the UK’s leading non-profit membership organisation driving inclusive procurement, to call for big companies to diversify their supply chains and the government to do more to increase the number of ethnic minority businesses (EMBs) engaging in local and central government procure-

ment processes.

As well as being the first ever panellist on Dragons’ Den with an African-Caribbean background since the series’ inception a decade ago, Piers himself is one of the very few ethnic minority executive directors on the board of a listed company in the UK, a problem which has prompted Business Secretary Vince Cable to launch a review into the issues and barriers behind the lack of ethnic minority directors at boardroom level.

Piers says: “The markets in which all listed companies operate and especially those in which FTSE100 companies are operating in are changing fast.

It’s vital that this diversity is reflected at boardroom level so that relevant and well-informed decisions are made by a group of people that reflect society at large and therefore their customers. There is a growing body of evidence that a diverse business is a better and more profitable business.”

His commitment to diversity and the democratisation offered by technology has given birth to his charity, workinsight.org; which is developing a digital platform to connect employers with young people and jobseekers without selection criteria to scale and improve access to bite-sized yet inspirational workplace experiences.

Page 8

COMMUNITY NEWS WITH LJ - SERVING THE COMMUNITY FEATURE

The Phoenix – December 2014

LJ’s

nity u m m Co Slot

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ew Testament Church of God under the leadership of Bishop Dr Derek Webley MBE DL opened its doors even wider to the community as the need to feed the community has expanded.

Church member Julia Johnson local to the area of Handsworth 4 years ago noticed more and more people on the streets homeless and hungry.

In true Jamaican fashion of ‘making food stretch’ Ms Johnson started cooking in her kitchen to deliver to those in need on the streets.

As the need grew Ms Johnson did not hesitate to engage her church fondly still know as George Street to ask for support to feed those in need.

The Women’s Ministry led by Mrs Cynthia Spence (Director) embraced this initiative and this has now become a large part of the support the Women’s Ministry delivers

l L-R: Front: Waseem Zaffar, Mahmood Hussain, Bishop Webley. Back: Lorraine Challenger, Brenda Lockett

Soup Kitchen Launches at Handsworth Church under the banner of NTCG Handsworth.

Such has been the demand for this service the need to make it a community project was recognised, and so on Tuesday the 18th November New Testament Church of God Villa Cross Engagement Project launched their ‘SOUP KITCHEN’.

Showing their full support were local Councillors Waseem Zaffar and Mahmood Hussain who have stood shoulder to shoulder with

Bishop Webley during the churches new build, they were once again at the launch to tell him and the Women’s Ministry and that any support they need they are there to help.

Bishop Webley had some staunch words in this, one of his last duties before he moves on from NTCG Handsworth after 18 years to take up his role as National Secretary/ Treasurer for NTCG England & Wales.

He said ‘that protest leads to

action’ and so when he was approached with the protest for this need this is the result of the action that was taken. He went on to say ‘the church has a mission to serve the community whether they have a faith or not we reach out opening our hearts in humanity’.

The launch was given a prayer blessing and a the pertinent bible scripture read was from St Matthew 25 verses 32-46, which speak of all nations having their needs whether

it be food or cloths met.

Councillor Waseem Zaffer reminded those present that these are the times we are living in and he commended Bishop Webley and the Women’s Ministry for reaching out and said he wished other religions and faith would share this vision as he wished them luck.

Women’s Director Mrs Spence once again thanked Birmingham City Council, Lozells and East Ward, the Handsworth Community

and Awards for All before the official cutting of the ribbon in the presence of the new Bishop who will take over as head Bishop of NTCG Bishop Deverton Douglas who takes up his new role as District/ Local Bishop from the 1st January 2015. The Soup Kitchen is open as a drop in service on Tuesdays 12pm-2pm at NTCG Handsworth, 240-244 Lozells Road, Handsworth.

Gospel Goes Charity

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o matter which hats she wears, her heart is soul about serving her community.

Maxine Brooks is a proud mother of two beautiful daughters and has so many more strings to her bow.

A Practice nurse of 24 years by day, outside of this she is the Director of Believing And Receiving Through Faith in short BARTF Production it is 11th year, Director of the Birmingham Community Gospel Choir, Pastor to her congregation, The House Of The Lord UK and there is more.

I took time to find out what drives this very special lady and where does she find time to breathe.

Maxine Brooks has been a Christian for 40 years her testimony is simple - she says ‘I LOVE THE LORD’.

In 2004 Maxine set up BARTF Power Conference held on August Bank holiday weekend reaching out through this conference with this Believing and Receiving through Faith.

In 2005 head hunted to lead the Birmingham Community Choir, by 2007 became the Director of the choir, who were runners up in the BBC ‘s Songs of Praise Competition ‘Gospel Choir of the Year 2013’.

Maxine with her choir hosts their annual ‘GOSPEL GOES CHARITY’ fundraising charity event on the 5th November which celebrat-

ed its fourth year at the Birmingham’s prestigious Town Hall.

Each year 3 different charities are selected to receive the proceeds raised on the night. This year the elected charities were The Brain Tumour Charity, Lullaby Trust and Little Princess Trust.

In the same year 2007 as well as becoming the choir Director, Maxine answered the calling she said that had been prophesised on her life two years prior, to step out and become a minister. Pastor Maxine Brooks is the lead Minister to her congregation ‘House of the Lord UK’ based in Nechells; she will be 7 years a Pastor on the 2nd of December 2014. Pastor Brooks has a strong belief and her words are clear “you can’t just step out in ministry, you have to be chosen”.

Maxine sees her talent has a gift to share; I’m not sure what I would do if I couldn’t sing and ‘dance’ Maxine proclaims. In 2009 Maxine entered a singing competition for nurses who could sing.

There were 406 nurses that auditioned. She was one of 3 nurses chosen by the record company to record the single ‘Can’t smile without you’ the single was to raise money for the Cavell trust. A charity that helps nurses who need financial support And combining her worlds one of her clear passion is reaching out to people, educating them and so this year on the 24th October in Black

History month Maxine launched the African Caribbean Health Information Conference -ACHIC. In field as a nurse Maxine’s felt there wasn’t a great focus of care of the African Caribbean Patients in primary care.

ACHIC was created to support the education of health care professionals providing care and services to this patient group and client group. Maxine is only too aware that there are specific health problems like diabetes that affect high numbers of the community and needs to be looked at to give them the best opportunity receiving good health care.

And people there is more this talented individual tells me she is already on to her next project and The Phoenix will be the first with the story!

l L-R: Ricardo Allen – JamTV; Rickel Rawlins – VMBS CSR: Jane Kerpens-Lee – VMBS Manager; Delores Cooper – VMFL Director; Leighton Smith – Victoria Mutual CRO; Phyllis Peters – VMBS Officer; Janielle Clunie – VMBS CSR; Donna Brown – VMBS Manager; Lillian Allen – JamTV at the Birmingham Branch

Victoria Mutual’s 136th Anniversary

O

n Friday November 14th, Victoria Mutual commemorated its 136th Anniversary with celebrations in Jamaica and at its Diaspora offices in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Solid relationships form a part of the foundation on which the institution was founded and built, as evidenced in 1878, when a group of clergymen came together with the shared vision of building a mutual financial institution that would enable Jamaicans, who would not otherwise have access to financing, to become proud homeowners through the pooling of their savings.

From its three offices in the UK, namely Brixton, Tottenham and Birmingham, the organisation marked the special day by treating members with branded gifts and wholesome association with fellow Jamaicans.

Leighton Smith, Chief Representative Officer for Victoria Mutual in

the UK shared from his visit to the Birmingham Branch, that ‘November 14th is a day, firmly embedded in the minds of many Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora as the day when Victoria Mutual celebrates with all its Members, the accomplishments made possible by each Member.

Incidentally this branch situated on Dudley Road just doors down from Diamond Travel is no coincidence as Beverly Lindsay did open the first Victoria Mutual in Birmingham. UK entrepreneurs Ricardo and Lillian Allen from JAMTV shared the day with the Victoria Mutual team.

The organisation provides a wide range of financial products and services for its Members and customers in Jamaica and the Diaspora, through subsidiary and affiliated companies.

The Society has a proud history of providing traditional savings and mortgage loan products. However,

as the needs of Members and customers have changed, product and service offerings have been extended to include wealth management; money transfer, real estate and property services, general insurance and individual retirement plans.

Mrs Delores Cooper has been the Company Director at Victoria Mutual in 2010, says she has had her account with them since she was a child something her mother ensured.

Mrs Cooper puts the growing success of Victoria Mutual down to quality of service and ethical business sense.

I had to ask “why should people in the community choose Victoria Mutual”, the director was clear after 136 years in business one thing is for sure Victoria Mutual offers security of your assets and excellent business service.

This is an outstanding achievement for Victoria Mutual. Congratulations

The Phoenix – December 2014

Page 9

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

voestalpine Metsec plc scoop ‘Business of the Year’ at Chamber Awards

A Skills Show staying at NEC

C

ouncillor Penny Holbrook, cabinet member for skills, learning and culture at Birmingham City Council, has welcomed the announcement that the national Skills Show will be held at the NEC for the next two years.

The Skills Show has been held at the NEC since its launch in 2012 and organizer, Find a Future, have announced that the NEC will be the venue for 2015 and 2016.

Councillor Holbrook said: “The Skills Show is a great event for showcasing the range of opportunities available for people to meet

potential employers, improve their skills or just be inspired to make a career change.

It is particularly important for young people as they leave education and consider their career options; there is a huge amount of information about how to gain vocational skills and securing apprenticeships.

This builds on – and complements – the work we are doing at the city council, working with partners and employers to give youngsters the best possible opportunities. The Skills Show engages more than 80,000 young people every year, many of whom will be from Birmingham and

cknowledging and celebrating local business success, the Black Country Awards Dinner 2014, at Wolverhampton Racecourse, was better than ever.

Inspiring the judges by their investment in people and ongoing process the University of Wolverhampton sponsored ‘Business of the Year Award,’ was won by voestalpine Metsec plc, the UK’s largest specialist manufacturer of cold rolled sections, predominantly selling into the construction market.

Ninder Johal, President of Black Country Chamber of Commerce,

said: “I would like to congratulate all our winners and thank the many more businesses who have taken part in the awards this year.

Our judges were very impressed with the high standard and diversity of award entries. They had some very difficult decisions to make. It was great to see so many people celebrating Black Country business success.”

Other awards celebrated by Black Country businesses included; the ‘Aspirational Business Award’ sponsored by GrowthAccelerator, ‘Customer Service Award’ sponsored by Paycare, ‘International Trade Award’ sponsored by Wolverhampton Racecourse, ‘People Development Award’ sponsored

by Eaton’s Ex Innovations Business, ‘Manufacturer of the Year Award’ sponsored by Crowe Clark Whitehill and ‘Service Provider of the Year Award’ sponsored by BDO LLP and voestalpine Metsec is a company that truly makes the Black Country a great place to work.

the wider region, so I’m really pleased it is staying at the NEC.”

l Cllr Penny Holbrook

Explore Export and create jobs says Chamber

W

l Tim Pile

est Midland business leaders have welcomed the announcement that the unemployment rate for the West Midlands stood at 7.2 per cent in the months July to September, a fall from 7.7 per cent in the previous quarter.

At the national level, the unemployment rate fell to six per cent in the same time frame, down from 6.3 per cent.

Tim Pile, president of Birmingham

Chamber of Commerce said: “The announcement continues the steady downward trend of the region’s unemployment figures.

With Export Week currently underway, it is important to remind ourselves that the region’s export growth rate is the highest in the UK and is a clear growth market for jobs.

There is a tremendous amount of untapped potential for economic growth through exporting and organisations such as UK Trade & Investment play a crucial role in helping firms to export.”

l Warwickshire CCC staff celebrates the trio of awards won at the England & Wales Cricket Board Business of Cricket Conference & Awards at Edgbaston Stadium

Warwickshire CCC claim treble at ECB Business of Cricket Conference & Awards

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arwickshire County Cricket Club claimed another historic treble last night, after the Club’s Commercial Team claimed three honours at the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Business of Cricket Conference & Awards (BOCCA).

Staged at Warwickshire’s Edgbaston Stadium for the first time, the club were crowned BOCCA winners of the County Marketing Award, the Major Match Marketing Award for promotion of NatWest T20 Blast Finals Day and the Community Engagement Award.

Gareth Roberts, Commercial Director of Warwickshire CCC, said: “The 2014 season has been a great success on and off the pitch for everyone here and it’s great to be the top performing county and winning three awards for the first time at BOCCA. We’ve worked hard to make NatWest T20 Blast games more accessible to spectators by enhancing match day experience, redesigning our marketing campaign and working closer with the local communities.

With the Bears claiming the

title in 2014, more fixtures being played on Friday nights and by continuing to listen to what our supporters are telling us, we have a great platform to grow attendances for NatWest T20 Blast cricket even more in the coming seasons.”

In 2014 Warwickshire rebranded its team name to the Birmingham Bears for the NatWest T20 Blast, with its increased marketing and engagement with the local community helping it sell 55 per cent more tickets and increase revenues by 30 per cent for the competition group stages.

The Commercial Team also helped deliver a record attendance for NatWest T20 Blast Finals Day at Edgbaston in August, which the Birmingham Bears won for the first time after defeating an Andrew Flintoffinspired Lancashire Lightning by four runs in a thrilling finale.

ECB's Chief Operating Officer, Gordon Hollins, said: "These awards once again demonstrate the outstanding work our First Class counties did off-the-field last season to raise the profile of our domestic game and help attract a record number of spectators to the NatWest T20 Blast competition."

Page 10

AZUZA STREET WITH ROLAND JOSEPH TETTEH

The Phoenix – December 2014

G

REETINGS FROM GHANA TO THE B E L O V E D PEOPLE OF GREAT BRITAIN. My name is Roland Joseph Tetteh. I am your brother in the Lord.

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

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

l Cllr James McKay, Cabinet Member Social Cohesion, Equalities & Community Safety and the Rt Revd David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham with some of the Places of Welcome co-ordinators from around the city.

Church leaders gathered to discuss the number of Black people in British prisons

PLACES OF WELCOME NETWORK OPENS ITS DOORS TO THE CITY B

A

n initiative that aims to make Birmingham a more welcoming city is opening its door after an official launch at St Martin in the Bull Ring Church.

The Places of Welcome network was launch by the Bishop of Birmingham, the Rt Revd David Urquhart and the Cabinet Member for Social Cohesion, Equalities

Get In The Game

Soweto Kinch Mark Dwayne, and Kelvin Taylor Check it out on Page 30

and Communities Safety, Councillor James McKay. More than 25 community groups and organisations are active members of the network – each group offers conversation and refreshment to anyone in their neighbourhood at least once a week.

The network was developed over the last 18 months and has 25 groups exploring membership

as well as the 25 active members.

Places of Welcome grew out of the City Council’s Social Inclusion Process, Giving Hope, Changing Lives, which was chaired by the Bishop of Birmingham. The network is now facilitated by Thrive Together Birmingham, the Church of England’s local antipoverty arm.

Bishop David said: “We are absolutely thrilled that so many

community organisations are offering generous hospitality and a warm welcome across the city.

These places, which give people a chance to meet their neighbour and participate in their local area, are an important part of building strong neighbourhoods and a cohesive city.

I am particularly pleased that so many faith communities have come on board and joined the net-

work.”

The launch of the network aims to put Places of Welcome on the map by connecting with housing associations and voluntary agencies. During the morning the Places of Welcome website, which includes an on-line map of active groups, was launched.

lack and white Church leaders, practitioners and academics gathered in London, as part of Prisons Week, to explore reasons for the acute over-representation of Black people in British prisons.

With the General Elections next year looming church leaders plan to make their findings clear to all parties for greater political awareness and action on an issue that has long affected Black communities in the UK. These meetings took place as the Equality and Human Rights Commission says there is now greater disproportionality in the number of Black people in prisons in the UK than in the United States.

Overall, Black prisoners account for the largest number of minority ethnic prisoners, with 26% of all prisoners being from a minority ethnic background compared with 10% of the general population (Prison Reform Trust 13/14).

Commenting on the need to tackle Black over-representation in prison, Revd Bob Wilson, coorganiser, said: “During Prisons Week we help the Church respond to the issues which have led to over 22,000 Black people finding themselves behind bars.”

The symposium and church service were been organised by Churches Together in England www.cte.org.uk and the Free Churches Group www.freechurches.org.uk and attracted attendees from around the country.

Get in touch! Editorial - 0121 231 3235 Advertising - 0121 240 7310

The Phoenix – December 2014

Page 11

AZUZA STREET WITH ROLAND JOSEPH TETTEH

Communities Inc wins award for faith and hate crime resource

C

ommunities Inc, a Nottingham based social enterprise has won a national award for its work around hate crime and multi faith communities.

The ‘Together in Service’ award was presented by Faith Action at their national conference ‘Faith Too Significant to Ignore’ held in Westminster.

Four members of Communities Inc staff were Faith Action’s guests at the conference including Shamsher Chohan who went up to collect the award on behalf of the organisation, presented by Stephen Williams MP. Communities Inc were 1 of 8 organisations nominated to receive the award for their work with multi faith communities, offering practical solutions to social problems.

Shamsher said: “It’s great to know that our hard work is valued and recognised by FaithAction I’d like to thank all the contributors including Nottingham City Homes that made it all possible” Communities Inc chose the day to launch their national ‘Faith and Hate Crime Training Programme’ targeting faith groups and those that work with them, who want to know more about hate crime and what they can do to help.

The Phoenix was at the European Parliament in Brussels Find out why in the 4 page Special Report starting on Page 25!

But so many people still need our help.

Page 12

From babies born with life-threatening BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION SPECIAL - HEALTH AND PLACES OF WORSHIP heart problems to the many Mums, Dads and Grandparents who survive a heart attack and endure the daily battles of heart failure.

Join our fight for every heartbeat in the UK. Every pound raised, minute of your time and donation to our shops will help make a difference to people’s lives.

The Phoenix – December 2014

Social cooking project 2011-2013

The Social cooking project 2011-2013 aimed to lower the saturated fat and salt intakes of South Asian families attending a place of worship ( to reduce levels of cardiovascular disease* (CVD) in this population.

It was vital to target this group as studies have shown that South Asia living in the UK are: • twice as likely to have diabetes(1), putting them at greater risk of developing heart disease • at increased risk at a lower BMI than the rest of the population(2).

PoW are ideal venues for health promotion as they attract large numb of people on a regular basis, in particular whole families. Also, religiou support for health messages can be invaluable in helping their commu take these messages on board. It’s a Hindu and Sikh tradition to provid for congregation members and visitors. These are cooked in the PoW b volunteers and depend largely on food donated by the congregation.

They can be high in saturated fat with regular use of ghee, butter and fat dairy, with highDietician levelsBaldeesh of salt.Rai,So, encouraging use lower fa l Ali Orhan Project Manager from the British Heart Foundation, Rachel White and Dr.them Dilsherto Singh recipes would have a positive impact on the health of all those in the P ©British Heart Foundation 2014, registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426) Print code: G959

Pickles Pakoras & Portions

BHF work in partnership with places of worship The BHF has run social cooking projects before. In 2007, we focused o to encourage eating reducing salt.healthy Although we didn’t carry out a nutritional analysis, the p

H

succeeded in atosalt reduction 5-10%.

InSubsequently, 2009, in a similar e called it a “silent ep- There are ways prepare food ofgot through. the idea project w workedlosing withany cooks congregations to raise awareness of the impac idemic.” Dr. Dilsher without of theand delicious was to take the 'message' home.

Social cooking project 2011-2013 Singh was rallying the tastes.

And that they are doing.” of saturated fat on health and helped them reduce the amount they us oject 2011-2013 call for a better lifeIncooking. a typical single daily meal, ran the for The project reached 3,500 peoin Both projects less than a year. style as he spoke of his concerns average calorie intake can often ple (with 3,000 meals served each However, of the would dietaryhappen habits if amongst results over the duration of the project were impressive, ‘What the rest of theupdiet totallyIt's constant, shoot to aremained shocking 11,000. week). despite their reservations, bot This two-year project was led by ainterested BHFSingh, dietitian, and included a rigoro were in making changes to im people from South Asia, in genharsh, but easily avoidable.”

