The Phoenix Newspaper - July 2014

JULY 2014

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Birmingham-bred boy elevated Exclusive Feature to Bishop in USA Starting Page 17

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his year’s Lord Mayor was ushered into office with a fantastic show with a fun-packed, midsummer-themed family friendly event.

Birmingham's annual Lord Mayors Show in Victoria and Chamberlain Squares raised money for charities as it welcomed the city's new Lord and Lady Mayoress, Councillor Shafique Shah, and wife Sadia Shafique and bid a fond farewell to the outgoing Lord Mayor, Councillor Mike Leddy, who were joined by Lord Mayors and Deputy Lord Mayors from across the West Midlands before touring the city on the Big Brum Open Top Buz. With entertainment including an outdoor theatre production of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys by local group Heartbreak Productions, and excerpts from some of Shakespeare’s most wellknown plays by students from Birmingham Ormiston Academy.

Also available were free craft workshops and face painting in Victoria Square and the Scouts and Guides had a mini-climbing wall and giant games.

Young children rode donkeys whilst the over 15s tried their

Lord Mayor Ushered In With Fantastic Show hand at a 3D driving experience on a specially controlled go kart.

In the Council House there was a vintage craft market and an opportunity to take Tea with the Lord Mayor in The Drawing Room.

Cllr. Shah said: “I am look-

ing forward to meeting as many regular, hard-working citizens of the city that time will allow.

I intend to accept as many invitations as I can to visit city schools and meet the young people that will be the future leaders of our city.

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Page 2

NEWS

The Phoenix – July 2014

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Birmingham Caribbean Festival turned up the heat in Victoria Sq

I

t rained cats and dogs in the Midlands, that is until this year’s Caribbean Food festival was brought to glorious light and with it, for three days, some of the best, entertainment and blistering sun that gave the people who attended a taste of the tropics, in the middle of Birmingham.

Providing a rich tapestry of music, dance arts, crafts and food delicacies that represent the Caribbean, Victoria and Chamberlain Squares in Birmingham City Centre was a hive of activity, vibrant colours and gastronomic delights as thousands gathered to experience a “Taste of the Caribbean.”

Supported by the City leader Sir Albert Bore, visitors were treated to great food, tastetingling rum punch and fresh tropical fruits and juices during a programme of great entertainment.

Live music included international reggae stars Musical Youth, Tenna Starr, Claire Angel and Peter Spence.

Young chefs of tomorrow gave the chance to taste mouth watering recipes from the ‘Soul Kitchen,’ the acclaimed Caribbean cooking competition that involves schools from across the city.

With jerk chicken and deli-

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cious fried fish infused with rum punch, sexy juice, steel pans and reggae, an explosion of colours and exuberance was on order in spades.

The show stopper was Cinderella Hats whose fashion show was led by Cherelle Bethune the home town Young Entrepreneur who with her models shows off her unique collection of hats.

Known locally as Chezzy B, she was show casing some of the hats she plan to take to Ascot for ladies day.

Although the number of stalls was down on previous events, the Festival brought out the best of a vibrant and diverse Birmingham with organiser Joan Blaney, CBE, saying: “Talks are already in place for attracting more major new sponsors to the next Caribbean Food Festival in Birmingham.”

Some of this year’s festival sponsors included marketing company; Big Cat Group, East End Foods, Birmingham City Council, Birmingham College of Food, Blakeys Caribbean Food and Tropical Sun Foods and South & City College Birmingham.

The day after the Caribbean Food Festival finished the Heavens opened again as the previous three days was just a memory to savour.

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The Phoenix - July 2014

Page 3

NEWS

NSPCC thanks its ‘Volunteer Heroes’

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wo Birmingham people were among a number of volunteers being recognised as NSPCC Volunteer Heroes for their support for the children’s charity.

Accountant Inde Johal has been volunteering his spare time every week for the NSPCC as a Counsellor ChildLine and is part of a large team of volunteers who provide 24 hour counselling support to children and young people.

Fellow member of staff, Amanda Synnott, has been volunteering for 10 months for the CIBA fundraising group in support of ChildLine in Birmingham.

Inde and Amanda are amongst a group of more than 10,000 people who undertake a wide range of activities on behalf of the charity.

Ziv Israeli, Manager of ChildLine in Birmingham said: “Our volunteers are real heroes who truly deserve being celebrated.

The support of counsellors like Inde and Amanda is invaluable and we would like to appeal to other people to become NSPCC volunteers.”

Inde said: “I really enjoy making a difference to young people’s lives. It’s nice knowing I’ve hopefully helped someone or saved someone from an unsafe situation.”

Jewellery Quarter Development marked with time capsule burial

l Birmingham City Council Leader Sir Albert Bore and Elvey O’brien of Balfour Beatty with the time capsule being buried at the new Golden Square development in the Jewellery Quarter.

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time capsule containing items celebrating the Jewellery Quarter has been buried in a ceremony to mark the progress of the new Golden Square development.

Golden Square, a £1.6m public realm space on Warstone Lane, will provide a public space for events and activities, promoting it as a place to live, work and visit, as well as attracting further investment into the area.

It will comprise three spaces – the Plaza, the Orchard and the Promenade – and will provide a focal point for residents, employees and visitors, as well

as making productive use of vacant and underutilised space.

Golden Square, which is expected to be completed in October, will incorporate engravings reflecting the history and culture of the Jewellery Quarter, including a poem by Ian McMillan entitled ‘Talking to somebody about the Jewellery Quarter’.

The contents of the time capsule will not be revealed until it is dug up in 2039.

The burial ceremony was attended by Sir Albert Bore, Leader of Birmingham City Council, alongside representatives from Jewellery Quarter

Development Trust, Jewellery Quarter Business Improvement District, contractor Balfour Beatty and pupils from Perry Beeches II – The Free School.

Sir Albert said: “Golden Square represents an exciting new chapter in the history of the Jewellery Quarter, bringing together communities and placing the area firmly on the map as an attractive place to visit, live or do business.

This time capsule will provide future generations with a unique insight into the history of the Jewellery Quarter, enabling them to see how the area has grown and developed.”

Ding Ding

- All Aboard The Edible Bus Route

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bus route of ‘Edible Bus Stops’ is taking shape as a second edible garden opens on a neglected patch of land in South London.

The Native Edibles and Wild Flower Community Garden in West Norwood is the second such garden to open along the route of the 322 bus – dubbed the ‘Edible Bus Route’.

The garden’s hard landscaping was funded by Lambeth Council and the Mayor of London’s Pocket Park scheme. It was launched with a community planting day on Saturday June 7, attended by celebrity gardener Chris Collins, it showcased Native and Wild flower planting as funded by Kew Garden’s ‘Grow Wild’ programme.

Makeala Gilchrist, a founding member of the Edible Bus Stop

project, said: “We’re delighted to open our second landscaped garden. With another starting to plant in Crystal Palace, we’re now well on our way to achieving an Edible Bus Route right through Lambeth.

Neighbours get to know each other while planting, sharing skills or a smile and everyone can enjoy watching the garden grow.”

The first Edible Bus Stop was founded in March 2011 and has proved hugely popular with local residents since it was re-landscaped and opened in May 2013.

The project also has a young garden at Crystal Palace bus station

– the end of the 322 bus route.

The West Norwood garden is also known as the ‘Hoopla’ Garden. Designed by Edible Bus Stop’s Creative Director, Will Sandy, a series of circular planting rings are laid over existing bollards resembling a game of hoopla. The stone plaque marking the site whimsically announces: “Never mind the bollards, here The Edible Bus Stop’s Native Edibles and Wild Flower Community Garden”

Page 4

COMMUNITY NEWS WITH LJ

The Phoenix – July 2014

LJ’s

ity n u m Com Slot

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he 4th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference was special as Jamaica Diaspora UK celebrated its 10th anniversary-massive achievement with much credit going to its chair, Sasha Henry-Crawford and her team-a conference that left Jamaicans totally in tune with this year’s theme ‘Our Heritage Our Legacy.’

Held at the Centennial Centre, in Birmingham, Conference Chair, Bishop Dr Derek Webley MBE DL, greeted delegates including Ministers from Jamaica for the packed conference Ministers of state Honourable Arnaldo Brown MP Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Honourable Peter Bunting Head of National Security and Jamaica High Commissioner for the UK, Her Excellency Mrs. Aloun Ndombet Assamba.

The Conference ethos was to

Jamaica as a movement ‘Our Heritage Our Legacy’ l Local Church Ministers, Chair of Diaspora UK, and delegates of Jamaica Diaspora at the Diaspora Service held on the 15th June at New Testament Church of God Handsworth

give Jamaicans the insight on investing in ‘Brand Jamaica,' whilst promoting and protecting the interest of Jamaicans in the Diaspora and it started with Her Excellency Aloun Ndombet Assamba delivering a message from the Jamaica Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Portia Simpson-Miller, delivering her own after, resignl Minister Arnaldo Brown for Foreign Affairs and ing why Foreign Trade talks business with local business proprietor J a m a i c a n Wade Lyn of Cleonie Foods who is also Jamaica Honourary needs to inConsul for Birmingham.

A fond farewell to a Community 'Champion’

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l Jeffery Lloyd Atkinson he Caribbean community has a belief that it is the mark of a person who can prove to be as large in life as they are in death and Jeffery Atkinson was every inch that man.

As the news rang out of his death, the bottom fell out of their world; imagining what it was like for his family; his partner of 32 years Barbara and children.

Everyone was still in deep shock at his funeral, the final farewell to one of Birmingham’s precious sons-the first Rastafarian solicitor, with his trade mark long locks and where he was every mark of the man that fitted his stature in his court room delivery, upright and bold. Jeffery was widely respected at the highest level of the bar in this country and abroad.

The New Testament Church of God, Handsworth, saw three ministers, led by Bishop Dr Derek A. Webley MBE DL,

vest in Jamaica-that that Jamaica is open for business and to see the vision for 2030.

High Commission Aloun Ndombet Assamba once again took this opportunity to remind the Diaspora community that in order to affect change in the UK and to be recognised as a force to be reckoned with they need to use their VOTE. Which got the conference off to a resounding start, the workshops as well as the 6 executive agencies from Jamaica well-kept very busty by the over 400 plus diaspora community person who came to engage in this year’s conference.

Honourable Arnaldo Brown MP Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and was keen underpin the theme of the conference and underline that only by working together we

can build a sustainable ‘Diaspora Movement’ and was sure to point out the big part UK has to play in this movement.

Throughout the weekend different city leaders and well as Council Officials pass through the event to share and pay respect to Birmingham’s strong contingent of Jamaica Diaspora Community none other than recently appointed Lord Mayor of Birmingham Councillor Sharique Shah.

National Security Minister, Bunting, focused on the national security, his delivery met with very warm applause leaving many feeling reassured about returning to Jamaica for a holiday or for good.

Every table was bustling with traders as the 2-day conference closed with a concert and one of the main sponsors; Jamaica

Tourism Board who make someone’s weekend-a raffle prize trip to Jamaica. The winner being a city favourite; Joy Simms.

Minister Arnaldo Brown congratulated Riocha Richards and Remello Langley, winners of the children’s competition, who

preside over the service, backed with music tributes from a number of people including; the Dojo Crew, Mr. Handsworth, Pastor Maxine Brookes (cousin) Peter Spence and Lytie.

Jeff’s brother, Rhino, spoke passionately about how proud

Jeffery was at becoming a solicitor and how proud the family were to call him their academic.

“Jeffery was my conscience,” he said.

Representing the unity of Black Lawyers was his friend, Errol Robinson, who spoke

proudly of the work Atkinson carried out; “with great dignity, fortitude - at times to exploit the very thing he is charged to uphold.”

Jeffery’s ‘going home’ service saw over 3000 people at his graveside, as, in true Rastafarian style, the Nyabinghi drums

wrote about their best holiday in Jamaica.

A Diaspora Service, held at New Testament Church of God, in Handsworth, concluded this, the 4th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference.

l Director of Victoria Mutual Delores Cooper, Treasurer for Diaspora UK Desmond Jadoo, and Councillor Shafique Shah rang loud and the choruses lead

by African sisters and brothers gave him a traditional send off; sealed by 6 white doves of peace, which were released by his loved ones. The community he left will never be allowed to forget Jeffery Lloyd Atkinson.

The Phoenix - July 2014

Entries open for Severn Valley Cycle Challenge

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he annual Severn Valley Cycle Challenge has officially opened for entries.

Biking through the picturesque Severn Valley, the ride raises funds for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

Organisers say already more than 30 competitors have signed

up for the event which takes place on Sunday August 17. The event has been running for five years and more than 550 people have taken part.

The three courses of differing levels of ability allow a wide range of cyclists to participate.

All three races end in Bewdley followed by a scenic trip back to

each of the three starting points by steam locomotive.

The three rides to choose from are: - The Rocket: a 40 mile route which leaves Bridgnorth, heads towards Ironbridge and finishes in Bewdley; entry fee is £25 per adult.

- The Tornado: a 20 mile route from Bridgnorth to Bewdley; entry fee is £20 per adult / £15 under 16s.

- The Express: a 10 mile route which starts in the Severn Valley Country Park and ends in Bewdley; entry fee is £15 per adult / £10 under 16s.

Acorns Children's Hospice’s events manager, Ian Carr, said: “We are offering courses that will appeal to people with a variety of cycling abilities so this really is a cycle for all.

All courses are not hard work - cyclists will be taking in some spectacular views and will be able to take it easy on the return journey to Bewdley on the Severn Valley Railway steam train.

We rely heavily on public fundraising and voluntary donations and hope to sign up 200 cyclists to help us raise the money we need to operate.

Page 5

NEWS

Be part of history at flagship BBC show

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eople have the chance to delve into the past when the BBC’s flagship event, World War One at Home, roles into Wolverhampton.

The free, family-friendly event will include hands-on activities, performances and interactive sessions for visitors of all ages, and is being held alongside The Wolverhampton and Black Country Show at West Park on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July.

Visitors will be able to attend The Briefing Room hosted by BBC stars including actor Larry Lamb on the Saturday and One Show reporter Lucy Siegle on the Sunday who will be presenting a series of enlightening talks with expert contributors covering a whole host of World War One topics, including record producer and railway aficionado Pete Waterman who will talk about the history of the railways during the conflict.

Five Rivers A La Carte a winner at BCAB Awards

l L-R Tommy Sandhu (BBC Presenter), Cllr. Chris Towe, Rashpal Sunner (Five Rivers Executive Head Chef), Ninder Johal (Chair of the Black Country Business Association)

F

ine dining Indian restaurant, Five Rivers A La Carte, was awarded a Regeneration Award for helping to bring financial prosperity to their local area in the 2014 Black Country Asian Business Awards which recognises the achievements of individuals and companies across the Black Country.

The ceremony, held at Wolverhampton Racecourse and hosted by BBC presenter, Tommy Sandhu, recognised the £1.5million investment put into Five Rivers A La Carte restaurant, pitched at the premium end of the market, attracting visitors into the Walsall area and that the potential to grow rapidly in the hospitality market.

