The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

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By Dr Tony Talburt

On the eve of the Brexit vote in June 2016 there were two popular issues that, depending on which side of the debate you stood, dominated discussions up and down the country. The first issue centred upon the payments that could go into the NHS rather than the European Union. The second issue was the protection of the country’s borders against the uncontrolled tide of immigrants. Fast forward to the summer months of 2018, and it becomes clear that these two issues are no longer at the centre of the debate about the particular brand or kind of Brexit the country is likely to experience. The question is, therefore, what have become of these two former thorny issues? It seems that these two matters were not as serious as the apparent looming economic realities that were largely ignored at the time, but

nonetheless, are now being seriously addressed?

In 2015 it seemed that the chances of Britain exiting from the European Union were remote. By 2016, however, the various opinion polls had narrowed. One of the central issues that seemed to have swayed popular sentiments was Europe’s fairly liberal immigration policy that encouraged movement of EU members across its different member states. In the few years running up to the referendum in June 2016, the UK witnessed an unprecedented increase in the number of particularly Eastern Europeans entering the country. According to an article in the Bloomberg Opinion, (19 September 2018) fears or concerns over immigration was the second most cited reason given by those wishing to leave the EU. Taking back control of

the country’s borders was, therefore, a popular anthem being sung by people in 2016.

Within months, however, it

seemed that the immigration crisis was no longer being talked about as a central concern.

Again, just before the referendum in June 2016 there was a popular contention being propounded by leaders of the

leave campaign that £350 million a week that was being spent on EU membership would go on the NHS, should people vote in favour of Brexit. Yet in an article in the Independent (11 September 2016) there appeared to be a U-turn by the leave campaign.

Their new mantra claimed that money saved by leaving the EU would now be used for ‘identifying effective new funding formulas for agriculture, science, research and poorer regions.’

Over the last few months the emphasis seemed to have

shifted away from social issues such immigration and the NHS towards the harsh and thorny issue of economics.

The sticking points in the Brexit wrangling between the UK and the rest of the 27 members have been focused

The Patient Is Always Right...?

The care you receive from a GP is usually very good and most people don’t have any problems.

But occasionally, in the case of receptionists, things can go awry.

Mindful that doctor’s case-loads are over-filling like never before, it shouldn’t give ‘cant-blanch’ for the first person you see - when visiting a medical centre - treats you with a level of distain that seems to be creeping in on a too regular level.

GP receptionists

are the first port-of-call and, today, too many of them lack the character and personal ability to communicate; which was once the mainstay of the institute.

Today, it’s often a case of ‘political correctness’ gone too far.

Patients are not just ‘numbers’ to tick off.

They are human beings with frailties – the level of which brings them there in the first place.

There was a case where a patient wished to rebook an appointment for a diabetic review – having,

through illness, missed the previous one.

The receptionist obviously ‘heard’ her, but didn’t ‘listen.’ She just said: “You missed your appointment and your name is not down for another.”

“I know I do not have an appointment,” said the patient. “That is why I am here now – to rebook!”

Clearly not happy with the response, and not ‘listening,’ the receptionist barked: “You don’t have to take that attitude with me.”

To which the patient responded: “What

around the type of trading relations, Britain’s access to the customs union and the Northern Ireland border issue.

Britain, or at least, Prime Minister Theresa May, really wishes be out of the EU but be able to enjoy some of the benefits of trade. In the end, it will probably be matters of trade rather than social factors, that continue to cause the biggest Brexit headaches.

In a strange but related twist, there might be one significant consequence on the NHS when Britain leaves the EU, that is associated with immigration. According to the British Medical Association almost 50% of the staff working in the NHS who are from the EU were considering leaving after Britain makes it departure. Furthermore, about 12.5% of all NHS staff are from Europe or elsewhere.

In a strange way Britain’s departure from the European Union might therefore lead to immigrants leaving the country, but perhaps some of these might be the very highly skilled people the country could ill afford to lose. As for the low skilled workers, as fewer immigrants come into the country from Europe, will British people be willing to take on these relatively low paid jobs? In the end, we might get what we wanted, but in the process, we might lose what we had.

attitude?” This made the receptionist feel uncomfortable and she walked away leaving the front desk unmanned complaining that working from 8.00am to three in the afternoon was ‘wearing’ on her.

You couldn’t make-up this scenario.

Her supervisor, then, came out and handled what turned out to be a turgid situation, and she handled it with care, consideration for the patient and, above all, professionalism and the problem was proficiently resolved.

Many young people take ‘political correctness’ out of context.

Every patient, no matter who they are or where they come from, must be treated with equal respect – all of the tine!

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 3

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Movember Still Fighting For Men’s Health T

he state of men’s health is in crisis and men are said to experience worse longer-term health than women and die on average six years earlier with testicular cancer rates having already doubled in the last 50 years, prostate cancer rates is set to double in the next 15.

Three

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quarters of suicides are men, with poor mental health leading to half a million taking their own life every year.

That’s one every minute.

Those facing prostate cancer and testicular cancer face an uphill battle - before, during and after treatment.

The Movember Foundation is uniquely placed to address the issue at a global level by funding ground-breaking projects all over the world, engaging with men where they are, to understand what works best, to help make change happen from November on. The aim, by 2030, is to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25%.

"Movember has had to evolve over the

years,” said the Foundation’s CEO Owen Sharp. "We started out promoting funding for prostate cancer research and then testicular cancer – but a big focus for us in the past few years has been around men’s mental health, just because it’s such a prominent issue.

Our fathers, partners, brothers and friends face a health crisis that isn’t being talked about. Men are dying too young. We can’t afford to stay silent.

That’s why we’re taking action.

We’re the only charity tackling men’s health on a global scale, year round. We’re addressing some of the biggest health issues faced by men: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention.”

Now in its 10th year, fundraising activities will be underway around the world, this month. The impact of doing nothing would be massive.

Service of Remembrance to honour Dutch soldiers

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olverhampton will once more pay its respects to the brigade of Dutch soldiers who were stationed at Wrottesley Park during the Second World War. The city’s Mayor Councillor Phil Page planned to lay a wreath at the annual Dutch War Graves Service of Remembrance at the city’s Jeffcock Road Cemetery, this month, in a poignant service organised by the City of Wolverhampton Central Branch of the Royal British Legion, in memory of the 23 soldiers from the Princess Irene Brigade who are buried at the cemetery.

The Princess Irene Brigade was stationed in an encampment at Wrottesley Park from 1941 before they took part in the Normandy D-Day landings which began the liberation of

Western Europe. They were also the first Allied troops to enter The Hague. They were disbanded in 1945.

The service has taken place annually since, with veterans and latterly soldiers from its successor regiment the Guards Regiment Fusiliers Princess Irene making the pilgrimage to Wolverhampton on the weekend before Remembrance Sunday to honour their Dutch comrades.

Richard Marsh, from the City of Wolverhampton Central Branch of the Royal British Legion, said: "This service has been held every year since 1945, with a contingent of Dutch personnel joining the Mayor, Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff and other dignitaries to lay wreaths as we pay homage to our brave Dutch Allies from the Second World War.”

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MPs debate having extra religious holidays In Parliament MPs debated a petitions urging the Government to hold public holidays on Muslims and Hindu religious occasions in the UK. Opened by Martyn Day MP, a member of the Petitions Committee, the petition called for public holidays on Muslim religious occasions, which has more than 46,000 signatures, stating: “This will give an opportunity for Muslim families to get together and share happiness with other religious communities.

“It is very important for Muslims to celebrate EID” later adding that despite being the second largest UK religion “Muslims don’t get a lawful Public Holiday on their two special religious occasions in a year.”

In response to the petitions, the Government said: “The Government has no plans to create a public holiday to commemorate religious festivals such as Eid and Diwali” adding that the “costs are considerable.

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Soul diva Beverley stars at charity ball

T

he Steve Bull Foundation and Cure Leukaemia joined forces to stage a fantastic charity ball featuring acclaimed soul singer Beverley Knight at Birmingham’s ICC for the ‘One Knight Only’ event, delivering a performance which left revellers not only packing the dance floor but dancing around the tables as well.

Thousands of pounds was raised to be split between three causes - Promise Dreams and Solihull Hospital, which were the Steve Bull Foundation’s chosen charities for the night, and Cure Leukaemia - to boost their continuing work in the fight against blood cancer.

The two charities linked up following the support of so many Wolverhampton Wanderers fans for former goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, now in remission having been diagnosed with leukaemia last

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year.

As singer, Knight, is close friends with the club’s Vice-President and former player Bull, and was also well aware of the battle of another former Wolves player in Cure Leukaemia patron Geoff Thomas, who successfully fought leukaemia 15 years ago and was also among the guests at the ICC.

“It was a great night with a really lovely, warm and family-like atmosphere,” Knight said.

“Bully was at the helm of it all, holding everything together, and he was brilliant as he always is.

It is the second time I have sung for the Steve Bull Foundation and they do some great work supporting local charities.

“I also saw a lovely picture on

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social media of two ladies (Jenna Ostrowski and Brooke Evans) who have fought back from leukaemia who were coming to the event and I thought – that is why we are all here…for ladies like them.

She went on; “Geoff fought back and beat the disease, and Carl is winning his battle, and I was thinking of him when I was up there singing on the night.”

Bull said: “Bev is a good friend of mine and as soon as I rang her up she was really keen to come and sing for us again.

It was a great night with the Midlands really coming together and raising money for two brilliant causes.”

Thomas, who has been involved in a range of different cycling challenges in his fundraising work for Cure Leukaemia, said: “I joined Wolves in the mid-1990s and very quickly learned how much of a hero Steve is.

After his career finished he has continued to do great things and setting up his Foundation has allowed him to support various charities around the area.

Cure Leukeamia teaming up with the Steve Bull Foundation really works and was perfect to put on a great night like tonight and hopefully raise a lot of money.”

Cure Leukaemia CEO James McLaughlin added: "This was a memorable event and one we were very proud to be a part of.

We saw when Carl was diagnosed last summer how generous the people of the Midlands can be and this was again evident at this event.

"There are thousands of people in the same position across the UK and we need to make sure they all get back to their families.”

l Beverley Knight

Home Secretary, Javid, Wins at GG2 Leadership Awards Home Secretary Sajid Javid MP topped the GG2 Power List, which profiles the 101 most influential Asians in the UK today at the 20th Anniversary GG2 Leadership Awards, where he was honoured with the ‘Hammer Award,’ for a high achieving individual who has shattered the proverbial glass ceiling.

The Awards showcased ethnic achievements, talent and leadership in Britain.

“It is an incredible honour to be the first Asian Home Secretary in our country’s history,” he said. “And I’m

immensely proud to get an award in acknowledgement of breaking the glass ceiling.”

He also topped this year’s GG2 Power List, a glossy annual publication which is revealed every year on the night of the GG2 Leadership Awards Show.

The GG2 Leadership Awards and the reveal of the GG2 Power List were a culmination of a day in which the GG2 Diversity Conference also took place and saw both corporate and community leaders come together to discuss the importance of diversity,

l Sajid Javid inclusion and representation in the UK on a variety of panels.

New entries this year include TV personality Jameela Jamil, comedian Romesh Ranganathan and BBC presenter Anita Rani.

Notable climbers from last year’s GG2 Power List include Brexit campaigner Gina Miller, who rises to no.10 this year, veteran TV couple Sanjeev Bhaskar and Meera Syal (14) and Court of Appeal Judge, Sir Rabinder Singh (4).

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The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 5

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s. Sangita Reddy, Vice President of FICCI and Joint Managing Director of the Apollo Hospitals Group, said in New Delhi, India, today that corporate India will stand up and recognize the meritocracy of the LGBTQ+ community within the overarching ambit of inclusiveness and equality.

Speaking at the first National Dialogue: “Queering the Pitch – Agents of Change,” organized by The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Ms. Reddy said: “Corporate India is ready.

We stand for inclusiveness.”

She, however, cautioned that this change movement should be handled with sensitivity and positively so that it is kept on the right direction.

Mythology Guru and Author, Mr. Devdutt Pattanaik, expounded on relevance of love and inclusiveness, stating that Indian culture and tradition enjoin

equality amongst all sexes – male, female and transgender and more – in the face of socially constructed norms associated with their birth sex.

Mr. Pattanaik said, “Where there is fear, there is exclusion; when people don’t accept inclusiveness, they fail to experience the divine”, and added, “To realize God, you have to love.”

He said that businesses are all about giving back to society and therefore one cannot separate industry from society and society from nature.

The dialogue followed the launch of the Keshav Suri Foundation (KSF) by Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson and Managing Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group and Past President, FICCI. Dr. Suri said that the time was ripe to accept, embrace and empower the LGBTQ+ community.

The landscape for the community had changed with the reading down of Section 377 of the IPC by the Supreme Court,

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she said and added that KSF was a unique platform where relevant people can engage in a meaningful dialogue about the extremely marginalized LGBTQ community.

“We need to break the stereotyped image of the community, accept them socially and mainstream them professionally and economically,” she emphasized.

KSF has become the official affiliate of ‘It Gets Better India’, a global platform to uplift, empower and connect the LGBTQ+ community through storytelling and community building.

With over 60 million views online, this campaign has been one of the most successful social campaigns in modern history.

The ‘It Gets Better India’ campaign has seen personalities such as Barack Obama, Stephen Colbert & organizations such as Google, Apple and various others participate in spreading positive messages that encourage queer youth to live their truth, with pride and dignity.

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Hippodrome PRide on PR success Friday 26 October saw Birmingham Hippodrome’s Communications team awarded Silver for Outstanding In-House Public Relations Team at the CIPR Midlands PRide Awards 2018.

The award recognises the team’s efforts in developing and revitalising the theatre’s communication strategy.

Acknowledging the department’s creativity, the prize celebrates a year of attentiongrabbing campaigns promoting the theatre’s blockbuster main stage productions as well as the theatre’s charitable work in the form of Hippodrome Projects – encompassing community work, creative learning and outdoor performances.

The leading regional awards ceremony ran by the Charted Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), took place at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel in Birmingham in a room full of Midlands-based PR professionals and partners.

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Laura Smith, Head of Communications said: “We are delighted to have taken home this award for the very first time.

We are a fairly new team, so to be recognised in the industry in this way is great and just goes to show that all our hard is really paying off.

“We love bringing a campaign to life working with the best

people to create memorable moments that really get people talking. Many more to come so watch this space!”

Richard Stone, chairman of the CIPR Midlands, said: "This year's PRide Awards truly represent the best work being done in the Midlands.

"The quality and quantity of entries was truly impressive.”

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Monthly views

withTony Kelly

It’s Time To Turn Back Time

Mural Commemorates Launch of ‘Revolution’ H

I

ts 40 years since the ‘Revolution,’ in a Birmingham inner-city suburb, launched a group of young men to internationally epic proportions. And, to mark the occasion, a public mural was unveiled to celebration one of popular music’s most iconic albums.

In celebrating Steel Pulse’s debut album; ‘Handsworth Revolution,’ and to commemorate ‘National Album Day,’ Punch Records revisited one of reggae’s most iconic albums by unveiling a public mural, in Handsworth Park, which depicts the memorable artwork on the album cover on the wall of the Handsworth Wellbeing Centre.

In the presence of two of the original Grammy Award-winning

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band members - Mykaell Riley and Basil Gabidon - and as part of the BASS2018 Festival, the album, which rose to No.9 in the British charts ten days after its release, is now immortalized with the cover’s artwork emblazoned for all to see.

The band, who, as teenagers, hailed from Handsworth Wood Boy’s School, signed for Island Records in 1978, where they released their debut album, ‘Handsworth Revolution,’ to widespread critical acclaim. Their first single ‘Ku Klux Klan’ – a call for resistance against forces of racism that was openly evident back then, bringing them to worldwide attention.

But, as meteoric an impact as they made on the global stage, actually convincing the record label’s boss, Chris Blackwell, on the album’s title wasn’t so easy.

“Getting Chris to agree to the album title was hard work,” said Mykaell, “because he never heard of Handsworth. He didn’t know that the place existed.

We had to convince him that Handsworth – outside of London – was a massively known place and we were not, in any way, going to change the album name. There was no compromising!”

On the album, he said; “Looking back, the revolution was as much within the band, when compared to anything that was happening in the community. We had graduated from the ‘university of life’ with a 1st for our album and Handsworth celebrated in success.”

The band gained international recognition when they were awarded with Best Reggae Recording for ‘Babylon the Bandit’ at the 1987 Grammy Awards.

Whilst he (Riley) is now Director of the UK C entre For Black Music Research at the University of Westminster, Basil is still touring with his Basil Gabbidon Band.

As part of Black History Month and to celebrate 50 years of reggae, Punch Records’ BASS2018 Festival is highlighted its past and present with artists including Toots & The Maytals, Carroll Thompson, Freddie McGregor and The Mighty Diamonds.

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l 22nd October saw saw the first court hearing from #OpTopDeck - The individual was found guilty for using their phone whilst driving. Defendant was fined a total of £676 and given 6 points. What a brilliant initiative to keep our roads safer.

ow do I remember which direction to change the clocks in Britain?

To avoid confusion memorise the simple phrase ‘spring forward, fall back’.

The clocks always go forward an hour on the last weekend in March in spring and go back on the final weekend of October in autumn. The moving of the clocks was first introduced during World War One by Germany and Austria and then by the allies to save on coal usage.

While the UK has always had daylight saving time since it was first introduced it came into widespread use across the world during the 1970s because of the energy crisis. ASFFF I am wishing to avoid the Brexit debate in this article but draw people’s attention to what was first reported in August of this year where 80% of Europeans are in favour of doing away with the twice yearly switch. The European commission will recommend that EU member states abandon the practice of changing the clocks in spring and autumn, with many people in favour of staying on summer time throughout the year.

E Having put that in to context it leads to the safety message that we all need to heed. ‘Better to be safe than sorry’ is a well known proverbial saying that one often heard during childhood.

With the clocks in Britain having just gone back by an hour meaning the hours of daylight are reduced and the evenings in particular get darker much sooner whilst we approach the winter season and 21st December the shortest day of the year, we must try to prevent unnecessary traffic accidents in-

volving pedestrians which increase during this period.

Parents and guardians must encourage their children going to and from school to wear something visible on their school uniform or their rucksack/ school bag since most clothing worn by them is neither bright in colour nor clearly seen in the dark.

That seems to be common sense but is not readily adopted. This advice should also apply to others going about their daily lives. I have often whilst driving at this time of the year come across figures in the poor visibility with nothing on them to make them standout in the dark. That is not right and I sometimes say in jest that not even an owl more commonly known as a potoo in the Caribbean which has night time vision would be able to see some of these inappropriately dressed persons especially on roads that have little or no street lights.

The safety of the nation’s children should be of paramount importance and as my grandmother used to say during my childhood, ‘There is always danger where no danger shows’.

The onus should be placed on adults to make sure that the children can be seen by motorists, cyclists and bikers in order to prevent unnecessary road traffic accidents and mishaps. There are retail outlets where fluorescent strips can be brought at a cheap price and that might mean the difference between saving a child from harm such as being maimed or even killed.

Spend the few pounds to kit out the children in your care with suitable visible attire on their clothing as to use another proverbial saying ‘Prevention is better than cure.’

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 7

Page 8 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

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- NEWS -

Holyhead H Showcases Its Best For BHM

olyhead Students past and present took to the stage as part of the schools Black History Month Showcase.

Ross Trafford, headteacher at Holyhead said “This important annual event reflects the magic of Holyhead and allows us to inspire, engage and educate the whole school community about the need for high aspirations and the value of understanding its rich culture and heritage.�

Featuring a varied mix of drama, musical recitals, a fashion show and dance, the students, from a number of different year groups, came together to show what they have been working on in this Windrush anniversary year.

As has become custom, there were special guest speakers on hand to talk to the students about their experiences and what Black History Month and Windrush mean to them.

This year, Lord Mayor of Birmingham Cllr Yvonne Mosquito and actor/director/ musician Dylan Duffus took to the stage to inspire through their words.

Ex-students of Holyhead, Oasis, came back to perform in the second half, and brought the house down, with everyone on their feet and getting involved.

It comes around but once a year, but the talents on show at Holyhead will hold it in good stead moving forward for the rest of this year.

