The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2015

NOVEMBER 2015

5th Anniversary

Saturday 5th December 2015 Bethel Convention Centre, West Bromwich, B70 7JW

For more information call 0800 009 6909

“It’s a Whole Day Celebration” A Commonwealth Celebration of culture, food & music

5 o 1 0 2 p x

n E r a e s r e o v Phhoenix Anni 0pm

n o i t i b i y Exh

The P

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9

JAMAICAN Grand Market A FREE Family Day Out!

9.00am to 5.00pm

Saturday 5th December 2015

Bethel Convention Centre, West Bromwich, B70 7JW TO BOOK STALLS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 0121 339 5885

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NOVEMBER 2015

Connecting Communities - Inspiring a New Generation

New head of diversity appointed at PwC in the Midlands read about it on Page 6

Royal Blessing for our 5th Anniversary Celebrations l Marcia McLaughlin, Managing Editor of The Phoenix, Dr Jagjit Singh Taunque MBE DL, Satinder Kaur Taunque OBE DL, HRH Ohene Nana Agyemang Nyamekye Amlak, and Garry Peal from Birmingham City Council at the Press Conference

S

pecially invited keynote speakers and honored guests gathered for the Press Conference to highlight The Phoenix Newspapers 5th Anniversary Gala Dinner & Awards Celebration and also pay homage to the woman whose fearless courage and vision created a day that promises to be unique and supportive in its concept.

Held at the world class Hotel Indigo at The Cube in Birmingham, they came from near and far to flag-up what is to come.

Hosted by Paul Harrison of PK Media and televised by Boom TV and Big Centre TV, in the presence of distinguished royalty, namely HRH Ohene Nana Agyemang Nyamekye Amlak, the Aduana Head of Kwakye Dida Nsuta Ashanti in Ghana, plus business

and community leaders, American radio personality and Consulting/ Operations Executive, Dr. Erica A. Murray, who made a 24-hour, three time-change round-trip, from her home in Texas, spoke in great depth of the similarities in the vision of legendary Indian independence movement leader, Mahatma Gandhi, and The Phoenix Newspaper’s founder and Managing Editor Marcia McLaughlin.

She said: “I am so happy and honoured to be here. This is very significant.” Quoting the great Mahatma Gandhi’s; ‘being the change you want to see in the world,’ she aligned it to Marcia’s vision.

“That quote was prophetic and out of this world,” she said. “He challenged us to a greater dimension and, like Gandhi, Marcia infiltrated the big boys whilst

building her wide and diverse community. She is a ‘Change Agent’ and ‘Trailblazer.’ The world is waiting for people like Marcia.”

Erica travelled all the way from

the US, to spend one day here, to make sure she didn’t miss out on this press conference. That in itself is inspirational.

Continued on Page 3

l Marcia McLaughlin, Managing Editor of The Phoenix with special guest Dr Erica A Murray who flew in especially from the USA

Connect with us! - Find us on

“A humbling & a special moment of my life” - Satinder Kaur Taunque, OBE DL

/ThePhoenixNewspaper and

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Page 2

NEWS

An Open Letter from Cllr David Skinner

If you want to showcase your business, here’s how

I

congratulate The Phoenix Newspaper for its comprehensive coverage of news for people of different backgrounds across the West Midlands.

As a career Foreign Service officer, I spent many years outside the UK, meeting people of all levels of income, status and opportunity in the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

I looked from the West German side at the wall dividing the two parts of Germany, now fortunately united.

I looked from the Greek side of Ledra Street in Nicosia, Cyprus, at the “Turkish area”, still a topic of much controversy.

I served in South Africa at the height of Apartheid and in the Democratic Republic of Congo immediately after Independence. I saw much human suffering and the need for reconciliation was everywhere very clear.

In many areas of the world, however, there remain ethnic, economic

The Phoenix – November 2015

and religious divisions, with corrupt or incompetent Governments making things worse.

And the worsening global climate magnifies these problems. But there are also universal human needs- for security, accommodation, medical help and acceptance.

We should therefore strive for knowledge of relevant facts, tolerance, rejection of violence, a wish to understand the needs of others and to help if possible. In short, mutual courtesy.

The Phoenix Newspaper operates in line with those sentiments and contributes toward greater cohesion across our society. I hope that it can pursue those principles for many years to come.

B telephone

0121 240 7310 email @

advertising @thephoenixnewspaper.com Contact us with your details, as well as the details of the advertisement, and one of our team will get in touch with you as soon as possible to secure your place in the paper.

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BC Children in Need’s star attraction Pudsey Bear caused huge excitement this week when he dropped into Birmingham’s Nansen Primary School to meet Early Years pupils.

During the visit, four and fiveyear-olds from the school in Alum Rock took part in Pudsey-themed art and reading activities, including colouring in pictures of the annual fundraising campaign’s much-loved mascot.

The tour kicked off a series of fundraising activities scheduled to take place at the school over the coming weeks in the lead-up to Children in Need 2015.

The visit was filmed by BBC Midlands Today and the footage is expected to form part of a regional Children in Need television montage to be broadcast during the appeal on the evening of Friday, 13 November.

According to Maria Nicholaou, Head of Early Years at Nansen Primary School, Pudsey proved extremely popular with the children.

She said: “It’s not every day the children get to meet such a high profile TV star, so you can ima- l gine it caused huge excitement.

Pudsey went into a number of classes and watched the children decorating pictures of him. It was great fun. It was also interesting to see the teachers’ reaction to the visit – it’s clear that many of them were just as excited by meeting Pudsey too!”

Following the visit, pupils described meeting the iconic bear.

Holly, aged 4, said: “I really liked meeting Pudsey, he made the whole class smile. I think Children in Need is very important because it helps other children.”

Rais, aged 4, said: “Pudsey came into our class and we played in the sandpit but the bit I liked best was going into the playground with Pudsey and everyone shouting ‘Children in Need’.”

Pudsey’s visit to Nansen Primary School was sponsored by Lloyds

Marcia McLaughlin - Managing Editor Daniel Riley - Head of Production Steve Williams - Sports Editor Owen McFarlane - Business Development Mark Dwayne - Street Cred Magazine Editor Roland Joseph Tetteh - Azuza Street Editor Camara Fearon - Columnist LJ - Community Outreach Executive White Dee - Columnist

www.thephoenixnewspaper.com

Best wishes Cllr. David Skinner Westwood Ward Coventry City Council

Pudsey visits Abdul, Tamaira, Holly, Aaminah & Yahya to kick off Children In Need fundraising

Pudsey delights Early Years children at Nansen Primary School Bank, which last year announced a three-year partnership with BBC Children in Need. During the partnership, the bank is working with schools to help double its fundraising pledge to £4 Million per year supporting disadvantaged children

and young people.

Stacie Goodhead, Education Specialist – Midlands, Lloyds Bank, said: “As part of our partnership with BBC Children in Need we have visited many schools around the region with Pudsey and we are

Emergency Services Number: 999 Police non-emergency number: 101 Birmingham Office TPN Media UK, Colmore Plaza, 20 Colmore Circus Queensway, Birmingham, B4 6AT

London Office 44 Lavender House Rotherhithe Street Rotherhithe London SE16 5EA

0121 240 7310

0208 865 1922

Charity Information

always bowled over by the excitement of the children when he walks into the classroom. The children from Nansen Primary School were no exception, we had a delightful afternoon with them.”

020 7012 6400 www.savethechildren.org.uk 020 7840 7840 www.macmillan.org.uk

020 7793 4594. www.wateraid.org

020 7242 0200 www.cancerresearchuk.org 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk

Disclaimer

The views and promises of advertisers in The Phoenix Newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by The Phoenix Newspaper.

0121 212 9209 www.oscarbirmingham.org.uk

020 7239 3000 www.gosh.org

020 8240 4480 http://www.aclt.org

0121 248 4850 www.acorns.org.uk

The Phoenix – November 2015

Page 3

THE PHOENIX NEWSPAPER 5TH ANNIVERSARY PRESS CONFERENCE

Royal Blessing for our 5th Anniversary Celebrations

l L-R Daniel Riley, Camara Fearon and Mark Dwayne, The Phoenix Trio

Continued from Front Page

Through his linguist, Divinity, Ohene Nana, present with his trusted aide, Abebe Shango Walé, said: “I wish The Phoenix Newspaper great success. It is something that touches my heart. I have visited the UK to uplift my people. You, Marcia, are uplifting your person… which means everybody. You are truly blessed!”

Satinder Kaur Taunque OBE, Deputy Lieutenant to the Queen, emphasized the power of The Phoenix Newspaper for doing good in and for communities. She said: “I am truly blessed to be associated with Marcia. She and her newspaper are motivational, empowering and inspiring.”

“There is a thin line between ‘I can’ and ‘Can I’ and Marcia makes us believe that ‘I can. The 5th Anniversary Celebrations will be a re-

Use your

flection of that.”

This was a thought which was repeated by Dr. Saroj Duggal, MD at Crownsway Insurance Brokers Ltd, saying: “Marcia, who so brilliantly brings cultures together, inspires me in a way as she does with others which will be showcased on the day.”

Business Development Manager at Birmingham City Council, Garry Peal, said: “The Phoenix Newspaper has made a massive impact on all our communities and the 5th Anniversary will only highlight the mark it has made.”

Hector Shakes, Director at Reach One Teach One, a C.I.C. aimed at empowering children and young people, who is in control of the exciting Jamaican Grand Market at the event, said: “What a great concept by Marcia and I am only too proud to be part of it.”

Ms McLaughlin, who gave mention to all the individuals and companies who have stuck by her, through thick and thin, cited her son, Mark Dwayne, as her inspiration, thanked the guests and The Phoenix Newspaper team in what proved to be an emotional speech.

She said: “Mark is the reason I do what I do. I serve the communities because I love seeing people smile.

That, in itself, is a blessing for me.”

She also acknowledged the inspiration and strength bestowed upon her by the Almighty.

A press conference full of heart, integrity and high on emotion, was finally topped off with a rendition of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Thinking Out Loud,’ by The Phoenix Newspaper’s own Head of Production, Daniel Riley, which had everybody taking part and feeling the love that was the core here, and the whole

ethos that is The Phoenix Newspaper.

If you were not one of the invited guests for the Press Conference, come along to our 5th Anniversary on the 5th December 2015 where you will be blown away by the connection of communities and the celebration of the Commonwealth and all that is great about our city and country in an all day celebration.

The PhoenExpo and Jamaica Grand Market are free to attend during the day, so bring the family!

Do not get confused, the Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony on the evening is £75 all inclusive with limited spaces.

If you do not wish to have dinner, but would like to sit and watch the 4 hours of awards presentation and entertainment, the £25 ticket is for you.

Get on the...

Electoral Register Registering to vote has changed Everyone is now responsible for registering themselves If you get a letter from Birmingham Elections Office – you need to take action or you won’t be able to vote in national and local elections or referendums.

It’s easy to register online...

birmingham.gov.uk/ register-to-vote If you need any help, call Birmingham Elections Office on 0121 303 2731.

Have you got something to say? Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 4

DIWALI SPOTLIGHT

The Phoenix – November 2015

Diwali Lights Up City Road

S

oho Road was awash with a day of fun and entertainment as the Hindu festival of Diwali was celebrated, on the street, in the shops, buildings, and all around the main Birmingham thoroughfare, as devotees signified the victory of light over darkness.

Sponsored by MonyGram and supported by Ambur Radio 103.6fm this year’s celebrations saw young and old, Indian and otherwise share in the biggest and brightest festive in the sub-continent, here in the UK. Led by Soho Road BID (Business Improvement District), local radio station Raaj FM hosting a roadshow there and introduced acts like Bollywood dancers, Hena & Co - fresh from appearing on Britain’s Got Talent - singers

Gary Begal, DMC and UV lit up the stage which stretched across the width of the bottom end of the road, With the likes of Kalid Mahmood, Labour MP for Birmingham Perry Barr and fellow-party Member, for Ladywood, Shabana Mahmood present, BID Chair Dipak Patel said, “The long term strategy is to make Soho Road an exciting place to work and live which in turn will create more visitors to the area.”

Kalid said: “It’s great to see Soho Road buzzing like this. The fact that all communities are out to share Diwali is testament of the unity in the area.”

The free concert on Soho Road precinct started at 2pm and culminated with the official switching on of the Diwali Lights.

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The Phoenix – November 2015

Page 5

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Page 6

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

The Phoenix – November 2015

New head of diversity appointed at PwC in the Midlands

April a Bolt of success in Sugar boardroom

F

ormer Miss Jamaica, April Jackson, survived the ‘finger’ of Lord Sugar after being in the losing team, more than once, in the early rounds of BBC’s latest bout of ‘The Apprentice’ - which included her taking on the Project Manager role during the first episode – but, whether she takes-up the £250,000 investment at the end of this current series, or otherwise, the London-born business owner sees herself as a ‘winner,’ anyways.

Describing herself as ambitious, honest and loyal, the 26-yearold boutique owner and former girlfriend of multi-gold medal Olympic sprinter, Usain Bolt wasted no time in making her mark on the BBC reality show.

Also a founder of an events management company and a children’s charity, the reality TV hopeful - who narrowly avoided elimination after taking the lead in Team Versatile, and losing spectacularly - got off to a rocky start after making a lowly profit of just £1.87 during their fish lunch product-selling task.

Ms. Jackson, who was crowned Miss Jamaica in 2008, cited Bolt’s success on the track when she said: “I’m Jamaican. We come first, we win on the track and we will win in the boardroom.”

During her audition she made reference to spring legend's profession, telling producers: "When I want something, I want it now.

But clearly life, sometimes, things take time - and I'm working on that. But I'm Jamaican. We come first, we win on the track and we will win in the boardroom."

Win, lose, or, well – win or lose, April Jackson’s winning formula in business will be a bolt of success for the Jamaican beauty.

P

wC director Clare Maio has been appointed head of diversity at PwC in the Midlands, to spearhead the firm’s progressive employer programme in the region.

Increasing diversity at all levels is a key priority for PwC, and the firm runs a broad range of initiatives to encourage open-mindedness across its workforce, as well as supporting local employment opportunities.

Clare is a director in the assurance team at PwC in the Midlands, providing specialist technology assurance and advice to a range of clients. On her appointment to head of diversity, she said: “Diversity is critical to PwC’s business and sustaining its leading market position depends on unlocking the innovation and potential of all employees.

Research shows that people working in an inclusive workplace are more likely to feel engaged.

The greatest barrier to this though, is our shared tendency to gravitate towards people like

ourselves, which can lead to a sense of marginalisation among people who are, in whatever way, different.

To address this, we have launched the next phase of the firm’s unconscious bias campaign - ‘Open Mind: Be yourself. Be different’ which aims to remind everyone how important it is to be open-minded to difference – an essential quality for being an inclusive leader.”

The only professional services firm to achieve a five star rating in Business in the Community’s Corporate Responsibility Index, reflecting its commitment to responsible business issues, PwC has been recognised for its commitments to diversity with a raft of recent high profile awards.

Clare Maio said: “As a firm, PwC is dedicated and committed to driving change in our industry. Our success and continuous growth depends on our workforce being diverse so that they can respond to the needs of our clients in a changing world.”

A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM With correct immigration status in the UK, there is no limit to what you can do and achieve lawfully for yourself, family and community

4th UK Destination For Qatar Announced

W

ith eight flights a week, including two flights on Saturdays, passengers travelling to and from Birmingham will have access to convenient and seamless transfers at the airline’s state-of-the-art hub Hamad International Airport.

The announcement of this new route further strengthens Qatar Airways’ commitment to the UK regions, with Birmingham being the centre for the largest concentration of businesses outside of London, boasting 34,285 companies including over 700 international firms.

Residents of Birmingham and the surrounding areas will be able to enjoy greater choice and convenience when travelling without the need to transfer through London’s busy airports.

The route will be operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner which has a two-cabin con-

figuration, comprising of 22 seats in Business Class and 232 Economy Class seats.

All seats include individual television screens, with Economy Class customers benefitting from a screen 10.6-inches wide, offering the latest inflight entertainment comprised of up to 2,000 options while experiencing the airline’s award-winning service.

Every seat is an aisle seat in Business Class where passengers can catch up on sleep in a fully-flat bed or make productive use of their time utilising the large work surface area. Passengers can also stay connected while travelling with the option of Wi-Fi which is available throughout the aircraft.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “We are delighted to announce Birmingham as Qatar Airways’ fourth destination in the United Kingdom from March 2016.”

There is no better time than now to seek professional advice and assistance to deal with your immigration problem.

Immigration Rules are changing on a regular basis, making it harder for cases to succeed or to remain in the UK illegally.

If you do not have an application with the Home Office or an appeal with the Court waiting for a decision, you can expect to be detained or removed with or without notice. It’s the law.

If you truly value and respect your human rights, seek professional help today. It’s the right thing to do!

CALL US NOW FOR A CONFIDENTIAL FREE CONSULTATION Tell a friend or a relative you know who has immigration problem

Telephone: 020 7738 3898 Emergency: 07739 985 447 or email: chris@ccsolicitors.com London: 49 Effra Road, Eurolink Business Centre, London, SW2 1BZ Nottingham: NBV Enterprise Centre, David Lane, Nottingham, NG6 0JU

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The Phoenix – November 2015

Page 7

Page 8

BUSINESS, FINANCE AND POLITICS

Exporting your way to Business Success

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ith opportunities expanding in mass markets, large and small companies are tempted to explore exporting their goods and services in areas once the preserve of mainstream.

However, exporting requires both a high level of market intelligence and an understanding and appreciation of the cultural vagaries in most trading markets.

Indeed, dealing with people, institutions and brokers or intermediaries can be challenging if parties don’t comprehend fully each other’s intentions.