Rashpal Sunner, Executive

Head Chef at The Five Rivers Group, comments: “I was delighted to accept the BCABA Regeneration Award on behalf of Five Rivers A La Carte.

Everyone on our team works incredibly hard to provide an award winning and exquisite experience for our diners. We are proud to be representing Walsall’s business success.”

Chair of the Black Country Business Association, Ninder Johal, comments: “Whilst the Black Country is known for its manufacturing prowess, there is also a considerable visitor economy offering.

We blessed with many great restaurants but the judges felt that Five Rivers A La Carte was an outstanding nomination which the Black Country can be proud of."

Page 6

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

New leaders announced for IAB

l (From Front): Dee Kundi, Saqib Bhatti, Nasir Awan and Aftab Chughtai

C

urrency crisis is brought on by a decline in the value of a country's cur-

rency.

This decline in value negatively affects an economy by creating instabilities in exchange rates, meaning that one unit of the currency no longer buys as much as it used to in another.

To simplify the matter, we can say that crises develop as an interaction between investor expectations and what those expectations cause to happen.

When faced with the prospect of a currency crisis, central bankers in a fixed exchange rate economy can try to maintain the current fixed exchange rate by eating into the country's foreign reserves, or letting the exchange rate fluctuate.

When the market expects devaluation, downward pressure placed on the currency can really only be offset by an increase in the interest rate.

In order to increase the rate, the central bank has to shrink the money supply, which in turn increases demand for the currency. The bank can do this by selling off foreign reserves to create a capital outflow.

When the bank sells a portion of its foreign reserves, it receives payment in the form of the domestic currency, which it holds out of circulation as an asset.

Propping up the exchange rate cannot last forever, both in terms of a decline in foreign reserves as well as political and economic factors, such as ris-

B

irmingham chartered accountant Saqib Bhatti was elected as the new president of the Institute of Asian Businesses becomes the 14th president of the organisation, which was founded in 1987 and is part of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

An associate at family-owned Younis Bhatti & Co., he follows his father Younis who headed the IAB as chairman in 1993 and it is the first time son has succeeded his father in the position.

Mr Bhatti said: “It truly is an honour to be leading the IAB, one of the premier representative bodies in the West Midlands and an important voice for all our businesses and surrounding communities.

I welcome my new vicepresident Dee Kundi, who joins Aftab Chughtai, who has been re-elected and my new committee. Between them they have the experience, enthusiasm and energy in supporting me to deliver maximum value to our members.

I also welcome our honorary chair Nasir Awan, who will allow the IAB to continue with stabil-

The Phoenix - July 2014

ity and preserve all the hard work that he has achieved over the past three years.

With the great work that has been carried out, it is our responsibility to carry on the momentum of the IAB and take it to the next level.”

Mr Bhatti is involved in a number of other organisations in Birmingham, including the Lunar Society and the Broad Street Business Improvement District.

The former plays a key role in influencing decision makers and policy makers at a regional and national level, and the latter is dedicated to improve and promote what has grown into one of the city’s most vibrant areas.

Mr Bhatti also carried out voluntary work for the Al-Shifa Eye Trust Hospital in Pakistan, which is an internationally recognised hospital providing eye-care. The hospital is free to those who cannot afford it and is responsible for setting up a youth wing of AlShifa, and was asked to perform a similar task by the Pakistani Red Crescent. He also has the honour of representing Pakistan on Commonwealth Day.

Currency Crisis A Killer for Economic Growth

l Frederick Anning, Executive Director at Freeann Financial Services Limited (Ghana) ing unemployment.

Devaluing the currency by increasing the fixed exchange rate results in domestic goods being cheaper than foreign goods, which boosts demand for workers and increases output.

In the short run devaluation also increases interest rates, which must be offset by the central bank through an increase in the money supply and an increase in foreign reserves.

As mentioned earlier, propping up a fixed exchange rate can eat through a country's reserves quickly, and devaluing the currency can add back reserves.

Unfortunately for banks, but fortunately for you, investors are well aware that a devaluation strategy can be used, and can build this into their expectations.

If the market expects the central bank to devalue the currency, which would increase the exchange rate, the possibility of boosting foreign reserves through an increase in aggregate demand is not realized.

Instead, the central bank must use its reserves to shrink the money supply, which increases the domestic interest rate.

Frederick Anning Executive Director at Freann Financial Services Limited (Ghana)

The Phoenix - July 2014

Page 7

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

Who’s The Richest In The West Midlands?

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l Ernesto and Kirsty Bertarelli

ith their wealth up almost onethird on last year, Ernesto and Kirsty Bertarelli once again top the West Midlands Rich List, according to The Sunday Times Rich List 2014.

Their fortune of £9,750m makes the Bertarellis the fifth richest in the UK and among 104 British billionaires included in this year’s Sunday Times Rich List, which was published in a special 116-page edition of The Sunday Times Magazine on May 18.

Kirsty, who is from Staffordshire, is a singer-songwriter who has written for All Saints in the past and had an album of new material, Indigo Shores, released this week.

Her husband, Ernesto, ran the family’s Geneva-based Serono pharmaceuticals company, which was sold to Merck for $13.3billion.

The Bertarelli Foundation this year poured £108m into Campus Biotech, a new venture to create one of the world’s leading biotechnology research centres in

Switzerland.

The total wealth of the richest 20 in the West Midlands amounts to £21.728billion while billionaires Lord Bamford’s and John Caudwell’s fortunes are steady at £3,150m and £1,500m respectively.

Peter, Denise and John Coates have seen their wealth rise £275m in the past year, taking them to £1.2billion. Peter, 76, is chairman of Stoke City, the Premier League football club, but the family’s wealth is derived from its gambling business.

The real money-spinner within the business is Bet365, which was created by Denise Coates, who spotted the potential in online betting.

She and her brother, John, are chief executives at the company, which recorded a £148.3m profit in 2012-13. She holds just over half the shares in the Potteriesbased company.

Tony Murray and family also made billionaire status this year with a fortune put at £1.013billion after a gain of £163m in the past 12 months. Murray, 94, is the oldest person in the Rich List

but still actively involved in Andrew Sykes, his Wolverhamptonbased hirer of heating and airconditioning equipment. He The Sunday Times Rich List 2014 was compiled by Philip Beresford, the leading authority on British wealth, and edited by Ian Coxon.

Check out entertainment, gadgets, big screen, fashion and more in the Street Cred Entertainment section starting on Page 11 SPECIAL STREET CRED SUPPLEMENT IN THE PHOENIX NEWSPAPER

JUNE 2014

www.streetcredmagazine.com

READ OUR DIGEST WEEKLY NGS OF ALL THI MENT ENTERTAIN ONLINE!

Jennifer Lopez The American Idol is back with her first love

Digicel Competition Winner Picked!

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elected as a winner in the "Win A Big Screen TV Digicel Sweepstake", Mr Dennis Pappin of Luton was shocked and amazed when he received a phone call from Paul Harrison (PK Media), Digicel's

Media Representative.

Upon being presented with his prize at The Club, Luton, Mr Pappin said "I have never ever won anything before, I'm so happy!". Mr Pappin sends a Digicel Topup every week to his daughter in St Lucia.

Paul Harrison also encourages readers of The Phoenix Newsppaer to stay connected to friends and family in the Caribbean via Digicel Topups, which can be made from retail stores, or online at www.digicelgroup.com.

Page 8

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

The Phoenix – July 2014

l Alan Doherty with his team at the Good Food Show Summer

A&P Doherty Butchers S

l Alan Doherty during one of his meat cutting demonstrations

l Alan Doherty centre-right with other butchers at A&P Doherty Butchers in the Birmingham Bull Ring Indoor Market erving generation after generation of families from right across Birmingham, A&P Doherty Butchers have been a purveyor of the finest meats to everyone visiting them in the Bull Ring Indoor Markets.

Since he was 12 years old, Alan Doherty has worked in or around the Bull Ring Markets.

From helping as a Barrow Boy on a Saturday for a wage of just £1 to running A&P Doherty

l

Butchers, he has grown up with the markets of Birmingham and has seen a lot of change over the years.

Now in their 14th year, Alan started in the original open air markets over Edgbaston Street, nearly up to Jamaica Row before the redevelopment of Birmingham City forced a relocation to their current spot in Birmingham’s Indoor Market.

Birmingham’s Bull Ring Markets are the heart of the city, and have played an important role in its development since 1166.

Over the centuries Birmingham’s markets have provided local people and businesses with quality produce and products at The Birmingham Bull Ring Indoor Market

value prices, which they continue to do today.

This was the first year that A&P Doherty were at the Good Food Show as an exhibitor, and they did much more than just selling their wares to those attending the show.

The Birmingham Bull Ring Markets had their own area at the Good Food Show Summer, showcasing the talent to be found in the iconic markets.

With demonstrations from stall holders and a variety of businesses on show, it was a busy and interesting area of the show.

Speaking to The Phoenix before the Good Food Show Summer, Alan explained “We’ll be doing a meat cutting demonstration, which is something new, at least to my knowledge. We thought why don’t we demonstrate to the public about meat, and educate them about what

cuts are available and what they can do with them.”

“We know how to cut it, we know how to sell it, but do you know what you’re buying?”

As with anything, you want to know that the people you are buying from know what they’re doing, and in the case of a butcher, that’s no exception.

Alan enthused “John started at about 12, and every day of his working life since he’s worked covered in blood! And 60 now, same as the other guy who is coming with us, he’s 67 now.

Your mum and dad never gave you any pocket money, you had to go out and earn it!”

With well over 150 years of experience in the trade, the staff at A&P Doherty are knowledgeable, approachable and have great personalities, exactly what you’re looking for in a local butcher.

Sadly with the change in shopping habits, local butchers are dwindling in numbers, with many shoppers now opting to get everything from a major supermarket at the same time rather than making the effort

Good Food Show Roundup

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o the Good Food Show Summer and Gardeners' World Live once again have come and gone. A beautiful 4 days, looked on favourably by the weather, saw the best in food, drink, home and garden take to Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre.

Featuring a Birmingham City Council backed "Bull Ring Market" showcasing the best butchers, fishmongers, sweet stalls, greengrocers and more from the iconic markets.

To lead attendees through their wares, the area included

various showpieces, including meat cutting demonstrations from A&P Doherty, who were on hand for any of your meat-related queries.

Alongside the Markets were offerings of food and drink from across the world, including cheeses, liquors, oils, butters, meats, spices and more. For those

Americans who are homesick for the Land of the Free, there was even an American Import stall providing that much needed access to some of the culinary "gems" that the USA has to offer.

With celebrities from both the food and gardening worlds giving talks, cocktail classes, and growing classes all available, there was something for everyone at the Good Food Show Summer and Gardeners' World Live 2014.

If you've not been to the show before, make sure you book your tickets for the winter show, it's not one to miss!

to support their local butchers, bakers and greengrocers.

So get yourselves down to the Birmingham Bull Ring Markets and take a look at the quality that is available from skilled craftsmen right on your doorstep.

The Phoenix - July 2014

E

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

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

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

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Branston Court, Branston Street, Birmingham, B18 6BA

Page 9

Graduate Employability Seminar A Success

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e n n e d y Scott held its first ever tailor made graduate employability seminar in conjunction with the Legal Advice Centre at Staffordshire University in a groundbreaking event which gave some of the university’s law students an opportunity to learn the secrets to securing a brilliant graduate job in an incredibly competitive marketplace.

The seminar worked through finding the best routes into a perfect graduate job, creating a CV that really stands out from the crowd and teaching the techniques to do well in an interview.

“It’s becoming increasingly difficult for graduates to get that first foot through the door on the way to their dream career” said Kennedy Scott Managing Director, Steve Woolcock, who led the seminar alongside Employability Specialist, Roisin Wilson.

“In the aftermath of the recession, young people have suffered reduced employment prospects and though graduates are still more likely than non-grads to have a job, 47% of those jobs are likely to be non-graduate positions.

That means that over half of

T

We specialise in:

he UK Diversity Legal Awards, the only industry awards in the UK which focus solely on recognising and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across the legal profession have increased the number of awards to be presented, with a greater recognition given to the different types of firms and chambers, as well as those outside of London.

New categories will include: Recruitment: “Attracting Talent” Retention: “Talent Management” Promotion: “Progressing talent” "Firm of the Year Chambers of the Year" "Diversity Champion" "International Firm of the Year" "Regional Firm of the Year" "Regional Chambers of the Year" "City 10 Firm" "BSN Lifetime Achievement Award" and "BSN Promising Young Lawyer/Rising Star Award."

The black-tie dinner event, which take place on Tuesday November 18, at the new 5-star Grange Tower Bridge Hotel in London, will present a great opportunity to say “thank you”

all graduates aren’t utilising their degrees. This course gives students a great opportunity to avoid being part of that cohort.”

“There seems to be intense competition for every job these days. The media regularly has reports about dozens, or even hundreds, of applications for one or two jobs,” said Michael Jarrett, manager of Stafford University’s Legal Advice Clinic.

“Staffordshire University works hard to make sure that its students are work ready, but it’s still hard for them to get the first interview. The Kennedy Scott team came in to help the students to overcome that hurdle.

I really could not recommend

Steve and Roisin more highly to anyone who is looking to teach these skills to their students.”

Kennedy Scott is looking to expand their provision of this service.

5th UK Diversity Legal Awards announce new categories for 2014 to the teams and individuals within organisations who have a hands-on role in managing this important work.

Godwin Ohajah, MD at Satsuma, an award-winning marketing, business development and communications company in Manchester said: “We work hard to profile and promote the positive activities of firms and chambers that take part in the DLT (Diversity League Table).

The 5th annual UK Diversity Legal Awards is something we are hugely proud of.”

The UK Diversity Legal Awards were first presented in 2010 as part of the launch of the DLT and are open to organisa-

tions of all sizes and welcome submissions from firms, chambers, in-house legal teams (private and public sector) and suppliers to the legal profession.

l Godwin Ohajah

The Phoenix – July 2014

mortal life.

Death often seems more attractive than being alive.

But the reality of death is that it should be avoided at all costs.

Death is the worst thing to ever happen in all of existence.

Throughout time, every major religion, philosophy, and spiritual train of thought has sought to explain this mystery. It is a subject that touches the life of every man and woman, uniting the entire human race under a cloud of inevitable mortality.

The rich and the poor alike meet the same end; the black and

Maybe, according to a train of thought that has grown in popularity since the 19th century, life is nothing more than a biochemical accident, and death brings with it a never-ending state of nothingness; the most common conclusion drawn from this line of thinking is that there is no God at all.

The mystery of death is so profound that, despite the millennia of religious doctrine, mythology, scientific research, and the many theories and explanations that exist on the subject, people today are more confused than ever about it. Even within individual religious groups there is often a stark difference of opinion on the nature of death.

Nevertheless, the ultimate answer is ever present like death itself. It is apparent that death is the consequence of unrighteousness.

