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Happy New Year
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JANUARY 2017
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Inside This Edition
Words by Dr Neslyn Watson-Druée CBE
acqueline O’Donovan born at St Mary’s hospital Paddington in the city of London is one of the most influential women in business whom you will ever meet. As Managing Director of O’Donovan Waste Disposal, Jacqueline is one of the waste, logistics, and construction sectors’ most passionate pioneers of employee training, industry best practice and the safety of all road users. When Jacqueline’s father passed away suddenly, the then 17 year Jacqueline was thrust into a family business that she neither fully understood nor was qualified to work in. She was a teenager and a woman, not your average construction executive. Undaunted Jacqueline started to learn the ropes, and with the support of her family and employees, her flair for leadership came to the fore and she gradually made her mark on the business. Under her leadership, the family-run waste management business has gone from strength to strength with eye watering increased turnover statistics.
Continued on Page 14
President-Elect Nana Akufo-Addo Prepares For Ghanaian Presidency - Page 29
Lord Mayor Honoured at Civic Reception - Pages 32-33
and much more...
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NEWS
The Phoenix – January 2017
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Celebrating the Rooster for Chinese New Year
C
elebrating the ‘rooster,’ the 2017 Chinese New Year, seen as the most important of its traditional holidays, will see its community, across the UK,
hold parades and public celebrations close to the first day of this year’s Chinese year. On January 28, the ‘Lunar New Year’ will see dragon dances and more to celebrate the beginning of
the ‘Year of the Rooster’ as they welcome hundreds of families in marking the special occasion in the Chinese calendar. This year’s spectacular organised by the Birmingham Chinese Festival
Happy New Year!
F
rom everyone at The Phoenix Newspaper, we hope you have had a restful and peaceful Christmas, and wish you all the very best for 2017! As the newly appointed Assistant Editor I am looking forward to doing my best to further the reach and support of the paper. 2017 is a brand new year and a brand new look for The Phoenix Newspaper, as you should have already noticed! We are the first and longest running, positive, good news publication, having been established since 2010. Now in our 7th year with a daily online presence reaching a local, national, and international audience with over 7 million views to date and rising, we are ensuring that good news reaches as many people as possible. In just that short time, we have produced a publication that shares a connection with so many of you, from all walks of life, regardless of colour, race or religion. If you have a positive story from your community, we want to hear about it, so please do contact our newsdesk either by phone or email, we would love to hear from you! This year you will want to keep your eyes peeled as we are going to be updating our website and online presence
l Daniel Riley, Assistant Editor to a new attractive design and layout, including the new jobs section! We stand at the beginning of 2017, looking back at the shocks and surprises that 2016 held for us, be that voting results on both sides of the pond, Olympic and Paralympic successes and more, and wonder what this year will hold for us. Don’t just stand back and let 2017 happen. Take it with both hands and mould it into what you want it to be for you. With a positive attitude and a determined focus, you can achieve anything, and we’d love to be alongside you while you’re doing it, so please do get in touch with your stories. Finally, thank you all for your ongoing readership, you are the stories, you are the people you read about in this publication, and you make it what it is. Walk with us hand in hand into 2017, and help us make it be one to remember for all the right reasons.
Committee, in The Arcadian, in Birmingham’s city centre, featured an array of entertainment including lion dancers, acrobats, martial arts, traditional music and dancing, plus a children's craft area and
fairground, as well as market stalls and a Far-eastern Food Festival. Most events are open to the general public and are very much friendly and welcoming for people of all backgrounds to learn
more about the Chinese culture. Large public celebrations are also held in London, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield.
The Phoenix – January 2017
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NEWS
l Georgie Moseley with Barrington Francis from Viva Brazil
class from Harry Moseley’s old school, Oasis Academy Blakenhale Junior, visited Viva Brazil Birmingham to give them the opportunity to discover more about Brazilian history and the importance of healthy eating. The trip was organised following a successful month of fundraising by the restaurant which operated a Dine and Donate scheme for customers, raising a total of £2,000 for the charity. Georgie Moseley, Harry’s mother was also in attendance on the day, stating, “I’m really excited about the support from Viva Brazil today, they’ve gone above and beyond. They’ve fundraised for us for a month, and today they’ve invited a class from the school for a lesson in Brazilian food and culture as well as tasting sessions.” “I’m trying to do 16 events to raise money for Help Harry Help Others, and this month we’ve renovated a house for a cancer family in Stetchford. “Last month alone we had 229 people through our drop in Cancer Support Centre, and with only 3 members of staff it has been flat
out!” “There are another 4 events at the beginning of 2017, running up until the 22nd February which would have been Harry’s 17th birthday, which is a skydive.” Barrington Francis, Manager at Viva Brazil Birmingham said “We’ve done Dine and Donate for a few years and it has always been successful, everyone seems to be happy to be part of it.” The children were treated to lunch, before being taken on a guided tour of the building, with explanation of the food and culture that is on show, before leaving with kids packs and balloons. “Continuing with their charity fundraising, Viva Brazil took part in Christmas Jumper Day and also raised money for Children In Need with all the staff dressed up in school uniform.” beamed Barrington. “We want to make more people aware of the cancer centre and the fact that it is drop in,” explained Georgie, “we are a very small charity so without peoples support we can’t do what we do.” For more information please visit www.HHHO.org.uk
l Georgie Moseley with Barrington Francis and some of the children during the school visit to Viva Brazil Birmingham
Viva Brazil serves up support for Help Harry Help Others Fill in our survey online by 18 January 2017 birmingham.gov.uk/brumbudget17 • Not online at home? Get free access to the internet at council libraries. • For a paper copy of the survey, email your details to budget.views@birmingham.gov.uk
l The children receive their meat from the Viva Brazil Passador
#brumbudget17
Send in your stories to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com
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NEWS
The Phoenix – January 2017
Timely new Director of IDR appointment for CCTN/VAB
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l Rudi Page
Royal Visit a further honour for Mohammed Zafran BEM Birmingham Francophone African Oral History Project
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t was a proud moment for Mohammed Zafran BEM who received a Royal Visit from HRH Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester at South and City College Birmingham. Whilst there, The Duke had a tour around the college and was pleased to see how many female students participated on the sports and public services course. Also in attendance were the Birmingham Lord and Lady Mayor, Councillor Carl Rice and Deed Curry, and Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Shafiq Shah, plus S.C.C.B. principal Mike Hopkins, vice principal Sardul Dhesi and head of school Thomas McGeever. Zaf, founder of All 4 Youth & Community CIC - which provides much-needed support, understanding, love and affection to thousands of children and
ADVERTORIAL
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he African Community Heritage Hub celebrates a grant from Heritage Lottery Fund for its Francophone African community of Birmingham Oral History project. The Heritage Lottery Fund was awarded a grant of £68,800 to fund an African Community Heritage Hub Oral History project called: Minding African Hidden Memories. This project will work with individuals of the Francophone African community in Birmingham to record testimonies of up to 40 individuals to explore the resettlement experience of this community. The project will focus on the resettlement experiences including; discrimination, racism, isolation, employment and mental health wellbeing since 1970s. Young people and other vo-
lunteers will be trained to gain interviewing and archiving techniques to carry out audio and video recorded interviews with 40 individuals from this community. Minding African Hidden Memories enables the local community to be involved in a very direct way in the recording and celebration of their history. There is also significant benefits for the community as the project will aim to give people with experience of sharing their culture, traditions
young people through endless community projects - said; "I felt honoured to have the HRH the Duke of Gloucester attend to talk about my work and visit the college. “It was also nice to talk about the positive work which is happening in the Birmingham and people who are making a difference." "It was a proud day for a college like ours," said Hopkins "Zaf spends a lot of time working with youths on projects and then brings them to the college where they are given the full support to progress in their careers." Mohammed Zafran BEM has won over 20 National Awards for his humanitarian work and will be given the Global Diversity Leadership Award in February 2017 in India and was the finalist in this year’s Pride Of Britain.
and memories. The project will develop a multi-media archive of material. Ends products will include a website, and exhibitions to be held throughout Birmingham.
For more information please contact: Miguel Jose, African Community Heritage Hub 07584044147 or 0121 4088216
To Advertise
ward-winning management consultant specialist Rudi Page's appointment as Director of International Diaspora Relations for Countrystyle Community Tourism Network/ Villages as Businesses (CCTN/ VAB) is timely and fortuitous. He develops policy implementation for International Trade Support, Healthcare Management Systems, Workforce Development (Equalities) and Corporate Social Impact recently developing the Caribbean Diaspora Delivery System (CDDS), a facilitated framework for the digital transformation of the traditional Diaspora leadership, management and involvement model by providing strategic leadership in communication, governance, structure and implementation. London-based Page has been receiving a stream of welcoming remarks from the CCTN/VAB management team including Founder/ President, Diana McIntyre-Pike who said: “CCTN/VAB are delighted to have Rudi Page to manage this area and assist us to further develop and promote our Community Tourism network. He has informed that one of his first duties is to develop a Diaspora Engagement Plan for 2017.” Lou D’Amore, Founder & President, International Institute for Peace through Tourism, added: “Your experience and expertise will prove to be a great asset in promoting Community Tourism to Jamaica and the Caribbean.” "I’m looking forward to building relationships across all sectors throughout the Diaspora and beyond," Rudi said "The International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017 provides Jamaica and the region with great opportunities for achieving inclusive growth." He anticipates building on existing relationships between the UK/USA/Canada Diaspora and the Caribbean Region, to create sustainable development and help increase Jamaica’s economic development in accordance with the Economic Growth Council and Vision 2030’s National Development Plan, a 'roadmap' for making "Jamaica, the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.”
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
First ever British South Asian Business Book launched
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he first ever book on the contribution of South Asians to the British economy has been published by consulting firm, Global Enterprise Development Services Limited. Community Education Academy of Leadership (CEAL) organised an official launch of ‘The Anatomy of British South Asian Enterprise’, 13 December 2016, Hawthorns House, West Midlands. The event was chaired by the organisation’s founder and project manager, Harminder Kaur Bhogal and hosted by the Kaleidoscope Plus Group. Award-winning publisher and business management consultant, Dr
Christopher A. Johnson, is the author of this new publication. It represents the second in a series on ethnic firms in Britain; the first being ‘British Caribbean Enterprises: Challenges and Successes’ in 2008 and for which the said author received the ‘Obama Shield’ (2009). ‘The Anatomy of British South Asian Enterprise’ profiles the enterprise activities of men and women including young people of Afghani, Bangladeshi, Indian, Nepali, Pakistani and Sri Lankan heritage respectively. It traces the origins of South Asian businesses from the early 1800s to the present. The challenges, opportunities and growth prospects for this ethnic group within the 21st century and
beyond, are also examined. Written with a passion for wealth creation and a flair for human advancement, Dr Johnson’s latest production, fills a void in the literature on ethnic entrepreneurship. Equally, it impacts on the much talked-about economic diversity dividend in Britain. The book is ideal for existing and would-be entrepreneurs and is a useful reference text for individuals taking part in International Business, Business Studies, Enterprise Development and or Management courses. Among the keynote speakers at the book launch, were Professor Monder Ram OBE, Director Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CRÈME) and Mr Arif Ali, Founder/ Chair of Hansib Publications. The leading academic stated that South Asians are leading the way in creativity, innovation and enterprise development in Britain and around the world. Their contribution to society can no longer be ignored and that Dr. Johnson’s latest publication vindicated that fact. This work needs to feed into mainstream”,
he asserted. Hansib’s boss shared experiences of his formative years in publishing and reasoned that “this latest publication will do justice to the cause that minorities have been fighting for since the last century. It is a fitting reward to the commitment and dedication of the author and others who are making a real difference to British society”. Former Director of the Institute for Asian Businesses (IAB), Dipak Shelat, congratulated the author on “producing such an important publication on the British South Asian community from a business perspective”. Fifteen year old Sharon Gloyi and Kiran Sandhu wrote, “We need more events like this to inspire other young people so that they can write too; we really like this book”. The event included spirituals from key faiths of the South Asian community along with an intersperse of inspirational songs to add uniqueness to the evening’s proceedings. Invitees included personages from business, professions, faith, charity, network bodies and students. The enterprise publication has since attracted widespread interest in Britain and overseas including numerous ‘hits’ on social media. There are plans to organise book signing and other such events in the West Midlands and elsewhere, to promote ‘The Anatomy of British South Asian Enterprise’. Readers and other followers should keep an eye on CEAL’s Events Section of the website (www.ceal.org.uk) where you can also find information on how to order copies of the book. Words by Harminder Kaur Bhogal, Founder/Project Manager of CEAL
The Phoenix – January 2017
The Phoenix – January 2017
Shortlist revealed for New Year Business Awards Dinner
T
he shortlist has been revealed for the inaugural New Year Business Dinner, incorporating the Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield and Tamworth Chambers of Commerce awards to be held at the sold-out event at The Belfry on January 26. Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and Tamworth will each have a Business of the Year award, with three companies shortlisted in each category. Sutton Coldfield Business of the Year nominees are: Auriga Services Limited, Inform Accounting and Level Limited. Tamworth Business of the Year nominees are: Apollo Chemicals Limited, Roasters of Tamworth and Prizm Solutions Limited. Lichfield Business of the Year nominees are: First Class Technologies Limited, Crisp Branding and Cocoonfxmedia Limited. HSBC are on board as event sponsors, while Power Minerals are to sponsor the Sutton Coldfield Business of the Year prize.
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There is then an opportunity to join a mission, in February, to take in one of the leading events in Mexico - in Queretaro and Mexico City - for the automotive supply chain where delegates will be able to hold one-to-one meetings, at the International Business Convention for the Automotive Industry, with international buyers and decision makers, and meet experts with extensive intelligence. Mark Sankey, head of the Department for International Trade team at Greater Birmingham
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Businesses to Explore Opportunities In Dubai and Mexico idlands businesses will be making a trade visit the United Arab Emirates and Mexico to explore trading opportunities in export. A group representing Midlands Engine will travel to Dubai for a market visit to Arab Health. Experienced trade advisers will lead companies to pre-arrange meetings with commercial advisers and buyers, as well as take part in other activities such as networking and optional site visits.
Confidence soars in Brexit bonanza
B l Mark Sankey, head of the Department for International Trade team at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Chambers of Commerce, said: “Joining an organised trade mission is an excellent way to explore opportunities in the export market, to familiarise yourself with a target market before you fully commit, meet potential customers, agents or distributors and to win new sales. It also pays dividends spending
time in the market to experience the local business environment and culture and benefit from the experience of trade advisers leading the visits.” The International Business Convention for the Automotive Industry takes place between February 20 and 24.
usinesses in Greater Birmingham recorded a “remarkable” end-of-year performance in a post-Brexit bonanza, according to Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC). But the labour market in the service sector remains challenging, with all firms surveyed stating they were having difficult in recruitment. According to overall figures, all sectors have contributed towards ensuring the West Midlands is out-performing the rest of the UK. The upbeat QBR (Quarterly Business Report) produced by GBCC, supported by Birmingham City University, reflects a growing confidence and determination among the region’s business community, says chief executive Paul Faulkner. Faulkner said: “This shows the remarkable resilience and determination of companies in the region and demonstrates that Greater Birmingham is open for business since the Brexit vote.”
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE £12,000 Fines for Hygiene Offences by caterers
The Phoenix – January 2017
Happy New Year to all! Monthly views
S
cores of rats and poor food hygiene at a food catering company landed its owner penalties of more than £12,000 following environmental health inspections. Sandwell Council’s Environmental Health Officers visited Muslim Catering Ltd, on the West Bromwich-Handsworth border to undertake a routine food hygiene inspection where they found widespread rat activity as well as poor structural and cleanliness standards and cross contamination risks. There was also a lack of a waste contract, food handlers were not wearing protective clothing and there was not a suitable disinfectant on site to clean food contact surfaces and equipment. Officers revisited the premises, when food was voluntarily surrendered for destruction due to the rat infestation with more visits during the next few days, revealing more rats being caught.
with Anthony Kelly
H
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UAE Bosses expecting to increase work force in 2017
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indings by the UAE CEO Global Outlook show that in 3 years nearly 90 per cent of CEOs in the UAE will employ more staff than they currently do. Conducted by auditing firm KPMG, who canvassed the opinions of 1,300 CEOs across the country, the report was also specific about which sectors it expects the increased workforce to come from. It said: ‘Over the next three years CEOs predicted a gap for specialist skills in the research and development and strategy sectors. With strategic skills, there were concerns about data and analytics, cyber security, digital and innovation – continuing a theme we have seen throughout this survey. We have already seen that the hunt for talent – a perennial issue for CEOs in the region – is likely to get more, not less, difficult. There is still a heavy reliance on expatriate labour to satisfy the local job market. “Just under two thirds of CEOs are expecting to increase headcount over the next 12 months while almost 90 per cent of CEOs expect headcount to increase over
the next three years.’ Flexible working arrangements were seen as the best way to not only attract staff but retain them as well, according to 29 per cent of respondents. Promotion possibilities and purpose-driven organisation also ranked highly in this section. The biggest threats to business, by cyber attacks, according to the UAE-based CEOs, are regulatory, talent and reputation risk. ‘It is significant that the UAE’s risk registers are so different to the global norms,’ said the KPMG report. ‘The oil and gas industry, a significant part of the UAE’s economy and the source of much government revenue, is one of the industries which regionally has been most affected by cyber attacks. More than half [surveyed] believe new products will be the most important source of growth over the next three years. Less than 10 per cent of CEOs believe that new channels would be important – perhaps a sign that the omnichannel revolution that is shaking the retail industry globally has yet to gain traction in the UAE across a wider economic horizon.’
appy New Year to the readers of the Phoenix newspaper and hope that this one will be stress free and trouble free as I cannot remember a year as awful as the last one from so many fronts. Tragedies, natural disasters, freak accidents, untimely deaths, upsets in some elections and other competitions all come to the fore. As a child growing up in Jamaica my grandmother used to say that leap years are known for more bad news happening than other years. I am not superstitious but she might well have had a point with that view as those older people were wise beyond their years and their sixth sense and intuition were incredible. In looking forward and as one of the Diabetes UK Community Champions for the West Midlands I am asking everyone to take their health and well being seriously as a healthy diet and lifestyle have a lasting effect on the mind, body and soul. I am not one for New Year’s resolutions but make a conscious and determined effort to exercise and eat healthy meals all the time. Dancing, aerobics, yoga, Pilates and swimming to name a few are there for us to pick and choose. However in terms of exercise it does not mean that one has to join a gym as there are other forms of physical activity such as walking at a fast pace, jogging, riding a bicycle or climbing the stairs instead of using the elevator/lift and escalator. For the less able bodied sitting in a sofa/arm chair or wheel chair and raising ones feet and hands with plastic bottles filled with water is a legitimate form of weightlifting that can be done in the comfort of one’s home. This will strengthen all those under used muscles in the arms and legs. It is interesting to note how membership at gyms always increases at the start of the year as some people want to lose weight and get in to shape. However sadly by spring the motivation for many tends to have fallen by the wayside and the once full gyms suddenly become half empty. Keeping fit and healthy should not be a seasonal requirement but a regular part on one’s daily life. No one knows one’s body better than you and moderation in all things is to be advised. Leading a couch potato or sedentary lifestyle is not a healthy option and we can all make an effort to do better. Here’s to a happy and healthy New Year.