It is important to establish a bond of confidence and trust prior to actual deal-making. Trusting relationships are responsible for many a successful business venture. Yet there are other vital considerations that are uppermost:• Learning the ropes from different market players –buyers and sellers as well as distributors and suppliers is important; they all account for the business value chain

in the marketing mix. .

• Don’t take for granted anything or anyone even when you perceive you’ve obtained the ‘best piece of advice’ money can buy. Why? Because markets do change. Political, economic and social conditions may vary and these can scupper a potentially excellent deal.

• Apart from professionals, make it your duty to talk to experienced exporters who trade in diverse markets –commercial, industrial and social – in character. They tend to have a feel for the ‘expected’ and ‘unexpected’; they are a fountain of wisdom, at least until you are able to compete on par.

• Read in detail countries’ profiles including trade rules and regulations. Garner information from annual budget presentations by Finance Ministers. These presentations contain valuable information and data about import and export market possibilities and potential for growth or realignment. Learn as much as you can from other official sources including annual reports of

major companies and so forth.

• Glean information also from export marketing texts – they offer existing and fledging entrepreneurs valuable techniques on how to apply basic principles in rather complex situations. In other words, a marriage of theory and practice is more than just cautionary advice.

No amount of business education or strategic management training can necessarily prepare new business owners for the challenges export markets bring.

Whether you are trading in conventional commodities or tangible goods or services in education, market research, consulting or other professions, effective preparation is the key.

The optimisation of one’s intellectual, social, financial and other forms of capital is critical to overall success.

Finally, before you decide to export, ask yourself searching questions such as:Does my company has the capability and capacity to export in overseas markets? Will my company be in a better position to increase it market share by maximising advantage in new trading spaces?

The Phoenix – November 2015

Need To Know 100,000 illegal cigarettes seized in city wide raids

I A

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

How much would it cost to export aboard? What type of alliances or partners do I need to secure to make this new business fit work?

Do I have a credible, long lasting export market plan? Am I really in it for the long haul?

The answer to some, more or all of these questions, will no doubt will determine whether your dream of becoming as viable trade exporter of tangible goods and services, can be realised in the 21st century and beyond.

llegal cigarettes worth about £25,000 were seized by Trading Standards officers in a series of planned raids on 12 retail premises across Birmingham.

Teams of officers targeted shops, off licences and a hairdresser’s in east and north Birmingham using three sniffer dogs, as part of a continued crackdown on the sale of illicit tobacco – products which have either been smuggled in, illegally produced or for which no duty has been paid.

Birmingham City Council’s trading standards officers worked with local police teams, using three sniffer dogs – Scamp, Phoebe and Yoyo – provided by BWY Canine Specialist Search Dogs.

Seizures were made at seven premises and officers confiscated a total of 5,000 packs of 20

(100,000 individual cigarettes): approximately 1000 packs of cigarettes were taken from one business, where officers also found about £2,000 in cash.

Cigarettes were concealed behind ceiling tiles, in cupboards, hidden compartments and bags in an attempt to avoid detection.

All products will be destroyed in due course.

The illegal products seized included counterfeit and cheap foreign labelled products that breach consumer protection legislation and are also non-duty paid; these cannot be legally sold in the UK.

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Whatever help and support you require we are here to help

HS2 to bring ‘generational change’ to Birmingham, says Chamber chief

T

he arrival of HS2 in Birmingham will bring a “generation change” to the city and the wider West Midlands must start shouting more loudly and positively for itself to ensure the region is not passed over for future opportunities.

This was the message from Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) chief executive Paul Faulkner when he addressed business leaders at a Chamber dinner for Premier members at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Mr Faulkner said: ”It’s probably not over-stating things to say that the HS2 will bring a generation change to the Midlands. It will fuel new developments at Curzon in the city centre and UK Central outside Solihull, and generally drive new areas for regeneration, housing and business growth across the entire region.

“In total it is estimated that it

will create over 100,000 new jobs by the time the first trains are running by 2027– with ten per cent of those being earmarked for local residents who are currently unemployed - and add about £14 billion pounds a year to the regional economy.”

Mr Faulkner also told the audience of over 100 that after the recession, the region had “very encouraging” economic conditions ahead.

He added: “The regional economy is worth £110 billion and growing, and is home to the largest concentration of businesses outside of London as well as the greatest number of start-ups outside of the capital, with over 18,000 new businesses starting in Birmingham alone last year.

“We now have five Michelin-starred restaurants in the city, including the fourth best in the world. We are also the home of CSR City in the UK, an initi-

ative set up in a joint partnership by the city council, the LEP and the Chamber, led by our president Greg Lowson.

“CSR City is designed to bring businesses and, initially, schools together and make it easier to deliver CSR activities that are truly effective for all parties. It’s a great initiative and a real feather in the cap for Birmingham.”

Mr Faulkner added that his outlook was “unashamedly upbeat” and added: “If anything, my views do somewhat deliberately focus on the positives, as I think that one major failing we have had in the area in the past is that we haven’t done enough to promote ourselves and what is great about the city and wider region.

“We’ve been too humble or hard on ourselves and bought into the general negative stereotypes of Birmingham that still seem to exist today amongst people who don’t actually spend any time in the city.”

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The Phoenix – November 2015

Page 9

AFTERNOON TEA WITH JACYNTH A IVEY

Afternoon Tea Wi t

h Jacynth A Iv e y

‘Out of the ashes rises the Phoenix’

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n Greek mythology, a phoenix is a long-lived bird that is regularly regenerated or reborn. A phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor.

How many times do we rise from the ashes?

Jacynth A Ivey, wompreneur, mother, wife, nurse, executive. I have held many positions over my lifetime; team leader, corporate training and development manager, head of governance, executive director of nursing and clinical leadership.

After 25 years of working for the National Health Service and feeling burnt out I took a bold step, leaving behind the comfort of regular hours, regular pay and a guaranteed pension.

Stepping out in faith to start my own business with no business plan, no long term vision, single parent with two school age children I just knew I needed to do something different in my life or things would forever stay the same or worse, continue to drift.

My rise to new life was like a gift, however on reflection I was truly fearful of opening the gift I was given.

Have you ever watched a young child open a present? It’s truly painful, one small piece torn off at a time, perhaps looking for somewhere to put that piece before going back to tear off the next piece.

The voice in your head screams ‘open the present’. That was my life, being encouraged to expand my wings but fearful of flying in case I fell, being told how good I was but thinking they were just being kind, so bit-by-bit my life’s purpose enfolded to pursue my life’s passion, developing and transforming people and organisations.

Over many years I have and continue to coach diverse groups of people helping them to live an abundant life to pursue their dreams to create health and wealth in their life.

‘If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it. The more things you do, the more you can do.’

As a great believer and advocate

of equality for all and playing my part in ensuring people receive a great service, four years ago I became a Non Executive Director in West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

I see myself as being the eyes and ears of the outsider whilst having the privileged access to the Board of Directors to challenge and plan for the future, to improve quality of care provided, meet the required performance targets making sure that the finances of the organisation are managed properly with accurate information.

Three years ago I was approached to become the Chair of a voluntary organisation, Bethel Health and Healing Network.

The organisation provides a double service, offering help and emotional support to refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable or isolated women in Birmingham during pregnancy; childbirth and once their babies have been born.

Tri-Unity Domestic Services

Providence placed me with two other exceptional women to start a new company Tri-Unity CIC, three women one company. As women we came together, busy entrepreneurs talking about our next potential business ventures, each of us bemoaning the fact that we had no time as we were so busy, and so Tri-Unity Domestic Services was born.

Time is a priceless commodity for the busy professional, entrepreneur, housewife, in fact everyone.

When it’s gone its gone, we can’t turn the clocks back on our life.

Imagine a time when you can get everything done when you need it to be done and then go home and relax.

Tri-Unity Domestic Services was born out of the desire to create more time in busy peoples lives, we do the things that you really don’t have the time to do.

I truly believe that personal development has to be the base that you build off if you

l Photographs by Jesse Gerald of JG Photography

want to grow and develop a solid business, its impossible to grow whist remaining stagnant and ignorant of what’s around you.

I am in total agreement with Dr Erica A Murray, iHeart radio personality from Texas USA, when she says ‘We must be deliberate and relentless, there is nothing to fear’.

So I say, approach your gifts with vigour and zeal, look around you and make the most of your time. Be determined that you will live your life and not let your life control you, after all you are the author of your destiny.

As your afternoon teatime host I will be having afternoon tea with rising stars and eagles.

The interviews will enlighten, inspire and engage you the reader to be transported into the world they live in, the challenges they have faced and moves they have made to enable them to rise.

My question to you is ‘where are you now, in the ashes, rising from the ashes or soaring like a bird?’

Remember, until you decide to take control of your own destiny you will be at the mercy of circumstance. See you next month

Jacynth A Ivey

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Have you got something to say? Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 10

The Phoenix – November 2015

CAMARA’S SPOTLIGHT

Andrea Corbett

T

his month I would like to introduce you to another inspirational person Andrea Corbett, whose story will give the encouragement into trying something new no matter your age or circumstance.

This could be either after the children have grown or maybe we feel a little deflated or just feel like a new challenge.

I have known Andrea all of my life, my Godmother Sharlece is Andrea’s cousin so the connection is pretty strong, although up until a year ago we didn’t see that much of each other except for family events!

I must admit that I was impressed with her tenacity and new found passion that in such a short time period has risen her in the ranks of BODY BUILDING!.

Her childhood dream was always to be a teacher and obtained a BSc in Business Information System , PGCE ICT. Her passion for teaching is at the forefront of her life although not necessarily in schools.

Andrea attended Woodside Primary, Davis Lane and Tom Hood Secondary (now Buxton Road) in Waltham Forest in East London.

Andrea first started going to the gym a few years ago just to keep fit. However, decided to get into weight training in March 2014 at the age of 37 where she then became a level 3 Personal Trainer at her local gym.

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

They suggested that Andrea should look into competing and so she took the challenge.

Andrea found it quite easy at first but gradually when the integration of the daily workouts and nutrition, it became more demanding, especially with being the Head of Department for two busy subjects in a secondary school but she was determined and carried on with her quest.

Andrea researched and found her first competition, ‘UKBFF Stars of Tomorrow’ which was held in November 2014, an ideal time giving herself enough time to prepare her body.

She trained hard and at first she had a lot of pain especially from an old arm injury and there were days when she was close to tears knowing that she had to overcome the pain barrier in order to move to that next challenge.

The training was gruesome some times as she had pain in her lower back and knee but she carried on.

Finally on the day of the competition she registered for the Body Fitness category and went on stage strutting her stuff the best way she knew how.

She was thrilled to take third place. FLEX online wrote ‘Third placed Andrea Corbett was much taller and in great condition – she looked completely different but on another day could have won.’

After the show people came from every corner wanting to take pictures with her and asking for her autograph. One of those

people unbeknown to her was her now current iTrainer Fitness.

In December 2014, she started training with iTrainer Fitness for the British Nationals which were

to be held in April 2015.

The new and improved way of training was his main priority and with this combination with weekly visits to the physiotherapist,

helped her to overcome months of incorrect form and painful training sessions.

The day of the competition arrived and with the full support of iTrainer along with the iTrainer Fitness team, making such a major difference she felt confident.

There was an option of being entered to either the Masters or Open Class Body Fitness and after long deliberation they decided on the Masters, mainly because it was one of the first categories (5th out of 27).

Andrea recalls the moment she stepped on stage alongside three other ladies “We stood there for what seemed like a lifetime then I started to become nervous as all the judges seemed to be focusing on me when I she realized that one of the judges was standing next to

me, escorting me off the stage”.

Instantly Andrea started to become tearful and asked why he was disqualifying her?

It took a while before she realization that he was actually telling her that she was too good for this category and would not have to compete with the other ladies, but most importantly she had automatically received an invite to the British Finals in October competing in the Women’s Physique category!

Andrea, although overwhelmed by the decision was not totally surprised as originally, when she first started training with iTrainer, he had suggested a change of categories.

Unfortunately, (as we sometimes do) she listened to the voices of other people who got her second guessing herself and her trainer, suggesting she was ‘too small’ for that category.

Andrea recently competed in the British Finals, where she was placed 7th out of 21 ladies. This is an exceptional achievement as this was the first time of being on stage as an official Women’s Physique Competitor.

She is currently training for her first international competition, where she was asked by UKBFF to represent the UK in the IFBB World Championship in Budapest on November 15th 2015 Andrea spoke of her role models, with her beautiful bright dimpled smile she didn’t hesitate to say “Tycie Coppett is definitely someone I look up to within the industry, she is ranked 3rd in the world after competing in Ms Olympia”.

Andrea continues “Tycie is a lovely women who has given me some really useful advice and guidance in fact her sister choreographed my 30 second routine, which I will hopefully get to showcase in the near future”.

What is the next part of your journey? “Well I am now looking forward to working together with iTrainer Fitness working towards gracing more international stages”.

She adds excitedly “Of course, being able to obtain my Pro Card as this will enable me to become an Ambassador/Mentor for a reputable company and to one day grace the stage of Ms Olympia.

To end the interview I asked about her family support “My teenage son Khyien is a great support but my mother (Flo), my Aunt Carol and cousin Sharlece are my number one fans/supporters and have attended all my shows, in fact they all booked their flights to Budapest before I did!

Well Andrea you have my full support because you are truly an positive inspiration and I am glad to know you and have you around me! T hanks for sharing this part of your journey and we shall be WATCHING THIS SPACE…….

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

Camara (aka mizzcamara for websearch)

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

The Phoenix – November 2015

US Consular Gen., Oby Ezekwesili, Opral Benson and others Convene to Empower Women at GLEEHD Summit

F

ormer Vice President of World Bank, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili has said that greatness is about selfless service and not necessarily about affluence and fat banks’ accounts.

She dropped this hint while delivering her lecture on the theme “Building Greatness” at the 2nd Women in Business and Leadership summit, convened by GLEEHD Foundation in Lagos, recently.

Speaking further, she observed that greatness is “the capacity to solve problems, staying true to ones purpose and values in readiness for service”.

The former Nigeria’s minister of Education noted that greatness and selfishness are not incongruence just as portfolios and occupying of public offices are not indications of greatness either.

Mrs. Ezekwesili pointed out that many neglect and disdain knowledge just as they tend to mock people who have paid the price for knowledge and are at the top of their pursuits.

She warned that knowledge cannot be separated from the quest for greatness as mastery is attained through deep knowledge.

Dr. Ezekwesili charged the participants to embraced partnership as a model for building lasting and sustainable business ventures, just as she identified partnership, knowledge and finance as corer resources for attaining greatness.

She lamented that there are too many small businesses scattered around and that if these organisations can come into partnership and leverage on each other’s strengths they could become world class businesses.

She equally commended the level of creativity shown by young people’s work, evident across the country; she is optimistic that if this trend is sustained the country and indeed the continent is bound to witness rapid economic growth.

In another vein, the president of summit and Chairperson, Advisory Board of

Page 11

NEWS

GLEEHD Foundation, Chief Mrs. Opral Benson advised the participants to seek for knowledge at all cost as no one is too old to learn.

She said she had learnt a lot from her stay in Nigeria and pledges to continue to give support initiatives geared towards the empowerment of women and young people.

Mrs. Agatha Amata, CEO RaveTV and Host of the talk show, “Inside Out”, advised young women not to be liability to men, just as she urged them to embrace hard work and dignity, so they can become true models of leadership in business and career.

In his closing remarks, Executive Director, GLEEHD Foundation, Mr. Dayo Israel, pledged his foundation’s continuous support towards the empowerment of women, which according to him is a vital aspect that cannot be ignored.

He disclosed that the foundation is set to empower one hundred women with start up capital to run their businesses, before the end of the year.

The three days summit had also in attendance Mrs. Onari Duke, Wife of former Cross River State Governor; Mrs. Mosun Belo Olusoga, Chairperson, Access Bank Plc, Mrs Taiwo Ajayi Lycette, Nollywood Veteran; US Consular General to Nigeria Dehab Ghebreab; Dr. Toyin Saraki, Wife of the Senate President of Nigeria; Prof Sophie Oluwole; Director General of the Industrial Training Funds; Princess Torera Oniru; Aralola the Drummer; Lepacious Bose; Dr. Mary Mary; Ndidi Nwuneli Founder LEAP Africa; Adaora Isala (MD Easy Taxi); Toyosi Ilupeju, Operations Manager Rabonni Tech; Mrs Obafunmi Ilupeju Chairman Rabonni Tech and many others.

The 2nd Annual Summit was organised

by GLEEHD Foundation and The Dream Center with support from Easy Taxi, FAN Milk, Rabonni Tech, Inspiration FM, Cakes et al, Natures Gentle Touch Recare, and more.

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Page 12

COMMUNITY NEWS WITH LJ

It's Been A Long Time Coming

A

t this years Jamaica Independence Service Canon Reverend Eve Pitts made the announcement that it was time we as a people honoured our ancestors, the date was set for the 25th October 2015.

Fast forward 2 months and a focused planning committee to deliver the most historic event ever been delivered in the memory of the African and Caribbean ancestors.

Over 500 people packed into Holy Trinity Church for the service of Rememberance ‘ARISE & HONOUR our enslaved ancestors’ . The delegates included Her Excellency High Commis-

sionor Aloun Ndombet Assamba, Beverly Lindsay OBE, OD and Deputy Lieutenant to the West Midlands, Deputy Police and Crime Commissionor Yvonne Mosquito present and former Labour MPs, local and much treasured Pan African Activist Beenie Brown, Theologian and main speaker Dr Robert Beckford, amongst others who were welcomed in by the beat of the African drum followed by the opening address by Canon Reverend Pitts opening address.

