The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

SEPTEMBER 2021

SANDWELL COLLEGE A CAREERS COLLEGE

SCHOOL LEAVERS

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO ENROL NO MATTER WHAT YOUR RESULTS COME IN AND TALK TO US!

99% OF STUDENTS PASS FREE TRAVEL & FINANCIAL SUPPORT

FREE ME TRO TRAV OR FRE E BUS TR EL (with op

tion AVEL 16-18 full- to top-up to both) for all time stude nts

COME IN, ENROL & MEET YOUR TEACHERS See web

CALL 0800 622 006 OR VISIT SANDWELL.AC.UK CENTRAL CAMPUS, SPON LANE, WEST BROMWICH B70 6AW

site for co

nditions a

nd details

talk to us!

.

FE COLLEGE OF THE YEAR 2019 TOP COLLEGE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS FOR STUDENT SATISFACTION 30 HOURS RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE IN YOUR CHOSEN CAREER 98% OF STUDENTS SAID THEY FEEL SAFE IN THE COLLEGE FREE TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES

PROMOTING DIVERSITY FOR BIRMINGHAM COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2022

SEPTEMBER 2021

Connecting Communities - Inspiring A New Generation

EXAM SUCCESS FOR HARD WORKING ALEX F

or many people, the idea of going to Oxford or Cambridge is nothing more than a pipe dream, but for Alexandra Akins, years of hard work and dedication paid off, achieving the grades she needed to attend

one of the most prestigious Universities in the country.

Born in Washwood Heath, Alex went to St Chad’s Roman Catholic Primary School, where just a few years into her academic career, she was put onto the ‘Gifted and Talented’

programme at school.

“My teachers really pushed me to do more things, and were very helpful in suggesting to my Mum to put me through for the 11+ examination,” explained Alex. “I passed my SATS with the highest grades and also the 11+, getting

a place at King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School.”

But Alex didn’t stop there, she also took the private school test for King Edward VI High School for Girls, and was accepted there too.

Continued on Page 6

WE ARE ONE

100-year-old Hughes Van Ellis, aka ‘Uncle Redd’ calls for a global connection - Ghana Homecoming Coverage - Pages 21- 26

Page 2 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

NEWS

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

thephoenixnewspaper.com

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

ARE WE TAKING OUR EXTREME WEATHER AND GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE SERIOUSLY ENOUGH?

By Dr Tony Talburt

A telephone

0121 339 5885 0208 865 1922

email @ advertising @thephoenixnewspaper.com Disclaimer

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

by The Phoenix Newspaper.

couple of decades ago, apart from a few green activists and campaigners, it seemed that very few people were talking about climate change and the need for us humans to modify our behaviour.

In the last few years, however, it seems every major news outlet and all major political parties and governments the world over, are emphasising the need for all of us to consider the effects of global warming and climate change. But are we taking these changes seriously?

This year of 2021 will be remembered as one of extreme weather patterns. The past winter was severe for many countries.

In fact, Last winter, record cold temperatures were being experienced all over the world.

For example, minimum temperatures in Delhi in India, during the months of October, November, and December of 2020 broke many records, and Beijing recorded its coldest January 7 since the 1960s.

As if the extreme cold weather was not enough, the forces of nature sent another warning sign. In July 2021, devastating floods affected Germany, Belgium and Austria.

Parts of Germany were drenched with 148 litres per square metre of rain within 48 hours.

At least 46 people died due to the dangerous floods caused by what was officially described as the heaviest rainfall in a century.

The month of July also witnessed severe flooding in China. Such was the intensity of the rains, parts of Western Europe were battered by two months’ worth of rainfall in two days, leading to overflowing rivers and torrents of floodwater.

Even while there was extreme flooding in some parts of the world, other places were burning up because of dry harsh conditions.

At the time of writing this article (middle of August

2021) there is extreme heat in the Mediterranean, causing terrible forest fires in Turkey and Greece, as well as Italy and North Macedonia.

The month of August saw wild fires in Algeria, California, southern France, Greece, Jerusalem, Turkey, Spain, and Portugal. In fact, a massive fire in Oregon has burned an area larger than the entire city of Los Angeles.

According to the Guardian. com (17 August 2021) by 2050, nearly 60% of outdoor workers in countries like the USA – such as construction workers, emergency responders and farmworkers – could experience at least one week of workdays when extreme heat makes it too dangerous for them to work.

About a fifth of American workers – or 32 million people – currently have outdoor occupations where a large part of their day is spent outside.

This might sound alarmist, but if current trends continue, things could get worse, rather than better.

l 10th Anniversary Wedding vector created by starline - www.freepik.com

In recent times various governments have said enough is enough. Something different must be done.

Recently, Chinese President, Xi Jinping, surprisingly announced that China would cut emissions to net zero by the year 2060.

When it is taken into

consideration that China is currently the most polluting nation on earth (responsible for around 28% of global greenhouse gas emissions), this is a positive signal.

Individuals can play their part, but it is governments that need to drive these changes.

Currently, most of the people on the planet depend on fossil fuels, so thinking about changing to electric cars, for example, will be difficult unless governments make public travel easier and electric cars cheaper.

Talk is cheap, but government policy is something else.

Widespread education in schools, changing our way of thinking, our way of travelling, our reliance on fossil fuels, is not a subject for the margins or appendices, but must be more centre stage.

If we do not take this serious in the UK, or believe extreme weather is somebody else’s business, we might soon wake up to similar realities like the thousands of people in other parts of Europe over this summer.

Whether we believe in climate change or not, the number of extreme weather patterns are increasing.

To ignore such obvious changes would be irresponsible, and leave us to the mercy of the forces of nature.

Do you know the location of this famous road? Email us at newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

B

usiness confidence rebounded sharply during the second quarter of 2021 as coronavirus restrictions were eased across the country, according to a major report released today by three regional Chambers of Commerce.

The latest results from the West Midlands Quarterly Economic Snapshot shows that more than three in five (62 per cent) businesses expect to increase their turnover over the course of the next 12 months, compared to 43 per cent in Q1.

The snapshot, which covers the West Midlands Combined Authority area, is the most comprehensive regular report of its kind in the region.

The data collected from quarterly surveys conducted by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), Black Country Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) and Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce (C&WCC) shows that only 14 per cent of services sector firms surveyed expect their profits to fall over the course of the next year which marks a return to the levels seen pre-pandemic.

Nearly half (47 per cent) of the businesses surveyed reported increased domestic sales this quarter with the number of firms experiencing a decline in UK sales falling from 37 per cent last quarter to 19 per cent in Q2.

In terms of international sales, there was an overall improvement in the number of firms reporting an increase - 25 per cent compared to 20 per cent in the previous quarter.

This is the highest figure recorded since the start of the pandemic and contrasts starkly with the 8 per cent recorded during the first national lockdown (Q2 2020) last year.

However, the number of firms reporting hiring challenges increased significantly this quarter with 57 per cent of firms attempting to recruit struggling to do so.

This is the highest figure since Q2 2019 and represents an 18 per cent increase compared to the last quarter.

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said:

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 3

NEWS

BUSINESS CONFIDENCE ON THE UP AS RESTRICTIONS EASE – CHAMBERS “It is encouraging to see rising confidence amongst local businesses with 62 per cent of firms expecting their profitability to increase over the next 12 months.

“Q2 saw the re-opening of large swathes of the UK economy with a further easing of national restrictions in both April and May (alongside the vaccine rollout)

increasing business optimism for the year ahead.

"However, price pressures remain a cause for concern with 44 per cent of firms expecting their prices to increase over the next 3 months which could hinder businesses ability to grow and recover from the impact of the pandemic.

“Despite the lifting of coronavirus

restrictions, many firms are still facing financial hardship and will require additional support from government as they look to get their operations off the ground after nearly 16 months of forced closure.

"The pandemic has not impacted all businesses equally and some firms now find themselves burdened with substantial debts

for the first time.

“The government must take this into careful consideration as they look to wind down existing support schemes over the coming months otherwise they risk undoing the good work that has been done to support businesses over the past year.

"Whilst we hope that there will be no need for restrictions to be

re-imposed in the future, it is imperative that the government helps to shore up business confidence by offering reassurance that the appropriate level of financial support will be provided if the need arises.”

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 4 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

WANIS INTERNATIONAL FOODS WELCOME WALTHAM FOREST’S YOUTH MAYORAL TEAM W a n i s International Foods welcomed members of the Waltham Forest Youth Mayoral Team to their head office in Leyton on Tuesday 17th August 2021.

The Youth Mayor’s Team (YMT) for the London Borough of Waltham Forest is a sub group of the council’s core youth engagement groups.

YMT alumni will likely become future leaders, having gained a first-hand insight into how local democracy works and attending events with Cllr Elizabeth Baptise Mayor of Waltham Forest.

Their visit to Waltham Forest’s largest employers provided the 15 – 25-year-olds with an understanding of some of the key functions within the 120,000sq foot distribution centre and cash

thephoenixnewspaper.com

Is The Consultancy Sector Now A ‘Pariah’ Market Or A Not?

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

with Dr Christopher Johnson

S l Cllr Elizabeth Baptise Mayor of Waltham Forest with members of the Youth Mayoral Team alongside Kapil Wadhwani, Wanis Managing Director, Paul Harrison, Wanis Community Brand Ambassador and Emma Ashton-Oner, Wanis Quality control Manager.

and carry.

This included a tour of the site with Operation Director,

Alam Ameer who provided an overview of some of the 900 brands and 10,000 product lines stocked within the warehouse.

Next, they heard from Wanis Quality Control Manager, Emma Ashton-Oner who spoke to the budding politicians about the importance of food standards and the need for accurate and factual food labelling and finally Commercial Director George Phillips briefed the YMT members on the logistics of importing products from every corner of the globe and exporting

To advertise in The Phoenix

to key territories.

He also explained the importance of Wanis’ community engagement and CSR initiatives and talked about their richly diverse workforce with staff from over 28 different countries.

Cllr Elizabeth Baptise Mayor said: “The young Mayors Team thoroughly enjoyed the experience of the tour of the Warehouse and an insight into the import and export of products distributed by Wanis International.”

ince time immemorial, governments and ‘big business’ have maximised the immense talent of the consultancy profession -be it management, project, financial, and marketing, to facilitate ideas for human advancement.

Governments recruit specialists to fine-tune manifesto-promises that are later integrated into national development policies.

Companies hire consulting firms to improve strategic and operational performance including their public image and reputation.

Has coronavirus therefore, created a huge gap in the market where highly skilled public servants are being replaced by specialists-type workers?

How will this dispensation impact on business, industry and the professions in the long-term?

During COVID-19 restrictions in much of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021, millions of workers were forced to work from home and even those who went to the office or factory, had to adapt to new ‘ways of working’.

The influx of new technology; namely Zoom, Google Teams and related platforms, was for the most part, challenging.

Firms - large and small – witnessed disruptions in their respective business models; these comprised manufacturing, service as well as charity sector entities and other providers, that were busy plugging gaps in welfareprovision.

The Management Consultancies Association (MCA) predicted in its study of members, that the UK consulting industry will grow by 2.5% in spite of the pandemic.

Members felt that “consulting activity met or exceeded expectations” (MCA, 20 January 2021, Consultancy.uk).

In a rather uncertain but

equally challenging period of its unparalleled history, the UK, like other nations, has a glorious opportunity to utilise the vast experience of consultants to ‘retrofit’ the economy.

However, this sector must not be perceived as having the ‘the wiles’ of wisdom, since the post-pandemic phase will present formidable challenges for business and industry overall.

Perennial Impacts

There have been growth spurts in food and beverages activities (34.0%), electric, gas, steam and air condition supply sector, although the monthly manufacturing subsector slumped below 1% April and May 2021.

Monthly construction declined too, by less than 1% during the same reporting period (Coronavirus and the impact on output in the UK economy: May 2021, Office for National Statistics, England).

So, how will consultancies fare in this economic and financial debacle’?

The effects of the pandemic have further compounded structural market attitudes and behaviours amongst public, private and community sector ‘operatives’.

Occupational health and safety mechanisms will have to be added to government regulations and integrated within quality control handbooks.

The wellbeing of workers will become pre-eminent within organisational structures rather than pure commercial imperative or the conventional ‘profit motive’.

Orientation training to reskill workers into remote working versus operating in semi-office units, is also a psychological issue for senior and junior personnel who have become used to a rather ‘sedentary, comfort zone’ type of working.

Financial investment, reexamination of marketing arrangements, pricing controls and employee development programmes, are among some of the major considerations that will influence the overall growth and development performance of the modern consultancy sector.

0121 339 5885 (Birmingham)

@PhoenixNewsUK

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

PRE REGISTER FOR

TICKETS APPLYING FOR TICKETS IS REALLY SIMPLE. VISIT BIRMINGHAM2022.COM FOR EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 5

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Page 6 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

NEWS

thephoenixnewspaper.com

HARD EARNED SUCCESS FOR ALEX Continued from Front Page

As a fee-paying school it was a very expensive option, but Alex was lucky enough to get a scholarship and bursary, easing the financial pressure on her mother.

“For GCSE, I chose Latin, because why not, I stuck with French and picked up Russian,” she beamed. “I really love languages, they just click for me, and I was spurred on to do another one by my French teacher.”

After acing her GCSE’s Alex took French, Latin, English Literature and Russian at A Level. “I went through and ticked off everything that I DIDN’T want to do first, science, maths etc, and when I was done I was left with the 4 I took.

“I knew I wanted to do languages at University, and wasn’t enjoying English anymore so I dropped it as we moved into our final year.”

Alex applied for French and Russian at 4 Universities, and French with a beginners language, which was Modern Greek, at Oxford, and received offers from all 5 Universities.

“I felt sure that in French I’d done enough to get an A*, in Russian I had hoped for an A or A*, and Latin was probably the one I was most proud of because the others came so naturally to me, but I had to work very hard for Latin.”

Securing her place at Oxford with two A*’s and an A, Alex blew the exams out of the water, to the excitement of both her and her mum.

Outside of the world of academia, Alex is an avid runner, with dreams of becoming a professional athlete representing Team GB and England full time, but with a career alongside that.

She trains at Birchfield Harriers in Perry Barr, and will be joining the Oxford University Athletics

Club when she goes to University, with aims to participate at the Paris Olympics in the 400m and 400m hurdles.

“I’m interested in a job at MI5 or GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters) with the languages. I want to do a job that I enjoy where I feel I’m making some kind of difference.”

“I’ve got to thank my mum.

I’m an only child, but I’ve never been lonely. We’re really close and as I got older it shifted from Mother/Daughter to my best friend, she’s the one I go to about everything.

“She’s never been a pushy parent, but she’s always instilled in me that if I set a goal and work for it there is nothing stopping me from reaching it.”

Alex has a few words for those choosing their path through A Levels: “The teachers said it to

me a lot, but it really is vital to pick A Levels that you really really enjoy, you’re going to hate it if it’s not a subject you care about.

“Also exams and education aren’t everything, it’s important but you shouldn’t base your self worth on how you perform in tests, it’s a dangerous place to be in, you should reach out to friends and family if you’re feeling like that.”

