Professor Carl Chinn brings history to life for Erdington youngsters Page 31
JUNE 2014
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Get Active This Summer - Page 27
Celebs out in force for hero Harry - Page 7
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Fostering: love is all that matters
F Indian-Born Brothers Top British Billionaires List
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or the first time, there are more than 100 billionaires in Britain according to The Sunday Times Magazine, with Indianborn brothers, Sri and Gopi Hinduja topping the rich-list amassing a fortune of £11.9bn – an increase of £1.3bn on last year’s figures. An exclusive survey conducted by the authors of The 2014 Sunday Times Rich List, which shows that London has more sterling billionaires than any other city in the world, with Britain having more billionaires per
head of population than any other country. The Hindujas, who head the family-owned global conglomerate; Hinduja Group, have replaced Alisher Usmanov at the top of the billionaire list. Usmanov, a Russian citizen born in Uzbekistan, has seen his fortune decrease by £2.65bn to £10.65bn because of the fall in the value of the rouble and Russian stock values after the Ukraine crisis. Of the 104 billionaires in the UK, 72 are based in London. Trailing well behind the British capital is Moscow with 48 ster-
ling-equivalent billionaires, New York with 43, San Francisco with 42, Los Angeles with 38 and Hong Kong in sixth place with 34 people worth £1bn or more. The special Sunday Times Magazine issue provides a unique insight into the lives and wealth of the 108 billionaires in Britain and Ireland and shows that the combined wealth of the Britain’s super rich is now well ahead of the pre-recession levels of 2008, when the total wealth of the UK’s 75 billionaires was £201.985bn. The combined wealth of
Britain’s 104 billionaires is £301.133bn. A year ago there were only 88 billionaires in the UK, worth a total of £245.664bn. In 2004 there were just 30 billionaires in Britain, with a combined wealth of £65.299bn. Ten years ago a personal fortune of £700m was required to join the exclusive club of the 50 wealthiest people in the country. Today the entry point to the UK top 50 is £1.7bn. This is the first time since 2008 that the minimum wealth of the 50 richest people in the country has exceeded £1.5bn.
ostering is not for all people and definitely not for the faint hearted! But for me I can honestly not think of anything else in my life I'd rather be than a foster Mum. Thrown into a world I knew little about and purely by accident after 20 years of working along social services fostering, over two hundred children, I still learn something new every day and there truly isn't many paths in life that can do that… I have sat in many coffee mornings, afternoon teas, gym classes and exhibitions talking
to complete strangers. I have this annoying habit of talking to every Tom, Dick, and Harry and strangely enough when we get onto the subject of careers or what your dreams are, what you aspire to, the conversation suddenly goes ghostly quiet. I'm normally last at answering the question of what I do, which strangely enough I have mastered the avoidance technique. I sit listening to their stories (I am a fitness instructor and personal
Continued on Page 28
l Debbie Douglas and her daughter Lydia
Page 2
NEWS
The Phoenix – June 2014
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Cross-Atlantic rowers appointed charity Patrons
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l Left to right: Professor Charlie Craddock, Alex Bland, Katherine Sinfield, Harry Martin-Dreyer and Cure Leukaemia Trustee Phil Upton.
Tel: 020 7793 4594. Web: www.wateraid.org
Tel: 020 7012 6400 Web: www.savethechildren.org.uk
Tel: 0800 1111 Web: www.childline.org.uk
Tel: 0121 248 4850 Web: www.acorns.org.uk
Tel: 020 7840 7840 Web: www.macmillan.org.uk
Tel: 020 7242 0200 Web: www.cancerresearchuk.org
Tel: 020 7239 3000 Web: www.gosh.org
Tel: 020 8240 4480 Web: http://www.aclt.org
Tel: 0121 212 9209 Web: www.oscarbirmingham.org.uk
Emergency Services Number: 999 Police non-emergency number: 101
BBC WW1 at Home links in with City Show
ntrepid fundraisers Harry Martin-Dreyer and Alex Bland have been appointed Patrons of Birmingham-based blood cancer charity Cure Leukaemia. In total, the two friends from Shropshire have raised over £200,000 after rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean for Cure Leukaemia and JDRF the type 1 diabetes charity. Their “Rowing 4 Research” challenge took 50 days beginning in Gran Canaria and ending in Barbados. Their boat, ‘Alexandra’, was named after Harry’s mother who died from leukaemia in March 2013 after being treated by Cure Leukaemia co-founder Professor Charlie Craddock. Alex’s brother, Ross, suffers from Type 1 diabetes hence the support for the two charities that will share the fundraising total. The two men, both 27, visited the Centre for Clinical Haematology at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital recently to present a cheque to Professor Charlie Craddock and Cure Leukaemia for over £100,000, an amount which will be worth over £1 million in potentially life-saving
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flagship BBC event to mark World War One is linking up with The Wolverhampton & Black Country Show promising an unforgettable family day out later this summer. Wolverhampton was selected as one of eight areas in the country to host the free ‘BBC World War One at Home’ tour as part of its series of major public events. The family-friendly event will include the chance to meet BBC stars, hands-on activities, performances and interactive sessions
drug treatments for leukaemia patients around the region. The former Shrewsbury School pupils also met leukaemia patient Katherine Sinfield who they visited in hospital before setting off on their voyage. Katherine’s leukaemia is now in remission and the former Primary school teacher from Burton-on-Trent was keen to meet them after such an amazing fundraising challenge. Harry said: “It is a great honor
designed to appeal to everyone from eight to 80. Visitors can go along to The Briefing Room for interviews and presentations hosted by BBC stars including actor Larry Lamb. They can volunteer to be put through their paces on an outdoor Parade Ground and, at a number of events, make their own World War One At Home ID Permit to take away in The Recruitment Office. People can also learn about how medicine and communications were transformed during
to be asked to be a patron of Cure Leukaemia. I look forward to helping such inspirational people in any way I can." Alex continued: “I have had the privilege of getting to know the inspiring team behind the charity and some of the many Leukaemia patients that it helps. It gives me enormous pleasure to have become a Patron of an organisation that is so clearly valuable and pioneering in its approach to
the war, including demonstrations of how carrier pigeons were an invaluable resource for sending messages. Mark Blackstock, Wolverhampton Civic Halls Manager, said: “We were delighted that the BBC approached us about using West Park and the Wolverhampton & Black Country Show to link in with their flagship tour. It’s a real coup for us hosting the BBC event which is just one of eight of this kind being staged across the country. Head of Programmes for BBC
saving lives.” Chief Executive of Cure Leukaemia James McLaughlin said, “We have had some remarkable fundraisers over the years who have pushed themselves to their limits for the charity, but Harry and Alex have put their lives on the line to complete this magnificent achievement. Our Chairman and Trustees had no hesitation in inviting them to become Patrons; they are an inspiration to us all.”