The Phoenix – January 2017
NY Honours for Team GB
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lympic stars Andy Murray, Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis-Hill were recognised in a New Year Honours list which also includes big names from the entertainment world. Rio 2016 men's tennis champion Murray and double gold-winning athlete Farah receive knighthoods, while heptathlete Ennis-Hill becomes a dame. A host of Paralympians also receive honours, including 11-times gold medallist dressage rider Lee Pearson who receives a knighthood. Farah called it a "dream come true" for a boy who had arrived in the UK from war-torn Somalia at the age of eight unable to speak English. From the world of music, The Kinks frontman Ray Davies and opera singer Bryn Terfel receive knighthoods. So too does actor Mark Rylance, the Wolf Hall and Bridge of Spies star recognised for services to the theatre. Patricia Routledge, best known for playing Hyacinth Bucket in TV's Keeping Up Appearances, is made a dame for services to theatre and charity. Veteran comic Ken Dodd said he felt "highly tickled" to receive a knighthood at the age of 89.
BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Grow Your Wealth with Darren Winters
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ou may wonder, are there people out there who are not just focused on themselves and taking all that they can get? Well at an entrepreneur boot camp a person who is passionate about enabling people to grow their wealth blew me away. So who is this person? His name is Darren Winters of WIN Investing and The Wealth Trading Company, born to parents who were both teachers, Darren is one of 4 children. Darren reports that he started his company in the year 2000 by accident. He was teaching his friends 1:1 about investing, then his business grew into a training company which got bigger and bigger by word of mouth and in 2003 he found himself speaking to 1500 people on a 2 day training course. Darren is a self-made multi-millionaire and successful entrepreneur. After learning 1:1 from the World’s top traders and investors,
Darren took himself from a normal job and a mountain of debt to become a multi-millionaire in just a few short years. Now, Darren is excited and committed to teaching children and adults how to become financially free. Darren has now taught thousands of people on how anyone can use his proven, yet surprising simple investment strategies to become financially independent, whatever their current situation, by trading for just a couple of hours per week. When asked if trading was a risky business, his response was, “Yes it is, if you don’t know what you are doing, so is driving a car! Would you drive a car without being taught how to drive? So it is with trading, lean the basics, lean the principles, know how to apply your brakes and you will get to your financial goal with ease.” Darren is both meticulous and outstanding with his explanations
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UK restaurants could go bust in 2017
T and he knows how to present his teaching so that you could not possibly misunderstand; that is why he is so successful with teaching children through his charity work. He has taught some fundamental basics to staff of the London Stock Exchange, strategies of which they were unaware. Darren has been the main stage speaker at many events a few include: World Money Show, The London Master Investor Show, The UK Investor Show and The London Investor Forex Show. He has spoken at business and entrepreneur events in the UK and around the World including the Masters of Wealth Event in Norway. What has contributed to Darren’s level of skills and expertise? He has been trained 1:1 with
the best in the world. In addition, Darren has read and taken the very best principles and practice from over 200 books on investing and he has attended and completed over 30 of the World’s best investment training courses. To underpin the learning Darren has interviewed and extracting wisdom from a number of selfmade investment multi-millionaires. Darren has certainly learnt by doing and he invested in the top people in the world of investment to mentor him 1:1. I found it refreshing and a real joy to experience being with someone who is committed by his actions to inspire a new generation. www.wealthtrainingcompany.com Words by Dr Neslyn Watson-Druée CBE
housands of restaurant businesses in Britain could go bust because the fall in sterling since the Brexit vote has sharply raised the cost of imported food and wine, an accountancy firm has warned. 5,570 restaurant businesses have at least a 30% chance of insolvency in the next three years, due to inflationary pressures and stagnating disposable incomes. The UK imports 48% of its food, according to government figures with the cost of labour also going up, after the government raised the national minimum wage from £6.70 to £7.20. The restaurant sector is fiercely competitive, with 200 new restaurants opening in London last year alone and many diners are also suffering from flatlining disposable incomes. Even some of the biggest restaurant companies are struggling. Mike Finch, restructuring partner at Moore Stephens, said: “It is unrealistic to expect UK restaurant groups to avoid the impact of the fall in the pound by substituting for UK produce – they are going to face a big hit.
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LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE WITH DR NESLYN WATSON-DRUée CBE FRCN FCGI
The Phoenix – January 2017
Leadership Excellence
with Dr Neslyn Watson-Druée CBE FRCN FCGI It’s often said that hard skills will get you an interview but you need soft skills to get (and keep) the job.
Would you like the people in your business to be star performers?
It is highly recognised that emotional skills are central to successful leadership. Emotional skills are sometimes brushed aside as soft skills. Soft skills are sometimes broken down into personal attributes, such as: optimism, common sense, responsibility, a sense of humour, integrity, time-management and motivation. In addition, interpersonal abilities, such as: empathy, leadership, communication the ability to teach, good manner and sociability are included.
1 D. Rosete and J. Ciarrochi, “Emotional Intelligence and Its Relationship to Workplace Performance Outcomes in Leadership
Star performance is required from all employees, in all organisations and all entrepreneurs, to increase creativity, innovation, efficiency and effectiveness; especially in the current climate of austerity and reducing financial deficits. Martyn Newman says that Emotional Capitalists are the N e w Leaders.
Effectiveness,” Leadership and Organizational Development Journal, 26 (2005): 388-399 2 Emotional Intelligence and Your Success, Steven J Stein and Howard E. Book. Josey Bass 2006,
So how does leadership contribute to star performance?
The research relating to star performance have consistently shown that people who outperform their peers score significantly higher on emotional self-knowing, self-actualisation, empathy, inter-personal relationships, adaptability, problem-solving and stress management.
What differentiates star performance from the rest?
A study reported study in Emotional Intelligence and Your Success highlighted that the United States Air Force identified a problem with its recruitment and retention. Approximately 50% of recruiters were leaving employment within a short period time. The Air Force followed up by participating in a large study that examined the role of emotional intelligence and the impact on recruitment and retention. The research compared self-reported emotional intelligence data and actual performance data with other data. The results showed that the five factors that were most likely to be translated into success were: assertiveness, empathy, happiness, self-awareness and problem-solving. Specific focus on the recruitment and retention of new employees involved a follow-up study after one year. The study consisted of the use of emotional intelligence testing in conjunction with specifically developed emotional intelligence interviews with the aim to improve the retention. Worldwide retention improved by 92%, at a cost savings to the Air Force of an estimated $2.7M (US). Kate Cannon’s work
Chapter 18 p. 3 United States General Accounting Office, Testimony before the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, committee on National Security, House of Representatives, Military Attrition: DOD Needs to Better Analyse Reasons for Separation and Improving Recruiting
Star Performance Are You a Star Performer?
at American Express Financial Services says emotional skills can be improved in the work environment is well documented. Kate designed a programme to improve Emotional Intelligence. The outcome of the programme was that sales staff showed improvement in their performance at work and that many of the same staff reported greater success in dealing with situations that arose in their personal lives. Within Kate Cannon’s study group the Emotional Intelligence factors that showed the most change, especially among those who initially scored low, were assertiveness, empathy, reality testing, self-actualisation, selfregard and optimism. Neslyn.com invite people and organisations to improve their star performance. We offer a menu of
Systems, March 12, 1998, (GAO/TNSIAD-98-117) 4 Kate Cannon, personal communication, 1998: G. Sitarenios Pre-Analysis: American Express Co. Employees (Toronto: Multi-Health systems, 1998. See also Tony Schwartz, “How Do You Feel?” Fast Company, 35 (June 2000) p.296
strategies to improve your leadership and star performance in particular focus with the use of: 1. Emotional Capital Individual Report 2. Emotional Capital 360 Report 3. Emotional Capital (Em-
ployment) Selection Report 4. Qualifying Programme to enable coaches and organisational consultants to administer, give feedback and coach effectively using Emotional Capital Instruments.
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The Phoenix – January 2017
T UK’s Naughtiest Little Elf found
T
he search for the nation’s ‘Naughtiest Little Elf’ is now over, with eight-year-old cat Arnie winning over the judges at Redrow Homes with his cheeky Christmas antics. Arnie, from Haywards Heath, West Sussex, was caught pulling his best ‘I want to eat you’ face while eyeing up the family turkey. The guilty kitty triumphed over a number of other mischievous festive elves, including numerous much-loved pets making themselves at home in the Christmas tree, and a guinea pig adorned with festive antlers! Arnie and his family have won a £50 voucher for notonthehighstreet.com to spend this Christmas. Commenting on their win, Arnie’s owner Jemma said: “I would like to thank Redrow so much for Arnie’s win, I think this naughty cat deserves a treat with his winning voucher!”
he I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! champion, Scarlett Moffatt, is truly facing up to the ‘Reality’ of stardom with news that she is in line to pocket a whopping £1million after winning the latest installment of the show which delves into the japes of the perhaps not so rich and not as famous as before in the extremes of the Australian outback. The 26-year-old from Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, who shot to her own bit of fame on Cannel 4’s own bit of ‘reality,’ Gogglebox, has already been getting offers pouring in, but it’s understood that she will not be rushing into anything and wants to spend time with her family. She is, however, set to release a weight-loss DVD, after shedding two stone earlier this year, and previously published a book which contains her thoughts on life, the universe and everything. Scarlett, who beat finalists, Joel Dommett and Emmerdale star Adam Thomas, impressed viewers with her down-toearth personality and witty one-liners. In the first vote-off, comedian Joel came in second place with 20.02%, but then Adam beat Joel in the following vote-off. Industry experts say the Jungle Queen's earnings are set to soar. The I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here! winner was working as a disability adviser for students when she shot to fame as the straight-talking regular on BAFTA-winning Gogglebox alongside dad Mark and mum Betty. Now, the world’s her oyster…or witchetty grub…whatever takes her fancy.
Jungle Queen Scarlett onto Goggle-eyed £1million windfall
l Scarlett Moffat crowned as Queen of the Jungle with her mother Betty
Page 11
NEWS
Councilor Discusses Kashmir Crisis Resolution
B
irmingham Councilor Waseem Zaffar delivered a powerful and riveting speech at the city’s Council Chamber, speaking on behalf of the Kashmiri people and their rights. Kashmir has long been the centre of conflict between India and Pakistan, with those bearing the brunt of violence being the Kashmiri’s themselves. Zaffar urged the British government to advocate more for the self-determination of the Kashmiri’s, especially given that Birmingham is home to the largest number of Kashmiri’s in the world outside Kashmir itself. Although a Kashmiri himself, Cllr. Zaffar, a Cabinet Member for Transparency, Openness and Equality, argued that there are many others who are passionate about the situation given the high levels of on-going human rights abuses, which has worsened, mostly due to the armed forces’ killing of a pro-independence activist.
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Page 12
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT - PROMOTING EXCELLENCE
The Phoenix – January 2017
g n i Self-Belief in t o m o Pr xcellence E Schools Soars with 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.
Little Bird Project
Are schools doing enough to promote racial equality?
l L-R Andy Holding - Community Affairs Manager at Birmingham Airport, Alison Delaney - Founder of Little Bird and Author and Andy Tunstall - Head teacher at Yorkswood Primary School along with children from the school
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A
l Dr Patrick Roach, Deputy General Secretary of the NASUWT
nly 6% of BME teachers feel schools and colleges do enough to promote racial equality, a conference organised by the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union in the UK, heard. More than 500 BME teachers from across the country gathered in Birmingham for the NASUWT Annual BME Teachers’ Consultation Conference to discuss the challenges facing them and to engage in professional development workshops. The conference, which is the largest BME teachers’ conference in Europe, heard concerns about discrimination, and the failure of schools to take racial or religious prejudice seriously. BME teachers said the number one priority for securing better progress towards racial justice in schools and colleges should be mandatory racial equality training for all teachers. A real-time electronic poll of BME teachers attending the seminar found that: • 24% said they had experienced more discrimination or prejudice at work since the EU referendum result;
• Only 9% feel schools and colleges are taking racial or religious prejudice more seriously since the EU referendum result; • 49% believe in the last 12 months they have been treated less favourably at work, or when seeking a job or promotion because they are a BME teacher; • 53% feel pessimistic about their future in the teaching profession; • 70% believe that the prospects for making progress towards racial justice in the UK are worse. And on more general issues, the poll found: • 83% of BME teachers are angry or dissatisfied about what has happened to their pay as a teacher over the last few years; • 52% believe the prospects for their pay are more likely to worsen; • The number one factor that will have the greatest bearing on whether or not BME teachers will be working as a teacher in five years’ time is the pressure of the job and workload. To tackle the issues facing BME teachers, pupils and community, NASUWT is running a campaign to tackle ra-
cial injustice. The NASUWT Act For Racial Justice campaign has gathered evidence and is raising awareness of the issues surrounding racial justice, with an overall goal of making informed recommendations to tackle this ongoing issue within schools and the wider community. Dr Patrick Roach, Deputy General Secretary of the NASUWT, said: “The experiences shared by BME teachers today demonstrate that discrimination and unfair treatment of BME teachers and pupils is unfortunately still rife. Discriminatory management practices and racial injustice within the education system flourish because government fails to secure compliance. In fact, the Government has created a climate in which equality and the rights of workers are seen as unimportant. Workload and pay are racial justice issues and the Government needs to take action to address the concerns of BME teachers. The NASUWT and its members will continue to act for equality and for racial justice in our schools, colleges and in our communities.”
recent study has found that 88 per cent of young people in Britain today say they ‘lack confidence and doubt they will succeed in life’, proving that self-confidence is fundamentally missing from our schools’ syllabus. However, a new project is changing this one school at a time. Led by Alison Delaney, an author, motivational speaker, and founder of the Little Bird project, the programme has already been implemented in eight UK schools this year. What’s more, Little Bird has already started to make a global impact with schools in Europe and Africa also participating. Building on the book’s key messages, the programme develops an empowering environment that enables the Little Chicks taking part to be the very best they can be. Speaking about how Little Bird began, Alison said: “My background is in Neurolinguistic Programming and Behavioural and Cultural change, and I have spent the last two decades in learning and development roles for notable companies. “I realised that if we are going to successfully raise compassionate and resourceful children, it is our duty to give them the self-confidence to cope with the challenges and opportunities that are ahead of them. “The Little Bird project does this, encouraging children through play: these children are guided in discus-
sions about their dreams, encouraged to write and illustrate their aspirations, and helped to discover and celebrate their talents.” A large number of schools proved that they are singing from the Little Bird song-sheet, with others joining the project this month.
With corporate sponsorship and community partnerships attracting attention, big names, including Birmingham Airport and Turkish Airlines and Unity Trust are also getting involved. In addition, the support from each of the sponsors has not only benefited the UK schools, but has equally allowed for the gift of learning to be delivered to children across
the globe. Earlier this year, this model was successfully piloted in South Africa. Alison and her team, including Chantlers Primary School’s Head Teacher Phillip Barlow and BAFTA award-winning director Mandy Temple, visited the country in October, holding Dreams Workshops in schools in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Port Elizabeth. 1,000 books made the 10,000-mile journey across the globe, each complete with an illustrated note of hope from children in the UK. The books were then hand-delivered by Alison to pupils at Mitchell’s Plain Primary School, Nooitgedacht Primary School, and Rufane Donkin Primary School, with the recipients giving hand-written postcards to Alison to bring back for their new penpals. For each child who has received the book in a British school, another copy is gifted to a less-fortunate child in another school somewhere else in the world. “For all of us at Little Bird, there is nothing more important than encouraging young people to reach their full potential,” Alison said. “To be part of their journeys and to watch these resilient children from all walks of life overcome their obstacles is both humbling and inspiring. The best part is that this is only the beginning: we cannot wait to continue to grow and help so many more children.
