28 The Magazine
HAZRAT BILAL & EASTON MASJID Hazrat Bilal centre finally opens & an insight to newly refurbished Easton Jamia
PROFILE Bibi Paramjit Kaur
FACE TO FACE With Sayidali Ashar Moullin
BAISAKHI The major festivals of Sikhs in Bristol
ENTERTAINMENT Man From Africa - Hitesh Jobanputra
MTM 2017 Have you nominated for 2017?
BRIDGING CULTURES... Also inside: MTM 2016 pictorial / Out and about / Fashionista
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Peaches Golding
At Franclin’s The Dream Team! At Franclin’s Hair & Beauty we are always proud of the work that we complete. We now offer airbrush make up. Established in 2009 and situated in the centre of Swindon, Franclins Hair and Beauty Offers a wide range of treatments. Our Hair and beauty services are lovingly performed in a unique and peaceful environment, allowing you to unwind and leaving you feeling relaxed. Our experienced and qualified team offer you the very best treatments using guaranteed products. We commit our self to offering high standard and give you marvellous results. Franclin Hair & Beauty is a mother & daughter team along with others who provide an excellent service, especially in Asian bridal looks. “We are Professionals in Threading for over 25 years, offering eyebrow threading, pedicure, manicure, nails, facials.” In 2016 We were nominated for an MTM Hair and Beauty Award and were awarded with Special Recognition award.
was formerly Bristol’s High Sheriff. She has served on the boards of a wide range of public bodies and private sector organisations including: Bristol Water; Moon Consulting Ltd; Business in the Community; the Ethnic Minority Business Forum; Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust; ITV West and West Country; Avon & Somerset Police Authority; University of the West of England; the General Chiropractic Council. Peaches Golding says, “I am thrilled and deeply honoured to be appointed by The Queen to the ancient and historic role of Lord-Lieutenant. As The Queen’s personal representative in the County, I look forward to recognising the contributions of those in the voluntary sector within our communities, to celebrating the enterprise, innovation and creativity of our strong and diverse businesses and to showing our appreciation to those that keep us safe from harm. I have a deep affection for the City and citizens of Bristol and this will enable me to build bridges and networks across our City for the interest and welfare of Bristol. May I also thank Mrs Mary Prior CVO MBE, the current Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol, for her tireless dedication to, and enormous achievements in, the service of The Queen.” Ms Golding lives at Leigh Woods with her husband, Bob. They have an adult son, Charles.
28
INTRODUCTION Another season and on with that Limited Edition.
PR & Marketing Big Q Media & Entertainment Features: Junior Sheikh Sue. S
Muslims have been observing the Ramadhan 2017, I believe it’s the only time that the youths frequent the mosques and Islamic centres. This would have been the best time for places of worship to have English speaking Imams. This would have encouraged the youth, most of whom do not speak or understand their mother tongue, understand their religion better. Looking on the other side of the fence the Sikh and the Hindu community have been in celebratory moods with Baisakhi and holi festivals.
Raffi. S Agencies
Creative Design S. Windle
Print Setting B. Skuse
Of elected Community bodies, organisations, and Forums that are solely dependent; either on funding or public contributions . These bodies are expected to be non-partisan in whatever they do including council and or general elections yet we are seeing these public funded groups, taking sides during elections - the just concluded Mayoral and general elections are a perfect example. On another note; some of these bodies have not held their elections for years, they have a “ hand picked committee” running the affairs of the organisation; including bank accounts.
Website M. Wyatt
Photography Zubair Photography Nigel Barret Karam Bharij
Special Thanks Raj Ghai-Media Moguls Nisha Sahdev PRhat Entertainment Sprint Print YZ DESIGNS Administation Sue S.
Others seem to avoid sharing election dates with their communities in fear of the incumbent being voted out due to their continued failure to deliver, and run the organisation as a public body and not personal property of the few who seem to enjoy the power of heading these bodies . Places of worship are no different as elections are never transparent at these places yet they continue to receive donations on everyday basis to improve these places and encourage their communities use the facilities. Most affected by these male controlled faith houses are the youth, and women, because of a male dominated governing committees, hence shutting out the women and youth. It is time that those organisations that are biased at election time and those that have failed to hold transparent elections have their “funding withdrawn”.
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Congratulations Tim Bowles on taking office as the new West of England Mayor. He will represent Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire. The Mayor was previously a local councillor in 2010 and 2015 for Winterbourne in South Gloucestershire, where he lives.
A warm welcome to The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Bristol Councillor Lesley Alexander. Born in Butleigh, near Glastonbury; the Lord Mayor enjoys Gardening, cookery and the theatre.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of the recent terrorist attacks in Manchester, London and Grenfell Tower Block as well as the victims of the Finsbury Park mosque.
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PROFILE:
BIBI PARAMJIT KAUR Our Cover for this Limited Edition is the first woman President of a Sikh Gurdwara in the South West, community worker, and dedicated parent.
Bibi Paramjit Kaur moved to United Kingdom in 1973 after her marriage in India. She has two sons and two daughters. Her first job here was at a launderette; she moved on and worked as a machine operator in a chocolate factory in Easton, Bristol. “I was the first Asian female employed at the chocolate factory.” Originally from a village in Punjab, Khera Dhona, in the Kapurthala district. Born in a family who served in the Indian armed forces, “My great grandfather and his two brothers were colonels in the Indian army.” She adds,” Lord Mountbatten visited my village to meet my great grandfather and other members of the army. They were part of the First World War. My great grandfather and one of his brothers gave their lives fighting during the war”. Pam’s grandfather came to the UK in 1958. He was the first turban wearing Sikh to be employed as a guard in the railway industry in the United Kingdom where he worked for sixteen years. He fought for his right to be employed as a turban wearing male. He was the first president of Alkali Dal, a political party promoting the rights of Sikhs and a founding member of the Huddersfield Sikh Gurdwara. Pam’s father worked as a clerk in the army. Eventually he changed careers and became a head teacher in a high school in Khera Doña. “My eldest brother was a brigadier in the army. Two of my brothers worked in the police force in India. One brother resides in the United Kingdom and another resides in Canada and my sisters live in Scotland.” She began serving the community in 1998. Her first project involved assisting the elderly with day to day life. She runs the Punjabi Virsa School, a Punjabi led language and cultural school. The main purpose of this school is to teach the young and old the language and cultural aspects of Punjab.
They have classes in both Bristol and Gloucester; the former was opened eight years ago and the latter a year ago. They hold up to 40 students at any one time and the purpose of this was to enhance the confidence and awareness of all students to connect to the Punjabi culture and language. “Not only do we teach the language of Punjab and India, but we also hold singing lessons and musical lessons to develop the skills and knowledge of Punjab allowing for a more inter twined relationship with the nation.” Once a month Pam takes part in providing dinner to the homeless in St Pauls. She has a busy community schedule with invitations to several community functions, interfaith forums, Somalian Women groups’ community cohesion, Baha’i faith Open Days. She is also involved with the Sikh Remembrance Statute at Castle Park. In 2015, she was elected as the first Woman President of the Singh Sabha Gurdwara Church Road in Bristol. Since becoming president of the Gurdwara she has successfully run a number of projects. Most recently, Pam organised a three day Camp for children aged 8-18. The Camp was free of charge open to children from all backgrounds regardless of their ethnicity, caste, colour or creed. “With great help from volunteers, we served free food during the Camp, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, drinks and fruit every day.”
Punjabi Virsa School is a Punjabi language and cultural school. The main purpose is to teach the young and old the language and cultural aspects of Punjab.