The bible makes it explicitly clear that the wages of sin is death.

The students of theistic science can make a valid point that death is no mystery at all if the self is made to understand the fact that sinful activities, actions that contradicts divine laws, brings death.

Anyone who attains a high spiritual platform, whoever attains elevated consciousness becomes aware of the superiority of the soul over the material self.

The body is inferior to the spirit, and it's only a vessel.

A highly developed person rises above the body which is subject to destruction. If it is easy to understand death and its ultimate purpose on a superior spiritual plane, it is easy to transcend it.

Page 10

AZUZA STREET WITH ROLAND JOSEPH TETTEH

Death & Dying

D G

REETINGS F R O M G H A N A TO THE BELOVED PEOPLE OF GREAT BRITAIN. My name is Roland Joseph Tetteh. I am your brother in the Lord.

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

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

eath is the cessation of all biological functions that sustain a living organism.

Phenomena which commonly bring about death include biological aging (senescence), predation, malnutrition, disease, suicide, homicide and accidents or trauma resulting in terminal injury.

Contemporary evolutionary theory sees death as an important part of the process of natural selection.

It is considered that organisms less adapted to their environment are more likely to die having produced fewer offspring, thereby reducing their contribution to the gene pool.

Their genes are thus eventually bred out of a population, leading at worst to extinction and, more positively, making the process possible, referred to as speciation.

Frequency of reproduction plays an equally important role in determining species survival:

an organism that dies young but leaves numerous offspring displays, according to Darwinian criteria, much greater fitness than a long-lived organism leaving only one.

Interestingly, scientific research into single-celled organisms reveals that the nature of life, on a cellular level, does not automatically include a self-destruct mechanism for death.

In other words, it appears that death is an unnatural part of life.

Yet despite this, everything on earth eventually dies.

The scientific community is a late comer in joining longstanding traditional, religious and philosophical method of inquiry into the nature of death and ultimately the afterlife.

Its mode of approach to the question of death and some of the puzzles it has unraveled so far strongly points out that it is unnatural and could be resolved.

Yet, the success it has chalked so far is peripheral. It is what makes living organisms die and

the main causes of death that is espoused. The key fundamental core of the nature of death is left unanswered.

Despite the impressive methods and approach adopted by life extension scientists, and the fact that they have succeeded in extending the lives of few organisms albeit less than five years, and ongoing research points out that in the unknown, unforeseeable future, death itself could be eliminated, few actually give much attention and credence to scientific approach when it comes to finding answers to the ultimate fate that awaits all living organisms.

THANATOLOGY

The question of death and why living organisms eventually die has been giving much critical, intellectual or epistemological and philosophical dimension.

Thanatology is the study of the philosophy of death. Though philosophers ancient and modern have poured volumes on the subject, real material progress has not been made yet, and one field which holds unchallengeable sway and continues to provide answers and inspire further inquiry is the spiritual platform.

SOCIETY AND RELIGION

In society, the nature of death and humanity's awareness of its own mortality has for millennia been a concern of the world's religious traditions and of philosophical inquiry.

This includes belief in resurrection (associated with Abrahamic religions), reincarnation or rebirth (associated with Dharmic religions), or that consciousness permanently ceases to exist, known as eternal oblivion (often associated with atheism).

Many people around the world turn to religion to answer questions about death and the afterlife, especially when someone is facing his or her own mortality.

Strangely, even a brief glance at many of the world’s religions reveals that many theologies glamorize death, promising rewards in the afterlife, including increased understanding of God and the universe and even, in some cases, supernatural powers that were unavailable during the

the white both go to the grave; the powerful and the humble all leave this planet eventually.

Many lines of religious thought simply accept the inevitability of death and instead try to offer better alternatives that await the faithful in the afterlife.

These ideas bring comfort to many people who have lost loved ones or are facing death themselves, but they leave others wondering, “Why must death exist? Wouldn’t an all-powerful God eradicate death? Shouldn’t all life inherently live forever?”

So the question of the nature of death also brings profound implications about the nature of God. Maybe, some reason, God is not as powerful as He says, since the problem of death remains.

Maybe God numbs our sensibilities after death, if we are promised happiness in paradise despite the horrors unfolding on our loved ones who are still alive. Maybe, if living a bad life truly results in eternal torment afterward, God is not really as loving as so many people claim.

Maybe there are actually many pathways to God, or many such gods, and the mystery of death will be solved differently for each person, depending on their philosophies in life.

Maybe there is no such thing as death, but instead a continual rebirth through reincarnation.

Congratulations to the new Bishop Alvin Wolliston and First Lady Barbara Wolliston of the New Life Cultural Centre, Kissimmee.

The Phoenix - July 2014

Page 11

SPECIAL STREET CRED SUPPLEMENT IN THE PHOENIX NEWSPAPER

JULY 2014

www.streetcredmagazine.com

R READ OU IGEST D Y L K E WE HINGS OF ALL T INMENT A T R E T EN ONLINE!

LOOKS TO PROVE THAT HE IS A “GOOD KISSER”

Page 12

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Editors Note H i Phoenix Street Cred Readers!

By now you are aware that Street Cred magazine is available to read online weekly and the concept has taken off since our launch last month.

Great that we are able to update you with what’s hot and what’s not in the world of entertainment faster.

Our new writers White Dee of Benefits St and Chantelle Guy are mak-

I

ing sure we give you the most entertaining read from Fashion, music, gossip, rising stars and unrecognised ones.

Check out bites of our mag in our supplement and take a look at more articles online.

We talk about Usher who is back with a sound much closer to the old style we know and love.

Joining The Phoenix was

/markdwaynemdg /streetcredmag

The Phoenix - July 2014

the best move for Street Cred as we have been able to reach even more of an audience and tap into the new generation with our brand.

It’s all so exciting get turning over.

Mark Dwayne MDG

t looks like it might not be all perfect in the world of Beyonce and Jay Z as their joint tour “On The Run” has suffered with low ticket sales, with even her hometown show still with seats up for grabs.

Sources are blaming the low sales on Beyonce’s single sales, which have been declining.

Ticketmaster shows tens of thousands of tickets still available, with the tour itself set to kick off in the States next week.

The 21 date tour may have managed to sell out a couple of venues, they have yet to even sell out the opening night in Miami.

‘Beyonce’s Album had a big first month with Drunk In Love, but the last several singles have tanked on the

Ticket Sales Woes for Bey and Jay Z

to have airplay, and she’s had no hits lately on the radio.’

charts,’ the source told RadarOnline. ‘If you’re launching a stadium tour, you have

Dire DYER IS an East End DISAPOINTMENT

O

k ladies we know you love him but what do you love him for? Its because of the bad boy image and top lad persona.

Now we know his new role in Eastenders he is trying to go outside the box a bit with the soft boy image but my god ain’t it boring.

If the bad boy role suits you then just do it. We so need a better story line as you really are “Dyer” at the moment. Lets see you go up against Phil or turn into a nasty piece of work or we’re switching off.

@MarkDwayneMDG1 @StreetCredMag

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Diddy Do It? DIDDY NOT? WHO KNOWS?!

P

ics circling round the internet of Diddy with his tongue out close up to Rick Ross.

What a beard to kiss [shivers] Diddy do it? Diddy not? ha

ARE YOU SINGLE?

B

e ready for the possibility of pity, being labelled, talked about and even laughed at! Sad isn’t it I thought society had moved on!

I am relatively new to the single life, to be honest, but I find it empowering, interesting, and intriguing! And dare I say…yes I do…Liberating!

That maybe the incorrect us-

age of words, being in a relationship does NOT AT ALL mean that one should feel like a they’re being caged or secluded from friends and family (at least it shouldn’t) but you MUST be considerate and compromise.

Now I CALL the shots, I CALL everything!

For more brilliant columns, check out Chantelle’s spot in the weekly edition!

Chantelle’s

Spot

The Phoenix - July 2014

Page 13

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

‘White Dee’s’ Column

Ed Rocks the Charts

A

wesome UK singer now superstar Ed Sheeran is now raking in the big cash with 5 tracks in the top forty and selling so far over 100,000 copies of his latest album Featuring major names like Pharrell Williams Rick Rubin Jeff Bhasker emile hayie making it the fastest selling album of 2014.

The single Sing supported by Pharrell is tearing up dancefloors across the country. Oh how we love British success.

Hey Guys and Gals!

Well im still hanging on in there and still trying to get used to all this hustle and bustle that’s surrounding me and the family, not too sure if I ever will though - but I’m gonna surf this wave and see where it takes me.

Had a great day on Sunday at Planet Ice Coventry, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Charity - oh my days, haven’t been ice skating since I was about 14 years old and really didn’t hold much hope that I would actually stay standing upright - but I did,

yay me.

Took Gerrard with me and for someone who has never been ice skating in his life, he took off like an Olympic speed skater.

Met some amazing people, we took part in an ice skating lesson, met some of the characters from Disney’s Frozen and above all made some well needed money for such a good cause.

On another completely different end of the scale, I was invited to France to cook for a 80th Birthday party in a little bistro, called Chez Maebro in a small very beautiful village.

A lot has been said about me and my friends and a lot of people presume we live on take outs and junk food, not in my house.

My kids have been brought up on fresh fruit and veg since they were babies, and thats mainly

thanks to daddy dearest and his 4 allotments. One take out a week at a push for my gang.

This experience was a million miles away from cooking at home, watched eagerly by a french chef, as I prepared the veg and gutted the fish, yep I definitely like to get my hands in there when cooking.

I must say even though I felt the pressure, I can stand the heat and will stay in the kitchen, dinner was served and they whooped it off, so I can safely say the French enjoyed my home made fish stew.

Just before I sign off another column, after a few very hard stressful weeks of no sleep, constant tantrums, screaming around the house, teenage hissy fits, Caitlin has finally finished her GCSE’s.

I cant remember me being like that when i took my exams (a few years ago haha) but no doubt I was.

So congratulations to everyone out there

who have finished their exams and studied hard, and await their results in August.

I bet every woman out there with a child in Year 11 cannot believe their babies have grown up way to fast and have now officially left school. I wish you all the best for the future.

Much love and until next time take care Dee

F

or fans of current chart hits and older styles of music alike, the arrival of Postmodern Jukebox at The Institute on the 16th June was a welcome change of pace.

The 11 strong band brought their mix of 1940’s charm with gusto, and after starting by asking everyone to get into the swing of the era, by not using their mobile phones or cameras, and just to enjoy the moment, they kicked it off with a bang.

With Drue Davis as the Master of Ceremonies, after the first of a number of comical “short messages from our sponsor”, introduced the sublime Robyn Adele Anderson to perform a number of songs, including Thrift Shop, Don't You Worry Child and Die Young.

Ashley Stroud then took to the

self endorsed version of Drunk In Love.

Our MC for the evening then took to the stage himself to own a Motown version of Nickelback’s How You Remind Me with Tim Kubart a.k.a.

“Tambourine Guy” and Ashleigh.

With further performances including We Can’t Stop, Timber and Burn, everyone returned to the stage for the finale of Get Lucky, including solos from every band member, rounding off a brilliant evening of musical festivities.

Scott Bradlee and Postmodern Jukebox will be returning to the UK in the not too distant future, so if you missed out this time, make sure you get your tickets for next time!

Check out their videos and covers on http://youtube.com/ ScottBradleeLovesYa.

@ The Institute, Birmingham stage, belting out Dark Horse and Fancy, along with a dual tap dance solo with Alex MacDonald, who had tapped along to Die Young previously.

After an amazing instrumental take on the Game of Thrones theme song by the band, Robyn returned with Gentlemen, Talk Dirty and Just Dance.

Taking her place on stage after Robyn was the supremely talented Christina Gatti, performing renditions of Sweater Weather and the Beyoncé her-

Page 14

ENTERTAINMENT

The Phoenix - July 2014

www.streetcredmagazine.com

DESCENDANTS

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.

can’t remember who introduced me to the Descendants. I do know the connection and pride I felt whenever the Grenadian community got together to do something for their communities.

I have been to so many Grenadian events over the last 7 years, many people thought that I had a blood line connection!

The blood line exists from our heritage where my great, great grand- l The Descendants Youth Group In the same year the Rt. Hon. ferently because we're new…" ebrations, the ex Prime Minister mother came from Ghana That was just after the group Tony Blair, Kaun Heart Foundaso yes we share the same herit- Paul Boateng M.P was apage. However the inclusion of all proached and agreed to become started running. Now some years tion, Patti Boulaye Reaching Out who wanted to attend, whatever a Patron. Mrs Connie Mark later, she is still a staunch mem- For Africa and at the Royal AlB.E.M. M.B.E became the sec- ber and is in a number of groups bert Hall in London, plus many heritage was heart warming. more prestigious events So let’s start with ond Patron in 1998 and to date!

‘Camara’s Spotlight’ featuring in 2007 Dr. John Roberts Descendants also has DESCENDANTS and how their Q.C formally became the third Patron after being a parent support group story began, and womens group!

After an incredible perfor- nominated by Mrs ConIn 2005, the decimance from the young people, nie Mark prior to her sion to hold an Annual this prompted an overwhelm- death in 2007.

DESCENDANTS felt Achievement Awards’ ing response from parents and was established by Marfounder members Margaret the need to keep young garet, but was inspired Noel, Collette Noel, Celestina people unified. Not only by her dear sister Kim Uzoka, Lorraine Neckles, Helen starting up holiday proNoel who unexpectedly Manufor and Kisha Noel to hold jects and educational and passed away in 2004 a meeting in Acton West London inspirational schemes, aged just 35. which looked into the develop- but during school terms All heads of Primary, ment of a sustainable cultural every Friday evening from 7pm to 9pm DESecondary schools and group. special needs schools in The participants were young SCENDANTS held their the London Borough of people of African and Caribbean classes to help build chilEaling nominate young descent and were led by Marga- dren’s knowledge of their students of African and ret Noel a remarkable Lady of roots, helping towards African-Caribbean desubstance who saw the need to them learning much scent in different catfollow the Department for Edu- more than they would at school with regards to egories and it is down to cation's ‘Every Child Matters’.

DESCENDANTS selecTwo months of further research their heritage.

Fiona Mensah Chair of tion panel which consist revealed the need for the type of teachers and educaof group the founding members Descendants had said "I felt there was a need for tionalists who meet, to wished to start up. decide upon the shortIn September 1993, DE- an organisation where l Margaret Noel with Echoes of the past book and listed student.

SCENDANTS was born and the young children could her Olympic torch For many of the young established, for young people of get together and learn more about themselves" including a very talented dance people, it is a great boost to know African and Caribbean descent.

Emphasis is put on group! that just being nominated by having self belief but So much so this astonishing their school provides confidence knowing that nothing organization have performed to achieve excellence. comes easy, it is them for Her Majesty The Queen in In 2010, to honour Dr John that have to put in the 2002 for the Golden Jubilee Cel- Roberts CBE QC DCL LLD work.

Descendants gives a sense of belonging, which encourages the young people to keep on returning.