The Phoenix – January 2017
Page 13
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT - PROMOTING EXCELLENCE
Domestic violence project wins award in NCCPE competition
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project which aims to prevent domestic violence in the Caribbean has won a national award for public engagement. The ‘None-in-Three’ project, directed by the University of Huddersfield’s Professor Adele Jones (pictured), was one of three projects shortlisted for the Health & Wellbeing award, in the Engage Competition run by the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE). The project’s name derives from the finding that one-in-three women and girls experience violence in their lives. “That’s a fairly global statistic, but the problem of domestic violence is identified as being particularly acute in Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Professor Jones.
The University of Huddersfield has implemented the project in partnership with the Grenada-based Sweet Water Foundation, which campaigns on child sexual abuse. Supported by national and regional agencies, the project has been designed to complement existing domestic violence programmes in the region and also to contribute to change at the international level. One such development has been an interactive, role-playing computer game, designed to educate school children on domestic violence and be shown in the East Caribbean and in the UK. Finalists in the NCCPE’s Engage Competition were selected from over 180 entries with each demonstrating a broad range of high quality activities to inspire and involve public audiences with their research.
l University of Huddersfield’s Professor Adele Jones
Specifications of the Kongo Spirituality
T
o start the year, let us delve into the teachings of Ne Muanda Nsemi, The founder of Bundu Dia Kinabi. These particular extracts come from the booklet entitled 'Specifications of the Kongo Religion(cosmic spiritual system), and from another booklet entitled Know your roots. The aim is to better understand ourselves and when we are mature enough to realize that we share the planet with different plants, animals and peoples then we may create a more eco-friendly existence on the mother earth, which can only benefit humanity. The Bukongo(the spirituality of the Bakongo people) teaches that the civilization is a phenomenon which concerns the development
of the heart and the head, the values intellectual and the moral values (spiritual), therefore a process which concerns the Science and the Conscious, the Culture and the Technology. A barbarian is someone who is not civilised. There are two kinds of barbarian: the ignorant barbarian and the knowledgeable barbarian, who is a dangerous individual.. The development of the Science, without consciousness, only produces the dangerous barbarian, who is capable of the destroying the planet earth in every way. The Science in the hands of knowledgeable barbarian is like putting a stick of dynamite in the hands of a fool. A dangerous individual is not a
civilised being, because a civilised being pocesses the Science and the Consciousness. The culture of a people is the expression of the soul of that people. Therefore its language is the principal vehicle. The culture contains the moral values of a people, the vision of the world of that people, and the relationship of that people with the supreme being (=The Creator Akongo), The Genie`s, and the Holy Ancestors. Whoever speaks of the culture speaks of the soul, the language, the moral and spiritual values, the vision of the world, the relationship of the creator Akongo, the Genie`s, and the Great Ancestors.
The Specification of the Kongo spirituality.
White light emitted from the sun is composed in a prism that gives the seven colours of the rainbow. The colour red, the colour orange, the colour yellow, the colour green, the colour blue, the colour indigo and the colour violet. Therefore the real sky contains
Education spending cuts putting school improvement at risk
S
chool improvement work is being put at risk by cuts to council funding, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned this morning. The government has said that it will give £50 million to councils from September 2017 to help monitor and commission school improvement for low-performing maintained schools. But the LGA has said that councils traditionally received £450m for education improvement work from the education services grant and even topped this up to £815m a year from their own budgets. The LGA said that as well as allowing councils to work closely with their local schools to improve where necessary, the grant had allowed them to ensure children are well supported with speech therapy and physiotherapy. It also allowed councils to plan ahead for more school places and run criminal checks before recruiting staff. The government announced in the November 2015 spending review that £600m of savings would be made from the education services grant. Councilor Richard Watts, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People board, said: "Eighty nine per cent of council-maintained schools are now rated as either good or outstanding by Ofsted. Only this month, in its annual report, inspectors recognised
seven colours, seven vibrations, seven notes and seven rays. The universal religion of the sky is composed of these seven variants which is the unique reality. These seven variants of the unique religion of the sky are the seven different expressions adapted to the needs of the seven groups of souls that come from the unique soul of Nkongo kalunga who is in everyone and everything. Whether Kongo, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhist or Islam; every religion has its own particular colour specific to a group of souls predestined for the particular group which conducts it to the throne of Ne Kongo Kalunga. The blue the yellow and the red are the base colours of the Kongo religion (The primary colours). The different combinations create the seven colours of the rainbow, Ne Nkongolo of Nkongo. The tradition Kongo teaches that after blessing the descendants of
the increase in school performance overall across the country was a direct result of the number of council-maintained primary schools improving during 201516. Cutting councils’ school improvement budgets risks the long term work and planning that has been put in place. Councils’ track record of helping to improve schools with their local knowledge, expertise and democratic oversight cannot be ignored." The warning comes after the National Audit Office said last month that pupils’ education could suffer as schools are forced to find £3bn of savings by 2019-20. The NAO has urged the government to publish its own assessment of the financial challenges faced by schools.
l Richard Watts
ancestor Nsemi and twelve tribes of Ne Nzala Mpandu and Mama Nkenge Lafuma the God Ne Muanda Kongo send three messengers. The eldest is called Na Kinzambi, the next is called Na Luyalu (also Na Mayala), whilst the third is called Na Mazayu. Addressing the
three divine messengers the God Muanda Kongo said: the work of which I send you to do is unique but neither of you can execute it in a different angel, but complimentary. Then addressing Na Kimzambi (= Mr religion) the God Muanda Kongo said: 'You are the eldest brother in charge of the spiritual training of the people of God, because the principle objective is spiritual evolution. You are the guardian of the real political power in the country but it`s not yours to execute. Your work consists of discovering the prince, initiating in the methods of divine politics, the sacred King. So you will leave the reign and the running of the country to the person who must respect the sacred law. Because you are the religious head and you run the country from the Temple. To be continued… Words by Kesa Nkulu
Page 14
WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
Women Of Excellence: Jaqueline O’Donovan Continued from Front Page
Jacqueline has been the driving force behind O’Donovan being one of the first construction firms to become a CLOCS (Construction Logistics and Cycle Safety) champion, O’Donovan has also achieved the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) Gold accreditation for the fifth consecutive year, and Jacqueline’s achievements and industry status have earned her a place on the FORS Board of Governance. She has also joined the board of SECBE - a regional centre for Constructing Excellence. Currently, the family owned and run O’Donovan Waste Disposal is one of London’s leading independent waste management companies, with more than 160 employees and a £19 million plus turnover. It specialises in skip hire, waste management, tipper and grab lorry services, recycled aggregates, road sweepers and demolition services. Pioneering sustainability, Jacqueline is recognised as one of the industry’s environmental champions who has been the driving force behind the numerous awards it has received. O’Donovan is proud to say that they are 100% diverted from Landfill representing its commitment to a sustainable construction industry. Jacqueline herself is recognised as a turbo charged leader in the industry, including recently being awarded the prestigious Woman of The Year Award in Birmingham on 7 October 2016. Other accolades include: Outstanding Woman in Construction 2016, the Institute of Directors’ Family Business Director of the Year, Constructing Excellence Achiever of the year and the wining the innovation award presented by British and Irish trade Alliance. Jacqueline has achieved fellowship status at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and is a chartered waste manager of the CIWM. The waste and resource management industry demands the highest levels of professionalism and excellence and being a chartered waste manager indicates Jacqueline's commitment to these ideals. She is also a Specialist member of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management.
To Advertise
One of Jacqueline’s most outstanding attributes is her drive to improving safety; not only the company’s own record but also those of operators across the wider construction industry. Her real differentiator is her focus on staff training and investment in innovation and equipment to enhance safer working practices. What comes over in my interview with Jacqueline is the depth of her humility. She was so amazed to have won the prestigious Woman of The Year Award. People comment on Jacqueline’s passion and commitment to safety and training. She has helped to develop national occupational standards for the waste industry with Skills for Logistics and encourages all her staff to up-skill. As a Gold member of TFL’s Fleet Operators Recognition Scheme (FORS) through Jacqueline’s leadership, who continues to work closely with CLOCS, the Exchanging Places scheme and the Met’s Cycle Taskforce to raise awareness of the dangers of accidents between trucks and other vulnerable road users.
The Phoenix – January 2017
Thank goodness for a woman who stands up for the safety of other road users.
What does Jacqueline Prioritise?
Jacqueline prioritises the wellbeing of her staff, as she said: they are the Company’s biggest assets.
What are Jacqueline’s values?
Without the blink of an eye, Jacqueline said: Honest, respect and loyalty are very important to me as a person and that my staff posses them.
Which accomplishment has given her the most personal fulfilment?
For Jacqueline it is to see staff that have never received a certificate of achievement be presented with one and to see their faces; to see a change for the better within the wider industry.
What are some of the daily practices that keeps Jacqueline’s motivation high?
Every day brings new and exciting challenges, the diversity of my role and involvement with other organisations and sharing best practice with the industry.
What has Jacqueline learnt form the challenges in life that has made her a better person?
Never give up! That every day is an education.
How important is the new generation to Jacqueline?
Very important as we have such a shortage of sills in our sector as a whole, but in particular woman need to be encouraged into the sector. Education within our industry and building a career path for the next generation is key.
What advice would Jacqueline give to someone starting out?
Always listen to advice, never think your right all the time, and always going with your gut instinct.
0121 339 5885 or 0208 865 1922
The Phoenix – January 2017
Page 15
THE EYE OF ENTERTAINMENT & CUTTING EDGE LIFESTYLE
www.streetcredmagazine.com
20
TH
ANNIVERSARY EDITION
CELEBRATING TWO DECADES OF A UNIQUE MOVEMENT
Page 16
ENTERTAINMENT
The Phoenix – January 2017
www.streetcredmagazine.com
TV - Online - MAGAZINE /markdwaynehost
/streetcredmagazine.com www.streetcredmagazine.com
Star Recognition for Steel Pulse
DJ SILK is truly shutting it down!
A massive ‘Big Up ’ to Birmingham’s own Grammy Awar d-winning Steel Pulse for finally ge tting due recogShe drops a surprise album dissing her husband but we all know nition on the Broa d Street ‘Walk of that was just an attention grabber , supports Hilary Clinton but Stars.’ Blessed! failed to get her into office but one massive achievement was the fact she filled out wembly stadium 2 days in a row this year! She is is todays superstar of RNB and best that doing it!
Beyonce STILL REIGNS
Its been a great year for Wolverhamptons own DJ Silk who had a call from R Kelly to do a remix cd of his songs and he also was support DJ for Wiz Khalifa at the Red Bull tournament in London!
Bexce ptional Conce Congra pt tulation s
Concep
to the s taff of C on BEX ception lassic al award !
t who w
X Facto
r Star R e TV Team lly C and the M ad with the ir copie e In Birmingh am s of the mag!
THE MACK IS BACK! It only takes one song to make you have a career and Mark Morrison from Leicester has truly shown that. The all time R&B classic Return of the Mack celebrates its 20th Anniversary and has made the top ten charts..well done Mack!
A
’
Sir Lenny the ‘Great
ful, rom 16-year-old hope in’s ita Br of e on to being , greatest ever icons , ist op thr ilan ph or, comic, act Chancellor, and now university ws no Sir Lenny Henry kno bounds. mingHis recent visit to Bir y, for em ad Ac ely ham’s Shen e more one, was to encourag le to take up diverse young peop somes, art the performing deemed en oft is ich wh ng thi inaccessible. ancellor Now, in his role as Ch iversity, Un y Cit m ha ng mi of Bir ing more he will be champion ll as uniwe as re, the ity ers div . ral ne ge in versities at A great icon and a gre Lenny Sir , ses cau of ion champ ss dle en the is deserved of him one plaudits that makes ts.’ ea ‘Gr e tru of Britain’s
Apache Takes Aim
F
CHOCOLATE GOD! Tash is Birmingham’ s award winning model. Our answer to Tyson Beckford & Tyrese. Get a load of this hunk!
KATY B stuns at
mobo
ty B stunned us at Underrated singer Ka d even Craig David an r yea s the MOBO thi ech while she spe found it hard to do his s baby oh yes! leg ... ard aw his presented
good to go - black heels always work
fter worldwide success, singer/song writer and DJ, Apache Indian’s love for music has seen the award-winning Birmingham star set up his Apache Indian Music (AIM) Academy, to support young people in developing industry standard skills in these areas and more. Based at South & City College Birmingham, his students undertake the skills of singer, writer, radio and TV presenting, as a foundation to the industry on a grander scale. After his relentless run of international success, now Apache, noted for his distinctive fusion of bhangra, reggae and British flavours, is showing young people the right way to AIM for, at the college’s Handsworth campus, in the industry giving them the ‘heads-up’ on what’s right – and even more – in the game called ‘music.’
HEAVY! Drake’s Jordan trainer is bang
on!
The Phoenix – January 2017
www.streetcredmagazine.com
Page 17
ENTERTAINMENT
When we were young @ Harmony Q Clu- bRavers
Cat Deeley
Faith
LL Cool J
Missy Elliott yz
Section Bo
Pamela Anderson
John Barnes
Steve
Chronixx
ms
Willia
- 1998 on ild Interview Destiny’s Ch zells Road Lo
Tru Str
ndon & Drake - Lo
eet Dan
ce Stre e 2007 t Cred Party
Ciara
Keri Hilson
Method Man
Tim Witherspoon & Gordy Pix
DJ EJ
Bobby Dazzla
Lady Leshurr, Mixmaster Yootie, Mystikle Blue
Hatman
White Yardie
Richard Blackwood & Kevin Hart
Teddy Riley
y& Henr hlin enny Sir L McLaug ia Marc
Tyson, Lester, Asher D
Here’s to you
DJ E
J&
Cha
rlie
Slot
h Jazzy Jeff & Mad Skillz
Shola Ama
The Great People We’ve Met over the last 20 years. Mark Dwayne & The Stars Will Smith
Richard Blackwood & Slim
Tyson & Prince William
Ghostface Killa & Sicnis
Gramps
Redman
Daniel Riley
NAS, Aaliyah, Missy, Ginuwine
Cristiano Ronaldo
P Diddy
Destiny’s Child
Katy May Street Cred Event
KC & Sisqo
Damage
Ya Garn Too Far Mon!
Bobby Noodlez, Brady & Shortie
DJ Mexy Birthday Bash
Jazzy Jeff
Beenie Man, Danny D, PacJam
Club Event of the month Joe Hunt has been a household name in the club scene for many years and its great that he now has a massive underground Garage party we can all go too simply called NICE held at the legendary Rainbow Warehouse in Digbeth Birmingham. These events have massive attendance figures and always a NICE old skool loving crowd. The ravers are energetic and friendly, its a scene that you can easily
go to and feel apartof. You can witness the best Garage Djs and live acts in the scene. As far as it goes for Garage events in the Midlands there is only one and it is this.. Check some of the photos and be sure to hit their facebook page for more info. Facebook:niceundergroundgarage
Keri Hilson
Changing Faces
SWV
Page 18
ENTERTAINMENT
www.streetcredmagazine.com
BROS will BOSS 2017!
Meet Your New
Agony Aunt!
I
A Rose Between Thorns
t is being plugged as the most exciting reunion of the decade, with Matt and Luke Goss announcing their show at The O2 Arena in August 2017. It will be their first show together since they performed to 77,000 at Wembley Stadium back in 1989. Demand has been unprecedented with tickets for the show selling out in seconds, breaking O2 box office records in the process. Matt and Luke Goss have been overwhelmed with the reaction. “We’re so excited to play these shows, we wish it was next week,” they said. “Summer can’t
O
n Christmas eve we wrapped our present and placed them under the l Dr Saroj ‘Rose’ Duggal always a very emotional and difChristmas tree. Before we went to ficult situation. bed we decided to take a photo of all the presents. s a young girl, how am I To our surprise on one of the going to cope with my bills present there was a face of a young after Christmas. I live on Asian lady. my own with my son and was given It freaked us out because the help from a local food bank. wrapping paper was plain. Then on We had lovely Christmas. The Christmas morning the door bell bills seem to come in all at the same rang as clear as day, my sister mytime, threatening to cut of my elecself and my son heard it. tric and gas. The worst one is the The strangest thing happened. council tax. When we looked out the window I am working so I am responsible there was no one there for gas, electric, water rate, TV liI went and opened the door to cence, and council tax with my rent. see if they had walked up the My flat is damp up the walls and road, but there was nothing. We they go black with a terrible smell have been freaking out at this. during the cold weather. What do you think has happened? I have tried to fix it myself be- Abigail, Sutton Coldfield cause the council wont do anything. A: Sounds like you had a visitor! My son suffers from asthma and his Angels and spirits are all around skin breaks out in excema. us. They tend to make themselves I don’t know if the damp makes it known on certain occasions, and worse, I am constantly at the docthis may be one of those times. tors with my son getting sick all the You shouldn’t have anything to time. I live in one of those very old worry about, just pray and ask high rise flats on the ground floor. your faith leader to come round How can you help me, my son and pray with you, but never get is only two years old and I am vey frightened of spirits! worried about his health. Please help me get out of this terrible earest agony aunt. I used to place! see you on facebook but I - Shanika, Nechells was not ready to make conA: I think you need to write a tact with you until I saw that you are very strong letter to your counthe new agony aunt for The Phoenix cillor. Newspaper. This should not be happening I was married, but my husband in todays times in my opinion, was incarcerated for boot legging. I especially where there are young use to live an exquisite lifestyle, I children involved. never asked my husband where the I get a lot of these complaints money came from. about the City Council and the I just assumed it was his propliving conditions that people are erty company that he made all his forced to live in. money from. The family wants to The City Council tends to use a take my children away from me. lot of outside contractors and alMy boys are my life. Can they though most do a good job, there take my children from me.? As an are some that leave much to be British Asian women I find it difdesired. ficult to communicate outside my Only by bringing it to the City family. Council’s attention will they be Can you advise me how to keep aware of the failings. my children from his family. Do In terms of your bills, I suggest they have the right to take my boys? you contact your Citizens Advice - Sara, Droitwich Bureau, as they can usually sugA: I hear about this type of gest debt management services thing many times in the Asian who can help you to handle your community, but not exclusive to finances, and if there is any more it. financial help that you might be You have rights as a mother entitled to. to your children, and I would I am sure that the CAB will be suggest you contact your local your best place to get the right Citizens Advice Bureau first and advice. I wish that I could do a foremore. lot more, but pointing you in the They are usually pretty good in right direction is as much as I can providing you with the right addo so that you can get the right vice and direction to take. type of help. I don’t think you need to worry about anyone taking your chilIf you do have any problems dren away from you. In the UK or quries and need some adthere is a legal system that backs vice to point you in the right up parental rights. direction, then get in touch at I wish you well and hope that rose@thephoenixnewspaper.com. you get the right result. Where there are children involved it is
A
D
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The Phoenix – January 2017
come soon enough.” Andy Copping, President of Live Nation UK Touring said: “This has been the fastest sell out in history for any live nation show at The O2 and is utterly amazing.” BROS will be playing Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena on the 25th August as part of their nationwide tour. Propelled by their classic smash hit ‘When Will I Be Famous’, BROS ruled the world from 1987-1992. In that time they rewrote the pop history books. We’ve got a pair of tickets to the Birmingham show up for grabs, and here is what you have to do to be in with a chance of winning!