Along with meditative and learning sessions, such as singing and playing musical instruments, talks in English and informal sessions, children were able to take part in outdoor activities, such as sports to make it an overall fun experience. The Camp was a great opportunity for children to integrate into the community and to interact with other children. This project was a huge success. Accordingly to the feedback received 80% of the children found it enjoyable and would like to take part again. Paramjit or Pam as known to her many friends and relatives has had many success stories within the community as a direct result of the Punjabi Virsa School. The school has benefitted many students, the young and old learning the Punjabi language giving them the skills to speak, interact and associate themselves with other people within India and all over the world. This has allowed students to speak to their grandfathers, grandmothers, and to the older generation alike who do not have the skills to speak English. The development of this bond is one of
the many differences our school has brought to the communities of Bristol and Gloucester. The school has also developed the skills of students to play musical instruments in line with singing Punjabi musical songs; this gives students huge levels of confidence which in line spills over to everyday life and other aspects of their day to day being. The Punjabi Virsa School. Pam has become a great role model since her election as President of the Sikh Gurdwara and soft spoken Pam would like to carry her message across the country, with invites from different communities on the way to speak on gender equality and how best to cope with pressures working or serving in a male dominated community faith group, Pam feels her position at the temple has made her strong and inspired her to inspire others from ethnic communities. She topped her 2016 year of success with an MTM Empowering Women Award presented to her by the Police and Crimes Commissioner Sue Mountstevens, herself a role model to many women.
RAMADHAN EID-UL-FITR What is Ramadhan? Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims fast during daylight hours. It is the holiest month in the calendar. • The Qur’an was first revealed during this month • The gates of Heaven are open The gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained up in Hell.
The Qur’an revealed: The month of Ramadhan in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong) [al-Baqarah 2:185] The actual night that the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad is called Lailat ul Qadr, and to stand in prayer on this one night is said to be better than a thousand months of worship.
Ramadhan is often called ‘month of the Qur’an’ because of this, Muslims attempt to recite as much of the Qur’an as they can during the month. Most mosques will recite one thirtieth of the Qur’an each night during the Taraweeh prayers. No one knows on which particular night the Qur’an was first revealed, but it is said to be one of the last ten nights of Ramadhan.
The gates of Heaven are open and the gates of Hell are closed It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are put in chains.” Muslims believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during this month than at any other time of year, because this month has been blessed by Allah. They also believe that it is easier to do good in this month because the devils have been chained in Hell, and so can’t tempt believers. This doesn’t mean that Muslims will not behave badly, but that any evil that they do comes from within themselves, without additional encouragement from Satan. There are a number of special practices which are only done during Ramadhan.
Fasting the whole month long Praying Salat ul Taraweeh, this is a prayer that takes place immediately after the last designated prayer of the night, Esha; it is a long prayer that consists of 21 rakahs. Although Muslims fast during other times of the year, Ramadhan is the only time when fasting, or sawm, is obligatory during the entire month for every able Muslim. Ramadhan is intended to increase self-control in all areas, including food, sleeping, sex and the use of time.
Taraweeh Prayers These are long night prayers, which are not obligatory, but highly recommended. Mosques are filled with worshippers who go to attend these prayers, which usually last for one and a half to two hours. These prayers also give Muslims a chance to meet at the mosque every day, and so they also help to improve relationships in the Muslim community.
I’tikaf I’tikaf refers to going into seclusion during the last ten nights of Ramadhan, in order to seek Lailat ul Qadr by praying and reading the Qur’an. Some people live in the mosque during this time for serious reflection and worship. Others spend a few hours at the mosque or home. Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and as with all months in the Islamic calendar, its start is based on the sighting of the new moon.
Sighting of the new moon at the start and end of Ramadhan has always been controversial, whereby some Muslims believe that the sighting of the new moon from Saudi Arabia marks the beginning of Ramadan. They believe this unifies all Muslims, as well as carrying on the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad. Whilst others believe that technology should be used to mark the true date,though not all Muslims agree with this approach.
Eating habits & diets during Ramadhan Ramadhan is a month where believers learn to exercise self-control. A major facet of this is the abstinence from food and drink that is prescribed to all healthy Muslims during the hours of sunrise to sunset. Although the sick are exempt, many continue to fast and therefore abstain not only from eating and drinking water but also from consuming oral medications and intravenous nutritional fluids. Firstly, there is no need to consume excess food at Iftar (the food eaten immediately after sunset to break the fast), dinner or Sahur (the light meal generally eaten about half an hour to one hour before dawn). A learned scholar once said that “There is no receptacle more odious to God, than a belly stuffed full of food after a fast” and therefore “of what use is the Fast as a means of conquering God’s enemy and abating appetite, if at the time of breaking it one not only makes up for all one has missed during the daytime, but perhaps also indulges in a variety of extra foods?”
Celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr The month of Ramadhan brings communities together, this is a time of peace and building bridges. Muslims spend time reciting the Quran and often families & communities enjoy have meals together. Eid-ul-Fitr often abbreviated to Eid, is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. Eid is an Arabic word meaning “festivity” , while Fitr means “breaking fast”; and so the holiday symbolizes the celebration of completing the fast during Ramadhan. The first day of Eid, therefore, is the first day of the month Shawwal. That comes after Ramadhan in the Islamic calendar. Eid-ul-Fitr Salat (prayer) is a Wajib (strongly recommended). The Eid Salat is performed in Masjids or in some countries in open fields or community centres. This Salat should be performed with Jama’at (congregation). Common greetings during this holiday are the Arabic greeting ‘Eid Mubārak (“Blessed Eid”) or ‘Eid Sa‘eed (“Happy Eid”). It is forbidden, to fast on the Day of Eid. That is why it is recommended to have a small breakfast (as a sign of not being on a fast on that day) of sweet dish, preferably the date fruit, before attending the special Eid prayer (Salah). It is a Sunnah(guidance of the Prophetpbuh)that the Sadaqat-ul-fitr, an obligatory charity, is paid to the poor and the needy before performing the ‘Eid prayer by all those adult Muslims who are required to pay Zakat.
Mus l Takb ims rec ite t ir i goin n the lo he follo w g to w the voice w ing Alla Eid hu A pray hile kba er: r, Al La il lahu a h Alla Akb a ila hu A ar, l lah kba u wa r, Al l lilla l hil h ahu Ak bar amn wa d.
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Leading the Way – Setting the Standards.
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Bristol Office 0117 3291590 www.homes4all-ltd.com Email: said@homes4all-ltd.com Unit G Baptist Mills Court, Easton Bristol BS5 0FJ
FACE TO FACE
WITH SAYIDALI ASHAR MOULLIN Sayidali Ashar Moullin came to the UK 2011 joined his family who were already settled in Bristol. His first employment was with TNT Post as a warehouse operative and then later became a union rep in TNT Post for the Community trade union, later seconded to Community for about six months. He later joined Community union as a full-time officer. We are Face To Face with Sayid .... Tell us what is the Community trade union? Community is the modern union for a changing world. We represent members all over the country. As a full-time officer, my job is to educate and inform workers about the benefits of being a member of the union. I have come to learn working with Community the importance of having a union representing you and advising you about your rights as a worker. Many families are torn apart as a result of a member losing their job and not having any voice to speak for them for their justified rights. As full time Officer of Community, I have strived to go that extra length to assist the ethnic community especially Somali community most of whom did not understand the small lines in contracts or employment. I stand to believe that in my position I can share my knowledge of working rules with many in different communities. Community, as I mentioned earlier, is in step with the ever changing scenarios of employer hiring as we are an effective , efficient and modern union.
Finally, what message do you have to the many out there doing what they like doing best to further communities? I would like to advise the communities to become united and engaged with each other. It is also important for ethnic communities to give equal opportunities to women in our communities, as engagement and equal opportunities are the key to a better world. At Community union we are there to support all communities, recently we supported the British Somali Diaspora community’s Somali Drought Appeal in London Our members come from all industries and walks of life, but they have one thing in common… They all want to get on at work, and to do right by their families. But sometimes things outside of our control challenge this. And when times are tough it’s easy to feel alone… With Community in your corner you are never alone. This is our personal promise to you.
