September 2019 Issue 1
Cover image by Maximillian Ruhm
WAR IS VICTORY.
FEATURING Cannes Film Festival Artist Davey Brown paws2rescue.com
Ashley Harley Tonnic EL’TEE
Based on the quality of being honest & having strong moral principles
Fashion & Art Aleah Leigh Woods Owner and Founder of Integrity Magazine Known for her ‘avant-garde’ couture designs. creative images and a all round perfectionist on
THE INTEGRITY TEAM
productions.
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Film & Business Sean Cronin Award-winning actor/director/ cinematographer known for his outstanding talent in many fields within the film industry.
Beauty & Business Catrina Matthews Channing Award winning beauty retailer and multiple business owner, specialising in building brands and an expert in beauty therapy.
Charity Beth Kates Integrity editor-in -chief, humanitarian, associate producer & actor.
Music & Art David Crooks Music and talent manager, creative director, editor and events organiser
Cover Image: Maximilian Ruhm. The protraits from the Warpaint shooting are an art project that I have made this year. Everyone is representing a great leader from different war cultures of the World. The other pictures were from a big Horese Show that took place in Beijing, China in Summer 2017. This one was special, because the German co-producer asked me if I could shoot the different characters with an artificial touch. So I decided to shoot the actors with a Japanese Analog camera from 1986 on an Ilford black & white film. That’s the resaon for the grainy unique look.
Welcome to Integrity magazine where you will find great content from across the world from fashion, film, music, beauty, art, business and charity. We welcome and support local talent from new creators to already established brands, providing a platform for all to be seen by the integrity network. Our belief Is strong moral principles of consideration and reputation to do good by others and help those who ask. Team integrity collectively has over 80 year experience in the fashion, film, music and beauty industries and together make this magazine in light of assisting and showcasing talent we believe you will enjoy. Launched 1st of May at the prestigious Cannes film festival 2019 with great support from across the world from true people with skills, knowledge and integrity. We pride ourselves in helping others and talking about key issue topics relating to humanity and the biology of the earth we live on and share with all creatures great and small.
FASHION MUSIC
84-85 Jane Charlotte 86-91 Collectively Creative Blades & Beauty 92-93Nikhar Jivani 94-95 Kayla 96-97 Karen Salandy 98-99 Paws2rescue.com 100-101 Annie Connelly 102-103 No to Dog Meat Integrity magazine contact for submissions Email: integritymagazine@outlook.com Www.integritymagazine.com
BEAUTY CHARITY
36-37 The Peace Project 38-39 Jordan Lawson 40-41 El’Tee 42-43 Tonnic 44-46 Modern Romance 48-49 Nyaka Chana 50-51 Janice Robbinson 52-53 Jessica James
47 Restin Burk 68-69Jason Cook 70-71 Yoann 72-73 Kopzo vodka 76-77 Belcastro 78-81 Stuart Pearce 82-83 Kyle James
BUSINESS
24-25 Sean Cronin 26-27 Beth Kates 28 Des Edwards 29 Tony Fidal 30-31 Ashleigh Harley 32-33 Sandi Bogle 34-35 Gulrukh Khan
54-55 Davey Brown 56-61 Clare Louise 62-63 Sarah Rosmond 64-65 Michael Kilman 66-67 Waiswa Nathan
ART
4-5 House of Honee 6-7 Integrity Awards Dragonlady Productions. 8-9 Antrims got Talent 10-11 Muhammad Fawad Noori 12-13 Just B 14-15, 74-75 Steve Smith 16-17 Brandon Kirk Messinger 18-19 Dragon Lady productions 20-21 Cannes Film Festival 22-23 Lorenzo Carvalli
FILM
How we treat others and what a difference we can make together in a positive manor that enjoys watching each Entertie grow in to the individuals desired goals, we support and nourish those from all back grounds and every nation.
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House of Honee Photos by Robert Meader
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Integrity Awards David Crooks from The Peace Project presents its third annual Integrity awards celebrating those who have supported the Industries showing great strength, morals and outstanding achievement. 18 awards will be given on by our celebrity judges which includes the likes of Chelsea Singh, Jam El Mar, Valeria M , Tonnic, Eddy Queens, Ross Alexander, Lisa Davis, Caroline Nyaka Chana, Cliff Harris, Cream, Boomtown, Cliff Nash, Brendan Cleary, Michael Armstrong, Westbrook, Lembik, Jay Kamiraz and Simon Britton. We also have one of our amazing Cannes sponsors Alain Zirah in attendance. We will be having performance by some of the celebrity judges and also the likes of Nu4m, Michael Armstrong and Brendan Cleary. We have amazing sponsors this year from DOT Micro, Maypole Hair Clinic, Spicy Lips, Kopzo Vodka and the amazing Catrina Matthews Channing of Blades and Beauty whos continued support through out the years, with her many charity accomplishments has been incredible having such an inspiring lady support us, Alfaparf Milano Ireland and Halo nails. This year we will be gathering funds for Paws 2 Rescue animal charity (Paws2rescue.com). The amazing Alison Standbridge and her team do the most incredible work saving animals across the world it is a heart wrenching job and we are so thankful for people like Alison who spend there time rescuing those who need it the most. This is going to be an amazing night one not to be missed not only will we have epic performances to really make you want to dance, and we will have Designers from across the world showcasing the latest collections. Already in the running for Integrity Top Designer is Just B fashion house Ahmad and Beenish Shah Sandra Stewart La Boheme Jewellery Boutique Belfast Honee Persona House of Honee Candice Maury My Pimpup Blades and Beauty LighterMinds Ni plus more to be announced. It will be a fantastic night for Networking in the Film, Fashion and Music industry . Only 100 tickets will be available for the public and the other 100 will be our exclusive industry professionals guest list for you not only have a great night but also find your next project. Tickets can be purchased via Event Bright - The Integrity awards. 6
Antrims Got Talent! We would like to extend a huge congratulations to the first two winners of Antrim’s got Talent 2019 kids edition! Kaitlyn Harris and Lucy Breen are the well-deserved winners, having impressed a panel of celebrity judges. We would also like to say a massive thank you to the celebrity judges Caroline Nyaka-Chana and Jordan Woods.
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Paula Graffin Make up and hair. Thankyou to the sponsors Next, Mountain Warehouse, GAP, Tom Tailor, Boyds Centra, Blades & Beauty, Maddens Bar, Lightwork NI, Lisa Doc Organiser: Dragonlady Productions
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Muhammad Fawad Noori SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF DESIGNERS With Muhammad Fawad Noori
“There is no beauty in the finest cloth if it causes hunger & unhappiness.” Mahatma Gandhi
My thoughts as a creative fashion designer; I think social responsibility of designer is to create such designs which is an attitude that highlights the desires and experiences of people. Issues related to ecology and sustainability become more critical for the entire world. Designers can make a big difference-not only through responsible choices about materials and processes used in current projects, but by staying well-informed and providing expert guidance to consumers about long-term plans and activities. Creative thinking will help reduce consumption and waste, reduce the use of toxic materials, encourage reuse and recycling, increase energy efficiency, and encourage the development and use of renewable energy sources. The term social design is also increasingly used to describe design of the social world. This incriminates a sensitivity of a man-made reality, which consequently can only be changed by man, and is changed by man all the time. The social reality is created as a result of the sum of all our individual actions. On basis of above characteristics, I have designed a digital printed fabric design collection on ILLUMINATION theme. Inspiration taken by street lights and lamp posts using ornamental design, solar rays, typography and miniatures doodles. Light is an electromagnetic radiation; the word refers to visibility of human. Without light human eye can’t see anything and in field of fashion and design when people want to buy any outfit the first impression is the impact of fabric print design if eye attracts then the remaining details will consider like quality and construction of it. To keep this in mind I have deign this intensive collection of source of light street lamps and ornamentals. MUHAMMAD FAWAD NOORI FASHION DESIGNER, FASHION INSTRUCTOR & FASHION CHOREOGRAPHER INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER OF NATIONAL FASHION LEAGUE HUNGARIAN ASSOCIATION http://www.fashionhungary.com/designers/mf-noori/ http://gsfashionweek.com/our-team www.coroflot.com/fadnoori www.atafd.com
1 The first fabric print design is illustrated as black & white design using hanging street lamps and standing lamp posts creating depth and illusion by creating variation in size, shape and monochromatic color scheme 2 My second fabric print design is demonstrated solarize neon light effect background design using hanging street lamps and standing lamp posts created penetration and deception by illustrating frame of white lamps including black stripes in middle of composition 3 My third fabric print design is most eye-catching in this I established typography using fashion norms and hanging street lamps in the middle of composition also use lamppost on sides create diffusion. The most vibrant orange background enrich the whole composition 4 My fourth fabric print design is miniature doodles in this I illustrate embroidered effect doodles hanging street lamps in the middle in light opacity also use black lamppost on sides create dispersion. The most attractive yellow background supplement the whole composition
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5 My last print design is gradient ornamental, In this I develop running print pattern and block print typography effect hanging street lamps in the sides also use black and white lamppost create illusion. The mild gradient of contrasting background addition the entire arrangement
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Just B
Ahmad and Beenish Shah Photos by Robert Meader
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Steven Smith
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Steven Smith aka the High Fashion Priest, hails from West Palm Beach. has been a Fashion Connoisseur, Fashion Artist, Fashion Consultant. Steven is a creative director for photo shoots and commercials. The Fashion world caught Steven’s attention in 1993, and he has never looked back. He has written fashion articles for Taste of Singer Island, and B’more magazine just to name a few. He strongly believes that the human body is a work of art within itself.
Photo: Meiko Gray
Photo: Meiko Gray
The right clothing and accessories can make anyone fabulous inside and out. His motto is “ I can style you from Goodwill to Gucci, A Rummage sale to Rodeo Drive, Walmart to Worth Avenue. He is the Chief Executive Director for Fashion Week West Palm Beach. Steven is currently working on several projects related to the fashion industry. In 1995 Steven obtained his B.S. in Psychology from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, GA. His degree in Psychology, has made him more aware of looking good, and feeling good. His eye for Fashion, Knowledge, and his faith in the Almighty GOD and work ethic has catapulted him into the top of the Fashion world. He has done multiple workshops with women suffering from low self-esteem to help them rise above their tragic situation, Dressing them from the inside out. Steven currently host, multiple fashion shows around the country and will continue to work tirelessly to improve his craft as a Fashion Artist. Coupled with his faith, The Universe is the limit. for Steven Smith AKA the High Fashion Priest. Photo: Meiko Gray
Photo: Farrington James
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Brandon Kirk Messinger British born Brandon Kirk Messinger is enjoying some serious scissor success. The 31-year-old ignited his hairdressing vocation by training with some of the top hair talents in London. His experience and dedication quickly allowed him to quickly hone his skills and perfect his craft to critical industrial acclaim.
get much exposure to the creative side as it´s mostly spent cleaning up. I count myself very lucky as I have trained in some of London´s most prestigious salons. I´m so passionate about my craft and I have always felt that I can achieve the right things in the right salon with the right guidance. If I don’t have the opportunities then I go, but if I do – you have my loyalty.
client’s openness to creativity). In order to showcase your skills on professional platforms, you must attend a lot of industry events?
In short, it´s precision haircuts and barbering. On the more editorial side, I am recognised for my work in the more refined ´hair-up´s´ and Avant Garde aesthetics; It´s for these skills that I want to be recognised.
Absolutely, I have showcased for the higher end brands such as Hobbs, Aveda, L’Oréal and Wella in the past few years. I recently appeared at the Salon International event with Rick Roberts where I performed live on stage. With regards to other events such as fashion weeks, I do get requests to attend but these normally end up with stylists re-working a designer’s vision of the pony tail which isn´t exactly my niche as my craft is much more intricate and expressive. I don´t draw very much inspiration from the fashion industry to be honest.
How did you start off in Hairdressing?
Tell me about your typical day, do you spend it in salons or on photoshoots?