@PhoenixNewsUK

- NEWS -

Wingin’ It: A Story of Hope Over Hate A

The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 9 a bullet’ for him - quite literally, his relationship with former Rangers and Liverpool manager, Graeme Souness, his family highs and lows, his relationship with his father, former Nigerian international, Lawrence Wabara and mother, Ivy and siblings.

The ultimate hardback, ‘Wingin It’ is a compelling read of hope over hate in which former winger, Walters, leaves no stone unturned

– at home and at work – as he lifts the lid on his relationships with former his managers, his groundbreaking moves, in England and Scotland, and the profligate number of Black ex-players as managers and coaches in the game in England.

Mark Walters rewrote the record books and you can find out how in ‘Wingin’ It’ – his life on the ‘line.

fter a glittering career, legend, Mark Walters, has opened the doors on his meteoric rise from local Aston Villa fan to Holte End hero, before further major success at Glasgow Rangers, Liverpool, international level and much more…good, bad and indifferent!

His autobiography; ‘Wingin’ It,’ takes you on his journey from growing up in Birmingham, being snapped-up by his boyhood team, his medal-laden successes (at home and abroad), how he overcame the open racist hostility that was rampant throughout much of his career, plus living a life as – Mark Walters.

Always a fans-favourite, the former England winger pulls no punches and leaves no stone unturned in highlighting his early days at Villa, how he escaped the lurid clutches of evil paedophile, Ted Langford, how he become one of the greatest players ever at Ibrox Park, how he was inspired by his friend, the late Cyrille Regis, his response when he received a letters from the Ku Klux Klan, how a teammate ‘took

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Page 10 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

Young “Eco Warriors” Clean Up Haringey

Growing Phenomenon of Ethnic Enterprise Arts with Dr Christopher Johnson

S

ince the last century, there has been an exponential profusion of arts, cultural and innovation, emanating from largely populated ethnic communities.

Almost unknown, this phenomenon has given rise to the notion that the instinctive creativity of minorities, is a pervasive heritage that ought to be celebrated.

This sector of commerce and industry, is a veritable outlet for unsung, disengaged or underserved communities especially within inner-city areas in Britain.

On the 12 October last, the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens hosted, a landmark exhibition of UK-based Indian Rangoli Artist, Ranbir Kaur. Titled “Life in Colour: Ranbir Kaur”, the exhibition fused colourful textiles using traditional techniques from embroidery and mirror work to doll-making.

‘Rangoli’ is defined as ‘traditional Indian decoration and patterns made with ground rice, particularly during festivals’.

The central focus of the exhibition, was Kaur’s Rangoli’s intricate pattern of coloured sand, marbles, mirrors and buttons, to mark her 30 years as an artist.

Her personality is illustrative of the challenge of being a female, Indian international artist of adult children (also women) and grandchildren.

“Bringing up my children was very difficult since I had to divide my time between different continents, promoting my work and still making time for them”.

Conversely, the enormity of her contribution to art and culture, typifies the dignity, honour and respect shown to other cultures, customs and traditions (medieval and contemporary) across continental-regions and other far-flung societies.

In Kaur’s speech at the

Local children did their bit to keep Haringey clean by holding a litter pick near their school, joined by Cabinet Member Cllr Elin Weston.

Trinity Primary Academy’s Year 5 and 6 students, joined by parents and the community, decided that litter needed to be cleared from the Trinity Gardens next to their school.

Calling themselves the Trinity Eco Warriors, the Bounds Green Road pupils decided to write to the council about their planned litter pick.

Councillor Elin Weston, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “It was great to see Haringey’s

A

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

exhibition launch, her words “my work has been done”, may have sent reverberations ‘down the perceptive spine’ of many public curators, archivists, galleries and other mainstream institutions.

These authorities have yet to offer genuine recognition to the talent of minority artists, more so, the power and vitality of their various endeavours.

Much of the hype regarding minority artists for example, tend to focus on popular news presenters or other media figures -men and women -who feature in mainstreamsponsored documentaries.

However, few if any, minority craftivists are featured in such program ‘packaging’.

An ACE Report (2016) highlighted ethnic anomalies in the artistic workforce even though it acknowledged some upward movement in statistical terms.

Nevertheless, only 17% in England’s 663 national portfolio organisations represent ethnic groups.

The figure for minorities in major partner museums, is under 10% despite a small representational increase.

Kaur’s exemplary meta knowledge and experience of visual artistic symmetries, also demonstrate the characteristic features that many ethnic artists and cultural producers embody.

In viewing Ranbir Kaur’s historic exhibition that was also witnessed by an appreciative yet befuddled audience- viewers from all over the country, one can only contemplate that these qualities are intrinsic to the durable potency of her artistic and cultural avocation and vocation.

They include: selfdetermination, networking, cultural diffusion, aesthetic discipline, professional pride and a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence and cultural prudence, in recognition of, and for the other.

l Kaur entered into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2003 for creating the biggest Rangoli in the world

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- BUSINESS AND FINANCE -

young people taking proactive action like this, and taking pride in their environment. I was really pleased to be able to get involved and that our Parks team were able to join us and support the litter pick.

“We know that residents of all ages want to live, work and go to school in a clean borough and I’d like to say a big well done to the Trinity Eco Warriors for helping to keep Haringey clean and green.”

The council is committed to tackling those who dump rubbish in our borough. Find out how you can help Haringey catch those responsible

Fostering Campaign Film Shortlisted For Prestigious Award Charity vs X Factor

T

l “There Was A Boy” has been shortlisted for the Royal Television Society Awards

ogether with 15 neighbouring council fostering services and Children’s Trusts, Sandwell Children’s Trust has been nominated for an award for its latest film.

Along with film production company ReelTwentyFive, ‘There Was A Boy’ was launched earlier this year as part of the national Foster Care Fortnight campaign.

Sixteen council fostering services and Trusts worked collaboratively as part of the West Midlands Fostering Consortium to produce the short film showing about a teenage boy and how the crucial addition of a foster carer shaped his life for the better.

Working together in this innovative way resulted in each authority having a high quality film, at a low cost to each.

It has been showcased and used to raise awareness for the need for more council foster carers across the region and has been viewed across hundreds of channels since its premiere in May, including being screened at an ‘Awarenessfilm’ festival in Hollywood.

‘There Was A Boy’ has now been shortlisted for the prestigious Royal Television Society (RTS) awards, Midlands region, for the best ‘Short Form’ category which includes short films, adverts, music videos, and documentaries.

The Right Honourable Jacqui Smith, Chair of Sandwell Children’s Trust said; "This nomination is great news for Sandwell Children’s Trust.

“It really shows the benefit of taking a partnership approach and I am extremely proud of the team for this fantastic achievement.

“By drawing on a wider pool of skills and experience we have been able to produce a highquality film that outlines the need for more foster carers who would consider caring for teenagers."

Sandwell Children’s Trust Chief Executive, Frances Craven, added: "The film shows how foster care can impact on a boy’s future and literally change a life and how rewarding that can be for the foster carer knowing that they have made a difference.

‘There Was A Boy’ is an emotional, inspirational and important film and really captures the essence of fostering."

There Was A Boy can be viewed at; https://www. s a n d w e l l c h i l d r e n s t r u s t . o rg / fostering/

A West Midlands healthcare charity will go head-to-head with the X-Factor winner – by releasing a debut Christmas single.

Your Trust Charity’s first ever musical offering O Holy Night will be recorded in conjunction with Bristnall Hall Academy, in an effort to raise vital funds – and budding singers from the region are being sought to feature on the single.

The money will go towards enhancing the experience of patients, visitors and staff at Sandwell, City and Rowley Regis Hospitals, which are all run by the Trust.

The idea was conceived by Amanda Winwood, Fundraising Manager at Your Trust Charity and record producer James Callaghan will be working on the single.

Amanda said: “I’m urging as many people as possible to get involved with our charity single, ‘O Holy Night’ as it will be a fantastic way to raise funds for the charity whilst getting into the spirit of Christmas.

“Not only is this a lovely and unique initiative which brings the community together, but it would also be amazing if this record were to beat the X Factor winner or any other leading artist to the number one spot.”

@PhoenixNewsUK

- NEWS -

The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 11

AJN Celebrates Local Heroes

T

he 2018 AJN ‘Local Heroes’ and ‘Be Inspired Youth’ Gala and Awards Dinner & Dance celebrated ‘National Heritage Week’ and, it being October, ‘Black History Month.’

Also highlighting the mass impact made by the ‘Windrush Generation,’ all was set for another bumper night of acknowledgement, recognition and - with the African-Caribbean community has helped to shape it into the great city it is today moving forward; one case in point being the diverse contribution that the citizens of the country’s second biggest city will be making as it gets ready to host the 2022

Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

Highlighting the relevant impact that people of African descent made to the creation of the world we live in today, special guest of honour, Birmingham Lord Mayor, Councillor Yvonne Mosquito, pointed: “Black History goes way beyond slavery – as some people think otherwise.

Our young, as well as other cultures – have to know of the Black man’s presence here, on planet Earth, since the year ’dot’ and has since been erased from many history books, right up to 500 years ago.

“We now have to change history together.”

“We have to encourage and empower today’s youths,” said the Chair of the Association of Jamaican Nationals (Birmingham), Dr Beverly Lindsay OBE OD, Vice LordLieutenant for the West Midlands.

“And now that we are linked with both the armed and emergency services, we are in a position to encourage the very people we target (the young) to happily pursue a career along those paths” – a point made clear by another special guest speaker, Brigadier Graham ‘Jocky’ Frazer. “The contribution made by Black, and multi ethnic cultures, in the nay goes back as far as Nelson and beyond. And, I am proud to say,

is very as inclusive now, as it ever was.

On the Windrush Generation, the UK government is making slow, but significant, progress to ‘right’ the huge wrongs made ever since.

With the marking of the 70th anniversary of when the Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury, in Essex, it also marked seventy years since the ‘birth’ of the NHS. The significant link of the two not lost on Dr Lindsay; “As the Commonwealth made a major contribution in the rebuilding of

a war-torn Great Britain, many of the women who came from Africa and the Caribbean were some of the first to be taken on by the newly-formed National Health Service. Many others who came to the country after – myself include – became a part of its legacy.”

“I’m proud that our community is so diverse,” said West Midlands Metro Mayor, Andy Street.

“Jamaica National Day was very poignant this year,” he said. “And next year, we will be working on ‘Jamaica in the Square 2019.”

The presence of key-note

speaker; Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer DSc OBE - the first Black professor in Scotland, and now Honorary President of Edinburg & Lothian Regional Equality Council – all was set fair for a night of celebrating major contributions made in the past, present and future from a prominent, yet often unnoted African and Caribbean perspective. And that is why the annual AJN Gala Awards has a vital position on the City’s calendar of events.

thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 12 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

The Countdown Has Begun An audience of Dignitaries, Government Officials, Celebrities and YOU!

See who will win on the night at The Phoenix Newspaper Gala Awards & Dinner and enjoy a 4 course Black Tie Dinner Keynote Speaker Mayor of the West Midlands, Dr Andy Street CBE A fully Commonwealth affair celebrating our Armed Forces, and the 70th Anniversaries of Windrush and the NHS Raising money on the night for Birmingham Children’s Hospital and the Win Sabapathy Foundation for Kidney Research

Camara Fearon Megumi Mesaku The Event will be livestreamed by Dervan Malcolm of Power 106 all the way from Jamaica!

Drinks Reception - 6pm-7pm Gala Awards - 7pm-Midnight After Party with from Midnight Carriages - 3am

To purchase tickets or for more info call 0121 339 5885 or go to

thephoenixnewspaper.com/gala

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 13

in association with

presents

Anniversary Gala Dinner & Awards

FRIDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2018

70th Anniversary

OPTICIANS

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Page 14 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

thephoenixnewspaper.com

- EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT -

g n i t o Prom xcellence E

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

Walking Bus Gets Children To School Safely C hildren at a Sandwell school are getting to school safely thanks to a new walking bus

scheme.

Sandwell Council’s highways team has been working with Yew Tree Primary, local councillors, the neighbourhoods team and West Midlands Police to tackle dangerous parking and congestion at drop-off and pick-

up times.

The walking bus scheme means parents can sign up to use a dropoff zone five minutes from the school on the Yew Tree Estate.

Children then walk safely to their classes with a “walking bus conductor”.

There’s also a Park and Stride programme - where parents or carers can park their cars away from the school gate and walk the

lity a u q High rom f e r ld ca child e years o fiv o t h birt

short distance with their children to school.

Statistics show that children who walk to school in the morning arrive at school more energised, alert and ready to learn.

Pupils have also created colourful banners and signs pointing out the dangers of poor parking outside the school.

Sandwell Council’s cabinet

l Yew Tree Primary School pupils Seren, Rhea, Lexie, Olivia and Ebony on the “Walking Bus” with Cllr Shirley Hosell and Cllr Steve Melia

Day Nursery

O

en N Copm Birm ingoswoaot i n g Birmin ham B n to gha us Parkm Biunseisnses s Pa!rk

g Takin ns ssio i m d a now For more information or to enquire about admissions visit:

www.wigglesandgigglesdaynursery.co.uk Contact us: 4360 Waterside Centre, Birmingham Business Park, Solihull Parkway, B37 7YN 07825082937 contact@wigglesandgigglesdaynursery.co.uk

member for highways and environment Councillor David Hosell said: “Not only does the walking bus mean children are getting a bit of extra exercise every day, it’s made the area directly outside the school a lot safer for everyone.

“Our highways team have done

a lot of work with the school, including delivering road safety assemblies which the children have really enjoyed.

“I’m incredibly pleased to see what’s come out of this work to actively keep children safe on their way to and from school.”

Yew Tree Primary School head

Public Service student to host Fun Day

l Organiser Georgia Hardingham

A Public Service student will be hosting a Family Fun Day in Darlaston on Sunday 4th November from 2pm – 6pm to raise money for Molly’s Fund and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Georgia Hardingham organised the free event with her mother, and will take place at the Five Star Community Centre in Darlaston.

Visitors will be able to take part in a wide range of fun activities, including a raffle, face painting, tombola, an auction and karaoke.

There will also be a bouncing castle for children, as well as cake and craft stalls for families who have a sweet tooth or who want to try their hands at something creative.

A café and licensed bar will be available, and male volunteers will be having their legs waxed by participants willing to donate £1 for a wax strip.

Georgia, who is studying a Level 1 BTEC Diploma in Public Services, said: “Molly’s Fund and Macmillan

teacher Rachel Hawkins added: “The walking bus is proving to be a great way to increase children’s activity levels whilst reducing the number of cars around the school.

“Our pupils have created some wonderful road safety posters and banners and we are very proud of their efforts and creativity.”

Cancer Trust are charities that mean a lot to my mum and me, as there are so many people affected by the illness. We organised the Fun Day so families can help us raise funds whilst having fun.”

Established by National Hospital Development Foundation, Molly’s Fund has been set up in memory of five-year-old Molly Lane Fox, who tragically died following a sevenmonth battle with a brain tumour.

Money raised through the charity goes towards the Brain Tumour Unit at the hospital, as well as developing treatment for brain cancer.

Similarly, Macmillan encourages members of the public to raise funds to help those affected by cancer. The charity aims to reach every single person who is diagnosed with the disease and to be there for them at every stage of their cancer journey, no matter who they are, what part of the country they live in, or what type of cancer they have.

Jo Hughes, lecturer for Public Services at Walsall College, said: “Cancer is a devastating illness that affects millions of people in the UK alone.

“So we are proud of Georgia for organising this event with her mother to ensure that funds are raised for two worthy causes that provide support with those living with the condition.”

@PhoenixNewsUK

- EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT -

Champ, Grant, creates perfect athletics and study balance 1

More Students Seeking Mental Health Support

by Steve Williams

998 Commonwealth Games high jump champion, Dalton Grant, has launched a initiative offering 12-week and 12-month programmes to support athletes with their training and academic studies.

His ‘Train Like A Champion’ programme is hoping to see aspiring athletes continue to further their education alongside their athletics aspirations.

The first year will be traineeships, while later years will offer those signed up with a chance to study for their BTEC diplomas.

Initially based at the Cricklefield Stadium in Ilford and at Ashton Playing Fields in Woodford Bridge, in Greater London, the former Team GB star has already secured support from the University of East London - one of the leading universities for athletics in the country - with the intention that the athletes will go on to study their once they have completed their programme.

Grant, 52, has experience of working in other fields outside of athletics such as football, having helped former West Ham United

A Birmingham City University graduate is celebrating after winning a competition for her poppy jewellery designs to be created into a brooch to mark Remembrance Day. Remembrance Sunday, which falls on 11 November this year, is a day where the nation remembers and honours those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect Britain’s freedom.

Jewellery graduate Wai Yiu Chung, from Tai Po in Hong Kong, was inspired to enter the competition after reading about some of the beneficiaries that the Royal British Legion has helped over the years.

The Royal British Legion provides lifelong support for the Armed Forces community - serving men and women, veterans, and their families.

After the First World War, the

poppy was adopted as a symbol of remembrance.

“I tried to keep my design simple, yet classic and representative”, said Wai Yiu, who graduated from Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery earlier this year.

“My infinity brooch is a classic two-red enamel petals poppy. It’s a symbol of remembrance, with sparkling details.

“It was such a great honour to win the competition. Being able to see my designs turned from 2D sketches into real products that are selling to the public is wonderful. It’s amazing that my designs are also able to help the currently serving veterans and their families.”

Wai Yiu’s infinity brooch can be purchased for £14.99 from www.poppyshop.org.uk.

All profits go to the Royal British Legion.

The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 15

trainee Mathias Fanimo overcome a series of injuries before securing a move to Slovenian club Drava Ptuj.

He also previously helped Dagenham & Redbridge F.C., but the 1994 European Indoor high jump champion is excited to help the next generation of athletes’ progress on and off the tracks.

“I want ‘Train Like A Champion’ to give a chance to athletes who’ve not been given a chance yet,” he said.

“Some might have been let go from sports academies or let down in sports some way and they might have had a tough time because of it.

“It can take time to come back from these disappointments, but you can often find out more about yourself because of it.

Sometimes to succeed, you have to know how to handle yourself and hopefully we can develop their sports intelligence through the academy.

At the Dalton Grant Academy, I want to use my experience to help them understand the techniques involved in sprinting and athletic exercise, as well as how to deal with how pressure situations and help them with their studies.”

Despite his lack of funding support, his determination has seen the academy already flourishing. And the multi-award winning Olympian is also looking further by expanding the programme nationwide.

Graduate’s poppy design wins RBL competition

The number of students seeking mental health support while studying at university has increased by more than 50% in five years, with the National Union of Students saying that young people were under increasing pressure to perform. The Department for Education said universities needed to provide pastoral care for students.

Following the death of vulnerable Bristol University student, Natasha Abrahart - one of 11 students at the university to die since October 201620 – an analysis suggests that she did not receive any wellbeing support.

University of Birmingham student Christian Frank said: "Universities are just accepted by students to be a hotbed for stress and anxiety.

“The drinking culture at university allowed me to hide away, numbing my pain and normalising being exhausted in the day and hyperactive at night.

“By admitting to someone at the university, I'm telling them that I feel like I'm not good enough to finish a course I signed up for. This means there's a lot of shame attached to asking for help."

Of 83 universities that provided five years of full data from 2012 to 2017, the number of students seeking help rose from 50,900 to 78,100. The number of students going to university dropped slightly over the same period.

Student artwork set for India Birmingham School of Art scholar Anna Kryzhanovska presented a painting of her proposed ‘MagBird’ sculpture at Birmingham Airport shortly before James Brokenshire and Andy Street boarded their Air India flight to New Delhi.

The University of Birmingham and Meridian Lightweight Technologies (MLTUK) challenged students to create an interdisciplinary art installation from magnesium that would showcase the potential uses of the metal within the transport and aerospace sectors as part of wider education and research initiatives aimed at promoting the benefits of the material.

