The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

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Crowds Go Sturr Crazy at Jamaica In The Square A s the sun shone down on the amassed crowds in Victoria Square over the weekend, a star shone brightly on the ground as Liverpool and England Footballer Daniel Sturridge joined his mother, Grace, at her Sturr Crazy Kitchen to meet with his fans, promote the range of Sturr Crazy Sauces, and primarily to celebrate Jamaica’s 55th Anniversary of Independence.

Daniel is also up for an award at The Phoenix Newspaper 7th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation on November 25th 2017 at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham.

Continued on Pages 4 & 5

Mandy Phoenix, and

/PhoenixNewsUK

Inside This Edition

Hill Top Golden Karate Girl Aims For World Championships - Page 3

Greiving Wife Urges South Asians to Sign Up As Stem Cell Donors - Page 34

and much more...

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Page 2 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

NEWS

Michelin Chef, Glynn, Returning to Friday Night Kitchen

To advertise your business

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eturning even bigger and better than before, Michelin starred Chef, Glynn Purnell, will be presenting a unique, live, culinary charity evening with something for all the family to enjoy.

It will be held at The VOX at Resorts World in Birmingham the evening, sponsored by GPFNK and in support of Cure Leukaemia, Headline sponsors Birmingham Airport’s former CEO and current President of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, Paul Kehoe says: “We are delighted to be the headline sponsor for this fantastic Birmingham event for the third consecutive year.

“Not only is Glynn Purnell’s Friday Night Kitchen fantastic fun it is also raising funds for a tremendous cause. The work Cure Leukaemia supports here in Birmingham has an impact on a global scale and we, as a city, should feel proud to have a charity such as

0121 339 5885 0208 865 1922 advertising @thephoenixnewspaper.com Contact us with your details, as well as the details of the advertisement, and one of our team will get in touch with you as soon as possible to secure your place in the paper.

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this on our doorstep.”

Funds raised from this event will go towards the charity’s £1m Appeal to fully fund the expansion of the Centre for Clinical Haematology which will not only bring new jobs and investment to the city but also help save more lives and hasten progress towards finding effective treatments for all forms of blood cancer within our lifetime, a truly inspirational goal.”

Whether it’s a family night out, corporate entertainment or a night on the town with friends, GPFNK has will have something for everyone!

With tickets sales already surpassing 2016, Friday Night Kitchen, on Friday October 6, will includes reception drinks, a threecourse meal and raffle tickets to win Sunday lunch for up to six people cooked in your home by Glynn and the Purnell’s team… they even promise to do the washing up.

Basketball at Heart of City Games Bid

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B

irmingham’s Victoria Square would transform into a sporting and cultural landmark for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, as the bid team unveils the city centre location as the venue for 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball.

Set against the historic backdrop of the Council House and Town Hall, 3x3 Basketball in the open-air will showcase the city as well as the youngest Commonwealth Games sport.

Whilst an outdoor venue, the basketball court and asymmetric seating bowl (capacity for 3,000) will be covered, ensuring 3x3 Basketball in Victoria Square will deliver an intimate and vibrant atmosphere that fans will love.

Blended throughout Birmingham’s broader cultural programme, the Urban Street Festival will celebrate sport – without boundaries - plus; music, lifestyle, and a healthy legacy. Activities

will include free running, skateboarding, BMX, street dance and sport climbing.

Olympic Gold medallist for Team USA, and one of the greatest NBA players in basketball history, Hakeem ‘The Dream’ Olajuwon, now lives in Birmingham, said: “My family moved to Birmingham when my daughter came to study at university here.”

“I have been amazed at the passion and ability of the young players at the City of Birmingham Basketball Club in Nechells.

“I think the inclusion of 3x3 basketball at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games would provide a huge inspiration for the next generation of players.”

As part of the selection process, the bid committee looked closely at how to utilise Birmingham’s wealth of existing sports venues and facilities, ensuring connectivity and accessibility and maximising spectator numbers.

Hill Top Golden Karate Girl Aims For World Championships

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bbie-Jane Mansell may only just qualify for the 14 to 17-yearolds category in her chosen sport of Karate, but that did not stop her from coming home from the European Championships in Belgium with three gold medals.

14-year-old Abbie-Jane, from Hill Top took part in the individual, pairs and team events, striking gold each time, so it is no surprise that Abbie-Jane has been awarded one of Sandwell Council’s ‘Gifted and Talented’ grant awards.

Councillor Richard Marshall, who chairs the Gifted and Talented grant awards panel, said ‘Abbie-Jane is obviously so commit-

ted to her sport and I have to say the control and discipline a sport like karate requires mean that Abbie-Jane works very hard and shows a great deal of determination to have already achieved so much.

We hope Abbie-Jane continues to excel at the top level and Sandwell council is pleased to support Abbie-Jane and her family. This is what we are all about doing, helping our young people who are achieving at the highest level.’

As Karate is now a recognised Olympic sport Abbie-Jane, who goes to school at Sandwell Academy has set her sights on aiming for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Abbie-Jane who trains twice a week at the Moose Martial Arts Academy, in West Bromwich under Sensi (or coach) Shannon Parsons, as well as training with the full England squad.

Shannon has also represented England at full international level, before turning to coaching along with a career in the police.

Abbie-Jane has just been selected to compete in the next European Championships in Sardinia in October and will be representing England again in December at a team tournament in Rotterdam.

Next year Abbie-Jane is targetting the 2018 World Championships in Leicester.

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 3

NEWS

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ith uplifting song, the Queen’s Commonwealth Baton descended upon the Second City, making its first stop at the New Testament Church of God Handsworth, before it moved onto other important events and locations around the city.

Bishop Deverton Douglas read passages from two inspirational scriptures, stating “an athlete is not crowned, unless he competes according to the rules, therefore since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses, through the light of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up, and let us run with endurance, the race God has set before us.”

Louise Martin from the Commonwealth Games Federation spoke of the welcome that the Baton Relay had received that morning, and how wonderful it was to have the Baton at the church.

“Inside the baton is a message from Her Majesty The Queen, telling all the athletes of the Commonwealth who wish to be at the games next year to train hard, work hard, and make sure they can do their best when they get into the games.”

“England is the Baton’s 40th country, and it will be continuing on to Scotland next week, and the Baton represents the past, the present and the future.”

Dr Beverly Lindsay, OBE OD VLL as well as Steve Hollingworth from Birmingham City Council were on hand to accompany local athletes Daniel Chisanga, a footballer, and Monique Hume Wood, a netball player, who were the city’s first Baton-bearers in recognition of their commitment to sport and their community.

“I am very proud that I have been chosen as a Baton-bearer for the first leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay in Birmingham,” Wood said.

There was a chance for many of the assembled congregation to touch and hold the baton, which started with the childrens choir who had performed so admirably as the baton entered, before it had to continue on its tight schedule to vist other places in the city.

The Baton then headed to the Alexander Stadium for the Müller Grand Prix Birmingham, before visiting some of Birmingham’s key landmarks in the city centre, including the Bullring, where Team England gymnasts Kristian Thomas and Mimi Cesar joined the baton.

The Queen’s Baton Relay is a Commonwealth Games tradition that celebrates the Commonwealth’s diversity, inspires community pride and excites people about the world-class festival of sports and culture to come.

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Page 4 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

JAMAICA IN THE SQUARE

Everybody Lo

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ens of thousands of people packed Birmingham’s Victoria Square as each and every one of them made sure that they wouldn’t miss out on what was the city’s biggest party for years.

Celebrating the 55th anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence from British colonial rule, the UKs second city never seen so many people converge into the central open concourse for years as an ocean of green, gold and black was the narrative for a weekend-long party where everybody was invited.

“The city is very proud to hold this event,” said Birmingham Lord Mayor, Councillor Anne

Underwood. “What better way to celebrate than with sun, jerk chicken and rum punch,” all of which were in abundance during the three-day event.

And there were also special greetings from Jamaica itself, with the country’s High Commissioner for the UK, Seth George Ramocan; “Marking the

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 5

oves Jamaica!

theme for our 55th anniversary of independence: ‘Celebrating Jamaicans at Home and Abroad,’ I stand here proud to be a Jamaican and proud of the effort you (Birmingham) have put into probably the biggest celebration of its kind outside Kingston.”

From headline acts; international reggae legend Luciano, plus London’s Janet Kay, JC Lodge and Aswad, to the spellbinding crowd-attention of Liverpool and England striker, the city’s own Daniel Strurridge – donned in his ‘whites’, there was just too much to see and do.

Daniel spent a whole day serving at his parent’s ‘Sturr Crazy’ food stall, and from the official ‘ribbon cutting’ opening

of the celebrations to the raising of the Jamaican flag outside the Council House, even with the questionable weather forecast threatening to put a dampener on proceedings, the sun itself didn’t want to miss out on all the fun.

In fact, the only damper was Usain Bolt’s shock 100metre defeat which was shown on a big screen.

Not since 2012 has there been so many people waving so many Jamaican flags in the middle of Birmingham (for Jamaica50), but this time round, despite the smaller area of space afforded by the City, a bigger crowd than was there five years ago showed that, as they all said that weekend, “A Jamaica We Love.”

JAMAICA IN THE SQUARE

Page 6 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

The Ethnic Private Sector Can Bolster Trade

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n every society, there is a correlation between the functionality of sectors of the economy and the impact these have on overall development.

The extent to which these sectors have the resource capability and resource capacity, says much about the success or failure of policy-making and the complementary priorities designed to ensure a semblance of equilibrium across sectors of the economy.

In Britain, the perception has always been that the private sector is the ‘engine of the economy’ and its role cannot be a mere circumscription to trade and development.

The rise of the ethnic private sector in Britain since the early 19th century, is a subject that has yet to be discussed at local, regional and national levels respectively.

Mainstream institutions such as the media, policy think tanks, trade associations and civic societies have yet to recognise the power and vitality of this particular sector that contributes billions yearly, to the coffers of the economy.

In the 10 UK Regions, there are tens of thousands of commercial, industrial and social enterprises owned and operated by ethnic entrepreneurs.

Their origins include Africa (including the MENA Region), the Caribbean and Latin America, East (including the Far East) and South Asia, among other Commonwealth States.

Changing Landscape

Perhaps the real ‘USP’ of the ethnic private sector in Britain, is its ability to initiate transformation and transformative measures during periods of recession (whether economic or financial).

Much of this was evidenced during the 1970s and 1990s, and more recently, when the recession of this century started 2007-2008.

Fiscal prudence has failed in some respects to take into consideration the ‘value-add’ of the ethnic private sector especially its relationship with diverse communities, products, services and the profound market linkages, associations and partnerships, this sector possesses.

Its capacity to withstand the vagaries of the market and resilience in ‘all seasons’, are but areas yet to be tested by any degree of analysis or scrutiny.

At this juncture of the country’s inclination towards a ‘more free trade’ policy-position, one of the government’s priorities should be to examine the ‘intervening expertise’ of the ethnic private sector and its [positive] implications for enabling sustainable growth of the British economy.

For instance, the current industrial strategy has almost been ‘laid to rest’; in fact, very little consultation if any, has been extended to the ethnic private

A

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

sector [as we know it].

And yet, there is ‘something’ called the ‘Equalities Act’, procedures of which are ‘silent’ on this important plank of economic development in 21st century Britain.

It is important that Britain develops a modern approach to free trade by devising and implementing market-driven (local and national) policies to achieve: low inflation, stable exchange rates, higher levels of saving and reserves; trade liberalisation in business and industry; implementation of policies and allocate resources to improve the coverage and quality of education and increase the assimilation of technology whilst making efforts to streamline public administration in neighbourhoods, districts and regions.

Britain’s ethnic private sector needs support in export information for goods and services, as well as competitive indicators on countries Britain trades with.

This type of support is absolutely necessary in view of emerging variables in the US, EU and other markets in the North, East and Southern Regions of the global economy.

Expedient Approach

In recognition for their services to the economy, more so the country, for centuries, Britain’s ethnic firms must be accorded unrelenting assistance and support irrespective of their cultural, faith and other ‘persuasive stripes’.

Being ‘serious’ about free trade is not an object lesson in ‘lip service’, but to galvanise new frontiers for Britain’s economy, authorities must according to the worn adage, ‘put their money where their mouth is’.

The extent to which the ethnic private sector becomes an effective co-facilitator in Britain’s quest to access opportunities through free trade, will depend on the degree to which the government invests and encourages long term strategic planning, market diversification, stronger institutional capacity and efficient marketing for goods and services.

If the ethnic private sector is anything to go by, then the trade machinery must be fully integrated to allow this sector to remain a strategic pillar of Britain’s economic powerhouse this century and beyond.

The Phoenix Newspaper Awards Presentation

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PN Media in association with the Birmingham Commonwealth Association is proud to announce the Awards Categories for The Phoenix Newspaper 7th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation Ceremony.

This year, there will be 20 awards across a variety of sections, with individuals, organisations and busi-

nesses to be honoured on the night.

Set at the luxurious International Convention Centre in Birmingham on the 25th November 2017, guests will be treated to a truly Commonwealth Celebration.

In the presence of this years specially invited Royal guest His Imperial Majesty the Ooni of Ile-Ife, The Phoenix Newspaper will celebrate Unity, Respect, Connecting Com-

munities and Inspiring a New Generation, the themes for this years celebration.

The Peoples Choice Award will be open for nominations during September, check out The Phoenix Newspaper website, Twitter and Facebook, as well as Mandy Phoenix to keep up to date with all the latest news about the Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation 2017!

The Categories 1.

11. Lifetime Achievement Award

2.

12.

International Sports Development Award

3. Humanitarian Award

13.

4.

14. Heart Of The Community Award

International Businessman of the Year International Businesswoman of the Year International Excellence Award

5.

Charity of the Year

15.

Employee Of the Year

Sporting Legend Award

6. Faith Connection Award

16. Veteran Award

7.

17. Musical Dedication Award

8.

The Phoenix Loyalty Award

Connecting Communities Award

9. Leadership and Empowerment Award 10.

Editors Choice Award

18. Local Hero Award 19. International Sporting Hero Award 20.

Peoples Choice Award

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 7

NEWS

in association with

The Phoenix Newspaper Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation 2017 with Special Royal Guest

His Imperial Majesty The Ooni of Ile-Ife

Saturday 25th November 2017 A Commonwealth Theme

Connecting Communities, Unity, Respect and Inspiring a New Generation hosted by

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Supported By

Tickets from ÂŁ75 Dress Code African Traditional / Black Tie For More Information Call: 0121 339 5885 or Email: galadinnerandawards@tpnmediauk.com

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.com

Page 8 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

NEWS

Community In Harmony Fun Day

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t the heart of the community, Miss Lily’s Flowers, based at the Northside Business Centre in Birmingham in partnership with Vision2Reality, Mooville Theatre & Equanimity Education held a Community In Harmony Fun Day on August 20th.

With stalls from local businesses and charitable organisations in attendance on the day, beautiful summer sunshine beat down on the amassed locals.

People were treated to beautiful handmade fabric jewellery, great food and drink, health information and free checkups, as well as interactions with horses, something that was a brand new experience for a lot of people who live in the city.

With bouncy castles, tabletop/car boot sales as well as raffle prizes and tombolas to boot, there was something for everyone on the day.

Miss Lily, who has held events like this one with an ever increasing frequency over the last few years said, “I’d like to see if we can make this into a bi-monthly or monthly event, to have an ongoing community engagement!”

If this Community in Harmony Fun Day was anything to go by, a more frequent and consistent event will be a great addition to the local area, promoting the people, businesses and organisations of Winson Green and beyond.

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The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 9

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Page 10 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT - PROMOTING EXCELLENCE

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.

Sutton Coldfield Girl a Regional Winner in Writing Competition

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n 11 year old has been named regional winner in the National Young Writers’ Award! Keira Harris from Fulbrook Middle School, in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, fought off tough competition from children all over the region with her story, ‘The Missing Diamond Koko and an Unfair World’.

The competition, organised by tuition provider, Explore Learning, is now in its ninth year, with this year’s judge being TV presenter and adventurer, Steve Backshall.

Over 10,000 children from all over the UK entered in an effort to win a trip to Disneyland Paris and £500 worth of books for their school.

The winner will be surprised in a school assembly by Steve who will announce the National Young Writer of the Year.

Every child that entered will receive a certificate to celebrate their story, along with personalised feedback from Explore Learning.

The top ten runners-up will also win an engraved pen from National Stationery Week sponsors, Sheaffer, whilst all regional winners will receive prize bundles with goodies from National Stationery Week partners, Nu notebooks, Mustard, edding, Maped Helix, Write Size, Manuscript and Stabilo.

This year’s theme was ‘The Future’ and children were tasked with writing a 500 word story set in 3017!

Robots were overwhelmingly the most popular characters and appeared in almost a third of the entries (31%), whilst teleport, rockets and jets were the common modes of transport in this fictional 3017 setting.

Street League Scoring Career Goals

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ith youth unemployment still a massive problem in the UK - more than 1 in 7 16-24 year olds are unemployed, which is a huge cost to the taxpayer and society as well as the long-term consequences of unemployment on mental and physical wellbeing - as the UK’s leading sport for employment charity, Street League is literally kicking its way out of this scourge, providing the unique opportunity to play sport, every day, whilst also provides the ideal platform to learn the key skills to move into work.

Operating in 14 regions across the UK, their 10-12 week long sport for employment programmes-running in 36 local communities-supports un-

W l Keira Harris & Eleftheria Lezikal Meanwhile, planet earth was the most popular location, followed by the Moon and Mars.

Steve (Backshall) says: “The quality of the stories was beyond belief!

“If I didn’t know this was a competition for young writers, I’d believe I was reading the scribblings of Isaac Asimov or Philip K Dick, and while there were elements from the great works of science fiction, every story was original, and had its own sense of individuality.

“What astounded me more than anything was that these young people had not only imagined future worlds, but imbued them with the conundrums of our modern planet.”

Explore Learning provides English and maths tuition to children aged four to 14, with 126 centres located across the country.

They ran a number of creative writing workshops in lib-

raries and schools up and down the country throughout the competition.

Carey Ann Dodah, Head of Curriculum Development at Explore Learning says: “This year’s National Young Writers’ Awards attracted so many entries so Keira should be very proud of her success. We were blown away with the amazingly creative, thoughtful and inventive stories.