What would you like to see in future? I would like to see all ethnic communities become aware of the trade union and to know what is their benefit being in the union as I know always they have concerns about their rights. I hope to educate as many as I can and guide them to the right path in order to protect their rights. We all know ethnic communities face many barriers like languages, communication and integration, my aim as a member of these communities is to prepare and support them through these barriers. What are your main challenges? I always have challenges convincing and educating prospective members especially those within our communities, who don’t understand the importance and benefits of a trade union. At Community Union we are there to support all communities, recently we supported the British Somali Diaspora Community’s Somali Drought Appeal in London
We are Community. The modern union for a changing world. MEMBER BENEFITS
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We scale membership fees against your income, starting at under £5 a month.
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Community is for everyone. Whatever your age or life stage, whether you’re employed, selfemployed, or even looking for work – we can help.
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To talk to someone about joining Community Union please call: Sayidali Ashar Moullin: 07525 124 402 Service Centre now: 0800 389 6332 servicecentre@community-tu.org http://community-tu.org/
We all want to get on at work. And we all want to do right by our families. But sometimes things outside of our control challenge this. And when times are tough it’s easy to feel alone... With Community in your corner you are never alone.
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We help people from all industries, businesses and backgrounds. We’ve been representing people at work for generations.
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As the fe has tre stival men importa dous nce in Sikh rel ig activitie ion, major s of the day are org anized in Gurudw aras.
BAISAKHI Baisakhi is one of the major festivals of Sikhs and is celebrated with lot of enthusiasm and gaiety in the state of Punjab and all throughout the world where there is a significant Sikh population. Happy Baisakhi...Vaisakhi, also commonly referred to as Baisakhi, is a major Sikh festival especially popular amongst the Sikh community in the Punjab region. This special event has become increasingly popular around the globe among Sikh diaspora, which is the name given to the migration of the modern Punjabi. Not just for the Sikh community, Baisakhi also holds a place of great importance among the Hindus and the Buddhists. Baisakhi also known as Vaisakhi is a festival that marks the beginning of the Sikh New Year and the traditional solar New Year for the Hindus. The harvest festival holds a place of great importance among farmers and has a great historical and religious significance. For the Sikh community, it’s considered as a foundation day of Khalsa Panth, a religious structure that manages the affairs of the global Khalsa community. While the Hindus believe that during Baisakhi Goddess Ganga descended on earth and in her honour, people till date gather along the sacred Ganges River for ritual baths. The festival which is celebrated on April 13 or April 14 every year also has astrological significance as it marks the sun’s entry into Mesh rashi and is celebrated all over India by different names. Bangladeshis and Bengalese also celebrate Vaisakhi, which signifies the start of a new year. Bangladeshis call the day Boisakhi, and also celebrate with food, dance and music. Boisakhi is the first month of the Bengali calendar and so the first day, or New Year, is Pohela Boisakhi (first of the month). The Sikh community in Bristol celebrated Baisakhi that officially fell on the 14th of April. This year, the Sikh Flag (The Nishan Sahib is a Sikh triangular flag made of cotton or silk cloth, with a tassel at its end) was hoisted at Council House, College Green.
IN THE COMMUNITY
FESTIVAL OF NOWROZ
The Kurdish celebrated the auspicious day of Navroz Mubarak. The word Navroz means ‘new day’. It is the first day of the Persian year. This festival dates back for more than 3000 years and there are records of it being celebrated way back in 6th century BC. The Bristol Kurdish community held their celebrations at the Malcolm X centre in St Pauls. Event organiser Essam put together a beautiful display of culture, and Kurdish food for the many that joined in with the celebration. Speaking to Mast, Essam hopes to expand the celebration further by holding a culture awareness day next year.
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Groceries Fruit & Veg Frozen foods Halal Meat & Poultry Open 7 days a week Including Bank Holidays 9am - 7pm 01173 293 040 32 Ashley Road
MALIK’S The World Foods Specialist-African, Asian Afro Caribbean & English Foods As a premier Afro- Caribbean Food store Malik’s the store is reputed as the largest stockist of Caribbean fresh foods and spices in the region. The store enjoys and customer patronage nationwide and across the borders in Europe. They are well served on the net with an online clientele across Europe. In a major refurbishment the store has done away with the OFF Licence image, this was a family decision that had been lingering for long but finally 2015 saw the change of Malik’s to a fully family friendly store. Our recent visit at the store was an experience; it has further expanded into a walk-in mini super store. The products are well displayed in sections clearly labelled and it was a pleasure to browse through the store and well planned set-up that entices a customer to walk through the entire shop in a zig zag format with every turn presenting a different product. Malik’s is the only store in the region that has everything under one roof, without making references to any of the big super stores, Malik’s has got it right. From the everyday foods and spices, fresh fruits and vegetables including the popular Jamaican Yam and African Matoke(bananas), pots and pans - specialising in Dutch Pots , household goods and hair products Malik’s has it all.
Opening: 8.30 am – 9.00pm Monday to Saturday 9.00am – 7.00 pm Sundays & Bank holidays. Shop: 01179 5517841 Online Sales: 01179411178 Hair Shop: 01179554800 Fax: 01179551550 Our online shop serves across Europe - www.malikstores.co.uk email: counter@malikstores.co.uk FB: Malikstoresonline
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MTM Business of the Year Award Winner 2016
“We are a family based business that guarantees quality products and homely customer service” In 2015 the store opened halal butcher department stocking prime meat and poultry products, frozen fish, frozen vegetables and party foods. Their fresh produce section is fully stocked with Afro Caribbean and African produce specials. Malik’s has a complete range of hair and beauty products under their roof. This ranges from creams, colours, weaves, extensions and oils. Serving as a money transfer and bill payment station, Malik’s has given the local community a one in all shopping store. “this is part of an ongoing expansion project, there is much more to come. We are here to listen to our customers and serve them to their satisfaction”.
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Fully qualified professional hair stylists & beautician Our Services: Cutting and styling Hair Treatments - relaxed hair Hair Treatments - natural hair Styling - relaxed hair Styling - natural hair Relaxers Perms High-lights Plaiting & weaving
Pride Hair & Beauty Salon Hair professionals with over 30 years’ experience, our friendly team has expertise in all aspects of Afro, Multi cultural and European hairdressing for both ladies and gentlemen of all ages. We offer a full range of hair and beauty services in our modern spacious salon for our diverse clientele. We offer a free consultation service to each client before treatment is commenced to establish and ensure that the best products are used to achieve the desired style.
Beauty Services: Face and body treatments Feet & nail treatments
Opening Hours: Tues - Thurs : 9.30am - 5:30pm 236 Stapleton Road, Bristol, BS5 0NT Fri : 11:00am - 8:00pm Opening Hours: OFFICE 01179519518 : 8.30am - 4:30pm Tues -Sat Thurs : 9.30am - 5:30pm MOBILE 07917362444 Fri : 11:00am - 8:00pm It's advisable to pre book your appointment so as to avoid disappointment during our busy times. Sat : 8.30am - 4:30pm
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Join us at the MTM Awards 2017 Official Nomination Launch at a Business Networking Evening on July 20th At the Bristol Marriot Hotel
M
MTM 2016 as it happened Honouring The Best
www.mtmawards.co.uk
MTM Awards Celebrating the Excellence & Achievements of the Asian, Black & Ethnic Minorities MTM Awards is already established as the premier Asian, Black & Ethnic Minorities event in the South West welcoming over 2500 people across communities at the Glittering Gala Evening, over 1000 nominees and with over 60,000 voting online since inception in 2012. MTM Awards is a leading player in promoting & honouring diverse business and community groups. We are renowned for pushing boundaries and offering audiences a world class Glittering Gala Award Evening and nominees an extraordinary experience of a lifetime to showcase their excellence & achievements in business and community work. Now in its sixth year and building on the success of MTM 2016 Awards, we are delighted to be able to continue to offer our stand-out awards night for 2017, celebrating the essence of business and culture across our diverse, rich, ethnic minority communities. Special Recognitions are awarded to businesses and communities other than the Asian, Black & Ethnic that work closely with these communities. The awards will be handed out to winners by celebrity guests.