Page 16 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

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- WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE -

Dame Kelly Holmes: Woman of Excellence

S

he was the darling of world athletics when she won gold in both the 800m and 1500m at the 2004 Athens Olympics – a feat which saw her get recognized, a year later, when she became a DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to athletics. After which, in 2008, she founded the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, a registered charity to support young athletes and help the lives of young people facing disadvantage across the UK. Since her epic double-gold victory, in 2004, Holmes has taken part in ‘On Camp with Kelly’ athletics camps which train junior athletes, sponsored by insurance company Aviva and in 2009, Dame Kelly was named as the president of Commonwealth Games England, with the organisation’s chair, Sir Andrew Foster, saying: “Dame Kelly has been an outstanding athlete both for Team England and Great Britain.

She is a truly inspirational and respected figure in the sporting world and will be a wonderful ambassador for Commonwealth Games England.”

She has packed her life, has Dame Kelly, the daughter of Jamaicanborn Derrick Holmes and an English

mother, Pam Norman.

It all started so differently because, as a teenager, she joined the army initially a lorry driver in the WRAC (Women’s Royal Army Corps), before becoming a physical training instructor (PTI). After selection for transfer to the Royal Army Physical Training Corps she eventually qualified as a sergeant class 1 PTI. Her athletic prowess, however, was impressive and she also became British Army judo champion and once competed in the men’s 1500 metres at the Army Championships, as it was considered that for her to run in the women’s event would be embarrassing for the other competitors. At another event, she competed in and won an 800metres, a 3000 metres and a relay race in a single day. She also won the heptathlon.

Holmes watched the 1992 Summer Olympics on television, and on seeing Lisa York in the heats of the 3000 metres – an athlete whom she had competed against, and beaten – she decided to return to athletics. For several years she combined athletics with employment in the Army, until increased funding allowed her to become a full-time athlete in 1997.

After winning Commonwealth

medals (Gold in 1994 – in Victoria and in Manchester in 2002, plus silcer in Kuala Lumpur in 1998) her double success, in Athens, became the iconic pinnacle of her glittering career.

Not losing sight of being a rolemodel, Dame Kelly Holmes has urged the government to overhaul outdated fundraising laws that deny good causes millions of pounds.

Writing in’ The House’ magazine, she said: “Charity lotteries are being held back in raising funds for charities and good causes by the outdated fundraising limits imposed on them.

These limits cause severe administrative difficulties and result in considerable funds being diverted away to pay for the increased administration costs.

As ministers finalise their plans for updating the law in this area I urge them not to miss this great opportunity to get the best deal for charities and all the amazing good causes they support.”

Now chasing her other dream of opportunities for all that is why the ex-army military, multi-winning Dame Kelly Holmes is the ultimate ‘Woman of Excellence.’

The Economic Impact of the 2020 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham In 2017, Birmingham was named the official host of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the largest sporting event in the UK since the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

In a recent report West Midlands Metro Mayor, Andy Street, said: “The success of this bid has depended entirely on the whole of the West Midlands region getting behind it and recognising the benefits it will bring. The Games will provide the opportunity to not only see world-class sport but bring economic and social benefits.”

Hosting the Games in Birmingham will have a hugely positive impact on the city and the wider West Midlands region at large.

As Birmingham prepares, it’s easy to be reminded of the economic impact when Glasgow was awarded the games in 2014.

The highly anticipated build-up generated an extra £390 million to Glasgow’s economy and produced around 1,200 jobs annually, attracting 690,000 visitors with a global TV audience of over 1.5 billion viewers.

Senior Investment Consultant at SevenCapital, Josh Baker, said: “We’ve already seen what largescale investments such as HighSpeed Railway (HS2) and the £8 billion Big City Plan have done to Birmingham, so the announcement of the Commonwealth Games is another added boost to the local economy.”

In addition to the thousands of spectators travelling for the Games, Birmingham City Council projects around 4,500

jobs to be created annually until 2022, supporting engineering and construction companies alongside the hotel and tourism, transport and sports sectors. An estimated £750 million will be contributed to the economy.

For the city that is pushing a huge amount of both new developments and regeneration projects, ’22 is the ideal platform to highlight exactly how much the city’s landscape is changing.

From Paradise and Arena Central to HS2 and the redevelopment of Digbeth with Birmingham Smithfield, the spotlight will shine on a city that is ripe for investment.

The Athletes Village will be part of a wider development of 3,000 homes that will kick start the regeneration of the area with the Alexander Stadium upgraded

to 40,000 seats for the Games and then set at 20,000 permanently with the aim of becoming the home of national athletics.

It’ll also help build a trained and educated workforce, providing 12,500 volunteers with the opportunity for training and qualification.

A recent study commissioned by the office of the Commonwealth Games estimates a total of 670,000 people visited the Gold Coast, for the 2018 Games - a 30% increase on its average visitor volume, reaching an economic impact of $320 million.

The 2022 Commonwealth Games will create a long-term legacy for Birmingham’s long list of accomplishments and will prove this city is on the rise for the foreseeable future.

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 17

Music fashion Film Gadgets holiday education health and fitness

NOVEMBER 2018

/streetcredmagazine www.streetcredmagazine.com

THE

DREAM TEAM Ministers Look To Bright Future For The Caribbean

Page 18 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

- STREET CRED MAGAZINE -

thephoenixnewspaper.com

www.streetcredmagazine.com

THE HOTTEST ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLEMENT

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I

Editors note

n this Black History Month, I have to show respect to my Mother and Grandparents who came over here from Jamaica, grew me up, taught me morals and survival.

When i think of what Caribbeans have achieved over the 70 years we have been in this country and more its absolutely amazing.

This year is the 70th Anniversary of WINDRUSH and we celebrate our past to now in Britain.

I am a child of a strong Jamaican

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/markdwaynemedia

family that has also contributed to the young with my business ventures and many of us have made an impact in our communities making England a place to live.

There have been hardships and finding our place in society but we have achieved...things are better, we have a say how we shape the future of all youth.

I dedicate this status to all Caribbean people who have influenced people in many ways positively, and here is to the next generation.

Icons that made us believe:

Lenny Henry Frank Bruno Ian Wright Jamelia Beverley Knight Cyrille Regis

Steel Pulse Pato Banton Chris Eubank Linford Christie John Barnes Daley Thompson

/markdwaynemedia /bigscreenphoenix /thephoenixnewspaper /streetcredmagazineonline

NEXT GEN AWARD

Good Luck To all Those Shortlisted! /MarkDwayneMedia /MarkDwayneMedia

@PhoenixNewsUK

- STREET CRED MAGAZINE -

The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 19

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Motown: The Musical

M

otown: The Musical tells the true story of Motown founder Berry Gordy and his journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and so many more.

Discover the history behind the hits as the whole Motown family fight against racism, radio stations and rival companies to create the soundtrack that changed America.

From the streets of Detroit to the cobbles of London and the sun-scorched beaches of the Bahamas, Motown the Musical is a globetrotting love-letter to Motown and all of the artists and behind-thescenes personnel who made it all possible.

The cast are all wonderful, delivering knockout performances as some of the most iconic American music stars of all time. The musical performances, in which the cast steamroll their way through over 50 iconic Motown hits, are fantastic and the cast belt them out with a furious passion and sense of fun. It is impressive that they didn’t attempt to go for carbon-copy sound-alikes, instead allowing the cast the freedom to take these hits and honour the originals while also making them they’re own.

They could have quite easily played the original tracks and simply had the cast mime along to them in an attempt to ground the musical i n

the reality of Motown, but where’s the fun in that? This is a musical after all and that’s exactly what audiences pay for. So, hearing some of your favourite classics with a brand new, rough-around-the-edges spin is a lot of fun and serves to add an aura of authenticity to the proceedings. Having said that, some of the more distinctive voices amongst

the Motown family, such as Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder, require something a little different and the producers behind this musical know that, so they have cast two individuals who have the ability to do a damn-near spot on imitation of them. Smokey Robinson is played by Nathan Lewis, who some of you will recognise from X-Factor boyband, 5 After Midnight.

He nails the role of Smokey and manages to hit all of the right notes, matching Smokey’s trademark highpitched delivery and sounding great while doing it a n d Daniel Haswell mimics Stevie Wo n d e r

SPECIAL THANKS

BY MARK DWAYNE TO The PHOENIX NEWSPAPER The Phoenix Newspaper has taken me on a journey that I never could have imagined.

Being a part of this amazing organisation has given me hope and taught me to believe that anything is possible.

All dreams can be achieved if you believe.

The Phoenix was built to change society and show the positive and that it sure has.

I am able to fly with my ideas and have full support and backing from the team and not just me.

We all are able to express our

god given talents. I want to thank the Phoenix Newspaper on its 8th Anniversary - what a change

brilliantly, from his sound to the way he moves.

Edward Baruwa holds together the entire production as the man who started it all, Berry Gordy, in a confident performance that culminates in a striking solo towards the end of the show that stunned the audience into a still silence – until they erupted into applause. Karis Anderson, former member of British girl group Stooshe, also stars as Diana Ross and delivers a knockout performance. She’s enchantingly beautiful and oozes charisma, resulting in a powerful and commanding stage presence that would make Diana Ross herself proud. Another standout performance comes from Shak-Gabbidon Williams as Marvin Gaye, who absolutely shines in an emotional solo performance after the assassination of Martin Luther King.

Motown the Musical is very much about the music. This isn’t a show with enormous, intricately crafted sets but a musical that relies almost entirely on performance and it feels very old-school in that sense. Luckily, the performances on display are phenomenal and carry the entire production from beginning to end with a comfortable, unwavering ease. However, everything between the music, apart from a few key scenes, lacks weight and impact, reducing some important moments to melodramatic cheesiness in a hurry to get to the next big musical number. This is no fault of the performers

– they’re great – but simply a case of having far too much history to cram into a two-anda-half hour show, resulting in some diluted emotions.

Motown: The Musical is a flawed but deliriously fun journey through time to a historic moment in not only music history, but in black history. Unfortunately, the musical never truly capitalises on what could have been a powerful, emotional and poignant story about an oppressed race rising up to take the world by storm – instead choosing to be an allguns-blazing thrill ride. So, while it doesn’t really succeed in packing an emotional punch, it is wildly successful in delivering a wonderfully entertaining few hours at the theatre. If you’re a fan of the Motown-era of music, this is an absolute must-see.

it has made for so many lives.

The most important thing it has done as a media is bring all communities together celebrating the positives rather than separation and just showing the negative.

The Phoenix Newspaper is more than just a publication, The Phoenix is a way of life.

ENTERTAINMENT

Page 20 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Songbird Sade is Back!

R

l Sade Live: Thilo Parg / Wikimedia Commons License: CC BY-SA 3.0

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- STREET CRED MAGAZINE -

&B star Sade is working on new, original music for a first album since the beginning of the decade, with the British/Nigerian musician saying that her label, Epic, understands her commitment to artistry, and they are not pressuring her to release the album anytime soon.

The singer, songwriter, and actress , born in Ibadan, Nigeria, gaining notoriety as a performer with Epic Records in 1983 and released the album ‘Diamond Life’ a year later, which became one of the best selling albums of the era, and the best-selling debut ever by a British female vocalist.

It also gained widespread critical acclaim, and is largely considered one of the best albums of all-time.

The track ‘Smooth Operator’ became her first Top Ten hit in the US, peaking at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks in May 1985. The song spent 13 weeks in the Top 40, and also topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart for two weeks.

Although ‘Your Love Is King’ remains Sade's biggest hit in the

UK to date, ‘Smooth Operator’ remains the band's breakthrough hit on the US charts, and their most successful single internationally.

The release of the following; ‘Promise,’ in 1985,was also a resounding critical and commercial success, becoming her and her band's first album to debut at the top of the Billboard 200, which later earned quadruple platinum certification in the U.S., and reached platinum across Europe. It also earned the group the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1986.

Their following two releases, 1988's ‘Stronger Than Pride’ and 1992's ‘Love Deluxe,’ were also critically and commercially successful; however, the band would go on hiatus after the birth of Sade's daughter, and the singer would experience widespread media coverage during the period for mental health and addiction issues.

‘Flower of the Universe’ was her first new song for seven years, which is recorded for the soundtrack of the muchanticipated Disney movie ‘A Wrinkle in Time.’

Strictly Live Tour Judges announced!

There’s FAB-U-LOUS news for Strictly fans across the country as it’s announced that all four TV Judges will join the 2019 Strictly Come Dancing UK Arena Tour.

Craig Revel Horwood, Darcey Bussell and Bruno Tonioli will star alongside Head TV Judge Shirley Ballas – who makes her debut on the live extravaganza – for 29 supersized sparkle-filled shows fox-trotting around the country in January and February next year.

Tickets are on sale now!

The awesome foursome will join tour host and 2016 Strictly winner Ore Oduba, at some of the biggest entertainment venues across the UK, opening at Arena Birmingham on 18 January.

The live show will also be directed by Craig Revel Horwood and feature many of the celebrities and professional dancers from the current series of the awardwinning BBC One show. Further casting announcements will be made over the coming weeks.

Shirley Ballas said: “I’m really looking forward to joining Darcey, Bruno and Craig on the Strictly live tour judging panel. I’ve heard so much about the amazing audiences at the arena shows and can’t wait to get the show on the road in January!”

Gig Listings BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY

November 02 Fat Freddy’s Drop 03 Slawomir 04 Tide Lines 05 Shinedown 07 First Aid Kit 09 Within Temptation 10 Blackberry Smoke 11 Less Than Jake | Reel Big Fish 12 Tom Misch 14 Greta Van Fleet 15 Kojey Radical 15 Lil Pump 16 Courteeners 16 Pearl Jam UK 18 Road Trip 18 Samantha Harvey 19 Courtney Barnett 20 Jessie J 21 Cavetown 22 You Me At Six 23 Slaves 24 Eyes Of The Raven 24 Nothing But Thieves 26 Christine and the Queens 27 Dapz On The Map 28 Anne-Marie 29 KING 810 29 Anne-Marie

O2 INSTITUTE

November 02 Aidan Moffat & RM Hubbert 02 Ivory Wave 03 Lewis Capaldi 06 Michael Schenker Fest 07 Four of Diamonds 07 MiC LOWRY 08 Old Dominion 09 Killing Joke 10 Giant & The Georges 11 Teenage Fanclub 11 Leon Bridges 12 Alex Clare - Acoustic Tour 14 Yxng Bane 15 Mattiel 17 Noah Kahan 17 Metric 20 Basement 22 Jaykae 23 Morgan James - From White to Blue Tour 24 Peace 26 Raleigh Ritchie 27 Hudson Taylor 27 Miles Kane 28 Kioko 28 Shame 29 As It Is 30 TesseracT

GENTING ARENA

November 03 Lest We Forget 15 Rick Astley 16 Florence + The Machine 18 Jess Glynne 23 Mumford & Sons 24 Free Radio Hits Live 2018

ARENA BIRMINGHAM

November 04 Taekwondo British Championships 05 WWE Live 07 Slayer 10 The Prodigy 15 The Australian Pink Floyd 16 Culture Club 20 Nitro Circus 22 The Four Tops & The Temptations 23 Bring Me The Horizon 24-25 The 2018 Birmingham International Tattoo 27 Ms. Lauryn Hill 28 Pete Tong & The Heritage Orchestra perform Ibiza Classics 30 Years & Years

l Joe Lycett comes to the Symphony Hall

NEC

November 02-04 Cake International 02-03 GRADJOBS LIVE! 02-04 Mind Body Spirit Wellbeing Festival 03-04 The National Pet Show 09-11 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show 09-11 The Classic Motorbike Show 15-18 Art & Antiques for Everyone 15-18 Festive Gift Fair 15-17 WorldSkills UK LIVE 17-25 Motorcycle Live 2018 24-25 Baby to Toddler 24-25 MCM Comic Con Birmingham 24-25 Warley National Model Railway Exhibition 29-02 BBC Good Food Show Winter

TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL

November 02 Karine Polwart 02 Vienna Tonkünstler – Beethoven’s Fifth 03 Guess How Much I Love You 04 The Birmingham Canoldir Male Choir 04 CBSO Youth Orchestra: Leningrad Symphony 05 Gospel Goes Charity 2018 06 An Evening with King Crimson 06 Sons Of Pitches 07 Dr. Jordan Peterson 08 An Evening With Nigella Lawson 09 Star Wars and Beyond: A SciFi Spectacular 09 Arrested Development 10 Spectacular Classics 10 The High Kings 11 The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain 12 Joe Lycett 13 Gary Numan 16 Dr John Cooper Clarke – Luckiest Man Alive Tour 17 Billy Ocean 19 Roger Taylor’s Queen Extravaganza UK Tour 2018 22-23 Dave Gorman 23 Ralph McTell 27 Buchbinder Plays Brahms 27 Joe Lycett 28 Sara Pascoe 29 Red Hot Chilli Pipers 30 Katie Melua

SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON

November 02 Toyah 09 Simon Evans 10 Kirvana & Pearl Scam 15 Seth Lakeman 16 Adam Rowe 17 Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club 17 VIP Record Fair 20 Larry Dean’s Bampot 23 Paul Foot 24 The Quireboys 25 The Indians Are Coming

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The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 21

ENTERTAINMENT

Tuckers Groundbreaking stand up tour!

A

fter an epic and storied 45 year career that launched an era of rock n roll legends, KISS announced that they will launch their final tour ever in 2019, appropriately named END OF THE ROAD. The initial announcement was made a month ago on NBC’s America’s Got Talent which sent the internet into overdrive with fans hoping their city would get one final KISS show.

The band announced the first set of dates and cities

in North America, as well as international markets being announced simultaneously.

KISS Meet & Greet Experiences will also be available.

Known for their trademark larger-than-life blistering performances, KISS has proven for decades why they are hands down the most iconic live show in rock n roll.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers who have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide have said this tour is devoted to the millions of KISS Army fans.

"All that we have built and all that we have conquered over the past four decades could never have happened without the millions of people worldwide who've filled clubs, arenas and stadiums over those years.

“This will be the ultimate celebration for those who've seen us and a last chance for those who haven't.

“KISS Army, we're saying goodbye on our final tour with our biggest show yet and we'll go out the same way we came in... Unapologetic and Unstoppable," said KISS.

He is a unique guy and the man that plays role in some of the baddest films such as Friday and Rush Hour. Both movies are in demand to come back and be apart of our lives once again.

There is no denying the presence of this movie star, its almost surreal being able to watch such a massive entertainer live on stage we took the risk of sitting at the front of a packed arena but luckily he didn’t have anything embarrassing to say about us.

Yes Chris is sharp charismatic and makes an effort with attire, just his squeaky voice alone would have you laughing more than the jokes he told, so whats his content like? Its pretty much t h e

lifestyle of Chris Tucker which is quite funny, naturally he talks about his movie experience with Jackie Chan and Michael Jackson.

Not many comedians can say they have these experiences so the content is quite original and fresh to hear.

The great thing is he doesn’t fake stories his lifestlyle and what he has been through is genuinely funny. Like your Richard Pryors and Eddie Murphys Chris doesn’t swear at all in his sketches and is clean but still raw.

The whole experience with Chris tucker feels exclusive and he is definatley in a league of his own.

We wont give away too much but its so hilarious his sketch about his experience with Michael Jackson in Neverland you actually feel like you was there with him.

Chris Tucker for sure is ground breaking stand up and worth the cash, he keeps you glued and laughing from start to finish.

A night out I would enjoy to actually see him perform the exact same way again.

Page 22 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

Slanguages Exhibition Launches in Birmingham This month a major project exploring languages from the globe launches at Birmingham city University.

Slanguages explores the creative way artists take inspiration from and use different languages This UK wide project is wideranging and includes exhibitions, performances, and collaborations with artists, creative professionals and partners Including Punch Records, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Sputnik Theatre Company and many more.

The launch of the second Slanguages touring exhibition will take place on Thursday 8 November, 5pm at the Parkside Gallery, Birmingham City University, in the ground floor atrium of the Parkside Building.

The exhibition is co-curated by Professor Rajinder Dudrah from

Birmingham City University who is leading research on Languages in the Creative Economy Strand in collaboration with Punch Records.

It features the work, archives and ephemera from four Birminghambased artists who use different languages in their work: RTKAL, Lekan Babalola, Tanny Tizzle and Rinkoo Barpaga.

The exhibition ranges across the genres of rap, grime and spoken word, West African jazz and funk, visual arts, and urban sign languages.

The launch of this exciting exhibition is open to all, showcasing rich talent from the region’s diverse creative industries.