“We’re thrilled to see so many children demonstrate their interest in such important matters. Trees were mentioned more than phones and political leaders featured in many stories too! Interestingly, “Donald Trump was mentioned six times more than Theresa May. It’s so positive to see not only great writing ability, but also that children are engaging with key environmental issues and politics.”

ith a falling pound leading to a sharp increase in inflation, the upshot means that students will see interest rates their loan jumping to more than 24 times that of the Bank of England base rate.

The rise in inflation, which follows a post-Brexit slump in the value of the pound since last June could see students in England and Wales suffer interest rates rises by around a third, from 4.6 per cent up to 6.1 per cent.

Sparked by the Brexit, millions of students and graduates could be forced to repay hundreds of pounds extra in student loan fees, thanks to a sharp increase to interest rates.

Students in England alone are already said to graduate with the highest levels of debt in the English-speaking world, with those starting undergraduate degrees likely to pay increased tuition fees of up to £9,250 per year.

With the Department for Education selling off student loan debts to private investment companies, in a move which experts warn could come at a cost to taxpayers, they are yet to confirm the new interest rate payments, but for those taking out tuition fee and maintenance loans since 2012, the rate is based on the retail prices index measure of inflation (RPI) in March.

In response Shadow Education Secretary, Angela Rayner, tweeting:

employed 16-24 year olds to learn the key skills, gain the necessary qualifications and work experience to move into a sustainable job or further training.

It has already gained the endorsement of Manchester United Manager, Jose Mourinho, who said: “It's great to see how Street League is using football to change the lives of young people and help them get jobs.”

Speaking about her time on the Academy, Cheryl said: “Street League helped build my confidence and helped me realise with a little work that I can be what I want to be.

I enjoyed attending Street League and left feeling optimistic about my career. Thanks to Street League staff I now feel confident and comfortable

in delivering sessions and being a valued member of any group.”

Registered with Fundraising Regulation, who holds the ‘Code of Fundraising Practice’ for the UK, it uses football, as the nation's favourite game, to tackle one of the nation's biggest problems.

The have also introduced Dance-fit to broaden their social impact and diversity, and allowing young people the freedom to express themselves.

Getting a job is one thing, but staying in it is the most important measure of success.

Changing lives through football, Street League is ensuring that young people are supported to sustain their new job or training so it has a life-changing impact.

Students Paying Heavy Price for Further Education

“Student loan interest rate set to rise by a third after UK inflation surge.

Student debt is sky high as it is...”

Malia Bouattia, the National Union of Students (NUS) President added:

“Students will find little comfort in the revelation that rocketing inflation will hit the interest they must pay on their student loans.”

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 11

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT - PROMOTING EXCELLENCE

Severn Trent brings next generation of engineers and leaders on board

Monthly views

with Tony Kelly

Back to school, college or university

T

T

he next generation of leaders and engineers have been welcomed onto Severn Trent’s award-winning apprenticeship programme.

From more than 3,000 applications for its apprenticeship scheme, which offers successful applicants the opportunity to combine hands-on experience with studying, while earning a competitive salary, only 61 people made the cut.

Mark Smith, learning and development advisor from Severn Trent, said: “We’re really proud

of our apprenticeship programme, and we’re really excited to be welcoming in more apprentices who are all ready to start their careers with Severn Trent.

“Whether you’re fresh out of school, or fancy a career change, our programmes are designed to deliver learning while also developing individuals, giving our apprentices hands-on experience in an industry that’s constantly evolving.”

Severn Trent has now doubled the number of options available to apprentices by offering eight

different schemes, including new programmes such as finance, group commercial and project management, alongside the previous operational and engineering schemes.

Apprentices can spend up to three years learning and developing with the company, working in various placements across the region, where at the end of the scheme they’ll be guaranteed a role in their speciality.

“Supported by colleagues, we’re sure that our apprentices will quickly pick up the skills needed to make a real difference

to our customers,” said Mark.

“We offer such a vital service that it won’t take long for our apprentices to make a real impact in people’s lives as they develop their careers.”

Aaron Carter, a new Severn Trent apprentice from Coventry, said: “I chose Severn Trent after leaving a job, and rather than just going into another job I decided I wanted a career.

“After looking at different apprenticeship programmes, I felt like there is a future with Severn Trent which is a company that values its employees, and that’s

why I came here.”

Evie Hammond, another new Severn Trent apprentice from Coleshill, said: “I decided to do an apprenticeship as I felt, being the practical learner that I am, I’d benefit much more from an apprenticeship rather than going to university.

“I did a lot of research into all kinds of apprenticeships and Severn Trent stood out for me in that they want you in their company, and they want to develop you and get the best out of the apprenticeship – I definitely see a future with Severn Trent.”

Scheme in Place for Returns of Police Cadets

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his autumn sees the return of Police Cadets to the West Midlands with a scheme which was last in operation almost 20 years ago in 1998.

In his Police and Crime Plan which was launched last year, Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said that they would return as a way of "developing young people to make a difference to our communities."

The scheme will be rolled out at schools in Birmingham and Sandwell after the start of the new school year with plans to expand across the West Midlands in 2018.

Pupils at Washwood Heath Academy, Holte School, Shireland Academy and Holly Lodge Science College will have the first opportunity to sign up to the new Volunteer WMP Cadets.

The scheme will be open to 13

to 17-year-olds and will eventually operate every week, during term time, across the force with cohorts of up to thirty cadets per unit.

Each unit will follow a curriculum set by the national body, Volunteer Police Cadets, alongside force-specific talks, visits and even deployment at events such as Remembrance Day and Birmingham Pride.

Jardell Miller (pictured above) who proposed the idea said: "When I became a Youth Commissioner, I made a promise to young people in Sandwell that I will create more opportunities for the youth to engage with modern day policing.

“I'm glad that the scheme proposal has been a success and I look forward to working with these cadets in the very near future to shape them into the adults of tomorrow"

l ACC Sarah Boycott, Jardell Miller, PCC David Jamieson and APCC Ashley Bertie

his is the month of September which means ‘Back to School’ for many students and either a first time or return to tertiary institutions such as colleges and universities.

Time has really flown by since my last article in the August edition which focused on being safe whilst enjoying the summer holidays.

Some parents and students view ‘Back to School’ with trepidation whilst others embrace it and cannot wait to meet new friends and have new experiences along the way. My motto ever since I was studying to be a high school teacher back in Jamaica was that ‘The roots of education are bitter but the fruit is sweet’ and that will always hold through.

Education enables one to become better equipped in life and ultimately increases ones social mobility. To invest in a child’s education is of paramount importance and with it hard work has to be one of the key motivating factors for success. Sacrifices have to be made along the way for parents and guardians along with tender loving care and support as it will not always be smooth sailing.

For parents and other adults to make time to be there for their children, the well known proverbial saying ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again’ readily springs to mind. Reassurance and encouragement have to be given in abundance by adults and making sure that youngsters are listened to and get the chance to share their worries and concerns.

Education has always been the key to success and is part of the learning curve one always has to go though in life. One must never forget the dedicated and motivated teachers in this entire process since we entrust the lives of our young ones including their young minds in their hands.

Making sure that the students are mannerly, respectable and disciplined is however not only the responsibility of the teachers but the home environment also has to play a vital part.

This generation has more information via the computer and other gadgets readily available at their finger tips to enable them to broaden their mind and their horizon and this should be monitored accordingly by responsible adults. Alongside education there must be extra curricula activities in order to make youngsters all round individuals.

Enjoy the new term and make the best use of what comes your way as learning should be fun.

Page 12 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

SPOTLIGHT

‘The One’ and Only, Hector Shakes Making You Feel Good, All The Time

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l Hector, centre right, with three of his children behind the counter at ‘The One’

ith extensive experience in facilitating fulfilling future prospects for children and young people, Hector Shakes’ almost singminded approach in creating a brighter tomorrow sees a new ‘string to his bow’ with the new ‘The One’ diner and takeaway.

‘The One’ not only provides succulently cooked Caribbean cuisine, but is also a base to provide the necessary training opportunities for the next generation of cooks and chefs with the all-round capability of keeping alive the relevant know-how and skills.

After undergoing his ‘Reach One-Teach One’ C.I.C., ‘The

One’ Takeaway, at Aston train station, in Birmingham, is a continuation of his single-minded ethos of being ‘The One.’ “Food is the star of life,” says 40-year-old Hector, “and, as I am the best cook when it comes to Caribbean cuisine, I am determined to share my expertise with as many people as possible.

“It’s about ‘passing on the baton’ and making sure that such great food can be appreciated in years to come.

“After Reach One-Teach One, I have always pushed to open a take-away because so many people love my food – and so many more want to cook like me.”

A father of 11, Shakes, from Spanish Town, in Jamaica, is

l Just one of the mouth-watering dishes available at ‘The One’

making sure that all his children have the basic mechanics of cooking food as they prepare for their own futures.

In addition to providing the best-tasting Caribbean food in the area, Hector is also opening his kitchen allowing young people to learn all they can and keep ‘rice ‘n’ peas, jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish et al alive, kicking and eaten in their droves for generations to come.

Furthermore, he is also looking to franchise out ‘The One’ name brand, not only in food, but music, sports and educational programmes, just so that every child and young person he comes across feels exactly like that...

‘The One!’

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 13

GDP Champ, McGuigan, to Pack a points to economic Punch on Night of Nostalgia resolve Gross domestic product figures (GDP) for the second quarter of 2017 are a further sign of the economy showing its resolve, Greater Birmingham business leaders have said.

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Paul Faulkner said: “It was reassuring to see a pick-up in GDP growth levels for Quarter 2 as once again the British economy demonstrated its resoluteness in the face of wider political uncertainty.

“It was also heartening to see an increase in service sector output which made up for the slower level of growth in the manufacturing and construction sectors.

“Nevertheless it remains to be seen how long service sector growth can be sustained given the relative slowdown in consumer spending caused by higher inflation levels and weak wage growth.

I

t is 32 years since Barry McGuigan won the world featherweight title, and this October the ‘Clones Cyclone’ will be in Birmingham for a unique event.

Conor McGregor might be the most recognised Irishman on the planet today but during a frenetic spell in the mid1980s, McGuigan captivated the country.

This October, BBC Radio WM’s Bob Brolly will host ‘An Evening with Barry McGuigan,’ at the Irish Centre, in Birmingham.

It was on a barmy summer evening in 1985, at Queens Park Rangers FC’s Loftus Road, in London, when Barry deposed the mighty Eusebio Pedroza to win the WBA world featherweight title which was the culmination of a remarkable journey for the charismatic young man from Mon-

aghan in Ireland. His sporting triumph is a story which somehow brought the divided communities in the north of Ireland together.

There shouldn’t be a shortage of questions to lob at the former champion, who says that even if he is asked the same questions at these types of events, he can vary his answers.

“I get asked the same questions on a fairly regular basis” he says. “But it depends on who’s asking it and the way they ask it. Different circumstances and different audiences, you answer in a different way. I love it.

The question and answer is probably the best way of getting in touch with your audience. That way you can ask your question and feel part of it, whereas an after-dinner speech is not the same, you’re talking at the audience. In

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a question and answer situation you always feel that the audience is involved,” he explained.

Although his days in the ring are years behind him, boxing still has Barry in its clutches.

He writes and commentates on the sport, runs the successful Cyclone Promotions Company and manages some of the world’s best boxers in the shape of Carl Frampton and Josh Taylor So, it’s clear that when Barry sits down in the Irish Centre to discuss his career, there won’t be a shortage of topics to quiz him on.

NEWS

Page 14 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE

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renda Dacres is a councillor representing New Cross Ward & London Borough of Lewisham in United Kingdom.

Her campaign ground to be a new Mayor for Lewisham took place at Deptford Lounge, Giffin Street Deptford on Saturday 12 August,2017. The theme of the event was 'Support Brenda to be a new Mayor of Lewisham'.'

Among strong politician attended the event include Dawn Butler (MP) Labour Member of Parliament for Brent Central, Councillor Joe Dromey.

Brenda Dacres is ready to be in office as mayor of Lewisham.

Brenda is tested and trusted and she needs total support of every UK citizen living in Borough of Lewisham to continue her unique jobs she has done for the Borough, Dawn Butler (MP) Labour Member of Parliament for Brent Central, said: ''Support Brenda Dacres to be a new Mayor of Lewisham.

“We appreciate her in Borough of Lewisham, she is tested and trusted, God will continue to give her more wisdom to remain victorious always.

“She had performed well and transformed her Council as a Councillor. We are supporting her ambition to be mayor of Lewisham, she a good labour politician who has touched lives positively''.

Brenda disclosed in her ten minutes speech ''I'm standing to be Mayor because I believe that together we can build a better future.

“My parents came to England from Jamaica in the 1960s in search of a better life. They have worked hard and contributed to our community.

“My Dad is a retired taxi driver and my Mum was an Auxiliary Nurse.

“Lewisham has been my home for thirty four years. As a single mum I raised my son here in UK with a grant from Lewisham Council. I was the first in my family to go to University.

“I've served our community as a parent Governor, Councillor, and Chair of the Labour Group. I want to give back to the community I love and that has given me so much.

“I have the experience, values and vision to be a radical labour Mayor for Lewisham.

“As mayor I would focus on 5 priorities: “1-Tackle housing crisis by building council homes, standing up against greedy developers and rogue landlords, and standing up for private renters.

“2- Help every child reach their potential by improving our schools

Providing A New Hope For Lewisham

and making our streets safe. I want no child to be left behind.

“3-Improve Lewisham 's environment by tackling air pollution, protecting green spaces and cleaning up our streets.

“4-fight poverty by promoting the living wage and decent jobs “5-promoting a new radical, inclusive politics, with members, unions, and community at the

heart of decision making.

“Now is the time for change in Lewisham. by being here today, you are part of that journey. You are part of that change.

“We are stronger when we work together. it would be a privilege our community.” she concluded.

Brenda Dacres is aware that the average UK citizen living in Lewisham is creative, intelligent,

resourceful, business savvy and most of all, enterprising by nature.

It is evident in the high number of micro, small and medium enterprises we see across the country.

These enterprises are the creator of jobs, the source through which millions of families are fed in the country and ultimately the backbone of our economy.

Politicians that graced the event included Councillor Joe Dromey.

According to him, ''Brenda is a very good politician, fostering high growth entrepreneurship and innovative activity are critical in achieving high productivity and job creation in any country.

“She has experience in politics, she a good role model for the Labour party in the UK. I support her ambition to be a new Mayor for Lewisham, we are supporting her''.

She is an expert and specialist on planning for the development in UK politics. It is clear that Brenda carries all people living in Lewisham along with her transformation agenda in our great nation, this program will add more values to UK economy.

Her agenda will create more jobs for youths immediately she becomes Mayor in Lewisham.

Support Brenda Dacres to become Mayor of Lewisham.

Who is Brenda Dacres?

She's a single parent who has lived in Lewisham for 34 years.

Her parents came to England from Jamaica in the early 1960s, and they are both retired.

“My Dad was a Black Taxi driver and my Mum was an Auxiliary Nurse in the NHS. She is the eldest of their four children and also the first in the family to go to university after receiving a grant from Lewisham Council.”

She is an active woman within the community, and have previously been a local primary school governor, and PTA Secretary for a Lewisham secondary school.

She has rich experience in I.T since 1991 as Desktop Support

Officers, Service Manager, Project Manager and Data Analyst. She has managed teams and projects in Europe, Middle East & Africa.

She holds a degree in Physical Sciences with Computing, and also a Law degree. She was called to the Bar in the UK after successfully completing the Barrister Course in 2006.

In 2013, she was selected to be one of the Councillor Candidates for New Cross Ward. and became the Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic (BAME) CLP Office, which enabled her to work with BAME members on what they felt was important, know how the local Labour party worked and associated abbreviations and acronyms, keeping them informed of what was happening locally and nationally.

In 2014 She was elected as Councillor for New Cross Ward. and became a London Borough of Lewisham Councillor, where she

worked hard to helped her Ward and Lewisham.

Since becoming a member of Lewisham Council, she was elected by her fellow Councillors to be their Chair of Labour Group of Councillors, and the Chair of Standards for two years.

They have also elected her to be the Chief Whip of Labour Group of Councillors and their Labour Group Secretary.

Since joining the Council and she have sat on the Overview and Scrutiny Business Panel, Overview and Scrutiny Educational Business Panel, Children Young & Young People, Safer & Stronger Communities, Public Accounts, Appointments, Constitutional Working Party, Planning Committee, Standards Committee.

She was involved on the New Cross Gate Trust Board of Trustee, and the Albany Trustee Board. She is a member of UNITE The Union and The Co-operative Party.

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 15

20 YEARS AS THE EYE OF ENTERTAINMENT

SEPTEMBER 2017

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Jesse Royal Reggae Revival Royal-ty

RUMFEST B ● z uart Q ● -E E N O PLUS: MR CAP nd more!

A ● E N U T R FO ● A P A VES IN AYIA N A W S E K A M N A Y R B M DO

Page 16 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

TV - Online - MAGAZINE /markdwaynemusic

/streetcredmagazine.com www.streetcredmagazine.com

COME AND GET HIGH WITH JENEYE

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irmingham singer Jeneye brings the smoothes R&B tune heard in years produced by legendary poducer Major of Vomit.

Come get High definately

Editors note

S

o far it has been the year of festivals and Birmingham has definitely been up this year.

As you can see from last months Shardfest and Simmer Down features you can tell that the city is truly moving forward.

This month we show the record breaking turnout of Jamaica in the Square .

Gutted that we have so much

amazing pictures we could not possibly print but you can see more on our social media pages.

Also check out our hot Jamaican artist Jessie Royale who we have courtesy of Punch Records. There is never a dull moment in Street Cred entertainment.

Get in touch with your news and events from across the country!

All My Life

puts you in the zone! This one is sexy and we are loving the BMW mate filmed from a very high view gwaaaarn.

Youtube.com - Jeneye - Get High

Y

THE YOUNGEST DJ TO TOUR NAPA

MARK DWAYNE NEW SINGLE ‘ALL MY LIFE' BIRTHDAY release!

T 08.09.2017

oung rising star, 18 year old DJ Dom Bryan has finished a successful tour of Ayia Napa.

Birmingham DJ made waves at the famous Black and White club supporting the likes of Chipmunk and many others.

Search Dom Bryan on Instagram and Facebook and connect.

he new video will see Mark Dwayne in a classy mansion setting with a woman he has waited all his life for.

