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Cover Drive driving towards chart success! the lat est loo k! Fa sh ion Find out , s bur nin g‌ aga in! don Lon Rio ts EARN WHILE YOU LEARN
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Contents 4 NEWSFLASH News you can use 6 Local faces going places They’re in the Limelight! 7 Joe Jonas Going Solo 8 Jack the lad swing Interview with JLS 10 FASHION We've got style! 11 LLC NEWS Be the next apprentice 12 Space One big step to improving your performance! 14 The Riots Rising from the ashes!
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Call us today and take your first step towards a successful future “The training helped me to understand my job and it made everything clear for me.” Level 3 Information Advice and Guidance, Skills Factory London Learning Consortium, Wrencote House, 121 High Street, Croydon, CR0 0XJ Call on 020 8774 4040 | www.londonlc.org.uk | Email: londonlc@londonlc.org.uk Skills Funding Agency
16 Cover Drive
16 cover drive Lick Ya Down! 18 Careers What will you do? 20 reviewS Music, Films and Books 21 michelle gayle Pride and Premiership 22 Croydon College Education for the future 23 Margaret Thatcher The Iron Lady 24 sporTS The 'Beddington Bruiser' Editorial Team Editor: David X Shui-Jezierski, Assistant Editor: Barbara Bielecka, Sports Editor: Terrelle Iziren, Fashion Co-ordinators: Tanisha Harrison, Nadine Kellman and Nicole Bonnick, Editorial Assistants: Roxana Hall and Devan O’Donnell, Photographer/Writer: Charlie Burton, Contributors: Micah McDonald, Karina Sellars, Jamie D’Costa, Deborah Torr, Kassall Nsudoh, Jack Oughton, Brendon Finnerty and Kelsea Sellars, Web Designer: Obaid Khalid, Senior Contributing Editor: Sarah Lienard, Co-founder and Editorial Director: Adeline Iziren. Disclaimer Limelight is a lifestyle magazine for young people aged 11-25. No part of this publication may be reproduced or reprinted in any form, without the permission of the publisher, Rise Youth Group Limited which trades as Rise Media. The views within the magazine are not those of the publisher, but of the individual writer or contributor. All information in Limelight was correct at the time of going to press.
Editor’s Letter Limelight 3.0 has now hit the shelves, and it’s hitting hard! In this issue, we have gone all out to bring you some great reading material. Following the crazy teenage girl rampage at the JLS concert in Fairfield Halls, Croydon, we managed to sneak an interview with the band's JB, which you can see on page 8. We at Limelight love our music and we’re sure you do too! We talk to the band Cover Drive (page 16) and Pixie Lott’s mate Joe Jonas (page 7). Be sure to read about these young artists! In this issue we also have a double page spread on the summer riots. You can find out what a wide range of people think of the riots, including Trevor Reeves of House of Reeves and Croydon Central MP, Gavin Barwell. Find out why not going to uni isn’t so bad on page 18. We dispel some of the myths about uni and give advice about what to do! We turn political on page 23, with a focus on the legendary politician Margaret Thatcher, who stepped down as Prime Minister, 21 years ago, this month (November). We’re always looking for new members to help with the production of Limelight, so anyone interested should please email: adeline@risemedia.org.uk Enjoy! David X Shui-Jezierski David
special announcement Limelight is moving onwards and upwards, thanks to major apprenticeship training LLC’s CEO and Rise provider, the London Learning Consortium (LLC), Media’s Editorial Director writes Adeline Iziren, Editorial Director of Rise Media, which publishes the magazine. The LLC will be sponsoring the next three issues of Limelight, the third of which will be published next summer - just ahead of the much anticipated London Olympics. Stephen Jeffery, LLC's Chief Executive, said: “LLC are very excited to be involved with Limelight and as a community interest company, we are very keen to support the local youth community through this excellent opportunity!” Limelight has been available throughout Croydon, since November, last year. From November 2011, it will also be available in Sutton and Merton.
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News you can use
Get a job – through a Job Club
Young people in need
Do you spend a few hours a week or more looking after a relative with a long-term illness, physical disability, mental health issue or learning difficulty? It could be a sibling, a parent or even a grandparent. Well, if this sounds like you, then you’ll be pleased to know about the wellestablished Young Carers Support Project. The project offers a wide range of activities to support you, including: Trips and activities during the holidays; Support with school or college work; and One to one emotional support and counselling. Many young people are benefiting from the project. One person said the project lets her have “a break from home life and some fun without worrying”. Want to know more? Ring 020 8649 9339 (option 2). Edited by Barbara Bielecka & Roxana Hall
Law firms offer work experience to people from non traditional backgrounds Over twenty law firms have come together to launch PRIME, an initiative aimed at providing fair access to quality work experience, in the legal profession, for young people from less privileged backgrounds. Prime hope to provide around 2,500 work experience places a year to state school children by 2015. David Morley, chair of PRIME and senior partner of top legal firm, Allen and Overy, said: “It’s harder now than it was 30 years ago to get into the legal profession if you’re from an average or below-average income family. As a profession, we must change that by collaborating.” The initiative is supported by the Law Societies of England and Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. It is also supported by The Sutton Trust, an organisation which seeks to improve opportunities for young people from non-privileged backgrounds. For more information, visit: www.primecommitment.org. By Jack Oughton 4 limelight
Earn while you learn
Prepare for success An established charity which runs innovative projects designed to help 16-25 year olds in Croydon, Sutton and Merton develop employability skills, such as team work, has launched an exciting new programme. The programme is packed full of activities which build confidence and evidence those much needed transferable skills employers look for on CVs. It is delivered by Croydon-based Business and Education London South (BELS). Sue Murkin, a senior project manager at BELS, said: “BELS are embracing social media and so our young people are working with a professional film maker to create sound tracks and short films, then uploading them on YouTube. “Our young people are also working in collaboration with artists from Positive Arts, to create urban art statements on huge canvasses, using stencils and spray paints. We are then going to hold an art exhibition.” If you're 16-25 and not in employment, education or training then find out how you can get on the BELS project by texting the word ‘Interested’ and your name to 07792547958. Edited by Barbara Bielecka & Roxana Hall
How to become the perfect popstar Croydon’s very own Trevor Fisher has just completed The Popstars' Handbook, a three step guide to success in the music industry. Once a popstar himself, Trevor’s experience can’t be underestimated, as he’s toured with and written for artists such as R Kelly and Destiny’s Child. The Popstars' Handbook has information simple enough for youths to take in, but also advice designed to challenge young minds. If you would like your very own copy of The Popstars' Handbook, which costs £8, then simply go to Amazon or Trevor Fisher’s website: www.trevorfisher.com. By Terrelle Iziren
The newly launched School Leavers’ Programme of international accountancy firm KPMG has proven to be such a success that the company is to double its intake next year to just over 180. The programme gives school leavers a chance to enjoy paid full time work, gain a university degree, with the tuition fees paid and a professional accountancy qualification. The first year’s intake of students are studying for an accountancy degree at either Durham or Exeter universities.