The Reverend looked amazed at the packed seats in her church, knowing that there were also people standing outside; as she said “Will someone pinch me,

Owls Under The Hammer

T

wo years ago this project led by Wild Art in partnership with Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity to raise funds for a Rare Disease Centre at the hospital was

born. Along with the backing of Birmingham City Council and many other sponsors brought the excitement of visual arts to our city.

For 3 months between July and September, eighty nine large

am I in a dream?” which was met with a roaring reply of “NO”.

As she welcome the congregation with “It’s been a long time coming, but today is the day when we hold our heads high and reclaim our history.”

As we were reminded that the Anglican church has it’s history deeply hidden in black history. That we have ‘a complex history of emotion, a legacy of a people who have never had their history told; amidst our laughter and smiles masks a deep pain.

The consequences of which black people have been ignored bares out the unrest the black community feels today’.

I was taken back by this moment in history. Here stood this tallawah black woman of Jamaican decent, head of this Anglican church, who brought the history of her people inside their doors and dared them to tell us again to MOVE ON. The Reverend was clear this country would not be the country it is today but for the blood sweat and tears our ancestors’.

We were reminded of the scripture Pslams 137 ‘By the Rivers

owls and one hundred and twenty two owlets which was an expression of different stories of diversity, wise words and history, people and places, literature, pride are what inspired the different interpretations of the owls and outlets that were dotted across the city.

Each artist had to submit their design in January and each design commissioned by a sponsor became the beautiful creations enjoyed by thousands who flock to the city to enjoy the owls and owlets trail.

The Big Hoot Little Hoot saw 25,000 children from a 114 schools engaged in the program of visual arts supported by The Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham.

The enthusiasm of the teachers and pupils to put their designs on these blank canvasses delivered

New Beginnings

W

hen thinking about buying a home or an an investment, have you ever considered a place in the sun?

With statement home is where the heart is' well how many have your hearts are in the sunnier climes of your country of origin.

With opportunities to be a home

owner in the UK becoming increasingly difficult, because of the shortage of properties in particular new builds, and especially price ranges, the Caribbean could be just the place to have a home This investment could be a family home, or a timeshare.

Well Jamaica is one such Caribbean island, over the last decade that has

of Babylon’ resignated with us so, , and why artists like Boney M have put theses words to music.

The congregation sang along to their ancestors spiritual songs performed by soloist Byron Jackson Steal Away, and Precious Lord take my hand, a favorite of Dr Martin Luther King that he sung on every civil rights march and Down by the River side.

You struggled not feel the emotion or see the tears of many in the congregation at this moving moment.

There were recitals of two moving peoms, ‘If we must die’ by Claude Mackay read by Nicolas Bailey and ‘Still I Rise by Dr Maya Angelou, read by Barbara Hamilton.

In respect of the roots of and origin of black people prayers were given up in Swahili. Community leader Mrs Camille AdeJohn spoke of her trip to Elmina Castle on Ghana’s Gold Coast as she witnessed the room where our fore mothers were held, and starved; until they could fit the hole that led down the ships. In that moment she envisaged the sacrifice they had made.

The main speaker Dr Robert Beckford words were ponetent, his address was headed ‘How Do We Remember Rightly’. That by having Black History month isn’t enough, that the healing process needs to take into consideration more than financial aid.

He addressed Prime Minister David Cameron’s recent comments on his visit to Jamaica in to their schools made this Britain’s biggest schools arts events of the year.

These iconic sculptures went under the hammer at Millenium point on th 15th of October 2015, the night sponsered by Vodafone was truly exciting. The room was filled with proud artists, interested party’s as well as keen buyers, all enthusiastic to raise money for a worthy cause.

The evening had many special twist and turns, none more poignant than a heartfelt video message from Birmingham born rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, as the owl named in his honour

been identified as a country perfect for investment and development.

New hotels, new improvements to roads and high ways with a growth also in ' Expo' by outside investors.

People who call Jamaica your home, Victoria Mutual building society want to give you an opportunity to be a part of this growth in Jamaica.

With new homes being built in areas in the Richmond estates and Drax Hall Estates in St. Ann, Coral Springs in Falmouth, Meadows of Irvine in Montego bay, New Harbour Village and Caymanas Estate in St. Catherine,

offering £25 million to build a prison , by calling this a lack of ‘emotional intelligence’, and went on to say ‘we must not stay silent on slavery’, and out the slavery deniers’.

This about a healing process.

That by working together we must continue to press to be ‘remembered rightly’.

In a still moment the lights were dimmed and all were invited to call out names of ancestors that were long passed Africans like Mansa Musa to the National Heroes of Jamaica, great Reggae artists to local young man Isaiah Youngsam who just that week the community remembered his passing.

Ozzy Owl came under hammer and sold for £12,500.

The sentiment took over for the ownership of some of these owls across the city. Sutton Coldfield owl return to its rightfully home as the community took to social media and raised £5000 from the community to ensure their owl returned to the town.

The Florence Nightingale Owl who’s home had been at the Children’s hospital, had the their bid of ‘£6,000.01p’ accepted on the night, as the Chair of the hospital said ‘ I had to take Florence Nightingale back to the children’.

Not to be out done, the traders of city’s oldest market; the Rag Market raised £8000 to purchase the owl ‘Unity within Diversity’ as the market’s new mascot.

Paul Larkin the Chairman for the markets was the person entrusted to

The Phoenix – November 2015

Sponsored By

Canon Eve Pitts reminded the congregation like the Sankofa Bird we must look back in order to move forward. The congregation were invited to party in honour of the ancestors as songs of Burning Spears and Culture filled the room. My personal thanks and of those received, to Canon Reverend Eve Pitts and her team for this event.

win the bid for the owl which he says “sums up our city”. Along with Amanda Prosser-Davis the Operations Manager and the artist Somia Jamal and the traders, the owl was unvailed on 27th October, much to their obvious delight.

Somia Jamal a mom of two, an artist by trade from the Midlands, said her designed was inspired by her Pakistani roots and love of bright colours with the multi cultural diversity of the city. Mrs Jomal explained she had a special reason for wanting to help raise funds for the Children’s hospital, “having had 2 children born prematurely, the help and support I received from the hospital I could not repay; and this seemed the perfect opportunity to give something back”.

This oustanding fun free owl trail that brought so much fun to the region raised and an outstanding £508,835.01. The Rag Market will be giving the poeple of Birmingham the chance to get involved with the naming of the Market Mascot over the coming weeks. Well Done Brum!

Drax Hall Estate St Catherine from £64000 and £85,000; some 2 bedrooms with two bathroom these properties, these is an exciting opportunity.

Victoria Mutual Jamaica's trusted financial institution, took their mortgage roadshow from North to South.

They visited Derby, Huddersfield, Bristol, and in London (Brixton and Tottenham) and Birmingham; to remind people of the diaspora after 137 years in business they can be trusted with their assets and will deliver excellent business service.

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

The Phoenix – November 2015

Page 13

SPECIAL STREET CRED SUPPLEMENT IN THE PHOENIX NEWSPAPER

NOVEMBER 2015

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Page 14

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

The Phoenix – November 2015

www.streetcredmagazine.com

TV - Online - MAGAZINE

Editors Note

S

o yes it has been another great month, the highlight was definately going to the premier of Spectre.

I havent been a James Bond fan for years but something told me that this one was going to be hot and it sure was.

The scenes in the movie are sharp and had impact, usually for me Bond these days scenes drag out and me being an unpatient person and loves action so get to point quickly before I walk out.

Spectre for me was the most action packed Bond movie in a long time so a massive well done to Daniel Craig and cast.

Want to say a big thank you

to the PR for a spectacular evening at the new Cineworld based in the NEC where we were treated like true VIPs, Ace Bottles and canapes were on the go and nice to meet our Birmingham legend Jasper Carrot in the building.

Now we are getting ready for the main event of the year that everyone is raving about and it is the Phoenix Newspaper 5th Anniversary Awards to take place at the Bethel Convention Centre in West Bromwich on Saturday 5th December.

It is a whole day celebra-

/markdwayne

tion starting at 9am with the PhoenExpo and Jamaica Grand Market the first time ever in uK followed in the evening with the Gala Dinner And Awards presentation where we will see who the public have voted for to win in each catorgory.

The Phoenix 5th Anniversary is going to be a remarkable event for 2015.

I am really looking forward to the show where we have the legendary Peter Spence, Gospel Central, Camara Fearon, Sticky Toffee and many more performing to star studded VIP guests.

Get your tickets on www.eventbrite.com or www.theticketsellers.co.uk. For more info: 0121 339 5885

@StreetCredMag

www.streetcredmagazine.com

EMPIRE LOST ITS TOUCH?

A E

t first I was very excited about Season 2 of Empire but can honestly say I am disappointed.

The storyline for me doesn’t verybody is taking the michael out of Drakes dancing behavior in his new video Hotline Bling.

There are many videos that have been done by YouTube users that have gone viral making fun of his moves. There is even one with the avengers where Hulk is angry with drake and smashes him to the ground.

I think Drake is the only artist that everyone makes fun out of but he still manages to have a big career. Unlike when Craig David got the Bo Selecta spitting image treatment by Keith Lemon it ended his career.

We just love Drake no matter what and even with these crazy

quite grab me as much as before where I had to be home to watch it. I actually watch the TV show now and it reminds me of that cheesy Dream girls musical with Beyonce.

I am not really into films that have some serious acting going on then it goes into song performance yeh it really makes me throw up.

I also think strangely enough that there are too many guest appearances by popular singers on the program I don’t know it just doesn’t make me take the show seriously anymore.

It just seems like everybody wants a piece of the empire popularity and that is how it comes across rather than the producers giving us a strong story line.

I am not even into Cookie anymore she has lost the appeal for me. We are still in early stages so my thoughts may change but for now i cant feel the magic it used to have. I prefer Chewing Gum which comes on e4 straight after.

DRAKE PARODYS ARE A MUST SEE! insane dance moves he is doing that he wants us to take seriously he has made us love him more.

Word is Drake was very high on something when doing these moves.

I say he needs to do more vids like this I have never laughed so much in my life..the guy was in the zone.

NOV TOP TEN CLUB LIST 1. DRAKE - HOTLINE BLING 2. NELLY & JEREMIH - FIX 3. BRANDON BEAL - SIDE ISSUES 4. NATALIA ROSE FEAT JEREMIH - SOMEBODY 5. PIA MIA FEAT CHRIS BROWN - ONE NIGHT STAND

6. CARLITO OLIVERO - PON YA BODY 7. J HUS - DEM BOY PAIGON 8. JEREMIH - OUI 9. ERIC BELLINGER - FOCUSED ON YOU 10. OMARION FEAT KID INK - IM UP

**UK RAW TALENT ALERT** NAME: TINY KAOS WHERE: NORTH WEST LONDON

There is a lot more to UK rap/ grime to what people think or judge. Most of our homegrown talent is right here on the street on the blocks of the UK. Let me tell you about talented guy that needs to be noticed more - he goes by the name of Tiny Kaos.

Tiny has also been noticed by none other than Charlie sloth himself which he did charlies fire in the streets.

The exclusive freestyle from North West London rappers K.I Sosa & Tiny Kaos I gotta say is ten out of ten.

With this free style from these guys I got lost in their bars and felt what they were saying I gotta shout out TINY KAOS AND KEEP IT UP #UKRAWTALENT I think more talent like Tiny Kaos needs to be noticed and recognised for their raw talent.

This guy is a talented rapper and speaks real with his lyrics, if rap music is your thing then you will love his work.

I'm Jazmyn, originally born and bred in Staffordshire, now living in London.

I am so happy to be a part of Street Cred Magazine, it’s a big opportunity for me!

But my promise to you is that I will give u exclusive interviews with UK artists, dates and opinions

Check out facebook for more updates on tiny kaos and follow his journey

Facebook: Tiny Kaos Instagram: theonlytinykaos_ Twitter: @tinykayos Facebook: gypsyprincessldn

on the lastest Mixtapes to drop!

I’m going to help discover unknown talent on the streets of the UK and also bring you the latest back stage gossip at events and behind the scenes music videos!

I look forward to my new adventure here at Street Cred Magazine

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The Phoenix – November 2015

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Night of Thanks for Mukhtar’s 17 Years at The Drum

S

urrounded by colleagues and friends, Mukhtar Dar said a final goodbye after 17 years at The Drum Arts/Theatre Centre, in Birmingham, as he is set to take on new challenges in his career, in particular, and life, in general.

Highlighting his many achievements during his time at Britain’s leading multi-cultural arts venue, they lined up in their numbers to pay homage to the centre’s Director of Arts & Marketing who, with un-nerving passion and commitment, has been at the helm as he showed huge skill and determination to bring some of the world’s biggest names in their fields, whilst bringing cultures together through art.

Dar provided inspirational leadership, especially during some of the most challenging and turbulent periods in the history of Birmingham’s African, Asian and Caribbean communities as he stood,

steadfastly, in opposing bigotry by using arts to bring about cross community.

Living and breathing The Drum’s purpose and mission, he programmed, commissioned, curated, produced and directed a wide range of events, including theatre shows, music concerts and outdoor arts festivals, some of which remain an integral part of the city’s annual diary.

The Centre’s former CEO, Paul Udenze, the man who, along with fellow board member at the time, Camille Ade-John, employed him, said: “Mukhtar was all we expected.

He didn’t quite realize how great he could connect with all communities. He made The Drum a ‘home’ for all local artists.

Ade-John said: “The community matters to him – no matter whom.

P

Page 15

ENTERTAINMENT

STEM Engineer Kerrine Bryan, recognized at Precious Awards

W He galvanized the essence, spirit and passion of all of us. No matter who, or where, we are.”

Jonathon Morley, a former colleague, at The Drum, said: “Mukhtar is a foot soldier - A Pakistani from up north representing the Black and multi-cultural community down here. He’s a leader, teacher, friend and brother to me.”

Present CEO of The Drum, Charles Small, said:”His legacy will always be remembered here.

He set the standards for others to follow.”

An emotional Dar, the man behind the hugely successful annual

First Celebrity Contestant announced for Strictly 2016 Tour op star Frankie Bridge from The Saturdays is the first celebrity contestant confirmed to compete in the 2016 Strictly Come Dancing UK tour, which kicks off in Birmingham on 22 January.

Frankie, a finalist in the 2014 BBC One TV series, was due to appear in this year’s tour, but reluctantly had to step down at the 11th hour on the advice of her doctor when she found out she was pregnant.

Frankie says; “I was so disappointed not to be able to perform in this year’s Strictly Tour, as I’d been so looking forward to continuing my Strictly journey. But following the birth of my son in August, I’m thrilled to have been asked to join the 2016 tour. It will be great to get my dancing shoes back on and be part of the Strictly family again.

Roll on January!”

Frankie will join the new Strictly tour host Mel Giedroyc and judges Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood (who also directs the tour) and Bruno Tonioli for the 30 date live extravaganza.

They will be joined by celebrities and professional dancers from this year’s ratings winning BBC One show, who will take to the dance floor to recreate their dazzling moves and compete for votes from the judges.

More names will be announced over the coming weeks.

The tour opens at the Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham on 22 January 2016.

‘Simmer Down’ music festival, in Handsworth Park, said: “The Drum is a building, but the people there are the heart and soul of the place. I owe them a great debt of gratitude.”

He moves on to pastures new, but the hole he has left at The Drum Arts/Theatre Centre is a chasm which will be nigh on impossible to fill.

His other achievements include: Black History Month, which has benefited immensely from his vision and leadership with Routes to Freedom, Handsworth Evolution, Let Freedom Ring and Black Blood Runs Reds and more recently the finale to Birmingham Weekender Dub Qalandar

BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY

November 05 Yelawolf 05 Death Cab for Cutie 06 Happy Mondays 07 Preditah 08 Bars and Melody 08 Catfish & The Bottlemen 11 Ella Eyre 11 Lonely The Brave 15 Megadeth & Lamb of God 19 Of Monsters and Men 21 Fuse ODG 22 Zebrahead 25 Chvrches 27 Slayer 29 Bring Me The Horizon

BIRMINGHAM INSTITUTE

November 04 McAlmont & Butler + The Magic Numbers 06 Eagles of Death Metal 07 Pandemonium presents Andromeda 09 Twenty One Pilots 10 Nell Bryden 10 Prides 13 Skindred 18 The Enemy 19 Brantley Gilbert 20 Krept & Konan 23 Bridget Kelly 25 James Morrison 26 Gyptian 27 Marina And The Diamonds

TOWN HALL

inning the 2015 PRECIOUS Award for Outstanding Woman in STEM, self-motivating Kerrine Bryan is proof, if any was needed, that hard work always pays off in the end.

A Contract Development Manager at CB&I and author of ‘My Mummy is an Engineer’ and other career based children's picture books, her win at the prestigious awards ceremony is proof-positive that women – especially those of colour – are as worthy of reward for the outstanding work they do in the field of the often male-dominated world of engineering.

A problem solver by nature the Birmingham-born Principal Electrical Engineer in the Oil & Gas Industry, who is also an Ambassador for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is passionate about promoting engineering, es-

pecially to women, especially to women of colour.

Inspired by her mother, she wants to see more women in top positions in engineering. She says: ” I think it’s important to change the perception of the industry- engineering is not all men in hard hats with greasy hands!

It’s great to see a lot of encouraging work being done, for example STEM ambassadors visiting schools. However, the reason I published a children’s picture book called ‘My Mummy is an Engineer’ is because I believe it’s important to talk to girls and their parents from a young age.”

The Precious Awards were set up, in 2007, by Foluke Akinlose, who created the awards for Black and Asian businesswomen, so that entrepreneurs can tackle discrimination and to recognise the women of colour who were ‘breaking through these glass ceilings.’