Surgit Head of Gudwara ns of: and only one meal a week changed?’ evaluation assess salt and saturated eral,disease the elder generations in Visiting thetoplaces of whether worship health Wolverhampton, said:fat “Asreductions trustees scares themselves or knewwere some 1. What they knew about diet and links to coronary heart particular. over a 13-visit cycle, shewhether was able were of could the temple, weofare achieved and, if so, they be sustainable. supportive theresponsible congregations’ in Before the intervention: ated fat Despite the factPakoras that this only affects one meal per week, At the 'Pickles & calculation Por- to encourage and build confidence; for ourbecause community, we need to • Diabetes and CVD were commonplace in both PoW and almost all cooks n portion sizes, which made a significant contribution. of thetalk large in the nutritional quality dietsheachieved, thethe project tions' on change social cooking, the “It wasn't easyof atthe first,” said. drive change to save lives. This a community, they: had risk factors or had family members/friends with these conditions.

Birmingham-based GP spoke of “There was a suggests massive reluctance project with the BHF has been fanstill got some noticeable results.

The model that theAsimprovement his concerns on thequality way people but after several visitsin thea message * Cardiov • intastic. were proud to do bethis." helping the BHF the link for them. mpton, the results were impressive – overall, theBut amount of between diet and CVD wasn’t a priorityin the nutritional of the meals could result 2% drop CHDAnyone deathscan all disea from the Indian sub-continent • felt responsible for the welfare of the They understood the role of a sedentary lifestyle inand relation to CVD, circulati fat, sugar and salt in the meals halved, with•reductions of: a 6% drop in deaths from diabetes. cooked their food and how overheart di • were keen to be involved in initiatives but the link between diet and health was new information. attack), baring in salts and saturated fats heart di community members. ated fat conclusions they tended to be. coronar “Tooproject many people are not that awareworking with cooks and congregations in PoW biggest r This has shown After the intervention: of raise what they are eating,” hemake said. dietary changes is effective. And, to awareness and as there are “ We are all responsible for what people • Two years later there was good recall of the messages they were given (1) Britishe “They are not wary of the damage Promo an and 250 mandirs around the UK,itfeeding tens makes us happy to think that we are at the beginning of the project. The link between eating toodoing much fatgurdwaras and Deparl theyestimated are to500 themselves.”

Univer ut the taste? ofWorking thousands of people, extending these projects to all PoW could Headmake cook, Wolverhampton gurdwara saturated fat and being overweight and CVD was more common knowledge, in conjunction with the Differe al cooking projects showed there are often preconceived a big difference in reducing CVD risk in this community.

British Heart Foundation, speakDiseas but they retained less information about salt and health.

British ers talked of the need for change d adapted to reduce the fat or salt content will tasty. “ I think this is a very good initiative whic • be Theless visual aids such as the BHF posters of the anatomy of the heart etc, in cooking habits, not necessarily (2) Nation oject, the reactions to the new meals were significant.

Commitment from the top is critical and the PoW leaders, cooks andmandir and raise awareness in the for Ei and giveaways such as a tape measure for measuring waist circumference, Care eating habits, as part of the Social congregation in this project were proud to be helping the BHF. The credibility waist c mandir congregation member were considered to be very useful and served as reminders.

Cooking project to lower saturated and m only about half the diners seemed to notice there was the PoWsaltcan giveoftoSouth health messages and the desire to care for the community fats and intake Asian Londo Health Social cooking project 2011-2013 families attendina motivating place of wor- behaviour reenford, about 40% thought there was lessCrucially, fat or didn’t keywho factors change. ask the congregation to bring: “ Great idea.

Other gurdwaras should do the cooks and diners took the healthy eatingare messages home from ship and reduce levels of cardioerhampton, about half said there was the same or less fat. families, and report shifting their own cooking practices. gurdwara congregation member temple to their vascular disease in this population. ntly, both PoW reported no adverse effect on the taste Simple practical advice for reducing the amount of saturated fat and salt “In 40-year-olds,” the docven the significant reductions in salt and saturated fat. used in cooking in 5PoW, and the personal factor of having a dietitian tor said, “every 1 in is affected 3. the with changes to social cooking 2. views on the project the knowledge to bring about change while building rapport with the by heart disease. Unbeknown to Food checklists helped to identify the m Before the intervention, the cooks were concerned the congregations might many, there is more fatplay in samosas t of nutrition changes on cvd – public healthcomplain modellingabout (prime) communities, both an important role. salt, which were then reduced by chang cooking, thanway youofwill find in chips. Now odel used the pre-intervention nutritional analysis and the or not like the changes to the traditional food donations.

The cooks made many p particularly using less salt. The congregations’ questionnaire responses that's a startling revelation.” al analysis to translate changes in dietary quality into change It’s easier to reduce fat than salt. There are often strong attitudinal barriers He then went on to say: “Type • boosting the amount of vegetables a mirrored with less salt and ular and cancer health outcomes. The scenario usedthe was:concerns of the cooks. They thought foodamong cooks reducing the salt content of meals on grounds ofusing taste,semi-skimmed, and 2 diabetes is tootoregular amongst • not full cream m saturated fat was a good idea, but some felt the changes could make the apeople slow reduction is likely to be more constructive and acceptable than sudden from South Asia.

Followed • making fruit readily available food less culturally authentic and less tasty. by heart attacks and strokes.

Theto make their own recipes, especially for pickles, change.

Encouraging cooks • reducing portion sizes very leastwell youto need do issalt simple worked reduce intakes. exercises. Like just walking. The • removing salt shakers from tables.

Both PoW reported first step in changing your lifeno adverse effect on the It’s a Hindu and Sikh is also an important factor. Convincing congregations Changing food donation style.” taste of the food, given tradition to provide food donation the significant reductions toThe donate lower from British Heart Foundation foods, with regular active encouragement a meal forfat/sugar/salt congregation in salt and saturated fat. members and visitors. were significant changes in food d regular announcements by trustees dieticians visited places of in the community, seems to be There POW priests andtwo other elders required. worship (A gurdwara, Sikh temple, This was greatly helped by the trustees and priests about changing donation practices, insustain Wolverhampton and mandir, congregation frequent reminders before to help bring about andEngaging healthy theincongregation in the project by giving healthy eating presentations Hindu temple Greenwich) over Fresh fruit, less changes, are more effective than just putting was wellofreceived practical and visual resources produced by the butter and semi-skimme a period weeks to and help the change up notices in the poW.BHF the often 'passed-down' practise of it’s important to note that the knowledge of the proved to be popular. But cooking food. nutritional analysis PoW members regarding diet and their CVD risk before the intervention, was Esteemed dietician, Baldeesh In both PoW, this surprisingly limited – simple dietary messages are still new to some people in provided significant re Rai, said: “How to reduce fat and analysis showed that, in just one meal, t this community.

This highlights the need to tailor the information to each PoW salt at gurdwaras was a challenge. of an individual’s daily calorie in and allow time fortoworking with congregation members.•The60% additional It was a 2 more year project raise awareness of of the the risk thatand existing benefits cooks diners taking the healthy eating messages home • half of their daily saturated fat intake cooking habitstohad on families, the heart. and changing their own cooking•practices, from temple their almost all of the recommended salt in

key results

Coronary heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer.

For over 50 years we’ve pioneered research that’s transformed the lives of people living with heart and circulatory conditions. Our work has been central to the discoveries of vital treatments that are changing the fight against heart disease.

top tips for From babies born with life-threatening HealtHier heart problems to the many Mums, Dads and Grandparents who survive a donations heart attack But so many people still need our help.

and endure the daily battles of heart failure.

Join our fight for every heartbeat in the UK. Every pound raised, minute of your time and donation to our shops will help make a difference to people’s lives. shouldn’t be underestimated.

16

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The Phoenix – December 2014

Page 13

SPECIAL STREET CRED SUPPLEMENT IN THE PHOENIX NEWSPAPER

DECEMBER 2014

www.streetcredmagazine.com

I’m dreaming of a White Christmas...

Page 14

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Editors Note W

The Phoenix!

elcome back to another Street Cred Magazine in

How is it December already? Christmas stuff has been in the shops for months already, but now we’re only a few short weeks away from the big day and I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready yet!

Is anyone else feeling festive yet? With the Coca Cola advert telling us that “Holidays are coming”, and Christmas cards starting to be delivered, it’s kind

of hard not to start getting in the mood for a Christmas Party - and what better place to enjoy yourself than at Swish?!

With Chritmas and New Year parties, as well as our regular night like Monday Rocks, we’ve got you covered at Swish this December! Make sure you get down to 51 Dale End and check it out!

We’ve got lots for you in this edition, including thea-

/markdwaynemdg /streetcredmag

The Phoenix – December 2014

tre reviews, new musical talent, and some decent coffee to keep you going through the festive period!

Wishing you all a happy, healthy and blessed Christmas period and hope you have a great time relaxing with your loved ones!

Enough from check it all out!

me,

go

MDG

@MarkDwayneMDG1 @StreetCredMag

www.streetcredmagazine.com

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burning tracks to, well, ‘burning tracks’

I

t’s well known that his musical influences include Prince, Michael Jackson, and, of course, Nicole Scherzinger, but, after sewing up his second Formula One World Championship-the first British racer to do so in 40 years-the sport’s most engaging pin-up phenomenon Lewis Hamilton, has already, it’s been said, been mapping an equally lucrative career away from the glamour surroundings of Monaco, Silverstone and Abu Dhabi.

The Mercedes AMG racer and would-be R&B singer is apparently regularly in the recording studio and it is claimed that he is hard at work on a debut album, declaring,

“Music is everything to me.”

Hamilton has been recording songs for over a year, writing material with Wonderful singer Angel, who said: “He’s a proper singer. A breath of fresh air.”

In recent interviews on BBC Radio, Hamilton did reveale that he spends as much time making music as he does in the race track; “I write a lot, even on race weeks,” he said. “When I was in Japan, I was in the studio, Monday to Wednesday.

Then, Thursday to Sunday, I was racing. Then I was straight back in the studio.”

“I have built a studio at home, for Nicole, so she didn’t have to leave the house to go back to LA, and now she can hardly get in because I’m always in it,” he

said.

In fact, he’s so into his music that wherever he is in the world he is always looking for a studio to visit and do some work in.

Nicole is right behind Lewis, who is looking to record a set at Radio One’s Live Lounge.

All that being said, the 29-yearold is not short of ambition on the race track, as next season he will be gunning for a third title, to equal that of Scottish legend, Sir Jackie Stewart, and reach true immortality. So, the Lewis Hamilton world stadium tour will have to go on the back burner for now, as the one thing, at the forefront of his mind, is burning rubber - and that title No. 3.

N

ever one to stay silent about her sexuality, the one that ‘got away’ was revealed in a recent interview as Spice Girls’ Mel B revealed a 4-year relationship with a woman.

Although happily married to husband Stephen Belafonte, the feisty X-factor judge admitted to experimenting with ‘a very special lady.’

“I’ve definitely not been shy or been one to hold back,” she shared. “If I wanted to try something, I did. I had a girlfriend. So what?

But I’ve been very happily married for seven years to a p***s. Haha!

An amazing guy.”

The 39-year-old did, however, reveal a woman who she is in love with; “I am in love with myself,” she proclaimed. “Yes! Because if you don’t love yourself how can anybody love you back?”

Mel B’s past Relationship

ARE YOU SWISH?

S

WISH meaning, according to Urban Dictionary online is an adjective to define

fashion!

I personally think SWISH is a verb, adjective and adverb – I SWISHINGLY SWISHED over to SWISH with my SWISHETTES! Ha! Ha! The weather isn’t SWISH at all!

I would like to take this time to really think about your life and where it’s going! Is it where you want it to be or is it on the come up? Sometimes people can frown or raise their eyebrows at another man’s dreams, WHY? No matter how outlandish it may seem to one does not mean that mean that it is unachievable!

I tell the adults and young people I work with all the time...

SPREAD YOUR WINGS AND FLY! Children, I have had the pleasure to work with, don’t get the metaphor and bring it back to harsh reality with a cheeky statement such as ‘I ain’t no butterfly, I can’t fly, I don’t wanna fly either,’ then they suddenly go off on a tandem and say ‘unless it’s in a plane I wanna go to Euro Disney or Disneyland but that’s far!’ Kids ay!

Back to my point SWISH is like an entity in itself, a state of being, a positive state of being!

We all should opt to possess the SWISH state of being because we can customise it to suit ourselves, sexy, sassy, courageous, excited, motivated,

Chantelle’s

Spot

classy, adventurous, motivated, criss, dank, tun up and SWISH! Well done MD

The Phoenix – December 2014

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Still Raising The Roof, 20 years on

F

or the last twenty years, The Drum Arts Centre in Aston has worked to provide arts and cultural opportunities for Birmingham’s diverse communities, programming a wide variety of events and activities from Live Music, Theatre and Comedy to Dance, Film and Visual Arts.

Combined with their highly successful Young Gifted Brum development programme for children and young people, and numerous community outreach projects, The Drum is the UK’s premier intercultural arts centre.

Established in the early 1990s to address the absence of Black and

Minority Ethnic voices, presence and opportunities in mainstream arts and culture, The Drum has evolved into a flourishing and responsive modern arts organisation serving the needs of diverse audiences and communities locally, regionally and nationally.

Thanks to the support of Birmingham City Council and Arts Council England, the dedication of their staff and trustees, and the enthusiasm of their committed audiences, The Drum is one of Birmingham’s crown jewels in the midst of a deprived area experiencing challenging economic and social hardships.

With its status as an Arts Council England National Portfolio

Organisation secured for another three years, The Drum is taking bold steps to develop even further into a world-class venue with state-of-the-art facilities and features.

Raising The Roof is an ambitious multi-million pound project to fundamentally redesign and upgrade the building, including “Raising The Roof” of the main Auditorium to increase capacity and programme bigger and better productions, artists and events.

Renewing and refurbishing all spaces and equipment to improve audience experience; and upgrading all services and facilities for young people working in Digital Arts, Dance, Drama and Music, in addition to improved audio visual equipment, and spectacular new live performance hospitality spaces.

“For two decades The Drum has been a focus for the passion and spirit of Birmingham’s diverse communities, and now our users have outgrown our facilities.”

“I am proud to be leading the Raising The Roof project – we have a long way to go, but are determined to achieve our

objective, ensuring audiences and communities who are underrepresented in mainstream venues have a state-of-the-art space they can feel proud to attend, send their children to, and recommend to their friends.”

“The space will attract the very best in performing arts, and offer opportunities for entrepeneurs, artists and communities to develop their businesses, nurture their talent, and celebrate culturally.” – Charles Small, CEO of The Drum Cultural and community leaders and politicians have endorsed the project, and with pioneering jazz player and musical ambassador Courtney Pine CBE, and Birmingham-born international poetry sensation Dr Benjamin Zephaniah as Patrons, The Drum will continue to programme fantastic events, from supporting lo-

Page 15

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

cal performers to hosting international superstars.

2014 has been a very busy year, with huge events drawing crowds of thousands - from celebrating Community Spirit with the people of Perry Barr, Aston, Newtown and Lozells at the A34 Festival, and welcoming international reggae superstars Steel Pulse and Apache Indian to the annual Simmer Down Festival in Handsworth Park, to hosting some of South Africa’s greatest performers at Afrovibes Festival and the critically acclaimed Black History Month: Black Blood Runs Red launch event.

With the programme for 2015’s Spring Season falling into place, they’re looking to end the year on a high note with a one-of-a-kind Christmas Panto!

Working with Rem Conway, a former YGB student now run-

ning his own production company, GRAFT Entertainment, The Drum have brought back their old friend Uncle Ben in pantomime form with his crazy family and very diverse neighbours for Uncle Ben’s Block Party, showing from Thu 18 to Sun 21 Dec. He's booked the local sound system, bought party hats and crackers, and stocked up on mince pies, samosas and fried dumplings - all that's needed to complete the merriment are his witty jokes, and a few bottles of rum!

Everything's almost perfect... but will it all go as planned?

You’ll have to be there to find out!

With such a rich history, so much to do and so much coming up in the future, The Drum will keep beating a rhythm through the heart of Birmingham for many years to come.

Page 16

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The Phoenix – December 2014

www.streetcredmagazine.com

What’s On Kevin Bridges Wolverhampton - Civic Hall 25 July 2015

Bette Midler Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham 09 July 2015

All Rise As Blue Back On Tour In 15

S

imon Webbe, Lee Ryan, Antony Costa and Duncan James catapulted to fame in 2001 with their Top 5 single ‘All Rise’.

Quickly ascending to the top of the charts with three #1 albums, scored highly-respectable collaborations with Elton John and Stevie Wonder, and even represented the UK in 2011 at the Eurovision Song Contest.

The lads, who are now doting fathers, have grown up before our eyes and their bond has only strengthened over time. The tabloids have followed their every step from chart-topping highs to personal lows.

Say what you will about Blue, but no matter how many times they’ve been knocked down, they

BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY

December 03 Electric Six 04 Boyz II Men 05 Graham Bonnet 06 Professor Green 06 Jar Music Live Presents Ones To Watch 07 At The Gates 07 Inspiral Carpets 08 Raging Speedhorn 09 ‘68 10 The Last Carnival 11 Gogol Bordello 12 The Doors Alive 12 Behemoth 13 Manifest Live ft. LPZKIN 14 Orchard Hill 17 Heffron Drive 18 Machine Head 18 The Wonder Stuff 19 UB40 20 The Enemy 31 Propaganda’s Great Gatsby New Years Eve Blow Out!

BIRMINGHAM INSTITUTE December 03 Hacktivist 03 Basement Jaxx 05 Alabama 3 06 Turbowolf 06 Imelda May 07 Catfish and The Bottlemen 07 Shalamar 10 By The Rivers 11 Taking Back Sunday 11 U.K. Subs 12 RE:WIRED

always come back stronger.

Simon has been thrilling viewers on the current season of Strictly Come Dancing, Lee has made a well-publicised appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, Duncan has competed on Dancing On Ice, and Antony has taken tentative steps into the soap opera world, starring in Holby City.

But in the last year alone, Blue has played over 170 shows and events – and the next 12 months is set to be even bigger.

2015 will see them hitting the screens as they launch their new ITV reality show, following the trials and tribulations of Blue as they attempt to run a bar in Ibiza.

Their last album, 'Roulette,' saw them collaborate with Grammywinning producer RedOne, who

has crafted global hits for Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj.

It is set to reignite the band’s signature style of soaring emotional ballads and energetic pop productions.

They celebrate the end of a successful 2014, signing with Sony Music. Back in the studio, the loveable foursome will be releasing the much -anticipated albumin March 2015, and are hoping to make waves in the chart.

Blue is well and truly back where they belong; Back in the spotlight and ready to embark on their newest musical chapter. ‘All Rise’ for one of Britain’s most talked-about boy bands.

Multiple Grammy Award-winning singer and legendary performer Bette Midler has announced that she will return to UK stages for the first time in 35 years.

The tour follows the Divine Miss M’s previously announced North American tour and will feature material from her iconic career and material from her new album, “It’s The Girls!” - a glorious tribute to girl groups through the ages.

Olly Murs O2 Arena - London 03-05 May 2015

Olly Murs, one of pop music’s biggest and most loved stars, is to hit the road in 2015 with 16 spectacular arena dates across the UK including two dates at the Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham (26 & 27 April).

Armed with stellar new album ‘Never Been Better’,

December 05 Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War Of The Worlds 11 Alfie Boe 13 Madness 14 Ennio Morricone 21 Russell Howard

TOWN HALL

December 04 Raymond Froggatt in Concert 05 Igor Levit plays Beethoven 07 Roddy Frame 08 Only Men Aloud 09 Midlands Hospitals’ Choir Carols that Count 13 That’ll Be The Day Christmas Show 14 Maddy Prior & The Carnival Band - Carols and Capers 15 Sing Carols with the City Organist, with presenter Jeremy Nicholas 15 Christmas with the Town Hall

which includes the swaggering first single ‘Wrapped Up’ (featuring Travie McCoy), and backed by his mesmeric live band, these shows are not to be missed.

His new album, ‘Never Been Better’ comes out November 24th and includes the soulful ‘Let Me In’ written with Paul Weller.

Desi Rockstars Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham 16 May 2015

For the first time in the UK experience the DESI ROCKSTARS tour featuring the Punjabi film and music superstar Gippy Grewal performing alongside the superstar Sharry Mann with a full live band.