Knowing and speaking to the youth over the years I have been involved with DESCENDANTS, I can honestly say that they are friendly, confident young people whose eagerness to achieve is always apparent.

One young member stated "all the staff are warm and welcoming… we don't get treated dif- l Loyal Descendents l The Descendent Awards

FCI Arb. the annual awards were renamed ‘Dr John Roberts CBE QC Achievement Awards’.

Dr John Anthony Roberts, of Pinner was the first known l Camara presenting awards at the person of Af- Descendant Awards is certainly a light of hope that rican ancestry to be appointed as QC in shines bright.

I have only good things to say England and Wales, who was given a CBE for ser- and it has been a pleasure to be vices to the administration part of its growth. Well done of justice, diversity and to for giving and planting seeds of hope into many children’s lives. equal Opportunities.

Following nine very successful Dr. Roberts was born in Sierra Leone on the 17th May 1928, ex- Achievement Award Ceremonies perienced prejudice as a young this is The 10th Annual Dr John juror but went on to become the Roberts CBE QC 2014 Achievefirst person of African ancestry in ment Awards Ceremony will be England and Wales to be head of held on Friday 4th July 2014, at his chambers and also to be made the Doubletree, by Hilton Hotel, Ealing Common. a recorder of the crown court.

Confirmed attendances from Not only was he also the first known person of African ances- the Patrons are confirmed from try to be the Head of his Cham- Dr John Roberts CBE QC, Lord bers in England and Wales but Paul Boateng, Lord Soley, Julian he was the first person of Afri- Bell, leader of the council, Angie can ancestry to be made a QC Bray, MP, Steve Pound MP. Descendants book "Echoes in England and Wales, the first person of African ancestry be From The Past" is now available appointed by the British Govern- to purchase. I can tell you it’s a ment to a dependent territories good read! So look on the webas a High Court Judge of the Su- site for more info: www.descendpreme Courts of the British Vir- ants.org.uk Charity no: 1109057. gin Islands, and Anguilla, British In fact take a look at the webWest Indies and remarkably the first Head of Chambers to alleg- site and read more about DEedly accept seven female barris- SCENDANTS. Descendants Motto is: ters at one time in 1975 which UMOJA – ‘Unity’ was a record during that era!

“Education is our right. We I hold this man with great regard and I could not think of a strive for Excellence. We are talbetter role model for us all to ented and gifted young people. learn from and what better Pa- We aim for the sky. With your tron could you hope to have for support and help we will achieve our full potential”. such a worthy cause.

Founder Margaret Noel was nominated to carry the Olympic Torch on 24th July 2012 on Lady Margaret Road, Southall in the London Borough of Ealing.

This lady has much to be proud of and I hope someone takes note of this article in the hope that she may one day also be on the Queens honours list.

She is and has been a constant source of inspiration and goes over and beyond to help the youth and her community voluntarily for all these years.

My love for the Descendants group has grown over the years, l A Descendents Art Class the incredible work put in by the committee Get in Touch with Camara and partnerships that have camara@thephoenixnewspaper.com grown in numwww.camaraofficial.com bers because of www.youtube.com/camaraofficial the time, effort www.linkedin.com/CamaraFearon and results that Camara (aka mizzcamara for websearch) have benefitted the children

The Phoenix – July 2014

www.streetcredmagazine.com

The Langley’s Gin Roof Terrace @ The Bureau

A

new vintage cocktail and deli bar was launched as the brand new Langley’s Gin Roof Terrace @ The Bureau, in Birmingham’s Colmore Business District, opened.

The newly refurbished roof terrace, sponsored by Langley’s Gin, offers a range of gin cocktails including an apple and fig, as well as barbequed canapés which included little snippets of the Bureau Bar’s most popular menu items including mini burgers, hotdogs and veggie bites, as well as themed Langley’s Gin cupcakes and strawberries and cream as sweet treats.

The Bureau, a 1903 Grade II listed building and recent winner of Designmynight.com’s ‘Hidden Gem’ award, is situated in the middle of Birmingham’s financial district and is a great spot where guests can indulge in locally produced and thoughtfully sourced deli and bar food, alongside a creative and interesting drinks menu.

The Langley's Gin Roof Terrace @ The Bureau is the second phase of The Bureau’s opening and is set to be this summer’s hot spot of choice, offering a unique outdoor setting on Colmore Row, with weekly set menu barbeques to make the mouth water from Head Chef, Stuart Devereaux.

The roof terrace features a semi-permanent bar serving Langley’s Gin, bottled beers, wines, champagne and The Bureau's share cocktails which are exclusive to the roof terrace. A select choice of cigars will also be on offer as an extra indul-

BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY

July 03 School of Rock & Pop Showcase 03 Bam Margera’s F**kface Unstoppable 04 Propaganda 07 Extreme 07 Brian Jonestown Massacre 08 Rixton 10 Catapult Club 11 In Hindsight 11 Propaganda 12 Kastella 12-16 National Rock & Pop Festival 18 Propaganda 18 Catapult Club 19 Glassbullet 20 Ultimate Genesis 20 Kids Can’t Fly 21 Onslaught 24 The Last Carnival 25 Propaganda 25 Catapult Club 26 Sister Shotgun

BIRMINGHAM INSTITUTE

July 12 Valve Sound System 14 Tame Impala + D.D. Dumbo 18 Slow Club 22 Mike Dignam 22 Ron Pope 24 Lower Than Atlantis + Decade + Yearbook 25 Tides + Page44 + Keep The Change 26 MafDotYou 30 The Shires

Page 15

ENTERTAINMENT

What’s On

gence.

Director, Zack Foley, comments: “We were delighted at the turnout for the launch. Guests were relaxed and seemed to really enjoy the vibe of the roof terrace, the food and our Langley’s gin cocktails! We hope the public will enjoy it too.”

The Langley’s Gin Roof Terrace @ The Bureau is an absolute must for after work drinks this summer, a great weekend destination and ideal for the 'after shop' lunch or pre 'night on the town' drinks.

LG ARENA

July 05-06 Robbie Williams 12 Club Legends Cup

TOWN HALL

July 02 University College Birmingham - Further Education Celebration and Awards Evening 05 Town Hall Tour 05 2014 Brant International Piano Competition, Birmingham: The Final 11 MFY - Rock Pop & Urban 13 Texas High School Choir in Concert 20 Rhys Darby 26 CBSO Youth Orchestra Academy

SYMPHONY HALL

July 02 CBSO Bluebeard’s Castle 03 This Is Tamworth 04 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Chris Aldridge and Beebe 04 CBSO New York, New York: A Gershwin and Bernstein Gala 05 KFAMoves presents Move to the Rhythm 05 Last Night of the Summer Proms 06 The Royal Opera: Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos 11 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Adrian Litvinoff’s Interplay 13 Brolly & Friends 2014: Irish Charity Night 14 AC Academy Youth Choirs of Great Britain sing with Russell Watson at Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Paolo Nutini LG Arena, Birmingham 5 November 2014

Without doubt 2014 is the year of Paolo Nutini. Acclaimed third album ‘Caustic Love’ went straight in at number 1, quickly reaching platinum status, and now with his biggest tour to date scheduled for the autumn, Paolo Nutini looks set to cement his place as one of the country’s

16 Birmingham Music Service Summer Gala Concert 17 Birmingham Music Service Summer Gala Concert 18 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Alison Symons & Steve Tromans Band 19 Musical Picnic: Metropolitan Brass Quintet 19 Rock Choir: The Choir that Rocks 22 Daryl Hall & John Oates 25 Symphony Hall Tour 25 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Young Pilgrims 28 Burt Bacharach

NEC

July 02-03 UK AD & Biogas 2014 02-03 Livestock Event 07-09 SOLEX 24-26 Antiques For Everyone Summer

CIVIC/WULFRUN WOLVERHAMPTON

leading artists.

Currently playing a few dates in the USA, Paolo returns later this month for what promises to be a sensational Glastonbury performance on Friday 26th June (Other Stage). He is also performing as the penultimate act at this year’s T in the Park on Saturday 12th July and V Festival in August.

Jetta & John Newman Civic Hall, Wolverhampton 29 October 2014

The Amorettes Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton 17 July 2014

Meet Jetta - a breaking British talent, earmarked for great things by Pharrell.

Following the release of the ‘Crecendo EP’ Jetta will be supporting John Newman on tour in the UK in October.

Since their formation in late 2010, this Spunky, Scottish 3-piece have been solidly gigging in clubs and festivals both at home and abroad, with their High-Octane, energy fuelled Performances securing them even more dedicated fans, and rave reviews, from far and wide.

July 03 Echo And The Bunnymen (Wulfrun Hall) 04 ELO Experience (Wulfrun Hall) 05 VIP Music Fair (Wulfrun Hall)

SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON

July 04 MVP Clubnight 07 The Winery Dogs 08 Sebastian Bach 09 Soulfly 12 Our World Below?

17 The Amorettes 18 The Twilight Sad Performing ‘14 Autumns 25 Liberty Lies

The War Of The Worlds LG Arena, Birmingham 5 December 2014

One of the most groundbreaking arena tours of all time, Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds – Alive on Stage! is to return for the sixth and final time in 2014.

Former X Factor winner Shayne Ward will join the cast of Jeff Wayne’s Musical Ver-

sion of The War of The Worlds - Alive on Stage!

The show will again feature a stellar cast with Jeff Wayne returning to the podium to conduct the 9-piece Black Smoke Band and 36-piece ULLAdubULLA Strings.

MADE LONDON - The Design and Craft Fair 24th – 26th October, 2014 One Marylebone, London, NW1 4AQ

Showcasing over 120 highly original makers and designers from the UK and Europe, the show offers the perfect opportunity for visitors to view and buy unique hand crafted pieces in a friendly, informal and beautiful atmosphere.

l Robbie Williams @ LG Arena

The Phoenix - July 2014

Page 16

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

If you’re not reading the weekly edition of Street Cred Magazine online, then you’re only getting part of the story.

I

got the new single link from Sony in my email from one of my favourite artists, and when I saw his name I was very excited because it’s Usher.

Usher is someone I have interviewed on many occasions and grown up listening to. When it comes to the coolest of cool in R&B then it’s this guy, in terms of new generation R&B as well as a trendsetter in fashion.

This guy changed 90’s pop music making it extremely cool especially with the 1st no 1 single in the UK “U make me Wanna”, as well as “Nice and slow”, “U Turn”, “You got it bad”, “Yeah”, “Burn”, “U remind me” and many other hits.

Do you remember that 14 year old boy who burst onto the scene in the early 90’s with the Jodeci produced “Can you get with it” which was a video of him being escorted driving down the street slowly with him singing on the cadillac bonnet.

Yes Usher is classic and he even said to me in a

For music, entertainment, events, gossip, sport and much more, Check it out every Friday Online ONLY at

www.streetcredmagazine.com

previous interview that he was the which was before we had Chris Br Trey Songs, and even Justin Timbe At the time he said it he probably wrong as when it came to R&B he and even got approval being a grea icon Michael Jackson who he also at his 30th anniversary concert wh In my personal opinion in recent leases have been questionable, the cally changed musically where we don transform into a David Guetta personally I wasn’t feeling that sou all these artists say that they have keep with the current trend but are meant to set the trend?

I think now due to feedback and he has finally realised he should go made him most successful and tha soul music.

Check out the full article in the weekly edition of Street Cred Magazine!

Words: Mark Dwayne

All of Me hits Nine weeks in the top 10 as tour is confirmed

H

is soulful tones have dominated the airwaves lately with his hit single ‘All Of Me’, which has seen sales of over 500,000 in the UK and is spending its ninth week in the Top 10.

It’s also sold a staggering 3 million in the US. Now, John Legend has announced a series of UK shows.

John’s Gold-certified fourth album ‘Love in the Future’ has stormed the UK and sold over half a million copies, as well as being nominated for a Grammy this year for Best R’n’B Album. Its lead single ‘All Of Me’ also scored him his first ever US number one single.

John has always been known for his heartfelt songwriting and beautiful use of melody, and ‘Love In The Future’ was no exception. It also saw him explore new musical territory by working with the likes of Rick Ross, Kimbra and Seal, and cemented his position as one of today’s most intriguing and talented musicians.

He’s now set to bring his live show to the UK, with a stop at Birmingham’s NIA on 12th October.

l John Legend

S

THE INAUGURATION OF BISHOP NEVILLE WOLLISTON SPECIAL REPORT

l Left to Right - Bishop Lecester Wolliston (Father), First Lady Rachel Wolliston (Mother), and the newly appointed Bishop Neville Wolliston at the reception on the eve of his inauguration at the Marriott Hotel, Connecticut. Cutout - newly appointed Bishop Neville Wolliston with his First Lady.

Birmingham-bred boy elevated to Bishop

T

he Phoenix Newspaper were especially proud and privileged to be invited to attend the service of consecration and elevation of a much loved brother in Christ, Reverend Dr Neville Wolliston to the office of Bishop in the Lord’s Church.

During the 1970’s, his father Bishop Lecester Wolliston was Senior Overseer of the United Pentecostal Church of God together with wife Mother Rachel Wolliston and his young family of 9 children, of which Neville (affectionately known as Wills) was part of the quartet of musicians who played music for the church. His brothers Alvin, Patrick and Harold accompanied him by playing other instruments, such as the treble and alto guitars plus drums. Numerous other families made up the congregation whose services were initially held on the premises of Summerfield School in Winson Green, subsequently transfer-

ring to Percy Shurmer School in Longmore Street, Balsall Heath, Birmingham.

Bishop Wolliston Snr was extremely passionate about the development of the church, in particular the younger generation.

His dream back then was to build his own church and to that end, he approached the leaders of Birmingham City Council for assistance.

Unfortunately, Government funds were not forthcoming but this did not deter Overseer Wolliston’s enthusiasm, whose church subsequently became the first Pentecostal Church in Birmingham to be granted a licence to collect

funds by way of door to door collection, for which he is eternally grateful and thanks Birmingham City Council for their assistance.

In later years, the church once again transferred to the nearby

Highgate Baptist Church in Conybere Street, Highgate. The church population had now grown in size following the addition of members from the Black Country areas of West Bromwich, Wednesbury and Tipton.

By now, Neville, Alvin and Patrick were teenagers and accomplished guitar players.

The young people’s choir would practise songs for Sunday services with ‘The Musicians’ as they were known then, sometimes at their home but more often during young people’s evening each Friday.

The brothers suffered for their art when faced with the demands of playing music for an all-female choir; they were often accused of playing out of tune, when it was the fault of certain choir members whose personalities clashed all too frequently!

All of this took place until the

day that the Wolliston family emigrated to the United States in 1979.

The Anointed Tabernacle of Jesus Christ is housed in a large modern, light and airy building. By now the sun had burned through and shone brightly in the blue sky. It was very hot – as though the Lord had blessed the events that lay ahead.