Back cover and right:
In my early years, I initially started off working with John Frieda in his London salon before moving onto join Nicky Clarke in his Mayfair base. To be fair, I have worked in a lot of salons across London to get a broad range of experience, although with some of the larger franchises you don’t
If it´s between competitions, runways or the salon then I prefer to be much more salon based. This is where I like to showcase my skills in precision cutting and the development of my trademark short, geometric cuts (which, since I have moved up North have become much more popular thanks to my
Since then, Brandon has gone on to covet a host of awards and industrial recognitions such as the 2014 PRO Hair Magazine barber of the year and Hairdressers Journal barber of the year awards within twelve months. We took some time out to chat to Brandon about life in his newly adopted East Yorkshire and why his current role with Rick Roberts Beverley salon is inspiring him like never before.
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What’s your speciality within the hairdressing field?
Image by Deborah Selwood Make up artist Pricilla Messinger Hair design and concept Brandon Messinger
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Full creation of Dragon Lady Productions Photography Make up Hair Design Dragonladyproductions@outlook.com
Aleah Leigh Woods celebrity fashion designer, model mentor and creative director of Dragon lady productions. Aleah has worked with the likes of Sinitta, Pussycat dolls, so solid crew her talent in creation has taken her brand across the world and even has a world first with a dress designed to go over a wheelchair with MBE award winner Ann Strike, now based between northern Ireland and London she is regularly published for her design work and inspires youth through her many charity projects. Skilled in design, photography, mentoring and produces some of the best before and after make overs for people with mental health issues. Being a single parent of two beautiful children has not stop this lady from achieving her goals and even her first book A tale of a Misguided teen will be released this Christmas. 19
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Cannes Film Festival 2019 Dragonladyproductions, magnificent film and Raindance at Villa Jolie Cannes 2019 networking party and designer showcase. See you all for 2020! Thanks to: SOCHI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL & AWARDS IRIDA. Sean Cronin and Lorenzo Lello Carvelli Sandi Bogle and Tyrone Jones Images by Robert Meader Aleah Leigh Mickael Brice Alain Zirah and Anne Gomis M Filmfestivals.com Grand Concours international Du Wee LaBohemeJewellery Sandra Stewart Honee Persona www.houseofhonee.com Ahmad Shah and Beenish Shah Just Be fashion house Aulgah Nato of NATO Design house FABULOUS designer candicemaury www.candicemaury.com www.spicylips.ch
Hair and make up team Jane Charlotte Paula Graffin Kaci-May Edwards Mum Nett Nikhar Jivani Models Caroline Salomao Beth Kates Candice Maury Sandra Muratti Jasmine Singletary Lianna Blunden Fern Gasson Tenisha Edwards Izabela Kowalewska Leanne Bunce Sandra Neumann Keavey Yarnley Jozie Docherty Nicole Chen Alina Sarazin Photographer Robert Meader dragonladyproductions hypergroup aleahleighdesigns magnificentfilms offdecannesfilmfestival Kopzovodka favelacerveja noblesseoblige shakingthetreeproductions
RAINDANCE Film festival Elliot Grove
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Lorenzo Carvelli Lorenzo Carvelli known as “Lello” has become a leading international figure thanks to his work as a PR and Event organizer for the major Fashion Weeks in Milan, Paris and New York, the Cannes and Venice Film Festivals and the famous Carnival of Venice for which the collaboration for the realization of the “Ballo della Cavalchina” at the majestic La Fenice Theater in Venice has been in the past “! Numerous companies have successfully participated in the various events organized by his brand Noblesse Oblige, of which Lorenzo is also the founder. Lorenzo Carvelli with Noblesse Oblige was the first to realize the importance of international collaboration between PR Agencies. In 2008 he held an important international event with the participation of the famous Designer Ron Arad who awarded the best international PR and consecrated with them a collaboration that is still active with the Noblesse Oblige Brand. As mentionated, the event realized in collaboration with Max Magazine has had the privilege of rewarding the main international PR and establishing with them a collaboration that later created considerable inconvenience to the main International Agencies (leaders of the world of Events) that could not compete with prices and the advantages that a such collaboration that had been established between the small but at the same time too competitive PR agencies could offer. Noblesse Oblige has creatively conceived and then created many events in collaboration with International Partners including the Key-Code Dom Pérignon concept, the Worldwide launch of the incredible and unique model Citroen GT, creating a special platform for a “show of excellence” of the car on the waters of the Grand Canal on the occasion of the Venice Carnival (an event that later officially entered the Marketing books of the Venetian Official Events) and noteworthy, together with the Parisian Agency “Crazy Baby”, the collaborations with the famous Terrazza Martini at Cannes Film Festival, the launch event of the Women Model Management Agency at the Hotel Particulier on Champs Elysees in Paris, and above all the race won 22
for the inauguration of the Motor Village in Paris (the Fiat Group Space on the Champs Elysees). Lorenzo with Noblesse Oblige has collaborated to realize Events at the main Film Festivals including Venice Film Festival with Movie Stars on the occasion of the world premiere of the “Black Swan” Film which then won countless Awards including the Oscar with the participation of the Director Darren Aronofsky , the Oscar winner Natalie Portman and Vincent Cassel (Rum Zacapa on this occasion thanks to Noblesse Oblige had an incredible visibility with a low Budget investment). “Everybody Knows” the Cannes Film Festival Opening Film 2018 written and directed by Oscar-winning director Asghar Farhadi with the participation of Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz and Riccardo Darin. The film’s event was held at Sandra & Co Terrace where for the occasion Lorenzo’s own birthday was celebrated with a “surprise cake” as it fell on the evening of May 8th! Thanks to the connections with the companies with which Noblesse Oblige has collaborated over the years including Fiat Group, Montblanc, LVMH, Armani, Evian, Missoni, Perrier, Galliano, Lanvin, Paul Smith, Champagne Perrier Jouet, Volkswagen Group, Google, Redbull etc. and above all to the numerous connections with the World of Film
business and International Stars that took part in the Events: Willem Dafoe, Natalie Portman, Robert De Niro, Tilda Swinton, Gerard Depardieu, Kirsten Dunst, Jeremy Irons, Dita Von Teese, Paris Hilton etc. Lorenzo Carvelli decides in 2015 to also become a Writer and Film Producer and in a very short time he is able to write 8 Feature Film projects and participate as a Producer in 6 Feature Films, 3 of which have already been released in Teathers (The Elevator, Le Guerre Horrende, Youtopia) and others in post-production or under development. Lorenzo Carvelli has also been involved in the social field, devising and realizing together with the Salesian priests for 10 years the “Milano Gospel Festival� Event which was held in various Locations including the most prestigious Piazza del Duomo in Milan with the participation of over 100 thousand spectators and that over the years has collected numerous funds to carry out many works in favor of Salesian priests. Whats next?
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Sean Cronin the background to the foreground he more recently plays ‘Cyrus’ in The Thompsons (2012), sequel to the Hollywood Vampire movie The Hamiltons (2006) by the The Butcher Brothers and in London’s Finest (2014) 2012 he plays crazy Russian gangster ‘Dellski’ and The Callback Queen (2013), he plays ‘east end’ gangster ‘Arry’ and more recently ‘Jacob’ in The Brother (2013) and an ‘Unknown Agent’ in Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015) and the lead villain, Kane, in Kill Kane (2016). Sean also featured in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016). As well as many other leading roles in independent films Sean has recently played the chilling lead villain ‘Thorn’ in Neil Monaghan’s political horror Election Night (2019) and is about to conquer his biggest role to date as super-villain ‘Smiley’ in the second of multi-award winning director Jesse Haaja’s superhero franchise Rendel II, which shoots September 2019 and is Sean Cronin was born in West London set for release in 2020 to an English mother and an Irish/ Welsh father but has both Spanish and Sicilian in his bloodline. Destiny struck in the early nineties and Sean was badly bitten by the film bug. Due to his intense and menacing presence Sean was asked to play supporting roles in films like James Bond, The World Is Not Enough(1999), The Mummy (1999), The Mummy Returns (2001), and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) are just a few. Moving inevitably from
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In parallel because of his love for all things film he became a cinematographer and director in his own right shooting dozens of high end music videos, short films, and several features including Throw of a Dice (2012). Sean also directed the award winning An Unfortunate Woman (2015) and is set to direct the beautiful period drama Irongate and the heart rending semi-biopic life story of disabled Paul Hodgson Give Them Wings. Sean’s most prolific directorial exploit is ‘Michael’ - The Michael Watson Story. Sean is also up to direct US road vampire movie Bogieville written by Henry P. Gravelle. Sean has developed his craft both in acting and film making and is well as being an eclectic and talented film maker he is fast becoming one of the most convincing and sinister ‘adversary’s in modern day cinema. Sean has his own production company ‘Magnificent Films’.
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Beth Kates At 24, Beth Kates is setting her sights big. Having recently completed a degree and then going straight on to working as an Associate Producer for an production company in London, Beth does everything from setting up financial deals and comparing tax credits to acting as a livein handyman whenever there’s a technical issue. We sat down with her to find out just what’s it’s like to work in her shoes. So Beth, where do you Q: Where do you hope I haven’t had enough work? it will take you? coffee. I work at an independent production company in London called GlobalWatch Films. We’re a small office based in Battersea which is nice as everyone knows everyone and I also don’t have to spend a fortune on travel! What does your job entail?
Right now I don’t even know. If you asked me 10 years ago if I thought I’d be working in the film industry I would probably have laughed then cried because it has always been my dream. I’ve had an odd life journey so far going from studying BSc Maths, Operational Research & Statistics to getting my BA in Scriptwriting and now abandoning the writing for the business side of film, so to be in this situation is kind of unexpected. But right now I love the company I work for so I can’t imagine doing anything else!
A little bit of everything really. I work on business plans, video editing, lead sourcing, speaking to agents and distributors and just about everything in between. I’m also prone to taking on the handyman jobs around the office, I do like a good bit of DIY. What is your favourite part about working in It’s not an easy job like film? some people would think, is it? Every part. Sounds a bit cliché but there’s never It’s not easy. Fun, but a moment that I think certainly not easy. gosh I wish I was doing It’s quite a high stress something else or in a environment, which different job. Sometimes previously I wasn’t great tasks can feel tedious but at dealing with but I think normally that’s because I it’s easier to handle when haven’t had enough coffee. it’s a positive stress in that I love my job so much it just drives me to push back harder. 26
If you weren’t doing this what would you be doing? Something Maths-based probably. Something in finance. Something I wouldn’t enjoy but would just do. I don’t think I’d be as happy as I am now. Q: What advice would you give someone trying to get into the industry?
Vol. 1 and Vol. 2. It’s gritty, there’s action, it’s incredibly well made, but more importantly for me it’s about an incredibly strong woman, and a very much maternal woman out for revenge with the purest of motivations. It makes me laugh, itt makes me cry, it makes me feel like I can take on the world. And who can fault Uma Thurman? Just incredible.
A: Don’t give up. It can be really, really hard and a lot of the time it’s about who you know, but don’t give up. If you have the talent then there will always be a place for you. Sometimes not in the place you’d think, but often in the place that you’ll be most satisfied with. It’s a long road I’ll be honest, but it’s worth it. And finally, what is your favourite film and why? Well technically it’s two films that were originally supposed to be released as one long four hour film, and that’s Kill Bill
Beth at her recent graduation ceremony from the University of South Wales. She completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Scriptwriting, achieving the grade of 2:1.
When not goofing off pretending to be a superhero with fellow BA Scriptwriting graduate Bex Betton, Beth enjoys volunteering, modelling, and drinking a nice cold pint on a hot summer’s day. Whilst she does her best to remain mature and poised, more often than not she is the joker of any group, living by the mantra “life is too short to bother being a grown up”. Beth also works as a freelance graphic designer. Interview by Tasha Walton.