Also on the night you will witness the king of comedy

20 Christmas Classics 20 Carols by Candlelight 22 Christmas Carol Singalong 24 Glory Of Christmas 27 Glenn Miller Orchestra 27 Last Night of the Christmas Proms 28 Glorious Handel by Candlelight 28 The Very Best of John Williams 29 The Sound of Musicals 30 Beethoven’s Ninth 31 New Year’s Eve Gala

12 Echo and The Bunnymen 12 Highgrade Xmas Bash 14 Cast + Modern Minds 16 Kreator & Arch Enemy 17 Hozier + Seafret 18 CHINA DRUM 18 Wiley 19 Wait For The Fall 19 The 90′s Nightmare Before Christmas 19 Love 20 Brum Punx 31 GlobalGathering Presents – NYE

LG ARENA

Said to be Britain’s best stand-up comedian, Kevin Bridges returns to the road with a brand new show; ‘A Whole Different Story…’ in 2015.

Scotland’s biggest export, dubbed as “brilliant” by one of his comedy idols, Billy Connolly has had an astonishing rise to success. His 2012 tour, ‘Kevin Bridges – The Story Continues…’ smashed box office records selling a staggering 45,000 tickets on the first day. Kevin went on to sell out an incredible nine-show run in Glasgow.

NEC

l UB40 @ the O2 Academy Gospel Choir 16 The BBC Big Band presents A Swinging Christmas 18 Christmas with Canoldir 21 A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens 23-Jan 14 The Tiger Who Came to Tea

SYMPHONY HALL

December 01 Brit Floyd: Discovery 02 Sixties Gold 04 CBSO MacMillan’s St Luke Passion 05 Women in Jazz Showcase 05 Rodrigo y Gabriela 06 The British Police Symphony Orchestra - Proms Night Spectacular!

07 Handel Messiah 08 Birmingham Metropolitan College HE Awards Ceremony

09 Lunchtime Christmas Music with the choir of Winchester Cathedral 09 The Roy Wood Christmas Concert 10 CBSO Elgar’s Enigma Variations 11 Kate Rusby 12 Ed Doolan Christmas Show 12 Dan Messore - Indigo Kid 12 City of Birmingham Choir Handel Messiah 13 CBSO Elgar’s Enigma Variations 14 Christmas with the Salvation Army 15 The Bootleg Beatles in Concert 16 Deacon Blue 17 Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra 19 The Notebenders 19-22 CBSO Festive Favourites with Hugh Dennis

December 04-07 Antiques For Everyone Winter 05-23 ASPEN Rocks 05-09 Clothes Show Live 05-09 World Duty Free Birmingham Winter Sale 13-14 LKA Dog Show 2014 27 Toy Collectors’ Fair

NIA

December 02-03 Michael Bublé 07 The Who 12 Culture Club 13 Status Quo 14 Chris Rea

CIVIC/WULFRUN WOLVERHAMPTON

December 04 Ben Howard (Civic Hall) 04 The Black Country Dance Hub Wolverhampton (Wulfrun Hall) 05 The Human League (Civic Hall) 05 Augustines (Wulfrun Hall)

and Punjabi film star Jaswinder Bhalla alongside Bal Mukand Sharma making this an unforgettable entertainment showcase for all Punjabi music and film fans.

DESI ROCKSTARS will be hosted by Preeto so make sure you attend this great concert for the whole family.

09 Rival Sons (Wulfrun Hall) 10 Bombay Bicycle Club (Civic Hall) 11 Omid Djalili (Civic Hall) 11 Saxon (Wulfrun Hall) 12 Bootleg Beatles (Civic Hall) 12 Chrissie Hynde (Wulfrun Hall) 13 Jimmy Carr (Civic Hall) 13 60’S Music & Laughter: The Crockers (Wulfrun Hall) 14 Ken Dodd’s Merry Christmas Laughter Show 2014 (Civic Hall) 16-17 Lee Mack (Civic Hall) 18 Seann Walsh (Wulfrun Hall) 19 Roy Chubby Brown (Civic Hall) 19 Detonation Teen Club Night (Wulfrun Hall) 20 Blast Off Xmas Reunion (Civic Hall) 20 VIP Music Fair (Wulfrun Hall) 23 The Rat Pack at Christmas (Wulfrun Hall) 27 The Bhangra Legends (Civic Hall)

SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON

December 02 The Defiled 06 Kic Cancer 07 Reckless Love 09 Sabaton 11 Acoustic evening with Tony Wright 12 Joe Elliot’s Down N’ Outz 13 Midlands Metal Crusade III 14 H.E.A.T 20 Theia 27 Dorch Reunion

Get in touch! Editorial - 0121 231 3235 Advertising - 0121 240 7310

The Phoenix – December 2014

www.streetcredmagazine.com

‘White Dee’s’ Column

Get in touch with her by emailing whitedee@streetcredmagazine.com

M

e again - first of all I would like to apologise to you all for missing my column last month, due to it being half term, I decided to take the kids away on their first holiday abroad.

Good old Benidorm, there was more Brummies there than in Birmingham, so I felt well at home.

It was so amazing just to see the kids, swimming in the pool and playing together on the beach and it was hot. But now its back home and yep ‘man flu’, so its plenty of lemon and honey and good old tea.

So what else has been happening in the world of Dee lately - well off the back of Celebrity Big Brother, Channel 5 have commissioned a documentary all about me (why - I’m not quite sure haha) but they hope it will give a more detailed account of who the real person is behind White Dee. Filming has now finished and the programme is due to air on January 2nd or 3rd 2015 - I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has taken part and for all they have contributed.

I personally hope that it will show Birmingham people in an amazing light because we are all amazing.

I went back to school, went

to Ireland to the family home where many a school holiday was spent and where my kids still go, because its all about where we came from, and what makes us - us.

My dad has taken part and yep I just hope that you all get his sense of humour too because as old school Irish - I’m still struggling to catch on to some of his jokes :-) Childhood friends, old school friends, family members and new and fabulous friends have taken part because I consider them all to be very very important to me and my life.

Now onto a more serious part of my life right now - I am all for putting back into the community that I am privileged to be a part of, and the city that has made me what I am today.

I have been working with an amazing group of young people who are part of the Princes Trust Scheme - Team 100 who are based at Digbeth Police Station.

Team 100 is being led by two amazing police officers, Ian and Kelly. I have decided to make a donation to these young people to show that some people really do care about the youth of our city, and in return these amazing youngsters have decided to completely renovate the Bishop Latimer Church Hall, in Winson Green.

The church hall caters for everyone in the community, from children to holding tea dances for the elderly. I cannot say enough how proud I am of this group and I hope you all at some point get a chance to pop along and see how they have worked wonders.

These ‘kids’ are all from different backgrounds, different religions and would probably never ever mix under any other circumstances - but they have buckled down and raised funds through a cake sale and a charity ‘Curry-oke’ night - where as a surprise I managed to get Ashley Walters - (Top Boy/So Solid Crew) to make an appearance and the smiles on their faces was completely priceless and as for my Caitlin haha finally getting to meet Ashley well lets say she was one happy bunny.

So for now, I’m happy that I have been able to support these young people and hopefully I can carry on doing so.

B

Page 17

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

ritish photographer Andrew Whyte is embarking on a road trip with a difference, taking two LEGO minifigures across the UK for his latest photo series.

To mark the launch of the new Shell V-Power LEGO® Collection, Andrew will be visiting well-known sites including Edinburgh Castle, the Angel of the North and Brighton Pier – and capturing them through the eyes of his two miniature travelling companions.

“These photos bring to life our road trip across the country and shows some the UK’s best loved sites from a whole new perspective,” he said. “The great thing about this type of photography is it’s something anyone can try. You don’t require special equipment – just a smartphone – a bit of imagination and some inspiration.”

Photographer Captures City From A New Perspective...

The Caffeine Lovers Gifting Guide to a Great Tasting Christmas For coffee connoisseurs looking to wake up and smell the coffee on Christmas Day, seaislandcoffee.com launches its delicious new range of gifting ideas – perfect for those who simply know extraordinary ‘good taste’.

Brazil Ipanema & 12 oz Medium Keep Cup Gift Set This unique coffee celebrates a smooth balanced body and soft floral flavours. Partnered with a 12oz keep cup that is available in 5 different colours, this set comes packaged in a luxury gift box. - £20

Now until next month - bye for now!

Lots of love - Dee x x x

Coffee brewer, filter paper, pouring kettle plus 3 luxury coffee gift set

The selection of three premium coffees include the rare and luxurious Hawaii Kona, the quintessential Jamaica Blue

Mountain and 2011 Great Taste Award winner Geisha. This gift set offers great choice for any time of the day – complete with a Hario V60 Decanter and a 1litre Hario pouring kettle for consistently great hand drip coffee. - £125

Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Mini Barrel Gift Set Arguably one of the world's best tasting coffees, Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee is silky smooth and well-balanced with an excellent full body, refined mild taste and sweet flavour.

First shipped to Europe in wooden barrels, Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee is the only coffee still shipped this way – and what better way to celebrate than with a mini barrel gift set.- £24.99 (125g) and £38.98 (250g)

Alma de Cuba Nespresso Capsules

A

lma de Cuba, the soul and spirit of artisan Cuban coffee, launches its first premium Nespresso©-compatible capsules.

The coffee itself is a strong, uniquely smooth coffee, that has a silkiness and a lingering finish, and enjoyable black, which is a definite benchmark for good coffee.

This rather luxurious coffee, made all the easier to enjoy through Nespresso capsules, is medium to high roast, and 100% Cuban mountain grown Arabica.

Perfect to drink at any time of the day, and great enjoyed any number of ways, Alma de Cuba is an impressive coffee and a great gift for that special Coffee Connoisseur in your life!

COMPETITION

For a chance of winning one of 3 packs of Alma de Cuba Nespresso Capsules, just answer this question!

Where does the Alma de Cuba coffee come from? a) Brazil b) Cuba c) Egypt Just email your answer, with your name, address and contact number to competitions@thephoenixnewspaper.com with the subject “Coffee Competition”.

Competition closes at 23.59 on 30th December 2014.

There is no cash alternative.

Page 18

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The Return of Chris Moose!

W

ith the Frankfurt Christmas Market back in town, it means only one thing - the return of everyone’s favourite allsinging, all-tweeting Moose Chris Moose!

This furry festive fellow is up above the stalls in front of the

Council House, singing out to the passers by, and also keeping his ‘little Christmas puddings’ updated on Twitter as to goings on, as well as giving us some rather brilliant, or terrible, depending on your view, Christmas themed jokes! Here are some of our favourites for you to enjoy!

The Phoenix – December 2014

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Get your fill of traditional Bavarian food, drink, gifts and more at this years Frankfurt Christmas Market

T

he Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham is back until the 22nd December, and once again it is bringing the best of the German Christmas markets to the city.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Shafique Shah opened the Festivities on the 13th November, by telling everyone how proud he is of the German Market, and how happy he is to welcome it back for another amazing year.

Boasting the largest German Market outside of Germany and founded now for over a decade, the Bavarian celebrations keep going with more visitors attracted to Birmingham during the Festive period than the Dresden or Nuremberg Christmas Markets!

With an outdoor skating rink situated outside the Birmingham Reperatory Theatre on Broad Street, and many

things to watch, taste, buy and enjoy all the way through the market from New Street to Centenary Square.

Over 180 stalls means there is something for everyone, and you’re guaranteed to find inspiration and something unique or unusual for all of those people that you are at a loss for.

Featuring hand-crafted leatherwork, crystal lamps, clothes, jewellery, decorations, handmade toys and much more, you will need more than just a few hours to take in everything that the German Market has to offer!

While you’re running around check out the amazing food, from Bratwurst and Brezel to hot Glühwein, crisp German beers and many different sweet treats including candied nuts, fudges, chocolates and more.

Finally, don’t forget to chill with Chris Moose, whose witty humour you can see to the left!

The Phoenix – December 2014

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Page 17

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The Mendenhall Experiment are on a special mission

A

merican rockers, The Mendenhall Experiment, are a band on a mission.

Founded by Brandon Mendenhall, who was born with cerebral palsy, it was created to raise awareness for people with disabilities and also to inspire people of all ages to overcome whatever obstacles may cross their path.

Ever since he was a child, Brandon loved music so much that he moved from his hometown in Illinois to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of working in the industry and used music as a way to overcome his disability. The inspiration of the name, The Mendenhall Experiment came from Brandon trying to start his own band in a strange town far

away from family and friends.

"That’s my main goal with music,” he said. “It’s not about the fame or money... sure, those things are nice and it’s great to make a living playing music, but that’s not why I want it.

I have a unique opportunity to inspire people and kids with disabilities with my playing, my music and my story! I truly believe that's what I was put on this earth to do.”

The California outfit has the right ingredients. Mike Lira, lead guitarist, is an accomplished musician in his own right. He is a solo artist with music available online. Mike's younger brother, Bruce, is an amazing drummer at only 15 years old.

He got his start at the tender age of four. Nathan Stockton,

the bassist, has overcome a hearing disability since birth to play and write music.

Mario Valadez, has an impressive vocal range with an energetic stage presence.

The Mendenhall Experiment is building quite the resume and has played shows supporting such National Acts as Adema, POD, Alien Ant Farm,The Endless Sporadic, Kill Devil Hill, Smile Empty Soul, and Saliva; also TMX opened Monster Energy's Aftershock Festival 2013 in Sacramento feat Korn, Megadeth, 5FDP, A7X, and many many more. They also opened for the Ontario Reign at Citizen’s Business Bank Arena in April, this year.

They will be touring the UK in May and June in 2015.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year...

I

t’s that time of the year again, the weather is getting colder, well known drink adverts are already on our televisions, and people are dragging their ‘festive’ jumpers out of the back of the wardrobe.

With all this going on, it also meant one thing – the Festive Gift Fair returned to the NEC in Birmingham for 4 days of magical Christmas gift ideas all under one rather large roof.

From decorations, food and drink, fashion and jewellery, to tools, crafts, gadgets and more, there was something to be found

A cry from the heart

“W

e sing our songs about difficulties we face, we sing about better things, that are achieved problematically, we try to stop provocations, trying to open the eyes and hearts and tell others to do the same. We believe in truth.”

It’s a tough time to be a musician in Russia at the moment, with the worlds eye never too far away, and not for good reasons.

208 Talks of angels are a Russian band formed in 2006 by Anthony Fadeyev and Vladimir Romanchenko, who decided to join their efforts for the search of new music concept and new extraordinary sound.

While the name is shrouded in mystery, especially the 208 part, they have explained that the word “angel” has no religious implication, but is just the translation of Greek “aggelos” that means herald, messenger.

Their debut album ‘Dead Mail’ is currently out on Unable Records, featuring the talents of Anthony Fadeyev, Vilena Karklinya

and Vladimir Romanchenko with guest artists Chris Moore and Marty Grebb.

“The idea of creating of “208 Talks of angels” and it posterior activity came from the wish to give the people access to high music culture, to convince people of getting out of dictated limits, stereotypes and templates and to persuade the listeners to comprehend the various kinds of stern reality.” states Fadeyev.

Their style can be called a symbiosis of Alternative Rock, Classics, Industrial, Ballad, Ethnic, Progressive, Electronic, Break Beat, Ambient and many others, but to really experience 208 Talks of angels you need to hear it for yourself. So head over to their website at www.208talksofangels.com to check their music out.

for every one of your family and friends at the Festive Gift Fair at one of the over 325 gift stalls.

The turnout for the fair was once again huge, with the Present

Crèche teeming with presents stowed away while shoppers continued to do the rounds of the stalls. There was so much to see, do and buy at the event, it’s a wonder that people could take it all in!

With live music from a variety of acts in the centre of the hall, and Santa himself, The Grinch, a Dame, Snowman and Ballerinas, there was a lot of entertainment, and some fantastic photography opportunities!

Sadly the gift fair has now left Birmingham, but you can catch it next year!

Public Notice

Licensing Act 2003 Application for a new Club Premises Certificate Notice is hereby given that on 5.12.14 Trustees of the Spade Hammer and Pen Society made an application to Birmingham City Council, for the Spade Hammer and Pen Society, 202 Slade Rd, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 7RJ for the following licensable activities; To permit the supply of alcohol, live music, recorded music, showing of films, and dancing Sunday to Saturday from 11.00hrs to 05.00hrs.

A responsible authority or any other person may make representation which must be in writing about this application to the following address no later than 2nd January 2015 To: Birmingham City Council, Licensing Section, Crystal Court, 50 Rocky Lane, Aston, B6 5RG A record of the application is contained in the license register kept

by Birmingham City Council which is available for inspection free of charge at the above address or at www.birmingham.gov.uk/licensing between 09.00am and 16.00pm Monday to Friday.

It is an offence under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 liable on conviction to a fine up to level 5 on the standard scale (£5,000), to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with this application.

Page 20

CAMARA’S SPOTLIGHT

The Phoenix – December 2014

www.streetcredmagazine.com

ANGEL FOUNDATION

I

n my feature this month, I would like to spotlight one of the most determined women I know. She does not accept the word No! when it comes to helping others. I introduce you to Angelia Christian who I have known for about two years (it feels a lot longer)!

I was first introduced to Angelia by my friend and fellow actor who I worked with on the “JA Story” cast which was written and produced by Mr. JD Douglas.

Errol Hines was the narrator with the deep warm vocal tone.

He captured the very essence of the story being told of Jamaica and its people shown at theatres all over the UK for 5 years running.

Today, Errol plays an excellent devils advocate and FM radio show compare. Although the show has not run for the past year due to the casts other commitments, we all still connect every so often and when needs meet.

So this is where this journey began with Errol calling me and asking if I could perform for her charity show and maybe give some advice.

When Jamaican born Angelia first arrived in the UK she opened and ran her own business as a florist for 20 years.

Then in 2000 she joined HMP Pentonville as an Operational Officer in charge of reducing reoffending rates of the inmates.

Angelia loved this job and was one of the first Officers at Pentonville to work with offenders, using horticulture as a means of therapy and transition back into the community.

The achievements of the inmates were what got her up every morning. One of the projects was the building of a memorial Garden by the inmates and me.

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.

It feels wonderful to see it growing, and blossoming each day. It sent a message to the Governors and the rest of the community that in the middle of all life’s chaos, a place of such peace and beauty could be grown.

l Angelia with Major Martin Hill Salvation Army

At the age of seven her dream was to be a doctor but it never happened. Strange but her work has left her, strangely enough healing and bringing together the communities both here in the UK and Jamaica.

Whilst achieving qualifications as a floral designer and trained as an event organizer. She proved herself and gained great acclaim when she organized a very successful summer barbeque for over 700 staff.

However, it was when Angelia took her two daughters for a holiday to her homeland and during this time her children was caught up in a pool accident that resulted in a near death experience.

The children were rushed to the local hospital in St Ann’s Bay by a cab because there were no ambulances where they were cared for until their full recovery.

It was while she was at this hospital she noted that there was a massive short-

age of vital equipment including beds, IT Scanners, drips, seating etc etc.

This caused such a heart felt reaction and as she got back home here in the UK, she set to work on setting up her Charity called The Angel Foundationja.com.

In a matter of months in true Angelia style, she planned putting her event organizational skills into place.

She planned a fundraising event raising funds to ship not only inkind gifts all donated to her after much conversation and meetings these included two ambulances that she also sourced from the Buchanan Foundation and equipment from the wonderful team at Homerton Hospital.

She then used her own money to ship them off to St Ann’s Hospital in St Ann’s Bay. This wonderful presentation not only caught the eye of the local people but was also recognized by the Jamaican Government and the media both here and Jamaica.

Last month Angelia received a very special email that read “: “On behalf of Word 4 Weapons, it is my pleasure to inform that you were nominated to receive a Word 4 Weapons Community Award in the category of Charity Champions.”

“An independent panel was given the task of reviewing the nominations and you received the

highest number of votes for this category. Well done!”

“Along with other well deserving men and women, I would like to present you with a Special ‘Gold Key’ Community Award in recognition of you being an ideal role model in your community.”

“Your accomplishments and courageous spirit are an inspiration to all and it is only by telling stories like yours can we hope to educate the public about the personal achievements and contributions being made in and around the UK.” Well that was last year and of course she has not stopped her working for the communities in Jamaica as she has just been informed that her new presentation has arrived in Kingston.

It is a fully equipped MOBILE BLOOD UNIT a deed of Gift between Blood 4 Life UK and Angelia Christian of Angel Foundation, plus other items.

We understand that it will serve

all of the Island. The handing over ceremony will take place on 2nd January 2015 to The National Blood Transfusion Service in Slipe Penn Road Kingston.

Both Angelia and myself will be handing the Unit over. We can’t wait for that occasion as we feel that the lives it will be able to help is a massive move forward.

I will endeavour to keep you all informed.

Angelia is a driving force behind all the hard work and leaves a few wise words with you all.