The story shows how he has to convince her that she is

the one as he is known as a notorious player.

The track is very upbeat, Dancehall mixed with an R&B sound that will definately get you rocking.

Look out for the video and single release on 8/9/2017.

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 17

www.streetcredmagazine.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Busta’s Back With Nightlife currently on a low and it not so popular to be out, the Velvet Music Rooms seem to have the busiest party and happening atmosphere on Broad St.

T Lanez.

he legendary Busta Rhymes returns with new track “Girlfriend” ft Vybz Kartel & Tory

“Girlfriend” is a homage to Busta’s Jamaican roots with dancehall hero Vybz Kartel bringing a dancehall kick. Summer-inspired beats are courtesy of Rockwilder.

Busta Rhymes is hip-hop royalty, with a string of hit albums including “The Coming” and “When Disaster Strikes”. He has worked with everyone from Kanye West to Lil Wayne, A Tribe Called Quest to Diplo.

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ocal music mavericks Punch have embarked on a major artist development program providing exceptionally talented local artists with the support, opportunities and infrastructure they need to achieve their national and international goals.

Punch’s latest talent development program ‘ Next Level ’ is their most innovative and intensive project to date and forms part of the PRS Talent Development partnership.

Wednesday 26th July marked the beginning of Punch’s ‘Next Level’ and the first session for singer-songwriters and live gig favourites; Call me Unique, Dee Ajayi and Sophia Lee Soul , rising grime star Scorpz and acclaimed producer; A Class.

The session, delivered by Punch’s Head of Creative Projects

Check it out at twitter.com/BustaRhymes facebook.com/bustarhymesworldwide

Next Level: Session One

Ray Paul provided an introduction to the 6 month program. With over 25 years of music industry experience behind him, Ray provided an in depth and thought provoking insight into the various areas of the industry that the artists would be exploring throughout the program as well as encouraging the artists to think about what they wanted to achieve from taking part in ‘Next Level’ We spoke to Dee Ajayi at the end of the first day.

How does it feel to be part of the Next Level project?

It was a feeling of gratitude to have been chosen from so many, it was a massive compliment.

This is day one of Next Level how’s it been?

It’s been very informative but it’s made me excited about what’s coming - we’re going to some really cool places and learn some really important stuff.

You can see the energy of this Saturday Night hosted by Mark Dwayne.

DJs are Mster I and Corey who bring the perfect blend of Club Classics and Dancehall.

Page 18 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Authentic Indian Street Food Restaurant Opens At Grand Central

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rand Central Birmingham has announced the latest addition to its impressive array of restaurant choices which opens this month.

New restaurant, Mowgli, will feature alongside other popular eateries within Grand Central including Tapas Revolution, Pho and Tortilla, all of which have flourished since launching.

An Indian street food restaurant, it is owned by a celebrity YouTube vlogger, Nisha Katona who gave up her highly successful career as a barrister to pursue her dream of bringing an authentic Indian dining experience to the West.

The epitome of which are the restaurant’s famous Yoghurt Chat Bombs - the absolute heart of Mowgli that give diners an explosion of flavour like no other. Rather than a quiet or intimate dining experience, Mowgli is about the taste adventure.

Here, shoppers can get a taste of India with Mowgli serving up a concept based on how Indians eat in their homes and on the street, pared back and unplugged, boasting a selection of small plates designed to feed the yearning that Indians have for bright, intense, rich

flavours.

Nisha Katona, curry evangelist and owner of Mowgli, spoke about the opening: “I am very excited about taking Mowgli to Birmingham and particularly to Grand Central,” says Nisha, who has written for the Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Times and The Independent and filmed for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Food Network.

Mowgli is about smash and grab zing of honest, home style, fresh food and it strikes me that Grand Central customers are all about this kind of edgy offer, so we think the restaurant will be very well received.”

Michaela Moore, General Manager for Bullring and Grand Central, said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Mowgli into Grand Central’s tasty line-up of food choices.

We’re sure they will prove a big hit with shoppers and food fans. The offering is a unique food and drink concept and complements the other restaurant and café options available here at Grand Central very well.”

With two sites in Liverpool and one in Manchester, Mowgli will be opening in Grand Central in Birmingham in September this year, in the available unit opposite Tapas Revolution.

EVERYONE GOES STURR CRAZY AT JAMAICA 55

Legendary Liverpool and England footballer Daniel Sturridge had all eyes on him as he supported his mothers Sturr Crazy Kitchen stand at the Jamaica in the Square celebrations in Birmingham.

Fans came from all over to get autographs on anything they had, from club shirts to food boxes from the kitchen itself.

Liverpool was in full effect.!

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 19

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

FORTUNE

musical success and innovation with tenacity; creatively pushing the boundaries of commercial R&B and Hip Hop and ensuring a British twist is added to all of the tracks.

Luca and Parmar met whilst working in a Chinese restaurant and discovered that they both shared a passion for urban tunes, as well as having a burning ambition to make music, which they achieved by fusing their styles under Fortune.

Luca was playing the guitar from the age of 7 and his father nurtured his passion for music exposing him to folk and should before Luca started singing and playing blues.

The natural progression was to-

L

uca and Parmar have brought their musical talents together and formed Fortune, a British R&B and Hip Hop duo, who have announced the release of their EP ‘CHINATOWN’.

This eclectic compilation of motivational and atmospheric tracks will take the listener to a new level, and is guaranteed to captivate both commercial and

wards R&B. Parmar was close to his uncle who exposed him to Hip Hop and R&B stalwarts from the likes of 2pac and Biggie Smalls to NWA and Erykah Badu; and the list extends. Fortune are pursuing a successful career in the industry with aspirations of worldwide recognition and hope to inspire younger generations of British artists.

Influenced by both East Coast and West Side artists such as Dr Dre and Nas, Fortune have developed and channeled their style which comes through on ‘CHINATOWN’, with more contemporary artists from Canada and the UK as well as from the Atlanta scene.

The Weekend, Skepta, Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott have all been influential while Fortune have developed future classics including ‘FOLLO ME’ and ‘D.R.U.G.S’. Currently unsigned, Fortune are determined to follow their dreams and are sure to be destined for historical dynamism.

genre-specific audiences with its contemporary British urban vibe, creativity and heartfelt stimulating messages.

‘CHINATOWN’ will reach out to people with popular engaging tracks, which delight ones ears.

From the melodic and inspirational ‘DREAMZ’ to the sexy groove of ‘LONELY’ and the motivational banger ‘MARQUEES”, Fortune have certainly pursued

Chozen

R

icardo Marinoni (aka Chozen) lights up the summer with his anthemic new video, ‘Name and Face.’

Chozen was inspired to make music after watching his cousin Neutrino PKA begin his musical career on pirate radio and release songs independently on white label as part of DJ and MC duo ‘Oxide and Neutrino,’ then achieve enormous success with the No1 single ‘Bound 4 Da Reload (Casualty).’

His cousin’s journey motivated Chozen to follow his path and make quality music rather than following different, negative paths which surrounded him at

the time.

‘Name and Face’s’ raw, gritty video expresses both Chozen’s ambition and his prodigious talent.

This talent has already been noted by a variety of tastemakers with NME Mag writing ‘if the world were looking for a new champion of punk spirit and speaker shredding street swagger, then ChozenOfficial may just be the man.’

Coming from South London, Chozen’s authentic, genuine sound, brings a fresh vibrancy to the UK scene, and incorporates a PRESS RELEASE cornucopia of influences ranging from classical, to Basement Jaxx to Wiley.

Cushion or Compact?

What’s your favourite?

Everlasting Foundations

Two new long-lasting foundations for flawless coverage

Clarins Everlasting Foundation is now available in two new adaptable, long-wearing textures. In addition to the current ‘must-have’ liquid formula, Clarins introduces a choice of cushion technology or compact powder to suit your individual needs. The perfect for on-the-go, unique formulas are all enriched with plant extracts to enhance, protect and nourish your skin.

C

Everlasting Cushion Foundation SPF 50

larins practical Everlasting 'must-have' liquid The technology perfect for The perfect partner forthe dayscurrent spent rushing around.

The cushion evenson-the-go, and Foundation is now formula, ClarinsComplex introduces a 50unique all enriched corrects as a fluid would, whilst the Anti-Pollution and SPF protectformulas the skin, are promoting available in two new choice of cushion technology or with plant extracts to enhance, a radiant, glowy appearance, instantly. adaptable, long-wear- compact powder to suit your in- protect, and nourish your skin. ing Atextures.

In addition dividual needs. handy compact containingtoa lightweight, fluid foundation housed in a cushion to quench the skin whilst allowing it to breathe. Dark spots and imperfections are erased thanks to the flawless coverage.

Everlasting Cushion Foundation Continuous hydration

Organic quinoa extract helps maintain the skin’s moisture levels leaving skin looking plump and healthy. he perfect practical plex and SPF 50 protect the partner for days spent skin, promoting a radiant, glowy Triple protection around. handy appearance instantly.

Organic Anti-pollution, anti-free radical and UV rushing protection (SPF A 50) help protect the skin barrier and preserve the skin’s youthful qualities.compact containing a light- quinoa extract helps maintain weight fluid foundation housed skins moisture levels, leaving it in a cushion to quench the skin looking plump and healthy. whilst allowing it to breathe.

Dark spots and imperfections Shades The cushion technology evens are erased thanks to the flawless 103 Ivory 105 Nude and corrects as a fluid would, coverage.

107 Beige 108 Sand whilst the Anti-Pollution Com110 Honey 112 Amber

T

Time To Get Lit For The Clubs!

We found these urban Beauty wear on Pinterest and these dresses are definitely the way to go for a different and fresh look.

But you dont have to wear a dress to be slick all the time. As you can see, the ripped look is also in!

Presentation & Price Everlasting Compact 15ml white compact with gold trim…£31.00 Foundation

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15ml white compact insert refills…£23.00 larins presents a new com- Complex captures and diffuses light pact foundation perfect for for an immediate enhancing and Availability the go to2017 optically blur brightening effect.

24thonSeptember and minimise imperfections for a Organic quinoa extract combined flawless, matte complexion. with the Micropatch Vegetal helps Everlasting Compact Foundation maintain the skin's level of hydracombines bamboo powder and the tion. The complexion looks flawless High Fidelity System to control whilst skin feels soft and supple. shine, whilst the Light-Optimising

Page 20 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Tygers of Pan Tang

by Vivek Rajkhowa

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he Tygers of Pan Tang took time out to give us some backstory about the band and bring us up to date with what they’ve been up to.

What inspired the name?

Musical influences?

“Our drummer at the time was big sci fi fantasy fan, and was reading Michael Moorcox’s fantasy book Stormbringer.

“In the storyline, there is a principality called Pan Tang guarded by Tigers. Originally I had suggested Achille’s Heel, but then our drummer suggested Tygers of Pan Tang, and that blew my suggestion out of the water.

“I had to sit down when I heard it, and thought that it was really amazing, so we went with that.

“We’ve found that people remember part of the name if not the whole name as a result, so it’s been very helpful to us.

“I was quite influenced by Elvis and early Rock n Roll, and with two older sisters I got turned onto Otis Redding, Little Richard and then later Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin.”

What Inspired The Decision To Record Love Potion Number Nine?

“It came as a bit of a surprise to us actually. We were recording The Cage album in Marquis Studios in 1982, and our producer Peter Collins who was known for producing pop artists was producing the album was bouncing ideas around for the single, when we settled on Paris by Air, Peter’s manager who was also called Peter came bursting into the room and said. “‘I’ve got a great idea lads, you’re going to record Love Potion and it’s going to sell a million copies and it’s going to be great. Ain’t that a great idea?’

“We all sort of nodded and said yes and then he walked out and left. We recorded the song, it didn’t sell a million copies, but it did end up sounding good.”

Could to you talk me through the process of recording and writing the new album?

“We’ve all got home studios, I suppose everyone with a computer does now, but ours tend to be a bit more technical and old fashioned with a mixing desk

and everything.

“Anyway, we were heading to a festival and we were trying to narrow down the songs we wanted to record.

“We had about fifty songs, and our drummer Craig was there making a note of everything, and eventually we got it down to fifteen songs.

“Then a few weeks later, ten new songs were written. So, it’s not like we’re stuck for song ideas, we’re all very prolific writers.

“I also wanted to do a new cover song, and so I suggested we cover ‘Got The Music In Me’ and originally the guys didn’t quite get where I was coming from, when we jammed the first time.

“But we came back a few months later and jammed it, they all saw where I was coming from before, so we got that down.

“We got to recording the songs in Glass Studios, and we worked in Andy Taylor from Duran Duran’s studio as well but I felt as if there was something missing, so I spoke to our manager who spoke to the record company and then we sent a the entire catalogue of songs we’d recorded and sent them off to

this guy named Soren Anderson.

“He’d never heard the songs before and he had all of these tracks to look at and sort out. I think the first mix he sent back was Blood Red Skies and it was incredible. So he did the rest of the album and it turned out really well.”

What’s your favourite song or album that you’ve recorded?

“Oh that’s a tough one. That’s like asking a Father who his favourite child is! Though I do have to say that when we play Suzie Smiled, there’s something about it that really gets the crowd going and is really fun to play.

“We’ve added a section to it to update it for the 21st century. So yeah, I think that would have to be there.”

What plans have you got for the future?

“Well we’re currently rehearsing for a couple of shows we have in the next few weeks.

Playing in Cambridge and Venice, and then we’re going to be heading to the studio to record a new album which we hope to have out next year.”

G

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 21

www.streetcredmagazine.com

BRUMFEST Proving the Ideal Platform

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s part of Jamaica’s 55th Anniversary of celebrations, the ‘Brumfest’ day-long family-friendly music festival had some of the Midlands’ finest performers providing endless entertainment and much vibrancy.

Billed as one of Birmingham’s major music festivals showcasing the best of British new and upcoming artists, the presence of headline acts, which included the Street Cred Magazine founder, the celebrated multi award winning singer/songwriter, Mark Dwayne, Judy Emeline, Gospel Arts Productions Academy and many more, did there bit in order to fulfil

the event’s obligation.

Based at the Laurel Road Community Sports Centre, in Handsworth, the performer’s spirits were up as hosts DJs Rena Sparks and Wayne Ire did their professional ‘bit’ to hype up a baying crowd.

Caters to a vibrant multi-cultural UK, Birmingham is the UK second biggest city and it's time for Birmingham to have a major music festival. There are lots of good talented artists in Birmingham that need exposure and BRUMFEST proved the ideal platform as a launching pad for local talent, to play side-by-side with some of the city’s biggest names, making this ideal for all.

ENTERTAINMENT

Page 22 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Jamaica 55 Independence Celebrations @ Mango Lounge

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n the evening of the 2nd August 2017 a hundred and eleven patrons came to the regular monthly Wednesday MIC Fever which showcases talent from the community.

It befittingly had a Jamaica’s 55th Independence Celebration theme and was taken to another level as each performer delivered to their fullest potential.

The range of talent on display was truly amazing and as someone who appreciates the quality of the performing arts I have nothing but praise for all the performers.

Noel Dexter the founder of the University Singers in Jamaica penned the folk song ‘If yuh lookin’ fi talent see it yah’ and that is an apt description of all the performers in the over two and a half hour fun filled show.

The emcee as usual was Miss Culture Jam dressed in her Jamaican colours of black, green and gold whilst the venue was suitably bedecked with the Jamaican flag along with balloons with the same colour theme.

It was a delightful evening of poetry, African drumming, cre-

A

head of his sell out shows at The O2 Arena's Jamaica House in London and Boomtown Festival in Winchester, Punch Records teamed up with one of the most popular artists in the young conscious Reggae Revival movement ‘Jesse Royal’ .

As part of his whistlestop PR tour he came to Birmingham for an exclusive Q&A with a select group of fans - we caught up with Jesse to discuss his journey so far.

As an introduction to the people that might not have heard your music yet, in your own words who is Jesse Royal?

Strong minded, strong willed, lover of music and respecter of all people - I really just want to make an impact while I'm here.

How did you first get involved in music? And who has influenced your style?

ative dancing, comedy skit and singing of the highest quality. This was ably backed by DJ Chicken George.

The appreciative audience clapped, cheered and laughed and at times joined in dancing to some familiar beats of reggae and ska of which the latter took many back down memory lane.

The smiles on people’s faces said it all as both regulars and first timers could be overheard saying repeatedly how much they en-

joyed the entire evening and how the atmosphere was wonderful.

The Jamaica National Anthem was sung with gusto and pride as people stood to attention to belt out the words.

To cap off a remarkable evening a specially made Jamaica Independence anniversary cake was cut and shared with all the patrons.

It was indeed first class entertainment from the start to the end.

Reviewer: Tony Kelly

My first introduction to music was through the church, my grandmother was a choir director at my local church, so I always used to go to choir practice.

This developed my love and respect for music, it developed a spiritual respect for the music.

It's more than just entertainment, music has always been something that is more than just a song to me, it’s a vibration, it's a frequency, it's something that is being sent out there. That's probably my heaviest influence.

Growing up in Jamaica there was so many talented legends, from Ziggy Marley to Super Cat, Yellowman to Sizzla to even Otis Reading and Bruno Mars.

We are really influenced by music, and whatever that is in its pure form we feel it.

But then we are Jamaicans so the Raggamuffin and the Rock Steady and the Rub-a-dub and Dancehall music is also always going to be one of our influences.

What more do you think music businesses should be doing to nurture new & emerging talent?

I believe the industry owes it to generation next, it's always important to invest in the generations to come. But also at the same time the current situation has developed a level of independence in artists, that has sparked a different level of creativity.

We have had to figure it out and do it on our own and find a way to make it work.

We are in a generation now where less spoon fed music that is being accepted and it's more real art.

It's a two sided coin, they should invest time, facilities and fair trade, so everyone has a chance.

v n o C In e J h t i w

But I don't want them to get too involved and make it too easy, there still has to be some filtration process, it has to be the people that really want to do this and stick to it.

Those people now will find ways and means to figure it out and develop new strategies and new approaches and new marketing plans and new platforms to introduce their art, which is also necessary for the advancement of mankind...not just for the music industry.

We need to continue thinking and not just have everything laid out for us.

This evening you’ll be taking part in a Punch Records Q&A with some of your fans. Why is connecting with fans so important to you?