Finally Alex has a few thanks to make to those who have supported her through her journey so far: “Thanks to my best friend

Dalida because we’re super close and got into Uni together so I get to experience that with her. Laviai Nielsen who has just come back from the Olympics, she was one of the first people that told me on the track I was capable of achieving more and doing more along with another runner in the US called Colleen Quigley.

“Finally thanks to all of my teachers from Primary

School through to A Levels, for pushing me so far out of my comfort zone at times that I didn’t even know where the box was anymore.”

It is only the beginning of the next chapter for Alex, but it’s certain she has the brightest of futures ahead of her. Well done, and all the best for the future from everyone at The Phoenix!

More A Level Success Stories

Kenny

BRAMPTON Manor Academy in East Ham is celebrating after 55 pupils achieved the grades needed to study at Oxbridge - more offers than Eton College received.

They included Kenny, who has a full scholarship to Harvard, achieving A*A*A*, Mubarak is going to Birmingham with A*A*A*, Maryam got 3 A*'s and is going to Warwick, Ade achieved 4 A*'s and is off to Oxford, and Zara is going to Nottingham with A*A*A*.

Harun is going to Oxford with A*A*A*A, Kassal achieved A*A*A*A* and is going to Cambridge, while Sarah is going to Oxford, achieving A*A*A*A* and Sinead achieved A*A*A* and is on the way to Imperial.

To advertise

Mubarak

Maryam

Ade

Harun

Kassal

Sarah

0208 865 1922 (London)

Zara

Sinead

@PhoenixNewsUK

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 7

Page 8 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

thephoenixnewspaper.com

SANDWELL COLLEGE ADVERTORIAL

BUILD A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION AT SANDWELL COLLEGE

W

ith a wide range of construction courses on offer at Sandwell College, school leavers still considering their options can enrol now and build a successful and rewarding career.

As one of the UK’s largest

employers, the construction industry created 10,000 jobs between 2015 – 2020 and shows no signs of slowing down.

At Sandwell College’s awardwinning Central Campus, students can learn their trade in plastering, plumbing, painting and decorating, tiling and carpentry, alongside a range of

apprenticeship opportunities.

Students will learn to build what matters to their own communities, whether it’s a road, a home or a school.

From design engineering and site supervision to project management, you’ll gain industry-level experience and benefit from state-of-the-art

training workshops, work placements and construction site visits.

With the opportunity to be part of a team or to enjoy the freedom of being your own boss, there are no limits to what you can achieve through a career in construction.

Sandwell is home to worldleading construction projects from a brand-new hospital to the Commonwealth Games Aquatic Centre.

Former students have worked on Birmingham’s landmark residential and retail building, The Cube, alongside other major developments in the area, including Sandwell College, or are now employed in the family construction business.

Sandwell College’s Mega Deal also means that all 16-18

full-time students receive free Metro travel or a bus pass, with financial support, free meals and free and subsidised activities and trips for those students who meet the requirements.

Alongside delivering outstanding pass rates for all of its students, Sandwell College is proud to offer unrivalled mental health services and welfare support, ensuring that every student has access to the guidance they need within a safe and nurturing environment.

Mental health support is embedded within every aspect of college life, with learners having access to a network of mentors and confidential counselling services, as well as student-tostudent safeguarding and mental health champions.

Graham Pennington, Principal

of Sandwell College, said: “The construction industry provides a broad range of hugely rewarding career opportunities for young people, and we’re incredibly proud of our track record in supporting students to reach their full potential and achieve great things within the sector.

It’s not too late to come and talk to us about your future plans - our doors are open and prospective students will have the chance to meet and speak with their teachers and see first-hand the wide variety of opportunities on offer at the college.”

Prospective students can drop in and visit Sandwell College to find out more and enrol for the 2021/22 intake.

For more information, visit www.sandwell.ac.uk.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 9

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO CHOOSE

SANDWELL COLLEGE A CAREERS COLLEGE

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT A CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION? Study, learn and develop your skills in Construction.

Our courses include traditional trades and cutting edge techniques, surveying and construction engineering. Wide range of career opportunities available leading up to £50k a year.

SANDWELL ADVERT

u Industry qualified lecturers u Real work experience on construction projects u Extensive range of workshops and materials u Develop your skills, progress into national competitions, higher education or a job u Working with leading employers across the region PLUMBING

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

SITE CARPENTRY

PLASTERING

CARPENTRY & JOINERY

talk to us!

CALL 0800 622 006 OR VISIT SANDWELL.AC.UK CENTRAL CAMPUS, SPON LANE, WEST BROMWICH B70 6AW

Page 10 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

thephoenixnewspaper.com

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE

UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM CODING BOOTCAMP ALUMNUS LANDS GYMSHARK ROLE A former care assistant has secured a top technology job with global activewear brand Gymshark after graduating from an intensive University of Birmingham Coding Boot Camp.

Sumaya Hassan is now a junior frontend developer at the brand’s headquarters in Solihull in the West Midlands. The University launched its popular Boot Camps programme last year and has since welcomed 135 students to its 24-week intensive Coding and Data Analytics courses.

Sumaya said: “Coming from a life science and health care background, learning to code was a huge challenge for me, but it was totally worth it.

“I couldn’t be happier in my new role with Gymshark and I have the advice

and support of the course leaders during and after the course to thank for that.

It’s been brilliant putting what I learnt into practice at my new job.

“I can’t recommend a career in technology highly enough for anyone looking for a change or to upgrade their skills.”

Former Care Assistant Sumaya gained a First Class Honours in Pharmacology at the University of Wolverhampton as well as an MRES Molecular Mechanistic Toxicology Pass at the University of Birmingham – to add to her Full Stack Coding Bootcamp Certificate. With the rising demand for web development and digital skills across all industries, the University of Birmingham Boot Camps are designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need to tap into today’s

technological economy and help bridge the nation’s skills gap. Once they complete Boot Camp, learners receive ongoing 1:1 career coaching and a quarterly networking event with local professionals.

The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions and has been challenging and developing students for more than a century, bringing people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers, and more than 6,500 international students from over 150 countries.

For Sumaya Hassan, she is moving upwards and forwards as her own development in the present and future field of science holds no bands for her.

To advertise in The Phoenix

l Sumaya Hassan, University of Birmingham Coding Boot Camp alumnus

0121 339 5885 (Birmingham)

@PhoenixNewsUK

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 11

MUSIC FASHION FILM GADGETS HOLIDAY EDUCATION HEALTH AND FITNESS

SEPTEMBER 2021

/streetcredmagazine www.streetcredmagazine.com

DYLAN DUFFUS

FROM MOVIES TO MUSIC, ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS IN HIS BLOOD

Page 12 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

ENTERTAINMENT

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

thephoenixnewspaper.com

www.streetcredmagazine.com

THE HOTTEST ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLEMENT

/streetcredmagazine

/streetcredmagazine

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Foo Fighters Announce 2022 UK Shows

C

urrently returning rock & roll to stages across the U.S., Foo Fighters have announced 4 UK stadium shows for Summer 2022.

These must- see shows will no doubt be the concert highlight of next year and will be the band’s first shows in the UK since their headline slot at Reading & Leeds Festival summer 2019.

Following the release of their critically acclaimed #1 album, Medicine At Midnight, earlier this year, Foo Fighters made an historic return to the stage at New York’s Madison Square Garden, playing the city’s first full capacity show in more than a year.

More recently, the band has begun a series of sold-out headline dates and a triumphant headline set closing out this year’s Lollapalooza festival in Chicago.

“We can’t fucking wait to get back to the UK!” Dave Grohl said. “It’s been far too long. Get ready to make up for lost time with some long ass nights of rock & roll.”

Kicking off at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on the 25th June 2022, the run includes a date at Birmingham's Villa Park and a return to London Stadium for two huge dates on 30th June and 2nd July.

Support for the dates will come from St Vincent, Courtney Barnett, Shame, Hot Milk and Loose Articles.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

@PhoenixNewsUK

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 13

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Tencent And Netease Shares Down After China Says Online Games Are 'Electronic Drugs'

ENTERTAINMENT

New powers sought to stop illegal ticket resales

SHARES IN TWO of China's biggest online gaming firms slipped after a state media outlet called them "electronic drugs".

Tencent and NetEase shares fell more than 10% in early Hong Kong trade before regaining some of those losses with investors concerned about Beijing cracking down on firms.

In recent months authorities have announced a series of measures to tighten their grip on technology and private education companies.

An article published by the staterun Economic Information Daily said many teenagers had become addicted to online gaming and it was having a negative impact on them.

The news outlet is affiliated with the official Xinhua news agency.

It cited Tencent's hugely popular game Honour of Kings, saying students were playing it for up to eight hours a day, and asked for more curbs on the industry.

To advertise in The Phoenix

T

he UK's competition watchdog has said ticket resale firms such as Viagogo and StubHub should face tighter rules.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said current laws meant it was not possible to act swiftly and effectively against touts. Another problem came from resellers who speculatively sold tickets they did not own, the regulator said.

The CMA has previously acted against both Viagogo and StubHub, which have made changes as a result. In February, a year after Viagogo bought StubHub for $4.1bn (£3.1bn), the regulator told Viagogo to sell all of StubHub's business outside North America to satisfy competition concerns.

The CMA's latest intervention comes as big music and sporting events are set to resume in the UK in the next few months after the Covid pandemic, fuelling fans' demand for tickets.

While bulk-buying of tickets by professional resellers - who then sell them at inflated prices - may be illegal, swift and effective action by authorities is not possible under the current law, the regulator said.

God Knows Shares His New Single ‘Glory’ GOD KNOWS is one of the founders of Ireland’s most prolific and exciting labels, narolane records.

As a collective, narolane’s creative output conveys their ethos with surety, authenticity and unapologetic ambition.

God Knows has been patiently waiting for the right time to drop his first release on his own label - and now that time is finally here as he shares his new single ‘Glory’.

Featuring the vocal stylings of Senita, this Amapiano track draws on the South African jazz and deep house rhythms that are making waves the world over - and God Knows has long been known for paying homage to great music and great artists in his own innovative way.

0121 339 5885 (Birmingham)

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Page 14 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

ENTERTAINMENT

thephoenixnewspaper.com

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Food & Fine Dining TOM 'TWO TIKKA'S' CRUISE IN BIRMINGHAM FOR M:I7

H

ollywood star Tom Cruise was spotted in a curry house, in Birmingham, where he was spotted ordering the delicious delicacy – twice whilst he was shooting a film in the UK The Top Gun star, in Britain filming Mission: Impossible 7, was seen eating two Tikka Masala dishes at Asha's in Birmingham.

The actor, 59, currently in Birmingham filming the next entry in the hit Mission: Impossible franchise looked to take up the opportunity to sample some of the city's culinary delights at the restaurant in the city centre.

Following his surprise visit, staff

at the restaurant wrote on a social media post: "It was an absolute pleasure to welcome @tomcruise to Asha's Birmingham.

"Tom ordered our famous Chicken Tikka Masala and enjoyed it so much that as soon as he had finished, he ordered it all over again - The greatest compliment.”

One of Hollywood’s ‘rarities’ – a big star who always ingratiates themselves wherever they go, he was also spotted in the crowd at some of England's Euro ‘20 matches at Wembley, as well as at the Wimbledon tournament.

He was also spotted in the Peak District whilst he was filming a scene for the movie.

Cadbury Snack! To Recruit Fans As Social Media Influencers For Latest Marketing Campaign

l Tom Cruise outside Asha's in Birmingham with the owners following his meal in the Second City

FOR ANYONE who fancies themself as a social media influencer but don’t have the extravagant lifestyle to help break the internet, well, Cadbury Snack! is on the hunt for fans who are just as ‘wonderfully ordinary’ as its tasty chocolate biscuits, to bring them on board as its latest social ambassadors.

Cadbury Snack!’s chocolate biscuits are the perfect uncomplicated tasty treat with just a delicious combination of smooth Cadbury chocolate and scrumptious shortcake.

And so, Cadbury is championing everything in life that’s ‘wonderfully ordinary’ by looking for people who are

just that to represent its Snack! biscuits in a new co-created brand campaign.

With no mega following needed, just a genuine love for yummy choc biccies and all things effortlessly brilliant, any fan can apply to be a ‘wonderfully ordinary’ influencer and get the chance to create some appetising social media content with a special insta-worthy Cadbury Snack! delivery.

What’s more, Cadbury will be sharing some of its favourite Snack! snaps with its millions of followers, giving its ambassadors the chance to feel like real social media superstars.

Deliveroo orders on the up despite lockdown easing FOOD DELIVERY firm Deliveroo say that demand for its services has strengthened despite Covid restrictions easing after seeing orders double to 148.8 million in the first half of this year.

The value of its transactions has also doubled - at the same time, it narrowed its pre-tax losses to £104.8m, as against £128.4m a year earlier.

Deliveroo initially listed on the London stock exchange at 390p a share, but the price fell sharply on the opening day of trading, on March 31.

Its shares rallied on the news that German rival Delivery Hero had bought a 5% stake in the company worth £284m following it being down 3.3% at 351p.

Consumers flocked to order from Deliveroo during the earlier stages

of the pandemic, when restaurants were closed and people switched to home deliveries.

The firm said it expected customer behaviour to moderate later in the year, but it remained excited about the opportunity

ahead.

Founder and chief executive Will Shu said: "We are seeing strong growth and engagement across our marketplace as lockdowns continue to ease."

Send your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com To advertise in TheinPhoenix 0121 339 5885 (Birmingham) l The Stereophonics return to Arena Birmingham on February 29th

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

www.streetcredmagazine.com

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 15

HANGING OUT WITH HIGGINS

MONTHLY COLUMN steve@stevehigginsproductions.com www.stevehigginsproductions.com

PARTNERS FOR YOUTH (USA) ON A MISSION! “

Growing up in today’s environment, our youth face so many complex challenges in life, unlike the days of innocence when the older generation grew up!”

So said newly installed Chairman of the Partners For Youth Foundation (PFY) Steve Higgins, as he delivered his address at the induction ceremony of the new PFY board at the picturesque Plantation Preserve Golf & Country Club on Saturday August 14th 2021.

Higgins continued, “It is up to us to have the conversations with our Youth, and to bring them to the table to discuss the matters that may challenge them. Our CONFAB of 2020 offered insights in Health & Wellness- including Mental Health, Scholarship opportunities, discussions around Culture and Financial responsibility”.

The new chairman stated that

l L-R Chairman Steve Higgins, Commissioner & Fmr. Mayor , Broward County, Dale Holness, Director Dr. Rosemarie Lewis,Vice-chair Eddy Edwards & Consul General of Jamaica Oliver Mair. the administration will take the mission to the next level, through individual and corporate membership expansion, the establishment of strategic alliances with other youth-centric

organizations, extension of our Scholarship program, launch of quarterly PFY on-line discussion series by the youth among the youth, in a safe and nonjudgmental environment, the launch of

“PFY quarterly Huddle”, where presenters will address topics of critical relevance, such as human trafficking, and the launch of our Annual February Confab in 2022.

