CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION ACROSS ALL COMMUNITIES
DECEMBER 2023
Connecting Communities - Inspiring A New Generation Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market already buzzing - Page 3
Greggs to throw free Christmas party in Birmingham - Page 14
20 million Americans planning an RV vacation - Page 28
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here is one thing the United Kingdom’s former home secretary, Suella Braverman, cannot be accused of, and that is being afraid to speak her mind. It is the right of every government minister to defend the interests of their country and its citizens. However, as home secretary, Suella Braverman has not only been very strong in her tough stance of safeguarding the interests of the UK, it can be claimed that she has probably gone too far. Even though she has only been in office for the better part of a year, her words have resulted in controversy and divisions in her own political party and the country as a whole. The home secretary is responsible for law enforcement, immigration and national security. Suella Braverman is a hard right member of the Conservative Party who interestingly, has now been fired twice from this position primarily for speaking out and not toeing the party line or messaging. In short, it was her choice of words that seemed to have contributed to her undoing. Some of Suella Braverman’s messages and intentions can be regarded as important. The problem, however, is not the message or the broad policy being articulated, but the use of language. For example, tackling the decades old problem of illegal migrants entering the country is important. One solution she actively supported was the Rwanda policy. However, her harsh tone can distract from the actual broader message. On October 4 2022, for example, she said she would love to have a front page of the Telegraph with a plane taking off to Rwanda, as that was her dream and obsession. She went further by describing asylum seekers as being engaged in an ‘invasion’ of the south coast of the country. While most people would probably agree that the UK needs to tackle the issue of illegal immigrants crossing the English Channel to enter the country, Braverman’s tone might not help the situation. As part of her stance on tough stance on law and order she has often stated her opposition to mass demonstrations. On October 18 2022, for example, she referred to demonstrators such as Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil as ‘tofu-eating wokerati.’ Speaking with reference to the Israel-Gaza war on October 30 2023, she referred to the chants of pro-Palestinian
TOUGH TALKING BRAVERMAN AND THE ESCALATION OF TENSIONS IN A DIVIDED BRITAIN
demonstrators as amounting to antisemitic attacks. There was, she claimed, only one way to describe these marches and that was as hate marches. Here again, as at the time of writing this article, these so called violent hate marches, have in the main been relatively peaceful. Suella Braverman also made inaccurate claims when she said in the Daily Mail that gangs of men who prey on young women were ‘almost all British-Pakistani’. A 2020 Home Office report, however, later concluded that groupbased child sexual exploitation offenders are most commonly white men, and the press regulator stated that Mrs Braverman’s statements were misleading. The Daily Mail later withdrew the article. Despite the controversy over
Braverman’s tough stance and her choice of words, in recent times a number of people have come out in support of her. A few members of the Conservative Party agreed with her statements about the pro-Palestinian marches and her support for the Rwanda policy. However, her stance on immigration and strong opposition to the pro-Palestinian marches have found support from far right groups. On Remembrance Day November 11, around 300,000 people turned out for a large pro-Palestinian rally in London and the police arrested at least 126 people during the demonstration and counter-protests, with 82 being counter-protesters. Some of these counter protesters were football supporters and members of the far right group, the
English Defence League. A few of whom were reported to have said they were there because of Suella Braverman’s words about the police being too soft on some protests. According to them, Braverman was the only one speaking what many people throughout the country were thinking, but too afraid to articulate publicly. The key point, though, as we saw in the USA with the storming of the Whitehouse, responsible government leaders must be careful with their words, as they can inflame passions and lead to public disorder. It will be interesting to see whether Suella Braverman will continue to project this controversial persona if, as many expect, she decides to run for a future party leadership position.
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NEWS
BIRMINGHAM’S FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS MARKET ALREADY BUZZING FOLLOWING OPEN DAY EXCITEMENT
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ollowing the launch of Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market, it’s already anticipated that millions of people will be flocking to the city for its annual extravaganza. The event, based on New Street and Victoria Square, will be open each day until December 24. And, as one of the city’s most lucrative of tour-
ist attractions - which is worth an annual value of £350m to its economy - this year’s Christmas Market is already promising to be one of the best, with more than 100 stalls up to attract every visitor’s culinary delight. From monster frankfurters to apple strudel and, of course, the very best in German beers, the hugely popular Frankfurt Christmas Market is back with a bang
and is already bringing an exciting array of food, drink, gifts and much more. Other major attractions that are also drawing massive attention to Birmingham’s city centre sees the Big Wheel and Ice Rink also open in Centenary Square, with both of them remaining on site until 7 January 2024.
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THE BIG GIVE CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE SET FOR THIS WEEK
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he Christmas Challenge utilises Big Give's ‘pledge’ model of match funding. The Pledge model offers supporters of participating charities the opportunity to double their donations with match funding provided by a charity’s pledgers and Big Give’s Champions. A multitude of good causes to choose from. Here
are some local ones that you might consider donating to: Chickenshed: Creative Pathways An inclusive creative training programme, supporting children aged 11-18 years from all educational and social backgrounds to gather skills, knowledge and experiences to support their development as inclusive creative leaders of the future.
The Felix Project: Give the gift of nutrition this Christmas - In the last year, thousands of people - many of them children - have been admitted to hospital suffering with malnutrition and vitamin deficiency diseases such as rickets. With your help, we can get fresh, nutritious food to children, young people, and their families who are most at risk.
Mayor's Fund for London: A fairer future for young Londoners - The cost of living crisis is unbearable for an increasing number of young people from low-income backgrounds. At the Mayor’s Fund for London, our food, education and employment programmes help to safeguard and transform the life chances of over 35,000 4–24-yearold young Londoners every year.
EMPOWERING LAMBETH'S NEXT GENERATION: MILLENNIUM COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS CONFIRMS LAUNCH OF INNOVATIVE DIGITAL EDUCATION HUB
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iving in one of the top 10 most dangerous London boroughs, the youth in Lambeth are vulnerable to recruitment into gangs. One organisation is here to change that by providing children with the unique skills to succeed in an increasingly digital world, helping to better prepare them for the world of work, and protecting them from the allure of gang culture – now, it’s entering the next phase of its work with an exciting new launch. Millennium Community Solutions (MCS), which was founded by Rev Gail Thompson, a wheelchair user of 35 years due to MS, has reached an impressive
milestone. The team have successfully taught over 3000 children, aged 5-11, to code in after-school coding centres situated throughout Lambeth. These centres, active five nights a week within council estates, have become a beacon of learning and opportunity for the community's youngest members. On the back of this remarkable achievement, MSC has confirmed the launch of a new digital hub to transform tech education in Lambeth. This project was made possible thanks to a collaboration with the Borough of Lambeth's resident engagement team. It will open on December 7th at 3 pm at 1 Opal Street, Kennington SE11 4HZ.
From getting online and VR to coding and gaming, the hub will help to bridge the technology gap by providing essential skills training and safeguarding access to digital resources. The joint efforts of Lambeth Council and MCS have been instrumental in creating this transformative facility. The Digital Hub will offer a constructive and engaging alternative for young people, steering them away from the danger of involvement with gangs. The hub has been designed as a safe and nurturing space and will host a variety of digital services, from beginner coding in Scratch to advanced programming in Python, HTML, and JavaScript.
The tech setup at the hub will feature PS5 consoles and expansive TV screens for a fully immersive experience that aims to captivate young minds. Notably, all are services provided entirely free of charge. MSC aims to foster an environment where children aged 5-11 can enjoy technology through both gaming and educational movie sessions, indoors and outdoors. MCS's approach is 360, as these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to make technology exciting and accessible to all ages and encourage them to explore other tech-related skills, such as coding.
PM Modi calls for India to take global leadership in 6G at Asia's biggest tech show
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the swift roll-out of 5G in India and raised the clarion call for India to take a leadership role globally in 6G at the 7th Edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2023, the largest telecom, media and technology forum in Asia. Jointly organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the three-day forum-cum-exhibition witnessed participation from over 67 countries under the theme of Global Digital Innovation. In his inaugural speech, PM Modi also announced the '100 5G lab Initiative', which aims to develop 5G applications to foster innovation across socio-economic sectors and build a 6G-ready ecosystem in the country. According to Mr. Ramakrishna P, CEO, India Mobile Congress (IMC): "It has been a great experience seeing IMC grow over the years to emerge as a platform showcasing India's growing prowess as a technology, telecom and manufacturing powerhouse to the world. “This year's edition showcased over 620 use cases, 5G technologies, 6G demos, AI/ML, IoT, Network automation, semiconductors, electronic manufacturing, green tech and women in tech. A notable addition to this
year's IMC was Aspire, a pioneering start-up initiative showcasing around 400 startups from across the country. “Several educational institutions also showcased their innovations. We are especially enthused with the noteworthy participation from over 67 countries and look forward to increased global representation in the coming years." During IMC 2023, more than 400 speakers participated in over 80 sessions conducted on a range of subjects including Industry 4.0, 5G Applications, Enterprise Digital Transformation, Sustainable Development, Monetizing Connectivity, Role of India in global semiconductor landscape, 6G standardization, Meeting India's telecommunications needs, Network Evolution beyond 5G, Evolution of AI and Future of Networks and others. Besides leading Indian companies, notable international brands like Ericsson, Intel, Nokia, Cisco, Accenture, AMD, Qualcomm, MediaTek, Red Hat, Bosch, VMware, Ciena and others were also present at IMC 2023. India Mobile Congress 2023 also recognized outstanding achievements in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Telecom, Media, and Technology (TMT) sectors in over 16 diverse categories at the coveted IMC 2023 awards.
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PRIVATE HIRE FIRM PAVES THE WAY IN LITTER PICKING INITIATIVE
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irmingham’s biggest private hire operator, A2B Radio Cars, is setting an example for keeping the streets clean. In a bid to tackle cleanliness in the Midlands, the organisation has donated £1000 to Clean & Green voluntary community group and have co-hosted a community litter pick. A2B Radio Cars, a regional brand of the UK’s fastest growing private hire technology platform Veezu, gathered a team of volunteers from their staff to litter-pick across the Smith’s Wood area of North Solihull with eight volunteers from Clean & Green on Thursday 16 November. Clean & Green, founded by Paul 'Pablo' Sultana in 2016, is the largest litter-picking group in North Solihull, boasting a cohort of around 1,110 volunteers. Alongside the physical impact the group have had on the environment, they pride themselves on the impact they are having on attitudes towards littering. Based on a council estimate that it costs approximately £50 in resources for every bag of litter that is removed from our streets, Thursday’s pick of 35 bags saved the council the equivalent of £1,750. To combat the perception that taxi drivers were notorious for littering in the area, volunteers from A2B Radio Cars took the opportunity to become more involved with the community and show their support for the local area by joining the litter-pick. Their donation will also support Clean & Green’s community and environmental initiatives going forward. Graham Hoof, Regional Oper-
ations Director for A2B Radio Cars, said: “The work of the volunteers of Clean & Green is hugely admirable in dedicating so much of their time to better their community. “Their commitment and sense of responsibility is infectious and goes a long way towards encouraging others to do the same. We are keen to grow our partnership with Clean & Green and further support their efforts.” Lee Browning, a leader at Clean & Green and councillor for Kingshurst, Solihull, said: "With the generous £1000 donation, we will invest in more equipment. “This will include replacing boots, trousers and gloves for protection in woodland areas, and buying a supply of gloves and high vis jackets for existing and future volunteers. Any remaining funds will go towards a free community fundraiser we’re hosting on Saturday 16 December at our local church and community centre.” Paul Sultana, founder of Clean & Green, said: "North Solihull is more deprived compared to Central and South Solihull which is much more affluent. “There are high levels of unemployment here and we recognise the need for more resources which we just don't have access to. It is great to have a national business like Veezu recognising the need for support in this area of Solihull, which is often overlooked. “With their enthusiastic volunteers and generous donation, Veezu is setting the example for how any company, regardless of size or industry, can get involved in community work and support their local area.”
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Business & Finance
LJI WINS TOP TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION AWARD 3RD YEAR IN A ROW
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esolution, the national organisation for family justice professionals in England and Wales, has announced Birmingham lawyer Adam Maguire as the new chair of its West Midlands group. A partner at national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP, Adam Maguire takes the reins from outgoing chair Chris Lloyd-Smith, to head up the regional subcommittee of the organisation which covers Birmingham, the Black Country, Wolverhampton and Worcester. Resolution provides training and educational resources to members, ensuring they can support families and individuals during difficult times whilst also promoting alternative methods of dispute resolution which helps families find more amicable solutions and avoid the costs and acrimony associated with court. There are also networking opportunities. The organisation advocates a non-confrontational approach to
oyalty Juggernaut (LJI), the first cloud-native technology platform for loyalty programs and ecosystems, have announced that it has won its 3rd consecutive 'Best Technology Innovation' award at Global Flight's Loyalty & Awards 2023 conference. "This award holds remarkable prestige as it is determined by a panel of actual loyalty practitioners and loyalty strategy professionals. Congratulations to the LJI team for completing a winning trifecta. It's a testament to their focus on innovation," said Ravindra Bhagwanani, Managing Director of Global Flight. "Loyalty Juggernaut's Pulsar represents a pioneering approach, harnessing Generative AI to swiftly craft highly personalized and effective loyalty campaigns." "Loyalty today is a technology-driven business. LJI continues to demonstrate thought leadership and forward-thinking ways in delivering cutting-edge technology innovations to help drive superior customer engagement and simplify the everyday management of loyalty programs," said Pablo Sordo, Chief
Strategy Officer at Viva Aerobus. This marks the third consecutive year LJI has won this prestigious award. Prior awards were for: •2021: GRAVTY Visual Rules: the only patented "no-code" rules engine of the loyalty technology industry to empower loyalty professionals to deliver greater personalization. •2022: G-Sense: AI-powered intelligent anomaly detection for real-time monitoring and management of loyalty programs to ensure commercial integrity and operational reliability. "We are incredibly proud to receive this distinguished award again," said Shyam Shah, CEO of Loyalty Juggernaut. "I would also like to congratulate the winners in other categories: Aegean Airlines for Best Marketing Campaign, Etihad Airways for Best Use of Technology, Global Hotel Alliance for Excellence in Management, and Accor/Qantas for Best Loyalty Partnership. We are honored to be featured among such industry giants. “Receiving three awards for three unique technology innovations is a tribute to our customers, who we learn from and innovate for."
resolving family law issues and also lobbies for a fairer family justice system. Adam Maguire, who has acted as vice-chair of Resolution since 2021, said: “I am really passionate about helping people navigate family law issues in a constructive, non-confrontational way. This includes supporting individuals themselves and providing legal representatives with the right tools and resources to facilitate this.