08 A Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra 09 ABC 11 Science of Sound 2015/16 11 CBSO 2015-16 Winter Dreams 12 John Wilson & The John Wilson Orchestra 13 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Philip Clouts Quartet 21 Sax in the City: The Notebenders 26 Dave Gorman Gets Straight to the Point* 29 Josh Groban - Stages Tour

GENTING ARENA

NEC

November 12-15 Festive Gift Fair 13-15 Classic Motor Show 19-22 Antiques For Everyone Winter 19-21 The Skills Show 21-22 MCM Birmingham 22-24 Pool & Spa Expo 26-29 BBC Good Food Show 27-28 National Engineering & Construction Recruitment 28-29 National Model Railway Exhibition

BARCLAYCARD ARENA

November 06 Kevin Bridges 07 Harry Enfield & Paul Whitehouse Legends!

14 BAMMA 23 20 Imagine Dragons 23 25 Years of Reeves & Mortimer 27 Paul Weller 28-29 The 2015 Birmingham International Tattoo

November 08 WWE Live 28 Free Radio Live 2015 30 Mumford & Sons

CIVIC/WULFRUN WOLVERHAMPTON

November 07-15 Singha Beer Grand Slam of Darts (Civic Hall) 16 Reverend & The Makers (Wulfrun Hall) 17 The Vaccines (Civic Hall) 18-19 Bill Bailey: Limboland (Civic Hall) 18 Thea Gilmore (Wulfrun Hall) 20 Chas N Dave (Wulfrun Hall) 21 Marilyn Manson (Civic Hall) 21 Abbamania (Wulfrun Hall) 22 Rock n Roll Paradise (Wulfrun Hall) 24 New Order (Civic Hall) 24 Apocalyptica (Wulfrun Hall) 25 Bellowhead (Civic Hall) 26 Judas Priest (Civic Hall) 27-29 Sarah Millican (Civic Hall) 29 Dave Gorman Gets Straight to the Point (Wulfrun Hall)

SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON

November 08 Tracer 11 Kadavar 13 Sean McLoughlin 21 Sack Sabbath with Mentallica 22 Backyard Babies 26 Four Star Mary

November 11 Nina Conti - In Your Face 13 Glitz, Blitz & 70s Hitz 16 Queen Extravaganza 21 Festival of the Spoken Nerd: Just for Graphs 23 Rising Stars - Harriet Krijgh 28 Joe Brown in Concert 29 Winter Funk 30 Free Event: Lucille Price

SYMPHONY HALL

November 06 Jimmy Carr - Funny Business 07 Musical Picnic: Percussion Special 07 Cor Glanaethwy

l Skindred perform at the Birmingham Institute on the 13th November

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Page 16

BIG SCREEN

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BIGScreen

A

cryptic message from the past leads James Bond (Daniel Craig) on a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, during which he uncovers dangerous secrets that put the lives of millions at risk.

After infiltrating a secret meeting, 007 discovers the existence of a sinister organization known as SPECTRE. With the help of Madeline Swann (Léa Seydoux), the daughter of an old nemesis, he embarks on a mission to stop this dangerous and mysterious organisation.

As Bond ventures toward the heart of SPECTRE, he discovers a chilling connection between himself and the enemy; the charismatic and sinister Franz Oberhauser (Christoph Waltz).

It’s fair to say that Daniel Craig’s tenure as 007 has been one of the most memorable of all time and now, with the addition of SPECTRE, he has the unique distinction of starring in

The Phoenix – November 2015

three of the best Bond movies of all time, with Quantum of Solace ranking as the only mediocre film in the four he has starred in.

SPECTRE is a Tour de Force of filmmaking, from its exhilarating opening twenty minutes to its brutally intense, high-stakes finale, SPECTRE takes us on a blisteringly entertaining journey...though it is far from perfect and it never quite reaches the dizzying highs of either CASINO ROYALE or SKYFALL, but that is a difficult feat to accomplish.

Daniel Craig is once again fantastic as our titular hero and brings a depth to the character that no other actor before him was able to bring.

Some of the Bond purists among you may be furious at that comment, but let’s face it; Bond has always been a caricature - a suave, sophisticated and impossibly cool badass who could dispatch of countless enemies while spouting cheesy one-liners.

REVIEW The difference is that Daniel Craig’s Bond is still all of those things, but he never lets us forget that James Bond is still human.

Returning cast members include Ralph Fiennes as M, Ben Whishaw as Q, Naomi Harris as Moneypenny and Rory Kinnear as Tanner, all of whom produce some wonderfully entertaining performances.

Credit must also be given to the writers for giving these beloved characters a lot more to do than simply standing in an office. They are integral to the plot and the movie as a whole simply wouldn’t work without them.

SPECTRE isn’t all about Bond, it’s about everyone Bond knows and cares for, in his own distant, passive-aggressive Bond way, of course.

The most disappointing thing about SPECTRE is the way the female characters are handled, especially the magnificent Monica Bellucci, whose talent is absolutely wasted here.

She is in the movie for no more than ten minutes, during which time she is inexplicably seduced by Bond in a matter of seconds...on the day of her husband’s funeral, no less.

The concept of the “Bond Girl” is part of cinematic history and perhaps almost as iconic as Bond himself and there have been some fantastic, engaging and strong Bond Girls throughout the series, but character’s like Bellucci’s Lucia simply shouldn’t exist in the modern world.

The overpowering, almost forceful way in which Bond often seduces these women,

wORDS by antony brown

including Lucia, is borderline disturbing and has no place in modern cinema.

Thankfully, Léa Seydoux is on hand as Madeline Swann, a strong, independent and feisty female who can handle herself in a fight and fire a gun just as well as Bond.

She is an interesting, tormented character and you actually grow to care for her. SPECTRE also introduces us to Dave Bautista’s Mr. Hinx, the first official henchman of the Daniel Craig-era of Bond.

Like the “Bond Girl”, the “Henchman” is an integral part of Bond iconography and Dave Bautista is a worthy addition.

Like all great Bond Henchman, Mr. Hinx has a unique weapon.

Jaws had his teeth, Oddjob had his hat and Mr. Hinx has, well... he has blades where his thumbnails should be.

Don’t worry; it’s a lot cooler than it sounds. He uses them to gouge out the eyes of his enemies!

Unfortunately, we only get to see him do this once, which seems like a huge missed opportunity. However, the most welcome addition to the cast is (obviously) Christoph Waltz, who absolutely owns every single scene he’s in.

He revels in his villainous role as Franz Oberhauser and it’s a joy to watch him poke, prod and torment those beneath him.

Though he may be short in stature, Waltz still manages to be one of the most intimidating Bond villains in recent history, which is a credit to just how good of an actor this man is.

Director Sam Mendes returns to the franchise after the

enormously successful SKYFALL to deliver yet another epic Bond adventure.

His talents as a director are undeniable, but it is clear to see that he is more comfortable with the smaller, dramatic scenes than the big action set-pieces.

He does his best, but many of the action sequences in this movie are uninspired and fall a little flat.

Aside from the big opening and a well choreographed, hard-hitting fight scene between Bond and Mr. Hinx later in the film, most of the action is pretty average by today’s standards, which is rather disappointing as most people expect more from a Bond movie.

SPECTRE, though flawed, is an absolutely fantastic addition to the Bond franchise.

Equal parts intense, emotiona l l y

charged, action-packed and funny, it is a wickedly entertaining adventure filled with shocking twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat and make Bond fanatics wet themselves with excitement.

If SPECTRE truly is Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond, it is a fitting swansong to one of the best iterations of the character we have ever seen.

A Licence To Bill

I

n light of the latest release, it was revealed that Roger Moore is the most destructive James Bond ever, causing £4.6 billion damage as 007 – including destroying an entire space station.

Daniel Craig stacked up almost £449 million worth of damages as Bond in the newest installment, Spectre

The most destruction (£4.3bn) was caused during Moonraker (1979). The least destruction (£419,280) was in Thunderball (1964) Sean Connery was the most dashing, Pierce Brosnan the deadliest, Timothy Dalton the most serious and Daniel Craig perhaps the ‘definitive’ Bond, but eyebrows were raised by the news that the king of the eyebrow-raise himself, Moore, is the most destructive 007 of all time.

It is estimated that Moore’s astonishing £4.6 billion worth of damage to vehicles, buildings, artifacts, possessions and the environment during his 12year career as Bond, is sure to leave more than just his vodkamartini shaken.

Birmingham was the first place to screen an IMAX premiere of James Bond's Spectre as the latest cinema, an 11-screen Cineworld multiplex inside Resorts World at the NEC, had its own Premier screening of 007.

It’s the West Midlands’ third IMAX screen, after two other theatres at Cineworld Broad Street, exactly three years ago when Skyfall opened and then in June this year when Empire Great Park opened its screen with Jurassic World.

Kris Unthank, the General Manager for the Cineworld Cinema at the NEC, said: “We are very confident that this will be a big success, with Spectre set to be followed by the conclusion of The Hunger Games series and then the arrival of Star Wars.

Our customers have already said they feel like they have been to a really posh cinema.”

Complete with a floor-to-ceiling screen and a sound system that will blow your socks off, it will soon become the place where many film fans will want to see their favourite new movies.

Have you got something to say? Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

The Phoenix – November 2015

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Page 17

ENTERTAINMENT

MViSAs brings Britain’s best to Second City

S

ir Lenny Henry’s fictional account of his life as a teenager in 1970s Dudley led the way as stars from stage and screen gathered for this, the ninth Movie, Video & Screen Awards at the International Convention Centre, in Birmingham.

Hosted by two of the biggest names on screen today; Danny John-Jules – best known as Cat in the award-winning Red Dwarf and BBC’s Casualty stalwart, Suzanne Packer, a red-carpet affair, full with some of Britain’s biggest and favourite names were on-hand to be part of a night recognition and

acknowledgement – for all.

‘Danny and the Human Zoo, the story centred on Danny Fearon, a talented impressionist, and his working-class Jamaican family, as he rises to fame as a stand-up comedian, was one of the biggest winners on a night of big winners .

Stars we know and love, from programmes such as; Eastenders, Coronation Street, Holby City, HollyOaks, Call the Midwife and Chewing Gum sat side-by-side with stars from music, sports, television and media – in their sharpest of black-tie suits and flowing gowns – bringing a touch of class to the second city already buzzing with ghouls and ghosts on Halloween Night.

Sponsored by Bottega and Hotel La Tour, in support of the ACLT (African Caribbean Leukemia Trust) charity, it was the perfect end for Black History Month 2015.

Stars such as David Olusoga, who won an award for his documentary; ‘Britain's Forgotten Slave Owners,

Sir Trevor McDonald, Best Television Presenter award winner, Best Actor winner, O.T.Fagbenle, of BBC1s Interceptors, Donovan Blackwood, Best Comedy Performer winner on BBC3s Top Coppers, Petra Letang award-winner for her role in BBC’s Holby City, Best Actress winner, Cecilia Noble and Call The Midwife’s Cherrelle Skeete, Best Emerging Talent winner, all made sure they didn’t miss out on what is now the biggest awards show of its kind, in the UK. MViSA organizer, Dean Alexander, said: “The Black International Film Festival helps to highlight a genre of film that isn’t fully accepted in mainstream Britain.”

“Despite a wealth of outstanding Black British talent, Black films remain woefully under-represented that’s why this festival aims to highlight Black cinema and promote it in various means to every audience.”

Next year marks the 10th anniversary for the Movie, Video & Screen Awards.

So, roll on 2016.

‘White Dee’s’ Column The Benefit Street and Big Brother star writes EXCLUSIVELY for The Phoenix Newspaper.

Email: whitedee@streetcredmagazine.com

H

ere we are again, not that im complaining, because I absolutely love writing my column and I can only hope that you guys still enjoy reading it.

Well what can I possibly talk about this month, well me being me I could waffle on for ages, BUT im only given 500 words haha, maybe thats a good thing because Im sure I could fill the whole paper.

Oh my winter is here and its here with a bang - the clocks have gone back an hour (why oh why do we need to do this), its pitch dark at about 4 o’clock, its freezing cold already (whatever happened to our summer, because I cant remember having one at all haha) and you get gangs of teenagers banging on your door at all hours, all in the aid of HALLOWEEN. Back in the day (yep thats my attempt at being all hip and down with the kids for this month haha) you would only ever get little children dressed in lovely outfits (accompanied by

an adult) knock on your door, saying TRICK OR TREAT, and more times than not, they were as happy as larry, with a couple of sweets to put in their little pumpkin baskets.

BUT NOW, what you get is groups of very grown up teenagers, who dont just knock your door, they practically knock it down, demanding money etc or you get a box of eggs chucked at your windows, or subjected to a barrage of verbal abuse!

Now im not too bothered about myself, because as you may all know, I am more than able to deal with these myself haha but to see the fear on an elderly disabled neighbour was totally heartbreaking.

Can anything be done about these trick or treaters, I very much doubt it, but lets just hope that in time maybe, just maybe these soon to be young adults, will have a bit of a reality check and actually act like the grown ups they are about to become.

Do you remember - THE GOOD OLD DAYS, when you would only ever hear fireworks

on the 5th November, now it seems to me that you hear them all year round, all night long BANG BANG BANG - now not being a grump or anything.

But is there really any need It shocked the life out of me the other week, when someone was letting fireworks off at - wait for it - 11 o’clock in the morning OH PERLEEEESE is there really any need - I mean is it just me or can you NOT actually see a firework if you let it off in the middle of the day haha.

I have been to many a firework display in my time (well I aint no spring chicken now am I haha) and they are so beautiful to watch (from a very very far distance) but I sometimes do wish, they could make them WITHOUT ALL THE NOISE. Reading this back - it seems like im a right old moody git during this cold, wet, dark season - but I promise you IM NOT ALL THAT BAD. On a lighter note, I had the pleasure of making a CHILDREN IN NEED video, haha all in aid of a good cause and all a lot of fun so if you do have a moment to spare and you want to have a quick watch then pop yourself onto YouTube and its called STAND UP FOR CHILDREN you can find it by typing in 33TV soul division, who were also on this years Britains Got Talent.

So for now - from this right old moody person - its bye for now, lots of love Dee x

Have you got something to say? Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 18

DUGGAL FAMILY CELEBRATES 45 YEARS

The Phoenix – November 2015

Three Reasons To Be Cheerful On Night Of Celebrations For The Duggal Family

The Phoenix – November 2015

Page 19

DUGGAL FAMILY CELEBRATES 45 YEARS

I

t was the time for family and friends to pay their respect to the epitome of ‘the perfect marriage,’ when a packed, emotion-filled room, at the Tower Mount, Birmingham, gathered for what proved to be the ultimate ‘Surprise Party.’

With cameras at the ready, Dr Dharam Veer Duggal PhD and his wife Dr Saroj Duggal PhD entered the room, with no idea of what to expect.

Lights flashed, from all angles, as guests, vying for the best position, made sure they captured the moment the couple, celebrating their 45th Wedding Anniversary, walked in – eyes wide open, mouths open even wider.

With their loving daughters setting up the ultimate present for their devoted parents, there was double celebration as the day also marked the birthday of Mrs Duggal, bringing floods of tears to a couple whose emotions were shared – in spades – throughout the room.

Men, smartly turned-out in their best suits, and women, all refined in the finest of saris, the starry-eyed pair showed great vulnerability as an extensive line of well-wisher was formed, with seemingly everybody wanted to highlight just how much of an impact the two made on their lives.

A third reason to celebrate was the marking of 45 years of the family Crownsway Insurance Brokers Limited, in Handsworth, and a pictorial history of the doctors was then showed on a big screen.

Responding to what was happening around them, Mrs. Duggal said: “This has got to be the biggest shock of my life – It’s like a dream. No-one gave us any clues. Wow!” “My husband and I are truly blessed to have three beautiful daughters and truly fantastic friends. I’m proud of them all.”

Mr. Duggal went on: “I’m incredibly proud of what everyone did for us. It was a massive, wonderful surprise.”

With the energy in the room palpable, dhol drums filled the air as a multi-cultural line-up of Bhangra dancers, led by Duggal daughter, Jag, and native Indian singers all played their respective parts in a night full of the very best of entertainment – for the very best of happily married couples.

As the finest in Indian food, and drinks, flowed in abundance, the energy then multiplied as the happy, yet still stunned couple led all onto the dance floor to see out what was left of a hugely memorable night – One never to be forgotten.

Page 20

ENTERTAINMENT

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I

t is not often you hear of a young beautiful star from the small town of Dudley in the West Midlands doing major things in the music industry.

When I was asked to interview Beth Sherburn who recently has a massive hit with Cash Money star

MD: Hey Beth so nice to speak with you! How are you, big things I see!

BS: Yes I am so excited to be doing what I am doing right now!

MD: I absolutely love the track "Joker" with Lil Wayne how do you feel about being from Dudley and able to do a song with someone so big?

Q&A With Rising Star Beth Sherburn

BS: I have great management and when they said he actually wanted to record with me I was over the moon and couldn’t believe it.

MD: I see your video for the song Joker has been viewed over 100,000 times on YouTube WOW!.

BS: It is just amazing and when I perform the song it is good to see that people know it and respond back.

Being a singer-songwriter and producer it really makes you feel accomplished.

R.E.E.B.A. ready to shine a light on excellence

T

he Invest In Success CIC will be holding its third R.E.E.B.A. (Regional Entrepreneurs Empowerment Business Awards) Awards, this year, to recognize entrepreneurs, business professionals, inspirational leaders, and young people of all ages, races, and nationalities, in what was the third event of its type.

Held onboard the 5* luxury yacht, Erasmus and sailing along the River Thames, from Canary Wharf Pier to Chelsea, in the presence of the Mayor of Southwark, Councilor Dora Dixon-Flye MBE categories will include; Motivational Role Model, Inspirational Leader, Mentor of the year, Inspirational Speaker of the year, New Business Start Up, CEO/ Director of the year

Bridget Kelly ready to hit Birmingham with a bang

T

alented singer songwriter Bridget Kelly just released her latest single from her “Summer Of 17” EP. “Act Like That” features Mack Wilds and continues Bridget’s drive to bring uncomfortable topics to the fore.