From September 2012, applicants will also have the option of studying at the University of Birmingham. Oliver Tant, Head of Audit at KPMG, said: “We believe employers have an important role to play in helping to meet the costs of higher education, as it is employers who benefit from the results of higher education.” For more information go to the School Leavers’ Programme at: www.kpmgcareers.co.uk By Roxana Hall
The Job Club in Monks Hill, Croydon boasts a customer satisfaction rate of 80% and so if you’re still looking for work, give them a call. They can help you even if you don’t know what you want to do, as they’ll give you a skills audit to establish which jobs match your skills. And if you’ve got a CV they’ll help you improve that too, as well as help you prepare for interviews. Andrew Stranack, a community development worker, at Monks Hill, said the Job Club’s 80% success rate is “very good” compared to many other Job Clubs around the country, but he warned that to succeed job seekers need “patience and perseverance”. For more information, please ring Andrew on: 07816 123 204 By Devan O’Donnell For more News You Can Use, please visit the Limelight section of risemedia.org.uk
Build Yourself a Bright New Future With JACE Training Whatever your exam results JACE Training can help! • Ask us about Apprenticeships • Find a course that suits you • FREE for 16-18 year olds • Funding options for ages 19+ Childcare, Playwork, Business Admin, Hospitality & Catering, Customer Service, IT and Youth Work
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Work experience gives you the edge Student Jennifer Anafi-Acquah is keen to become a BBC science broadcaster when she graduates from university. She spends her free time gaining plenty of work experience to boost her chances of achieving this dream. The 20-year-old from Mitcham, works Jennifer for Radio St Helier, at St Helier Hospital in Carshalton. Her role involves deciding which topics to broadcast. Jennifer is also the editor of Focus, a careers publication for young people in Merton. She came up with the idea for the magazine and persuaded Merton Council to fund it. The first issue will be out this winter. “These days it's definitely harder to get a job, but doing projects like these definitely gives you the edge,” said Jennifer, who is studying biomedical science at the University of Westminster. If all goes to plan we should be seeing this talented young lady presenting a science programme on the BBC within 10 years! By Deborah Torr 6 limelight
Adam Hess realised his passion for comedy at Adam university and went on to enter the Chortle Student Comedy Award, which he won, with a prize of £1,000. A 2011 graduate of Sussex University, Adam entered the comedy competition after an “exhausting time” performing at the Edinburgh Festival. Previously he won a BBC comedy award, after performing at small university gigs. The former Whitgift School pupil credits comedians such as Bill Hicks and Daniel Tosh as his main source of inspiration, but the comedian he admires the most is Steve Martin. “In the 70s he was the funniest comedian and he’s still better than anyone around at the moment.” Adam hopes to see his career in comedy flourish over the next couple of years, starting off as a club comedian, before branching out into the comedy circuit. By Brendon Finnerty
Boredom led to a novel idea
Martin Kyemba started writing his first novel at the age of 12 because he had nothing to do. He kept writing and writing, until he had seven pages of the story done and dusted. His mum, Faith, was impressed and promised to do her best to get his story published. She sent it to numerous publishers and then after weeks of waiting she heard from Author House who went on to publish the novel – James Spark - on Martin’s 13th birthday. Martin In the novel, 11-year-old James is faced with many enemies and finds it hard to defeat them because they are his own relatives, including his grandfather – the Overlord. Of the novel, Martin, a Riddlesdown College pupil, explained: “The book is not just about James fighting his relatives. It shows that people go though a lot of challenges in their lives and they end up getting things out of these challenges if they persevere.’’ By Devan O’Donnell
Sarah joins the A list!
Sarah Lienard, Limelight’s senior contributing editor, left Wallington High School for Girls last summer with enviable A level results - an impressive A in media, A Sarah in history plus an AMAZING A* in English literature. Sarah, who grew up in Sutton, described herself as “crazily happy” about her grades, which means she now studies English Literature at Reading – her first choice university. Sarah, who wants to work as a journalist when she graduates, joined Limelight just last June, but has already taken on massive role writing for the websites of Limelight and Rise Media, the magazine’s publisher. By Devan O’ Donnell
Joe Jonas’s debut solo album Fast Life is out! While promoting it in the UK recently, the ever so sleek America pop star revealed he’s a One Direction fan and good friends with our very own Pixie Lott! On your new album you collaborated with many different writers, producers and artists such as Chris Brown and Lil Wayne. Has working with these artists been important in your musical transition to a more R&B influenced sound? Yes definitely. It’s always a good feeling when you work with artists who are that incredible. I’ve been lucky enough to have been able to work with some really amazing artists and some amazing songwriters. Who would you like to collaborate with in the future? Maybe Kanye West and British artists like Adele and Tinie Tempah,
To read the full version of this interview, check out ‘new stuff ’ in the Limelight section of www.risemedia.org.uk
Joe Jonas rates the current UK music scene
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Teenager David Mullane has been voted Croydon’s Next Top Role Model. The 18-year-old from Shirley was given the sought after title for his dedication to helping disabled children in Croydon, volunteering as a football coach and leading a Scout group. The Kingston University engineering student, who previously studied a BTEC in engineering at Croydon College, was given the title as part of an education project, organised by Croydon African Caribbean Family Organisation and Black Youth Achievements. In a recent interview with Limelight, David said he felt ‘incredibly emotional’ after he was presented with the Next Top Role Model award. “It’s an amazing achievement because I was in the final with some amazing people,” he recalled. David received his award from Britain’s Next Top Model Alisha White, at Shirley Community Centre, at the end of August. He has come a long way. At school, his teachers predicted he would get Es and Fs in his GCSEs. David put this down to the fact that he couldn’t “understand or grasp what was being taught”. But he went on to gain 11 GCSEs grades A-C. “I surpassed everyone’s expectations, including my own!” he recalled. By Kelsea Sellars and Roxana Hall.
