The Phoenix Newspaper - February 2017

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Midlanders Recognised

by The Queen in New Years Honours T he great and the good of the West Midlands was well represented as Birmingham-based Punjabi musician, performer and teacher Gurcharan Mall – led a list of outstanding people who were recognized by the Queen on her Honours list at the start of the year.

Mall was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to

British Asian music and performing arts.

The 64-year-old has recorded about 50 albums and singles since 1982, many of which went gold and platinum.

Otherwise known as King G Mall, he said: “This [medal] will encourage my fellow musicians and dancers because they do not get the credit they deserve.”

Continued on Page 4

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Is Melania the new Jackie Kennedy? - Page 24

Zierlich International Dialysis Centre Launch - Page 9

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By Raynard Jackson BV Views columnist

A

s I reflected on President Trump’s inauguration, I can’t help but think upon one of my favorite quotes by former British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill.

“To every man there comes a time in his life when he is figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a great and mighty thing; unique to him and fitted to his talents.

“What a tragedy if that moment finds him unprepared, or unqualified, for the moment that could be his finest hour.”

In 2015, Trump was “literally” tapped on the shoulder and declared his candidacy for the presidency of the United States.

The God I serve must have pre-ordained this event from Trump’s mother’s womb.

Trump’s declaration to seek the presidency provided him an opportunity to do a great and mighty thing.

To seek and to become the President of the United States would be anyone’s crowning achievement of their life.

His candidacy and campaign style were, without question, unique to him and fitted to his talents.

There is no other that could have campaigned as Trump did and still win.

He is a once-in-a-lifetime candidate - defying all conventional approaches to politics and campaigning.

President Trump has an innate ability to tap into the concerns that the voters most care about, without having a pollster telling him what the people think.

The liberal media has already declared that this moment, he

being president, has found him unprepared or unqualified for the moment that could be his finest hour.

What the media refuses to accept is that Trump has changed the whole approach to the presidency.

He doesn’t need to adjust to the media; the media must adjust to him. The media is no longer the fourth estate; they are merely fleas that need to be swatted away.

Never has a U.S. president frequently and accurately labeled the media for what they are — dishonest!

George Bernard Shaw once told me; “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world, the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.”

President Trump was unreasonable enough to ignore the polls, run with a skin and bones campaign staff, and to speak directly to the American people by going around the dishonest mainstream media.

As long as he embodies an “unreasonable” approach to the presidency and governing, I think he will be a very successful president. But the moment he decides to be a “reasonable” president, he will have a disastrous presidency.

Being reasonable has gotten this country into a $20 trillion deficit; being reasonable has gotten us a totally dysfunctional educational system; being reasonable has made us into a weak country, internationally.

God has given our new president everything he needs to be a truly great president; one who can “Make America Great Again!”

The Phoenix – February 2017

Trump could be a ‘disaster’ Business expert warns

L Trump Doesn’t Need Mainstream Media And They’re Mad as Hell

eading business figures in the Midlands were told that the Trump administration would be a “disaster” and that there was a strong likelihood that the president would be impeached.

An expert on American studies, Dr Steve Hewitt, senior lecturer in history and American and Canadian studies at the University of Birmingham was speaking at a breakfast organised by the Midland Chapter of the British American Business Council, part of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

Speaking on a personal basis Canadian-born Dr Hewitt said: “I foresee chaos with an individual with little experience running the most powerful country in the world.

Millions in the US will be losing health insurance, there will be growing social division and the crackdown on immigration will be troublesome.

Obama deported 2.5 million illegal immigrants but Trump

has pledged to deport 11 million.

“He (Trump) could be impeached with his Vice President Mike Pence more in keeping with the strong Christian faith in the Republican Party.”

Asked about the future of the Democratic Party, Dr Hewitt said: “I think they should just step back because I think this administration is going to be a disaster.”

Earlier Dr Hewitt said: “Trump has shifted his stance on a number of issues which means that he can do things that are unexpected. This could be potentially dangerous.

In turning his back on free trade he is breaking with Republican tradition. He is a 21st Century Andrew Jackson (US president from 1829 to 1837).

Jackson was the Republicans’ ideal figure – a military hero and a slave-trader, not fitting with today’s political correctness but there are some parallels.”

Dr Hewitt said that Steve Bannon, Trump’s chief

strategist and senior counsellor, was on the extreme right and described him as a US Nigel Farage – “an outsider and a disrupter.”

“Trump’s team think China has stolen a whole lot of US jobs…” Dr Hewitt said, “… that they are determined to get back. We can expect China and Mexico to be the main targets of the Trump administration.

Mexico feels very vulnerable with the prospect of the wall being built but it has a position of strength in that it acts as a defence against more drugs finding their way into the States from South America.”

He said Trump had “rattled” the Chinese and some of his issues had been about national pride. “You have got to be careful because China is their top trading partner along with Canada.

“Britain is reasonably well positioned. But you need to be flexible and ensure you flatter the new president. Trump is someone who needs reaffirmation of how great he is.”

The Phoenix – February 2017

Page 3

NEWS

Celebrating 100 years of Victoria Clarke

50 Years of attendance for Centurion,Victoria

B

irmingham Lord Mayor Councillor Carl Rice was a very special guest of honour as family and friends gathered, at the Villa Road Methodist Church, in Birmingham, to celebrate the 100th

birthday of one Victoria Clarke and mark her 50 years of outstanding service while attending the place of worship, in Lozells, in the city.

The occasion was made that much more symbolic as in attendance, along with the regular

congregation, Cllr. Rice, who, along with his wife, Deed Curry, presented Vicky with a special bouquet of flowers.

“You, Vicky, came here, to Birmingham, in 1954 - a year before I was born,” he said. “And your contribution to the city,”

he continued, “deserves the full praise you are getting, from family, friends and the wider community.”

A native of St. Anne, in Jamaica, the effervescent-looking Victoria was praised by the serving Reverend Helen Jobling

who thanked her for her long and valued presence, at Villa Road Methodist Church, and the legacy she has created for generations to follow.

It’s quite an occasion to celebrate a one hundredth birthday, but as Victoria sat, pristine and observant of all what - and who - was around her Hugs, kisses, gifts and The

Phoenix Newspaper greeted Victoria as she entered the church and she wasn’t the least bit shy about the celebration.

With her special birthday card from The Queen due, a whole year of celebrations truly got off with a winning smile from the alluring Victoria.

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NEWS

Midlanders Recognised by The Queen in T New Years Honours

Freedom of the City Awarded to Pub Bombing Victims

Monthly views with Anthony Kelly New Years Honours List

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his article is about the recently announced New Year’s Honours list in Britain which at the best of times is somewhat old fashioned in its approach to honouring worthy community leaders and volunteers who have for years done so much stellar work in building and engaging their respective communities.

Who is responsible for nominating such community leaders as I can think of many especially from the Black and Minority Ethnic Community who have been overlooked?

Some I imagine are too humble and modest in putting themselves forward and in any case it is up to others to put that right.

I remember once reading something along the lines of the Black and Minority Ethnic Community is under-represented in terms of being nominated for these awards in the New Year or on the Queen’s official birthday in June.

I accept that some people are not keen on the Member of the British Empire (MBE) and Commander of the British Empire (CBE) awards as they strike of a bygone era with an emphasis on the Empire and Britannia ruling the waves.

The awards system is archaic and does need to move with the times. It needs an overhaul, be modernised and names of awards changed to reflect today’s ethnically diverse society.

Then more deserving recipients will probably readily accept the recognition as one is also aware of some people who have publicly refused to do so over the years.

It seems as long as one is able to do some form of sports, be a pop star or donate large sums of cash to respective political parties that almost guarantees them an honour and in my view is wrong.

It defeats the whole purpose of the exercise of what the awards are meant to represent and symbolize.

To give someone a knighthood at the age of 29 just makes a mockery of the criteria being used.

One can only hope that the powers that be see these views and decide to make changes for the better.

The Phoenix – February 2017

l Neena Gill received a CBE

he 21 people murdered by terrorists in the Birmingham pub bombings are to be given the posthumous Freedom of The City in an unprecedented move that has delighted most of the families of the victims with their relatives hoping it will bolster their campaign to win funding from the Government for the forthcoming renewed inquest.

The announcement marks the 42nd anniversary of the terrible night of November 21, 1974, when IRA bombers destroyed The Tavern in The Town and The Mulberry Bush pubs in the City Centre.

The city council leaders approved the move agreeing that it will ensure the names of those killed will never be forgotten.

City Council leader Councilor John Clancy and fellow party leaders Cllrs. Robert Alden and Jon Hunt issued a joint statement which said: “The horrific events of November 21, 1974 cast a long shadow in Birmingham as our city came under attack.

“The victims of the bombings were sons and daughters of our city and our region, tragically cut down on that horrific night.

“As a mark of respect we are now beginning the process of posthumously awarding the Freedom of the City to the innocent victims of the bombings at the Mulberry Bush and the Tavern in the Town. They will never be forgotten.”

A formal final decision to confer the award is yet to be taken by the city council, but approval is expected.

2017.

It will explore Britain’s South Asian heritage, examining the contribution made by South Asian people to Birmingham and the UK, and featuring contributions from local communities as they are invited to share their stories in their own words.

Birmingham will be celebrating Utsav (festival/celebration), Year of South Asian Culture and the contribution those communities have made to the city.

The exhibition will reflect on the political context of Britain’s long relationship with South Asia, recognising turbulent times in our shared history, as well as celebrating the contribution of South Asian culture to the UK’s heritage, with a particular focus on Birmingham.

Highlights of the exhibition will include archive papers of figures such as Gandhi and Hanif Kur-

eishi, official records from the East India Company and India Office, classified surveillance files, campaigning materials, recorded oral histories, and photographic portraits stretching back over 70 years.

Councillor Ian Ward, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Our city’s greatest strength is the energy, creativity and diversity of its people and this year, in particular, presents a great opportunity to celebrate the contribution of South Asian culture to Birmingham’s past, present and future.”

British Library Chief Executive, Roly Keating, said: “This partnership can be seen as a celebration of collaboration – between libraries, communities and cultures – exploring the wonderful potential that’s unlocked when we come together to share our ideas and our stories.”

l Punjabi musician, performer and teacher Gurcharan Mall was awarded the British Empire Medal. Photograph courtesy of The Phoenix Newspaper 5th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation 2015 Marcia Shakespeare - the mother of 17-year-old Letisha, who was killed in a drive-by shooting in Birmingham in 2003 was also honoured.

Marcia now a passionate anti-gun, gang and knife campaigner was given an MBE for her services to law and order.

She runs the Precious Lives charity, which is supported by the PCC, to deliver educational and inspirational speeches to more than 10,000 schoolchildren.

Among other Midlanders given gongs was Karen Ross, whose teenage daughter Rosie was l Marcia Shakespeare received an MBE stabbed to death while she was out shopping in Birmingham in Continued from Front Page 2001, was also given an MBE for The Phoenix Newspaper has services to charity and reducing worked with G Mall where he knife crime among young people was the headline act at the 5th An- in her hometown Walsall. niversary Gala Dinner and Awards She established the ‘Rosie’s Ceremony.

Helping Hands’ charity with her

husband Sean and has since raised more than £450,000.

West Midlands Police Pc Joseph Cahill, who was awarded an MBE for services to the community in Birmingham and for his role as Chair of Governors at Broadway Academy in the city.

Political figures from the West Midlands to be honoured include Neena Gill, MEP for the West Midlands, who got a CBE for parliamentary and political service.

The Phoenix Newspaper first met Neena during its trip accompanying GNNSJ to the European Parliament for the first of its kind Sikh Exhibition to be held there.

She is definitely a credit to her constituency and the community as a whole - well done!

Councillor Bob Sleigh, leader of Solihull Council who received the OBE for services to local government.

West Midlands Police and Crime

Asian Heritage to be Highlighted at LoB

T

he Library of Birmingham and the British Library have received £91,700 of National Lottery funding to present Doc-

umenting Histories, a partnership project celebrating the important role South Asian culture has played in forming Birmingham’s history and identity.

At the heart of it is a major exhibition drawing on both libraries’ rich collections, supported by a programme of complementary events and workshops during

Commissioner David Jamieson said: “Congratulations to all those who received honours. There are so many hardworking and inspirational people here in the West Midlands and it is wonderful to see them get the recognition they deserve.”

Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

The Phoenix – February 2017

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

The Phoenix – February 2017

Statecraft – the Commonwealth Games Political Obama Legacy feasibility study launched W

T

he process to formally draw up a feasibility study for a Birmingham bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games was launched with the City Council appointing Origin Sports Group (OSG) to carry out the study.

OSG leads a consortium with

members Four Communications, PwC and Trivandi, which has an unrivalled track record when it comes to the preparation of major events.

Leading an expert panel established by OSG is Alan Pascoe MBE (Executive Chairman of The Partnership Consultancy) who was

Vice Chair of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

He has worked on every Commonwealth Games since 1992, helping many cities with their winning bids, including Glasgow for 2014, as well as working on many of the major events hosted by Birmingham.

Sir Keith Mills, OSG Chair, was the CEO of London 2012 - the company that successfully won the bid for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He was also chairman of the Invictus Games 2014, delivering the brand new para-sport event in just seven months.

The study’s cost is capped at £170,000, of which the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) is contributing £50,000.

Birmingham City Council Deputy Leader, Coumcillor Ian Ward, said: “OSG is a natural choice to become one of our partners at the start of the journey. Through the feasibility study, we’ll know what is needed to make the Commonwealth Games work and become a success.”

Debbie Jevans, OSG project leader, said: “We will bring our varied and extensive bid experience to deliver a comprehensive feasibility assessment of Birmingham’s credentials as a host for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.”

GBSLEP Chair Steve Hollis said: “Unlike other cities considering bidding, we already have significant infrastructure in place and HS2 set to be operational from 2026.

The Games will not only attract interest in the region and contribute significantly to the local economy, but will also provide legacy investment opportunities.”

Immigration: Is this the beginning of the end of Britain?

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By Dr Tony Talburt

ecent studies by the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford have found that immigration is one of the top five issues that most people in the UK are concerned about.

Indeed, reducing the levels of Immigration, as well as exercising greater control over British borders were also two of the reasons why some people voted in the recent referendum to leave the European Union (EU).

Over the next few weeks and months the issue of immigration will invariably feature in many discussions in all sorts of places, from the houses of Parliament through to pubs, homes and street corners, the length and breadth of the country.

But should we be so concerned or almost fearful over the large numbers foreigners now living in Britain?

Despite the unprecedented levels of people from overseas currently living in Britain being at an all-time high, I am still not sure whether we should be fearful or greatly concerned.

Nor am I convinced that the current trends signal the beginning of the end of Britain as we know it.

Two thousand years ago, however, we might have had more cause to be concerned about the nature of the foreign settlers coming to Britain.

To an extent, we can argue that the earliest foreign settlers to these two islands came, saw, conquered and, very importantly, also changed Britain.

The arrival of the Celtic tribes, the Danes and Norwegian Vikings as well as the Normans, brought large-scale social, cultural and political changes to Britain.

For example, the Norman Conquest in 1066 bought with it, aspects of the French language which would fundamentally change the nature of the spoken language and the nature of government and law, influenced, in part, by William the Conqueror’s invitation to Jews to settle in England to help develop British commerce.

Certainly, it can be claimed that some of these groups of people who came to Britain were invaders, such as the Romans, who violently

destroyed many aspects of the previously established British (Celtic) culture that they came and saw.

The question is, will the current waves of EU immigrants result in similar drastic and fundamental changes in the politics, economics and culture of the country?

There are two reasons why I believe this will not be the case.

Firstly, notwithstanding the fact that the proportion of foreigners living in Britain today is, according to Migration Watch, 13.4% of the total population, most foreign settlers, especially from Eastern Europe, have not come to rule, conquer or control.

The indications are that the majority of these settlers have come to Britain to find meaningful employment.

The second reason centres upon the highly-charged question of

whether EU immigrants are taking more out of the NHS than they put in, at the expense of British-born users.

Once again, much of the fears and concerns seemed to have been over-reactions. Studies by academics at UCL and Migration Watch agree that during the period 1995-2011, immigrants from the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein plus all EU countries) made positive contributions in this public sector.

Whilst some are arguing in favour of taking control of our borders, it might well be the case, that what we need to take control of, is the degree of poverty and social inequality within our borders.

hen President Barack Hussein Obama demitted office as leader of the most influential democracy on the planet, he left an indelible mark on the dynamics of political statecraft.

Very few Western leaders -either of yore or in modern times – have excelled in this rather complex act of public w a r d - w i n n i n g service. journalist, editor and The messiness of politics publisher Dr Christopher including the ‘thankless’ and often unrewarding empathy Johnson writes his monthly and sympathy that it generates column in The Phoenix aiming and attracts simultaneously, to inform, educate and entertain. can present a picture to the unand the American public. trained eye or untutored mind, His foreign policy successes a profession that is unsuitable were also part of a ‘mixed bag’; for real mortals.

Politically, President Obama ranging from the Iranian nuclear used his oratorical skills (not deal, attempts at creating peace the ‘gift of the gab’ as is often between Israelis and Palestinimisrepresented) to inspire con- ans, dealing with terrorism and climate change to other hemifidence and renewal.

His crescendo motto, ‘Yes We spheric challenges.

Yet international power-play Can’, was not a just a clanging cymbal but one that was de- is more than just ‘a cloak-andployed strategically, to combat dagger’ affair. It demands intelfear, cynicism, apprehension lectual rigour, deft diplomacy, and mass hysteria that are in- unerring attention to detail and herent in America’s racially di- other finely honed skills and visive psyche especially when acumen.

Having an intimate interest in dealing with the ‘Otherness’.

His ideological leanings were the intelligence ‘playbook’ or premised on representing the ‘rule book’ for that matter, is not average citizen -the underdog a substitute for at times, realand indeed the very ‘under-belly politik; that is, changing scenof the American uninspired, the arios in continental regions that hopeless and [materially] poor are difficult to manage moreso control. and powerless.

The complicated [ideological, So it was Hope, Justice and Faith that his Presidency sought political, tribal, religious and to galvanise the masses partic- cultural] conflicts in the North ularly during the throes of the African/Middle Eastern peninsula are a case in point.