The newly inducted executive,

l L-R Chairman Steve Higgins, Director Dr. Rosemarie Lewis, The Hon. Jacqueline Powell, Judge of the 17th Judicial District of Florida,Vice Chair Eddy Edwards which also included Eddy Edwards (vice chair) and Dr Rose Adamson Lewis, was sworn in by the Honorable Jacqueline Powell, Judge of the 17th Judicial District of Florida. Other members of the Board include Secretary- Noelle Baldwin, Treasurer- Clinton DaCosta, Jermaine Smith, Abigail Thompson (UK) and Colin Waite.

The Consul General of Jamaica to the Southeast USA, Oliver Mair brought greetings, while Commissioner and former Mayor of Broward County Dale Holness, addressed the gathering, pledging support for the 501c3 entity and its new board. Apologies were sent by the Mayor of Davie, Judy Paul.

Vice Chair Eddy Edwards gave a history of the Foundation, which was founded by Anthony (Tony) Baker, Marcia Rigg-Baker, June Minto and Michael Rigg. ABI STARTIME was a pre-cursor to PFY and included a charm and dance school, centered on Tony’s passion for the arts and our youth. After Tony’s death, the PFY was activated as a 501c3 entity, through which the legendary Miss Jamaica Florida

Pageant was annually staged (for over 25 years). This was not a beauty pageant, but one in which contestants performed a song, a dance, a skit – multiple forms of Creative Expressions. They were given relevant themes to research and present to the public and to show excellence though interviews, poise, substance, and presence. For over two decades, the PFY has been awarding the Anthony Baker & Marcia RiggBaker scholarships annually to a young lady pursuing the arts, the most recent being 2021.

The PFY induction was attended by Southeast USA Diaspora representative Dr. Allan Cunningham, S.E. USA Youth Diaspora Representative Amaya Lewis and representatives of various organizations, which share a passion for our youth.

Reverend Gerald Gallimore Jr. gave the invocation and Master Matthew Higgins treated the audience with a superb rendition of “God Bless America”.

Log onto www. partnersforyouthfoundation.com for more information

PASSIONATE ABOUT

‘JAMAICANIZM’!

EVERY AUGUST, all Jamaicans form all walks of life, throughout the Diaspora, pause to reflect on our beloved country and celebrate the excitement of the anniversary of independence.

We hold church services praying for our “JamRock”, have numerous parties with much hype, listen to the SAME festival songs throughout the decades, banquets for the Stoosh among us is a must, and a focus on all that contributes to the Jamaican spirit! A fun-loving people who are passionate about our ‘Jamaicanizm’.

This year -an Olympic year with much at stake, there were more ‘Watch parties’, verandah conversations, ‘drink-ups’, bets and prognostications as to which of our athletes would earn Gold, Silver or Bronze in the Women’s 100M. Others didn’t seem to

care, as long as we taught the world to count “1-2-3” …Get it? Either way, we continue to bask in the accomplishments and showmanship of our current legend and fastest Man alive, Usain Bolt.

But what of our Institutions, reverence for our sacred symbols, documenting our own history ourselves, passing on our legacy to our next generations?

This column has mentioned the NDTC, (Professor Rex Nettleford), The Jamaican Folk Singers, (Dr Olive Lewin), L’Acadco Dancers (Dr. L’Antoinette Stines) – and many more!

This column is happy to mention ‘Artivist’ Charles “Mark Phi” Smart.

Charles innocently embarked upon a plan to paint a portrait of Marcus Garvey – Jamaica’s first

National Hero.

While doing research on his subject, Charles became immersed with interest and childlike excitement, peering over at other national heroes, and decided to expand his Artistry into ‘Artivistry’, and to explore the impact of ALL National Heroes on Jamaica!

It struck this young artist, that for the sacrifice and contribution made to Jamaica, these old, black and white, drab, unexciting portraits of Jamaica’s National Heroes, did them no justice.

Welcome to the “Jamaica Heroes Modernized Project”- A Legacy endeavor which has taken wings and rocket boosters with a throng of support from Jamaica’s foremost scholars, cultural icons, stalwarts, historians, musicians, anthropologists, activists, ‘waggonists’ – everyone!

Initial objectives include • Creating a film series (10 episodes) conveying a comprehensive story of the Heroes- in chronological order; the state of play at that time, the things that drove them to action and the impact of their action.

• modernizing our Heroes’ images with vibrant, colorful, Caribbean colors in order to give more dignity and prominence to them, placing them in a position of high esteem to be revered by all • Delving into the history of the Heroes from a Cultural

perspective, involving every genre of Jamaican Music • Making this information available to the youngsters in places where they are • Creating a Digital landscape with our own narrative that is reflective of who we are.

This project will inform about Maroons, Jerk, our Garden culture, the Taino, African and colonial influences, symbols tied to Adinkra (Mayan), the story behind the passion of a Jamaican …and much more!

It will focus on Jamaica’s modern-day heroes –like Miss Lou or Bob Marley- reminding

us that heroism continues in Jamaica and that what we do now will impact those of future generations.

This cultural preservation project will energize the hearts and minds of our people, inspiring more national pride and interest from our younger generations across the globe!

FOR MORE, LINK on www.Jamaicanationalheroes. com or on Facebook bit.ly/3y6bdmK or Instagram at Jamaica National Heroes.

Alternatively email jhm@jamaicanationalheroes. com

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 16 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

ENTERTAINMENT

Indie Developer Gives Away $6 Million Worth of Guild of Dungeoneering Ultimate Edition

G

ambrinous, the Dublin based indie developer, is giving away over 300,000 copies of turn-based dungeon crawler Guild of Dungeoneering Ultimate Edition to everyone who owns the original game on Steam.

When the new game launches on PC this November, all Steam versions of the original Guild of Dungeoneering will be upgraded to the Ultimate Edition free of charge.

Guild of Dungeoneering Ultimate Edition is a completely rebuilt and remastered version of the award-winning indie card

battler Guild o f Dungeoneering, bringing new quests, monsters, classes, weapons and loot - plus all the original’s DLC - together into one supreme package.

The award-winning original is a turn-based dungeon crawler with a twist - instead of controlling the

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

thephoenixnewspaper.com

www.streetcredmagazine.com www.streetcredmagazine.com hero, players build the dungeon around them. Using cards drawn from their guild decks players lay down rooms, monsters, traps and (of course) loot. All of this is dressed in a hugely nostalgic ‘pen & paper’ art style, influenced by classic 1980s and 90s tabletop RPGs (plus games the devs made as kids!).

Guild of Dungeoneering Ultimate Edition is being showcased to the public for the very first time at gamescom by the Indie Arena Booth. Virtual visitors will be treated to a demo of the game, featuring the first couple of hours of Ultimate Edition gameplay. This demo is available now on the original game’s Steam page.

“From today, players can delve into the demo to play Ultimate Edition for the very first time. We’ve seen a lot of buzz from fans since we announced Ultimate Edition so I’m excited to see their reaction to the demo”, says Colm Larkin, Director of Gambrinous. “This is also a great chance to expose a new audience to our wonderful mocking bard’s silly songs ahead of this November’s full release”.

Guild of Dungeoneering Ultimate Edition will be released for PC in November.

DROPTOP RECO UNRULY VIDEO FEATURING POP

a s a w s i h T A

shout out to Birminghams own Drop Top Record label who showcased the Unruly Popcaan video shoot at a secret location in Birmingham.

Thousands turned out for a mega headphone Brunch party that

went on to the early hours of the morning.

This was a one of a kind video shoot with food stalls, media and all round entertainment A great networking opportunity of celebrities in film and music,

faces like Dylan Duffus, Stylo G, and Lady Leshurr were in attendance.

Music on the night was supplied by the legendary Immortal Sound.

Words and photos by Mark Dwayne

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

SU PP VO LE L. ME 6 NT

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 17

Patron To

ORDS SHOOT PCAAN

! k c o l b d a ro

The Phoenix Newspaper Countdown To The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Celebrating All Things Commonwealth

Page 18 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

ON YOUR MARKS SUPPLEMENT

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

thephoenixnewspaper.com

W

olverhampton’s o w n Commonwealth Games gold medallist Hugh Porter MBE has been announced as City Cycling Ambassador – exactly 12 months before the city hosts the event’s 2022 cycling time trial.

Hugh, one of Britain's greatest former professional cyclists, has been given the accolade by City of Wolverhampton Council to recognise his tremendous achievements in the sport.

In his ambassador role, Hugh, who won Commonwealth Games gold in 1966 and four world titles in the individual pursuit, will act as a figurehead for cycling in the city.

He will help promote the Games as well as support other initiatives across Wolverhampton that show the council’s commitment to providing opportunities for residents to take up or continue cycling.

The council is keen to provide a healthier transport option for residents and reduce carbon emissions in the city. To support this, a new pathway for the exclusive use of cyclists and walkers is currently being developed through the central reservation along the entire length of Ring Road St Peters.

Created following a successful bid for just over £1million from the government’s Active Travel Fund, the money will also see the development of a continuous cycle route along the A4124 Wednesfield Road from Culwell St junction to link up with existing provision on Wednesfield Way. Wolverhampton is also part of the West Midlands Cycle Hire scheme, which offers the opportunity to hire a bike from docking stations

Australia Returning 14 Artworks Of Disputed Provenance

COMMONWEALTH CHAMPION HUGH PORTER MBE NAMED CITY CYCLING AMBASSADOR l Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield with Commonwealth Games Gold Medalst Hugh Porter across the city. The scheme aims to encourage more people to become active and healthy by using an environmentally-friendly alternative to the car for shorter journeys.

In hosting the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games cycling time trial, the historic city park will be the start and finish location

of the event, which is often referred to as ‘the race of truth’.

West Park, which opened in 1881 and is considered one of the finest examples of Victorian parkland in the country, will provide a fitting backdrop to the start and finish of the exciting cycling time trial race, featuring the very best cyclists from across the Commonwealth.

The City of Wolverhampton has strong links to road cycling, with the first mass start cycling road race being held in the city in 1942.

Speaking about his new role, Hugh said: “I’m honoured and proud to be invited to become the City Cycling Ambassador, especially on this day as it’s exactly twelve months to the

cycling road time trials for the Commonwealth Games, which will start and finish in the city’s beautiful West Park.

“This privileged role will give me the opportunity to encourage people young and old to ride bikes, I can’t wait to bring it on!”

THE NATIONAL Gallery of Australia is to return 14 works of art to India that are suspected of having been stolen, looted or exported illegally.

The religious and cultural artefacts include sculptures, photos and a scroll and are worth around $2.2m (£1.57m). Gallery director Nick Mitzevich said that their return would close a difficult chapter of our history.

All but one of the works are connected to Subhash Kapoor, a former New York art dealer and alleged trafficker. Kapoor, who is awaiting trial in India, denies all charges.

Some of the disputed pieces date back to the 12th Century, when the Chola dynasty presided over a flourishing of Hindu art in Tamil Nadu.

The Canberra gallery has already returned several other works it acquired via Kapoor, including a bronze statue of the Hindu god Shiva it bought for $5m (£3.6m) in 2008.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 19

ON YOUR MARKS SUPPLEMENT

59TH JAMAICAN INDEPENDENCE

O

ne of the most celebrated of celebrations, Jamaicans around the world marked their country’s Independence Day by taking part in huge street parades while donning a whole array of attires in the green, gold and black of its national flag.

From Blenheim in Hanover to Birmingham in the West Midlands, Montego Bay to Milton Keynes, Clarendon to California, Spanish Town to many Spanish towns,

l Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands and Valerie Edkins, treasurer of Friends of Perry Park

Mayor Launches Clean Up Campaign To Get Region Looking Its Best For Commonwealth Games in 2022

W

est Midlands residents are being asked to roll up their sleeves and rid the region of litter ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has launched the West Midlands Great Clean Up, aiming to help the region look its sparkling best before it comes under the international spotlight as host of the Commonwealth Games.

The campaign, which is backed by Keep Britain Tidy, aims to recruit 1,000 volunteers to get involved with litter picking across the West Midlands. The Great Clean Up kicked off in Perry Barr, home of the Alexandra Stadium, with a litter pick around Perry Park.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “In under a year’s time the eyes of the world will be on the West Midlands as we host the Commonwealth Games.

“We know just how fantastic our home is, so we want to make sure it’s looking its best when visitors arrive and images are broadcast around the world. To help make this happen we’ve launched the West Midlands Great Clean Up, where anyone and everyone can get involved.

“Whether you’re a regular litter picker or someone with an hour to fill over the weekend, your contribution can make a real difference in having

our region looking its best next year.

I’m urging everyone who can to sign up, arm themselves with a rubbish bag and grabber, and get picking.”

He led the litter pick around Perry Park where he was joined by the Friends of Perry Park, who help to maintain the park through conservation activities and to reduce fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour in the area.

Friends of Perry Park treasurer, Valerie Edkins, said: “We do regular monthly litter picks in the park.

So, to have the West Midlands Combined Authority promoting a clean-up of parks and the general environment is really exciting.”

Keep Britain Tidy are also supporting the West Midlands Great Clean Up, and Helen Bingham from the charity joined the litter pick. She said: “Up and down the country, thousands of our Litter Heroes are doing their bit to rid our streets, parks and beaches of litter pollution and we are delighted to be supporting the West Midlands’ drive to encourage more people to join them.”

Both local authorities and the Environment Agency have powers to tackle fly-tipping, with local authorities responsible for clearing the waste from public land only, and the Environment Agency investigating major illegal flytipping incidents occurring on either public or private land.

Manchester to… well, Manchester, or wherever natives and/or the descendants of are, celebrations of the Caribbean island’s independence of ruling went on – to the best during what still is very testing times.

Gaining independence in 1962 and Alexander Bustamante becoming its first Prime Minister, Independence Day has stood as one of the most senior public holidays celebrated on the Caribbean island. A ‘National Day of Jamaica,’ and celebrates independence from the United Kingdom on this day in 1962.

Having commemorating its 59th Independence (on August 6) the yearly occasion that celebrated its foundation as a sovereign country, following the section of enactment that made freedom official, Jamaica and Jamaicans marked Independence Day with festivals that celebrated with grand parades, traditional music – including the World Reggae Dance Final and

other events.

But, with Jamaica’s islandwide curfew still in place – due to the worldwide Covid pandemic, Jamaicans searched – far and wide, in some cases - for something at home for entertainment.

Whatever way, whichever way, it was, and still is, a “HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY JAMAICA!!!”

Page 20 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

thephoenixnewspaper.com

ON YOUR MARKS SUPPLEMENT - STRENGTH OF BIRMINGHAM

STRENGTH OF BIRMINGHAM

BIRMINGHAM 2022 UNVEILS WORLD CLASS CREATIVE TEAM TO DELIVER OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONIES

T

he creative team that will deliver the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has been unveiled.

Taking place on 28th July 2022, and broadcast to 1.5 billion people around the Commonwealth, the Opening Ceremony will host a live audience of 30,000 at the newly redeveloped Alexander Stadium.