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And the winner is... Croydon graduate crowned comedy king
something a little different from what I’m used to. Is it a little daunting going solo, after being in a band? Sometimes. But it’s cool to be able to do my solo stuff and so overall, I’m just happy. Did you get a chance to check out any of the UK talent that performed alongside you at The BBC Teen Awards in October? The current UK music scene is really amazing. I got to meet the One Direction guys and thought they were really cool. Pixie [Lott] is a good friend of mine and I love her music. Finally, are there any artists you would like to champion? You know what, I’m really liking One Direction’s stuff. I can definitely see myself checking out more of their music. Interview supplied by Chuff Media and edited by Barbara Bielecka
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FULL-TIME • PART-TIME • HIGHER EDUCATION • LIFE & WORK SKILLS • APPRENTICESHIPS
020 8544 4501
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cs@carshalton.ac.uk limelight 7
Interview
Is it a Jack? Is it a Lad? Is it a Swing? No, it’s... JLS! Since coming second in top TV series, The X Factor, three years ago, JLS’ s career has been anything but second rate. They’ve sold five million singles, won two MOBO Awards, two Brit Awards and enjoyed five number 1s. Despite JLS’s huge success, Limelight still managed to secure an interview with the band’s JB – a former Croydon resident and Whitgift School pupil By Jamie D’Costa , Kelsea Sellars and Devan O’Donnell
Limelight: What was it like growing up in Croydon? JB: It was hot, but I didn’t really spend a lot of my time there. I spent a lot of my time at school, playing rugby and doing music, and I didn’t finish until 5.30pm most days and then I’d go home and do some homework. Limelight: You attended Whitgift School as a teenager, How was that for you? JB: It was good, I loved it, I had a lot of fun there. I learnt Japanese and went to Japan, played rugby and really enjoyed it. Yeah it’s a really good school. Limelight: You performed at Fairfield Halls, in Croydon, would you perform there again? JB: Yeah, we performed at Fairfield Halls, but I don’t think we’ll perform there again though – we’ve surpassed the crowd capacity. Limelight: What is the craziest thing a 8 limelight
fan has ever done or given to you? JB: A girl once gave Aston a pink thong and told him to go jogging with her, ‘cos she’s got a matching one. Also a girl once walked up to Oritsé wearing some wrapping paper, and asked him to unwrap her. She wasn’t wearing much underneath. Ha ha ha.
JLS with Dev
Limelight: Moving on from fans acting crazy with you, do you ever get star-struck being around so many celebrities? JB: Not really. There’s never much to ask or to talk about because you know everything about them. Limelight: On your last single, She Makes Me Wanna, you collaborated with Dev. What was it like working with her? JB: She’s wicked and really cool. We did the video together, her whole team was fantastic. She’s very professional and works hard. We definitely got on well and I hope to work more with her in the future.
Oritsé Marvin
JB
Aston
“I don’t think a lack of things to do led to the Croydon riots.....it’s not hard for kids in Croydon to find something to do” Limelight: Is there any other artist you would like to collaborate with? JB: There are so many good artists in the world right now and we’d love to work with any of them. Limelight: What have you got in store for your fans on your third album? JB: We’ve already got 5 number 1s and we’re gearing up to release our 8th single which will hopefully be our 6th number 1. We’re very excited about all of it. Limelight: What was it like working in LA? JB: It’s an incredible environment. In the studio, you look to your left and look to your right and there’s always a pool and a lot of sunshine. You can’t really get that in any other country. We finish about 7 or 8pm and we can still go out and have a good time. Limelight: After hearing about the riots, do you feel there’s a lot in Croydon for youths to do? JB: Definitely. There are a lot of things out there such as football clubs. I don’t think a lack of things to do led to the riots – a lot of people just took advantage of the situation. I always liked to play rugby at the weekend and do other activities. If I wasn’t doing
sport or music then I was doing my homework, so I don’t think it’s hard for kids in Croydon to find something to do. Limelight: In your spare time, do you still play rugby? JB: I haven’t played rugby since I was at university, four or five years ago. Ha ha. Limelight: We understand you have started up your own charity, The JLS Foundation. Could you explain what that is? JB: It’s our own charity. We put on and organise events and distribute certificates. We also support our own charities individually. We raise funds to donate to other causes. Limelight: How does it feel achieving so much in a such a short space of time? JB: It’s incredible. But we haven’t achieved as much as we would like yet. Limelight: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? JB: Performing all around the world in South America, Asia etc. Limelight: Ok, we’re done now. But as a final note, what would you say to the young people growing up in and around London.
JB: Keep working hard. I didn’t know six years ago that I would be where I am now. No matter what you want to be, work hard and you will reach your dreams! Limelight: We will! Thank you! Jukebox, JLS’s third studio album is out now.
Quick fire questions with JB Football or Rugby? Rugby Apple or Orange? Apple Lemon or Lime? Lemon Skinny or Baggy jeans? Baggy Night in or Out? In PS3 or Xbox? PS3 Chelsea or Arsenal? Arsenal Edited by Roxana Hall limelight 9
fashion fix LL C ne ws Limelight’s fashion squad searched the streets of Croydon for those with the hottest look this season! Here’s a selection of the most stylish people
Name: bronte Age: 14 / Area: Caterham / Outfit: all from Topshop / Favourite shops: Asos Online and Forever 21
Name: Kedar Age: 16 / Area: Purley/ Outfit: shirt – Wrangler / Chinos – Topman / Vans (trainers) – Office / jacket – Zara / bag – Fred Perry / Favourite shops: Size, Urban Outfitters and Offspring
Name: tiffany Age:17 / Area: South Croydon / Outfit: jacket and top – New Look / trousers and shoes – River Island / Favourite shop: River Island
news
“An apprenticeship is a lot better than going to university!”