“As vice-chair of Resolution I have seen first-hand how our work makes a huge difference to peoples’ lives. I am looking forward to continuing this work while expanding our range of events and membership as chair.” Adam specialises in all aspects of private family law at Clarke Willmott including cohabitation, separation, divorce and related financial issues, disputes concerning children and nuptial agreements.
Birmingham’s Premier Training Centre Honours A Black Excellence:
ward-wInnIng journalist, editor and publisher Dr Christopher Johnson writes his monthly column in The Phoenix aiming to inform, educate and entertain.
Celebrating Educators, Community by Dr. Christopher A. Johnson Leaders, Trailblazers and Resilience"
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he Birmingham social firm, Potential Unlocked, will host ‘The Potential Unlocked Awards’ on Saturday, 3 February 2024 at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham B5 7QU. This annual gala event which started in November 2018 with a modest gathering of 50, has since mushroomed to over 300 persons in recently. The awards are dedicated to inspiring and empowering young people who have excelled in academia and other disciplines. The visionary CEO and founder of Potential Unlocked, David
C. Hall, is the catalyst behind this annual awards ceremony. His personal journey of overcoming academic setbacks due to dyslexia, strengthened his resolve to host this prestigious event to honour people who are 40 and under. As a student, he developed strategies including a learning system, that significantly improved his academic performance which led to an achievement of 5 GCSEs above his predicted attainment level(s). He is currently a multi-award-winning learning consultant, bestselling author, and motivational speaker who
is dedicated to unleashing the potential of children and young people whilst enabling them to exhibit greatness. Dr. Dennis Kimbro, bestselling author of 'Think & Grow Rich' – A Black Choice, will be the keynote speaker whilst award-winning personality, Greg McKenzie, will be the presenter of the evening’s proceedings, beginning at 5.30pm. Yet, the 2024 awards event comes against the backdrop of troubling statistics on young people of black heritage. For instance:
• 2,300 UK children of black heritage backgrounds face permanent exclusion for every 10,000, compared to 1,400 white children. • Over 4 million UK children are poor. 30% of Black high-level ethnic groups live in low-income households, surpassing the national average. • Career progression disparities affecting black people (Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2015). • Only 1% of UK black educators achieve Headships. “Representation is a vital and the ‘Potential Unlocked Awards’ actively addresses this by spotlighting inspiring black individuals by providing role models, and promoting diversity and inclusion. Through our platform, we empower young people and foster a more equitable and inclusive society”, said Hall. The vision of the awards does extend beyond the event itself. Potential Unlocked has fostered successful partnerships with local schools, organisations, and initiatives that support education and youth development.
Through these collaborations, the organisation’s work is impacting beyond the awards ceremony thereby making a lasting difference in the lives of young individuals. in the background. In April 2017, Potential Unlocked Tuition was established to empower children and young people to improve their academic performance. It became apparent that a holistic and therapeutic approach to supporting child development was key to not only accelerate academic performance, but to give young
people the resources to build and lead fulfilling, successful and transformed lives.. The organisation’s name was changed to Potential Unlocked to reflect training programmes for children and young people through the firm’s Inspire Your Greatness Accelerators” initiative. For further press information on next year’s event, please contact David C Hall on 0121 405 0853. Email: info@potentialunlockedawards.com Website: www.potentialunlockedawards. com
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
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250,000 UK & IRELAND VISITORS IN 2025 THE NEW TARGET, SAYS BARTLETT
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inister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has set a new target to welcome 250,000 visitors out of the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland by 2025. This follows on the heels of Jamaica being the number one Caribbean destination among UK visitors last year. "Jamaica welcomed two hundred and twenty-nine thousand UK visitors last year, making it the number destination in the Caribbean for British visitors, and we plan to aggressively build on this number,” said Minister Bartlett. “With additional airlift with the upcoming Norse flights next month along with our other long standing airline partners, I am confident we will be able to meet this target". The announcement was made at an exclusive media event held at the Jamaica stand at World Travel Market (WTM)
in London. Bartlett is accompanied by Chair of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) John Lynch and Senior Advisor and Strategist in the Ministry of Tourism, Delano Seiveright. WTM London, one of the world’s largest tourism trade shows, facilitates £2.8 billion in industry deals and has attracted some 5,000 exhibitors from 182 countries and regions and more than 51,000 participants. The new Norse Atlantic Airways service to Montego Bay is scheduled to begin in December, operating four times a week from London Gatwick. The island is already easily accessible from the United Kingdom through daily nonstop flights provided by Virgin Atlantic Airways departing from London Heathrow, British Airways departing from London Gatwick, and TUI departing from Birmingham, Lon-
don Gatwick, and Manchester. Elizabeth Fox, Regional Director, UK and Nordics, Jamaica Tourist Board, said: "We are truly grateful to be number one in the Caribbean for British travellers, and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team. “With this new target, it means pushing even more to achieve this goal and retain the number one spot". In the first half of 2023, Jamaica witnessed a significant increase in arrivals from the UK with a remarkable 69.2% surge in overall visitor arrivals compared to 2021. This growth has resulted in record-breaking earnings exceeding US$2 billion. The island is poised to welcome over 3 million visitors by the end of the year with foreign exchange earnings of an impressive US$4.2 billion.
M&S OPENS BRAND NEW SECOND CITY STORE
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brand new two-storey Marks and Spencer has opened in Birmingham's Bullring shopping centre, in the unit once
occupied by Debenhams. It marks a new chapter in the city for the retailer, which had been located on High Street since 1904. The 65,000sq ft (6,038sq m) en-
terprise is one of several new M&S stores to open in England this month following an investment of £80m. Despite cost-of-living issues, managers have said retail remains strong. M&S said through November it would be launching at least one new store every seven days - two further new openings are planned, alongside three new food halls and a further three store revamps. It is part of plans by the retailer to switch from 247 stores to 180 higher quality ones, alongside ambitions to open more than 100 improved food outlets by 202728. Manager of the new Birmingham store Emily King said it was brilliant to bring an empty unit in the Bullring back to life. "We've opened in the heart of Birmingham," she said. "It's a huge investment in the city centre which we're really excited about." In January, M&S said 3,400 jobs
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would be created in the UK as part of plans to revamp stores. The retailer returned to the FTSE 100 index of Britain's biggest listed companies in August for the first time in four years, after a surge in its share price. Strong performances from recently relocated stores had given the brand "the confidence to go faster", it said. Sacha Berendji, M&S operations director said: "Increasing numbers of customers are heading back in to stores to experience the best of M&S all under one roof, supported by outstanding service from our colleagues, and we expect this to continue as we head into Christmas. Alongside the store openings, more than 10,000 new customer assistants are being recruited to support stores over the festive period, a 40% increase on last year.
British Airways resumes cheap flights to Riga British Airways has resumed its route to Riga, in Latvia, after a 15-year hiatus. They will operate three weekly flights from London’s Heathrow Airport to Riga International Airport this winter. The airline previously flew to Riga between 1997 and 2007. The revived route offers affordable return fares starting at £73 ($88), and they will use Airbus A320 and
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A321 aircraft. Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ director of network and alliances, expressed excitement about strengthening connections between London and the Baltics and welcomed travellers to explore Riga on this new service. The inaugural flight arrived in Riga on October 30 with a traditional local welcome.
Page 9 - The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023
THE FUNERAL OF MOMMA JEN
CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS
g n i t o Prom xcellence E
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EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT
As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting the positive and inspirational individuals and organisations in our communities, The Phoenix Newspaper presents Promoting Excellence - a closer look at our role models, entrepreneurs, community figures and success stories.
COMMUNITY COURSE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN POLE POSITION AGAIN PIC - L-R: Councillor Stephen Simkins, Leader of the Council with volunteers Joanna Rejowska,Tany Khaja, Salma Hassan, Asif Altaf and Mohammed Aman with one of the new go-karts
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ity of Wolverhampton Council are helping a local initiative supporting young people in the city to race ahead once again. Wolverhampton Community First (WLVCF) is a volunteer-led initiative that primarily focuses on supporting young people to access skills and training as well as entrepreneurial support. Part of their work is running an entry-level Motor Maintenance course which has become very popular, especially since they added a go-kart
element. To date, WLVCF has successfully delivered this course six times to young people who have been at risk or involved with anti-social behaviour, giving them experience of both practical work and the theory. Unfortunately, WLVCF’s two go-karts were stolen recently and their course came to a halt until the city council agreed to purchase replacements. Leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, Councillor Stephen Simkins said: “Times are extremely tough right now for everyone but that should not mean
University to hosts Nobel Prize winner for public lecture on immigration and identity
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ollowing his death in 2003, the Department of English and Comparative Studies inaugurated an annual Edward Said
Memorial Lecture to honour the prominent literary scholar and renowned public intellectual. Said understood criticism to be a
that organisations like this should have to abandon their hopes and ambitions. “As a council, we want people to thrive and realise their ambitions. WLVCF is a volunteer-led organisation which has done some outstanding work with young people. “I’m very glad we’ve been able to award funds for new go-karts to get the Motor Maintenance course back on the road to support the vital work done by Saj and his team WLVCF; they provide invaluable services for young people in our local community.”
'humanistic activity' encompassing 'erudition and sympathy', sensitivity to 'inner tensions', and an openness to imponderables and mysteries. His own finely-tuned responsiveness to the singularity of any piece of writing with which he engaged, is evident in his innovative and surprising interpretations of both canonical and marginalised literature. These same writings also register the obligation felt by Said to make visible the actual affiliations that exist between 'the world of ideas and scholarship on the one hand, and the world of brute politics, corporate and state power, and military force on the other.' The University of Warwick had twice hosted visits from Edward Said. In 1994 the Department of English together with the Department of Philosophy held an International Conference on his work and the work this has generated. Papers presented at this conference were later published as Cultural Readings of Imperialism: Edward Said and the Gravity of History, ed. Keith Ansell Pearson, Benita Parry and Judith Squires (1997). In 2001 Said received an Honorary Degree. On both occasions his crowded lectures revealed his singular ability to bring politics to scholarship and scholarship to politics. This annual lecture is free and open to the public.
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CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT
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THE FUNERAL OF MOMMA JEN
PROFESSOR WINS DAVID COHEN PRIZE FOR LITERATURE
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oet, memoirist and novelist John Burnside, Professor of Creative Writing at the University of St Andrews, has been named the winner of the 2023 David Cohen prize for literature. Dubbed ‘the British Nobel’, the £40,000 prize is awarded biennially to a British or Irish writer in recognition of an outstanding body of work. Professor Burnside was announced as the winner at a celebration in London. Chair of judges Hermione Lee said: “John Burnside has an amazing literary range, he pours out a cornucopia of beautiful words, and he has won an array of distinguished prizes before this one. “He casts a spell with language of great beauty, power, lyricism and truthfulness. There is much
EDI QUALITY MARK UNVEILS INITIATIVES TO REVOLUTIONISE EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION IN EDUCATION When it comes to equality, diversion, and inclusion, every educational institution faces unique challenges. One company, EDI Quality Mark, is on a mission to support academic facilities in fostering an inclusive community with their consultancy services and free online workshops. For the advancement of education to be truly equitable, it is vital that every student is afforded equal opportunities. With equality, diversity, and inclusion pivotal to progress, EDI Quality Mark is excited to introduce two initiatives aimed at revolutionising the way schools embrace EDI. These initiatives, the EDI Quality
Mark and free online workshops, aim to empower educators and create inclusive learning environments that celebrate diversity. The EDI Quality Mark represents a comprehensive approach that goes beyond racial equality, embracing all nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. Schools can enrol in an accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course, which enhances their EDI expertise. As a testament to their commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, schools will receive a commitment certificate. Virtual support through online sessions and scheduled calls ensures
that schools receive guidance and support along the way. The co-authored strategy allows staff to actively participate in embedding EDI at all levels, fostering a sense of collective responsibility. Schools can showcase their EDI journey through evidence presented in a PowerPoint presentation. The free online workshops provide school staff with the tools and insights necessary to foster an inclusive classroom environment. With fifteen fully funded workshops, educators can access these resources easily through CPD Solutions. Due to limited availability, early bookings are recommended to secure a spot in these workshops. Hartwell Mhunduru, Director of EDI Quality Mark, emphasises the significance of these initiatives, saying: "The EDI Quality Mark embodies our vision for an inclusive educational future. “It's a step toward creating schools that celebrate diversity, ensuring every student and staff member thrives, irrespective of their background. Together, we're shaping a more inclusive educational landscape."
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sorrow, pain, terror and violence lurking in his work: he is a strong and powerful writer about the dark places of the human mind – but he’s also funny and deeply humane.” Prof. Burnside has written sixteen books of poetry include Black Cat Bone, which won both the T.S. Eliot and the Forward Prizes in 2011 and, most recently, Ruin, Blossom, which will be published in April 2024. Amongst his prose work are the novels Glister and A Summer of Drowning; three memoirs, of which the most recent is I Put A Spell On You; and The Music of Time, a personal history of twentieth century poetry which was a Financial Times Book of the Year in 2019. Accepting the award, Professor Burnside said: “I have to say that, considering the list of previous
winners, being added to such a company is more than a little daunting. At the same time, it’s a reminder that every writer is gifted with a live tradition and that tradition is rooted, not in mere fashions and fads, but in what Eugenio Montale called, with characteristic succinctness, the ‘long patience, conscience and honesty’ of those who precede us.” The winner of the David Cohen prize must nominate an emerging writer whose work they wish to support via the £10,000 Clarissa Luard award. Professor Burnside has chosen Abigail Peters, a St Andrews alumna and young writer currently working on her first book, a coming-of-age memoir set in the fens. Prof. Burnside said: “Having worked for two decades with postgraduate writers, I have had occasion to meet students who
show real potential in their craft for some way down the line – a year hence, say, or a decade (patience being the chief virtue of any writer). “It is a rare pleasure, however, to encounter someone who is already there, fully defined and confident in their gifts and, at the same time, aware that writing is a lifelong and demanding discipline. “In exceptional cases, I am struck with the immediate sense of a writer who is not only alert to the possibilities of narrative and the subtle pitfalls of memory, but is also attentive to the nuances of place and character and speech. Abigail Peters possesses all these gifts and more – and I am fully confident that we will all be reading her work for decades to come.”
PUPILS TO GET CLOSE TO NATURE COURTESY OF DEVELOPER’S DONATION Tony Taylor-Broadhurst, Standards and Maintenance Manager Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust with Rob Payton who is a Senior Construction Manager at MORRO Partnerships.