2008 economic crisis.

Discordant voices even those From an economic standpoint, the Obamas Presidency was a in the media, often don’t have mixed-bag. Through his inter- all the facts by which to make vention, America was brought an objective analysis of issues back from the ‘brink of ruina- on the ground.

The verdict of more than 50 tion’ or collapse.

Critics have yet to commend historians on the Obama Presidhis administration for this act of ential legacy, makes interesting convenient brinkmanship. The reading, as they all seek to memillions of jobs that were gen- ander between the temptation erated during his 8-year Presid- of subjectivity and the ethics of ency including the resuscitation objectivity.

Whether one is an ideologue, of the automobile industry, is a pundit, an activist, an entrecommendable.

His healthcare reform and preneur, a student and/or an other pieces of legislation that average citizen, Obama will had to be ‘forced through’ using be remembered, apart from his Executive Orders’ because of mixed ancestry, for these rare Congressional obstructionism, quintessential values:are plausible indicators of Pres- • His unerring belief in people; • His admission of human idential achievements.

Some might say yes; these frailties; were clear representations of • His sense of decency and ‘exam passes’ while others will pride; read them as proverbial ‘charge • His commitment to the average citizenry; sheets’.

Socially, the novel Presidency • His ‘willed’ understanding of whilst inspiring millions, ex- the universe; posed [systemic] racial cleav- • His imbedded spiritual resonage as detractors maximised ance; advantage to manifest doubt • His daring witticism and unand uncertainty about Obama’s bridled intelligence; and leadership fitness across the • His durable capacity and capcomplicated divide of American ability of thought and action.

The fact that is approval ratpolitics.

The manipulation of public ing remained high even in his opinion was evident in the use last days of demitting office, is of the ‘race card’ as a proxy to a reflection of his incomparable undermine legislative agendas durability of and in ‘grounding with ‘brothers and sisters’ from of the Obama Administration.

Much of this was quite subtle diverse backgrounds.

Whatever ‘man’s history meduring Obama’s first 4 years. As his second term began, overt thinks of Obama, his definitive means were used to scupper legacy or legacies as President, or dampen various other eco- will be tested [to the hilt] by his nomic, education and social re- current ‘alternative successor’. forms put before both Congress

A

The Phoenix – February 2017

Local firms urged to capitalise on HS2 bonanza

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

usinesses in Greater Birmingham are being urged to take full advantage of the Government’s HS2 bonanza after transport secretary Chris Grayling officially launched the hunt for a contractor to produce up to 60 high-speed trains.

The search for a company to design, build and maintain a fleet of state-of-the-art high speed trains for the HS2 network was announced today.

Providing a world class passenger experience is at the heart of the requirements for companies interested in bidding for the £2.75bn contract.

Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce chief executive Paul Faulkner said: “I’m sure our local businesses will relish the opportunity to try and secure the contract, and subsequent supply chain opportunities, to produce 60 brand new high speed trains for HS2.”

l Dr Christopher A Johnson, Marcia McLaughlin, and Dipak Shelat

Local Author Continues Promotion of New Title

A

s part of his promotional tour for his new book, The Anatomy of British South Asian Enterprise, Dr. Christopher A. Johnson, the award-winning Author (Recipient of the 2009 ‘Obama Shield’) visited the offices of The Phoenix Newspaper to present its Editor-In-Chief and CEO, Marcia McLaughlin with a

NOTICE

personalised copy of the book.

Accompanied by Dipak Shelat, former Director of the IAB, Dr Christopher took the time to explain all about his new title and his plans for the future.

If you wish to purchase a copy of The Anatomy of British South Asian Enterprise, get in touch with CEAL at www.ceal.org.uk

Development in Chinese Quarter offloaded for £2.7m

Dear Valued Members and Clients:

Please be advised that effective January 31, 2017, the relationship between Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS) and Barclays Bank has been discontinued.

In light of this, we ask that you desist from sending funds to your Victoria Mutual account through Barclays Bank.

We remind you that alternate correspondent banking arrangements have been made and we will continue to send reminders to impacted VMBS Members on the new way forward.

For further information, please contact us using any of the methods indicated below.

A

mixed-use development in Birmingham's Chinese Quarter has been sold for £2.7 mil-

lion.

City property group Real Estate Investors has offloaded the building in Bromsgrove Street to L&C Investments.

REI acquired it off plan from Taylor Wimpey in 2007 and took possession on completion in 2009.

Chief Executive Officer Paul Bassi said: "This latest sale was in excess of our book value and follows on from our non-core sale of properties in Crawley and Nor-

wich in December.

Midlands investment property remains positively in demand and so we will continue to make selected sales where our asset-management initiatives have been completed.

We continue to see criteria-compliant acquisitions where our asset-management initiatives can add further value.

The foundation of our near £200 million portfolio and the rental income from these properties continues to support our progressive dividend policy."

Page 7

•

Telephone: 0800-068-8627 (toll free)

•

Email: manager@vmbs.com

•

Visit our overseas representative office in Brixton, Tottenham or Birmingham in the United Kingdom.

Thank you for choosing Victoria Mutual as your financial partner to build Financial Independence.

Building Your Financial Independence

Page 8

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

Name & Shame

Retailer Fined for Infestation

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idlands-based discount retailer Poundland Ltd was ordered to pay more than £152,000 after pleading guilty of eight offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013, at Birmingham Crown Court.

The Willenhall-based company was fined £134,000 and ordered to pay £18,162 towards costs plus a £120 victim surcharge.

Poundland Ltd was prosecuted by Birmingham City Council after environmental health officers found evidence of mouse activity throughout the store on two occasions in 2015.

Officers found mouse droppings throughout the premises, at their Martineau Place store, in Birmingham, as well as a gnawed Easter egg and dirty conditions, so a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice (HEPN) was issued as conditions posed an imminent risk of injury to health as food was either contaminated or at risk of contamination.

Birmingham Food Store Fined Under Hygiene Laws

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t’s a story which went viral as a food store, renowned for attracting customers from near and far afield was heavily

fined under hygiene laws as evidence of mouse activity throughout the premises and gnawed food packaging was found, in the store room,

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Studio 15, Northside Business Centre, 2 Wellington Street, Birmingham, B18 4NR

after an inspection by Birmingham City Council officers.

The store, on Dudley Road, in Winson Green, was shown to have potential pest entry points in the toilet area and evidence of a fly infestation.

The toilet area was dirty and food was stored there.

Mr. Khan’s Authentic Jamaican Food Store, which started as a very small shop is noted for attracting a very large number of customers from the Caribbean community and it’s sad that it happened as support there has always been massive with many saying they are nice people.

It was at the point of its expansion that we, The Phoenix Newspaper, approached the owner, Mr. Pinnu Khan, to offer him the opportunity to thank his customers for their

part in its growth.

His reply, however, was gross and misguided as an angry Mr. Khan, stern in his reply, said; “I don’t need to thank them – they should thank me, as they need me - I don’t need them.”

The store gets people from all over and for him to show such distain when hygiene rules is for everyone – always. It’s just sad that he should treat customers this way.

This heartless experience highlights the fact that it’s time that people realize they deserve better, especially when buying stuff that’s far more expensive than homegrown – a practice that is expanding by the day.

That said this sad, unforgettable experience isn’t the norm. Saleh & Sons, for example, is a very popular food outlet, not too far from Mr. Khan’s Authentic Jamaican Food Store, which also attracts a large percentage of the Africa/ Caribbean community, has, is and always will, shown great gratitude for their long-standing custom that generations of families have provided them over the decades.

They regularly say they owe a great deal to their customers; “Without our African/Caribbean, where will we be?”

Mr. Pinnu pleaded guilty to five offences relating to the condition of his Authentic Jamaican Food Store under the legislation – ‘Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013’ and £4,000 x offence 1 with costs incurring £1,014 (£1,014 requested).

There was no separate penalty on remaining offences.

Popular chip shop shut down following ‘rats’ video

A

popular chip shop in Birmingham was shut down after a video appeared on Facebook showing rats scampering across the floor.

The Frying Pan, in Winson Green, was closed by the city’s environmental health team after the clip went viral showing the rodents running across the floor by the kitchen.

A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council said: “Following an inspection the shop was closed due to the risk of rodents present there.”

Reopening shortly after the Council’s visit, The Frying Pan themselves acknowledged and reacted on its own Facebook page saying; ‘…We carried out the necessary works to a standard above what was required and The Frying Pan is eligible to

continue trading.

Regarding the pest issue, we can confirm the issue has been resolved. We work closely alongside our long-standing pest control contractor who visits regularly to ensure the premises are pest proof.

We have addressed the issue and apologise for any disturbance this may have caused our customers.

We have been in contact with Birmingham City Council on several occasions previously regarding the external waste outside our premises. We hope with their continued support that not only ourselves, but all fast-food premises along the Dudley Road can operate in a pest-free zone…’

The Frying Pan attracts customers from far and wide, on a regular basis, and was commended for their swift response to the issue.

The Phoenix – February 2017

Inheritance Tax Relief Extension Announced

I

n the Autumn Statement delivered last November - the first major economic statement since the Brexit vote - Chancellor Philip Hammond confirmed that Inheritance tax relief for donations to political parties will be extended to parties with representatives in the devolved legislatures, as well as parties that have acquired representatives through by-elections.

This will come into effect when the Finance Bill is approved in 2017/18.

An inheritance tax (IHT) is a tax paid by heirs or beneficiaries of an inheritance at a rate dependant on the value of the asset received or the relationship to the descendant.

It’s also a tax on money or possessions you leave behind when you die, and on some gifts you make during your lifetime.

The value of inherited property receives a step-up in basis so as to reflect the fair market value of the property. It is an advantage of the heir or the beneficiary as it minimizes tax liability.

Everyone in the 2016-17 tax year has a tax-free inheritance tax allowance of £325,000. The allowance has remained the same since 2010-11, and will stay frozen until at least 2019.

You can also give away a certain amount of your money during your lifetime, tax-free and without it counting towards your estate.

Joint Allowances

In the 2015 Summer Budget, then Chancellor, George Osborne, announced a new transferable main residence allowance, which will gradually increase from £100,000 in April 2017 to £175,000 per person by 2020/21.

This is in addition to the main nil-rate band. It will effectively raise the IHT-free allowance to £500,000 per person.

Where married couples jointly own a family home and want to leave this to their children, the total IHT exemption will be £1m.

Married couples and civil partners are allowed to pass their possessions and assets to each other tax-free and the surviving partner is allowed to use both tax-free allowances (providing one wasn’t used at the first death).

At the extreme, this effectively doubles the amount the surviving partner can leave behind tax-free without the need for special tax planning.

Chancellor Hammond also said that in terms of tax avoidance, the government will introduce a new penalty for any person who has enabled another person or business to use a tax avoidance arrangement that is later defeated

by HMRC and will also remove the defence of taking reasonable care by relying on non-independent legal advice when considering penalties for any person or business that uses such arrangements.

The Phoenix – February 2017

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

Zierlich International Dialysis Centre soft launched at High Commission

P

K Media, one of the UK's most respected PR agencies invited The Phoenix Newspaper to attend the soft launch of the Zierlich International Dialysis Centre at the Jamaica High Commission, hosted by JAMPRO's European Regional Manager, Laurence Jones. Making first official speech since taking his position as the High Commissioner of Jamaica to the UK,

His Excellency Seth George Ramocan was in attendance at the event.

We at The Phoenix Newspaper look forward to conducting an exclusive interview with the new High Commissioner in the near future, and welcome him and wish him well in his new role.

The purpose Zierlich International Dialysis Centre was explained at the launch, and the call to Dialysis patients wishing

to holiday to Jamaica but requiring Dialysis Care was clear for all. Zierlich has combined state-of-the-art medical facilities and the latest-generation technological equipment and coupled this with exceptional staff to allow them to be a ‘best in class’ dialysis provider in Jamaica.

Andre Nelson, CEO and Dainty Cowell, Renal Specialist Nurse explained in their speeches of the highlights and

Page 9

benefits of the Centre, which is also a holiday resort for people needing Dialysis Treatment and Care by an exceptional team of doctors.

Paul Harrison together with wife Karen know the key to connecting your business to the right potential stakeholders, and key players in American, African and Caribbean countries.

Page 10

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE WITH DR NESLYN WATSON-DRUée CBE FRCN FCGI

Leadership Excellence

with Dr Neslyn Watson-Druée CBE FRCN FCGI

A

ccording to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report, emotional intelligence will be one of the top 10 job skills in 2020.

The awareness that emotional intelligence is an important job skill, in some cases even surpassing technical ability, has been growing in recent years.

In a 2011 Career Builder Survey of more than 2,600 hiring managers and human resource professionals, 71% stated they valued emotional intelligence in an employee over IQ. 75% said they were more likely to promote a highly emotionally intelligent worker; and 59% claimed they'd pass up a candidate with a high IQ but low emotional intelligence.

The question, then, is why companies are putting such a high premium on emotional intelligence.

Here are seven of the top reasons why highly emotionally intelligent employees are so valu-

able.

They can handle pressure healthily Dealing with workplace pressures and functioning well under stress demands an ability to manage our emotions.

People with higher levels of emotional intelligence are more aware of how they are feeling, the impact that they are having on others as a result they therefore better able to manage their stress levels.

They tend to have better-developed coping mechanisms and healthy support systems that keep working effectively even in tough situations.

The increasing rate of change in the workplace is likely to increase work-related stress and boost the value of those who can manage it.

They understand and cooperate with others People with highly developed emotional intelligence are less defensive and more open to

feedback, especially when it involves areas of improvement.

As teamwork becomes increasingly important in the workplace, people who are able to understand and get along with others will become ever more sought after.

Highly emotionally intelligent people have well-developed people skills that let them build relationships with a diverse range of people across many cultures and backgrounds.

That's an asset in an increasingly globalized workplace.

Emotionally intelligent leaders have the knack for establishing and maintaining mutually satisfying relationships characterized by positive expectations.

They can gain the support and commitment of others and value working with others to achieve their goals.

They're good listeners Everyone wants to be heard and understood. The ability to listen well and respond to others is crucial for developing strong working relationships.

Many of us, though, aren't as good as we could be at really listening to what others are saying.

Because of their ability to understand others, highly emotionally intelligent people are in a better position to put their own emotions and desires aside and take others into account.

Their ability to pick up on people's emotions, through tone of voice and body language, come in handy in team settings.

They're more open to feedback Open, timely, and honest feedback is essential to job performance—especially at a time when

The Phoenix – February 2017

How Emotionally Intelligent Are You?

annual performance reviews are in decline.

People with highly developed emotional intelligence are less defensive and more open to feedback, especially when it involves areas of improvement.

Their high level of self-regard lets them look positively at areas where they can do better, rather than taking feedback personally.

They're empathetic Highly emotionally intelligent people have the capacity to understand other people’s feelings and thoughts.

They listen well and take into account other people’s feelings and circumstances before communicating their message or taking decisions.

People with high emotional intelligence are able to use their sensitivity to where others are coming from to build trust and cohesiveness.

Empathetic people develop the habit of listening to others before speaking – seek first to understand, then to be understood.

They take more time observing and asking genuine questions and then focus on establishing meaningful connection.

They are flexible and they set an example for others to follow Highly emotionally intelli-

gent people are able to adapt their thinking, feelings and actions in response to changing circumstances.

Flexible people are tolerant of others and receptive to new ideas, when considering points of views.

Highly emotionally intelligent people don't get easily flustered when things don’t go according to plan.

And their knack for getting along with others makes it more likely that others will take note and try to emulate them.

That's why high emotional intelligence is a key to influencing people in your business regardless of official title.

They are Self-Aware So they make more thoughtful and thorough decisions because of their ability to see things clearly from another’s point of view, highly emotionally intelligent people are able to make better judgments about how their decisions will impact others.

Not only does this result in better decision making overall, but it also helps manage damage control when certain decisions lead to negative consequences.

Being able to judge the outcomes of their choices lets highly emotionally intelligent people behave more proactively.

People who show an enhanced ability to adapt to change, manage their emotions, and work well with a diverse range of people are already valuable in most workplaces.

But with the rates of change and pressures in the workplace rising, they'll become even more sought after than ever.

Improve your emotional intelligence with:

DR NESLYN WATSON-DRUÉE Neslyn@Neslyn.com

There is a limited offer on Leadership Breakthrough Coaching at

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

Email: Neslyn@Neslyn.com http://Neslyn.com

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

The Phoenix – February 2017

Page 11

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE

Helping to create a world that is better for everyone A

nita Bhalla OBE is an extraordinary woman whose love, creativity and purpose in life shines through all that she does.

Anita, who was born in Nairobi as one of six children, who have all done well, is on a mission to create a world that is better for everyone. She stands for Justice and Fairness for All. Anita had a state education, attending St Mary’s School in Selly Oak. She was trained as a teacher and used her education skills to champion race relations for young Caribbean and Asian Women.

Indeed, Anita is a pioneer in setting up one of the first women hostel for Asian Women.

Anita has had an extensive broadcasting career her media career has been varied; from being a Correspondent, making radio and TV network documentaries to developing the BBC Asian Network.

She has been managing editor of

l Anita Bhalla OBE at the recent Birmingham City University Graduation Ceremony

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one of the regions local radio stations, head of political and community affairs for England; head of public space broadcasting.

She has led the Big Screens project for the BBC pre and during the Olympics. She was President of Circom a European wide group of public service broadcasters.

Anita has been a bridge between communities and journalists – she has been an outstanding role model demonstrating the importance of listening to community voices as well as demonstrating to other journalists how to break down fear of engaging with communities.

What has prepared Anita to do what she does?

Public service is in Anita’s DNA and her portfolio ranges from being a member of the Independent Commission on Social Justice to chair of Governors of a Junior and Infant School, Governor of Birmingham City University and Chancellor and Trustee of the Children’s University; Non-executive director for Birmingham Women’s Hospital and Chair of the Institute of International Visual Arts (INIVA).

Her interest in the Arts includes being chair of the Midlands Arts Centre, during which time the centre had a £15.8m redevelopment.

She is Chair of the Creative City Partnership for the Birmingham and Solihull LEP. Anita is also Trustee of the Symphony Hall in Birmingham and a Trustee of the Children’s University.