The LWEM Band took their place to play music to accompany the entrance of the First Procession comprising: - The Flag Bearers - The Cross Bearer

The Bible Bearer - The Sanctuary Choir - The Visiting First Ladies - The Visiting Clergy/Ministers (ordained) - The Visiting Pastors/Apostles - The Visiting Overseers - The International Academy of Bishops - The International Council of Independent Pentecostal Bishops During this time, the congegration remained seated.

Continued Inside

Page II

SPECIAL REPORT Continued From Front Page The Second Procession entered the church while the congegration rose to sing the hymn ‘All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name’.

The procession comprised: - The Cross Bearer - Ceremonial Adjutants - Ministers of Living Word Empowerment Ministries: - The Mothers - The Missionaries - The Deacons - The Ministers - The Evangelists - The Pastors/Elders - The First Family - Chief Adjutant - The Bishop-designate accompanied by his Chamberlain - The Co-Consecrators - The Chief Consecrator Following the entrance of the Second Procession, the following announcement was made: “At 11:00 this morning, the Bishop designate was inducted into The International Council of Independent Pentecostal Bishops in a closed Ceremony away from this place of Consecration.

The Chief Consecrator officiated and the Presiding Bishops of various Christian Reformations were witnesses as the first Vestments of the Bishop Designate were presented.

All the Credentials of Consecration were presented, examined and accepted and were signed and sealed with the Apostolic seal of the Chief-Consecrator and the Seal of the Living Word Empowerment Ministries, thus this processional has begun.

The Living Word Empowerment Ministries Band proceed to play ‘On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand’ After a series of uplifting songs by the LWEM Praise Team, the ceremony was officially opened by Chief Consecrator Bishop Dr Courton A. Reid, who referred the congregation to the official programme of events from which the proceedings were taken.

A scripture reading from 1 Kings 1:39-40 was read by Reverend Careen Griffiths of Montclair Fellowship Tabernacle.

Dr Andrea Smith of Miracle Outreach Ministries welcomed the Clergy and the congregation to the ceremony. The following members of The International Council of Independent Pentecostal Bishops were also welcomed: • Presiding Prelate of the City of Faith Church of God and Chief Consecrator Bishop Dr Courton A. Reid and Mrs. Claudette Reid • Presiding Prelate of Liberty Hall Church of God and Co-Consecrator the Right Rev. Bishop Dr Herbert N. Scott and Mrs. Sonia Scott • Presiding Prelate of the First Community Church of God and Co-Consecrator the Right Rev. Bishop Dr David N. McDonald and Mrs. Yvonne McDonald • Chief Apostle of the Family of Christ Church of God the Right Rev. Bishop Dr Michael A. Frith and Rev. Lydia Frith • Presiding Prelate of Triumphant Bible Church of God the Right Rev. Bishop John M. Thompson and Rev. Delores Thompson • Presiding Prelate of Bezer Holiness Church the Right Rev. Bishop Martin L. Nelson • Presiding Prelate of Deeper Life World Outreach Ministries the Right Rev. Bishop Dr Claude A. Hibbert and Dr Sonia Hibbert • The Parents of Bishop Designate Neville Wolliston - Bishop Lecester Wolliston and Mother Rachel Wolliston • Rev. Doyle St. Louis, All Nations Church of God, Springfield, Mass.

• Rev Pearl Phillips of Calvary Gospel Assembly, Bronx, NY • Minister Jackie Simmons, Living Word Empowerment Ministries, Springfield, Mass.

The Investiture

l The Investiture - The new Bishop received his final Episcopal Vestments, including his Cassock, Cincture, Zucchetto, Rochet, Chimere, Tippet, Cross & Chain, Ring, Cope, Mitre, Crozier and Bible, all individually brought to him during his Elevation. l To contact Living Word Empowerment Ministries, please email info@lwe-ministries.org l Photographs by Dexter - Contact details on Page IV

The Phoenix - July 2014

The Phoenix – July 2014

Page III

SPECIAL REPORT

l The Managing Editor, Founder and CEO of The Phoenix Newspaper with (Top to Bottom): First Lady Rosemary Wolliston, Bishop Lecester Wolliston Senior, First Lady Rachel Wolliston, Bishop Alvin Wolliston & First Lady Barbara Wolliston, “Pinky” Alexander and Patrick Wolliston (Horace).

Above Photographs by Phoenix Sharpeye

• Bishop and Rev. Maxine Johnson, Miracle World Outreach Ministries.

• Rev. Alvin Wolliston, New Life Cultural Centre, Kissimmee, Fl. • Bishop Courtney Williams, Bridgeport, CT. • Senator Eric Coleman, Hartford, CT • Bishop R. Warren • Pastor Ellis, LWEM Canada • Elder Dawn Myrie An insight to the character of Bishop Designate Neville Wolliston was given. “His deep passion for Christ and winning of lost souls, plus commitment to excellence in education led to his launch of REACH (Raising Educational Achievement and Cultivating Hope).

His belief in practical love led to the founding of attending to spiritual and societal needs immersed strategically in teamwork and his inspirational leadership and service, as Senior Pastor to Living Word Empowerment Ministries.

The entire membership extends its very best wishes on this memorable occasion and expresses the hope for continued success.

Given on 7th day of June 2014 at the State Capitol, Hartford, CT”.

A rousing rendition of the song ‘Order My Steps’ was performed by LWEM Mass Choir, which received hearty applause from the congregation. Shortly afterwards, a series of scripture readings were read followed by the congregational hymn ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’.

Rev. Deon Walker of LWEM stepped forward to read the Mandate in support of Dr Wolliston’s appointment to Bishop and Chief Pastor of the Lord’s church.

The congregation were treated to an incredible musical rendition on the organ as the organist literally made the instrument sing!

Proceedings were carried out in order of service outlined in the programme up to the special moment of Dr Wolliston’s investiture, a powerful and moving segment of the ceremony in which Dr Wolliston received his vestments symbolic of a Bishop in office.

A particularly poignant moment came when Bishop Wolliston lay on the ground prostrate (within his shroud in which he would be laid to rest at the appointed time) assuming the shape of the Cross.

Upon the sight of a much loved man of God in this way, many members of the congregation were moved to tears.

After Dr Wolliston was vested, he was escorted to his Episcopal Chair to a round of thunderous applause from the congregation.

The Chief Consecrator presented the new Bishop with the words “I present Bishop Neville G. Wolliston, Presiding Bishop in the Living Word Empowerment Ministries.

At this point, First Lady Wolliston greeted her husband and together they acknowledged the applause and acclamations.

Following his appointment, the new Prelate prepared to receive Holy Communion and was subsequently invited to administer the Sacrament to the College of Bishops.

The Final Blessing and Benediction were given as the congregation stood to witness the Recessional – the exit as follows: • The Cross Bearer • The Flag Bearer • The Bible Bearer • The newly consecrated Bishop N.G. Wolliston • The First Family • The Consecrators • International Council of Independent Pentecostal Bishops • The International Academy of Bishops • The Overseers • Living Word Empowerment Ministries • The Visiting Pastors/Apostles • The Visiting Clergy/Ministers • The Visiting First Ladies • The Choir • The Congregation This was a momentous and unforgettable day, leaving a beautiful memory in the hearts of all who attended for a very long time.

The Phoenix – July 2014

Page IV

SPECIAL REPORT

l Bishop R Warren, New Testament Church of God, Duanvale, Trelawny, Jamaica(Right)

l First Lady Rosemary Wolliston

l Lorna Wood, Administration Living Word Empowerment Ministries

l Marcia McLaughlin, Managing Editor/ CEO of The Phoenix Newspaper

l Bishop Wolliston and Reverend Maxine Johnson of Miracle World Outreach Ministries

O

nce again, the Phoenix Newspaper was delighted and honoured to be invited to the lively Celebration Banquet in honour of newly appointed Bishop Dr Neville G. Wolliston.

Those of us who were fortunate enough to have a ticket to this exclusive event made their way to the prestigious Marriott Hotel in Windsor, CT where we were treated to an evening of fine dining and entertainment.

As refreshments were served and photographs taken beside a picturesque in-house waterfall, all were welcomed to the event by the Master of Ceremonies, who asked everyone to look to the right and/or left of their neighbour and welcome them to the great event that lay ahead.

Everyone was in a joyous mood and still on a high from the elevation of beloved Bishop Neville earlier in the day.

The rules were made very clear: • Firstly, everyone was asked

to wear victory faces and to enjoy themselves • Secondly, only good conversation should flow • The third and final rule was to love Bishop Neville.

Pastor Alvin Wolliston then took to the stage and gave a prayer of thanks.

Shortly afterwards, dinner was served which commenced with a salad starter, followed by the main dish of chicken and salmon.

A dessert of cheesecake followed shortly afterwards accom-

panied by tea and coffee.

Soon after dinner, speeches were given and Bishop Neville visited each table accompanied by his photographer.

It was a wonderful evening filled with happiness and merriment in celebration of an exceptional man of God who has achieved so much in his life and helped to enrich the lives of many people.

Wishing you all God’s blessings, Bishop Neville Wolliston!

And finally...

W e would like to thank Bishop Neville Wolliston and First Lady Rosemary Wolliston for their hospitality.

We enjoyed the spiritual experience and to that end, we have tried to document it as best we can. Our readers will be able to enjoy the flavour

of such a him; and without him was not r e m a r k a b l e any thing made that was made. experience..

In him was life; and the life The Phoenix was the light of men. And the will continue light shineth in darkness; and to support and the darkness comprehended it connect communities all over not.” the world. I would like to leave Marcia McLaughlin you with a scripture from St Managing Editor/CEO John, Chapter One, Verses To purchase any of the photographs 1-5.

“In the beginning was the in this feature, contact Photosbydexter http://photosbydexter.zenfolio.com/ Word, and the Word was 716 Dixwell Avenue with God, and the Word New Haven, Ct 06511 was God. The same was 001-203-410-9454 - Mobile (USA) in the beginning with God. 001-203-562-4558 - Studio (USA) All things were made by

l A special thank you message to thank Lorna Wood, Administration LWEM, for her support leading up to, and during our visit. Also thanks to our chauffeur Jason a true professional and mannerable gentleman, as well as to all the congregation at LWEM.

The Phoenix – July 2014

Page 21

S

treet Cred got to chat with the wonderful and humble Una of The Saturdays about their world tour and having sold more than 5 Million albums.

Safe to say that this is biggest female pop band since the Spice Girls and they are still hungry!!!!

e only one left, rown, Omarian, erlake . y couldn’t be e was the leader at artist by his o performed with hen he was alive. t years his ree vibes dramatie saw the R&B a style artist and und at all and to do dance to en’t those artists

WHAT DO yOU lOOK FOrWArD TO MOST ABOUT TOUrING? UNA: We love going on tour getting to see our fans and hear them sing our songs, that’s the most exciting part of being in the music business because you get to see your fans and you are able to share the love.

The tour is really exciting and we will be performing all of our greatest hits - look out for the album.

a drop in sales o back to what at is cutting edge

Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 November 2014, NIA

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

WAS THere ever ANy eGO WHeN yOU perFOrMeD WITH GIrlS AlOUD? UNA: Not at all at the time

B

ritain’s biggest indoor international tattoo, with over 1,000 performers, returns to The NIA in Birmingham bringing together marching bands, exciting displays and culminating in the spectacular Grand Finale featuring all the performers in a spectacle of pomp and pageantry.

World class performers will join local groups to create a three-hour spectacle.

Come and experience the pomp and pageantry that is the Birmingham International Tattoo.

Sharing the arena with the musicians during the three-hour family event will be a range of spectacular displays including Royal Air Force Cosford Queen’s Colour, the Tri-Services Field Gun Competition, the Royal British Legion Riders Motorcycle Display and the Parade of Massed Standards. This year’s special event will mark the anniversaries of the start of World War I and the 70th Anniversary of D-Day, so is sure to be a fantastic show.

Whether you prefer the spectacle of the international marching bands, the thrills of the exciting displays, or the pomp and pageantry of the spectacular Grand Finale, this annual event is sure to prove popular with both young and old as there is something for all the family at the Birmingham International Tattoo.

we were so honoured to be on the same show as them and it really helped boost our career. We all got on well and it was definitely one of the most memorable times in our career.

WHAT IS yOUr perSONAl FAvOUrITe SONG AND AlBUM? UNA: Its really hard to say I have a favourite song because all of them have an emotion and represent a time in our life. We enjoy the songs as much as our fans but must say I love performing Higher.

HOW DO yOU FIND BeING FAMOUS? UNA: At times up to today I cant believe it but we are like a family we all started out together and this was our dream and because we are close we handle it all well and support each other.

Check out the full interview in the Weekly Street Cred Magazine!

The Phoenix – July 2014

Page 22

GADGETS AND GAMING

W

www.streetcredmagazine.com

SHINE

eighing a mere 0.3 ounces and only the size of a couple of 10p pieces stacked together, the Misfit Shine is an activity monitor like no other.

While it may not have all the bells and whistles that other products on the market do, there is one point that the Shine will outstrip nearly all of them.

Style.

When you first pick up the Shine, you’ll notice the brushed aluminium disc is as beautiful as it is light. This is a pedometer that can be worn as part of any outfit, and in any number of ways.

From the supplied bracelet and magnetic clasp, to

purchasable necklaces and leather bracelets, you can accessorise your Shine to your outfit.

Keeping track of your daily activity, the Shine also monitors sleep patterns, including your deep sleep time.

A double tap on the face of the Shine will show you how far through your daily target you are, followed by the time.

The Shrine itself doesn’t have a screen, or any buttons, so your primary resource to find out what you’ve been up to, is your mobile. With Android and iOS apps available, you can choose your favourite de-

vice to track your activity.

Statistics are tracked with the tri-axis accelerometer continues to count your steps accurately regardless of how you wear it. Be aware, however, that there’s no altimeter on this device, so it won’t track the stairs you climb.

With a battery life of 4-6 months, and low energy bluetooth connection when syncing to the app, the Mistfit Shine allows you to literally wear and forget it, and with its light weight and ease of wearing, it’s something you probably will do.

Available at John Lewis for £99, as well as a number of other online retailers, it sits at a price point that will entice the sporadic and dedicated keep-fitters alike.

While the Shine may not have the multitude of trackers and statistics that others contain, it is a beautiful piece of technology that will certainly aid users in their quests to keep active.

In a field of far more expensive systems, and some less so, the £99 Misfit Shine does just that.