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primary school in Birmingham is transforming one of its ponds into a nature hub, thanks to a generous donation of items from a local developer. MORRO Partnerships, which has over 20 active sites in the West Midlands, recently provided staff at the Firs Primary School with a multitude of pond equipment, with the long-term vision to help pupils learn more about the nature living within the water. Among the items donated were pond liners, filters and pumps, which will all help to create an area where children can learn about this habitat and develop their learning. MORRO’s donation is one of many examples of the developer’s commitment to being better community and better environment makers, aligning with the company’s brand values in the
areas it builds in, with the developer’s Stoney and Bayley Croft site near to the school. Using the equipment provided, the school plans to, along with fish, introduce frogs and newts to the environment, all of which seeing first hand can help the children understand how different species live in their own areas. Derek Fance, Headteacher at Firs Primary School, said: “We are so pleased that MORRO Partnerships have been able to help up with these items to help get our pond up and running again. “This is a great example of how companies like MORRO have a positive impact on the lives of young people that live in and around the areas they work in. The children are very excited to see the pond up and running – thank you to all involved.” Chris Timmins, Managing Director at MORRO Partnerships, said:
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“I’m really proud that we’ve been able to make the donation for such a worthwhile cause. “For children to be exposed to nature from an early age is really important, and to be a part of helping to develop their learning feels incredibly rewarding. At MORRO, we pride ourselves on looking after the environment and our local communities, so to have supported Firs Primary School in this way is important to us.” Previously named Jessup Partnerships for over 30 years, the developer has recently re-branded to MORRO Partnerships. Created on the solid foundations of its new purpose to be Better Tomorrow Makers, MORRO have developed a modern and digital-first brand that reflects its growth over the last year and its promise to continue building sustainable communities across the Midlands.
Page 11 - The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023
CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS
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ADOPTION & FOSTERING
How 24 children welcomed into families during country’s annual Adoption Day
T COUNCILS CALLING FOR MORE FOSTER CARERS
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ew data has shown a fall of 11% in local authority foster carer households and 8% in mainstream fostering places in the UK since 2019, leading councils to place children in more expensive residential homes. The drop has been driven by an 11% decrease in the number of mainstream local authority households, down to 19,835, with the government saying that it was investing £27m in fostering place availability. Official statistics published by Ofsted show that, as of 31 March, there were 72,770 approved mainstream fostering places in England, - which is down 8% from the same date in 2019.
Chief executive officer of membership organisation Foster Support, Jane Collins, said: "As they fail to retain foster carers, financially local authorities waste an incredible amount of money, but in addition they lose all that experience and training." The number of independent fostering agency households has risen by less than 1% since 2019 to 15,170. At the same time, 'family and friends' households - sometimes known as 'kinship foster care' - have risen from 6,930 to 8,400. The Children's Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, said that she was frustrated support for kinship carers and foster carers was not a greater priority for the government. She said: "The
King's Speech was a missed opportunity. “I want to see all political parties stepping up to support these children, our children, and the absolute heroes - kinship carers, foster carers, who want to take these children into their home." A Department for Education spokesperson said every child deserves a "safe and secure home", which councils had a responsibility to provide for all those in their care. They said action being taken to support foster carers included raising financial allowances and reducing tax rates. "We are also investing £27m to deliver a fostering recruitment and retention programme so foster care is available for more children," they added. Chair of
the ADCS Health, Care and Additional Needs Policy Committee, Nigel Minns, said the latest statistics highlighted the urgent need for recruitment. "The high cost of these placements places pressure on severely stretched council finances," he said. "The government must address this." One charity, Now Foster, wants to see more people encouraged to foster once in their lives, rather than it being viewed as a permanent job. Its chief executive officer, Sara Fernandez, said: "If we had many more foster carers, those foster carers already in the system should be under less pressure."
wenty-four children were officially adopted by Milwaukee-area families as a part of the county's annual Adoption Day celebration. Many of the kids adopted have gone through the foster care system. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families says at any given time, as many as 6,000 children need foster care in the state. WISN 12 News was given the opportunity to follow the Miller family through the process of officially adopting their daughter Zari on Friday. She has been in Mandi and Ben Miller's home since she was 4-weeks-old. She's now 3-years-old. "We are here to adopt our daughter, Zari," said Mandi Miller. "It is really exciting, because it is the celebration of National Adoption Day, which is November 18, and it is National Adoption Awareness Month. So, the courthouse is really exciting today, and it's all just happy, happy days. You know, foster care has a lot of ups and downs, but today is just happy and joyful." Miller says she knew she wanted to be a foster mom since she was in high school and first encountered a woman named Claire who was fostering kids. Completely coincidentally, Claire ended up being the Millers' court-appointed CASA worker while they fostered Zari. Miller says it was a
complete full circle moment. "Claire has watched this foster journey with us, and been there, and come to our house, and given Zari gifts, cookies and books," said Miller. "She's just wonderful. She was on the Zoom today watching the adoption. So in honour of that, Zari got the middle name 'Claire.'" The Millers actually have five kids under the age of four in their house. They are fostering three other kids right now and have a biological baby girl, in addition to Zari. They say they hope to adopt two more of their foster children this spring. "As a foster parent, the goal is always reunification, and when that goal is not safe or appropriate, that's hard for any family," said Miller. "We recognize that there is loss and trauma in any foster-to-adoption case, and we recognize the bittersweetness of today. But we can also hold that, at the same time with our excitement." The Millers hope their story can inspire other adults to consider fostering children. "I think foster care is a scary thing for families to really embark on," said Miller. "You don't know what's going to happen. But it is a need in our community, and we need more foster parents to step up and love these kids. Love them if they go back and love them if they stay."
ly exciting today, and it's all just plete full circle moment. biological baby girl, in addition to ment." How 24 children welcomed happy, happy days. You know, "Claire has watched this foster Zari. They say they hope to adopt The Millers hope their story can care has a lot of ups and journey with us, and been there, two more of their foster children inspire other adults to consider into families during country’s foster downs, but today is just happy and come to our house, and giv- this spring. fostering children. and joyful." en Zari gifts, cookies and books," "As a foster parent, the goal is "I think foster care is a scary thing annual Adoption Day Miller says she knew she wanted said Miller. "She's just wonder- always reunification, and when for families to really embark on," to be a foster mom since she was in high school and first encountered a woman named Claire who was fostering kids. Completely coincidentally, Claire ended up being the Millers' court-appointed CASA worker while they fostered Zari. Miller says it was a com-
Twenty-four children were officially adopted by Milwaukee-area families as a part of the county's annual Adoption Day celebration. Many of the kids adopted have gone through the foster care system. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families says at any given time, as many as 6,000 children need foster care in the state. WISN 12 News was given the opportunity to follow the Mill-
er family through the process of officially adopting their daughter Zari on Friday. She has been in Mandi and Ben Miller's home since she was 4-weeks-old. She's now 3-years-old. "We are here to adopt our daughter, Zari," said Mandi Miller. "It is really exciting, because it is the celebration of National Adoption Day, which is November 18, and it is National Adoption Awareness Month. So, the courthouse is real-
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ful. She was on the Zoom today watching the adoption. So in honour of that, Zari got the middle name 'Claire.'" The Millers actually have five kids under the age of four in their house. They are fostering three other kids right now and have a
that goal is not safe or appropriate, that's hard for any family," said Miller. "We recognize that there is loss and trauma in any foster-to-adoption case, and we recognize the bittersweetness of today. But we can also hold that, at the same time with our excite-
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said Miller. "You don't know what's going to happen. But it is a need in our community, and we need more foster parents to step up and love these kids. Love them if they go back and love them if they stay."
CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS
@PhoenixNewsUK
The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023 - Page 12
MUSIC FASHION FILM GADGETS HOLIDAY EDUCATION HEALTH AND FITNESS
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TWINNIE
RELEASES ‘BLUE CHRISTMAS’ EP
Page 13 - The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023
CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS
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ENTERTAINMENT
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THE HOTTEST ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLEMENT
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EDITORS NOTE CHAMPEON’S NEW SOCA RELEASE Yes Street Credders, how are you all! PAYS TRIBUTE TO ‘REAL FRIENDS’ Have to say 2023 is looking amazing for the world of entertainment as the big old skool artists are coming over to UK and of course we are well in to get the exclusives. We celebrate 25 years of Street Cred a true Birmingham legacy, a magazine that has been the eye of entertainment and letting you know whats hot and not whats not because that doesnt matter, if its in Street Cred you know its the top flavour. Look out for the best places to go right here from Restaurants, to Bars and Concerts. This is the lifestyle Always cutting edge and representing the street culture positively! Mark Dwayne
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ulti-genre Caribbean singer, songwriter and entertainer Champeon has unveiled his new Soca single entitled ‘Real Friends’. This latest song adds to the mix of new releases for what is already gearing up to be a massive 2024 Carnival season in Trinidad & Tobago and the international festival circuit. Champeon who hails from T&T and is presently based in the US state of South Carolina, has for years consistently represented for the culture of his native land and the Caribbean at large with several musical offerings and performances. He always aims to supply powerful messages within his music and continues this pattern with his latest Real Friends. According to Champeon “Real friends” is a song dedicated to the people one considers true friends in one’s life i.e. those people (near
or far) that provide honesty, unconditional love and support. The type of friends with whom one can maintain a strong bond due to a steady foundation of friendship, regardless of frequent or infrequent communication. The infectious Real Friends was recorded by Jelani Harris (Studio 23 Music Group), written by Champeon (Ronnel Ramirez) & Nkosi Blackburne and produced by Julian Nelson (Juelio Productionz) who has produced hit Soca tunes for the likes of Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin, Kes The Band and the late great Blaxx. Regarding the motivation behind Real Friends, he shared, “I think about all the people that are close to me in this life. “I am so honoured and thankful to celebrate my friendship by releasing this song to show my appreciation to all my real friends. I am also giving thanks for my deceased friends who have been
important influences in my life, so I also delicate this song to them.” In the short time since its release, Real Friends has already gained encouraging reactions from listeners who have embraced the track due its catchy, modern feel mixed with old-school appeal. In this current era of fleeting connections and digital relationships, Champeon seeks to inject a level of positivity in the world with this new song and hopes that it will inspire people to love and cherish each other, resolve issues and not take the real friends in their lives for granted. Even while promoting his own releases, the multi-faceted Champeon is currently handing songwriting duties for other Soca, Reggae and R&B artistes and plans to unleash more Soca singles in the months to come.
AMS LONDON 2023 - LEVERAGING OUR CULTURAL EQUITY, FROM THE STREETS TO THE BOARDROOM
PIC - L-R: Councillor Stephen Simkins, Leader of the Council with volunteers Joanna Rejowska,Tany Khaja, Salma Hassan, Asif Altaf and Mohammed Aman with one of the new go-karts
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frican music is undergoing an unprecedented global surgency as it’s no longer confined to its continent of origin as it’s now embraced by audiences worldwide. This has attracted significant in-
vestment, both from international organisations and within the continent itself, spanning business, education, and culture. So, people are invited join in an electrifying celebration for the African Music Summit (AMS) London 2023. A new globally premier music
summit dedicated to championing and celebrating the incredible diversity and influence of the African music business, the two-day summit brought an extraordinary gathering of industry leaders, and music enthusiasts from around the world to 1 Upper James Street,
London, for opportunities within the African music industry, spanning marketing, distribution, and cutting-edge new media techniques. This in-person gathering – sponsored by Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) - assembled key enterprises, budding entrepreneurs, potential investors, passionate fans, and seasoned industry professionals for a day brimming with stimulating discussions and enlightening debates. The twoday summit saw an extraordinary gathering of industry leaders, and music enthusiasts from around the world. At AMS London 2023 (supported by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and the Black Music Research Unit (BMRU), you got a great chance to delve into a diverse spectrum of business, with exclusive radio partnership coming from the Beat London 103.6FM, regional sponsors and supporters include: Punch Records l Artiste Managers Association in Nigeria (AMAN) l Music Copyright Society Kenya (MCSK) l Record Label Proprietors Initiative (RELPI) I South African Music Performance Rights Association (SAMPRA) I The Afrobeats Educational Roadshow (TAER).
Punjabi rapper, Shubhneet Singh, faces heat over concert
Popular Punjabi rapper Shubhneet Singh has asked people to stop spreading "hate and negativity" after a controversy broke out over a hoodie he held up at a concert in London. Some Indian social media users claimed the hoodie had imagery supporting the Sikh separatist movement. The Canada-based singer said a fan threw it at him and he did not see what was on it before displaying it. The issue of Sikh separatism is a sensitive topic in India. The rapper - known to fans as Shubh - has previously been in controversies over the issue. In September, his India tour was cancelled after a row over an old social media post where he had shared an incorrect map of India. He was accused of supporting the demand for Khalistan, or a separate Sikh homeland - which had led to a violent insurgency in India in the 1980s. At the time, he had asked his critics to "refrain from naming every Punjabi as a separatist or anti-national". That row occurred soon after ties deteriorated between Delhi and Ottawa Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his country was investigating the potential involvement of Indian government agents in the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada, an allegation India angrily denied.
Canada has the largest population of Sikhs outside India's Punjab state, and is home to popular Punjabi diaspora musicians such as Shubh. The recent controversy began after Shubh's weekend concert in London - videos that began circulating on X (formerly Twitter) show him picking up a black hoodie from the floor and holding it up to the audience. Critics said the hoodie showed the map of Punjab, along with a drawing of India's former prime minister Indira Gandhi being shot dead. Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards in 1984, months after the Indian army stormed the Golden Temple, Sikhism's holiest shrine, in Amritsar to flush out separatist militants who were inside. It's difficult to clearly establish the image on the hoodie from the hazy videos that are currently online. On Tuesday, the rapper put up a statement as an Instagram story, where he said that "a lot of clothes, jewellery and phones were thrown at me by the audience at my first show in London". "I was there to perform, not to see what got thrown at me and what is on it." He has received support from fans who have shared videos from his other shows, where he can be seen picking up items thrown on the stage and displaying them to the audience.
Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com
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Food & Fine Dining
The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023 - Page 14
Bottega launches its new Gin
GREGGS TO THROW FREE CHRISTMAS PARTY IN BIRMINGHAM
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leigh What?! Greggs has announced plans to kick off the festive season with an iconic three-part Christmas party series “Greggs presents: The Festive Rewind”, bringing the ultimate decade-themed Christmas parties to fans across the UK. Those looking for the ultimate festive celebration needn’t look any further as Greggs will be transforming three venues across the UK into retro winter wonderlands, inspired by iconic decades of music. The throwback series will kick off with a “Bake to the 80s” reviv-
al in Glasgow on Thursday 30th November, combining statement hairstyles and legwarmers with karaoke classics. On Friday 8th December, Greggs will rewind “Bake to the 90s” in Birmingham, spicing up your life with the ultimate 90s hits. Friday 15th December will see the return of double denim as Greggs go “Bake to the 00s” in the series finale. Following its sell out Festive Bake Brunch series last year, the first-of-its-kind Greggs experience will offer attendees complimentary festive themed cocktails,
cheesy hits will be paired with cheesy pizza slices from Greggs’ very own bespoke Pizza Van, and of course attendees can fuel their decade defining dance moves at the ‘Festive Bake Bar.’ Hunsnet’s Gareth Howells will be powering each event with a mixture of ultimate Christmas hits and nostalgic anthems. Icons from decades gone by will also be making special guest appearances to fuel the throwback even further; 80s legend Martin Kemp, 90s powerhouse HedKandi, and 00s superstars Steps’ H and Claire will all be taking to the DJ
decks for further festive fun. Each city will host a two and a half hour session from 4.30pm, offering hundreds of guests the chance to snap up exclusive tickets to the best festive event of the year. A £10 booking fee per person will apply to each reservation made and will be refunded upon attendance. A link to tickets for “Greggs Presents: The Festive Rewind” will go live on Greggs social channels from 10am on Friday 17th November, get ready for the ultimate Christmas Party!
Greggs Presents: The Festive Rewind BAKE TO THE 80s – GLASGOW with special guest Martin Kemp Date: Thursday 30th November Timings: 2.5-hour session between 16.30 – 19.00 Price: £10 per person booking fee (refunded upon attendance) Address: The Engine Works, 22 Lochburn Road, Glasgow, G20 9AE Nearest Station: Lochburn Road Bus stop (3 min walk), Gilshochill Train Station (13 min walk)
BAKE TO THE 90s – BIRMINGHAM with special guest HedKandi Date: Friday 8th December Timings: 2.5-hour session between 16.30 – 19.00 Price: £10 per person booking fee (refunded upon attendance) Address: Secret Space Digbeth, 30-34 River St, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5SA Nearest Station: Bordesley (BBS) (11 min walk), Birmingham Moor Street (12 min walk)
BAKE TO THE 00s – LONDON- with special guests Steps’ H and Claire Date: Friday 15th December Timings: 2.5-hour session between 16.30 – 19.00 Price: £10 per person booking fee (refunded upon attendance) Address: Protein Studios, 31 New Inn Yard, London, EC2A 3EY Nearest Station: Shoreditch High Street Station (10 min walk) or Old Street Station (10 min walk)
GLUTEN FREE CHRISTMAS HAMPERS FROM FLAPJACKERY
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his fabulous Ultimate Christmas Treats Hamper is packed full of delicious gluten-free treats, with its gluten free flapjacks taking centre stage. These include Christmas Tiffin, Christmas Millionaires, Peanut Butter Fudge, and Orange and Cranberry flapjack. It's all lovingly made in Devon, near Dartmoor, using the finest British oats, locally sourced West Country ingredients, Fairtrade brown sugar, and
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real butter. This classic hamper is also brimming with other Flapjackery goodies such as clusters which are dollops of chocolate infused with either granola, fruit and nut or honeycomb; its decadent creamy fudge; its Chocolate Dipped Oranges - slices of zesty orange dipped in decadent chocolate, and to add a touch of festive charm, there are three mini Christmas trees. The hamper also includes a Flapjackery mug and coaster set, a
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t Bottega, Gin Bacur is joined by the new Green Gin The Wild, characterised by predominantly herbaceous notes. It is Distilled Dry Gin, which develops an alcohol content of 40% vol. The complex bouquet is the result of the many botanicals used, including, in addition to juniper, lemon and mandarin, hemp sativa seeds, wild fennel and basil. It is produced using water from the Alps. The botanicals are left to macerate separately and for a long time in a hydro-alcoholic solution; a double distillation is then carried out, which cleanses the liquid of any undesirable odours and produces an elegant distillate with a complex bouquet. It is a gin with an unmistaka-
ble character, whose uniqueness comes from the selection of wild plants together with the freshness and aromaticity of lemon and mandarin. The nose is intense, with strong notes of sweet citrus and herbaceous nuances including myrtle berries, wild fennel and spring flowers. The palate is dry and harmonious, with vegetal notes of wild herbs. The packaging is characterised by the intriguing transparent green glass bottle and the clear label highlighting the prevailing botanicals. For mixed drinks, in addition to the Gin Tonic of course, there is 'Wild Negroni', a reinterpretation of the new cocktail, specially created for the new distillate.
beautiful branded tea towel and a Flapjackery jigsaw. There's a treasure trove of mouth-watering gluten-free delights in Flapjackery's Christmas Indulgence Hamper. Everything is hand made in Tavistock near Dartmoor in Devon and the flavours are simply irresistible. The stars of the show are four huge slices of Christmas Tiffin, Christmas Millionaires, Peanut Butter Fudge, and Orange and Cranberry flapjack, made with British oats and with flavourings all sourced from the West Country. Nestled among the chunks are bite sized flapjack bags of Clotted Cream flapjack; Chocolate Dipped Oranges - slices of zesty orange
dipped in decadent chocolate and to add a touch of festive charm; a chocolate Christmas tree - perfect for adding a sprinkle of holiday cheer to your surroundings; Mixed Honeycomb and Fruit and Nut Clusters, a mixed fudge bag and a hot chocolate spoon for a sublime mug of hot chocolate. Flapjackery's Christmas Treats Hamper is a true delight. Inside, you'll find giant slabs of Raspberry Millionaires Flapjack, Rudolph Flapjack, and Chocolate Tiffin Fudge Flapjack, each bursting with incredible flavours. Accompanying these indulgent treats are bags of Chocolate Honeycomb Clusters, Mixed Fudge, and a pyramid chocolate bar.
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CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS
Page 15 - The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023
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S R O T MO
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FOR OF UP TO 671BHP THE NEW PORSCHE PANAMERA 2024 IS MORE THAN MORE TECHNOLOGY
he third generation of Porsche' s large coupe is here: a new Porsche Panamera 2024 which, although it may not seem to change that much at first glance, incorporates some revolutionary solutions, both mechanically and technologically.
The interior of the new Porsche Panamera 2024, which was previewed a few days ago in one of the teasers released by the company, continues to evolve. In this sense, it is no surprise to discover that the brand has opted for screens rather than physical controls, although there are still a
few to operate the air conditioning. Prices for this model have not yet been announced for the UK (in Germany, they range from €107,800 to €192,500, depending on the version) and the first deliveries will take place during the first quarter of the year. A top speed of 195 mph (315 km/h), a 0
to 60 mph time of 3.1 seconds and a range in electric mode that increases to 57 miles (91 kilometres). The battery, which has a capacity of 25.9 kWh, can be charged in 2 hours and 39 minutes using the new 11 kW on-board charger. New versions will follow, both less power-
ful plug-in hybrids and a Turbo S E Hybrid which, according to brand sources, should match (or even better) the 875 bhp output of the Cayenne in the same version. As usual, production will continue at the Leipzig factory, where around 385,000 units have been produced since 2009 (be-
tween 160 and 180 per day) and where we have travelled to see and test the new version of this great coupe, sporty and luxurious in equal measure. A successful model, the Porsche Panamera 2024 took many years and prototypes before it became a reality.
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MOTORS
The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023 - Page 16
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The Perfect Pair: matching Bugatti Baby II with a limited edition, hand-crafted CMC model
Reducing speed and improving road safety Celebrity endorsement of the diverse LIQUI MOLY product and service world: Together with ‘Shmee150’, the online alias of Timothy Burton, the Ulm-based company launched a widespread online collaboration. Taking the example of a BMW 1 Series Coupé in the 2008 sporty M model, the video shows how LIQUI MOLY products can help to give cars a "makeover". The first part of the series is now online and is causing a stir among fans and followers. The British content creator has one of the top one percent of all channels on YouTube, i.e. he belongs to the crème de la crème. He has attracted over 100 million people and has more than ten million subscribers on the most important social media platforms. In addition, he also ranks amongst the best on the Internet in the “Cars & Vehicles” category. The majority of his followers is spread across North America, India and Europe. During a three-part video series, the renowned BMW ///M car is refurbished in a LIQUI MOLY partner workshop near London. Tim Burton bought this car, which is admired in the community, as an inexpensive used car. The German brand for vehicle products also gets an appearance in Burton's own garage and in ‘The Shmuseum’, his spectacular personal venue. Tim Burton, the former “car spotter” and collector of numerous exclusive ‘supersports cars’, said: "It’s great that the collaboration with LIQUI MOLY
worked well from the start. “Just as ‘Shmee150’, the brand is a great example among insiders and fans of how useful products and services with added value can deliver an authentic experience across the world via digital channels. I am convinced of the quality of LIQUI MOLY products and know that the BMW will also run better than ever thanks to their use. My viewers can already look forward to the next two videos. “The videos focus on topics that most car fans can relate to.” LIQUI MOLY Marketing Manager, Peter Baumann, is equally convinced of the synergies of the cooperation: “Shmee150 has gained a wide following in the digital world over the years and plays at the top of his game. “His channels have a highly professional content. What’s special is that you can often meet Tim in person at numerous car events. You immediately notice that he himself is one of the ‘community’. “Together with his endorsement of our products and services, this is a solid foundation for exciting value-added content that can benefit our customers, partners and end consumers alike." The first video can already be seen on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Parts two and three will be released in the coming months. It's definitely worth checking out the LIQUI MOLY and “Shmee150” social channels.
The Little Car Company has partnered with CMC Models to offer clients the unique opportunity to own a beautifully hand-crafted scale model of their Bugatti Baby II. Clients who purchase their Bugatti Baby II in one of a select few liveries will receive one of CMC Models’ limited edition, hand-made models, celebrating the iconic status of the inimitable Bugatti Type 35. The Bugatti Baby II is built in partnership with the famous French marque and is a 75% scale, contemporary tribute to Ettore Bugatti’s original Type 35 masterpiece from 1926. The fully electric vehicle was developed by The Little Car Company in partnership with Bugatti to celebrate
the 110th anniversary of the iconic brand, preserving the history of Bugatti while simultaneously encouraging a new generation of Bugatti enthusiasts. Much like the Bugatti Baby II itself, the scale model is carefully assembled using over 930 parts, flawlessly replicating the stunning intricate details of the Bugatti Type 35. The liveries are a nod to CMC Models’ nations colour project, which wraps the models in beautiful liveries that celebrate the colours of a selection of countries with a rich racing heritage. The International Motorsport Commission chose the national colours for the participating racing teams so that the public could easily distinguish the vehicles,
illuminating race tracks with colour and vibrancy. Even the finest details of the original Bugatti Type 35 have been carefully examined and replicated in the scaled models of CMC. From the metal starting crank handle, which physically turns and rotates, right down to the metallic finished dashboard and real leather seats, every element of the model Type 35 is minutely considered. And just like the CMC models, the nations colour Bugatti Baby IIs have been adorned with period details such as unique exterior paintwork, hand-painted racing numbers or even a rope-bound steering wheel. The nations which Bugatti Baby II customers can
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spec their vehicle to and receive a matching CMC Model include Germany, France, USA, Belgium, Netherlands and Monaco. “The Bugatti Baby II is a car steeped in history and racing pedigree, and for those lucky enough to own one, receiving an exquisitely crafted scaled CMC model simply adds to the prestige of ownership,” says Ben Hedley, CEO of The Little Car Company. “Wherever it holds pride of place, be that your mantlepiece or desk, a glance at your CMC model will serve as an invitation to get behind the wheel of your complementing Bugatti Baby II once again.”
Page 17 - The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023
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Jason Derulo
unwraps early holiday giftwith ‘Closer To Christmas’
J
ason Derulo is starting the holiday season early with his joyous new single, “Closer to Christmas,” available now via Atlantic Records. The multiplatinum superstar celebrates his official transition from Halloween to the Christmas season. “Closer To Christmas” marks the latest in the indefatigable superstar’s non-stop series of releases, including his recent collaboration with fellow multiplatinum global superstar,
GRAMMY Award-winner Meghan Trainor, for the upbeat new single, “Hands On Me (Feat. Meghan Trainor),” available now. The single was teased across social media by both artists – and showcased by Derulo with a spectacular live performance on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, streaming. The track has amassed over 68k creates on TikTok and content using the song on platform has been viewed over 90M times. The ultimate showcase
for both artists’ signature approach towards pop anthems, the irresistibly energetic track is joined by an official lyric video streaming at Derulo’s hugely popular YouTube channel. “Hands On Me” was met by critical applause from the likes of American Songwriter, which raved, “Derulo has made a career of consistently switching up his sonic direction. Both artists seem in their element on this nostalgic song.” Derulo is now embark-
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ing on the typically globe-straddling “Nu King World Tour,” kicking off tonight with a sold-out show at Melbourne, Australia’s Rod Laver Arena and followed by dates in Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, Kazakhstan, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Italy, and Switzerland slated through June 2024. For complete details, vis-
it www.jasonderulo.com/ tour. The ever-active Derulo is following his recently wrapped first season as judge on The Voice Australia by co-starring alongside Alexandra Shipp (Barbie, X-Men: Apocalypse) in Underwater, a neo-noir romantic thriller presented by Interval Presents, Warner Music Group’s in-house podcast network. A rollercoaster love story told in the form of a narrative album, the series features brand new, original music
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from Derulo woven into the story and score, creating an innovative and immersive listening experience and making for a groundbreaking event at the cutting edge of audio entertainment. Underwater premiered October 31 on all major podcast platforms, with new episodes released weekly on Tuesdays.
CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS
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The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023 - Page 18
www.streetcredmagazine.com a slot at Geodis Park stadium and made her aforementioned Opry debut. Speaking about the ‘Blue Christmas’, the singer/songwriter says: “I loved making this EP, and I can’t wait to see everyone enjoying the collection in the lead-up to Christmas this year. I love putting out holiday music and this feels like the perfect way to close out an amazing year. There’s still so much more to come in 2024 which I can’t wait to share” Before she brings the curtain down on her amazing musical chapter of 2023, Twinnie will return to London for a spectacular homecoming show at Bush Hall on December 21 with support from
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Brit act First Time Flyers. More special guests will be announced soon. Tickets for the event are on sale now. International crossover artist Twinnie, now based in Nashville has received critical acclaim from BBC Radio, People and Billboard. Known for her effervescent pop productions, power vocal and storytelling lyricism, Twinnie's boundary-pushing blend of pop is centred on inclusivity. Fresh to Music City, she recently made her Grand Ole Opry debut alongside her US Radio and TV debuts and is building on the success of her Radio 2 Album of The Week release 'Hollywood Gypsy', and her in-
augural American label EP 'Welcome to the Club' which racked up over 24 million streams. As a songwriter she has a diverse catalogue, writing for artists such as Kylie Minogue, Bryan Adams, The Shires and Lvndscape. She is also an accomplished creative director having won best Short Film at the British Short Film Awards. Her work as a philanthropist has been recognised by Forbes. Passionate about mental health within the music industry for creatives, her non-profit I Know A Woman contributed to standardisation for therapy for artists in the pandemic within label and publishing deals.