English Regions, Craig Henderson, who oversaw the launch of the World War One At Home programmes earlier this year, adds: “As the national broadcaster which is also at the heart of the communities it serves, the BBC is in a unique position to stage a project like the World War One At Home Tour, reaching people right across the country.” The Wolverhampton & Black Country Show and BBC World War One At Home tour is in West Park on Saturday July 12 and 13.
The Phoenix - June 2014
Page 3
NEWS
An Inspiration to all of us - RIP Stephen
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ast months inspirational cover story, 19-year-old Stephen Sutton died in his sleep after fighting terminal cancer for four years on May 14th. His fighting spirit helped him leave behind a legacy that will help teenagers in similar situations for a very long time. He composed a bucket list with 46 items on it and began working to accomplish his final goal, which was to raise £10,000 in donations to give to the Teenage Cancer Trust. To date, this goal has not only been reached, but has been vastly exceeded, to the tune of £3.2 million. He plugged away at each item while undergoing seven major surgeries and four rounds of chemotherapy and radiation in just three short years. A spokesperson from the
Teenage Cancer Trust said that Stephen’s donation is the biggest they have ever received and will use the funds to provide support to teenagers fighting cancer across the country. Stephen left a message on Facebook which read; “Thank you from me, and also thank you from every young cancer patient in the future who will benefit invaluably from the money raised.”
It’s Gold at Chelsea for Birmingham B
l The winning WW1 themed display at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show irmingham City Council and the Royal British Legion were winners as they scooped Gold at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show with their spectacular WW1 themed design. And, for the first time, they won the president’s award for best in show in the grand marquee. Inspired by WW1, the design – made entirely from flowers and sustainable materials – tells a story of battle, from trench warfare to airborne combats. It also
features floral representations of goods made in Birmingham to help the war effort. Head of Parks for Birmingham City Council, Darren Share, said: “The team behind Birmingham’s display worked hard to bring home Gold. The Council’s Parks department worked alongside members of the Royal British Legion and national charity Thrive to create a moving tribute to honour the Servicemen and women who fell in the Great War. This award also celebrates the pioneering work
that horticulture charity, Thrive, supports.” Her Majesty The Queen paid a visit to the WW1 inspired show garden in Chelsea’s giant pavilion where she was guided through a floral mock-up of a trench created by gardeners from Birmingham City Council, the Legion and Thrive. The Chelsea Flower Show the display will be featured at Gardener’s World Live at The National Exhibition Centre from 12-15 June.
Jocelyn Brown To Headline Lambeth Country Show
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oul legend, Jocelyn Brown, has been announced as the headline act at this year’s Lambeth Country Show. The singer who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry will be performing at this the 40th annual show organised by Lambeth Council. Having sung some of the most recognisable lyrics around, including the number one hit ‘The Power’ by Snap!, Brown is bringing her world-renowned voice to Brockwell Park this summer. Her voice is still being used regularly in dance music hits
and she has toured the world working with the likes of Luther Vandross, Bette Midler, John Lennon, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Roberta Flack, George Benson, Teddy Pendergrass, Culture Club, Masters At Work and many others. Lee Fiorentino, Head of Events at Lambeth Council, said: “We’re delighted to have Jocelyn Brown coming to Lambeth to headline this year’s Country Show. It’s exciting to have such a global star and I’m sure she will put on one hell of a show. This year’s event is going to be bigger and better than ever
and I’m really looking forward to seeing the tens of thousands of South Londoners come and enjoy themselves in one of the capital’s best parks.” The festival, which won the National Outdoor Events Association ‘Friendly Event of the Year’ for last year’s show, is free and regularly attracts more than 150,000 people. Lambeth Country Show is being held on the weekend of 1920 July and will include food and horticultural shows and animal displays as well as live music performances, all with a distinctly urban South London vibe.
Page 4
NEWS
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t was sure time for a celebration in Brixton as Western Union presented the first lucky winner Jennifer Bailey 2 flight tickets to The Caribbean. This February, Western Union launched new lower fees together with a promotion to give away 4 pairs of tickets throughout the year to lucky customers who send money back to The Caribbean.
Overjoyed
From the thousands of customers who sent money between February 20th and May 10th, Jennifer Bailey of Brixton was selected as the first fortunate winner. An absolutely overjoyed and thankful Jennifer expressed “I am so happy to win, I never win anything Thank you so much to Western Union for the chance to go back home and connect with my friends and family, I am over thrilled to have won such a fabulous prize”. Arris Media, the local Western Union agent Jennifer uses to send money back to Jamaica presented her with her flight ticket prize.
Loyal
Jennifer has been a loyal customer using the Western Union service for over 10 years.
Jennifer said “I will definitely recommend my friends and family here in the UK use the new lower fees to send money back to The Caribbean” Amrik Sanghera, Marketing Specialist UK & Ireland stated; “We are delighted with the response to our fantastic new lower fees and flight promotion, we were keen to offer our customers lower fees as a way to express our gratitude and connect with the UK Caribbean community. I am thrilled to give an opportunity to a member of the community to visit their family and friends in The Caribbean, offering global money transfer is one way of providing a service to help communities connect and support their families back home and offering free flight tickets is a small token of our appreciation to the loyalty the UK Caribbean community show us ”
The Phoenix – June 2014
Connecting Communities with money transfer to The Caribbean
Winners
There are 3 pairs of tickets still to be won giving more customers sending money back to The Caribbean with Western Union, the chance to be a lucky winner, next winner to be announced in August.
l L-R: Franklyn Walters Grace Foods, Arris Media and Winner Jennifer Bailey
SEND MONEY
TO THE CARIBBEAN FROM
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l Promotion Winner Jennifer Bailey
*
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Send money to the Caribbean and get a chance to win a trip back home to greet your family in person.
GUYANA
* Western Union also makes money from currency exchange. New fees begin 20th February 2014. £2.90 transfer fee is for sending up to £100 with our Next Day service. Funds may be delayed or services unavailable based on certain transaction conditions, including amount sent, destination country, currency availability, regulatory issues, identification requirements, Agent location hours, differences in time zones, or selection of delayed options. Additional Restrictions may apply. See Send form for details. Authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the conduct of payment services business in the UK. ** Promotion period is valid only for transactions sent until 1st November 2014 at retail locations to the Caribbean only. See at agent location for promotional terms and conditions.