Erma’s Jamaica Hospital Appeal Fund UK

Cordially invites you to our Silver Service

Annual Fundraising on

Gala Ball

Saturday 27th September 2014 The Centennial Centre

100 Icknield Port Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B16 0AA Silver Service ~ 7.00pm ~ 1.30am

Performances on the night

Pete Campbell Millicent Stephenson

Music: DJ Trevor Junior Roadshow

Prescilla Cameron

Supporting acts

Saxophonist Millicent Stephenson & Prescilla Cameron Host Major Glenville Lindsay

Host Nikki Tapper (BBC WM)

Guests: Jeremy Thornton of Biddle & Webb Auctioneers.

price £45 corporate table seating of Individual ticket 10

Ticket Outlets George & Helens 372 Court Oak Road, Harborne B32 0DY. 0121 427 2684 Sophia Hairdressers 105 Windmill Lane Smethwick 07983095867 M&M Studios 11 Birmingham Street Oldbury Warley B69

Dress Code: Black Tie / Cocktail Dress For more information contact

Erma Lewis on Tel: 0121 422 0184 / 07957 738 887 / 07930 335 683 or email: erma.lewis@btopenworld.com

Proceeds to assist Bethlehem Orphanage Down Town Kingston & Cardiac Unit Bustamante Hospital for Children Charity no 1094066

Plenty to play at EGX London 2014

A

small selection of the huge number of games that will available to play at EGX London 2014 this September have been announced.

Battlefield Hardline, Sunset Overdrive and Alien: Isolation are just some of the games headlining this year’s show, with other titles already confirmed from the likes of 2K Games, Electronic Arts, Activision and SEGA, as well as the console platform holders Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo, and VR powerhouse Oculus.

EGX London 2014 takes place at Earls Court, London, from Thursday 25th September to Sunday 28th September, and is expected to attract 80,000 gamers.

For the first time in its history the event will occupy two full floors of Earl’s Court One, packing the space with hundreds of playable pre-release games, along with exclusive developer session presentations on the hour every day and a host of other attractions.

Other playable games i n c l u d e Evolve and Borderlands: The Pre-

Sequel from 2K Games and the aforementioned Destiny from Activision and Battlefield Hardline from Electronic Arts.

SEGA’s Alien: Isolation, voted game of the show at this year’s EGX Rezzed, will also feature in a big way.

Tech mad Brits spend £355 per year on new gadgets

N

ew research reveals that Britons have spent £355 per person over the last year on new technology devices, such as iPads, Kindles or smart phones; treating themselves to a national total of over 70 million devices.

Despite the nation's desire to own the latest gadgets, the findings published by Barclays, show that nearly a third (29 per cent) of the UK population could benefit from support to use the digital devices or gadgets they currently own, so they feel more confident to fully make the most of them.

94 percent of Brits admit to not using the full functionality of their technology devices and nearly four in ten (39 per cent) admit to using only half or less.

And when it comes to our everyday mobile phones it's clear we don't get the most out of them with only 17 per cent revealing they use their mobile phones' full potential.

And we are worse when it comes to our tablets, with only 22 per cent admitting they use more than half of their gadgets' full functionality.

To help the UK make the most of the technology they have purchased or been given as gifts by generous family or friends, Barclays has launched a newly expanded group of 7,000 fully trained Barclays Digital Eagles.

They are on hand in branches across the UK, actively encouraging and educating customers and non-customers to acquire digital skills, so they feel confident to explore what their technology offers them – rather than leave their devices in a drawer

unused and under-utilised.

When it comes to the top reasons why Brits would purchase a new gadget or app to make their lives easier, the older generations (55 +) say they would most like to keep connected with their friends and family on services such as Facebook, Skype and Whatsapp (35 per cent). This matches the digital desires of their younger counterparts with 25-34 year olds citing the same reason (33 per cent).

The Phoenix – July 2014

BIG SCREEN

www.streetcredmagazine.com

SMALLScreen The Grand Budapest Hotel - Out 7 July DVD & Blu-Ray

T

he adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.

The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune -- all against the backdrop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent.

An all-star cast including

T

he wicked Lord Business (Will Ferrell) is determined to destroy the Lego universe and rebuild it using glue - which goes against the very nature of Lego.

Mistaken as the ‘Special’, the only surviving Master Builder, the rather ordinary Emmet (Pratt) is selected to lead a group of figures on a mission to put a stop to Lord Business’s evil plan.

Emmet is helped by wise wizard Vitruvius (Freeman), tough girl Wyldstyle (Banks)

S and DC superhero Batman (Arnett), but can he find something extraordinary within himself in order to save the world?

Friday Night Dinner Season 2 - Out 7 July DVD

E

ach week twentysomething brothers Adam and Jonny go back to Mum and Dad’s house for Friday night dinner, and each week Mum and Dad get ready for an evening of domestic squabbling, food-related pranking and lashings of ‘crimble crumble’.

In this series, Adam goes out with a girl who smells like Mum, Jonny gets a girlfriend who’s twice his age, Dad dries fish in the downstairs cupboard, Mum is forced out the house by a mouse, neighbour

THE EYE OF ENTERTAINMENT AND CUTTING EDGE LIFESTYLE

June 2014

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NOW S U READ NE ONLI Y EVER Y A FRID

KEYSHIA COLE CREATES A MASSIVE STORM IN AMERICA WITH HER SHOE LINE PLUS WHITE DEE, SWISH CLUBBIN, GRIMEY, GADGETS, SPIDER-MAN 2 & MORE!

BIGScreen

Ralph Fiennes, Adrien Brody, Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton and Owen Wilson.

The Lego Movie Out 21 July DVD & Blu-Ray

chmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) go deep undercover at a local college in order to track down the supplier of a new drug known as “WhyPhy” that is responsible for the death of a student.

If that plot sounds familiar, it’s because it’s the same exact plot as 21 Jump Street, except Schmidt and Jenko are at high school instead of college and the drug is known as “HFS” instead of “WhyPhy”.

However, do not let that deter you, for it is all part of the genius of 22 Jump Street. It’s selfaware, it’s fast paced, it’s action packed and most importantly, it’s absolutely hysterical.

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller return to the director’s chair and once again manage to

make this modest budget action/ comedy look like a big-budget blockbuster.

This duo works brilliantly together; capturing both the action and comedy elements with passion and respect, meaning that neither element suffers.

Writers Michael Bacall, Oren Uziel and Rodney Rothman also do a fantastic job and despite the fact that the plot is almost identical, they throw in enough new twists and turns to keep us on our toes.

They also make the ingenious decision to give Ice Cube a more integral part, resulting in some of the funniest moments in the entire movie.

One moment in particular involves Captain Dickson (Ice Cube) making a discovery that sends him into a blind rage. It’s a

Page 23

moment that comes as a genuine surprise and will leave you and the rest of the audience in fits of laughter.

Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum return as Schmidt and Jenko and it’s an absolute pleasure to see them together again.

These two have genuine chemistry and it’s joyous to watch them bounce off of one another.

Some of the funniest moments between them come when they are bickering and squabbling like a married couple and, much in the same way as the writers of Friends did with Chandler and Joey, the writers of 22 Jump Street lace Schmidt and Jenko’s relationship with over the top homosexual overtones and it works brilliantly.

There is even a moment in which Jenko suggests they

Review wORDS by antony brown should “investigate different people” and Schmidt simply looks at him with pain in his eyes and says “are you saying you want an open investigation?” It’s a simple moment, but it is one that draws huge laughs.

These movies have honestly changed my opinion of Channing Tatum. There was a time when I simply thought of him as nothing more than another ridiculously good looking actor for females to ogle while their boyfriends sit next to them, sulking.

But I am happy to say he has proven me wrong. He has shown that he is a deft hand at comedy and he has turned in strong dramatic performances in movies such as Magic Mike and Side Effects.

His next movie, Foxcatcher, looks absolutely brilliant and if word of mouth is to be believed, he gives an award worthy performance.

22 Jump Street is everything an action/comedy sequel should be.

It’s bigger, it’s louder, it’s action packed and it’s funnier.

It takes everything we loved about 21 Jump Street and amplifies it; taking everything to a whole new level.

There was so much potential for it all to go horribly wrong, perhaps in the same way as The Hangover trilogy went, with each instalment diminishing in quality and leaving fans of the original with a bad taste in their mouths, but thankfully, 22 Jump Street defies the odds and delivers what is one of the most satisfying sequels I’ve seen in recent memory.

Jim makes a birthday cake for his dog, Grandma gets a new boyfriend who tries to fight Dad and we meet Dad’s mother - ‘Horrible Grandma’.

Starring Simon Bird from the Inbetweeners.

on Phone Tablet PC Mac

Look out for the new WEEKLY

ONLINE every FRIDAY

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Gossip Fashion Gadgets Big Screen and more!

THE EYE OF ENTERTAINMENT AND CUTTING EDGE LIFESTYLE

June 2014

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The Phoenix – July 2014

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Page 25

EATING OUT

l Anderson’s Director, Daniel Anderson, in the new Dining Garden

Anderson’s at The Bull’s Head launch onsite Dining Garden

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hase two of development at Anderson’s at The Bull’s Head begins with the instalment of the countryside restaurant’s Dining Garden which will be located on the large grounds of the historic 14th Century site.

The Dining Garden has seen a further investment of around £20,000 and will consist of an outdoor dining area. It will serve as an extension to the main restaurant so diners will be able to order off the Anderson’s A La Carte menu which features Anderson’s popular steaks, grills and classics.

The design of the Dining Garden, like Anderson’s at The Bull’s Head, will remain as sympathetic and in keeping with the history of the site and the local area while still injecting a sense of style and freshness.

Anderson’s Director, Daniel Anderson, comments: “We feel that the Dining Garden is a very appropriate and welcome addition to Anderson’s at The Bull’s Head, and to Wootton Wawen.

It’s great for summer dining or just a couple of relaxing drinks out in the sun after a country walk.”

Renowned food artist creates Terracotta Army from Pizza Dough

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

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English Breakfast

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

Porridge £2.50 Reg £3.50 Lrg

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

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Delivery Orders Over £10.00!

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rant 49 years ago in 1965, in London’s Chinatown, the opening of PizzaExpress Beijing takes the number of PizzaExpress International sites to 68, across 13 countries, with 432 in the UK. The much loved menu, open kitchens, and the iconic PizzaExpress design remain similar across the globe – from Chinatown to China.

British Cookery School Awards 2014 now open for entries

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

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

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izzaExpress celebrated the opening of its 500th restaurant in the capital of China by collaborating with renowned food artist Annabel de Vetten who painstakingly recreated China’s iconic Terracotta Warriors using the brand’s famous dough.

Having opened its first restau-

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ritain’s biggest awards scheme dedicated to UK cookery schools, the British Cookery School Awards, is open for 2014 entries and the organisers are calling for all cookery schools to be acknowledged for the important role they play in driving Britain’s passion for cooking good, homemade food.

With more than 800 cookery schools now operating in the UK, the Awards – sponsored

by Kenwood – honour all those that go above and beyond to deliver a first class cookery school experience. Other sponsors include Lakeland, Braun, Maldon Salt, Premier Foods and Delicious magazine/ Now in its third year, for the first time, the awards will also include a category for online cookery schools and also introduce categories that will recognise the efforts of cookery departments in secondary schools and higher educational institutions.

Cookery school fans can also put forward their “People’s Choice” suggestions. This is an opportunity for the public to nominate their favourite

cookery school. If you’ve had amazing culinary training experience, received help to change or improve the way you cook, or have been provided with inspiration to create gastronomic delights then the British Cookery School Awards want to hear from you.

The judging panel will again be headed up by Nigel Barden, all round “foodie” expert and the food and drink presenter on BBC Radio 2’s Simon Mayo drivetime show. Ni- l Anna Morton, 2013 Unsung Hero Winner Small Cookery School to Best gel will be joined

by Delicious magazine editor Tutor and the judges will be Karen Barnes, Kenwood’s De- deciding the winners of each velopment Chef Martin Johns, category plus ultimately decide Premier Foods Developmental who will be crowned “Cookery Chef Anthony Warner and Guy School of The Year 2014.”

To nominate your favourLincoln, senior lecturer at Leeds Metropolitan University’s Cen- ite British cookery school just tre of Hospitality and Retailing email the name of the school to peopleschoice@britishcookeryManagement.

There are 13 categories in this schoolawards.co.uk by Monday year’s British Cookery School September 8.

Awards, ranging from Best

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The Phoenix – July 2014

The Phoenix – July 2014

Page 27

ADOPTION AND FOSTERING

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

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

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

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

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

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

With support from

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

TV chef’s story puts spotlight on fostering service

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l Lorraine with her foster parents Marion and John

ambeth’s foster carers were highlighted in a recently featured BBC documentary about celebrity chef Lorraine Pascale’s early life in the care system.

‘Fostering And Me,’ shown on BBC Two last month, traced the former model’s personal story and the impact fostering had on her life, with foster carers, fostered children and social workers from Lambeth helping Lorraine to put together an “insider’s guide” to foster care in the UK today.

The author and broadcaster was first fostered after she was given up at birth before being adopted at 18 months old and fostered again, aged eight, when her adoptive family broke down.

The model-turned-television chef said: “The film was about my experience in care and the impact fostering had on my life.

But it was also an attempt to show how vital fostering is to the lives of so many young people today.

There are thousands of chil-

dren across the UK looking for homes, but there is a huge shortfall in the number of foster families.

I hope the programme encouraged more people to put themselves forward as potential foster parents.”

Councillor Jackie Meldrum, Lambeth Council Cabinet member for Children & Adult Services, said: “We are all grateful that Lorraine told her compelling personal story, and we hope that it will build greater awareness of fostering and adoption.

We want to provide the best possible start in life for every child and we need more people, from all backgrounds, to become foster carers.”

Lorraine Pascale was born in Hackney in 1972 and in the film she tracked down the foster carers who looked after her as a child, who she had not seen for over 30 years.

The renowned TV cook hopes the documentary encouraging more families to open their doors to children in need of a home.

The truths behind same-sex adoption

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any lesbians and gay men in the United Kingdom have children.

Some have children from previous relationships, some co-parent, some elect to use a surrogate or a donor. Others adopt and choose to provide a loving, stable home for some of Britain’s most vulnerable children.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of gay men and lesbians who have adopted children.

This increase has been helped by a change in the law in England and Wales in 2005, allowing same gender couples to adopt jointly; prior to that, only one of the same-gender partnership could legally adopt.

Scotland’s adoption legislation of 2007 has similar provisions; in Northern Ireland, new adoption legislation is expected.

It is also now against the law in England, Wales and Scotland for

local authorities and other adoption agencies to discriminate against prospective adopters, because of their sexuality.

These legal changes have encouraged more gay and lesbian couples to approach adoption agencies and equally, agencies are beginning to realise that this is an untapped resource of Britain’s communities.

Many gay men and lesbians choose adoption as a first, rather than a last resort to form a family, and they seem to be more willing to adopt slightly older children or sibling groups.

Same gender couples can sometimes be an ideal match for a child who has been abused by the opposite gender.

Children may feel safer, for example, with two women, if they have been abused by a man or with two men, if their mother has neglected them.

Gay men and lesbians will also know what it is like to be in a minority, and may have encoun-

tered bullying or discrimination, so will be able to help a child who may encounter discrimination on the grounds of being adopted or living with a samegender couple.

For some gay men and lesbians, adoption is a way of creating a family where both parents are equal, with neither being the biological parent. It also means that the children become exclusively part their nuclear unit, and they do not need to share them with sperm donors or surrogate mothers.

Most research about gay and lesbian parenting has focused on the outcomes for children raised by gay and lesbian biologicalparents.