It's important because we are all in the same boat you know, we all face the same struggles and have the same questions and the things that are happening affect us all.

On a deeper level for me it is imperative that we as a nation start reasoning, start talking, start talking about solutions versus complaining about all the woes that have been done to us.

For me it's necessary to see where our heads are at, knock heads, brain storm, develop new ideas and also for me it's exciting to learn, cus I dont know it all.

Sometimes it's good to reason and hear what goes through other people's minds and see where that fits in in the bigger puzzle.

We always have to remain connected to people because we don't make music for aliens we make music for people so always have to stay connected.

You've performed in a range of different countries, is there anywhere that stands out as your favorite place to perform?

That's a very hard one, you see I really have to think about it because every show has its own energy and such a unique vibration. I did really enjoy Brazil, Brazil is a really lovely audience you know. Yes probably one of my favourite shows was in Rio.

With shows coming up at O2 and Boomtown you’ll be reaching even wider UK audiences, do you notice a difference between fans/shows in the UK to other countries?

The UK to me is the Mecca in terms of sound. I've always had a deep respect for the music that comes out of the UK and the taste makers and the youts dem.

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 23

www.streetcredmagazine.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Royal Opera House Season returns to Cinemas

n o i t a vers l a y o R e s s e Even in the time I've been here I've been hearing some new song that really interest me. For me to be able to connect with people here is really exciting to me.

As I’ve said everywhere has its own energy but london has a special vibe, because when they get you the world gets you, and some of the greatest artists to me are coming out of the UK.

What do you think of the UK music scene at the moment, Is there a British artist or producer you would like to collaborate with?

A lot of them, J Hus is bad you know what I mean, and there's a whole heap of other musicians and artists and ting. I heard a nice production from Toddler T recently, there's a lot of great people here so I don't want to throw out too many names and be specific because I’m down to work and be creative.

I’d like to know a little more about your upcoming album ‘Lily of da valley’, where did you get the title? What's the message behind this album?

The title came from reasoning, it was a concept that was in my mind as a young child, because it was a hymn that resonated with me on a different level.

It was always in the back of my head like “I think this is what I want to call my first album”. Then when we started creating the songs, the title took on even more life and the songs started to sound like ‘Lily of da valley’.

Then on a deeper level with the reference to Christ from back in the day coming for the humble and the meek, our approach to this first project is getting to our people and getting to everyone.

There are songs of love that are

really only about love and making love, there are songs giving thanks for love and there are songs about standing up against injustice and there are songs about remaining faithful because jah know your name.

The more the songs formed the more the concept of ‘Lily of da valley’ took on even more life.

Where do you get your inspiration from when creating new music?

From everything you know. It may be something I see, it may be something I hear, it may be a book I read, it may be a comment someone makes, it may be a situation that's happening.

We try to put everything in music that's how we channel our energy. We really make music from everything, everything is a song.

You have been linked heavily with the term ‘reggae revival’, is this something that you identify with?

People always put labels on things because everyone wants to label something. The world hates

what they don't understand. I really have no problem with anything as long as you understand that we are on a mission.

The mission is to enlighten our generation, awaken our youts and develop a seed of consciousness in a society where we can reclaim morality, and not only morality but but also understand our worth, understand our positions on the battlefield and understand that we will be in the positions of power soon and very soon.

It's about time we changed the course of earth where certain things go on. You can call it what you want to call it but it's really a moment of youts; who sing, who get books, who are coming up with new cuisines, people who are changing what people thought things were.

So it's not just about songs it's a whole generational shift going on right now that is honestly a beautiful thing to be a part of.

So if you ask me it’s a ‘Revival’ not just a ‘Reggae revival’, there's a revival going on around the world and the power of love is creeping in.

M

ozart’s popular work with its famous Queen of the Night aria delivers a magical adventure through mysticism, enchantment, love and trickery – with some wonderfully humorous moments – through an extraordinary blend of comedy, philosophical seriousness and sheer magic.

The Magic Flute follows the handsome, young prince Tamino as he sets out to rescue the beautiful Pamina at the request of The

Queen of the Night. With only his magic flute and cheerful companion Papageno to help him, Tamino sets out, and soon finds himself on a quest searching for love, enlightenment and wisdom.

The Royal Opera’s production of The Magic Flute opens the Live Cinema Season 2017/18 on Wednesday 20 September at 7.15pm.

Set designer, John Macfarlane brings Mozart’s magical opera to life in his designs, from the panoramic night sky to the dancing animals summoned by Tamino’s

flute and the incredible flying machine of the Three Boys.

This timeless classic provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy a cherished opera, for newcomers and Royal Opera regulars alike.

An encore screening will take place on Sunday 24 September at 2pm. The next production in the 2017/18 ROH Live Cinema Season is Puccini’s beloved opera La bohème on Tuesday 3 October at 7.15pm.

Page 24 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

SPOTLIGHT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Ackee Tree Still Standing Firm

T

hey come and they go, on the great metropolis that is Slade Road, but, as long as the food is of the highest, uniquely delicious standards it sets out to be, then Ackee Tree Cuisine Caribbean Takeaway will remain supreme in the world of diners and takeaways.

Up against a plethora of likewise businesses – of varying cultural tastes – on the ever-busy thoroughfare, in Erdington, in Birmingham, after 7-years still standing supreme, you still have to go far and wide to get anywhere near equalling this particular eatery.

Proprietor, Everton ‘Bubbles’ Taylor remains on top of his game, in this field and, with the constant stream of customers there-and always growing-it’s recommended that you too treat your tastes buds to some of the best food you are unlikely to find elsewhere.

From his succulently sweet-tasting rice & peas and jerk chicken – a customer favourite – ackee

& salt fish, salmon, or escoveitched, washed down with his special blend of Guinness punch, or ‘sexy,’ once you’ve been there, you’ll be a regular for ever.

“After all these years I’m still

passionate about my food,” said the ever-energenic Taylor. “The reason I’m still here, whilst others fall, is that everything at Ackee Tree Cuisine is geared around great taste and friendly customer service. Once you keep those at the highest standard, you’ll always go a long way.

That’s why no-one can doubt my food.”

“The food at Ackee Tree is fantastic,” one customer endorses. “I come from all the way from Tamworth, in Staffordshire, and am never disappointed. The service is with a smile and now I make sure I get my Caribbean food from there as often as possible.”

“Big respect to Caribbean food,” says Bubbles. “And ‘Big Respect’ to people like the legendary Bing who set the bench-mark for great food from the islands for as long as he has.

His longevity is proof that there’s a great ‘want’ out there, as I am proving here.”

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 25

ENTERTAINMENT

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Marcus Garvey Awareness Day T

his was an extra special day of celebration, marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary Jamaican icon, Marcus Garvey, with the TingA-Ling project, in conjunction with venue hosts, Parkland Banqueting Suite, staging the annual ‘Marcus Garvey Awareness Day,’ with education programmes, lectures, music and spoken word artists providing the narrative for a day of expression.

Ting-A-Ling owner and Marcus Garvey Day co-ordinator, Kirk Jackson, called it as: “A day to truly honour one of our greatest heroes,” and “an ideal opportunity to enhance his hero status, as well as educating those who seek to learn more about him.”

Guests, in Birmingham, including; radio presenter and DJ Ganga Lee, Pharaoh Jack, Gabbidon, Shuka and much more, enhanced the day-long acknowledgment of the impact made by one of the

country’s most iconic figures, with inspirational music and lectures that kept the ‘father of the nation’ up-front and prominent in people’s mind.

Founder of the Black Star Line shipping and passenger line which promoted the return of the African Diaspora to their ancestral land, as well as being a leading proponent of Black self-sufficiency and nationalism, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, leader of the mass Pan-Africanism movement, founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League and has attracted large followings up to this, a 100 years since he first blessed this Earth.

Mr.Capone-e

M

r Capone-E hails from the West Coast of LA, and was raised in LA. He has had massive collaborations with the likes of Snoop Dogg, The Game, Twista, basically everybody in the music Industry, and lately has collaborated with Fresh Montana.

“I started from the streets, especially in the 80’s and 90’s, raised in the hood, lots of gang culture growing up, our only inspirations and role models were rappers, like Easy-E, Tupac, Ice Cube, all those guys were our inspiration.

“Lots of homies got locked up or dying, and when NWA came it was a breath of fresh air, and it was like hey you can actually do something, and music was a hobby for me so it worked out perfect.”

Although Mr Capone-E has worked really hard since getting into the industry, he say he was lucky at the beginning as “One day I got heard by somebody, next I’m in the studio and it went from there. No schooling for me, it was real, music came to me real.”

“I represented my side of the tracks, and my music was hitting hard on the West Coast with the really street feel, and even the radio stations started playing me, and my tracks were charting higher than the 50 Cent tracks at the time, and getting more requests.” explained Mr Capone-E. “It was such a big hype that guys like Snoop Dogg reached out, saying we see what you’re doing, we want to work with you.

“Took Snoop Dogg to India and did a track with Jazzy B for the

India market called Most Wanted, and now I’m working with Roach Killa on this new track.

“He told me his story, he’s from Toronto, living in the UK now, understands the rap scene and the Asian market, so I sent him a track, and he blessed me with a nice hook, so it was nothing but love and respect right there.”

Being described as a Desi Hip Hop artist and being part of the Desi Hip Hip movement, Mr Capone-E is very proud of what is happening in the scene right now.

“It’s great seeing the Desi Hip Hop scene growing daily, and they need a face and someone to carry the torch, and I’d say I’m very

much part of the movement now.

“I’m looking at guys like Drake that would be great to collab with in the future, but it’s wherever destiny puts me.”

As for any up and coming rappers, singers or musicians, Mr-Capone-E had some very strong words for anyone trying to crack the music business.

If you’re trying to get into music, whatever you do you need to put 130% into it, you’ve got to go over the limits, extra hours, 10 times harder. Once you do that you have opportunities and you have a chance. Put your mind to it and you can do it.

I Want! I Want!

Art & Technology AN ARTS COUNCIL COLLECTION NATIONAL PARTNER EXHIBITION AT BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

1 APR – 1 OCT 2017 This exhibition will present the work of contemporary artists working with technology.

birminghammuseums.org.uk @BM_AG Funded by:

/birminghammuseumandartgallery

#ACCNationalPartners City of Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery Development Trust

Arts Council Collection is managed by Southbank Centre on behalf of Arts Council England.

Image: Rachel Maclean, Feed Me 2015. Courtesy of the artist, Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre, London.

Donations welcome

Page 26 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

Agony Aunt

A Rose Between Thorns

l Dr Saroj ‘Rose’ Duggal

I

am about to move to a new college in September to continue with my studies, but I don’t know anyone at the college and it’s really worrying me that I will be that loner kid sat by themselves for the next few years.

I’m a very shy person naturally, and I don’t make friends easily, although the ones I do make are some of the best friendships I have.

I chose to change colleges because it is the right thing to do for my education, rather than dropping out or continuing where I was, as although I had friends, I was frustrated by the teachers and the subjects.

What should I do? I’m getting panic attacks just thinking about the first day, and even getting all of my thoughts down in this letter to you I can feel my anxiety rising.

Please help, I’m not sure what I can do. ~Daisy, Sutton Coldfield Dear Daisy, Thank you for your letter, and I can completely sympathise with your situation.

One of my best friends I met at secondary school.

They had come to the school, like you, to better their education and not stick to the local comprehensive like their friends had.

They came in looking very sheepish, but within a few minutes they had been approached by a couple of groups from the class, and immediately felt at home with a new bunch of friends.

Taking a big leap like you have is a very brave thing to do, especially as you’re doing it for all the right reasons.

I wish you all the best at your new college, and in all your endeavours this year.

Don’t forget you can contact me by emailing your queries in to rose@thephoenixnewspaper.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

www.streetcredmagazine.com

BIGScreen

T

welve years after the tragic death of their daughter, a dollmaker and his wife welcome a nun and a group of young girls from a local Catholic orphanage into their home, where they soon become the target of a malevolent presence that resides within.

I'm 2013, James Wan made a little throwback horror filmed called The Conjuring which took the world by storm, cementing itself as one of the best horror movies of recent times.

Due to the nature of the story and characters, Wan and the studio clearly saw franchise potential, leading to the conception of the "Conjuring Universe" - a set of sequels and prequels that are all linked to each other in one way or another.

Now, this got off to a rocky start in 2014 with the release of Annabelle, a film that left a bad taste in the mouths of both critics and audiences alike.

So, when a follow-up to Annabelle was announced, audiences were left bemused. Nobody asked for it. Nobody wanted it.

However, they have defied all expectations and delivered a mature, patient, slow-burning and deeply effective horror movie.

David F. Sandberg, director of 2016's Lights Out, has remained in the realm of horror to take on this prequel and he does a phenomenal job, ridding himself of some of the things he did wrong with Lights Out and showing admirable growth as a filmmaker.

With Lights Out, Sandberg showed his hand far too early, unveiling the threat in the opening minutes and showing it consistently throughout the movie until all sense of threat and dread was drained from the screen.

With Annabelle: Creation, Sandberg restrains himself and keeps the true threat under wraps for the majority of the runtime, introducing us to paranormal events that escalate slowly, from indecipherable noises and doors opening by themselves, to fully fledged visceral horror during the finale.

BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY

September 02 ALIBI 05 Queens of Comedy Extravaganza 08 Catapult Club feat. HINGe 08 Propaganda 09 Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana 15 The Beat starring Dave Wakeling 15 Catapult Club feat. The Sunset Beach Hut 15 Propaganda 16 Cats in Space 22 Ghostface Killah 22 Catapult Club feat. Seasons Hollow 22 Machine Gun Kelly 22 Propaganda 23 Andy James & Angel Vivaldi 23 Ne-Yo 24 Road Trip - Roadies on Tour EP2

review

wORDS by antony brown

ANNABELLE: CreatioN The pacing of this film is fantastic and is everything a good paranormal horror should be; story and character first, horror later, as these horrifying events are far more effective when the audience actually cares about the people they’re happening to.

Unfortunately, but understandably, Sandberg does revert to his

29 Waterparks 30 Without Grace 30 New Found Glory

O2 INSTITUTE

September 01 Purple Rain - A Celebration of Prince 01 The Clause 02 Spice 03 Alvvays 05 The Psychedelic Furs - The Singles Tour 07 Will Heard 08 KMFDM 10 Lowkey 13 A Night of Amy 15 The Butters Aliens 15 Hot Dub Time Machine 17 The Maine 22 Bush 22 Turnover 22 Life of Agony 23 Paul Draper 23 Mayday Parade - A Lesson in Romantics 10th Anniversary

old ways towards the end of the movie, by giving us several brief but revealing glimpses at the true threat and, sadly, they fall a little short.

Horror is a genre comprised of countless sub genres and with some of those sub genres, particularly those of the paranormal variety like this one, less is more and

Tour 24 Sparks - The Hippopotamus Tour 25 Mr Jukes 25 Sarah Close 26 The Black Angels 26 Fredo 27 Trash Boat

NEC

September 16-17 The Birmingham CRUISE Show 21-24 EGX 2017 22-24 A Place in the Sun Live 22-24 The Cycle Show 29-01 The National Wedding Show 30-01 Miniatura – The Dolls’ House & Miniatures Show

BARCLAYCARD ARENA

September 09 Nooran Sisters 16 Da-bangg - Salman Khan 20 John Legend

what we do not see is often a lot scarier than what we do and the brief glimpses we do get of the true evil fall a little flat because they feel so out of place with the rest of the movie.

However, they are indeed very brief and the build up is so expertly handed that it's easily forgivable and does not affect the

24 Birmingham Velo 28 An Evening With Conor McGregor 30 The Australian Pink Floyd Show 2017

GENTING ARENA

September 23 G-Dragon 2017 World Tour

TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL

September 03 Got 2 Sing ‘One Voice’ (SH) 09 165th British Open (SH) 10 Brass Band Gala (SH) 14 An Evening With Neil Sedaka (SH) 15 Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan - The Tribute Tour (SH) 16 Chineke! Orchestra (SH) 17 Paul Chowdhry Live innit (SH) 19 Rip It Up (SH)

overall experience too much.

In fact, I'm sure some viewers may find the big reveal terrifying, but for others, it'll take them out of what is an otherwise relatively believable and grounded tale.

Maxime Alexandre, a cinematographer with ample experience within the world of horror, having worked on films such as The Hills Have Eyes, The Crazies, Maniac and The Other Side of the Door, lends his talents to Annabelle: Creation and captures Sandberg's vision wonderfully and Annabelle: Creation looks gorgeous.

The images are crisp, clear and vibrant during the day, capturing the suffocating heat of the location, yet cold and overwhelming during the night scenes, with deep shadows that do a fantastic job of hiding whatever horrors may lurk in the darkness, resulting in some of the best, most intense scenes in the film.

The cast are fantastic, which is all the more impressive considering the majority of the film is carried by a group of very young, relatively inexperienced actresses.

They all come together to create a predominately likeable, very believable group of young women with distinct personalities.

Lulu Wilson and Talitha Bateman in particular are wonderful.

They play best friends Linda and Janice, who are at the heart of the story throughout and act as the catalyst for the paranormal activity that commences.

The range of emotions they are able to show at such a young age is deeply impressive and if they continue on this trajectory, they both have excellent careers ahead of them.

Annabelle: Creation is head and shoulders above David F. Sandberg's previous directorial outing, Lights Out. It's patience is something to be admired, as it isn't afraid to make us wait for the thrill of the fright, and giving us time to mingle with these characters allows us to care for them, so when the scares do begin, they are amplified because of our own investment in these people and their plight.

Annabelle: Creation is a step in the right direction for David F. Sandberg as a filmmaker and an excellent addition to the wider universe being established around James Wan's The Conjuring.

21 Haydn: The Creation (SH) 23 Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco Dance Hall (TH) 24 La La Land – Live in Concert (SH) 24 Hans Raj Hans (TH) 26 Suzanne Vega (SH) 27 Mirga Conducts Mahlers Fourth (SH) 28 Mirga Conducts Mahlers Fourth (SH) 28 Rob Brydon (SH)

SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON

September 06 Danny Bhoy 08 KMFDM 16 The Quireboys 18 Jaret Reddick 20 Voodoo Six 22 Deborah Bonham 23 Glory Fades 28 Craig Morris 29 Diio & Motley Crude 30 Whole Lotta DC

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 27

www.streetcredmagazine.com

Q

uartz are a heavy metal band that formed in the heartlands of Heavy Metal, Birmingham, in 1974.