Some of the UK’s brightest and best creative names have been assembled to deliver this once in a lifetime showcase for the region, with the team boasting a compelling blend of global prestige and homegrown talent.

The Birmingham 2022 Opening and Closing Ceremonies team consists of:

Iqbal Khan – Artistic Director

A globally renowned, Birmingham born, Theatre Director. Most known for modern retellings of the classics and has worked in the UK and abroad on the world’s most high-profile stages.

l Stephen Knight CBE, Joshua ‘RTKal’ Holness, Maeve Clarke and Iqbal Khan

Maeve Clarke – Writer

A published novelist and short story writer from Birmingham, Maeve’s credits include Whispers in the Walls, an anthology of new Black and Asian voices from Birmingham.

Joshua ‘RTKal’ Holness – Music Director

International rapper and music maker, Joshua has used music to unite and entertain audiences across the world. In 2018 he cocreated a project offering music education and recording facilities to youths and underprivileged groups in Birmingham.

Misty Buckley – Production Designer

Recently nominated for a BAFTA Award for Stormzy’s performance at Glastonbury Festival, Misty has extensive international experience of set design for large scale ceremonies and live events.

This includes Coldplay’s 2016 Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show, London 2012 Paralympic Closing Ceremony and the Rugby World Cup 2015 Opening Ceremony.

Hamish Hamilton – Broadcast Director

Hamish has directed and executive-produced countless ceremonies, award shows, concerts, and unique special events across the world. He is a twice BAFTA Award winner, plus Grammy and Emmy nominated global authority on live event broadcast.

Steven Knight CBE – Executive Producer

Creator and writer of Birmingham’s most famous export, Peaky Blinders. Steven has also written screenplays for the films Closed Circuit, Dirty Pretty Things, and Eastern Promises, and has directed and written the films Locke, and Hummingbird (also known as Redemption.

The team have been bought together by Birmingham2022’s Chief Creative Officer Martin Green CBE, who also led the Olympic and Paralympic Ceremonies in London 2012.

He said: “As a showcase of creativity and innovation, a successful Opening Ceremony will be remembered by athletes, spectators, and broadcast audiences alike for many years to come.

It is a defining moment for Birmingham, the West Midlands, and the UK as we welcome the Commonwealth and set the stage for the Games ahead.

"As we create these Ceremonies, it is our intention to utilise the new range of tools at our disposal.

From CGI to special effects, the UK is a world leader in cuttingedge broadcast technology.

"The core creative team assembled to imagine the Opening Ceremony is drawn from a diverse range of disciplines, from theatre to literature, TV to stage production; we have had access to the very best UK and West Midlands talent to create this.

"This talent and these tools are nothing without a story, and this city and region are full of rich and diverse narratives to share with the world.

"Ten years, almost to the day, since London 2012’s Opening Ceremony, these Games in Birmingham present a unique opportunity to create a global advert at a moment of renewal as we emerge from the challenges of the pandemic.”

Full details of the story of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be revealed in the coming months, as well as the musical performers, special guests and moments that will make up the shows. Created in Birmingham, the Ceremonies are set to be a platform for the voices, cultures and talent of the West Midlands to be represented on an international stage through the lens of innovative broadcast, cuttingedge technology, and spectacular creative production.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 21

THE HOMECOMING OF MOTHER FLETCHER & UNCLE REDD

WELCOME HOME THE ARRIVAL

V

iola Fletcher, aged 107 and her brother Hughes Van Ellis, aged 100, are two of the survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, and despite of everything they have been through over the last century, they hadn’t managed to return home.

The siblings are from Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which was devastated by a mob of armed white people in 1921. In the area otherwise known as “Black Wall Street” at least 300 African Americans were killed in the attack, with some 10,000 left homeless when the district was set ablaze, leaving a vibrant economy in ruins.

When they first expressed the want to return to the motherland, Mother

Fletcher and Uncle Redd wanted to see the Pyramids and Animals, but through The Return to Ghana, spiritually Ghana was decided as the best place for them to return to.

“Now, after all these years, I’m so happy to be fulfilling a lifelong dream of going to Africa,” beamed Viola, “and I’m so blessed that it is to Ghana.”

The trip, co-sponsored by Virginiabased social media platform Our Black Truth and the Diaspora Africa Forum, based in Ghana, took place between the 14th and 21st of August, and saw the siblings hosted by Kings and even the President of Ghana among a number of other engagements.

As Dr Toni Luck mentioned in interview, “They could either see dead pharaohs or animals, or come here and meet live kings! Those 2 live kings then conferred names to them, and the

To advertise in The Phoenix

President gave them citizenship.”

The siblings landed in Ghana’s capital of Accra as they were greeted by onlookers who cheered with shouts of “welcome home.”

After being greeted with flowers and sashes, Fletcher’s grandson, Ike Howard, said: “My grandparents are extremely excited to be home for the first time on the motherland.

“If you haven’t visited Africa, this is the time to come. We are in the middle of a pandemic but tomorrow is never promised to anyone.”

Travelling despite severe health issues causing hospitalisation before their trip, Ambassador Bennett said “They both said the only way they would not come to Ghana is if they were in a coffin. And you see them here, so let’s give them a big standing ovation.”

0121 339 5885 (Birmingham)

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Page 22 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

thephoenixnewspaper.com

THE HOMECOMING OF MOTHER FLETCHER & UNCLE REDD

M

other Fletcher and Uncle Redd attended Action Chapel International church, where they were celebrated and received gifts welcoming then to Ghana, and marking a connection with their motherland in Accra.

The group then visited

HONOURING MOTHER FLE The Diaspora Africa Forum headquarters, where the DAF added the names of the siblings to the iconic names on its Sankofa wall in Accra, Ghana.

During the ceremony, Hugh Van Ellis raised his finger to indicate the oneness of all people of African descent and said “we are one”.

At the unveiling, Mother Fletcher

asked for prayers after her grandson Ike Howard read out the names of their ancestors already mounted on the wall. There was also a brief tour of the tomb of W E B Dubois at the centre bearing his name, before visiting Osu Castle Dungeon, where the enslaved were kept before being shipped overseas.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 23

THE HOMECOMING OF MOTHER FLETCHER & UNCLE REDD

ETCHER AND UNCLE REDD A

t the Ambassadorial Afternoon Tea, Mother Fletcher and Uncle Redd met with a number of international Ambassadors.

They included US Ambassador - H.E. Stephanie S. Sullivan, Mali Ambassador - H.E. Abdoul Kader Toure, Kenya High Commissioner - E.M Barine, Nigerian Minister - Mrs. Esther Adebola Arewa, and the Namibia High Commissioner - Selma Ashipala-Musavyi.

Also in attendance were South African High Commissioner - Grace Jeanet Mason, Ivory Coast Ambassador - H.E Bernard Ehui-Koutoua, and the Togo Ambassador- H.E. Awoki Panassa.

All of the Ambassadors presented gifts from their countries as tokens of love and return for the special guests.

At the house of Judge Julia, the group was welcomed

by Gã Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II the traditional king of the Gã State in southern Ghana.

During the evening, they were adorned with hyssop wreaths, and Nai Wulomo conferred upon them Gã names, Naa Yaoteley on Mother Fletcher, and Nii Tete on Hughes Van Ellis, which will allow them to trace their history back to a specific house in the Gã region.

To advertise in The Phoenix

0121 339 5885 (Birmingham)

Page 24 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

thephoenixnewspaper.com

THE HOMECOMING OF MOTHER FLETCHER & UNCLE REDD

DURBAR & NAM T here was an Official Naming Ceremony that took place after The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana Tourism Authority Beyond the Return, Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President and the Diaspora Africa Forum came together.

Dressed entirely in white, signifying the new beginning, the siblings were in attendance with some of their family members.

Attended by members of the diaspora and local community, the ceremony took place outside the Accra Tourist Information Centre in the presence of The Deputy

A

Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, Deputy Director of Diaspora Affairs Office of the President, Nadia Adongo Musah, Chairperson of PANAFEST Foundation, Professor Esi Sutherland-Addy, Ambassador Nancy Sam, representatives of Ghana Tourism Authority and

s part of their “Taste of Ghana” reception, the Igbo community in Ghana, and the Ghanian government in conjunction with the Nigeria High Commission organised a grand cultural reception for Mother Fletcher and Uncle Redd.

Eze Ndigbo Ghana and the Assistant Publicity Secretary, Association Ndieze of Ndieze Ndigbo in the Diaspora, HRM Chukwudi Ihenetu with support of palace Chiefs, Charge D’Affairs Nigeria High Commission, Mrs Esther Arewa, Ambassador Bennett,

Director Of Diaspora Africa Forum (DAF) and other prominent Africans organised the cultural fiesta featuring rich Igbo culture.

Through traditional dance, storytelling, food, drink and the giving of gifts to the centenarians, who thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle.

Eze Ihenetu then conferred the chieftaincy title of Ebube Ndi Igbo on Viola Ford Fletcher (The Glory of the Igbo) and Ike Oha Ndi Igbo (Strength of the Igbo) on Chief. Hughes Van Ellis with both titles being recognised by the American government.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 25

THE HOMECOMING OF MOTHER FLETCHER & UNCLE REDD

MING CEREMONY members of the African American Association of Ghana.

Mother Fletcher and Uncle Redd approached the podium for the naming ceremony, officiated by Osu Alata Mantse, Nii Kwabena Bonnie V. They received their names, Naa Lamle for Mother Fletcher, and Nii Lante for Uncle Redd, before being

given certificates, and libations were poured and prayers said. The rest of the delegation were also given their names and certificates.

“The naming ceremony we are having for our brothers and sisters is to reconnect with them and welcome them back home and also to review their identities as Africans and

Ghanaians to be precise,” said Mr. Mark Okraku Mantey, Deputy Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture.

To advertise

0208 865 1922 (London)

Page 26 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

thephoenixnewspaper.com

THE HOMECOMING OF MOTHER FLETCHER & UNCLE REDD

IT TOOK A MERE 100 YEARS TO MAKE A MIRACLE

By Dr Toni Luck

O

PRESIDENTIAL VISIT

D

uring their visit to Ghana, the party visited the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa AkufoAddo, who has been president since 2017, swearing into his second term on January 7th this year.

President Akufo-Addo launched the Year of Return initiative in 2019, symbolic due to it’s commemoration of 400 years since the first enslaved Africans touched down in Jamestown in America, and subsequently the Beyond the Return initiative in 2020, to encourage African diasporans to return to Africa (specifically Ghana), and to settle and invest in the continent.

During the meeting, Mother Fletcher and Uncle Redd were offered Ghanaian Citizenship

by President Akufo-Addo, and both graciously accepted the offer.

In their response and appreciation to the government and people of Ghana, Viola and Hughes said “We accept the Ghana citizenship with great joy and we thank the president Nana Akufo-Addo for this great honour.”

l The party meets with President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

nce in a lifetime, if one is lucky, one can be presented with an opportunity to do something that is life enhancing, not just for themselves but for others.

On June 4th, when a call came to Mr. Michael Thomas, Founder and Chairman of Our Black Truth, the new social media platform made for African and African descendant people, I knew I had a door open to such a blessing – the opportunity to make a dream come true for a 107-year-old woman who had gone through hell at the age of 7 – her dream to come to the Motherland.

After witnessing her testimony of 19 May before the US Congress there was no doubt that I had to do all I could to make Viola Ford Fletcher’s dream come true.

So, I made three phone calls – two to Ghana and one to the UK to three phenomenal women – H.E. Ambassador Erieka Bennett, Head of Mission of the Diaspora African Forum, Lady Rosa Whitaker Duncan Williams, First Lady of Action Chapel and to the publisher of THE PHOENIX, Dr Marcia McLaughlin F.Birm.Soc. They all said yes, yes, yes – lets do it so without any doubt in my mind – Ghana was the only place for such a Once in a Lifetime visit.

With the approval of the Board of Our Black Truth, the supporting sponsor, we went to work with the Diaspora African Forum who became our cosponsor in Ghana.

With all the wonders and magic at her disposal, Ambassador Bennett galvanized every key stakeholder in the wondrous government of H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana and his amazing Presidential office of Diaspora Affairs under the leadership

of two incredible Ghanaians – Director Mr. Akwasi Awuah Abablo and Deputy Director Dr. Nadia Adongo Musah, along with the Ministry of Tourism, The Ghana Tourism Authority, Beyond the Return, The Ghana Investment Promotion Center, and with the Private Sector including Mr. Alex Dadey Chairman of GBL Foundation and Ambassador Nanci Q Sam, President of Women in Tourism.

With everything done in less than 7 weeks, Mother Fletcher, her baby brother Uncle Redd, her Grandson Ike Howard who was so instrumental all the way, Uncle Redd’s two daughters Malee and Muriel and family flew to Ghana on Delta Airways on the 13 of August for 8 days of Magic as these amazing photos show.

In the end, it was Uncle Redd who had the last word – WE ARE ONE – now and forevermore Africa is reconnected to her Children in the Diaspora and it took a mere 100 years and one phone call to do it thanks to Mother Fletcher and Uncle Redd.

THANK YOU

W

e would also like to thank our Phoenix team on the ground in Ghana, Bernard Kwakye, International Affairs Executive, Rhoda Adjowa Ampeaw, Photography/ Videographer & Michael Edem Attivor, Photography/ Videographer.

The ongoing coverage of this trip couldn't have happened without your support and hard work over the 8 days.

To advertise in The Phoenix

0121 339 5885 (Birmingham)

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

Global Investors Cheer As India Scraps Tax Policy INDIA HAS introduced a bill in its lower house to scrap a controversial 2012 law that retrospectively levied capital gains tax on companies for the indirect transfer of their Indian assets.

The law, which will now apply only prospectively, has been a major sore point with foreign investors for the better part of the last decade, damaging India's reputation as a stable tax jurisdiction and leading to protracted litigation.

"It is perhaps the boldest move taken in the history of Indian tax laws," said Bijal Ajinkya, Partner at the law firm Khaitan & Co. The far-reaching, but long delayed decision now paves the way for the government to settle billions of dollars in international disputes.

At least 17 companies, including British oil and gas major Cairn Energy, and the telecom giant Vodafone, will benefit from the ruling.

"Prime Minister Modi inherited this bad legislation, and today we are delighted to see he has finally decided to nullify it," said Mukesh Aghi, CEO and President of The USIndia Strategic Partnership Forum.

He called the law a ‘black mark’ on India's reputation as a predictable investment destination.

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 27

ON YOUR MARKS SUPPLEMENT

EAST AFRICA THRIVING IN WORLD ARTS SCENE

F

or many years, the cultural spotlight in Africa has seemed to be stubbornly focused on the west or south of the continent.

But from Sudan and Ethiopia to Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania, this large, ancient and multifaceted region is brimming with unique histories, peoples and stories; Kenya's capital, Nairobi, has emerged as a creative hub boasting the annual East African Art Auction, the largest in the region since 2013.

Putting the city on the contemporary art map in Africa, despite stiff competition from Cape Town and Lagos, Nairobi

is also an anchor for those fleeing conflict across the region and, in the process, have created one of the continent's most exciting art scenes.