What inspires Anita do what she is doing now?

Anita firmly believes that things have to get better if she could wave a magic wand, she would eliminate all barriers and she would enable every child to have clean water, at least one nutritious meal every day, light and nurturing within a family. She is a great supporter of water aid.

Anita relates to the experience of her family. She has fun memories of her mother who did not want to marry or to be a mother, but went on to give birth and nurture six children.

During my interview with Anita, she spoke of resilience and related to the monumental decision her parents made to leave Kenya and travel to the UK. Her educated father did not

manage to get a pen- pushing job but worked in a dusty foundry and her mother got on with the job of ensuring that all the children were performing well at school.

Outside of the home Anita’s mother worked so the family could make ends meet and her mother was one of the first Asian women to work on the factory floor at Cadbury's.

Anita’s Core Values Are:

Her family and the human family, fairness and justice, working in partnership; so follow her @AnitaBhalla to get a sense of her values.

Along with principles of spirituality Anita practices doing five good deeds per day, that no one else even knows, such as give way in traffic.

Anita’s Priorities

In addition to her family, Anita prioritises creating space to nurture and listen to young people.

She said to me, “We have to support young people.

“Can you imagine, if every professional gave access to two young people? If every professional mentored two young people per year – Can you imagine the difference that would make?

“We need to invest in everybody. For far too long we have ignored the experience of young working class white boys both culturally and geographic and now we are paying the price as a society.”

Anita wants to be remembered for being a positive person, an enabler as a partnership worker and as a doer, simply put, she said she wants to be remembered as one who has put a tiny brick in this world.

The events that Anita wished had never happened are religious conflicts, she said: the effects of religious conflicts and barriers are so sad. Anita has learnt from her challenges in life, that you can’t do it alone and as Anita’s strong expression is: We have to work together in collaboration.

So what advice would Anita give to someone wishing to start?

Always have a plan A and if that does not work fall onto plan B and plan C. Remember that there are 26 letters in the Alphabet so work from A to Z until you find the plan that works.

Page 12

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT - PROMOTING EXCELLENCE

The Phoenix – February 2017

g n i t o Celebrating m o r P e c n e l Excel Graduate As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting the positive and inspirational individuals and organisations in our communities, The Phoenix Newspaper presents Promoting Excellence - a closer look at our role models, entrepreneurs, community figures and success stories.

Education Programme Supporting World Championship Athletics

A

s part of the buildup the World Para Athletics Championships and IAAF World Championships London 2017, teachers across the UK can get their students involved in the summer’s biggest sporting event with the launch of a free education programme, Starting Blocks.

Designed to inspire, motivate and engage young people, Starting Blocks is the official education programme for both world championships.

The digital hub will provide free, curriculum-linked resources for teachers of pupils aged five to 14.

All resources are specially designed to open young people’s eyes to new opportunities and experiences through classroom activities and whole-school ideas.

Three themes will connect students to the summer’s biggest sporting event: • A Summer of World Athletics introduces young people to the events and excitement of the summer and to the sport of Athletics in PE and Sport.

• The World in One City celebrates the 200 nations who will come together to compete and their unique cultures using Maths and numeracy.

• Faces of the Summer uses

English and literacy to showcase the people who will make the summer great including athletes, their support teams, volunteers, sponsors and organisers.

Championship organisers have already begun engaging with young people by offering all schools in Greater London access to a special package for the World Para Athletics Championships at a discounted rate of £3 per ticket.

London 2017 Ltd have also partnered with iconic BBC children’s television show Blue Peter for a nationwide competition with young people aged six to 15 years-old invited to design two championship mascots and the results will be judged by Olympic champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and double Paralympic gold medallist Richard Whitehead MBE. Starting Blocks has been developed in partnership

with leading educational consultancy EdComs, who are responsible for Get Set, the British Olympic Association and British Paralympic Association’s youth engagement programme.

Tested by education industry experts, Starting Blocks received glowing feedback for the quality and effectiveness of its resources ahead of the launch.

Niels de Vos, Championship Director for the World Para Athletics Championships and IAAF World Championships London 2017, said: “Starting Blocks demonstrate our commitment to inspire, motivate and engage young people around the UK.” The first 500 schools to register with Starting Blocks will also receive a free poster and be entered into a draw to win an elite athlete visit to their school.

Success at BCU

O

nce again the Birmingham City University (BCU) Awards Ceremonies took place at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham, and like last year, The Phoenix Newspaper’s Editor In Chief Marcia McLaughlin, accompanied by Dr Neslyn Watson Druee, Chairperson of TPN Media’s Board of Directors and honorary Doctorate of BCU were invited to attend.

It was a wonderful opportunity to be a part of such a heartwarming celebration of achievement and success where graduates were not just recognised by staff and peers, but supported by their friends and family who all came out in light of the remarkable achievements of these students.

Alongside the students receiving their awards, Professor Charles Craddock, CBE, Director of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham as well as Professor of Haemato-Onco-

logy at the University of Birmingham, and Tony Hall CBE, Lord Hall of Birkenhead who is the 16th Director-General of the BBC were both made Honorary Doctors of BCU. Also recognised as the Alumni of the Year were Lee Lapthorne, for Enterprise and Innovation, Paul Harris and Tina Swani for Community Engagement and Leadership, and Alisdair and Jonathan Cusick for Excellence in Sport or the Arts.

Councillor Carl Rice, the Lord Mayor of the City of Birmingham and Ex-Officio Pro-Chancellor of the University was in attendance, with many of the graduates taking the opportunity to grab a quick photograph with the first citizen.

Congratulations to everyone who graduated at this and all of the ceremonies across the Winter 2017 programme.

The Phoenix Newspaper Editor In Chief, Marcia McLaughlin met and had a conversation with the Principal

and CEO of BMET, Andrew Cleaves, where she had the chance to talk about the exciting projects that BMET is embarking upon, in particular their new Erdington Campus, and their diverse and all-welcoming nature.

We hope that The Phoenix Newspaper and BMET will work together in partnership in 2017 and beyond.

The Phoenix – February 2017

Page 13

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT - PROMOTING EXCELLENCE

Graduates to Think Ahead l Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, meets the Think Ahead graduates Joanne Shenton, Becky Shinton, Amy Leason and Jack Buckler.

C

ity of Wolverhampton Council welcomed its first group of four graduates onto a programme which enables them to train to become fully qualified mental health social workers and help pioneer a new way of improving support for people with mental illness.

The innovative programme is run in conjunction with the Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and the ‘Think Ahead’ charity providing on-the-job training, enabling them to become fully qualified social workers.

Joanne Shenton, Becky Shinton, Amy Leason and Jack Buckler are nearly six months into an intensive two-year programme mixing real life work experience with academic learning and leadership training.

Do you know your History? - Part 2

H

istory is the foundation of our knowledge, it can transform us with pride and self-esteem or it can damage our perception of ourselves and leave us lost in the present time.

It is absurd to think that no one knows or has the truth about our migration during the decline of the Egyptian civilization.

We departed from the head of Katiopa (Africa) to the heart of Katiopa, where we built an extraordinary central African Kingdom.

Many scholars like Mfumu Muanda Nsemi, Cheikh Anta Diop or Ashra Kwesi have proved un-equivalently that these early civilizations were Black.

Subsequently the Greeks, Romans and Arabs gained control of this region.

These are extracts from the booklet entitled “The History of Central Africa”, by Mfumu Munada Nsemi.

Without doubt the keepers of our past, resides within the authentic

spiritual systems of the Bakongo, the Dogan or the Zulu people of South Africa.

This essay is a brief time-line from when our Ancestors built Egypt to when they arrived at the 1st region that would later become part of the great Kingdom of Kongo Dia Ntotela.

In the year 4,200 before the Piscean era: • The Bena Kôngo Clans leave

the Ethiopian plateau and migrate to the Lower region of the Nile.

• The Bena Kongo form a federation to which they give the name of Ekipata, Egipata, Egypt.

• In the year 4,000 before Piscean era: • The rise of Egyptian civilization, characterized by the harmonious marriage of science = technological ability to invent, religion(spirituality) = the moral guidance of a people, and politics = the ability to govern themselves effectively.

Egypt then experienced a long period of ‘unparalleled glory’ and then came the signs of decline.

Now the council is planning for the arrival of a second cohort who is expected to arrive in Wolverhampton later this year.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE, said: “The Think Head programme is pioneering a new approach to bringing talented individuals into the social work profession.

We are extending the programme and welcome a further four graduates later this year to further improve the already high standard of social work practice in Wolverhampton.”

Graduate Trainee Jack said: “The programme has proven to be a challenging, intense, and thoroughly enjoyable experience and we are very grateful for the support from all the staff we have worked with.”

The second group of graduates will

In the year 1,300 before the Piscean era: • Religious reform of Pharaoh Kenatu(Akenaton) • After the death of Pharaoh Kenatu, his followers were persecuted in the land of Egypt.

• Many Bena Kôngo, followers of Pharaoh Kenatu leave Egypt and go to Ethiopia.

In the year 960 before the Piscean era: • The beautiful Mankenda Saba, of the clan Bena Kono, marries King Solomon of Jerusalem.

• On the occasion of this marriage, an important group of Bena Kôngo leave Ethiopia and settles in Israel.

In the year 920 before the Piscean era: • The Ethiopian partisans of the religious sect of Pharaoh Kenatu take the situation in hand and dominate Egypt.

In the year 220 before the Piscean era: • - The Angel of God Muanda Kongo came to consecrate the great Sage Mbemba Zulu who became the guide of Bena Kongo.

• - The great Sage Mbemba Zulu orders the gathering in Ethiopia of all the Bena Kongo dispersed in Nubi, Egypt, Midian, Israel, and Ethiopia.

• - Under the leadership of the great Sage Mbemba Zulu, the Bena Kongo clans (Nsaku, Mpanzu, Nzinga) leave Ethiopi and begin their migration to South Africa.

• - In land that they will call Zimbabue(Zimbabwe), these people from the North marry with the indigenous Pygmies and give birth to a new group of blacks who will later be known as Bantu.

• - After the death of Ne Mbemba Zulu, the great Mage Nkulu Isanusi becomes the Guide of the Kôngo People.

• - From Zimbabwe, some Bantu will descend to South Africa and occupy this country which

take part in their six-week residential course this summer before joining the council in September.

They will spend their first year learning on-the-job under the guidance of an experienced mental health social worker while also gaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work, needed for registration as a qualified social worker.

In their second year they will take on newly qualified social worker roles in their service, and work towards a Master’s Degree in Social Work.

A similar programme is also underway in children’s social care, with the council working with charity Frontline to offer university leavers and people changing careers a way into the profession.

was originally inhabited the Pygmies.

• - From Zimbabwe, the BaKongo cross the Kalahari Desert on the orders of an Angel of the Lord Muanda Kongo, under the leadership of Mama Mbangala.

THE PISCEAN AGE

In the year 320 of the Piscean age.

Under the leadership of the great Sage Nimi a Lukeni, the Bakongo occupied the land of the river they called Kuandu, Kubangu, Okavangu, Kunene and formed the first national region Kongo where they gave it the name Kondo Dia Mpangala.

To be continued…

Page 14

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE

Abigail Kelly Is Bringing Opera to the Masses H

Birmingham Francophone African Oral History Project

ADVERTORIAL

T

he African Community Heritage Hub celebrates a grant from Heritage Lottery Fund for its Francophone African community of Birmingham Oral History project.

The Heritage Lottery Fund was awarded a grant of £68,800 to fund an African Community Heritage Hub Oral History project called: Minding African Hidden Memories.

This project will work with individuals of the Francophone African community in Birmingham to record testimonies of up to 40 individuals to explore the resettlement experience of this community.

The project will focus on the resettlement experiences including; discrimination, racism, isolation, employment and mental health wellbeing since 1970s.

Young people and other vo-

lunteers will be trained to gain interviewing and archiving techniques to carry out audio and video recorded interviews with 40 individuals from this community.

Minding African Hidden Memories enables the local community to be involved in a very direct way in the recording and celebration of their history. There is also significant benefits for the community as the project will aim to give people with experience of sharing their culture, traditions

The Phoenix – February 2017

and memories.

The project will develop a multi-media archive of material. Ends products will include a website, and exhibitions to be held throughout Birmingham.

For more information please contact: Miguel Jose, African Community Heritage Hub 07584044147 or 0121 4088216

aving performed in South Africa, Germany, Hungary, Montserrat, Poland and The Cayman Islands, Abigail Kelly’s operatic roles include Ninetta in Rossini’s La ‘Gazza Ladra,’ Susanna in Mozart’s ‘Le Nozze di Figaro,’ and Cobweb in Benjamin Brittens’s ‘A Midsummer Night's Dream.’

Worked with the English Touring Opera she’s performed as Bridesmaid in ‘The Marriage of Figaro’ and Despina in ‘Cosi Fan Tutté,’ both by Mozart, Fido in Benjamin Britten’s ‘Paul Bunyan’ and Naiad in ‘Rusalka’ by Dvořák.

Just rewards for the Birmingham-born singer who aim to bring opera to the masses.

A competent piano player, from the age of 4, and violinist, by 11, the former King Edwards Grammar School for Girls pupil originally set out to teach Genetic Research Science, but the yearning for music was too great to resist her rise to prominence proving the epitome of belief, dedication and the incredible support of family, friends and her peers.

Abigail was singing arias since she was a child, before developing the genre whilst training at Birmingham City University’s Conservatoire – where she gained a first class honours degree - before gaining her Post Graduate diploma at the then-called Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now called the Royal Scottish Conservatoire).

Whilst at the Conservatoire she was awarded a course scholarship, the Robert Gahan prize for achievement by a singer and the BMus prize.

She worked with the Birmingham Operatic Company, before going on to the English Touring Opera Company; “With my interest in opera from such an early age, I want to introduce it to children – no matter what their background is - and show them just how engaging, diverse and uplifting it is,” the ever-vibrant Miss Kelly said.

“I know that it’s not for everybody, but I always recommend

that you try it, more than the one time. Opera, for me, always has that extra ‘funk’ which makes it so different to any other type of music.”

Abigail has performed in many operas written for younger audiences and often in particular for young people with special educational needs - making many recordings with the London Symphony Orchestra.

In 2014 she performed at the House of Commons alongside Dr. Shirley Thompson at a 'Birmingham Day' event attended by MPs and other civic and business leaders including David Urquhart - The Bishop of Birmingham and Sir Peter Bazalgette - Chairman of Arts Council.

With such a close relationship with the Diocese of Birmingham, she has sung for Bishop John Sentamu on a number of occasions including the confirmation service of his election as Archbishop of York at St Mary- Le- Bow Church in London and at the Walk of Witness service commemorating the 200th Abolition of the Slave Trade in London's Kennington Park.

Proud of her city, she has also performed at Birmingham's first commemoration of Emancipation Day and at the 2012 Birmingham Symphony Hall celebrations of Jamaica's 50th anniversary of independence.

Today, she’s getting her teeth into operatic works which tackle challenging subject matters such as ‘women’s abuse,’ ‘dementia’ and ‘female trafficking’ – “I love

the challenge of opera music,” she says. “There’s no subject that cannot be tackled and that, for me, is fulfilling.”

Some of her performances in new works include Queen Nanny of the Maroons in Shirley Thompson's ‘Sacred Mountain,’ which premiered at the Tête à Tête Opera Festival in 2015, and in 2016 she played the role at the Edna Manley School for the Performing Arts, in Jamaica.

Also Stephen Oliver's ‘The Waiter's Revenge,’ with the Birmingham Opera Company, a performance of Michael Stimpson's ‘The Sharecroppers Son,’ a song cycle celebrating the life of American athlete Jesse Owens and premièred Bob Chilcott's Christmas cantata ‘And Peace On Earth’ at Birmingham Symphony Hall with The City of Birmingham Choir.

“I just love to be occupied - with different types of operatic works.”

Abigail Kelly PGDip. (Opera) BMus(Hons.) will be performing a piece on Bessie Coleman – the first Black woman to earn a pilot's license and stage a public flight in America – in London, very soon, to add to her performing in a production of Gershwin ‘s ‘Porgy and Bess’ at the Barbican.

“Opera is a fantastic vehicle for the full breadth of human emotion,” Abigail acknowledges.

“You can reach the highest that no other arts can. It can be fascinatingly interesting, so I recommend you give it a go.”

The Phoenix – February 2017

Page 15

20 YEARS AS THE EYE OF ENTERTAINMENT

FEBRUARY 2017

www.streetcredmagazine.com

The Boy Is Back with a bang

Page 16

ENTERTAINMENT

The Phoenix – February 2017

www.streetcredmagazine.com

TV - Online - MAGAZINE /markdwaynehost

/streetcredmagazine.com www.streetcredmagazine.com

#ItsA10FromLen

Ciroc & Moet settings at Mark DwayneS Daytime Video Shoot

Look who I bumped into shopping at the Mailbox in Birmingham!

Shyam and chill

Return Of The Mack!

I

t was twenty years ago the last time we saw superstar Mark Morrison top the UK and the US charts with the legendary single Return Of The Mack and now he is back with a top ten for the same single but this time re-

mixed in Afro beat style with a feature by current rapstar Fetty Wap. This song will never die the question is can the Mack have another hit apart from this one? Sure he has got it in him...We will see.

I

was given a chance to be in an R&B & House music video for the first time by the owner of Street Cred and the musician himself Mark Dwayne.

I had seen music videos on YouTube and on TV but I never thought I myself would ever be in a music video.

The song for the music video was called ‘Show what you got’ which is an R&B & House song which will soon hit the main-

stream.

Mark decided to put Birmingham on the map and show the world that Birmingham does have talent and deserves to be recognised.

At first I thought that it does not take that long or that much effort to make a music video, as the celebrities make it look easy.

But boy was I wrong it is not easy to make a music video as there is a lot of work that needs to be done.

We had to get in the correct places, you have to retake the scenes more than once.

Let’s just say my opinion has changed and now I know how actors, actresses and models feel when they have to make a video or do photoshoots, it’s not just looking good for the camera there is so much effort you have to put in.

It’s not an easy job to get into.

The video shoot was an overwhelming experience overall.