Their mixture of Black Sabbath heaviness with gritty lyrics soon earned them a place in the burgeoning New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement.

Their debut album was released in 1977 and earned a fair bit of critical acclaim as did their second album 1980’s ‘Stand up and Fight’ both of which could be argued to have set the standard for doom and grunge metal that followed.

‘Fear No Evil’ is the band’s fifth album, and their second since reforming in 1996. The album cover displays what appears to be a burning town with zombies on the loose, an apt cover, considering the album title.

The title track is the first song on the record, with its haunting intro, which moves into a dark galloping riff, the band couldn’t have chosen a better song to open up with.

The lyrics portray quite a dark and foreboding image for the listener and perhaps throw up one or two suggestions about lessons for life, the solo that follows really suits the song and conveys the right sense of hope and despair that is present throughout the track.

Song number 2 is ‘Rock Bottom’ sung by guitarist Geoff Nichols who unfortunately passed away after the album was recorded.

The song has a lot of swagger to it, a definitive rocker, with echoes of UFO in the music and lyrical content. Song number three is the slower, moodier and foreboding ‘Stalker’.

The lyrics portray the title very well, the protagonist wants someone, stalks them and eventually offs them. the music goes

ENTERTAINMENT

Jason Derulo to visit Genting Arena

Quartz: Fear No Evil from heavy, to down right doom laden as the song progresses.

Echoes of early Black Sabbath are present throughout the song, especially as the song builds toward a crescendo.

‘Dangerous Game’ is another Geoff Nicholas vocal lead, and this one has a biting riff that really hits home the point the lyrics make about women and the games they play, another potential live gem.

‘Born to Rock the Nation’ is sung by main vocalist David Garner and as the intensity shows this is about rock and roll rebellion in its purist form, playing live and having a great time regardless of what others might say. The speed of the song suggests a definite live classic.

The final third of the album has

The Flyover Show Brings The Noise

some absolute stand out songs.

‘Riot In The City’ builds up with harmonised guitars, showing the darkness and desolation surrounding the lyrics, a build up starts with syncopated rhythm guitars, before the breakdown sees sludge metal out in full force, a return to the galloping riffage of before returns and all the while David Garner howls against the state the of world the wrongs permeating within it, this must be played live!

‘Scream At The Devil’ is a Geoff Nichols vocal lead, marching riffs and drums show case the anger Nichols has at the world, at a woman and at the devil, the temptation present within the world. A great way to finish an album.

This truly is a great album by a great band.

L

ed by multi award winning musician Soweto Kinch, ‘The Flyover Show,’ brought an arry of world renowned acts right into the heart of Birmingham.

The one-day festival of music, art and dance, returned, beneath the Hockley Flyover, with acts like Jurassic 5 MC, Akil, soul singer Bee Bakera, jazz ensemble Nerija and drummer and singer Deodato Siquir from Mozambique, with Ghetto Priest, Robbie Levi and Aleighcia Scott also bringing traffic to a stand-still.

The free music festival was tied together by internationally renowned super-star, Soweto himself.

Global superstar Jason Derulo is bigger than ever before and has announced details of his second UK arena tour which takes place next March.

Seven shows form the UK leg of his world tour which will see him take the stage at Genting Arena, Birmingham on 24th March 2018.

In the UK, Jason Derulo has topped the charts with four #1 smash hit singles in the shape of ‘In My Head’, ‘Don’t Wanna Go Home’, ‘Talk Dirty’ and ‘Want To Want Me’.

Over the course of his career to date, Jason Derulo went from writing songs for Lil Wayne, Pitbull, Diddy, Sean Kingston and others, to selling 50 million singles worldwide.

Page 28 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

TEEN FLAIR

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WHAT CAN I LOOK FORwARD TO?

W

elcome to another edition of Teen Flair! I am sure you’re all aware that Instagram is one of the most highly used social media app.

A young boy aged 19, dropped out of college to run a banter page and now he is in 40% tax bracket. You might know the name ‘imjustbait’.

It’s a page that contains funny videos, whilst using his platform to promote important affairs such as voting.

Consequently, he continues to promote a variety of events that are happening worldwide.

Now I understand how it can feel to get low grades, and even bad behaviour can lead to you dropping out of school or being kicked out or overall just feeling very demotivated.

In addition to this, I just

want to encourage you that it is possible to make your own hustle online.

Something my father always taught me is that ‘use the technology that we are blessed with today’... such as youtube, which you can learn (FOR FREE!) I advise you to discover your talent, or just something you love, and strive to commit to it! I actually learnt coding at the age of 12, due to YouTube!

A shout out for those of you who received your results on Thursday 24th of August - I want you to to remember whatever results you get, September is a fresh start!

Whether you’re going back to the same college/sixth form or maybe you did not get into the university you wanted, just remember your journey does not end there!

Poetry Jam is moving!

Catch all the incredible performances at 200 Degrees, Colmore Row, Birmingham on September

If you wake up and you’re still breathing that means you’ve made it already! Now go out there and continue to work towards your dream goal.

I

n the past few weeks many have received their ‘A’ level results, we’ve finally had some time off school, college or university.

Here are some of the pressures facing a young boy who will be attending university in September.

What peer pressure did you face before you received your letter of acceptance to university?

Peer pressure, arguably, is one of the biggest factors that affects the success of a young person within education.

Peer pressure usually comes in the form of a friend asking (sometimes demanding) that you come somewhere that’s usually irrelevant in contrast to attending Revision.

Did you attend revision?

I studied more in school, then I did in college. And although missing a couple of revision sessions may be seen, by some young people, as “not that deep!” that can have devastating effects on the final grade you receive for that course.

What advice would you give to young people?

JOBS

As young people we all know

the importance of revision, but our desire to fit in or ‘not to miss out’ usually wins the duel with the more smarter option. It’s not an easy ride but it’s worth it.

Matthew, age 18, Birmingham

So, which is better university or apprenticeship?

There have been many comments on which is more valuable at the end of those 3 years, here are a few of them!

1)“My “apprenticeship scheme” was offered by 3AAA and I beg you to not go with them. They had zero interest in their students, they only cared

Shelter - street charity fundraiser - full training - £8.50-£13/hr (part time) 08000131714 TK Maxx - Store assistant - Bring in your C.V. and a cover letter detailing your availability, including term time educational availability if attending college or university.

Mission Burrito - If you’re energetic, wear a big smile and are passionate about great food - we can’t wait to meet you! - Email cover letter and C.V. to bullring@missionburrito.co.uk

about their turn-around and getting their bonuses.”

2)“Apprenticeships are worth it, just choose wisely. They offer 1. Stand Out Experience 2.

Wages £ 3. It will get you into the path you want quicker and more efficiently.”

3) “University education teaches you to think, to be smarter in the decisions that you make. This can improve all aspects of your life professionally, socially and personally.”

What do you think? Tweet your thoughts with the hashtag #Teamflair

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Go and check out new twitter page #TEAMFLAIR twitter page! To keep updated

7th. Starting promptly at 7pm so that we can fit as many performers in as possible

with activities, polls and more, do not forget to hashtag #Teamflair

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

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

Young people will also have the opportunity to see what jobs are hiring; jobs create independence and not only jobs but free online educational courses, that young people could access.

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 29

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1180bhp Electric Supercar to Launch

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ritish firm Ariel is poised to unveil what it believes will be the fastest-accelerating and most advanced supercar in history, a 1200bhp, fourwheel-drive electric two-seater with a revolutionary turbine range extender powertrain.

The vehicle, codenamed the P40, will be capable of 0-100mph in just 3.8sec, and is scheduled for production in 2020.

The chassis and powertrain of “tomorrow’s supercar today”, as Ariel puts it, is the result of a three-partner, three-year project supported by the government and will be revealed later this month at the Cenex Low-Carbon Vehicle (LCV) show at Millbrook Proving Ground.

Built on an aluminium monocoque chassis, the new Ariel is expected to weigh around 1600kg and to be clad with carbonfibre body panels, although the exterior shape is still in development.

The P40 is powered by four separate electric motors, each producing 295bhp. Each is fed from a centrally mounted, 42kWh liquid-cooled battery mounted at the car’s base.

Ariel boss Simon Saunders said: “We

Lets keep UK Roads Among The Safest In Europe The prospect of heavy goods vehicles travelling on motorways, operating through wireless technology, looks set to become a reality thanks to £8.1m government funding for trials.

The system, “platooning”, will see up to three heavy goods vehicles, travelling in convoy, being controlled by the lead vehicle.

However, every truck in the platoon will have a driver ready to take control should the need arise.

Commenting, RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said: “Of course we welcome improvements to the way the road freight industry works and we understand the benefits that such a mode of operation would bring.

“However,” he continued, “currently the focus seems to be on the technology behind the system.

Safety has to come first and it cannot be compromised. It is crucial that this element of the concept gets the highest priority.”

The RHA will be following the trials very carefully and will be making its views heard on the consultation that follows.

built an electric Atom more than 10 years ago,” he said, “but the technology at the time meant it was more expensive and slightly slower. It wasn’t a business proposition, but it’s different now.

“And because people expect Ariels to have great acceleration, we’ve got to go for the very top of the market. We’re not interested in some ‘tried and did well’ category.”

Saunders’ view of the future is all the more impressive because he is currently sitting on a 14-month waiting list for his Atom sports car, Nomad off-roader and Ace motorcycle. He plans to keep making and updating these staple Ariel models “for decades to come” but sees electrification as the future.

The new Ariel, whose official name is still to be revealed, is the spectacular result of a three-company co-operative project called Hipercar - an acronym for High-Performance Carbon Reduction - and backed by a £2 million grant from Innovate UK, the government technology agency.

The production-ready car will be finished in 2019. At that stage grant assistance will stop but work will continue.

Saunders wants to be selling P40s from his new factory in Somerset in 2020.

Demand for British Built Premium Vehicles in India

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K car exports to India have grown almost 11-fold in the past seven years, according to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT).

In 2016, Indian motorists bought 3,372 British-built cars, up from 309 in 2009.

Demand rose 15.8% compared with 2015, lifting India from 10th to eighth place in the UK’s Asia export markets.

Car production achieved a 17-year high in 2016, with1,722,698 vehicles rolled off production lines - the highest output since 1999.

In addition, more cars are now being exported from Britain than ever before, the result of investment into world-class production facilities, cutting-edge design and technology, and one of Europe’s most highly skilled and productive workforces.

Domestic demand for UK built cars also grew last year, up 2.4%, and the UK remains the second largest car market in Europe, after Germany.

One in seven new cars registered by UK buyers is now made in Britain, up from one in eight three years ago.

Meanwhile, last year Indian-built models accounted for 31,535 new car registrations in the UK, an uplift of more than

12.6% on 2015.

Asia is now the third biggest export market for British built cars, after Europe and America, accounting for 13.4% of sales.

Key to the UK sector’s success has been meeting this demand with a ‘shift to premium.’ Ten new car models began production in the UK last year, nine of them from premium brands, helping to make the UK the second biggest producer of premium cars in Europe, after Germany, and the EU’s third biggest car producer.

SMMT Director of Communications and International, Tamzen Isacsson, said: “Growing prosperity in Asian markets in recent years has seen a surge in demand for premium cars, even despite high import duties in many countries.

As a car market, India really understands British brands, and thanks to its engineering excellence and highly skilled workforce, the UK has a rich heritage of producing the highest quality, globally competitive premium vehicles.

India and the UK have a great history of collaboration in the automotive sector and it is essential we secure a mutually beneficial trade relationship in the future.”

MOTORING

Page 30 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

CAMARA’S SPOTLIGHT

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JUNIOR DOUGLAS

Welcome to my column where I feature some of the most Welcome to my column where Iand feature some of the most special Charities, Organisations People I have come across. special Charities, Organisations andbeing People I have come across.

Be a part of my journey and enjoy inspired...

Be a part of my journey and enjoy being inspired...

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or Septembers issue I would like to introduce you to an amazingly talented man that I have known for 6 years. He has shown true grit, determination and an inspiration to many his name is JUNIOR DOUGLAS. I first met JD (as we call him) when I went for an audition arranged by his friend when I was 15 years old.

This was held at The Caribbean Scene Restaurant in Stratford East London. He was looking for someone with a strong voice to join his already talented cast of the The JA Story musical edutainment.

JD is the proud producer and Writer and is well known for his historical stage productions and accreditation.

He is not only the Composer and director of JA Story – The History of Jamaica Musical which may I add toured and shown nationwide but he is the script writer and co-producer of the hugely popular Black Heroes In the Hall of Fame.

In 2012 he was the Artistic Producer of Birmingham’s City 50th Jamaica Independence celebrations, in association with the Jamaica’s Amateur Athletics Association, and the Association of Jamaica National (Birmingham).

It was for me an honour to be part of this event where at one point I was on stage singing with the Jamaican Athletic team who were standing behind me in Birmingham.

I ask JD to name a few of the roles that he himself has played and he recalls working for the Nubian Jak Foundation, he has dramatized

taking a community Play to a professional show and transferring the show to the Hackney Empire and then after to the West End (Charing Cross Theatre), and then producing five Nationwide tours in six years then co producing the show overseas, in America and Jamaica at the Ward Theatre.

Meanwhile In Barnet he initiated the Borough’s First National Music Day celebration, Increasing the attendance of the flag ship Library lectures.

He was consulted by Tony Howard the Lead Investigator of Warwick University’s three year Black and Asian Actors in Shakespeare. See photo of my engagement with An-

Samuel Coleridge Taylor – Remembered, and Swing Time at the Palace.

Other plays include Reet PetiteThe Jackie Wilson Story, Toussaint and the Life of Muhammad Ali. Educated mainly in the UK JD gained ‘O’ Levels in English, Physics, Geography and Commerce.

‘A’ Levels in Law, Government and Politics and Economics and a Bsc Degree Econs with Hons at University College Cardiff.

JD is a man of many talents and put to good use his qualifications for not only his own journey but for others giving a helping hand in anyway possible.

JD also has some of his Published works which includes Caribbean

Man’s Blues and Paul Robeson A Tribute. He recalls that in 2014 he launched his Lecture Talk Unsung but Not Forgotten Heroes (the story of Black and Asian Soldiers in the First World War) at the House of Commons, these books are best sellers.

JD has been involved in the Arts and Cultural field for well over twenty years and for more than three different London Local Authorities, as well as the Private sector. He has worked in the post of Drama Officer at the Arts Council of England responsible for Administrative, Financial and Artistic vision of 16 National Theatre Companies.

The Theatres included Watford Palace Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Ipswich Woolsey, Newcastle and Nottingham Playhouse and for four years was the Arts Officer for Charlton Football Club when they were in Premiership.

He has produced shows at many leading venues including the Queen Elizabeth and Halls on the South Bank.

He is Co Producer/Writer and Board member of Heroes International Theatre Production company.

He is an Economic Graduate and an international Producer who has staged productions in England, America and Jamaica to name a few.

As well as having worked for the Arts Council of England He has also lectured at Wandsworth Adult Education Institute.

He is also a Cultural Ambassador and is credited of conceiving the idea of the Shakespeare Globe Theatre production of King Lear, touring St. Lucia in 2013.

He was part of the touring party that went to St. Lucia. Moreover he was given the task by the Shakespeare Globe Theatre of approaching and engaging Derek Walcott in staging Omeros as a stage play.

The event was successfully staged at the Lake side Theatre in Colchester and at the Globe, in London in June 2014, starring Joseph Marcell.

One of his Successes was fully

drew Lloyd Webber when I was the Association Producer of Wag The Musical.

Many people believed that the incredibly authentic facts from the production of the JA STORY was written by a Jamaican but JD is from St. Lucia WI. His interest in histor-

ical facts is without doubt a tribute and mark of respect to this man JD DOUGLAS. JD a former pupil of the Methodist Primary School and the Seven Days Academy in St Lucia.

He maintains ‘I am a St. Lucian and where ever I go in the world, I try never to forget where I spent some of my happiest memories… playing with friends from Lance Road.’

JD has lived in England for over thirty years but I am sure JD, that you have many happy memories here in the UK also as I recall over the 6 years I have known you, we have had plenty of amazing unforgettable memories.

I thank you for allowing me and the many other young people to grow in acting and their other careers as well as protecting me in your safe circles.

I must mention before I run out of space that on the 7th October 2017 at the Mid Kent College the production of BLACK HEROES OF KENT will open and I cannot wait to see it so Book early!

E:Mail juniornoahdouglas@hotmail.co.uk

Get in Touch with Camara camara@thephoenixnewspaper.com www.camaraofficial.com www.linkedin.com/CamaraFearon Camara (aka mizzcamara for websearch)

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 31

Obituaries

OBITUARIES AND COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD

Sir Bruce Forsyth-Johnson CBE

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Jerry Lewis

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orn in 1926, in Newark, New Jersey, the actor, comedian, singer, producer, director, screenwriter, and humanitarian was best known for his slapstick humour in film, television, stage and radio - initially gaining attention as part of a double act with singer Dean Martin, who served as the straight man to Lewis' zany antics.

After an acrimonious split, they both went on to suc-

cessful solo careers, though neither would comment on the split nor consider a reunion.

With a BAFTA nomination for ‘The King of Comedy,’ playing alongside Robert De Niro, he won numerous awards, worldwide, for his performances and humanitarian work.

With a number of illnesses and addictions, Lewis died at his home in Las Vegas, at the age of 91.

B Rhinestone Cowboy, Glen Campbell

est known for a series of hits including; ‘By the Time I Get to Phoenix,’ ‘Gentle On My Mind,’ ‘Wichita Lineman’ and ‘Rhinestone Cowboy,’ the American Country singer, songwriter, musician and actor fought "a long and courageous battle" with Alzheimer's disease after a stellar award-winning career Arkansas-born Grammy Award-winning artist was credited with paving the way for other country crossover artists such as Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers.

Divorce, drink and drugs saw the clean-cut all-American hero fall from grace before he renewed his Christian faith and discovered a new generation of fans of his music.

Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, in 2005, he was 81.

he consummate presenter, actor, comedian, singer, dancer, and screenwriter whose career spanned more than 75 years, Sir Bruce was the ultimate performer; ‘Mr. Entertainment.’