However, a research study with one hundred and thirty families who were randomly chosen, and was completed by the Family Research Centre at the University of Cambridge, in 2013, suggests that adoptive gay and lesbian families provide highly

positive parenting outcomes for children.

The families in this study were highly committed to parenting and developing positive relationships with their children, who often had difficulties.

Contrary to the concerns that are sometimes raised about gay fathers in particular, these families were found to be functioning as well as, and in some ways slightly better than the comparison groups of lesbian mothers and heterosexual parents.

The minor differences found may be due to the traumas of infertility that the majority of heterosexual couples and somelesbian mothers had experienced.

These gay fathers were the first to have gone through the adoption process to create their families; therefore, they were highly motivated and dedicated to being parents.

For more information about fostering and adoption, please visit www.baaf.org.uk

The Phoenix - July 2014

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OVERSEAS SPECIAL

The Journey begins

New York City, Connecticut and Niagara Falls

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l In-restaurant blossoming tree and goldfish (below) at The Mandarin Restaurant, Ontario, Canada. ur first stop was JFK Airport, New York when we landed in the United States on Thursday 5 June. We checked in smoothly and found the immigration officers to be thorough with an exceptional air of politeness.

They do their job – period. Our immigration officer, Officer Flores was commendable; we loved his charming but manly approach and good manners – 10/10 for officials at JFK. We reserve comment on our journey from Heathrow Airport.

To our surprise, we were

met at the airport by the Bishop and his aide/chauffeur. We drove for 2 hours through New York State, stopping at a Caribbean takeaway. The food was awesome and the staff were professional and friendly. I opted for a mix of chicken curry and oxtail with rice and peas - it was finger licking good.

We continued our journey to Connecticut, where we experienced a delightful calm with a somewhat country feel very similar to the countryside seen in the U.K. The spaciousness and greenery gave a sense of freedom as we approached our destination.

We arrived at Windsor Locks and checked into room 627 at the Sheraton Hartford Hotel – that’s right, we’re giving you a step by step guide into our experience on a daily basis.

The accommodation was very comfortable. The hotel is situated on the site of Bradley International Airport so our room overlooked the runway and loading bay. It was amazing as we heard no noise from our hotel room; although planes were landing and taking off, the room was soundproof.

The next day, we travelled to the Bishop’s home to meet his family! This was a truly amazing experience and we were humbled at the sincere hospitality that was afforded to us.

We were chauffeured daily by our designated driver who would call us every morning with a full itinerary that included the day of the Bishop’s inauguration.

On Sunday, we attended church where guest speakers were called to give a 5 minute speech in support of the Bishop’s inauguration. To my surprise, I was called to give a speech – I was totally dumbfounded, having no idea that I would be called to speak,

By WMF & Butterfly

therefore I was ill prepared! The worst thing was that I was one of the first 3 people called.

I confess that I made a total mess of it. I told the congregation that the pen is mightier than the sword and burst into tears. I was a mess – this is what church does to me. I get so caught up in the moment – especially when a

deliverance and execution of the real weapon of mass destruction - the truth!

After church on Sunday afternoon, we went to a Caribbean restaurant where we had dinner with the newly elected Bishop Neville Wolliston and First Lady Rosemarie Wolliston, together with his father

choir sings so powerfully and so beautifully.

I was amazed that the music was in tune (lol) and there was a real sense of spirituality throughout the entire congregation. They had it locked down – a true inspiration to anyone who wants to experience the feeling you get when you really want to know the truth, which leads me to the main speaker of the evening service.

Rev. Maxine Johnson of Miracle World Outreach Ministries is a lady that says it as it is and she was right on point. To preach to people is an art and this lady is an oil painting. She is dynamic!

I would book her 1,000 times to talk to young people, she speaks a language that you have heard and done before, if you get my meaning. We salute her for the

Bishop Wolliston Snr and mother First Lady Rachel Wolliston, plus extended family and close friends.

The next day, we made a 7hr

drive to Ontario, Canada to fulfil a most desired dream. Yes, we were on our way to visit Niagara Falls. There were pit stops along the way (McDonalds certainly have it cornered!)

I am a fan of big red trucks and to my surprise I got the opportunity to sit in the driver’s seat of a dream (baby check it out) pickup truck! It was awesome and I would like to thank those guys who stopped the truck on my demand and let me have my dream moment.

After a really enjoyable drive through upstate New York featuring endless lush forests and rolling green hills, we approached the check-point for Canada and crossed the border problem-free – after all, we were riding with a Bishop!

As we checked into our hotel it was off to visit the Falls. It was the most breath-taking sight to see the mist covered Falls toppling into a vast openness of beauty – I can’t explain how it is

The Phoenix – July 2014

possible, except to acknowledge that God is the Man – only He can perform such wonders.

Aside from the beautiful elements of nature, we found the trip to Niagara Falls to be extremely expensive. We decided to buy a few souvenirs for the rest of the team. It was a shock to realise that the price of the item is not the price paid at the checkout - once tax was added, everything seemed to double in price! If they could charge for the air we breathe, they would bottle and sell it.

Later, we went to a fantastic Chinese restaurant, The Mandarin where there was a beautiful selection of food on display with a chef on hand to provide freshly cooked food on the spot.

Unfortunately, one of our colleagues found a worm in her chocolate covered strawberry!

The little fellow had wriggled his way out of the chocolate and bravely exposed himself for all to see. It must have grown legs because by the time the manager arrived, it had wriggled out of sight. However, the manager was very complimentary and gave my colleague some broken biscuits to take home together with a bottle of water to wash them down! Needless to say, the biscuits were not eaten – would you take the chance (lol)?

We returned to our room at the Four Points by Sheraton Niagara Fallsview Hotel where we enjoyed a good night’s sleep.

The next day, we got adventurous and left the hotel to find a more affordable breakfast, or so we thought! A couple of blocks from the hotel, we found a café where breakfast was being sold for $6.99 – a great price. The staff were extremely friendly and polite and we were seated at a table for 6. It was a buffet style breakfast where we all helped ourselves from a set menu for a set price.

We were asked if we wanted a drink - the choice was limited to coffee or hot chocolate. The chocolate arrived loaded with sugar – it took 3 cups of water to dilute it as it was sweeter than a chocolate fondant and sweeter than sugar itself – a diabetic’s nightmare!

The café also served what we thought was real orange juice but turned out to be concentrated orange coloured drink! To add insult to injury the bill arrived for 6 breakfasts at $6.99 plus the additional cost of drinks totalling $90 - $50 of which was for

Page 29

OVERSEAS SPECIAL drinks alone. It was an absolute abuse of our innocence. When asked if we wanted a drink with our breakfast, at no time were we told that it was an extra cost so it was assumed that drinks were included.

It was all too much – not only had we been given orange coloured drinks when we asked for orange juice but we’d been given hot chocolate that could set as cement! We Brits were not going to take this sitting down. It was time to speak up and we did – as a result we didn’t pay for the drinks and quite rightly so. Next time, they won’t ‘forget’ to tell customers exactly what they’re being charged for!

Television in Canada and the States is very unusual – Breakfast TV has a multi-cultural team, which was very noticeable as this is not the norm in the U.K. Instantly, it gave you a sense of belonging which explains the confidence that the majority of American people of colour have which may need echoing in Britain. Manners and respect was noticeable every day.

Back at the Sheraton Hartford Hotel, we had breakfast every morning and were taken care of by a wonderful man named Paul along with other members of the restaurant staff.

Paul was amazing – he was a bundle of information, with lots of ideas for travel. Paul has worked with the Sheraton hotel chain for over 27 years. He was celebrating his 60th birthday and looking forward to retirement.

Paul, thank you for making us feel so welcome – it was a pleasure to meet such a professional and well-mannered team of staff - 10/10 for the staff at Concorde’s Restaurant and Bar. New York City was our final stop and let me tell you, the experience of the 2 hour drive to NYC was full of landmarks such as the Hudson River, memorable for being the site where on 15 January 2009, a plane struck a flock of Canada Geese during its initial climb-out, causing it to lose power and subsequently ditch in the Hudson River. We saw the Empire State Building and Freedom Tower standing majestically on the site of Ground Zero. We crossed the Brooklyn Bridge on our way to the suburbs.

Finally, after a quick shopping spree it was all over too soon as we were driven to JFK Airport for our return flight back to Britain.

l Brooklyn Bridge (below) and Freedom Tower (above) Photos by Phoenix Sharpeye

l Paul & Deborah, left, and Recardo from the Sheraton Hartford Hotel, Bradley Airport, Windsor Locks, Ct.

Page 30

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

The Phoenix – July 2014

International partner to address barriers that impact diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease

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harmaceutical company, Eli Lilly and Company, and Alzheimer’s Disease International announced the availability of educational resources intended to help improve communication between patients, caregivers and their physicians to ensure physicians have information to accurately diagnose the cause of the patient’s cognitive impairment – whether that be Alzheimer’s disease, another form of dementia, or some other cause.

The availability of resources occurs as two meetings take place in the United Kingdom to address related aspects of Alzheimer’s disease, specifically the need for care innovation and the future financial burden of the disease. The meetings are a result of the G8 Dementia Summit held in December 2013.

In 2012, Adelphi Research conducted ‘The International Alzheimer’s Disease Physician Survey,’ on behalf of Lilly, revealing physician-perceived

barriers that impact their ability to make formal Alzheimer’s disease diagnoses, citing lack of communication between patients and caregivers and physicians as one of the most common chal-

lenges. In fact, 40 percent of respondents reported that patients and caregivers did not provide enough information to help them make a formal diagnosis. Furthermore, the survey confirmed when diagnoses are made, physicians believe they are often made too late in the progression of the illness for physicians to intervene in a meaningful way.

“Obtaining an accurate and timely diagnosis for the cause of a patient’s cognitive impairment allows patients and families more time to seek advice and support, as well as plan for the future together,” said Marc Wortmann, Executive Director, ADI. “The survey findings emphasized the need to better support patients and family members through the often difficult process of seeking a diagnosis by helping them communicate more effectively with physicians.”

Ramadan advice for diabetics

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iabetics have been urged not to put their health at risk by unnecessarily fasting during the forthcoming month of Ramadan.

Throughout Ramadan most Muslims are required to refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours, but diabetics are exempt from this if fasting would put their health at risk.

Going without food for long periods can affect blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous for people with diabetes.

And diabetics who do choose to fast are strongly advised to seek advice from a health professional before Ramadan.

In Birmingham, new Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Councilor John Cotton, said: “The important thing to stress is that people with diabetes do not have to fast and they should not do so if it will put their health at risk.

“Anyone with complications associated with diabetes, such as poor vision, heart or kidney disease, runs a high risk of ag-

gravating these conditions and should seriously consider not fasting.

“That said, if you have diabetes and still intend to fast, you should speak to a healthcare professional, so that a medical assessment can be undertaken and appropriate advice can be provided.”

If people with diabetes have any damage to eyes, kidneys, heart or nerves in the hands and feet, it would be advisable not to fast.

The Phoenix - July 2014

School defibrillator scheme welcomed

easyGym to support Cure Leukaemia

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osses at West Midlands Ambulance Service say a decision to help every school in the region get a defibrillator could make the difference between life and death for pupils.

The Department for Education has announced plans to allow schools to purchase defibrillators at a reduced cost in time for the start of the autumn term.

Head of Community Response, Emma Wilkins, said: “For every parent in the region, there is nothing more important than keeping their children safe at school.

There is no formal data on the number of deaths of pupils under the age of 18 in schools, but the

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Schools urged to teach how to stay healthy and safe at work

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l easyGym Kings Heath manager Phillip James

Department of Health estimates around 88 children per year die of sudden cardiac arrest.

Thankfully it doesn’t happen very often, but it can literally happen to anyone whether they have been diagnosed with a cardiac condition or not.

We know from the work that we do every day just how important such machines can be in saving lives. It would be great if every school in the region had a look at the scheme. Having a defibrillator in every school could make the difference between life or death for one of their pupils.”

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ure Leukaemia and easyGym Kings Heath are now official partners for the BUPA Great Birmingham Run 2014.

The leading national gym chain has new sites opening all over the country with easyGym Kings Heath growing from strength to strength since opening in November 2012.

Both staff and members alike will play an integral part in helping Cure Leukaemia achieve its goal of 1000 runners pounding the streets of the Second City in October. easyGym will provide training plans for runners of all standards, nutritional guides, email support and two complimentary memberships to worthy recipients.

Current easyGym members will have access to all of these benefits but also additional face-

to-face support and advice from the gym’s personal trainers and instructors.

Cure Leukaemia had a record breaking £125,000 raised by its

455 runners in the 2013 BUPA Great Birmingham Run and the Birmingham-based blood cancer charity want to double this in 2014 to break even more records.

If successful, the £250,000 raised would be worth £2.5 mil-

lion in potentially life-saving drugs for leukaemia patients across the region.

Phillip James, manager of easyGym Kings Heath said, “It’s a great privilege to help support Cure Leukaemia in this year’s BUPA Great Birmingham Run. easyGym has a fantastic opportunity to reach out and encourage as many of our members to take part and raise as much money as possible.”

Cure Leukaemia Chief Executive, James McLaughlin, said: “To have the support of such a well known and respected company is tremendous news.

They will be instrumental in helping us reach out to new runners and reach our target of 1000 people taking part on October 19th. I’m sure ‘Team Cure Leukaemia’ will raise a fantastic amount of money for the charity.”

ith millions of students preparing to embark on work experience or their first jobs in the coming weeks and months, schools across the UK are being urged to take advantage of special offers on a British Safety Council qualification that teaches 14-19 year olds how to stay safe and healthy at work.

Research shows that workers are far more likely to be injured in accidents in the first six months of a new job, and young people can be particularly at risk due to factors such as their unfamiliarity with hazards, a lack of physical capability and a reluctance to raise concerns.

The number of young people killed and injured in the workplace remains disproportionately high. A young worker is 50% more likely to have an accident than an older worker.

The British Safety Council’s Entry Level Award in Workplace

Hazard Awareness is specifically designed for 14-19 year olds and builds students’ awareness of important health and safety issues before they embark on work experience or their first job.

Schools are being encouraged to take this up for the academic year 2014/15 with a number of offers until 31 October 2014 including a waiver of centre and qualification approval fees.

Alex Botha, Chief Executive of the British Safety Council, said: “Our vision is that no one should be injured or made ill at work and it is a priority to reduce the risks young people face in the workplace.

In the UK last year 148 people died at work, 21,000 were seriously injured and around 27 million working days were lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury. Workplace injuries and ill health cost society at least an estimated £13.8 billion annually.

We recognise that safety is about people and education is essential. Our Ofqual-accredited qualification teaches young people how to keep themselves and their co-workers healthy and safe and encourages them to speak up if they have concerns about the hazards they are facing. I urge every school and academy across the UK to take advantage of our affordable way to educate young people to help prevent them from being killed, injured and made ill at work.”