MTM
Celebrating the essence of business and culture across our diverse, rich, ethnic and minority communities.
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It is now one of the UK’s biggest award ceremonies that celebrates the excellence & achievements of Asian, Black & Ethnic Minorities. MTM Awards are set to be a world-class awards ceremony with the introduction of a National Award for Excellence and an International Special Recognition Award in 2016. These awards have opened doors for the South West’s brightest and best businesses and communities internationally. The MTM Awards provide a perfect setting for networking in a uniquely cultural environment at the Bristol Marriott Hotel based in the heart of Bristol. The evening promises a star studded line up of entertainment, exquisite dining and celebrity guests, all present to raise the profile of the event to a global audience. The venue is transformed into a glittering gala evening, the only awards ceremony of this type in the South West, welcoming over 500 guests. MTM provides sponsors with the opportunity to engage with thriving business cultures, spanning International waters, as well as those on our door step.
The Glittering Gala Evening programme includes: Champagne Reception • Red Carpet Glitz & Glamour VIP networking in a uniquely cultural environment Exquisite Dining with Complimentary drinks MTM Awards Presentation • Star Studded Live Entertainment After Party with Complimentary Drink • Black Tie/ Traditional Dress.
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There are six categories with 20 Awards up for grabs in 2017 As an official partner you don’t just get branding at the Gala Evening. Thanks to our in house marketing team and ownership of Mast The Magazine, our partners get an unrivalled sponsorship package that includes emails to our database of business and community executives, including social media and print marketing. You also get branding at the MTM Awards Nomination business networking Launch on July 20th and Nominee Press Evening November 29th. This is a unique award ceremony that will put you and your company in front of potential clients and key influencers in business and community. There are six categories with 20 Awards up for grabs in 2017 which include a National Award for Excellence in culture, community and business and an International Recognition Award.
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MTM 2017: THE SOUTH WEST ASIAN & ETHNIC MINORITIES South West South We South South West A BUSINESS & ACHIEVEMENTS AWARDS 2017 Special Awards Special Awards Special Awards Special Awards & Ethnic Min & Ethnic M & Minori Ethni & Ethnic
MTM AWARD CATEGORIEs 2017 MTM AWARD CATEGORIEs 2017 MTM AWARD CATEGORIEs 2017 MTM AWARD CATEGORIEs 2017
Food Business Food Business Food Business od Business
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World Foods Mini Markets Award Empowering Women Award World Foods Mini Markets Award Empowering Women Award World Foods Mini Markets Award Empowering Women Award rld Foods Mini Markets Award Empowering Women Award Restaurant Award Community Group Award Restaurant Award Community Group Award Restaurant Community Group AwardThe categories have been carefully taurant Award Group Award All the 20Award awards across sixCommunity categories are available for sponsorship.
crafted onAward our thriving Asian, Black andCommunity Ethnic businesses but also extended to our stand-out Takeaway / Fast Foods Award Mukhtyar Singh Community Takeaway / Fast Foods Mukhtyar Singh Community Takeaway /based Fast Foods Award Mukhtyar Singh Community eaway / Fast Foods Award Mukhtyar Singh citizens, supporting our young people, services, culture and environment. Champion Award Champion Award Champion Award Champion Award The Business MTMBusiness South West AsianUnsung Awards were launched in August 2012 to celebrate the excellence and Unsung Hero Award Unsung Hero Award Unsung Hero Award Hero Award General Business General General neral Business achievements of Asians in the region.
Enterprise Business Award Enterprise Business Award Enterprise Business Award erprise Business Award OPEN Awards Awards OPEN Awards Awards Inof 2014 awards openedOPEN doors toOPEN more ethnic communities. The response has been phenomenal each Business of Year the Year Award Business the Year Award Business ofthe the Year Award iness of the Award season as we are unrivalled in that we receive a remarkable number of nominations for the awards each Sporting Excellence Award Sporting Excellence Award Sporting Excellence Award Sporting Excellence Award Entrepreneur of Year the Award Entrepreneur of Year the Award Entrepreneur of Year the Year Award repreneur ofyear, the Award from big and small businesses, community organisations and people across the board in the South Achiever Award Young Achiever Award Young Achiever Award Young Achiever Award West and across the country forYoung the National Award for Excellence.
Person of the Award Person of Year the Award Person of Year the Year Award Person of the Year Award Arts &Arts Entertainment &Our Entertainment &online Entertainment ts &Arts Entertainment voting is in the thousands and each voter receives regular awards updates via email.
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National Award for Excellence National Award for Excellence National Award for Excellence National Award for Excellence / Culture Arts / Award Culture Award Arts / Award Culture Award sArts / Culture Being a sponsor means youBatook willBatook be Pandya able to network and connect with the business elite in the Asian, Black Pandya Lifetime Batook Pandya Lifetime Batook Pandya Lifetime Lifetime Media &Media Music &Award Music Award &Award Music Award at the event. dia &Media Music and Ethnic community Achievement Award Achievement Award Achievement Award Achievement Award Digital &Digital Creative Award & Creative Award & Creative Award ital &Digital Creative Award
This is your opportunity to be part of the South West’s major event celebrating the excellence of Asian, Black and ethnic minorities. INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL enjoys both local and regionalINTERNATIONAL radio, TV and press coverage. Fashion &The Beauty Fashion &event Beauty & Beauty shion &Fashion Beauty
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MTM AWARD CATEGORIEs 2017 Food Business
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“Ivory Belongs To Elephants” is our chosen project for 2016 - 2018
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Kenya’s Elephant man and his team completed the latest edition of 617Km from Nairobi to Marsabit Walk for Elephants on May 9th, 2017 in an event at Marsabit’s Catholic Centre. Kenya’s Elephant man and his team completed the latest edition of 617 Km from Nairobi to Marsabit Walk for Elephants on May 9th, 2017 in an event at Marsabit’s Catholic Centre. In his ultimate speech for the walk, Jim recommended that both county and national governments should establish an integrated apparatus in giving Ahmed of Marsabit (Ahmed was a big Tusker that was given Presidential protection by the founding father of the Kenya nation- Late Jomo Kenyatta ) combined biography in an attempt to boost tourism in the county. Marsabit inhabitants including the county government have expressed their desire to have Ahmed’s Skeleton, which has been preserved in the NMK (National Museum of Kenya) for the past 38 years, returned to his origin. In Jim’s opinion, the county is yet to establish a place secure enough for the world’s first protected animal under presidential decree and suggested that they can put up a replica of Ahmed to be erected in a strategic place as a landmark that welcomes people in Marsabit. The Nairobi-Marsabit Walk which took slightly above a month to complete after kicking off on April 8th, 2017 traversed across nine Kenya counties. Jim and his team overcame all the odds to create awareness on the plight of the African Elephant completing a total of 10457Km since he started walking for elephants in 2013. MTM Awards fully supports Ivory Belongs To Elephants campaign and look forward to hosting Jim at the MTM Awards 2017 on Sunday December 17th at The Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre and plans are also underway for hosting the Great Elephant Walk in the United Kingdom, summer of 2018.
Jim Justus Nyamu Walked 10,457KM (6,497Miles) for Elephants ... Jim will be joining us at The MTM Awards 2017 to speak on the plight of the Elephant...
Celebrating the essence of business and culture across our diverse,
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People & Places You Will Love Timor-Leste From its ruggedly beautiful landscapes to its centuries-old traditions, Timor-Leste offers one of the world’s last great off-the-beatentrack adventures. At least that was what I’d heard – and from the moment you touch down on Dili’s palm tree-lined airstrip, from diving its delicate, untouched reefs to bumping along its diabolical country roads, hiking to sacred mountain villages to sharing the locals’ passion for good (Timorese) coffee, Timor-Leste is, at least for now, old school, uncommercialised travel at its best. That’s not to say it’s easy – but figuring it out is half the fun. With mountains to climb, untouched reefs to dive, and ancient traditions that have survived the ravages of war, Asia’s newest country offers some of the world’s last great off-the-beatentrack adventures. East Timor is one of the island countries in the eastern end of the great Pacific Ocean. East Timor lies at the eastern side of the Timor Island and also occupies the northwest portion of the island. The East Timor territory also includes tiny islands of Jaco and Atauro. Timor Islands are members of the lesser Sundagroup of islands that neighbour Australia to the northwest. East Timor’s attractions are beautiful with nice rocky beaches, amazing landscape and memorable monuments waiting to be seen by its visitors. East Timor’s capital city is Dili that serves as a major gateway into East Timor. East Timor has only one international airport known as the Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport that is served by many international airlines.