If I had the chance to do another video shoot I would one hundred percent say YES! At the age of 17 who would have thought that I would have my own column in a newspaper and be in an R&B music video, not me that’s for sure.

The Phoenix – February 2017

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Nightlife Brand of the Month

Touche hosted

by JB @ Gaisha.

See how people party here!

Club Event of the month

J

oe Hunt has been a household name in the club scene for many years and its great that he now has a massive underground Garage party we can all go too simply called NICE held at the legendary Rainbow Warehouse in Digbeth Birmingham.

These events have massive attendance figures and always a NICE old skool loving crowd. The ravers are energetic and friendly, its a scene that you can easily go to and feel apartof. You can witness the best Garage Djs and live acts in the scene.

As far as it goes for Garage events in the Midlands there is only one and it is this..

Check some of the photos and be sure to hit their facebook page for more info.

Facebook: niceundergroundgarage

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ENTERTAINMENT

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ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

A Rose Between Thorns

A

fter a prolonged absence from the music scene, Ed returned to the charts with a bang, releasing two tracks, Castle On The Hill and Shape Of You at the same time.

Both tracks are from the forthcoming album, ÷ (Divide) which is set for release on March 3rd 2017, and both went straight to the top of the charts, breaking a UK Chart record by entering the UK Singles Chart at positions 1 and 2 with new tracks, a position that they’ve held for 3 weeks at the time of writing.

In addition to this, he also made the biggest opening week for any artist since Adele’s record-breaking return in November 2015 with 332,000 combined sales of ‘Hello’ Ed’s two new releases amassed a crazy 421,000 between them.

Ed will be visiting Dublin, Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, Nottingham, Birmingham and London for 2 nights each as part of his new tour, kicking off on April 12th 2017.

The tour actually begins on March 12 in Turin, Italy, and dates have also been con-

l Dr Saroj ‘Rose’ Duggal

M

e and my boyfriend have been together now for about two years, but there is a problem.

Neither of our families know that we are gay, nor that we have been in a relationship for all this time.

What should we do?

- Iatsham, Shard End A: Do whatever you feel is best, you haven’t given me much background to go on!

I

’m scared to show my true feelings. I’m in love with a man who is white, and I’m scared that it will disappoint my dad as he is all for marrying me off through an arranged marriage, but it’s not what I want to go through.

The guy who I am with is rich, successful and cares for me deeply, but just because of his skin colour, I know my father won’t approve.

I can’t keep the secret up any longer, I’m sick and tired of living a lie.

- Meena, Walsall A: My dear, I am so sorry to hear about your situation.

Can you broach the topic with your mother or another family member who you trust not to fly off the handle and try to break it to him softly?

Affairs of the heart are always difficult, especially around Valentines when you just want to show how much you love that person.

I suggest a softly softly approach to it, maybe introduce them as a friend first, and gauge his reaction to that?

Good luck!

I

’m lonely. I have tried everything to get into a relationship that is on my wavelength, but despite going home with someone most weekends, no one gets me, and it’s just about the moment.

What should I do to find my soulmate? - Bobby, Manchester A: I think you’ve answered your own question there, as most people who are out looking to pick someone up are not looking for a long term thing, although obviously there are exceptions to this.

What are your hobbies? Try meeting with people at societies or events that you’re interested in!

Good luck finding the one.

Sound of 2017, Ray BLK, is beyond ‘safe’

H

aving engrossed herself in music from a very early age Ray BLK’s winning of the coveted ‘BBC Sound of 2017’ is just rewards for the girl from the ‘hood.’ She says 2016 was a whirlwind of a year - and it looks like 2017 could follow

The Phoenix – February 2017

suit.

The London singer and rapper from south London is the artist to watch this year - a singer whose voice couldn’t be more authentic.

Ray said she was “honoured” to have topped the list at this stage of her career. “Winning the BBC sound of 2017 has to be the most

surprising thing that’s happened to me thus far,” she said.

Her strikingly distinctive soulful voice has been compared to that of Lauryn Hill – and she shares Hill’s fondness for reminiscing about youthful golden days. Her unique-sounding slant on London slang and cheeky wit has shown the amiable BLK to be adept at merging street credibility with pop acceptability.

She grew up with no formal musical background, instead learning the trade from MTV Base and the music of Missy Elliott and Notorious BIG. You can also hear the likes of Amy Winehouse in her music.

At last, one of the new artist awards goes to someone who’s way beyond just another ‘safe-sounding’ offering.

firmed for Spain, Germany, Sweden and The Netherlands in addition to other countries.

At the time of release of these two track, Sheeran stated “Hello 2017! I’ve been working hard on the new material and I hope you can be as excited about it as I am.

“I really wanted to show two different sides to my music that I’m equally as passionate about and I just knew I wanted to roll with two songs at the same time.

I’m absolutely buzzing to be back.”

The tracks are two brilliant but vastly different sides of Ed Sheeran’s repetoire, and like the title of the album, may be divisive to fans, depending on their preferences.

The album will contain both new singles, as well as a further 10 tracks, with names of potential future hits including Galway Girl, Hearts Don’t Break Around Here and Supermarket Flowers.

Let us know what you made of the newest tracks from this legendary artist.

Is Shape of You your new favourite track, or is Castle on the Hill on repeat all the time?

Dreadbeat & Jazz

M

arch will see the return of Delano Mills with his NotStrictlyJazz Quartet to Birmingham’s Symphony Hall.

Fusing the powerful infectious pulsating drum and bass rhythms of reggae, and the flair, passion, improvisations and harmonies of Jazz, the group lock together these genres for an umissable fusion of Dreadbeat and Jazz.

Delano has recorded and been touring with Birmingham reggae sons Musical Youth, Apache Indian, and Pato Banton.

He has also worked with the Sylvester Brothers Blues band, JALN band and the Broombusters with Charlie Sylvester.

The band also includes Alvin Davis on saxophones, Martin Trotman on keybards and Wayne Scott on drums.

For this show, the group will welcome Adrian Emmanuel, Vinny Price, Lucy Burton and Daniell Nichol-Wilson and Susan berry.

Anyone looking to be warmed by this Caribbean vibe after the British winter should head along on the 3rd March.

The Phoenix – February 2017

www.streetcredmagazine.com

BIGScreen

A

n aspiring actress and an ambitious Jazz musician who are struggling to make ends meet in a city known for crushing hopes and breaking hearts are drawn together by their common desire to do what they love.

But as success mounts, they are faced with decisions that begin to fray the fabric of their love, and the very dreams they worked so hard to maintain threaten to tear them apart.

Damien Chazelle, Director of the critically acclaimed Whiplash (2014), returns with his sophomore effort and proves that he is no one-hit wonder.

He is an excruciatingly talented filmmaker who has delivered two of the most intriguing, unique and downright surprising movies of the past decade.

La La Land is like nothing else released in a very long time. This is Chazelle’s love-letter to the Golden Age of Hollywood and its a wonderful throwback that manages to be reminiscent of the kind of movies you’d see lighting up the screen in the 1950’s, but beautifully transported to a contemporary setting.

Chazelle and his crew truly pulled no punches; La La Land is packed to the rafters with delightful songs and huge, complex dance numbers, including one of the

review

La La Land most memorable opening scenes in recent memory - a meticulously choreographed five-minute dance number that appears to be shot in one, uninterrupted take.

It’s a glorious way to open the movie and truly sets the tone for the joyous piece of cinema you are about to witness.

After only two feature films, Damien Chazelle has certainly made his mark.

Keep your eyes open; I imagine the dizzying success of La La Land will lead to a resurgence of the big Hollywood Musical, but I strongly doubt any of them will come close to this.

Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are both remarkable as Mia and Sebastian. They light up the screen with performances laced with a humorous zest for life while something more com-

A Grand Piano for a Grand Theatre

W

olverhampton Grand Theatre has celebrated the welcome addition of a Baby Grand Piano to the Encore Lounge – the venue’s new alternative performance space.

Until now, the Encore Lounge has played host to a number of live stand up comedy evenings, and a brand new season of comedy has just gone on sale.

The lounge has also seen two popular evenings of jazz music courtesy of the Brian Humpher-

wORDS by antony brown

son Trio.

Now, the theatre is calling for budding local pianists to trial the piano and showcase their talents in an ‘open-mic’ style series of opportunities.

The theatre is looking forward to giving opportunities to musicians, particularly those who are looking for performance experience which could lead to a period of residency at the Theatre as the programme for future performances in the Encore Lounge develops.

Opportunities will include the

chance to perform in the Encore Lounge before performances take place in the main auditorium and then again during the interval.

There will also be the possibility of performing at the Theatre’s Gala and Press Nights which are attended by many of the stars and actors appearing in the productions.

plex and painful lies beneath the surface.

Delivering an almost faultless performance is difficult enough, but to deliver performances this strong while also singing and dancing like your life depends on it is

even more impressive.

While neither of them have the strongest singing voices, this only serves to add a sense of realism to the proceedings.

Many of the best songs in La La Land are the slower, more subtle and meaningful duets between the two, where they sing to one another like they’re the only people in the world.

Their chemistry is palpable and their relationship consumes you.

Gosling and Stone have worked together on several previous occasions and they have always been great together, but their chemistry in La La Land will exceed even the most demanding of expectations.

While La La Land also has an impressive supporting cast, it is a personal story very much confined to Sebastian and Mia’s journey and it is their performances that truly carry the entire film.

Gosling was so dedicated to his role that he learned how to play the piano specifically for the movie and if that doesn't impress you, nothing will.

In the hands of less capable performers, La La Land would still be a big, extravagant and technically dazzling piece of cinema, but one that is void of heart.

However, with the outstanding performances from two of the best in the industry today, La La Land is an emotionally engaging saga of love, dedication and sacrifice.

As you may very well know, the

Page 19

BIG SCREEN foundation of any musical is...you guessed it; the music!

La La Land, like all musicals, features a mixed bag of songs ranging from fun-but-forgettable to downright gorgeous and it is during those gorgeous moments that you’ll realise you are watching something truly special.

Composer Justin Hurwitz has crafted something absorbing, nostalgic and relatable and while you may forget one or two of the less meaningful songs, there are also those that will stick with you for a long time after leaving the cinema.

One song in particular, entitled The Fools Who Dream, will resonate on a deep level with many people in the audience and for a plethora of different reasons - which is an important achievement for any piece of art.

La La Land is for those of us who want something more from life. It’s for every single person out there who wants to be more than what they are.

It takes a beautiful, funny and crushing look at the sad truth of life - that sometimes, we cannot have the things we want without sacrifice.

Unfortunately, life isn’t that easy and La La Land captures that truth perfectly.

With an infectiously feel-good vibe, La La Land will tap-dance its way in to your heart and serenade your soul. They don’t make them like this anymore.

Page 20

GADGETS AND GAMING WITH DANIEL RILEY

The Phoenix – February 2017

www.streetcredmagazine.com

l Jonathan Pie bring his take on events to the Town Hall.

BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY

M

ekazoo, which we first looked at back at EGX 2016 at the NEC earlier this year, has now launched onto Playstation 4 and Xbox One in Europe.

The free-flowing neon-infused platformer takes inspiration from the great and nostalgic platformers of old, giving players access to 5 Mekanimals, each with their own individual strengths.

From Frog, to Armadillo, Wallaby, Panda and Pelican, you are able to swing, boost, bounce, climb and fly your way through each level.

With fast swapping between each Mekanimal, players will navigate complicated terrain, overcome environmental hazards and face off against an insectoid army.

Overwatch Tops 25m Players Worldwide

P

retty much only 8 months since its initial release, the online FPS megatitle released by Blizzard has now hit 25 million players worldwide.

The Overwatch team put out a message to the world to celebrate this milestone of the multi-award winning game: “The world needs heroes, and over 25 MILLION have answered the call! The fight for the future isn’t over yet, though... Are you with us?”

Overwatch is available on PC, PS4 and Xbox One

The gameplay is fast and furious, with split second decisions and character swaps required to ensure that you, or you and your friend in its co-op multiplayer mode make it through successfully.

In co-op however, half the issue is controlling the Mekanimal on screen! With only one Mekanimal on screen at a time, players are required to try to collaborate as a ‘hive mind’ to ensure success.

Mekazoo is available on Playstation 4, Xbox One and PC now, for about £15 depending on platform.

To celebrate the launch of Mekazoo on consoles, we have teamed up to offer our readers the chance to win a copy of the game!

With 3 codes up for grabs for each platform, thats a total of 9 copies up for grabs!

COMPETITION

For your chance to win one of 9 copies of the game, just answer this simple question!

What do you play as in Mekazoo? a) Mekmonsters b) Mekmen c) Mekanimals Just email your answer, with your name, address, contact number and preferred platform(s) to competitions@thephoenixnewspaper.com with the subject “Mekazoo Competition”. Competition closes at 23.59 on 10th February 2017. There is no cash alternative.

Doctor... Who?

W

ith Peter Capaldi announcing his departure from the role of The Doctor at Christmas, the hunt is on for who will be the next person to be reincarnated into the iconic role.

The successor to Capaldi will be the 13th Doctor, but with a whole host of names being thrown around, who will it be?

Bookies favourites include Ben Whishaw, who has played Q in the most recent James Bond films, who

certainly has the necessary geekiness and flair to play the role.

One dampener on this is that the last time there was a vacancy for Dr Who, he said "I don’t think you can be Q and Doctor Who. It would be a bit wrong."

Richard Ayoade, IT Crowd favourite is another popular choice, but due to scheduling with The Crystal Maze comeback, that may not be possible. Who would you like to see as the new Doctor? Let us know!

February 02 Seaway 03 Hermitage Green 04 The Clause: Golden Age EP Launch 05 Black Peaks 08 Galactic Empire 08 Union J 11-12 HRH Metal 15 Jacob Sartorius 16 Four Year Strong 17 Cash 18 Busted: Night Driver UK Tour 18 Quadrophenia Night 20 Paigey Cakey 22 Touché Amoré 24 Sum 41 25 Eternal Fear 25 Mic Righteous 26 Angel

O2 INSTITUTE

February 03 The Wonder Years 04 Kaleo 07 Chelsea Grin 09 High Valley 09 Anthrax: Performing ‘Among The Living’ and More 11 Amber Run 12 Di Real Housewives of New Kingston Jamaica 12 Kate Nash 13 Ladyhawke 14 Trivium 15 Little Comets 16 The Sherlocks 16 Loyle Carner 17 Jessarae 17 Sigala 17 Sophie Ellis-Bextor 18 Tegan and Sara 19 AJ Tracey 19 MiC LOWRY 20 Band Of Horses 21 Deaf Havana 23 Hopsin 24 Me First and the Gimme Gimmes 25 Soca Madhouse Birmingham

BARCLAYCARD ARENA

February 18 Müller Indoor Grand Prix Birmingham 22-23 Drake 24 Pet Shop Boys 25 Kaiser Chiefs 26 Jack Whitehall: At Large

GENTING ARENA

February 2, 4 Black Sabbath 3 Donny Osmond 12 Heart of England Cheerleading 2017 16 Jack Whitehall 18-19 University Cheerleading Competition 20 Kings Of Leon

24 The X Factor Live Tour 2017 25 Vitality Netball Superleague Super Ten

NEC

February 12 Toy Collectors Fair 17-18 The National Franchise Exhibition 17-18 The 50+ Show 21-26 The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show 25-26 Asian Bride Live

TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL

February 01-02 Beethoven’s Fifth (SH) 03 Friday Night Classics: John Williams at the Oscars (SH) 03 Duke Ellington: We Love You Madly (TH) 05 Dido & Aeneas (TH) 05 There Will Be Blood: Live (SH) 06 Bianca Del Rio: Not Today Satan! (SH) 08 Holstʼs The Planets (SH) 09 Transatlantic Sessions (SH) 10 Friday Night Classics: Cole Porter - Let’s Do It (SH) 10 Angela Hewitt plays Bach (TH) 11 Angela Hewitt - The Beryl Chempin Memorial Piano Masterclass (TH) 11 Fisherman’s Friends (TH) 12 Tim and Tom’s Symphonic Adventure (SH) 12 John Shuttleworth: My Last Will and Tasty Mint (TH) 13 Mariam Batsashvili in Recital (TH) 15-16 Steven Osborne: Rachmaninov (SH) 17 LeAnn Rimes (SH) 17 Jonathan Pie: Live! (TH) 18 The British Paraorchestra (SH) 18 Elkie Brooks (TH) 21 Juan Diego Florez (SH) 22 Mozart, meet Joanna Lee! (TH) 22 Beethoven and Schumann (SH)

SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON

February 04 Amongst Giants 08 The Brew & Piston 09 Inheaven plus Freak 10 Soto plus Vanadine 11 Dreadzone 18 Firewind 19 Sean McLoughlin: Kamikazee 24 Andy Zaltzman - Plan Z 25 Boxstock - Cigar Box Guitar Festival 25 Country Nights - Bantock Park

The Phoenix – February 2017

Page 21

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

‘One Love: The Bob Marley Musical’ Full Cast Announced

T

he full casting has been announced for One Love: The Bob Marley Musical which premieres at Birmingham Repertory Theatre in March.

Set across a period in the Marley’s life, this new production written and directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah, tells the story of a man propelled from rising reggae star to global icon.

With unprecedented access to the entire Bob Marley catalogue, the musical features his greatest songs performed live by the cast.

Mitchell Brunings will make his UK stage debut as Bob Marley alongside multi award-winning stage and screen star, Alexia Khadime who will play his wife Rita.

Channel 4 ‘Humans’ star, Eric Kofi Abrefa will play Bob’s closest friend, Pablo.

National Tour star, Cat Simmons, will play Bob’s lover, Cindy Breakspeare.

Shakespeare’s Globe star,

Aladdin stars light up Dudley Zoo

S

tars of the panto, Aladdin, paid a visit to Dudley Zoological Gardens as they took time off from the production which is currently running at nearby Wolverhampton.

Joe McElderry and Lucy Kay who play Aladdin and Princess Jasmine in the city’s biggest ever pantomime, had a fun morning touring the zoo site and feeding some of the animals alongside dancer Katrina Ridley, before they headed back for the matinee

performance.

In helping the keepers to feed some of the zoo’s resident animals it was a chance for them to enjoyed some free time meeting the animals at the zoo as the musical pair won the affections of the Giraffes and in particular, the Lemurs, who as diurnal nimble climbers were particularly friendly – leaping from shoulder to shoulder.