TWINNIE RELEASES ‘BLUE CHRISTMAS’ EP
F
resh from making her history-making Opry debut in Nashville, on-the-rise British country-pop artist Twinnie returns with the release of her festive record ‘Blue
Christmas’ which includes 4 original tracks and a stunning cover of ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’. The new collection rounds out a stellar 2023 for the Music City based artist who
has had success with her EP ‘Blue Hour (After Dark)’ with the single ‘Bad Man’ being added to 55 Cumulus US radio stations, and having played a string of gigs across the States including
Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com
Page 19 - The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023
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LULU CELEBRATING 75TH BIRTHDAY WITH UK TOUR
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ne of the UK’s greatest female rock n roll legend, Lulu, recently turns 75, and to celebrate her birthday, she'll be hitting the road in 2024, with her ‘Champagne For Lulu' tour with five spectacular live dates in April, kicking-off in her hometown of Glasgow, then through Manchester, Southampton, Birmingham, and culminating at The London Palladium. On 17 April 1964, a 15-year-old Lulu stormed into the UK charts with her iconic, ‘Shout', a song that would turn the wee girl from Glasgow into a cherished national treasure. Now, exactly 60 years (to the day) since she released ‘Shout', this pioneer of popular culture prepares to celebrate her 75th birthday year with fans on her "Champagne For Lulu" Tour ending at the London Palladium on Wednesday 17 April 2024. “75 - I can't believe it!” smiles Lulu, “and 60 years in the business! What an amazing journey it's been, so many memories - wow. That's why I'm going to make sure that my upcoming shows are a momentous celebration. “And I promise to whip up one hell of a party, all the hits, my personal stories from behind the scenes, and of course I'll be inviting some special guests onto the stage with me. Join me, it's gonna be the party of a lifetime. ‘Champagne for Lulu’ will be a massive celebration with guest performances and Lulu as you've never seen her. She goes beyond the bubbles, delivering the performance of a lifetime. Energetic, effervescent and emotional, this will be an experience to remember. Tour Dates: 09/04/24 - Glasgow Royal Concert Hall 10/04/24 - Manchester Bridgewater Hall 14/04/24 - Southampton Mayflower Theatre 15/04/24 - Birmingham Symphony Hall 17/04/24 - London The Palladium
Panto Dames seeks boyfriends to join their Love Island
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he Ugly Sisters are on the hunt for boyfriends in Coventry this Christmas for the Belgrade Theatre pantomime Cinderella, running on the Main Stage (B1) now until 13 Jan 2024. Lovers of heavy metal music, Flatula and Aroma are back from a summer of muddy festival fields and are looking for a no strings attached fling this festive season. These two single, stinky, step-sisters are desperate to find two willing partners to accompany them on their personal love islands and partake in some on-stage romance! Cinderella ticket holders can nominate their unsuspecting husbands, bosses, brothers, dads, colleagues and friends for a chance to appear on stage with the headbanging sisters… but be warned, things could get messy! Flatula and Aroma have very specific types in mind which means that all nominees should be aged 18 years or over and be seated in the stalls of the auditorium. The Ugly Sisters said: “As two very glamorous young ladies, we’re eager to find our fairytale prince to give us the TLC we deserve and join us for lots of fun and mayhem in the Belgrade pantomime! Of course, we’ll take
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very good care of them too!” This wonderful rags-to-riches tale is guaranteed to delight all the family and bring a touch of magic and make-believe to your festive celebrations. Once again written and directed by Iain Lauchlan, this year’s panto will feature the spectacular sets, lavish costumes and sing-alongsongs that make a trip to the Belgrade a truly unmissable Christmas treat for thousands of families every year. If you know of a man who is coming to see the show and aren’t afraid to let this pair loose with them, please nominate them by emailing the name of the person you would like to put forward, along with the time and date of the performance he will be attending, plus the seat number and row he will be sitting in (the nominee must be seated downstairs in the stalls) to helpoutpanto@belgrade. co.uk. Don’t forget to include ‘Panto Nomination’ in the subject line of your email. The (un)lucky man won’t know a thing about it until the delightful dames come to find him during the show, so this is the perfect opportunity to play a joke on a boss, wind up your dad or get revenge on a friend!
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The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023 - Page 20
DECEMBER 2023
Jason Derulo
unwraps early holiday giftwith ‘Closer To Christmas’ HIGHLIGHTING BAME ENTREPRENEURS TO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION
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STREET CRED MAGAZINE MARKS 25 YEARS
STREET CRED MAGAZINE M STUNNING NIGHT OF AWAR
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he 2023 Street Cred 25th Anniversary Legacy Showcase Awards Show saw the very best in music and entrepreneurship as Mark Dwayne – himself a multi-award winner – brought his stunning entertainment and lifestyle magazine to life …and boy how! The star-studded multi-generational grand concert and awards show, at Symphany Hall Birmingham, brought an array of star performances from acts as diverse as the likes of Country & Western
singer, songwriter, actor and performer Brad Henshaw, soulful R+B stars Camara Fearon and The Divettes, Robin Holland, Relley C and Reggae Dub Poet, More Culture, made sure they got things going before the awards itself. The night, supported by The Phoenix Newspaper, West Midlands Combined Authority, McDonalds, B:Music, Regional Homes, VM Group, Eagle AV, UVD, XFTV and CommunicAsian, amongst others and hosted by BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Kaylee Golding, brought the glamour, the
bling and, above all, the very best of what founder Mark Dwayne – who cited his mother, Air Commodore Dr Marcia McLaughlin F.Birm.Soc, the Founder & Editor-In-Chief of The Phoenix Newspaper - has highlighted in glorious gloss form, as all came out in fantastic force with Street Cred brought to unrivalled life - with no holds barred! The 2023 Street Cred 25th Anniversary Legacy Showcase Awards Show itself was supporting the mental health charity Birmingham Mind! As surprise, awe and disbe-
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The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023 - Page 23
STREET CRED MAGAZINE MARKS 25 YEARS
MARKS 25 YEARS WITH A RDS AND CELEBRATIONS lief overwhelmed the litany of award recipients throughout the night, all who attended the glamorous affair left with memories that will last a lifetime. Even one award recipient – the much-established, well-respected comedian and actor John Simmitt - was left almost dumb-founded. “This is the first time I’ve been recognised”, he said as he received his Lifetime Achievement Award – a first for the much-vaunted Birmingham-born Teletubbies star. And, it wasn’t done there,
as, despite what was an already fantastic night of celebrations, the much-heralded multi-award-winning superstars, Damage, brought their unique soulful-funky sound an extra bright light on what was already a blindingly stunning night – the likes of which hasn’t been seen in the second city (or anywhere else in the UK) – that will be remembered for years to come. The boys - Jade Jones, Rahsaan J Bromfield, Andrez Harriott, and Noel Simpson – went down a storm as they belted
out just some of their great hits, including ‘Wonderful Tonight’, ‘Love II Love’ and, of course, their great ‘Ghetto Romance’. In highlighting people who have made a significant difference in our everyday lives, in music and lifestyle, this was a night to remember for everyone in attendance. Celebrating 25 Years as the Number 1. 'Eye of Entertainment', Street Cred Magazine showed, yet again, why it remains out on its own, in the UK and far beyond!
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STREET CRED MAGAZINE MARKS 25 YEARS
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The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023 - Page 25
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
New study shows older and frail patients wait longer for emergency hospital care than younger ones
Fitness Superstore announce partnership with professional athlete Zack George
F
itness Superstore, the UK's leading retailer and importer of specialist fitness equipment, announces a partnership with Zack George, CrossFit star and winner of the UK's Fittest Man in 2020. Zack George will become a member of the Body Power ProTeam, a growing group of professional athletes and personalities that embody the vision of Body Power, a manufacturer of quality strength, cardio and functional fitness tools, of which Fitness Superstore are the exclusive retailer. As part of the partnership, Fitness Superstore have kitted out Zack's commercial and home gyms with industry-leading strength equipment from Body Power and REP Fitness, emphasising the vast range of training environments and expertise levels that these brands can cater to. "We're really happy to have Zack on board", says Paul Walker, managing director of Bodypower Sports Ltd. "Zack brings years of industry experience, know-how and influence to our Body Power ProTeam, and together we can publish content that's really beneficial to our combined audience of exercisers of all levels, while also providing Zack with the equipment he needs to stay at the top of his game." Zack George says: "I am so excited to be working with Bodypower Sports. I feel like the relationship has come full circle, having first used Fitness Superstore 15 years ago when I set up my PT studio, and I can say the service is just as good now as it was back then. “I'm really looking forward to building a good partnership with the brand and have my garage turned into a gym, the process of which has been extremely easy and seamless, from choosing the kit, to delivery, to install."
ASTER GUARDIANS GLOBAL NURSING AWARD 2024 NOW OPEN FOR ENTRY WORLDWIDE – WINNER SET TO WIN £200,000 PRIZE
I
n its continued efforts to recognize the contribution of nurses to humanity and the healthcare community, Aster DM Healthcare has announced the third edition of the ‘Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award.’ The award invites registered nurses from across the world to apply by submitting nomination of their work on www. asterguardians.com. Nurses can apply in one Primary and up to two Secondary areas of contribution, namely – Patient Care, Nursing Leadership, Nursing Education, Social or Com-
munity service and Research/ Innovation/ Entrepreneurship in Healthcare. The secondary areas of contribution can be optional. All applications received will follow a stringent review process led by an independent jury and an external advisory firm – Ernst & Young LLP (EY). The Grand Jury, consisting of an independent panel of renowned experts will review the shortlisted applications to select the final top 10 nurses, who will undergo further assessments for the final winner to be determined and announced in the month of May 2024, around International Nurses Day.
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"Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award has emerged as one of the leading awards in the global nursing community with the highest prize money and provides a platform for nurses to share their life's work,” said Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chair and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare. “After the success of the first and second editions, which brought forward the spirit of leadership, innovation, community service, care and education we are encouraged to continue championing the voice of nursing and help them get their due recognition."
In the first edition of the award held in Dubai in May 2022, Nurse Anna Qabale Duba from Kenya bagged the award. The second edition received over 52,000 registrations from 202 countries. Nurse Margaret Helen Shepherd from the UK, a leading nurse for monogenic diabetes was named the winner on 12th May 2023 and she allocated a part of the £200,000 prize to support global genetic tests for monogenic diabetes patients in need.
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A new study by the University of Warwick working with the Society for Acute Medicine has found that younger patients with simpler problems are waiting less time for assessments than frail patients with complex care needs. The study has found this is due to the NHS England policy of same day emergency care (SDEC). SDEC involves attempting to discharge as many patients with acute medical problems as possible on the same day without being admitted to a ward and is a major policy of NHS England. This means care targets are being missed for older and frail patients. The study also found that the worst time to need medical assessment in hospital was 4-8 pm when the time targets were least likely to be met. The study showed that: • Frail patients are waiting longer for emergency care than fitter ones, with the frailer a patient was, the more likely they were to have to wait longer for care. • Patients with ‘geriatric syndromes’ – a term for conditions mainly seen in frail older adults where illness can cause problems such as confusion or reduced mobility and falls – were less likely to be assessed within 4 hours than patients without these syndromes. • The study found no other reason besides age to explain these findings, with no risk measures – such as blood pressure or temperature – suggesting patients without geriatric syndromes needing seeing more urgently. • Across the day, less than 35% of patients with a geriatric syndrome were seen within the four-hour target. Professor Daniel Lasserson (pic), lead researcher and Professor of Acute Ambulatory Care at The University of Warwick, commented: “The data from this study shows a concerning trend across the NHS. Hospitals may not be giving equal priority to our frail and older patients and are favouring younger patients with simpler needs who can be assessed and treated more quickly. “We conclude that this is a result of the NHS England drive for SDEC which prioritises patient flow through SDEC units, involving quicker care for younger patients. This results in slower care for our older, more frail patients who will inevitably require longer, more complex assessments. A total of 152 hospitals provided patient level data relating to 7248 emergency medical admissions. The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) was used to assess patients’ levels of frailty.
Page 26 - The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023
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THE ENTREPRENEURS CLUB - CELEBRATING NHS 75 AND WINDRUSH 75
BOLLYWOOD STAR RASHMIKA MANDANNA CALLING FOR ACTION AGAINST DEEP FAKE VIDEO
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ndian actress Rashmika Mandanna has called a deepfake video of herself, which has gone viral on social media, "extremely scary". Ms Mandanna's face was morphed onto an Instagram video posted by a British-Indian woman named Zara Patel. India's information technology minister described such videos as a damaging form of misinformation. Rashmika (27), who has won a number of awards for her roles, tends to do most of her work in Telugu and Kannada films and is set to be soon seen in the tobe-released Bollywood film ‘Animal’. Veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan, who co-starred with Ms Man-
danna in a film last year, shared a post on social media and said that there was a strong case for legal action. The actor said she was grateful for the support of her family and friends and called for the issue to be addressed with urgency "before more of us are affected by such identity theft". The woman in the original video, Ms Patel also responded to the fake video saying she was "deeply disturbed and upset" by it. "I worry about the future of women and girls who now have to fear even more about putting themselves on social media," she wrote in an Instagram story. India's IT Minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar
said that deepfakes were the "latest and even more dangerous and damaging form of misinformation and need to be dealt with by platforms". Under India's IT rules, social media platforms have to ensure "no misinformation is posted by any user", he added. Platforms that do not comply with this could be taken to court under Indian law. Abhishek Kumar, a journalist who works with the fact-checking platform Alt News, first reported that the viral video showing Ms Mandanna was a deepfake. He posted the original video on X (formerly Twitter), saying that the fake video showed Ms Mandanna's face replacing Ms Patel's as she is
seen entering an elevator. "From a deepfake POV [point of view], the viral video is perfect enough for ordinary social media users to fall for it," Mr Kumar wrote. He also asked for a legal framework to deal with such cases in future. In a statement on X, Ms Mandanna said such an incident was scary "not only for me, but also for each one of us who is vulnerable to so much harm because of how technology is being misused". "If this happened to me when I was in school or college, I genuinely can't imagine how could I ever tackle this," she wrote.