Get an insight into Timor-Leste’s dark history in Dili’s museums, then venture out of the capital for wild cultural experiences. Head for the hills to hike to jungle caves, wander misty mountain village markets, and sip local coffee on the terrace of a grand Portuguese pousada. Bump along diabolical roads in search of your own perfect beach, stopping for photos of the stunning seascapes as you grip the rugged cliffs along the north coast road. Strap on a snorkel and marvel at the pristine reefs that fringe the north coast and Atauro Island, or delve deeper with Dili-based dive companies, which have spent the past decade discovering world-class sites. Trailblaze your way through this amazing country, and find out what everyone else has been missing. Accommodation facilities in East Timor are in the forms of hotels, guest houses, convents and camps. Dili has several fine hotels, but outside the city there are only two hotels in Com and Baucau. Dili’s hotels offer a wide range of prices to favour even the low-income groups. East Timor dining style is spicy and recruits rice is the local dishes. Dili has lots of fine restaurants. International dishes are also offered in the restaurants. Traditional recipes in East Timor are frequently served with fruits like watermelons, coconuts, papayas and bananas. Some must see places when visiting East Timor. Ainaro – -This is home to one of the highest mountains in East Timor, Mt Ramelau. The environment is fresh and beautiful, and trekking is possible within this region Aileu – -This place has an amazing scenery and it bears the history of the region. It was the first market area for the Portuguese. Many ancient structures still stand in this region. Maubara – -This is a famous name for a place of extensive beaches of East Timor. The beaches are rocky, nice sunny climate, the cool sea, water sport facilities, and there are remains of old structures that were established by the Portuguese several centuries ago. The buildings in this area reflect architectural designs adopted from the Portuguese and the Indonesians.
Timor-Leste, or East Timor, a Southeast Asian nation occupying half the island of Timor, is ringed by coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Baguia – -This destination is blessed with natural beauty and a beautiful ancient castle. The Matebean Mountain is found in this region. Hiking is common and the trip to the castle reveals some history about the country. Dili City is a fun place to walk around. There are resting parks to even have a picnic with your loved ones, restaurants to try out the East Timor cuisines, monuments to visit, and the so many significant structures waiting to be seen. We are pleased to have worked with the Timorian community in Bristol and look forward to involve them in different community events….
FASHIONISTA
Hijabistas
When we look at Islamic fashion we first must understand the basic guidelines of modest Islamic dressing. Muslim women are not allowed to show any part of their skin to people who are not their family or husband, affecting their daily fashion choices and limiting their freedom of expression. The restrictions on Muslim fashion also affect some Muslim’s opinions about clothing restrictions. Other Muslim’s however, believe that being modest is good enough, and how true you are to your religion isn’t based on how much you cover. However women are allowed to remove the veil around their immediate family or anyone who cannot legally marry them. It is said in the Holy Quran: “Say to the Believing Women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: and they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they must draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons, their husband’s sons, or their women”. (Surah a Nur 24:30). The “hijab” is used to describe the modest Muslim styles of dress in general. The practice of the Hijab is based on the religious doctrine of Islam, but the Qur’an does not mandate it. While head covering is optional, there are many people who do decide to wear the hijab, as there are people who don’t too. Due to the fact that Islam restricts women from showing their skin in public, women are not allowed to wear regular swimsuits. Instead, they wear special modest swimsuits that cover their body from head to toe. With that brief on what the religion and the different opinions on Muslim dressing we now welcome you to the world inhabited by the “Hijabistas”, a trendy set of up and coming Muslim fashion designers who have been doing their bit to forge an indigenous British Islamic identity. Until relatively recently, young Muslim women who wanted to dress according to Islamic rules of modesty (hijab) had pretty limited options. They could either adopt the type of immigrant clothing worn by their parents, or try to cobble something together from high street chains, where modesty isn’t exactly seen as a best seller, especially in the summer. Frustrated by this lack of variety, a small number of devout young Muslims have made their own way into the fashion industry to try and provide a middle road – sleek, elegant clothing that is both beautiful and Islamic. Their arrival heralds a shift reflected in the wider Muslim demographic of a community making their way towards the mainstream and forging their own indigenous identity. Despite what some people may claim Islam is not a religion that tramples over culture. It’s only natural that British Muslims will begin to make their own creative choices that fuse both their nationality and religion. You’ve got to remember that the most of the people running fashion shops for Muslim women are first generation, older men and they’re reluctant to try anything too new. As Muslims move towards the mainstream they’re giving up some of the more traditional clothes in favour of items that express who they are. In the next decade or so we’ll get a lot more Muslim fashion designers. Many first generation parents wanted their kids to be engineers or doctors, but I think the second and third generations are a lot more open about their children’s careers. And it’s not just Muslims who are interested in hijabi fashion. Maxi dresses are a classic example of this cross pollination. This summer’s latest must-have is about more, not less fabric. For once Muslim women can walk down a high street and see that long skirts are back in vogue.
Tropic Beauty Open 9:30am to 6:30pm Monday to Saturday 649 Fishponds Road, Fishponds Bristol, BS16 3BQ Telephone: 0117 9658835 Mobile: 07769 905049 www.tropic-beauty.co.uk enquiry@tropic-beauty.co.uk
Healthy Eating Cinnamon Cinnamon may reverse a high-fat diet by slowing the fat-storing process and lessening the risk of heart damage. More recent study claims the spice helps weight loss and cuts back on belly fat Just a sprinkling of the brown powder in a hot drink, oatmeal or cereal could lead to boosting a brain protein that helps organize and store memory. Cinnamon is best known as a spice to add flavour to tea or other pastry products in many South Asian, Arab and African countries with Asian or Arabian influence. In the western world cinnamon is sprinkled on toast, lattes and used to make pastry the most popular being the cinnamon bun. But extracts from the bark of the cinnamon tree have also been used traditionally as medicine throughout the world. Cinnamon may reverse the effects of a high-fat diet by stopping fat from settling around the belly. The spice was found to slow the fat-storing process and lessen the risk of heart damage due to eating unhealthy foods. Though preliminary study, presented at an American Heart Association conference early May conducted on rats but researchers are hopeful the same results would be seen in humans. Rodents were fed a cinnamon supplement for 12 weeks and at the end of the study were found to have more antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecules that protect the body from the damages of stress. They also weighed less and had didn’t have as much belly fat, although they were consuming a high-fat diet. The health benefits of cinnamon have also been linked to soothing stomach digestion and making people smarter by improving their understanding. This is the most common
medicinal use of cinnamon amongst South East Asian communities and countries in Africa with Indian influence. Cinnamon is made from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree and from this cinnamon sticks and cinnamon powder are made. It is loaded with antioxidants, and the spice can help stop inflammation and assist those with diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. Australian researchers found cinnamon will help lower the stomach temperature, which aids digestion, up to two degrees. This property may also explain why the rustcoloured spice from a tree bark is so popular in hot countries. In 2010, a study found that a cinnamon-water solution contains antioxidants that can cut the chances of getting obesity or diabetes by up to 23 percent. The household ingredient could also aid those with Parkinson’s disease. Livers convert cinnamon into sodium benzoate, an approved drug used in the treatment for brain disorders. In a study of mice at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago in 2014, a team of researchers found that the chemical enters the brain, stops the loss of proteins that help protect cells, protects neurons and improves motor functions. With all these recent studies South East Asian and Middle Eastern communities have used cinnamon for medical use. It is a must spice in many households from these communities. In Kenya cinnamon and ginger tea with a pinch of sugar and cardamom is always a first in the morning and street vendors with Arab heritage sell this speciality in large Arab brass Kettles.