They also got to visit the zoo’s 85 penguins, the meerkats and toured the Reptile House.

DZG is sponsoring this season’s pantomime and in December hosted the dress rehearsal performance where they invited local clubs, children’s centres and organisations who have supported the zoo over the past 12 months to join as VIP guests.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and Dudley Zoological Gardens are delighted to be teaming up again next Christmas for the family pantomime, which has already been announced as ‘Jack and the Beanstalk.’

Aladdin, which also stars Lisa Riley as Slave Of The Ring, Doreen Tipton as the Lazy Empress of China, and CBeebies’ Ben Faulks as PC Pong, has received more 5 star reviews than any previous pantomime at the theatre in recent history.

Newtion will play Bunny Wailer alongside West End actor Jacade Simpson, who will play Peter Tosh.

National Theatre actor Adrian Irvine will play Jamaican Prime Minister, Michael Manley while fellow-National Theatre Simeon Truby will play Leader of the Opposition, Edward Seaga.

Ricardo Coke-Thomas will play Tony Welsh, Birmingham-born Thomas Vernal, a recent graduate from The Arden School of Theatre, will play Claudie Massop.

Another Birmingham-native, Delroy Brown will play Bob’s’s manager, Don Taylor, Alex Robertson will play Chris Blackwell and Royal Shakespeare Company/Barbican’s Natey Jones will play Don Letts.

Other roles include; Maria Omakinwa will play Judy Mowatt, Shyko Amos returns to Birmingham Repertory Theatre to play Marcia Griffiths, with the ensemble including Taofique Folarin, Martina

Isibor, Melissa James, Lemuel Knights, Tanisha Spring, Ellena Vincent and Marcquelle Ward.

Bob Marley's words and music have brought joy and love to people around the world of all generations and cultures and ‘One Love: The Bob Marley Musical’ represents a spiritual and political journey which celebrates one of the world's most influential artists of all time by bringing his inspirational music catalogue to the stage for the first time.

This compelling original musical features Marley's greatest songs performed live on stage, including – ‘No Woman No Cry,’ ‘Exodus,’ ‘Jamming’ and many more.

‘One Love: The Bob Marley Musical’ is presented with approval of and in co-operation with the Marley family and Tuff Gong Pictures L.P. and has been developed with the support of Blue Mountain Music and will be showing at The Birmingham REP between Friday March 10 and Saturday April 8.

Page 22

ENTERTAINMENT

The Phoenix – February 2017

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Lov

Valen Valentine's Day 2017

W

hether you're attached, looking for romance or rekindling the spark that ignited your relationship, Valentine's Day is the perfect day to celebrate love, romance and all that good stuff.

There are loads you can do

to mark the occasion, from planning a weekend away to going for a meal, hitting a club to watching a band, it's a day to put everything else second and show that special person exactly how much they mean to you.

Many people would agree with George Eliot’s words, “I like not only to be loved, but

also to be told I am loved.” Is it more important to love … or to be loved?

Valentine’s Day is the occasion when you can experience both.

Whatever plans and intentions you have for February 14, remember: Love is not meant to be given and received just on Valentine’s Day. Instead, it’s to be practiced every single day of the entire year.

Personalised Photo Frame Keepsake Box Keepsake box which holds five photos! - £17.95

Love Hearts Tea Lights Spread some love, and light with these candles - £5.95

Stuck for gift ideas for Valentines Day? Here are a few ideas from the guys over at prezzybox.com

Personalised Me to You ‘The One I Love’ Book Beautiful keepsake book with personalised names- £12.95

Valentines G

F

or those of you with romantic feelings for that particular person in your life, you may send them a cards, gifts and text messages on Valentine's Day. Others not sure how to spend that day, will take

Your UK Romantic Getaway up one of a range of hotel packages and offers around the UK to help inspire you to treat your partner to that perfect romantic getaway.

Whether it’s a country escape, a city break or simply a night in a luxury hotel, the choice for that perfect place for you is wide and varied

up and down the country.

With hundreds of great hotels and package deals available for the weekend, where will you take yours this Valentine's Day?

The Phoenix – February 2017

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Page 23

ENTERTAINMENT

ve

ntines Pizza My Heart Mug For the pun lover in your life, this mug is the best! - £9.95

Personalised Prosecco Lighten up anyone’s day with a personalised bottle of bubbly, £22.95

Personalised Heart Keyrings Take a little bit of love with you! - £16.95

Getaways

P

Whisk them away to paris, with Love

aris is often said to be the most romantic city in the world.

The French capital offers a Valentine to remember with a selection of activities with your loved one like bateaux mouches, guided visits, walk in the Covered Passages, of course the Eiffel Tower, the Sacred Heart, the Pont des Arts, the gates are covered with padlocks sealed by loving couples, the riverboats,

the Rodin Museum Garden and much, much more.

The city’s old world charm is particularly conducive to a romantic rendezvous, and even though the weather is gray, they are bright places, thanks to windows and lighting.

Among the finest and most active, there’s also Passage Jouffroy, the Galerie Vivienne, the Passage des Panoramas and Passage Verdeau.

Paris offers fantastic options for unforgettable romantic moments for Valentine’s Day in the ‘City of Love.’

Who’s Your Valentine’s Day Beau?

T

raditionally, Valentine’s Day is a day for people in relationships to celebrate their love. But more and more, people who are not in committed relationships are making Valentine’s Day purchases.

Clever marketers have caught on to this and are targeting other markets to boost overall Valentine’s Day sales.

With approximately 55% of adults planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day, figures

show that the average person will spend approximately £150 on Valentine’s Day gifts with more people than ever purchasing for a number of different people in their lives, including; a significant other, co-workers, family members, classmates and/or teachers, friends and even pets.

When it comes to buying gifts, more couples are likely to choose gifts on their own without input from their significant other. This means people don’t always get what they

want.

On the other hand, over half of Brits are single, and many choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day and are purchasing gifts for a whole variety of reasons, and for many different people.

Furthermore, Singles Awareness Day was created as a reaction to Valentine’s Day and is celebrated on February 15.

So, if you’re cozying-up with your significant other – or that ‘significant other’ is no-one else but YOU; ‘Happy St. Valentine’s Day!’

Page 24

FASHION AND BEAUTY

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Is Melania the next Jackie?

F

ashionistas are asking the question; ‘Is Melania Trump the next Jackie Kennedy?’

The debate over how the spouses of the US President looks has always been a source of conversation – in many places more an important point than the person in the Oval Office themselves.

And stacking up historically against previous First Ladies is the present incumbent, Melania Trump, who is already being compared to Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of the late JF. Rated for her integrity and value to the president, many surveys show Jacqueline as the No. 1 pick for White House stewardship and for public image.

Melania’s inauguration dress evoked memories of Jackie as she appeared in the sky blue suit dress that channeled Kennedy’s

dove gray inaugural outfit 56 years earlier.

She said she wanted to be a first lady in the mode of Kennedy, a mid-century fashion icon, so her custom-designed Ralph Lauren outfit, which had bracelet-length sleeves worn with long gloves was homage to her idle.

The role of first lady, from ceremonial hostess to partner to the president in policy and decision making, has entered a new campaign arena with Melania already with the appearance of a first lady of great appeal.

Only time will tell, however, to see if the former professional model, already pilloried for nude pictures of her – taken during her former life – can withhold the level of worldwide, love, respect and integrity that was part of the make-up of the still much-loved Mr. Kennedy.

RA Vintage STYLE Check them out at RA VINTAGE FASHION on Facebook AND INSTAGRAM. Sponsors of Mark Dwayne’s Show What You Got Video Shoot

The Phoenix – February 2017

The Phoenix – February 2017 Page 25

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Record full-year sales as Jaguar celebrates

BCU highlighting magnesium as alternative in cars and aerospace

J

aguar Land Rover achieved its best ever full-year global sales in 2016 - selling more than one car every minute.

The firm retailed 583,313 vehicles - up 20% on the prior year.

This is the company’s seventh successive year of growth in sales, with retails in 2016 almost triple the 2009 figure.

Jaguar Land Rover’s global performance for the full year 2016 shows a balanced regional portfolio with record retail sales in the UK, North America and Europe.

Europe was the company’s largest sales region in 2016 with annual sales of 138,695, up 26 per cent year on year.

Driverless cars letting you kick back and relax

U

l Professor Hanifa Shah, Associate Dean (Research and Enterprise), Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment at Birmingham City University and Randy Chalmers, Plant Manager, Meridian Lightweight Technologies United Kingdom (MLTUK) at the Meridian facility in Sutton-in-Ashfield

R Retail sales were up across all other regions – 31 per cent in China, 25 per cent in North America and 17 per cent in the UK. A total of 117,571 Jaguars and Land Rovers were bought by customers in the UK - its best full-year results in the company’s history.

Andy Goss, Jaguar Land Rover group sales operations director, said: “This has been a significant year for Jaguar Land Rover, with updated models being introduced across the range, as well as the completely new Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Jaguar F-PACE. “It is particularly pleasing to see the Jaguar brand setting impressive new sales records.

“Customer response has been very positive this year, resulting in record retails across most of our key regions.

“I am confident that in 2017 our British line-up will continue to expand and delight in markets across the world.”

MOTORING

esearchers at Birmingham City University are hoping to transform the fortunes of magnesium by showcasing it as a viable alternative for luxury car makers and the aerospace industry.

It comes as the institution signed an exclusive partnership with the world’s largest producer of magnesium components, Meridian, allowing the two organisations to work together in the education, research and development of magnesium use, which will place fuel efficiency through weight savings and sustainability at its core.

At 1.8g/cm³, magnesium is the lightest of all structural materials, the eighth most abundant chemical element in the earth’s crust and is 100 per cent recyclable.

Based in Canada, Meridian opened its UK facility in July 2003. Today, its Nottinghamshire plant produces around 5,000 net metric tons of die-cast products annually, serving automotive clients such as Jaguar, Land Rover, BMW, Ford, Honda and Volvo.

However, being able to offer bespoke magnesium components for low-volume manufacturers, such as Aston Martin, Bentley and Rolls-Royce, can prove costly us-

ing current manufacturing methods, as the costs of tooling and set up become more significant components of a project’s budget.

As part of the new partnership with Meridian, academics from Birmingham City University’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment and personnel from the company will be investigating new ways to offer more sustainable goods for low-volume manufacturers, whilst making production financially viable for Meridian and its potential clients.

Randy Chalmers, Plant Man-

ager, Meridian Lightweight Technologies United Kingdom (MLTUK) said: “The strategic partnership we have signed with Birmingham City University is very much a first for us, but is one which we hope will pave the way for future expansion and sustenance with the institution as we seek to work together on our shared strengths in fuel efficiency and sustainability.

Our partnership with BCU will allow us to benefit from its leading edge research in the field, ensuring that the next generation of engineers continues to experiment with

new ways in utilising the metal.”

To develop this, the university has established the Magnesium Innovation Group, from which, 10 academics have been partnered with Meridian employees that best represent their area of expertise, and they will be actively engaging with their partner in the industry for the first half of 2017.

Research findings will be published ahead of a major international magnesium conference, which will be held at BCU this July.

S-based electric car company Tesla Motors’ latest concept car truly highlights autonomous driving.

Designed to be a car, office, living room and urban space all in one package, the XchangE electric vehicle aims to make driving completely stress-free.

The all-electric touring sedan features seats that can tilt, swivel and slide into more than twenty different seating arrangements.

With the steering wheel out of the way, driver and passenger can have access to display screens, extra leg room and cushions to put their feet up.

“Travelling in a driverless car will no longer require you to stare at the road, but will let me spend my time in a more meaningful way,” said Rinspeed founder Frank Rinderknecht.

This is because the steering wheel can be moved to the middle of the instrument panel together with a lightweight steering column.

According to the company, ‘passengers will be able to assume virtually any seating or resting position when traveling in the car.’

Four different screens provide information and entertainment.

A 1.2-metre-wide display strip in the steering-wheel support provides important information in wide-screen format.

Meanwhile, a 32-inch 4K monitor in the rear transforms the XchangE into an on-demand movie theatre on wheels that can be controlled by simple gestures.

The interior may be radically different from the Tesla Model S, but Rinspeed has left the exterior relatively untouched.

One notable difference is the roof. A coating by Evonik Industries provides the reflective surface to keep the car cool inside.

The car is a concept, but with a range of technology partners working with Rinspeed, parts of that it may soon become a reality.

Chinese city promoting driverless vehicles

C

hinese hi-tech firm Baidu has unveiled a plan to let driverless vehicles range freely around an entire city.

The five-year plan will see the autonomous cars, vans and buses slowly introduced to the eastern city of Wuhu.

Initially no passengers will be carried by the vehicles as the technology to control them is refined via journeys along designated test zones.

Eventually the test areas will be expanded and passengers will be

able to use the vehicles.

"They want to be the first city in the world to embrace autonomous driving," said Wang Jing, Baidu's head of driverless cars, in an interview with the BBC's Click programme.

This is the first city that is brave enough, daring enough and innovative enough to test autonomous driving," he said.

Mr Jing said the first phase of the trial would last about three years and would involve restricted areas in the city where buses, mid-size vans and cars would be tested.

After three years, the areas of the city in which the autonomous cars can drive will be expanded and the service will be commercialised to allow some of the three million inhabitants of Wuhu to use it.

After five years, he said, the whole city will be open to the driverless vehicles which will mix with human-driven cars, trucks and buses.

Mr Jing said he hoped the Wuhu trial would lead to projects elsewhere.

Page 26

ENTERTAINMENT

The Phoenix – February 2017

www.streetcredmagazine.com

BROS will BOSS 2017!

Velvet victory at west side awards Massive congratulations to Phil Stubbs for winning Nightclub Manager of the Year at the WOWs 2017

I

t is being plugged as the most exciting reunion of the decade, with Matt and Luke Goss announcing their show at The O2 Arena in August 2017.

It will be their first show together since they performed to 77,000 at Wembley Stadium back in 1989.

Demand has been unprecedented with tickets for the show selling out in seconds, breaking O2 box office records in the process.

Matt and Luke Goss have been overwhelmed with the reaction.

“We’re so excited to play these shows, we wish it was next week,” they said. “Summer can’t come soon enough.”

Andy Copping, President of Live Nation UK Touring said: “This has been the fastest sell out in history for any live nation show at The O2 and is utterly amazing.”

BROS will be playing Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena on the 25th August as part of their nationwide tour.

Propelled by their classic smash hit ‘When Will I Be Famous’, BROS ruled the world from 19871992. In that time they rewrote the pop history books.

We’ve got a pair of tickets to the Birmingham show up for grabs, and here is what you have to do to be in with a chance of winning!

COMPETITION For your chance to win a pair of tickets to see BROS in Birmingham, just answer this simple question!

Finish the title of BROS’ smash hit: “When Will I Be ________” a) King b) Famous c) Older Just email your answer, with your name and contact number to competitions@thephoenixnewspaper.com with the subject “BROS Competition”. Competition closes at 23.59 on 28th February 2017. There is no cash alternative.

S

tarting from February, it looks like rum is in for a busy and eventful year as Birmingham, for one, plays host to two rum festivals, in March and July, as part of the 16 rum festivals scheduled for 2017 across the UK. In January, city-based Mitchells & Butlers won a ThinkRum! 2017 award for best rum bar across multiple sites, kick-starting the calendar for the Midlands and it was an industry gathering to discuss topics of the rum category and its growing appeal.

A new entrant into this category will be the British and Scottish rums produced in the UK. Present at the event were award-winning British rum company Morant Bay, who had their rum on display and available for sampling for all attendees.

Their Signature Edition Spiced Red Rum, noted for its characteristic rosé colour due to the infusion of Jamaican rose petals, the flower is commonly used to make a drink known as Sorrel in the Caribbean.

In a category where rums can be graded as dark, golden or white, being red definitely helps it to stand out and brings something new to the table.

Morant Bay is looking forward to attending the Birmingham dates as they want to see how ‘rummed-up’ the city is - due to the multicultural mix and with its

It's a Rum-Do Caribbean and Asian communities who love their rums.

The London based award winner for independent rum retail, Allen Daly manager of Gerry's with 30 years in the retail spirit business noted that: "The new British and Scottish spiced rums that are now appearing are made to a high standard and unlike the big brands, have an interesting and varied taste that may not be to the taste of the regular spiced rum drinkers."

Marketing manager for Morant Bay, said "Rum will be the spirit of 2017, that will be gunning for gin, waging war on whiskey and vanquishing vodka."

It definitely is a ‘Rum do’ for rum-lovers this year.

The Phoenix – February 2017

It’s time to have your say!

The New

TV Show

It’s all about your views

Its gonna be off the hook!

Countdown to the debut launch and press conference.

Watch this space!

Find out how you can get involved

For more info call 0121 572 1939

or email 15minutes@tpnmediauk.com A TPN Media Production

Page 27

Page 28

ENTERTAINMENT

The Phoenix – February 2017

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Celebrating the Rooster in

I

t’s the largest event in its calendar as Chinese communities across the UK held New Year parades and public celebrations to mark the start of the year of the ‘Rooster,’ also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year.

It was a full day of activities including: lion dances in city centers and shopping malls, performances of traditional and contemporary Chinese dance and music, Communal meals and tasting sessions of traditional Chinese and Chinese inspired foods, short courses and lectures on Chinese history, lan-

guage and culture, exhibitions of art and crafts created by artists from China or of Chinese decent, displays of lanterns and fireworks, plus much more.

Most events were open to the general public for people of all backgrounds and communities to learn more about the Chinese culture with large public celebrations held across the UK, including arguably the biggest in the UK in and around the much-heralded Chinese Quarter in Birmingham city centre.

Launched by the Chair of the Chinese Festival Committee-Birmingham, James Wong, and in the

presence of city Lord Mayor Councillor Carl Rice, the 15th year of Birmingham celebrations proved bigger, more open and even more diverse than ever before with over 30,000 people converging onto – and around – Hurst Street and the Arcadian Centre in the city’s Southside district.

The self-funded daylong activities, with main sponsors including; Lycamobile, Genting Casino and Birmingham Airport, proved yet another mind-blowing success as for those who braved what was a not so bright day, there was so much to see and do.