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Gina Now a ‘BAFTA’ Star M

arked by as one of Britain’s great stand-up comediennes on the circuit, Gina Yashere has been taking the world by storm since her live debut 1994.

Hailing from London, via Nigeria parents, her energetic, ‘in your face’ style of delivery, and Anglo-Nigerian based none-evading humour has seen perform in packed sell-out theatres, constantly, with her dynamic and energetic persona the perfect ‘vessel’ which stores her endless delivery of ‘belly-

aching’ observational one-liners, constantly pouring out from her raiser-like tongue and even sharper catalogue of wit.

Whether it be racial or sexual discrimination – as she herself has experienced in the entertainment industry the lack of opportunities open to her in the UK, has seen her plow pastures new – and broad in the USA. The Londoner is now the ‘darling’ of the highly-profitable US comedy circuit, despite her elevated position on the UK stand-up scene. Across the ‘pond,’ her fast, ever-growing status is reaching its peak.

With her new show ‘Funkindemup’ finding her on her usually sharp form – as she prowled the stage, alpha female, effortlessly in charge, at last enjoying the professional status she always felt she had earned as she covers every angle from rap music to racism, to the marriage of Harry Windsor and Meghan Markle, Brexit, slavery, the

Windrush Generation and her parents – Yahere, as usual, had the audience in the palm of her hand – as they in return had her in the bosom of their hearts.

But, after 20 years here, Yashere is now a ‘big fish’ in the States, Asia and further afield.

She condemned the British television industry’s apparent preference for “non-threatening” Black acts – once saying that the ‘BAFTA’ was an acronym for; ‘Black Actors F…… …..f To America.’

“Coming up the ranks on the comedy circuit in Britain,” she recalled, “was very difficult for more than one Black comedian to get a TV show at the same time. In fact, I still don’t think there is more than one Black comic getting a show at the same time now.”

Now settled in the US, she became the only Brit ever to feature on ‘Def Jam,’ with a calendar fast filling to the brim.

As is the case for so many British artists, doing a ‘BAFTA’ seems to have do the world of good for her.

Westlife Announce Third Arena Birmingham date The UK’s top selling album group of the 21st century, Westlife, have announced that they will be touring the UK and Ireland for the first time in seven years next May, June and July. They will be performing at Arena Birmingham on Friday

21st, 22nd and now 23rd June 2019.

The shows will see the global pop kings perform brand new songs, alongside their greatest hits and all 14 of their UK No.1 hits including as ‘Swear It Again’, ‘Flying Without

Wings’, ‘You Raise Me Up’ and ‘Unbreakable’.

Shane, Nicky, Mark and Kian announced their return to music two weeks ago to a frenzy of media coverage and social media activity.

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 23

- SOTIC 2018 -

State of the Tourism Industry Conference 2018

BAHAMAS

Step into

Paradise

T

he Bahamas is an oasis stretching over 100,000 square miles of ocean, and at it’s closest point, only 50 miles off the coast of Florida.

700 Islands, each with their own personality, heritage and colourful history, as well as attractions for a variety of holiday styles.

The Bahamas boasts some of the best fishing, sailing, scuba

diving, boating and snorkelling in the world, in its waters which themselves are the clearest on the planet with a visibility of over 200ft, alongside award winning food from the likes of the first Five-Star restaurant in the Caribbean, the AAA 4-diamond Graycliff.

Atlantis, Paradise Island

More than $800 million was spent to bring to life the myth and

legend of the lost city of Atlantis.

As it stands now, it is the worlds largest open-air marine environment of 11 million gallons which over 200 species of sea creatures some 50,000 in number call home.

The 1,200 room Royal Towers stand towering over the resort with its arches, domes and spires.

The largest casino in the Caribbean also called Atlantis its

on Paradise Island

home, and there is a wide variety of styles budgets and location to suit every traveller.

It really is a breathtaking sight to behold the scope of Atlantis, and it is was the perfect setting for this years State of the Industry Conference.

SOTIC 2018

Themed Rejuvenate, Recreate, Reconnect – New Directions for Caribbean Tourism, this years

conference brought together the brightest and the best from across a plethora of industries to ensure no one would attend the conference without finding a session that spoke to them directly.

“Globally, the tourism industry is constantly evolving. At the Caribbean Tourism Organization, we must be in the forefront of anticipating and managing the changes that affect our region

– extreme climate phenomena, political and economic realities at home and abroad, and the rapid rise in technological developments,” said Hugh Riley, secretary general and CEO of CTO. This tied in perfectly with the CTO’s CTO’s declaration that 2018 would be the “Caribbean Year of Rejuvenation and Wellness”.

l The Phoenix Team with Secretary General of the CTO, Hugh Riley

Page 24 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

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#ItsBetterInT

- SOTIC 2018 -

Stuart Cove’s Dive l Dealon Renard, Leshon Bastian and Captain Wendell McKenzie Day 2 saw The Phoenix Team and Jay Palmer of Winged Whale Media head down to Stuart Cove’s for a snorkelling expedition of a lifetime. Swimming near the wreck from Jaws, surrounded by a variety of beautiful tropical fish, and some impressive leaps off the top of the boat, the day was rounded off by snorkelling with SHARKS! About 25-30 Caribbean Tiger Reef Sharks swam less than 20ft below as our fearless guides got up close and personal with them.

Massive shout out to our captain, Wendell McKenzie, Leshon Bastian and Dealon Renard for the tour, and keeping us all in one piece!

Local Delights Within 24 hours of being in the Bahamas, we were treated to some of the local delicacies and Bahamian staples, including freshly caught Grouper, and Conch!

The latter, we had a number of times during our stay, the most delicious being in a wrap with spiced rice and salad!

T

he Islands of the Bahamas were the host for this years Caribbean Tourism Organisation State of the Tourism Industry Conference 2018 on the theme: Rejuvenate, Recreate, Reconnect.

The evidently proud Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Hubert A Minnis, was the keynote speaker at the Opening Ceremony that proved to be one to remember. How right he was to be proud, as the team,led by Joy Jibrilu,

his Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, produced a first class event.

From the cultural performances of the Rhythm and Youth Band, Royal Bahamas Police Force Band, and Eva Hilton Primary School Choir, to the grand finale of the Colours Junkanoo Group, youth, and Bahamian music and dance was at the forefront of the night.

A bright, energetic and most importantly fun night concluded with

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TheBahamas

- SOTIC 2018 -

The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 25

All Good Things...

... must come to an end.

They don’t say that #itsbetterinthebahamas for no reason, and one of those reasons is that they really know how to show people a good time!

The final night at the conference saw local mouthwatering dishes including lobster, salmon, and huge roast joints of beef, alongside the most exquisite desserts, drinks and other delicacies to tantalise the tastebuds.

Of course no party is good

a wide variety of Bahamian food and drink on offer for delegates to sample ahead of the 3 days of intense panels, speeches and meetings to coe.

Of particular note must be Mr John Darville, who brought the house down at the very beginning by singing the Bahamas National Anthem with such skill, power and pride that it brought many to their feet.

It would prove to be just a taster of what was to come over the following days of the conference, with the

without a great soundtrack to the evening, and the band that so admirably performed on the first evening, albeit much more reservedly, really let their hair down.

Performing hit after hit, but all in their own inimitable style, they soon had the dancefloor filled and it didn’t empty until everyone was kicked out at the end of the night!

This truly was a fitting end to what had been a wonderful

SOTIC 2018. We had been treated to the culture, the music, the food, the history and the warmth of the locals from the moment we stepped off the plane onto the island.

Our only point of sadness was that we didn’t have enough time to fully explore Atlantis, let alone the rest of Nassau or any of the other islands that make up the Bahamas!

Oh well, just means that we will have to come back very soon to explore more!

constant at all times being the biggest selling point of the Bahamas, besides the sun, sea and sand; the people.

From a friendly good morning from any member of staff at Atlantis, to the knowledgable and helpful people at any of the number of excursions that were put on, and of course the brilliant members of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism who looked after us every step of the way.

Blue Lagoon Island

One of the best beaches in the Bahamas can be found at Blue Lagoon Island, also known by its official name Salt Cay. Frequently called the “real” Bahamas, Blue Lagoon has been an interesting part of The Bahamas’ history and is one of the most well known of Nassau’s natural attractions and tours.

Located just three miles from Nassau, it is now the home of the dolphins and sea lions of Dolphin Encounters and is owned by a local family.

Mark Dwayne was so inspired by the Bahamas that the video for his new single Wild Out and Mellow was shot on Paradise Island and also on Blue Lagoon Island.

The Dolphin Experience is an amazing and intense encounter found right on the Island.

Page 26 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

- SOTIC 2018 -

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Youth Congress 2018 E very year without fail at the State of the Tourism Industry Conference, the highlight of the programme is always the Youth Congress, and this year was no exception.

Presenting to a packed out room of their peers as well as leading industry figures, the Junior Ministers of Tourism from across

the Caribbean gave it their all.

With some very interesting use case ideas for the introduction of new technologies such as Virtual Reality as put forward

by Ed Limon of Winged Whale Media who was on a panel the previous day, the brainwaves that these students showed were phenomenal.

The question is always asked,

“what is the future of tourism in the Caribbean” and a lot of answers are usually thrown around, ranging from voluntourism and adventure tourism to culinary tourism.

But the truest and most obvious answer to that question has to be the youth of the Caribbean.

The skills and abilities showcased at the Youth Congress this year were far and above the

best in recent memory, which bodes well for the ‘future of the Caribbean’.

There can only be one overall winner though, and that spot was taken by the Junior Minister of Tourism for Jamaica, Bryanna Hylton.

We look forward to seeing the work that she will produce during her reigning year.

The Conference The Panels over the course of the conference held something for everyone attending SOTIC2018.

From getting ‘back to nature’ to the future of tourism technology including VR there were knowledgable hosts and some very interesting questions asked of the panel members.

Ably hosted by Santana Rodriguez, the topic for this years conference: Rejuvenate. Recreate.

Reconnect. New Directions for Caribbean Tourism showed from the ground up (literally in the case of Building Better) the way that Tourism in the Caribbean will be

going.

Keynote speaker Steve McGillivray, Chief Marketing Officer of the Travel Leaders Group spoke of his businesses backing the One Caribbean effort to help direct people back to the Caribbean in the wake of the hurricanes in 2017.

There was a lot talked about at the conference again this year, and only time will tell if the conference is a talking shop or if real and true changes in the landscape will come from the sessions held at Atlantis.

Graycliff: Top Class Dining Graycliff, the first Five-Star restaurant in the Caribbean, and also AAA 4-diamond rated, was our host one evening.

We were treated to the finest in gourmet dining, mixing Bahamian specialties with European cuisine.

With a choice between Fillet Steak and Lobster, it was a tough decision, but the Lobster won out, and a delicious descision it was.

Graycliff is also a 20 room/ suite Hotel in a historic mansion dating back to the 18th century, and a landmark listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

And Finally...

W People-To-People The innovative People-ToPeople programme brought the assembled Media to the home of Mr and Mrs Cornell Mortimer.

The Mortimers — who have owned a candy shop in Nassau for 30 years produced an immense spread of Bahamian cuisine to delight the tastebuds.

The programme matches local hosts in the Bahamas with tourists to get a one to one insight into Bahamian culture and cuisine.

Everyone had a wonderful night enjoying the hospitality of our hosts. For anyone looking to visit the Bahamas, get yourself booked in, it’s free!

e at The Phoenix Newspaper would like to thank the CTO and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism for inviting us to attend this years SOTIC, and for being such gracious hosts.

Everything, from stepping off the plane, seeing Atlantis for the first time, the excursions, dinners and the conference were perfect, and you really sold The Bahamas well.

There was so much to do and see at all times, and even then we couldn’t see it all.

Thank you to all the Ministers and industry professionals that we met during the conference, your contributions were invaluable and it was great to see many of you again.

To Johnson JohnRose and the CTO team, thank you for your continued unrelenting hard work and love.

And finally to our readers, if you have been inspired by anything that you have seen in our coverage, do let us know!

Maybe you’ll find out that #itsbetterinthebahamas

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 27

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BIG SCREEN

BIGScreen EDITORS NOTE

H

ey, film fans!

Welcome to the November edition of The Big Screen.

John Carpenter has taken over!

From re-releases of some of his most iconic films to the brand

new Halloween movie, Carpenter is well and truly back in the spotlight and more relevant and sought after than he’s been since the 1980s. As one of my favourite filmmakers of all time, I cannot tell you how happy it makes

me to see his name up in lights again, hence the high volume of coverage in this month’s edition.

I’d apologise for it, but I’m not sorry. Not even a little bit!

Inside you will still find reviews of David Gordon Green’s Halloween, the 40th Anniversary of John Carpenter’s Halloween and Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut, the painfully romantic

With antony brown BIG SCREEN EDITOR A Star Is Born. You will also find a comprehensive list of everything you can do in and around Birmingham throughout the month of November in our What’s On section, as well as keeping up to date with all of the latest cinema and blu-ray releases, so you can be sure you never miss a film.

November is a huge month for

cinema! Not only do we have the arrival of the highly-anticipated sequel to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, but we also have Ralph Breaks The Internet, a brand new animated adaptation of the beloved Dr Seuss story The Grinch and the one I’m personally looking forward to the most, Creed II — which finds Rocky Balboa training Adonis

Creed to take on the son of his most dangerous opponent, Ivan Drago. God, I can’t wait to see the training montage!

Thank you for reading and, as always, I truly appreciate your continued support.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @ bigscreenphoenix.

HALLOWEEN L aurie Strode comes to her final confrontation with Michael Myers, the masked figure who has haunted her since she narrowly escaped his killing spree on Halloween night four decades ago.

Picking up 40 years after John Carpenter’s original classic, Halloween is a direct sequel that completely ignores every other instalment in the franchise. In this version, Michael Myers was apprehended after being shot by Dr Loomis and has spent the last 40 years in a maximum security facility for the criminally insane.

It is an ingenious approach that gives the filmmakers the opportunity to rebuild and reinvent a franchise that had gotten so diluted by its inferior sequels; it had become a mere shadow of its former self. However, with horror currently surging in popularity and riding a monstrous wave of mainstream success, now was the perfect time to resurrect this true icon of horror cinema.

New Blood

David Gordon Green, perhaps best known for his stoner-comedy Pineapple Express, directs from a screenplay co-written by himself, comedian Danny McBride and comedy-writer Jeff Fradley. Now, I know what you’re thinking – why would they hire a trio of people known for their work in comedy to tackle a gruesome horror reboot?

Well, comedy and horror have

a lot more in common than you may think, as both rely heavily on set-up, timing and execution, more so than any other genre. A scare only works if the set-up is effective and a punchline only lands if the entire joke works and Green, McBride and Fradley bring their comedic experience and sensibilities with them, delivering a whip-smart, selfaware, brilliantly intense and often funny screenplay that is very much its own beast while also honouring everything that came before it – even all of the retconned sequels.

prepared for Michael Myers that she has completely pushed away everyone who ever loved her. This should have been the focal point of the story and could have been a deep, emotional examination of a woman living with PTSD but, as it stands, we are only given fleeting moments of the turmoil she’s experiencing.

Even so, Jamie Lee Curtis delivers a remarkable performance in the very same role that introduced her to the world and kicked off a very long and very successful career.

The Godfather

The Past

Halloween is littered with nods and references to every other movie in the franchise, whether it is a story element, a brief appearance of a minor character, a sly piece of dialogue, a prop or even the framing of a shot, the entire 40-year history of Halloween is right there, hidden beneath the surface.

David Gordon Green proves effective at delivering a dark and brooding atmosphere followed by some relentless scenes of brutality and works closely with cinematographer Michael Simmonds to deliver some of the best imagery in the entire franchise.

Together, they create their own distinct flair while paying homage to John Carpenter’s work on the original with long, gliding shots following Michael Myers as he

stalks and slashes his way through Haddonfield.

Unfortunately, the team behind this reboot aren’t able to fully recapture the style and magic that Carpenter brought, appearing to be in a hurry to get to the action, whereas Carpenter was patient and let the atmosphere fester until it was almost suffocating.

The Shape

In the original, there was an unnerving playfulness to Michael Myers as he seemed to get a kick out of prolonging his process by watching from the shadows – stalking, analysing and taunting – waiting for his moment to strike, whereas his approach is a lot more rapid and haphazard here.

He chooses a victim, kills them and moves on, never really giving the audience the time to marinade in the horror. While this could be seen as 40 years of pent up aggression finally being unleashed in a cathartic frenzy, it simply isn’t as effective as seeing Michael slowly and methodically take down his victims.

Actor and stuntman James Jude Courtney takes up the mantle

of Michael Myers and he brings a foreboding physical presence that is key to the success of the role and he absolutely nails the sinister, deliberate dawdling that has become synonymous with the character. He is an unstoppable, violent entity that moves with purpose and is completely indiscriminate when it comes to selecting his victims, resulting in what is arguably the most meanspirited and brutal Myers ever put to film, with the exception of Tyler Mane’s portrayal in Rob Zombie’s divisive remake.

Casting

Another nice touch is the inclusion of Nick Castle – the original Michael Myers. He is brought in to don the iconic mask and boiler-suit for one key scene and it really adds to the sense of grandeur in this reboot and while you would never know that it was Nick Castle behind the mask unless somebody told you, his inclusion is just a wonderful sign of respect to those who helped start this franchise.

The cast are fantastic and, surprisingly for a slasher movie,

the vast majority of them are very likeable and feel like real people even if many of them lack any real depth and are simply there to contribute to Michael’s kill count.

Standouts include Judy Greer and newcomer Andi Matichak as Laurie Strode’s daughter and granddaughter who are constantly at odds with one another due to their differing feelings towards Laurie. Of course, the real star of the show here is Jamie Lee Curtis who returns to the role of Laurie Strode like she never left, only this time, she is not the squealing victim – she is a fierce woman who has spent the last 40 years of her life training and preparing herself; ensuring she’s ready for Michael Myers should he ever escape.

There is a commentary on PTSD here that, sadly, isn’t capitalised on as much as it should be. We spend too much time with the new characters when we should be focused on Laurie Strode and the trauma she went through all those years before that has effectively ruined her life.

She is a hermit who has become so obsessed with ensuring she is

In a move nobody saw coming, John Carpenter himself also makes his big return to the franchise for the first time since 1981, serving as both Executive Producer and Composer.

His iconic theme music stayed with the franchise long after he parted ways with it and is now one of the most instantly recognisable pieces of music ever composed, so bringing him back into the fray to help craft a new Halloween adventure feels monumental.

He teams with his son Cody Carpenter and godson Daniel Davis to form a modernised, yet somehow still entirely old-school update of his original music. The classic piano and synthesisers remain intact and are accompanied by some hard-hitting electronic crunches that reverberate into your chest and leave a lasting impact. It is a phenomenal piece of work that is made all the more special because of Carpenter’s involvement.

Conclusion

Halloween is a flawed but deeply satisfying reboot that breathes new life in to a long dormant franchise and is one of, if not the best movie to come from the franchise since 1978. It is surreal that in 2018, there’s a new Halloween movie starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Nick Castle with heavy involvement from the godfather himself, John Carpenter. This is arguably the biggest thing to happen to horror in years and I’m just grateful that I’m here to witness it, regardless of its flaws.

Page 28 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

ENTERTAINMENT BIG SCREEN

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F

Carpenter Classics Heading For The Big Screen!

J

ohn Carpenter is the man of the hour! He is celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Halloween with special celebratory screenings all over the globe, he was brought on board to produce the brand new sequel as well as providing the score along with his son and godson.

But, on top of all of that, four of his most beloved classics are returning to the big screen in the coming weeks in celebration and promotion of Studio Canal’s brand new 4K restorations of the original film prints.

Studio Canal have painstakingly upgraded the footage taken from original film prints in order to present the highest quality screenings of these movies that the world has ever has ever seen.

They Live, The Fog, Prince of Darkness and Escape From New York are all returning to the big screen, so now is your chance to see these iconic movies on the big screen – perhaps even for the first time. For me, all of these movies were released long before I was born so I never had the opportunity to experience them the way they crave to be experienced – on the biggest screen possible.