COMPETITION For your chance to win a pair of tickets to see BROS in Birmingham, just answer this simple question!
Finish the title of BROS’ smash hit: “When Will I Be ________” a) King b) Famous c) Older Just email your answer, with your name and contact number to competitions@thephoenixnewspaper.com with the subject “BROS Competition”. Competition closes at 23.59 on 28th February 2017. There is no cash alternative.
Salawa Abeni Is Back
F
or over 40 years Queen Salawa Abeni has been thrilling audiences with her dynamic live performances. In December 2016 she was invited by the Executive Governor of Lagos state to perform at the state house where some Nigerian legends in the music industry including Queen Salawa Abeni were celebrated by the Lagos State Government, among them include Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, Sir Victor Wifor, Adewale Ayuba and Lagbaja. Salawa Abeni performed her waka at the event. Abeni has released over 50 albums between 1976-2016. Salawa is back to her career, she intends to recapture her Waka and take it to the next level .She spoke with Dauda Awwal for The Phoenix Newspaper in an exclusive interview with him. After the sudden death of Nigerian Head of State - Gen. Murtala Ramat Muhammad, she released her hit debut album Late General Ramat Mohammed in 1976 under Leader records. This became the first recording by a female artist to sell over a million copies in Nigeria. Salawa was crowned as
'Queen of Waka' in 1992 Oba Lamidi Adeyemi,the Alaafin of Oyo at Adamasingba Stadium Ibadan and she has continued to regale her fans with several unbeatable rhythms. She is the one of the most successful artists in Nigeria.
Her Career
Waka is a term used to describe music in hausa language,waka developed out of Yoruba folkloric, and Salawa is an icon to millions of Nigerian women in Nigeria and Diaspora. She achieved worldwide fame after releasing several albums; with her albums became the best-selling in Nigeria. She also scored a series of international number-one hits, including "Gentle Lady nimi,mio kinse fighter o,kenikeni ma timi lo sibi ija’’ Her first album gained recognition like Exodus when released by Bob Marley in England. Salawa is a global symbol in the waka. Salawa Abeni was born May 5, 1961 in Epe-Ogun State.
How Many Albums Have You Produced?
'I have produced over fifty albums. But I can only remember the last one, 'The recovering'. I love all the tracks.
Have You Been Arrested By
Nigerian Government For Criticizing Them ?
No. It is better to be slapped with truth rather than be smiled with lies.
Who Taught You Waka?
Almighty God. Nobody taught me waka. It has been in my destiny that everyone would mention Salawa Abeni's name with waka. It's not by my power or wisdom, but Almighty Allah.
Her Challenges
The 'WAKA' suffered a setback about ten years ago when she struck with a ailment she could not perform her musical acts both on-stage and studio, this created a vacuum in the music genre . Queen has fully recovered from the ailment and ready to bounce back into reckoning. People have shown that her enigma was greatly missed during the period of her absence and a need to fill the void created in the entertainment world. “I use this opportunity to show my appreciation to those who have contributed positively to my life particularly Lagos State Government. May God be with them. I learn great things from my tears. A friend is known when needed'' Words by Dauda Awwal
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The Phoenix – January 2017
BIG SCREEN
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BIGScreen
The Hateful Eight (UK Release Date: January 8, 2016)
The eighth film by Quentin Tarantino gave us all of the trademark qualities we’ve come to expect from the controversial filmmaker but on the smallest scale since Reservoir Dogs way back in 1992. Set predominantly in a roadside bar during a vicious blizzard, this claustrophobic but endlessly entertaining Mystery/Western was a welcome change of pace from Tarantino. The Hateful Eight is proof that sometimes, all you need is an engaging story, a passionate director and an excellent cast to craft a truly brilliant cinematic experience.
Best of 2016 review
wORDS by antony brown
Hell or High Water (UK Release Date: September 9, 2016)
The Jungle Book (UK Release Date: April 15, 2016)
When Disney announced they would be doing a live-action (well, predominantly CGI) remake of their beloved classic The Jungle Book, there was a collective sigh of exasperation around the world. We didn’t want it, we didn’t need it and we damn sure didn’t ask for it. Alas, it was happening and there was nothing we could do but wait and expect the worst. However, what we were given was a movie that not only honoured the 1967 classic, but pretty much improved on it in every conceivable way, resulting in one of the biggest surprises of the year.
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Captain America: Civil War (UK Release Date: April 29, 2016)
Plagued with the herculean task of uniting a plethora of characters from twelve previous movies as well as juggling a complex plot full of twists and turns while still maintaining the “fun” of a superhero movie, Captain America: Civil War (the thirteenth movie in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe) had a very tall order to fill.
It could have quite easily wound up being a jumbled mess that was trying to do far too much at once, but somehow - it worked. Writers Christoper Markus and Stephen McFreely and Directors Anthony and Joe Russo crafted a superhero flick that was everything it needed to be - action packed without losing focus on character, fun without sacrificing story, complex without being exhausting. A near-perfect superhero movie.
Don’t Breathe (UK Release Date: August 26, 2016)
At least once a year, a movie comes along that completely surprises everybody and Fede Alvarez’s Don’t Breathe is that movie. A brutally intense Horror/ Thriller that crams more twists and turns in to its lean eightyeight-minute runtime than most movies do in two hours. A fast, fun, shocking and unapologetically vicious cinematic shot of adrenaline.
A modern-day Western starring Jeff Bridges as a small-town Sheriff hot on the trail of two brothers who have been hitting banks throughout West Texas in a desperate attempt to raise money in order to save their family’s ranch from being repossessed. Hell or High Water is a simple story executed brilliantly, featuring some of the very best performances of the year. There are no clear-cut heroes or villains to root for, just well-developed characters who all have perfectly understandable motives for their actions, which only adds to the intensity of the cat-and-mouse nature of the story. A must-see.
Honorable Mentions:The Conjuring 2, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Green Room, Arrival, Deadpool, Rogue One
MOst ANTICIPATED of 2017
War for the Planet of the Apes (UK Release Date: July 14, 2017)
Moonlight (UK Release Date: February 17, 2017)
Moonlight chronicles the life of a young black man from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to find his place in the world while growing up in a rough neighbourhood of Miami. While this brief synopsis alone may fail to grab your attention, a quick Google search will unleash an endless barrage of some of the most intensely positive reviews you’ll ever read. This movie is going to be important, perhaps even life-changing, for so many people from all different walks of life. Spread the word.
Star Wars: Episode VIII (UK Release Date: December 15, 2017)
Beauty and the Beast (UK Release Date: March 17, 2017)
After the whirlwind success of Disney's brilliant live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book, the world is now 100% behind Disney’s mission to deliver the very best live-action adaptations of our favourite fairytales we’v ever seen. With a baffling amount of talent on both sides of the camera, it’s difficult not to be excited for this one.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes was the biggest surprise of 2011, delivering a mature blockbuster full of action, heart and substance. The sequel, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes was one of the biggest surprises of 2014, improving upon a fantastic predecessor and venturing into some genuinely dark territory on the way to all out war... and that’s what we’re getting in 2017. In the third chapter of the critically acclaimed franchise, Caesar and his apes are drawn into a war with a vicious Colonel and his army of humans that will determine the fate of both their species and the future of the planet.
Dunkirk (UK Release Date: July 21, 2017)
Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception, Interstellar) has reached an extremely rare feat as a filmmaker. He has delivered great movie after great movie and as a result of that, film fans are immediately excited at
the mere mention of his name. He constantly pushes the boundaries of cinema and exercises his meticulous control over every production, so the fact his next film is a World War II epic is a tantalising prospect. Dunkirk tells the true story of the Dunkirk evacuations from a war-torn beach following the seemingly doomed plight of allied soldiers in World War II.
With the overwhelming success of The Force Awakens and Rogue One, Star Wars is as big as ever and while we know very little about Episode VIII so far, we do know its written and directed by the supremely talented Rian Johnson (Looper) and we now we are finally going to see the continuation of the story setup by the excellent The Force Awakens. But let’s face facts; its Star Wars - that’s all the information we need to get us excited.
Honourable Mentions: Spider-Man: Homecoming, Justice League, Alien: Covenant, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2, Kong: Skull Island, Wonder Woman, Thor: Ragnarok, John Wick: Chapter 2.
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Page 20
GADGETS AND GAMING WITH DANIEL RILEY
The Phoenix – January 2017
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l Tom Parker makes his musical theatre debut as Danny Zuko
Grease is the word!
T I
f you’re an ‘older’ gamer like me, then you may well remember a brilliant title for the PC way back when called Dungeon Keeper. Developed by Brighton, UKbased Brightrock Games, War for the Overworld is a dungeon management game with a dark sense of humour.
The premise is simple, you are a demon whose sole objective is to take over the Overworld by building and growing a lair, filling it with all manner of demons and taking out the ‘good guys’. War for the Overworld feels remarkably similar to that, keeping the brilliantly dark sense of humour, while improving on all as-
l Meshuggah come to Birmingham’s O2 Institute
BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY
January 06 Catapult Club feat. Bad Penny 13 Catapult Club feat. The Evacs 14 Ivory Wave 15 Progress Wrestling 16 Halfnoise 18 SNFU 20 Catapult Club feat. Riverman 24 Two Door Cinema Club 26 Home Free in Concert 27 Vex Red 28 Oktopus 28 Quadrophenia Night
O2 INSTITUTE
January 12 Poets of the Fall 13 Meshuggah 13 Devil You Know 20 The Pretty Reckless 21 The White Buffalo 22 The Dillinger Escape Plan 23 The Hunna 27 Shake The Bass 28 JoJo: Mad Love Tour 30 The Head And The Heart
BARCLAYCARD ARENA
January 13 Comedy Central Impractical Jokers 15 Basketball Cup Finals 2017 20-22 Strictly Come Dancing Live 25 A Day To Remember
NEC
January 12-15 Autosport International 12-15 Performance Car Show
TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL
January 01 Johann Strauss Gala (SH) 02 The Glenn Miller Orchestra (SH) 06 John Wilson conducts the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain (SH) 07 Marina Medvetskaya’s Saint Petersburg Classic Ballet (SH) 08 The Magic Of Vienna (SH) 12 Symphony Hall Tour (SH) 16 Town Hall Tour (TH) 16 Lunchtime Organ Concert Thomas Trotter (SH) 16 An Evening with Nadiya
pects of Dungeon Keeper. Playing as an Underlord who has woken from a deep slumber, you confront both heroes and rival Underlords across single and multiplayer game modes, including a fully voice-acted campaign. Facing-off against goodly heroes and vicious rival Underlords, players seek to conquer the realm
Hussain (TH) 17 Elgar’s Cello Concerto with Bergen Philharmonic and Edward Gardner (SH) 18-21 Dvořák’s New World Symphony (SH) 20 Tommy Emmanuel (TH) 21 King Creosote: Astronaut Meets Appleman (TH) 22 Black Dyke Band (SH) 23 Tom Kerridge’s Dopamine Diet (TH) 24 Dean Strang and Jerry Buting: from Making a Murderer (TH) 25 Handel’s Semele (SH) 26 St Petersburg Philharmonic performs Prokofiev (SH) 28 Anton & Erin: Swing Time (SH) 28 Joanne Shaw Taylor (TH) 29 Beethoven’s Fifth (SH) 29 MEXRRISSEY (TH) 30-31 KS3: A Journey Across the Western World (SH) 30 Lunchtime Organ Concert Thomas Trotter (TH) 30 Martha Wainwright with special guests (TH)
GENTING ARENA
January 13 Avenged Sevenfold 21 The Arenacross Tour 24-27 Young Voices 2017
CIVIC HALL, WULFRUN HALL & SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON
January 24 Candlebox (SR) 27 Miles Hunt: The Wonder Stuff Diaries ‘90-’94 (SR) 30 Crazytown (SR)
of Kairos across a number of game modes, including Campaign, Skirmish, Sandbox and Multiplayer. You can also create entirely new levels in the Map Editor and share them with other players via the Steam Workshop. War for the Overworld is available now on PC, Mac and Linux via Steam.
M
ekazoo, which we first looked at back at EGX 2016 at the NEC earlier this year, has now launched onto Playstation 4 and Xbox One in Europe. The free-flowing neon-infused platformer takes inspiration from the great and nostalgic platformers of old, giving players access to 5 Mekanimals, each with their own individual strengths. From Frog, to Armadillo, Wallaby, Panda and Pelican, you are able to swing, boost, bounce, climb and fly your way through each level. With fast swapping between each Mekanimal, players will navigate complicated terrain, overcome environmental hazards and face off against an insectoid army. The gameplay is fast and furious, with split second decisions and character swaps required to ensure that you, or you and your friend in its co-op multiplayer mode make it through successfully. In co-op however, half the issue
he hit 70s musical returns in 2017 for a UK tour, coming to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Monday 27 November – Saturday 2 December 2017. Casting for the show includes Tom Parker (The Wanted) who makes his musical theatre debut playing Danny Zuko, Danielle Hope (Over the Rainbow winner) who plays Sandy, and Louisa Lytton (Strictly Come Dancing, EastEnders) who plays Rizzo. Since opening on Broadway in 1972 and the smash hit movie
is controlling the Mekanimal on screen! With only one Mekanimal on screen at a time, players are required to try to collaborate as a ‘hive mind’ to ensure success. Mekazoo is available on Playstation 4, Xbox One and PC now, for about £15 depending on platform.
starring John Travolta and Olivia Netown-John, Grease’s place has been firmly established in the cultural Hall of Fame, having seduced the hearts of millions with its back-to-back sizzling tunes. It’s the original high-school musical featuring everyone’s favourite characters - Sandy, Danny, the groovy T Birds, the sassy Pink Ladies and the whole gang at Rydell High - and all the unforgettable songs from the hit movie including You’re The One That I Want, Grease Is The Word, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted to You, Sandy, Greased Lightnin’ and many more.
To celebrate the launch of Mekazoo on consoles, we have teamed up to offer our readers the chance to win a copy of the game! With 3 codes up for grabs for each platform, thats a total of 9 copies up for grabs!
COMPETITION
For your chance to win one of 9 copies of the game, just answer this simple question!
What do you play as in Mekazoo? a) Mekmonsters b) Mekmen c) Mekanimals Just email your answer, with your name, address, contact number and preferred platform(s) to competitions@thephoenixnewspaper.com with the subject “Mekazoo Competition”. Competition closes at 23.59 on 30th January 2017. There is no cash alternative.
The Phoenix – January 2017
Page 21
ENTERTAINMENT
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Happy New Year to everyone. 1Nation Media brings you our first article for 2017 introducing the International Dholki Player from the Asian Music Industry known as 'Tubsy'. As well as Articles of the Asian Music Industry I will also be introducing influential people within the community, real life stories and new talent.
B
hupinder Kullar known as ‘Tubsy’ within the Asian Music Industry is a wellknown international percussionist playing the Indian percussion instrument ‘Dholki’ (one medium sized barrel shape drum). He has a photo of when he was 1 year old trying to reach either side of a Dholak (Formal name of the dholki), where he can safely say his interest in music started at an early age. Tubsy comes from a family of musicians his father and Guru -Teacher Late Shri Pakhar Singh Ji was a Dhadhi (member of the Dhad sarangi band-singing and playing small barrel shape percussion instrument), playing the Dhad sarangi style of music. His elder brother Sital Singh
Tubsy International Dholki Player makes a positive life change for his career (Famous for his Dholak Groove on A.S. Kangs track Gidihan Di Rani) is a very highly regarded Dholak player and was also one of the 1st Dhol (Large Barrel shaped instrument) players in the country as he started a bhangra group called the Saathies bhangra in 1968/9.