The Phoenix – February 2017

www.streetcredmagazine.com

g the Year of n Grand Style

Building on the success of previous years, the annual Chinese New Year celebration was bigger than ever; with two stages, lion dances, funfair rides, street food and a host of traditional entertainment.

Celebrations got under way early in Birmingham thanks to a performance by the Choy Lee Fut lion and dragon dance team in the city centre.

“This is my second year in running the festival and I always had ambitions to make it bigger,” said Wong. “I’m proud that we were able to welcome the Year of the Rooster on such a grand scale.”

Cllr. Rice, said: “It gave

me great pleasure to join Birmingham’s Chinese community in celebrating Chinese New Year and welcoming in the Year of the Rooster.

“Occasions like this are part of what makes our city so colourful and vibrant, so I was proud to see many people join us for what was a fantastic afternoon of free family entertainment.”

The Genting and Birmingham International Airport stages played host to main performances including dragon dances, martial arts, cultural demonstrations and Chinese magic, welcoming local community groups and univer-

sity students to perform throughout the day, whilst Birmingham Hippodrome taking part in the festivities with traditional performances outside their main entrance and children’s workshops in the Patrick Centre.

The Rooster, the 10th of 12 signs in the Chinese Zodiac, according to Chinese astrology, represents hard work, punctuality, and fidelity, since the rooster crows to wake up the world every morning.

People born during the year of the rooster tend to be independent, kind, honest, and beautiful.

Page 29

CHINESE NEW YEAR

Page 30

CAMARA’S SPOTLIGHT

The Phoenix – February 2017

www.streetcredmagazine.com

DREAM NATION

I

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.

n this months’ Spotlight, I would like to introduce you to someone I have known for a number of years.

A strong and beautiful young woman on her way to being on the Forbes’ 30 under 30s list.

Meet Tobí Rachel Akingbadé, co-founder of Dream Nation (DN).

Amongst her many pressing tasks, she managed to squeeze in some time to discuss what she has been working on over the last couple of years with her ever-growing organisation!

So Tobí, who is Dream Nation?

Dream Nation is an events and media organisation created to inspire people, especially the millennial generation to be Practical Dreamers.

Practical Dreamers are individuals who not only have dreams but take practical actions into ensuring they are fulfilled.

The Practical Dreamer is resilient and persistent. We believe that everybody can be Practical Dreamers, which is Dream Nation exists.

Empowering and inspiring a generation through beautiful events and well-crafted contents on the internet.

The idea of Dream Nation first came to our Managing Director Claud Williams a few years ago.

He saw the need to create a community of Dreamers and to provide the necessary tools for this community.

With the help of myself and Creative Director Feruza Afewerki, Claud’s initial vision has grown into becoming what Dream Nation is today.

The three of us as cofounders are overwhelmed by the number of lives we’ve been able to positively affect through our work.

Who do you hope to impact with the work of DN?

We are hoping to impact a global millennial audience. Not

just one race or one social background but any human within this generation that possesses a dream.

We believe that everyone has the ability to turn their dreams

We wish to positively impact our target audience in their career progression, meaningful work and personal development giving them an opportunity to prove themselves in all areas of their lives.

What events and projects do Dream Nation hold?

into reality when hard work and practicality is applied.

Our audience are identified as: leaders, ambitious, driven, networkers, influencers, curious, high achievers

We currently hold three annual events.

1. ‘Chapter 1’, which is a creative showcase held around our “birthday” in July. It’s a real celebration.

Poets are able to compete for a cash prize of £1000 and something memorable from 2016 - one of our members was proposed to on stage!

2. Our annual conference which is held in August and has a special name, I Have A Dream.

Our first running of I Have A Dream was held on the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s famous speech and the event was designed to empower a generation to become Practical Dreamers.

3. Our third and final event of the year is the much loved Dream Nation Gala.

The gala gives a unique opportunity for people to engage in a special night, networking and celebrating.

We designed the event to celebrate the UK’s excellence as we believe that nothing is as powerful as bringing people together, hence the theme of Unity at the last gala.

Throughout the year we publish a catalogue of editorial content via videos, articles and newsletters.

My two favourite media projects released in the last year are ‘Be Well’, a mental health campaign and also, ‘Creative

Studying’ an online workshop encouraging the merge of creativity and learning.

Who has attended these events in the past?

The Dream Nation community currently is an estimated 15,500 people across all our online platforms.

1,500 have attended past events, 20,000 visit our Facebook page every month and 125,000 people see our content each month via twitter generating more than 7,500 engagements.

Two of my favourite people to grace our stage: YouTube sensation Patricia Bright and R&B singer Shakka. Hearing them both perform and share their stories was overwhelming.

How has the work of DN affected people?

I love hearing stories from people and also getting feedback from audiences.

Every time we publish an article I wonder, “who can this help?” I am almost always moved by an e-mail from a reader or audience member stating that coming across Dream Nation has changed their life.

Not long ago one of our Practical Dreamer’s was unable to afford her tuition to her dream degree at Oxford but rather than giving up, she thought of a way to practically turn her dream into a reality and began crowdfunding with the help of Dream Nation.

Watching her graduate and then move abroad for work is still one of the highlights of my work.

I was also moved to tears when I received almost a dozen e-mails in one day describing how a number of articles during our mental health campaign stopped some of our own Dream Nation members from harming themselves or taking their lives.

It makes everything we do, worth it.

How do you keep in contact with your Dream Nation members?

Mainly via Twitter and through our newsletters. Those signed up to our mailing list know that it is like a secret club of dope content.

How can people get involved?

First things first, sign up to our mailing list so that you are updated.

We are always looking for people to join the staff and you can apply via our website - you may be pleasantly surprised by the positions that are on offer!

To join our community, simply become a member on our website and follow us on social media.

Where do you see DN in 10 years’ time?

Taking over the world. The term Practically Dreaming will become a household verb and people will be so proud to boast about being a Practical Dreamer.

The aim is to go global.

Thank you Tobí for allowing me to cover just a tiny part of the great work you are doing with Dream Nation!

Please check out Dream Nations’ range of well-crafted contents online and become a part of a really cool network of Practical Dreamers. info@dreamnation.co.uk @TobiRachel_ @DreamNationHQ on Twitter and Instagram www.dreamnation.co.uk Love always, Cx

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 – February 2017

Page 31

www.thephoenixnewspaper.com

01/03/2017 Did you know?

February 2017 will be three years since the launch of The Phoenix Newspaper’s Daily News Updates online.

T

he Phoenix Newspaper is launching a new service to help businesses to recruit from the diverse communities that it serves.

With the aim of assisting employers to diversify their staff.

The new section will enable the diverse com-

munities that The Phoenix Newspaper has been accepted in, and integrated into to reach the vacancies that are out there.

Since its inception, The Phoenix Newspaper has now had over 8 million views, from all across the world, with large readerships in the United States, as well as UK and mainland

How Much!?

The Phoenix Newspaper has, since its inception in 2010, given away over 3.3 MILLION copies of the newspaper in print, completely FREE of charge.

JOBS!

Europe.

The Phoenix Newspaper is now in its 7th year, and continues to break down the barriers between

communities where there should be none.

In its continuing effort to inspire a new generation, this venture into the jobs

Contact TPN Media on 0121 339 5885 or email at info@tpnmediauk.com

What’s Happening?

March 2017 will see the release of The Phoenix Newspaper’s new redesigned website, featuring improvements to the usability of and interaction with the

website and a whole new layout.

market is a welcome and needed one, with a large unemployed section of the community crying out for avenues back into work.

We are looking to do business with a number of key diversified organisations such as the BBC, BMET, BCU, Recruitment firms, The Emergency Services, The Armed Forces, PwC,

KPMG, Gowling WLG to name a few.

If you are looking to reach the diverse multicultural population of the UK, The Phoenix Newspaper is fully equipped to take your company right to the people you are trying to target.

www.thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 32

The Phoenix – February 2017

AZUZA STREET Cathedral Music Director Announces Retirement

My Story, Our Journey Sikh Migration Project Launches

A

fter 30 years, Birmingham Cathedral’s Director of Music, Canon Marcus Huxley, has announced his retirement.

On the news, the Dean of Birmingham, the Very Reverend Catherine Ogle said; “Canon Marcus Huxley’s work represents an outstanding and unparalleled contribution to the Cathedral and generations of singers and musicians trained by him.”

The Rt Revd David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham, said; “His great skill and ability to innovate are all greatly valued by the Cathedral and enable us to be confident in offering excellent public worship in the heart of our wonderful city.”

Canon Huxley said: “It has been hugely satisfying to channel the musical talents, enthusiasm and energy of so many musicians over thirty years. The Cathedral musical tradition in this country is the envy of the world.

I feel both honoured and blessed to have been able to play my part in ensuring its continuity.”

E

ngaging with the community will be one of the key objectives of the new project, ‘My Story, Our Journey’ as the retrospective journey of the Sikh population in Birmingham and the Black Country from first generation to the current day will be recorded.

Running partially on a grant of £80,000 from the Heritage Lottery

Fund, the research is set to look into the political, sociological and economic perspectives.

The famous Mandla vs Lee case will be explored, as an example of how the migrants worked with, and mostly resolved, the inevitable clash of cultures and ideals.

Following nearly 2 years of development, the project involves collaborations with organisations including Birmingham Museum

Trust, University of Wolverhampton, Library of Birmingham, Sandwell Archives Services, Nishkam School Trust, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Sandwell MBC and many more.

Friends, locals and invited guests were brought together at the Nishkam Centre on Wednedsay 25th January for the launch of this project, where the gathered masses were informed about the aims of the project.

Volunteers for the project will engage with first, second and third generation Sikhs to capture their individual stories of migration, and historical research will be carried out to contextualise the Sikh migration experience.

A touring exhibition will also be curated for display in the main gallery of the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery for a number of months, after which it will

be displayed in other prominent locations over the West Midlands.

Toolkits and websites will be created and used to collage the research and share the oral history ‘stories’, photographs, videos and other findings.

Archives will eventually be deposited at the Library of Birmingham and at Sandwell Archive Services, so the history of how the Sikhs came to Birmingham and the Black Country can be accessed by all now and in the future.

Speakers on the night included members of the Project team, Ajit Singh, Contracts Manager at NCA, and Indi Shami, as well as hearing from Bhai Sahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh OBE, Rachel Chui from HLF and author Jatinder Kaur.

If you are interested in volunteering or being a part of the Project, then please get in touch.

Keeping you connected with your community • locally • monthly in print • nationally • weekly newsletter • internationally • daily online

Inspiring a New Generation www.thephoenixnewspaper.com

The Phoenix – February 2017

Page 33

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Vegan Alex making Vegan food exciting l Prince William & Kate the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge

Royal backing to talk about mental health issues

P

rince William, wife Kate the Duchess of Cambridge and brother, Prince Harry have jointly urged Britons to talk more openly about mental health issues, saying too many people suffer in silence.

The long-standing supporters of mental health initiatives launched the ‘Heads Together’ campaign in 2016, which works with charities to help tackle the stigma around mental health.

William said in a speech; "For too long it has been a case of 'keep quiet and carry on'. As a result too many people have suffered in silence for too long and the effects of this can be devastating."

Kate said that not knowing how to ask for help was a particular challenge for some people.

"Admitting that they are not coping. Fear, or reticence, or a sense of not wanting to burden another, means that people suffer in silence – allowing the problem to grow larger and larger unchecked," she said.

The royals were promoting the initiative which is ’Charity of the Year’ for the London Marathon in April.

l Prince Harry

Support Column Reproductive Health Awareness Day and World Cancer Day

H P

l Vegan Alex (centre) with some happy customers assionate vegan Alex- that I use myself as a prime ex- as varied and exciting as it is with andra Reid has been ample of healthy eating.

– its definately healthier.” proving that the best There were many things that I Gaining great endorsement way for a healthier didn’t like, or couldn’t imagine from family and friends and after living is right there before you; eating, but when I challenged signing up with Entrepreneurand it doesn’t cost you a for- myself and stopped eating meat - ial Spark, an organisation that tune. in 2009 – I took up the raw diet, develop entrepreneurs to gain She has introduced an excit- which changed my energy levels a solid grasp of how to create ing range of foods to get you and changed my life.” value- Alexandra set up her Vethat healthy mind, body and From then on she became more gan Alex range of foods which soul you’ve long been are going down a storm yearning for with her in snack bars and coffee own Vegan Alex foods, houses throughout her beverages with a wide city. array of raw snacks To date, she runs cookand recipes that is fast ing courses, at In Toto becoming the rage in Kitchen, in Birmingham schools, colleges and and nearby Sutton Coldsnack bars. field, as well as mentoring, The Birmingham especially in schools and woman’s drive to enyouth organisations, and courage wider healthis getting regular orders ier eating has even got from offices, as well as her accepted into the orders on her social media. school of Social Enter“Change is never easy,” prise for her drive, deshe says. “But to be the termination and vision. version of yourself you ”A change of diet was must embrace changes. inspirational for me,” I’m not a ‘vegan police.’ she says. ”Now I want It’s just a matter of reproto inspire others to eat l Some delicious Vegan food, served up by Vegan Alex gramming old habits. healthy.”

We all want a fit and No self-styled ‘vegan police,’ created and, in 2014, started her healthy body, so if I can do it, Alexandra is offering people an range of healthy, tasty snacks, so can you.” With Vegan Alex, easier, healthier and just as tasty which included her very own is there any more delicious? alternative to a lot what’s out spicy kale crisps.

You can find out more about the there today.

“Curiosity got the better of wide range of delicious vegan “It’s about changing people’s me,” she recalls. “I had so many snacks, meals and dinners with perception of everyday natural ideas for people to try, to show her rebranded ‘Vegan Snacks’ resources,” she says, “and for them that life without meat is just out now.

University signs up to support the Antibiotic Guardian campaign

U l L-R Tesha Gunputh, third year Pharmacy student, Issic Romel (Students’ Union at the University of Wolverhampton), Ranjit Khutan (Head of Public Health at the University of Wolverhampton) third year Pharmacy students Elysia Newton, Syed Shah, Melissa Cartwright, Josh Vick and Steph Harris (Director of Human Resources at the University of Wolverhampton).

niversity of Wolverhampton students and staff have signed up to a city-wide campaign to raise awareness of the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

Public Health England leads the co-ordination of Antibiotic Awareness activities in England in collaboration with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the

Department of Health.

In Wolverhampton, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Public Health Wolverhampton, NHS England and the local Clinical Commissioning Group have created a ‘Wolverhampton Together’ campaign which aims to raise awareness across the city and region.

One of the ways of doing this is by signing up to The Antibiotic Guardian campaign, introduced to help protect antibiotics and improve

knowledge about antibiotic resistance.

As Antibiotic Guardians, University students and staff will be working closely with colleagues at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust to highlight the growing resistance to antibiotics and promoting conserving their use so that they remain effective.

Pharmacy degree students are also helping to develop educational resources for use in schools.

i Cysters! February, the month of love with Valentines day fast approaching.

I hope you have a beautiful month ahead.

February also marks two very other important days, - Reproductive Health Awareness Day and - World Cancer Day

Reproductive Health Awareness Day

Celebrated on the 12th February (that’s two days before Valentines for you guys who seem to forget!), Reproductive Health Awareness Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health issues, to educate to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

There are many sexual and reproductive health issues that can affect anyone’s life.

The most common of which is Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Prevention is the key, so it is important to learn how to prevent the spread of STIs for example, using a Condom.

Some of the symptoms of STIs include: • unusual discharge from the penis, vagina or anus • pain during sex or urination • sores, blisters, ulcers, warts or rashes in the genital area • itchiness or irritation in the genital area • persistent diarrhoea • fever or flu-like symptoms • abnormal or unusual vaginal bleeding, especially after having sex • pain in the scrotum or testicles • lumps and bumps on the genitals.

Remember that many people who have an STI do not develop any symptoms and may not be aware they have an infection that can be passed on to their sexual partners, which is why check-ups are so important.

Once you have an STI, you need immediate treatment since it can cause severe complications even when the signs and symptoms disappear.

If you suspect that you have an STI, you need to consult your GP immediately to get a diagnosis and the proper treatment.

Do not leave it and think the problem will go away... you will spoil Valentine’s Day and any further Valentines Days the longer you leave it!

World Cancer Day – 4th February

So, what is World Cancer Day? This truly global event takes

place every year on 4th February, World Cancer Day unites the world’s population in the fight against cancer.

It is not specific to any Cancer, but rather a collaborative approach to tackling cancer world wide.

This 2017 we are working with the World Cancer Organisation under the tag line of “We can. I Can” and help reduce the global burden of cancer.

The collaborative campaign across all charity groups aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about the disease and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action Why World Cancer Day is important • Currently, 8.2 million people die from cancer worldwide every year, out of which, 4 million people die prematurely (aged 30 to 69 years) • World Cancer Day is the ideal opportunity to spread the word and raise the profile of cancer in people’s minds and in the world’s media • Cancer death rates have fallen by almost 10% in 10 years. According to the latest analysis by Cancer Research UK. This now means that in 2013, 284 out of every 100,000 people in the UK died from cancer around 162,000 people. A decade ago this was 312 in every 100, 000 • More than 800,000 people die from liver cancer, the second biggest cancer killer.

• 80% of these liver related cancer deaths can be prevented, saving hundreds of thousands of lives each year globally So join us, in this truly remarkable international event and help us raise awareness.

Cysters will be celebrating this month by basing our Twitter Chat - #CystersChat on Sexual and Reproductive Health and World Cancer Day. Join the Conversation every week from 7 – 8pm via Twitter #CystersChat Remember – whatever Gynaecological problem you are going through, you ARE beautiful and you are still a woman! Love Neelam <3 For more information, help or support get in touch with us. www.cysters.co.uk Twitter: @CystersBham #CystersChat Facebook: Cysters Birmingham Email: Info@cysters.co.uk

Page 34

CUSTOMER SERVICE CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION

The Phoenix – February 2017

Customer Service

12

months of hard work and dedication of a team of security professionals from More Secure Limited came to a culmination in Birmingham, when they received their certificates for completing a Customer Service course with GB Training.