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Des Edwards The idea for the film NICK grew from a short showreel scene I wrote and shot with local actress Frederika Machala here in Belfast. Eventually I sat down and wrote the rest of the script introducing the other characters and back story. What evolved was a 50 page script that has seen a few minor changes along the way but now is as good as it’s going to get. What lies ahead are sorting out locations and one or two more crew members to get this project moving. Alongside Frederika there are a selection of local actors cast in this project. I will be playing the lead character Nick, a gangland thug who works for Julian played by David Bell. A crime boss and a devious piece of work and his wife Jennifer played by Vicky Blades. I have enlisted the help of local film maker and writer Matthew McMaster who will be directing the film. All being well we will have a fantastic finished product that the cast and crew can be proud of.
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Tony Fadil Essex born actor Tony Fadil has been making quite a name for himself as both an actor and an all-round fixer in British Independent Film Production. Coming to the profession relatively late in 2012, he’s already racked up 56 credits in film and television.
His latest project in which he also serves as one of the Producers is sure to get the patriot heart strings of many a Brit stirring as it tells the true story of various different real life soldiers who served with or were connected to the airborne forces during World War 2.
Tony’s latest project, Paratrooper, an original drama series
He’s already worked with the likes of famous international dancer and choreographer Michael Flatley, Ian Beattie, Eric Roberts and his latest endeavour he will star alongside such British regulars Jason Flemyng and Wil Johnson.
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Ashleigh Harley It’s been quite the year for young writer/director Ashleigh Harley since we first met her at Cannes Film Festival 2018. Her debut short film ‘The Wall of Lyon’ and supporting music video has achieved more than she ever imagined, with over 40 industry awards and climbing. Ashleigh is currently writing the next instalment of the ‘The Wall of Lyon’. Alongside all this, Ashleigh is also working on something very close to her heart. Intriguingly referred to as her #SecretProject, watch the newly live announcement video which is available to view now!! Find it pinned at the top of Ashleigh’s Facebook page via the following link: https://www.facebook.com/AshleighHarley/ An amazing insight into Ashleigh the person, a very different angle that follows her next endeavour in film. A unique story is yet to be told. The young film maker will be missing out attending Cannes this year as she will be filming in Le Mans also in France. Never one to shy away from an epic challenge this project demonstrates her sheer determination and passion. A project she hopes will inspire, change perspectives and lives. Sign up now via her website for the all the latest. http://www.ashleighharley.com
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Sandi Bogle If someone said you could become a star simply by watching the telly, many would laugh. But Sandi Bogle rose to stardom in Gogglebox with her bubbly personality and infectious laugh that we all fell in love with. Sandi Bogle, 53, was born in South London and has two beautiful daughters and four grandchildren. She landed a role in the award-winning television programme Gogglebox which made her become a household name over the seven series that she appeared. Sandi then moved on to becoming a housemate in Celebrity Big Brother where she was a crowd favourite on the opening night looking stunning in a dazzling gold dress. Her career continues to rise after appearances in Celebrity Fat Fighters, Lorraine’s Cruise Control and Celebrity 100% Hotter where her makeover was considered a close resemblance to International legend Mary J Blige. Sandi also appeared in Celebs on The Farm with other stars such as Megan McKenna, Bobby Norris and Louie Spence which showed celebs trying to cope with life on a farm. However, it was her latest challenge on the recent Channel 4 documentary Famous and Fighting Crime that made us see a more serious and emotional side to Sandi. Five celebs swapped their day jobs for the life in the emergency services and showed us what it was like on the front line as a crime fighter. Sandi shared her personal experience in losing her nephew in a knife crime attack and why it was important for her to use her fame to help young people in the community. “If we don’t stop it now it will continue, and people will give up hope.... I have a voice and if I can change something then I am going to try my hardest to do so.”
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Dissolving the fine line between fiction and reality Author: Gulrukh Khan is a multi awarded Film Maker, Holistic Specialist, Writer, Visionary, Public Speaker, Co-Creator of high level conferences and Social Activist. I am a lover of life and my raison d’etre is to be life affirming in all my work and adventures. Growing up in London as a second generation Asian wasn’t always easy, due to racism, sexism and even cultural stigmas; but suddenly a couple of decades or so from then - poof! it is as though we have now entered some type of expansive portal in time - where everything we have been conditioned to believe, or accept, has all been thrown up for deep scrutiny and to create balance. Of course this probably happens regularly throughout millenia as part of a bigger cycle that triggers change - till civilisation declines in its integrity again, and the planet decides to throw a big wobbler through huge climate change and natural disasters. Only now though, in this cycle, we have reached a point where we have instant global connectivity to share our thoughts regarding it all, via social media. When I was growing up without all these technological privileges, I never knew what path I really wanted to follow. I just wanted to be everything and anything that inspired me. So ultimately just by being curious, I gradually adopted an almost ‘De Vincian’ attitude within my professional life. It is almost as if ‘what I was seeking was seeking me’ and so my professional life and passions started to seamlessly merge. This interest in ‘everything’ enabled me to study holistic medicine and practices alongside my film work, as the content of the latter would automatically be based on my curiosity about the unseen world, as well as the preservation of the seen world. I was in love with nature, wildlife, spirituality, sacred sites, cosmology. I broadened my understanding of how much untapped potential we have as a human species, but which somehow we have not yet fully explored in multifaceted ways. Rather, we seem to have created a global culture - where we have allowed ourselves to be lead by norms established through old patriarchal values and elaborately designed consumerism; where a currently confused collective identity appears to be taking some hard knocks and slowly crumbling. 34
In this week alone, London has been a centre for the Extinction Rebellion movement. The centre has been in a state of (unprecented) continuous demonstrating bringing standstill and congestion. All because of the passion and wisdom of one 16 year old called Greta, who decided that enough is enough and convinced her peers to go on school strike and muster up supporters - to declare a message to the powers that be, that we have to all ‘wake up’ and leave a better legacy for the new generations; that transparency and honesty about what is really happening to our world must prevail. And to ensure change would happen through enough pressure on governments. What a blessed relief I found it to be, that after all the years of walking on the ‘concious’ path with my peers, trying to be environmentally aware and adopting a holistic attitude to work and life, that the real inheritors of the Earth - the youth of today - would make such a great impact on the world in such a short period. I felt I could put my real faith in youth to take their disgraced elders to task. It made all the years I had been proactively demonstrating, publically speaking and filming these areas worthwhile. It was as though I had arrived back to reset point in my life, where suddenly the invisible panic button had been switched off and I could actually truly believe in a sustainable future for our world again. This year, I am honoured to be winning an award in Cannes in a ceremony at the American Pavilion - from AFI World Peace Initiative Cannes (a part of New Generation In Action’s United Nations supported initiative to use the arts, film, and media - in an effort to promote world peace and cultural diversity). The film is on the spirit of Martial Arts and the generous honours / accreditations include: “Best Spiritual” Feature Length Documentary, * Merit of Honor: “Sports & Peace’’, * Special Certificate “Films made by a Woman’’ I reflected upon the fact that exactly a year ago, the film industry was the centre of the big wake up call regarding sexual harrassment. Cannes, and the rest of the world simultaneously, was buzzing with talk about how some of its most prestigious contributors had been accused of the violation of normally respected boundaries between people. It was that metoo hashtag campaign that inspired
my participation in the Co Founding of a Think Tank called Inclusion Convention, with two female friends, who are both lawyers and evolutionaries in their own right and whom, like myself, had been walking the path of gender activism for a long while. A year ago, in the midst of all the headlines and revelations, Inclusion Convention were powered by The Telegraph Newspaper Group at their London HQ to put on a conference with twenty eight high level contributors from film, media, arts, fashion, education law, politics, corporate and NGO sectors. It was based on Institutional Sexual Harrasment to look at the greater picture, and our tagline was ‘No more Silent Witness’. This has remained an anthem for us, as without using our voices we cannot have change. As a result of the success of the conference, we were invited by the International Ombudsman Association to speak at their annual conference in New Orleans in April this year. We offered recommendations to 550 corporate Ombuds in terms of how they could facilitate the combatting of institutional sexual harrassment - based on our conference findings and documented progress that was currently occurring in places - such as India To be able to speak to Ombuds from well established organisations such as World Bank, World Food Programme, UN, NASA, other major corporates and educational establishments was a true privilege, and unifying, for all of us to see that a increasingly balanced humanitarian approach is being taken - to protect both men and women.
a film, interactions or life experiences don’t always conclude in the way we have predicted. What we have the power to change is our attitude - towards the result. If we stay silent witnesses to life, then we have to endure life in default mode, which may be out of synch with what we really desire. But if we start to acknowledge that our authentic voices can proactively create dynamic change, then perhaps we may start to use more of our De Vincean potential to create a more enhanced life for all - rather than going round in a hamster wheel talking about the same old issues or doing the same old things, till we finally give up from exhaustion. Albert Einstein is credited with saying “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results”. We are in an age of rapid change and expanding human consciousness. We can do things differently because we are at a pivotal point of our existence and we are called to select our direction. We celebrate films at Cannes - it would be good to start celebrating our humanity, brilliance and compassion in the film of life. And to actually live it- in full holographic technicolour. (c) 2019 Gulrukh can be contacted on: info@spirit2power.com
Being at Cannes this year sums up major current and controversial subjects for me. The resulting feeling is mentally challenging and yet refreshing, because it dives beneath the glamourous set up of the red carpet, models, villas, fast cars and yacht parties - to maybe even deeper levels, than the content of the festival films themselves. Cannes and Festival Du Cannes reflects the real film of life that we are all in, and are co creating together. Where we don’t just highlight seperate issues in films, but start to realise we are everything and all these topics and issues are integrated within us; even the unspoken and yet unrevealed. And, like the suspense experienced, whilst watching films that we see in Cannes or during the unfoldment of a business deal we have secured there, we are generally living a life of suspense; where the end of a film, interactions or life experiences don’t always conclude in the way we have predicted. What we have the power to change is our attitude - towards the result.
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The Peace Project By David Crooks
LA LA PEACE SONG is a powerhouse song with a moral message, both when it was originally released in 1974 and also for today and the world, we are living in. Renowned Dance Music Producer Rick Gianatos is creating music releases as a personal statement against all the violence that has been going on in recent years, including in St. Louis, Cleveland, Baltimore, Atlanta, and most recently in Europe. He is hoping to create awareness for the innocent victims and all proceeds will go to DEBBIE JACOBS ROCK’S non-profit in Baltimore, Light Health & Wellness. Rick Gianatos assembled legendary singers PAM VINCENT, JIM GILSTRAP AND JOYCE VINCENT, along with the Altair All-stars including Scherrie Payne, Jessica Williams, Cynthia Manley and Garrett Miller. Rick is currently preparing the follow up single to be released this year. Scherrie Payne Scherrie Payne is an American singer. Payne is best known as the final lead singer of R&B/Soul vocal group The Supremes from 1973 until 1977. Because of her powerful voice and petite stature (5’2”), Payne is sometimes referred to as “the little lady with the big voice.” Payne is the younger sister of singer Freda Payne (Band of Gold). Payne was once also lead vocalist of The Glass House and continues to perform, both as a solo act and as a part of the “Former Ladies of the Supremes” (FLOS). She has been produced by LA based Producer Rick Gianatos since she left Motown, scoring several large dance hits including Disco covers of 10CC’s “I’m not in Love” and Dreamgirls’ “One Night Only”. She is about to release a new single from the Star is Born “The Man that got away” prior to the second album of her solo recordings Vintage Scherrie Volume Two. 36
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Jordan Lawson Jordan Lawson is an Actor/Musician who some readers may know from various films and television shows has been on a new venture. His alternative/pop rock band ROCKET is on the rise and in the studio with some new music that many of their fans have been waiting for. The band was formed in Los Angeles, CA and consists of Janelle Barreto (Vocals), Eric Wibbelsmann (Lead Guitar), Jordan Lawson (Bass), Steve Kilcullen (Rhythm Guitar) and Paul DePatie (Drums). Jordan Lawson had already been touring and performing in and around LA with other rock bands such as The Flys, Jetliner and others. After committing to some 14 other acts over his still young career and his currrentband The Flys now on indefinite
hiatus, Lawson went back to doing session work which was where he originally started as a bassist while living in New York as a teenager. In late 2017, ROCKET began seeking new members and Lawson was one of several other musicians that auditioned for the job. Kilcullen had also caught wind of the band’s new intended formation at the time. After only a few weeks, both Lawson and Kilcullen were offered their current positions in the band. ROCKET has performed at many popular venues including The Viper Room, The Whisky, Troubadour, Dragonfly, The Mint and most recently the legendary El Rey Theater in LA’s miracle mile. They are currently working on a new music video for the song “Giants” off their previous
EP release, in the studio with more new music and will announce tour/music release date(s) in the coming months. The Rock music genre has changed so much over the years and it’s time for a new sound and vibe. If you don’t already know, female fronted Rock bands have been gaining momentum and popularity around the world from previous years and the band ROCKET is and will continue to be a great example of what Rock music has been missing for a long time. You can find more information by visiting their website and social media platforms (below). Photos: Renee Silverman Photography
“The harder you work, the luckier you get.” Website: www.thebandrocket.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebandrocket Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebandrocket
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El’tee
“This guy is going to sell millions of records” - Nicole Scherzinger
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Born into the cultural melting pot of Hackney, East London and brought up listening to his father’s love of soul music, it was soon very clear that El’tee was about to start his selfawakening journey into the music industry at a young age. With Dad, Tony T being a member of the successful 90’s group ‘Benz’ and then ‘Phats & Small’, music and singing ran through his blood and he was introduced to professional recording at just 13. Influenced by the likes of Chris Brown, Stormzy, Frank Ocean and Krept & Konan, El’tee’s musical journey is becoming one of self-discovery and innovation.