Sudanese artist Eltayeb Dawelbait took refuge in the city after fleeing the authoritarian regime of Omar al-Bashir and the hostile environment for artistic expression. In the two decades Eltayeb has lived in Nairobi, his artwork has been able to thrive with stunning results.

His work is inspired by his rural Sudanese upbringing and his everyday encounters in Nairobi through portraits or objects he found or recycled. His 2019 piece ‘Encounter’ depicts the

male and female form, painted on a set of doors discovered in the fabric of Nairobi, through natural paints, which he himself mixes.

"You find a lot of different artists from around the world living in Nairobi,” he said. “It’s very inspiring - you can see new artists with new styles every day and that makes me happy, it encourages me."

Ethiopian artist Fitsum Berhe Woldelibanos has worked in Nairobi, creating vivid, brilliant pieces examining the human form, often through portraits.

Across East Africa, creatives are also shaping a new cultural palette, fusing ancient histories

with contemporary realities.

In Mogadishu, Italian-born Somali architect Omar Degan is re-examining the recent histories of a city ravaged by war. For him, in order to recreate all this in particular, Somalis need buildings they recognise as their own.

US-based writer Meron Hadero became the first Ethiopian to win the prestigious AKO Caine Prize for African Writing. Last year, another US-based Ethiopian writer, Maaza Mengiste, was shortlisted for the Booker Prize for her novel ‘The Shadow King’.

Extinction of Small States is the Price of Inaction Against Climate Change

ONLY RAPID and drastic action against climate change can prevent a climate breakdown, according to the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report released today.

The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, stressed the urgency to heed this warning and act now to protect Commonwealth Small States.

“For over thirty years the Commonwealth has been raising the alarm on climate change, yet the window of opportunity for taking action to avoid irreversible consequences is now closing even more rapidly than scientists had previously predicted – and with it the prospects of safety and even survival for some of our Small and Vulnerable States.

"Jeopardising their continuing viability and sustainability would be too high a price to pay for failure to agree and implement urgent measures to prevent further damage,” said Secretary-General Scotland.

Commonwealth Small States comprise 32 of the Commonwealth’s 54 Member States spanning across 5 regions globally and their economies are subject to extreme volatility in the event of an external shock such as natural disasters.

The increased frequency of climate disasters is threatening the progress of social and economic development in many Commonwealth Small States.

The IPCC data will inform climate negotiations ahead of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in November.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 28 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

thephoenixnewspaper.com

DROPTOP RECO UNRULY VIDEO FEATURING POP

a s a w s i h T A

shout out to Birminghams own Drop Top Record label who showcased the Unruly Popcaan video shoot at a secret location in Birmingham.

Thousands turned out for a mega headphone Brunch party that

went on to the early hours of the morning.

This was a one of a kind video shoot with food stalls, media and all round entertainment A great networking opportunity of celebrities in film and music,

faces like Dylan Duffus, Stylo G, and Lady Leshurr were in attendance.

Music on the night was supplied by the legendary Immortal Sound.

Words and photos by Mark Dwayne

@PhoenixNewsUK

ENTERTAINMENT

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

www.streetcredmagazine.com www.streetcredmagazine.com

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 29

ENTERTAINMENT

ORDS SHOOT PCAAN

! k c o l b d a ro

Birmingham Comedy Festival Returns

A

fter a year online, Birmingham Comedy Festival is back in the room for

2021.

Running from Friday 1 to Sunday 10 October 2021, the popular arts festival features over 40 shows, from big name acts, to emerging newcomers.

Highlights include the return of the fast-talking comedianturned-actor Russell Brand (Oct 3, Symphony Hall), as well as appearances from Strictly semifinalist Chris Ramsey (Oct 10, Town Hall) and the Tailenders crew (Oct 1, Symphony Hall).

They’re joined by Jenny Eclair (Oct 10, The Old Rep) who marks turning 60, Dane Baptiste (Oct 10, The Glee Club), social star Max Fosh (Oct 3, The Glee Club), Phoenix Nights’ psychic Clinton Baptiste (Oct 7, Town Hall), Rachel Fairburn (Oct 8, The Glee Club) and South African comic Loyiso Gola (Oct

To advertise in The Phoenix

1, The Glee Club).

Elsewhere, new stage production When You Fall Down (Sep 30-Oct 3, Old Joint Stock) explores the story of silent comic Buster Keaton, while Howerd’s End (Oct 6-10, Old Joint Stock) reveals the hidden life of postwar British comedian Frankie Howerd.

The festival also features some of the best acts from across the region, including former Birmingham Comedy Festival Breaking Talent Award winners Josh Pugh and Celya AB, plus Mary Flanigan, Danny Clives, Good Kids and Eric Rushton (who won the prestigious Leicester Comedy Festival

Comedian Of The Year Award in 2020).

A spokesperson for Birmingham Comedy Festival said: “We’re so excited to be back. The response to last year’s online festival was fantastic, and we’re hoping to continue with a few digital activities, but you just can’t beat seeing comedy with a roaring audience – the laughter’s infectious."

0121 339 5885 (Birmingham)

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Page 30 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

ENTERTAINMENT MOTORS

thephoenixnewspaper.com

www.streetcredmagazine.com www.streetcredmagazine.com

Six Appeal…

Sextet Of Iconic And Rare Lotus Esprit Head For Auction ORIGINAL ONLINE classic car auctioneer, The Market, has secured a collection of six highly-desirable and rare, limitededition Lotus Esprits – instantly recognisable through their cult status – for sale.

Heading up the charge is a jawdropping 1978 Esprit S2 ‘JPS Edition’ sporting its unmistakable black and gold livery.

Guided at between £75,000 to £100,000, this head-turning model has a mere 13,600 miles on the clock, has had just four previous owners and is considered one of the best, low mileage examples of its type.

Not to be outdone is an unbelievably rare 1981 Esprit Turbo Essex S3, also complete with its own distinct paintwork, this time in iconic blue and red Essex petroleum colours.

Tristan Judge, director, The Market, said: “To have secured just one of these limited edition Lotus Esprits for sale would have been fantastic but to be able to offer all six from the same private collection is unbelievable.

Nissan Worker Saves Life On Way To Work

MOTORING ROYALTY TO STAR AT BLENHEIM PALACE

T

hanks to its peerless combination of competition success, beauty and rarity, the Ferrari 250 GTO has become the jewel in the crown of any collection.

Seeing one up close is always a thrill for any enthusiast, but during this year’s Salon Privé Week there will be two of these iconic machines on display at Blenheim Palace.

Introduced in 1962, the GTO was the ultimate development of Ferrari’s 250 GT Berlinetta

series, which stretched back to 1956 and helped to lay the foundation of the Ferrari legend.

The 250 GT Berlinettas dominated motorsport’s GT class and were particularly successful in the Tour de France, winning this most gruelling of events no fewer than nine years in a row.

The two GTOs that will be gracing Salon Privé Week have both got exceptional histories.

Chassis number 3767GT was the first of two GTOs to be owned by renowned British

To advertise

privateer David Piper. Finished in his distinctive shade of green, 3767GT made its competition debut at Brands Hatch in August 1962, and the following month Piper – along with his good friend Dan Margulies – took it to fourth place in the Tour de France.

Joining it at Salon Privé will be chassis 4399GT, which was supplied new in 1963 to the famous Maranello Concessionaires equipe of Colonel Ronnie Hoare.

It won its first two races – at

Goodwood and Silverstone – with Mike Parkes at the wheel, and in August 1963 it was driven to victory in the Tourist Trophy by Graham Hill, the reigning Formula One World Champion.

With a programme that includes Ladies’ Day presented

by Boodles on Friday, the Salon Privé Club Trophy presented

by Lockton on Saturday, and Sunday’s Classic and Supercar event, all the elements are in place for another unmissable Salon Privé Week.

A FACTORY worker has been hailed a hero after he delivered lifesaving CPR to an elderly cyclist who went into cardiac arrest.

Karl Harrison has been praised after he leaped into action when a 76-year-old man collapsed while riding his bike on Washington Road near the Nissan Sunderland Plant.

Karl, who received his first aid training as part of his Quality Assurance job at Nissan from the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), saw the pensioner collapse as he drove into work.

Recognising that the cyclist had gone into cardiac arrest, Karl immediately began to perform chest compressions while a colleague called 999.

Paramedics and police arrived on scene a short time later and, with the assistance of a defibrillator, the medical professionals were able to revive the patient.

He was taken to hospital where he is described as being in a stable condition. Emergency services say Karl’s intervention almost certainly saved the man’s life.

0208 865 1922 (London)

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 31

www.streetcredmagazine.com

BENTLEY AND SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOLS SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCH DIGITAL WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME

W

ith COVID-19 continuing to limit the opportunity for traditional “hands-on” work experience, Bentley Motors is embracing digital alternatives and is successfully partnering with social mobility charity Speakers for Schools to deliver a range of virtual work experiences for over 500 young people.

The work experience opportunities, which are available to students across the UK with an interest in STEM topics, focus on a range of areas from Engineering to Digital.

The opportunities are being supported by colleagues from Bentley’s diversity and inclusion networks, as part of its Early Careers outreach programme which aims to encourage more girls and students from ethnic minorities to consider careers in

the automotive industry.

During the most recent work experience session on digital skills, colleagues from Bentley challenged the students to design their “car of the future”.

The winning design was submitted by Year 13 student, Yen Li from Torquay Girls Grammar School. The team at Bentley Motors were particularly impressed by Yen’s innovative approach, inventive design and ability to work quickly and with attention to detail.

Tom Russell, Bentley’s Early Careers Manager, explains: “The advantage of our virtual work experience programme is that although we are based in Crewe, Cheshire, with the help of Speakers for Schools, we’ve been able to extend opportunities to students from across the country.

“Early Careers outreach is a key part of our diversity and

MOTORS

Turbo Technics Turns 40 With Celebration At Donington TURBO TECHNICS, the renowned UKbased specialist turbocharger engineering company, will celebrate its 40th anniversary in style with a track event and a display of some of the countless performance road and competition vehicles it has created over the years.

This will be held in conjunction with the Time Attack round at Donington Park, Bank Holiday Monday, August 30, 2021.

All owners of Turbo Technics enhanced vehicles are invited to apply to attend the celebration with their cars, which will be displayed in a central paddock. Participants will enjoy free entry and the chance to drive their car on the circuit, as well as receive mementos of the day - prizes will be awarded for the best presented and most authentic cars.

In addition, the company’s 600bhp Ford Focus will compete in the meeting’s Club Pro class in the hands of Turbo Technics’ Founder and Managing Director, Geoff Kershaw.

inclusion programme as we aim to highlight the huge range of opportunities within our sector to an increasingly wider range of people – with the goals of filling our future talent pipelines with more diverse candidates in the long-term.

“Yen’s engagement with our Insight programme – and her winning car design - is a fantastic example of how we’ve been able to connect with a student who may not have previously considered Bentley, but who has the potential to excel in our industry.”

Yen Li, aged 18, from Torquay, Devon, said: “I would never have found work experience with Bentley Motors without Speakers for Schools and I really enjoyed learning about the business. The car design challenge was exciting and I am delighted to have won and to receive the 3D model.”

Volkswagen To Sponsor Its First Ever UK Pride Event VOLKSWAGEN is very pleased to announce its support of the Milton Keynes Pride Festival 2021 – its first ever partnership with a Pride event in the UK. The brand will be sponsoring the festival’s Community Tent and Sensory Area, with the project managed by We Drive Proud UK –Volkswagen Group UK’s Employee Network Group (ENG) for colleagues both in the LGBTQ+ community, and those wishing to support LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion in the

workplace.

Volkswagen chose Milton Keynes Pride Festival as the brand’s nearest Pride to the company’s headquarters, with the event benefitting the local community through providing a safe space for local LGBTQ+ people, as well as contributing to local projects ranging from educational development programmes, to youth groups, and Q:Alliance, a local LGBTQ+ charity. The event takes place on 11 September in Campbell Park, Milton Keynes.

The brand’s sponsorship of Milton Keynes Pride Festival covers the Community Tent and Sensory Area – two spaces where families can enjoy themselves while being a part of Pride.

To advertise in The Phoenix

0121 339 5885 (Birmingham)

Page 32 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

ENTERTAINMENT

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

thephoenixnewspaper.com

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Now Is Not The Time For Silence: Namywa on broadcasting her powerful musical response to racism from Symphony Hall, a B:Music Venue

T

he Birmingham artist and songwriter was commissioned by B:Music last summer as part of a dedicated music project that is amplifying the voices of Black Birmingham musicians in order to create opportunities for their experiences of racial inequality to be heard The Black Lives Matter protests which took place following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis were one of the defining images of 2020. In towns and cities across the globe, millions of people marched in support of the ongoing fight for justice and racial equality, as well as challenging discrimination in all of its forms.

In Birmingham, 4000 protesters gathered peacefully in Centenary Square in June 2020 for a notable demonstration which drew public praise from the West Midlands Police.

Aiming to further the global conversation about tackling racism, B:Music launched ‘Now Is Not The Time For Silence’: a project for Black Birmingham musicians to address the theme of racism, both individual and systemic, through music.

Among the eight artists to have been commissioned so far is Namywa, who performed her spine-tingling ‘Now Is Not The Time For Silence’ set in

Symphony Hall in August 2020.

Her recorded performance of the piece was broadcast on YouTube and Facebook, sharing the musician’s important and affecting message across the world.

We caught up with Namywa to reflect on her experience of being part of ‘Now Is Not The Time For Silence’, as well as learning about what the future holds for the rising Birmingham musician.

You were commissioned

by B:Music last summer to compose a musical response on the theme of racism.

What was it like contributing to ‘Now Is Not The Time For Silence’, especially during such a historic time?

“It was amazing. It felt like it was right for me, as I had that song in me and the piece itself wasn't hard to write.

"Once I'd written it to an instrumental, I thought about what an honour it was to play Symphony Hall at that time, so I wanted to do a completely different live set-up.

"I started working with some strings and piano and decided not to have a backing vocalist, which is new for me. I felt like I could get the emotion I wanted to express with the music, and it was a good creative opportunity for me.”

What has the response to your musical piece been like?

“Among my family it sparked conversation about identity, who we were and what I was saying at that time and what it meant.

That was a beautiful thing.

"I had a conversation with myself being like: ‘From this point onwards, it's about doing rather than saying what we're doing.' I've always stood by that, but I felt like my musical response enabled that message to come out.”

Have you been able to perform the piece live anywhere else since its Symphony Hall debut?

“In September I did a show in Digbeth, and when I played that song live the reaction was pindrop silence. It was crazy. I’ve received a lot of feedback from people saying I need to get the song recorded, which is what I've done: it's going on my debut EP.”

B:Music are also supporting you through a leadership course run by The Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM). What do you hope to gain from this?

“The ILM course was perfect timing for me. I need to learn more about how to lead, as well as other things, like policies,

that I maybe wouldn't have thought about in the first instance. It’s been a good challenge [personally], as I’m combining it with my own creative process with music and overseeing my organisation Girl Grind UK.”