She is also embarking on her first ever UK tour with her band. Kelly’s musical prominence came as part of the ROC Nation camp, where she regularly toured with Jay Z, providing a sweet tone to complement him.

As a solo artist her breakout hit was “Special Delivery”, which was championed by many of the UK’s leading R&B DJ’s She plays exclusively at The Institute on November 23rd

The Phoenix – November 2015

and Business Man/ Woman of the year, just some which will be up for grabs on a night of winners all round.

It will be a proud night for Invest In Success founder, and director known as Ms Ché (a.k.a. Boss Lady) who said: “We strive to remain the only awards ceremony of its kind in the world – hence all the categories and I am pleased to say that Cllr Dixon-Flye has kindly offered to champion the scheme as she firmly believes in what R.E.E.B.A. represents.”

The R.E.E.B.A. River Thames route taking place, this year, on December 13.

Lil Wayne I had to take up the opportunity.

Although her schedule is very hectic right now as she is on a school tour in her home town the West Midlands, she managed to find time to speak with me for the Phoenix.

Her influences are Jennifer

Lopez, Beyonce, Jay Z, Michael Jackson and Alicia Keys.

This young singer songwriter is very focused and doing it bigtime smashing it with her new single 'Joker' and currently on a West Midlands school tour

MD: I even play the record when I DJ in clubs and it drives the students wild so I can imagine how it feels for you performing it!

So you are currently on a school tour I see on a campaign for cyber bullies - what does this mean to you?

MD: How would you class your music style?

BS: Yes its really important for me to do this this as its about young people that go through online bullying. A lot of young people seriously get affected by this and we have to let them know that there is support for them.

I am doing the tour across the West Midlands performing my singles meeting my fans and they are able to ask me questions about cyber bullying.

MD: You have also performed at the MOBOS launch party how was that experience for you?

BS: OMG it was amazing again seeing people appreciate you as a performer and a singer-songwriter means the world to me.

BS: I would say it is pop with urban twist, I am now working on my EP which is due for release next year which is really exciting!

As a singer songwriter I am able to express what I have been through and relate to young people like myself.

I sing a lot about real topics but yeah my music is uplifting fun pop with a bit of urban flavour that works really well.

Beth Sherburn is what the pop industry needs, a beautiful young talented singer songwriter and performer with the passion to be a mega star.

We can see this lady being one of the biggest artists we have seen from the UK in a long time without going through the X Factor challenge.

Watch this space.

The X Factor Live Tour 2016 Announcement

H

aving taken the journey with them from those first arena auditions, sat on the edge of your sofa during the dramatic six-seat challenge, followed their path to judges’ houses and tuning in to the studio shows; now is the chance to see The X Factor Live.

Hitting the Genting Arena on February 27 contestants will perform classic songs and viewers’ favourites from the TV series.

Attended by over three million people, The X Factor Live Tour has been one of the most successful annual arena tours in the UK for the past eleven years.

Tickets are now on sale so don’t miss the opportunity to catch this year’s stars live in Birmingham!

Belle of t he Ball

The Phoenix – November 2015

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Page 21

FASHION AND BEAUTY

Be the

This Christmas With

Visit the new store in Grand Central, Birmingham City Centre for all of your fashion needs.

l Clockwise from Top Left: Faux Fur Cuff Shift Dress - £299, Velvet Bardot Long Cocktail Dress - £399, Velvet Bustier Gown with Shawl (next image)- £399, Petite Velvet Maxi Dress - £299, Velvet Bardot Cocktail Dress - £299

Page 22

FASHION AND BEAUTY

The Phoenix – November 2015

www.streetcredmagazine.com

A Visit From The Kweeeen

N

ot only was she born with good looks and a photogenic smile, Jacina Abbey, otherwise known as the Kweeeen of England, is one of our favourite Instagram fashionistas.

The Kweeeen has a remarkable sense of style and grace; her talents go far beyond her natural flair for fashion as she is also a model with an incredible voice.

I have had the honour of meeting her on a few occasions and even in a jogging suit and trainers, she somehow still manages to look absolutely stunning.

In the midst of all of this; I can honestly say that she is a beautiful humble person. We are so excited to share this exclusive long-awaited interview with our Phoenix readers!

For more fashion inspiration, head over to the Kweeeen of England’s instagram: @kweeeenofengland

Where did your love for fashion come from?

B

eing the only girl in my family, I was always dressed immaculately from head to toe and this led me to where I am today.

I am a lover of all things beautiful and pretty. I

wouldn’t say I take inspiration from anyone if I am completely honest.

People are extremely fickle and unpredictable; if I followed others I would not have any consistency or stability within my style.

This is why all of my fashion inspiration derives from my personality.

What advice would you give to upcoming fashionistas who are trying to promote themselves?

S

tay true to your style! Fashions, fads and trends fade. Your own deeprooted style buried within is a treasure that will always stand

Excellent Position for Qualified and Experienced Media Sales People

the test of time.

Be great in your uniqueness! Want to look like you, that way you’ll never have to look like anyone else.

S

How do you deal with negative comments on social media?

N

egative comments are not something I receive; however, I know people that do. To those who have experienced this, I would say, remain modest in your uploads.

Less has always and forever will mean more. Also, your

followers have an imagination; you don’t have to show them everything.

Lastly, truthfully upload.

There’s always someone out there that knows you outside of social media, let the real you be reflective in your uploads. Sincerity is the key to your success.

leep is crucial for the health of our nervous system. It’s the time when the body shuts down other processes and really focuses on rest and regeneration.

We are required to get a certain amount of quality sleep each night in order to fully recover from the day’s activities on a cellular level.

The tissues repair and our nervous system recovers from the day.

Our body is put into a temporary paralysis and the chemicals required for the function of the nervous system begin to be broken down and resynthesized.

Trouble Sleeping?

How to Sleep Better:

Emma’s Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep Tip 1

Rewards exceed industry standard for people who deliver over and above industry standard.

For more information, contact the Head of Media Sales at TPN Media on 0121 240 7310

Turn off all electronic items at least 30 minutes (preferably an hour) before going to bed. The white light from phones/tablets etc stimulate your brain into believing it’s day instead of night.

You can get an app for your phone which changes the light to one on the red spectrum (which signals it’s time for sleep). However, this doesn’t mean that the tip to turn off all electronic items before bed isn’t applicable, it is!

If you’re stimulating the brain, even the red light won’t help!

The idea is to wind down before bed.

Tip 2

If you find your mind is very active before bed and it’s hard to switch off, try to clear your

head. Writing down what’s going through your mind can be really cathartic. An alternative take on this is to write down 3 things you’re grateful for and 3 actions for the next day.

Tip 3

If you’re used to overthinking before bed, then check out YouTube for a relaxation guide for sleep. This will replace what you’ve been doing with an activity leading you into sleep instead of wakefulness.

If you’d like to find out more about putting healthy habits into your life then check out my e-book.

For more information visit w w w. l o v e m e s l e n d e r. c o m or www.facebook.com/ LoveEmmaHadley

The Phoenix – November 2015

How To Look Fabulous In The Fall Wearing denim nowadays is more about mixing than matching. The reason why pair of fitted jeans goes so well with a jacket is because they will make you look slimmer than you would do in a pair of tailored trousers.

Why not add a twist to your style this autumn by mixing a little of sophistication with cool and casual?

2. Accessorise

A scarf will not only keep you warm this autumn, but it will also transform your entire ensemble. Against a plain coloured top, a multi-coloured scarf will definitely set your look off. Chunky necklaces are also a great alternative; try wearing one with a plain round neck vest top or even a fitted round neck jumper.

HAIR AND MAKE-UP BY RIPLEY DALE-GULSTON ll MODEL -JODIE MCCALLA ll PHOTOGRAPHY BY DIONNE SPENCER

3. Keep it Simple

Fashion faux pas can be easily avoided by wearing clothing that you feel comfortable in. Regardless of how fabulous your outfit may seem, if you aren’t at ease in your attire, your awkwardness will always overpower your look.

There’s no point wearing a beautiful pair of Jimmy Choo’s that you can’t walk in or a Marc Jacobs dress that makes you feel self-conscious. Keep it simple by trying to please yourself rather than impressing others.

Page 23

FASHION AND BEAUTY

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1. Mix & Match to Keep it Cool & Casual

I

Hair & Make Up

f you are looking for a quick solution for a last minute hairstyle, then a bun is definitely the perfect choice.

It’s one of the most popular hairstyles that will never go out of fashion, it requires no heat and it takes just seconds to create.

This simple but elegant hairstyle works wonders for accentuating your facial bone structure.

You can perk your bun up in a number of ways to suit any occasion.

Make-up artist Ripley Dale-Gulston tells the Phoenix Newspaper, “I chose a deep red lipstick to create the main focal point for this glamorous autumn look. A soft golden toned eyeshadow was used to intensify Jodie’s eyes. I applied a double flick of eyeliner to the outer corners of her eyes to take the look to a whole new level. I also used a range of me-

dium and dark shades to highlight and contour her face.”

Products used: BLACK UP Mattifying Fluid Foundation – No 10 || DIOR Diorskin Airflash cc Primer || IMAN Luxury Pressed Powder Clay – Medium Dark || SLEEK Face Contour Kit - Dark ||KRYOLAN Lip Rouge Mini-Palette || 120 Eyeshadow Palette || COASTAL SCENTS 26 Eyeshadow and Blush Combo Palette || EYLURE Brow Palette - No 10

Phoenix Favourites:

Products of the Month

DAZZLE DUST BY BARRY M – BRONZE (£4.59)

Even against dark coloured skin, this beautiful highly pigmented eyeshadow looks absolutely amazing. It was very quick and easy to apply (I used my finger to create this look).

The only downside was that it got a little messy, but I expected this because of the consistency of the eyeshadow. I will definitely buy more to add to my collection.

SLEEK LIP PALETTE – TEASE (£8.99)

I was very doubtful when I first saw this palette on the shelf but, I must admit, I really like the different shades. The colours actually come to life when you apply them to your lips.

The lipsticks aren’t long-lasting, but I don’t have a problem with having to re-apply every now and then.

SAMSTELL SUITS Samstell Suits is a modest fashion hub for men and women.

Our range of designer suits cut across top brands both UK and USA. We have Shoes, Hats, Ties, Waistcoats, Cufflinks etc. to match any choice of Suits you make for either Church, Office, Casual or any Special Occasions such as Weddings, Graduations, etc.

Contact us using the following portal Samstell Suits 67-73 Constitution Hill Birmingham West Midlands B19 3JX Telephone: 0121 270 463307886 557215 / 07828 867373 Email: samstellsuits@gmail.com Website: www.samstellsuits.co.uk

Have you got something to say? Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 24

ENTERTAINMENT

The Phoenix – November 2015

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Success for Praza & Pushkar Executive Chef

I

t has been announced that Bishal Rasaily, Executive Chef at both Pushkar and PRAZA, Restaurant and Cocktail Bar, in Birmingham, cooked up a storm during the final of the 2015 UK South Asian Chef Competition (SACC) and was crowned one of the three prestigious winners.

Bishal was one of eight UK wide finalists to take part in the live cooking competition, and his application and three submitted recipes met the rigorous SACC criteria and were judged as ‘outstanding’ by the judges.

The 11th national final of the SACC took place at Bradford College, following a pre-competition dinner at the Aagrah Restaurants Head Office, where finalists met judges and fellow competitors.

Casting their professional eye

over the competition, were a team of judges representing the Craft Guild of Chefs and the catering industry.

Andrew Green, Chairman of the Judges, said: “The standard is exceptionally high. The South Asian Chef competition is one of the very best around. There is an abundance of great talent out there within the Asian market; and now in its 11th year the standard just keeps getting better and better and the competition continues to go from strength to strength.”

The day culminated in a glittering black tie dinner and awards ceremony, organised by The Aagrah Annual Business Charity, where the three winners were announced.

Our Executive Chef, Bishal, scored exceptionally high on the

appearance, textures and flavours of his dishes but lost out on vital marks due to a couple of his dishes being presented just over a minute after the deadline time.

However, Bishal had impressed the judges enough to secure himself as one of the three prestigious winners of the 2015 SACC award, coming third place and winning a prize of £750.

Bishal Rasaily, Executive Chef at Pushkar Cocktail Bar & Dining and Praza, said: “I was delighted to be announced as one of the three winners at the South Asian Chef Competition! It was a thoroughly exciting experience and I have learned so much from the contest, the judges and the other talented Chefs who took part.”

CELEBRATE! Dr V.P.N Rao Chairman of the Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple on his surprise 80th Birthday party at Balaji's Temple on 24th Oct 2015

GUM sees out BHM with positive message

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panel including Professor David Sallah, Councillor Ramesh Stvastava JP and Councillor Yvonne Mosquito were on hand to share their perspectives on life in Britain today, adapting to different cultures and what it means to by Black British and living in the country today.

Seeing out what was another eventful, thought-provoking and entertaining Black History Month, Ghana Union Midlands (GUM) held a weekend of talks to highlight the best way forward for a more community cohesion.

Chaired by GUM president, Dr. Quaye Botchway, the panel expressed their individual experiences of life in the UK and what makes this country so uniquely great.

“Values and tolerance are benchmarks set by Britain for other countries to follow,” said Dr. Botchway.”All good, meaningful countries throughout the world have a level of tolerance, but Bri-

tain, by far, has the best.”

Keynote speaker, Sallah, a professor of Mental Health and Director of the Centre for Health and Social Care improvement, said: “I’m from Ghana and Britain. The Queen and the British police are seen as the best in the world and we should all be proud of that.

Today, people of African dissent are in prominent positions in some of Britain’s biggest businesses. We need to keep that fire burning.

Cllr Stvastava, former Mayor of Rugby and Chair of BOPA (British Oncology Pharmacy Association), said: “Dr. Martin Luther King said; ‘True peace is the presence of Justice.’ Let’s enjoy our justice here.

Education and communication are paramount if we are all to get on, whilst integration is about accepting all cultures whilst keeping sight of your own. That is very important” West Midlands Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Cllr.

Mosquito, said: “We have fought

h a r d battles for fairness and still are – especially with the shortage of Black and other non Europeans in the police force.

But, with a growing number of Blacks youngsters going to RedBrick universities, the future looks bright.”

“We are in it together,” said Dr. Quaye.”We have to use our best resource – our brain. After all, power respects power.”

Have you got something to say? Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

The Phoenix – November 2015

Page 25

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Local Young Heroes Acknowledged At AJN Gala & Awards Ceremony

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arking its 53th years of independence, the Association of Jamaican Nationals (Birmingham) held its AJN Local Heroes & The Be Inspired Youth Gala & Awards Ceremony celebrating National Heritage Week and Black History Month, plus highlighting the ongoing achievements and

developments of the go-ahead Caribbean island.

Held at the Holte Banqueting Suite, at Aston Villa FC’s Villa Park, members, together with friends and special guests, including; Deputy High Commissioner for Jamaica, Diedre Mills, Lord Bill Morris of Handsworth OJ and special keynote speaker, internationally renowned tenor, Steve

l Pic: Poppy Brady Higgins, gathered to pay homage to the special achievements made by the country and the way for-

Horrors of slave trade remembered at Service of Remembrance

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cademic theologian, Robert Beckford was the keynote speaker, at the ‘Arise and Honour our Enslave Ancestors’ - Service of Remembrance at Holy Trinity Church, in Birmingham, as hundreds gathered to pay homage to the long-suffering forefathers and mothers of the millions of Black people who, today, are still feeling the pains they went through throughout the ages.

Reverend Cannon Eve Pitt led a packed congregation, including representatives from white, Asian and cross-faith communities, in

this special Sunday evening sitting at the Church of England, in Birchfield, in the city.

“We rightly celebrate the lives and deaths of British heroes and she-roes. This is our chance to honour those who died for us. It is also an opportunity to appreciate what our ancestors went through when being enslaved, kept inhumanly and stripped of dignity, identity, language and religion.

Dr. Beckford, a Professor in theology at Canterbury Christ Church University, said: “We have to remember the sins that were put upon us. We might forgive, but can never forget.

We have to find a way to heal the past without seeking revenge.

Through radical redemptive action we can forgive - but never forget. We need to take an oath – like the U.S. – to keep our history alive.

We don’t want revenge, we want a healing process.

“We remember the battles of Agincourt and Hastings,” said business and community manager, Camille Ade-John. “We must all remember what took place 500 plus years ago and I thank Rev. Pitt for what she has started.”

There was a bleak reminder of

ward for its natives and ex-pats.

This was a very special occasion for the AJN, as it marked its 25th anniversary of promoting the benefits of its people and what lies ahead with the future generation.

Led by Chair, Beverly Lindsey OBE, OD, DL, after greetings from Birmingham Lord Mayor, Ray Hassall, the message was made loud and clear for members. “In times of adversity, we draw strength from within and each other,” she said. “I pay tribute to my fellow founder members and give special thanks to our guests, including; Dr. Kevin Isaac, High Commissioner for St. Kitts & Nevis, our Honorary President, Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer as well as the afore

what the ancestors went through with a stark demonstration of the horrors at what took place during the slave trade with a re-enactment, by to young participants, barnacled together by chains and a wooden block around their necks to highlight the inhumane plight that millions of innocent people went through.

Slowly walking down the church aisles, one of the youngsters, themselves only now getting greater insight into their true history, said; “Walking around the church bare-foot, and weighed down by those props, was uncomfortable.”

To which, Rev. Pitt passionately replied: “I feel it for you both.