Artist Name: El’tee Real Name: Luke Thompson D.O.B: 18/08/1996 Insta: @thisiseltee Twitter: @thisiseltee Youtube: Youtube.com/elteeofficial FB: @thisiseltee
After two year’s of being signed to the development and management arm of Avenoir Ltd, El’tee has been clawing his way up the music industry ladder. Time in the studio with veteran songwriter and producer, Martin West (Romans, Estelle, Sinitta, Mark Hill) has already produced a near finished album, as yet untitled, and his debut E.P release , ‘No.1 Contender’ that was released to digital stores in September 2017. Within the industry this piece of work, and live performances of it, has already received critical acclaim drawing comments such as: “Great voice, cool sound, I have to hear more”ROMANS (Roc Nation/Virgin) “Sounds like WSTRN/Angel, you gotta go check him out, he’s got something”- Tony Douglas (Mr Play) “I could listen to him all day!” – Louis Walsh “Can you send me more?” – Luke McGrellis (Vice-President Creative – Universal Records) Having spent the past two year’s performing at gigs and showcases around London and the South East including a performance in front of 4,000 people at Wembley Arena in August 2017 for X Factor, winning ‘Street Musician of the Year’ at the London Lifestyle Awards that same year and then to be crowned ‘291 Club Champion 2018’, El’tee is now ready to take his own brand of Pop, RnB and Rap to the next level during the course of 2019. The E.P ‘No.1 Contender’ by El’tee is out now on iTunes, Spotify and all leading online platforms via Avenoir Records. The single ‘Mad’ featuring Temple (Alien Uncovered) is also out now via Avenoir Records. 41
Tonnic
With a love for music deeply rooted in gospel traditions; it could be said that Tonnic’s journey was predetermined. Born in London to Jamaican parents, music was a great influence and brought out the natural entertainer within this performer. The essence of ‘who is Tonnic’, is her spontaneity; this sets her apart from other singers and identifies her as an exceptional vocal talent. Essentially, ‘Tonnic’ is the ability to hear and feel a melody, to interpret it; to perform original songs, and to improvise all genders of popular music. 42
The late 1990’s heralded the explosive launch of Tonnic onto the UK’s club scene. A debut performance at the prestigious venue Turn mills for the Iconic Club Brand: Trade, had secured her one of many residencies in the capital. Working with DJ’s, singing live improvised vocals over their mixes; she delivered a contagious personal style full of energy and vibe. The London club scene embraced her vocal style. It was during this time that the world of the elite DJ was experiencing a new dimension in Dance Music, which bought about a new interface between the DJ’s, clubbers and the music. Tonnic forged a path as an entertainer, and soon gained a reputation as one of club lands premier vocalist. This beginning signalled Tonnic’s arrival, she retains a place among her peers as one of the most sought after club vocalist both in the UK and Internationally.
Further productions and releases that followed include: ‘Be Right Here’- Go Deep records, ‘ I Love What You Do’- Toolbox House, ‘Salvation’-After 6 Ft. Tonnic Blue Dove / Toolbox House, ‘ Never Too Late’ ft. DJ Gordon Edge/Edge Records, ‘I want You’-Toolbox House.
Her performances professionalism exudes persona that is extrovert assertive, and a personality is confident, approachable warm.
Other accolades include her performance at the BBC Radio 1 ‘LOVE PARADE’, alongside UK DJ’s Pete Tong and Sasha and club brand: Trade. This festival was the first ever for the UK, and unique in that it ran simultaneously with other ‘Love Parade’ events in other parts of Europe , making it one of Europe’s largest single free Music festivals of its kind. Brazil was another musical highlight that saw Tonnic Perform for the Party brand KALI NATO to a carnival crowd estimated at over one million (1,000,000)people!
and a and that and
There is just no escaping the passion that is felt within her voice, every song is delivered with emotional resonance, she captivates and mesmerises her audience. Tonnic is a competent song writer; collaborating with DJ/ producers on studio projects. Her sound is instantly recognisable, re working the 70s classic ‘STOMP’ by The Brothers Johnson - Independent label: Schlepp Records.
Tonnic’s love of music has seen her travel to many European and International destinations, where she has enjoyed several memorable highlights. A significant performance in Johannesburg; South Africa, soon after Nelson Mandela’s newly appointed presidential leadership, was an inspiring experience. The ‘Pulse Party ‘ Event saw the ethnic mix of black, white and mixed race South African party goers altogether, packed into a five thousand capacity venue, responding to and enjoying her performance: united in Music.
Tonnic is a versatile artist that has secured her ‘TOTALTONNIC’ tour in Indonesia taking in such venues a Deja Club - kata Bali, A2- Jakarta, Circuit Asia Manila (Philippines). She has extensive live PA’s with Narcotic Thrust ( I like It / Safe from Harm), and Lisa Marie Experience( Keep on Jumping). Also, ‘Diva Explosion’ PA’s with Dance music’s premier recording artist: Cece Penistone, Jocelyn Brown, and Adeva. Tonnic has appeared at many festivals: London Pride, Face Party- London, Brighton Pride, Rome Pride, Belgium Pride to name a few. Also at many iconic club venues such as, Space- Madrid, Club ParadisoMykonos; Pacha Lounge -Russia, Privilege Ibiza and many others. Her work has received positive support and recognition amongst accredited DJ’s, promoting her work through their club mix sets over the years. To date Tonnic continues in her development as an artist with a new single release : Toolbox House brings forth Nik Denton 2014 Re Mixes “I WANT YOU” And ‘I LOVE WHAT YOU DO’ Visit www.totallytonnic.co.uk for more from Tonnic.
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Modern Romance The Modern Romance Story In 1981, a 23-year-old, enthusiastic drummer called Andy Kyriacou, whilst out on one of his regular music club crawls, crossed paths with an unknown band, who went by the name of Modern Romance. An exchange of numbers followed and only a few weeks later, cofounder David Jaymes asked Andy to join the band. There was no audition, as David’s brother had by some stroke of luck, already seen Andy play in his previous band. In fact, prior to accepting the offer, Andy “auditioned” the band, by going to hear them perform at the then famous Bridge House, in Canning Town. After all, he “had to be sure they weren’t complete rubbish!” During Andy’s first rehearsal with the band, a bombshell was surreptitiously dropped. Just a casual mentioning of “the record label” made Andy sit up and take notice. He then discovered that the band did indeed, have a recording deal with Warner Brothers on the WEA label, but alas both singles released thus far had flopped abysmally. In fact, the record company had already issue the
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band with a “three strikes and you’re Romance had their first hit. out” ultimatum. In short, if the third single was not a hit, Warner Brothers The band had three more hits over would cancel the recording contract. a 2-year period. Andy had become a backing vocalist too, once it became By some irony, Modern Romance had evident he could sing and a headset recorded a third single only two days microphone was very soon part of the before Andy joined, (Everybody Salsa), drum equipment. In 1982 the lead singer but of course, the drummer on that left the band and received a financial recording was subsequently replaced by settlement. The band, under the Andy. Indeed, it was Andy who hit on a leadership of David Jaymes, recruited new method of promoting the band. He Michael Mullins as the new lead vocalist, arranged the first Personal Appearance and enjoyed further cemented their (PA) by the band, (a new phenomenon name into 80’s pop culture. at the time) at a club in London called Hombres, on Saturday 25th July 1981. 3 further years of even greater success. The band appeared on all the popular TV Following the success of this PA, Andy shows of the time and appearances on suggested a tour of PA’s, two Royal Variety shows and Hogmanay TV special further cemented their name This avoided the costs associated with into 80’s pop culture. regular touring. Soon, appearances up and down the country in various clubs led to local radio play, as many of the club DJ’s worked at city radio stations. In time, national radio picked up the song, and as the song slowly entered the charts, a first invitation to appear on Top of the Pops materialised. Modern
Andy left the band in 1985 to pursue his own individual career, and David continued with a full band (augmented by session musicians) until 1989, at which point he went back to performing PA’s with various backing vocalists and dancers, etc. and did this for a while. In 1999, knowing David was no longer actively operating as Modern Romance, Andy contacted him with regards touring with a full band. After a lengthy conversation, David made clear his disinterest in being onstage, and despite Andy’s best efforts to resume working with him on the live scene, David expressed a desire to remain in his current role - music management. However, David determined that Andy’s service as a long serving member of 5 years – the complete duration of the band’s chart success –and his ability to sing, qualified him to take the name forward, especially as he had performed on ALL singles and album tracks, bar that very first one. He therefore formally assigned the name Modern Romance to Andy. Once Andy had secured the name in writing, he forged ahead with his rendition of Modern Romance which has proven to be very successful over the past 20 years. He recruited musicians with whom he had worked over the previous decade and says it is not too dissimilar to a football manager choosing his team from a squad of available players. Andy simply needed musicians who could play the material well, and who could grow with the band and add their stamp to any new songs. To date, Andy and the band have appeared in countless radio, tv and press interviews. They have performed live at huge shows, to very appreciative audiences. Andy has long been accepted as the face of Modern Romance, for which he admits, he will be eternally grateful. People have compared the band members musically to the originals and have unanimously agreed that they more than stand up in their own right. Members of the current band have performed with Jessie J, Van Morrison, Level 42, Jamiroquai, Peter White, Rag ‘n’ Bone Man and a host of others, so they more than hold their own musically.