Born in London, in 1928, he had lengthy success on ‘Sunday Night at the London Palladium,’ ‘The Generation Game,’ ‘The Price Is Right’ and ‘Play Your Cards Right,’ but could

never ‘crack’ the US. More recently hosting BBCs ‘Strictly Come Dancing,’ he started his career at the age of 14 and appeared on our screens ever since.

‘Nice to see him, to see him nice,’ the ‘King of Gameshows’ had a bronze bust of himself unveiled at the Palladium in 2004 and also performed at Glastonbury in 2013.

A national treasure, he was 89.

Stuntwoman on Deadpool 2 - Joi ‘SJ’ Harris

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nown as 'SJ,’ and also the first Black female professional road racer, the rookie stuntwoman was killed in a motorcycle crash on the Vancouver set of the film ‘Deadpool 2,’ her first film as a stunt performer.

Production on the superhero sequel was shut down immediately after the fatality.

It was the second on-set death in North America in a month; John Bernecker suffered massive head injuries in a fall on the set of ‘The Walking Dead’ and died shortly afterward.

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

0121 339 5885 urprise!

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Page 32 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

BISHOP DUNN

Three Funeral Services for Pioneering Bishop, Sydney Alexander Dunn

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hey turned out in their thousands as people travelled from all corners of the globe to mourn the passing of Bishop Sydney Dunn.

The Bishop was the founder of the Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic and at his funeral service, at the Bethel Convention Centre, in West Bromwich, in the West Midlands, it was the perfect venue – and opportunity – to pay homage to the preacher, leader, innovator and family man.

Three days of mourning and memorials took place to remember the pioneering Bishop who founded an international church movement in Birmingham - having migrated to the UK in the 1950s.

At its height, Bethel United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic had congregations in the UK, US, Canada, Africa and the West Indies and due to the high regard in which he was held, three funeral services was held in his honour – one at BUCJC’s ‘mother’ church on Gibson Road, in Handsworth, with two services at Bethel Convention Centre for the national and international churches.

Bishop Dexter Edmunds, part of the team who organised the funeral, said: “Bishop Dunn was uniquely anointed to preach and

teach the word of God. He was a church planter and visionary who felt the church should expand.

He was a larger than life figure and was also a very kind and humble man.”

Bishop Dunn, who was born in St Mary, in Jamaica, was saved as a teenager in the Shiloh Pentecostal church, before starting his pastoral work at age 19.

His daughter Sherralyn Dunn Rosse, recalled: “My mother and I were alone a lot because my father travelled all over the world, not just building churches but also making relationships in other countries.

I shared him with a lot of people. I know he was a father to many but he was also my dad.”

Under his leadership, BUCJC built the 2,500 seat Bethel Convention Centre, which opened in 20001 “My mother and I were alone a lot because my father travelled all over the world, not just building churches but also making relationships in other countries.

I shared him with a lot of people. I know he was a father to many but he was also my dad.”

Over the decades Bishop Dunn's ministry even extended as far as Liberia and Russia, as well as his native Jamaica.

He was 95.

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 33

AZUZA STREET

Recognising Sikh who Rescued Muslim Women During Partition

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l The Mayor and Mayoress of Wolverhampton, Councillor Elias Mattu and Asha Mattu, with pupils from Fallings Park Primary School who took part in an art competition organised by Wolverhampton’s Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education

Religious Inspiration for Pupils’ Artwork

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upils showed off their creative flair after visiting local places of worship as part of a competition run by the City of Wolverhampton Council's Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education.

The pupils were invited to submit pieces of art inspired by visits to places of worship and prizes including art sets were handed out to winning pupils from Graiseley Primary School, who produced stained glass windows and posters depicting different elements of

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he central Italian town of Amatrice, which was devastated last year by earthquakes, has a new sports field, provided by the Italian Jewish community.

A football field donated by the UCEI (Union of Italian Jewish Communities) was formally opened with a friendly match between Maccabi Italia and a local team.

The town was at the epicentre of a series of quakes starting in August, in 2016, that destroyed much of it and other nearby localities, with about 300 people said to have been killed in the natural disaster.

The new football field is the first sports facility to reopen after the quakes. “It’s a small gesture, a drop in the ocean of the emergency, but I hope that it can renew the hope and faith in the future,” UCEI President Noemi Di Segni said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “The game resumes,” she also said – quoting the name of the initiative. She then recited the shehecheyanu prayer, recited over new beginnings and firsts.

The UCEI has provided aid to Amatrice and the earthquake zone ever since the quakes hit. It organ-

Christianity after visiting St John’s Church and St Philip’s Church.

Meanwhile an entire Year 1 class from Fallings Park Primary School, in the city, enjoyed a free trip to Conkers Adventure and Discovery Forest after drawing pictures of St Peter's Collegiate Church.

Councillor Claire Darke, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: "Wolverhampton is a multi-cultural, multi-faith City, and it is very important that religious education continues to be taught in our schools.

I am pleased to see young people being inspired by their recent visits to local places of worship."

Religious education must be taught in all schools by law, but it is not part of the national curriculum and it is therefore the responsibility of local councils to ensure there is a Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) in place.

The SACRE represents a balance of all interests in the local community, gives them the opportunity to influence what pu-

UCEI Donate Football Pitch to Italian Earthquake Town

ised a blood drive, collected funds and material for relief operations, and opened a special bank account for earthquake relief donations.

Volunteers from the humanitarian NGO IsraAid also worked in the affected area.

pils learn in religious education, and advises the council on how to improve teaching and collective worship for schools in Wolverhampton.

nlike Oskar Schindler, whose efforts to save Jews in Nazi Germany are well known, these Indian heroes aren't celebrated in books or movies.

Two years after World War II ended in Europe in May 1945 – and the Jews whom Schindler had protected were set free – India too was caught in a swirl of hatred even as it gained independence from British rule.

A horrific aspect of Partition violence was the abduction of an estimated 100,000 women. Subsequently, under the Inter-Dominion Treaty, signed between India and Pakistan in December 1947, operations to find the abducted women were mounted in countries.

In Delhi, 200 Muslim women were recovered. The person who rescued most number of women was an old Harijan (the caste is now called Dalit).

His name is not known, nor his modus operandi. Yet, when social activist Ais Kidwai would ask the women how they fled their abductors, a good number of them said: “An old Harijan brought me home.”

l Ais Kidwai About the Harijan Baba, Kidwai writes in her memoirs on the Partition and the first two years of independent India, ‘In Freedom’s Shade’: “Some [abducted women] were recovered by social workers, some by Jamiat activists, some rescued by the police.

A significant number was recovered by one man, working alone. This noble chamar rescued scores of abducted girls and secretly returned them to their homes. How I wish I could have learnt his name, but that remained forever a secret.”

Page 34 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

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Star Appeal Hits £3.65m

on Social Care

llr Paulette Hamilton, cabinet member for health and social care, talks about how we must be bold and imaginative if we are to truly transform adult care.

Some of you may have heard of the Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP), a system board which is designed to integrate health and social care across local footprints.

The STP vision was developed

by Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England when he published the five year forward view in October 2014.

In Birmingham we have aligned with Solihull to create a footprint covering both local authority areas and this was formed in April 2016.

As Chair of the Birmingham Health and Wellbeing Board, I have a seat on the Birmingham and Solihull Sustainability and Transformation Board.

As with many of these types of initiatives it takes time and there are quite a few stages to get approval and sign off.

During recent months there has also been a fair few changes to as in April 2016 the system lead was Mark Rogers (former Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council); who was at the time one of four local authority chief executives to take on this role.

When Mark retired from the local authority earlier this year; Dame Julie Moore took on the role of System Lead for the Birmingham and Solihull STP. There are also changes afoot with the three Clinical Commissioning Groups in Birmingham and Solihull who are looking to merge to develop a new single commissioning organisation in April 2018 subject to approval from NHS England.

The scope of STPs are broad; however the three key objectives are • Improving quality and developing new models of care; • Improving health and wellbeing; and • Improving efficiency of services.

In Birmingham and Solihull the footprint covers 2 local authorities; 3 CCGs; 7 hospitals; 1 mental health trust; 1 community trust and 182 GP practices and providing services to 1.8 million people.

We need a STP as we need to work better across the whole health and social care system to support people as: • Our population is changing as people are living longer with more complex conditions; • There is a life expectancy gap in Birmingham we have a 7 year gap between the most affluent and the poorer inner city wards; in Solihull there is a 10 year life expectancy gap between the more and less affluent.

• Cancer mortality rates are

l Cllr Paulette Hamilton higher than the national average • Our financial position has changed and is challenging across Birmingham and Solihull and we will have a funding gap of £712m if we don’t change the way in which we work • We need to work together to provide a safe and quality services.

The outcomes of a successful STP will be one that we will all realise through: • Care designed to meet you and your needs; • Care delivered in the most appropriate place and by whoever is best placed to deliver the care; • Greater access to high quality community based rather than hospital based services • Easy access to a GP who provides consistent high quality care; • Greater focus on enabling you to remain independent in your home and in your community; • If you have a long term condition you are appropriately supported; • If you are admitted to hospital in an emergency your care is high quality and you are at the right time able to return home with any support that you may need put in place; • A greater focus remains on your health and wellbeing as a whole.

As Chair of the Birmingham Health and Wellbeing Board I have a key political role in the development of the STP, and I have always made it clear that the process needs to be transparent and that there is always clear consultation and engagement with all stakeholders.

I am not leading the process, however I am involved and will retain a steady focus on developments, so I can best influence and shape the process going forward.

Local Authorities have Scrutiny Committees that look at scrutinise key areas of activity and both Birmingham and Solihull Overview and Scrutiny Committees are being regularly informed on progress.

As local leaders we have pushed for greater consultation with residents.

If you have not yet had a look at the plans, please do the Birmingham and Solihull STP is available on the City Council website; and provide your feedbacks on the draft plans.

l (left to right): Patients Matilda Hatton, Callum Read and Kadie-Leigh Hamilton join Louise McCathie (Director of Fundraising at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust) and Dr Larissa Kerecuk (Rare Disease Lead) in front of the new Rare Disease building.

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nspirational patients at Birmingham Children’s Hospital helped to celebrate a magnificent milestone for the hospital’s charity, which has now reached its £3.65 million Star Appeal target, thanks to an incredible £650,000 closing gift from St James’s Place Foundation and donations of thousands of people.

The money raised will fund the UK’s first-of-its-kind Rare Disease Centre, which will provide a single place within the hospital for all assessment, diagnosis, treatment and research, bringing together a team of experts all under one roof.

14-year-old Callum Read, Matilda Hatton (8) and Kadie-Leigh

Hamilton, 3, joined hospital staff to celebrate the official closure of the Star Appeal – just three of over 9,000 children cared for at the hospital every year for rare or undiagnosed conditions.

They and others will now benefit from the new centre, as it will improve diagnosis, ensure patients are at the forefront of research and medical advances, and help stop families feeling isolated and alone.

Callum, who was born with a rare condition called Kyphoscoliosis – a curvature of the spine – isexcited to see the Rare Disease Centre complete.

He commented: “Over the course of my life I’ve been in and out of Birmingham Children’s Hospital and if the new Rare

Disease Centre was open when I was younger, when my family and I were coming to terms with my condition, it would’ve been amazing.

The staff there is fantastic, but it’s so exciting that the Rare Disease Centre is being built. It will mean children like me will have the opportunity to meet other families going through similar, or even the same, conditions.”

Dr Larissa Kerecuk, Rare Disease Lead at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to our generous Star Appeal supporters, who have helped to make the dreams of thousands of young people living with a rare or undiagnosed condition come true!

We’re seeing more and more

young people with very complex conditions and our new Centre will allow us to treat every child in a unique and personalised way, not only improving their care, but hopefully their outcome too.”

Again, a massive ‘Thank You’ to the thousands of fundraisers who championed our Star Appeal - We’ve been overwhelmed by everyone’s support.”

Launched at The Big Hoot auction in October 2015, the Star Appeal took just over twenty months to raise a phenomenal £3.65 million, with the Rare Disease Centre, to be housed inside Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s new £37.5 million clinical building, Waterfall House, expected to be complete by the end of 2017.

15% of the register, and BAME patients have only a 20.5% chance of finding the best possible donor match, compared to 69% for white northern Europeans.

The long wait to find a donor, and the lack of a perfect match, meant that Rakesh’s condition continued to develop and quickly worsened.

“No person should be faced

with the prospect of being told that they have no match on the register,” Poonam said.

Rakesh suffered from various infections which further delayed his transplant, which he finally received in August 2014 – almost a year after the search had first begun.

He would have been 40 in November.

Grieving Wife Urges South Asians to Sign-Up As Stem Cell Donors

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n optometrist is raising awareness and funds for cancer charity Anthony Nolan in memory of her husband, who died after developing a rare blood disorder.

Poonam Shah is organising a series of fundraising challenges in memory of Rakesh, which includes climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, which was something they both had always dreamed of doing together.

38-year-old Poonam, from Bedford, is also encouraging people from south Asian backgrounds to join the Anthony Nolan stem cell register, after Rakesh struggled to find a suitable donor due to his Indian heritage.

In 2013, Rakesh was diagnosed with myelodysplasia, an extremely rare blood disorder in

which the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough healthy red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Despite having a stem cell transplant from an unrelated donor, his condition was so advanced that he died in December 2014.

Poonam said: “Raks was the most truly amazing sociable person that you would ever meet in your whole life.

“Every room he entered lit up when he entered. He was always the life and soul of the party and for him, family and friends always came first.

They couple first met at the University of Manchester, in 1997.

They have two children and ran an opticians practice together.

Currently, donors from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds (BAME) make up just

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 35

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renda Franke, 56, from Bromsgrove is taking part in Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walk in Sutton Park, Birmingham, to remember her mother, raise awareness about dementia and money to combat the condition.

She will join a current total of 4,000 supporters already registered to take part in the Birmingham Memory Walk, which will be on 16 September. People can register for Memory Walk as individuals or as a team. The walk will take place over two distances with options as to undertaking a 3.5 km or 5.5 km route.

Brenda said: “My beloved Mum had Alzheimer’s. Sadly she died in 2013, after becoming ill following a short time in a Care Home where her condition was managed badly.

“Mum was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s about 4 years prior to her death. She became very forgetful and kept repeating herself.

“She suffered mood swings and became agitated at times. As the condition worsened over time so did her memory and mood swings.

“One morning, whilst Dad was asleep, Mum left the house wearing two skirts two blouses slippers but no tights (she always wore her tights) and walked into town with the dog (not on a lead)

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Bromsgrove daughter undertaking Memory Walk to remember her mother

Support Column Your Vulva. What do you really know about yours? crossing a number of busy roads on the way.

“We were all out searching for her in a panic and the Police were involved. A neighbour spotted her and brought her home to our enormous relief. That was an awful time.

“I do hope and pray that more money is put into research to try and find a cure for this awful disease. Staff in Care Homes, Nursing Homes and hospitals so need to be better trained to deal with dementia patients and to give them the dignity and respect they deserve. Tighter regulation of Care Homes and Carers is needed to ensure they are providing the

best care possible to people with dementia.

“I will be supporting Alzheimer’s Society in its efforts to raise awareness and funds. I am signed up for the Memory Walk at Sutton Park in September and am walking with my sisters (we are called Sister Act) in memory of our lovely Mum who we miss every day more and more. I hope to carry on fundraising in the future.”

More than 26,000 people over65 in Birmingham and the Black Country are estimated to be living with dementia and last year’s event at the smaller location of Cannon Hill Park was attended

by 5000 people, raising more than £322,000 to help people living with the condition.

Gene Therapy Breakthrough for Sickle Cell Patients In the first success of its kind, a teenage boy with Sickle Cell disease, an inherited, painful disease, where sickle shaped blood cells get stuck and cause clogs and swelling in important veins and arteries, and that affects millions worldwide, seems to have been cured using gene therapy developed by a team in France.

“It could be a game changer,” says Deborah Gill at the University of Oxford. “The fact the team has a patient with real clinical benefit, and biological markers to prove it, is a very big deal.”

Now a team in France seems to have developed a treatment that would work for everyone with the disorder.

First, the team took bone marrow stem cells from the boy when he was 13, and gave them extra, mutated versions of the gene that codes for beta-globin.

The researchers then put these stem cells back into the boy’s body. After around three months, he began producing large quantities of haemoglobin that behaves normally and the team’s research was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

“The patient is now 15 years old and free of all previous medication,” says Marina Cavazzana at the Necker Children’s Hospital in Paris, who led the team. “He has been free of pain from blood vessel blockages, and has given up taking opioid painkillers.”

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ulva. Do you even know where that is?

Like seriously?

Guess what, nearly half of women in Britain do not know the basic anatomy of their vaginas. Let alone know where their vulva is.

Vulva cancer is a cancer we don’t talk about enough. Whilst known as a rare cancer, still a staggering 1,300 cases are diagnosed in the UK each year.

Usually associated with older women, with most cases diagnosed in women over 65. That doesn’t mean it happens to younger women.

Vulval cancer accounts for less than 1 in every 100 cancers diagnosed in women.

Here’s a small snippet of one of our Cysters personal thoughts & story.

“I wish I had heard of vulva cancer and Lichen Sclerosis.

I’ve had my smears every 3 years which I know to detect cervical cancer (which always came back ok) and had 2 baby’s without knowing I had LS and a tear without GP’s ,midwife or practice nurse saying anything.

“So at least it would be good if they were trained in LS VIN and Vulva Cancer and told us ladies what to look for! It seems many health professionals don’t know either!

“If you go back to your GP time and time again then you should be referred to a gynaeco-

logist or dermatologist.

“GP’s should not rule conditions out just because your not in the right age bracket. Your told to check your breasts but not below your waist!”

Key signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of cancer of the vulva can include: • a lasting itch • pain or soreness • thickened, raised, red, white or dark patches on the skin of the vulva • an open sore or growth visible on the skin a mole on the vulva that changes shape or colour • a lump or swelling in the vulva All these symptoms can be caused by other more common conditions, such as an infection, but if you have any of these symptoms, you should see your GP. Ladies you know what to do.

Take ownership of your health.. don’t allow yourself to be told your in the wrong. You know when your body isn’t right.

As always if you want to join our Cysterhood then get in touch! We offer a friendly, supportive cysterhood and bi monthly meetings..