That, though, is just a minute fraction of the pain endured by those who had no choice in the matter.”

mentioned Lord Morris and Steve Higgins.”

In celebrating young local heroes, Aston Villa youngster, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, received the ‘Sports Personality & Achievement’ award who, at the age of 16 years and 176 days, became the second youngest player in the club’s history. The ‘Young Provision/Organisation’ went to the Aston Performing Arts Academy, with Rheanna Eliza-

Passion continued to flow highly sought after opera baritone Byron Jackson gave his emotional renditions of classic negro spiritual songs, including ‘Swing Low,’ and a poem: ‘Arise,’ by the late Mayo Angelo, was read, to tearful reaction. After which, Asente Mungu (Thank You to God) was read in Swahili and English.

Reverend Cannon Pitt, high on emotion herself said: “I make no apology for wanting to do this.

We have to celebrate the strength, courage, perseverance and heroic acts of enslaved Africans, abolitionists and others who acted in the face of great danger and adversity, bringing some restitution to this painful and enduring legacy.

We thank our great ancestors. They are all worthy of our memory.”

Whilst seen by many as a great gesture by her, there were some questioning whether it was right to, for example, to witness this act of libration in a Church of England place of worship and ‘celebrate’ the most traumatic chapter in Black history There were others who

beth Russell, who is completing her Masters, in the Criminal Justice Process, picking up the award for the ‘Outstanding Individual.’

felt that the positive impact made

by African ancestors over the centuries (especially as Kings and Queens from the beginning of time) should never be forgotten.

They were not born slaves, they were unceremoniously dragged into it.

Many people commented how healing the whole experience was for them, It is important to note that this was not a celebration of slavery, but an homage to ancestors for all they had done.

Page 26

COMMUNITY UPDATES

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irmingham based community group Wassifa Inspire has adopted a three mile stretch of the Birmingham Mainline Canal in an effort to encourage Black and Caribbean communities that live near the waterways to get involved and help look after their local stretch of canal.

Working with the Canal & River Trust, the charity that cares for 2,000 miles of waterway in England & Wales, the volunteers are planning a number of projects throughout the year.

The Birmingham Cycle Revolution Scheme have already loaned 20 bikes to the volunteers so the group can offer guided bike tours along the canal.

Training schemes in bike maintenance will also be provided to allow members of the community to learn new skills.

Wassifa Inspire’s Mykal Brown said: “We are really pleased to have adopted this 3 mile stretch of the canal; there is so much heritage in the waterways, and an untapped resources that communities don't always appreciate.”

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“We are looking forward to working with the Canal and Rivers Trust. It’s been great to have so many come on board and we look forward to helping to keep the area tidy, and also appreciate the nature that surrounds the inner city.”

Nick Cleaver, from the Canal & River Trust, said: “Birmingham is as famous for its canals as it is for the diverse communities that live in the city and surrounding suburbs.”

“What we really want are more local people to get involved with their local waterways and help look after them and make these the heart of the community that surrounds them.”

Bryn Lewis, of Big Birmingham Bike, said: “We are targeting deprived communities to use bikes more often.

If you have a Leisure Card, you can use one of our bikes which have GPS on them to keep record of use.”

Wassifa Inspire will be in partnership with Birmingham Museum, South & City College, Birmingham City Council, Cycle Revolution Scheme, Ladywood Fire Service and Community Payback to deliver the various projects along the canal.

Community Group Adopt West Midlands Canal Birmingham Commonwealth Association Update - October

by Kesa Nkulu

oes politics achieve another purpose other than a great deception, and are the political party’s complicit? Ultimately two wings of the same bird, the bird being politics itself.

Ask yourself another question; Is the continual belief in ‘fair’ politics equal to still believing in ‘Father Christmas’?

A scholar once wrote, “No matter who you vote for, the rich stay rich, the poor stay poor and the bombs never stop…” Former French president, Charles de Gaulle, stated: “In politics it is necessary either to betray one's country or the electorate. I prefer to betray the electorate.”

It was the obvious choice for the Windrush generation to align themselves with Labour, the party of the working classes who promised a better and fairer way. However, in reality neither Labour, Liberal Democrats or the Conservative party have harvested talents that could have been put to great use. Fortunately, in the absence of politicians that look like us it has fuelled the disillusionment within the Black community about the credibility of the political parties and politics itself.

The constant scandals within

The Phoenix – November 2015

What is the Black man’s place in the illusion of politics?

Westminster have also led to reinforce the idea of the corrupt politicians, who solely have the interest of his/her clan and big businesses at heart, who can deny this!

The theatre that we witness in the House of Commons mimics verbal brutality at times. However just like a wrestling match, those strangle holds and body slams appear for entertainment purposes only, and at the end of the contest it’s off to the pub for a pint and lunches that total the average working man`s monthly wage!

In the African ‘Ancestral’ system of governing, morals are not divorced from politics because this invariably leads to corruption.

Our political structure was seen as the epitome of order and existed many thousands of years before that of the Greeks. Plato who is seen as the father of democracy,

studied for many years in Egypt during the dynasties of the Black Pharaohs.

Philip Coppens writes, “For centuries, scholars have identified the Greek culture as the source of the western civilisation. But what if the Greek culture itself was a legacy – a colony – of the ancient Egyptians?”

Strabo also wrote that he even visited the place where Plato stayed in Egypt.

This is also supported by many scholars like Sheikh Anta Diop, Ivan Van Sertima and Yosef Ben Jochannan.

The Magna Carta is widely seen as some kind of ‘Holy’ document but was later annulled by Pope Innocent III. What has changed since then?

Politicians make promises that they do not keep. Indeed they are fully aware that they will not be

able to deliver on election manifestos We’ve seen the emergence of several Black MPs, who hoped to influence the political arena. Many victories have been won, however it seems to be a case of ‘what you gain on the swings, you lose on the roundabouts.’ Is it naive for us to think and hope that we will get a fair deal with politics, employment, education, housing, etc? If not, what is the solution? Many of us are heeding the message of Marcus Garvey and Mfumu Kimbangu, preparing for repatriation, however for our people who wish to stay permanently in the U.K. the future could be bleak without parliamentary representation from members of our own community.

T

he latest meeting of the Birmingham Commonwealth Association ‘Communities’ Focus Group’ started with an overview of the recent B.O.L.T. (Birmingham Olympic Legacy Tour) cricket-led visit to Jamaica and the impact it made on the lives of the people there.

Led by community leader, Sted Wallen, Vice President at Grass Roots Cricket Association, a team of Birmingham’s finest park cricketers played matches, hosted coaching clinics and raised much-needed funds, for hospitals and schools, which was supported by Birmingham City Council.

“Sted, you did Birmingham proud,” said Chair, Wade Lyn. “It was a real coup for the city.”

The touring party, itself a mixture of players from different countries in the Commonwealth, proved to be the whole ethos of the BCA in action. “It is a great legacy for us,” said Aneela Asad, Vice Chair of Bana Tum Muslimeen .

BCA Chair, Keith StokesSmith, then went on to highlight the contribution from the As-

sociation towards the B.O.L.T. legacy and looking ahead towards 2016 and B.O.L.T. 4 next year.

The new Birmingham Commonwealth Association Award Celebration, for 2016, was flagged-up. “I suggest that appropriate steering groups should be set up to help engage young people, women and underrepresented groups,” said Lyn, as plans for a potential Commonwealth related sporting event, plus putting into motion a multi-faith service for Commonwealth Day, on March 14, next year were put forward.

Beyond that, there was talk of the World War One celebration, for 2016, plus the plans for registering the BCA as members of the British Commonwealth Committee to get greater recognition for what is happening on a Birmingham level.

Closed the meeting Mr. Lyn emphasizing the importance of the general public to understand the meaning of the Birmingham Commonwealth Association and the benefits of working closer with all communities throughout the city.

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The Phoenix – November 2015

Page 27

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY CONFERENCE 2015

State of the Industry Conference 2015

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he 2015 Caribbean Tourism Organisation State of the Industry Conference took place in October atthe World Trade Center in the beautiful and idyllic island of Curacao.

3 days of meetings, keynote speeches, presentations and discussions saw some of the brightest minds from across the Caribbean and indeed the world, come together to celebrate, collaborate and cement the future of the Caribbean.

There were two new receiptients of The Champions of Tourism Letter, which is an Open Letter urging governments to really champion for the tourism industry in their country.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has already presented 75 Open Letters to heads of governments globally. Together

with the UNWTO and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the Caribbean Tourism Organization presented letters to The Honourable Dr. Rufus Ewing, Premier of the Turks & Caicos Islands, and the Honourable Clyde Van Putten, Leader of the Government of St. Eustatius.

The Keynote speech by JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes spoke of Growth Through Innovation, and the story of JetBlue’s own rise from servicing 0 Caribbean destinations and with no intent to do so, to servicing 28 and announcing more and more expansions including a few at the conference itself!

Delegates commented on the interaction during the Q&A sessions after each talk, allowing for deeper thoughts and conversation following the exceptional talks and discussions.

Surrounded by the beautiful

scenery of the absolutely stunning island of Curacao, guests were also treated to a range of delightful food and local culture from a country seeping in it. From the floating Queen Emma Bridge, which was unfortunately under repair during our stay, to the beautifully violent inlet of Boka Pistol

at Shete Boka National Park, Curacao showcased the best of itself to the onlooking audience, and what an island it turned out to be.

The State of the Industry Conference for 2016 will be in Barbados at the end of 2016.

place to increase repeat visitors and why?’ and ‘What 3 key things do tourists expect from their hostguest interaction?’

After a minute of preparation, Ministers had one minute each to speak on their given topic, with some brilliant ideas expressed considering the short time given

to prepare.

Despite 28 excellent speeches between them, there could only be one Caribbean Junior Minister of Tourism who this year was the Junior Minister from Barbados.

Congratulations!

SOTIC15 Youth Tourism Congress

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lways a highlight of the State of the Industry Conference, the Youth Tourism Congress took place on the final afternoon of this years conference, bringing Junior Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism from 14 Caribbean destinations together to present on a prepared topic, as well as on a mystery topic. This years congress was presided over by last years winner Rol-J Williams from Nevis.

Out of the three topics offered this year, only two topics were actually chosen by the YTC Junior Ministers – Greening Tourism and Film Induced Tourism. Ministers had three minutes to elaborate on how they would ‘Green’ a local event held in their country, or how their country would

be suited for a film to be shot there, including example locations.

Every Minister spoke with a swagger, knowledge and confidence that belied their youth, presentations which would not have looked out of place on the main stage in any of the talks held at the State of the Industry Conference.

The Mystery Questions, assigned at random to the Ministers, included ‘What 3 points would you make to our schools 2016 graduation class to convince them to get involved in tourism’, ‘What 2 key measures would you put in

Check out the full coverage from SOTIC15 in Curacao in the bumper December edition...

Before our reporter fractured his kneecap!

Have you got something to say? Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 28

AZUZA STREET

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reetings from Ghana to the beloved people of Great Britain.

My name is Roland Joseph Tetteh. I am your brother in the Lord.

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

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

Research. Over 50 pupils, friends and family participated in the event with pupils being sponsored to take part.

The pupils managed to raise over £692 which was a fantastic amount given that this was the first time they had organised such an event.

Lucy Husted, Deputy Headteacher said: ‘At St Wilfrid’s we are always looking for alternative ways to raise money for good causes and we felt this was a super way to have fun and also take part in some exercise. We are very proud to be handing over this amount of money to Cancer Research. We are looking forward to taking part again next year.’

Fundraising Success at St Wilfrid’s

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upils at St Wilfrid’s Catholic Primary School in Birmingham recently undertook the Race for Life around Sheldon Country Park, in the city, to help raise funds for Cancer

by Chantelle Gillespie

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ut of nowhere I heard a small voice telling me to write down everything that I desperately needed in my life. I followed the instructions but I must admit I was sceptical because most of the issues on my list seemed to fall into the category of: things that would never happen to someone like me.

I received an invitation to a prayer meeting that same evening. I wrestled with the idea of going at first, but I was intrigued, for some reason I felt excited. I heard about all of the amazing events that happened previously at these gatherings; however, at that point in time, hearing wasn’t enough, I needed to see it with my own eyes.

I wanted to know for myself if what I heard was true.

A few hours later I arrived at the church feeling extremely anxious because I didn’t know what to expect. I had questions that needed answering.

I remember saying, “Lord, why I am even here? Please speak to me and show me who you are.”

The people flowed with the Spirit of God as they operated naturally in their spiritual gifts, but I didn’t know how to flow; I just felt like a spectator from the outside looking in. I was too busy worrying about how I would feel if I had to leave this extraordinary setting without experiencing God, and even worse, leaving with my unanswered questions still going around in my mind.

There was a call for the final closing prayer and I felt completely deflated.

As far as I was concerned, God had deliberately rejected me. I was getting

The Phoenix – November 2015

Great Challah Make A Hit For Shabbat UK 2015

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he Great Challah Make kicked off the Shabbat UK weekend in style, with 5,000 women gathering in north London to knead, socialise and sing.

Speaking from a stage overlooking the challah preparation at a marquee opposite Brent Cross, in London, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said organisers and participants had created an “amaz-

ready to walk away when a woman called out my name, she took me by the hand and the Lord revealed to her what I had written down earlier.

She spent time sharing what God was saying concerning my issues. Right at that moment my life had changed.

Likewise, in 1 Kings 10, the Queen of Sheba’s visit to see King Solomon was not an impulsive or ill-considered one.

The Queen was also determined to get answers; she had a motive and needed to see if the hearsay was true.

The Queen travelled over 1200 miles and arrived boldly in all of her splendour, loaded with questions for the King. However, this did not unnerve King Solomon; he just confidently flowed in his spiritual gift of wisdom.

The King’s household was set up in an extraordinary way; there was divine order. Each person was in their rightful place whether they were an official or a servant, they all had a role to play in demonstrating the blessings of God. The typical regal surroundings, rituals and protocol were not enough to impress the Queen of Sheba because this was nothing new to her; as she was already an established Queen.

However, on this occasion, what she heard and saw left her breathless. This experience exceeded her expectations by far. What she witnessed was not business as usual, the supernatural order created a channel for to her to believe the truth about the power of King Solomon’s God. It demonstrated that the source of his wisdom and the divine order that streamed through each member of the King’s palace had to be from the Lord.

What if there was no supernatural order?

Would she still have

ing spectacle”, and called on the community to maintain the momentum.

“We're off to an incredible start to this year's Shabbat UK, and we have no doubt that this year's will be even better than last year,” he added. “Don't wait until Shabbat UK next year. Strengthen your Yiddishkeit, connect to your roots.”

US Women co-chair Dalia

Cramer and rebbetzin Joanne Dove led the challah makers through the production process.

Amid the flying flour and the soaring sounds of the Shabbat UK song, participant Michelle Pomerance praised the “amazing achievement” of bringing thousands of people together for Shabbat.

A Jewish Primary School teacher, who took part with her

sister and mother, said: “We came last year, so we wanted to experience it again.

“We're getting better, I think.

We're doing a challah bake at my school and I'm leading it, so this is a test run. It's a great start to what I hope will be a great weekend for everybody.”

Challah makes were also held at major Jewish centres around the country.

Are You Ready For A Visit From The Queen? been amazed by what she heard and saw? I doubt that this would be the case.

Similarly if the Body of Christ is out of position we run the risk of negatively impacting others who are seeking for the truth. The days when we could pacify people with answers such as, “I don’t know why the church does this, it’s just the way we have always done it here.” will not be tolerated anymore. The Queen of Sheba was already familiar with the imperial rules and regulations and so are others aware of the religious traditions and protocol. They are looking to satisfy their hunger on the undeniable life changing truth rather than being bombarded with doctrine and customs.

I really believe that it wasn’t just Solomon’s gift of wisdom that opened the door of the Queen’s heart to God, but it was the whole of his household coming together and functioni n g

in unison as they should. In a church setting, the onus should not be on the Pastor alone, but on all of the family of God. Recognise that the Queen arrived with a vast amount of worldly goods and this gave us the impression that she wanted for nothing; nevertheless, what she heard and w i t nessed com-

pelled her to realise that she was missing something essential in her life.

She was a pagan, but subsequent to meeting King Solomon, there was a showdown between paganism and the revelation of the truth in her mind.

Paganism was defeated by a fatal blow by the hand of the truth as the words, “Praise the Lord your God.” streamed from the Queen’s heart to out of her mouth.

There is hope for the world, when the Body of Christ is standing valiantly in position as the mighty army that we are called to be. If we want a great revival to start, we have to ask God to start it in ourselves first.

Are you ready for a visit from the Queen?

Look out for December’s edition of One Born Again Every Minute featuring football sensation, Ricky Otto.

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The Phoenix – November 2015 Page 29

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

Booktastic Borrowing Scheme Is Launched

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andwell Council is launching a second year of the highly successful Booktastic scheme which helped to double the number of four and five-year-olds regularly borrowing books from its libraries last year.

Council bosses say the scheme, which gives children in Sandwell library membership and access to free books has helped bring more children into libraries than ever before and are launching it again this year.

Library cards will be given to more than 4,000 primary school starters again this year.

The library service is working with every primary school in the borough to launch its second year of a library membership drive for reception children aged five to six.

Each child will receive a special Booktastic membership pack, which will include a membership card, folder and information about the library service.

There will also be special Booktastic Missions for children to complete and

earn stickers.

The scheme was thought up Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children’s services.

He said: “This is a first step towards getting children to read for pleasure.

"Visiting the library from a young age is important as statistics show children who read from a young age are more likely to do well in education.

“Working closely with local schools we want to encourage classes to visit the library, and also invite parents and carers too.”

The Booktastic scheme was launched at Blackheath Library on Friday 16 October at 10am. Along with Councillor Hackett, Sandwell’s Mayor also attended to celebrate the launch.