To find out where your nearest screening will be taking place, head over to: www.johncarpenter4k.co.uk and book your tickets now!

ifteen years after brutally murdering his own sister on Halloween night, Michael Myers escapes from Smith’s Grove Sanatorium and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, hell-bent on finishing what he started all those years before, with an unwitting group of girls who attend the local highschool becoming Michael’s next targets.

Celebrating 40 Years of John Carpenter’s Classic

History

In 1978, John Carpenter made a small, independent horror film for a modest $325,000 that eventually went on to gross $70,000,000 ($270,000,000 when adjusted for inflation) and spawned an entire new sub-genre of horror — the slasher movie.

In the decade that followed, countless imitators emerged, utilising Halloween’s style in an attempt to cash-in on the surge in popularity for horror cinema.

Some were good, some were bad but they all had one thing in common – they owed their very existence to Halloween.

Recently, I was lucky enough to catch a one-night-only screening of John Carpenter’s Halloween in a glorious 4K restoration, in celebration of its 40th Anniversary.

The film was preceded by a brief 15-minute documentary on the making of Halloween and the legacy it has left behind, which was a lot of fun. For somebody like me – a lifelong horror fan who has spent most of his life researching the genre – none of this information was new to me, but it was just fun to relive the history of this beloved movie in a packed out screening full of avid fans in Michael Myers t-shirts.

When the documentary ended, the audience erupted in applause – I was shocked. You see it in American movies all the time; rowdy audiences who cheer and clap along to the movie – but as a typically reserved Brit who never wants to draw too much attention

to himself, it is not something I have ever really experienced before, save for the odd clap here and there from the extroverts in the audience.

I can probably count on one hand the amount of times I’ve heard applause in a cinema and all of them were for big blockbusters – Avengers Assemble and Avengers: Infinity War spring to mind - but a low-budget horror from the 1970’s? That’s how I knew this audience were here for a great night.

cinema releases

A young girl is transported into a magical world of gingerbread soldiers and an army of mice in a desperate quest to find a key to a box that holds a priceless gift from her late mother.

Classic

There’s nothing I can say about John Carpenter’s Halloween that hasn’t already been said by people much smarter than me and that speaks volumes of the impact this movie has had over the past 40 years.

The opening sequence is as haunting as ever, comprised of a ground-breaking single take from the perspective of a young Michael Myers as he stalks and eventually murders his older sister.

The shot was achieved using a brand new piece of equipment that allowed a camera to be strapped to the body of the camera operator via a harness, allowing for long,

NOVEMBER

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (02/11/18)

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Overlord (07/11/18)

American paratroopers trapped behind enemy lines on the eve of D-Day find themselves up against violent and horrifying supernatural forces that are part of a horrific Nazi experiment.

sweeping movements never really available before.

This piece of equipment has gone on to be a staple of filmmaking; the Steadicam. See; Halloween was already breaking ground in its opening five minutes!

Directing

Halloween is an absolute masterclass in tension, with John Carpenter cranking up the suspense to the point it feels like you’re suffocating, before unleashing Michael Myers on his unwitting victims in a sensory overload that feels a lot more violent than it actually is.

Halloween is often remembered as a brutal, ultra-violent and gory movie, but that simply isn’t true.

In fact, you barely see a single drop of blood in the entire movie and the fact people remember it so differently is a real testament to John Carpenter’s skill as a director.

He gives you just the right amount of information you need and allows your mind to do the rest – and as all great horror directors know, it is often what you don’t see that is a lot more frightening than what you do.

The Girl in the Spider’s Web (09/11/18)

Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist find themselves caught in a web of spies, cybercriminals and corrupt government officials. A sequel/franchise reboot of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series.

The Grinch (09/11/19)

An animated retelling of Dr Seuss’ beloved holiday classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the spiteful green Who.

Performances

Jamie Lee Curtis is perfectly cast as Laurie Strode and delivers a performance that launched a career that is still going strong today. Her tender performance as the kindhearted teenager still resonates with audiences everywhere and it is no surprise that she has become an icon of cinema. Donal Pleasance is wonderful as Dr Sam Loomis – another character who

Widows (09/11/18)

Four women with nothing in common except a debt left behind by their dead husbands’ criminal activities, take fate into their own hands, and conspire to forge a future on their own terms.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (16/11/18)

The second instalment of the “Fantastic Beasts” series set in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World following the adventures of magizoologist Newt Scamander.

completely took on a life of its own and became an entity unto itself.

Loomis has served as Michael’s doctor for 15 years and knows better than anyone just how dangerous Michael is and he manages to strike a perfect balance of frantic, fearful and heroic.

Then, of course, there’s Nick Castle as “The Shape” himself, Michael Myers – a character who moves with an otherworldly force and an inhuman drive. Castle was the original and is still the best actor ever to play Myers.

However, some of the other performances don’t hold up too well. Nancy Kyes and P.J. Soles performances as Laurie’s friends Annie and Lynda are laced with cheesiness and overacting, but that doesn’t necessarily detract from the story.

In a way, it adds a loveable charm to their scenes and enough time has passed that we can look back on their shaky performances with a fondness. Lynda’s constant need to utter the word “totally!” has now become somewhat iconic and the audience were laughing along and shouting out “totally!” in unison. I even saw one fan wearing a t-shirt that had nothing but the word “totally!” on it.

Legacy

Halloween is one of the most iconic and influential horror movies of all time, with a transcendent quality that still has audiences watching and screaming forty years later. Without Halloween, we wouldn’t have Friday the 13th or A Nightmare on Elm Street and we wouldn’t have Scream or Child’s Play or the countless other horror movies that owe their very existence to Halloween, John Carpenter and Debra Hill. For many, the endless sequels that followed diluted the original with their varying quality and striking inconsistencies but the fact remains — Halloween is one of the greatest horror movies of all time - period.

Ralph Breaks the Internet (30/11/18)

Six years after the events of “WreckIt Ralph,” Ralph and Vanellope, now friends, discover a Wi-Fi router in their arcade, leading them into a brand-new online adventure.

Creed II (30/11/18)

Under the tutelage of Rocky Balboa, newly crowned light heavyweight champion Adonis Creed faces off against Viktor Drago, the son of Ivan Drago.

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As Old As Show Business Itself: A Star Is Born

S

easoned musician Jackson Maine meets and falls in love with struggling artist Ally a young waitress who has just about given up on her dream to make it as a singer - until Jackson coaxes her into the spotlight and helps to provide her a platform to show the world how talented she is.

However, as Ally's career takes off, Jackson’s own career is thrown into turmoil as his ongoing battle with alcoholism and his own internal demons threaten to destroy everything they’ve built.

A Star Is Born is quite literally a tale as old as show business itself.

The first version of this story was released in 1937 starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March, followed by a remake in 1954 starring Judy Garland and James Mason and another remake in 1976 starring Barbara Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, which was then followed by a Bollywood remake in 2013.

The fact there have been so many retellings of the same story could understandably leave some people thinking every ounce of originality has been wrung-dry, but this latest retelling proves there is still a lot of life left in this simple story.

Bradley Cooper took on a mammoth task with A Star Is Born, making his directorial debut while simultaneously cowriting the screenplay, starring in one of the lead roles, producing

the movie and learning how to play the guitar so he could actually perform all of Jackson Maine’s songs...which he also co-wrote!

It’s plain to see that this was a real passion-project for Cooper and that passion is evident in every single frame of this movie and is dripping in style and confidence.

For a directorial debut, it is breathtaking and with just one film, Cooper has immediately cemented himself as one of the most exciting filmmakers out there.

Cooper’s directing style is as authentic as it comes and he tackles this operatic story in a very low-key manner — choosing to focus on the intimate relationships between the characters and building around that, as opposed to taking the easy route and anchoring the entire film around the aweinspiring musical performances.

This is not a grand, cheery musical with low-stakes and light-hearted characters — this is a hard-hitting, emotionally charged story of love, loss and the cost of fame that is sprinkled with some truly wonderful music.

The songs written for A Star Is Born are remarkable and the depth of the lyrics amplifies the impact of the drama surrounding them.

The songs are integral in expressing the love Jackson and Ally feel for one another.

Music gave them both a fighting

chance.

Music brought them together and even when things get bad, the music still remains as a lingering echo of their love. It’s stunning.

As with all good stories, the drama only works if you are invested in the characters and feel what they are going through and A Star Is Born succeeds on all fronts.

From the moment we meet Jackson Maine, in a live performance at a music festival, we learn everything we need to know about him through his performance.

It’s a hard-edged, gritty performance doused in sweat and harsh light — he’s clearly a talented individual, but without even saying anything, it’s also plain to see that he is tormented by internal demons.

The intricacies in Cooper’s performance – the movements and his facial expressions – speak volumes of the character, even when the character isn’t saying a thing.

You can see the pain in his eyes and his dishevelled, unclean exterior mirrors his internal damage.

But all of that that changes when he meets Ally – a phenomenally talented young woman who spends her days waitressing and her nights showcasing her talent at dingy old bars.

Immediately, he sees something in her;

something more than anyone has ever seen before and thus triggers an evening of courtship that feels so natural, it’s almost like somebody is following around two people on a real life first date.

Right off the bat, their chemistry is scorching hot and the dynamic between these two characters is instantly enjoyable and downright adorable.

They bounce off of one another in a way that feels more authentic than any onscreen relationship in recent memory.

From there, like all relationships, they have their ups and their downs.

Sometimes its wonderful, other times its awful, and you feel every moment with a vivid realness like we have been granted the ultimate access to a real couple’s lives.

The way this movie makes you feel is a testament to the screenplay, but also to the actors’ ability to live in the moment and improv on the spot, making the interactions between these characters feel as grounded in reality as humanly possible.

Unfortunately, the movie does struggle to maintain the sizzling, quick-fire energy of the opening hour or so, and does lose a little momentum towards the latter half of the film, but the whole thing starts so strong that even the slightest of dips goes almost undetected.

The film is never anything close to boring, it just loses a little steam — but one could argue that it was an intentional move intended to reflect the relationship between Ally and Jackson, as her skyrocketing

november

Tag (05/11/18)

For one month every year, five friends hit the ground running in a no-holdsbarred game of tag they’ve been playing since the first grade--risking everything to take each other down.

Adrift (05/11/18)

A true story of survival, as a young couple’s chance encounter leads them to love, and then on the adventure of a lifetime as they face one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history.

success coupled with his internal issues begin to take their toll on their relationship.

Things slowly begin to fizzle away and a conflict emerges that threatens to tear them apart. If you shed all of the Hollywood flair of A Star Is Born and really reduce it to its core elements, it is quite easily one of the most realistic depictions of love ever put to screen.

A Star Is Born is a fiercely old-fashioned romance, the likes of which we never really see anymore and while it honours and echoes romantic cinema

of the 1970s, it also stands as a wonderfully contemporary story about the folly of combining love and fame in the digital age. A simple, yet beautiful and powerful story is held together

by Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, who deliver two of the greatest performances, not just of the year, but of their respective careers and it is their sizzling chemistry that elevates this retelling to a position where it confidently stands head and shoulders above the other versions of this story.

Releases

First Reformed (05/11/18)

A priest of a small congregation in upstate New York grapples with mounting despair brought on by tragedy, worldly concerns and a tormented past.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (05/11/18)

A volcanic eruption threatens the remaining dinosaurs on the island of Isla Nublar. Claire and Owen team up to help prevent this extinction-level event.

Incredibles 2 (12/11/18)

Mr. Incredible is left home with the childrem when Elastigirl becomes the new face of superheroes. As he juggles endless household chores, she gets to work saving the world from a new villain.

Page 30 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

ENTERTAINMENT BIG SCREEN

1st - 10th November Orange Polar Bear The Door, Birmingham Repertory Theatre

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WHAT’S ON

as they leap off the page and onto the stage in this magical journey through the seasons.

Co-written by award-winning playwrights Evan Placey and Sun-Duck Ko, this raw, funny and heartrending new play gives voice to a young generation trying to find their place in an overwhelming, fast-changing world.

3rd November Showstopper!

The Improvised Musical The Studio, Birmingham Repertory Theatre

A brand-new musical comedy is created from scratch at each performance of this award-winning show as audience suggestions are transformed on the spot into allsinging, all-dancing productions with hilarious results

4th November CageFest: Face/Off and Con Air Double Bill The Mockingbird Cinema

3rd November Guess How Much I Love You Town Hall

Selladoor Family presents Guess How Much I Love You. Join Little & Big Nutbrown Hare, from the bestselling ‘Guess How Much I Love You’ and ‘I Love You All Year Round’ collection,

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You asked, they listened — The Mockingbird Cinema in Digbeth will be hitting attendees with a double dose of Nicolas Cage craziness with back-to-back screenings of two of his most iconic films.

5th November Bridget Jones’ Diary with Live Symphony Orchestra Symphony Hall

Witness Bridget Jones’ Diary like you’ve never seen it before as it tours across the country with a live 60-piece orchestra for the first time ever.

THIS SPOT COULD BE YOURS! Reach a diverse audience worldwide

Based on his smash hit film and adapted for the stage by Oscar-winning writer Simon Beaufoy, this hilarious and heartfelt production has received standing ovations and won the prestigious UK Theatre Award.

6th November Sons of Pitches Plus Special Guests Town Hall

Expect fast-paced medleys and mind-bending mashups as multi-award-winning British vocal group Sons of Pitches attempt to hit their target of 100 legendary tracks in just one evening.

8th November An Evening With Nigella Lawson Symphony Hall

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Nigella’s first book, as she talks about her life in food and what she’s cooking right now.

Charming, witty and entertaining, Nigella will be interviewed by a range of authors, journalists and foodies during her tour, as we get to the heart of what it means to be an award-winning author and TV personality.

9th November Star Wars and Beyond: A Sci-Fi Spectacular Symphony Hall

A sensational concert celebrating the iconic scores from all your favourite science-fiction films, with stunning lights, dazzling

lasers and indoor fireworks.

Includes music from: Star Wars, Alien, Jurassic Park, E.T., Inception and many more!

anthems and much more on her upcoming headline tour.

11th November Homecomings New Street Station

Birmingham Hippodrome commemorates the centenary of the end of the First World War with Homecomings - a free to attend large-scale performance project in New Street Station, featuring stirring theatrical pieces from over 500 pupils from schools in their Hippodrome Education Network.

23rd Nov - 13th December The Nutcracker Birmingham Hippodrome

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s evergreen production of The Nutcracker has been part of the City’s Christmas tradition for over 27 years and returns to Birmingham Hippodrome this November.

15th Nov - 23rd December Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market Victoria Square

The largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market offers a large range of traditional good and gifts and a selection of tempting food and drink.

27th Nov - 1st December The Mountaintop The Door, Birmingham Repertory Theatre

20th November Jessie J 02 Academy

Six years on from her debut album Who We Are, Jessie J is back and reinvigorated thanks to new album, R.O.S.E. Catch her perform her confessional new

An intimate look into the quieter moment of Dr Martin Luther King Jr’s life, The Mountaintop chips away at the myth of the great man to expose his fears about his family, his country and the ever-looming threat of a violent death.

HIDDENGems

Postive, Informative and Objective News Inspiring a New Generation Keeping you connected with your community

• locally • nationally • internationally

5th - 10th November The Full Monty Birmingham Hippodrome

• monthly in print • weekly newsletter • daily online

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THE INVITATION Director: Karyn Kusama Release Date: 2015

“While attending a dinner party at his former home, an unstable young man thinks his ex-wife and her new husband have sinister intentions for their guests.”

Karyn Kusama’s The Invitation is the definition of a “slow-burn” horror movie. She takes her time in setting up her story and introducing her characters and is in absolutely no rush whatsoever to get to the horror. She is far more interested in building an atmosphere of dread that permeates each and every frame and it’ll leave you writhing in your seat, because you know something bad is going to happen, you just have no idea when, what, how or why it’s going

to happen and this is all held together by some truly breath-taking performances.

Kusama leaves you balancing on a knife’s edge throughout, wondering where exactly the story is going to go – it is well established early on that our main character is not of healthy mind, which makes him an unreliable narrator. Can we trust him?

Are his accusations just?

Or is he the one we need to worry about? These are all questions you’ll be asking yourself throughout this lowbudget, intricately crafted story until suddenly, the screen explodes in a frenzy of horror with a final twentyminutes that are downright insane. The Invitation is one for the books.

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Mo-Mentous Roadside Support For Movember!

Wayside inns have been offering shelter and subsistence to travellers for many centuries dating back to bygone eras well before the dawn of motoring.

The advent of the car in the late nineteenth century, though, created new opportunities as more and more intrepid motorists took to the roads.

Today that century-old picturebook history is bought back to life by the annual Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run supported by Hiscox when hundreds of primitive cars make their annual pilgrimage from capital to coast passing – and sometime stopping at – numerous roadside hostelries on their merry way to the Sussex shoreline.

Joining in the spirit of the world’s longest running automotive celebration, many of these taverns open early and are packed with enthusiastic patrons all eager to contribute to the remarkable event’s unique atmosphere.

Never more so than this year when on Sunday 4 November many of these welcome roadhouses along the route will be more actively involved than ever before by additionally supporting the Run’s official charity partner, the Movember Foundation.

Pubs will not only be fundraising but also helping to raise awareness for men’s health issues such as the causes of prostate cancer and testicular cancer as well as mental health and suicide prevention.

And it is not only local watering holes which are playing an important part in supporting Movember right at the start of the foundation’s main month of campaigning, all those involved in the Run – drivers, passengers, marshals, support crews, followers, visitors, friends and family members – are being encouraged to grow moustaches and join the movement.

To help all-comers get involved, an online community of fundraisers has been created where members can post photos and share ideas. All those joining the community are also eligible for prizes and incentives including the once-in-a-lifetime chance to partake in the coveted ‘tearing the flag’ ceremony – an act performed

by Movember supporters Damon Hill and Charley Boorman last November.

Furthermore, entrants are able to show their support, and simultaneously generate yet more recognition for the cause, via the purchase of an exclusive ‘carstache’ which will be displayed proudly on all participating veteran cars with all funds raised going directly to the charity.

Classic Motors On Show At NEC F

or enthusiasts of classic Porsches, this year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, with Discovery, promises to be one of the most exciting yet thanks to the announcement of two special displays featuring 20 stunning restorations never seen before.

The first display by Porsche Cars Great Britain, shown at Birmingham’s NEC from 9-11 November, features special edition models that were created to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the legendary German marque.

Twenty special edition restorations were commissioned including ten examples of the first

A brand-new, high-tech, highenergy live action stunt show will be debuting at Motorcycle Live 2018. Moto Cirque is the brainchild of pioneering show creators Arena Sports Live and will be the first spectacle of its kind to take place in the UK. The intensely choreographed daily performances will include world-class street bike stunt riding, BMX, freestyle Motocross and moto trials in an intoxicating mix of lights, lasers and theatrical performances.

The show will be set within an amphitheater-style layout of ramps, structures and platforms, and surrounded by 2,000 seats for Motorcycle Live visitors to get a birds-eye view of the stunning show.

generation Boxster model, along with air-cooled, water-cooled, and transaxle cars. The restorations were undertaken in conjunction with Porsche Centres and Porsche Recommended Repairers.

Featuring a bespoke interior and a ’70 years of Porsche’ commemorative plaque, each was also finished in ‘Liquid Metal’ silver paint that up to now had only been seen on the stunning Porsche 918 Spyder.

The meticulous restorations used Porsche Classic Genuine Parts as well as accessories from the Porsche Classic range including navigation and vehicle tracking systems.

Entry to the Moto Cirque arena is completely FREE, with performances taking place at 12.00 and 14.00 from Monday-Thursday, 12.00, 14.00 and 15.30 on Friday and at 11.30, 14.00 and 15.30 at the weekends.

“We like to push the limits on what’s possible with a live performance and Moto Cirque will be the first of its kind,” said Matt Bates, director of Arena Sports Live. “It’s an all-new show in a completely different layout that showcases everything possible on two wheels; but what makes this show stand out, is that it’s all performed in the dark. If you’re visiting Motorcycle Live, you can’t afford to miss it!”

MOTORS

Rally Of The Year Awarded

The Royal Automobile Club 1000 Mile Trial has won the 2018 Rally of the Year Award at the International Historic Motoring Awards, which took place on Thursday 25 October 2018 at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane hotel.