What can you tell us about Girl Grind UK?

“I set it up to support Black, Asian and ethnic minority women and girls in the West Midlands in order to create opportunities for personal and professional development. Our company isn't limited to just the arts, and that's what I think is different about it.

"It’s all about what it means to be ‘on your grind’, which doesn't have to be in the typical creative limelight – it might be in tech or science, for example.

I want to apply to the Arts Council to become a National Portfolio Organisation in the next two years.

"In 10 years’ time, I want Girl Grind UK to be an epicentre. I think it's doable if the right doors are open, and if I've got the right mindset and vision to lead.”

How important is it to keep supporting young musicians and creatives in Birmingham and the West Midlands as live music returns?

“It's pretty essential. Looking

at m y o w n journey, if I didn't have the venues and the opportunity to meet people, it would've n e v e r happened.

The physical space is superimportant, and for [venues] to just be open, accessible and create spaces for people to come and share music is really important.

"In order to develop, you need the opportunity to perform your music to be able to figure out your identity and what kind of

artist you want to be. It's important that there's a space that's forgiving to be able to do that in.”

You can watch Namywa’s ‘Now Is Not The Time For Silence’ performance on B:Music’s YouTube page.

Namywa will perform a free gig in the transformed spaces at Symphony Hall, a B:Music venue on Saturday 25 September. Book online at bmusic.co.uk

END OF AN ERA

A

fter nearly 50-years Lozells Fashion is set to close its doors for a final time, bringing to an end decades of being at the forefront of ladies highend dresses and gowns – that has been worn far and wide, by women with that discerning level of class.

Owned and run by Sahain Kajah and her husband Mohammed Ashraf Kajah, it is – thus, soon nolonger be - a ‘beaming light’ that has stood out, above and beyond, all that has been before it.

Situated on Lozells Road, in the Birmingham district that bares its name, it has remained the “go-to” boutique for women of the highest of tastes – for the longest of times.

And, with its end ever near, it is

bound to leave a massive void for those who were always looking for that something ‘different’ and ‘unique.’

The first Asian shop to open on Lozells Road, provids women with some of the best-designed gowns outside of London. But, now, with times forever-changing, for Pakistan-born Sahain and Mohammed, it’s now all about enjoying their lives together – to the “full.”

“All stuff here is/was exclusively from London’s West End,” Sahain says, “before we then went straight to the manufacturers – and cut-out the ‘middle-man’.

“We would always spend a day or so sourcing our dresses before we then were able to get them from Leicester on a more regular basis.

Every woman and girl around the area came here for the latest fashion.”

It proved to be the basis of a fruitful career, but it was far from her original plans: “I came here originally to continue teaching.

I have a Degree in Science and another in Education – with which I taught in Christian Missionaries in Pakistan and around the world.

“I came here to further my teaching career but found I would have had to study again – the same I did in Pakistan - to do so.

So, I took up my love of fashion and business and opened Lozells Fashion. Always supportive, my husband, though, wanted me to have career in pharmacy - but fashion was always my love.

"I was here during the burning

of Lozells Road. I feel no one burned my shop because so many local women had deposits on their chosen outfits!"

With a regular, ever-growing foot-fall, plus people from Gloucester and Coventry, together with staff and parents – and students – from local schools and businesses (who often had to phone-in to make appointments) the boutique remained a thriving “go-to” for many: “We got a great affinity with people near and far.

They loved here, and we really loved them.

“But it’s now time to ease down and enjoy a life in the sun. after nearly 50-years, it’s time for a change of pace. It’s time to enjoy the sun!

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

ENTERTAINMENT

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 33

www.streetcredmagazine.com www.streetcredmagazine.com

ENTERTAINMENT

BIRMINGHAM STAR DYLAN DUFFUS JUST KEEPS INNOVATING

W

hen it comes to exciting gritty street movies from Birmingham this is the man that comes to mind.

Actor and director Dylan Duffus has an outstanding CV, every film that has his involvement creates a buzz like no other.

The Birmingham actor is very in tune to what is current and does gang related movies that has the message as he says 'This is not the route to go and this is why', including movies such as 1 Day, The Intent, One Mile Away & Line Of Duty.

It is amazing how this once underground rapper has now become a national star in film.

He is also a true entreprenuer and involved in clothing, liquor brand Kamo Vodka and a brand new bar named Channel 7 in partnership with long time friend and mentor Sirus.

Dylan creates trends and excitement and always likes to represent Birmingham.

His next film Trappin features the likes of rap star Abbra Caddabra.

Look out for full feature interview on the new Street Cred Podcast!

King G Mall

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Page 34 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Caribbean Reggae Fever highlighting city of true “multi” Culture

A

ll ages were welcomed as the Caribbean Reggae Fever brought to the centre of Coventry city.

With an array of live music event featuring bands, solo artists, DJ sets, food and stalls from local vendors staged in this outdoor event, produced by Coventry City of Culture in collaboration with Coventry Caribbean Association and Arawak Community Trust, it brought together an exciting celebration of traditional Caribbean culture, lifestyle, food and music to Millennium Place - outside the Coventry Transport Museum.

Open for everyone, it provided an opportunity for newer generations and other cultures to share and experience some Caribbean traditions and experiences, and for the older generation – especially the Windrush Generation - to enjoy and showcase those traditions.

With the Coventry twinned with the Jamaican capital city of Kingston, and the two cities sharing a great history - with the

vast majority of the Windrush Generation who moved from the Caribbean, to the West Midlands city, the Caribbean Reggae Fever - supported by funding from National Lottery Community Fund – was the perfect showcase to shine a light on people dressed in traditional carnival costumes as dancers - accompanied by calypso and soca music which

was provided by steel bans and live off-street entertainers. With DJ Mikey Dee at the helm, reggae artist Wayne Wonder & Band headlined the event with Tippa Irie, Peter Hunningale, Coventry’s own DJ Katt, plus V Rocket, Lucy Tennyson, Sandra Cross and the Daddy Woody Band amongst those who also topped the bill on the day.

To advertise

For organiser, S h e r r i l Donaldson, it was a comingtogether of hard, relentless work and dedication - whilst, for the city of Coventry, it was just another reminder of why they are the UK’s City of “multi” Culture.

0208 865 1922 (London)

thephoenixnewspaper.com

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

T

The Birmingham group, from Moseley, found success in 1980 with Food For Thought, their first UK top 10 single, before having hits with I Think It's Going to Rain Today, One in Ten and covers of Red Red Wine and I Got You Babe - In total, they have recorded 39 UK top 40 singles and 28 top 40 albums, and sold 100 million albums worldwide.

Having endured a long, hard battle with cancer, he died age 62.

N

icknamed 'Lord Ted', the former batsman and bowler, played 62 Tests for England and was captain between 1961-1964.

He led Sussex to the first two Gillette Cups and made a twoTest comeback in 1968.

He scored 4,502 runs at an average of 47.89 for England and took 66 wickets at 34.9. Six of his nine Test centuries were bigger than 140.

B

She also appeared in Midsomer Murders, Heartbeat, Casualty and Keeping Up Appearances. In recent years, Stubbs also appeared in Victoria Wood's We'd Quite Like to Apologise, The Catherine Tate Show, Agatha Christie's Marple, Benidorm since 2010, as well as appearing in an episode of Call the Midwife in 2015.

Married and divorced twice, to actors Peter Gilmore and Nicky Henson, she had three sons, she died age 84.

K

nown as the "Godfather of Sudoku", he gave the number puzzle its name after publishing it in his magazine Nikoli in the 1980s.

Since then the popular game spread around the globe.

Born in the northern Sapporo, in Japan, after dropping out of Keio University, he set up the puzzle magazine Nikoli, which published its first edition in

T

He also toured with his own group, the Charlie Watts Quintet, and appeared in London at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club with the Charlie Watts Tentet.

Married to wife, Shirley Ann, since 1964, he was named one of the ‘World's Best Dressed Men’ and in 2006, Vanity Fair elected him into the International Best Dressed Hall of Fame List.

He was voted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame that year.

He died age 80.

August 1980. He said he came up with the name Sudoku "in about 25 seconds".

Tournaments now take place across the world and it is estimated that millions play versions of the game each day. He also invented or introduced various other puzzle games, such as Masyu.

Married to Naomi with two children, he was said to have died from bile duct cancer, age 69.

Dennis Thomas

Charlie Watts

he drummer who helped the Rolling Stones become one of the greatest bands in rock 'n' roll, he was a member of the band since 1963.

A jazz aficionado at heart, he helped them become one of the bands who took rock 'n' roll to the masses in the 1960s and ‘70s.

Born in London, he originally trained as a graphic artist, before joining the Blues Incorporated jazz band. He also started playing drums in London's rhythm and blues clubs.

Having stood as a Conservative Party candidate for Cardiff South East but, he joined England’s Test against South Africa as vicecaptain after coming second in the ward. He helped devise a ranking system for Test players and was chair of selectors for England and later named president of the M.C.C. (Marylebone Cricket Club).

Awarded a CBE in 2001, he died age 86.

Maki Kaji

Una Stubbs

orn in Welwyn Garden City and starting her career as a dancer, she found fame in Cliff Richard's 1963 film Summer Holiday before starring in Till Death Us Do Part, Worzel Gummidge, The Worst Witch, EastEnders and Sherlock.

She starred on stage as well as screen, including Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and the original cast of the National Theatre adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

OBITUARIES

Jacob Desvarieux

Ted Dexter

Brian Travers

he UB40 saxophonist and co-songwriter was one of the founding members of the chart-topping reggae group.

Described by his bandmembers as "our comrade, brother, founding UB40 member and musical legend," the key part of the line-up as a saxophone player, arranger and lyricist, had surgery to remove two brain tumours in 2019 before, reportedly, having another operation earlier this year.

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 35

A

founding member of soulfunk band Kool & the Gang, he was the alto sax player, flutist and percussionist.

He also served as master of ceremonies at the band's shows.

Born in Florida, Thomas was known for his prologue on the band's 1971 hit, Who's Gonna Take the Weight and was also the group's wardrobe stylist.

Also known as “Dee Tee”, he and the group's other founders are brothers Ronald and Robert Bell, Spike Mickens, Ricky Westfield, George Brown and Charles Smith

To advertise in The Phoenix

went through several iterations before settling on Kool & the Gang in 1969.

They earned two Grammy Awards and seven American Music Awards and were honoured in 2014 with a Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award. Their music was sampled and featured on film sound tracks, including ‘Rocky,’ ‘Saturday Night Fever’ and ‘Pulp Fiction.’

Survived by his wife, Phynjuar Saunders, daughter Tuesday Rankin and sons David and Devin, he died age 70.

T

he pioneering Caribbean Zouk musician, Jacob Desvarieux, has died after suffering with COVID-19 in Guadeloupe.

A giant of zouk music, he was an unparalleled guitarist and emblematic voice of the West Indies Fusing traditional Guadeloupean drumming within their music and using various styles of Caribbean music from Haiti, Dominica and Guadeloupe, to create Zouk, and

A

lauded by the likes of jazz legend Miles Davis, Kassav’ celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2019.

Born in Paris, France, the co-founder of popular Zouk band Kassav’, he was in poor health after undergoing a kidney transplant and was taken to hospital in after catching the virus - before passing away at the University Hospital of Abymes in Pointe-a-Pitre. He was 65.

Sean Lock

n award-winning comedy panel show favourite, he was a team captain on 8 Out of 10 Cats and also appeared on QI, The Last Leg, Have I Got News for You, and The Big Fat Quiz of the Year.

Born in Chertsey, his first job was as a labourer – where he developed skin cancer - before enrolling at the Drama Centre London.

After seeing comedians like Alexei Sayle and Paul Merton, he pursued comedy, visiting shows in London pubs. Then, in 1988, he had his first gig before realising he be a professional comedian.

He appeared in Newman and Baddiel in Pieces including touring with them as their support act. He was then the first stand-up comedian to perform at Wembley Arena.

Making regular appearances

on radio panel shows, he scriptedited for ‘Is It Bill Bailey?’ before launching his own show ‘15 Minutes of Misery.’ Married to wife, Anoushka Nara Giltsoff, with two daughters, he died age 58.

Lee 'Scratch' Perry OD

T

he singer and producer known for his pioneering experiments in dub, revolutionised not only reggae, but also hip hop, dance and other genres.

The reggae legend worked with Bob Marley and the Wailers, Sir Paul McCartney, Junior Murvin, The Congos, Max Romeo, Adrian Sherwood, Beastie Boys, Ari Up, The Clash and The Orb winning a Grammy in 2002. He was nominated four other times before receiving his country’s OD (Order of Distinction).

Born in Kendal, in Hanover, he started his music career in the 1950s as an assistant at a reggae label, before becoming a recording artist, moving to Kingston in the early 1960s. a.k.a ‘Pipecock Jackson’ or ‘The Upsetter, he was best known in the dub, reggae, ska, rocksteady, jungle and electronic music genres. His mother had strong

African traditions originating from her Yoruba ancestry that she passed on to him. He died in hospital in Lucea, age 85.

0121 339 5885 (Birmingham)

Page 36 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

thephoenixnewspaper.com

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

g n i t o Prom xcellence E

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

DON’T OVERLOOK A APPRENTICESHIPS

s thousands of young people across the West Midlands receive their A-level and GCSE results, Make UK has highlighted the growing demand for apprentices from the region’s engineering and manufacturing sector.

Research from Make UK shows that while fewer than half (47%) of UK manufacturers took on an apprentice in the last year, nearly six in 10 (57%) are now looking to recruit an engineering or manufacturing apprentice in the next 12 months.

The survey of 165 employers’ forms part of a wider report by Make UK, which welcomes over 400 apprentices every year to its world-class Technology Hub in Aston, Birmingham, from customers including Jaguar Land Rover, Severn Trent, Ishida and

Ibstock.

Stephen Mitchell, Director of Apprentices and Technical Training at Make UK said: “I’d urge anyone who received their results and haven’t made a final decision on their future to consider an apprenticeship.

“It’s a great alternative to other higher education options - not least because you ‘earn while you learn’; apprenticeships can help unlock our recovery to rebuild our economy, communities and create high quality jobs in the coming years.

"At Make UK we know first-hand the benefits of apprenticeships for the sector; at our Technology Hub not only do we train hundreds of apprentices each year, but we work hard to inspire the next generation of future makers.”

Aston Villa Foundation Scores A Winner With Footballing Robots

T

eachers from across Birmingham enjoyed a hands-on taste of one of the Millennium Point Trust’s small grants projects, when they attended Aston Villa Foundation’s recent STEM Through Football event, showcasing its work with schools in the city.

The foundation’s STEM Stars project, funded through the Millennium Point Trust Small Grants programme, is a new programme in six schools, all within a three-mile radius of Villa Park.

The schools targeted in the STEM Stars project have a high percentage of BAME and high levels of income deprivation (top 3% nationally) and education deprivation (top 8%).