I_UK_TicketPromo_PrintAd_259x180mm.indd 1
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The Phoenix - June 2014
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NEWS
BUACK looking to enhance African economic power in UK
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n sharing experiences, as well as celebrating and promoting the interests of people of African origin, at the latest Birmingham Ungano African Club Kingstanding meeting proved lively with members and guests alike airing positivity in great measures in regards of moving forward in Britain at large, economically and socially. At its regular venue in Kingstanding, Birmingham, BUACK members focussed on working closer with other community groups to promote diversity and integration within local areas throughout the UK. This event was funded by the Big Lottery Fund.
President, Olusegun Dosumu, highlighted the aims of this particular meeting saying: “We have to continue, as a group, to share our individual and collective ideas as we integrate more so into British society.” “To do that,” he said, we have to continue fostering African unity in the UK. There are 54 African communities within Great Britain and we have to get each and every one of us singing from the same hymn sheet for us all to benefit at the world’s ‘top table.’ With BUACK working towards a common goal of sustaining the ideals of African culture, whilst embracing British society, we have to show full commit-
ment to building better partnerships, especially with statutory and voluntary sector agencies and faith communities in order to address racism, and social exclusion issues.” Key Note speaker, David Smith, president of the British African Business Alliance, added: “The one thing that needs to be developed here, in Britain, is an African Chamber of Commerce, which, because of a great level of fragmentation amongst countries from the Diaspora, there’s no movement in that direction. The sooner that issue is addressed, the better it would be all round.”
Veterans thank Mayor’s Office for support l Civic Support Manager Lynn Bishop with the poppy brooch, presented to her by Chairman of United ExService Council Fred Bunce and Lyndon Purnell, chair of the central branch of the City of Wolverhampton Royal British Legion. Also pictured are Mayor Councillor Milkinder Jaspal and Mayoress Jasbir Jaspal.
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eterans have thanked the Mayor's Office for its support to help Wolverhampton remember those who have served and gave their lives in the Armed Forces. Lyndon Purnell, Chair of the central branch of the City of Wolverhampton Royal British Legion, presented Wolverhampton City Council's Civic Support Manager, Lynn Bishop, with a poppy brooch in recognition of the work she and her colleagues do to arrange events marking Remembrance Sunday, Armed
Forces Day, VE Day and VJ Day. Lynn said: “The Mayor’s Office has a great relationship with the veterans in Wolverhampton, especially the Royal British Legion. They contribute significantly to our ceremonial occasions and are committed to showing Wolverhampton at its best. They have 'turned out' for us come rain or shine and bring a certain dignity, especially on occasions such as Remembrance Sunday, which can be very moving. They are a real asset to this city and in turn, we always try to
help them with their own events, ensuring, wherever possible, the Mayor’s attendance and facilitating, through our colleagues in Communications, publicity for them.” Lyndon Purnell said: “We presented Lynn with a token of our appreciation for all the hard work she and her team have done for us over the years; I'd like to publically thank her for her efforts and we look forward to continue working closely with the Mayor's Office in the years to come.”
Homelessness Can Happen To Anyone’s Child
Dear Editor, I was shocked to hear that more one in four children in the UK have thought about running away, with half of them admitting to spending a night away from home without telling their parents. Action for Children delivers a range of youth homelessness services - from emergency accommodation to keep children off the streets, to mediation to help families repair broken relationships before the idea of running away becomes the reality of a night on the streets. Homelessness can happen to anyone’s child. The support provided by this fantastic charity helps to keep children safe and
families together. For that reason, I would like to encourage your readers to support Action for Children and join the fight against youth homelessness by sleeping rough on October 3 for Byte Night Midlands. To find out about taking part in Byte Night Midlands, simply email bytenight@actionforchildren.org.uk or visit bytenight. org.uk Yours sincerely, Sir Trevor McDonald OBE To donate to Action for Children’s youth homelessness services, please text: BYTE14 £ and the amount to 70070.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
The Phoenix - June 2014
Caribbean TV is in the UK
T l Jam TV CEOs Ricardo and
Lillian Allen
here’s a new TV channel in the UK with news, views and reviews which is totally dedicated to the Caribbean. From May, Caribbean Media House Ltd has brought out JamTV which airs on both Sky (channel 192) and Freesat (channel 402). Between 17:00 and midnight it features Caribbean news roundup, children’s storytelling, school quiz programmes, talent competitions, cooking, religious and comedy shows, and travel guides, show-
casing the beauty of the Caribbean as well as the spirit of its people. Showcasing the work of talented Caribbean filmmakers, to sharing Caribbean-themed discussions, JamTV aims to develop commercial interest in the channel, by providing a unique and distinctive opportunity for local, national and international companies to market products and services to an audience frequently overlooked by mainstream television. Caribbean Media House CEO, Ricardo Allen, said: “Currently,
there is NO authentic programming direct from the Caribbean available to the UK, and that is a situation JamTV is here to correct. Black culture in the UK tends to focus on the harder edged urban youth market that can be off putting and overlook the needs of other sections of the community." Lillian Allen is CMH’s fellow CEO and she said: “Our programmes will cater for everyone here just as they do in the Caribbean with the emphasis wholly on family viewing.”
l L-R: Arjang Baig, Nicholas Allcock and Amin Uddin members of the council’s wheelie bin team.
Wheelie bin collections roll out in Ladywood
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esidents living in Aston, Ladywood, Nechells and Soho should be receiving wheelie bins over the next few weeks, ahead of recycling and refuse collections which are due to begin on 23 June 2014. The roll out of wheelie bins to these four areas follows a successful pilot scheme in Brandwood and Harborne, where recycling levels rose significantly alongside a 20 per cent drop in the amount of black bag waste collected. It also resulted in big improvements in street cleanliness and it is hoped this will be repeated throughout Ladywood district. Wheelie bins will be delivered to addresses between 2 June and 20 June, along with a calendar of collection dates and information on using the new bins. As this is a brand new system there will be a complete change in collection dates, so residents are urged to look out for their collection calendar and to make a note of their new collection cycle. When delivered, the bins will be sealed with a tape as a reminder that they are not to be put out until collections begin. Unfortunately, any waste put out in wheelie bins before then cannot be collected as the current fleet of refuse trucks will not be able to lift the bins – you will see a new fleet of collection vehicles around the neighbourhood from Monday, 23 June. There are a small number of properties that are not suitable for the new wheelie bin services and these will stay on the current black sack and recycling box system of waste collection. Kevin Mitchell, assistant director for fleet and waste management, said: “This first phase of introducing wheelie bins for household waste and recycling is a major step forward in making the city’s refuse collections cleaner and greener. “Over the next few weeks, households that received ‘green cards’ in April will each re-
ceive two wheelie bins – one for ‘black bag’ waste and another for household recycling. Both bins will be electronically tagged so they can be tracked if lost or stolen. “Residents who asked us to provide larger waste bins because they have a larger household – of six or more people – will receive with a larger waste bin. People who would struggle to move a wheelie bin, for example due to disability or infirmity, can request an assisted collection. “Wheelie bins are already used by most local authorities in the UK and seem to work very well. Introducing this system in Birmingham will help us avoid problems with sacks being ripped open by pests leading to rubbish being strewn over the streets. The council will also be able to save money by recycling more and reducing the levels of black bag waste sent to landfill. “I am confident the residents involved in this first stage of the wheelie bin scheme will soon find the new system is easy to use and will help us collect household waste in a cleaner, more efficient way.” To find out more about the wheelie bin refuse collection scheme, visit: http://www.birmingham.gov. uk/WheelieBins
l Kevin Mitchell, assistant director of fleet and waste, Birmingham City Council, with one of the new wheelie bins.