The International Historic Motoring Awards recognises and celebrates the skills and achievements of the worldwide historic motoring industry and comprises of a broad spectrum of award categories ranging from Restoration of the Year through to Motorsport Event and Personal Achievement awards.

Jeremy Vaughan, Head of Motoring of the Royal Automobile Club said, "We are delighted to have won Rally of the Year Award against such a high calibre of contenders. I would like to thank our event partner, HERO Events, for their expert organisation and challenging routes, which keep the participants on their toes. The event has won this award three times and it won the FIA Heritage Cup in 2015 so its wonderful to add another accolade to its illustrious history".

Page 32 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

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Taking a Gap Year Introduce yourself, what did grades did you receive for a levels?

WITH RHEA DEHANEY

W

elcome to another edition of Teen flair where I give you advice highlight realer people and much more!

This month I want to introduce you to a amazing long term friend of mine who did exceedingly well in her A-levels.

Asharnah is going to speak on her experience on

KEEP IN TOUCH As we are all aware there is power in social media, I will be using these networking sites, to promote this newspaper page, and #TEAMFLAIR which will not only advertise, but will promote

what to look forward to in the newspaper.

I’m not only hoping to create just another column, but a movement, for young people of all races.

To Advertise on my page, or to send me news, information and more, contact me at rhea.dehaney@thephoenixnewspaper.com

taking a Gap year for those who might be considering taking a gap year.

I hope you enjoy and share with friends you might know who are maybe considering the same!

This is the month of new change for a lot of people, are you excited for what the future has in store? Have faith, and remember to take full grasp of every door that opens.

Scripture of the month

Hi I’m Asharnah and I’m 19 years old. For A levels, I got a Distinction* for law which is equivalent to an A*, I got a B for history and a B for religious studies.

Congrats on your fantastic results! Did you always plan to take a gap year?

Thank you! And honestly, No. I knew about the idea of a gap year but my sixth form never really gave it to us as an option.

It was either Uni or an apprenticeship so the research for a Gap year was all for me to do.

I planned to go to uni after sixth form but i became so indecisive as to what uni i wanted to go to and what to study.

I still applied and got accepted but on results day i decided to take a gap year to make sure my decision on uni was right.

What advice can you give to someone wanting to take a gap year?

Make sure you have a plan for your gap year. Jumping into a gap year with no plan is a huge risk. Set yourself with some goals to achieve monthly as well as for the year.

It could be as little as ‘Go to the gym for an hour’ or as big as ‘pass my driving test’. Take this year out to truly find who you are.

Discover new things about you. Travel the world. We are so young and we have so much to discover. Uni is not running away, its always going to be

there.

If your not in the right mental space because of A levels then take a year out. A levels cause depression and so many other things. Bettering yourself is better than going to uni and damaging yourself even more.

That sounds exciting. How has it affected you so far and what’s your plan for the future?

It’s been very mind opening for me in the sense that I’ve realised that I can do so much in so little time.

It has been hard seeing my friends all pack up for uni but im excited to hear their stories.

I do miss being in the education environment but it doesn’t mean I can’t educate myself. The

library is around the corner.

So far i’ve been working, achieving goals and already decided what im going to do with my uni situation so this gap year has blessed me so far.

My plan for the future is to travel, work, deepen my relationship with God and be the happiest person ever. Uni is only a couple months away so i have a lot to achieve before then but I’m very excited for uni.

Check out my first Youtube video ‘Rhea Dehaney’ I hope you are blessed :)

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 33

- OBITUARIES AND NOTICE BOARD -

Sir Doug Ellis

H

e had two spells as chairman of Aston Villa Football Club – in between which he was also chairman at West Midland rival club, Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Very much a vital part of the claret and blue history, it’s ironic that during his time at the Molineaux,

Villa enjoyed their most successful period as they were crowned League champions in 1981 and became European champions the following season.

Knighted in 2012 for his services to charity, he has a buildings named after him at both Birmingham University and Aston University after making substantial donations to

in seven different languages and performed in 94 countries.

In 2009 he was appointed ambassador of Armenia to Switzerland and he also became Armenia's delegate to the United Nations in Geneva.

He was 94.

Geoffrey Hayes

The actor and presenter famously hosted the long-running children's TV show, ‘Rainbow,’ featured the characters Zippy, George and Bungle, between 1974 to 1992, as they lived in the Rainbow House which ran for more than 1,000 episodes.

He also had a successful acting career,

Notice Board

starring as Detective Constable Scatliff in the BBC TV Series Z Cars.

More recently, he appeared in pantomimes and on some panel gameshows including an episode of ‘Never Mind the Buzzcocks,’ in 2002, and ‘Pointless Celebrities,’ in 2015.

He was 76.

One of the ‘fathers and creators of British sitcom,’ he first met the man with whom he would form a creative partnership cowriter Alan Simpson - spanning decades at Milford Sanatorium

Born Vichai Raksriaksorn, the billionaire founder of duty-free consortium King Power International and Leicester City FC owner was one of 5 people on the helicopter which had just cleared the King Power Stadium when it came down.

Married with four children, he bought the club for £39m in 2010 before – at odds of 5,000/1 – winning the Premier League in 2016.

He gifted the players a BMW i8 each.

Called ‘Mr. Leicester’ and ‘an unbelievable human being,’ his Foxes team reached

the Champions League quarter finals a year later. He financed local schools and community developments.

After the remarkable Premier League title victory he donated £2m to Leicester Hospitals Charity to help develop a new children's hospital at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

He was 61.

urprise!

Also k celebra nown as Guy F te a traditio Bonfire Night wkes Night, nally wit on Nove h firewo of the m mber 5, r English embers of a gr ks marking one oup of p Catholi cs ro Gunpow who planned t vincial he der Plot of 1605. failed

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in Surrey - when both were diagnosed with tuberculosis as teenagers.

In their 1950s-70s heydays they created classics such as ‘Hancock's Half Hour’ and ‘Steptoe and Son,’ before TV, film and stage scripts for comedy legends Frankie Howerd, Peter Sellers, Leonard Rossiter and Arthur Lowe.

Born in Paddington, in London, his final sitcom was ‘Get Well Soon,’ a comedy featuring Hugh Bonneville set soon after the establishment of the NHS following World War Two. He was 88.

Leicester Owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha

, Big S p o h S e l t Lit

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

t Christmas Birmingham Frankfur rket Ma aft Cr + Market ber 23 cem De to 15 r be vem No

ability to knock a fish on the head - and not his ever-escalating record for sacking managers.

He loved the nickname so much that he named his boat after it.

He set up the UK's largest independent cider maker business - Aston Manor Cider - which was managed by son, Peter, until it was bought out in 2013.

Ray Galton OBE

Charles Aznavour Born to Armenian immigrants, in Paris, France, in 1924, the singer and songwriter had a career lasting more than 80 years, he was best known for his 1974 hit ‘She’ and was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017.

Married three times, and having six children, he was named entertainer of the century by CNN in 1998 - having sold more than 180 million records and featured in over 60 films.

With his lyrics drawing on his own experiences of growing up in deprivation as an immigrant, he recorded more than 1,200 songs

both institutions.

He made his money in the travel industry and during his time in football earned the nickname ‘Deadly Doug’ – which many thought was because he made 13 managerial appointments and, subsequently, sacked 13 managers.

England legend Jimmy Greaves gave him his nickname because of his

After selling the club to American businessman Randy Lerner in 2006, he became life president.

West Midlands Metro Mayor, and Aston Villa fan, Andy Street said: "He was a man who was not only the guardian of my football club bu also a great philanthropist whose charity work was rightly recognised with a knighthood. My sympathies to his friends and family."

A razor-sharp mind to the end, he died aged 94.

THANKSGIV ING CHURC H SERVICE Celebrating 52 years of B Independence arbados at All Saints Pa rish Chu Square, Readi rch, Downshire ng Sunday, 2 Dec , RG1 6NH ember 2018

North Po

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Page 34 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

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- DIWALI ON THE SQUARE -

Diwali Ce on City Sq

l Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, receives a gift from Consul General of Indi

A

s a precursor to the main event, celebrations returned to the centre of Birmingham with this, the second year of ‘Diwali on the Square.’

Highlighted by the presence of double-‘royalty,’ a kaleidoscope of colours, a melodic blend of sounds and a multitude of gastronomical delights filled Victoria Square as the ‘King of the Dhol’ and the ‘King of Bhangra’ made this an even greater success than last year’s unforgettable ‘1st.’

With the legendary Gurcharan ‘King G’ Mall heading his Dhol Blasters as they led a select number of dignitaries present to their reserved seats, the party was about to begin – there was no presence of Her Majesty’s Vice and Deputy Vice Lieutenants. Birmingham Lord Mayor, Councilor Yvonne

Mosquito, was also absent at the beginning of proceedings (two days after having to bury her father).

There was a decided number of absent city leaders – as was the case for the vivid lack of various diverse cultures - which was, probably, expected with a religious-based event, as opposed to the mass-attended ‘culturally cohesive’ outdoor gatherings.

“I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know the Hindu community in the West Midlands,” said the region’s Metro Mayor, the eversupportive Andy Street, “through business, the temple and the community itself.

But, before I go on, let’s not forget the tragedy of what recently took place back in India” - the annual Dussehra festival ended in a tragedy in Amritsar, Punjab, finished with at least 60 people

@PhoenixNewsUK

- DIWALI ON THE SQUARE -

elebrated quare

ia, Dr Aman Puri after he was also presented with a gift from the West Midlands were killed and mas oppoaimed after a train mowed down people who were watching the celebrations. They were on the tracks oblivious of the oncoming train.

Of course Diwali is celebrated by the Hindus, Sikh Jains and Buddhist communities.

For Hindus it marks the day Lord Ram returned from the forest after working his way down the spine of India to Sri Lanka supporting rishis (sages) and fighting evilminded powerful demons. It’s a celebration of the victory of light over darkness.

“I know that it is a time to worship ‘Lakshmi’ and I am sure that business people throughout the West Midlands will pray for a more prosperous future.”

“We stand here mourning the departed souls in the tragedy in our home land,” said the Consul

General of India, Dr Aman Puri.

After an emphatically observed minute silence, he went on to say; “Today is a validation of bringing communities together.

Diwali is more than a ritual; it’s about unifying people.

Our celebration here makes us inclusive.”

Then, as Birmingham-based Punjabi singer, Malkit Singh - most famous for the songs including; ‘Gur Nalo Ishq Mita,’ ‘Tootak Tootak Tootiyan’ and ‘Jind Mahi’ - stepped onto the stage, ‘Diwali On The Square’ truly came alive.

With food, music, and children’s activities on hand throughout, the Hindu community was able to enjoy their time in the centre of the city - as one!

The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 35

Page 36 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

How the Church Moved from Tilbury to the Pew The consequences of the ‘Windrush Generation’ shabby treatment were felt at the heart of government – with the Prime Minister apologising and, making a U-turn, before agreeing to meet Commonwealth leaders from the Caribbean, and apologise and promise that no one would be deported. Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, having apologised in the House of Commons and distanced herself from her department’s “hostile environment” policy, fell on her sword.

It is important that the achievements of the Windrush generation and their children do not get lost as the nation marked the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the MV Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks with a service in Westminster Abbey.

The preacher was the Reverend Joel Edwards, the first Black Pentecostal general director of the EA (Evangelical Alliance), who arrived in Britain from Jamaica in the 1950s, aged eight.

thephoenixnewspaper.com

- AZUZA STREET -

Rabbi calls for stop on ‘hate talk’ Following the latest shooting tragedy in the U.S., a Pittsburgh rabbi has urged America’s political leaders to “stop the words of hate” at a vigil to mourn the deaths of 11 congregants who were shot at the city’s Tree of Life synagogue.

As thousands gathered at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall - just two miles from the scene of the shooting - and about 1,500 others listened to the service outside, Rabbi Jeffrey Myers and other rabbis of the three congregations based in the

Tree of Life shul hugged on stage at the conclusion of the vigil.

Rabbi Myers told mourners: “I want to address some of our political leaders who were here.

Ladies and gentlemen, it has to start with you as our leaders.

Stop the words of hate. If it comes from you, Americans will listen. You don’t have to follow the prone to evil path.

We can also be prone to good.

If you decide to take that path, it starts with speech. Words of hate are unwelcome in Pittsburgh.”

Eight men and three women

died when a man stormed into the Tree of Life Synagogue and opened fire on the congregation, who were in the middle of a baby-naming ceremony.

The victims ranged in ages between 54 and 97, and included a husband and wife and two brothers. Bill Peduto, the city’s Mayor, called it “the darkest day of Pittsburgh’s history.”

Robert Bowers, of Baldwin, Pennsylvania, was charged with 29 federal crimes, including 11 counts of murdering victims exercising their religious beliefs.

Hope Dealers Drillin’ Home the Gospel From ‘dope’ dealer to ‘hope’ dealer, former gang members have turned their backs on the criminal activities and ‘street’ life by fusing elements of the ‘drill’ music genre, with gospel; to try to rescue youths from violence and drug dealers.

In London, an outfit called ‘Hope Dealers’ are rapping a different tune ‘spitting’ lyrics about redemption and salvation to a crowd of more than 1,000 church-goers from the SPAC Nation church each and every Sunday – week-in, week-out.

Delivering high-energy sermons, testimonials and performances to a congregation whose collective spirits are of equally zenith-like proportions, ex-gang man, Nathan Oki, is racking up hundreds of thousands of online views with slickly-produced promo videos and says its message has helped turn lives around.

l Reverend Joel Edwards At the EA, he represented over 1 million evangelical Christians as he played a key role in lobbying government on behalf of the Christian community and uniting churches to work together on common goals.

In 2005 He received an Honorary Doctorate in Divinity from Jamaica’s Caribbean Graduate School of Theology in recognition of his work as a key evangelical leader and member of the Jamaican Diaspora.

Currently serving as International Director of Micah Challenge, Rev Edwards, a former Probation Office, made history with his appointment as head of the representative body for over one million evangelical Christians.

He has also served as a Commissioner at the Equality and Human Rights Commission, and has received the Jamaican Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation in 2007.

In addition he has authored several books, and is a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day programme.

In 2016, he was awarded the ‘Langton Award’ for Community Service by the Archbishop of Canterbury "for his unique contribution in uniting evangelical Christians across the UK in challenging global injustice."

The Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury, in Essex, on 22 June with its 492 predominantly Jamaican passengers seeking a new life in England – along with many more from other island states across the Caribbean.

Spirituality vs Religion

T

by Kesa Nkulu

he differences between spirituality and religion are vast and numerous. At NO time did our first Ancestors fall into the category of practitioners of religion.

In fact within most recent years, the origins of religion have revealed deep routed spiritual concepts and practices that originated in Africa.

Spirituality is a way of life… a journey of becoming… metaphorically, transforming stone into gold..!

Literally, transforming man/ woman into God-man/woman via teachings, initiations and practices on the journey of life…

We will explore one major difference between spirituality and religion which is the idea of

Prayer.

The Bukongo teaches that in spirituality we do not pray, we invoke/call to communicate to the Divine World and the Spirits of our Ancestors.

The word ‘God’ is a title and not a name, just as Mr and Mrs are titles followed by the individual`s name. Religion generally directs every prayer at God; people band this word around without saying the name of the God. Then how will the prayer reach it`s intended target `God`?

Remembering that there are numerous gods, but only one Creator, such as it is recognised in all of the major religions today.

In African Spirituality we always call the name of the God required, for example, if you need an electrician god you wouldn’t call a plumber god indicating

different Angels (gods)have different tasks..!

Religious people might pray for blessings and other desires however, in Spirituality we understand and live by the Laws of nature, and know that it is by our actions that will ultimately lead to our blessings, rather than thinking we can just ask for it.

In fact our actions lead to blessings or curses; we really do reap what we sow.

The American preacher Rev. Ike stated and I quote…“Positive mental transaction within your own mind” and as such prayer is not a religious exercise, prayer is what you say to yourself within yourself.”

“You are convincing yourself of the good that you desire.”

“So many people pray trying to convince a God in the Sky to give

them something.”

“This woman’s prayer took place within herself, she said within herself if I but touch his clothes I will be made whole that was a mental transaction which she made within her own mind… her conscious mind impressed the idea of healing the idea of wholeness the idea of healing upon her subconscious mind a mental transaction these are the mechanics which take place when you pray.

The conscious mind conveys an idea to the subconscious mind…”

He finished his lecture by saying “people need the truth to set them free” Lets let that just sink in for a moment..!

The Bukongo teaches that there exists: The World of Mind…

The World of Worlds…

The World of Action…

An initiate must be balanced in each of these paradigms to gain blessings and grow Spiritually, as opposed to being unbalanced but still expecting that their prayers will be answered.

Again this is Universal Law where every action brings a reaction, if you live by love you shall receive love, but if you live by violence that is what will return unto you.

I think these are pretty much accepted by all faiths as truth. If we examine these worlds more

closely we can say that our words are: • Transparent energy…

• Bad words create negative energy • Good words create luminous energy Another prominent difference in Spirituality are our actions…

If your actions are not positive it will cause dis-order and division.

Mind

The mind is very powerful, and it is important that its wellbeing is looked after. The mind, much like the body requires healthful foods, and sufficient spiritual knowledge for positive development.

Another major factor of religion and the religious books that are used, is that we never find the names of our deities or ancestors in them.

We never find our true history, it’s as if we survive on fumes of history, after all these books do not relate to our story, why should they…? We have books and an oral history in which we as Africans can relate to.

In African Spirituality we have our own Holy book which contains the names of our Deities, Ancestor’s, Kings, Queens, Messengers and Prophets.

It contains our history and our lineage dating back over 6500 years. This book is called the Makongo, its teachings are taught at the Bundu Dia Kongo mazikua.

Ingeta.

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 37

- HONOURS SPOTLIGHT -

Top Honours awarded on Heroes Day J amaica High Commissioner to London, Seth George Ramocan was awarded the National Honour, CD - Commander of Distinction, Officer's Class for Public Service on Heroes Day on October 15, 2018 at Kings House, Jamaica.

The Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards function at King's House, started shortly after 9:00 am for 2 hours and was delivered with the utmost respect and restraint.

There were 130 people listed to be honoured, but perhaps the most anticipated presence would have

been that of Jamaican-American singer, actor and social activist Harry Belafonte.

The Order of Merit, Jamaica's fourth highest national honour, should have been awarded to Belafonte on the day, but the star was absent from proceedings.

Other diaspora figures held the line, with Grace Jones, receiving an Order of Jamaica (OJ) for exceptional contribution to the field of entertainment, and The Honourable Earl Jarrett, CEO of Jamaica National received Order of Jamaica (OJ) for Financial Contribution to Jamaica.

l Jamaica High Commissioner to the UK, Seth George Ramocan (second left) celebrates with his wife

Outstanding achievements celebrated at the Global Indian Icon Awards

l Outstanding achievement and excellence in Motivational Speaking went to Paresh Rughani

For the first time the UK hosted the Society Global Indian Icon Awards at the Montcalm Hotel in London on the 10th October.

Celebrating Indian and Global icons, the event was sponsored by Dr M Singapore Film Fund, with distinguished guests, celebrities and industry leaders in attendance.

Organised by one of India’s leading celebrity and lifestyle magazines, Society, part of the Magna Publications Group India, the Founder and Chairman Nari Hira inaugurated the event in the UK and presented some of the awards.

The maagzine profiles successful Indians in a range of different fields from entertainment to philanthropy.

Speaking following the event, Nari said “The event this year has surpassed my expectations and we will continue to bring the awards all over the world.”

The ceremony was hosted by popular TV and Radio personality Anushka Arora, with performances from Arunima Kumar Dance Company, and British Singer / Songwriter Navin Kundra, who also won an award for Excellence in Music.

There were a number of awards given out on the night, including Outstanding achievement and excellence in Motivational Speaking which went to Paresh Rughani (pictured) Some of the other award winners on the night included Dr. M - Society Global Indian Icon award, Mr Pankaj Saxena - Best Entrepreneur award for excellence in real estate and financial services, Mr Sanjay Jhunjhunwala (Mani Group) Award for outstanding achievement in Business (Industry leader, changing skylines) and Sir Clive Lloyds - Lifetime achievement award in Sports.

l Earl Jarrett being greeted by Dr. Lola Ramocan after he received the National Heroes Award, O.J.