With regards live shows, Modern Romance have appeared on the roster of several 80’s based branded events, such as “Let’s Rock” (shows all over the UK), Rewind (North, South & Scotland), Retrofest, Here & Now, (again, all over the UK) and also yearly festivals such as Happy Days Festival, Sunshine Festival, etc. The list is almost endless. Trips abroad have also featured, and the band are currently negotiating a possible trip to Dubai. Over the summer months, you can catch Modern Romance here: Fri June 14th Butlins, Bognor
Feel free to click on the links below for more info, a video and also to find Andy or the Modern Romance Official Facebook page. Andy will always try to get back to people at some point and loves to make new friends. So, don’t be shy – pop in and say hello! Official Band Website: www.ModernRomance.com Andy on Facebook: https://www/ facebook.com/andykyriacou.16
MR on Facebook: https://www. https://www.bigweekends.com/your- facebook.com/ModernRomanceBand/ break/190553 Jun June 16th Butlins, Minehead Link to Video: https://vimeo. com/152197142 https://www.bigweekends.com/yourbreak/190476 Note 2: Andy has expanded his horizons and Sat July 6th Chilfest, Tring https:// when he is not doing gigs, he delves chilfest.co.uk/chilfest-lineup into the field of journalism. This work as a “celebrity writer” has taken him to Modern Romance have just released many countries, including: Luxemburg, their first single since the 80’s – a song Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Tunisia (5 written by Andy, called “Rhythm Is My times!), and he even had to write about Lover”. his ride across the Austrian Alps into Switzerland, on a motorbike (one of Modern Romance have continued to his passions!). If you’d like to read perform since that initial meeting with some of his articles, please click on the David. As a member of the original link below, where he has set up a page Modern Romance for 5 years, and owner showing a cross-section of his work, and member for the last 20 years, Andy concentrating on food and travel, but has carved out a 25-year with the band, occasionally dealing in other subjects. the last 20 as lead vocalist. Modern Romance continue to evolve and plan to www.AndrosJournalist.com release their first official album of new material since the 80’s, in 2019. Andy is also transcribing the diaries he kept in the 80’s with a view to publishing them as a book. This will feature some great references to other 80’s acts, as well as the obligatory “interesting reading” one should expect from a book written by a drummer in a band and drawing from a very honest diary. Say no more!! Note 1: When Warners released a compilation of Modern Romance hits and album tracks titled The Platinum Collection a few years ago, a schedule was arranged whereby Andy was interviewed via phone by 13 radio stations in one day – no pressure then!!! 45
Modern Romance
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Restin Burk Who would have thought this ex-felon, ex-drug addict, recovering alcoholic and all around failure would be able and willing to bring such inspirational messages of healing to the world? Often times beauty is masqueraded under the veil of a lifetime of pain and suffering. Check out the Facebook page of Restin Burk to see a normal everyday guy changing the world in big ways with his words of inspiration and encouragement along with practical, applicable Universal truths that anybody can apply and begin changing their life today.
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Nyaka Chana ABOUT CAROLINE NYAKA-CHANA Caroline Nyaka-Chana known by stage name “Nyaka Chana” is an African Quintuple-Threat based in Ireland Who rose to fame when she joined Charley Anderson of The Selecter (2 Tone ska Mid 79 revival band from Coventry,) in 2009 for their 30th Anniversary Concert, alongside the Original Members Neol Davis, Gaps and Charley Aitch, accompanied by Maestro Carlos Garnett. According to Caroline, She learnt so much from this production and went on to play leading Roles in various theatre productions her biggest role being Dame Shirley Bassey where she belted the Big Number “Goldfinger” at the Old Rep Theatre Birmingham to a mesmerized and jaw dropping teary audience who gave her a standing Ovation on Opening Night. Television Caroline had her very own Show originally filmed at the World Famous Pinewood Studios home to Star Wars, Fast & Furious and James Bond movies to name a few. On October 2015 due to popular demand, Caroline was seen on Challenge TV for the second time being the recipient of the coveted Golden chair by Jack Dee in Don’t Sit in the Front Row. This BBC Comedy Production had been originally aired on Sky Atlantic and Sky 1 in 2012.
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Janice Robinson JANICE ROBINSON’S STILL HERE
Photo: POP Corn
A Diva Lesson in Survival & Triumph It’s a triumphant moment burned into the memories and consciousness of millions of worldwide television/online viewers. With the words “Janice Robinson, Songwriter – 50” appearing under her as she walked onto the live-broadcast X Factor UK soundstage, she humbly introduced herself to the judge panel (including notoriously hard-to-please Simon Cowell and veteran international pop star Robbie Williams), and seamlessly began singing her song selection.…a capella! Before she even got to the instantly-familiar chorus of her 1995 #1 UK/#1 Billboard Dance chart smash “Dreamer,” the audience was a complete firestorm of excitement, Robbie Williams was on his feet “hands-in-the-air” and Simon Cowell had the look of shellshocked amazement on his face, making for a most validating reaction for a diva on the road to a comeback. What most who witnessed this spectacular “happening” weren’t aware of is that the once
internationally-lauded singer/songwriter/ performer was in the midst of a cancer scare, having boarded the plane from Florida to London on the heels of a concerned call from her doctor, which almost concurrently followed her daughter’s recent brain surgery and subsequent legally blind diagnosis; a traumatic gym injury, preceded by time away from music spent as caretaker for her ailing parents (now deceased) and raising her two daughters. Nevertheless, when you’re not merely a popularly known “dreamer” but a 24/7 “believer” raised by a man of the Word (yes, a pastor’s kid!), you’re spiritually armed and creatively inspired to “make it happen” AGAIN!! Stay tuned. – Rudi Meyer
Photo: Angel Ramirez
Photos above and left: Angel Ramirez
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Jessica James Jessica James is a performing artist, actress, dj, shop owner and part time dominatrix as well as in the process of setting up her own media company. She has worked in London’s nightlife for over two decades and has since left the sparkling lights and disco beats of venues to start treading the boards in theatre. She has recently done a showcase of her one woman show at Battersea Art Centre and performed with a new theatre piece at Latitude in July with Look Left Look Right Productions who were the producers of the last smash hit play she was in called “See Me Now” Which was performed at both Young Vic Theatre and Edinburgh Fringe.
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Jessica has also worked as a singer and been lucky enough to work with the likes of Steve Bronski of Bronski beat and many other big names in the industry too, she has recently been on a course learning how to do music video editing and will be launching her new media company in July this year offering low cost on a budget music videos and other package deals. She also has her own online spiritual / new age shop selling jewellery, healing crystals, dream catchers and so much more. For more info check out all of her links below. www.tranzsistamedia.co.uk www.theflyingwitchonline.co.uk www.mediaqueenjess.co.uk
Photo: Leaf
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Davey Brown By David Crooks
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Davey Brown is a Newcastle based artist who specialises in stylish portraits of DJs, film, music and sports stars on canvas or as wall murals. Davey is currently touring the UK and Ibiza with his latest exhibition ‘The History Of House’, a collection of DJ portraits. The exhibition combines art, House music poetry and live DJs at each venue including the Ibiza legend DJ Alfredo. With this exciting exhibition and a growing number of clients including top DJs and Premier League footballers, Davey Brown is an artist on the rise. To see his work and for your chance to win a VIP trip to his Ibiza exhibition, go to daveybrownart.com 55
Clare Louise
I’m showing up to my dream, so I can help you show up to yours. Dream
Passion
My greatest dream is to inspire you to take the personal journey of creative discovery, reconnect to your inner voice, live a life with passion and take your own world by storm. Break through your blocks, limiting beliefs, fears, frustrations and challenges. Believe in you, utilise your unique source of creativity, wake up to all of who you are and empower your world. Why? because the world needs change, the world needs more passionate humans, bigger thinkers, greater hearts, dream makers and world shakers. It needs more love, inspiration and empowered souls. It needs more spirit. It needs more creativity ... it needs you to show up as that beautiful creative that you are.
I’m passionate about creativity, Whether you’re here looking
It’s time to rise, to your dreams and wonderful journey them, because If make your dreams who will?
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step up to start that to create you don’t happen ...
I mean really passionate. I’m talking about the kind of passion that keeps you awake at night, that has you plotting and planning until dawn. The kind of passion that when you’re caught up in it, you leave a trail of burnt dinners and forgotten time behind you. I know first-hand how finding authentic creativity has transformed my life, my art and my career, bringing me a deeper sense of purpose. I truly believe it’s a resource that we, as human beings, underutilise in our everyday lives and I’ve made my promise to the world to do all that I can to help others create their creativity. My other passion is helping creatives empower their lives, reconnecting you to your purpose. Reminding you of all of who you are and all you can achieve when you are living your life on the other side of fear. I know fear from personal experience, it’s an old friend of mine. I’ve been stuck in it, lived in it, felt blocked by it, overwhelmed by it, and every time I’ve felt that fear I’ve learnt from it, grown from it, leant into it, pushed right on through it and come out the other side, flourished from it and created.
Connect for inspiration because you’re feeling that call to create, you’re seeking and discovering or you’re struggling to take your next step in your art, life or business, I’m right there with you, I understand your journey. I’ve transformed my life walking this very same path, in fact I’m still exploring and discovering it and have a wealth of knowledge and life’s lessons that I want to share with you. I’ll keep it real, I’ll bare my soul, I’ll share my highs and face my lows, I’ll speak from my heart to yours, I’ll speak my truth. I’ll ask questions, I’ll give my thoughts, I’ll talk about love because it’s the greatest currency of all, my boys, because they are my everything, my art because it saved my soul, and my life, because like yours ... it’s for living. Let’s connect and explore this creative journey together. “Dreaming is the imaginations guide to all things possible” Photographer, stylist and creative director Clare Louise Creative Leadership Coach www.clare-louise.com MUA Lauren Case www.makeup-case.co.uk Model Simone Clare Stocks www.simonestocks.co.uk
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Sarah Rosmond My background
Time for Justice
My name is Sarah Louise Rosmond, and I was born in the early eighties. Up until the age of four, I lived a normal happy life with my mother and my nan. My mum was very young when she gave birth to me, so my nan had taken me on as her own. Everything changed when I was introduced to a small Irish man. Within weeks, we had moved to Ireland, and I was told address this man as my father. Jason turned out to be the most twisted man I would ever encounter, from the age of six to sixteen he sexually abused me, his daughter. The man never liked me from the start, and our first meeting should have been a warning for my mother. It wasn’t just sexual abuse this man caused, I had suffered at the hands of his vile temper and he manipulated me throughout most of my childhood. The violence would be normalized and ignored, push under the carpet and forgotten about. Much like myself. With that being said, it did give me a head start in life. I was able to adapt myself to any given situation. I became strong-minded, and a survivor from the start.
Although I was able to write my book and I found it a coping mechanism of sorts, I had never spoken about my childhood in detail. It has taken over 30 years, but I am finally getting the help and support that I have needed my whole life.
Abuse of any kind is unacceptable, and I am here to take a stand against these perpetrators, starting with my own‌ 62
Author Sarah Rosmond
How I started writing and why When I was younger, I had read a few books which had covered the story of sexual abuse. I was a young adult when I realized just how traumatic my childhood had been. I had always said that I would love to write my own book one day. It was the only way I knew I would be able to get my story heard. I had tried to speak out, even as an adult and was never believed. I was made to feel like I was the one in the wrong. Even my partners would tell me to keep quiet, saying I had already moved on and to forget about it all. That was never going to happen, so at the age of 30 and finding myself a widowed mother; I began writing as a way of coping with the grief... Two years of writing and another year making sure I was ready to finally speak out - My Life in His Hands was born.