Sharon Playle left school without any GCSEs, but now she has a good job and a top LLC apprenticeship qualification. The 20-year-old from Bromley in Kent was already working as an Office Assistant and Receptionist at the Foyer Federation a homeless youth charity, in central London, when the organisation’s Chief Executive told her about the LLC’s apprenticeships. “He recommended I take the Level 2 Business & Administration Apprenticeship. I did some research online and then had a meeting with somebody from LLC before signing up.” Sharon’s role at the Foyer Federation involves answering phones and doing most of the admin. Now thanks to the LLC apprenticeship, her working life is so much easier. “I’m now better at organising and prioritising my workload, as well as being able to work under pressure,” she said. One of the highlights of the apprenticeship was the support she received from LLC Apprenticeship Assessors Anne Tanner and Catherine Flattery. “They gave me a lot of support,” she enthused. “If I didn’t understand the course work, they were always there to help me via email or phone and they would visit me at work every two weeks. If not for them I would have been in this on my own.” The apprenticeship gave Sharon more than just organisational skills and a paper qualification. It armed her with a good knowledge of her employment rights and entitlements such as pensions. “An apprenticeship is well worth doing as you learn so much and develop your skills on the job,” she explained. “It’s also a lot better than going to university as you don’t have debts to worry about.” Sharon now plans to start a Level 3 LLC Business and Administration Apprenticeship.
Celebrating achievement
Name: freddy Age: 19 / Area: Plumstead / Outfit: hat –Lids / jacket – H&M / combats – Blue Inc / trainers –JD / Favourite shop: Bank
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Name: arnold Age: 19 Area: Shrublands / Outfit: shirt and jeans – Next / trainers – JD / Favourite shop: Next
Name: wayne Age: 19 / Area: Plumstead / Outfit: top – H&M, jeans – Blue Inc / trainers –JD / Favourite shop: Blue Inc
Sharon Playle
The LLC's annual awards ceremony is taking place on November 29 in a stunning central London location. Three top awards will be up for grabs including Learner of the Year (16-24 year olds). Stephen Jeffery, LLC’s Chief Executive said: “As an organisation which helps young people develop their existing skills and learn new ones, it’s incredibly rewarding to see our apprentices grow in confidence and their abilities flourish. “Our LLC annual awards ceremony is a great opportunity to pay tribute to those individuals and give them the recognition and reward they truly deserve.”
Llc In The Limelight
LLC's partnership with Rise Media to sponsor the next three issues of Limelight is generating plenty of media coverage! National magazine Recruiter, a Merton Council publication and the Croydon Guardian are just some of the publications who did a positive write up on the new partnership.
An apprentice on her ‘uplifting beginning’ – thanks to LLC
Creating a new magazine for looked after children is one of Jamie-Leigh Clark’s many achievements, during a one year LLC Apprenticeship in Youth Work. The magazine, called Care Council, is now published four times a year and gives looked after children a voice. Jamie-Leigh’s other achievements during her apprenticeship include sending out a consultation survey to over 1000 looked after children and receiving over 100 responses – a feat which didn’t go unnoticed by her bosses. “They praised me a lot for this, as it is the biggest consultation response the council has ever had.” Jamie-Leigh, 20, grew up in care, from the age of 8 and was very keen to secure an apprenticeship which gave her an opportunity to work with looked after children and recent care leavers. Jamie-Leigh’s leaving care worker told her about a year long LLC Apprenticeship in Youth Work at Surrey County Council, which she completed at the end of October. The newly qualified apprentice from Woking in Surrey is “very happy” with her accomplishments. “The LLC apprenticeship enabled me to learn on the job, which I found much more useful than sitting in a classroom, but this is only the beginning, an uplifting beginning, which is going to help me succeed as a Youth Worker.” Jamie-Leigh now plans to do a Level 3 LLC Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care.
The Apprentice an employer's view
Emilie Le Pessec-Cole didn't expect the LLC apprentice her company recruited back in July to be so “resourceful”. The apprentice, Oriana Nash, 19, works as an Administrator at Naomi Neoh, a wedding dress design company in Dulwich, south London. “Oriana sorts out paper work for me, answers the phone and is great on the computer,” said Emilie, the company's Studio Manager. “She even designed our new website. It’s really amazing; we didn't expect an apprentice to be so resourceful.” Emilie found her job very stressful, before Oriana joined the company. “I was doing everything myself, but now Oriana helps out a lot and so I feel less pressured now.”
By Nicole Bonnick, Nadine Kellman and Tanisha Harrison
For more information about LLC's apprenticeships please ring: 020 8774 4040
11
A dance group from Birmingham had this rooftop opened up to them by somewhereto_
Rehearse!
SPACE is within your grasp!
Some of the country’s biggest young performers – from actors to dancers and singers to rappers – got where they are today despite not having the space to rehearse their craft. The good news is that if you’re a young performer,then you don’t have to struggle the way they did, as David X Shui-Jezierski found out Artists of all kinds, from dancers to bands, sometimes need space to rehearse, showcase their work or simply do their ‘thing’. Of course it can be difficult and expensive to find space and so thank goodness, the nationwide project , somewhereto_ exists to give 16-25 year olds a chance to access space, indoors or outdoors – for free! The project enables young people to propel their creative ambitions forward, with fewer difficulties than some of the stars we know today. Remember Twist and Pulse, the comedic street dance duo from Britain’s Got Talent? The duo, aka, Ashley Simpson (Twist) and Glen Coco (Pulse) didn’t have any open space to practice their dance moves and so they resorted to rehearsing in the kitchen with “mum cooking in the background”, said Glen. They even rehearsed in the car when they were travelling, which in my opinion, is a talent in itself. It’s not just dancers such as Twist and Pulse who struggled to find decent space for their art; actors and actresses have had their difficulties too. A group of actors from Skins – Freya Mavor, Jessica Sula, Dakota Blue Richards and Sebastian De Souza - all had trouble finding places to rehearse and so made the most of their local supermarket, restaurants and even lifts! It’s a miracle they’ve managed to get to where they are now! Singer Katy B had similar problems finding space. Katy B, whose debut album On a Mission, reached No 2 in the UK albums chart, once performed 12 limelight
“just in-between the belts and accessories in an H&M on Oxford Street,” she recalled. The singer only managed to find decent spaces once she started to get to know other musicians, but even then it was still difficult. “Giving free space to young people is a great thing, because it does stifle your creativity when you haven’t got anywhere to practise,” she said. Katy B, Twist and Pulse and the Skins’ actors all had the experience of not finding anywhere to practise their creative talent and agree that finding a place to practise is key to success. Legacy Trust UK ran a pilot phase of somewhereto_ in 2009. Demand for space grew tremendously as a result of the pilot and in 2010, Livity, a youth engagement agency, received £5 million from Legacy Trust UK to deliver somewhereto_. for more information, visit somewhereto.com Edited by Roxana Hall
Berez (standing) with band mates
Case Study
The upcoming music group Urban Maestro struggled to find a place to showcase their talent, but with somewhereto_ they were able to find space and perform to a wide audience. Berez Williams from the group “really appreciated the opportunity” and said that it was great to “expose Urban Maestro’s talent”.