5 THINGS WORTH KNOWING ABOUT MEN’S HEALTH Learn them, live them, and pass them along.

1. MAKE MAN TIME Stay connected. Spending time with your friends is good for you. Catch up regularly, check in and make time.

2. HAVE OPEN CONVERSATIONS Talk about what’s really going on.

Listen. Being there for someone can be life-saving.

3. KNOW THE NUMBERS At 50, talk to your doctor about prostate cancer. If you’re of African or Caribbean descent or have a father or brother with prostate cancer, have the convo at 45.

4. KNOW THY NUTS Give ‘em a feel regularly and get to know what’s normal for you. Something doesn’t seem right? Go to the doctor.

5. MOVE, MORE Get active on a daily basis.

Do more of what makes you feel good.

Find out more at movember.com

Page 38 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

thephoenixnewspaper.com

- FINAL GOODBYE FOR HERVILLE JACKSON -

A Final Goodbye

T

hursday the 18th October saw friends, family and admirers fill New Testament Church of God Handsworth to celebrate the life of Herville Emanuel Jackson.

Emotional and heartfelt messages of love and remembrance were

read out by his sons and daughters on behalf of his sisters who could not be present on the day, and in a beautiful display of togetherness, all the grandchildren and great grandchildren took to the altar as they celebrating his life in their own way.

Lord Mayor of Birmingham,

Cllr Yvonne Mosquito and Sandra Olivier, daughters of the late Herville, read the Eulogy, giving some great insight into their father, his mannerisms and his achievements.

There were also musical tributes

by Grandson Joshua Ryan Jackson Bailey and Niece Lorraine Hall-

Ramsey with Grand-Niece Shaninne Gregory.

Herville Jackson died aged 85 on the 18th September 2018, and left behind a legacy of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who only had good things to say about the man they knew and loved.

@PhoenixNewsUK

India Property Show Attracts More NRIs Living in Great Britain At its Grosvenor Square head office in London, the India Property Show unveiled a range of new residential developments currently available to buy in India, as well as providing customers with the very latest information on India as well as the chance to discuss investment opportunities first hand with Hamptons International’s property experts.

Working in partnership with developers across the subcontinent, including Emaar MGF, Spire Edge, AIPL, ANR Infrastructure, Santa Fe Realty, Ace Projects, Godrej and Wadhawa, the Hamptons International event showcased the very best and latest property available – many of which have not yet been released to market.

The event, thus, offered the chance to be one of the first to preview them.

Hamptons International Research Manager, Rob Bruce, says: “India offers a very exciting opportunity to buy into the new economic powerhouse and the fourth largest economy in the world with GDP accelerating year on year.

Forecast growth in the Indian economy and the recovery of Indian real estate are driving rental yields equal to those in London, with average yields as high as 4.7 per cent for New Delhi and Mumbai apartments.”

Dean Foley, international sales manager at Hamptons International, adds: “India has always been a major market for Hamptons International, given the UK’s long and close ties with this incredible country.

“We have certainly seen, over the last few months, an upturn in the amount of transactions completing by our British NRI clients due in part to long term growth plans and affordable real estate.

“We anticipate this interest to go from strength to strength over the coming months and years.”

It is strongly advised that any interested parties seek current legal and/or financial advice from a qualified professional.

- PROPERTY -

The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 39

Average Rents Up 2.3%

R

esidential rents in the private sector across England and Wales increased by 2.3% in the 12 months to September 2018, reaching an average of £861, the latest index shows.

London was the only region to see rents fall, with prices down 1.3% year on year but it is still the most expensive place to rent a home at £1,271 per month while the strongest growth was in the South West, according to the Your Move rental tracker.

Both the North East and Wales recorded annual rent falls but returned to growth in September, In Wales rents grew by 0.3% to £588 and in the North East they increased by 0.2% to £535 and is the cheapest place to rent.

On a monthly basis, the West Midlands and South West saw the highest growth, both up by 0.4% while London, the East of England and Wales saw rents fall month on month, by 0.11%, 0.17% and 1.12% respectively.

The returns delivered to landlords and property investors remained competitive in September and properties located in Northern regions earned higher percentage returns than those located in Southern areas.

The average investor in the North East saw an annual yield of 5% in the year to September while in the North West it was 4.8%.

London investors once again had the smallest percentage returns at 3.2% and overall in England and Wales the average yield remained at 4.4%.

According to Martyn Alderton, national lettings director at Your Move, the growth of the student rental market has been a boon for

landlords who have invested in good quality properties.

“Yet the number of living options for students means that there is real competition, with landlords having to ensure quality is high to attract the best tenants,” he pointed out.

3,000 Not Out for Council House Build Programme This summer, tenants in a Birmingham suburb took the keys to the 3,000 new home built since the city’s council relaunched its building programme in 2010.

Labour Council leader Ian Ward handed the keys to the new four bedroom property in Kings Norton, in July, to the new tenants marking a major landmark for the Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust (BMHT), the council's house building organisation which has become the city's largest developer of new homes. It is responsible for between 20 and 25 per cent of new homes built.

Of those 3,000 homes 1,714 have been rented and the remaining 1,286 sold with proceeds ploughed into new buildings – with the city council planning to increase the rate of construction to at least 500 per year - if not more.

Cllr Ward said: "Because of the BMHT success, the council, the largest housing

developers in the city, completed its 3,000th home in Birmingham and if the Government is serious about tackling the housing crisis, they need to invest in local authorities and in solutions like BMHT." Cabinet Member for Housing, Sharon Thompson, said: "This represents so much more than bricks and mortar.

“Housing has a proven impact on people's physical health, mental health and on educational attainment as well as many other aspects of their lives.

“The 3,000 homes built have transformed lives across this city and we are continuing to work with our partners to ensure that we reach our goal of 2,000 more properties built over the next four years.”

The Council has more than 367 homes under construction on sites across the city, with a further 264 due to start on site later this year.

Page 40 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

Lottery Boost for Mental Health and Wellbeing of Young Afro-Caribbean Men

Y

oung African Caribbean men across Birmingham will benefit from National Lottery funding, thanks to a life-changing scheme initiated

by Birmingham Repertory Theatre, First Class Legacy, Centre for Mental Health and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Together they will receive £746,112 over three years to run the ‘Shifting The Dial’ scheme, which aims to develop a Birmingham-based brotherhood of 300 young African Caribbean men who feel mentally stronger and healthier.

The money, raised by National Lottery players for good causes, was granted by the Big Lottery Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK. Shifting The Dial has been developed in response to statistics that show that young African Caribbean men in the UK are much more likely than their white counterparts to develop serious mental illness, and three times more likely to be at risk of suicide as referenced in the Centre For Mental Health report ‘Against The Odds.’

The three year project has been developed as a result of a successful pilot scheme, ‘Up My Street’ – an initiative which ran in

Birmingham between September 2015 and July 2017.

It will engage groups in cultural activities run by First Class Legacy and The REP at a range of places within Birmingham and Solihull, working alongside artists and facilitators who they can relate to, trust and can inspire them for their futures.

The scheme will strengthen the mental health resilience and wellbeing of the men involved,

improve their self-esteem and self-belief; assist their personal development and life skills, increase economic opportunities, raise mental health awareness and encourage inclusion.

It will address the weathering effects of racism, discrimination, negative self-image and invisibility.

Additionally, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust will play a

vital role in supporting pathways and opportunities for young people including apprenticeships, volunteering and work experience.

With the help of peer-led research and respected evaluation from Centre for Mental Health, these advocates will reach out into communities to foster a network of less formal mental health support for the young men and their families.

Supplements: Yes Or No?

The story of a man who ended up needing a liver transplant after taking green tea capsules has brought the topic of dietary supplements back into the news.

What are some of the dangers of supplements and what are the health benefits?

There are some supplements that are widely acknowledged by experts to be of benefit across the population.

The NHS recommends that women who are thinking of having a baby should have a folic acid supplement, as should any pregnant woman up to week 12 of her pregnancy, to prevent common birth defects in babies.

Vitamin D supplements are also recommended in babies, children between the ages of one and four, and people who are not often exposed to the sun, including those who are frail or housebound or usually wear clothes that cover up most of their skin when outdoors. The rest of the population is advised to consider taking a Vitamin D supplement.

Sam Jennings, a director of Berry Ottaway & Associates Ltd, added: “What has become clear is that with supplements the benefits aren’t always going to be obvious in all people, because it’s going to depend on that individual’s own make-up as to whether they will receive benefit from having an extra nutrient of some kind.”

thephoenixnewspaper.com

- HEALTH AND WELLBEING -

Expanding Britain l Half of Britain Obese – 1 in 8 to be Diabetic Forecasts are showing that by 2045 up to half of Britons will be obese if current trends are not halted, with Experts saying that without major action the NHS will be overwhelmed – with one in eight suffering from type 2 diabetes.

With the condition already costs the health service around £10 billion annually some one-in-three British adults are estimated to be obese, and if trends continue, 48 per cent of adults will be classed as obese

before it is too late – which is more than double the forecast global average of 22 per cent.

Lead researcher Dr Alan Moses of Novo Nordisk Research and Development, Denmark, said the figures showed a "staggering challenge" ahead, urging Britain to slim down.

He said the costs to the NHS would become "unsustainable" without action to halt current trends. If the UK does not make changes, obesity could

progress to 48 per cent."

Latest figures show more than half of children leaving primary school are overweight or obese in some parts of England with paediatricians calling for fast food outlets to be banned from opening near schools.

There is a national programme to weigh children from birth through adolescence, as part of efforts to tackle the problem.

ocus F on Social Care

Social Prescribing In the last few weeks, I have been invited to speak at a number of events on various aspects of Health, Social Care and Mental Health.

There were two great local events that stuck out for me as they link in quite neatly to the article that I wrote last month on Community Pride.

The first event was hosted

by Community Unit and was titled ‘Being Well Works Well’; which set out the basis on the need for early intervention as an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

This approach to improving wellbeing recognises that a short term investment in individual wellbeing has huge benefits in the long term.

This is something that local authorities are now striving to foster to became enabling authorities.

The Community Unit programmes have four key principles which are Educate, Protect, Intervene and Champion to support people to know what needs to be done to keep themselves as well as they can be.

Which resonates with the City Council’s Vision for Adult Social Care; which is about creating an environment where adults and older people are resilient, living independently whenever possible and exercising choice and control so that they can live good quality lives and enjoy good health and wellbeing.

The other pertinent event that I attended which again links into Civic Pride was organised by Witton Lodge Community Association, to launch the success of their bid to Department of Health for ‘Social Prescribing’.

Unlike, going to your doctors and getting a prescription for medication to make you feel better, Social Prescribing works through linking local people to a treatment that will help through networking or participation in an activity that will engage them into their local areas and communities.

This is not a new initiative for Witton Lodge, I hasten to add as they have been championing this approach for some time although not

l Cllr Paulette Hamilton in name, and on the back of this, bid for Department of Health funding to expand its existing Social Prescribing Programme to cover more of the Erdington constituency.

Volunteering is a central plank to their approach, and building on what already exists and actively recruiting, supporting and developing local residents to establish a local Wellbeing Volunteer Network.

Key areas of focus will be better mental health, physical activity and nutrition, access to holistic therapies and increased social networks.

There are several referral pathways; GP referrals, selfreferral, and voluntary and community partners.

Some of us, of a particular age, will talk about life being more community focused years ago when we were growing up.

People knew their neighbours and were connected on the streets and road they lived, at the local shops, doctor’s surgeries and local libraries.

We all tended to look at for each other and in particular the more vulnerable the expectant mothers, young mothers and the elderly and the disabled.

I know in Birmingham one of our strengths is our incredibly vibrant community, voluntary and faith sector who are doing some fantastic, innovative and imaginative work on a limited budget to improve the health and wellbeing of our citizens. I really do applaud this.

@PhoenixNewsUK

On Your Marks, Get Set,

GO!

All the Sport action from Page 46!

- HEALTH AND WELLBEING -

The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 41

Light up a Life for loved ones this Christmas l Jenny Pearson

J

ohn Taylor Hospice in Birmingham is inviting people to celebrate the lives of their loved ones by dedicating a light and joining their special festive event.

Families and friends are welcomed to join ‘Light Up A Light’ celebrations on Sunday 9 December at Hollyfields Centre in Erdington. Starting at 6pm, the evening will feature music, readings and time to reflect together before lighting up a magical Christmas tree – with every light representing the life of someone special.

“In exchange for a donation to the hospice, people can make a dedication to someone they love,” explained Community and Events Fundraising Manager Emily Boate.

“Supporters will receive a personalised commemorative card and a star to hang at home as a reminder of the gift they’ve made. Dedications will also be shared in a Book of Lights which will be on display at the event.

Dedications can be in memory of someone who has died, in honour of someone currently being cared for by John Taylor Hospice or simply to celebrate this special occasion.

For so many patients and families John Taylor Hospice is

a shining light and the money we raise through donations helps to ensure everyone receives the very best care and support that they need at the end of their life.”

Joining this year’s celebrations with her family is local Jenny Pearson. Since receiving support from a specialist breathing clinic at the hospice and attending a weekly social group, she feels that John Taylor Hospice teams have helped to ‘turn her life around.’

“I was diagnosed with emphysema 11 years ago,” said Jenny, 66. “Before I came to John Taylor, I was negative about the future and felt very afraid about what would happen with the breathlessness and my condition.

When I started to visit the hospice that all changed. The staff have helped me with my confidence and made me realise that every day is a new day to be enjoyed.

“From the minute you walk through the door everyone is so warm and welcoming and there's happiness all around.

They’re genuine angels who do everything they can to help every patient and they really do change a lot of people’s lives.”

You can Light up a Life by calling the Fundraising Team on 0121 728 6739 or online at johntaylorhospice.org.uk/LUAL

University Academics Publish Children's Book on Living With Hemiplegia Psychology academics at Birmingham City University and University of Manchester have published a children’s picture book about living with the neurological condition ‘hemiplegia’ - a form of cerebral palsy.

'Anything I Can Do, You Can Do' is 32 pages long and aims to increase knowledge and understanding of hemiplegia and

living with the condition from a child's perspective.

The book has been endorsed

by Dame Vera Lynn Children's Charity and is available to purchase for £6 from Amazon.

Authors of the book are Birmingham City University neuroscientist Dr Stacey A Bedwell and Isabelle Butcher, psychologist at University of Manchester.

Kanu’s Heart Foundation match is a winner Some of football’s greatest names got together for a starstudded charity game to raise money for the Nwankwo Kanu’s Heart Foundation.

Players including former Nigerian superstar striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Arsenal legends Robert Pires and Rami Shaaban, ex-Chelsea and Ghana hero Michael Essien, William Gallas – who played for both teams - former Newcastle United ‘trickster,’ Lomana LuaLua, former Manchester United stars Louis Saha and Danny Webber and Liverpool winger David Thompson were amongst as star-studded lineup.

As former glories were ‘visited’ – together with the type of aches and pains they are more accustomed, to today – as a Premier League Masters side, managed by Wenger in his first game in England since he left Arsenal, beat an African Masters collective 9-4, in the special game organized by Petrolex and the Kanu Heart Foundation - on what was a hugely enjoyable day of fun, sport and great memories relived for all involved.

Held at Barnet’s Hive Stadium in North London, several hundred fans braved the cold to see the stars of yester-year once again – as well as to support the Nigerian legend’s fundraising endeavors.

On top of which, it also raised the awareness of children, in particular, with heart problems and build a permanent facility for their care.

“Imagine,” Kanu said, “children having to going halfway around the world, to India, to get a heart operation. If the child doesn’t have family or money it’ll be so difficult.

“Believe me, I know what it’s like to have heart problems.

You can have an ankle or shoulder injury and in six or eight months you’re healed.

But if the heart stops for a few moments that’s it.”

Everyone – players, fans and the charity itself – were winners on this, a very special ‘Nwankwo Kanu’s Heart Foundation’ day.

Page 42 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

Don’t miss our Education, Training & Recruitment Section Pages 14 & 15!

Try Skiing For That Exciting Winter Break With millions of people off to the French Alps every winter skiing holidays there would normally means looking at resorts on the French-Italian boarder where the highest mountain is Mont Blanc with a summit of 4,810m (15,781 feet).

France has some of the most snow sure resorts around, and for the last few years has had the highest average snowfall in Europe.

And with its fantastic snow record, a large variety of mountain terrain and some of the largest linked ski areas in the world, it is no wonder why France has fast become the most popular ski holiday destination.

Ski resorts there come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional mountain villages, to purpose built ski resorts. These can vary from small ski villages to the massive multi-village linked ski areas.

Whatever type of ski holiday or snowboarding holiday you are looking for, France has a ski resort for you. Most French ski resorts offer fantastic facilities for children and have easy nursery slopes perfect for family ski holidays.

It is a highly popular destination for group ski holidays due to its wide range of ski resorts and because it has some of the best resorts for après ski.

Ski Chalets are the most popular type of ski holiday with 1000s across many of the most popular ski resorts.

A winter ski break could be a great idea for that something a little different.

W

ith the eyes of the sporting world on Mexico this week for the Formula One Grand Prix, the Mexican capital was a fitting backdrop to induct Latin America’s best-ever female golfer into the Laureus World Sports Academy.

Lorena Ochoa was joined in Mexico City by Olympic gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci and former AllBlacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick at Proyecto Cantera, a football programme working with 14 different institutions, safe houses and schools for the deaf around Mexico City.

The three sporting legends spent the afternoon with deaf young people, joining them in their bi-weekly football and educational sessions.

Fitzpatrick, Chair of the Laureus World Sports Academy said: “I am delighted to welcome

Laureus Academy Induction for Latin America’s Best-Ever Female Golfer Lorena into the Academy here in her home country of Mexico.

Lorena is a legend of golf and one of Latin America’s best ever athletes.

She reached the pinnacle of her sport and I know she is as dedicated to helping us use sport to help young people as she was in her own career. We are very excited to have her on board. ¡Bienvenida Lorena!”

Later that day, she was officially unveiled to Mexican media at the St. Regis Hotel in the heart of Mexico City.

The press conference, which was supported by Mercedes-Benz Mexico and IWC Schaffhausen, also highlighted the great work being done in the country through five of the sports-based community programmes Laureus supports in the capital, which help over 1,000 disadvantaged youth.

Ochoa played on the U.S.based LPGA Tour from 2003

Western Cape safety plan The Western Cape government is to spend “millions” on making Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) safe for tourists and locals, says Economic Opportunities MEC, Alan Winde.

He told Tourism Update that his administration would enter

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into a new partnership for safety and security with SANParks and communities surrounding the park.

He said the plan involved hightech surveillance with drones and would be replicating the work of SANPark’s anti-rhino-poaching

to 2010 and was the top-ranked female golfer in the world for 158 consecutive and total weeks, both LPGA Tour records, from April 2007 to her retirement in May 2010, at the age of 28.

As the first Mexican golfer to be ranked No.1 in the world, she is widely considered the best Mexican golfer and the best Latin American female golfer of all time as she was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2017.

Laureus Academy Member Lorena said: “I’m so excited to be announced as a Laureus World Sports Academy Member, it’s a huge honour for me to join these great sporting legends who all believe in the power of sport.

Having been involved in sport since the age of five, I am aware of the incredible impact it can have on young people, and today’s visit to the Laureussupported Proyecto Cantera was proof of that.

Using the power of sport to end violence, discrimination and disadvantage, Laureus Sport for Good is proving that sport can change the world.

“I’m looking forward to working with my fellow Academy Members to support Sport for Good around the world in my new role.”

Lorena joins the 65 current members of the Laureus World Sports Academy as the first representing women’s golf.

Academy Members volunteer their time to promote the work of Laureus Sport for Good, which uses the power of sport to end violence, discrimination and disadvantage, proving that sport can change the world.

Laureus Sport for Good currently supports more than 150 programmes in over 40 countries.

unit in the Kruger National Park.

Winde went on to say that he would make an announcement about new safety and security measures across the city, which would include new safety measures across TMNP. The announcement was made during the debate on his department’s 2018/19 budget in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament.