“Believe in yourself, be consistent, be honest, and respect yourself and others” then you can leave the rest to God. I can only testify that being around Angelia is like having fireworks going off around you. Her zeal is intoxicating!

Respect to you and all your team, especially GRACE FOODS, RAFFA and all the Angel Foundation friends.

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

Camara (aka mizzcamara for websearch)

The Phoenix – December 2014

BIG SCREEN

www.streetcredmagazine.com

BIGScreen T

F

I

Expendables 3 Out 8th December on DVD & Blu-Ray

B

W

ith the Games now destroyed and in pieces, Katniss Everdeen, along with Gale, Finnick and Beetee, now end up in the so thought “destroyed” District 13.

Under the leadership of President Coin and the advice of her friends, Katniss becomes the “Mockingjay” and the symbol of rebellion for the people.

The Inbetweeners 2 Out Now on DVD & Blu-Ray

Sin City : A Dame to Kill For Out 15 December on DVD & Blu-Ray

U

R faster and more tech-savvy.

The latest mission becomes a clash of classic old-school style versus high-tech expertise in the Expendables’ most personal battle yet.

on Phone Tablet PC Mac

S

obert Rodriguez and Frank Miller’s longgestating sequel to 2005’s stunning ‘Sin City’ weaves together four more of Miller’s thrillingly noir-ish stories.

In the dark underbelly of this lawless metropolis, we catch up with some of the first film’s most memorable characters.

The interweaving stories also introduce us to the younger Dwight, before his facial reconstruction surgery. Newcomers to this seedy, violent urban cesspool include gambler Johnny and

uper spy teams aren’t born...they’re hatched.

Discover the secrets of the greatest and most hilarious covert birds in the global espionage biz: Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private.

These elitists of the elite are joining forces with a chic undercover organization, The North Wind. Led by handsome and husky Agent Classified Together, they must stop the villainous Dr. Octavius Brine, from destroying the world as we know it.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

t’s been 20 years since Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne spoke to one another.

They haven’t fallen out. It’s just that Lloyd has been playing a typically stupid prank with a very drawn-out idiotic punchline. But no matter.

The dimwit duo are back together and they’re embarking on an important quest. Harry’s discovered that he has a long-lost daughter by Fraida Felcher.

SMALLScreen

Penguins of Madagascar

ortraying the race against time by Alan Turing and his team of code-breakers at Britain’s top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II. This thrilling drama documents the life and work of this British mathematician, whose expert knowledge, genius and diligent efforts went a long way to significantly reduce the length of the war.

Dumb and Dumber To

ed up with answering to higher-ups, Nick, Dale and Kurt decide to become their own bosses by launching their own business.

But a slick investor soon pulls the rug out from under them.

Outplayed and desperate, and with no legal recourse, the three would-be entrepreneurs hatch a misguided plan to kidnap the investor’s adult son and ransom him to regain control of their company

arney, Christmas and the rest of the team come face-to-face with Conrad Stonebanks (Gibson), who years ago co-founded The Expendables with Barney.

Stonebanks subsequently became a ruthless arms trader and someone who Barney was forced to kill... or so he thought. Stonebanks, who eluded death once before, now is making it his mission to end The Expendables, but Barney has other plans.

Barney decides that he has to fight old blood with new blood, and brings in a new era of Expendables team members, recruiting individuals who are younger,

With something for everyone, from fantasy worlds to fantasies (even if they are of topping your boss!) and wartime heroes to secret agent penguins, there is always something epic to see at your local cinema,so get out there and watch them!

P

he Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies" brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and the Company of Dwarves.

Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world.

Enraged, Smaug rains his fiery wrath down upon the defenseless men, women and children of Lake-town.

Horrible Bosses 2

Our Pick of movies to see over the Christmas period The Imitation Game

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Page 21

femme fatale Ava Lord. Two of these deliciously dark pulp fiction yarns are taken from Miller’s acclaimed graphic novels.

He created the other two especially for the screen.

niversity life is not all it’s cracked up to be.

Will is finding it difficult to make friends at Bristol and Simon is struggling to cope in his relationship with Lucy.

When Neil and Simon visit Will for an uneventful weekend they make the decision to travel to Australia to meet up with Jay who is having the time of his life on a mental gap year of sun, surf and sex. Or so he claims.

Once in Oz, the boys discover Jay’s tales of wild times and super-stardom in Sydney aren’t quite true. What a surprise! Will convinces them to embark on a

Look out for the new WEEKLY

ONLINE every FRIDAY

www.streetcredmagazine.com

real travelling experience and then the holiday really begins. grace at a water park and a trip into the outback... will they survive ?

Gossip Fashion Gadgets Big Screen and more!

Page 22

GADGETS AND GAMING WITH DANIEL RILEY

The Phoenix – December 2014

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Portable and Powerful - The JBL Clip

I

f you’re getting a strong sense of dejavu looking at this review, then you’re not alone, the JBL Clip is very similar in stature to the Divoom Voombox that we reviewed a few months ago.

Coming in a bit cheaper than the Voombox at about £40, the JBL Clip is a slimmer, slightly less rugged version than its rival, but with volume and style to match.

For the most part, the sound quality is impressive, especially considering the size and price of the Clip.

But at this price point you’re always going to run

into isssues with the bass, and as a mono speaker, the Clip also falls into this category.

Amazingly though, the distortion only really occurs at the highest volume, and only on really bass-heavy tracks.

With the usual array of Bluetooth buttons around the edge of the Clip, including pair, volume, on/off and answer call (which doubles as play/pause when not receiving a call), the speaker really looks the part.

Marketed as a “ready-towear” speaker, the JBL Clip features a carabiner-style loop made from a rubberised material, allowing easy

attachment to belt loops or straps.

Available in black, light blue, gray, red, or purple, the JBL Clip has a colour for everyone, and with a built in 3.5mm cable which hides itself away after winding around the back of the speaker once, even if you can’t connect via bluetooth you’ll still be able to blast out your tunes.

With a touted 5 hour battery life, the Clip is on par with most portable wireless speakers around

this pricepoint.

If you’re looking for a sleeker speaker that should still live up to the trials of carrying it around with you, the JBL Clip is the one for you.

If you need a speaker that is a bit more rugged, check out our review of the Divoom Voombox in the October edition.

Return to Azeroth with Warlords of Draenor

I

n Warlords of Draenor, Garrosh Hellscream has escaped through the Dark Portal to help forge the orc clans of old into the terrifying war machine that is the Iron Horde, intent on the destruction of Azeroth.

Players must mount a desperate charge into the orc homeworld of Draenor and fight alongside and against legendary characters from the history of Warcraft to bring down the warlords before all is lost beneath the tides of iron.

As players explore the savage world of Draenor, they’ll build and manage a mighty Garrison, a customizable stronghold that grows with them on their journey.

They’ll reach new heights of power and unlock bonuses on their way to the new level cap of 100 while fighting the opposing faction for control of Ashran, a huge and dynamic PvP zone, and take on a wide array of Dungeons,

Raids, Battlegrounds, Challenge Modes, and more.

All versions of the expansion come with one level-90 character boost, making it easier than ever for new and returning players to experience Warlords of Draenor’s content alongside their friends and family

Drone Design Competition

Y

ou may remember a while back we reviewed the Parrot AR Drone 2 Quadrocopter, an unmanned aircraft system.

Well now Britain's best young engineers will design and build life-saving unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in a new competition run by the Institution of

Mechanical Engineers.

The challenge is to produce an unmanned aircraft system for a ‘humanitarian aid mission’, with demonstration flights taking place on the 1st and 2nd of July 2015 at the Yorkshire Air Museum and Elvington Airfield The annual competitions becomes the fourth student challenge in engineering event run

by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, joining Formula Student, the Railway Challenge and the Design Challenge.

An unmanned aircraft system or more commonly known as a drone - is an aircraft without a human pilot onboard.

They have been known more recently for their use in miltary and special operations, causing them to be viewed in a negative and possibly destructive way.

UAV’s have the potential to transform our lives for thebetter though, and are already being applied to commerical roles.

In disaster relief situations, UASs can transport medicines and vaccines, and retrieve medi-

cal samples, into and out of remote or otherwise inaccessible regions.

They also send and collate information from across an affected area and help build a picture of the situation direct their resources.

The UAS Challenge – which welcomes Northrop Grumman as a Gold Sponsor - will see some of the UK's best young engineers develop the UASs before taking on other teams in a 'fly-off', where they will be challenged to transport a package as accurately and rapidly as possible.

John Turton, Chairman of the UAS Challenge, said: “The event has three key aims; recruitment opportunities for industry, employment opportunities for soon-to-be graduates and a proving ground for innovation.

“The Challenge will assist students to learn practical aerospace engineering skills for industry, prepare aerospace engineering students for industry employment and encourage links between industry and universities.

“The competition directly supports the Institution's objectives of inspiring young people about engineering and developing awareness of engineering and profile of the Institution.

All five of the Institution's key themes Energy, Environment, Transport, Manufacturing and Education are promoted through this work.”

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

The Phoenix – December 2014

Page 23

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT WITH DON KINCH

www.streetcredmagazine.com

OPENING UP THE

CONVERSATION

H

i everyone! I’m Don Kinch, and I have just joined an excellent creative team producing an excellent monthly newspaper.

I have just become the arts and entertainment editor for the publication and as such I hope to be having regular conversations with you.

My new role means simply that I am responsible for delivering feature articles ranging from theatre, dance, music, fine arts fashion as well as information on the day to day happenings that is important to all of us.

W

l Steve McQueen

hen British black artist, Steve McQueen won the 2014 Oscar for best director, it signalled a major shift in how the work of British black artists would be received.

What the British black artist could do took on a whole new meaning and the inter-cultural relationship between Britain and the USA went to a new and exciting level.

Time magazine recently commended Steve McQueen as one of the “100 most influential people in the world” He smiles and takes it all in his stride and issues a highly challenging boast “black people can do anything”.

It is that belief that led him through a series of personal and artistic challenges that influenced the journey from Shepherds Bush to Hollywood.

Heading for Hollywood is marked by the steps of an army of British black artists, who, like McQueen refused to accept any limitations on their personal or artistic ambitions.

Breaking through the ceiling of the film and television industry

As you can see the newspaper has the most ambitious and exciting plans for the future. I intend to make the arts and entertainment section a critical part of that ambition and excitement.

So at the outset I am inviting you all to keep the conversation going. Please send me information that you think will be important to our communities.

Give me feedback on what you read and even more important, let us know how we can improve at don.kinch@thephoenixnewspaper.com Don Kinch

inspired them all to cross the Atlantic looking for more.

They include Joe Marcell (Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) Adrian Lester (Primary Colours), and Eamon Walker as Kareem Said in the HBO television series Oz for which he won a CableAce award.

Also Marianne Ragipcien JeanBaptiste, best known for her roles as Hortense Cumberbatch in Secrets and Lies,for which she was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and as Vivian Johnson on the American television series Without A Trace, Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years A Slave) and Idris Elba, drug lord and aspiring businessman Russell “Stringer Bell in the HBO series The Wire, Detective John Luther in the BBC One series Luther, and Nelson Mandela in the Long Walk To Freedom.

Changes of perception and reception between the black artist and Hollywood owes a massive debt of gratitude to the theatre.

It is almost impossible to turn on a television and not see a former student from New Federal Theatre (NFT).

Writers first presented at NFT are now part of the literary mainstream of American playwrights.

Many plays have reached national

ALL ROADS LEAD TO HOLLYWOOD significance and much wider audiences through having been showcased at NFT. Because of the work of NFT, such playwrights as: Ron Milner, Ed Bullins, Amiri Baraka, Joseph Lazardi, Ntozake Shange, David Henry Hwang, Damien Leake, Genny Lim, Laurence Holder, Alexis DeVeaux, and several others have been brought to national attention.

Many actors are starring in television series as well as motion pictures: Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington, Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad, Dick Anthony Williams, Glynn Turman, Taurean Blacque, Samuel L. Jackson, Laurence Fishburne, Robert Downey, Jr., Sam MacMurray, Debbie Morgan, Lynn Whitfield, Reginald VelJohnson, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Ruby Dee, Leslie Uggams, Ella Joyce and so many

more who, at one time performed in an NFT production.

Woodie King and the New Federal Theatre did two major things in advancing this cross cultural, cross Atlantic relationship. Firstly it created the structures and the infrastructure for the writer, the director, the actor, the designer, and the choreographer to create, what Amiri Baraka called the Black Theatre.

Secondly it successfully challenged and helped to assign the demeaning roles offered to the black actor to the dustbins of history and in turn opened up the opportunities for the British black actor to cross the Atlantic.

So picture this, the year is 1991 and you are sitting in a theatre off Broadway watching the New Federal Theatre’s production of The Balm Yard written by Don Kinch, British black writer.

Spike Lee, Wesley Snipes, Ruby Dee, Morgan Freeman, and a host of other celebrities, are in the audience.

The celebrities are here because of the other celebrities in the play. Roxie Roker of The Jeffersons fame, and Gary Dourdon now of CSI fame but at the time a hot and rising super star and Lenny Kravitz because Roxie Roker is his mother.

But they are here

for another reason too. It has been part of their road to Hollywood and they are back to lend their support to the new artists and to the producer Woodie King Jnr who set them on their way.

Trevor Thomas, British Black actor is playing a leading role in this play and in this company.

He has been taking this road on the Hollywood for a number of years now.

Taking the first steps on this journey are two young and very ambitious British artists.

Kandace Caine and Oluwa Toyin Omar- l Kandace Caine Kinch, Kandace took journey across four cities in the up residence in Hollywood Hills National Theatre Of Scotland in August. and the Royal Shakespeare Since then she performed at production of Dunsinane, written the Complex Theatre in Santa by David Gregg, directed by Monica Blvd, was cast lead in a Roxana Silbert. feature film. She is also now part of ITA productions group.

Oluwa Toyin is starting his

l Oluwa Toyin Omar-Kinch

Page 24

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The Phoenix – December 2014

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Superstars shine brightly at Redditch Palace Theatre

F

by Daniel Riley

rom the 18th to the 22nd of November at the Palace Theatre in Redditch, the Redditch Operatic Society, which has been going since its reformation in 1959, staged a production of Jesus Christ Superstar, wowing audiences night after night.

Written in 1970 by Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice, it tells the story of the last week of Jesus’ life, loosely based on the Gospel accounts beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem and ending with the crucifixion.

Focusing largely on the interactions between Jesus and Judas, here depicted as a man disillusioned by the direction Jesus has taken his disciples and the one who would eventually betray him with a kiss, a number of the standout songs from the musical stem from either or both characters.

With leading men David Steele as Jesus, and Laurence Sutton as Judas, the show could not have been in better hands. David’s soulful rendition of ‘Gethse-

mane’ moved many in the audience to their feet as well as tears, and Laurence’s powerful performances of opening number ‘Heaven on their minds’ and title song ‘Superstar’, Redditch Operatic Society really raised the bar once again.

Both men showed why they were so perfectly suited for their roles, with Laurence bringing a likeability to the ‘bad guy’, an impressive feat considering who you should really be rooting for!

In her debut performance with ROS, Lisa Lilwall ably took the lead female role of Mary, shining during ‘I don’t know how to love him’. The disciples, led admirably by Paul Mitchell as Peter and Mark Williams as Simon, were a pleasure to listen to, with Pontius Pilate (Tim Eagleton), Caiaphas (Matt Turner) and Annas (John Reeves), providing some lighter ‘bad guy’ moments, with backing from Tony Lacey, Ryan Allen and Sam Smith as the priests Director and Producer Tony Jay put on an absolutely brilliant performance as Herod, giving the show that needed light relief, considering the tone of the rest of the script. The set design and production, including the cross itself was on point, and

the band performances under Joe George directing were beautiful.

Without a decent cast in the backdrop, any production would fall flat on its face.

Thankfully, ROS are blessed with a multitude of strong, impressive singers to choose their leads from, and the members who were left produced a glorious chorus that filled the theatre and really filled out the production.

With some stellar performances from the younger and newer members of ROS as well as the older cast members, it’s evident that for the forseeable future, the society is going to be in the best possible hands.

Next year, Redditch Operatic Society are going to be putting

on the classic feel-good musical Calamity Jane at the Palace Theatre, and based on the performances in Jesus Christ Superstar, it will be one you don’t want to miss.

To Advertise - Tel : 0121 240 7310 or email advertising@thephoenixnewspaper.com

The Phoenix – December 2014

Page 25

Sikh exhibition launch at the european parliament

l Dr Sarinder Singh Sahota, Resham Singh Sandhu, Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh, Neena Gill MEP, Satinder Kaur Taunque OBE DL, His Excellency Mr Manjeev S Puri, Jagjit Singh Taunque DL, and visitors to the exhibition at the launch.

A Humble EXHIBITION TO SHOWCASE THE SIKH RELIGION TO THE WORLD

L

l Satinder Kaur Taunque OBE DL with The Phoenix Newspaper in Brussels.

ast month, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha (Birmingham UK) launched an exhibition titled "How can global values and virtues help solve the global challenges we face today? - A Sikh Perspective" at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium.

The launch, held with esteemed invited guests including MEP's and dignitaries, was opened by His Excellency Mr Manjeev S. Puri, Ambassador of India to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union, Neena Gill MEP, Member of European Parliament for the West Midlands and Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh, Chairman of Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha and member of the European Council of Religious Leaders.

His Excellency Mr Manjeev

S. Puri stated at the launch, “As the Ambassador of India to the European Union, I am also very happy to see that in the European Parliament, this particular facet of India which has given the world so many religions, including our own, being presented here in its diversity.”

“Today in the world, we talk a lot about equality, but here is

a religion which more than 500 years back started off with the fundamental – ‘All humans are equal’ This stretched not only to the men and women who were Sikhs, but to everyone, all others in humanity. We have made this our creed.”

Continued Inside

The Phoenix - December 2014

Page 26

SPECIAL REPORT - SIKH EXHIBITION LAUNCH AT THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

l Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh, Neena Gill MEP and His Excellency Mr Manjeev S Puri

Continued from Front

l Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh taking in the exhibition

l Marcia McLaughlin, Jagjit Singh Taunque and Satinder Kaur Taunque

l Harbans Singh Sagoo, Harpal Singh Kundi and Dr Sarinder Singh Sahota

l Amjad Bashir MEP and Henk Ensing

The exhibition, which is the first of its kind to be held at the European Parliament, was created by Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha with sincere humility to share the teachings of their five centuries old Sikh tradition, and was attended by a diverse audience.

“Sikh means ‘Learner’ or ‘Disciple, and ‘Guru’ is one who brings us from darkness – ‘Gu’ to light – ‘ru’. He is thus the Enlightener.” explained Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh, “The Guru does not just repeat textbook knowledge, but ignites the latent spark within us.”

The aim of the exhibition is to educate and inform people of all faiths and no faith alike, about the Sikh Religion, including a brief introduction to the intricacies of the Sikh Dharam (dharam: a multifaceted con-

scious practice of faith) which was developed through the lives and teachings of ten consecutive Gurus over a period of 239 years.

“The Sikh perspective, Sikhi or Dharam is multi faceted. It cannot simply be translated as Sikhism. -Ism, there was communism, so -ism isn’t the right word. Religion, faith or belief is conciousness of faith, it embraces an overarching world view, and vision of human existence.

It provides core teaching, values and ethics.”

Introducing the exhibition, he talked about the importance of faith, stating "They say if you can’t see God in everyone, you will not see God at all. So we believe in the divine light, that everybody here, God dwells in each one of us."

Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s translated composition in English,

l Ragi Baldev Singh and Surdars Sikh prayers using north Indian cla

l Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh, Marcia McLaughlin, Dr Sarinder Singh Sahota and Amjad Bashir MEP

l Dr Manvir Kaur Hayer

l Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh signing the guest book

l Guests attending the launch event

l Randeep Singh Lall, Satvinder Singh Sira, Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh, Ragi Baldev Singh and Satnam Singh Padham

l Neena Gill MEP, Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh and His Excellency Mr Manjeev S Puri with guests at the launch event

l Satvinder Singh Sira, Randeep Padham, Ragi Baldev Singh and Bhai

l

Ku

The Phoenix – December 2014

Page 27

SPECIAL REPORT - SIKH EXHIBITION LAUNCH AT THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

l Herpreet Kaur Kundi explaining part of the exhibition to a guest provides Sikhs a great direction for life. ‘Empower me, God, to never shy away, from doing what is good and right. May I, thus, become fearless in facing life’s battles, inside and around me, with resolute belief in victory. May my mind then learn; yearning only to praise your infinite goodness, and so, may I relentlessly continue to do all that is good and right, until my very last breath.”

Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh finished his speech with a quote from Philosopher and Mathematician Bertrand Russell; “‘If some lucky men survive the onslaught of the third world war of atomic and hydrogen bombs, then the Sikh religion will be the only means of guiding them. When asked, isn’t this religion capable of guiding mankind before the third world war? He said, ‘Yes it has the ca-

pability, but the Sikhs haven’t brought out in the broad daylight the splendid doctrines of this religion, which has come into existence for the benefit of the entire mankind. This is their greatest sin and the Sikhs cannot be freed of it.' We hope that this exhibition is considered to be a humble contribution to meeting this challenge.”

Satinder Kaur Taunque OBE DL, who attended the launch from Birmingham, said of the event; “I sincerely feel we have left a very positive message for many, the messages of love, l peace, togetherness, forgiveness, community cohesion, empathy and selfless service to humanity at large, without colour, caste, creed or gender. I hope our prayers of peace and harmony have reached the highest peaks of humanity and have touched many hearts.”

Bhupinder Singh Minhas, Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh and Dr Pritpal Kaur Riat l

l Amrick Singh Ubhi, Rebecca Bridgman, Marcia McLaughlin and Leo Singh Saggo

Ravinder Kaur Nijjar with guests at the launch event

l Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh with Amjad Bashir MEP and Resham Singh Sandhu

Background: Satvinder Singh Sira, Sarinder Singh Sahota, Ragi Baldev Singh Satnam Singh Padham

Surdarshan Singh Channa singing dian classical musical instruments

andeep Singh Lall, Satnam Singh l Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh giving his and Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh speech at the launch of the exhibition

l Surdarshan Singh Channa, Leo Singh Saggo, Ragi Baldev Singh, Herpreet Kaur Kundi, Harpal Singh Kundi

l A Guest reads the exhibition with interest

l Guests reading and taking notes in the exhibition

l Dayal Kaur Bansal looks at the timeline

l Marcia McLaughlin and Leo Singh Saggo

Page 28

The Phoenix – December 2014

SPECIAL REPORT - SIKH EXHIBITION LAUNCH AT THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

l UK delegates attending the parliamentary seminar

l Back row: Dawinder Singh Bahra, Satnam Singh Padham, Satvinder Singh Sira, Randeep Singh Lall. Middle row: Marcia McLaughlin,

l UK delegates on a tour of the European parliament

Alice Reynolds, Gurmel Singh Kandola, Dr Sarinder Singh Sahota, Herpreet Kaur Kundi, Harpal Singh Kundi, Resham Singh Sandhu, Sukhbir Singh Bimrah, Leo Singh Saggo, Manreshpal Singh Rai. Front row: Jagjit Singh Taunque, Satinder Kaur Taunque, Rebecca Bridgman, Kiran Kaur Jheeta, Manvir Kaur Hayer, Dayal Kaur Bansal and Ravinder Kaur Nijjar

The European Parliament

A

s part of the visit to the European Parliament,

Neena Gill MEP for the West Midlands organised an educational tour of the European Parliament, to inform the group travelling from the UK about the European Commission, the makeup of the Parliament itself, and l Olav Gade delivering a seminar on the the Council of the EU. European Parliament

The group learned from Olav Gade how the translations work during Parliamentary meetings, including when if a joke is told, there can be sporadic bursts of laughter over the course of about 10 seconds, as the translations make their way around the room!

Neena Gill and Sion Simon, the Labour MEP’s for the West Midlands both visited

the tour to listen to the questions and comments the group had about the tour, as well as about the work that the MEP’s do for the UK, and especially in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

A big thank you to Neena Gill for arranging for the exhibition to be held at the European Parliament, and also for this informative tour.

l UK delegates on a tour of the European parliament

l Marcia McLaughlin, Managing Editor of The Phoenix Newspaper l Sukhbir Singh Bimrah, Satinder Kaur Taunque, Jagjit Singh Taunque and Dawinder Singh Bahra

l Inside the European parliament building

l Ravinder Kaur Nijjar, Leo Singh Saggo, Resham Singh Sandhu, Marcia McLaughlin

Final Thoughts

W

e at The Phoenix Newspaper were honoured when we received the invitation to join the group from Birmingham to travel to the launch of this exhibition.

To learn so much about another religion, and to be taken in so warmly by both the people we travelled with, and by those who we met along the way was a humbling experience for us.

Our thanks go out to everyone at Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha and the Nishkam Centre,

including Bhai Sahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh, Amrick Singh Ubhi and the group we travelled with from Birmingham, especially Kiran Jheeta, for keeping everybody on track and in the right place from beginning to end.

On our way back from Brussels, we were hosted in London where we were treated to food and drink, including the best samosas we’ve ever had!

It was an uplifting and inspirational event that will live on long in our memories.

The Phoenix – December 2014

Page 29

This one is gonna be turnt up! Hair done, Nails did

presents

MARK DWAYNE

RED AND BLACK party OTTLEY DON SOUNDBOY COBY MISTA SMOOVE JAYMAC AND GUESTS

FRIDAY 12th DECEMBER RNB

HOUSE HIPHOP OLD SKOOL

10PM TIL LATE | £10 ALL NIGHT | FOR GUESTLIST - 0121 263 0468

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Page 30

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The Phoenix – December 2014

www.streetcredmagazine.com

GET GAME

M W

by Don Kinch

alcolm X grew in stature and in purpose to become one of the greatest and most influ-

IN THE

ential African Americans in history.

It’s hard to imagine that his teacher once advised him to lower his ambition from becoming a lawyer to that of a carpenter.

hen Swish Cocktail Bar and Lounge opened its doors to the public on 31st of October, Mark Dwayne’s head and heart came together in a cocktail of excitement and trepidation.

18 years earlier at the age of 17, mark published what would become one of the hottest arts and entertainment magazines in the UK. Street Cred Magazine became the calling card for the young gifted and hopefuls as they flocked to get a word across its pages. In industry terms, it became the place to meet the unsigned artist.

The unsung heroes of RnB, Hip Hop and the art of the underground could be found there. Jay Z, Beyonce, Jamelia all called to check on what was happening and of course to let the readers know what they were doing.

As happens some of the unsigned and the unsung find another voice

Even harder to imagine is that 50 years later, young black men are being asked to do the same or face a future consigned to life on the streets coupled with intermittent spells in prison.

Mark Dwayne

and another song and calls become fewer and fewer and Mark found himself closing that chapter and opening the book at a different page.

Kelvin Taylor

K

elvin Taylor’s drive for success could be summed up in a few words “Don’t give up-get in the game”.

He is most definitely in the game and has learned to balance his reactions to discriminatory practices

The three young men featured here, listened carefully to that message, laughed in its face and set about redefining the terms of success and created their own pathways to realising their ambitions.

against his individual responsibility and determination to strive for more - he learnt this at early age.

Despite being an A student, he was being directed to a job at British Rail. He of course set a different pathway for himself.

That page today is Swish Cocktail Bar and Lounge, located in the centre of the city. It is here where passion and pragmatism meet and where a new chapter begins.

“When anybody tells me that I can’t do something or I would never amount to anything. I set out to prove them wrong, not by words but by actions” This approach is at the centre of his mentoring programme for young members of the community. It is part of his DNA. He acknowledges how important it is for young people today to have someone helping to guide them through the maze of decision making and consumer bombardment.

He is part of a community mentoring network that offers that guidance and support to young people.

He is deeply committed to this work because he recognises and appreciates the help and support he received from family at a most critical time.

Today, Kelvin is the manager of Get Solutions Birmingham. It is a leading energy consultancy company that creates fully managed, end-to-end utility solutions for businesses of all sizes

Soweto Kinch

S

oweto Kinch came down from Oxford with an MA in history, immediately picked up his saxophone and set off to build a career in the world of jazz and Hip Hop. A fourteen year journey has seen him amass an impressive list of accolades and awards on both sides of the Atlantic.

They include a Mercury Music Prize nomination, two UMA Awards and two MOBO Awards for best Jazz Act of 2003 and 2007 fending off stiff competition from the likes of Wyntomn Marsalis.

The Urban music world has also claimed him as their own for his skills as an MC , sharing the stage with the likes of KRS ONE, Dwele and TY and being championed

by Mos Def, Rodney P and BBC 1-Xtra’s Twin B Kinch’s projects extend beyond record albums. His commitment

to his hometown and his support for new artists has seen him produce and host the Live Box at the Drum for thirteen years and the Hockley Flyover Show for 5 years.

He has written the score for Jonzi D’s Hip Hop Theatre production Markus The Sadist (2010) and Sampad’s in The Further Soil that toured all over India for four months. Having taken the flyover concept to South Africa, he is now working on bringing it back to the Hockley Flyover in 2015.

He has just taken commission from the war museum to create an orchestral piece. “The story explores both the idealism of the early war years, and the ultimate betrayal of the ideas of self-determination and independence.

With the backdrop of Nationalist figures such as Garvey and Gandhi mobilizing their supporters to fight on behalf of the British”,

STRICTLY COME DANCING THE LIVE TOUR

T

he first celebrities to join the hugely popular 'Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2015' were announced as pop star Frankie Bridge from The Saturdays and rugby hunk and model Thom Evans will be dancing their way across the country fresh from this year’s BBC One TV series, on the eighth fab-u-lous Strictly arena tour.

Zoe Ball will be joining Frankie and Thom on tour, hosting this much loved entertainment spectacular. Zoe knows everything there is to know about

Strictly, being both presenter of BBC Two’s sister show, It Takes Two and a former contestant in the 2005 series. More celebrities will be announced very soon.

Frankie says: "My Strictly journey has only just begun and I'm loving every moment. I'm really excited to be a part of the 2015 tour.

It will be a bit strange performing in arenas without my band mates, but I can't wait to see all the Strictly fans who have supported me throughout the TV series and get my dancing shoes on again."

"It's sad to be out of the TV Show as I don’t think I got the chance to show my full potential, but I’m really excited to be invited to perform on the Strictly tour and can't wait to get back on the dance floor!”

“I'm told that performing in the arenas is completely different to the TV studio, so this will be a chance to really let loose and have some fun out there.

Roll on January," Thom said.

TV judge Craig Revel Horwood is once again directing the live tour, so audiences will experience Strictly’s glitz, glamour and breathtaking choreog-

raphy in this supersized arena spectacular.

Frankie & Thom will be joined by other celebrities and professional dancers from this year’s ratings winning show, and will take to the dance floor to recreate their dazzling moves and compete for votes from the judges.

Arena audiences will also be able to text vote for their favourite stars via their mobile phones and ultimately decide who wins the prized Glitterball Trophy at each performance.

The Phoenix – December 2014

Page 31

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Editors Musical Pick

I

have chosen a selection of artists that I feel have provided us with some fantastic music over the decades so I would like to share my jukebox memories with my readers.

Music has no colour. It is the feeling that you get when that lyrical content and musical arrangement runs down your spine.

My number one artist, in the British charts at the moment has to be Ed Sheeran, and especially his most recent release,

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at PK Media Ltd. We hope you have a blessed and prosperous 2015

Thinking Out Loud.

Like it or not, this young man is hot, and his melodies are similar to those musicians of the past that have had a very special place in my heart, like Marvin Gaye.

Many of the musicians and artists today need to listen to these musical icons, to find out how they did it, while keeping their clothes on.

I challenge you to go and listen to these artists over the festive period, and see if you come to the same conclusions as me.

l Ed Sheeran

l

Marvin Gaye

l

Michael Jackson

l

Bob Marley

l

Andrea Bocelli

l

Amy Winehouse

l

Pentatonix

l

James Brown

l

Acker Bilk

l

Mariah Carey

l

Tevin Campbell

l

Sam Cooke

l

CeeLo Green

l

Celine Dion

l Pavarotti

l

Percy Sledge

l

The Isley Brothers

l

Stevie Wonder

l

Smokey Robinson

l

Toni Braxton

l

TLC

l

Queen

l

Seal

l

Simon and Garfunkel

l

Joss Stone

l

Whitney Houston

l

Ella Anderson

l

Andrea Faustini

l

Sam Smith

l

Al Green

l

Gladys Knight

John Lennon

l

U2

l

Dennis Brown

l

Brownstone

Duran Duran

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Simply Red

l

l

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The Phoenix – December 2014

www.streetcredmagazine.com

I did not come to praise Caesar, but to bury him

O

by Shaun Hutchinson

ne of the symbols of recently gentrified Peckham is the restored Bussey

Building.

At the end of a sepulchral warren within a courtyard adorned with modernist and surreal supersized wall art - underneath the tracks of Peckham Rye Train Station - the now renamed venue is home to the CLF Art Cafe.

Set over several floors the bar and theatre is reached by ascending once grimy, now disinfectant-infused, stairwells.

Despite the gritty surroundings the sparsely furnished bar is surprisingly cosy and warm.

D’Angelo’s classic 2000 album Voodoo plays the night this writer visited, and the low-fi, dirty production of that classic suite perfectly fits this environment.

It’s the same for 11:11 Productions depiction of Shakespeare’s political thriller Julius Caesar.

It’s cut back, austerity style there are no frills at all, even the programme is a scrap of paper.

Neither modernised nor updated for a contemporary world

Director Sam Wood marshals his 11 person cast to focus strictly on the Bard’s drama. And the only concession seems to be the male cast wearing Arabic dishdasha robes.

It’s better for that though as jealousy, resentment, political intrigue, civil war and conflict in-fuse the play’s rich dialogue which carries the drama.

The story is this - Julius Caesar has returned to Rome triumphant from another successful military campaign. The political establishment is prepared to award him even more honours, which breeds resentment among his colleagues who fear his growing authority.

Typified by the resentment of co-conspirators Cassius and Brutus - whose festering jealousy counterpoints the acclaim for the eponymous hero – Cesar’s rivals convince themselves that the Emperor’s elimination is necessary for the good of the republic.

Events then inevitably overtake their flawed intentions – to a bloody and murderous denouement – including several suicides and an ISIS style headchopping

scene.

Just above floor level on industrial palates the violent narrative unfolds at a fast but well-calibrated pace.

Luca Romagnoli’s soundscape and lighting has singing and music competing with thunder, rain and lightning - which mirror the maelstrom underway on the compact stage.

It was too hot in there though and at times I was falling asleep; through either my own somnambulance, the heat or the [only sometimes] soporific nature of a marathon performance which requires concentration – maybe a combination of all three.

The mostly consistent performances are committed and

enthralling. All the now famous phrases are delivered persuasively by performers who own them with lucid and authoritative enunciation: “Beware the Ides of March”, “let slip the dogs of war”, “friends Romans countrymen I did not come to praise Caesar but to bury him”.

Towering in height Matthew Eades stands out as regal and majestic in the title role; as does Vangelis Christodoulou’s conniving Brutus; Adam Elms’ Cassius finds his range and catches the rhythm of the writing quickly; and the strong voice and good diction of a persuasive Matthew Crowley gives Marc Anthony credibility. Although the drama is shot through with political

to get local talented grassroots artists ready to be presented for selection to perform in Namibia 2017.

Dr Vince Hines, Adgfac Chairperson, said - “Art and culture are benign platforms to engage peacefully with peoples of various belief systems. These events bring better communications and understanding among communities. We welcome advice and support from all”

comes to mac birmingham

machismo, both Charlotte Gascoyne's Calphyurnia and Jane Walters Portia are powerful.

London does not want for Shakespeare productions. In that sense then at over two uninterrupted hours the performance is possibly too long for this venue.

All the same this thorough and muscular edition - despite needing some pruning - is expertly overseen by Best Director Award nominee Samuel Wood, and definitely merits a bigger audience than was present on the night this reviewer attended.

The Afrika and Diaspora Global Festival of Arts and Cultures

T

he Government of Namibia has given its formal approval for a thirty year artistic and cultural project.

The festival will be held every four years, from 2017 to 2047 in Namibia with special guest performers from non Afrikan nations are also being invited to participate.

There is a thirty year agreement with the Namibian government that guarantees that the festival will take place every four years.

This festival is not the first to be held in Africa. The First World Festival of Black Arts, held in Dakar in 1966 and the second FESTAC, held in Nigeria in 1977 and all the subsequent efforts to bring Afrika’s diaspora back to its’ bosom is the blueprint.

The Afrika And Diaspora Glob-

al Festival Of Arts And Culture (Adgfac) will use the knowledge and experience of 48 years to make sure that this will be the very best of Afrika and its diaspora Adgfac aims to bring together Afrikan and Afrikan heritage artists, from across the globe, to celebrate Afrika’s Artistic and Cultural contributions to the world.

It aims to use arts and cultures to inform, educate, entertain and inspire, and to provide an artistic and cultural vehicle for Global Afrika to interact and grow without barriers.

During the following months, leading up to the festival, The Vince Hines Foundation, registered community, education and training charity, will be working with Adgfac, in organising a number of arts activities locally,

A

ward-winning physical theatre company, Dancing Brick bring Thumbelina’s Great Big Adventure to mac from the 1st to 13th December.

The traditional fairytale is brought bang up to date in an action packed show, with a strongwilled and rebellious Thumbelina who longs to explore the world around her.

Thumbelina’s Great Big Adventure continues mac’s commitment to offering excellence in arts and cultural provision for children and young people, whilst keeping tickets as affordable as possible.

A free treasure hunt taking place throughout mac has been set up as part of the experience, and the winner who will be picked randomly from the completed forms will win a private cinema screening at mac for up to 150 friends!

In this re-telling of Hans Christian Andersens classic tale Thumbelina encounters the big bad city, a world of jazz, cabaret, a Gangster Mole (the baddie) and a Brummie Biker Beetle played by Stan’s Café Associate Artist Graeme Rose.

Interspersed with puppetry, clowning, live music, comedy and a sprinkling of snow, the show appeals to the whole family.

Suitable for children aged 6 plus, Thumbelina is an inspirational odyssey which reminds us all that however small the world makes you feel you can still achieve great things.

Aimed at children with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, sensory, and communication disorders, relaxed performances were first offered at mac back in 2013, as one of the first in Birmingham.

Continuing this commitment

this Christmas, mac are offering two relaxed performances for Thumbelina’s Great Big Adventure on Sunday 7 December and Saturday 13 December, both at 11am.

In addition to the performances children can also enjoy two workshops linked to the production and meet members of the cast after the show: Costume and Prop Making (Sat 6 Dec, 12.30 – 2.30pm) and Miniature Worlds (Sun 7 Dec, 12.30 – 2pm), which is a chance to build oversized gadgets through painting, textiles and sculpture.

The Phoenix – December 2014

ISOLATION FEATURE - ELECTROBOX ADVERTORIAL

www.streetcredmagazine.com

I

f you wake suddenly and find yourself wondering where your friends have gone, who your neighbours are, or who you can rely on in the case of a crisis, you are not alone, well you are, but you have just become one of Britain’s national statistics. Britain is now the official loneliness capital of Europe.

Unlike the rest of the EU, we are less likely to have strong friendships, or know who our neighbours are and we call 999 for everything. We are the most isolated and lonely people in Europe.

Isolation and loneliness is just as bad for older people’s health as obesity or poverty. We recognise the problem of loneliness among the elderly and there are centres and charities that cater to that need but when it begins to affect the younger generation then we know that we are in a different ball game.

This is problematic because of the close relationship between loneliness and mental health – it is linked to increased stress, depression, paranoia, anxiety, addiction, cognitive decline and

Page 33

is a known factor in suicide.

In 2010, the Mental Health Foundation found that loneliness was a greater factor among young people.

The 18 to 34-year-olds surveyed were more likely to feel lonely, to worry about feeling alone and to feel depressed because of loneliness.

Office chitchat may seem like a waste of time, but it helps to cushion us from the emotional and psychological effects of work strain. "If you form connections with your team, you might be stressed, but not isolated," says Rick Hughes, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy's (BACP) lead adviser for workplace.

"We treat the networks we have as incidental, but they're fundamental to our wellbeing," says Nicky Forsythe, a psychotherapist and the founder of Talk for Health, a social enterprise that trains people to give and receive peer support in groups.

"The most important thing is to have a regular time and place to reflect on your life and to have an empathic listener."

Isolation

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?

W

e at the Phoenix have decided to become proactive. We have joined forces with three other organisations to invite local community members who would otherwise be alone or unable

to cook to dine with us at Christmas.