Image: @renukaphotographyuk
Having both his dad and brother as his strongest influences his playing is a very strong Punjabi folk orientated. Tubsy started playing dhol at the age of about 9 but was already playing Tabla at the local Gurdwara from the age of 6 and Dholak he has always been playing, but dhol came later. His Dhol playing is self-taught, some of his dhol playing comes from the Dholak/Tabla playing, but most of it comes from hislove for desi folk Punjabi music, language and dance. Tubsy has been very lucky in his career in that he has had the good fortune to accompany some very amazing bands/artists, one of the most memorable has to be Late Lal Chand Yamla Jatt Ji. Other artists that he has worked with include, Anari Sangeet, Apna Sangeet, Alaap, Bhujangi, Heera, Premi, A.S Kang, Saathies, Nim-
mana group, Miss Pooja, Kuldeep Manak, Surinder Shinda, Gurdas Maan, sherry Maan, Harbhajan Maan, Diljit Dosanjh, Jazzy B, Sukhshinder Shinda, Aman Hayer, Angrez Ali, Tubsy has played for Bollywood Films Yamla Pagla Dee-
Image: Kreative Photography
wana (1&2) as well as having also played on Mariah Carey’s new single "Love Sick" and played with Naina Cherry and Stevie Wonder on stage. The bands he has been a member of have been; Dashmesh Temple Kirtan Jatha 1976, Anari Sangeet 1979, Nimmana Group 1983, Nachda Sansaar group 1984, Kalkaar 1985, Satrang 1986, Malkit Singh Golden Star 1988, The New Pardesi Music Machine 1990, The Safri Boys 1991, Meshi Eshara 1995, Pardesi 1996, Desi Boys 2000, DCS 2002, Jazzy B 2007, Bhangra All Stars 2011, and Tru Skool Live Band 2014. Coming back to the Bhangra Industry after being very ill with alcohol induced
liver disease, pancreatitis, gall stones and a “snake bite” was always going to be a bit of a challenge for Tubsy. His friends and especially his family were not too keen on him going back into the alcohol fuelled wedding scene and back with the same musicians and band members with whom he once used to drink. Tubsy had a lot to prove, to his friends, colleagues and the whole of the bhangra scene but most of all to himself - he had to stay off the drink to survive. Over the years he has found that he has gained a lot more respect as a musician and he has progressed so much further in his art as a result of being sober and more focussed in his instruments. He has also been able to market himself and has achieved so many big things which he says were never going to be possible if he was still drinking. Music is the most beautiful gift any one could ever receive or indeed give to anyone, this is a quote Tubsy uses very often and he is referring to the teaching and learning process of music. He always recommends that people take the time out to learn an instrument both physically and to also research some of theory behind it too. The music industry is a very competitive market, “in order to get your place you have to know to play your instrument and also how to perform your instrument.” Attitude is another major factor “humility and respect should always be your two biggest attributes.”
Page 22
ENTERTAINMENT
I
f you ever wanted to see Perrie, Jade, Jesy and Leigh-Anne in the flesh, well, fear not, the next best thing is heading to Coventry as The Albany Theatre will be swinging open its doors to the world's original and best Little Mix tribute band in April. With breathtaking dance moves, replica costumes and some of the finest vocals, this is a high-energy show from beginning to end, packed with all of Little Mix’s greatest hits and suitable for all ages. The show will feature Mini Mixx performing songs such as DNA, Wings, Salute, Black Magic, Love Me Like You, Secret Love Song, Shout Out To My Ex, as well as their current hit single Touch. Little Mix rose to fame after appearing on TV talent show X Factor in 2011 and becoming the first, and still only, group to win the show. Winning a record deal with Simon Cowell’s label Syco, they were an instant success and have gone on to become one of the most successful UK bands in history, topping the charts both sides of the Atlantic. Last November, the band released Glory Days which became their first number one album. Glory Days, released
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Mini Mixx to star in Little Mix Tribute Show by Syco Music, sold more than 96,000 copies in week one in the UK alone, following on from the success of their three previous Top Five albums. Complete with high energy
The Phoenix – January 2017
dance routines and lots of audience participation, this will be a special end of term show bound to get your Little Mix fans up dancing.
c i t s a t Fan r o F n Fu e h T l Al ! y l i m Fa T
o really get into the festive season is to take part in the other season that happens at the same time - Panto Season! This year saw Dick Whittington brought to The Birmingham Hippodrome by QDOS, and John Barrowman returning to the city as the titular character following his run as Aladdin a few years ago. Starting as it meant to go on, Steve McFadden as King Rat, introducing the massive and menacing mechanical rat shows the effects are amped up yet again. With his usual charm, John Barrowman ably
pranced around the stage, with crowd interaction for both children and adults alike, and his naughty humour had the adults belly laughing their way through the evening. Matt Slack as Idle Jack, returning to the Hippodrome for Pantomime again really stole the show though. From a great song referencing a lot of Birmingham place names with comical quips, to some perfectly timed film names in collaboration with Andrew Ryan as Sarah The Cook, every time he was on stage the crowd was in fits of laughter. Jodie Prenger as Fairy
The Phoenix – January 2017
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Page 23
ENTERTAINMENT
Pop sensation Bieber to rock Dubai in 2017
P Bow Bells had her moments, especially her duet with Barrowman, but felt criminally underused, as did Danielle Hope as Alice. The Krankies were once again on top form, with their usual routine slightly updated for the pantomime. The highlight of the night had to be an underwater
version of “12 Days of Christmas” complete with super soakers, naan breads and more. This years production runs until the 29th January, and it is one that you don’t want to miss! ‘Oh no you don’t!’ A perfect panto for parents and children alike.
op superstar Justin Bieber will be playing in Dubai later this year, his concert promoters have announced. Dubai-organisers 117 Live announced the news following confusion when the city was added to his tour website – only to later disappear. Thousands of ‘Beliebers’ are now preparing to start screaming
as he will be taking his tour to the Autism Rocks Arena, on May 6. The Canadian sensation last performed in Dubai in 2013 at the Sevens Stadium, and since then he has had a string of hits. Love him or hate him, the pop star is definitely having his moment in the charts. Singles like ‘Sorry,’ ‘What Do You Mean’ and ‘Company’ have all seen him rack up sales - it's
now estimated that he's sold over 100 million records, making him one of the biggest-selling artists of all time. The 22-year-old's website now has Dubai firmly on the tour schedule, but no details of tickets have been announced yet. The gig is part of Bieber’s 150plus concert Purpose World Tour.
Page 24
FASHION AND BEAUTY
Fashion Students' Designs Showcased at CSL 2016
Michael Ball and Alfie Boe Together Again
F
ollowing the success of their Platinum-selling album ‘Together’ and 29 sold out shows across the UK in 2016, Michael Ball and Alfie Boe have announced that they will return in 2017 for a selection of exclusive dates throughout the country. Having first met 10 years ago, performing together in 'Kismet' at the London Coliseum, Michael and Alfie became lifelong friends. That same year, Michael Ball made history as the first musical theatre star to be given a solo concert at the BBC Proms, and asked Alfie Boe to join him to perform at the classical music festival. This instant personal connection and professional mutual admiration makes for the perfect pairing and, to the delight of their hundreds of thousands of fans across the globe, has been finally realised with the Decca-released ‘Together’ to spectacular success. The album has gone Platinum in
The Phoenix – January 2017
just 6 weeks and is on track to become the biggest selling domestic release of 2016. The two critically-acclaimed artists have received a plethora of prestigious awards, record-breaking sales and chart successes. Michael and Alfie say; “There are simply no words for how incredible this is for us. We have always wanted to work together, it was just a case of getting the timing right. We are so grateful to all our fans who have supported us and everyone involved for believing in us. We are literally having the best time and are so happy with the success of the album and the tour.” Summer will see them performing outdoors at some of the UK’s most beautiful stately homes and castles, with six dates announced in June. In winter, they will be back inside to play ten arena dates in November and December, including a night at the Genting Arena in Birmingham.
W
alsall College Fashion students saw their creative designs on the catwalk at Clothes Show Live. Clothes Show Live is the UK’s premier fashion event and every year it features the UK’s leading designers, top celebrities and expert stylists. The students’ outfits were modelled on The Graduate Catwalk show at the event, which showcases some of the best work produced by talented college Fashion students. HND Level 5 Fashion student, Michaela Babb, 20 said: “I’ve been visiting
the show for years and it is what inspired me to study Fashion, so seeing one of my designs on the catwalk was such a surreal feeling. It’s given me even more excitement and motivation to pursue a career as a designer.” Curriculum Manager for Fashion at Walsall College, Christine Taylor, said: “The show is one of the biggest events in the industry for fashion, so it was a great opportunity and experience for students to be part of. “We are delighted that their talents were recognised and are sure that this is just the start for them in their careers.”
Bobbi Brown to step down from Bobbi Brown Cosmetics
A
fter 25 years with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Bobbi Brown is leaving the brand to explore the next phase of her career. “The brand’s 25-year anniversary was a wonderful milestone that made me realize it was time to start a new chapter and move on to new ventures,” said Bobbi Brown. “I am thankful for the extraordinary people that I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years and proud of the creative endeavors and innovative products we’ve created together. “I am also incredibly grateful to The Estée Lauder Companies and the Lauder family for the many opportunities they gave
me. I’m excited to see what the future holds.” Bobbi Brown Cosmetics will continue to capitalize on the growth momentum in the prestige makeup category, building on the strong legacy Bobbi created. The brand’s philosophy of “Be Who You Are” is more relevant today than ever before and the brand will laser focus on connecting, teaching and empowering women globally. Fuelled by makeup artistry, engaging and impactful social media and some of the most beloved beauty products in the world, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is poised to achieve its full growth potential in this dynamic environment.
The Phoenix – January 2017 Page 25
Only Sixty seconds for art genius
O
ne minute. Sixty seconds. It doesn’t matter how you say it, it’s a short period of time. Would it be long enough for world-famous artist Stephen Wiltshire to study the expressive design of the all-new Nissan Micra – having never seen it before – and draw it accurately? Steven has a photographic memory and is best known for his vast monochrome pen-and-paper drawings of city skylines. Highly detailed, these are often created after a helicopter ride lasting just a few minutes. But he’s always keen to try new ways of working, and was challenged by Nissan to draw the new Micra using Tilt Brush by Google. It’s an innovative virtual reality creative app that lets people paint in 3D using the HTC Vive VR headset. The result is a truly stunning piece of visual art, showcasing the expressive and athletic lines of the new hatchback. It’s finished in vibrant Energy Orange, expected to be one of the most popular exterior colours for the new Nissan hatchback. Stephen commented: “I like the Micra. It’s very futuristic and I love the orange colour. I like the shape and I like the lights and the strong line down the side. It’s a very clean design.” Drawing cars is not new for Stephen. As well as his architectural work, he has a love of sketching large American saloons – complete with chrome detailing and white-walled tyres – from the Fifties and Sixties.
The Bentley Boys Are Back
MOTORING
Mercedes-Benz continue Laureus Sponsorship
M N
ext summer’s Silverstone Classic will feature more than eight decades of glittering motor sport history, with confirmation that the acclaimed Kidston Trophy for Pre-War Sports Cars is returning to the packed on-track programme in 2017. The inaugural Kidston Trophy was a real crowd-pleaser when introduced for the event’s special Silver Jubilee celebrations in 2015. A captivating grid of more
than 50 eye-catching entries dating right back to the dawn of circuit racing took to the world-famous Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit for a dazzling 40-minute showdown, complete with a mandatory pitstop and optional driver change. It was an enthralling spectacle featuring legendary marques such as Alvis, Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Frazer Nash, Invicta and Lagonda that – by popular demand – will be repeated on Saturday morning at the 2017 Classic. Though victory went to the
Frazer Nash Super Sports shared by experienced racers Fred Wakeman and Pat Blakeney-Edwards, it was the sight of a dozen iconic Bentleys that really caught the imagination of the 100,000 festival-goers – rightly so, as the Kidston Trophy was named in honour of one of the famed ‘Bentley Boys’ of the late 1920s. It took quite a grid to represent such a buccaneering character, but Motor Racing Legends succeeded in 2015 and its chairman, Duncan Wiltshire, is predicting another
Volvo is shining a light V on Cyclist Safety
l LifePaint helps cyclists be seen when sumertime ends
amazing turnout in July. “We were completely blown away by the fabulous entry last time,” admitted Wiltshire. “The amazing quality and quantity of these wonderfully evocative cars proved incredibly popular both when on display in the paddock and when racing out on the track. They may not lap quite as fast as some of the slightly more modern machines from later epochs competing at the Silverstone Classic, but they are certainly every bit as spectacular.”
olvo have reintroduced LifePaint, the massively poular reflective spray designed to increase visibility and safety of
cyclists. Available to buy online for the first time, LifePaint is an innovative product that reacts to a vehicle’s headlights, warning drivers of the presence of cyclists in the dark. With more than 19,000 cyclists injured on the UK’s roads every year, the long dark nights are the perfect time to reintroduce this potentially life-saving safety product. LifePaint is invisible in daylight, but in the dark reflects light in the same direction as the light source, shining brightly to illuminate the objects it has been sprayed on. The spray sticks to dry textiles and is most effective on fibrous materials such as cotton, fleece, linen and certain nylons. It can also be applied to shoes, helmets, pushchairs and children’s backpacks – and even dog leads and collars. Volvo is working in partnership with the makers of LifePaint, Swedish start-up Albedo100, to distribute the product online and via its dealer network. Volvo is already a market leader in terms of protecting all road users – including cyclists. Its range-topping 90 series models all come with City Safety, which detects pedestrians, cyclists and large animals in the path of the car and can automatically apply the brakes in an emergency to help avoid a collision. This technology works day or
ercedes-Benz and its retailer partners in the UK are providing projects supported by Laureus Sport for Good with funding in excess of £350,000 in 2016, and are set to become the main sponsor for Laureus in the UK in 2017. Laureus-supported programmes use sport as a means to tackle crime, violence, discrimination and disadvantage. The imaginative partnership with Mercedes-Benz has seen the manufacturer and retailers nationwide donate £1 each from every vehicle sale to support a variety of these projects. Mercedes-Benz Financial Services has also given £1 to these worthy causes for every car they finance. With the help from Mercedes-Benz, Laureus will support 21 additional projects in 18 extra cities in England and Wales – all of which encourage young people to improve their personal skills, increase their employment opportunities and reduce their exposure to gangs and crime through sporting activity.
night and is fitted as standard to the S90 premium saloon, V90 estate, V90 Cross Country all-road car and the XC90 SUV. Volvo is also the only car manufacturer that has automatic emergency braking (AEB) as standard across its full product range. Jon Wakefield, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: “LifePaint is another example of Volvo’s human-centric approach to safety. Not only are we a world leader in safety technology for our cars, by offering this innovative spray online, we’re helping to protect more people on our roads than ever – whether they drive a Volvo or not.” The reintroduction of LifePaint is being supported by an on-street advertising campaign, which includes 183 digital six-sheet sites on some of the most dangerous roads in and around London.
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Page 26 The Phoenix – January 2017
The Phoenix – January 2017
Page 27
Page 28
ENTERTAINMENT
The Phoenix – January 2017
www.streetcredmagazine.com
My
n i d Wed ig l The Newly wedded couple (Mr & Mrs Johnson) and the Oketunji’s during receptions
l The bride kneeling to give cake to groom as a respect (traditional way)
l The couple on the engagement day
To Advertise
l Mr Femi Johnson sitting down Expecting wife (Olukemi) after paying the family righto the Oketunji’s on 23rd of Dec 2016 (engagement).
N
l The Newly wedded couple with Traditional attire at reception
The wedding of Olukemi Oketunji and Olufem
l Mr and Mrs Johnson in Yoruba attire during reception on 24th Dec 2016
l Presentation of marriage certificate by the area pastor after the joining.
l Mr & Mrs Johnson dancing to the Benin Sound on 24th of De 2016 at the reception
0121 339 5885 or 0208 865 1922
The Phoenix – January 2017
Page 29
ENTERTAINMENT
www.streetcredmagazine.com
y a D ng pecial
geria S
l Femi and Kemi During engagement before marriage proper with bridal siblings on Friday 23rd Dec 2016.
mi Johnson on Saturday December 24th 2016
l Olufemi and Olukemi on engagement days cutting the engagement cake after paying the bridal family the traditional right and acceptance
l Olufemi and his friends paying the traditional right, prostrating to the family of the bride (3 times). l Mr and Mrs Johnson on their Yoruba traditional attire 24th Dec
2016
l Mr and Mrs Johnson after joining, Inside the church auditorium
To Advertise
l Mr and Mrs Johnson with both their families
l Newly wedded couple during receptions on wedding day (24th Dec 2016) in Benin attire (Edo state in Nigeria)
0121 339 5885 or 0208 865 1922
Page 30
CAMARA’S SPOTLIGHT
www.streetcredmagazine.com
JAMAICANS INSPIRED UK
I
Welcome to ‘Camara features’ a new column where I will be spotlighting some of the most amazing charities, organisations and people I have had the privilege of working with. Be a part of my journey and learn and enjoy about being inspired.
n this months’ Spotlight, I would like to introduce you to Jamaicans Inspired UK (JamIn UK). I recently came across the great work that this organisation is doing in building Emergency Homes and was pleasantly surprised to find that I knew the Chair and Founding Member Nathaniel Peat. I had to pick up the phone and ask him if I could run a feature.
Nathaniel, tell us more about JamIn UK?
JamIn UK are focused on assisting individuals and groups to increase their ability to impact the health and vitality of their communities in a positive, sustainable manner through collaboration, education, communication, and cooperation. They do all of this through various projects which can be viewed on the website. JamIn UK are also driven to see the future leaders of tomorrow, who will help Jamaica to rise and have a positive influence on the wider Caribbean community, driving investment back in and boosting trade between the islands and its diaspora.
Tell us more about the Emergency Home Build in St Elizabeth, Jamaica. Why did you choose to support this family in particular?