The Phoenix - June 2014
COMMUNITY NEWS
Taxi and coach firm gets on its bike
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local man who has transformed his life by getting on his bike has proved to be an inspiration for work colleagues who are now following in his tyre tracks. A doctor’s warning two years ago was enough for Adam Holder, 42, to dig out his old bike and start cycling to work and as the weight fell off so his enthusiasm for cycling grew. Adam explained: “My ride to work was about 3 or 4 miles but it soon got to the point that I
would get up early and find any excuse to stay on the bike, finding new and longer routes.” This enthusiasm soon led to an 874 mile (1,407 km) ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats and he has not stopped pedaling since. The search for supporters for his epic trek put Adam in touch with the charity Sustrans and work they were doing in local schools through Bike North Birmingham, a Birmingham City Council funded project. This then eventually led back to his
own workplace, Star Cars and Coaches. Since offering cycle support and training to Star Cars and Coaches in Wylde Green, Bike North Birmingham have provided 13 free loan bikes to staff, eight staff have signed up for free cycle skills training, and a covered cycle shelter has been installed free of charge.
Connecting you to Jamaica for less
D
enge Levi, the unimposing man of the community has led an eventful life, helping everyone that he is able to, while fighting for what is right wherever he can. He has worked with many people and organisations over the years, including prominent members of the community such as Lloyd Blake, Chief Inspector Webb, Manpower, the Cadbury Trust and Tony Wilson. Denge has also tried to bring the culture of the Afro-Caribbean and African communities to the knowledge of everyone by putting on cultural exploration and art exhibitions, including artists, poets and performers from all corners of the world, in an attempt to educate people
Denge Levi
to remove ignorance between communities. Please keep emailing in your concerns, queries, stories and wishes to Denge, at denge. levi@thephoenixnewspaper. com. We will contact you in due course.
Celebs out in force for hero Harry
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04/02/2014 14:01
tars from stage, screen and CD machines, turned out in numbers as Birmingham City Football Club hosted the second Footy4Harry celebrity football match to raise money for the charity Help Harry Help Others. Names such as X Factor’s Gareth Gates, Rough Copy, Shane Ward plus MC Harvey Abz from Five and the Honeyz from the world of music, boxers Joe Calzaghe, Nathan Cleverley and local hero, Frankie Gavin, reality TV stars Little Chris and James Argent from TOWIE, plus Made in Chelsea’s Jamie Laing and Spencer Matthews, with a healthy spread of soap stars including Adam Woodyatt, Jake Wood and Jacqueline Jossa (EastEndres’ Ian Beale plus Max and Lauren Branning) plus Walford newby, Terry Alderton made for a day to remember for all involve. Adding their experience to a day of stars were ex-Birmingham City players, Michael Johnson and Paul Devlin, Dean Holdsworth with former Aston Villa favourite Ian Taylor, turning out to be the ‘panto villain’ on a day which provided one winner; Harry Mosely, who raised more than £500,000 for charity before he died of a brain tumour aged just
by Steve Williams Associate Editor
11 in 2011. There was a minutes’ applause in honour of the late Steven Sutton who, during his battle, raised over £3million for charity. Harry’s mum Georgina, who launched the charity in his memory, said: “I absolutely loved every bit of this day and I know Harry would too. Seeing what Steven Sutton was going through was like watching Harry all over again and seeing all these stars turnout for Harry proved very emotional. It might be more than two years since we lost Harry but it still feels like yesterday.” Help Harry Help Others has raised and distributed nearly £400,000 in the last 12 months, helping to support 120 families facing a traumatic battle against cancer in the West Midlands. To help you can donate £5 by texting Harry to 70800 or visit www.hhho.org.uk For the record, Michael Johnson’s Harry’s Heroes turned out winners beating the Jake Wood captained Moseley Mob 5-2, but the real winners on the day was the Moseley family, with mum, Georgie showing great bravery representing the true star; Harry.
Page 8
BUSINESS AND FINANCE
The Phoenix – June 2014
Damson Homes win National Build Quality award for 5th Year Running
l Damson Homes team; Dean Chu, Ray Sketchley and Parimal Tanna
R l You won’t find bog standard stationary and cards at Scribbler, their stock is a lot naughtier!
Scribbler Opens First Store At Bullring
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K based greeting cards company, Scribbler, has opened its first West Midlands store at Bullring. The store, which is known for its edgy humour and irreverent take on the traditional greeting
card, has just opened on the Upper West Mall. Tim Walley, General Manager at Bullring, commented: “We’re delighted to have welcomed Scribbler to the centre as its first West Midlands store in their portfolio. Scribbler offers
a unique range of cards and gifts that we’re sure will prove popular with our customers.” John Procter, Managing Director at Scribbler, added: “We’ve wanted to open a Scribbler in Birmingham for such a long time and we are overjoyed at the
Green financing an international tool for development
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reen financing is based on the concept of promoting good practices and values. Any market-based investing or lending program that factors environmental impact into risk assessment, or utilizes environmental incentives to drive business decisions, could also be seen as Green Financing. It is not just a financial system, but it’s also part of a total value-based social system that seeks to enhance the general welfare of society as a whole. Sustainable environment development, developing water resources, facing global warming, ensuring women's participation and promotion of smallscale enterprises are all part of green financing. Though green financing is in its infancy and faces several challenges, all and sundry should be encouraged to take up these challenges to ensure this significant economic system
sails through and plays a leading role in the current global financial stage. There is green finance for both consumers and producers, with the primary l Frederick Anning driver being lenders maintains a green finance unit and venture capital investors. that “provides loans for enviOn the consumer side, green ronmentally friendly projects. finance is represented by pri- Such projects cover areas like vate (non-governmental) efforts renewable energy, nature deto offer individuals (and small velopment and biological agbusinesses) incentives to reduce riculture. Projects are eligible emissions and or to attract the as Green Finance projects if business of others who want to they contribute to a better endo so. vironment and are innovative On the producer side, green or unique.” The bottom line… finance can be used by institu- is that green finance is simply tions either to discriminate in another way to match willing investing or lending practices lender to appropriate borrower. in favor of green projects or against environmentally dam- Frederick Anning aging projects. It can also be Executive Director implemented to use established Freann Financial Services markets in emissions trading as Limited a part of project financing. Ghana A typical example, Freann Financial Services Limited
response. This is our 28th store in the UK and we are thrilled to have brought our humorous cards to such a fantastic city. Scribbler certainly isn’t your traditional card shop; our cards, gifts and stationary are a lot naughtier!”