“Giving free space to young people is a great thing, because it does stifle your creativity when you haven’t got anywhere to practise” Katy B limelight 13
Riots
After a Night of Chaos, We Came Together ‘Riot’ is a word we mainly associate with the Middle East, however, for the first time, in the lifetime of the Limelight team, ‘riot’ is associated with locations within walking distance, following the tragic night of August 8 2011
LIMELIGHT EDITORIAL
The Croydon riots came as a shock to many of us, the owners of furniture store House of Reeves in particular and other families who lost businesses and homes. The blame for the riots has been blindly fired everywhere, from parents to government, to even Call of Duty and other video games. There is no one to blame but those who rioted, and so the question of ‘why?’ arises. There is no explanation, as Trevor Reeves, a director of House of Reeves, said: “People were in the wrong place at the wrong time, caught up in something they did not want to be part of.” Defacers of society turned a peaceful protest into a riot, which was then mimicked across the country. These riots showed society’s dark and violent side. Unfortunately the majority of those jailed will come out no better than when they went in and so we will be back to where we began. The government deficit needs to be reduced, and so a reduction in services is inevitable. It has to be understood that the government cannot just get
money from thin air without paying it back, and for a while that was what many people thought. Although we can moan and complain, we cannot ask for more services from the government. We must live with this short term pain. Those who riot are only prolonging the pain.
TREVOR REEVES GAVIN BARWELL INTERVIEW INTERVIEW
Following the riots in Croydon on August 8, Limelight went to hear the opinions of Trevor Reeves, director of the now iconic burned down furniture store, House of Reeves. “It was devastating when I saw our building going up in flames. The blaze was so large I couldn’t go anywhere near it. I live in Kenley at the moment, but I lived in the building that burned down for 25 years of my life. The riots were not a race thing or a youth thing. They were started by a lot of idiotic people who think they can do what they like, when they like and get
“The riots were not a race thing or a youth thing. They were started by a lot of idiotic people who think they can do what they like, when they like and get away with it” Trevor Reeves 14 limelight
away with it. Prison sentences should be much harsher, so people know what they have done is wrong. Prison should be prison. It’s supposed to be a place worse than the one you are in at the moment so you don’t want to go there. You hear stories of people going to prison because it’s better than the life they lead…that’s not right. ”
We’ve heard the views of Trevor Reeves, but what does Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell, have to say about about the riots? “I won’t pretend to have all the answers. With sufficient men and riot gear, the police could have broken up groups when they began to form. There is a wider problem about making sure people have access to jobs and benefit from working hard and doing the right
Fright night: House of Reeves store burning in Croydon
A night of shame: A woman jumps from the window of her burning home
A Brief History of the riots 1981 Where?
Brixton, Birmingham, Leeds & Liverpool Causes? High inflation & unemployment, racial tensions between the police and black communities
1985 Where? Birmingham, Brixton, Tottenham Causes? Racial tensions between black communities and the police 2001 Where?
Bradford, Oldham and Leeds Causes? Racial tensions between white and Asian people
2011 Where?
London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Nottingham Causes? Unclear
VOX POP What can be done to prevent more riots in future?
Micah McDonald, Tanisha Harrison and Devan O’Donnell took to the streets to find out what people think needs to be done to stop the riots happening again
Nathan Hunter
17, performing arts student, Mitcham, Surrey To stop young people getting involved in riots you’ve got to bring back youth clubs, as there is nothing to do. Many parents were rioting too, including a few of my friends’ parents.
Stephen Skilton
Demi Gibson
Stop government cuts – they are why people are rioting. They have taken away the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), they need to reinstate it.
We need stricter laws and more police out on the streets. The rioters were ridiculous and stupid because they complain they need work, but they were breaking into shops that can give them work.
17, performing arts student, Elmers End, Bromley
18, job seeker, Addiscombe, Surrey
Derrick Elliot
45, lecturer in construction, South Norwood, SE25 We’ve got to start at grass roots level by giving control back to parents. When the police said can parents call their children, there was no chance, because they’ve got no power. It’s basic discipline that is needed.
Susan Fowkes
31, Lifeline youth worker, Morden, Surrey On the one hand lack of respect will have to be tackled hard, on the other hand male role models will somehow have to be given more importance in their home and at school.
“The rioters were ridiculous and stupid because they complain that they need work, but they were breaking into the shops that can give them work”
Lisa Bonocore
34, receptionist, Croydon, Surrey Better engagement with young people is needed to find out why they felt it was acceptable to behave the way they did. I think teaching right from wrong needs to start much younger – from the age of reason, say 2. Punishment should be a deterrent, rather than an inconvenience, which it is at the moment. Jail rather than tagging or fines is a deterrent.
limelight 15
Chillin’ With...