Morrisons Supermarket will supply the food, and the United Church Of God (Austin Road, Handsworth) will cook and play host to the diners on 23rd December from 1pm til 4pm.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED? If you or someone you know would like to come and dine with us, please let us know by contacting us on 07956 876 328 or by emailing don.kinch@thephoenixnewspaper.com with the subject “Christmas Dinner”.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a First-Come, First-Served basis.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER?

We want to encourage you to put yourself into social situations, so try: l Phoning a friend(s) and agree to meet up and do something. l Visit a club or centre. Contact

us and we will recommend one that is near to you. l If you run a club or a centre please let us know so we can recommend people to attend.

W

a t c h Bot is a w i re l e s s security camera that is ideal for helping you keep in touch with your elderly or vulnerable relatives.

Ensure your loved ones are safe, even if they are hundreds of miles away.

With WatchBot, you can listen to your relatives using the integrated microphone - and they can hear you with the built-in speaker.

Use WatchBot as an elderly care camera and keep in touch with your loved ones, wherever they are.

Communicate with your elderly relatives using your smartphone, tablet or computer; with WatchBot you can also monitor an elderly relative’s home whilst they’re out shopping check to see if everything is OK - even be alerted if intrusion is detected with the motion sensor facility.

Video footage and images can also be saved onto any compatible connected device.

Electrobox are offering those who cannot keep up with face to face contact consistently the option of fitting a Watchbot

camera, where you can maintain communication, security and peace of mind.

Electrobox are kindly donating 4 WatchBot Cameras every month for the next few months, so if you would like to be in with a chance of winning, the competition details are below!

Even if you don’t win, Electrobox are also offering a 25% discount on the Watchbot camera, using the discount code PHOENIX80, meaning you can buy one for just £80.

Privacy when your Elderly Relative needs it If you’re worried about privacy, you can relax - with WatchBot, your elderly relative can simply switch the camera off.

COMPETITION

To be in with a chance of winning one of 4 WatchBot Cameras in December, just answer this simple question.

What is a WatchBot? a) Someone that watches too much TV b) A robot that tells the time c) A wireless security camera Just email your answer, with your name, address and contact number to competitions@thephoenixnewspaper.com with the subject “WatchBot Comp December”. Competition closes at 23.59 on 30th December 2014. There is no cash alternative.

Telephone +44 (0)121 523 5024 Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm

www.watchbotcamera.com

Monitor unwell relatives or vulnerable people

WatchBot is ideal to use for ensuring vulnerable or unwell people are safe. You can remotely monitor friends and relatives, providing you with total peace of mind. Check in to see if they are eating well or taking their pills on time.

If your family is not living with you, you can make sure they are getting the attention and care they deserve by monitoring their caretakers and care providers.

Don’t forget your discount code when ordering - PHOENIX80

Page 34

FASHION

The Phoenix – December 2014

www.streetcredmagazine.com

T FDC YOUNG DESIGNER AWARDS 2014 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

he National Asian Wedding Show, Midlands is fast approaching taking place at the The National Motorcycle Museum in 2015.

Centrally located in the heart of the Midlands, it covers every aspect of that BIG DAY from wedding plan, to adding those final, minute, yet just as important, details to make your day go perfectly.

Deciding how to add those final perfect touches to your wedding can be

difficult. Sweet Butterfly provides an extensive range of services providing you with those perfect finishing touches.

You will also experience a truly breath taking catwalk show showcasing designer collections from India, Pakistan and UK. From one off pieces to couture collections, this really is a moment not to be missed. The National Asian Wedding Show, Midlands takes place in January 2015.

T

he Fashion Designers’ & Craft Makers’ Young Designer Awards, at the Pullman London Hotel, St. Pancras, had families, friends, fashion lovers and the press alike gathered for what was an impressive and exciting evening.

Presented by hosts Annik Rau and Lovelda Smith, this inspirational event, established

by London knitwear designer Joanna Marcella, provided an inspirational, multicultural platform for dynamic, young fashion designers to help raise the profile of exceptionally gifted avant-garde designers.

The show hosted the ‘FDC Young Designer Award,’ ‘FDC Emerging Designer Award’ and the ‘Radical Designer Award,’ with a panel of special guest judges including: Annik, businesswomen and entrepreneur Nina Malone and writer and

journalist Sara Khan.

On an unforgettable night, the first place went to Claire Ozee who produced an avant-garde design inspired by the Great Gatsby, second place went to Chelsea Visda who represented the fragility of the Great Gatsby characters and the 1920's through her sewing techniques.

First place in the Emerging Designer Award went to Christina Hallett-Young, a Contour Fashion graduate specialising in lingerie. Second place was awarded to Naomi Thompson, stealing the show with her amazing costume inspired by the Ziegfeld Follies girls.

In the ‘Radical Designer’ category, for designers over 21 years, the award went to

Aisha Enashdias who created a remarkable collection that captured the judge’s’ attention.

Second place went to Münüse Ağagil whose collection; ‘War Bride’ had an amazing conceptual luxurious look.

The FDC Young Designer Award and the Designer Development Initiative provide an opportunity for participants to network and promote themselves. The Radical Awards winners will start preparing their presentation to put before the panel of directors at Vancouver Fashion Week.

The Young Designer Award winners and Emerging Designer Award winners will début their collection in New York City. The Young Designer end-

ed with the Collection showcase of emerging international fashion designers and models from Russia, France and the USA. Joanna Marcella, founder of the FDC Young Designer Awards, says: “We’ve found a great bunch of new, fresh and innovative young designers and we seek to support and encourage them as much as we can, through our Designer Development Initiative. The Designer Development Initiative is an attempt to support aspiring multi-cultural fashion designers and aims to make a significant difference to their economic well-being, by offering support, mentoring and motivational sessions.”

Express Weaves by

Sewn in Weaves from £60.00 25 years experience in weaves & extensions 40 Queen Street Wolverhampton WV1 3JW Tel 01902 574921 Web: www.tzhair.co.uk

The Phoenix – December 2014

Page 35

WOMEN WHO POWER LUNCH

www.streetcredmagazine.com

WomenOne Who Power Lunch woman's aim to

R

Motivate Inspire and Empower

aquel Bucknor-Manning is a business woman who's always proud to shout about her achievements, and at 23 she is encouraging others to follow suit.

She set up her 'Women Who Power Lunch,' a networking lunch which enables business women to to meet, greet and share experiences of their individual paths and to stand as beacons for young girls, and other women, to follow.

Inspired by the likes of' 'The First Lady of Football,' West Ham United vice-chair, Baroness Karen Brady, Small Business Ambassador to the Government, Raquel came up with the idea of empowering women, from all walks of life, and giving the opportunity to work together, inspire each other and the next generation to follow.

“I got this idea from America,” she said. “I'm a qualified nurse but also a business woman (working for a global clinical nutrition company, and events management).

Whilst there, I was exposed to a women's networking group, a thriving opportunity to network and thought it would be great to replicate here.

Women from all walks of life would meet up to connect, empower and share knowledge over food and drinks.

We do afternoon teas to represent and inspire to a high level of women.” l Raquel Bucknor-Manning, Founder of We can create our own Women Who Power Lunch legacy, by being mentors and ambassadors, whilst form where women are able to making a major contribution meet, network and establish proto the economy and stimulate fessional relationships leading growth and development.” to exchange of life and business At the first Women Who Power experiences to empower each Lunch event, motivational speak- other,” Raquel says. “We believe ers included The One Show's exposing women to professional PAM MAC B, LoLo, Managing relationships and networks of emDirector of Loloskloset and entre- powered women will enhance the preneur Charles Aluge who were development of women.” on hand to empower and motivate Raquel Bucknor-Manning is and to help the women present shaping her own legacy, in the build ideal platforms and profes- knowledge that Women with sional goals.

Power will Lunch.

“Our mission is to build a plat-

Page 36

A LOOK BACK AT THE EMMA AWARDS

The Phoenix – December 2014

www.streetcredmagazine.com

THE EMMA AWARDS

l The Black Eyed Peas received the Best International Music Act, and in receipt of Lifetime Achievement Awards, Sir Richard Attenborough and Madiba, Nelson Mandela.

E

MMA (Ethnic Multicultural Media Academy) was set up by founder Bobby Syed in 1997 after he realised that although Britain is a multicultural nation, this diversity is not reflected in the media industry.

The EMMA Awards were created to recognise and honour humanitarian media excellence – a legacy that continues today.

EMMA was created to break down the barriers of institutional racism and cultural ignorance by aiding in the creation of positive new role models, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, age, religion, political affiliation or sexual orientation.

To combat these issues, EMMA

have created a number of Saatchi & Saatchi Cultural ad campaigns, and more recently election ads, with plans to launch a major UK Anti-racism Ad campaign for 2015, that have helped to shape Britain to where it is today; getting there, but still with a way to go yet.

EMMA is all about being British, celebrating the collective achievements of the work going on in our ethnically diverse communities, and is a 21st Century multicultural brand

based on the growing Cosmopolitan and Metropolitan lifestyles.

Politicians, Businesses, Celebrities & Ambassadors across the establishment, like Lord Coe, they attended EMMA Awards each year.

The successful idea had formed the Multicultural London 2012 Olympic Games that originated from this Multicultural showcase.

As stated by the Rt. Hon. William Hague MP, The First Secretary of State, ‘EMMA was the catalyst to the London 2012 Olympics’ By celebrating everything that is great in the Creative Industry, regardless of colour, creed or race, EMMA strives to connect communities together through the media and creative industries.

The EMMA L i f e t i m e Achievement Award recognised and celebrated some of the world’s most prominent multicultural figures.

Prestigious recipients of the award include

Muhammad Ali who in 1999 supported the initiative with the following statement, "As in the United States, Britain is lucky to draw from the talents of a community rich in ethnic diversity."

Madiba, the late Nelson Mandela was the recipient of the award in 2000, stating “I would like to say to the patrons and people in EMMA that they are doing a wonderful job of cementing solidarity with the people of South Africa. This solidarity has over many years brought the people of Britain and South Africa closer together. When we see Doreen Lawrence, we recognise our collective pain and our determination to stamp out racism wherever we find it. “ “I thank you all once again for your support and solidarity with the people of South Africa and on my own behalf I thank you for this award. I hope that my receipt of this award will in a small way add value to the work that EMMA is doing in promoting cultural diversity and cooperation.”

Although the EMMA Awards Ceremony has not taken place since 2004, its message is still very much alive today, with recent Multiculturalism promotional visits this year alone across the world that has included Qatar, Greece, Mexico, Italy, France and Belgium.

“Once, the Media establishment stops patronising the Ethnic Minority community, and created racial divisions through tribal labelling, maybe EMMA will come back in the UK through a real serious commitment.” said Bobby. Meanwhile, Bobby is also writing a book, to highlight EMMA’s successes.

To Advertise - Tel : 0121 240 7310 or email advertising@thephoenixnewspaper.com

The Phoenix – December 2014

Page 37

ENTERTAINMENT AND THE ARTS

www.streetcredmagazine.com

And it’s not just for Christmas

P

astor Ferguson the Senior Pastor of Faith Dimensions Ministry said "Ministry is people, and as a church we believe in touching lives ,and been a Christian is to be practical. If some one is hungry you feed them, if they are naked we clothe them, and we also provide shower facilities. Every Tuesday we open our kitchen, and we feed those that are hungry and allocate groceries from our food bank, that we have been running for over 4 years.”

Paul Harrison from PK Media went down to Faith Dimensions to spend his afternoon, being an helping hand with the Faith Dimension team. Marcia McLaughlin, the Managing Editor from The Phoenix Newspaper said "Christmas is a time for giving, and stories like these we love to report, because they are inspirational.

‘The Greatest’s’ Daughters talk to Colourful Radio

C

Wishing all of our customers, readers and friends a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at The Phoenix Newspaper.

ontinuing his legacy, two of Muhammad Ali’s daughters were in the UK to promote the release of the ‘I Am Ali’ documentary, as well as allay rumours of the state his of his health and well-being.

Maryum and Hana Ali visited Colourful Radio in London to promote the British release of the much anticipated film, which gives unprecedented access to Ali’s personal archive of “audio journals” as well as interviews and testimonials from his inner circle of family and friends.

On Pauline Henry’s Amazing Greats show, the sisters took the opportunity to let the British public know of their father’s condition, following reports that his condition was ailing, and promote the Clare Lewins-directed film; a warm tribute to a boxing, sporting, poetic, humanitarian icon “Dad is doing fine,” Hana said as they both laughed off talk of

his demise. Maryum said; “Most stories come from people who don’t understand Parkinson’s.”

Maryam said: “He has never been on his deathbed. He has Parkinson’s, he has had it for 30 years and it is a progressive degenerative disease but he does well and is healthy generally. I know it’s hard for some people to see the Ali of 30-plus years ago and this Ali suffering today.”

“People do not know the situation. He is 72-year-old with Parkinson’s. He is still alert and still active. He enjoys his life and he remains quick of wit and clear-minded.” Hana says that she speaks to her father every morning when his speech is at its best: His mind is still very strong.

Parkinson’s doesn’t mean he is senile. The rumours are just media being misleading and misinformed.”

Of boxing’s brash, out-spoken three-time heavyweight champion, Hana said: “Dad only talked-

the talk because he worked at it.

He said he studied his opponents first. It didn’t just come out of thin air. That instilled ‘study’ into all of us as his children. He always told us to find something that we are good at, work at it and you will be the greatest.”

When asked about his worldwide iconic status, Maryum said: “In the south, dad, Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther-King and the Panthers were the only ones who stood up to adversity back then.

He never backed down from his beliefs.

‘I Am Ali’ mixes interviews with Ali’s family and inner circle, with archive footage and personal audio recordings.

Both sisters feature in it as it looks back at when they were both young children growing up in this warm-hearted, respectful film about the legend that is Muhammad Ali; the greatest all-time boxer – all-time ‘greatest’ dad.

l L-R: Curry cook-off judge Nand Ram with Richard McComb, Anita Sharma-James, Paul Fulford and Llewela Bailey

“Nice and Spice” create a winning dish

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ood writers Paul Fulford and Richard McComb, and media personality Llewela Bailey went home with the prizes at Birmingham Press Club’s first-ever Curry CookOff Challenge, sponsored by Wednesbury based KTC (Edibles) Ltd. In the ‘blind’ taste test at Jojolapa Restaurant in Birmingham, the group, under the name of “Nice and Spice” beat off their rivals to win.

There were also mouth watering dishes created by Mark Gough and Bob Warman from ITV Central and guest Paul McGarrigie, as well as Press Club members John Lamb and Tony Bell with their ‘ringer’ - Leo Kattou from top Birmingham restaurant, Simpson’s.

“It was a fabulous fun evening – and it was a delight to be able to create a dish using some of KTC’s authentic quality products,” said Llewela.

An ice-breaker Spice Quiz and demonstration of the art of Indian cookery by Indian chef and author Anita Sharma-James started the evening, while also offering her advice and guidance to the teams before the cook-off.

Chef at Jojolapa Restaurant in Newhall Street, Nand Ram had the task of judging the cook-off, and his own Nepalese curries were later tasted - and voted a big hit.

The Phoenix – December 2014

Reach ‘Peak Performance’ with a Fitness Retreat at Jumeirah Carlton Tower Luxury hotel offers special package to kick start a healthy New Year

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

void the January blues and kick start the New Year with the Fitness Retreat available at The Peak Health Club & Spa in Jumeirah Carlton Tower.

The exclusive package includes a two night stay at the luxurious Jumeirah Carlton Tower in Knightsbridge, a rejuvenating fitness programme and take-home tools to support wellness and enhance physical and mental performance.

Guests will be greeted by The Peak Health Club & Spa fitness experts who will host an introduction and take body measurements and you can participate in a Vinyasa yoga class where the focus will be on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental wellbeing.

Guests will then be treated to

a delicious and nutritious dinner before retiring to their rooms for the evening.

Feeling rejuvenated after a good night’s rest, guests will start the day with a choice of detoxifying smoothies before establishing their fitness goals over a nutritious breakfast.

The day will consist of another Vinyasa yoga class, a nutritional workshop, lunch served at The Club, a brisk group walk through Hyde Park and a Pilates class.

Guests are invited to use the swimming and sauna facilities before settling down for another private dining experience and restful night.

On the final day of the Fitness Retreat guests can take part in a Pilates Reformer class and stretch class, enjoy a detox lunch and be pampered with a wonderful spa treatment.

Parents to get a more Complete Picture of Child Development

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rom September 2015, health and early years practitioners will work side by side to improve outcomes for young children.

Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter and Childcare and Education Minister Sam Gyimah announce that integrated health and early years reviews for 2 to 2-and-a-half-year-olds will be rolled out next year.

Currently, health and early years reviews of young children are carried out separately.

By integrating them, parents will get a more complete picture of their child, drawing on the expertise of health visitors and early years practitioners.

Age 2 is a key development point where problems such as speech delay and behavioural issues emerge. Integrating these assessments will help avoid duplication and work towards giving parents the support they need.

Integrated reviews will mean bringing together the healthy child programme review at 2 to 2-and-a-half and the early years progress check at age 2 years.

The announcement comes as the Department for Education publishes a report, led by the National Children's Bureau on a 2-year pilot of integrated reviews from 2012 to 2013.

The report found that parents preferred this joined-up approach, and take-up of the reviews increased as a result.

Integrated reviews will mean

health and early years professionals will share information and may carry out the reviews together, giving parents a better picture of their child's progress and reducing duplication.

Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter said: "This report shows that integrating health and early years reviews is better for children and their parents - giving a more complete picture of their child's development and supporting children to the best start in life."

Childcare and Education Minister Sam Gyimah said: "The early years count and this new approach will reassure parents they have the information they need to support their children when they are growing up to give them the best possible start in life."

l Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

The Phoenix – December 2014

City pledges to join battle of the bulge in fight against obesity

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l Director of Public Health Ros Jervis tackles the Wolf Mountain climbing wall, one of a number of weight loss activities taking place at the Obesity Summit, watched by weight loss champions Councillors Paul Sweet, Stephen Simkins and Daniel Warren and Hugh Porter MBE.

Families to Join Together to Light up a Life for John Taylor Hospice

early 300 table tennis during pledges to the break. tackle obeCouncillor Sansity have been dra Samuels, Wolmade by individuals and verhampton City organisations following Council's Cabinet a major conference in Member for Health Wolverhampton aimed and Wellbeing, said: at tackling a “ticking "Obesity is a ticking time bomb” facing the time bomb, and one city. that we, as a city, The Obesity Summit, cannot afford to igheld at Wolverhampton l Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing Councillor Sandra nore.”

Racecourse saw around Samuels, Hugh Porter MBE and Director of Public Health Ros Among those 300 health professionals, Jervis hosted a summit calling on individuals and organisations to speaking at the businesses and commu- help tackle obesity in Wolverhampton.

Summit were nity organisations gather Wolverhampton's faith groups. to join the fight against obesity.

The pledges range from schools Director of Public Health Ros With more than two thirds of promising to invite parents in Jervis, Chair of the British Obesiadults in the city either obese or to discuss healthy eating to or- ty Society Jane DeVille-Almond, overweight – and an increasing ganisations swapping unhealthy Pete Shorrick from Diabetes UK, number of young people follow- snacks for fruit. Many workplaces Dr Rachel Pryke from the Royal ing suit – the City Council brought pledged to help their employees College of General Practitioners, together representatives from lo- become more active by getting out and Sue Roberts who spoke about cal businesses, public and private of the office and organising "walk- health in the workplace. Former sector organisations, health and ing meetings", and one organisa- cyclist, commentator and Comsocial care providers, voluntary tion plans to swap lunchtime for monwealth Games Gold medallist and community organisations and playtime – offering activities like Hugh Porter acted as compere.

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amilies are being invited to remember a loved one by dedicating a light for John Taylor Hospice’s Light up a Life.

This year the Hospice is lighting a tree at its Birmingham centre as well as holding an event in Erdington Central Square.

Families can dedicate their light in memory of a loved one and include a message in the Hospice’s Book of Remembrance.

Light up a Life dedications are open to everyone, not just people whose families have been cared for by John Taylor, and names can be dedicated by contacting the Hospice.

Alongside the dedications, a Light up a Life event takes place at Central Square, in Erdington, on Sunday December 14 and is

an opportunity for everybody to share their memories and experiences.

There will be a lit tree at the Hospice and at the event – with all the lights symbolising the lives of loved ones and time spent together.

Sue Mooney, aged 67, included a dedication to her husband Frank in last year’s Book of Remembrance.

Frank, who worked as an assistant at Calthorpe Academy in Highgate, was cared for at the Hospice’s In-Patient Unit and died last December.