The funding has been used to purchase a Sphero Bolt package that uses football to engage young people in coding. Teachers at the event, hosted by Millennium Point, enjoyed an interactive

experience with the ‘Bolts’, steering and programming the Sphero bots through a number of activities on special football pitch mats.

Project lead Alex Owens, Schools Coordinator at Aston Villa Foundation, commented: “The feedback from teachers was fantastic; it’s great to see the impact we can create within the schools; STEM is adding onto our project work where we are already delivering PE, active maths and PSHE, but it also means we can reach out to more schools.”

Using code, the robots can perform specific functions – such as motion and direction, colour and light, and sensor-controlled reactions, allowing students to be creative with their programs.

Teachers and students can use the robots for activities such as navigating a maze, painting, mimicking the Solar System, swimming across water – and even recreating Villa goals from the recent Premier League season

l Katherine Marlow

Doctoral Researcher At UOB Goes The Extra Mile For Children With Brain Injuries ON SUNDAY August 1, Katherine Marlow, Doctoral Researcher at the University of Birmingham completed the London Landmarks Half Marathon for children’s charity, Cerebra, raising over £400.

The charity, which supports children with a brain condition and their families is a cause close to Katherine’s heart, as her role at the University is part of the Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

“Cerebra is a fantastic cause and beyond ‘the day job’ I am honoured to find another way to support the charity through this campaign,” said Katherine, when asked why she was running for Cerebra.

“I love a challenge and dedicating myself to something, so when I heard about the opportunity to sign-up, I decided to run with it (if you pardon the pun).”

The University has, for a number of years, worked in collaboration with Cerebra to develop a world-leading research programme, central to improving the lives of children with severe and complex needs and their families. Birmingham is one of four universities, including Aston, that form the Cerebra Network, driving research to help the charity achieve its aim for all children to have the maximum opportunity to achieve and participate in society.

Since the first national lockdown in March last year, Katherine and her colleagues have had to swap the lab for their home and adapt the way they work.

Their research is now fully remote and conducted safely and effectively despite ongoing Covid-imposed restrictions.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 37

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

PHOENIX EDITOR IN CHIEF REACHES OUT TO CHILDREN

R

efocus for Kids was in their second week of four workshops, this one focusing on 'Becoming a leader'.

Dr Marcia McLaughlin, CEO/Founder of The Phoenix Newspaper came to Beacon Evangelical Church in Handsworth

l Dr Marcia McLaughlin with Dionne Dehaney

where the playscheme was being run to speak to the children about her experience of being a leader and how she became the Editor-InChief of The Phoenix Newspaper.

"Refocus for Kids is a new initiative that we felt was desperately needed to refocus our kids after the world pandemic that had not only separated the children from each other but had caused a lot of mental anguish," explained project leader Dionne Dehaney.

"The project aimed to promote good community cohesion, diversity, British values, a healthy life style and self-development coupled with pro-socialness through a variety of workshops.

"This included workshops on friendship, teamwork, resolving conflict, bullying, poetry, becoming a leader, racism, responsibility, internet safety, organisational skills, ethical decisions, cooking, caring for others, communication, perseverance, negotiation,

Cleo Morris l Dr Marcia McLaughlin in pink with the children who took part in the workshop tolerance and opportunities.

"The completion of each workshop gave each child the opportunity to receive an AQA unit

Award certificate.

"Thanks to The National Lottery we were able to offer the playscheme for free for four weeks

and allow the children to access activities that would not have been possible."

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

ADVERTORIAL

DR RAMOCAN'S BOOK SIGNING GETS SOME 'COMMUNITY HELP'

C l Dr. Ramocan with Wanis staff, pleased to receive their copies of Community Helpers

l Dr. Ramocan with a Wanis customer and staff

To advertise in The Phoenix

elebrating the third edition of Dr. Lola Ramocan’s book ‘Community Helpers’, the Jamaican author put on a hugely popular book signing at Wanis International Foods in Leyton, London.

Attended by Wanis’ customers, including many Caribbean retailers and food service

entrepreneurs, the signing resulted in over 60 books being sold in just one hour, many of them destined for school libraries and Caribbean homes across the UK. Community Helpers looks to foster in the children, particularly those of the Jamaican diaspora, a strong sense of pride and community, promoting respect

l Dr. Ramocan signing a copy of her book for a Wanis customer

for community helpers such as teachers, doctors and firefighters through discussion, colouring and other fun and accessible activities.

Following the success of the event, Wanis’ Head of Community, Paul Harrison, noted that “as a company that works with so many Jamaican entrepreneurs, we jumped at the chance to have Dr. Ramocan’s book signing at Wanis and were delighted that so many of our customers turned up to buy copies for their loved ones.”

For more information on Dr. Ramocan’s book or wholesale Caribbean foods, head to http:// www.wanis.com/communityhelper-book-signing and let them know that The Phoenix sent you! www.ssseducation.com Email emcd2uk@gmail.com pgreen.emcd@gmail.com Or Telephone : 876754-9006 - Jamaica +44(0)7467159610 - UK

0121 339 5885 (Birmingham)

Page 38 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

thephoenixnewspaper.com

New Emotional And Wellbeing Support Service To Launch A NEW emotional and wellbeing support service for disabled children, young people and their families is being launched in Wolverhampton.

The support service has been commissioned by HeadStart Wolverhampton and will be delivered by Include Me TOO, a national charity based at the city’s Newhampton Arts Centre.

Include Me TOO piloted the service early this year in response to families’ concerns about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of disabled children and young people.

Restrictions meant they were unable to access educational settings, or physiotherapy, speech and language or behavioural support services.

The new support service aims to help disabled children, young people and their siblings better understand and manage their emotions and feelings through a series of sensory and holistic interventions.

Include Me TOO will deliver a programme of workshops offering a range of approaches, activities and strategies to support young people’s mental and sensory wellbeing.

They will provide access to a range of sensory holistic resources, including sensory therapy workshops covering mindfullness, yoga, meditation, sensory safe spaces and ground techniques, as well as a range of inclusive resources to improve mental and emotional wellbeing.

Families will need to register for this free service and places are limited due to the commitment required from each family to complete the programme.

Councillor Beverley Momenabadi, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of disabled children and young people.

"They have experienced increased isolation, while many siblings have also been confined to the home while their brother or sister was shielded.

“Include Me TOO has supported young people and their families throughout the pandemic, and I am delighted that HeadStart Wolverhampton has now commissioned the charity to provide this emotional and wellbeing sensory support service to more local residents over the next 12 months.”

Include Me TOO has supported thousands of families with disabled children and young people in Wolverhampton since 2002.

VICKY MCCLURE URGES THE WEST MIDLANDS TO STEP UP TO HELP BEAT DEMENTIA Isolation " rules change l Vicky McClure at an Alzheimers Society event

For over a decade, I have joined thousands of Alzheimer’s Society fundraisers who lace up their boots each autumn to complete a Memory Walk in support of those living with dementia and their families.

Last year, while we couldn't walk together in person, I was determined that the circumstances wouldn't prevent me and my family from walking

in memory of my nana, and I was in awe of the sheer number of people who also stepped onto their local streets to raise vital funds for the charity.

This year, I am delighted to say that people can again unite at 20 locations across the UK, including Sutton Park, Birmingham, on Saturday, September 11, to create new memories together and support the 850,000 people in the UK

who are currently living with dementia.

With supporters also having the option to organise their own Memory Walk at a location of their choosing, there’s never been a better or more important time to get involved. Over a year since the pandemic began, people with dementia in the West Midlands are still bearing the brunt of coronavirus.

Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia

Birmingham St Mary’s And John Taylor Hospice Confirm Successful Charity Merger BIRMINGHAM St Mary’s and John Taylor Hospices are delighted to announce that the two charities have successfully merged together to form one Birmingham wide organisation.

From August 2 the two charities are now a new single registered charity, The Hospice Charity Partnership. The two Hospice sites and Inpatient Units are being preserved, as well as each hospice’s individual identity.

Both Birmingham St Mary’s and John Taylor Hospice will also continue to deliver the same services to patients and their families and there will be no changes to the quality of care offered. The Selly Park and Erdington-based hospices have

been working together closely for many years to improve palliative and end of life care for more people across Birmingham

and Sandwell.

Harry Turner, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “For both Boards the merger of

Connect support services have been used over 5.5 million times since the pandemic began.

Sign up for free now at memorywalk.org.uk and with every step, you’ll help change the lives of people affected by dementia who need us now more than ever Thanks, Vicky McClure Alzheimer’s Society ambassador

Birmingham St Mary’s and John Taylor Hospices marks a landmark moment for end of life care across Birmingham.

By working together, the two hospices can build on the current joint working arrangement and be better able to offer a seamless service to more patients across the north and the south of the city in a way that is both costeffective and sustainable.”

Chief Executive of The Hospice Charity Partnership, Simon Fuller, added: “This is a positive development for the city, and in the best interests of patients and their families across the region.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the amount of people requiring care and will continue to do so.

“Providing the best healthcare possible for our patients will always remain our top priority and by merging as one organisation it will allow more pennies in the pound to be spent directly on services for patients and families.”

for the fully vaccinated

SINCE August 16, people who are fully vaccinated or who are under the age of 18 no longer have to self-isolate after close contact with someone who has Covid-19.

They should, however, still take a PCR test and self-isolate if that is positive, or if they have symptoms of coronavirus.

Anyone who has not been fully vaccinated must still self-isolate for the full ten days. A person is classed as being fully vaccinated two weeks after having their second dose of an approved vaccine administered in the United Kingdom.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “This rule change underlines just how effective the Covid-19 vaccines are at protecting you and those around you, and the importance of getting fully vaccinated as soon as possible.

“People who are fully vaccinated will no longer have to automatically isolate for ten days if they are contacted by Test and Trace or pinged by the Covid-19 app. Instead they are advised to take a PCR test, and only need to self-isolate if they test positive.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

M Pakistani Christians Granted Asylum After Release From Death Row A PAKISTANI Christian couple, who were on death row for seven years on false blasphemy charges, arrived in Europe after the High Court in Lahore recently overturned their death sentence.

Shagufta Kausar and Shafqat Emmanuel, parents of four, faced death by hanging in 2014. The news of their acquittal broke after a session court had sentenced them to death.

Following the acquittal, Tehmina Arora, Director of Advocacy, Asia with ADF International, a human rights organisation supporting the couple, said: “We are delighted that Shagufta and Shafqat have, at

long last, been released and have reached safety.

“Sadly, their case is not an isolated incident but testifies to the plight that many Christians and other religious minorities experience in Pakistan today.

"While the right to religious freedom is protected by the Pakistani constitution, many face severe persecution and denial of their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly.”

“We are so relieved to finally be free,” the couple said. “The last eight years have been incredibly hard, but we are so happy to be reunited with our children."

arking the last of the ten days of repentance, this Yom Kippur - ‘Sabbath of Sabbaths’ celebrates the holiest day of the Jewish year and is marked by ‘afflicting the soul’ – expressed through a total fast 25 hours long.

Jews will spend the eve and most of the day in prayer, asking for forgiveness for past wrongs and resolving to improve in the future as the Book of Jonah is read.

Means Day of Atonement Yom Kippur is the most sacred and solemn day in the Jewish calendar - a day to reflect on the past year and ask God's forgiveness for any sins. Jews do not work or go to school on this day.

Celebrated in September or October in the UK, in 2021 Yom Kippur sees ten days after Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which celebrates the anniversary of the creation of the world.

During the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, called The Days of Repentance or Days of Awe, Jews will be thinking about everything they have done in

your Let

Goals take

Flight

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 39

AZUZA STREET

YOM KIPPUR

the past year. If they've done something wrong, they can try to put it right, ask God's forgiveness, and promise not to do it again, as well as giving money to charity.

Marking the day of Yom Kippur by fasting for 25 hours, wearing white - and they don't wear make-up, perfume, or leather shoes - the most important part of Yom Kippur is

the time spent in the synagogue with even Jews who do not go to the synagogue very much will go on Yom Kippur.

The day is spent in continuous prayer.

WITH

Certificate of Deposit

2

EARN UP TO

% P.A.

*

ON YOUR POUND STERLING DEPOSIT

Start with a minimum of £5,000 and enjoy guaranteed returns on your deposit.

LIMITED TIME OFFER. APPLY TODAY. Offer ends Sept. 30, 2021.

Conditions apply.

Let’s get started.

876 754 VMBS(8627) 0 800 068 VMBS(8627)

from the UK

www.vmbs.com

Victoria Mutual Building Society reserves the right to close this offer without prior notice.

The Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS) is a mutual organization and a building society formed and operated pursuant to the laws of Jamaica. VMBS is authorized, licensed, and regulated by the Bank of Jamaica to conduct deposit taking activities in Jamaica. Such deposits are protected by a deposit insurance scheme operated by the Jamaica Deposit Insurance Corporation under the laws of Jamaica. VMBS’ capital information can be obtained from the Bank of Jamaica’s website at www.boj.org.jm or VMBS’s annual audited returns on our website at www.vmbs.com. The capital and reserves of VMBS exceeds $23 billion Jamaican dollars. Accounts with VMBS are opened and domiciled in Jamaica, with deposits being received in Jamaica. Terms and conditions apply.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Page 40 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

OVERSEAS NEWS

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

thephoenixnewspaper.com

How Covid Vaccination Programme Is Progressing Around The World

Q

MORE THAN four billion doses of coronavirus vaccines have been administered, in over 190 countries worldwide.

However, there are vast differences in the pace of progress in different parts of the world.

Some countries have secured and delivered doses to a large proportion of their population but others are some way behind.

Jamaica, for one, received 300,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from the UK with total vaccinations referring to the number of doses given, not the number of people vaccinated.

It is possible to have more than 100 doses per 100 population as some vaccines require two doses per person.

China and India have administered the highest number of doses, with nearly 1.7 billion and about 470 million respectively. The US ranks third, with more than 346 million.

While countries in Europe and the Americas are progressing well with their vaccination campaigns, many states in Africa are experiencing supply issues.

Many poorer countries are relying on deliveries from Covax, a scheme led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, together with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which is trying to ensure everyone in the world has access to a Covid vaccine.

Ghana became the first country to receive vaccines through this programme in February.

l Qatar and RwanAir celebrate a new partnership

Lloyd Blake

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

atar Airways passengers will be able to explore even more of Africa following its new partnership with Rwanda’s flag carrier, RwandAir via their hubs at Doha and Kigali.

As a part of the strategic partnership, the extensive interline agreement will give customers access to the networks of both airlines, providing a seamless travel experience and enhanced customer service including in the frequent flyers’ programmes.

Customers can pick and choose from over 160 destinations in the combined networks of both airlines, which are perfectly

QATAR AIRWAYS AND RWANDAIR JOIN FORCES

connected via their home hubs of Doha and Kigali.

This latest cooperation comes hot on the heels of the airlines’ recent loyalty partnerships

B CANEY GROCERS YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR FRESH CARIBBEAN FRUIT AND VEG SOHO ROAD/BOULTON ROAD, HANDSWORTH CALL FOR MORE INFO - 07835271725

To advertise

announcement, giving RwandAir Dream Miles and Qatar Airways Privilege Club loyalty members, access to each other’s destinations with the opportunity to ‘earn and burn’ points across their reciprocal route networks.