I am blown away by all the feedback I am receiving, and I hope to inspire more people to get in touch or ask for help when it is needed. I will be working with a local charity in the future and looking forward to helping survivors and educating people the signs and effects of child abuse and I am started a degree in phycology and counselling later in the year. Abuse comes in all shapes and sizes, and it is possibly one of the hardest situations to walk away from. I just want you to know that you are stronger than you think, and you are never alone. You just need to speak out and know that there are others out there who are willing to listen, find me on Facebook if you ever want to talk to me directly. Love Sarah xo www.sarahrosmond.com Author and ghost writer
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Michael Kilman Other Ways of Knowing: Or Because the answers to the vast How To Do This Human Thing majority of our global problems Better are already here, European and American culture do a few Have you ever had an encounter things very well. We have made with another person or one of great leaps in technology, great those momentary experiences advances in medicine and science, where you realize just how much hell, we’ve even been to the moon. knowledge is out there? Have you But for all of our knowledge in our ever stopped for a moment and culture, there are huge gaps in the felt a sense of wonder at just how basis of our knowledge, gaps that vast and populated our planet is? don’t exist in other parts of the Nevermind the vastness of our world. galaxy or the universe; we’re just talking our planet right now. All human beings share the same genetic imperatives. We must eat, For me, as an anthropologist, who sleep, reproduce, etc. All human studies human cultures, I am often beings have an anatomically amazed at how many things I don’t modern brain, one that we have know. But, admittedly, those are had for about one hundred and just blips on the radar most of the twenty-five thousand years. In time. Often, I get lost in my own other words, it would not be knowledge, my own identity, my unreasonable to take a human own biases. I often think I am right baby from sixty thousand years or I have all the answers. But once ago, and raise them in one of our in a while something shakes me technologically advanced societies to my core and reminds me just and have them do just fine. The how little I know about the world, only thing that was missing from despite many years of study. ancient humans to modern ones, was the basis of information and The thing is, you, dear reader, knowledge we have built over the are one person, from one culture, last ten thousand years since the exposed at most to a handful of development of agriculture via the languages and only a little bit of written word. the history of the world. Even the most studied of us, the ones with But that doesn’t mean that advanced degrees and foremost indigenous people don’t have experts in their fields, can really complex systems of knowledge. In only know a fraction of a percent of fact, the more than anthropologists all the available human knowledge. have studied indigenous people, the more we realize that their But so what you say? Who knowledge rivals our own. The cares? Why should this only difference is the focus. In matter? anthropology, this is sometimes called Traditional Ecological Knowledge. TEK is 64
the knowledge that humans have gained from interacting with their environment over a long period, for the purpose in history that did not manage and reshape their land. Take for example the great Polynesia sailors of the Pacific ocean. Their techniques for navigation, have only been matched with the inclusion of modern GPS. They were able to successfully navigate thousands of miles across the sea by numerous methods, including, memorizing constellations, looking at cloud cover, and seeing how the patterns of waves refracted against the hull of their boat. Or let’s take a look at the Kayapo people of the Amazon, who Anthropologist Daryl Posey demonstrated were able to travel across thousands of miles
on foot without worrying about food or supplies. Why? Because for thousands of years they had been cultivating the trail and creating what Posey called, mobile grocery stores. In other words, they knew the prime locations for planting seeds that would allow them never to have to scavenge or worry about food for trails that ran the length of the Amazon basin. How about Ben Orlove whose team demonstrated that the people living in the central Andes were able to accurately forecast long term weather patterns to plant crops, simply by looking at the amount of haze surrounding constellations like the Pleiades star cluster. The American Forest Service owes much of its conservation models to the Native American Tribes of the Southwest. It was through them that they discovered the power of controlled burns to prevent large scale forest fires, water conservation techniques, and other methods for surviving and managing land in an arid desert climate. There are other endless examples of how the knowledge and other ways of knowing in the 6000 or so of the worlds languages and cultures each hold something of value for our species. For example, a sizable portion of the worlds modern medicines were discovered from shamans and medicine people around the world. That knowledge has benefited us greatly, and yet, we still undervalue indigenous knowledge. The point is, we have to stop looking at the various cultures and communities of the world
as quaint, inconsequential members of the human past, who are outdated and outmatched technologically speaking, and start considering the vast array of knowledge and experience they have to offer us in combating some of the world’s very serious issues. Diversity in thinking, diversity in experience, diversity in approach are all gifts of the human experience. We are a multiplicity of wonderful and unique cultural options. There are concepts and ideas out there that you don’t even have the right language or terminology to consider, and may hold the keys to addressing issues like climate change and environmental degradation. We have to stop dismissing viewpoints, simply because of our cultural arrogance and greed, and remember that each culture has its own unique solutions, and it’s own unique blindspots. No culture is going to hold all the answers or solutions to any of the world’s major issues. But if we consider the value of other ways of knowing, we might just have a chance to do this human thing a little better.
Michael Kilman Author Twitter: @loridianslab 65
Muslim Refugees in Uganda... The Forgotten Lot? Words by Waiswan Nathan
Uganda is home to over 1.4 million refugees, of whom a sizeable percentage constitutes people from muslim countries .Somalis, Eritreans, Pakistanis and Yemenis and south Sudanese muslims, comprise the makeup of muslim refugees in Uganda. Civil wars, religious and political persecution in the above countries have contributed to the Muslim refugees purge. Most of them live in camps scattered all over the country under the support of UNCHR in coordination with various NGOs providing humanitarian support. Sizable numbers also live in towns (urban refugees) living a closed society kind of lifestyle for example Somali refugees in kisenyi ,Eritrean refugees in old kampala .Sudanese refugees in namuwongo ,Pakistani and yemenis refugees whose location is unrevealed to the public.
The wars of Sudan and Congo have pushed the plight and presence of muslim refugee communities further and further into the background.as media usually focuses on Congolese and Sudanese refugees. This is further compelled by concerns below which need to be addressed; 1. What roles are developed muslim countries like Saudi Arabia,Oman,Gulf nations etc playing to try help these muslim refugees here in Uganda, OR ,are they leaving the issue of muslim refugees primarily to the WEST? 2. Why are Muslim refugees’ communities more of closed societies not interacting with host communities?? Forexample Somalis have a reputation of being anti social, hated on by most Ugandans. 3. How best can muslim refugees be helped to successfully integrate into society? As opposed to looking at them as threats, stubborn, introverts and all sorts of prejudiced opinions. 4. the trauma of war? what will really help the youth and older generations cope with cold images of rape, scenes of gruesome images as they fled conflict. 66
5. What alternatives are there to help these refugees become independent and self reliant, since some of these communities have a reputation of not sending children to school e.g. the somalis. 6. How best can vulnerable youth be shielded from the danger of extremism and brainwashing by terrorist cells? 7. How about the separation anxiety?as part of the family is resettled in affluent lands, others remain here, families are in safety here in Uganda while relatives remain stuck in the war zones. 8. What role does sectarianism play in how muslim countries and Non profits come to the aid of refugees? 9. The issue of citizenship? Many have lived in the country for over 20 years and had children born here,what is the way forward?
The project will cover an extensive time and will involve interaction with refugees and their leaders or elders,religious figures in the muslim community, relevant authorities,use of questionnaires incase of ,video and audio recordings and lastly report writing.we will talk to refugees in the camps and in the urban setting.
Among the objectives of the projects are; 1. To expose on the plight of muslim refugees in Africa so that they may not feel forgotten as more focus is on Syrian refugees,Sudanese ,Congolese etc 2. To help research scholars and institutions with relevant information pertaining to their research needs 3 .To expose the dangers of religious fanaticism and sectarianism and political insurgency and bring the perpetrators to take political and moral resiponsibilty. Budget : The project will cover around 5000$. This will cover transportation,equipment,paying allowances to refugee interpreters and volunteers,transportation,hotel and feeding etc.
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Jason Cook Dyslexic, Drug addiction, Ex Drug dealer, Gangster runner, EX Prison CON, Court Usher, Author, Producer and business owner and single dad of three children. Also, the founder to the short film awards for Hertfordshire and owner of TWF Publishing consultancy. After writing 6 books and now moving on to films where does he finds the time to fit this all in. Jason Cook is also the founder of The Way Forward Production’s and JC Pictures Ltd. Development companies that work with Jason Film work and projects. For a young boy from the streets this bad lad. Jason has written four memoirs and he also published a children’s poetry book and the man has 5 more books in the pipeline due to be released in the near future. Cook has ghost written and helped many other authors with their works and also helped them to achieve great sales. There’s no room for jugglers, the gangster runner, and A nice little earner and cocaine the devil’s dandruff have had raving reviews from many source’s Quoted by Consultant at Authorhouse Publishing in America. “Your books are written in the same style as the author Jordan Belfort the writer of Wolf of Wall Street and the American market will love your books” Pete Anthony. Publishing consultant from AuthorHouse UK.
Reviews from readers on Amazon. Quoted by Managing Director of Cornerstones. Leading Literary Agents UK. “I think the subject setting are potentially marketable -gritty Brit -crime in the vein of authors like Jake Arnott or James Hawes, you seem to have some great characters and are obviously bursting with ideas for more plots”. Kathryn Robinson Managing Editor Cornerstones Listed by the Society of Author scouts for leading Literary agents. The sun newspaper Barnet press, Borehamwood times and many more he was even quoted by BBC FREE Counites radio who said that Guy Ritchie or Quentin Tarantino or Mr Ridley Scott should be looking at his work but Jason understands that it’s a big dream for a relatively unknown person striving to work hard in the film industry. He works alongside award winning writers one of which is Joann Hess and has helped other film makers achieve their dreams. Jason knows that in this business it is important to have honour and integrity. He has a great team working to bring the first book to the screen and is working closely with the director Peter Field. Jason and the team have a slate of twelve film project’s and is open to meeting investors sponsors and with those that can and would like to be involved in the slates he holds. Jason Cook will be singing his books on the Sunday the 28th at Borehamwood WH Smiths at 11 pm. Also, he will be coming to different areas to do talks and signings in other places throughout the year. I’m sure we will see and hear more about Jason and his works in the future. 69
Yoann Desmoyers-Davis With over 10 years’ experience in the broadcast industry Yoann has worked across a wide variety of genres, from flyon-the-wall observational documentaries to commercials. His main body of work is in documentaries which has taken him all over the world meeting the fascinating ‘ordinary’ to the rich and famous. His recent body of work has been aired on NETFLIX, BBC and Channel 4. Yoann has also lensed countless branded content films, music videos and short films. Any chance he gets he’s only too happy to collaborate on set telling stories through the visual art form. His last BFI funded short film PANIC picked up a number of awards on the festival circuit. Images can evoke emotions and inspire, which is why Yoann takes great pride in creating images to do just that. The challenge is always to create strong visuals to tell a story. To find out more find follow him @yoann_dd
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“Yoann is incredibly talented with a camera and an absolute pleasure to work with, whether you’re crew or a contributor. Even on difficult shoots his camerawork is impeccable and I can’t wait to work with him again.” Director & Producer – Nick Sweeney
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KOPZO Vodka At the Cannes Film Festival 2019
Visit www.kopzo-vodka.com to find out more
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Three things you should know about this shoe: Drawing Steven Smith is the designer of this shoe concept. Limited-edition The dapper prophet is a unique limited edition shoe concept; you will not find this custom design anywhere else! Ita-badge The shoes are handcrafted in Italy, Once you buy a pair, the custom shoes are manufactured and shipped to you.
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Belcastro Paulo
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Paolo was born in Mamola, as small village in the Calabria region, south of Italy. My village is locally known for its authentic food, it is here that Paolo`s passion and appreciation for authentic cuisine first began. He started working in the local restaurants at the young age of 14 while he was still in catering college. After finishing school, he moved to London and started working in the catering industry gaining experience and skills on different type of cuisines. Paolo headed back home to Italy for few years where he joined a team of chefs catering for weddings and other large-scale events. Paolo has been working in the kitchen for over 25 years now and has been the head chef for 7 of those years. Paolo currently lives in London with his wife and daughter and he is aiming to start he own catering business as a private event Chef. He believes his knowledge and experience will help him to achieve his goals.
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Johanna Thomas PureJo
By Stuart Pearce
HOLSTIC NUTRITIONST Johanna Thomas is here to help you regain control of your health naturally. Johanna found her life’s passion after a roller coaster of experiences, which brought her to establish her business - PureJo. www.purejo.com From being bullied as a child, feeding a sugar addiction, suffering from anxiety, excess partying, excess exercising, amenorrhoea, hypothyroidism, hair thinning (telogen effluvium) mild osteoporosis of the lumbar spine, having a nervous breakdown, depression, adult acne to three cancer scares, food intolerances and currently a leaky gut and sciatica…Johanna has had her fair share of health and wellness issues. Johanna spent thousands of pounds travelling the globe visiting dermatologists, top nutritionists, TCM doctors, acupuncture specialists and other global symptom healing thinkers and practitioners - you name it she tried it all to no avail. Then Johanna began to study, research, learn and educate herself on how to treat the cause of her issues not just mask the symptoms with medications that came with a host of side effects of their own.
This life experience is priceless and makes Johanna accessible, able to relate and connect with her clients. As her life takes on it’s next stage she is now facing new health challenges preparing for motherhood next year, on her optimal wellness life quest. Johanna has completed a 120-hour course from Mind Body Green and obtained a Distinction Diploma in Nutrition from The Natural School of Health Sciences in Holistic Nutrition. She has also obtained a Distinction Diploma from The Natural School of Health Sciences in Hopi Ear Candling. Johanna launched PureJo two years ago as Holistic Health and Wellness Coaching and already has numerous clients in London, Dubai, LA and New York. www.purejo.com, along with social media feeds were set up to attract new clients and provide everyone with an informative blog on all things health, fitness, wellness, nutrition, recipes, reviews, shopping and much more.