Cover Drive with Limelight
cover drive
Limelight’s Kelsea Sellars, Micah McDonald and Devan O’Donnell caught up with Cover Drive, in August, a few days before the release of their first single, Lick Ya Down
Amanda
Jamar
T-ray
Bar-man
“One time, when we were in Nandos, people stopped to ask us if we were Cover Drive. We were so shocked they even knew our name!” 16 limelight
Limelight: So how exactly did the group get together? Amanda: We all went to college together and we were all pursuing music; we all love music. We were all doing it individually, but it never dawned on us to actually start a band. It was his (T-ray) mom’s idea to start a band, we call her Momager (laughing), but yeah we’ve been together (as a band) for two years. Limelight: You began your music career in Barbados, what’s the music scene like out there? Amanda: It’s colourful. We have lots of calypso, lots of
reggae, and lots of ska. Limelight: There’s lots of reggae in Barbados? Amanda: Yeah, of course, there’s lots of it. We also get a lot of mainstream pop music from the UK and the US. T-ray: Yeah, there’s like one station which plays that kind of music and the rest is Caribbean music (laughs). Limelight: So what UK artists do you get a lot of ? Amanda: Ellie Golding, Jessie J, Dappy. We all really love Dappy. We also love Jessie J. We love so many artists because there is just so much talent in the UK! Limelight: Where do you get your name from? Bar-man: Well my dad, the comanager, is a crazy cricket fanatic and he wanted a name that tied in with the Caribbean and that was also kinda cool. He said Cover Drive is the name of a shot in cricket. All: Laughing Limelight: You describe your music as Carib pop, what’s that then? Amanda: Carib pop is a mixture of Caribbean music and mainstream pop music, so you’ve got your Carib pop on one hand, that’s your reggae, your dub, your dancehall, your ska and your calypso and then you’ve got your mainstream pop music. Bar-man: Then you put it in a blender and there you have your Carib pop! Limelight: Can you explain what Lick Ya Down, the title of your first single means? Amanda: It means to knock someone down. We’ll do a little sketch for you guys. [The group then begin to re-enact a scene in a moving car] Jamar: I’m walking down the road (acting voice) Amanda: Look out, that car is gonna lick ya down! Limelight: So we’ve all watched your music video on TV, do people stop and recognise you on the street?
Amanda: Yeah, there was this one time, when we were in Nandos and people stopped to ask us if we were Cover Drive. We were so shocked they even knew our name. There was also this other time, when we were in a gas station, and one person knew us. By the time we left the whole station was singing along to Lick Ya Down. It was amazing!
Quick fire questions Lime or Lemon Lime! (We have our weekend lime sessions on YouTube, so there could only be one answer) Cricket or Football Football (soccer) Cornflakes or Rice Crispies Rice Crispies Bus or Train Train Coke or Pepsi Pepsi New York or London Amanda: We can’t choose, they are both so different from one another but we love them both! Sunny or Snowy Sunny Plane or Boat Plane Beyonce or Rihanna Amanda: Aww, we can’t choose again, they are both amazing! Limelight: Sadly, that’s the end of the interview Jamar: Oh man, keep in touch! limelight 17
Careers
I’M LEAVING SCHOOL-OMG! It’s a weird fact of modern life that when it comes to one of the biggest decisions that you’ll ever have to make –what are you going to do when you leave school – you’re given very little information. Recent research showed that although over 75% of students had been given information about university, fewer than 50% had been told about apprenticeships or vocational qualifications and virtually none had been told about the career benefits of a gap year. www.notgoingtouni.co.uk helps over 100,000 students every month to make an informed decision about what they want to do next. If you want to go to uni then that’s cool, we’re fully behind the graduates, but we also think that every school leaver should know about all of the options that are open to them. Take a look at the site for a more in-depth view on this but we wanted to start by exploring some of the myths that crop-up around university.
MYTH: You need a degree to get a good career. This is simply not true. There are of course a number of careers such as medicine that do require a degree. However you can become a solicitor through the ILEX scheme
or an accountant through the AAT and both routes can be quicker and cheaper than university!
MYTH: A degree makes you more employable. Most employers are looking for the same thing, some relevant experience and a good attitude. Relevant work experience is the biggest challenge graduates face when hunting for their first job. While they have spent the last three years in a classroom, vocational students have been working in industry, gaining valuable experience and proving themselves to prospective employers. Who would you rather hire?
MYTH: Graduates earn higher salaries. There is a general perception that graduates always earn higher salaries. Again this not true. A couple of recent surveys have shown that both apprentices and graduates are likely to earn around £100k more across their lifetime than those who have not chosen either of these routes. You also have to factor in that current graduate unemployment rates mean there’s no guarantee you’ll even earn a salary if you go to uni.
“You can become a solicitor through the ILEX scheme or an accountant through the AAT and both routes can be quicker and cheaper than university!” 18 limelight
MYTH: Everyone goes to uni. It may feel like everyone is going off to uni, but there are plenty who choose the alternative routes. The truth is the overwhelming majority of students DO NOT go to uni. Everyone has different goals and personal situations (otherwise the world would be a boring place) and what works for one may not work for another. Be very sure it is what YOU want; being pressured into it could prove costly!
MYTH: Vocational learning is for people who do badly at school.
A vocational education is about learning on the job, rather than in the classroom, and in many cases it is the preferred way of getting into a career. Vocational learning is for anyone who wants to start their career and earn while they learn; and that covers all sorts of people, not just the ones who were keen to get out of school. In 2010 approximately 280,000 students started an apprenticeship scheme, 45,000 more than the previous year.
Now for some facts
Almost 1 in 3 people drop out of university Sometimes people go to uni because they feel it is expected of them and is one reason why people drop out. Others lose interest in the subject, lack focus, miss friends and family, underestimate the study involved, or find uni proves unaffordable. Student debt is expected to hit £50k In addition to rising tuition fees, students have to pay for accommodation, living expenses, books, transportation and more. The whole package can get expensive, very quickly. Do you really want to start your working life £50k in debt? For more info on alternatives to university, please visit: notgoingtouni.co.uk
Choosing a different path Jon Strong chose the... apprentice option
This time last year I didn't have a clue what I was going to do when I left school. I was just finishing my A levels and everyone was talking about UCAS points and going to university. I didn’t want to go to university, mainly for two reasons: I didn’t want to be in debt and I didn’t
want to carry on the subjects I took at A level. When I finished my A levels, I spent 4 months living and working in France. When I came back to England, work wasn’t readily available and I was advised to start claiming benefits. I did and started looking for work, but for nearly 3 months, all my applications were met with a similar response – “Sorry, we’re looking for someone with more experience.” Being turned down not for lack of qualifications, but for lack of experience (something they don’t warn you about at school) was hard, and made me look into how I could get this experience. I discovered apprenticeships, which seemed too good to be
true at first, because there weren’t any requirements and I could get experience, money and qualifications all at the same time. After researching them, I started applying and was in due course successful in my application for an Advanced Apprenticeship in Business Administration. Since then, I haven’t really looked back and I’m happy with my decision. I believe that there are many young people out there right now in the same situation I was in. My advice would be to talk to your tutor, meet with your school/local careers advisor and use the internet for guidance and advice. To read the full version of this interview, check out ‘new stuff’ in the Limelight section of www.risemedia.org.uk
“Lack of experience stopped me from getting a job. But with an apprenticeship, I got experience, money and qualifications all at the same time”
Sutton & District Training Sam
Jack
Sonny We offer courses in
• Hair and Beauty E3, L1, L2 and Apprenticeships • Construction, including: E3, L1 Painting and Decorating, Plumbing, and Carpentry, L2 Painting and Decorating • Business Administration Apprenticeships • ICT • Sales and Marketing L1 • GCSE Maths and English • Enrichment Activities • Outward Bound Activities For more information contact Matt Stay or Sasha Jenner on 020 8687 2489 Email: Matt.Stay@suttondistrict.co.uk
Interview
Reviews
Book
Pride & Premiership 4/5
Michelle Gayle
A scene from The Inbetweeners
Remy has her sights set on only one type of partner - a filthy rich footballer. With the help of her older sister Malibu ( and her strict set of rules) her dreams of a glamorous life, with her very own golden balls doesn’t seem very far away. But as she is introduced to the seemingly wonderful world of the WAG her goals change, which only leaves one question: Is this really what she wants? This hilarious novel is ideal for teenagers.