The Jamaican Inspired parish ambassador program selects with GO ministries emergency projects every other month, the need is measured by the team on the ground in Jamaica to find out the most severe cases that need assistance. This one was selected as there are many children involved and are in extreme poverty and a husband that has been murdered
- they were in dire need.
How will you continue to support this family?
With the support of monetary donations, last month, JamIn UK were able to build a one bedroom house for an impoverished family - a mother and her four children: ages 11, 9, 7 and 4. Her husband, the sole provider to the family, was murdered. We knocked the old home down and built directly on the same site that the family lived on in Alligator Pond, St Elizabeth. We have helped to provide this family with a suitable home along with children’s clothes, food items and school material.
How much will it cost to build houses like this?
The total cost for the pop up house is about 350,000 JMD.
The Phoenix – January 2017
The basic materials cost 110,000 JMD. In total, roughly £2880.
Who will oversee the project and funds etc?
JamIn UK will be overseeing the funds and I will be on the ground in Jamaica with JamIn UK. All invoices are available now to be viewed. We are working directly with our partners GO Ministries who we have supported in the build of two other homes. We managed to live stream the build via Periscope and Facebook live, in addition supporting pictures.
Do you hope to build more homes for families like the one mentioned above?
Yes, we have been involved in three builds already and will be doing more pop up homes for
the extremely poor in Jamaica.
How did the family react to their new home?
We ventured out with our partners on the ground Go Ministries over three days, we started early and began to build the house, lay the foundations and start the structure. The family was overwhelmed with happiness the mother Jasmine was emotional and said it was the answer to her prayers. The joy on the children’s faces was amazing as they received their new clothes and ran around with excitement showing each other what they had received. It was truly amazing to see when the structure was up and the children especially when
they ran inside the house and jumped around. Our JamIn UK Ambassador and Festival Queen for St Elizabeth was present and met with the family to encourage the children, the eldest sister and the mother. In total, we had about 50 volunteers on the ground for the build, we had great contributions from ARC manufacturing, Gennex Solar, The Angel Foundation and “Di Window man” who supplied walls, flooring, a bed, clothes solar power and a double glazed window. This is the third house build we have been involved in. There is more work to be put in for the bathroom and kitchen but the main structure is up and in time for Christmas. We have 14 other active projects in Jamaica for the JPAP program and we will be holding a big fundraiser on 23/04/2017 to raise funds for it. We have also launched a new radio station, JamIn JLive Radio, aiming to deliver the best form of cultural information and entertainment to the world through quality broadcasts 24/7 by reputable and skilled presenters from a growing multicultural platform.
Along with live and pre-recorded interviews from interesting locals to international sports personalities, musicians, diplomats and celebrities - Jlive Radio puts the spotlight on local & international entertainment,
news and events which brings the world within an earshot of all listeners. Also, Jamaicans Inspired UK have teamed up with UK Unsigned and SABA to run a national competition in order to connect the younger diaspora back to Jamaica through music. This project is working in conjunction with the JPAP project in partnership with the JCDC and intends to provide an outlet for some of Jamaica’s undiscovered talent to learn develop their skills within strategies that will help to reconnect them back to their roots and assist them in generating future income for themselves. The competition itself is to write and perform a “Song for Jamaica”. The winner will have an expense covered trip to Jamaica during the Independence Celebrations where they will have the opportunity to perform their song. Contestants’ Prizes: 1. A Chance To Perform In Jamaica in 2017 2. The JamIn UK / UK UNSIGNED Reggae Trophy 3. Music Video produced by Youth Digital Network 4. Recording Opportunities with Creative Inclusion Recordings 5. Profile on our Digital TV & Broadcasting Network Nathaniel Peat and Jamaicans Inspired UK would like to give a special thanks to Christine Giscombe, Kareena Bennett JPAP, the JamIn executive board, The Jamaican High Commission, Victoria Mutual and other supporters. Thank you Nathaniel for allowing me to cover the great work Jamaicans Inspired UK is doing! If you would like more information or would like to support the Emergency Home Builds for families in dire need - please contact JamIn UK. www.jamaicans-inspired.com info@jamaicans-inspired.com Wishing you all a New Year filled with Joy and Peace! I look forward to bringing you more stories about great people doing great things. Speak soon! Love, Cx
Get in Touch with Camara camara@thephoenixnewspaper.com www.camaraofficial.com www.youtube.com/camaraofficial www.linkedin.com/CamaraFearon
Camara (aka mizzcamara for websearch)
The Phoenix – January 2017
World's first baby born using DNA of 3 people C-sections affecting human evolution
A
study has found that human evolution is being shaped by the number of women giving birth by caesarean section. Researchers estimate that between 3% and 6% of births worldwide are obstructed because the mother's pelvis is too small for the head or shoulders. Although the caesarean section is thought to date from ancient times, it is only in the modern era that its use has mushroomed. Its use stateside increased from less than 5% of births in the 1970s to more than a quarter for most of the last 30 years, according to the US National Library of Medicine. NHS figures show similar rates for the UK. The increased use of the c-sections means all that is changing because women with hips of any size can now give birth to babies of any size. The study, by a team from Austria and the US, used a ‘mathematical model’ to show that increased use of caesareans had accounted for an increase in the size of babies relative to women's pelvic canals. They call this "fetopelvic disproportion." The paper written by the team, led by Philipp Mitteroecker, said: "Using a simple mathematical model, we show that weak directional selection for a large neonate, a narrow pelvic canal, or both is sufficient to account for the considerable incidence of fetopelvic disproportion. Based on this model, we predict that the regular use of caesarean sections throughout the last decades has led to an evolutionary increase of fetopelvic disproportion rates by 10 to 20%." The team admits there may be other factors at work. For example, a change in diet over the generations could also be partly responsible for the mismatch between unborn baby size and pelvis width.
T
l Dr. John Zhang he world’s first baby has been born from a new procedure that combines the DNA of three people. The new born, appearing healthy after the groundbreaking operation led by John Zhang, at the New Hope Fertility Center in New York, in the US, following a controversial procedure of mitochondrial transfer. While many experts welcomed news of the birth, some raised concerns that the doctors had left the US to perform the procedure beyond the reach of any regulatory framework and without publishing details of the treatment. The process was legalised in the UK in 2015 but so far no other country has introduced laws to permit the technique. The treatment is aimed at parents who have a high risk of passing on debilitating and even fatal genetic diseases to their children.
The US team created five embryos but only one developed normally. This was implanted into the mother and the baby was born nine months later. It is not the first child to be born with DNA from three people. In
the 1990s, fertility doctors tried to boost the quality of women’s eggs by injecting cytoplasm, the cellular material that contains mitochondria, from healthy donor
Five Herbs for Coughs and Colds
W
ith over 200 different viruses, the common cold the rhinovirus, coronavirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are generally self-limiting and will clear up within 2 weeks but people often want support in managing symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, headache, or a fever. A number of herbs can be used to help manage these symptoms including; Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) – which decreased the chances of developing a cold by
58% and reduced the duration of the cold by 1.4 days; Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) - has wide culinary use in cordials, wines and desserts but its medicinal use is for relieving cold symptoms including catarrh and fevers. It is also used for hay fever due to its anti-catarrhal action; Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) traditionally used for respiratory system conditions including coughs, it is rich in essential oils, particularly thymol, which has an expectorant action, expelling mucus from the lungs and relieving congestion; Andrographis (Andrographis pan-
eggs. The procedure led to several babies being born with DNA from the parents plus the healthy donor. Some of the children developed genetic disorders and the procedure was banned. Speaking about the latest case, Dusko Ilic, a stem cell scientist at King’s College London, said: “Without much ado, it appears the first mitochondrial donation baby was born three months ago. “This was an ice-breaker. The baby is reportedly healthy. Hopefully, this will tame the more zealous critics, accelerate the field, and we will witness soon the birth of the first mitochondrial donation baby in the UK.” Doug Turnbull, a neurology professor at Newcastle University who pioneered mitochondrial transfer in the UK, said the technique offered hope to mothers who carried mitochondrial DNA mutations. iculata) is widely used in China, India, Thailand, and Malaysia, for treating sore throat, flu, and upper respiratory tract infections. Studies show a significant reduction in symptoms such as sore throat, tiredness, muscular aches and malaise compared to a placebo. Garlic (Allium sativum) contains a number of anti-viral compounds which are readily released from the lungs and respiratory tract, hence its particular affinity for coughs and colds. Its sulphur compounds, most notably allicin, have been well studied and fresh garlic has been shown to kill rhinovirus type 2, one of the viruses responsible for the common cold. Not all herbs are suitable in pregnancy, lactation or with other drugs and medical herbalists tailor herbal prescriptions and diet and lifestyle advice, to meet the needs of individuals. When using herbs, the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, the UK's leading professional body representing herbal medicine practitioners, recommends seeking the advice of a qualified medical herbalist.
Page 31
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Support Column
Cysters Cervical Health Awareness Month - January
H
appy New Year Cysters! We hope you have had a nice break over Christmas and a beautiful start to the New Year. This month is Cervical Health Awareness month. So, ladies, do YOU know where your cervix is? Surprisingly only 1 in 7 women know where their cervix is and women over 65 have the worst knowledge of female of anatomy. So how do we combat this? Cysters believe the key is education! So, there are some facts about the Cervix. • Cervix is Latin for the “neck of the womb.” • As the Latin names suggests the Cervix is located at the top of vagina, connecting the neck of the womb to the vagina. • Your cervix is around 2 inches long. • The Cervix can squeeze... and stretch! It can hold a growing baby in the womb as well as stretch to as far as 10cms wide to allow the baby to come out for birth. Also, known as dilating. • The cervix is essentially the door to the outside world during pregnancy! • The cervix is also the “plug” to your body allowing you to menstruate regularly. • The cervix is the first line of defence against sexually transmitted infections. • No two women’s cervixes are the same, so we urge you to speak to your doctor if you feel something is wrong there. • The cervix can and will change. During your cycle the cervix will change shape and move up and down, becoming soft or firm. • 1 in 5000 women suffer with Rokitansky Syndrome. This is where a woman does not have a cervix or a womb.
They may still have their ovaries, can may be able to have children if their eggs can be taken and fertilised and implanted in another woman (surrogacy) • Cervical Cancer – can affect any women, but usually occurs between the ages of 30 – 45. • Nearly all cervical cancers are caused to HPV, which is a common sexually transmitted infection. Most women will have HPV in their lifetime which will clear up by itself. • A cervical screening (also known as a smear tests) can help prevent cervical cancer ultimately saving thousand of lives each year. As Cysters are committed to reducing the social stigma attached with Women’s Gynaecological Health, we have started a weekly #CystersChat – Every Tuesday from 7 to 8pm via our Twitter page @cystersbham. We will be talking about gynaecological health this month and in particular Cervical health. Get involved in the conversation and be part of our Cysters Chat Community. Remember, whatever gynaecological problem you are going through, you ARE beautiful and you are still a woman. <3 Love Neelam x www.cysters.co.uk Twitter: @cystersbham Facebook: Cysters Birmingham
Page 32
AZUZA STREET - CIVIC RECEPTION FOR THE LORD MAYOR
The Phoenix – January 2017
Lord Mayor at Civic R
T
he Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Carl Rice was honoured last month at a Civic Reception held at the Nishkam Centre. Following a drinks reception and networking opportunity at the Centre, attendees were treated to talks from a number of leaders and faith leaders from across the city, Amrick Singh Ubhi, Centre Director of the Nishkam Centre began proceedings stating “We are truly honoured to have such esteemed dignitaries, friends and guests here. “Tonight is about faith communities coming together, partners, spiritual and civic partners coming together.” Dignitaries included Deputy Lieutenant Clive Stone, The High Sheriff of the West Midlands Dr Keith Bradshaw, and the Lord and Lady Mayoress of Birmingham. Amrick continued “We are here today to give praise and wish well for our Lord Mayor, and to pray that his tenure is a successful one.” Following music by Beant Singh and Gurpreeet Singh, there was a Sikh Prayer by Sewa Singh Mandla OBE, before William Ozanne from the Archdiocese of Birmingham, spoke about Civic Responsibilities.
The Phoenix – January 2017
r Honoured Reception
Rabbi Josef Jacobs of the Birmingham Faith Leaders Group gave a Jewish reflection on matters, before Dr Marius Felderhof and Dr Josef Boehle addressed the room. Salma Yaqoob presented an Islamic perspective on matters, before Bhai Sahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh OBE took to the podium with some thoughtful and measured words before presenting the Lord and Lady Mayoress with a specially crafted book that details the history of Guru Granth Sahib. The Lord Mayor spoke of his childhood, and the first person of colour that he had ever seen, in Kidderminster, a lady from Jamaica. His mother saw that she was living on her own and she invited her over for tea, and has remained a lifelong friend. “To be Lord Mayor is a true honour. My philosphy is the same as all of the religions we have heard from tonight. Treat people as you would wish to be treated yourself. If we all adopted that then the world would be a better place.” After the speeches, everyone was welcomed into the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha Gurudwara to partake in Langar, where all left with a full belly and a lighter heart.
Page 33
AZUZA STREET - CIVIC RECEPTION FOR THE LORD MAYOR
Page 34
OBITUARIES
Obituaries
‘Everybody Hates Chris’ Star Ricky Harris Dies at 54
‘Thrones star, Vaughan, a star to the end
S
hropshire-born Peter Vaughan was best known for his unforgettable role as Maester Aemon in ‘Game of Thrones,’ as well as Grouty in the classic sitcom ‘Porridge’ and also alongside Robert Lindsay in another British comedy great, ‘Citizen Smith.’
Originally born Peter Olm, he was already an accomplished touring actor before taking time off to serve in Belgium, Normandy, and the Far East. When he returned from the war, he began acting again – in fact, up to very recent years. He was 93.
Hollywood mother and daughter die a day apart
A
ctor and comedian’s Ricky Harris’ career includes appearing on ‘Def Comedy Jam,’ in ‘Poetic Justice,’ starring Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur and Chris Rock’s ‘Everybody Hates Chris.’ Other appearances include the film ‘Dope’ and on
Music Legend, Michael, dies at 53
Piers Sellers
B
ritish-born astronaut Piers Sellers died age 61 after suffering from pancreatic cancer. "From this God’s-eye-view, I saw how fragile and infinitely precious the Earth is. I’m hopeful for its future," Dr Sellers, who later became a climate scientist, said of his experience in space. Born in East Sussex, he became a US citizen so he could be considered for the space programme making three flights to the International Space Station, the last in 2010.
John Glenn
F
ormer Astronaut, John Glenn, a war hero who became the first American to orbit the Earth, died in his home state of Ohio after experiencing a number of health problems in recent years. A former Marine, he served four terms in the U.S. Senate and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross six times after flying 149 combat missions during World War II and layer the Korean War. Glenn returned to space in 1998, while he was still in the Senate. Then 77, he was a payload specialist on the shuttle Discovery, becoming the oldest person to make the trip. He was 95.
The Phoenix – January 2017
‘The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.’ He was also known for voicing characters on hip-hop albums. While the cause of death was not immediately known, Harris did have a heart attack two years ago. Ricky was 54.
D
escribed as the ‘creamyvoiced songwriter,’ George Michael’s death reverberated throughout the world on Christmas Day after his body was found in his Oxfordshire home. Spanning 30-plus years in the pop charts, the former Wham! star went on to make some of the most endearing solo and duet hits in music history selling millions of albums at home and abroad. A Thames Valley Police statement said at the time that Michael died of ‘heart failure’ and fans laid flowers and left handwritten notes outside his home shortly after the news. A true legend of his time, he was 53.
T
hey were the most iconic mother-daughter duo in Hollywood, and, as such, the deaths of Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, within a day of each other, left millions absolutely heartbroken. Best known for her role as Prin-
cess Leia in the 'Star Wars' saga, Carrie passed away after suffering a heart attack on a flight from London to LA. Her equally talented mom Debbie famed for her role as Gene Kelly's partner in the MGM musical; ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ died at the age 84 from a possible stoke, just one day later.
Right Royle Liz Smith
B
AFTA award winning actress, Liz Smith, who played Nanna Norma in the hit comedy The Royle Family, died on Christmas Eve Smith who also appeared as eccentric baker Letitia Cropley in the Vicar of Dibley landed her first
professional roles in her 50s in Mike Leigh’s Bleak Moments She won the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Maggie Smith's organ-playing mother in the film A Private Function. Liz Smith was 95.
Quo rocker Parfitt OBE Watership Down Author, Richard Adams dies at 96
R
ichard Adams, the author who created the bestselling children’s book ‘Watership Down’ author, died aged 96. Adams’ novel first published in 1972 became one of biggest selling of all time selling tens of mil-
lions of copies around the world. The book, which critics have credited with redefining anthropomorphic fiction with its naturalistic depiction of the rabbits’ trials and adventures, won Adams both the Carnegie medal and the Guardian children’s prize.
M
ember of legendary rockers, Status Quo, guitarist and singer Rick Parfitt OBE; died following complications from a shoulder injury he sustained in a fall. A member of the band
Life-Saver Henry Heimlich
for 50 years, he was with Quo when they opened the 1985 ‘Live Aid’ concert at Wembley. He had a quadruple heart bypass in 1997 and a ‘heart attack’ whilst on tour with the band in June, last year. Parfitt died on Christmas Eve, age 68.
C
redited as the inventor of the life-saving ‘Heimlich Maneuver’ technique of abdominal thrusts for stopping choking, American surgeon Henry Heimlich also invented the Micro Trach portable oxygen
system for ambulatory patients and the Flutter Valve, which drains blood and air out of the chest cavity. He died of a heart attack, aged 96, leaving wife Jane and four children: Phil, Peter, Janet and Elisabeth Heimlich.