“Light up a Life feels like the start of the run-up to Christmas,” she said. “It was a time of year that my husband really loved. Our dedication to him last year was our ‘Gentle Giant’ as that is what

he was.

I really can’t sing the praises of the Hospice enough for all the help and support they offered Frank and our family.

“I really like what John Taylor Hospice puts on - it is such a simple and down-to-earth way to have people come together.

“I brought a friend along with me last time and we agreed straight away we were definitely coming again this year. I have just been waiting to hear the date as we really enjoyed it.”

John Taylor Hospice CEO Kate Phipps says: “Our love and our yearning to belong does not diminish when death separates us.

Light up a Life is open to anyone to attend.”

How good is your eyesight when you’re behind the wheel?

l Sue Mooney with John Taylor Hospice staff, Julie Morris and Julie Jones

Carer Assistants in Walsall Borough, Wednesbury, Willenhall, Northfield, Rednal, Longbridge, Handsworth, Perry Barr, Selly Oak, Selly Park, Kings Norton, Kings Heath, Sutton Coldfield and Erdington, Drivers Wanted!

Passion 4 Care offers NVQ courses and Diplomas and all other relevant training although experience is essential. CRB Check.

For further information contact Ashilge Meian on:

0121 384 3035 / 0787 249 5292 515 Slade Road, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 7JG

A

survey for Sight Care, a support network for independent opticians, has revealed that a shocking number of people in The West Midlands may be on the roads with eyesight poor enough to fail a driving test.

In the recent National Road Safety week, thousands of organisations, schools and community groups came together to highlight the dangers of the road and find ways to improve road safety.

The Sight Care survey indicates that drivers could do their bit to reduce road risk by ensuring that they can see properly.

Although the UK driving licence includes a brief sight test, after that initial check – and for the rest of their driving career it is up to each driver to ensure he or she can see clearly behind the wheel.

The survey asked a sample of Sight Care’s independent opticians including those based in The West Midlands what per-

centage of their patients who drive had poor enough eyesight to fail a driving test.

One sixth of those opticians revealed that more than ten percent of their patients, in their estimation had driven with poor eyesight.

In one case, an optician questioned said that in his estimation more than half of the practice’s patients had driven with eye-

sight poor enough to fail a driving test.

However, the vast majority opticians in the sample (83%) discovered that fewer than ten percent of their patients drove with poor eyesight.

A huge 96% of opticians believe that eye exams should be a legal requirement for taking a driving test.

The Phoenix – December 2014

Page 41

ADOPTION AND FOSTERING

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

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

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

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

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

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

With support from

Special Guardianship

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

Adoption agency wins national praise for using new media

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n adoption agency covering Sandwell is among the best in the country for using new media to boost enquiries, according to the British Association of Adoption and Fostering (BAAF).

Adoption in the Black Country (ABC) and its partner Adoption Focus, the adoption agency of charity Family Society, made the shortlist for the BAAF's prestigious Digital Champion of the Year award.

This category celebrates the work of adoption agencies which

use websites and social media like Twitter to increase the number of people coming forward to adopt.

Councillor Simon Hackett, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: "The BAAF received a record number of entries for this year's awards so to make the shortlist is a real achievement."

Adoption Focus recently become an equal partner in the ABC consortium, founded by Sandwell, Dudley, Wolverhampton and Walsall councils.

he British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF) welcomes the research into Special Guardianship “Investigating Special Guardianship: experiences, outcomes and challenges” published by the Department for Education, to which BAAF has contributed.

The research shows Special Guardianship to be an effective and positive option for some children who are unable to live with their birth parents to have a stable and secure family life.

The study also demonstrates how local authorities are working proactively and successfully to use Special Guardianship to help children for whom this is the most appropriate form of long term placement. It also finds no evidence to suggest that the rise in Special Guardianship orders (SGOs) has led to a diminishing use of adoption, nor that Local Authorities who encourage a high use of SGOs make less use of adoption.

However, the report does highlight the need for long term support for Special Guardians and the children in their care.

BAAF is clear that the sector needs to work together to ensure that this support is as available as it is for adoptive families. The report also raises concerns about the number of cases where the child does not already have an established relationship with their carers, and BAAF agrees that greater caution, even a settling in period before the order is made, is needed in such cases, to counteract the higher risk of disruption.

Siblings being separated due to shortage of adopters

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early fifty percent of all children for whom families are being sought are part of a sibling group according to research carried out by the British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF).

Sadly there is a shortage of adopters coming forward to adopt siblings. According to the Adoption Register for England, out of a total number of the 663 children on the register, 366 are part of sibling groups.

Children who need to be adopt-

ed have usually had a hard start in life and it is even more important for them to experience the stability and support that being with their brothers and sisters can bring. Sibling groups are amongst the children who wait longest to be adopted as there are not enough people coming forward who are able to give them a safe, permanent and loving family.

This year’s National Adoption Week, run by the British Association for Adoption & Fostering (BAAF), focussed on encourag-

ing more people to come forward who can adopt siblings. Without enough potential adopters who are able to give these children a home together, brothers and sisters will wait longer for a family or may even have to be split up and adopted separately.

Barbara Hutchinson, interim Chief Executive for BAAF said: “Being placed with their siblings may not be right for every child, but it is absolutely unacceptable if the shortage of adopters willing and able to adopt siblings is the only reason why brothers and sisters cannot stay together.

We urge anyone who is thinking about adopting to consider whether they could become a parent to a sibling group.”

Not everyone is able to adopt more than one child and there are thousands of single children who need a family too. For some children, being adopted with their siblings is not the best option for them and we also especially need more adopters to come forward for older children, children from some black minority ethnic communities and for children with disabilities or complex needs.

Fostering Friday Every week, Same time, Same place

Sandwell Council's Fostering Fridays initiative has proved to be a great success, but they know that with Christmas coming up time is very precious for everyone.. So after Friday December 5, they will pause Fostering Fridays and they will resume on Friday 9 January 2015.

Their next 'Become a Foster Carer' events will be in 2015, when they will again be hosting information events across Sandwell and will announce full details on their website.

Get in touch! Editorial - 0121 231 3235 Advertising - 0121 240 7310

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ADOPTION AND FOSTERING

The Phoenix – December 2014

l Marcia McLaughlin, Managing Editor of The Phoenix Newspaper, with Mohammed Jamil of Communicasian Magazine and Lynette Adjei from Birmingham Adoption and Fostering

l Distinguished speakers and hosts, including adopters Maddi and Kam, fosterer Delores, Gerald Nembhard and Alisha Kandil

City and Faith Forum launch “No Place Like Home” Adoption & Fostering Programme

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t the city’s Council House, members of Birmingham’s diverse faith communities gathered for the West Midlands Faith Forum (WMFF) adoption and fostering services event, “No Place Like Home,” marking the launch of Interfaith Week 2014.

At the Birmingham Faith Round Table, they declared a year of Interfaith engagement and activities to keep with the ethos of Interfaith Week.

Hosted by Gerald Nembhard, Chair of WMFF, in partnership with the City Council’s Adoption and Fostering Recruitment Team, the event discussed how faith communities can team up with local authorities to strengthen families and improve the lives of the some of the city’s most vulnerable children.

The overall objective being to address a very pressing need in the City for foster care by looking at the concept of family and family values; Faith community support for families as a key building block for society; opportunities to build families through fostering and/or adoption.

Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder

l Marcia McLaughlin and Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh

Singh, Chair of Guru Nanank Nishkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ), WMFF Executive Board member and Chair of Nishkam Civic Association, accompanied by Mr Sewa Singh Mandla and Nishkam Centre Director, Amrick Singh Ubhi attended, as did Rabbi Shmuel Arkush of the Progressive Synagogue.

Pastor Peter Pennant, Chair of the Council of Black Majority Churches, said: “God is the father of the fatherless. And it’s our responsibility as faith leaders to lead the way to creating a stable future for all our children.”

Case studies were on hand to give their first hand experience of the joys they collectively have after fostering and/or adopting, as well as one who was fostered before being happily adopted now.

“We were very reserved at first,” said adopters, Maddi and Kam. ”The process was thorough and very fair,” they said. “In in the end it was the best decision we ever made. It has changed our lives and we’ve never looked back.”

Delores is of an African/Caribbean background. She has been fostering for over 20 years. ”I

foster children of all ages, colours and creeds,” she said.

“As long as the outcome is in the best interest of them, I will continue to do so too. No child is perfect. All you do is keep your faith.”

Adopted Alisha Kandil is a 19-year-old who works in the creative sector. She said: “Every child in care have their own story to tell and every one of them deserve the chance of living in a caring, loving home. It’s not about ‘ticking boxes,’ it’s about providing s t a b i l i t y.

I should know. I’m

l Faith Leaders and speakers at the No Place Like Home event

an adopted child myself.”

The faith communities recognise there is work to be done to take messages from the event to respective communities to ensure change and the “No Place Like Home” programme, in conjunction with Birmingham City Council, is a step in the right direction.

l Adopters, Maddi and Kam

l Fosterer Delores

l Alisha Kandil

l Pastor Peter Pennant

l Alisha Kandil sang some of her own work during the evening

The Phoenix – December 2014

Page 43

THE SKILLS SHOW - EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

Thousands of students inspired at The Skills Show

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ow in its third year, the largest Skills and Careers event across the country, The Skills Show, was attended by almost 74,000 people at the NEC, Birmingham last month.

During the 3 day run, attendees were able to try a wide range of hands-on experiences and skills competitions, broadening their views to other career opportunities besides going to University.

The overwhelming feeling of positivity and excitement from those students attending the Skills Show was evident, thanks in no small part to the new opportunities they had had the chance to experience during their stay.

WorldSkills UK competitions were taking place across the open show floor allowing the competitors to be watched without being disturbed. 588 finalists were showing off their abilities across 64 competitions in a wide variety of disciplines.

At a ceremony hosted by TV presenter Will Best on the final evening, medals were presented and those successful will now begin training to compete for a place in Team UK which will take part in WorldSkills 2017, which will be staged in Abu Dhabi.

University College Birmingham Students were manning The Skillet, which produced stunning 3 course meals each day for specially invited guests, overseen by top chefs including Aktar Islam, Glynn Purnell and Adam Bennett, who produced their own menu for each day.

Kate Sheldrick, a Level 3 Hospitality Supervision and Leadership student from UCB said “I

was really proud working at the Skills Show under the celebrity chefs. It’s part of our course and a bit different from working in the UCB Restaurants!”

Aktar’s menu included deep fried soft shell crab, Ox cheek and spiced sirloin of beef and Spiced Queen of puddings, which were all impeccably cooked and presented. From the lightly spiced and fragrant crab, to the melt in

the mouth Ox cheek, the students did Aktar proud, as he said “It’s all down the to team in there, I really did very little! I think they’ve done a really good job.”

Marion Plant OBE, Joint Principal of North Warwickshire & Hinckley College and South Leicestershire College and Director of Find a Future, is very invested in trying to introduce students of all ages to other routes to higher education, which the Skills Show has definitely achieved.

“Everyone will take something away from this, and I really hope everyone leaving here has been inspired.” Marion beamed.

“When you enjoy something, and you can turn that into your potential career, you’re so much more likely to succeed.”

The Have a Go areas of the Skills Show proved to be some of the most popular, giving people

the chance to get hands on with ‘bite sized’ skills experiences, from careers including web design, bricklaying, media make up and many more. When asked what they thought of the show thus far, one 11 year old student exclaimed “Miss, it’s Epic!”.

The Deputy Prime Minister was in attendance at the Skills Show, celebrating nearly reaching the milestone 2 millionth apprentice, and announcing that a new system similar to the UCAS system will contain a fully comprehensive national database of post-16 skills and employerled courses and opportunities, ready for the beginning of the next school year in September 2015.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “Gone are the days when a vocational education is seen as the poor relation when it comes to choosing a career path. I’m delighted to be able to celebrate such a phenomenal rise in young people being given the opportunity to work as they learn.”

“Whilst it is truly exciting to be able to celebrate the tide turning with wider-ranging opportunities for our school leavers aside from university, we also need to do more to show young people all of the doors open to them. By giving every 16-year-old access to a one stop shop for the growing number of choices they have, more young people will be able to access the options available to them and make better informed choices about their career paths.”

If you missed out on attending this year, The Skill Show will return to the NEC from 19th to the 21st of November 2015.

To Advertise - Tel : 0121 240 7310 or email advertising@thephoenixnewspaper.com

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EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

The Phoenix – December 2014

5-Year-Old Becomes Youngest Microsoft Computer Specialist

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Birmingham based 5-year-old boy has become the youngest-ever certified Microsoft Computer Specialist.

Ayan Qureshi took the exam at the age of five and overtook Pakistani Mehroz Yawar for the coveted title. Speaking to The Asian Today, he described how he felt.

"I developed an interest in computers in very early age.

I used to sit next to my dad, watching him working on computers and hi-tech stuff. That was the turning point. It was the time I started playing with computers. As the time passed my interest in computers grew and it became hobby for me to play around with computers, there was more and more interest and

fun for me in the computing while I was learning and grasping the concepts. My dad spotted this potential and talent and decided to channelise it. So, we decided that we should set up a new world record, that's how it started."

"I passed the standard examination procedure at the prometric centre in Birmingham City University. It took me many months to prepare for the exam and certification," "I studied Microsoft books, set up my own home IT lab comprising of computers, laptops, routers, switches, firewall, cables, connectors, interfaces, cable tester and relevant tools.

I was installing and configuring operating system on the computers and laptops in the lab.”

l L-R: Hairdressing Level 3 student, Thomas Doyle (25), Walsall College Curriculum Manager for Hairdressing, Amanda Richards, Strictly Come Dancing stars, Iveta Lukosiute and Natalie Lowe, Walsall College Curriculum Manager for Beauty, Joanne Small, Beauty level 3 students, Jodie Freeman (20) and Aimee Hodson (22) and Hairdressing Level 3 student, Hope Breakwell (23).

College Students Make Over BBC Talent to promote vocational training

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alsall College Hair and Beauty students were working backstage to make over a host of

BBC celebrities including former footballer and BBC Sport pundit, Robbie Savage and Strictly Come Dancing Stars, before they took to the main stage at The Skills Show.

The unique event offered handson experiences designed to inspire and provide information and advice for young people of all ages, and provide an amazing showcase for the nation’s vast variety of skills. at the NEC Birmingham.

This year, the BBC worked in partnership with The Skills Show to showcase the breadth of careers and opportunities which exist within the corporation and across its platforms.

Actor, TV and Radio Presenter, Adil Ray (Citizen Khan), actress

Sarah Solemani (Bad Education), BBC West Midlands newsreader, Nick Owen and a number of BBC Radio DJs went through hair and make-up before either performing on stage or taking part in the Spotlight talk programme giving visitors an insight into their vocational careers.

Level 3 Beauty students, Jodie Freeman (20) and Aimee Hodson (22) plus level 3 Hairdressing students, Hope Breakwell (23) and Thomas Doyle (25) were the lucky students who were selected to represent Walsall College and assist with hair and make-up.

More than 75,000 visitors descend on this year’s show as vocational routes through education were promoted to the wider public.

Walsall College Principal and Chief Executive, Jatinder Sharma, said: “Walsall College is renowned for its vocational excellence, so we were really pleased that our talented students were able to showcase the knowledge and skills used in today’s workplace and inspire visitors to think about the range of career paths opened up by vocational training.”

Ofsted chief comes ‘home’ to Lambeth for the day

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ngland’s top school inspector went back to his old school in Streatham, almost 50 years after leaving for the last time.

Sir Michael Wilshaw, head of Ofsted and Chief Inspector of Schools in England, returned to St Andrew’s Catholic Primary School after he received a special invitation from pupils.

Following a successful Ofsted Inspection in February, where the school was judged to be “Outstanding in all Areas”, a governor told head teacher Denise Assid that Sir Michael might have attended the school as a child.

A bit of detective work later and his name was found in a fire-damaged log book. The then Head girl Patricja Wrobel decided to write to Sir Michael and invite him to visit his school.

Sir Michael met with the current senior leadership of the school and was able to view some of the old photographs and documents.

He also attended and spoke at the morning assembly, telling

pupils about his experiences as a child and the importance of a good start to life.

Sir Michael explained that being at a good school, being inspired by the teachers he had at St Andrew’s, had set him on his career path of being a teacher.

He later met all the staff and took a tour of the school accompanied by Patricja and the current head boy and girl, Amy Sturmer and Louis Nelson.

The school has gone from strength to strength under the leadership of Mrs Assid. Sir Mi-

chael paid tribute to her and the staff not only for their fantastic results and Ofsted Inspection, but the all-round education being provided to the pupils.

After leaving St Andrew’s in the 1950s, Sir Michael went on to grammar school at Clapham College and then St Mary’s teacher training college in Twickenham.

He became a teacher and then a head teacher at secondary schools in London, and took over as head of Ofsted in 2012.

The Phoenix – December 2014

Page 45

NISHKAM HIGH SCHOOL - EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

l Damien Kearns, School Principle, with Lord Nash of Ewelme and Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh

l The new Nishkam High School Building

Selflessness, Humility and being Nishkam The drive behind launch of new High School

I l Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh, and Lord Nash of Ewelme

l Terry Green, Executive Principal and Damien Kearns, School Principle

l Lord Nash of Ewelme receiving gifts from Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh

n the presence of specially invited guests, the new Nishkam High School Building was formally opened, by Lord Nash of Ewelme, Under Secretary of State for Schools, marking a remarkable story of spirit, determination, inspiration, humility and togetherness.

A multi-faith school with a Sikh ethos, it provides both a secondary school and a sixth form for boys and girls aged 11 – 19 years.

Master of Ceremonies, School Principal, Damien Kearns, started proceedings, saying: “We are celebrating a new beginning. It's about empowering children with values to enable them to excel academically and spiritually – enabling them to serve humanity with selflessness, and an abundance of love, compassion and forgiveness.”

Year 7 pupils Amarpreet Singh Assi and Saffron Kular gave their reasons why they love it so much.

Amarpreet describing the new Nishkam High School & Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha as “A school built with loving hands – a home-from-home” with Saffron adding “I wake up every morning and think; ‘What am I going to achieve today?' I am proud to be part of the Nishkam family. I feel blessed.”

Executive Principal, Terry

Green, said: “Nishkam High School is a fine example of my ethos of; 'if you dream it, you can do.' Our school has a unique nature whereby we positively nurture pupils of all faiths and beliefs. We believe that faithinspired values determine the character of education and that they should be intrinsic to the positive experience of daily life.”

“Aiming for the top 25 schools in the national league, Nishkam High School strives to produce lifelong learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and compassionate contributors to society.”

Built in sixty days, you can only marvel at this multi-storey hi-tech place of learning; the epiphany of working together with the one goal, with no egos, person-to-person challenges, or reliance on hand-outs. Nishkam was built by volunteers working round-the-clock, 24/7.

Stunned at the speed and efficiency, David Ellis, head of construction at partners BAM, said: “108 volunteers-doctors, lawyers, engineers, shop owners, men and women, working 35,000 hours ongoing is overwhelming.

All work was done on-time with no over-runs.”

Patron, Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh, Chairman of GNNSJ enhanced the tone, saying: “Education begins at

conception. Family structure must always be supported. Every child is precious and deserves constant love and attention.

Good parenting nurtures great relationships and self-help, which is always important.”

“Every child is precious and deserves love and dignity. I know Nishkam High School's multi-faith ethos will endeavour to nurture good human beings as we combat all the obstacles that come before us, in today's world.”

Nishkam High School is driven and sustained by the principle of being ‘nishkam’- creating a mindset to serve others without expectation or recognition.

It offers excellence in education and inspires in children a passion for lifelong learning, fostering communities which actively support children throughout life, both within and beyond the school gates.

As a free school, Nishkam High School aims to enhance and enrich, with a focus on high academic aspiration and progression towards university education.

Marked Outstanding by Ofsted, Nishkam High School's selfless practice promotes humility, at all times, as it strives to unlock great potential.

l Saffron Kular, Amarpreet Singh Assi and Navita Suglani

l David Ellis from BAM and Paul Sabapathy CBE, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands

l Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh, Lord Nash of Ewelme and

l Ravinder Singh Ahluwalia and Marcia Marcia McLaughlin, Managing Editor of The Phoenix Newspaper McLaughlin

l Satinder Kaur Taunque, Jagjit Singh Taunque and Lord-Lieutenant Paul Sabapathy with guests at the opening.

l Marcia McLaughlin, Ranjit Singh Dhanda, Lord-Lieutenant Paul Sabapathy, l Dr Sarinder Singh Sahota, Dr Sarbjit Singh Chandan, Narinder Kaur Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh and Terry Green Kooner, Satpal Hira, Anne Lovelock, Yann Lovelock.