Limelight’s Micah McDonald and Karina Sellars caught up with former EastEnders' star Michelle Gayle to chat about her debut novel - Pride and Premiership
By Karina Sellars
Album Film
The Inbetweeners Movie 4/5
The X Factor winner’s much anticipated debut album has hit the streets and frankly, despite all the pre-release hype, it’s a little disappointing. The album is full of similar sounding songs, which got on my nerves. Having said that, the album does deserve praise for soulful tunes with touching words. The gripping lyrics really can touch the heart and you can really relate to what Matt is saying. Still, this does not make up for the album being full of average tunes. This is something you would never hear banging out of a stereo in a club, and dancing to it is way out the question. Overall, Matt has a very average album.
Fans of the TV series will know what to expect of this movie: outrageous behaviour, slightly awkward scenes and rather unique social interactions – all of which ensure the teenage foursome get a worthy send-off, well, at least until the American re-make comes out. Will, Simon, Neil and Jay travel to the exotic island of Crete in Greece where they continue their antics of trying to ‘get some’. Of course, things don’t go as well as planned, what with Simon’s obsession with his ex, Jay’s over-reacting hormones, Will’s nerdish mannerisms and Neil’s… well… Neil is always happy. Credit has to be given to Ian Morris and Damon Beesley, the writers of the TV show and the movie, for continuously coming up with brilliant, memorable gags that aren’t clichéd. I especially liked the classic gags. involving Will and disabled people. I have never laughed so much since watching the Peter Seller’s ’70s Pink Panther movies. You’ll not be bored for a single moment during this film – it’s a must-see.
By Barbara Bielecka and Roxana Hall
By David Shui-Jezierski
Matt Cardell Letters 2/5
20 limelight
Single
Cover Drive Lick Ya Down 3/5 Lick Ya Down, the debut single from Bajan foursome Cover Drive is definitely a must for your feel-good music playlist. With its infectious rhythm and tongue in cheek lyrics, it’s no surprise the single entered the UK singles chart at number 9, back in September. For more on Cover Drive, please visit: Wearecoverdrive.com By Kelsea Sellars
Micah: Do you think girls are pressured into being wags and living the wag lifestyle? Michelle: They may not be pressured necessarily, but they are definitely influenced by the media to look pretty, go shopping and lead what is perceived to be a great lifestyle. Micah: It must be an easy lifestyle. Michelle: Well, it’s definitely not as easy as it looks, but then if you’re from a council estate in Stonebridge, it’s still better than living that way, if you know what I mean. So that’s why I think, if you’re a working class girl and you haven’t got any qualifications and you’re pretty , you may think “that’s my route out,” whereas I think a better route out is to educate yourself. Micah: Along the same lines, do you think boys are pressured into becoming footballers? Michelle: I think boys are pressured into becoming footballers and rappers, definitely, although again, I don’t think its pressure, it’s more influence. For example you may think “this is how my mate did it” or “this is how Jay-Z did it” or “this is how Dizzee did it,” but it’s so much harder than it looks and for everyone who makes it, there are at least thirty or forty who never make it. That’s why I say education is the key; make sure you have a backup plan. Micah: What would you say is the general message behind the book? Michelle: I think the general message is to go out there and get it going for yourself; have your own game plan, your own way of making money, so you never have to rely on a partner to look after you. Micah: I think that’s a good message.
Karina: How would you describe the process of writing a novel? Michelle: It’s tough. At some stage you keep writing and then deleting, but you never move forward. It’s so frustrating. Then you get to the stage where you have to move forward. For example, I decided to write at least 1000 words a day and I wouldn’t leave my computer until I had done that.
Karina: As this is your first published book, was it nerve-wracking letting your novel out to the public? Michelle: Yeah, the most nervewracking part is when you go to a publisher with it because they get so many books they never publish and so you hope they don’t think yours is [rubbish]. But when the publisher says they like your work it gives you a confidence boost. Then when the book comes out you are nervous again, but this time about whether the people buying the book will like it or whether people reviewing the book will like it and so it’s very nervewracking all the time. Karina: What is the process of publishing? Michelle: After I finished the book I went into a lot of schools and did a lot of workshops with teenage girls. Their positive reactions to the book gave me confidence to then go to publishers and say that the girls I worked with really liked my book and said they would buy it. That’s a very odd way of getting a book published, most people don’t do it that way, but that’s how I did it. Karina: That’s great! Thanks for speaking to us, that’s all the questions we have, bye. Micah: Bye.