Find out more www.cysters.co.uk Fb: Cysters Women’s Support and Awareness Group Twitter : @cystersbham

Page 36 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

ADOPTION AND FOSTERING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Religious Differences and Adoption Nightlight Leading Need

to Adopt in Nigeria N ightlight Christian Adoptions has partnered with local Non-governmental organization (NGO) in Nigeria, Morgan Hill Children Foundation, to promote literacy, education, care, support, and to empower children in the country who are often abandoned due to poverty related to social problems and their parents’ illnesses.

Committed to helping families prepare for the adoption of chil-

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judge has said there were no concerns about the welfare of a Christian girl said to have been fostered by a Muslim family, when she was assessed by an independent guardian.

The local authority involved, the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, had rejected a report that said the foster family did not speak English. It also disputed other details.

According to the fostering agency TACT (The Adolescent and Children's Trust), while Muslim families do occasionally foster non-Muslim children, it is less usual than for non-Muslim families to foster Muslim children.

There are no official statistics available on the religion of fostered children or their carers,

but we do have some information about ethnicity.

The law set out in the Children Act 1989 says: "Foster carers and fostering services should ensure that full attention is paid to the individual child's gender, faith, ethnic origin, cultural and linguistic background, sexual orientation and any disability they might have" and foster carers must be "informed, trained and confident" at dealing with these issues.

Government figures show nine local authorities reported having no long-term foster carers from minority ethnic groups last year, but all reported placing Black and Minority Ethnic children with their fostering service.

The girl, aged five, has since been placed in the care of her grandmother.

dren by providing educational information on possible developmental delays and health issues, the program, which began in 2016, estimate that the process will for adopting one of the children take approximately one years from application to completion depending upon the type of child you are seeking to adopt.

The fees for an adoption from Nigeria are reasonable, but, since 2014, the U.S. Department of State has warned prospective parents

that fraud and adoption scams are a serious concern after Nigerian media outlets reported on alleged child-buying operations posing as orphanages or homes for unwed mothers. Non-Nigerian citizens are not permitted to adopt from the country.

Nightlight Christian Adoptions is committed to preparing families for the adoption of a child with special needs providing pre-and post-adoption education and information regarding medical re-

New Children and Social Work Act Set for Frontline Workers

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new social work regulator is among measures to clarify the rights and services young people in care can expect from councils.

During much of its year-long passage the ‘Children and Social Work Act’ is a far more consensual piece of legislation than had seemed likely – with a lengthy debate ending up focusing on two issues that had not even featured until late in the parliamentary process: compulsory relationship and sex education in schools, and help for refugee children.

sources.

“We want to protect children’s welfare,” a spokesperson said.

“This is a very serious commitment; Nightlight is committed to showing the Nigerian government and birth families that children who are adopted are healthy and well cared for.”

The Agency’s adoption program states on their website procedures and costs to adopt in Nigeria.

The act, which applies mainly to England and includes a wide range of measures, will be seen more broadly as an attempt to give greater clarity to the role of councils as “corporate parents” of children and young people in care, and care leavers, as well as to what councils and other agencies should do in safeguarding cases.

It also provides for the establishment of a new regulator for social work, Social Work England (SWE), which is expected to take shape in 2018.

Alison Michalska, president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, says the act has much to commend it. “There remain some unanswered questions and points of detail, which will be sorted out in regulations, but overall we welcome it.”

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 37

HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

WTM London Introducing New Travel Tech Exhibitors More than 20 technology companies have signed up as new exhibitors at the Travel Tech Show at WTM – the dedicated travel technology event at WTM London.

The impressive list of first-timers covers all areas of the sector, including online, software solutions, a translation service and tracking system provider.

New exhibitors also include eNett International, Kigo and eMerchantPay, all specialists in payment solutions, which is a key focus of the Travel Tech Show at WTM – the largest travel technology event in the UK. eNett International CEO and Managing Director Anthony Hynes said: “We are excited to be showcasing how eNett is redefining B2B payments with Virtual Account Numbers (VANs) at WTM this year.”

Other technology companies exhibiting for the first time includeWetu, a South African cloudbased content management and distribution system. Another, Hong Kong uCloudlink Network Technology, is a pioneer in cloud SIM technology that now offers companies an affordable Wi-Fi hotspot so employees can travel without having to change their communication habits or being restricted by roaming charges.

Wetu CEO Paul de Waal said: “Our mission is to improve the way the travel industry sells their products.”

Several Icelandic companies are new to the Travel Tech Show at WTM, such as Kaptio, which specialises in ‘software-as-a-service’ solutions for travel companies and TripCreator, which enables users to plan and book an entire trip in one place.

Also new are solutions companies such as Host Hotel Systems, based in Lisbon; US-based Bluebird Auto Rental Systems; Indian software provider Qtech Software and Cyberlogic Inc, based in Greece.

Award Winning Photographer to Lead Photography Tour

Air China named Official Passenger Air Transportation Services Partner for Beijing 2022

“

Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are a major landmark event in China’s history. Air China will bring its own strengths into play and mobilize its resources to spread Olympic Values and increase the impact of the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games,” said Song Zhiyong.

Official Partner for Beijing 2008. “We congratulate Air China in again partnering its services with the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in China for Beijing 2022″, said Zhang Jiandong. “Beijing 2022 will spare no effort to provide quality services to ensure Air China enjoy the widespread benefits of being an Official

“Air China has the capacity and confidence to promote the Olympic spirit through innovative approaches, fulfill the promise as an Official Partner, and support the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games with high quality services”, added Song Zhiyong.

Air China is the country’s largest airline and exclusive national flag carrier, as well as the

The Sarojin’s “Waterfall Dinner” Is Named a World Favourite Honeymoon Experience

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he Sarojin, Thailand’s luxurious 56-roomed boutique residence, is celebrating after its mesmerising Waterfall Dinner was named one of the top three experiences for honeymooners in the world by Kuoni’s Honeymoon Trends Report 2017, which launched recently.

Couples looking for a truly unique and intimate experience can enjoy the highly-acclaimed candlelit jungle waterfall private dinner, as part of the ‘3 Nights Luxury Honeymoon Package’.

Also included is three nights’ accommodation, private return transfer, daily a la carte breakfast with

sparkling wine for two people (available all day), one bottle of sparkling wine and flowers in room on arrival, one 90-minute Royal Oriental (Aroma) spa massage per person, as well as a Spirit Lantern release on the beach – all of which is delivered with the highest level of personalised service. Extra nights can be added and are inclusive of the a la carte breakfast for two people.

The Honeymoon Trends Report 2017 also revealed couples are looking for the chance to give back to the local community during their honeymoon through responsible tourism.

With a strong, responsible community tourism ethos, The Sarojin’s new Responsible Tourism Package

creates perfect opportunities for guests to ‘touch and feel’ Thailand, its people and way of life in a sensitive and co-operative way.

Guests choosing the package can learn a new skill and get closer to ancient Thai customs.

The package is valid from now until 10th October 2017 and includes five nights, private return airport transfers to and from Phuket International Airport, daily a la carte breakfast with sparkling wine, as well as three excursions; the Street Food Cook for Kids Cooking Class Experience (Camillian Centre), a Glimpse of Local Life (1/2 day) and a Spiritual Blessing of Love.

Partner of Beijing 2022″, added Zhang Jiandong.

Since the launch of the Beijing 2022 Marketing Programme earlier this year, the work has been progressing smoothly. According to Beijing 2022, the Official Dairy Products Partner and the Official Sports Apparel Partner will be announced to the public soon.

N

eil Buchan-Grant, winner of the 2013 British Travel Press Photographer of the Year, will be leading an exclusive photography tour to Vietnam and Cambodia with travel holiday experts Kuoni UK. Touring Hanoi, Halong Bay and Hoi An in Vietnam and Siem Reap in Cambodia, the focus will be on capturing memorable scenes under the expert guidance of Neil who has over 30 years’ experience.

All of the main sights are covered on the tour, capturing Angkor Wat temple at sunrise in Siem Reap and taking an overnight Halong Bay cruise in Vietnam, which is a photographer’s paradise with its incredible natural scenery.

There is also an authentic taste of village life and food experiences, from a cyclo tour of Cam Thanh Village, a small fishing community and eco-village in Hoi An where traditional scenes of village life can be explored, to a traditional local meal with a contemporary twist at the renowned Home Restaurant in Hanoi.

Page 38 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

OVERSEAS NEWS Caribbean Anambra State Tourism 2017: Vibrant Progress hinges on People That Must Smarter Partnerships Chart a New Order

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) applauds efforts being made by the region's public and private sectors to grow tourism, but cautions against the inherent risks if the sectors do not work more closely together to resolve differences.

With regional and global investor confidence critical to the Caribbean's tourism future, the organization called for more effective collaboration and pointed to tourism's immense contribution to employment, entrepreneurial activity, tax revenues and to its untapped potential to grow and develop to the benefit of the Caribbean's people, governments and the industry.

The Caribbean is the most tourism-dependent region in the world and CHTA maintains that tourism's contribution to the region's economies cannot be understated, generating more than 80 percent of GDP in some jurisdictions.

Travel and tourism is already one of the world's largest economic sectors, supporting 292 million jobs, and is projected to become the largest in the next several years.

Frank Comito, Director General and CEO of CHTA, asserts that a healthy investment climate and investor confidence are linked directly to good governance and sound business practice.

"Any discourse which casts aspersions on the motives of government or maligns our tourism industry players and their significant contributions to socio-economic development cannot be good for our region," he said.

D

r. Chike Obidigbo, member of the ruling party, the APC, an industrialist, Philanthropist, a wealth creator, an educationist, youth coach and mentor, and onetime University lecturer, is set to run for the leadership of Anambra state come November 2017.

Dr. Chike Obidigbo, popularly called Osisioma Igbo, is optimistic that he will take the people of Anambra State to the next level of positive change.

He noted that his government will instantly provide and promote a social, economic and political environment that stands to attract genuine and sustainable investments within the state.

“This we must do if we must move our economy up, and turn around the fortunes of our people.

“Governance is not by trial and error or by rule of the thumb,” he said, his motive for Anambra State gubernatorial race is purely for selfless reasons.

The present challenges being faced within the state are well known by him and his team, saying that they have sufficient imagination to capture the designs for the future prosperity and development of Anambra.

“We possess the intellectual capacity to build, consolidate and expand existing foundations, he said, what is critical at these moment in Anambra state is economic rebirth which him and his team are set to accomplish, these rebirth must allow private sector operations and leaderships at all levels to contribute towards shaping the futures of our economy.

“We must diversify, if we must create mass employment for our rising army of youths. This needed structural shift must be directed at Agriculture, Industrialization, and the development of critical infrastructure, all planned and executed with certain single mindedness.”

He further indicated that the good people of Anambra State must break their silence now and denounce evil wherever and whenever it exists.

“We must shun all divisive tendencies that have held us hostage over these past years, and made it difficult for us to vehemently confront all manner of corruption and corrupt practices, as our president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR is currently doing.

“The future of our state, especially the present fate of our youths and that of those yet unborn should be of grave concern to all of us.”

Dr Chike Obidigbo stated, that Governance is a serious business, it requires enormous commitment, knowledge and experience, wide exposure, vision, focused, and honest hard work.

Democracy enunciates the basic ingredients of a truly civil society, where all citizens are equal, as important stakeholders in the nation building process.

“Against this background, my driving philosophy in my career is that in whatever I do, my life must impact positively on the lives of others.

“One cardinal objective is to uphold the rule of law in order to achieve equal opportunity, peace and economic progress, need to enhance lives,” he said.

Ras Al Khaimah Flies Into Global Tourism Major Leagues

He stated that the 179 towns in Anambra state have peculiar challengies, which his government will confront head-on , this will be achieved by partinering with these town in other to solve identified problems which he remarked, “Have been the style of Osisoma foundation’’.

Ndi Anambra are leaders and trail blazers in academia, commerce, busniness and industry, saying, his Government will harness the innate potentials of the people of Anambra Stete especially youth and women.

In a final note, he outlined his action palns for Ndi Anambra, if given the opportunity in Piloting the affaires of Anambra, as State Governor.

“The following will constitute I and my teams action plan, Institutional Revitalization, human Capital development and wealth / job

P

Mother and Daughters Leap of Faith Lead to Multiple McD Franchises

creation.”

He made it clear that he is set and ready to serve the people of Anambra state with ultimost honesty, promising to provide a very effective and highly productive leadership centered on moving Anambra up to a much higher level.

He therefore called on all Ndi Anambra to with all honesty not abuse the opportunity of choosing and enthroning the right person into the core leadership positions, as this will not only mortgage the future of our children, and those unborn, but dengerious to social economic, infastructurial downto grassroot development.

He calls on all Ndi anambra to do the right thing by choosing those they trust, into the leadershipship of Anambra state in the Governorship election.

atricia Williams and her daughters, Nicole Enearu and Kerri Harper-Howie, have built an empire of McDonald’s franchises in the Los Angeles, California area, generating combined annual revenue of $50 million.

Employing more than 700 people between them, she and daughters Nicole and Kerri are running a multi-million dollar company that provides hundreds of jobs to the local community.

They also provide scholarships to local students, and the funds for various local and national charities.

It all started some 30 years ago when Patricia, who at the time was a rehabilitation therapist. Inspired as she was by other family members who also owned McDonald’s franchises, she and her husband - an LAPD police officer - took the leap; they cash out their retirement plans and took out a small business loan to enter the world of fast food.

“Those early days weren’t easy,” said Patricia. “To become a certified McDonald’s owner, you have to spend some time working in the store yourself and take required classes.”

With the McDonald’s brand growing so rapidly in the 1980's, that first location became a quick success enabling Patri-

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced that the world’s longest and highest zip line will officially open on the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais, in December.

With the exact length of the zip line remaining a closely-guarded secret until the multi-million dollar adventure tourism product’s opening, the zip line will propel the UAE’s most northern emirate into the major leagues of global adventure tourism and cement Jebel Jais as the region’s leading active adventure tourism destination.

RAKTDA has partnered with Toro Verde, the world’s leading zip line operator, to develop its latest active adventure tourism product, which is due to break the current Guinness world record zip line of 2,200 metres held by ‘The Monster’ in Puerto Rico, a site also developed and operated by Toro Verde.

The Ras Al Khaimah zip line will also be a case study for eco-tourism, using solar energy and locally-sourced natural materials, ensuring visitors enjoy the natural experience in the emirate’s mountain landscape.

cia and her husband to purchase a second store.

Though the business was thriving, it put paid to their marriage, which fell apart, but Patricia took the step of buying out her husband's share of the company.

Continuing to work with great diligence there was a significant increase in revenue at both locations.

In 1995, she made the smart move of selling both of her stores... and purchasing five more!

By the early 2000's, she got both of her daughters involved.

It was a major career change for one of the siblings, but Nicole went through the McDonald’s franchise training program for owners and purchased a store herself.

She later went on to become the first female, African American Chair for the McDonald’s Southern California Regional Leadership Council.

Her sister, Kerri, a lawyer, started out first by providing legal and HR help to her mother’s franchise locations, but, she went on to get training too - from the Next Generation program at McDonald’s, a program for children of McDonald’s owner operators.

Today, between them, they own 13 McDonald’s franchise – and they don’t look like letting up any time soon.

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 39

PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE

Empty Homes Near Grenfell a Cause for Concern Opposing parties are condemning figures which suggest that there are some 1,652 unoccupied properties in Kensington and Chelsea – which is the London borough where the Grenfell Tower fire took place.

The Labour Party has described it as “simply unacceptable” and called for the government to action to bring the stock back into use, whilst the Liberal Democrats also demand immediate increase on long-term empty homes.

Many of the vacant properties in in the borough are said to be owned by oligarchs, foreign royalty and wealthy businesspeople, with London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, saying that he will be making proposals to find a more effective way to tackle the issue.

Kensington and Chelsea – who charges an extra 50% of full council tax – the maximum permitted – on homes left empty for two years or more - is said to be struggling to identify a sufficient number of local homes to replace those in Grenfell Tower, although 1,652 empty properties are registered as empty One particular property, bought for £53m by Ukrainian Dmytro Firtash in 2014, has been vacant ever since. The oligarch is fighting extradition to the US. Media billionaire, Michael Bloomberg, a former New York mayor, bought a seven-bedroom mansion for £16m in 2015 – it remains empty, with other unoccupied properties owned by offshore companies, oil magnets and the likes.

Shadow Housing Minister, John Healey, said: “There were about 200,000 long-term vacant homes around the country, including those bought and left empty by speculative investors.

We would reverse the Conservatives’ weakening of councils’ powers to introduce empty dwelling management orders to bring homes back into use.”

Liberal Democrats’ local government spokesperson, Wera Hobhouse, said: “We could be hiking up council tax far more – at the moment some people are paying a 50% premium but if they’re so wealthy they don’t care.”

Early this year, Khan commissioned research into the scale of homes in London bought by overseas buyers, with his spokesperson saying that while overall rates for empty homes in the city is low, the proportion increased in wealthy central areas.

Kensington and Chelsea Council has admitted that it has reported itself to the Information Commissioner’s Office with a ICO spokesperson saying it was undertaking enquiries.

Ex-Villan, Dublin, May Be More Ideal For New Role Than First Thought

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fter making a debut of a different sort - on the BBC One show ‘Homes Under the Hammer,’ many saw it as an unusual ‘fit’ for an ex footballer.

Others, on the other hand, saw it as ideal, as a lot of players-former and present-dabble in the property market as a form of investment for their future.

Despite the very notion of a footballer presenting a programme other than sports related was filled with mass reservations, in some quarters, ex-Aston Villa striker, Dion Dublin, showed that he very much knew his stuff.

Having joined regular hosts Martin Roberts and Lucy Alexander to present the popular daytime programme, his apparent property development knowledge and restoration insight did not impress one female viewer, who managed to find the time to write the BBC's Complaints and Appeals Board to protest about his appointment.

Former England international,

Dion, who also starred for Manchester United, says: "My job was to play football. I felt relaxed on the pitch. In the auction room, I was a bit nervous and a bit of a mess.

I had to take on all the information and get it right each time. That was the worst part by a mile!"

He’s had plenty of positive feed-

Jewellery Quarter Properties in £2m Sale

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aybone Developments, the organization behind the redevelopment of the Birmingham Mint, has bought out properties in the iconic Jewellery Quarter region, which, according to a statement, was for an undisclosed fee “in excess of £2 million.”