Ramadhan Delight Food plays a big role in celebrating Ramadan, with specialty dishes and drinks served during the Muslim fasting month. Drinks like Jellab, Amar al-Deen and Tamar Hindi are essential during the holy month. Foods with sauces are favoured in Ramadan. Fasters want to refill their body’s water Masgouf levels after long hours of fasting and sweets are considered part of reviving Ramadan traditions. A famous Iraqi dish of baked fish. Breaking one’s fast “has to be followed by a dessert, the most popular being Kunafa, Luqaimat Harees and Atayef, Nussair . These are traditional dishes and drinks considered an integral part of a Ramadan meal in Arabian countries or those with Arabian influences. Muslims traditionally break their fast by consuming a date and water, in adherence to the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed, who also broke his fast this way. Amar al-Deen Sheets of apricot are cut and soaked in water for hours. The solution is then mixed with enough water to make it Extracts of the liquorice plant are mixed with water to make this drink that is served in Egypt and the Levant (Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria). Tamar Hindi Tamar Hindi, or Tamarind, is a sour chilled drink usually sold throughout the year in several Arab countries. Jellab A syrup made of grape molasses mixed with rose water and sugar, then poured over ice and decorated with pine nuts. And for the mains: Biryani - Rice Based Dishes Biryani, Mansaf and Kabsas make up an integral part of Ramadan meals in several Muslim countries in Asia. Kousa Mahshi Stuffed vegetables Peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, zucchinis and vine leaves are stuffed with flavoured rice to make what is commonly known in the Arab world as Mahshi. Couscous A North African dish of granulated semolina, served with meat, chicken, fish or vegetables.
A popular dish in the Gulf, it consists of coarselyground wheat buried underground with chicken or meat. Kunafa A sweet made from spun shredded wheat. It can be filled with cream, cheese, or nuts and raisins, depending on which Arab region it comes from. Atayef Originally famous in Egypt and the Levant, these Arabic pancakes are usually filled with cheese or nuts, and served with a sugary syrup or honey. Luqaimat Small, sweet dumplings made from butter, sugar, milk and flour. They are called Luqaimat in the Gulf, Awamat in the Levant, and Zalabia in Egypt. Moroccan lentil soup Soups are essential components of Ramadan meals. Chicken, lentil, vegetable and tomato soups are commonly served. Fatoush Salads and beans Green salads include Fattoush and Tabbouleh. Bean dishes such as Hummus (chickpeas) and Foul (broad beans) are also common, not only because of their variety, but because they keep people full for long periods.
Ouod - A must fragrance at celebrations and weddings. Agarwood is reputed to be the most expensive wood in the world. There are many names for the resinous, fragrant heartwood produced primarily by trees in the genus Aquilaria. Agar-wood, also known as oud, oodh or agar, is a dark resinous heartwood that forms in Aquilaria and Gyrinops trees (these are large evergreens native to southeast Asia) when they become infected with a type of mould. Prior to infection, the heartwood is relatively light and pale coloured; however, as the infection progresses, the tree produces a dark aromatic resin in response to the attack, which results in a very dense, dark, resin embedded heartwood. The resin embedded wood is commonly called gaharu, aloeswood, agar-wood or oud. Though this is not Bakhoor as many confuse the two. Oud is valued in many cultures for its distinctive fragrance, and thus is used for incense and perfumes. The odour of agar-wood is complex and pleasing, with few or no similar natural analogues. As a result, agar-wood and its essential oil gained great cultural and religious significance in ancient civilizations around the world. Agarwood has been used to make high quality incense since centuries. The Chinese describe its smell as “a sweet, deep but balanced fragrance” and use it in religious and festive celebrations, and so do Arabian, Indian and Japanese people, though Arabs are known to be the biggest users of Oud. The heartwood or central part of a tree, which is darker in colour than the sapwood and is relatively light and pale colour before infection. Harvesters would cut only the infected parts in the hope that the tree would produce more of this resinous wood. Before the trees can be harvested for agarwood, they have to be “treated”. Holes are drilled in the trees to inoculate them and to “encourage” rotting. It is from the dry rotted trees that agarwood is obtained. In the natural process, insects such as weevils are the ones that drill holes into the trees. The resin leaking out from these wounds are used for the manufacturing of essential aromatic oils and perfumes.
Aquilaria species that produce agarwood are found throughout
Asia, while occur naturally in South and Southeast Asia. The Indian sub-continent was the main source of agarwood for many centuries but as trees became scarce in the middle of the twentieth century, extraction intensified in Indochina. Later on it was extended to Indonesia and Malaysia. Today Agarwood plantations exist in a number of countries, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Laos, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Thailand and Vietnam. Agarwood is exported in various forms (wood chips, powder, oil and as finished products such as perfumes, incense and medicines), and the main importers are countries in the Middle and Far East - in particular the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia (where agarwood is known as Oudh), as well as Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan. Low yield from plant material, typical and labour intensive process of extraction. These are all very few reasons of high costing of Agarwood Oil. The highest-quality Oudh, once upon a time, came from trees older than 100 years. Having said that, it doesn’t mean that the new trees don’t get a good fragrance but what is missing is the quality, the heritage and the tradition. 20 years ago, a kilogram, or 2.2 pounds, of high-quality “e-grade” oud -- the entry-level grade among the best oud quality grades -- would cost about 1,800 dirhams, or $500. That same amount today would costs 12,000 dirhams, and those who are willing to spend as much as 200,000 dirhams per kilogram, the highest-quality Oudh is still available. Another reason of agarwood being expensive is a threat to becoming endangered. Arabs treat Oud as royalty and as its biggest consumers. Oud in the Middle Eastern countries is a precious commodity and an alternate to fragrances and perfumes that contain alcohol content. Popular with brides its fragrance is unique and tantalising, it is considered in many communities with Arabian heritage mainly those in Africa Oud is considered a luxury of the affluent. A must fragrance at celebrations and weddings.
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ENTERTAINMENT Set against the beautiful backdrop of Budapest, Raabta stars Sushant Singh Rajput, who shot to fame recently as legendary cricketer in MS Dhoni: An Untold Story. The film also starts Kriti Sanon off Diwale fame. This will be the first time that Kriti and Sushant appear together on screen, and they definitely have a connection! Raabta is the directorial debut of Dinesh Vijan, producer of blockbusters such as Love Aaj Kal, Cocktail and Badlapur. The film’s songs have already proved incredibly popular. Raabta releases nationwide on 9th June 2017.
The inimitable Des-C explodes back onto the music scene with some powerful and exciting new material, the first of which is called ‘Kai Nat’ which translates as Universe late last year. He has been hailed by key tastemakers in the industry as the ‘Future Of Bhangra’.He co-wrote the biggest selling download ‘Move Your Body’ featuring Hard Kaur and produced by the award-winning trio Shankar, Ehsaan, Loy for the Bollywood gangster film ‘Johnny Gadaar’.
After a very encouraging 2016 we yet again rewind the hand of time and look at some of the Brit-Asian artistes that gave their best in 2016 and those that have kicked off 2017 with a promise of making this an explosive entertaining year.
More that just a song, Desi Girls Do It Better is the first of its kind - by Australian raised, London based composer/ rapper RaOol featuring Punjabi singing superstar Jaz Dhami. Shunning the incessant obsession with International beauties, the phrase Desi Girls Do It Better, is not only meant to be empowering, but a phrase to celebrate all our Desi Girls worldwide. From actresses Priyanka to Deepika, sports icons like the Phogat sisters. RaoOl, is a multi-talented music director, rapper, lyricist and performer. He’s also the only Gujarati rapper to enter the Indian music industry. “It’s easy to say ‘I’m different from the rest’, but I am here to prove it”, says RaoOl.