esidential Property experts Damson Homes have won their fifth consecutive Local Authority Building Control Built in Quality Award for their new build development, The Robins, in Birmingham. The team was named winners at the ‘Celebrating Construction 2014 Awards’ held at the ICC, in the city, last week. The LABC encourages and rewards excellent building standards and innovation through its local, region and national Built in Quality Awards. Business Manager, Dean Chu says: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award. It’s been a smashing year for us and we can only raise the bar higher.” The Robins, in Hall Green, was a development of 13 luxu-
ry detached bungalows – four three-bedroom and nine twobedroom buildings. The design of the bungalow fuses function and form in a sustainable location while respecting the local character of the area. The Robins development delivers flexible accommodation, energy efficient lighting and landscaped front and rear gardens. The team has just completed “Blossom House” a stunning five bedroom detached property in the heart of Solihull. The property, in the highly desirable Blossomfield Road area boasts top-end specification with accommodation that includes 5 reception rooms with a feature ‘Heart of the Home’ layout and a principal bedroom suite with dressing room and en-suite bathroom. All this just a kilometre away from the centre of Solihull.
Inflation stability is good news for the West Midlands says Chamber
B
usiness leaders in the West Midlands say it is good news that inflation remains around its two per cent
target as today’s announcement from the Office for National Statistics shows that inflation has increased from 1.6 per cent in March to 1.8 per cent in April. Tim Pile, president of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce says that the announcement halts the downward trend we have seen over the previous months and is the first rise since June last year. He said: “It is good news that inflation is stable and continues to remain close to the two
per cent target. Maintaining an environment of low interest rates and low inflation helps build the stability needed for businesses in Greater Birmingham. In the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey for Q1, confidence among businesses is at its highest level since 2007. Fostering this confidence through a steady economic environment will translate into jobs and greater output.”
l Tim Pile, President of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
The Phoenix - June 2014
Page 9
BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Business students learn about Lisbon economy
B
l Staff and students ring the trading bell at Euronext Stock Exchange during their trip to Lisbon
usiness students at Walsall College visited the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, to learn about the impact of the financial recession and to develop their understanding about financial markets. The group of 17 HNC and HND Business students, along with high achievers on the L3 Business Diploma, visited Euronext Lisbon and the Lisbon Stock Exchange as well as Cellar Quinta da Murta, a local winery where the students were given a guided tour of the facility and the opportunity to sample the local produce. The trip offered a cultural and educational enrichment to their studies and at Euronext the stu-
dents were given a presentation on the operation of the Stock Exchange and an overview of how the Portuguese economy has been impacted by the global financial recession. HNC student Millicent Chapanda, 41, said: “This is the first time I’ve visited Portugal and it was a great complement to what I had learnt in class about financial markets. It also gave me an opportunity to get to know my peers more and work as a team in planning activities outside of our official visits.” Fellow HND student Stephanie Barratt, 22, added: “I particularly enjoyed the trip to the winery and the animated explanation of the wine making process given by the
Rex Bionics selected for Longitude Prize 2014 in BBC Horizon Special
R
ex Bionics plc, the developer and manufacturer of REX products: hands-free robotic exoskeletons for use by wheelchair users, was featured in a special edition of the BBC Horizon programme: “The 10 Million Pound Challenge,” which launched the £10 million
Longitude Prize 2014. The prize, run and developed by the UK’s innovation foundation, Nesta, with the Technology Strategy Board as a funding partner, is a challenge which aims to revive the spirit of the 18th century Longitude Prize. Horizon explored the six potential challenges nominated by a Longitude Committee, and launched a public vote to determine which should go forward as the category for the new Longitude prize. The question put to the public was 'if you had £10 million to make one change to the world, what would you do?' One of the six Longitude challenges for 2014 addressed the problem of how to restore motor function in people with paralysis. Jeremy Curnock Cook, Rex Bionics’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted that Horizon chosen to showcase REX. We hope this will help us raise awareness of the ways that exoskeletons like REX can improve the quality of life for people with paralysis and participate in a broader public discussion about how to use innovation to solve the
owner of the vineyard.” Lecturers Hubert Moses and Anne Wylie, who organised the trip, are keen to encourage all of the HE students in Business to take the opportunity to explore different cultures and identify its impact on the world of business. Mr. Moses said: “Educational and cultural trips are an invaluable complement to class-based activities and it is something that all of the HE team are keen to continue the tradition of. Some of the students showed great initiative and autonomy in navigating around Portugal and applying their team working and leadership skills in a different environment, which helps with their personal and social development.”
problems of our time.” The winner will be announced on June 25. To vote for the paralysis challenge, visit www.longitudeprize.org.
Check out entertainment, gadgets, big screen, fashion and more in the Street Cred Entertainment section starting on Page 13 SPECIAL STREET CRED SUPPLEMENT IN THE PHOENIX NEWSPAPER
JUNE 2014
www.streetcredmagazine.com
READ OUR DIGEST WEEKLY NGS OF ALL THI MENT ENTERTAIN ONLINE!
Jennifer Lopez The American Idol is back with her first love
Page 10
AZUZA STREET WITH ROLAND JOSEPH TETTEH
The Meaning Of Life
moves that barrier no matter how great it has become, and restores us. Faith in God and in Jesus is therefore right at the heart of the Christian conception of the meaning of life as the means of achieving fulfilment.
ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE
L
ife could be defined as a feature distinguishing objects having signalling and selfsustaining processes from those that do not, either because such functions have ceased, or because they lack such functions and are classified as inanimate.