The Phoenix – January 2017
Page 35
COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD
Zsa Zsa Gabor – The 1st to be famous for being famous
3-time Derby winner, Swinburn, loses final ‘race’
H
O
ne of Hollywood’s most colorful and celebrated personalities of all times, Budapest-born socialite Zsa Zsa Gabor, who is also the great-aunt of Paris Hilton, leaves behind a unique legacy: her vivacious spirit made her one of the first celebrities who was famous for being famous, she was married nine times she would say ‘81/2 times,’ and she never shied away from drama or scandal. Having appeared in over 60 films, the only thing that seemed to slow her down in her later years was a string of serious health problems, including a lung infection and the amputation of her right leg.
Unique Rabbi, Lionel Blue, Always Honest and Open
K She was 99.
Uncovering the Body University of Birmingham Drawings and prints by artists including Tiepolo, William Orpen and Augustus John, ranging from idealised nudes from mythological and religious scenes to grotesque studies of the human form. Until 29 January 2017
s
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will artridge r, John P ulti-award ta s ’ s r e EastEnd ing role in hit m s,’ at the Former the starr Cage Aux Folle hat will g in k ta a be usical; ‘L nd Theatre, in w m g in winn n Gra to p m e venue. a h Wolver be a ‘first’ for th od great, Adrian Hollywo of; ‘T.J. longside les in the likes 2,’ it will a g in r r ro Sta e r s a fo re d ‘G me Zmed, fa helor Party’ and Bill Kenwright the ‘Bac ’ f r, o e r k u o ctacular o to H oved spe rst ever -l fi h c e u th m e e b in 2017. tion of th presenta new production nd he Gra l be at t 1, 2017. il w s e ll o 7 to July e Aux F La Cag e from June 2 r t a e Th
nown for the light, genial tone, Lionel Blue, Britain's first openly gay rabbi, was a frequent guest on BBC radio , provide a measure of good cheer and wit with a unique way of mixing religious insights with honesty and humor. He never believed that reli-
gion solved everything; instead, he shared his own failings and foibles, and showed how to get through the rest of the day. Rabbi Blue suffering numerous health problems, including heart disease and cancer before passing away with pneumonia at the age of 86.
orse racing legend Walter Swinburn was best remembered for winning the first of his three Derby’s on equally legendary Shergar in 1981 aged just 19. "By far the greatest horse I ever rode," he later said. Oxford-born Swinburn also won the Derby on Shahrastani in 1986 and Lammtarra in 1995, as well as the Oaks, 1,000 Guineas, 2,000 Guineas and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. A fall in Hong Kong in 1996 left him in a coma for two days, which was thought to be a factor in his later epilepsy. He died peacefully at his home age 55.
ena Miss Me sala a & the Mns Quee
Queens, e Masala na & th ee pens at M o i s d is M Vir Har vey ay y b en n o 9M writt heatre Palace T rwick a W to Watford uring pton efore to outham 2017 b uffield S N e, tr sh rk ire Ar ts Cen West Yo and the es tr ea Th se. Playhou
Celebration: 10 years of ‘One Love Festival’ rs Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee 50 yea of r yea th 40 in the business & rds co Re es Greensleev
17 1st - 3rd Sept 20 try Park,
Hainault Forest Coun Chigwell, Essex
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If you’ve got an event, notice or information that you’d like to advertise on our community notice board, get in touch with us on:
0121 339 5885
To Advertise
0121 339 5885 or 0208 865 1922
Page 36
PRISON LINK TRAINING AWARDS
The Phoenix â&#x20AC;&#x201C; January 2017
Prison Link celebrates fir at West Midlands P
A
fter completing their BTPW course, successful students were acknowledged with a presentation of their Prison Link certificates at Lloyd House, HQ of the West Midlands Police Force, in Birmingham. Prison Link, an organisation that began its work in 1985 during the Birmingham Riots, helps to resettle prisoners back into the community. It is managed by Chief Executive Officer Ricky Dehaney who is also a Broadcast Assistant with the BBC. The organisation also runs workshops in prisons and recently delivered successful prison compliance and pro social workshops in Stafford Prison, of which Dehaney hopes to offer to Birmingham prison after the jails recent troubles.
Dehaney launched the course in 2004 and since then has trained over 1500 people, many of them going on to work for Probation, Prison and Police. In 2015 Dehaney received an award for the course from West midlands police at the Tally Ho centre. He was nominated by Commander Richard Moore for helping individuals who completed the course progress into criminal justice professions. The course has been so successful that Birmingham City University allow Prison Link to run it 4 times a year at their brand new Digbeth site, in the Curzon Building where Dehaney has the status of guest lecturer. The next course, which begins in January, is now full but there are still some places on the May course. For enquires about the Basic Training In
Prison Work (BTPW) email Prison Link; admin@prisonlink.co.uk or call their office at Handsworth College on 0121 204 0599. In the presence of Assistant West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Ashley Bertie, The Phoenix Newspaper Founder/Managing Editor Marcia McLaughlin, former Prison Link councilor, Avril Grant, now CEO of A Vision for Empowerment CIC, poet and author, Steve Duncan and fellow poet Dave Wilkes, the latest intake of graduates were on hand at the newly revamped Lloyd House for this the latest batch of volunteers who cover a wide cross-section of multi-cultural Birmingham. At 25, Bertie who previously worked as a researcher for Shadow Policing Minister Jack Dromey MP and ran
The Phoenix – January 2017
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PRISON LINK TRAINING AWARDS
rst certificate presentation Police headquarters
campaigns for Gisela Stuart MP is one of the youngest Assistant Crime Commissioners in Britain and worked at its office since 2014 playing a huge part in transforming West Midlands Police's Stop and Search policy. On the night, he recalled his early experiences with police and the effect it had on his career direction, saying; “I experienced the ‘SUS’ laws, as a 13-year-old and decide, then, that I had to channel my thoughts on ways to make a positive change. Role-models are priceless to me and mine was out-going US President Barak Obama. And, with that, I want to be a role-model to my peers and for generations to follow. With Prison Link, all who take part are role-models to the inmates they visit. That’s why BTPW and all that
Ricky is doing are vitally important.” Ms. McLaughlin was on hand to highlight the availability for more people to know what great work Prison Link is doing in prisons to prepare soon to be released inmates for a clearer and more productive future in the outside world - The Phoenix Newspaper’s readership includes over 8000 readers of its hardcopy version and 6.5 million online; “Only you can determine your destiny,” she said. She went on to say; “What The Phoenix Newspaper can provide is the perfect platform for both Prison Link service providers and end users to profile and highlight the vast benefits of such a great service.” One other prominent contribution to the night’s proceedings included that of ex-prisoner – and now author, Steve
Duncan, who provided some powerful excerpts from his new book; ‘Judgment Room’ giving insight into life behind bars and its long-term effect if there was no qualified preparation for life on the outside. Also making a presentation was Dave Wilkes, who let those on hand know about his Just Divine Personal Poem Service. Prison Link offers a range of counseling and other support services to people in need of help and advice, the latest batch of Prison Link Counsellors were on hand to receive their well-deserved certificates, qualifying them to take on the task of making sure those serving their time are prepared for a more productive life and rounded, creative future.
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HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL
The Phoenix – January 2017
Turkish Airlines now flies to 295 destinations in 119 countries
Improving Children’s In-Flight Experience
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atar Airways, in partnership with Hasbro Inc. has updated its range of plush toys, children’s activity kits and inflight lunch boxes designed to entertain and delight the global airline’s youngest travelers. With infant toys Elefun and Mr. Potato Head joined on board by classic favourites such as Clue Junior, Guess Who, Monopoly Here and Now World Edition and The Game of Life for older children. The airline’s specially prepared children’s meals feature new Pictureka or Monopoly designed lunch boxes – a gift that children can take home and use long after their flight. Minors will stay entertained thanks to the range of different activity kits being provided on
flights across the airline’s network of more than 150 places. Special thought has been paid to families travelling on overnight flights with the introduction of a glowin-the-dark Clue Junior entertainment pack; perfect to keep restless youngsters busy once the lights are dimmed. Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Customer Experience, Mr. Rossen Dimitrov, said: “We are committed to ensuring we provide the very best customer experience to families flying with us. All of our children’s activity packs and lunch boxes are mementos that remind them of our journey together.” The updated range will be rolled out across the airline’s global network of destinations from early 2017.
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urkish Airlines, ‘Europe’s Best Airline’ for six consecutive years according to Skytrax, flies to more countries than any other airline and continues to grow by adding new routes to its consistently expanding network. With existing services to Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Bogota,
Panama, Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, Boston, San Francisco, Miami and Atlanta, Turkish Airlines has just added flights to Havana and Caracas as – its 16th and 17th destinations in the Americas. Flying from Jose Marti International Airport and Simon Bolivar International Airport, the brand
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he leadership of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) extended its congratulations to new US President, Donald Trump. "Tourism is a common thread which binds the Caribbean and the United States, generating employment, entrepreneurial activity and foreign exchange for our region while contributing significantly to U.S. exports and economic activity," said CHTA President Karolin Troubetzkoy and CEO Frank Comito in a joint communiqué. Becoming the world's predominant and fastest growth industry, tourism has contributed 9.8 percent to global GDP and one in 11 jobs, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. In the Caribbean, CHTA posits, the impact is even greater, with 13.3 percent of employment due to tourism and a total impact on GDP as high as 90 percent for some countries. Through tourism, the region's public and private sectors have collaborated on a range of matters, including security, transportation, the lifting of the U.S.-Cuba trade embargo, energy efficiency, correspondent banking and disaster readiness and response, an
new services also connects passengers departing from Havana and Caracas to 102 worldwide destinations, including; Paris, London, Madrid, Rome, Moscow, Barcelona, Beirut, Guangzhou, Porto, Frankfurt, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Beijing, Zurich, Amsterdam, Munich, Copenhagen, Berlin and Vienna. Mr. Mehmet Büyükekşi, Mem-
ber of the Board of Turkish Airlines said; “Our carrier adopts Havana and Caracas as essential destinations in its Latin America expansion. It places itself at the forefront to unlock these destinations for desiring travellers who will arrive with all kinds of expectations of the biggest island in the Antilles. The opening of our Havana and Caracas gateways also means we will be able to deliver our award-winning service which make international travel easier and more convenient for both business and leisure travellers in this area.” Flights to Havana and Caracas operate three times per week, in both directions. Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Havana and to the Caracas Venezuela.
CHTA welcomes new President, Trump
l CHTA President Karolin Troubetzkoy area of tremendous vulnerability for the industry. "The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association is committed to working with the United States and Caribbean governments, our public sector counterpart the Caribbean Tourism Organization and U.S., regional and global travel industry stakeholders to advance policy priorities, initiatives and an environment which stimulates tourism," the tourism offi-
cials stated, asserting that tourism holds the key to uniting people and businesses globally. "We wish you great success in your presidency and look forward to working with the United States government towards making tourism a far greater force to the benefit of our industry and the people of the Caribbean and the United States of America," Troubetzkoy and Comito stated.
The Phoenix â&#x20AC;&#x201C; January 2017
Page 39
OVERSEAS NEWS
New President-Elect, Akufo-Addo, Promises Stability for A New Ghana
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utgoing Ghanaian President John Mahama conceded defeat to incumbent Nana Akufo-Addo in the recently concluded elections with the new President-Elect promising to improve the economy by overseeing the mining of untapped bauxite deposits and building an integrated aluminum industry. Akufo-Addo, the son of a former president and leader of the New Patriotic Party, won 5,716,026 (53.85% of the votes) to 4,713,277 a 44.40% share reported representatives at the EC National Collation Center. He previously lost prior runs
Health City Completes E 500 Orthopedic Surgeries
for the presidency in 2008 and 2012 amongst allegations of voter fraud after the 2012 loss to Mahama. The Supreme Court spent more than a month deliberating before declaring Mahama the winner by a narrow margin. A lawyer, Akufo-Addo has been elected to the national parliament and served as attorney general and foreign minister. Mahama, of the National Democratic Congress, has led the West African nation of 27 million people since July 2012. As the vice president, he first took office after the death of President John Evans Atta Mills. President-elect Nana Ak-
ufo-Addo says he will be focusing on restoring stability, cutting taxes and interest rates and spurring double-digit growth. "We will reduce the cost of doing business, maintain fiscal discipline, reduce government borrowing and reduce interest rates to spur private sector investment," he told a meeting of private businesses in the capital, Accra. Akufo-Addo inherits an economy that has slowed sharply since 2014, in part, because prices have fallen for its cocoa, gold and oil exports. He will be sworn in as President of Ghana in a ceremony on the 7th January 2017.
mploying the latest Cayman Islands - they arrive from advancements in med- the Caribbean, Latin America and ical technology, Health North America. Doctors in many City Cayman Islands Caribbean countries are referring completed 500 successful ortho- patients to Health City's specialpedic surgeries two and a half ists, and some governments are years after it opened its doors. looking to replicate the Health Dr. Alwin Almeida, Health City model in their own countries. City's Chief Orthopedic Surgeon As Dr. Almeida and his team and Joint Replacement Special- celebrate their 500th surgery, they ist SAID; "We are proud to have remember many of the orthopedic achieved this milestone in such a short period and look forward to embracing new technologies which have completely changed the way surgeries are performed." A member of the American Orthopedic Association, Dr. Almeida brings 10 years of experience to his role at Health City. He has performed more than 4,000 orthopedic surgeries and specializes in joint replacements, sports medicine and arthroscopic surgeries. "Health City is fast becoming the Caribbean's first choice for tertiary level care in orthopedics, due in large part to the level of expertise of our dedicated staff," Dr. Almeida said. The hospital regularly sees patients from beyond the l Dr. Alwin Almeida
procedures they performed were routine, but they have seen some more challenging cases come their way, too. Health City patients have the advantage of a team consisting of two senior orthopedic specialists involved in their overall care at the hospital. Dr. Almeida commended Dr. Niranjan Nagaraja, Health City's Senior Orthopedic Surgeon, for contributing to the successful outcomes since joining the hospital in the past year. "Dr. Nagaraja is a very skilled sports medicine surgeon who is responsible for starting the hip arthroscopy program at Health City," he said, noting that they collaborate and work as a team, especially in the treatment of challenging and difficult cases. Founded by renowned heart surgeon Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, the hospital has quickly established itself as a premier medical facility in the Caribbean, offering a patient-first approach to healthcare as well as a comprehensive list of medical services and surgical procedures.