His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al-Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive said: “This partnership cements our commitment to giving travellers the widest choice of destinations, while providing a seamless, high quality travel experience, which is the goal of both Qatar Airways and RwandAir. "Africa is a hugely important market for us and this latest partnership will help support the recovery of international air travel and offer unrivalled connectivity to and from a number of new African destinations.”

RwandAir CEO, Yvonne Makolo, said: “We’re really excited to be opening up more of the world to our customers through the new interline agreement with Qatar Airways.

"Delivering excellent customer experience is key for us and we know that any travellers flying with Qatar Airways or RwandAir, as part of the agreement, will continue to receive the same unrivalled level of service they’re used to from both airlines.”

RwandAir’s customers will also be able to connect through Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha, the first airport in the Middle East and Asia to be awarded a Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating, to access Qatar Airways’ destinations on every continent, from Paris to Washington, Delhi to Hong Kong and many more.

Uganda To Take In Up To 2,000 Afghan Refugees UGANDA IS TO take in 2,000 refugees who have fled Afghanistan after Taliban militants took power on Sunday.

The deal was agreed following a request from the US government.

The first group of 500 Afghans were expected to arrive on Tuesday, but officials now say discussions about the arrangements are still ongoing.

Uganda has a long history of welcoming refugees - and is currently home to around 1.3 million people.

The East African nation has the largest number of refugees in any country in Africa - and

the third largest in the world.

The new Afghan arrivals will be tested for Covid-19 before they are sent to isolation centres,

Refugee Minister Esther Anyakun says. The US is to cover these costs.

The Taliban have returned to power 20 years after a US-led intervention ousted them in 2001. The Islamist group was able to seize control after most foreign troops pulled out.

0208 865 1922 (London)

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 41

HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

VISIT MALDIVES LAUNCHES ART COMPETITION T

he competition invites local and international artists to paint and interpret the Maldives under the theme, “Celebration of Nature: Beautiful Ecosystems'', in collaboration with the Maldivian Artist Community (MAC).

The theme was selected to show that Maldives has a diverse range of natural habitats and offers more than the award-winning beaches it is known for.

The competition accepts paintings, digital art, and mixed media as the

mediums for the submitted artworks.

All submissions are to be submitted to Visit Maldives through the specially created microsite for the art competition (thasveeru. visitmaldives.com).

Out of all the submissions, the 12 best artworks (6 international and 6 local) will be selected by an independent judging panel based on creativity, concept, originality, completion and the fluency of the chosen medium.

The 12 artworks will be posted on the Visit Maldives' official Instagram

Barbados Welcomes New Direct Virgin Atlantic Route from Edinburgh

ON DECEMBER 5th, 2021, Barbados is set to become Scotland's only direct route to the Caribbean, as Virgin Atlantic launch their new direct route from Edinburgh to Bridgetown, Barbados.

Virgin Atlantic's new flight connecting Scotland to Barbados will commence on

the 5th of December 2021, operating twice weekly, Wednesday and Sunday, on an Airbus A330. Customers can choose to fly in one of three cabins, including Upper Class or Premium. Fares will start from as little as £419 per person.

Senator the Hon. Lisa Cummins, Minister of Tourism

page. The final winners are selected based on 50% of instagram likes and 50% of the total score given by the judging panel for the artwork.

The competition will select a total of 4 winners (2 international and 2 local). The 1st winner and 2nd winner from both the international and local category will win a cash prize of $3000 (MVR 46,350) and $2000 (MVR 30,900) respectively.

The selected artworks will be used in the future promotional activities of Visit Maldives.

Clint 'Beva' Dunkley

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

and International Transport for Barbados, welcomed the announcement by saying, “The fact that this new route is Scotland's only direct flight to the Caribbean is something that fills everyone in Barbados with great pride. This will also be the first time that Virgin Atlantic has flown international flights from Edinburgh, so it really is a very important moment in history for both Scotland and Barbados. We look forward to showing Scottish travellers that Barbados is a safe destination, which is ready and waiting for them to enjoy.”

SALEH & SONS

Specialising in Caribbean Produce Fresh Meat & Vegetables TEL : 0121 551 1736 250 LOZELLS RD, BIRMINGHAM B19 1NP

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

Page 42 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021

PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE

SJ ROBERTS REVEALS SHREWSBURY DEVELOPMENT COMPLETION

S Willard Wigan

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

weetlake Meadow is a selection of stylish new apartments, townhouses and executive detached properties in Shrewsbury, which Shropshire developers, SJ Roberts Homes, have now completed.

Sweetlake Meadow is in a prime location for families, with children of all ages, and helps to fulfil the local area’s growing demand for quality living. The community of 173 properties is close to Shrewsbury town centre

but still nestled amidst glorious countryside.

SJ Roberts Homes is committed to building new homes to the highest standards, and Sweetlake Meadow is no exception.

Founded over 30 years ago, SJ Roberts Homes’ vision continues to be creating a community which offers people everything they need for daily living.

The homes have been built utilizing modern timber construction methods, with products engineered by fellow

SJ Roberts Group company, Lowfield Timer Frames. Timberframed construction not only uses less energy during production, but it provides better insulation in the home whilst helping to lower carbon emissions rates.

Mr Mike Sambrook, Managing Director of SJ Roberts Homes, said: “The company has a sustained history of engagement with the local community. This has been achieved through partnerships with local schools, promoting the importance of

thephoenixnewspaper.com

health and safety on building sites and creating various apprenticeship schemes.

“Feedback from the new homeowners at Sweetlake Meadow has been fantastic, and that’s been down to a team effort.

Times have been challenging, of course, but everyone has pulled together.”

SJ Roberts Homes’ next large development is Allscott Meads, near Telford, where the area’s old sugar beet factory was located.

64 acres are being transformed

into another thriving community space, a new lease of life with new homes, nature walks, a primary school, retail units and business units. Residents will enjoy the balance of modern living conveniences whilst emersed in natural settings, helping promote a healthy and happy lifestyle.

SJ Roberts Homes’ continues to provide their homeowners with a robust After Sales Policy, which concludes with a final two-year check-up, ensuring their homes are all of lasting quality.

The Big Lunch Celebrates Community at The Oaks CHILDREN LIVING on a Birmingham development of new homes are set to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon, thanks to their housebuilder’s £1,000 donation.

Claire Johnson, a resident at The Oaks in Selly Oak, successfully applied for funding through Persimmon Homes’ Community Champions scheme, an initiative that makes two donations a month to local charities and good causes.

The money will go towards The Oaks’ annual Big Lunch, now in its fourth year, which is an opportunity for all residents to come together to celebrate the new community that has been created.

Claire said: “We have worked so hard to create a brand-new community here in Selly Oak. “Although we have various groups around the estate it will be great for us to celebrate our

To advertise

community as a whole and the start of a ‘new normal’ postCovid. Thank you to Persimmon Homes for allowing us to do that.”

The ‘Community Celebration on The Green’ is planned to take place on August 29 from 12-3pm and will include a bring & share lunch, bouncy castle assault course, children’s soft play, garden games and an ice cream van.

Sarah Preston, sales director for Persimmon Homes Central said: “It’s wonderful to see how residents of the new development are pulling together to create such a strong community.”

Applications for Community Champions funding can be made via the Persimmon Homes website, and there is no limit to the number of times that organisations can apply – even if successful.

0208 865 1922 (London)

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2021 - Page 43

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

Karate Champ Chloe Driven To Success With Lookers Sponsorship

l Vinit Patel

eSC appoints Vinit Patel as Head of Technical

l Chloe Barnes TEENAGER and second blackbelt UK karate champion Chloe Barnes is getting set to kick the competition with a renewed boost from local car dealership Lookers Vauxhall Birmingham - one of the UK’s leading automotive businesses and largest multifranchise dealer groups in the UK and Ireland - for a third year running.

The Streetly Shukokai Karate Club pupil has taken the martial arts world by storm over the years, reaching new highs and adding coveted sports titles to her impressive list of accolades.

A World Karate Championship title holder, she has collected an outstanding 70 gold, silver and bronze medals, four trophies and was named 2020 GB Karate Sportsperson of the Year.

The 15-year-old pupil at Fairfax School in Sutton Coldfield started learning karate when she was just six and obtained her second blackbelt in 2018, age 12, becoming the youngest-ever student to achieve the rank within her Karate Association.

Local car dealership Lookers Vauxhall Birmingham has been helping drive Chloe to sporting success for the past two years and recently announced a renewed partnership with her into 2022.

AMAZON EXCLUSIVE DOCUSERIES ABOUT PSG TO LAUNCH ON AMAZON PRIME VIDEO

A

mazon Prime Video have announced that the four-part Amazon Exclusive docuseries about the Paris Saint-Germain football club, PSG Ô Ville Lumière, 50 Ans De Légende, will be available

on Prime Video globally, excluding China and MiddleEast, on 10th September 2021.

The four-part docuseries gives fans a never-before-seen look inside the star-studded Parisian club – which now includes World Cup winner Kylian

Mbappé, Brazilian Neymar and Argentinian 6-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi - following players, coaches and supporters in the heart of the action during the last two seasons, including the club’s journey in Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League.

The exclusive series also promises to bring a different perspective on how far the club has come since its creation in 1970, to now being the most successful football club in France, featuring interviews from some of the most iconic players of the last five decades who have worn the PSG shirt.

Among many others, Rai, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Beckham, Ronaldinho, Youri Djorkaeff, David Ginola and Bernard Lama share their experiences and unforgettable moments at Paris Saint-Germain.

PSG Ô Ville Lumière, 50 Ans De Légende is co-produced by PSG TV and CAPA, with Manuel Herrero as showrunner and directed by Benjamin Montel (2 episodes) and Sebastian Perez Pezzani (1 episode).

THE ESKOOTR Championship (eSC) have announce Vinit Patel will join the series as Head of Technical.

Patel brings a wealth of experience to eSC having helped deliver sustainable engineering solutions in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship.

He will oversee the technical aspects around the championship’s eSkootrs and charging infrastructure liaising and working with teams, partners and suppliers.

Vinit began his motorsport career in engineering having studied Motorsport Engineering and Management. Working first in junior motorsport categories, he gained hands-on experience putting together data logging systems before engineering British F3 championship winning drivers.

As a freelance engineer, he engineered drivers to race wins in Formula Renault, Formula 3 and A1GP, creating a wealth of engineering knowledge in the process. Patel moved into Formula One in 2011, first as the sole Pirelli engineer at Williams F1 team and later at Red Bull Racing during their dominant season winning the 2013 FIA Formula One Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship titles.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

Karate Champ Driven To Success - Page 43

PSG Docuseries Confirmed on Prime - Page 43

HOW SUCCESSFUL HAS THE HUNDRED PROVEN TO BE?

W

l Both winning teams at the finale of The Hundred

ith the first season of The Hundred over, the focus switches away from newly formed teams in gold, vivid red or bright blue, and back to the men's Tests, England's women and the county game.

Cricket’s ‘The Hundred’ finale at Lord’s, saw Oval Invincibles crowned the first women's champions with Southern Brave winning the first men's title, in front of a crowd of nearly 25,000.

With children and families sitting side-by-side among groups of ‘hard-core,’ cricket stalwarts, some 20% of the spectators across the tournament were children, a big jump on the Twenty20 Blast in recent years, with a total of 21% of tickets sold being bought by women.

Viewing figures were said to be impressive, fuelled by the exposure of free-to-air television.

The 1.6 million people who watched the opening night broke the record for a women's cricket match as figures (for the women's game) continued to exceed

Viktor Troicki The Latest Tennis Pro To Hold Court At Amilla Maldives projections.

The men's matches were up on the Blast. And, following its overall success, there is now talk of a boom in participation in both adult and junior. The tournament, which didn’t seem to missed the global superstars in its first inception, proved the perfect platform for new names to grab the headlines.

England legend and Brave coach Charlotte Edwards said: "I have had to pinch myself.

“We are playing domestic games in front of 10,000 people now and it is pretty normal. I had the best four weeks of my life watching these girls playing cricket, seeing the fans and seeing girls think cricket is cool."

The Hundred brought in young cricket fans to the game and is not going to budge from the school

holidays. This new tournament is proving to be a great new addition to the County Championship, the One-Day Cup and the Blast.

TENNIS PLAYER Viktor Troicki has announced that he will be hosting an exclusive two-week tennis residency on the island of Amilla Maldives, with the Davis Cup winner set to offer Amilla guests top-class tailored coaching, practice workshops and pro tips, from 26 October to 6 November 2021.

World No.12-ranked Troicki became the first tennis player in the Open era to win all three major team competitions, with the World Team Cup in 2009, Davis Cup in 2010 and partnering World No.1 Novak Djokovic to win the inaugural ATP Cup in 2020.

Amilla Maldives has a long tradition of serving up some of the biggest names in tennis for one-off exhibitions, residencies and clinics, giving guests

l Viktor Troiki unrivalled access to some of the sport’s all-time greats.

Aimed at players of all ages, and open to all skill levels from beginners to budding professionals, Troicki will lead daily programmes of high energy drills, technical skills

and competition tactics, all complemented by Amilla’s exceptional tennis facilities. The two-week tennis camp by Viktor Troicki is complimentary and exclusive to guests at Amilla Maldives.

Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com

FINANCIAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE

VIBRANT STUDENT COMMUNITY WE’RE RANKED 12TH IN THE COUNTRY FOR OVERALL ACHIEVEMENT

EXCELLENT SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS

SANDWELL COLLEGE A CAREERS COLLEGE

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

OPEN DAYS We are looking forward to welcoming you to campus for our 2021/22 open days.

GET THE EXPERIENCE

Find out about our courses, view the facilities & see first hand what Sandwell College can offer you.

Speak to our friendly, supportive staff and ask any questions in an informal environment.

Experience a hands-on practical session.

It’s an opportunity to meet people just like you!

30 SEPTEMBER 2021 4PM-7PM OR 2 OCTOBER 2021 11AM-1PM

BOOK YOUR PLACE TODAY AT OUR OPEN DAYS CHOOSE FROM OUR HUGE RANGE OF CAREERS Animal Care & Dog Grooming

Early Years / Childcare

Performing Arts & Music

Automotive

ESOL

Public Services

Art & Design

Business & Management Computing

Construction

Engineering Fashion

Foundation Learning GCSEs

Customer Service

Digital & Creative Media

Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy Health & Social Care

Photography & Multimedia Sports Studies Traineeships

Travel, Aviation & Hospitality

And Many More!

99% OF STUDENTS PASS FREE TRAVEL & FINANCIAL SUPPORT COME IN, ENROL & MEET YOUR TEACHERS

CALL 0800 622 006 OR VISIT SANDWELL.AC.UK @ SANDWELL COLLEGE, SPON LANE, WEST BROMWICH B70 6AW

RO TRAVEL FREE METU B S TRAVEL OR FREEp-up to both) for all 16-18 to (with option to ts en full-time stud

See website for

d details.

conditions an

sandwell.ac.uk