SCIENCE
Several studies suggest that life on Earth may have started as early as 4.25 billion years ago or even earlier yet, 4.4 billion years ago. The mechanism by which life began on Earth is unknown. Since emerging, life has evolved into a variety of forms, which biologists have classified into a hierarchy of taxa. Though life is confirmed only on Earth, many think that extraterrestrial life is not only plausible, but probable or inevitable. According to the panspermia hypothesis, microscopic life exists throughout the universe, and is distributed by meteoroids, asteroids and planetoids.
Both philosophy and religion have offered interpretations as to how life relates to existence and consciousness, and on related issues such as life stance, purpose, conception of a god or gods, a soul or an afterlife. Different cultures throughout history have had widely varying approaches to these issues.
proach poses the question “What is the meaning of my life?” The value of the question pertaining to the purpose of life may coincide with the achievement of ultimate reality, or a feeling of oneness, or even a feeling of sacredness.
The meaning of life is a philosophical question in the philosophical and religious conceptions of existence, social ties, consciousness and happiness. It borders on many other issues, such as symbolic meaning, ontology, value, purpose, ethics, good and evil, free will, and the existence of one or multiple gods, conceptions of God, the soul, and the afterlife. Scientific contributions focus primarily on describing related empirical facts about the universe, exploring the context and parameters concerning the ‘how’ of life. An alternative, humanistic ap-
Christianity gives one answer to this question. The reason that we are here is that God created us to have a relationship with Him. This is why God created a universe fit for human life, and why He laid down guidelines for how we live our lives. According to Christianity, each one of us is created for communion with God; God wants to know us, to love us, and to rejoice with us. Christianity continues to tell us that the barrier to this relationship is sin, but that in Jesus God heals that relationship, re-
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION
CHRISTIAN VIEW OF THE MEANING AND PURPOSE OF LIFE
To a Muslim the whole purpose of life is “ibadah” or worship to the One True Almighty God on terms and under His Conditions. The term “worship” to a Muslim includes any and all acts of obedience to Almighty Allah. So his purpose of life is a standing purpose; Worshipping Allah by accepting Allah’s Will over his own. This act of ibadah [worshipping, thanking and extolling the Greatness Almighty Allah on His Terms and Conditions] is for the Muslim, throughout his whole life. His life on Earth is full of purpose and is totally meaningful within the complete framework of total submission.
HINDUISM
In Hinduism, there is not just one purpose of human life, but four: Dharma - fulfilling one’s purpose - Artha – prosperity Kama - desire, sexuality, enjoyment - Moksha - enlightenment The Sanskrit word dharma means many things, including “law,” “teaching” and “religion.” If a Hindu man’s father is a tire maker, his dharma is probably to make tires, too. Traditionally, the dharma of most women has been to be a housewife and a mother. Another aspect of dharma is paying the five debts. Hindus believe that they are born in debt to the gods and various humans, and they must repay those karmic debts during their lifetime. The debts are: 1. Debt to the gods for their blessings; 2. Debt to parents
The Phoenix – June 2014
and teachers; 3. Debt to guests; 4. Debt to other human beings; 5. Debt to all other living beings. Dharma also means righteousness, or living morally and ethically at all times.
ARTHA: PROSPERITY
Artha is prosperity or success in worldly pursuits. Although the ultimate goal of Hinduism is enlightenment, the pursuit of wealth and prosperity is regarded as an appropriate pursuit for the householder (the second of four life stages). It also ensures social order, for there would be no society if everyone renunciated worldly life to meditate. But while Hindus are encouraged to make money, it must be within the bounds of dharma.
KAMA: PLEASURE
Kama (Sanskrit, “desire”) primarily refers to romantic love and sexual pleasure, though it can refer to desire in general. The Kama Sutra, a manual for erotic and other human pleasures (like flower-arranging), is attributed to the sage Vatsyayana.
MOKSHA: ENLIGHTENMENT
The ultimate end of every Hindu’s life is moksha, which can be understood in a variety of ways: liberation from rebirth, enlightenment, self-realization, or union with God. This is considered to be the highest purpose of life, although very few can achieve it in a single lifetime.
CONCLUSION
We can only subscribe to a divine injunction which defines life beyond the materialist conception and prescribes laws for sustaining it. At the apex is a divine instructor, a creator and sustainer of the universe and the various living organisms therein. At present times, society has succumbed to conflicting ideas originating from atheistic sources
G
R E E T I N G S FROM GHANA TO THE B E L O V E D PEOPLE OF GREAT BRITAIN. My name is Roland Joseph Tetteh. I am your brother in the Lord. I was born in October 3, 1966 in Ghana. I now work as a logistics manager at William Pitt construction in Accra Ghana. I love the lord and the lord loves us all, every month I will be bringing to you God’s News from various different perspective. and social construction. Of course, people can try to find meaning in life without believing in a Creator. We can set ourselves goals—wealth, fame, helping others—and decide to devote our lives to achieving them. If we do this, then in some sense our lives seem to become about achieving wealth, or fame, or whatever, to take on that meaning. When you become elevated on the spiritual platform, life becomes beautiful, meaningful and purposeful because you will become one with the ultimate reality, the supreme controller of the cosmos.
RIP Maya Angelou: A Cultural & Literary Voice
O 600 Miles, 7 Days and 13 Mosques in Ride4Peace
E
xactly a month before this year’s Tour de France a group of 25 cyclists belonging to AMYA (Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association) will take part in a national 600 mile cycle, from Glasgow to London and along the way they will stop off at 13 iconic UK Mosques and a WWI memorial to pay their respects to the fallen as they endure their “Ride4Peace.” Most importantly, they hope
to raise £100k for the British Heart Foundation and Humanity First. They also hope to dispel some of the false stereotypes propagated against Muslims by right-wing groups through demonstrating some of the positive contributions being made by proud British Muslims. More than two dozen cyclist from the Ahmadi Cycling Club and the Metropolitan Police Department will start their journey from Baitur Rahman,
the most northerly-situated Mosque in Glasgow, and will cycle seven days to reach the largest mosque in Western Europe, the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London. This will constitute a total journey of 601 miles. “We shall raise money for Humanity First and the British Heart Foundation. All proceeds will be split equally between Humanity First and the British Heart Foundation,” said an AMYA spokesperson. ”The Ahmadiyya Muslim As-
sociation has a long tradition of raising money for good causes…” said the Home Secretary, Theresa May. The basic Ride4Peace route (June 1-7), will be: Glasgow - Hartlepool - Bradford - Huddersfield - Sheffield - Manchester - Birmingham - Oxford - Feltham - London. The 101th Tour de France runs from Saturday July 5 to Sunday July 27.
ne of America's leading cultural and literary voices, Dr. Maya Angelou death will always be seen as one of the world’s most major loses in line with the likes of Gandhi, Garvey, Kennedy and Mandela. Made famous for her 1969 memoir; ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,’ which dealt with the racism and family trauma of her upbringing, Maya; a poet, author, activist and actress, was also a prominent civil rights activist and a friend of other prominent figures in American and world history; Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. She was honoured by universities, literary organizations, government agencies, and special interest groups including a Pulitzer Prize nomination for her book of poetry, ‘Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie,’ a Tony Award nomination for her role in the 1973 play ‘Look Away,’ and three
Grammys for her spoken word albums. She served on two presidential committees and was awarded the ‘National Medal of Arts’ the Lincoln Medal in 2008 and the ‘Presidential Medal of Freedom’ in 2011. She was also awarded over a dozen honorary degrees. On her death, civil rights campaigner, Reverend Jesse Jackson, wrote: "The renaissance woman has made a peaceful transition. She acted, sang, danced and taught. She used poetry as a road for peace." Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1928, Maya was 86.