With many years of classical training and brimming with passion for music, Renee is the much-awaited breath of fresh air that the music industry has been waiting for. Her new single Jahan is produced by the multitalented ‘Vee’ with Renee providing the lyrics. Born in Lucknow in India, Renee began singing at an early age. Throughout her schooling years she became a regular singing voice on All India radio. Renee says: “Passion for music never left me. I’m known for always singing at weddings and parties. Being an avid follower of my religion I chose to compose and perform a Sikh kirtan which I released via YouTube a couple of years ago but I want to move forward now with different styles of music.” Renee is also gifted as a lyricist: “Sufi music and Sufi authors have a big influence on my writing. I love to write and I love to compose. I wrote the music for Jahan with Vee and it was a wonderful experience.
Jay Sean is back with an amazing new tune ‘Do You Love Me’. Singer/songwriter Jay goes solo on this song marking the first time there has been no feature on a single by him since ‘Where You Are’ back in 2013. Do You Love Me is a fresh, bouncy, futurepop type track and delivers a ‘New Jack Swing’ feel in the drop. It was written by the man himself with production supplied by Tim James and Antonina Armato of ‘Rock Mafia’ who’ve produced hits by Pitbull amongst many. After the huge success last year of ‘Make My Love Go’ featuring Sean Paul which amassed 800,000 combined sales worldwide , Sony Music and Jay Sean are excited to present Do You Love Me as the follow-up single, with more bangers to come!
Man From Africa A versatile performer with a unique combination of highly talented and an all round musician. Hitesh Jobanputra started his singing career in Nairobi Kenya. I first met Hitesh when he appeared on my Diwali TV Special on Kenya Broadcasting Corporation. Later moving to England, Hitesh performs with his wife Rama entertaining people with his unique “Man From Africa” style, a man of many languages, Hitesh will keep an audience entertained and mesmerised with his very African-Gujarati jokes. He travels across United Kingdom and is available for all events. For your musical needs: 07973 824 855 (uk) or 07973824 855 (abroad) hiteshjobanputra@hotmail.co.uk http://www.manfromafrica.co.uk
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BUSINESS CARD DESIGN CORPORATE STATIONERY DESIGN Mursal Design was founded by Abdullahi Mursal COMPANY BROCHURE DESIGN Abdullahi Mursal Award Winning design and photography is first Somali graphic POSTER DESIGN & BILLBOARDS Best Graphic/Photography/Videography company based inWEST Bristol. We offer a full range of FLYER DESIGN & ADVERTS MTM SOUTH ASIAN & ETHNIC DESIGN AWARDS 2014 web designMINORITIES services, Logo design, Leaflets SIGNAGE & BRANDED ENVIRONMENTS BUSINESS CARD DESIGN Posters, Mobile & Apps Branding and CORPORATE STATIONERY DESIGN BUSINESS ADVERTISING Mursal Design was founded by Abdullahi Mursal COMPANY BROCHURE DESIGN & family iswedding first Somali graphic design photography. and photography POSTER DESIGN & BILLBOARDS WEB BRANDING company based in Bristol. We offer a full range of FLYER DESIGN & ADVERTS MOBILE & APP BRANDING web design services, Logo design, Leaflets SIGNAGE & BRANDED ENVIRONMENTS We work closely with our clients to help them Posters, Mobile & Apps Branding and BUSINESS ADVERTISING wedding & family photography. achieve their goals and objectives,WEBguiding PHOTOGRAPHY BRANDING them MOBILE & APP BRANDING through each stage of the design process. We work closely with our clients to help them WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY achieve their goalsrange and objectives, Our clients fromguiding smallthem start-ups and PHOTOGRAPHY through each stage of the design process. FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY charities through to big companies. WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY Our clients range from small start-ups and EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY charities through to big companies.
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CONTACT US CONTACT Abdullahi Mursal
Freelance Graphic Designer/Photographer
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Mobile: 079 0819 3586 Email: mursaldesign@hotmail.com Mur sal De sign Website: www.mursaldesign.co.uk Mobile: 079 0819 Design with3586 Passion Behance: mursaldesign
Abdullahi Mursal
Freelance Graphic Designer/Photographer
Abdullahi Mursal
Award Winning
Best Graphic/Photography/Videography MTM SOUTH WEST ASIAN & ETHNIC MINORITIES AWARDS 2014
Mursal Photography
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BUSINESS CARD DESIGN AWARDS point, shoot & click! CORPORATE STATIONERY DESIGN Email: mursaldesign@hotmail.com WINNER 2014 & 2015 Mursal Design was founded by Abdullahi Mursal COMPANY BROCHURE DESIGN Website: www.mursaldesign.co.uk BEST PHOTOGRAPHY / point, shoot & click! Design with Passion POSTER DESIGN & BILLBOARDS Behance: mursaldesign VIDEOGRAPHY FLYER DESIGN & ADVERTS SIGNAGE & BRANDED ENVIRONMENTS Posters, Mobile & Apps Branding and BUSINESS ADVERTISING wedding & family photography. WEB BRANDING MOBILE & APP BRANDING We work closely with our clients to help them achieve their goals and objectives, guiding them PHOTOGRAPHY through each stage of the design process. WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY Our clients range from small start-ups and FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY charities through to big companies. EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY
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CONTACT US TAKE THE HEADACHE OUT OF YOUR PROPERTY
Abdullahi Mursal
Freelance Graphic Designer/Photographer
Mobile: 079 0819 3586 Email: mursaldesign@hotmail.com Website: www.mursaldesign.co.uk Behance: mursaldesign
Mursal Design Design with Passion
Mursal Photography point, shoot & click!
We at Brunel Associates pride ourselves in offering exceptional, dedicated customer service, where our client's requirements take priority over all. BRUNEL LETTINGS: Reliable and Friendly service, with over 25 years experience in the lettings industry, we are committed to satisfying the needs of tenants and landlords alike. BRUNEL INSURANCE: Offering a wide range of insurance schemes, all administered in-house to suit your needs. Our goal is to provide peace of mind, drawing on a wide range of insurers to provide competitive prices.
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BRISTOL PRAYING FOR A UNITED EID It has been an inspiring project at Easton Mosque, “an amazing 15 months of work, challenging but rewarding,” says Abdul Raoof Malik chair of the mosque who initiated the Make - over of this community land mark . He added “ I’ve been truly honoured to be part of this amazing project, my fellow committee members and myself are truly humbled by the trust this community has bestowed in us.” Abdul has spent literally everyday overseeing the project. He asks of the congregation to “Please keep donating to the Masjid so we can pay the small amount of Qard E Hassana(money advanced by community) that is outstanding.”.
This Feature is Supported by: 2017
Hazrat Bilal centre is a project of Islami Darasgah, a place of worship setup by the earliest muslims settlers in Bristol in a single terraced house (1967) Islami Darasgah served the community well for five decades to teach its young and as place of worship . As community grew it increasingly became difficult to cater for numbers and lacked facility for sisters. Islami Darasgah purchased a new site 2007, which it hoped to convert and move into quickly . New site was unfortunately found not to be suitable for conversation. After a long struggle planning was given to demolish and rebuild a purpose built centre Unforseen underground conditions of site rocketed building costs. Community undetered started fundraising and calmly began works in 2013. Building works were staggered due to funds. 2016 saw Hazrat Bilal centre upon weekly just for Juma prayers, whilst building works were still going on May 2017 major works had been completed and the congregation moved into new site for all daily prayers. New site now has increased three fold capacity for congregation and importantly cater for sister’s. Fund raising is still ongoing to payback £30k Karz a Hasana (Interest free loans from Community) . Plus £20k needed to construct iconic Mosque Dome.