S.H.A. ABDI OPTOMETRIST If you or anyone you know is unable to go out unaccompanied and is in need of an eye test or glasses; we can arrange a home visit to test your eyes and dispense a new pair of spectacles.

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CAREERS, RECRUITMENT AND EDUCATION

The Phoenix – July 2014

Example of Cameron 'Big Society' axed by Government

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College Students Benefit from Bursary

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l (L-R) Anne Inman, Customer Services, Shane Butler and Lauren Ward, students, and Tatiana Harris, Customer Services irmingham Metropolitan College has been awarded a £20,000 bursary from the National Express Foundation to assist students across Birmingham, the Black Country and Kidderminster over the next two years.

The National Express Foundation, set up to help disadvantaged young people, is providing £100,000 this year to assist young progress to higher education or enjoy new activities, equipment and training at community groups across the region.

Young people living in the West Midlands or South Essex and East London benefit from the

Foundation.

James Donnan from the National Express Foundation, said: “The Foundation seeks to help young people from challenging backgrounds to succeed in life.

We know a modest amount of financial help can make a huge difference to bursary recipients, enabling them to progress their studies and further their ambitions.”

BMETC Principal, Andrew Cleaves, said: “I’m delighted that Birmingham Metropolitan College has been successful in its bid for the Student Bursaries Programme.

Any additional financial support for students whilst studying is a bonus and

will help students to realise their goals as well as assisting families who are endeavouring to support them. It’s wonderful to see one of our major, local employers contributing assistance in this way and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with the Foundation to deliver a successful programme.”

The National Express Foundation was launched in May 2012 and is a registered charity. The Bursary Programme has already benefited students across the West Midlands with a variety of assistance including help with travel costs, books and specialised clothing and uniforms.

Home Grown Produce Boosts College Restaurant

l Level 2 VRQ Professional Cookery students Diane Perry, 41, and Josh Monk, 18, pick some radish from the garden at Walsall College

H

ome grown produce is now being used in Walsall College’s onsite training restaurant which is open to the public.

The polytunnel and vegetable patch adjacent to the staff car park at the rear of Wisemore Campus is now being used to pick fresh produce for use in the commercially-run Jerome’s Res-

taurant.

The produce is grown by students from the NUS as part of their training and then picked by coordinators from the College’s Student EATS scheme. Hospitality and Catering students then use vegetables such as red chard, rocket, radish, lettuce, broccoli and cabbage in their food preparation whilst tomatoes, cucumbers, leeks, onions and potatoes will soon be used once they have grown.

Steve Biggs, Commercial Chef and Trainer Assessor in Hospitality & Catering, said Walsall College were boosting its green credentials through the project.

“This is a great initiative because it means we can support the Student EATS garden with their ongoing planting scheme as well as getting the freshest ingredients into our dishes at Jerome’s Restaurant,” he added.

overnment officers were refused entrance to a Birmingham college by angry students, parents and supporters as the Whitehall officials had turned up to close the Kajans Hospitality & Catering Studio College in Aston.

The studio school which specialises in Caribbean, especially in the hospitality industry, opened in September 2013, young adults were given an early taste of the catering industry thanks to the college's partnership with Premier League club Aston Villa.

A 'low proportion of pupils' at the college was given as the reason for closure.

A spokesperson for the DfE said: “We took the decision to close the college due to low pupil numbers, but will work with the Kajans Education and Cultural Trust to ensure existing pupils can continue their studies at alternative schools.”

Hermin McIntosh, the Trust's Executive Director, argued: "We

are well and above our target figures. In fact, due to Health & Safety we had to cut back on our numbers. We are already above our target for next term."

Support for Kajans have been pouring in with Labour MP, Khalid Mahmood (Perry Barr) writing to the government's Education Minister, Michael Gove, urging him to keep the school open.

Birmingham City Council is also fighting the school’s corner, saying that the decision to close the school was 'punitive.'

Community leaders are calling on the Prime Minister to step in and save the school which was scene as an example of his (Cameron) ‘Big Society' drive for community action.

The Phoenix – July 2014

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HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

Premier Amory answers Q&A at A.N.S.A.R. 2014

efore his scheduled attendance at the ANSAR weekend in Leeds, Premier, the Right Honourable Vance W Amory, made a very special visit to Birmingham, to address issues faced by natives of St. Kitts & Nevis, in the UK, and their family and friends back in the Leeward Islands region of the Caribbean.

Bringing news, to and facing questions from, members, friends and associates of the St Kitts/Nevis & Friends Association, Premier Amory showed great pride in meeting with people of the community, at grass roots level, at the heavily attended event, at the Heartlands Social Club, in Nechells, in the city, where, collectively and individually, Kittitians and Nevisians were able to here the latest developments concerning the SKN Diaspora first hand.

Speaking highly of the warm welcome he received, he appeared open and connected, facing questions, of varied magnitude, head-on, putting attendees at ease at all times.

He also visited local station, NewStyle Radio 98.7 to share information to his fellow natives, on a grander scale, as well other Caribbean communities, on the news, the tourism industry and its sustainability, how easy it is for people to engage in business and how important it is to keep the links between the Diaspora group and the country of

their origin.

The St Kitts/Nevis and Friends Association is a thriving group determined to bring news from the islands to the UK and develop greater links with other Caribbean nations, the UK and wider afield, whilst preserving their island identity.

ANSAR (The Anguilla Nevis St. Kitts Associations Reunion) 2014 took place on the 16th, 17th and 18th May bringing nationals of these three islands together to reflect on the past, revel in the present and plan for the future.

l Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel, Gloucestershire

Have a beautiful British Summer break

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he countdown to summer is on and Four Pillars Hotels is offering stays that promise unforgettable and great value getaways for the whole family over the school holiday period.

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Rural retreat at Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel, Gloucestershire

Perfect for those looking for a luxury country house style break, this gorgeous Grade II listed Victorian mansion is set in breath-taking countryside.

Guests stay in charming rooms, some with original features such as exposed beams and four poster beds, and can enjoy delicious meals in a choice of two restaurants - the elegant 'Moreton's' with its ex-

citing menu of locally sourced food or the sixty foot high 'Atrium' which is light and airy and is ideal for a snack or a delicious afternoon tea. The city of Bristol is also conveniently close for shopping and exploring.

With other options up and down the country, whether it's sightseeing, sunbathing or shopping that you choose, there is something for every family to enjoy this summer with Four Pillars Hotels.

New Travel Experiences to Australia and Serbia launched

W

l Yogendra and Andeep Parekh at the opening of the West Bromwich Gym

orldVentures™ the leading international direct seller of vacation club memberships, announced its simultaneous expansion into Australia and Serbia.

Launching in Australia is WorldVentures’ first foothold in the Pacific Region, while Serbia is the company’s 16th prominent European market. Travel enthusiasts and entrepreneurs in 28 global markets, now including Australia and Serbia, can enjoy WorldVentures’ award-winning DreamTrips Memberships or exceptional business opportunity.

“We’re excited to add Australia,

one of the world’s largest economies, and Serbia, an emerging economy, to our growing list of global markets,” WorldVentures Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer Wayne Nugent said. “We invite locals in these two countries to enjoy our unforgettable travel experiences like our many DreamTrips members do, or improve their work-life balance in a fun way as Independent Representatives.”

WorldVentures’ business model merges the advantages of online marketing, with the flexibility of direct-selling. DreamTrips, the company’s award-winning travel club membership, enables cus-

tomers to participate in highquality, unique, unforgettable experiences that deliver fun, freedom and fulfillment through travel and entertainment. The company’s business opportunity offers its entrepreneurs everything they need to market and sell DreamTrips Memberships through friend-to-friend referrals. WorldVentures’ Independent Representatives can work full or part-time—from home or anywhere in the world.

WorldVentures has expanded to five new markets in the last year: Poland, Malaysia, Puerto Rico, Australia and Serbia.

Page 34

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The Phoenix - July 2014

A

talented wrestler is looking to get to grips with glory at the Commonwealth Games as reigning British and English champion Chinu Singh, who trains at Wolverhampton Wrestling Club, has been selected as part of the Team England squad for the Glasgow games.

The 27-year-old was given strong Civic backing when he took time out from his preparations to meet Wolverhampton City Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities, Councillor Elias Mattu.

Chinu was introduced to the sport by his father Parmjit, himself a wrestler at high school level back in his native India, at the tender age of four.

His dedication and love for the sport has since seen him win a clutch of titles including seven British Championships and four English championships. He will be competing in the 125kg category of Freestyle Wrestling.

Chinu said: “I am very honoured and excited to be representing Team England at the Commonwealth

P

Page 35

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

Games.

Four years ago, I was due to go to the games in Delhi but unfortunately got injured which was a big disappointment. But if you want to be a champion, you have to get on with it and now I’m looking forward to doing well next month.

My family has always encouraged me, especially my father, and they are very happy for me. They have all booked their tickets and are going to be cheering me on.”

Chinu also paid tribute to his coaches Ranjit Singh Tutt, Amarjit Singh Tutt and Gurcheatan Singh Kooner, at the Wolverhampton Wrestling Club.

“I have an excellent coaching team who train me and prepare me for tournaments and I have a lot to thank them for. The club is great and caters for a number of combat sports for people of different ages.”

Councillor Mattu said: “This city has a proud sporting history and I am delighted to see this continuing with Chinu.

He has already achieved so much in his career so we will be cheering him on to Gold in Glasgow.”

Goal-Line Tech Coming To A Park Near You!

C

Wolves grappler going for gold in Glasgow l Commonwealth Games wrestler Chinu Singh with Wolverhampton City Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities Councillor Elias Mattu.

Playing fields continue to benefit from Sport England funding laying fields across the country will continue to be protected and improved thanks to nearly £3.7 million of National Lottery funding from Sport England’s Protecting Playing Fields fund.

In the latest round of funding, 63 projects will receive funding of up to £100,000 to bring disused playing fields back into use, improve existing sites and create new sports pitches.

Since its launch in 2011, 399 projects have benefited from a total of £22 million of investment over six rounds, with more than 1,000 pitches protected and improved.

Sport England Property Direc-

tor, Charles Johnston, said: “The latest round of our Protecting Playing Fields fund continues to make a real difference to community sports clubs up and down the country by supporting one of the most important resources in sport. By protecting and improving playing fields in communities across the country, we’re ensuring people and teams have a place to get active and enjoy sport all year round.”

Minister for Sport, Helen Grant, said: “This £3.7 million lottery funding is helping to protect and improve playing fields across the country, giving a better sports experience to thousands. Combined with our on-going work to put down more 3G pitches this will

also mean sports fixtures become less victims of the weather and enable play all-year-round.”

Protecting Playing Fields enhances the role Sport England already plays in safeguarding playing fields. The future of all sites funded through this programme will be secured for a minimum of 25 years.

The funding for playing fields improvements is also in addition to our special £5 million flood relief fund that is helping restore pitches and repair sports facilities damaged by the exceptional weather earlier in the year. The fund was specifically created to help with the damage caused by the floods and storms over winter.

ries of “goal ref!” could become a thing of the past in grassroots football thanks to revolutionary new goal-line technology.

Previously the domain of the Premier League and FIFA, already a prominent feature in this year’s Brazil FIFA World Cup, the breakthrough product from APR Sport Solutions could bring cuttingedge technology to millions of footballers in parks across the UK and beyond.

The revolutionary new APR Sense Goal-line System uses tiny sensors attached to the back of goalposts that trigger when the whole ball crosses the goal-line. But you can’t just use any old football if you want the system to work.

The genius of the system, according to Andy Pulman-Rich-

ards, inventor and founder of APR Sport Solutions, is in their APR01 ball. The coating of the ball contains a breakthrough poly-metallic paint that triggers the sensors even when passed at the highest speeds.

The system is currently available for £99.99 – a price point that may price rule out for many grassroots teams, but one which the company hope to reduce in the near future as it rolls out to the mass market.

“European football’s major governing bodies are all trialling the system, so we hope to have it endorsed across the continent in the next 12 months,” said Pulman-Richards.

The APR Sense system could become mandatory in all amateur football matches across Europe as early as the 2015/16 season.

Madame Gaffa - Page 35 Tendulkar, footballing supremo Sir Alex Ferguson and Line of Duty actress Keeley Hawes, as never seen before, exploring different regions of the Commonwealth over the past three months to witness UNICEF’s life-changing work.

Exclusive footage which captures the stars and the children they met across the Commonwealth will feature in the Opening Ceremony, culminating in this unique and unifying fundraising moment.

Speaking about her trip to Guyana in Latin America, singer Nicole said: "It was wonderful to see how UNICEF is transforming children’s lives. I had the blessing of meeting children with disabilities who for most of their lives had been stuck at home or in schools without any accessible or welcoming outdoor space.

But now, these children have somewhere safe to play and I could see they had hope and happiness in their lives. And that means everything.

The Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony is going to be so exciting. Come on, wherever we are in the world, we can make sure children come first.”

Sir Chris said of his trip to Ma-

First Commonwealth-wide fundraiser for children at Opening of Glasgow 2014

I

nternational singing superstar Nicole Scherzinger and cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy are two of the star-studded names who will appear in a global fundraising first at the Glasgow 2014 Opening Ceremony to help UNICEF save and change the lives of millions of children

across the Commonwealth.

Glasgow 2014, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and UNICEF have forged a ground-breaking partnership, with the ambition of improving the lives of children in every country in the Commonwealth through raising money for the Children of the Commonwealth

Fund, in the run-up to and during the Games.

Spectators, athletes and an expected 1billion viewers from across the Commonwealth will all have the chance to play their part in the ceremony and be invited to Put Children First by making a donation via a text number or url which will create

a powerful Games legacy for children.

Sir Chris unveiled the first glimpse of some of the legendary personalities involved in making the Opening Ceremony a unique and momentous opportunity for children in a short film which shows Nicole and Chris, along with cricket icon Sachin

lawi: “Meeting children whose lives have been so hugely improved by UNICEF was an incredible experience that will stay with me forever.

In some parts of Malawi children are going hungry, but at school they are provided with a nutritious meal. Shockingly, for many of them it’s the only meal they will get all day. And things we take for granted in the UK, like basic medicine, are not always available in Malawi."

He added: “The Opening Ceremony will be a spectacular moment for Glasgow, Scotland and the Commonwealth as we attempt something that has never been done before; I’m so proud to be a part of that, and I hope everyone will join us on the day.”

Speaking about his involvement with UNICEF, Tendulkar said: “I am proud to be part of the Glasgow 2014 Opening Ceremony in support of UNICEF’s global appeal for children. I’ve witnessed how UNICEF makes such a difference to children’s lives, and I hope that everyone will tune in to the Opening Ceremony to be part of a Commonwealth-wide moment that has never been done before.”

All money raised by UNICEF and Glasgow 2014 through the Opening Ceremony will go to UNICEF’s Children of the Commonwealth Fund and will help protect children from poverty, disease and exploitation, provide life-saving food and vaccines, and give millions of children the chance to take part in sport – many for the first time.

The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony takes place on July 23.