The Phoenix - June 2014
British Black churches back legislation to outlaw modern day slavery
A
t a meeting in the House of Lords, representatives of the UK’s African and Caribbean churches committed themselves to join the struggle to expose and outlaw modern forms of slavery. It is estimated that between 2030 million people world-wide are
enslaved; more than at the height of the transatlantic slave trade. Today’s slave trade is thought be worth around 40 billion US dollars. However, Black Christians in Britain are largely unaware of the extent of it. Co-convener of the meeting, Bishop Dr. Joe Aldred of the ecumenical agency Churches
Page 11
AZUZA STREET WITH ROLAND JOSEPH TETTEH
Together in England said: “I and people like me from the Caribbean are the descendants of enslaved Africans. Surely, of all people, we must now do all we can to liberate today’s enslaved victims.” The UK is a destination, origin and exporter of modern day enslaved people, which include
children, young people, women and men; from Eastern Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and Asia. Among forms of slavery identified were: child trafficking, sex trafficking, domestic servitude and debt bondage. Although the level of public awareness is low, modern day slavery is evident in such as tending cannabis farms, begging, benefit fraud, petty crime, ATM theft and domestic servitude. Cross-bench Peer, Baroness Elizabeth Butler-Sloss, co-con-
vener of the meeting and jointchair of the Parliamentary Group on Modern Slavery said: “I am so pleased that we have now forged a partnership with the Black Christian community to tackle
l Bishop Dr. Joe Aldred
this scourge on humanity. More than two hundred years after the passing of the Parliamentary Bill to end the Atlantic Slave Trade it now falls to us to do the same for Modern Slavery which is the second largest illegal trade in the world.” The Churches congratulate the Government in putting forward a Modern Slavery Bill, but wish to have a dialogue with Government and members of both Houses of Parliament to ensure that Parliament passes the best possible Bill which will help to stamp out the evil of slavery and give appropriate help and support to its victims.
l Meriam Wani with husband Daniel. She was sentenced to death because the court considers her Muslim and found her guilty for converting to Christianity.
Muslim Community Condemns Sudan Death Sentence For Pregnant Woman
C
ommenting on the sentencing of a pregnant lady to death for apostasy in Sudan, Usman Khan, a spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said: “The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community condemns absolutely the reported sentencing to death of a pregnant Sudanese lady for apostasy. This is a barbaric ruling and
completely contrary to Islam’s true teachings. The Quran enshrines the right of every individual to choose freely his or her own religion. It clearly states that “there should be no compulsion in religion” (2:257). The lady should be released immediately and be allowed to adopt whatever religion she wants. We hope and pray that her child is born healthy and grows up in the loving care of her mother.”
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The Phoenix - June 2014
LEGAL SERVICES - SUPPORTED BY
E
ach month, we will bring you the latest legal news and advice, which is suitable to you with the full backing and support of the Birmingham Law Society. We will present editorial from participating law firms who feel the need to share some advice on the options available to a person in particular situations. It is hoped that this section will help to establish links between the legal profession and the wider public and break down barriers to legal advice for ordinary people.
Supported by
Law Society urges home buyers to ringfence their deposit
P
eople buying a house together risk losing their investment if they don’t seek legal advice first, according to the Law Society. Co-habiting couples or friends buying together have no protection on their initial investment when it comes to selling up and are not protected by law in the same way that married couples or civil partners are. A solicitor can draw up a ‘declaration of trust’ which clearly outlines what share of the property each person owns. Without it, you have a right to half the property but no more. This can be done as part of the usual conveyancing process. So if you are investing a considerable amount more than your buying partner, protecting your money is a wise move. Law Society President Nicholas Fluck said the fluctuating property market means more people have to double up in order
O
n 30th June 2014, flexible working is changing. New relaxed rules mean that employers should be ready to deal with a potential wave of requests for more flexible working, such as to work from home or to work shorter hours. Until now, an employer had to consider flexible working requests only if the employee has: • 26 weeks continuous employment and • children under the age of 17 or • caring responsibilities for a dependant adult
The good news?
We specialise in: Education Child Care Domestic Violence Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm Saturday & Sunday Closed
Employment Injunctions Harassment
Tel : 0845 475 1996 0121 270 1566 Fax: 0121 523 5295
SOLICITORS in England and Wales. Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. www.sra.org
Branston Court, Branston Street, Birmingham, B18 6BA
As of 30 June 2014, employers must give ‘reasonable consideration’ to requests for flexible working from any employees with more than 26 weeks of service. There is no longer the requirement of having children or other caring responsibilities. Rules governing the process by which requests are handled have also been relaxed.
Does my employer have to let me work flexibly?
The employer must consider each request carefully. There are eight instances where a request legitimately can be refused: • The additional costs which would be incurred in granting the request would cause an unacceptable burden on the business; For instance, where the company would have to pay for equipment to enable the employee to work from home. • The business is unable to distribute the work amongst existing staff; For example, if an employee has a specific skill set, job, or ability, the employer would
l Law Society President Nicholas Fluck to afford a home, which is where problems often arise. “As banks demand bigger deposits and house prices rise, the money at stake is considerable,” he said. “Buying a home is a huge, expensive step, and of course it’s exciting, but before signing any-
thing, make sure your deposit is ring fenced. “No-one can predict the future, but if you need to sell the house for any reason and move on, it’s better to come away with your fair share and avoid a messy legal dispute.”