The Library Story Players team held a ‘Storytime Lab’ interactive story session, conjuring a magical story for reception children from Highfields Primary School who came to celebrate the launch.

To join the library service visit www. sandwell.gov.uk/libraries

l Councillor Simon Hackett and Mayor, Councillor Barbara Price with Dion Salem, Najma Kaid, Ibraheem Farooq, Sam MacFarlane and Anjali Salhan.

New Youth Choir aims to reinforce British Values in UK Schools

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upils from an “Outstanding” Birmingham school are to participate in a pioneering East meets West-style children’s choir, the first of its kind, ever, as part of a drive to reinforce British Values.

Around 120 Year 5 pupils from Greet Primary School in Sparkhill will take part in the inaugural British Carnatic Youth Choir by presenting a series of songs in Sanskrit, the ancient language, including one similar to the UK National Anthem, ‘God Save The Queen’.

The British Carnatic Youth Choir is the brainchild of Dr Chithra Ramakrishnan, one of UK’s finest Carnatic vocalists. Her mission is to raise awareness of this: ‘mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith’, one of four fundamental British Values, according to Ofsted, the schools watchdog.

Carnatic music is a system of classical music associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent. The violin was introduced into Carnatic music by Baluswami Dikshitar, the younger brother of Muthuswami Dikshitar, a South Asian poet and composer (1775 – 1835). He encountered the

W instrument through British bands in colonial Madras, and decided to learn it.

Almost all pupils at Greet Primary School speak English as an additional language. The British Carnatic Youth Choir is an off-shoot of the British Carnatic Choir, or BCC, which was officially launched in June this year.

Pat Smart, Headteacher at Greet Primary School said: “Equality of Opportunity is at the heart of everything we do at Greet Primary School. We are delighted to have been offered the chance to participate in the British Carnatic Youth Choir, an exciting and inclusive experience for us all.”

The British Carnatic Choir aims to create and explore choral singing in South Indian classical music in the UK. With a key focus on children and young adults with a passion to connect through music.

The event will take place on Friday November 6 at South & City College Birmingham Auditorium. A separate celebration has been organised on Saturday November 7 at the Adrian Boult Hall in Birmingham to mark the 10thanniversary of Shruthi UK, the parent Arts & Culture nonprofit organisation of which Dr Ramakrishnan is Artistic Director.

est Midlands Housing Association, Nehemiah UCHA has appointed two new Property Services Trainee Surveyors and one Housing Services Trainee.

Mohi Kazi and Jordon Fearon will work closely with the Property Services Manager as part of their graduate two-year internship programme, and Rakpinder Basra will work alongside the Housing Operations Manager to complete the internships which

West Midlands Housing Association Appoints Three Graduate Trainees have been made possible through the Nehemiah UCHA Academy.

The Nehemiah UCHA Academy and Charitable Aid Foundation (CAF) was set up in 2013 and offers a range of work placements, internships, educational opportunities and financial aid packages for tenants and local people across the West Midlands who are looking to improve their career prospects.

As part of their new role as Property Services Trainees, Mohi and Jordon will ensure all main-

tenance services are provided on both a routine and responsive basis and that properties are kept at the highest possible standard.

Rakpinder will be engaging with customers on a range of issues, from handling property lettings through to negotiating repayment plans, as well as listening and responding to customers’ everyday needs.

Nehemiah UCHA Chief Executive Llewellyn Graham, says: “We recognise that in the current economic climate, which has im-

Society Shines in its Support for Beacon Centre Programme

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pacted negatively on the UK’s employment rates, young people are especially vulnerable, due to their lack of on the job experience and specific skills required by employers. Through the Nehemiah UCHA Academy which we set up in 2013 to help local young people with training, work experience and funding for college and university courses we have in 2015 been able to offer three internships.”

Wolverhampton charity that encourages people with sight loss to take part in activities such as water ski-ing and rock wall climbing has been awarded a £4,000 grant by the West Brom building society.

The Beacon Centre is using the funding to further its ActivEyes programme, which facilitates participation in a variety of leisure and social activities.

The programme’s primary goal is to encourage independence and confidence, while also contributing to a valuable community spirit. ActivEyes has 300 registered members from around the local area.

Annamarie Balram, Innovations Development & Funding Officer for Beacon,

said: “The money will be put towards furthering ActivEyes and its activities in the community, with a particular focus on our allotment area at Boundary Way in Lower Penn.

“The West Brom has been very supportive of the ActivEyes programme, not just through its generous donation but also undertaking regular voluntary work.”

Three teams of volunteers from the Society – 25 colleagues in total – visited the allotment to prepare it for use by ActivEyes members, clearing rubble and soil, creating planting space, laying a new patio and putting up fencing.

Annamarie added: “The volunteers worked really hard and have been a wonderful help to us at Beacon ActivEyes.”

Have you got something to say? Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 30

HEALTH AND WELLBEING New Day Spa Menus designed for Busy Businesspeople

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irmingham's premier independent day spa, At One, has launched a new concept in treatments. Its new City Express and Savvy Beauty menus are aimed at busy city workers with limited available time.

"We know from experience that our clients who work in Colmore Business District need to look good and be on top of their game, but they don't have a great deal of free time during the working week," said Managing Director, Beth Davies.

"Many of our clients come in either with aches and pains related to hours of computer work, or in need of a quick beauty fix. For them, lovely as it sounds, spending 60 minutes on a couch being pampered isn't viable option. Our

express treatments offer short but effective solutions to their problems."

The City Express menu includes a range of massages taking as little as 10 minutes, including seated deep tissue acupressure massage, headache-relief massage, and hand and arm massages.

The Savvy Beauty menu covers aesthetic treatments including 25-minute gel manicures, 20-minute Dermalogica facials and 20-minute CACI non-surgical facelifts.

Details can be found at www. atonedayspa.co.uk.

The Spa, in Great Western Arcade, will also be offering free wifi, online booking and a lunch ordering menu in partnership with the new Treat Greek Deli.

Dr Vendryes

H

oney, the m a i n product of the honey bee is composed primarily of sugars and water, along with small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.

On average, honey is 17.1 percent water, 82.4 percent total carbohydrate and 0.5 percent proteins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. The main carbohydrate sugars are fructose glucose, maltose and sucrose.

Honey also contains a variety of antioxidants that neutralise free radicals and generally, darker honeys have higher antioxidant content than lighter honeys. Because honey contains so many nu-

A

charity which supports the life-saving work of babies and children suffering from some of the most severe immune conditions, has launched its biggest ever fundraising appeal – ‘Bubbles for the Bubble’.

The Bubble Foundation UK works in partnership with the Children’s Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, and supports families from across the world out of its base at the Great North Children’s Hospital, Newcastle.

Children from across the country and as far away as Finland, Russia, Slovenia, Libya and Saudi Arabia have been treated in the world-leading facility, one of only two such specialist centres in the UK. The unit treats babies born without an immune system and unable to fight infection, through bone marrow transplantation. The most severe condition, Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID), is fatal if untreated within a year of birth.

Even the simplest ‘common cold’ virus passed on by a mother’s kiss can kill. The Unit also treats older children suffering from immune deficiencies, leukaemia and childhood arthritis.

The Bubble Foundation raises vital funds for the Unit, financing medical equipment, toys and educational aids, supporting the welfare of the babies, children and their families, and importantly funds research required at this cutting edge of paediatric practice.

The Bubble Foundation Launches Biggest Ever Fundraising Appeal The Bubble needs to raise around £500,000 to fund vital new strands of research into genetic causes of Primary Immunodeficiency (PIDs), as well as research into the outcomes of treatment to ultimately improve the lives of people with immune disorders.

In many cases, the only treatment that offers a chance of surviving these illnesses is a bone marrow transplant – a difficult and painful process – which if successful, means babies and children can make a full recovery and go home to live normal, healthy lives.

Parents of children who have experienced life in the ‘bubble’ – an eight foot square ‘bubble’ of sterile air which protects from bugs and bacteria – are backing the appeal, which challenges people to take to social media and show their ‘bubbly side’ to raise money for the charity.

In 20 years the work of the Bubble Unit has taken survival rates from six in 10 babies dying, to nine in 10 babies living – yet with new strands of research emerging all the time, there is so much more still to be done to help find

cures for severe immune disorders and other childhood diseases.

Donating is simple. All you have to do is post your own bubble selfie or bubble related video, which can be of anything from blowing bubbles to doing the washing up!

Join in at The Bubble Foundation’s social media channels, and text donate to BUBB01 (+ amount you want to donate – £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10), to 70070, or donate via https://www.justgiving.com/ bubblefoundation/

The Honey Bee – A sweet healer

trients that are lacking in refined table sugar, it is a much healthier sweetener.

Honey as an antibiotic

Another important property of honey is its antibiotic action. It has even been shown to be superior to some conventional antibiotics in treating certain infections.

Experiments with honey show that its bacteria destroying properties doubled when diluted with water. Interestingly, newly born bees are nourished with diluted honey by the nurse bees responsible for their care - as if they know this feature of the honey.

Honey is valuable in treating burns, infected wounds and ulcers.

A study in West Africa showed that many surgeries like skin grafting, surgical debridement and even amputation were avoided by local application of honey to wounds.

The Phoenix – November 2015

Honey for coughs and colds

Honey has been used as a home remedy for centuries to help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with a common cold.

Researchers from Penn State College of Medicine have published a study comparing honey to overthe-counter medicines for relief of cold symptoms such as cough. In several instances, honey outperformed the modern drugs.

Honey and digestion

Honey has traditionally also been used for heartburn and stomach ulcers. In fact, Western research now

indicates that honey may halt the growth of H. pylori, the bacteria responsible for many cases of gastritis and stomach ulcers.

Bifidobacteria are a group of ‘good’ bacteria considered important to the health of the digestive tract. Honey acts as a probiotic to promote the growth of the bifidobacteria and heal the stomach. It can even help counteract constipation. Drink 12 oz. of lukewarm water with one tablespoon of honey in the morning, on an empty stomach.

Honey for Insomnia

Honey helps in nervous disorders like insomnia and acts as a tonic in recovery of any damage to the human nervous system. In cases of sleeplessness, one teaspoon full of honey mixed in luke-warm water should drunk at bedtime to help in improving sleep.

Royal Jelly

Royal Jelly is a nutritional powerhouse. Nurse bees aged between 6 to 14 days old produce this “milk” called Royal Jelly exclusively for the Queen and her larvae. The

queen feeds only on fresh Royal Jelly.

The larvae that consume fresh Royal Jelly in the first seventy two hours of their life become queens and those that do not become worker bees. Worker bees live 5 to 6 weeks whereas the queen lives 5 to 6 years.

Royal jelly is rich in vitamins and collagen - a protein that we lose as we get older. In Asia, royal jelly is valued as a powerful longevity tonic and used to stimulate immunity, vitality, and virility.

Royal jelly is available in supplement form from health food stores.

Allergies

It is not really know why direct exposure to pollens causes allergic hay fevers in some people whereas small doses of honey does the exact opposite.

Experts think that the very tiny quantity of pollen in the honey acts as a homeopathic medicine. One teaspoon of unfiltered and unprocessed honey daily can do wonders for allergies.

The more local the honey, the bet-

ter the benefits against allergies as the local honey will contain those pollens that you are allergic to.

Cautions

Honey is twice as sweet as sugar and has a very high glycemic load.

Individuals with blood sugar disorders like diabetes and hypoglycemia should avoid taking large amounts of honey.

The US based National Honey Board has warned that honey may contain spores that can cause a bad infection if given to children less than one year of age.

Adults and older children are routinely exposed to those spores in dust, soil, honey, and other uncooked foods, but are almost never affected by them. In immature infants however the spores are able to germinate and cause illness.

You may email Dr. Vendryes at tonyvendryes@gmail.com or listen to An Ounce of Prevention on POWER106FM on Fridays at 8:15 pm. Details of his books and articles are available on his website www.tonyvendryes.com

The Phoenix – November 2015 Page 31

ADOPTION AND FOSTERING

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

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

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

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

We will be highlighting the inspiring work of current carers, the extensive support and training that is available and the difference that you could be making in a young persons’ life. If you feel that you can offer this, or even if you would like to find out a little bit more – don’t hesitate!

It could make the greatest difference to a child’s life.

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

Council celebrates achievements of long-serving foster families PM unveils drive to increase adoptions and speed process

I

n announcing the need for measures to increase the number of children adopted and speed up the process, Prime Minister, David Cameron has said that the number of councils currently using early placement varies across the country, so in a move to encourage more to make use of the schemes available, coun-

cils will now have to reveal how many children they place with adoptive families before the full process is complete.

“We want to see more early placement for adoption,” he said, “so children move in with their prospective new family sooner, without having to wait for the full process to complete.”

l Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Ian Brookfield, Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, and some of foster carers who received long-service awards.

F

oster carers who between them have provided loving homes to local children for nearly five centuries were congratulated for their dedication at a special ceremony.

The City of Wolverhampton Council officially thanked dozens of long-serving foster carers for the vital work they do looking after vulnerable children in the city at the event in the Mayor's Parlour on Friday (23 October, 2015).

Awards were presented to 36 foster carers, including individuals and couples who have devoted between 10 and 40 years of their

lives to fostering local children.

There was also a special presentation to Christine and John Whatton, who were awarded MBEs for services for children in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June after fostering for more than four decades.

Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, presented the awards and said: “We are very lucky to have so many dedicated foster carers in Wolverhampton who combine a desire to help children with a commitment to providing the best possible care for them.

“I was very honoured to meet so many of these hard working individuals and couples who have devoted their lives to supporting vulnerable young people in Wolverhampton; together they have cared for children for a total of 465 years, which is an incredible achievement."

Foster carers can be sole carers, married or in a relationship. Placements can be anything from a few days to a number of years, and they receive a regular, tax exempt allowance to cover the cost of bringing up the child.

Help and support is available 24 hours a day, while first-time foster carers also receive six months'

"buddy support" from experienced carers who are there to guide them through the system.

Councillor Gibson added: "Fostering can truly be a life-changing experience, both for the foster carers and the young people they care for, and we'd love to hear from anyone else who is interested in helping local children by becoming a foster carer."

People can find out more about fostering by visiting www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/fostering or calling the Fostering for Wolverhampton team on 01902 551133.

Councils Join Forces To End Delay For Children Awaiting Adoption

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hildren waiting to be adopted in the West Midlands are to be found stable, loving homes quicker than ever before thanks to new measures recently announced.

Six Midlands counc i l s - Wo l v e r h a m p t o n , Walsall, Dudley, Sandwell, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Adoption Focus-have been handpicked by the government to form one of the country’s first Regional Adoption Agencies, a brand new group of

local councils and voluntary adoption agencies that join forces with one single purpose – to place children waiting for adoption with their forever family without delay.

Children and Families Minister Edward Timpson, who grew up with two adopted brothers, said: “By coming together and joining forces, councils and adoption agencies across the region will be able to reach across artificial boundaries and access an ever growing pool of approved adopters, creating families quickly

and successfully."

Encouraging councils and adoption agencies to work together will act as a triple win – giving councils a greater pool of adoptive parents to match with children, making adoption support services more widely available and better targeting the recruitment of adopters.

The announcement is evidence of the government’s commitment to reform the adoption system so children waiting are provided with stable and loving homes much more

l Children & Families Minister, Edward Timpson swiftly, giving them the opportunity to settle and bond with their new family.

Page 32

AROUND NIGERIA IN 30 DAYS

H

ello Everyone, welcome to the debut edition of 'Around Nigeria in 30 days' , a news and pictorial run through of events, activites about Nigerians in Diaspora and Nigeria as a whole.

For each edition, we will feature socio economic events of Nigerians in Diaspora, run through happenings in Nigeria and generally get all our readers,

informed, entertained & educated.

We will feature everything and anything that will add value to all our readers, even the Non Nigerians.

The month of October, is generally synonymous with Nigeria Independence Celebrations, this year, Nigeria, officially is 55 years old and this celebration, was the first official assignment of the Acting Nigeria Ambas-

sador to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Olukunle Akindele Bamgbose, as he hosted several Nigerians in Diaspora to the annual Independence Dinner at Abuja House, London (his official Residence).

Across UK, various Nigerian Communities also organised Independence Celebrations, from Birmingham, Glasgow, Cardiff, Manchester, Bedforshire, it was celebrations galore.

Whilst we were celebrating our Independence, some others were also putting together events that would add value to our lives in the UK. A group of women, under the Nigeria women in Disapora leadership forum (NWIDLF), led by Mrs Ronke Alli Udofia, organised an awareness get together, called, Boogie for life against Cervical & Prostrate Cancer, held at the City of Westminster

The Phoenix – November 2015

College, London, with renowned Dr.Frank Chinegqundoh, Consultant Urological Surgeon, as guest speaker. The event featured talks, checks, indoor and outdoor activities.

Hope you enjoy this debut edition, every edition, will be an improvement on the previous one.

'Kunle Aderemi

New Nigeria Ambassador Appointed to The United Kingdom

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igeria President, Mohammadu Buhari, has appointed a Ambassador Olukunle Akindele Bamgbose, as the acting High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Olukunle Akindele Bamgbose assumed duty as the Acting High Commissioner to the United Kingdom on August 16th, 2015.

In his diplomatic career, he had served in Mauritania, Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations, New York, USA and most recently Japan.

Prior his appointment, he was the Director, Joint Commission, Trade

and Investment Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Nigeria.

From 2012 - 2013, he was the Director North and Central America Division of the Foreign Ministry. He graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria in 1982 with a degree in Mass Communication.

He also holds a diploma in International Finance from the Stilman University, New York, United States of America.