The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor

Car Rice, was on hand to present certificates to the team, at the Loft Lounge in Birmingham’s China Town.

“I know how difficult it is to go back into education while you’re working full time,” mused the Lord Mayor, “I’m heading to the Birmingham City University graduation ceremony this afternoon, but you guys have probably put more effort

into doing what you’ve done, as you’re not focusing on it full time, so really well done.”

“They’re always polite, they’re always good to the customers, and they found that parts of the course they perhaps didn’t like, such as Maths, actually really helped, especially with keeping the percentages on the doors,” said GB Training’s Carl Barton.

The Phoenix – February 2017

e ‘More Secure’d

The team attended the course around their usual day to day lives, which for some meant finishing a 12 hour stint on a door in the centre of Birmingham, to then go and study for a few hours on no sleep.

“We always try to make it quality training, and GB Training offer a number of courses across a variety of subjects, so come and have a look!” enthused GB Training’s

Jade Caddick.

“The course was really good, they were really patient instructors, especially when it came to the Maths and English,” explained a beaming Ray Hodge after receiving his certificate.

“They were always at the other end of a phone. It’s nice to have a qualification like this, and not a lot of door companies have them,

Page 35

CUSTOMER SERVICE CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION

it puts our bosses in a better mood and everyone is happy!”

“The course was very intense, I’m proud of the guys, they stuck to it and accomplished what they set out to do,” smiled owner of More Secure Limited Clint Dunkley “They’re a good bunch of guys and have done the company proud.

I’m even enrolling on the next course myself!”

Page 36

OBITUARIES

Rachael Heyhoe Flint, a Sporting Trailblazer

Obituaries F

ormer England women’s captain Rachel won the World Woman’s Cup in 1973 before becoming one of the first women admitted into the MCC and the first woman elected to the full committee.

She also served as a director of Wolverhampton Wanderer FC. In 1972 she was appointed an MBE and an OBE in 2008.

In 2011 she was made a life peer and inducted into the ICC cricket hall of fame in 2010.

Rachel died aged 77

Om Puri, critically acclaimed actor

O

m Puri was a versatile Bollywood actor who starred in the 1999 comedy East is East as George ‘Genghiz’ Khan, a Salford fish and chip shop owner bring up his seven children as good Muslims in worldly 1970s Britain.

A small role as a Hindu fan-

atic in Richard Attenborough’s ‘Gandhi’ introduced him to working in the English language before playing a cameo role in the television series ‘The Jewel in the Crown,’ but it was costarred with Patrick Swayze in ‘City of Joy’ that established him as an international star. He was 66.

Sir James Mancham, Graham Taylor OBE Seychelles ‘Founding President’

The Phoenix – February 2017

Singer/songwriter Peter Sarstedt dies aged 75

B

est known for his 1969 number one hit, ‘Where Do You Go To My Lovely,’ which won an Ivor Novello Award, singer songwriter Peter Sarstedt made 14 albums, the last of which was Restless Heart released in 2013.

Both of his parents were classically trained musicians, his

brother Richard performed under the stage name Eden Kane and had a UK number 1 in 1961 with ‘Well I Ask You’ and another brother, Robin, reached number 3 hit in 1976 with ‘My Resistance Is Low.’ He died aged 75 after a six year battle with progressive supranuclear palsy.

A

F

ormer playboy president of the Seychelles, Sir James Mancham became the first of the idyllic islands in the Indian Ocean when it became independent from Britain in 1976.

Known for his love of beautiful women, he was victim of a Marx-

ist coup d’état led by his prime minister and arch rival, Albert René only a year later.

He had the unique distinction of having served as Seychelles’ first Chief Minister, then Prime Minister and then ‘founding president.’ He was 77.

TV Legend, Mary Tyler Moore, Dead at 80

M

oore battled diabetes and became an outspoken supporter of causes related to the disease.

She struggled with other health problems, including undergoing brain surgery in 2011. The six-time Emmy winner starred in her own ‘Mary Tyler Moore Show’ in the 1970s – it winning

29 Emmys.

Her last public appearance was in 2012, the same year she accepted the Screen Actor’s Guild Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mary died age 80 - survived by husband Dr. S. Robert Levine.

Her only child, Richard Meeker, died of an accidental shotgun wound in 1980.

fter playing for, then managing, Lincoln City, he took Watford from the old Division 4 – 1 and an FA Cup final in five years.

Also took Aston Villa to 2nd in the top flight - Returned to Watford and Villa after his spell in charge of the England national team, and managing Wolves - discovering great players like, John Barnes, Tony Daley and Dwight Yorke.

He later became a renowned and well-respected pundit.

He was 72.

B

est known for his role as René Artois in comedy classic ‘Allo Allo’, Gorden Kaye appeared in the show - set during the Nazi occupation of France during World War II - between 1982 and 1992.

His other credits include ap-

Jill Saward, campaigner against sexual violence

S

he was 21 when she was raped by men who broke into her father's London vicarage. Saward waived her legal right to anonymity and wrote a book, ‘Rape: My Story,’ and made frequent media appear-

Good Bye, Good Bye, Rene

ances, advising police and judges in dealing with sexual assault cases.

Jill died at a hospital in Wolverhampton, after suffering a stroke, survived by her husband Gavin Drake and three sons.

She was 51.

Eugene Cernan, the Last Man to Walk on the Moon

pearing in British soap ‘Coronation Street,’ and comedies; ‘Citizen Smith,’ ‘It Ain’t Half Hot Mum’ and later as Dimes in the film ‘Porridge.’ In 1989 he wrote the book ‘René And Me: A Sort Of Autobiography.’

He was 75.

C

ommanding Apollo 17, in 1972, he was the last man to walk on the moon, becoming the 11th person to do so.

Cernan flew three times in space and walked twice on the moon.

The Navy captain was selected by NASA in 1963, along with 13 others, for the space agency’s astronaut program.

He was 82. His cause of death was not released.

The Phoenix – February 2017

I

War Doctor in ‘Doctor Who: Day of the Doctor.’

Other memorable role include Ridley Scott’s ‘Alien’ as Kane, where he had an alien burst through his chest and, more recently, in three ‘Harry Potter’ movies as master wandmaker Garrick Ollivander.

Sir John was 77.

urney ke this jo n. To ma oundaries of o ti a iz il lost civ s d the b Visit this they have pushe g ancient legend lly a in le ic in r ib b s to s m is co po ns, and h ing arts perform logical innovatio breathtaking ith hno with tec ntic costumes w drops. k c a b authe d te anima ytelling the stor folk o d e c n a ese d nic and sical Chin fully diverse eth orchestral The clas ti beau chanting and share filled with an en s sound. tradition gham C Birmin IC e h 7 1 @ T 0 2 , 6 2 Mar 25–

Page 37

COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD

Sir John Hurt

n a career spanned six decades, the brilliant and prolific British actor was nominated for an Oscar nom for his title role in ‘The Elephant Man’ and supporting nomination for ‘Midnight Express.’

Television roles included; Quentin Crisp in the television film ‘The Naked Civil Servant,’ Caligula in ‘I, Claudius’ and the

Lord Snowdon

'Father of Pac-Man' Masaya Nakamura dies

P

ac-Man video game company founder, MAsaya Nakamura known as the ‘Father of Pac-Man’ has died at the age of 91.

He started out installing two electric horses on the roof of a department store in Japan as amusement rides before establishing

Nakamura Manufacturing, which went on to become the Nakamura Amusement Machine Manufacturing Company (Namco) in 1956.

He was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, a Japanese government honour, in 2007 and was inducted into the International Video Game Hall of Fame in 2010.

B

orn Anthony Charles Robert Armstrong-Jones, the talented film maker and photographer’se marriage to Princess Margaret fed the gossip columns for over a decade with his work featuring the cream of British society.

His career was punctuated by lurid tales of extra-marital affairs, alcohol and drugs, but he maintained close contacts with the Royal Family and he married Princess Margret in 1960 before

Bollywood star to host charity Ball at Villa Park

St Pat r Day 2 icks 017

Spend St. Pa trick’s one of Day b the w y wat orld’s ching down biggest the the st process r e e t ion m Digbet s of th arch h, in B e Irish ir Quar t mingh Bullrin er, in am an g, wit d tow h a pa of the ards t rade w most he hich in impre bands cludes ssive fl from a some o a t s c and m ross th tators archin e glob get ju g e. The st as in re the t o spect he fest par tic ivities ipants St. Pa as the of the trick’s parad Day fo e. r 201 7 is M arch 1 7.

being raised to the peerage as Lord Snowdon in 1961. His womanising was part of the reason for their break-up in 1976.

He married again, in 1978, to BBC researcher, Lucy Lindsay-Hogg and set-up Snowdon Council an award scheme for disabled students in 1980 - divorcing her after a long affair with journalist Ann Hills. At the age of 68 he fathered a son, Jasper, with 33-year-old Melanie Cable-Alexander, another journalist.

He was 86.

Little

Shop,

Big Su r

prise

!

e Dinner and Ball, in aid of ‘Dreams Com , star od True’ charity, hosted by Bollywo ybell and ers Faraz Khan, with dancers, sing at er emb rem to dancers for an evening ingham, Aston Villa Football Stadium, in Birm 25. ch Mar rday on Satu

Education Awards Ceremony

at Warwickshire County Cricket Club n Cricket Ground sto gba Ed Birmingham on July 7, 2017 Nominations now open

If you’ve got an event, notice or information that you’d like to advertise on our community notice board, get in touch with us on:

0121 339 5885

To Advertise

0121 339 5885 or 0208 865 1922

Page 38

HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

Dubai: THE Holiday of Choice

D

ubai has grown far beyond its humble roots as a pearl divers town. Now shaped by a stunning cityscape, worldclass shopping experiences, as well as scenic beaches, Dubai is a gem you have to see to believe.

With a massive choice of topend shops and a wide range of beaches to relax on you can swim in the warm ocean, visit Marina Beach for its scenic beauty and excellent facilities.

Home to record-breaking contemporary architecture, where “bigger is better” is the philosophy, the Burj Khalifa is a stunning spire - the world’s tallest building.

While, The Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain, with spectacular water shows set to popular music, including hits such as Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller.’

With public holidays a-plenty there, Dubai is the best place to visit, all year round.

The Phoenix – February 2017

For Wall-To-Wall Sun Visit Romantic Jamaica W

hen you hear the word Jamaica you’re likely to picture white beaches, spicy jerk chicken and a certain Bob Marley. And you’d be spot on – the Caribbean clichés come thick and fast on this laid-back island.

What better time than now to book your dream holiday to the fabulous Caribbean island.

There everything has a laidback feel, with jerk chicken sizzling on the grill, reggae gently filling the air and plenty of refreshing rum cocktails by your side and the Jamaican people are so genuinely friendly and hospitable, it will warm your heart.

Whilst there you get the chance to see the astounding Blue Mountains, visit the tropical Dunn's River Falls, the 180-metre cas-

cade of in Ocho Rios - one of the island’s liveliest hubs, with loads of bars and restaurants and hang out on the beach as the golden sun sets. Jamaica is home to a breathtaking landscape of rolling mountains lined by endless white sand beaches, carpeted by lush foliage and crisscrossed by rolling rivers and cascading waterfalls.

To slow things right down, there’s the ever so sandy Runaway Bay just down the way.

Or, after dark, you can head to the west coast and Negril. With its peachy sunsets, ‘no worries’ attitude

and famous Seven-Mile beach, it is Jamaica’s original chill-out destination. Here you can enjoy an evening of partying at some of the outstanding café bars where you can take in the ‘oh so cool’ vibes that make your stay all the more memorable.

There's a magic to Jamaica that is as soul-stirring as a sunset and as innocent as a child's smile.

Wherever you go, you will find natural beauty so stunning, it will take your breath away.

As well as Negril, where you can watch the cliff divers at Rick's Café, you can take a lazy raft ride on Montego Bay's Martha Brae River, or discover

pristine nature as wild and unspoiled as first love.

Many holiday deals include resorts where the pools can keep you happy all day, with sunken loungers in the warm waters, swim-up cocktail bars and beach barbecues that never end. You have a choice of cuisines each night, from Italian, to Thai and of course the authentic tastes of the romantic island.

Whether it’s the wall-towall sunny skies, palm-fringed beaches, or ‘home of reggae’ crown that tempts you, a holiday to Jamaica won’t disappoint.

Air India adding 35 new planes to fleet

A

l Air India Head Ashwani Lohani

ir India plans to add 35 new planes this year as the airline prepares for “consolidation and expansion” by flying to more number of international as well as domestic routes, the air carrier’s head Ashwani Lohani said.

Emphasising that the “battle has just begun” in terms of revival, Lohani said Air India needs to be competitive in fares with attractive schemes.

“I expect almost 35 new planes to join the Air India family during 2017 and all of us need to be in full readiness to receive them, fill

them and fly them,” the Air India CMD said in a New Year message to the employees.

With the addition of the new aircraft, the group would have a fleet of more than 170 planes.

Currently, the group has around 140 aircraft.

While Air India has 106 planes, its low cost international arm Air India Express has 23 aircraft. Besides, there are around 10 planed with Alliance Air, a whollyowned subsidiary of the national carrier that operates in regional routes. “2017 is going to be a year of consolidation and expansion.

“We are going to fly to many

new international destinations and also connect new domestic destinations as part of the regional connectivity thrust of the government,” Lohani said, adding that fill more and fly more is the motto.

For the first time in nearly a decade, Air India eked out an operational profit, mainly helped by lower fuel costs and increased passenger numbers.

According to Lohani, public perception about the airline is showing an improving trend, which is getting visible, “even if marginally in all our performance related indices.”

The Phoenix – February 2017

The 13-Year Old Making $100k a Year

Page 39

OVERSEAS NEWS

Ogun State Command Duty Tour

And She's Training Others to Do the Same

A

sia Newson is known locally and nationally as ‘Super Business Girl,’ the perfect name for a determined young girl whose company is targeted to make $100K this year, and for someone who wants to help other young girls do the same.

The 13-year-old from Detroit, Michigan, in the US, got started at the age of five selling candles door-to-door with her dad, who is also an entrepreneur, buying the wholesale candles for $1 and selling them for $10.

At the time, many people bought her candles because they couldn't resist her cuteness.

But as she grew older, the situation changed and she knew she could no longer rely on her cuteness if she wanted to create a successful and long-lasting business.

When she was older, local security guards began banning her from public places because they suspected she was running some kind of scam.

With her mother's help, she got a vendor's permit. By this time, she had trained 20 others but security continued to be suspicious.

Everything changed, however, when, by chance, she ran into Quicken Loans founder, Dan Gilbert, who is also a famous entrepreneur who has been helping to rebuild downtown Detroit.

Gilbert recognized her as Detroit's ‘Super Business Girl.’ She met with him in his office and he said; “I have keys to the city, and I can sell anywhere.”

From that point forward, everything changed. She improved her product packaging and began to enlist the help of partners.

She continued to train more people, and her web site really took off, producing more and more orders from her sales of candles, shirts, book bags and school supplies.

This got her a lot of media attention; she even appeared on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show.’

Asia has always been focused on helping others. The idea of training others to sell her candles is to teach other children how to make their own money.

Hindustan workshop on digital payment

A T

l Chief Olusegun Obasanjo meeting with the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Aderanti, mni

he Assistant Inspector-General of Police incharge of Zone 2, Kayode Aderanti, mni went on a duty tour of Ogun State Command, in Nigeria, where he made his first, courtesy, call on the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun at the government office.

Commending the Police for their proactive stance in recent times, he urged them to maintain the tempo.

The Governor also vowed to rid Ogun State of criminals in order to keep intact the ‘most industrialized State’ status of the State, pledging to support the Police with logistics in order to make their work easier.

In his palace the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo Aremu pleaded with the Police boss to check the spate of kidnapping and especially land grabbing within the State.

At the Ogun State Command Headquarters, the AIG addressed

his officers and men, urging them to be of best behaviour, paying attention to fundamental human rights.

Assistant Inspector-General Aderanti, mni also visited the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo at his Hilltop Mansion, seeking his support for the Police as always.

Appointed to the post - of Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 2 - shortly before Christmas, the new incumbent has an overfilling basket of duties to keep him busy for his duration in office.

On his appointment, he addressed the press after inspecting the guard of honour at the command headquarters, saying; “Lagos is not a new place to him. I understand the security situation in the state very well, having served as the Commissioner of Police, CP, in the state before.

The police chiefs of both Lagos and Ogun states are doing very well and I just needs to support

l Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Aderanti, mni meeting with Executive Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun at the government office

l Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Aderanti, mni meeting with Executive Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun at the government office

them to do more and to ensure that all criminals in the states are brought to book.”

On how he is going to ensure security within the command, he said: “I am going to work closely with the CPs of Lagos and Ogun states.

“I will look at their templates in terms of crime fighting machineries and see how we can improve upon them. I have been watching

the gridlock on Lagos –Ibadan expressway and I am going to talk to the concerned commissioners to ensure that we take the lead to ensure that our roads are free because anything that pertains to traffic is our responsibility under the traffic regulation acts.”

Kayode Aderanti took over the command from the outgoing AIG, Abdulmajid Ali, who was transferred to the Force Headquarters.

l Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Aderanti, mni meeting with Alake of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo Aremu

imed at promoting cashless transaction at petrol pumps, oil marketing company Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) conducted a workshop on digital payment held at an outlet in Sheshadripuram where officials from across the oil refining and marketing companies; including STM, BPCL, and IOCL, gave a detailed presentation on credit card, debit card, and e-wallet sales.

Speaking on the occasion, PC Mohan, Loka Sabha member from Bengaluru North, called on e-wallet service providers to expand their reach to small grocery shops, vegetable shops and other small outlets.

HPCL is a Government of India Enterprise owning and operates 2 major refineries producing a wide variety of petroleum fuels & specialties, one in Mumbai (West Coast) of 6.5 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) capacity and the other in Visakhapatnam, (East Coast) with a capacity of 8.3 MMTPA. It has a Navratna Status, and is a Forbes 2000 and Global Fortune 500 company. It had originally been incorporated as a company under the Indian Companies Act 1913.

Committed to achieve the economic, ecological and social responsibility objectives of sustainable development consistently through varied operations and activities Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited’s focus areas are in the fields of Child Care, Education, Health Care, Skill Development & Community Development, touching the lives of the weaker section of society.