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their bad ones daily. She shadows clients’ every move for a day and the next day replaces as much as possible with more natural healing options. From toothpaste, shampoo, body cream, to lunch choices, home cleaning products to exercise, thoughts and more. She takes her clients’ supermarket shopping and educates them on how to have will power to avoid the sugar and poison foods, then embracing the natural wholesome fresh produce that will heal them from the inside out.
PureJo coaching assists individuals in achieving and maintaining optimum wellness by advising them about • Healthy nutrition and supplementation • Fitness, • Non-toxic beauty and home care products • Other natural holistic lifestyle changes • Plus methods to cope with stress • PureJo works in harmony with the body to decrease deficiency and toxicity, which leads to disease, finding the root cause of any symptoms. PureJo is all about using food as medicine, “Let food be thy medicine” and “Bio-individuality” – where no two bodies are created the same thus no one diet will work for everyone. She helps people to find their individual healing foods and supplements, to love, respect and nourish their body and mind. PureJo works with you on a physical, mental, spiritual and emotional level to help and motivate you to take back the reins, turn your life around and reverse negative symptoms that your body is showing.
Johanna believes Natural Wellness is what we all Deserve. Health is the new Wealth. A PureJo mantra is “The decisions we make today will define our tomorrow.” It is now a fact that only 3% of diseases are actually genetic. Even then you have the power to either pull the trigger on those genes or let them lie dormant while you live a healthy lifestyle with a balanced healing diet. The rest are actually adapted physiologies…your body adapting to physical, emotional and chemical stressors. 85% of all disease is brought on by our emotions. So the power of the mind is so strong and this is linked to our second mind, which is our gut. Our body is a temple; we have to live in it forever. The ultimate goal is to be fit, happy and healthy, whilst preventing diseases, delaying the ageing process and living a long productive life. PureJo is looking forward to sharing her knowledge and helping you all to be the Best version of yourself. www.purejo.com
The body is an amazingly dynamic system, self-generating and self-repairing so given the right nutrition, a well functioning nervous system, strong immune system, balanced gut micro biome and healing environment it will rebuild itself. Johanna has established the unique PureJo Home and Work Holistic Habit Healing Workshop where she studies her clients’ every move and thought to give them holistically healthier, healing habits to replace 79
DJ China L’One By Stuart Pearce
China loves and enjoys playing Commercial House, Charts, Club Classics to upfront RnB/Hip-hop to Chilled house. She calls her style of music, party, dancing and fun music.
her gorgeous nails beautifully with London’s Park Plaza done by the Semilac. Hotel, Crown Plaza and W Hotel. Our China L’One has been booked to DJ for television China L’One has also DJ’d for channel events, VIP events, club nights at the Ministry catwalk, fashion shows, of Sound, Pacha, No. 5 corporate events, in-store Cavendish Square, Carnaby In March 2019, DJ China events, product launch events Zebrano, Palm Beach Casino, L’One Dj’ed for Glamour to top hotels and night clubs The Colony Club, Fest Beauty Festival in association and bars. Camden to name but a few. with Boots UK at Saachi Gallery, Chelsea. Internationally, DJ China DJ China L’One has an L’One has wowed the crowds infectious personality, In February 2018, DJ China of Norway, Spain, Germany, high energy and a creative L’One was signed by Polish Italy, India Sweden and Ibi- spirit that shows in her Top Profile Nail Brand, Semi- za. performance. lac alongside Chloe Madeley fitness expert to represent She’s also been hired for cat- China L’One is also the their UV Hybrid Nail Polish walk, fashion shows, Chan- founder of We Run the World for Professional Beauty 2018 nel 4s Love Island, Abso- Female DJ Agency. Show. Throughout the day, lutely Ascot, Urban Decay, DJ China L’One entertained Topshop, Fossil, H&M, New China L’One started DJing the crowd whilst displaying Look and Match.com along in 2000. However, by 2012,
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he could not find a female DJ agency that caters for just for female DJs like herself. By that, we’re not talking about well-known DJs that were working with big brand radio stations or brands, but independent female DJs doing their own thing.
DJ Agency. Rolling up her sleeves and through sheer hard work, she has learnt to do everything; from securing and managing bookings and booking to keeping to promotion, PR and regular social media posts, letting the world know she is and what she does. Come April 2019, With this in mind, she this will be the agencies 7 decided to start her own birthday. one, with her main aim in raising the awareness of China L’One is the founding female DJs in the hope of pioneer of the movement to not only securing bookings raise the profile of female DJs locally, but nationally and worldwide, when she said in internationally. 2012, there were no female DJs, but since then, it got the ball rolling for other agencies and individuals to join in the So, in 2012 China L’One pursuit with China in raising became Founder and Director this awareness. of We Run the World Female
She has been able to secure work for DJs worldwide, ranging from places like India, Norway, Ibiza, Sweden and New York. Last year she sent one her DJs to Canada to represent the agency for the Mercedes AMG unveiled. Celebrities at that event was Ciara and of course our own UK racing star, Lewis Hamilton. In 2002 she received both the Princes Trust and the RSA Award. Last year, she was shortlisted for the Business Women of the Year and the agency itself was also a finalist for Black Business of the year by BWB. To book China L’One or anyone of her girls www.femaledjagency.com Instagram - China L’One
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Kyle James The must-watch actor of 2019, Kyle James most recently appeared in Danny Boyle’s Yesterday (2019) and has circulated international media appearing in the recent Gilette campaign, as well as making a mark appearing in the latest ‘Jason Bourne’ franchise alongside Matt Damon and Riz Ahmed.
“It was really great to work with such a great team on such a meaningful project which surrounds a pretty important social topic. It addresses toxic masculinity full on, and it challenges that, and asks more from men. If we can’t reflect and find what things are wrong, then we can’t improve... and I always want to grow and develop, as a better actor, artist, and person in “I love working in film, because when I’m there on set, general.” and realize how many people it actually takes to make it all happen, I feel like a part of a family that has figured Kyle can be seen on DAVE tv portraying “Nearly Dead out how to get past the problems and disfunction, and Guy” in ‘Red Dwarf’: Twentica, the official premier focus on coming together to create something magical.” episode of the series reboot. For those of you that may not know, ‘Red Dwarf’ is a British Sci-fi comedy Kyle has experience across film and television genres franchise that aired on the BBC between 1988 and including Action, Sci-fi, Thriller, Romance and 2010, and from 2016 to present, gaining a strong cult Comedies, and is constantly looking to challenge following. James starred alongside the original cast himself as an actor and an artist, pushing his own and well-known British treasures, Craig Charles, Chris limits and comfort zone. Barrie and Danny John-Jules. James can be seen in the latest Gilette ad which has turned into a viral sensation, Published at the start of 2019, Gillette takes on “The Best a Man Can Get” in a campaign that tackles bullying, sexism and #MeToo, laying responsibility on men to be better, something Kyle personally strives for.
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“Working on Red Dwarf was so much fun! Hanging out on set with all the original cast, and being able to see how calm cool and collected they were was really a learning experience, and such a cool thing to see these vetted pros at work and owning every scene.”
Images and styling: Blades & Beauty
Kyle James also works a lot behind the lens and is an active Voice over artist, having worked on several films, such as ‘Showdogs’ (2018) and ‘Kingsman: Golden Circle’ (2017). Kyle does voice work in the commercial world as well, and can be heard in Amazon’s latest “Echo” commercial ad (2019) and also does continuing work in the video game world, on several projects which are still in development. “I hope to get the chance to work on set opposite Robert Downey Jr one of these days, as I can think of no harder working actor and no greater success story, and I’d love to be a part of something with him, and learn from someone that has mastered their craft. I also aspire to work with great directors like Quentin Tarantino and Christopher Nolan, as I greatly admire their creative work and the individual journeys each have had in building and perfecting their creative style and tone. Being a part of one of their films would feel like being a part of a work of art, and that would be incredible.”
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Jane Charlotte Make-Up Artist
My ambition has always been to do professional make-up. I started over 4 years ago by getting a basic fashion and bridal make-up course. Since then, I have developed my skills and taught myself varieties of make-up art from artistic to FX makeup, and committed to group and TF shoots to further develop my skill and experience. I now have over 40 magazine publications including 4 front page covers, am fortunate enough to be asked to attend Belfast Fashion Week and London Alternative Fashion Week, working alongside Aleah Leigh, and will be participating at the Cannes Film Festival this year. I have a strong creative streak and am at my best when coming up with ideas. I am learning photography as well, so I can help direct shots to achieve my own vision. I continue to work toward my goal of becoming a hair and makeup artist working in TV and film.
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Blades and Beauty at Collectively Creative
The iconic Europa was the venue for Collectively Creative, an exclusive charitable red carpet event hosted by Blades and Beauty, assisted by Aleah Leigh of Dragon Lady Productions and 80’s sensation Andy Kyiacou of Modern Romance on Saturday February 23rd, 2019. It was an unforgettable night of fashion, art and music during fashion week, raising awareness and support for charities and organisations, compere by the delectable Images by Warren Blair Lady Portia Di Monte. Hair and Make Up by MUA Amy Ashlee, Nicole Lowe, Clare Kane,
Blades and Beauty showcased their fabulous collection Danielle Louise Dickinson, Jacqueline Thompson, Jamie Barrie, of concepts which have been published and highly Jane Charlotte, Judith Armstrong, Marccella King, Mum Nett, Paula Graffin, Sevina Mooney, Toni Boyd, Hugo Santos commended in the fashion industry. Using a varied collection of models, some already A big thankyou to the sponsors: www.bladesandbeauty.co.uk, heshi, established in the industry and also men and women alfaparkmilanoireland, myabellacandles who are fighting their own disabilities.
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Nikhar Jivani In her own words...
I am a professional Makeup Artist with nearly 5 years of experience. In my current role as an independent Makeup Artist, I provide makeup artistry for Short films, London Fashion Weeks, Music Videos, companies trade shows, dance shows and individual clients. My recent work being for BBC3 show, Street dancer 3 movie, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Movie, T-series Music Video, TV interview with His Highness the Aga Khan and working for LFWs that lead me to have won an award for top makeup artist 2018. With my love for all things beauty and empowering woman through the beauty of ‘enhancing’ their features and my passion for perfecting my trade, I knew that this was my calling from a young age. Visit www.nikharjivani.com to find out more.
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Photographer: Apurva Gondalia Stylist: Krithika Srinivasan Hair: Shennia Thompson Model: Chloe Van Effelen
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Kayla Kayla’s beautiful soul shines through. At ten years old, she has already achieved so much. She is a gifted highland dancer and gymnast and is already an experienced model and child actor. Since appearing in the BBC Drama ‘One of Us’ in 2015. Kayla has modelled in some of the most prestigious catwalk fashion events such as Aberdeen and Glasgow Fashion Week, Edinburgh Alternative Fashion Week and London Alternative Fashion Week. Her striking beauty features in numerous magazine and promotional shoots including Child Couture Magazine, Brand Model Magazine and Rising model magazine among others. Kayla features as Little Miss August in the Iconic Child Calendar (2019).