“The general message of the book is to go out there and have your own game plan, your own way of making money, so you never have to rely on a partner to look after you” limelight 21
Croydon College
21st century education
Anniversary Special
the Iron Lady “I came to office with one deliberate intent: to change Britain from a give-it-to-me, to a do-it-yourself nation” It is now 21 years since Margaret Thatcher stepped down as Prime Minister (November 28 1990). Nicknamed the ‘Iron Lady’, she was a key figure in British politics, radically transforming many aspects of British life. Charlie Burton and Brendon Finnerty highlight the former Prime Minister’s impact on Britain and also the world
Croydon College has undergone extensive refurbishment over the past few years. The most recent addition to its capital investment project – a landmark extension to the College has just been completed. This is not a facelift; Croydon College is serious about providing its students with the very best facilities and resources to ensure their current and future success. The project provides some of the best facilities in London and enables the College to continue delivering the training needed by both residents and businesses in South London at every level: from Entry to Postgraduate. There has been a complete refurbish-
ment of the third and fourth floors and a considerable extension to the Fairfield building. This new space provides a state of- the-art Learning Resource Centre and more social and learning space designed to encourage more self-directed and group study opportunities for students. The new facilities also enhance the learning experience for students of the performing arts with the provision of a new performance hall and industry specification recording studios. The initial phase of the refurbishment saw £15 million spent on the development of shared facilities such as a new refectory for students and staff;
industry standard hairdressing and beauty salons; a new suite of construction and engineering workshops and the opening of Chefs Restaurant and Bar, with the best training kitchens available, where the public can sample the culinary delights prepared by the students. With over 13,000 students choosing to study with the College each year, Croydon College is one of the largest providers of Further and Higher Education courses in the South East. It offers more than 350 qualifications. For more information please contact 020 8760 5914 or go to www.croydon.ac.uk.
www.facebook.com/croydoncollegeofficial 22 limelight
@croydoncollege
Margaret Thatcher was such a powerful politician, that many young people, including those from Limelight, are able to name at least one of her policies – even though they were not born when she left office. Mrs Thatcher was elected Britain’s first female Prime Minister in May 1979 and went on to win three general elections in a row – a feat not achieved by any post-war premier. Mrs Thatcher will be remembered for many of her radical policies, which include: Taking on the miners. Miners went on strike in 1984 over Margaret Thatcher’s decision to close down unprofitable coal mines. The miners had brought down the previous Tory government, then led by Edward Heath, and Mrs Thatcher was determined to succeed where he had failed. Referring to the miners in a speech shortly after the strike began, she said: “We always have to be aware of the enemy within, which is much more difficult to fight and more dangerous to liberty.” After a year on strike the miners conceded defeat. Mrs Thatcher’s strategy of preparing fuel stocks and making sure
Margaret Thatcher: “I’m extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end” the police were adequately trained and equipped with riot gear, contributed to her victory. Mrs Thatcher closed 25 unprofitable coal mines in 1985. Many more were eventually closed, resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of jobs. Privatisation. In 1980, privatisation was a relatively unheard of concept. However, Mrs Thatcher adopted it to transform loss-making public companies into successful privately owned businesses. It was so successful that other countries began sending experts to Britain to observe how privatisation could work. ‘Right to buy’ scheme. Mrs Thatcher passed legislation allowing council tenants to buy their homes at a discounted rate depending on how long they had lived in them. This is regarded as one of Mrs Thatcher’s key policies because its aim was to reduce poverty and help people climb their way up the property ladder. As she herself once said: “I came to office with one deliberate intent: to change Britain from a give-it-to-me, to a do-it-yourself nation.”
“We always have to be aware of the enemy within”
Famous Thatcher Quotes “There’s no such thing as society” “You do not achieve anything without trouble, ever” “You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it” “To those waiting with bated breath for that favourite media catchphrase, the U-turn, I have only one thing to say: You turn if you want to; the lady's not for turning!” “We have become a grandmother” “I don’t think there will be a woman Prime Minister in my lifetime”
Ex Prime Minister Tony Blair with Gaddafi “I never hugged him, I bombed him,” Mrs Thatcher said of Gaddafi in 2011 limelight 23
Sports
Interested in Finding Work?
‘Beddington. bruiser’.
Are you 16 – 19 and Not in Education, Employment or Training?
programme Then join our FREE training Charlie (in blue) fighting against Ben (in red) Baker of Wales
and get job ready. What you can expect:
activities l Enjoyable, creative
to get involved in with inroads l Supported job search to work oy new l Make new friends, enj skills experiences, discover your on, Advice l Personalised Informati ly team and Guidance from our friend
What young people say about BELS...
‘I come because I want to not because I have to’ 19 years old Mikey were set ‘The tasks we explore allowed me to have’ the capacity I ars old Rebecca 17 ye
‘Wkd!’ (Wicked) Greg 18 years old
sparring for a 2012 Olympic place Beddington born lightweight boxer Charlie Edwards, 18, remains confident of booking his place for the London 2012 Olympics, despite losing his World Championships fight against Junior Zarate of Argentina, in October. Dubbed the "Beddington Bruiser", Charlie lost the match by a close score line of 17-15. However, he refuses to dwell on this defeat nor his considerable achievements. He won gold at the
24 limelight
2007 European Schools Championships and was the Golden Gloves Champion of 2007 and 2008. Charlie's more recent achievements include winning a bronze medal at the 2011 European Championships and a place in the British Amateur Boxing Association's 11 man Olympic selection team. Charlie's father and coach Larry Edwards has played a big part in his suc-
cess. The boxer praised him for giving "useful advice on what to eat to keep in good shape and prepare for fights". When asked about his experience of the World Championships, Charlie was upbeat, despite his defeat: "It was a great experience and I enjoyed every minute of it," he said. "It's been a big learning curve for me." By Terrelle Iziren, Limelight’s award-winning sports editor
Find out how we can help you create your positive future
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Limelight gives 11-25 year olds a chance to have fun while developing key skills such as team work and communication - the kind employers need! If you like what you’ve read and would love to get involved in social media, design, PR, writing, photography, editing or sales, then get in touch! Contact adeline@risemedia.org.uk
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Croydon College
Open Events 2011/12
Plan your next step by visiting us and: • Find out about the courses. • Meet the tutors. • Speak to students about life at the College.
• Take a look around the College and its facilities. • View demonstrations. • Get a copy of the latest prospectus.
Open Event Dates:
– 2.00pm Saturday 26/11/2011 11.00am – 7.00pm Wednesday 08/02/2012 4.00pm – 7.00pm Wednesday 21/03/2012 4.00pm – 7.00pm Wednesday 02/05/2012 4.00pm
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– 7.00pm Wednesday 27/06/2012 4.00pm
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