Page 40
OVERSEAS SPOTLIGHT - HOPEE FOUNDATION
Hope
The Phoenix – January 2017
For The Hopeless
HOPEE Foundation Int’l Takes The Lead
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assion for the less privilegednot in the society is a key needed to bring about Joy and rekindling of love in the heart of those under this condition in our present dispensation. A demonstration of this was seen in Africa, to be precise in Abia State, Nigeria, the HOPEE Foundation International took the lead, under the leadership of Prince Madu Gabriel and wife, who are the initiator and founder in December, 2004 with a team of medical mission. HOPEE Foundation a non-Governmental Organization, humanitarian and charity organization whose aims are, to build and establish a lasting and quality healthcare for the homeless, less privilege and the internally displaced people around the world, as Africa takes the lead in this drive. This is achievable through sponsoring and conducting medical mission, building good health care centers free for our elderly and young who cannot afford the conventional health care whenever medical crisis arises. Building bridges among humanitarian philanthropists who have passion for Orphans, less privilege, either personally locally or internationally. In this, HOPEE Foundation is building Orphanages that will help those who are Orphans as a
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result of terrorism and internally displaced Children in Africa and around the world. In line with this mandate HOPEE Foundation is prioritizing its focus to children that lost their parents as a result of accidental tragedies, inclusive of children who have lost their parents to the deadly HIV syndrome, Ebola and other infectious diseases which are prevalent in our present time. Building a poverty and hunger eradication program through encouragement in agricultural and farming projects. Through seminars and outreaches which tend to educate the young people, inclusive of both men and women on simple but less expensive alternative to farming practice that will guarantee bountiful harvests. This will readily provide food on the table thereby helping to eradicate hunger and poverty within the community. Capacity Building program is another vital tool HOPEE Foundation has discovered and has put this into work, the sole aim of this is to empower women through skill acquisition and small business capital provisions. HOPEE Foundation have in the resent years sponsored skilled acquisition among identified women and it is hoped that in the near future rescue centers will be built for women who are abused of do-
mestic violence and rape victims with inclusive of shelters, food and rehabilitation. Capacity program that empowers the youth through sponsoring of the youth education and skill acquisition through scholarships and mentoring program. HOPEE Foundation will encourage and educate the youth on ways to acquire skills that have l Recognition and decoration of Prince Madu Gabriel by the Africa commandant Mission for Africa Chaplaincy corps sustainable values; this in turn Mississippi USA Int’L will help them cope with the trend Governor of Abia State she stated on their faces, which is one thing of lack and poverty among their children. In addition, a team of medical that all she has seen were encour- that HOPEE Foundation is out to community and family. It’s hoped that HOPEE Found- doctors from the federal medical aging and noted that the vision of accomplish. The program finally came to an ation in the coming year will center were further contracted to the Foundation were similar to embark on building acquisition see to the medical needs of these the programs of Her Excellency end with a meeting with wife of and promised to pass the message Abia State Governor’s wife Deaprograms and establishing skill children. He then called on meaningful across. coness Nkechi Ikpazu at the govcenters that will help in the trainVarious dignitaries from around ernment House; she praised the ing of women, youth on skills that individual and donor agency to come down and see with their eyes the country, which included the Foundation for their efforts and will help in this regards. The event that sparked the light in order to know areas where they Africa Commandant General of expressed her interest to partner started on the 1st of December til can come to make impact on the Mission for African chaplaincy with the Foundation in its drive. On a final note the founder of the 4th and drew a lot of attention, lives of these less privileged ones. Corps Mississippi international The second day was so remark- (USA) person of Chap Gen. Liv- HOPEE Foundation, Prince Madu with a visit to two motherless baby homes where gifts ranging from able in the lives of the widows ingstone T Ambeck graced the Gabriel noted that the foundation is purely for charity, the less privclothes, shoes, toiletries and food who were empowered on how to occasion. make virilities of products like He also noted that the activit- ileged in our mist. items were distributed. The suffering of the poor around Ahiake motherless baby home soap, cosmetics and agricultural ies of HOPEE Foundation are and Uzoakoli motherless baby farming in a modern approach similar to that of MAC_CORPS us is touching and very sympathmandate and noted that based on etic and calls for people with like home. At Uzoakoli, the situation perspective. All the 150 widows in attend- Prince Madu Gabriel activities he minds to join hands and put smiles on the ground was very sympathetic to which the founder of the ance did not leave without toi- has the permission and mandate on the faces of these kids, as this of the World Commandant Gen- is the only way we can be fulfilled foundation shed tears on what he letries, soap and clothes. The third day was another mo- eral in person of Apostle Edward and accomplish the will of God, saw. Prince Madu Gabriel described ment of joy in the lives of the two Taylor to decorate him as exec- which is attending to the needy in that the environment where this communities chosen by HOPEE utive Chaplain Major General for our society and giving them hope and joy. babies are kept are nothing to foundation, which included Nk- the Mission. All the 350 widows who were HOPEE foundation can be write home about, ranging from woegwu and Isingwu Okpuala, A total of three hundred patients in attendant were given clothing reached via no clothes to put on, hopeefoundation@gmail.com, and the three square who are widows and orphans re- materials and food stuff as parting website:hopeefoundation.org meals that this chil- ceived medical attention, ranging gifts for Christmas. Joy and happiness could be seen tel: +4109002906 dren needed at this from medical laboratory test, their tender age was optical examination and general medical care by seasoned Doctors, nowhere to be found. To worsen the mat- Nurses, Lab Scientists and Pharter, the rashes on the macists. Drugs prescribed by the Doctors bodies of the babies as a result of the nature were dispensed. HOPEE Foundaof bad beds which are tion was able to attract 35 nurses, filled with bedbugs on 8 Doctors, 4 Lab Scientists, 2 which they sleep on Pharmacists and some medical attendants to assist in drug dispensare better imagined. HOPEE Founda- ation. Finally on the fourth day which tion in carrying out its mandate instantly was the official inauguration of the took over responsibil- foundation was witnessed the by ity of changing all the commissioner for women affairs cribs inclusive of the Abia State. l Cross section of HOPEE FOUNDATION Int’l and Staff of the Orphanage The chairman of the occasion third left, Commissioner of Womens Affairs Abia In her capacity representing the home mattresses for these
State third right, and first right founder HOPEE Foundation
l Widows who benefited from HOPEE Foundation
l HOPEE Foundation with staff and children at the Orphanage
The Phoenix – January 2017
Page 41
ADOPTION AND FOSTERING
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ith a national shortage of Foster carers across the UK, there are more children than ever who need a caring and loving environment, which every child has the right to experience. Whether a crisis in the family, illness or relationship difficulties could be some of the reasons why a child is placed in care.
There are already so many fantastic individuals who foster and adopt children into their families- but we need more! At the Phoenix, all of our team are committed to raising awareness of fostering and adoption through our campaign not just for the month of May, but for an entire 12 months!
We will be highlighting the inspiring work of current carers, the extensive support and training that is available and the difference that you could be making in a young persons’ life. If you feel that you can offer this, or even if you would like to find out a little bit more – don’t hesitate! It could make the greatest difference to a child’s life.
Adoption & Fostering Our ongoing campaign to help the children in need in our communities
Safeguarding asylum-seeking and refugee children - a response
F
l Kevin Williams, Chief Executive at The Fostering Network
ollowing the Government’s statement about the safeguarding of unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee children, Kevin Williams, Chief Executive at The Fostering Network, said: “The Government’s reiteration of its commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children along with its announcement of a strategy setting out how unaccompanied asylum seeking and refugee children should be safeguarded is welcome. “However, we would like the timescale for the delivery of the strategy to be significantly shortened given that the voluntary dispersal scheme has been in place since last July. “We do need more people who have experience of caring for traumatised children or who come from the same countries as many of these unaccompanied young people to come forward, and of course there is always a need for more foster carers with the particular skills
to look after teenagers, siblings groups and children with disabilities. “The foster care workforce must be properly resourced and trained to meet the needs of caring for this group of children and young people, and we will continue to play our part in ensuring that this is the case. “The sector can, and will, cope very well with this increased demand. Children who have experienced significant trauma, whether that be in other countries or here in the UK, require specialist input, security and stability. “We are concerned that the lack of sufficient funding from central Government means some local authorities cannot afford to look after unaccompanied asylum-seeking and refugee children, even if they have foster carers available. “The Government must see adequate financial provision as part of their stated commitment to helping those in genuine need of international protection.”
To Advertise
Stability the key for looked-after children
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hile speed is always seen as great importance, to delay any decisions on a child’s permanent home can often impact on
their life chances. As ensuring the child’s welfare is considered at every step, far more consideration is needed in decision making, using all evidence available.
In England “permanence” normally means fostering or adoption (ie, care outside the family home), while in Scotland the definition and options are far broader: returning the child to the family home with an appropriate level of care and support; kinship care, where the child lives with another family member; adoption and fostering; and residential care. There are about 15,000 lookedafter children in Scotland, with Jennifer Davidson, Executive director, CELCIS (Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland), saying; “Every child should be provided with a settled, secure and permanent place to live with minimum disruption to their young lives and we are working with the Scottish government on the Permanence and Care Excellence (Pace) programme, aimed at developing innovative and rigorous approaches to improve permanence for looked-
after children.” A financial crisis every bit as large as the one affecting adult social care is being faced by children’s homes, with incomes flatlining and costs rising, one region has not paid an increase on fees for this year, others make arrangements that incur delays, meanwhile providers carry on caring. Dr Virginia Davies, Consultant in paediatric liaison/under-18s mental health, said; “Emotional maltreatment is often invisible, and is all too frequently deemed insufficiently risky for action. Authorities keen to manage care within the wider family system often choose cost-neutral interventions, such as special guardianship orders.” That children’s homes have become invisible is a testimony that good-quality care deserves to be newsworthy.
0121 339 5885 or 0208 865 1922
Page 42
PROPERTY
The Phoenix – January 2017
Welcomed support for homelessness prevention
Sharjah rent prices continue falling after tracking Dubai prices
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ents in Sharjah’s residential and commercial property markets have fallen for a second year in a row, increasing tenancy options in the emirate, according to real estate consultancy Cluttons. The Cluttons Winter 2016/2017 Sharjah Property Market Snapshot highlights that for the residential rental market in particular, those who are willing to pay extra to upgrade, have more affordable op-
tions in Dubai. Tenants who are looking to get more for their money are moving towards Sharjah’s more spacious communities or the significantly more affordable community spaces in Ajman. Sharjah’s residential rental market has been tracking the market in Dubai for almost two years now, with rates in Dubai down 8 per cent on this time last year. After dipping by 5.7 per cent in Q1, residential rents in Sharjah
fell by 2.5 per cent in Q2 and a further -4.7 per cent during Q3, marking a year to date change of -7.1 per cent. Weaker jobs growth and the loss of tenants to Dubai has led to rising vacancy rates in Sharjah. Suzanne Eveleigh, Property Management Director at Cluttons, said: “Despite the ongoing correction, average rents in Sharjah are still 30 per cent higher than they were at the start of 2012, highlighting the strength of rent rises in recent years. Still, Sharjah’s rents remain at almost half the levels seen in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, with one-bedroom flats in Sharjah rent for roughly Dhs41,000 per annum, when compared to more than Dhs100,000 per annum in Dubai, or Abu Dhabi. On the other side, rents in Ajman are even lower than those of
Sharjah with buildings of equally good quality and similar facility offerings. The key to winning back those who have migrated to the more affordable options in Ajman would be through offering flexible payment plans, in addition to better packages, including facilities such as parking.” Faisal Durrani, Head of Research at Cluttons, said: “While Dubai should see a reversal in the fortunes of its residential markets in the autumn next year, any subsequent improvement in Sharjah, as has been the case historically, is likely to arrive shortly thereafter. “Until we arrive at that tipping point, rents in Sharjah are likely to continue ebbing, with a further 5 per cent to 7 per cent fall next year before things stabilise.”
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he Government has made an announcement confirming financial support to the tune of £1.7million for Birmingham City Council’s efforts to prevent homelessness. The funding could help up to an additional 9,000 people by tackling the root causes that can lead to someone losing their home. Councilor John Clancy, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “We are delighted with the news that our application for the homelessness prevention trailblazer opportunity has been successful – it sends out a clear mes-
sage that Birmingham is a city where we will all work together to eradicate homelessness. It is particularly pleasing the government has recognised the ambition of our bid, which will be delivered with a range of partners, helping people accessing our services to get back on their feet. Now the funding has been secured, to support existing funding we have previously protected for homelessness, we are looking forward to working with Solihull Council in tackling rough sleepers and youth homelessness through our programme.”
Residential Properties to be Highlighted at Major Conference
Fill in our survey online by 18 January 2017 birmingham.gov.uk/brumbudget17 • Not online at home? Get free access to the internet at council libraries. • For a paper copy of the survey, email your details to budget.views@birmingham.gov.uk
T #brumbudget17
he Residential Property Conference, organized by The Solicitors Group will be taking place at the Holiday Inn, Birmingham Airport on March 1. The conference will cover areas like professional indemnity, buildings, independent financial services, office combined, mini fleet, group travel and marketing, with visitors attending the event including; Victor Ezekiel Nwajei Managing Director at Kv Hanoch Pty Ltd. Johannesburg, South Africa, Rajbir
Singh, General & Sales Manager at Cititech Townships Pvt Ltd. Karnal, India, Ahtasham CEO at Zain Enterprises Islamabad, Pakistan, Shehzad Ali Raza Director at Raza Traders in Lahore, Pakistan and Jurabek Khamrokulov, a student at Riga Technical University in, Latvia. The Solicitors Group is a premier event organizer firm representing major law firms organizing event related to the legal profession in England attained by legal professionals from all over the world.
The Phoenix – January 2017
Page 43
SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS
Wilkinson inducted in new Hall of Fame
No Time Difference for Tamika and Eleni
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l Andy Murray
SPOTY No.3 for No.1 Sir Andy
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016 proved to be Andy’s year, again, after claiming a third BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards in Birmingham. For world tennis’ no.1, Murray, who won the award in 2013 and 2015, this comes following a second Wimbledon title, Rio Olympics gold-his second – finishing 2016 as the world’s best player and topping it off with being knighted, in the Queen’s New Years Honours list. Other highlights at the glitzy affair included Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri being crowned ‘Coach of the Year’ after leading the Foxes to a stunning Premier League title success in
l Ellie Robinson May. Collectively they also won the ‘Team of the Year’ prize. Paralympic swimmer Ellie Robinson, 15, was named ‘Young Sports Personality of the Year’ after setting a new Paralympic record by winning gold in the S6 50m butterfly and taking bronze in the S6 100m freestyle. Marcellus Baz, an East Midlands-based boxing coach, was crowned the ‘Unsung Hero’ at the star-studded night. American gymnast Simone Biles was named ‘Overseas Sports Personality of the Year’ after the 19-year-old won four gold medals and a bronze in Rio, with compatriot, swimmer Michael Phelps getting the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ gong after capping his medalladen career with five more golds at the summer Games. But 2016 was Sir Andrew Murray’s – get used to it – year.
l Claudio Ranieri
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hey are 6,000 miles apart, but US sports legend Tamika Catchings and Cypriot student Eleni Partakki found themselves together on the basketball court celebrating a special moment in time. Laureus Ambassador Tamika is one of the greatest players in WNBA history and was a member of the invincible US women’s Olympic team. Eleni is a participant in PeacePlayers International, a Laureus-supported project which encourages Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot boys and girls to play basketball together. So what connected Tamika and Eleni – apart from basketball? It was a unique drawing competition, which hundreds of young people from Laureus projects around the world entered, and which Eleni won. Her winning design became the back cover of a distinctive IWC watch – the 2016 Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Edition Laureus Sport for Good Foundation - sales of which will raise
funds for Laureus. With a theme of ‘Time for Sport’, Eleni’s drawing shows boys and girls playing with a ball, just as they do at PeacePlayers. Tamika went to Nicosia to congratulate Eleni and to show her support for the work which the project does in Cyprus, which has been divided by a UN buffer zone since a war between the Greek and Turkish communities in 1974 split the island. PeacePlayers build positive relationships that overcome generations of mistrust. Laureus Ambassador Tamika said: “Congratulations to Eleni. Her drawing was all about Time for Sport, but in Cyprus it could just as easily be about Time for Peace and Harmony. “This is a great project that breaks down historic barriers between the communities and shows just what sport can achieve. And special thanks to IWC who have been raising funds for Laureus Sport for Good for more than 10.” “In all honesty, I never thought my drawing would win,” said Eleni. “I believed that people
Birmingham’s first, Yafai, claims WBA title with dominant victory
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fter claiming his super-flyweight title in his 21st professional fight, new World Boxing Association champion, Kal Yafai, became the first Birmingham boxer to be lorded on the international scene after winning the title with dominant victory over Luis Concepcion.
And in doing so, he also became Britain's 13th incumbent world champion. Yafai’s unanimous points win over the Panamanian proved perfect time for the 27 year-old who never let up in the bout against an opponent who has previously won world titles.
wouldn’t manage to understand the message behind the drawing, or understand how much it means to me. “Sport can play a big part in bringing us all together in Cyprus. It’s really good at the project that we can talk to people we would never normally get the chance to
meet. “That’s so important for all our futures. I was so excited to meet Tamika and listen to her talking about her successes and her challenges. She was so inspiring.”
ugby union's past can now be celebrated with the official opening of the World Rugby Hall of Fame, which was launched by ex-England and British and Irish Lions captain Bill Beaumont in the town of its ‘birth’ in Warwickshire. England’s World Cup winning heroes, Jonny Wilkinson and Lawrence Dallaglio, were among 12 stars inducted in to the ‘hall’ with 10 other players including; England's Jeremy Guscott and Maggie Alphonsi, Wale's Shane Williams, John Dawes and Arthur Gould, Scotland's GPS Macpherson, Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll, Japan's Daisuke Ohata, Canada's Heather Moyes and Australia's Daniel Carroll. Based at the Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, the World Rugby Hall of Fame was established in 2006 but has previously never had a physical home. Its interactive facility combines video archive from World Rugby, rugby union's governing body and historical memorabilia.
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Yafai claims WBA Title Page 43
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igeria ended 2016 in celebratory mood after coming out on top in the Africa Women's Cup of Nations final against host nation Cameroon. Playing in front of over 40,000 fans at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaound, the Super Falcons scored late to deny Cameroon a home triumph and extend its dominance of the Women's African Cup of Nations with a 1-0 win in what proved to be a tense final. Desire Oparanozie was the heroin with an 84th-minute strike to give the defending champion their 10th title in 12 tournaments. The Guingamp star's goal in the second half was enough to separate the two teams and give Florence Omagbemi’s women an eighth African crown. It was the second time Nigeria had defeated a host nation in the final and it came as a bitter pill to swallow for the hostesses who created the better chances during the hard-hitting encounter. It’s also the fourth time that Cameroon has finished the tournament as runners-up – and the fourth time that it’s been against Nigeria. Ghana finished as bronze medalists after a 1-0 win over South Africa.
Super Falcons soar to record 10th AWCON glory
It’s back to school with a cup for Warwickshire all-rounder, Javid
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l Warwickshire Cricket Board Cricket Development Officer Danny Maskell and Warwickshire all-rounder Ateeq Javid with the Royal London One-Day Cup
arwickshire allrounder Ateeq Javid made a special visit to a Birmingham school, as part of a programme to make cricket more accessible to school children. Recently appointed as a Community Ambassador for the club, he was at Clifton Primary School, in Balsall Heath, to take assembly as part of the Warwickshire Cricket Board's Chance to Shine programme, where he gave children an insight to cricket and presented each one with a plastic bat to continue playing the game. With the Royal London One-Day Cup by his side, he said: "I'm keen to spend as much time as possible with the Warwickshire Cricket Board and
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our community team this winter to help grow the game across the county." Ateeq (25) first played cricket at Prince Albert Primary School in Aston, where work with Warwickshire Cricket Board coaches and join the club's Development of Excellence programme at under 10s level. He progressed through the county age group teams during his time with Aston Manor Secondary School and into the club academy, before making his senior team debut aged 17. "Cricket helped me appreciate what it's like to be part of a team and playing the game was all that I wanted to do," he said. There are lots of opportunities for youngsters to get involved in the game, not just at school but by join-
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ing clubs and other Warwickshire programmes." The Warwickshire Cricket Board’s Chance to Shine programme is open to primary and secondary schools across the region, who can receive coaching sessions and entry to cricket festivals through linking with a club; in this case Moseley Ashfield CC. Robin Simpson, Schools Games Organiser at Clifton Primary School, said: “Ateeq’s journey into the professional game is a great story that many of the children here could relate to. We’re very grateful to Ateeq and the Warwickshire Cricket Board for providing such a fantastic session for the school.”
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