Page 40

The Phoenix – February 2017

ADOPTION AND FOSTERING

W

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

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

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.

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

Councils Merging to Speed-Up Adoption Process

F

ollowing the Queen's Speech, by way of cutting down the adoption waiting list, councils in England could be forced to merge services to speed procedures.

Children's Minister Edward Timpson says councils should join forces to match children and families far quicker. The Local Government Association, however, are saying councils were already working together on adoption.

Official figures suggest more than 3,000 children already put l Childrens Mnister Edward Timpson forward by local auJaved Khan, Barnardo's Chief thorities for adoption are waiting to be matched with Executive said: "The immediate and long-term welfare of parents.

New powers in a Schools and the child must always be paraAdoption Bill will allow the mount.

“Getting children into the best government to require councils to combine their adoption func- placement first time reduces tions if they fail to join together disruption and should be an essential part of the system. within the next two years.

“There are still many children David Simmonds, Chair of the LGA's Children and Young waiting too long for a loving People Board, said: "Regional home, so we welcome any efwork on adoption is already forts that put children first."

A Department for Education taking place and many homes for children have been provided spokeswoman said there was no prescriptive top-down plan in this way.

The welfare of a child is at for how A merged services the heart of every decision on would work.

It wants councils to come up adoption a council makes and we would like to see councils with their own approach, perencouraged to work regionally haps uniting under one system only if this is in the best in- for a region or city, or outsourcing to an agency. terests of a child."

A

ccording to children’s charity, Barnardo's, South Asian children have to wait longer for an adoptive family in the UK than white children.

Its Chief Executive, Martin Narey, wants more Asian parents to adopt but says children should not be "unduly delayed" if a match cannot be found.

By law, the ethnic origin of a child has to be considered in adoptions, but some charities argue against children being adopted by families from a different background.

Since legislation was passed in 1989, social workers and children's

Delays in South Asian Child Adoptions in UK charities have to take a child's cultural inheritance into account before they place them with a suitable foster or adoptive home.

Many of the South Asian children up for adoption in the UK have a family background from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with different religions and beliefs spanning across those particular nationalities.

Narey said; "As we, quite properly, seek to provide a reasonable ethnic match as the law requires it means that children from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds will frequently wait longer for adoption than white children and that shouldn't be the case."

Obviously, if there is an Asian child we do our very best to find an Asian family to be the permanent family of that child.

The law is quite clear [in that] but my view is that, if for whatever reason that option is not available, then for an Asian child, if there

are parents from a different ethnic background who can offer a loving stable upbringing, then adoption should go ahead."

Some of the reasons why prospective Asian adoption and foster parents are not coming forward is a lack of understanding of the system. Many consider adopting abroad from South Asia before they do so in this country.

Ismail Amaan, the director of the Islamic Fostering Services association said: "All of our families are Muslim so when a Muslim child goes into care they go into a home where a lot of the issues they are faced with are taken care of.

“They know they're going to have halal food and they can go to the mosque with no explanation needed to be given."

"Frankly, we need foster carers and potential adoptive parents of all backgrounds but we particularly need more from a BME background," said Mr Narey.

The Phoenix – February 2017

U

Page 41

Asking Price: $9,450,000 USD (Negotiable)

Villa for Sale in Jamaica Sky Blue Brazilian Bahia granite table, plus seating an additional 8-9 people at the Dining Gazebo which is surrounded by a 2 foot in depth wading pool.

The property can comfortably accommodate up to 54 people for plated dining and 150 people for cocktail parties and it has been used by owners and their family and friends, as well as rentals to

First Ever “Gold Plated Housing Project” in Dubai & Pakistan AE Business Group Head, Chairman of DM Real Estate Group, Suhail Mohd AL Zarooni has announced that the Al-Zarooni Foundation with DM Group collaboration will build the First Ever “Gold Plated Housing Project” in Dubai and Pakistan.

Suhail Mohd Al-Zarooni, who is also the Chairman of the Al Zarooni Foundation, informed that the mega real estate project

PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE

5

* 10 bedroom ultra-luxury villa, in Saint James Parish, is just 4.6 miles west of Montego Bay and Sangster International Airport on the North Coast Road in a gated community.

This premier Caribbean Villa is nestled on top of one of the highest hilltops overlooking Montego Bay. It is situated on 16.5 acres and consists of 12 buildings totaling 17,000 square feet designed in Thai and Balinese styled architecture, two infinity edge swimming pools, private lighted tennis court and helicopter landing pad with night lights.

It’s the ultimate in privacy and luxury. In addition to breathtaking views of Montego Bay, the ocean and mountains, the Owner's Villa has its own infinity edge swimming pool, sundeck, dining area with glass dining table for intimate dinners, kitchen, 2nd story office, waterfall, bedroom suite surrounded by an infinity edge pool and a large his and hers shower.

Also included within the sale is membership for the owners and villa guests at the exclusive Tryall Club which has one of the most beautiful 18 hole golf courses in the world having been home for the Johnnie Walker, Mazda, and other PGA championship events, plus access to their expansive private family oriented beach with snorkeling and Hobie Cat and Sunfish sail boats and use of 9 tennis courts. All are located within a short 10 to 15 minute car ride from the villa.

The main dining room seats up to 18 people at its unique 15 foot

will initially start from Dubai and in the second phase, the project will be expanded to other Asian countries which will start from Pakistan by Karachi-based DM Real Estate Group.

Suhail Al Zarooni said that, a mutual understanding has already been finalized among Danish Mushtaq, Nasar Faizan and His Excellency Suhail Mohd Al Zarooni.

He also announced to make major investment in Dubai and

the public including celebrities, diplomats, government official, an ex-President, and many more from around the globe.

Most furnishings are the classic 15th Century Chinese Ming Dynasty style furniture. Almost all current furnishings, including a Yamaha Disklavier Baby Grand Piano (played by many famous celebrities), art works, antiquit-

Pakistan for the Gold Plated Housing project.

Suhail Al Zarooni said that he was honoured and touched by the kind gesture shown by Danish Mushtaq.

He informed that the Board of Directors of Al Zarooni Foundation have elected and appointed Danish Mushtaq as Vice Chairman of Al Zarooni Foundation for Pakistan, who will oversee the development of the various projects run by Al Zarooni Foundation including educational institutions, housing schemes, hospitals and other charitable endeavours.

He said that Al Zarooni Foundation aims to provide healthcare to children, women in need through its various projects in Pakistan, followed by similar projects in Bangladesh, Africa, India, Sri Lanka and beyond.

ies and stone statues and catering equipment appraised at about USD 1 million, are included in the offered price with its award winning architecture designed by the internationally renowned Chicago based architecture and designed

firm of RSI Architecture International Ltd. Winner of the "Best Luxury Villa of the Year Award" from Caribbean Travel & Living Magazine for nine consecutive years, currently it has a staff of 14 most of

whom have been with the property since the beginning of its development in 1998 and are available to continue employment with the property.

The property viewing is by appointment only.

Page 42

PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE First housing figures for 2017 point to robust market

Qatar trip prepares city for postBrexit Britain

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ommenting on the released UK House Price Index, Richard Snook, senior economist at PwC, said: “The first release of ONS and Land Registry house price data in 2017 show that average UK house price inflation was 6.7% in the year to November, little changed from a revised 6.4% in October. This takes the average price of a UK home to £218,000.”

On the ONS consumer price, PwC chief economist, John Hawksworth, added: “Consumer price inflation jumped to 1.6% in the year to December, reflecting the feed-through from a weaker pound following the Brexit vote and a turnaround in global commodity prices during the course of 2016.

With wage inflation remaining sticky, we expect this to squeeze consumer spending power, dragging down economic growth to below 2% in 2017.”

The Phoenix – February 2017

B Chinese developers C in £2bn boost to city's economy

l Councillor John Clancy, Birmingham City Council Leader signing an agreement with Chinese property development company Country Garden hinese property development group Country Garden has signed an agreement with Birmingham City Council in a joint statement of investment commitment to work together to deliver significant new housing stock and explore other large scale investment opportunities around regeneration and HS2 in a deal that could result in a £2bn boost to the city's economy.

Country Garden - based in the Guangdong province - is the fifth-largest property developer in China, employing 70,000 people and valued at £14.5bn.

Councillor John Clancy, Birmingham City Council Leader, said: “The landscape has inevitably changed post-Brexit and Birmingham is already out of the

starting blocks.

Bringing this level of investment and experience to the city would be a massive economic boost to the region’s businesses, skills base and families.

It’s about bringing new, big capital spend to the city, quickly.

This is about building houses, jobs and futures across the region."

Country Garden founder and chair, Mr Yang Guoqiang said; "I impressed with Birmingham’s ambition and huge potential.

We have a proven track record in delivering quality housing at a scale to match Birmingham’s ambitions and with major projects coming to the city, including the forthcoming HS2 project, these are exciting times for Country Garden and Birmingham."

irmingham City Council Leader John Clancy hailed his trade mission to Qatar a significant step in the battle to unlock millions of pounds worth of investment in a post-Brexit landscape.

To drum up support for inward investment with Birmingham hosting a UK-Qatar trade conference in March the three-day trip to Doha saw him, accompanied by Neil Rami, the chief executive of inward investment group Marketing Birmingham, and Waheed Nazir, Birmingham City Council’s strategic director for the economy, meet potential investors who expressed an interest in helping to fund regeneration projects and build new housing in Birmingham.

It coincided with Prime Minister Theresa May’s announcement of Britain’s negotiating stance over leaving the European Union, signaling a new era in UK global trade.

A representative from the UK Department of International Trade was also present in an indication of British government support for the visit.

Cllr Clancy said: “Cities like Birmingham must get out across the world and say ‘this is who we are, this is what we can offer to investors.’

Got £24m to buy Beckhams’ LA pad?

T

hey already own a sprawling Los Angeles mansion most people would die for, but, despite living there for less than a decade, it turns out David and still aren't satisfied when it comes to their California crash pad - after claims they're selling it to make way for a bigger, better property.

According to a report, the power-couple have formally listed their £24 million home for sale after deciding the generous 13,000 sq feet isn't enough for the famous family-of-five.

The news comes just 9 years after the Beckhams bought the nine-bathroom home in enviable Bel Air for a whopping £14 million.

The property features a tennis court, swimming pool and previously a British-style pub and games room-in addition to its prime location, the mansion which they procured when David first signed his LA Galaxy deal for a rumoured £120 million also, boasts 1.25 acres of land, palm trees and a swimming pool.

A source said: "Victoria and David have both had concerns over the house for some time – especially about its size.

The garden is too small for football and the boys have to go round their friend's houses – usually either Gordon Ramsey or Elton John – to have a kickabout.

The private driveway is also relatively small. The house has been

on the market for a long time and David and Victoria are actively looking for a bigger place."

Rumours suggest that Stan Kroenke, the largest shareholder of Arsenal FC, is a potential buyer - even though the asking price is double what David and Victoria originally paid.

The Beckhams previously owned a sprawling home in Hertfordshire for 13 years - dubbed Beckingham Palace - which they sold in 2012 for £11.5million and have retained a home in Los Angeles where they spend most holidays.

The family, including four children Brooklyn, 17, Romeo, 13, Cruz, 11, and Harper five also live in a West London mansion in Holland Park.

The Phoenix – February 2017

Page 43

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

Girls Football Celebrated at BYSA

Jamaica’s Women’s Bobsled Team Making ‘Cool’ History

A Sir Mo and Dame Jessica lead BEDSA shortlist Continued from Back Page

Sir Mo will go ‘head-to-head’ with Saracens and England second row forward, Maro Itoje, Olympic Taekwondo silver medalist, Lutalo Muhamad and two-time Olympic rower and Rio gold medal winner, Mohamed Sbihi, for the coveted Sportsman of the Year award.

Commenting on his first ever nomination Farah said; “I am proud to be nominated alongside a great group of sportsmen and women in what was an amazing year for British sport."

Densign White, Sporting Equals Chairperson and three-time judo Olympian, said; "We are delighted by the quality of our shortlist for the 2017 BEDSAs and looking forward to celebrating all that is good in BAME sport at the Hilton Park Lane with Sir Lenny Henry and our esteemed sporting guests."

The finalists for Sportswoman of the Year award feature London 2012 Olympic gold medalist, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Nicola Adams, the 2-time Olympic boxing champion, Kadeena Cox, Rio Paralympic double-gold medalist and Olympic Hockey Gold medalist and recent ‘I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’ contestant, Sam Quek MBE. This year's judges include former Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and England footballer Sol Campbell, former Olympic athletes Derek Redmond and Jason Gardner MBE, Surrey and England batsman Mark Butcher, UK Sport CEO Liz Nicholl, Leicestershire County Cricket Club CEO Wasim Khan MBE, Paralympic shot putter Vanessa Daobry and Channel 4 Paralympics host, Ade Adepitan MBE. Lycamobile Chair, Allirajah Subaskaran, said: “I would like to congratulate all those shortlisted for this year’s BEDSAs. “This list of nominees represents an impressive collection of Black, Asian and minority ethnic sportsmen and women, all of whom deserve celebrating for their substantial contribution to sporting excellence in the UK.” The Lycamobile BEDSAs, taking place on Saturday March 18, are supported by Sport England, UK Sport, The Tennis Foundation, Youth Sport Trust, England Athletics, The Armed Forces, Mind and Spirit of 2012.

B

l Ummanaz Ali, Anwar Khattak (BEM) and Amina Begum irmingham Youth Sports Academy celebrated a successful year of its girl’s football project with plans already in place to introduce greater working relationships with clubs and to have vocational and education trips as the Academy have done for the boys in the past.

The project started with the help of the Saltley Wellbeing Centre in the city, who offered the BYSA to expand its project which has gone from strength to strength.

The sessions are prepared according to the ages with every session specifically meeting the needs of those who attend and for them to take something away from the sport.

Head Coach Amina Begum and Assistant Ummanaz Ali have dedicated their time and efforts to the project and now

train up to 50 girls in their first year.

“The future plans for the girls project is to introduce working with clubs and having vocational and education trips as the BYSA have done for the boys in the past,” says Amina.

“We are looking to take the girls to watch a live football match - as none of them have ever been to one – before the end of the season to give them a firsthand experience of watching a game.”

At the end of the project’s first year, BYSA Chair, Majid Salim, and Vice-Chair, Amer Awan, jointly commented; “The girls have worked hard over the past year. Words can’t express the smiles and happiness we have seen from them.

We will continue to support this great project for many years to come and move it to

a high level like the boys project.”

“I am honored to be a part of the Birmingham Youth Sports Academy and the work they offer.

“It promotes sports and education to children and young people and we hope to attract more girls and female volunteers in the near future,” Amina and Ummanaz said.

fter the hype surrounding that Disney classic, ‘Cool Running,’ sisters are now doing it for themselves – and going one giant slide forward - as the Jamaican female bobsled team gained its first ever medal at the North American Cup Bobsleigh and Skeleton competition in Lake Placid, in New York state.

With driver Jazmine Fenlator-Victorian and brakewoman Carrie Russell winning bronze after the final leg of the competition their achievement represents a significant step toward the team’s goal of going to the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, in 2018.

The women made Jamaican bobsled history with their bronze medal afterwhich, Carrie Russell posted on her Facebook page that having had no idea about the sport after leaving her track and field career she was thankful for the opportunity to join the bobsled team.

The North American Cup staged its first leg in Calgary, Canada, followed by the second leg in Whistler, again Canada, in November 2016.

The third leg the Cup Bobsleigh and Skeleton competition was held in Park City, Utah US in January this year.

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British Athletes to Focus on Commonwealth Youth Games

B

ritish Athletics has announced that they will not be sending an Under 18 British Athletics team to the IAAF World Youth championships in Kenya, 12-16 July.

The championships – set to be staged in Nairobi - are the last ever World level youth competition after the IAAF decided they would work with Area Associations to find a more appropriate competition structure for assisting the career development of under 18 age group athletes.

Opportunities at area-level competition for the youth age group are being further developed and British athletes will now focus their energies

on qualifying for the Commonwealth Youth Games being staged in Nassau, Bahamas 1923 July as part of their respective home country teams.

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Australian Open - Page 43

Youth Games - Inside Back

Sir Mo and Dame Jessica lead BEDSA short-list

S

ir Mo Farah and Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill lead an impressive shortlist at the 3rd Lycamobile British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards, which will be hosted by Sir Lenny Henry at the London Hilton Park Lane Hotel.

Sir Mo, the 2-time double Olympic gold medalist for 5000 and 10000 metres, leads an impressive group of sportsmen and women nominated for the third Lycamobile British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards (BEDSAs).

The awards, now in its third year, are organised by Sporting Equals, the national partner of Sport England and advisors to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. Sponsored by Lycamobile, the world’s largest mobile virtual network operator, the Awards are leading the way in recognising and celebrating sporting excellence within Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.

Continued on Page 43

Eagles and Mystics BBL glory at Barclaycard Arena

E

sh Group Eagles Newcastle celebrated a third straight BBL Cup title whilst Manchester Mystics were the inaugural winners of the WBBL Cup by beating Nottingham Wildcats 71-60 in their final, in front of a large crowd at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham.

Rahmon Fletcher claimed MVP honours for the third year in a row after pouring in 29 points to go with six assists as Deondre Parks added 25 points in the Eagles’ 9183 win over Glasgow Rocks.

For Esh Group player-coach, Fab Flournoy MBE, it’s 24 pieces of silverware with the Eagles.

He said; "I was just happy. There have been some close games around the league of late, and in the Final, I didn't expect anything less than a battle on our hands."

He equalled a BBL Cup Final record by finishing with five steals in the win to tie Tony Holley's 2005 record.

For WBBL Cup winners, Manchester Mystics, Rheanne Bailey had a game-high 23 points and 13 boards with Great Britain forward Dominique Allen, who had 21 points and 11 rebounds, voted the game’s MVP. At the finish, GB guard Lauren Thomas-Johnson clutched her baby son Hendrix in her arms following only her second game back in action following her pregnancy.

“I only had a baby four months ago,” she said, “and I’m enjoying it. One day, when he watches the digital archive, he’ll learn just how good his mum was and what was going on in front of his young eyes here.”

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