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PROPERTY

The Phoenix – December 2014

Fashionable Florida: Sunshine State rated the 'desirable location' this winter

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aux fur. Long boots.

Over-sized scarves.

Roll-neck jumpers. All key style trends for Autumn/Winter 2014/15.

But when it comes to this season's must-visit destination, where's hot this wintertime, even as the weather turns cold?

According to the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), Florida's Orlando is top choice for those looking to the US over the 2014-15 winter season, with more US residents booking to visit the Sunshine State's most popular hotspots than anywhere else in the country.

Receiving 41% of the recorded bookings, Orlando ranks far ahead of the key tourist destinations of Las Vegas (receiving 13% of bookings) and New York City (with just 6%), and as a state overall, Florida charges ahead of the pack, with 58% of ASTA-recorded bookings, far outweighing second-place Hawaii's 20%, thus marking Florida, and Orlando specifically, out as the 'in vogue' locations for A/W 14/15.

This season Florida, with its

much-loved winter sun, is being seen as 'the' place to visit, rounding off an outstanding year for the state in which it welcomed 11.2 million overseas visitors in the 2013-14 period, compared to 10.4 million for the previous year.

The 7.7% increase year-on-year is substantially contributing to Florida's economy, adding an additional $4.3 billion to the state's coffers, an extra 6% according to Visit Florida, taking the 20132014 figure to $76.1 billion.

In fact, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has revealed in their 'Profile of International Home Buyers in Florida 2014' report that 10% of Florida's residential market was made up of international sales this year, up 1% on the 2013 figure, and up an estimated $1.54 billion, or 24%, in terms of how much these foreign real estate purchases in Florida were worth in the year up to June 2014.

And the most important factor for influencing someone's decision to purchase real estate in Florida? According to the NAR report, viewing the state as a 'de-

sirable location' and increasingly so.

Philip Button, Managing Director of specialist property investment firm Brookes & Co, said: "Florida is certainly a stand-out location for those looking to invest in property, Its place as this year's fashionable Autumn/Winter location for

both holidaying and purchasing real estate, has also been backed publically by Floridian Governor Rick Scott who has increased public funding for Visit Florida, the state's tourism body, by $10.5 million (according to the 20132014 Annual Report), taking public funding to a record $74 million for financial year 2014-2015. For this, and a whole host of reasons, buying in Florida is certainly 'à la mode' in 2014 and a wise choice looking forwards."

Offering a 5-year rental guarantee with a 6% return after all costs, The Club at Sunset Lake makes the ideal investment op-

portunity.

This brand new gated development in the heart of central Florida, close to all major amenities, boasts luxurious facilities including an exclusive club house and swimming pool, fitness centre and spa, sports courts and cycle paths, and a lake front park and

picnic area, making the most of the beautiful location.

With the fashion world already looking ahead to A/W 15/16, it is clear that some things in fact never go out of fashion - and Florida may well be one of those.

October strongest month for new housing since 2011

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igures released by NHBC have revealed that October was the strongest month for new housing registrations since June 2011.

The figures show that a total of 13,950 new homes were registered in October (11,151 private sector; 2,799 public sector). The previous highest single month for new home registrations was in June 2011, when 14,565 homes were registered.

October also showed a 10 per cent increase in growth compared to the same month last year when 12,682 new homes were registered (9,666 private sector; 3,016 public sector).

The rolling quarter August to October showed an increase of 14% compared to the same period last year, with a total of 37,140 new homes (29,341 private sector, 7,799 public sector) registered across the country (32,716 for the same period in 2013; 24,350 private sector, 8,366 public sector).

This represents a 20% increase in private sector registrations, while public sector registrations are down by seven per cent. The strong October figures were boosted, in part, by the registration of 539 new units

registered during the third phase of the Battersea Power Station redevelopment project.

As the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK, NHBC’s monthly registration statistics help to provide new and accurate data on the country’s new homes market.

On the latest new home statistics, NHBC Chief Executive Mike Quinton, said; “The October figures show that the UK

housebuilding industry is continuing to build on the strong new housing volumes seen in 2013. All the signs are that 2014 will be another encouraging year with growth being registered across all parts of the UK. While this is obviously positive news, we know that the industry is working from a historically low base so there is still much work to do to ensure this momentum continues.”

The Phoenix – December 2014

Page 47

HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

Go on a minibreak with man’s best friend

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ata from travel search engine, KAYAK, reveals that Birmingham is the most accommodating city in the UK for our four-legged friends.

At the other end of the spectrum London’s canine hospitality falls short, as the research reveals the capital is the least pet friendly city in the UK. Other UK cities which rank high as pet-lovers are Aberdeen, Inverness, and Bristol.

Whilst ‘Lassie’ will get more than a frosty greeting in London, Cambridge and Liverpool.

For Brits who can’t bear to

part with their pooches whilst abroad, KAYAK advises to take a trip to Switzerland, who came out top for pet-friendly hotels, closely followed by Germany, Czech Republic and Austria.

Unfortunately for those who are leaning towards ‘staycations’, hotels in the UK rank low for their pet hospitality compared to their European counterparts.

Loella Pehrsson, Regional Managing Director UK, Ireland & the Nordics of KAYAK says “To the modern traveller, pets aren’t just animals, they are important parts of a family, and due to this most Brits aren’t happy with leaving them at

home. We see there is a demand for hotels to welcome animals and that is why we have created a tick box in the facilities list for ‘pet-friendly’.”

With more than 500,000 hotels available on KAYAK worldwide, the smart travel search engine has developed detailed research into hotels that are pet-friendly.

Whilst searching for accommodation, KAYAK.co.uk offers users a number of criterions to filter their search for hotels with facilities that are most important to them from parking facilities, Internet connection and even Casinos.

Palm Springs Welcomes New Architecture And Design Center

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he city of Palm Springs unveiled its brand new Architecture and Design Center, bringing a new art attraction to a destination renowned for its mid-century modern architecture.

Also known as the Edward Harris Pavilion, the Center is the new campus of the Palm Springs Art Museum and shows how modernism bloomed in the southern Californian desert.

The modernist building was originally designed as a bank by noted architect E. Stewart Williams in 1961.

The glass and steel structure has since been restored and transformed into a museum space by design firm Marmol Radziner, which revived the for-

mer Kauffman House and other notable mid-century buildings in Palm Springs.

The Center also features floor to ceiling windows that reveal incredible views of the surrounding San Jacinto Mountains.

Now a Class 1 historic structure, the Architecture and Design Center showcases the unique design of Palm Springs, which boasts the world’s largest concentration of mid-century modern buildings per capita.

The Center perfectly complements the Palm Springs Art Museum’s permanent collection of over 55,000 objects, including works by Picasso, Matisse, Anish Kapoor, Anthony Gormley and many more.

The museum, which recently celebrated its 75th anniversary,

has a growing collection of architecture and design.

The new campus holds archives of Albert Frey, E. Stewart Williams and Elrod Harold Borderick, three important architects of the desert modern style which developed in and around Palm

Springs in the middle of the 20th century.

Visitors will find examples of Palm Springs’ modernist legacy at every turn. The city’s midcentury modernism is famous worldwide for its futuristic buildings of steel, glass and con-

crete with open-plan living creating a flow between the house and outdoor desert landscape.

Today, the style is so revered that the most iconic buildings are viewed not as pieces of property but as works of art. Enthusiasts can see many architectural high-

lights on a modern tour of Palm Springs or experience the 10th anniversary of Modernism Week in February 2015, during which the newly-developed Palm Springs Architecture and Design Center will be in the spotlight.

Hogwarts at Christmas at Warner Bros. Studio

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elebrate the festive season Harry Potter style with Hogwarts at Christmas at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.

Ensuring things are even more magical than usual, the most amazing snowfall of the season hits Hogwarts.

Get up close to the stunning model castle used in the Harry Potter films as it's covered in a blanket of special effects snow for the Christmas period.

The many intricately detailed

sets in the studio are also given a Christmas makeover as props and decorations used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone are brought out of storage.

There's also the chance to marvel at the eight Christmas trees that line the Great Hall, alongside festoons of holly, mistletoe and golden wreaths.

Page 48

OVERSEAS NEWS

The Phoenix – December 2014

MEET RONI, THE NEW MASCOT AT THE ROCA NIVARIA GRAN HOTEL

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hildren visiting Adrian Hoteles’ Roca Nivaria Gran Hotel in Tenerife are in for a treat, as the hotel introduces its new mascot, Roni the pilot whale.

Pilot whales can be spotted year-round in Tenerife, just off the coast where the Roca Nivaria is located, and have become a firm favourite with family visitors to the island.

Well-loved for its large and tropical swimming pools, location to Tenerife’s long white sandy beaches, exclusive kayaking excursions to see the loggerhead turtles and its close proxim-

ity to the coastline where whale and dolphin watching is enjoyed, the Roca Nivaria Hotel is delighted to employ Roni to highlight the hotel’s best watery assets.

Roni will join the hotel’s youngest guests each day for a few hours of fun, as he accompanies them during different Kids’ Club play activities, at the swimming pools and the funky mini-disco Belingo. Roni loves nothing more than to share his experience of the sea and teach little ones about the importance of taking care of the ocean and environment.

Children will learn that the pilot whale belongs to the dolphin family, which means that whilst they

live underwater they come to the surface to breathe.

They live in families of 15 to 20 members and can grow up to five metres long, reach speeds of up to 45km/h and eat up to 50kg of fish a day. They are characterised by their smooth grey colour and curved dorsal fin.

Pilot whale sighting off the south-western coast of Tenerife is all but guaranteed and hotel guests can book a whale watching boat trip to observe these amazing cetaceans in their natural environment, with daily excursions departing from nearby Puerto Colón, Los Gigantes and Los Cristianos.

The package includes complimentary access to the impressive Kids and Baby Club facilities, suitable for ages of 10 months to 12 years old, and a staggering number of added benefits and ser-

vices.

Included in the package are welcome drinks, a spa session for parents, private use of Balinese chill-out beds, dinner for two at the French-fusion restaurant La

Cúpula, including transfers and 2 hours’ complimentary babysitting, plus late check out and private airport transfers.

to discover the very diverse, vibrant and exciting tourism product Guyana offers.

The country stands to reap tremendous benefits from the goodwill, accomplishments and popularity of the Ambassadors, who have all pledged their commitment to give back to the country; they include popular motor racing champion, Mr. Andrew King, founder/leader of the legendary Tradewinds Band, Mr. Dave Martins, Caribbean Squash Queen, Ms. Nicolette Fernandes, former Captain of the West Indies Cricket Team and champion batsman, Mr. Clive Lloyd, world renowned Guyanese cricketer, Mr. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, champion bodybuilder and former Mr. Universe , Mr. Hugh Ross and popular cricket commentator and sports administrator , Mr. Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira.

New Guyanese Tourism Ambassadors appointed

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uyana’s 2014 Tourism Awards ceremony heralded the official beginning of the Ambassador Programme , which saw popular Guyanese figures being appointed as Tourism Ambassadors for the country.

This initiative comes on the

heels of the country’s rebranding exercise intended to reposition the destination as “Guyana – South America Undiscovered.

As Ambassadors, those selected will act as the faces and Brand Ambassadors of the sector, both at home and abroad and will assist in promoting ‘Destination Guyana’, thereby helping others

Indonesia’s Sanctuary Commended

by British Guild Of Travel Writers

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ndonesia’s trailblazing decision to turn Raja Ampat’s entire aquatic territory into a sanctuary for sharks and manta rays has been honoured by the British Guild of Travel Writers.

On 2nd November 2014, during a prestigious gala awards dinner at The Savoy Hotel in London, the sanctuary was bestowed with a ‘Highly Commended’ award in the category of ‘Outstanding New Tourism Project’ in recognition of its marine conservation work.

The awards, which took place on the eve before World Travel Market 2014, were attended by many of the 300 members from the British Guild of Travel Writers - including noted writers, editors, photographers and broadcasters and are designed to honour and celebrate global tourism projects that deserve greater recognition.

The Ministry of Tourism created the Raja Ampat tourism project in February 2014, declaring the region’s entire four million hectares of coastal and marine waters a shark and manta ray sanctuary.

This means that all harvesting sharks and manta rays, including

both manta and mobula species, are protected under Indonesian law - thus making it the world’s largest sanctuary for manta rays.

Home to over a quarter of the world’s marine life, Indonesia is famous for its world-class diving and exciting underwater beauty.

The waters surrounding Raja Ampat are particularly spectacular, boasting 540 types of coral, over 1,000 fish species and 700 different types of mollusk.

This real-life tropical aquarium in Papua is comprised of five unique underwater sites, each teeming with a huge array of ma-

rine life.

As a haven for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts, those visiting Raja Ampat have the choice of swimming alongside whitetip reef sharks or gigantic Queensland groupers in Cape Kri or they can discover the multifaceted landscape of Mike’s Point which was bombed during World War II before descending 40 metres deep to spy the hidden wobbegong also known as carpet sharks. The more confident can squeeze down the 25 metre-wide Terusan (The Passage) where they will be greeted by octopus and cuttlefish.

The Phoenix – December 2014

Page 49

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

Farah To Compete At Sainsbury’s Indoor Grand Prix in February

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ouble Olympic, World and European champion Mo Farah (coach: Alberto Salazar) has confirmed that he will compete at the Sainsbury’s Indoor Grand Prix at the Barclaycard Arena in February, in 2015.

Farah, who replicated his feat from the London 2012 Olympics and 2013 IAAF World Championships by winning 5,000m and 10,000m gold at the European Championships in Zurich this summer, will compete at the Sainsbury’s Indoor Grand Prix for the seventh time.

Having been victorious four times at the Sainsbury’s Indoor Grand Prix previously, Farah is excited to compete at what is regarded as the best indoor athletics meeting in the world.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to competing at the Sainsbury’s Indoor Grand Prix.

It is without doubt one of the

Para Athletics Introduction Days best indoor events in the world and I’ve got great memories of setting three British records here over the years.”

“My last track race was in Birmingham in August at the Sainsbury’s Birmingham Grand Prix where I finished my track year with a win over 2 miles, so it would be great to start 2015 in the same way in front of the amazing crowd.”

“It’s set to be an amazing event and it will be great to see where my fitness is at. 2015 is a big year for me as I’ll be defending my 5,000m and 10,000m world championship titles.”

“It would be great to get the year off to a strong start and put on a good show for the athletics

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l Double Olympic, World and European Champion Mo Farah fans in Birmingham.”

British Athletics’ Major Events Director Cherry Alexander said: “Mo is one of our greatest ever athletes and we’re delighted that he will be competing once again at the Sainsbury’s Indoor Grand Prix.”

“It is athletes like Mo that make this the best indoor athletics event in the world and this year’s

Streatham Leisure and Ice Rink proves a hit

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treatham Leisure and Ice Rink has proven to be a hit less than a year since it fully opened, the Streatham Leisure and Ice centre is proving a great hit with some 400,000 visitors already.

Ice skating is proving particularly popular with 120,000 casual visitors to the rink, 550 pupils currently on the Learn to Skate programme and almost 500 pupils from local schools attending weekly skating.

Seven year old Alexandra Snowdon became the youngest ever skater to enter the British National Ice Skating Championships, which was won by Streatham’s Jessica Marjot.

A survey of users carried out during September and October produced some very positive comments about the centre, instructors and other staff and a growing demand for its activities ranging from ice skating to swimming, yoga and gym sessions.

People said they feel lucky to have such a facility in Streatham in a new, well-designed, airy building. Many commented on

friendly instructors and teachers, good equipment and welcomed the 6am gym opening.

The ice rink is very popular with a lot of competition for sessions and ice hockey matches, particularly when the Redskins are playing, attract many people.

Streatham has one of the largest youth hockey provisions with over 150 registered players.

More than three quarters of those who took part in the survey were satisfied with the centre overall, however there were concerns raised about queues, the ‘fast track’ kiosks and reception service generally. People wanted reassurance that regular and proper maintenance would keep the centre and equipment up to scratch and Lambeth council is working with GLL to take some of these practical measures.. Some residents suggested a review of fees, particularly where

people just used the centre for one activity.

Cllr Jane Edbrooke, Cabinet member for Neighbourhoods said; “ We knew Streatham’s new ice and leisure centre would be popular but to see this many people using it in under a year is fantastic. The feedback from the survey will help improve services but overall it’s a resounding vote of approval and a credit to the staff .”

Work is currently underway to improve the skate hire area, provide crèche facilities and more activities for under-fives.

event will yet again be one of the highlights of the indoor season.”

Tara Hewitt, Sainsbury’s Head of Sponsorship added: “We’re proud to host Mo’s return to the Sainsbury’s Indoor Grand Prix.

Make sure you don’t miss out as he’ll no doubt draw a crowd and have everyone cheering along.”

ritish Athletics have started a series of free Para Athletics Introduction Days for aspiring disabled athletes giving children aged 11+ the opportunity to train with specialist coach across the Paralympic events, which include: sprints, ambulant throws, seated throws and wheelchair racing.

The impairment groups covered will include: - Visually impaired and blind - Cerebral palsy including stroke and trauma - Spinal injuries - Amputee including dysmelia and talipes - Dwarfism - Learning disability In the New Year, the programme will continue on: Sunday January 25 in Sheffield

Sunday February 8 in Loughborough Sunday March 8 in Bath Sunday March 29 in North London

Page 50

SPORTING EQUALS

The Phoenix – December 2014

Sporting Equals launch Diversity Leaderboard at House of Lords

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by Steve Williams

apping a historic week visiting two of Europe’s major seats of international politics, Managing Editor, Marcia McLaughlin and senior members of The Phoenix Newspaper were invited to the historic spires of the House of Lords.

Special, learned guests from sports and the wider world of business gathered to a Diversity Leaderboard event, organised by Sporting Equals and Sport England, and hosted by Baroness Ann Taylor of Bolton, to discuss the lack of Black and Ethnic people, at board level throughout.

As the only invited mainstream, multicultural newspaper presence, sharing the company of the likes of former Chelsea, Aston Villa, Pisa and Celtic star, Paul Elliot CBE, Birmingham City and Jamaican international legend, Michael Johnson, England goal scoring hero, Les Ferdinand, Huw Edwards, Senior Public Affairs Manager at the Lawn Tennis Association, four-times world kick-boxing champion, Kash "The Flash" Gill and some of the most internation-

ally celebrated business men and women from the BME sector, the Labour peer expressed her deep concerns, and after highlighting the positive work carried out by The Phoenix, she said: “There’s a lot to be done, at all levels something that needs to be exposed in the media. We seem to have the job done on the pitch, so we need to mirror that in management and boardroom level throughout the country.”

After the appointment of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as the new manager of League Two side Burton Albion, it brought the total of Black managers in the top four divisions in the English Football Leagues to 3, highlighting the stark reality of the lack of Black managers in this country today, in 2014.

Former West Bromwich Albion legend, PFA Trustee and Chair of Sporting Equals, which exists to promote ethnic diversity across sport and physical activity, Brendon Batson MBE, has long been calling for an English adaptation of the Rooney Rule.

Arun Kang, Sporting Equals’ CEO, said, at the event: "It’s not about ‘tokenism.’ We want a wider

The Phoenix – December 2014

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SPORTING EQUALS

pool choice so we are setting up a national steering group “We are passionate about seeing the Rooney Rule adopted in football so why not also for companies? Our Leaderboard project already monitors the number of BME board members on national governing bodies (NGBs) of sport.

It shows that out of 45 NGBs only 3% have BME board members.”

“The situation in the top FTSE 100 is a little better but as figures from Business in the Community show only 6% of top management positions and 7.9% of management positions are held by BME members.”

“When you consider nearly 20% of the population is from BME communities you realise how far we have to go."

Sporting Equals Ambassador, Peter Virdee, said: “Surveys in the

US shows that for any industry to stay ahead of the game, they must embrace change and diversity.

Businesses that do so will grow.

Jennie Price, Sport England Chief Executive, said: “Sports boards and governance show a low percentage of BMEs and are giving funds to show our empathy with our BME community.”

Sporting Equals will be celebrating truly inspiring sportsmen and sportswomen with the first ever British Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Sports Awards, to be held at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, in February in 2015.

As The Phoenix is recognised as the leading mainstream positive, informative and objective newspaper, in Europe’s leading political Houses, the fight for parity, at all levels of sports and business, goes on unabated.