His hobbies include soccer, tennis, sumo, reading autobiographies, gospel music and movies amongst others. He is married with three l children

The outgoing Nigeria Ambassador to UK, Dalhatu Tafida CFR,OFR, formally handing over to his successor, Ambassador Olukunle Bamgbose

Nigeria’s 55th Independence Anniversary Celebrations

T

he Nigerian Communities across United Kingdom, celebrated Nigeria 55th Independence Anniversary across UK in October.

Nigeria gained Independence from the United Kingdom, October 1st, 1960, and since then, Nigerians every-

where in the world, always celebrate.

The Acting Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Olukunle Bamgbose, performed his first public duty, by hosting various Nigerian Communities, who came together at his official residence (Abuja House).

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

The Phoenix – November 2015

Page 33

AROUND NIGERIA IN 30 DAYS

Gov. Ambode seeks UK partnership to boost power supply in rural communities

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overnor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State says the state was ready to explore the opportunities for partnership with the United Kingdom in the area of power supply.

Ambode spoke at the Lagos House, Marina, during a courtesy visit by the British Minister of State for Foreign Commonwealth

Affairs and DFID, Grant Shapps, and the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ray Kyles.

Ambode lauded the intervention of the UK DFID through solar energy in the state.

He expressed optimism that it would prove a viable energy alternative to more rural areas in the state.

Ambode also reiterated his ad-

ministration’s commitment to partner with willing investors to take power supply to communities in need of it.

“I will like you to also know that other areas where we believe that we can partner together is in the area of energy, that is something of utmost interest to us here.

"We will like to thank you for what we have done together in terms of solar related energy and I am happy that we are going into the phase two of that project.

"I will like to commend you for taking it up so quickly in the life of this administration.

T

EFCC Urges the UK, US to return stolen funds

T

he official Mr & Miss Nigeria UK Cultural Pageant took place on Sunday 4th October 2015 in the amazing venue 229 The Venue in Great Portland Street.

The pageant and showcase was scheduled to take place in the month of October as it involves the celebration of the Nigerian Independence. The overall aim of this Pageant was too empower and enrich the Nigerian culture in the UK. Mr & Miss Nigeria UK was full of energy, charisma and vibrant contestants and the team were proud of all efforts that each and everyone one of them put in. This show aimed to help further develop Nigeria and bring awareness to its underlining issues, and will serve to connect British born and raised Nigerians with their heritage back home.

The Mr & Miss Nigeria UK cultural beauty pageant was held in support of Compassion UK, is an international Christian child development and child advocacy ministry. Partnering with local

he Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has challenged developed countries of the West to stop the impoverishment of developing nations, Lamorde said that it was imperative for the Western nations to reject and ensure the return of stolen funds to the affected countries so that they could be put into development projects for the benefit of their people.

The EFCC boss said that it was the gravest form of human rights abuse for the commonwealth of the people to be diverted into private pockets.

He reminded the Western powers that the funds being looted and stashed away in foreign countries were the commonwealth of the people diverted by a few individuals.

He said that human rights violations thrived usually in an environment of corruption.

The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, quoted Lamorde as having made the comment while hosting a two-man delegation from the Amnesty International led by the Senior Director, Office of the Secretary General of the organisation Colm Cuanachain, in Abuja on Monday.

NWIDLF Boogie for Life in the park against cancer

N

igeria women in Disapora leadership forum (NWIDLF), led by Mrs Ronke Alli Udofia, organised an awareness get together, called, Boogie for life against Cervical & Prostrate Cancer, held at the City of Westminster College, London, with renowned Dr.Frank Chinegqundoh, Consultant Urological Surgeon, as guest speaker.

The event featured talks, checks, indoor and outdoor activities.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Udofia said, culturally, Nigerians tend not to speak out about our ailments and suffer in silence.

This she said, has caused preventable deaths and it is high time, we come out in the open, talk about it and seek help, which is always available.

Women, from all walks of like attended the event, which included talks, walk in the park, Boogie dancing and Networking.

Mr & Miss Nigeria UK 2015 churches, they are committed to the spiritual, economic, social and physical development of children living in extreme poverty in 26 countries, enabling them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.

Mr & Miss Nigeria UK aims to bring the Nigerian diaspora community together through the arts,

to celebrate the diversity and culture among young Nigerian talent and to celebrate the beauty of Nigeria and its people.

On the night, they crowned the handsome Contestant 3, Theo Ogundipe, and the stunning Contestant 4, Jane Ezeanaka , Mr & Miss Nigeria UK 2015. Contestant 11, Sylvester Akinrolabu, and

Contstant 2, Rachael Afolabi both placed second as 1st Prince and Princess with Contestant 1, Kes Ajuwa, and Contestant 8, Nicole Aina-De-Haan coming in a close 3rd as 2nd Prince & Princess.

Congratulations to all who participated and we know they will go on to do bigger and better things!

Have you got something to say? Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 34

HOLIDAYS, TRAVEL AND OVERSEAS NEWS

The Phoenix – November 2015

Manager, Cuffy, voted Caribbean Tourism Supervisor of the Year l Frank Comito, CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA); Lisa Hamilton, President, US Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Ass; Caribbean Tourism Supervisor of the Year Lissa Cuffy, Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort; and Emil Lee, President, CHTA.

L

issa Cuffy has been with Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort as a Guest Service Supervisor and, most recently, Housekeeping Manager.

In addition to achieving outstanding success in her position and understanding the importance of the tourism industry, Cuffy stands out with her simple, yet important, mantra that management is the act of providing supportive and effective leadership.

Such leadership offers a multitude of guidance and conveys information and ideas to others in a convincing and engaging manner through a variety of methods.

"Management sets standards of performance, assumes responsibility for work objectives, initiates focuses, and serves as motivators for employees for the purpose of achieving the company goals.

Management also aids in the development and growth of its employees," Cuffy explains.

The Sarojin Opens New Beach Bar In Thailand

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uxury boutique resort, The Sarojin, has enhanced its five-star facilities for guests with the recent opening of a brand new beachfront bar, perfectly perched on the shores of the Andaman Sea in Khao Lak, Thailand.

The newly-developed Edge beach bar is breezy chic and stylish, serving up a heady mix of professionally-made cocktails and spectacular panoramic ocean views.

Its idyllic setting on The Sarojin’s 11km stretch of secluded white sand beach is enhanced by tropical-inspired loungers, comfy sofas and large beanbags – the perfect spot for sipping a chilled cocktail and sheltering from the sunshine beneath a canopy of swaying palm trees.

This elegant and laid-back beach hangout serves a menu of local seafood, freshly plucked from the Andaman. Tempting offerings include seafood baskets to share, packed with whole Phuket & rock lobster, king prawns, river prawns, squid, mussels and mackerel steaked cooked in any style.

Peckish guests will also find other creative cuisines, such as local tapas and Thai delicacies, together with a well-stocked bar that invites guests to grab a refreshing beverage and watch the waves gently lapping in the background.

Its white sand beach is sheltered by the Pakarang Cape coral headland, allowing for year-round swimming and water sports, and ideal for guests wishing to make use of the award-winning resort’s complimentary sailing catamarans, sail boats, sea kayaks and windsurfing boards.

The Sarojin offers many other beach-focused, special experiences for guests to make the most of their luxury beach break. Perhaps a private, oceanfront cooking lesson with Executive Chef Gogh which can be illuminated by candles and flames or night; a personalised beachside dinner where couples choose where they have their table set; or the simplicity of a romantic moonlit stroll along the beach, hand in hand with a loved one, close the water’s edge as stars twinkle overhead.

Connecting the world with Ghana

T

he leading international member’s advisory network rout provider to engaging and investing in Ghana, have announced that they are working with Africa's leading Urban Developer to provide potential buyers with the opportunity to live within a fully planned 941 hectare city.

MeFiRi GHANA have created a new urban development called The City of Light offering a unique opportunity to live within a residential gated community on the outskirts of Accra.

WHY BUY LAND WITHIN THE CITY OF LIGHT? • Litigation FREE! Clean secured land titles • Access to residential community club houses • Ghana’s first private development of this scale and size • Fully serviced lands located within a secure gated community • Swimming pool available if you wish to build a home to your preferred specifications • City of Light development 941 hectare development plan includes access to shopping malls, health & education services, parks and more MeFiRi GHANA, working with Africa’s leading urban developer to provide you with an opportunity to live within a serene, contemporary gated community, consults individuals, brands and organisations recommending investment opportunities and tailored strategies to engage Ghana and African communities.

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

The Phoenix – November 2015

C

ure Leukaemia's latest fundraising drive 'Just One More' is very much on track – thanks to the generosity of partners Warwickshire County Cricket Club and their £25,000 donation.

Warwickshire CCC has supported the campaign by donating Just One More pound from every ticket sold at the opening day of the recent Investec Ashes Test Match at Edgbaston.

Bears Director of Cricket and Cure Leukaemia Patron, Dougie Brown, said: “It’s great to see the money that’s been raised at the Club being put to such good use.

The Club’s donation will go to the heart of what the charity is all about, which is curing leukaemia.

Through the Just One More campaign, Cure Leukaemia is trying to raise at least £40,000, which sounds like a hell of a lot of money. But if we all donate £1 – and we can all afford to do that – it will make a huge difference to blood cancer patients.”

Want to do your bit for the Just One More campaign? Let us know what you are getting up to and we will promote your fundraising activities across our social media channels email laura@cureleukaemia.co.uk today!

Page 35

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

Warwickshire CCC deliver a major donation to Cure Leukaemia

Plucky Khalsa falls short of FA Cup glory

T

he romance of the FA Cup was alive and well as National League North side, FC United of Manchester, the well-known team run by disillusioned Manchester United supporters, drew Sporting Khalsa, in the fourth qualifying round of this years’ Emirates-sponsored competition.

The Midland Football League, West Midlands Regional League Premier Division side, formed in 1991, became the first known Asian-owned semi-professional team, when they bought the Aspray Arena ground from former tenants, Willenhall Town, in 2010.

Beginning life in the Walsall & District Sunday leagues, Khalsa’s rise has been incredible and rewarding and their place in the Emirate FA Cup was nothing short of remarkable.

They played in the West Midlands (Regional) League in season1996–97, finishing bottom, before returning in 2004–05. They were promoted after finishing 5th.

In 2011, they were promoted to the Premier Division of the West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division.

At the end of the 2012–13 season Sporting redeveloped their ground and, in season 2014-15, won the League title, with a record 117 points.

They have 15 teams, from U7s upwards and previously reached the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup in 2007–08.

FC United beat a plucky Sporting Khalsa 3-1 and go into the draw for the 1st Round, proper.

“They've done themselves proud,” was the reaction from Khalsa fans, with Manager, Ian Rowe, saying: “They have done Willenhall proud.”

Wolves reign supreme in 2015 ACDL Domino Final

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olverhampton Wolves were the winner of the Anglo Caribbean Domino League Final 2015, after a thrilling day of hand slamming, whistle-blowing and air horns shrills, at York Hall, in London.

After some overwhelming rounds of hard-fought Island Records-supported competition, which included; Birmingham Community Association Slammers, Brixton Immortals, Cosmopolitan DC (London), Croydon United, Bradfield Boys Club, and United Friendly DC, the Black Country-based team proved too good for the Clapham Eagles after successive waves of ups and downs, table slamming, and winning poses.

The Anglo Caribbean Domino League Final was played outside Birmingham this year and it was the first time that Wolverhampton Wolves were crowned as winners of the coveted trophy.

Great Birmingham Run ‘Suits You, Sir,’ in record-breaking time

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ore than 20,000 runners took part in the Second City half marathon and, despite all the attention being drawn to the front of the mass field and the elite racers, it was the charity runners and extraordinary characters who stole the show.

One particular ‘winner’ in this year’s Morrison’s Great Birmingham Run was local man, James Drakeford, who broke the record for the fastest half marathon while wearing a three-piece suit.

He had to beat one hour, 39

minutes and 50 seconds, set in Birmingham in 2010, crossing the line at 1hr 28secs and a new world record – of sorts.

James already has a number of other fancy dress running records, last time wearing university graduation robes.

A delighted Drakeford said: “I even beat my time of last year, when I was wearing an orthodox running outfit.”

On his next record attempt, he said: “I am thinking about running the fastest time as a piece of fruit - but I haven't decided which fruit, or when I'll do it.

Taking in some of Birmingham’s most iconic sights, including; the new Grand Central and John Lewis store, Selfridges, Cadbury’s World and Edgbaston cricket ground, the annual Great Birmingham Run, formally known as the Birmingham Half Marathon and part of the Great Run series of road races, was won by Brit, Chris Thomson, winning the men’s elite race in a time of one hour and three minutes.

Polish runner, Dominika Napieraj clocked a time of one hour, 13 minutes and 39 seconds in winning the women’s.

Have you got something to say? Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

‘Suits You Sir!’ - Page 39

Monster Support Makes Cycling Success A Shaw Bet For Young Rider

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s 2015 draws to a close, young cycling hopeful Lucy Shaw looks back on her first season as part of the Matrix Pro Cycling team.

Her sponsorship from Hollywood Monster has helped her final year as Junior count, with international training and a national title now under her belt.

A member of the Solihull Cycling Club, Lucy Shaw joined the Matrix Fitness development team less than a year ago and back in August took the top spot in the Junior Women’s Scratch Race and Junior Women’s Points Race at the British Cycling Youth & Junior Track Championships 2015.

Hollywood Monster, who signed up as an official sponsor of Matrix Fitness, a team at the forefront of the development of women’s cycling in the UK, have been instrumental to Lucy.

“Being on Matrix Pro Cycling has been invaluable in my final year as a Junior, and has meant that I am in the best possible condition ready to make the step up to the senior ranks,” said Lucy.

“With the help of Hollywood

Monster, I was able to experience what life as a professional cyclist is like, both at training camps and at races.”

“For a young rider like myself this is crucial in helping me progress, as it meant that I was given an insight into what it takes to be the best,” she continued.

Experts in event signage, Hollywood Monster is known for its support of the local community and back in December 2014, the business signed up to sponsor Matrix Fitness and TeamGB hopeful Shaw, with the idea of her being able to build a professional career and progress at national and international championship events.

This success marks the latest development in Hollywood Monster’s support of the sporting community, which also includes the company’s sponsorship of Birmingham City Ladies’ Football Club.

Hello!

“For us, this was about recognising the importance of local talent; helping them to progress and become the future sportsmen and women of tomorrow” said Tim Andrews, Managing Director of Hollywood Monster.

“Cycling is something very close to my heart; having been a founding member of the 7inSeven cycle initiative in 2013, which saw 25 riders take part in a gruelling l 700-mile challenge, spanning seven countries in seven days.”

“Overall, the event raised £130,000 for HelpHarryHelpOthers and Leukaemia for Kids, and Teenage Cancer Trust.”

This comes in addition to involvement in community events such as the Balsall Common, Dorridge and Knowle Fun Runs. l Donna Fraser

Cycling Hopeful, Lucy Shaw

Olympian, Fraser, To Become Vice President Of UK Athletics

U

K Athletics has confirmed that Donna Fraser will become the next Vice President of UK Athletics at its AGM on December 4.

Four-time Olympian Fraser, who was fourth in the 400m at the Sydney Olympic Games - confirmed she was ‘thrilled and absolutely honoured’

Thinking about

adoption?

No need to register, just come along to our next information event: 10.30am on Saturday 21st November at The Drum, Potters Lane, Birmingham B6 4UU Adoption in the Black Country

FOCUS

Freephone 0800 073 0597

adoptionblackcountry.co.uk | info@adoptionblackcountry.co.uk

Birmingham Black Country Coventry Shropshire Staffordshire Warwickshire Worcestershire

to accept the role within the UK Members Council.

“I am thrilled and absolutely honoured to be offered this role. It’s something that I never thought would come my way but I think I can do a great job for the sport and it is really good to be involved in this way.

I have always stayed involved in the sport since retiring and still attend events

and club nights, and this allows me to be further reconnected with athletics.

I think I can bring something to the UK Members Council. I am still in touch with so many within the sport and people are really open and honest with me about their thoughts and I hope I can represent them well.

It is such an exciting time with Rio next year and then our London World Athletics Championships in 2017 – I know we can take the sport to another level.”

The Phoenix Newspaper Presents

Official Launch,

5th Anniversary Gala Dinner

and Awards Presentation Ceremony With a star-studded guest list of high profile celebrities and dignitaries

Reception 5.30pm to 6.30pm Canapes & Punch Delight Carriages 12 Midnight

Saturday 5th December Bethel Convention Centre Ticket Price - ÂŁ75 Dress Code : Black Tie You can book your ticket through

http://thephoenixgalaawards.eventbrite.com

FOR TICKETS CALL 0800 009 6909 OR EMAIL ANNIVERSARY@THEPHOENIXNEWSPAPER.COM

The Gala Awards Presentation Ceremony With a star-studded guest list of high profile celebrities and dignitaries

ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDING

PETER SPENCE GOSPEL CENTRAL CAMARA FEARON MARK DwAYNE

WASSIFA SHOWCASE

STICKY TOFFEE DANCERS

JAMMA STEEL PAN LUCY TENNYSON

DANIEL RILEY

DHOL BLASTERS FLAME LILY ARTS

Comedy, DANCERS, motivational speakers and much more

Gala Award Tickets ₤25

Saturday 5th December 2015 Bethel Convention Centre, West Bromwich, B70 7JW

Starts: 8.30pm Carriages: Midnight

Lifetime Achievement Award

Special Achievement Award

Community Outreach/ Volunteer Award

Best Financial Institution

Charity of the Year

Best Presenter/ Radio DJ

Best Place of Worship

Lifetime Contribution to Music

Business & Enterprise Award

Best Retailer

Outstanding Commitment to Education

Sports Achiever

Best Eatery

Beauty & Lifestyle Award

For more information & tickets call 0121 339 5885