CULTURAL PHENOMENON K.A.D LINKS WITH TIKTOK SENSATIONS ‘THE CHARVA’S’ FOR NEW ‘JUST HOW YOU LIKE IT’ REMIX
K
.A.D ft. KAK HATT “Just How Like You It,” recently took social media by storm. K.A.D release the brandnew ‘Charva’ remix of the track, that features J Fado, Charlie Choppa, Tyrone + ‘The Charva’ Boys themselves - Kstar, Whydee, Tizzy, Blaize aka The Charvas. The song has taken social media by storm and become a real cultural phenomenon, with the likes
of Stephen Graham, Jeremy Vine, Phil Foden, The Sidemen, Silky, Fred Sirieix, ArrDee, Molly Marsh all jumping on the trend. Both Central Cee and his Syna pages have used the track in their posts from the weekend, as well as videos from Munya Chawawa who created his own lyrics for the song, the entire Charva crew and more. Alongside ‘The Charva’ Remix Disrupta has also jumped in to put his own
spin on the track. Undoubtedly one of the most promising up and coming figures in the drum & bass genre, Disrupta, 24, has been quick to establish his own unique and versatile sound. With chart topping music on notable labels such as Hospital Records, EMI and UKF, he is gaining boundless recognition for his work by some of the biggest names in the scene. The song was widely popularized by Black
British TikToker Kay the jeweller (@koolkidkstar) who dubbed himself "Chocolate Charva" and has since gone on to have 96k UGC’s under its belt. With the comedic lip-syncing, and exaggerated facial expressions trend to the track drawing users and creators in across platforms, it’s clear the fun is just beginning with this explosive hit.
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The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023 - Page 27
THE ENTREPRENEURS CLUB - CELEBRATING NHS 75 AND WINDRUSH 75
In conversation with
Dee Burrowes
Beyond Borders: Empowering the Minds of Caymanian Hospitality Students. On November 03rd, 2023, in a first of its kind initiative The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) and Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT) hospitality students of the University embarked on a transformative journey. As they attended what was the birthing of an international event dedicated to shaping their future in the hospitality industry. This inaugural opportunity redefined their educational experience, offering a unique blend of cultural immersion, networking, and hands-on learning. Orchestrated by their lecturer Dee Burrowes, for the students to have attended World Travel Market London 2023 had the aim of broadening horizons and fostering a global perspective marking a pivotal moment for the students. Dee strongly believed that beyond the conventional classroom setting, they will have the chance to engage with professionals, experts and fellow students from diverse corners of the world, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives and insights of the hospitality/tourism industry. CIDOT has emerged as a committed supporter along with UCCI of the educational pursuit of students, principally when it comes to their participation in WTM. Both organisations' unwavering adherence to the students' success manifested in their support for tourism students attending the conference was marked by insightful sessions, global networking opportunities that fostered a platform for academic, intellectual and professional growth. World Travel Market London (WTM) is the world’s most influential travel and tourism event. As one of the premier events on the global tourism calendar, it was confirmed that attendance numbers rose by more than a fifth year on year. The most recent three-day event took place from Monday 6th – Wednesday 8th November, 2023 with 43,727 attendees – an increase of 22% on the 35,826 who attended in 2022 at London ExCel. This year’s conversation at the Ministers’ Summit brings into line with the all-embracing World Travel Market concept around the Power to Change, with a focal point on sustainability, digital transformation, inclusive tourism and diversity. Juliette Losardo, WTM London
Exhibition Director, said “The Summit offered a unique platform for stakeholders to come together, exchange ideas and forge innovative solutions that will contribute to shaping the educational journey in the tourism sector. “I am delighted she further stated that ‘Transforming Tourism Through Youth and Education’ was a fitting theme of our Ministers’ Summit, as we play our part in the global conversation to create new futures.” “Education is the cornerstone of sustainable tourism development. Investing in tourism skills and training is now more critical than ever as processes are explored to ensure that tourism and education policies can empower individuals and communities, drive innovation, foster responsible practices and support the resilience and success of our sector.” – prompted by the director. The students were in awe with the question and answer session that they had from veteran Tourism Minister of Jamaica Honourable Edmund Bartlett. The students delved into their curiosity and left extremely empowered after speaking to the Minister as they gained much more insights on the regional tourism industry. The uniqueness of WTM is that there is an indispensable cross pollination of different ideas, best practices, culture, sharing of knowledge, solutions and innovations. It is the once a year opportunity for hospitality/tourism professionals where business relationship building of those working to become better leaders to thrive and better serve the globally diverse industry we very much appreciate. During the three days conference, the students had the excellent opportunity to network with invited speakers and discuss contemporary issues within the tourism and hospitality industry. While the hospitality industry may be constantly evolving, the students continue to serve as prime examples of how to be bold, exceptional and trailblazers in their own rights. To take the plunge on an international journey was a life-changing experience for the students that will be crucial in shaping such an escapade into a rich and educational opportunity. The WTM conference, attended by the hospitality students are very passionate about diverse fields of the industry with a dis-
tinctive chance to delve into cutting-edge research, technological advancements and avant-garde ideas. Through engaging keynote speeches and interactive workshops, attendees gained beneficial insights that expanded their knowledge beyond traditional academic boundaries. This immersive experience went beyond textbooks turning their pursuits into a global exploration of industry trends and cultural exchange. The conference, a convergence of hospitality professionals and enthusiasts from around the world, became a hub for the students to explore into the dynamics of the global tourism landscape. This unveiling exposure is extremely handy for students aiming to stay ahead in a field that is constantly evolving. A key aspect that was held in high regard was the opportunity where students observed experiential diverse approaches to interacting with professionals from different cultural backgrounds. This empowered them to understand how noteworthy perspectives and practices contribute to successful initiatives globally. This cross-cultural exchange not only broadened their knowledge but also enhanced their adaptability and cultural sensitivity enhancing essential skills for effective hospitality professionals. It was truly embracing their unique cultural experiences, spending hours browsing the stands, taking the time to learn more about the respective cultures and learning how that impacted each of their cultural views on the aspect of tourism. As students from diverse ethnic backgrounds, having a deep understanding and awareness of cultures outside of their own has been very important for the exposure to help navigate their academic as well as professional careers. Tourism and hospitality gives opportunities to young people in becoming stronger and more resilient. It was incredibly inspiring to have seen the wide range of world class experience showcased at WTM, such as luxurious destinations, food tasting, an unforgettable immersion with the creation of a destination among many, many more! I am quite adamant that their personal bucket list has been achieved and doubled in size. Their story serves as an inspi-
ration to the next generation of leaders and managers in the hospitality industry. These student’s dedication, hard work and commitment to the industry will enable them to achieve success and make a positive impact in her community. As the travel and tourism sector continues to grow and evolve, events like WTM will play a crucial role in providing young Caymanians with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this dynamic industry. This will be extremely valuable for their future academic success and career in hospitality as it supports them in defining the different areas of concentration they would like to focus on within the industry. Their first time to London with an international educational trip had designed a carefully planned combination of tours, site visits, tourist attractions, hands-on learning opportunities, built around clear learning objectives, visits to a hospitality related recruitment agent and two Universities that are best known for their excellent in nurturing hospitality students. Their educational tour was indeed more than a vacation. It served as a tool for learning and success with adventure, fun and excitement that were built in. By walking in the footsteps of their lecturer who is likewise passionate about the industry, they will forever be inspired to be life-long learners and dedicated tourism managers, ministers and general managers within the tourism industry in the Cayman Islands. Dee Burrowes added that ‘it is important to make the pages of each student’s textbook come alive in real life, leaving a lasting impact on students’ desire to learn and explore for the rest of their lives as young Caymanians for their future in contributing wholeheartedly within the hospitality/tourism industry. She also stated ‘that her keen interest is and will be to empower the next generation of Caymanian tourism leaders.’ It will help build a lasting legacy by providing these young people with the skills and knowledge they need to transform tourism not only in their Country but being world class leaders’. This holistic approach to learning prepares students for success in an industry where adaptability, global perspective, and industry connections are paramount. By addressing many varied learn-
ing styles, the educational trip to WTM was forged providing guidance, integrating experiences into the their academic journey is a profound catalyst for motivating students to explore, learn, and thrive on the global stage. In the dynamic realm of tourism, where industry trends and best practices evolve globally, the role of a proactive tourism learning foundation is pivotal in shaping students into future Caymanian leaders. With multifaceted ways in which a dedicated learning provider like UCCI supports students on their studies with international trips to conferences, enriching their learning experiences and preparing them for success in the ever-evolving tourism landscape.
Contributor’s Bio -
Like, follow, and share on instagram – @ThePhoenixNewspaper and @dee_burrowes Giveaway: Ifyouyoucould win a 30 minute complimentary coaching session with Dee!
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Dee Burrowes, Certified Professional Coach, NLP Practitioner, Speaker,Trained Teacher, International Awards Judge, Associate Governor, Mental Health and Behavioural Disorder Coach. In 2020, Dee was featured in global publications, awarded for her work in Life Coaching and Hotel,Tourism Education 2022. Newly awarded winner in the Caribbean Global Awards in the category of Journalism and Literary September 2023.
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Page 28 - The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023
Holiday and
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CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS
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Travel
he 2023 holiday season is expected to be one the busiest on record, with 122 million people or 63% of leisure travellers planning to travel between Thanksgiving and the New Year. Of those travellers, 20 million are planning to go RVing this holiday season, a 30% increase over 2022. 55% of RVers plan to take a trip within three hours of home, allowing for less time on the road and more time enjoying friends and family over the holidays. Millennials are more likely to stay closer to home with 61% planning a trip within 3 hours, while 43% of Boomer respondents said they are planning trips more than 16 hours from home. According to the just-released RV Industry Association Holiday Travel Intentions Survey, the top reasons people are planning to go RVing are the love of road trips, the desire to travel in comfort, interest in exploring the great outdoors, and the affordability of RV travel. With RV vacations costing 50% less than comparable hotel and plane ride trips and a third less than hotel and car ride trips, RVing is an attractive option for people looking for the freedom to travel while also controlling their travel expenses. Another top reason people are choosing RV travel is their pets. 60% of RVers are planning to bring their pets with them
20 MILLION AMERICANS PLANNING AN RV VACATION rather than boarding them over the holidays. Of those sharing the trip with their furry family members, 87% will travel with at least one dog and 52% will travel with at least one cat. Not all will hit the road though. 56% of those planning to use an
RV this holiday season will park it at home and use it for guest accommodations. 49% will use it as an extra kitchen for food prep and storage. "With the rush and stress that comes with traditional travel during the holidays, people are choosing RVing as a way to still travel
and see friends and family but do so in a more relaxed and comfortable way," says Craig Kirby, President & CEO of the RV Industry Association. "Whether using an RV for guests or bringing your pets along for the ride, RVing allows people to spend more quality time with those they love this hol-
100-year-old dancer performed at WTN Summit in Bali
TIME 2023, the first global tourism Summit opened in Bali, in Indonesia, with an impressive lineup of international speakers uniting in recognising the importance of Small and Medium Sized Businesses in the global travel and tourism industry to working together and inviting the public sector and key industries to join the dialogue. A Bali cultural dance performance included a 100 years old dancer performing with her granddaughter and great-granddaughter. The Hon Sandiaga Uno, the Minister of Tourism for Indonesia along with other representatives of the government in
Kenya wanting more Chinese tourists
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ccording to Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) official, the People’s Republic of China is among the six leading tourist source markets for Kenya, and East African country is seeking the ways to increase the number of tourist arrivals from China. Therefore, Kenya’s state-owned tourism marketing agency announced a roadshow, which will be held in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou on November 8-13 to showcase the country’s diverse tourism products in major Chinese cities. During the upcoming roadshow, tourism officials and tour operators from Kenya are expected to meet their Chinese counterparts in the three cities to
talk about new strategies and programs to increase Chinese tourist arrival numbers. “We look forward to more arrivals from China,” said John Chirchir, the acting chief executive officer of KTB, announcing the roadshow during the KTB-Kenya-China Tourism Association Forum in Nairobi, where policymakers and tour operators from China and Kenya explored the ways to attract more leisure travellers from China. According to Chircgir, Kenya received 34,638 Chinese tourists from January to August of this year, up from 13,601 recorded in the same period in 2022, translating into arrivals growth rate of 154 percent.
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Jakarta, joined tourism and government officials in Bal, such as the Chief of Marketing for Bali Ida Ayu Indah Yustikarni, SS. to welcome WTN delegates from around the globe. WTN Chair, Juergen Steinmetz, President Dr. Taleb Rifai, and VP Alain St. Ange explained the history, activities, and objectives of the World Tourism Network. St. Ange launched his new book entitled “My Live”. Professor Geoffrey Lipman warned about climate change and introduced initiatives taking Bali as a study. Dr. Tarlow discussed safety, security, and tourism police training. Dr. Aleksandra Gardasevic gave the Montenegro perspective from the standpoint of a small European Country relying on Tourism. Alain St. Ange, the former minister of Tourism for Seychelles brought the island nation’s view to the issue. Education and the involvement of young people in tourism were explained by Tanja Milhalic, School of Business and Economics for the University of Ljubljana, in Slovenia. Dr. Jens Thraenhart gave a detailed view of many issues relevant to SMEs. Equally detailed were views presented by Dr. Birgit Trauer from Australia on cultural issues. Dr. Birgit Trauer was awarded the Tourism Hero Title at the Gala Dinner after delegates were treated to spectacular Balinese entertainment and a performance by Australian platinum Record Star Alston Koch. Cuthbert Ncube, Chair of the African Tourism Board addressed the audience by video. Mudi Astuti, the WTN Chapter Chairman for Indonesia received praise and thanks for organizing the summit. Every discussion at WTN will be continued as a special interest group, followed up, commented and watched throughout the year.