The transaction by an unnamed private investor, for properties in Caroline Street, Regent Court, Regent Parade and Regent Place was off-market and were purchased over a year ago as part of a portfolio.

Some of the buildings are in need of refurbishment and renovation, but tenants in Regent Court tenants are to stay in situ.

Tenants of the other buildings are on short-term agreements following the deal. It is expected that they too will remain.

Chris Booth of Nattrass Booth, the agency that represented the seller, said: “We have worked with the owners to piece together the sites over time and believe that Raybone Developments will sympathetically carry out a refurbishment program to bring the properties back to their former glory.

A number of the properties have listed status, are situated in a conservation area and have considerable historical relevance, each with their inherent architectural charm.”

back with Irish boxing champion, Carl Frampton, full of praise, tweeting: "@DionDublinsDube is presenting Homes Under the Hammer!!! The best show on TV just got better."

So, for a football player, with something about them, to present a property programme, in the main it makes sense.

Page 40 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

STED WALLEN TRIBUTE

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s the city prepared to celebrate its annual Malcolm Marshall Memorial Cricket Cup, news filtering through of the death of its organiser, Sted Wallen, reverberated like a tsunami of shock and deep emotion as family, friends, associates and people who just knew him tried to get their heads around the fact that he was no longer with us.

Sted Wallen; ‘Mr. Community’ ‘Mr Cricket,’ was no longer with us.

After suffering illness for some time, on the eve of what was the 19th consecutive year for this daylong celebration of cricket, family fun and social cohesion, the mainstay of the whole operation had passed away.

A versatile and experienced individual who worked in various sectors including middle and senior management levels, it was said that he worked tirelessly, up to the very last minute to make sure we the public would be ‘fed’ with our regular August Bank Holiday feast of the sport he lived for, with bags of ‘relish,’ which is music, games, food and children’s activities.

Though regularly the case, this year even the sun came out to pay homage to Sted, as thousands turned up to share the love that was the Malcom Marshall Memorial Cup game.

Mr Cricket, Mr Communities, R.I.P. Sted!

With one of the teams baring the name of his great friend - the legend that is Sir Viv Richards, something which he endorsed by taking part himself in earlier years, this game – against a Caribbean Cup Representative, from London – turned out to be a celebration of the life of the Channel 4 Television Sports & Culture presenter and producer.

Birmingham City Councillor, Waseem Zaffar‫‏‬, a close friend and ally, said: “The turn out for Sted was brilliant – nothing short of what was expected, on this bitter

sweet day.”

“The great thing about this city is its diversity,” said Deputy Lord Mayor, Carl Rice. “And what he and Terry have done in connecting its communities is palpable. I personally shall miss him.”

Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Dr Beverly Lindsay OBE OD, founder/owner of celebrated travel agents, Diamond Travel, said: “As a sponsor and supporter of Sted’s event since its conception and, above all a close friend, hearing of his death will grieve me for some considerable time.

“He had a passion for cricket that couldn’t be surpassed by anyone.

He had a greater passion, though, for this event. It, and he, will be a part of me for years now.”

Brother, Terrence, filled with emotion, and brave for seeing that the match goes ahead, talked of the influence his big brother had on him: “Sted wasn’t just my brother; he was like a father-figure to me.

“It was a hard decision to make, but, as the event’s Assistant Director and his brother, I felt it right to go ahead with the day because Handsworth Park is ‘Sted’s park.’

“So much so that he was on it up until his death – making sure that everything is in order and all who should, turns up.

“He loves his community, here in the UK and back in Clarendon, in Jamaica, where he is from. I just couldn’t fail him.

“I just knew the love for him

would show in spades.”

Millie Jones is the mother of his elder daughter, Chantelle and she said: “I was due to travel back to the US, but after hearing the tragic news I simply had to be here.

“Although we were not together, we stayed civil with each other for the sake of our daughter, who will never get over this. She meant the world to him and he to her. He was an inseparable part of her life.”

Steve Stephenson, for the past 17 years, runs a similar event in Bedford, for another West Indian great, Winston Davis, who, in

1998, was paralysed from the neck down, after a gardening accident.

He remarked: “What Sted did for cricket is immeasurable-especially at grassroots level. We were like soul-mates in the same field.”

“Sted is my soul brother and I will miss him dearly.”

In 2015, Sted, Chair of Handsworth Cavaliers Cricket Club and Sporting Chance, led the City of Birmingham Olympic Legacy Sports & Culture tour to Jamaica as part of the London 2012 Olympics which saw a team

l Sted’s favourite picture

of park-level players – from all communities – tour the island with a mixture of cricket, gospel music and general cultural cohesion.

This came off the back of securing the deal for the Jamaican Track & Field Team using Birmingham as their pre-Games training camp.

“The Birmingham Annual Sports and Cultural Day should, in future, be called ‘The Sted Wallen Malcolm Marshall Memorial Cricket Cup,’ in honour of a great man and an even greater friend,” said Dr Beverly.

And so it should.

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 41

BIRMINGHAM ANNUAL SPORTS AND CULTURAL DAY

Sted the ‘Winner’on His Day of Cricket

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he late Sted Wallen said of it: “The Birmingham Annual Cultural Day Malcom Marshall Memorial Cup is more than just an event…it’s a way of life.

And so it has developed since those heady days when the man who lived for cricket thought up of the idea.

With his close friend, and one-time idol, Sir Viv

Richards, the chance to honour one of cricket’s greats was born.

The likes of Sir Viv himself, other international greats, including Joel Garner, Michael Holding, Mike Gatting and Ashley Giles led a line of cricketing legends that have graced Handsworth Park Cricket Ground over the past 19 years, thus making it a regular ‘must’ on Birmingham city’s annual

sporting events calendar.

As all who knew him would agree, this year’s BCSD had to go ahead… he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way, with last year’s victors, Sir Vivian Richards XL, having batted first and scoring 186 for 7, saw off their opponents, the Caribbean Cup Representative XL, from London , who replied with a score of 174 runs all out.

At the end of the day, though, the true ‘winner’ was Sted whose vision it was, with untold support from Warwickshire County Cricket Club’s Eaton Gordon, to bring world class cricket to his park, in his town to entertain his people.

Page 42 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

Nurturing Caribbean Youth to be World Beaters in Sports

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By Dr Tony Talburt

ith the retiring of Jamaica’s Usain Bolt from the world athletic scene, some have asked whether this could signal the end of an era for Jamaica as a force in global athletics?

I believe we should not experience an immediate demise, based on the evidence of the last few decades.

This Caribbean island has produced many athletic greats such as Donald Quarrie, Merlene Ottey, and Assafa Powel.

None of these, however, achieved the same level of greatness as Usain Bolt. Part of Bolt’s success was based on the nurturing he received as a young person in the sport.

Dennis Emmanuel Brown’s famous reggae song has a line which says ‘hold on to what you’ve got.’

In the post Usain Bolt era, will Jamaica be able to continue to be a world leader in track and field, by holding on to this rich sporting tradition, or, will the country’s athletics team suffer a similar fate as the West Indies cricket team?

England’s recent victory over the West Indies inside three days in the first cricket test at Edgbaston in August 2017 marked a new historic low for the West Indies test cricket.

England took 19 West Indian wickets on the third day on their way to achieving victory. The first time that has happened.

The last time the West Indies suffered such a heavy defeat was in 1933, when they lost 18 wickets in one day.

It would take another fifty years before the West Indies developed into to a world force in cricket.

In the 1980s when the West Indies were the best team in the world, perhaps more should have been done to invest in the youth team development, in order to ensure the production and nurturing of talented players able to compete at international level.

Failure to do so, coupled with other factors, have resulted in the decline of the West Indies team.

There is one important lesson we can learn from the fate of the two different sports. That is to ensure that the country places greater emphasis on nurturing and supporting young local talent.

The athletics and cricket teams in the Caribbean have youth systems in place to ensure the development of their finest talents in the future.

Despite the end of the Usain Bolt era, Jamaica’s position as a world leader in athletics can be assured so long as the country continues to nurture it’s young sporting talents.

The current national schools’ athletics competition, as well as the regional Caribbean games, ensures that the best local talent are not only spotted, but given the right support.

The current West Indies cricket can learn from the Jamaica athletics team and invest more in the youth tournaments, to help identify and then nurture the best talent so that hope that many young people will be inspired to take up the sport seriously when they see the team doing well at an international level.

The future of Jamaica’s athletics looks secure, while the fate of the current West Indies team as a powerful global force, looks increasingly uncertain.

Ceremony Celebrates Academy Winners

A

n awards ceremony was held to pay special tribute to all the children of an academy and the sponsors who have supported its programme from the very beginning.

Boys and girls from the Alum

Rock Football Academy in Birmingham were proud to be part of the esteemed ceremony with their coach, M. Tafiq, declaring: “This event gave us an opportunity to say thank you to our sponsors and pay special tribute to the kids.”

The children here have pro-

gressed immensely and it was a special day to pay tribute to those who have excelled not only on the football pitch but off it too.

The Academy emphasises on equipping children with key life skills, nutrition and bringing about awareness of issues such as

drugs & crime.

Bik Singh of sponsor Club Secretary Blues 4 All, reported: “It was such an honour to be invited to the awards ceremony.

“It was great to see all the club coaches, parents and academy children in such a special setting.

It’s nice to be able to celebrate such moments with the Alum Rock Community.”

Blues Trust chair, Cliff Horrocks added “It was a great event that highlighted the tremendous work of this club in bringing the good side of football to young people.”

Innovative New Event Announced for 2018 Womens Summer Of Sport Continued from Back Page

B

ritish Athletics and USA Track & Field have announced that two of the strongest nations in global athletics will go head-to-head in a new format, a one-day competition, next year.

To be hosted by British Athletics, the event: ‘The Meet’ will be staged at the London Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, on Saturday July 21, and will feature a new, fast-paced format designed to appeal to new audiences at one of the most celebrated athletics stadiums in the world, with many of the stars of British Athletics and USA Track

& Field expected to take part in the new, fast-paced event which will be designed to fully entertain audiences.

A blend of running, jumping, hurdles and relay events will ensure an exciting competition lasting two hours as the two score points for their respective countries in nine events in a compact, fan-friendly programme.

Niels de Vos, Chief Executive Officer, British Athletics said: “The Meet will thrill a whole new generation of athletics fans who have attended the London Stadium in their hundreds of thousands for the Muller Anniversary Games, World Para Athletics

Championships and IAAF World Championships.”

USATF CEO Max Siegel said: “‘The Meet’ will bring track and field back to the future by reviving dual-meet team competition in a way that caters to modern fans.”

Britain’s greatest ever distance athlete, Sir Mohammed Farah, said: "'The Meet’ is a great idea and will be a fantastic event for athletics fans. I have no doubt they will be there to cheer the British Athletics team on when they compete against Team USATF. It is going to be awesome.”

All in all, female athletes have had to put up with an awful lot to get where they are.

But still, there are some grounds to make up.

In case you don’t know - but then again, if you love your sports, you should – England were again crowned ‘champions’ in the cricket, lost in the semi-finals in the football and lost in the rugby – relinquishing their crown – against the New Zealand ‘Black Ferns.’

The ECB and the RFU have started to stage women’s matches alongside men’s games and packaged the two products together in their broadcast rights deals.

The EFA have extended the woman’s football league with the likes of Toni Duggan plying here trade at Barcelona.

What’s not to love?

The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2017 - Page 43

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

Sports Showing ‘Gulf’ in Class I

t’s a far cry from the days of steel plant owners and second-hand car dealers were owning football clubs, but, when Brazil international Neymar completed his move from Barcelona to French Ligue 1 side Paris-Saint Germain, for a mind-blowing €222m, above all, it emphasized the very enviable intentions of the clubs’ owners, firstly, and the Gulf in particularly.

Owned by Qatar Sports Investments, ranked ninth in a list of football's 50 top brands valued at $541million, they are not quite up to par with Premier League mega-bucks club, Manchester City, owned by Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Mansour and valued at $800 million.

That, however, didn’t stop them flexing their considerable financial ‘muscle’ with PSG then purchasing the services of Monaco teenager Kylian Mbappe for a ‘measly’ £183m – ‘chub-change by their lofty standards It wasn’t too long since all the attention was on Chelsea’s Roman Abramovich, whose £8 billion investment in the London club has seen them turn from ‘also rans’ to perennial winners-domestically- whilst nighon permanent challengers in the

S Season Launch Wetting Appetite for What’s Ahead

T

he 2017/18 Aviva Premiership season was officially launched with Wasps’ captain James Haskell joining players from each of the 12 Premiership clubs at Twickenham Stadium to raise the curtain on the new season.

At Wasps, England lock Launchbury, will be continuing having led the side to the Aviva Premiership Final in his first term.

He passed the milestone of a century of appearances for Wasps last season and was an integral part in helping the club reach the Aviva Premiership Final and a European Champions Cup Quarter Final.

The 44-time capped interna-

tional is entering his eighth season at Wasps, having joined from Worthing as a 19-year-old, in 2009, and has made 109 appearances for the club.

Wasps' Director of Rugby Dai Young said: “Joe did a really good job for us last season and he will only get better the longer he does the role.

“He has become a natural leader around the place and has grown with the responsibility of being captain and a senior squad member.”

This new season promises to be the most thrilling and hotly contested yet – So, let the battles begin.

hinji Kagawa is the latest Ambassador for Laureus Sport for Good, joining an illustrious list of footballers who all share a belief in the power sport has to influence change among youth.

The Borussia Dortmund midfield maestro started his professional career at J-League team Cerezo Osaka, becoming the first Japanese player to sign a professional contract before graduating from high school.

In 2010, he joined the Bundesliga giants, scoring 21 goals in two seasons at the club.

Again Japan’s first - to sign for Manchester United (in 2012) - and was the first Asian player to score a hat-trick in the Premier League and win the title, before returning to Borussia in 2014.

Now a fully-fledged member of the Laureus Family and joining the likes of other global football stars; Mesut Özil, Juan Mata and Gerard Pique, Shinji is one of a group of over 190 worldwide Ambassadors, all sharing a belief in the transformational power of sport by offering their time to support and inspire young people.

“I am looking forward to giving something back to youth through sports now I’ve joined the Laureus Sport for Good team,” he said. “I will be focussing my efforts on using the power of sport to help young people overcome their own challenges.”

Champions League (winning the coveted trophy in 2012).

Man City went as far as being in the depths of the third tier in England, but, is now arguably the richest club in what is seen as the billionaire’s playgroundthe PL. Emirate FA Cup winners, Arsenal’s Emirate Stadium also highlighting the intent of the Middle East’s aims.

In 2022, the world’s top footballing countries will converge on the Gulf for Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 which will be the zenith for the oil-rich state’s drive to embracing the game

globally.

The region’s sporting interest doesn’t stop there, with Bahrain now a permanent fixture on the Formula One Grand Prix circuit; horse racing attracting massive interest-with leading yards in Newmarket owned by Sheikh Mohammed’s much respected Godolphin operation.

Where once sport looked west for investment and inspiration, now it looks to Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Dubai as the new centre of the sporting world: for intense interest, much-needed stability…and a seemingly endless pot of gold.

Laureus Ambassador, Shinji, Promoting Sport for Good Worldwide

l Shinji Kagawa with some young people, inspiring the next generation

Sports Showing ‘Gulf’ In Class - Inside Back

Mr Cricket, Mr Communities, RIP Sted - Page 41

Women’s Summer of Sport Grounds for Parity This summer gave a good idea of exactly where women’s sport is at.

The Cricket World Cup in England in June, the UEFA European Championship in the Netherlands in July, and the Rugby World Cup finals in Ireland in August were great indications of just how far women have come on the world stage.

England was among the favourites in all three tournaments this summer shown live.

The football was screened, prime-time, on Channel 4, rugby on ITV and the cricket on Sky. All have set up new women’s Super Leagues.

Despite the festival of sport, according to Women In Sport’s most recent survey, women makes up, in general, only 7% of all sports coverage in the UK. Until 1971, women were banned from playing football on many grounds because the FA thought the sport “quite unsuitable for females.”

Until 1976, women were not allowed to even step on to the outfield at Lord’s, never mind play cricket on it.

It was 1991 before FIFA organised the first women’s World Cup, and 1998 before the IRB finally sanctioned a rugby event.

Continued on Page 42

‘Road Man’, Sir Mohamed, Looking for Street Cred

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ntering in a white open-top Bentley, Sir Mo Farah brought the curtain down on an illustrious track career (in more ways than one) in Britain in typically dominating fashion, winning the 3000m as an historic summer of athletics in the UK ended with the Müller Grand Prix Birmingham.

Eight days after his IAAF World Championships10,000m medal– his tenth global title – and 5000m silver, Farah was back to bid farewell to a British track at the Alexander Stadium.

He said: “Winning here (Birmingham) completes an amazing week and career.

“I never dreamed that I would become a four-time Olympic champion and multiple World champion.

“All I dreamed of as a youngster was running for Great Britain, from world juniors and European Under-23s – you

go through the ranks and you dream of becoming Olympic champion.”

Now embarking on creating fresh credibility on the road circuit, Farah, 34, says he wants to be known as ‘Mohamed’ which means a fresh start for the fourtime world champion.

He said: “My road name is Mohamed. I just feel like Mo is done. I need to forget about what I’ve achieved and what I’ve done.”

The decision follows a stormy end to his glittering track racing career in which he accused sections of the media of achievements on the track with unfounded allegations against his coach Alberto Salazar and insinuations about how he attained his success.

“History doesn’t lie,” Sir Mohamed told his critics. “People are proud of what I achieved over the years. You can write what you like.

“The fact is I’ve achieved

what I have from hard work and dedication. Putting my balls on the line, year after year and delivering for my country.

“It’s like a broken record, repeating myself. If Alberto or I have crossed the line, why bring it up year after year, making it into headlines? I’ve achieved what I have achieved – you’re trying to destroy it.”

On a stellar day of athletics, an all-British men’s 100m race saw world sprint relay champion CJ Ujah take victory over James Dasaolu, who came in second, ahead of third placed Zharnel Hughes.

World Para Athletics champion, Jonnie Peacock the men’s T44 100m whilst Sophie Hahn took the glory in a women’s T37/38 100m race.

Other World Champions; Katerina Stefanidi, Sandra Perkovic, Ramil Guliyev, Pawel Fajdek, Tomas Walsh and Mutaz Essa Barshim were also noted victors in Birmingham.

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