Bristol Somali Womens Group with Councillor Tom Aditya of Bradley Stoke at Sikh Temple
OUT AND ABOUT ...in London and the South West Somali Drought Appeal London The event was organised by the British Somali Diaspora London. The event was attended by the Somalian community from across the United Kingdom, that included the Bristol Somalian business and community elite. The event was sponsored by Community Union UK. Speaking to Mast Sayidali Ashar said that Community Union is always there to help communities in times of need like the drought appeal.
Somali Football Tournament Another successful football initiative with Bristol Stars, bringing together Somali youth to enable them to engage in physical activity, and encourage social interaction across communities. Sayidali Ashar of Community Union presenting football kit yo Ahmed Hassan Geedow who was receiving on behalf of Bristol Stars who were founded by Hanad Abdullahi. The team played in a tournament in London and won the General Daaud Cup.
with Business West Filton Airfield presentation and bus tour with YTL Land and Property (UK) Ltd and Aerospace Bristol Filton Airfield has wider plans to build about 5,700 new homes on the edge of Bristol over the next decade. The 140-hectare site near Cribbs Causeway is owned by BAE Systems. Plans include thousands of homes, business units, a 120-bed hotel, a secondary school, two primary schools, two nurseries, a park and a supermarket. BAE Systems says it will be an “employment hub” which will generate 7,785 new jobs over time. Plans also include a museum to house Concorde 216, which has been parked uncovered at the airfield since its final supersonic flight in 2003.
with the Invincible Dr Razvan Constantinescu Dr Razvan is the Romanian Consulate and community activist propagating community cohesion and a champion of keeping Britain in Europe . He recently organized the visit to Wales of HE the Romanian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Dr Dan Mihalache where he met the Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones AM the First Minister of Wales, the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, the Director of the Welsh Chamber of Commerce and the representatives of the Romanian students in Wales. “Having previously run for Syrian refugees, Children Hospice SW and FabKids, this year I decided to race on behalf of a charity I hold very dear, the one that Ileana Constantinescu.
OUT AND ABOUT ...in the South West of England SUMMERHILL SIKH GURDWARA The Gurdwara has been undergoing extensive renovations. Mr Lakhbir Singh Sheri President of the Gurdwara speaking to Mast said, “We have been closed for past four years undergoing extensive extension & renovation to improve the facilities for the congregation & also to provide usage to the wider community in the St. George area for community functions. One of the first events organised was international womans day. The Gurdwara on Summerhill Road in St George was founded in 1970 and was Bristol’s first Sikh Gurdwara. The Gurdwara was used regularly as a meeting place and to host Sikh festivals up until May 2012 when the congregation took the decision to undertake a major renovation of the building. Funded by generous donations from the congregation and funding awards from SUEZ Communities Trust, St George Neighbourhood Partnership and St George West Community First, volunteers led a major redevelopment project to completely refurbish the temple.
BRISTOL GROUP
SOMALI
WOMEN’S
Bristol Somali Women’s Group. Bristol Somali Women’s Group Funds Drive with Bristol High Sheriff A R E Brown Esq. This very young community group that self sponsored the event, the trio of Iman, Faiza and Nimo gave inspiring speeches. The South West needs more women groups to carry the message of gender equality and active participation in community events.
SOMALILAND INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS As we endeavour to support local, the team joins the Somalian community from Somaliland in the South West of England celebrate Independence Day with pomp & style at Future Inn Hotel, Bristol. Somaliland experience of colonization by the British was different, the British left the area traditionally intact which later became important as the traditional structures formed a house of elders who have managed to take Somaliland from a bombed area by the Barre regime to a flourishing democracy. In 1960 Somaliland received its independence from Britain.
BRISTOL SOMALI FORUM OPEN DAY The Bristol Somali community has been very active in community projects and bringing communities together. We have seen more participation of the Somali youth in active roles within their community. The different Somali organisations in Bristol all striving to better the lives of their respective communities. We were privileged to join Bristol Somali Forum at their open day at Junction 3.
RICKY ROMAIN EXHIBITION Sitar performance Frome Festival hosted by Black Swan Arts on July 15th with Ricky Romain, an amazing musician and artist. Also check out his art exhibition in Frome. The Absence of Truth. Samswara - Jon Sterckx (tabla) & Ricky Romain (Sitar) have been performing Indian Music together since 2001. During this time they have developed a reputation amongst Indian music lovers in the South West region.
CLEAN UP BRISTOL Community clean-up day in Eastville, around the M32, with Kerry McCarthy MP, Councillor Mahmadur Khan, Ann Godffery, and Annali Grimes. International Mother Language Day hosted by Bangladesh Society of University of the west of England at The Students’ Union, UWE, Bristol
The Grand Tour - Road Trip Bristol to Pakistan team
OUT AND ABOUT ...in the South West of England Celebration of Bengali New Year 1424 Organised by : Bangladesh Association Swindon The Boishakhi Mela is celebrated in London, England, and in New York City, United States, Tokyo Japan as well. In London, it takes place across the area of Banglatown in the borough of Tower Hamlets in east London through Brick Lane to Weavers Fields and Allen Gardens in Bethnal Green. The event is a celebration of the Bengali New Year, with musical and cultural events held. It is the largest open-air Asian festival in Europe and the largest Bengali festival outside of Bangladesh. In Swindon the Bangladesh Association Swindon,organised a mela attended by families and friends of the Bangladeshi community. “So many people from around the area have come together, including the Solicitor General Robert Buckland , the Mayor of Swindon Councillor Eric Show, Deputy Mayor-Elect Cllr Junab Ali, Cllr Abdul Amin, Cllr Jamal Miah. Nazma B Ramruttun Mr Ramruttun and the Community Leaders to celebrate this amazing Bengali New Year 1424. It is really a community cohesion. Also we would like to show our appreciation to the Active Participators, our Local & Guest Artists, volunteers. Our organizing Committee, our Vice President Ali Aftab and the team members who worked tirelessly to make this event possible. We hope everyone enjoyed the event and we look forward to your continuing support.�... Enam Ul Haque Chowdhury
Writings on the wall but will the community get the carnival that they deserve? Thabit Abdi Mohammed
Bristol man appointed mayor of Mogadishu. Thabit Abdi Mohamed is a politician and diplomat. Prior to this post, he served as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia in Washington DC.
Swindon Seniors Forum Swindon Senior Forum at Grange Community Centre. Students from Dorcan Academy came to help with teas and coffees. Choirs from U3A did their bits with an Elvis song “Return To Sender”. Displays from Fire Dept. Health Watch, Age UK and Swindon Senior Forum….Report by Col. J B. Gurung Swindon.
The Muslims4Bristol Mohammed Elsharif with Paul Stephenson Bristol anti racism inspiring leader. Stapleton road litter picking session with Muslims4Bristol group during easter break we believe that we need to change the perception.
Lions Mercia, Coventry Lions Mercia Coventry invited MTM founder Big Q to make a presentation of the MTM National Award of Excellence that the club won at the MTM Awards 2016. This was at the Lions 100 years centennial celebration in Coventry.
HRH Princess Royal HRH The Princess Royal opened the 8-bedded dementia facility funded by the Cote Charity and located just off The Downs. The line up of dignitaries is quite impressive, with the High Sheriff and his wife, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Master of the Society of Merchant Venturers and several other Merchants all there.
Michael and Naji topping up for 34 years! Michael Touzalin has been much, much more than someone putting fuel in cars. Since the early 1980s, Michael and his wife Naciye, or Naji as everyone knows her, have been the community-minded rocks of calm and helpfulness to the communities. Michael served his last customer in April and one of the city's last family-run petrol stations, the Seven Ways Service Station, closes due to economic reasons.
OUT AND ABOUT
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GRAND IFTAAR FOR THE FIRST TIME IN BRISTOL The Iftaar was sat outside on the street where people from different communities joined at this special meal.. Plenty of food and drinks were served, members the Muslim communities brought in home made Iftaar dishes to share with others. This was an opportunity for many to visit the newly renovated Easton Jamia Mosque. The event was supported by local businesses; and community organisations.
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