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The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023 - Page 29
HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL
JAMAICA SWEEPS THE 2023 TRAVVY AWARDS J amaica once again proved its status as a world-leading tourism destination, taking home a whopping eight total awards in the prestigious gold and silver categories at the 2023 Travvy Awards held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The destination was honoured with six gold statuettes for: • ‘Best Tourism Board - Caribbean’ • ‘Best Destination – Caribbean’ • ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean’ • ‘Best Honeymoon Destination’ • ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean’ • ‘Best Cruise Destination – Caribbean’ Along with two silver statuettes for: • ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ • ‘Best Wedding Destination Overall’ “This is a record-setting win for Jamaica to have been recognized with eight Travvy statuettes this year,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board. “We are extremely grateful to our valued travel advisor part-
GEC PR appointed as UK representatives for CATA
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PIC - Members of the Jamaica Tourist Board (from left to right): Christopher Wright, Business Development Manager; Andrea Chase, Inside Sales Coordinator, Southeast U.S.; Francine Carter-Henry,Tour Operator and Airlines Manager; Philip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism (Ag.), Americas; Allana Faustin, Inside Sales Communications Officer; and Yollette Scarlett, Accountant/Administrator; at the 2023 Travvy Awards ceremony in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
ners for their votes, as our staff remains thoroughly committed to providing them with the highest level of support to be found in our industry.” “We are deeply honoured to have earned these esteemed distinctions from our travel advisor partners,”
commented Philip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism (Ag.), Americas, Jamaica Tourist Board. “It is a deeply appreciated testament to the hard work of our entire team and the excellent relationships we are all dedicated to cultivating every day.” The 9th annual Travvy Awards,
produced by TravelPulse and AGENTatHOME, recognized the top suppliers, destinations, hotels, cruise lines, airlines, tour operators, and more, as decided by those who know them best, Northstar’s esteemed audience of travel advisor professionals.
pecialist travel and lifestyle consultancy GEC PR has been appointed as the representatives for Central America Tourism Promotions Agency (CATA) to handle UK PR, marketing and trade activity for the region. The member countries CATA represents are Belize, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. GEC PR's remit will include managing all media relations, press trips and UK events, as well as further developing relationships with the UK travel trade. Initial activity will focus on managing CATA's presence at World Travel Market in November. Fiona Anderson, Company Di-
rector at GEC PR, said: “We are honoured and thrilled to represent CATA here in the UK. CATA is a very progressive organisation supporting a collective of diverse and brilliant destinations across Central America and the Caribbean. “The region has an extensive tourism infrastructure, and an incredible array of breath-taking nature, coupled with hospitable cultures that delight visitors. It's an exciting time for the region, and we will soon be sharing news on the exciting ways CATA member countries across Central America and Caribbean countries are working hard to attract and increase the number of UK travellers to their shores.”
Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com
Page 30 - The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023
OVERSEAS NEWS
CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS
Mexico to shell out $3.4b plan to rebuild Acapulco after Hurricane Otis
Jamaicans urged to ‘drop, cover, hold’ following quake
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ccording to Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green, reports have been saying that a 5.4 magnitude earthquake had hit Jamaica, although no casualties or injuries were said to have occurred. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake's epicentre took place near Hope Bay, in Portland. No major damage was reported, but quake had a depth of six miles (10 kilometres), causing heavy shaking and power outages, as people were ordered to evacuate from the building. Acting Director General, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Richard Thompson, encouraged people to inspect their buildings for cracks, shifts in pillars, posts and other beams and structural members, and to seek a professional assessment if there is any damage. “We preach to the public all the time as it relates to the ‘drop,
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exico’s government unveiled a $3.4 billion recovery plan for the battered coastal resort of Acapulco, including tax breaks and financial assistance for affected families, and said it could spend more if necessary. Hurricane Otis slammed into Acapulco, devastating local infrastructure, severing communications and temporarily leaving the city of 900,000 people incommunicado. The overall investment needed for the recovery plan was estimated
at about 61.3 billion pesos ($3.42 billion), Finance Minister Rogelio Ramirez de la O told a press conference. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said the government would stump up more money for Acapulco if need be. “Fortunately, we have healthy public finances and unlimited resources when it comes to benefiting the people,” he said. The plan will bring forward social welfare payments and include household necessities for families in need.
cover, hold’ principle, and I know sometimes when you have not experienced anything of this nature, you tend to forget some of these principles,” he said. Whilst Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared that the earthquake affected the phone service
and electricity, he urged people to be in a safe place and stay calm. Mr. Green went on to say that the combined effect of the last year’s extensive drought, rising temperatures, and the recent heavy rainfall have caused serious dislocation among farmers.
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US promising quick Green Cards for thousands of Indians
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he US is granting Employment Authorisation Documents (EAD) with a fiveyear validity to select non-immigrant categories, including those eagerly awaiting their green card. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced this groundbreaking change to help streamline the process and benefit countless Indians residing in the country. Specifically, USCIS will extend the EAD validity to five years for initial and renewal EADs. This improvement covers various non-citizens who require employment authorisation, including: • Those seeking asylum • Adjusting their status under INA 245 • Facing suspension of deportation • Cancellation of removal This strategic change aims to significantly reduce the number of new Form I-765 applications for EAD renewals in the coming
years. However, the maintenance of employment authorisation still hinges on an individual’s underlying status, circumstances, and EAD filing category. For instance, if the initial fiveyear EAD granted due to a pending status adjustment application is later denied, their associated employment authorisation could end before the EAD’s expiration date. This development comes as a beacon of hope for over 1 million Indians in line for an employment-based green card, as per recent studies. Many Indians, particularly those in high-skilled professions, pursue employment status in the US. These applicants often face lengthy waiting periods due to the annual caps on green card allocations and the high demand for limited slots. The backlog for Indian employment-based green card applicants has been a pressing issue, with many individuals waiting for years or even decades to secure permanent residency. Ef-
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forts have been made to address this backlog and reduce waiting times, but it remains a challenging issue. The situation highlights the complexities and challenges of the US immigration system and the enduring aspirations of many Indians to secure permanent residency in the United States. Tragically, over 400,000 individuals may not live to witness their long-awaited dream of obtaining US permanent residency. The green card, officially known as the Permanent Resident Card, signifies that its holder has been granted the privilege of permanent residence in the US. According to a study by David J. Bier of the Cato Institute, there is a record-high backlog of 1.8 million cases in the employment-based green card category in 2023. The study further outlined that about 1.1 million of the 1.8 million cases in the backlog are from India (63%). Another nearly 250,000 are from China (14%).
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The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023 - Page 31
OVERSEAS NEWS
Man denies chopping down 300-year-old tree in Ghana
A CURAÇAO ANNOUNCED AS HOST DESTINATION FOR THE SECOND CONNECT NEW WORLD
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he Airport Agency, founder of CONNECT Aviation, is delighted to announce the second edition of CONNECT New World, the route development forum for the Caribbean and the Americas. The event will take place in Curaçao, in the Southern Caribbean, a unique location, situated between South and North America. It is hosted by Curaçao Tourism Development Foundation, Curaçao International Airport, and Curaçao Airport Holding. Home to 55 culture and known as the largest of the ABC islands, Curaçao is serviced by major airlines with frequent direct/nonstop flights from North America and Europe. It offers something for everyone: breathtaking landscapes, mouthwatering blend of cuisines. Following the success of the launch event in Santo Domingo last June, the aviation community will be meeting again in 2024 to discuss air service development opportunities in a time and cost-effective format with decision-makers from airlines, airports, suppliers, and tourism authorities. Karin Butot, CEO of the Airport Agency says: “We are very excited to take our event next year to beautiful Curaçao and look forward to working with our hosts, Curaçao Tourism Development Foundation to stage a second successful event which will showcase the destination to
the aviation community whilst delivering invaluable networking opportunities. “As aviation is entering a new era embracing challenges as well as reaffirming its unique role in supporting world and regional economies. CONNECT aims to serve the aviation community with purposeful events that not only deliver real value but also create memories for all to share and cherish. “We look to welcome more airlines and airports in Curaçao next year to join and experience a beautiful part of the world.” Rui-
sandro Cijntje, Minister of Economic Development of Curaçao says: “As the Minister of Economic Development, I am very pleased and proud that Curaçao is hosting the second edition of CONNECT New World. “It is a great honour for us to welcome the aviation industry from the Americas and the Caribbean to our beautiful island. During your visit, I also encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities to explore Curaçao and feel it for yourself!” CONNECT New World will be held on 5th – 7th June 2024, in Curaçao.
man has appeared in court after a famous 300-year-old kola tree in southern Ghana was chopped down. Pictures of the felled tree, located in the town of Feyiase, caused outrage among Ghanaians online. The ancient tree dated back to the Ashanti Kingdom, part of modern-day Ghana. It was thought to have healing powers and became a tourist attraction for Ghanaians and foreigners alike. The man pleaded not guilty to causing unlawful damage and was granted bail. He has not been named. According to local lore, the tree grew in the spot where renowned priest Komfo Anokye spat a kola nut on the ground in the early 1700s. Many in the community believed the black and white seeds of the kola tree could cure ailments and curses. The tree was in the middle of a major road linking Ghana's commercial hub, Kumasi, to Lake Bosomtwe, a national tourist destination. It was spared during the construction of the highway because of its popularity. It is not clear why it was cut down
now. The director of research at Manhyia Palace, seat of the Ashanti royal family, Osei-Bonsu Safo Kantanka, said that the site of the tree was significant in the history of the Ashanti Kingdom. The Battle of Feyiase saw the Ashanti people battling for their independence against the powerful kingdom of Denkyira. Mr Kantanka said the location of the tree "was the same spot the people of Denkyira were defeated by the Asantes". Komfo Anokye,
the man said to be responsible for the tree, was a powerful fetish priest - a person believed to act as a mediator between the spirit and living. Oral tradition says he buried a sword in the ground, which remains firmly in place and can never be removed, on the premises of a hospital in Kumasi that bears his name. The presence of the tree was a constant reminder of his exploits.
IRAQ-IRAN RAILWAY PROJECT IN DISCUSSION Iraq‘s Transport Minister, Razzaq Muhaibis Al-Saadawi, has announced the initiation of the IraqIran railway project. During a visit to the Shalamcheh port in Basra province, he discussed the details of the project with various officials, including Basra governor Asaad Al-Eidani and the Director General of the Iraqi ports company, Farhan Al-Fartusi. Al-Saadawi emphasized the importance of field visits to monitor project progress and revealed that the Basra governorate departments had approved the project’s course.
The Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, has made decisions to facilitate Iraq-Iran railway project completion. The Ministry of Transport is currently determining routes, schedules, bridges, and stations for the project, which is seen as a vital element for Iraq’s economic infrastructure and its connections to neighbouring and Central Asian countries. Additionally, the Iranian side has committed to clearing mines along the railway track dating back to the war.
B CANEY GROCERS YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR FRESH CARIBBEAN FRUIT AND VEG SOHO ROAD/BOULTON ROAD, HANDSWORTH CALL FOR MORE INFO - 07835271725
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Page 32 - The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023
THE FORGOTTEN GENERATIONS
CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS
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Invitation to Wiltshire Museum 10th November 2023
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The real surprise was a patch quilt on display depicting a journey of Mr Jarrett’s life, titled The Forgotten Generations Banner. However, we arrived in sunny Devizes Wiltshire and had no problem locating the museum. With friendly smiles and welcoming greetings, we were ushered to the exhibition hall. After the preliminary introduction and explanation of the programme of the event and bite to eat, we were let loose to observe and absorb the contents of the exhibition. There were many excellent stories exhibited but the main one for us was that of Mr Albert Jarrett. On display is a photograph of him taken outside number 10 Dawning Street, including the same hat he was wearing at the time, which is on display at the museum.
Display of Mr Jarrett at 10 Dawning Street
L-R Barbara Campbell & Shirley Jarrett, wife of Mr Jarrett.
nvitation to Wiltshire Museum Lest We Forget Exhibition which includes artefacts and memorabilia of the late Mr Albert Jarrett WW2 Veteran RAF. It was a few months notice, but the time soon came when the day arrived to make the cross country journey to Devizes Wiltshire. Shirley Jarrett, Barbara, my wife, and I went to the opening of the new exhibition in Wiltshire Museum. The anticipation was a note of intrigued as we did not quite know what to expect. The journey was very cross country in places and had both ladies wondering if I was on the right track after ending up in some very rural roads and places.
Using information taken from the The Forgotten Generations website the Banner was created. The concept was to design the banner with the background colour of the Jamaican flag, black, green and gold. Patches were then embroidered to reflect the Journey of Mr Jarrett, with each patch telling a story. His journey began in Jamaica. Patches starting top left to right of the Banner:
Many, many thanks to everyone at Wiltshire Museum, and indeed the Napoli Ladies Craft Group, for all their sterling efforts and endeavour in creating such extraordinary educational legacies of African and Caribbean people who lived in the County of Wiltshire.
LEST WE FORGET
REDEEMED: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF GILROY BROWN - A POWERFUL TALE OF PERSONAL arcia M Drawing inspiration from TRANSFORMATION Publishing the legacy of his father
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House is thrilled to announce the release of "Redeemed," the captivating autobiography written by Pastor Gilroy Brown. In this remarkable book, Pastor Brown shares his journey of redemption, offering readers a raw and transparent account that is sure to inspire and empower. Gilroy Brown served the community in his role as head-teacher, principal and education consultant throughout his career. Now retired Gilroy is the serving pastor at Mount Shiloh Church in Wolverhampton. "Redeemed" delves into the life of Gilroy Brown, the son of a pastor. Through trial and error, he navigates the challenges and obstacles that come his way, ultimately finding a path to victory through the amazing grace of God. The book reflects the timeless message that no matter what tests we face and choices we make, our destiny will prevail. Pastor Brown's riveting testimony serves as a reminder that we are all born for a purpose, and it is through God's guidance and unwavering love that we can find our way.
and those who have gone before him, Gilroy Brown seamlessly blends his own unique experiences into a story that will leave an indelible mark for generations to come. By sharing his personal triumph over adversity, he encourages readers to keep dreaming and never give up. With every turn of the page, "Redeemed" reminds us that God's hand will never leave nor forsake us, carrying us through the transformative process of aligning our will with His. "Redeemed" serves as a powerful testament to the human capacity for surrender and yielding to the perfect will of God. Through his autobiography, Pastor Brown eloquently captures a universal narrative that resonates with countless individuals who have experienced the path of redemption. His words inspire us to embrace our own journeys of transformation, ultimately leading us to a state of redemption and fulfilment. . "Redeemed" is a testament to his unwavering faith, resilience, and commitment to God's plan. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com
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The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023 - Page 33
AZUZA STREET
How Diwali celebrated triumph of good over evil during ‘23 Festival of Lights
US First lady hosts tea for female faith leaders and others PIC - First lady Jill Biden, right, speaks as Robin Jackson, left, wife of Charles Jackson, pastor of Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia, S.C., listens during a celebration of the Thanksgiving season with African American women faith leaders, community leaders and advocates from the Southeast, in the Blue Room of the White House in Washington
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ill Biden recently hosted a White House listening session with about 60 female faith leaders, community leaders and others, including the South Carolina pastor's wife whom she credits with helping restore her faith in God after the Bidens' son Beau died of cancer in 2015. The first lady said she sought Robin Jackson's help assembling the group “so that I could learn what's on your minds, and what's on your hearts." Jackson's husband is pastor of Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia, where the women met when Joe Biden visited in 2019 as he campaigned for the Democratic presidential nomination. South Carolina is the state that helped set Joe Biden on the path to becoming the nominee in 2020, a feat he hopes to repli-
cate next year as a candidate for re-election. Jill Biden discussed her faith journey during a visit to the church in 2021. But in the Blue Room of the White House, after the women were treated to a Thanksgiving tea, the first lady publicly thanked Jackson again for helping restore her faith. She said: “We all go through darkness at some point in our lives. Perhaps some of you are even going through it right now. “And I hope that you have someone to help you find that light that can never be extinguished.” She added: "For Joe and me, your faith helped carry us forward through our darkest days and that faith has stayed with us, nourished us and strengthened us, so I want to thank you, for gratitude, too, is an act of faith.”
COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS 2023 AT WORCESTER CATHEDRAL
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orcester Cathedral is preparing to welcome the local community to join together and celebrate a packed programme of services, concerts and events this Christmastime. The theme of the Cathedral’s Christmas this year is ‘Togetherness’, and it is also asking those who can, to donate to its Christmas Appeal 2023, to ensure the Cathedral can continue to
play an integral part in everyone’s Christmas story now, and for years to come. The glittering Christmas Tree Festival will run from Thursday 7 December 2023 to Sunday 14 January 2024. Tickets are not required again this year, and all are warmly welcome to visit and view the glittering avenue of innovatively designed trees lining the medieval cloister. They will be available to view during normal opening times, every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day*. This Christmas, you can experience the beauty of a carol service at the Cathedral, with traditional readings, anthems sung by one of the Cathedral’s choirs, and your favourite carols accompanied by the magnificent organ. Or attend one of the crib services on Christmas Eve to see the Christmas story re-enacted – with real animals!
* Tickets are not required for the following services this year: The Cathedral will be open for visiting, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, throughout the festive period. Due to a high volume of services taking place, there may be some slight changes to visiting hours at times. Please check the Planned Closures page before visiting. There are also trails available in the Cathedral, as well as a photography exhibition in the Chapter House until 3 December, the quaint gift shop is stocked with all your Advent and Christmas goodies, and the cosy cloister café is open too! *The Christmas Trees will be available to view on Christmas Eve for those attending the 1pm and 3pm Crib Services, as the exit will be via the Cloisters.
Millions of Indians celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, which is one of the most important festivals in the country. People prayed, enjoyed festive meals and lit fireworks, while sweets were distributed among neighbours and friends as a feeling of joy permeated the air. Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil, where eople light up their homes with small oil lamps called diyas and paper lanterns to signal the victory of light over darkness and joy over sadness. People also decorated outdoor spaces with vibrant rangolis - designs made with colourful powders - to welcome guests and to bring good luck and prosperity into their homes. The exact dates of the festival change each year and are determined by the position of the Moon, but it typically falls between October and November. This year, Diwali was celebrated on Sunday 12. In the days leading up to the festival people bought festive garments, devotional items and gifts for family and friends. People also visited relatives and often took a box of mithai - the Hindi word for sweets - with them. Many people also lit firecrackers over several days, which, this year, affected the quality of the air. In Delhi - one of the most polluted cities in the world - the air gets particularly bad during the winter months because farmers burn stubble in neighbouring Punjab and Haryana states. The state government has banned the sale and use of firecrackers this year, but many people flouted this rule for the celebrations.
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Page 34 - The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023
PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE
CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS
ECO’S GREEN BUILD SOLUTION TO HELP SOLVE NATION’S HOUSING CRISIS SHOWCASED AT UK’S BIGGEST ZERO CARBON BUILT ENVIRONMENT FESTIVAL
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green build solution by Scottish-based innovators Eco which uses recycled glass to help tackle the nation’s housing crisis is set to be showcased at the UK’s biggest zero carbon-built environment festival.
Eco’s VASO Build Solutions will create buildings from panels manufactured from recycled glass, providing affordable, low energy cost, low carbon dwellings for all stages of life and lifestyle. Through the development and delivery of better materials and
modern methods of off-site construction, Eco’s VASO product provides housing solutions for social landlords, social housing providers and private house builders, as well as being ideal for commercial buildings. Eco’s innovation is one of only six
initiatives to be selected for support on the Circular and Sustainable Materials Accelerator which is being established by Scotland’s construction innovation centre BE-ST. Eco’s new build system and building modules, which use circular processes and advanced materials, aim to reduce the cost of living in new builds as well as being fast to deploy as a retro-fit solution in existing buildings. The innovation will be showcased at BE-ST’s zero carbon build summit being held at Hamilton International Technology Park on November 1. Eddie Black (pic), Eco’s Managing Director, said: “Given the massive problems that housing shortages across the UK are causing, it’s our duty to look at new sustainable solutions to these urgent challenges to meet both immediate and longer term needs. “This circular innovation will create a new build system and
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building modules with scalable manufacturing, providing large amounts of housing quickly and sustainably where it is most required. We are delighted this innovation has been chosen by BE-ST for this support and look forward to working with those on the accelerator to help make this yet another game-changing innovation from Scotland. “It’s also a solution which will create green economy jobs - helping young people gain new skills, apprenticeships and reskilling others to create new career opportunities.” Eco Group Opportunity Strategist Gary Robertson has been invited to present the innovation at the BE-ST event which is looking at how businesses can break through barriers to accelerate society’s journey to zero carbon. Gary said “Our ambition at Eco is to make a profound and posi-
tive difference in people’s lives and have a significant, sustainable global impact. We are committed to being at the forefront of the net zero revolution and, working in collaboration with businesses and other organisations, creating a legacy which will make a difference now and for generations to come.” From deploying world-first decarbonisation technology at its HQ at Annan in Dumfries and Galloway, to providing practical everyday solutions such as off-grid lighting, Eco’s partnerships with market-leading tech companies ensure that it can make innovative technologies accessible to businesses and organisations across the UK. The BE-ST conference brings together different organisations who are focussed on the future of decarbonising the built environment.
NEW HOMES PROVIDER PROUDLY PART OFNATIONAL SHARED OWNERSHIP CAMPAIGN PIC - A typical kitchen-diner in a Bromford Shared Ownership home.
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leading West Midlands housing association is supporting the National Shared Ownership awareness campaign run by the National Housing Federation (NHF). Bromford, which has a number of Shared Ownership developments across the county, is helping to raise awareness of the homeownership route, which is increasingly becoming a more popular viable method of getting onto the property ladder. Shared Ownership gives first-time buyers and those who do not currently own a property the opportunity to secure a new build home with Bromford. Homebuyers pay a mortgage on the share they own, and pay rent
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on the remaining share, meaning only a smaller deposit is required. The National Shared Ownership campaign is now in its fourth year, having launched in 2020 with the first ever shared ownership website and portal available throughout the country. The campaign’s coordinators, NHF, work alongside Homes England to ensure that Shared Ownership continues to be right for potential customers and housing associations and provide education around the scheme’s finer details. Bromford recently ran Mythbusting Month on its social media channels, helping to dispel some of the misconceptions that people may have around Shared Ownership.
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Catherine Jarrett, Director of Sales and Marketing at Bromford, said: “It’s really important for us to be part of this fantastic campaign which does so much to raise awareness around the feasibility and ease of Shared Ownership. “In a time where homeownership may seem a distant dream for some people, housing associations like Bromford and campaigns like these can help people understand that it might not be as far away as they would traditionally expect. Education around Shared Ownership is important, so for this campaign and ourselves to be helping break down some of the intricacies of the scheme and help people on their home buying journey is incredibly rewarding.”
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The Phoenix Newspaper - December 2023 - Page 35
SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS
PIC - Former Birmingham Commonwealth Cricket League players Denzil McCarthy and Morris Lowers visit the ACE programme
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itality Blast Off is back and the Bears will launch their home T20 campaign with a huge men’s double-header featuring two big Midlands rivalry games. Following the success of last season’s inaugural Blast Off, the event returns for a second year at Edgbaston on Saturday 1 June as Derbyshire Falcons host Leicestershire Foxes (2.30pm) before the Bears take on Notts Outlaws (6.30pm). A host of international talent is expected to be on show for the double-header which attracted more than 14,000 fans in 2023, including Pakistan international Hassan Ali and Bears’ new signing George Garton. Other stars including Outlaws and England batters Ben Duckett and Alex Hales, Derbyshire’s Pakistan
BLAST OFF DOUBLE-HEADER TO RETURN TO EDGBASTON IN 2024 bowler Mohammad Amir and Foxes teen spinner Rehan Ahmed are also set to be in action. Fans can now register to get priority access to tickets at the best prices from just £25 at edgbaston.com/blastoff. Priority opens on Tuesday 28 November, before remaining tickets go on general sale from Tuesday 5 December. Chief Executive Stuart Cain said:
“Vitality Blast Off was a big success this summer as we launched the T20 season and put on a show for fans on and off-the-field. “We’re delighted to see that it’s back and even bigger in 2024. Demand has already been high during our Ballot, and we can’t wait to kick-off our home T20 season in front of a capacity crowd next summer.”
Vitality Blast Off will be expanded in 2024 and feature seven men’s and women’s T20 double headers across the country from Thursday 30 May to Sunday 2 June, with the marquee men’s double-header taking place at Edgbaston on the Saturday.
Charity encouraging young Black people to keep cricket legacy alive
A cricket charity is encouraging young people of African and Caribbean heritage to get into the game. The ACE programme in Handsworth, Birmingham, is run by Warwickshire County Cricket Board on behalf of the ACE charity and aims to increase access to the sport for Black communities. The programme was visited by Denzil McCarthy, a.k.a. Tim, a former player in the pioneering Birmingham Commonwealth Cricket League, which was set up in 1976 amid a challenging social climate. Reminiscing on his playing days, he said: "In my day we had none of this here". A member of the Windrush Generation, he went on: "It would've been really, really nice to have some coaches years ago.
“I see so many people here giving up their time to teach these youngsters." The situation was not always so positive. Ahmed Kazi, one of the founders of the Birmingham Commonwealth Cricket League, reflected on the social climate of the 1970s, saying that when the game was primarily played in local parks, there were lots of problems when it came to colour. “A lot of insults were given, so we decided that it was time to form a Black league'," he explained. Nearly half a century later, the ACE programme has built on those efforts. In 2021, the West Midlands became the second national centre for the programme which seeks to ensure that a generation of young people do not miss out on the game.
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Blast Off double-header to return to Edgbaston in 2024 -Page 31
Charity encouraging young Black people to keep cricket legacy alive - page 31
WORLD-CLASS RUGBY TOURNAMENT RETURNS TO GRENADA PIC - Official 2023 GRW7s Partners.
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he 2023 Grenada Rugby World 7s (GRW7s) Tournament was officially launched at the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA)’s office. It is the longest running Club Rugby 7s tournament in the region and has returned to Grenada for its second year. Eighteen (18) of the world’s best Men’s and Women’s Elite 7s teams will compete in the tournament from 1st and 2nd December for a US $20,000 total prize pool. The tournament is one of rugby’s most popular international events and has been running for over 30 years in various locations. It is renowned for its action-packed week of scheduled activities which includes a charity event to support the Grenada Cancer Society, as well as the official ‘pitch days.’ This year’s event is predicted to attract at least 400 visitors to the island and provide a significant financial injection into the local economy. Speaking at the launch, GRW7s Event Manager George Nicholson said: “We are thrilled to be back in Grenada to host an event that will attract both locals and visitors alike to watch elite sport being played at a premier international sporting venue such as the Kirani James Athletics Stadium. “Teams from the UK, USA, Canada,
and the Caribbean have already registered to participate at this year’s event, which not only showcases world-class rugby but also gives both players and spectators a taste of all that ‘Pure Grenada’ has to offer.” GRW7s General Manager Brian Stollmeyer added, “What is special about our event is that it is wonderful exposure for the newly formed Grenada Rugby Union and gives Grenadians the chance to come out and see what rugby is all about. It is our hope that GRW7s will not only highlight Grenada as a world-class tourism destination but will also help to continue to grow the local rugby community on the island and expose as many people as possible to the lifechanging opportunities and lifelong friendships that rugby can provide.” The ‘Caribbean 7s’ Tournament began in Trinidad in the 1980s before moving to Tobago in 2011, and then on to Barbados in 2016. With last year’s move to the Spice Isle of the Caribbean, 2023 GRW7s will continue to break new ground by strengthening the synergy between sports and tourism, and sports and entertainment, and provide teams, officials, and spectators an expanded event ‘experience’ with something for everyone.
A plaque commemorating the first ever British Kabaddi League match played in Great Britain has been unveiled at WV Active Aldersley.
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he British Kabaddi League was launched in the city in 2022 to mark the prominent role of the Midlands in British Kabaddi, and the first match was played between Wolverhampton Wolfpack and Birmingham Bulls on 9 April 2022 at the City of Wolverhampton Council-run leisure centre. The Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, said: “I am thrilled to see Kabaddi going from strength to strength in the City of Wolverhampton, the West Midlands and nationally. “As one of the fastest growing sports in the world it is a celebration of positive community engagement and cultural diversity, and I don’t think there is anywhere better to celebrate both of those things then in this great diverse city.” Ashok Das, President of World Kabaddi and England Kabaddi, said: “The unveiling of the plaque was a
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historical moment and milestone for Kabaddi and will be remembered for generations to come. “I have been promoting the game since 1995 and have introduced the game to the armed forces, universities and schools. The British Kabaddi League is a gateway for players to represent their communities and go on to represent their country in the forthcoming Kabaddi World Cup which is to be held in the Midlands. “I would like to thank the City of Wolverhampton Council for supporting us throughout our journey and believing in us in making history for Kabaddi in the UK.” Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, Cabinet Member for Visitor City, added: “I am delighted and proud that the City of Wolverhampton and other Midland clubs have played such a pivotal role in setting up the league and bringing the sport to the wider public. “As a region, and as a city we
are rightly proud of our sporting clubs, our athletes, and sports people of which there are many. As it is introduced into schools, colleges, and universities across the West Midlands, kabaddi will inspire our young people to take part and become advocates of the sport. “It’s a real honour and tremendously exciting that the West Midlands will be hosting the 2025 Kabaddi World Cup, the first time the sport’s most prestigious global tournament will be hosted outside of Asia, and I am hopeful the city will play a big part in this momentous occasion.” Kabaddi is the fastest growing sport in South Asia, and the second most popular af-
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ter cricket. Originating in India some 5,000 years ago, the contact sport sees teams broken down into raiders and blockers, with the aim of scoring points by entering opposition territory, tagging an opponent, and making it back into their own half without being tackled to the ground. It is now played in more than 50 countries, having grown in stature as a mainstream sport.