Speaking at a Wesgro briefing in Cape Town, he said: “A safety and security pilot project during the holiday season had successfully managed to reduce ATM fraud targeting business tourists from 45 hits a month – averaging R45 000 (€3 068) to only one case of ATM fraud in

December.

“This was achieved through cooperation between banks, hotels, the City of Cape Town, SA Police Services and Metro Police. It also involved the deployment as tourist ambassadors of youths from disadvantaged communities.”

Safety in TMNP, which stretches over 25 000 hectares from Table Mountain to Cape Point, has become a concern for tourists and locals alike after two people died and a number were injured in a spate of muggings and knife attacks on hikers and mountain-bikers recently.

USVI Tourism Department Appoints Joe Boschulte

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is deepening its working relations with the cruise industry by appointing an industry specialist to bolster the work of the Ports of the Virgin Islands, an alliance between the Virgin Islands Port Authority, The West Indian Company Limited and the Department of Tourism.

Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty said the engagement of Joe Boschulte will help the Territory to achieve “operational improvements” to the cruise ship sector as well as economic benefits to the community.

Boschulte comes to the tourism department with consulting experience in improving organizational performance, growth and improvement.

He formerly served as President and CEO of The West Indian Company Limited, one of the busiest cruise ship ports and retail centers in the Caribbean.

Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 43

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Carnival Breeze blows into the Spice Island

Surf’s Up!

W

ith awardwinning beaches, Aruba is a top choice for sunworshippers. But for those who want to make even more of this Dutch Caribbean island’s natural playground, there is an abundance of choice.

The island is widely recognised as a top diving and snorkeling destination but there’s plenty of action above the surface, too, and if you’ve ever fancied conquering the waves on a surfboard, Aruba

is the place for you!

With steady breezes, Aruba is also recognised as one of the best wind and kite-surf destinations in the Caribbean and whether you are an experienced surfer or an out and out beginner, you can join the action.

The island boasts a number of watersports companies offering lessons for beginners and friendly locals are always happy to pass on tips.

Aruba’s beaches can be roughly divided into two categories:

idyllic on the island’s west side and rugged on the east side.

That means you will find beaches that are perfect for those who are learning to surf as well as beaches that will challenge even the professionals.

These beaches are also worth a visit for those with no interest in surfing whatsoever.

The acrobatic manoeuvres of the surfers in the waves offer impressive entertainment.

Pure Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean opened its 2018/2019 cruise ship season with an inaugural visit from the Carnival Breeze. The large cruise ship has a capacity of 4,428 passengers and 1,386 crew members.

Visitors disembarking the ship were treated to steel pan music as they went off on island tours provided by George F. Huggins, the Grenada and National Taxi Association’s the Watertaxi Association and other stakeholders.

Popular tours are Grenada’s award winning rum distilleries, waterfalls and chocolate factories.

On board the ship a short ceremony was held to commemorate its inaugural visit. A delegation led by Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon. Clarice Modeste-Curwen and including the Grenada Tourism Authority, Grenada Ports Authority, Customs, Immigration, Royal Grenada Police Force and agents George F. Huggins welcomed the captain and crew to Grenada.

The Minister handed over a commemorative plaque to the ship’s captain on behalf of the Government and people of Grenada.

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Technology Talks at WTM At this year’s World Travel Market London 2018, a new improved structure will help spark the debate ensuring the opinions and ideas are flowing ensuring delegates can fully benefit from listening to leading private sector leaders and tourism ministers.

The UNWTO & WTM Ministers’ Summit will start with a private sector discussion and debate before prior the minister panel and other public sector stakeholders join the discussion.

This will also be the first summit for the UNWTO’s new secretary general, Georgia’s Zurab Pololikashvili, who took up the position in January.

It will address investment opportunities in tourism technology and the need

for stronger public-private partnerships in the field, also how technology can boost competitiveness and sustainability.

Likely uses to come under discussion will be online booking systems, social media, mobile apps, chatbots, and smart hotel rooms.

Stakeholders will also consider the implementation of data-driven decisionmaking strategies in tourism, specifically in analytics and smart destination management.

The role of technology in helping the tourism sector to meet the aims of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will also be covered.

WTM London Senior Director Simon Press, who will also

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address the summit, said: “The UNWTO & WTM Minsters’ Summit is always a highlight of WTM London and I am delighted that the event will once again host the largest annual gathering of tourism ministers in the world.

This year’s topic is a particularly important one as technology can help tourism remain a force for good in terms of global connectivity and sustainability.

We’re also excited to introduce a new format for this year, which should bring greater focus to the debate.”

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Page 44 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

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Health City Offers Free Hair Loss Reduction Technology As the world observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Health City Cayman Islands is offering breast cancer and other solid tumor cancer patients an opportunity to reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss through the use of a machine called DigniCap. According to Health City oncologist Dr. Vineetha Binoy, DigniCap is the first automated scalp-cooling system approved by the FDA to treat chemotherapyinduced hair loss.

And while it’s being used in all major cancer treatment centers in the United States, this is the first time the machine is being used in the Caribbean region for patients who would otherwise have to cope with the devastating effects of hair loss.

Shanghai aims to be world’s top tech city

Angel Foundation Delivers IT Suite l Unity Primary & Infant School students with their goody bags

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he IT Suite promised

by Angel Foundation has finally come to fruition. Angel Christian visited the school in Jamaica and they now have a fully functioning and kitted out IT Suite!

“I had fun with little girl who Inspired me,” explained Angel, “although living at home with no electricity and no running water, she was bright and intelligent and a super voice.”

“The IT Suite at Unity Primary school and Sponsor a child education direct have been

successfully delivered with more work to be done His Work My Purpose.

Angel Foundation U.K. & the Kiwanis Club of Young Professionals, Kingston, Jamaica: held a Handing Over Ceremony for the new Information Technology Suite, at Unity Primary & Infant School, Fern Hill, Unity, Lawrence Tavern, West Rural, St. Andrew, Jamaica.

The children were very happy with their new bags and equipment!

l A Presentation at the handover ceremony from Minister of Education Youth and Information, Senator Ruel Reid Jamaica & High Commissioner to the UK, Seth George Ramocan awarding Angelia Christian of Angel Foundation UK

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Arguably China’s No.1 city for the world’s scientists, Shanghai is sharpening its technological innovation ability as it builds a innovation center with global influence.

“A global technological innovation center should have the facilities and elements that cities elsewhere do not have,” said Shanghai’s Party chief, Li Qiang.

According to Li, efforts will be made to ensure that the city is equipped with all-around elements for technological innovation including fundamental research and development, top talent, an innovative environment, open and supportive policies and state-of-art infrastructure and facilities.

According to a survey, Shanghai is regarded by many as the ideal Chinese city for global scientists.

Technology and talent are crucial to a nation’s competitiveness, and technological innovation is key to China’s high-quality economic growth, said Wang Zhigang, head of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Wang suggested China focus on fundamental research, enhance efficiency in turning innovation into practice, and create an ecosystem for technological innovation.

The research, which was jointly carried out by the Shanghai Institute for Science of Science and academic publishing company Springer Nature, interviewed 654 scientists around the world to understand their concerns about where to live, work and start their own business.

Despite the improved ranking of Shanghai and China as a whole in global innovation, an incomplete institutional innovation incentive mechanism, insufficient number of high end workers, incapacity for original innovation in fundamental research and core technology and comparatively low efficiency in innovation are urgently in need of reform, said Wang Yiming, vice-president of the Development Research Center of the State Council.

“This year is the 40th anniversary of China’s openingup, and the best celebration would be further opening-up.”

l Angel and studnets in the new IT Suite

Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

@PhoenixNewsUK

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The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 45

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

Para Champ, Kare, Crowned BBC Young Sports Personality Of The Year

B.A. team up with mental health experts Cognacity

l Kare Adnegan With para-athlete Kare Adenegan being named the 2018 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year, it marked the pinnacle for the 17-year-old who set a world record in the T34 100m before becaming European champion.

Adenegan, who won a silver and two bronzes at the Rio Paralympics, was announced as the winner at the Radio 1 Teen Awards in London, with swimmer Freya Anderson and jockey James Bowen also on the final shortlist for the award.

“This is so amazing,” she said.

“I can’t believe I have won this award! It is so prestige. It is an honour; to be alongside some of the names of people who have won this award before is incredible.”

She added: “To celebrate all the amazing things young people are doing goes to show it shouldn’t be underestimated. Thank you so much for this award.”

Kara set the world record at the London Anniversary Games in July, beating long-time rival and five-time Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft.

Her time of 16.80 seconds eclipsed Cockroft's old mark of 17.18.

Previous Young Sports Personality of the Year winners include the likes of footballer Wayne Rooney and tennis player Sir Andy Murray.

The BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2018 contenders will, for the first time, be revealed on the night of the show, on December 16.

l Captain Katrina Rye

Army Physio Gears Up For World Triathlon Championship A n Army physiotherapist working in Birmingham has overcome her own injuries to win a major international triathlon competition which has won her a place in next year’s World Ironman 70.3 Championships. And to top that, she won the English Championships last month.

Captain Katrina Rye, 27, of the Royal Army Medical Corps, works alongside NHS personnel to help rehabilitate injured military personnel and civilians at the Royal Centre of Defence Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.

In the summer she was deployed to Canada for four months where she supported soldiers taking part in British military exercises.

While there, she worked hard to overcome recent acute knee and hip injuries, with eight weeks rehabilitation from being unable to walk pain-free to reach her goal of competing in her first Ironman 70.3 Calgary where she finished first in a time of four hours 25 minutes.

On return to the UK Katrina

led the Army Ladies’ team to the gold medal in the British Triathlon Relays and, a week later, added to her trophy cabinet by finishing first in the England Middle Distance Triathlon Championships in a time of four hours and 15 minutes, one of the fastest times this year by a British athlete. In doing so, she was crowned ‘Inter-Services (Royal Navy, Army and RAF) Champion.’

She said: “Despite experiencing a tough few months with knee and hip injuries, I was determined to overcome them and get race-fit. I did this by tapping into the military expertise around me, as well as using my own knowledge, to rehabilitate myself back to fitness.

Always a ‘soldier first,’ my training and rehab had to be completed before and after working hours with the full support of my chain of command in Canada.

I started the triathlon there not knowing if my injuries would prevent me finishing. So I was extremely proud, representing the British Army, to win the Ironman 70.3 Calgary.

“Winning the national relay title as part of the Army team and then the national individual title was the icing on the cake. I am very excited about racing in next year’s Ironman 70.3 World Championships.”

Rye grew up in Exmouth, Devon, attending school at The Maynard, Exeter and Colyton Grammar School before completing a physiotherapy degree at Cardiff University where she joined the Wales University Officer Training Corps.

She qualified as a physio in 2013 and commissioned into the Army the following year.

Her first full time appointment was at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court near Epsom, Surrey.

Katrina added, “I owe huge thanks to the Army Sports Lottery, my parents - John and Penny in Exmouth - and my coach Damo Littlewood of Tri 1st Coaching, for all their support.”

She will compete in the World Ironman 70.3 Championship in September 2019 in Nice, France.

British Athletics has started a new partnership with industry experts Cognacity, who will provide all members of the World Class Programme with access to their confidential counselling and mental health support service, supported by Bupa.

This unique service will provide Olympic and Paralympic World Class Programme athletes with rapid 24/7 access to Cognacity’s national team of psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors and will be extended to support all athletes at European and World Championships and the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Athletes will have direct and immediate access to vital psychological resources that will help to minimise some of the barriers that can prevent those from seeking help, such as the stigma of mental illness, and further underlines British Athletics’ commitment to athlete welfare.

British Athletics Performance Director Neil Black said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Cognacity to offer such an important service to athletes, meaning that help and support will always be available.”

Noel Pollock, British Athletics Chief Medical Officer said: “We are very pleased to be able to offer WCP athletes immediate access to renowned mental health experts who understand high performance sport and to be able to support staff and athletes at those major international competitions

All England Teams to have at least one Black and/or Asian Coach The English Football Association is set to make it mandatory for all England teams to have at least one Black, Asian or Ethnic coach as they are set to increase inclusivity within the game.

Presently, only eight of the current 92 managers in the Football League are from BAME backgrounds, whilst, in contrast, the number of BAME players has more than doubled during the existence of the Premier League.

Of the 482 coaching roles available in top flight football, only 22 are of Black, Asian, or Ethnic origin.

The FA is looking to have all 28 of their national teams – across senior, youth and disability teams for both men and women – to have at least one coach from a BAME

l Kevin Betsy background, either on a fulltime or part-time basis.

England manager, Gareth Southgate, is said to be fully behind the move – although he would be reluctant to make such a move so close to this summer’s World Cup. With the FA recently adopting the ‘Rooney Rule;’ which means people from a BAMA background must be interviewed for all top England jobs, the next step, probably, may well be the same process in respect of football’s board rooms.

At present, England U15s’ Kevin Betsy is the only BAME coach involved in any of the nation’s teams.

Page 46 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

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Wolves ace, Carl, persuing New Life after Cancer Scare Having missed the whole last season and watched the tournament from the hospital bed as battled cancer, former Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme, says missing the 2018 FIFA World Cup was hard to take.

After being a regular fixture in the team and playing in three of the qualifying campaign, the Nigerian international was not able to make it to Russia after being diagnosed with acute leukemia.

Subsequently, he missed the whole of last season and watched the World Cup from the hospital bed as he underwent chemotherapy.

“Missing the World Cup was difficult to take,” the 31-year-old said. “It is the pinnacle of any footballer’s career.

Playing for Wolves was my greatest ever achievement in the game, but the World Cup is a different stage. I knew I’d miss out on and never get the chance to do again.”

We Are Wasps!

l Victory: Wasps celebrate following success in Fast 5 All-Stars.

Pic Credit - CliveJonespr

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By Joan ‘LJ’ Hunter

uperleague champions Wasps returned to the Copper Box, London where they had lifted the Super League winners trophy in July.

Carrying that confidence with them, in a aim to achieve the double by winning British Fast5 All-Stars title, on Saturday 13th October 2018 in front of a packed Copper Box Arena London.

Fast5 netball is different to the domestic game, matches last only 12 minutes compared to the standard 60, the gamd is played at a very fast pace, teams can score double points in a twominute golden buzzer powerplay, and five-point goals are on offer, from long shots as seen mainly on a basketball court, the sport from which has derived.

Fast5 is described as netball's version of Twenty20 cricket.

Wasps Netball were undefeat all day, headed into the final against benecosMavericks, which saw them win their maiden British Fast5 All-Stars title 42-32 to claim £25,000 Winners Prize. benecosMavericks tried everything to stop the 'invincible Rachel Dunn', whose dynamic shooting had supporters of netball despite who they were supporting, applauding this gifted athlete.

It was a thrilling final, and Dunn's power house play saw her named tournament MVP. In her post match interview Dunn said, "Thankfully my shooting arm was on fire today. It was fun and a awesome tournament to be a part of.

“As the games went on, I knew I was shooting well and the other shooters stepped up when needed". Coach Mel Mansfield in her new role as Head coach and coaching partnership with Lucia Sdao, was full of praise

for her team and Dunn's sharp shooting.

"I'm really proud of the team, and Rachel Dunn was just something else. Rachel has been in this game a long time and you want her in your team, you don't want to play against her. She delivers when it matters and was phenomenal."

The supporters also got a moment to 'Thank', Storm defender Sharni Layton, Australian two-time world champion for her contribution to Surrey Storm and the Vitality Super League, as the 30 year old announced her retired from domestic and international netball.

Last year's winners Loughborough Lightning failed to reach the semi-finals as they were knocked out by Surrey Storm.

This thrilling victory for Waps Netball only adds to the exciting times for the Ricoh Arena, one of the leading indoor sporting venues in the Midlands and is home to two-time Vitality Netball Superleague champions Wasps Netball.

As the Sport and Venue Programme for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games was confirmed and celebrated on Friday 19th October.

Alongside attracting around one thousand netball fans to each match, much to the delight

of Nick Eastwood, Group Chief Executive at the Ricoh Arena and Wasps, as the arena gets this once-in-a-lifetime chance to host the sport on a global stage.

Midlands neighbours University of Birmingham who will Host the Squash and Hockey in CWG2022, in September the hosted the World University Squash Championships was a perfect event for the University to host as part of the series of international squash event, a great build up to the games.

Some of these students will return to compete in the Commonwealth Games 2022.

Zena Wooldridge OBE, Director of Sport said "We're delighted to have attracted a record entry of most of the world's best student squash players from across the leading squash nations and all 5 Continents" The Games which will see 17 thrilling sports, take place over 11 days of action-packed competition at venues across the host city and throughout the West Midlands and beyond from the 27th JULY to 7th AUGUST 2022.

Cllr Ian Ward Birmingham City Council Leader added "Birmingham as a global reputation as a sporting city and this line up of venues underlines just why we were selected to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.”

VIP treatment for Carers The City of Wolverhampton Council’s Carer Support Team invited carers to enter a competition to win one of three pairs of tickets for them and the person they care for to see Wolverhampton Wanderers in action from the comfort of an executive box at Molineux Stadium.

The lucky winners – Pauline

Flynn, who cares for her husband Terence, Colleen Bernard, who looks after her brother Stephen, and June Degg, who cares for son Michael – enjoyed Saturday’s Premier League clash between Wolves and Watford… even if the result didn’t go the home team’s way.

@PhoenixNewsUK

Page 42 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018

- SPORT -

The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2018 - Page 47

Wasps Make It Double - Page 45

Young SPOTY - Page 45

Marley Girl set up Reggae Girlz for World Cup Glory Celebrating Black History Month, the CTO State of the Tourism Industry Conference and much more!

I

n 2010, the once promising Jamaican woman’s football team ceased to exist. Eight years on and, after defeating Panama, on penalties, in the CONCACAF W o m e n ' s Championship third-place playoff, they have become the first Caribbean team to qualify for a women's football World Cup. And it's the daughter of legend, Bob - who the Reggae Girlz have to thank for their place in France next year.

Cedella Marley became an ambassador and sponsor with the Bob Marley Foundation and help turn their fortunes around.

Previously a singer in the family band 'Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers,' Marley, 51, is now the chief executive officer of her late father's record label as well as a fashion designer - creating Jamaica's kit for the London 2012 Olympics.

Eight years ago, the Jamaican Football Federation cut funding to its women's football team, totally disbanding it, leaving the team unranked in the FIFA world rankings due to three years of inactivity.

But in 2014, Cedella became the

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team's official ambassador and has been working with the Reggae Girlz ever since, while co-lead sponsor Alacran Foundation has also provided what the Federation called "substantial funding" to support the Girlz in their World Cup campaign.

"Daddy would probably not be surprised about what I did," she said.

"Knowing him as I did, he'd be like, 'that's my girl.' After all, when I put my foot into something stuff happens."

The FIFA Women’s World Cup takes place in June and July next summer.

Girlz make history pre World Cup

It was record-breaking all round as the Francebound Jamaican ‘Reggae Girlz’ lit up a dull, wet Nottingham afternoon.

On the back of qualifying for their first ever FIFA World Cup Finals, their visit to Forest’s City Ground was also a dream opportunity for their host – Nottingham Forest Ladies – to grace the ground of their parent club.

Celebrating the’ Windrush Generation’ and ‘Caribbean Family Culture’ the match, watched by a record-breaking 4,000 crowd, saw the classy, fleet-of-feet ‘Sunshine Girls’ come out on top with a comfortable 3-0 win over the FA Women's National League North outfit.

"For our players to walk out of the City Ground tunnel rubbing shoulders with international players and then playing against them is something which they, and all involved with Forest Ladies, will remember forever," said Forest Ladies’ chair, David Shelton.

"It's an incredible honour to be involved in such a pioneering event in honour of the Windrush generation. We are very grateful to everyone involved in putting our players and our club at the heart of such an historic and symbolic occasion."

There was a carnival atmosphere on Trentside as dignitaries at the game included Jamaica's High Commissioner, Mr Seth George Ramocan, and Jamaica's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson-Smith, while reggae legend Freddie McGregor played some of his classic hits and, with his usual vigour sang the Jamaican national anthem before the match to a rapturous response.

For the record, the Reggae Girlz ran out 3-0 winners in the match, with goals from Olufolasade Adamolekun (2) and Shanise Foster. Now on for World Cup glory!

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