Kayla was the face of Chic for three years running and is in very high demand. She is also a brand ambassador for The Highland Dancer clothing company. Kayla is a talented actor too. Her film and TV credits include; Trainspotting 2 (2016), Bollywood Movie ‘Adam’’, and acclaimed BBC production ‘The Cry’ (2018). Kayla absolutely loves modelling, gymnastics, dancing and acting and she has had a lot of fun and has won several awards for all of the above. As well as an interest in cosmetology, she would love to carry on with her modelling and TV work. We think you will agree that Kayla is a rising star! Words by Fiona Williams
Photo: Allan Burness Photography
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Photo: Allan Burness Photography
Photo: CANeil
Photo: Allan Burness Photography
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There is nothing more alluring , than beautiful skin, loveing the skin you are in is easier said than done. Finding simple all natural skincare is a challenge; I am seeking the best and the struggle is so real. What you must remember is that your skin is your body’s largest and faster growing organ. The skin is made up of three layers: The outer layer (epidermis), the underlying skin (dermis) and the subcutaneous tissue, if the epidermis does not contain enough water the skin will lose elasticity and the texture of the skin will look and feel rough. So drinking more water will help, along with great skincare, which brings me to this amazing product. Puriskin formula is a natural made face and body moisturiser. It contains no nasties, the key ingredient is Comfrey Plant, a healing herb, and it also contains cucumber, which is Anti-inflammatory. This product is suitable for: Sensitive skin, Scars, Dermatitis, Razor Bumps, Stretchmarks. For more details visit www.puriskin.co.uk
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Paws2Rescue
Paws2Rescue is a UK Registered charity (1156882) that works to relieve the plight of Romanian dogs by supporting private shelters with food and bedding, raising donations for veterinary treatments and running education and neutering programmes. We also help some of these dogs to find loving family homes in the UK and across Europe. About Us We are a charity set up with the aims of feeding and helping provide shelter for the stray dogs of Romania, and to re-home dogs and puppies into the UK or across Europe. Charity Overview For the benefit of the public to relieve the suffering of animals in need of care and attention and to provide homes or other facilities for the reception, care and treatment of such animals. To educate the public in matters pertaining to animal welfare in general and the prevention of cruelty and suffering in particular but not exclusively to dogs in Romania. Alison Standbridge
Alison Standbridge ‘Dozens of dogs are injured in car accidents, some deliberately, and treatment costs an average of £300’: Mum on a mission to save the world’s most savagely treated dogs • Alison Standbridge, 47, has dedicated her life to abused dogs in Romania • Since launching Paws2Rescue in 2013, Alison has found a home for 2,000 dogs • She also works full-time in an insurance broker’s office and cares for her two kids By Tessa Cunningham for the Daily Mail We want you to nominate women for our Inspirational Women of the Year. The awards, in association with L.K. Bennett, raise funds for YoungMinds, one of eight mental health charities brought together by the Heads Together campaign. Today, TESSA CUNNINGHAM tells the story of another nominee ... Opening her laptop, as she does every evening after work, Alison Standbridge takes a deep breath and starts to click through photo after photo of dogs. These are not button-nosed puppies snuggling on their owners’ laps, however. They are dogs abandoned on the streets of Romania and the images are harrowing. Many of them are victims of depraved
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levels of cruelty, mutilated for fun or in brutal punishment. Some have been run over and left to die. Since launching Paws2Rescue in 2013, Alison and her 18 volunteers, all working from home, have arranged the adoption of some 2,000 dogs — dogs such as Portos, now living with a family on the south coast. The charity brought him here and paid for surgery to rebuild his jaw after he’d been attacked with an axe. Then there’s Hercules, beaten so hard he lost his eyes. He now enjoys life with his new family in the Midlands. Alison goes to Romania at least once a month, where Paws2Rescue supports 30 ‘amazing’ rescuers. ‘They are all volunteers and need our help,’ says Alison. ‘Although a lucky few dogs get adopted into homes, mainly in the UK, our key aim is to help rescuers with the thousands of dogs in their care.’ The charity also pays to have dogs neutered to limit the number of strays on the streets. The work is traumatic, and sometimes dangerous. ‘The way these dogs have been treated is the
stuff of nightmares,’ she says. ‘One rescuer has 30 dogs in his home, all paralysed after being hit by cars, often on purpose.’ On a fact-finding visit to a public animal shelter, Alison was threatened by the owner. Run on a shoestring by poorly-paid government employees, these shelters are open to the worst kind of abuse. There are no safety checks to ensure dogs are even fed, let alone housed properly. ‘He brandished a machine gun in my face and ordered me to leave,’ she says. ‘I filmed the whole thing, thinking: “If I die, then at least people will know what happened.” It was a horrific time. The government was blaming a stray dog for killing a fouryear-old boy and had ordered an immediate cull of strays. People were taking to the streets with spades - Alison
‘has raised £15,000 to pay for the programme’s teaching materials. ‘I get scared when I think how much I need and how many dogs rely on So far, we have 300 teachers and 6,000 students signed up.’ As well as raising between £5,000 and £8,000 a month to care for rescued dogs, Alison has raised £15,000 to pay for the programme’s teaching materials. ‘I get scared when I think how much I need and how many dogs rely on me,’ says Alison. ‘We are funded purely by donations. ‘Dozens of dogs are injured in car accidents, some deliberately, and treatment costs an average of £300, while food for one-month costs around £10. It costs around £250 to bring a dog to the UK and £21 to neuter a stray.’ She spends every spare moment fundraising through online
auctions, boot sales and charity fairs. ‘I’m lucky my family are supportive,’ says Alison, who, despite already having two dogs, adopted two from Romania. But though Alison is a pet lover and got her first dog 20 years ago, she had never campaigned to help animals until one day in 2012, when her dog-sitter mentioned the terrible conditions in Romania. Angela did some research — and what she found left her reeling. ‘Romania has had a problem with stray dogs for generations,’ she says. ‘It got worse during the Communist era in the Eighties, when people in rural areas were forced to move into town for work and left their pets behind. There’s no neutering programme, so the stray dog population has grown into millions. Thousands are tortured or killed for fun.’
Alison’s determination to change the fate of these dogs is truly exceptional and caring for sick animals is only the start. She now works to change attitudes and educate children about why it’s wrong to mistreat animals. Paws2Rescue has been working with the charity World Animal Protection (WAP) to create teaching packages for schools. ‘We are educating the citizens of the future,’ says Alison. ‘WAP has put together this brilliant teaching programme — now it’s down to us to get it into the schools this September. ‘So far, we have 300 teachers and 6,000 students signed up.’ As well as raising between £5,000 and £8,000 a month to care for rescued dogs, Alison 99
The Cherry Horse Welfare Project Founded by Annie Connolly www.justgiving.com/thecherryhorsewelfareproject I visited Romania for the first time in November 2017. Earlier that year, alongside my friend and fellow IAPWA ambassador, Dan Richardson, we kayaked 21 miles across the English Channel arriving in Brighton, where we then got straight on our bikes and cycled straight to London. This challenge was to raise enough money to fund a spay and neuter unit for dogs in Romania. I had been a dedicated fund raiser before the challenge and had participated in a Triathlon for the first time the previous year. Surprisingly, I came second in the event which I was not expecting, I simply just wanted to complete it. The funds from this bought a much-needed mother and baby isolation unit for a dog shelter in Romania. I was and am utterly resolute in my endeavours to raise awareness and subsequently to help the poor suffering animals in Romania. Once you learn the horrors, you cannot unlearn, and these facts motivate me every day to keep doing something. My ethos which I echo to anyone is, anything is better than nothing, every little thing adds up to the bigger picture. Undoubtedly, we all play a part. During this trip, despite the fact I was there to meet our potential partners for the essential spay and neuter unit, I was struck by the amount to working horses I came across on the roads. The sights were horrific. I was not prepared for the impact such sights would have on me. 100
I’ve had horses from being a little girl, I was riding ponies before I went to school. This gave me first-hand experience in understanding horses, how magnificent, physically strong, majestic, yet utterly sensitive and loyal, they truly are ‘big dogs’ those lucky enough to have them in their lives will agree with this comparison. These traits, however, undeniably make them vulnerable. Not long after this trip, I sadly and unexpectedly lost one of my horses, Cherry. She hadn’t had a great start to her life, and I vowed the day I lost her that she wouldn’t die in vain and anything I did to help horses would be done in her memory. I owed her, she saved me in more ways than anyone would ever know. The Cherry Horse Welfare Project is an outreach concept, working alongside existing charities, primely in Romania, but once the template has been established, I want to
duplicate the concept and work with other charities and organisations all over Europe. Another area I really want to tackle is horse slaughter and transportation from the UK to Europe and within Europe itself. I am excited to say I have a meeting arranged with a very enthusiastic MP, who will at least guide me in the right direction regarding this issue. Whilst in Romania, I also realised the very sad reality of the importance of implementing what may appear controversial, but an end of life strategy for these horses. So many, exhausted horses who’s working days are over, often endure long journeys mainly to southern Italy. Improving standards or stopping some horses travelling full stop is something I am passionate about dealing with. This is slightly more complex and will have to come with help at government level. But this is something I am determined to take on as Part of the Cherry Horse Welfare Project.
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NoToDogMeat Every year millions of dogs and cats in Asia are brutallyslaughtered for food and fur. Our charity mission is to change that through campaigning, education and rescue. #CrueltyIsNotCool. Let’s end it.
Photo: Robert Meader
Photo: Robert Meader
NoToDogMeat was founded by Julia de Cadenet, a dual-qualified lawyer, who first witnessed the horrors of the live meat markets in China in 2009. After lobbying for the rights of dogs in South Korea, where one dog is slaughtered every 13 seconds and torture is commonplace, she committed herself to mobilise others by raising awareness and to bring about change by starting the NoToDogMeat global campaign.
The charity World Protection for Dogs and Cats in the Meat Trade, the first charity of its kind in the United Kingdom was legally formed on May 24th 2013 and was placed on the UK Charity Commission register in November. We aim to promote enforcement of the ‘Universal Five Freedoms of the Sentient Being’ for the dogs and cats as defined in Article 7 of the OIE Terrestrial Code.
This campaign began on social media in April 2013, by a like-minded group from the fields of law, veterinary science, journalism and animal rescue – all motivated by their love of ‘man’s best friend’. People around the world responded immediately and on May 18th 2013 NoToDogMeat held public protests for the first ‘World Awareness Day’ against the dog and cat meat trade in over 36 towns and cities.
In China close to 10 Million dogs are skinned alive, their fur then sold for cheap clothing. Frequently, this barbaric cruelty takes place in front of children. Dog meat festivals such as in Yulin are commonplace and there is no regard given to health or sanitation. Koreans believe the more the animal suffers the better the meat tastes. This means dogs are beaten and blowtorched alive and cats are boiled to make soup
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and elixirs. Imagine a kitchen full of pressure cookers where cats are plunged into hot water alive. This happens in a sophisticated country – the home of brands like Samsung, LEG and Hyundai. In Thailand pets are stolen or bought for a plastic bucket and then sold, trafficked into Vietnam for nearly $250 each where they await the most unspeakable torture. And, in Indonesia dogs are burnt alive in open markets just minutes from tourist attractions. This epidemic of cruelty which extends throughout Asia and beyond has no place in the new millennium. NoToDogMeat respects cultural differences but does not agree with the systematic torture dogs and cats and the cultural practice of deliberately making an animal suffer. This is not farming but is an illegal, unregulated industry, run by criminal gangs and fuelled by greed. In May 2013, NoToDogMeat took a short film on the dog meat trade to the Cannes Film Festival (Marche du Film) using footage of cruelty gathered by longterm activist Kyenan Kum from IAKA. It was the first time ever the dog and cat meat trade had been exposed on such an international platform! Since then more videos have been made to show the horrors that dogs and cats are subjected to and was on mainstream media in October 2014 when Channel 4 broadcast their Unreported World documentary Vietnam’s Dog Snatchers.
Photo: Robert Meader
If you would like know more about to NoToDogMeat or join us, please call us on + 44 207 873 2250. You can also reach us on Skype: NoToDogMeat. Petition sheets, donation cheques and correspondence can be sent to our registered address: NoToDogMeat.17 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0PH UK.
NoToDogMeat now has thousands of active supporters around the globe. Each and every one is invited to play a part in changing history, share skills and contribute to making a difference. No action is too small! NoToDogMeat encourages active campaigning from all members and supporters. We pay tribute to the work of other groups – yet after 30 years campaigning with little effect we believe it is time to change approach. Being part of a global movement means every chapter can act autonomously in its events organising and campaigning activities, supported by our London team of volunteers and can access to regularly updated free material available for download from this site. All donations go directly to the registered charity and are carefully spent, with only a small portion spent on running costs.
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