Flexible Working need to consider how easy/difficult it would be to redistribute the workload. Employers should consider whether retraining would equip another employee. • Not able to recruit additional staff to cover the work; If an employee who worked unsociable hours, recruiting another staff member to do these hours might be extremely difficult. • The employer considers the change would cause a detrimental effect on quality of business; • The employer considers the change would have a detrimental effect on being able to meet customer demands; High pressure jobs sometimes come with high pressure time constraints, however, an employer should not refuse a request outright for this reason. A trial period can be considered as a way to see whether the flexible working arrangement the employee wants can work. • Detrimental impact on performance; When considering performance, employers will need to
consider the impact on performance of not only the singular employee, but the team and the company. • Insufficient work for the employee to carry out during the hours the employee has proposed to work; Some employers have periods of ‘peak’ demand; if the employee is suggesting they work quiet hours only then the request can be reasonably rejected. • Planned structural changes mean that the flexible working changes would not fit. If the operating hours of the company are changing making the change in shift patterns not relevant to the business then the request can be rejected on those grounds.
Compromise?
In some cases an employer may not feel that they are able to accept a request but may be in a position to offer something slightly different to what was originally requested. Zee Hussain, Employment Law Partner at Colemans-ctts
The Phoenix - June 2014
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SPECIAL STREET CRED SUPPLEMENT IN THE PHOENIX NEWSPAPER
JUNE 2014
www.streetcredmagazine.com
R READ OU EST G I D Y L K WEE HINGS T L L A F O INMENT A T R E T EN ONLINE!
Jennifer Lopez The American Idol is back with her first love
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ENTERTAINMENT
www.streetcredmagazine.com
Editors Note
O
ur weekly Street Cred magazine online has taken flight and now we have even more readers than ever especially as we are also a monthly supplement in the Phoenix Newspaper. Street Cred has been reborn and exciting times are ahead. It is great that we can now give you updates quicker by logging onto our website every Friday at 12 in the afternoon. Our new trend is to make you have the perfect weekend
DAMON DASH MAY NEED HELP FROM OLD MATE JAY Z AS he IS IN FINANCIAL DEBT
H
read on your tablet PC and mag digital style and wow its become a craze already. Take a look at some of the samples that are in Street Cred in this months supplement and to see more go to our website to read the full articles. We have the latest in Music, Fashion, Film, Community projects and so much more. We are also looking for new writ-
/markdwaynemdg /streetcredmag
The Phoenix - June 2014
ers so send in your ideas. This edition we have launched White Dee of Benefits St New column which is an exclusive to our publications. Go Dee Get reading. Mark Dwayne MDG
@MarkDwayneMDG1 @StreetCredMag
www.streetcredmagazine.com
ip-hop mogul Damon Dash claims he’s deep in debt and close to being evicted from his home. The one who discovered Jay Z and former CEO of Rocafella records is now flat on his face with late rent payments. This man once ruled the
hiphop world and had a $50 million empire. Since departing from former partner Jay Z its been a downhill slope, we hope Damon gets back on his feet as this guy has done a lot for hiphop,
and if it wasn’t for him there would be no Jay Z.
K
atie Price aka Jordan is on a emotional roller coaster at present and she thanks fans for overwhelming support through this ruff time. Her third husband Kieran she accuses of cheating with her best friend and is now looking a divorce. Friends fear that she will go back to Kieran. At the moment sources say she is doing everything for the childrens sake and even wants to get along with Pete. To be continued.
KATIE WILL BE BACK ON TOP AND THANKS FANS
Who wore their bin-bag better? WE NEED SOME MORE ‘STINK’ IN HERE! REALLY?
Q
uick and easy question? Is it the ‘lick’ not to wash? I ask because lately I have been victim to some rank aromas! I mean mega stink, so bad that they could actually sizzle my nasal hairs away and theses aromas are from people! Now, I don’t know about y’all but after a bath/shower my skin is glowing and I feel right! I just LOVE it! I understand the whole finance factor and times being hard for everyone but really? Steve Smith he created Poundland…dare I say anymore! Excuseless! It is important to wash the
grime of the day and your night time sleep away because our air is polluted with so many toxins and during our sleep we can burn up to 100 calories! Then after a wash and you smell fresh its time to lather yourself with lotion, men its okay to cater for your skin it is the largest organ we have, then perfume or aftershave! I’m not trying to be patronising to my readers but after being a victim I feel that it is my duty to save other nasal hairs! But people please know when to stop pressing down that nozzle on your perfume/aftershave bottle because it’s not only un-
Chantelle’s
Spot
pleasant to smell funky but it is also unpleasant to smell of too much Ralph Lauren Millions or Chanel no.5, that also can burn away nasal hairs!
The Phoenix – June 2014
ENTERTAINMENT
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B
West African Cultural Agenda: Spotlight On The New “Coupé Décalé Musical” Trend (Pan African Hip Hop)
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DESTINY’S CHILD RE-UNITE FOR GOSPEL, NO JUST THE THREE!
eyonce Kelly and Michelle have recorded a a new single called ‘Yes’ which is from Michelle Williams’ forthcoming album Journey To Freedom. Their new song is a remake of Nigerian gospel hymn When Jesus Says Yes. The church roots is what we know Destiny’s Child for and good to see them going back.
Key Music Theatre Comedy Literature & Spoken World Young People Dance Film Visual Arts Workshops Events
May
WHAT’S ON
T
he legacy of the Great "Mosa Marcus Garvey" still lingers deeply in the minds of the Pan African youth nowadays. Meanwhile, since the 2000s, a new trend of authentic Pan African new "Hip Hop" led by the late Ivorian performer DOUG SAGA, then later backed up by other Ivorian performers such as Lino Versace, Le Molare, DJ Arafat, Serges Beynaud and DJ Debordeaux Lekunfa has indeed reached the pinnacle and today is still taking higher ground in the whole of Africa, as well as in the Diaspora: (France, Italy, Belgium, Holland, England, Germany). Moreover, in West Africa, the cornerstone of the new authentic Pan African "Hip Hop" called (Coupé Décalé) remains the following performers: DJ ARAFAT, Serges Beynaud and Debordeaux Le kunfa who are still mashing up the Coupé Décalé entertainment field in the whole of Africa and Europe right now. Culturally speaking, the Coupé Décalé PanAfrican Hip Hop can be labelled as a coming back to the authentic Pan African musical roots, backed up by a creative power to bring an input and an innovate musical approach. As a result, the new Pan African youth turned to their roots to unravelling the cultural complex of colonial alienation they were born in, through the suppression of a slice of their ancestral Culture and Identity. In return, they used the "Coupé Décalé" cultural weap-
by Bai Tapay on, because it was the most potent symbol and identity of resistance against the postindependence colonial powers. In ABIDJAN (Ivory Coast), one of the most sophisticated post-independence African metropolises, at their first gigs in 2003, they used to go wild at the sounds of "Coupé Décalé," the very beginning of a Pan African success story of "Coupé Décalé " in the whole of Africa. Along with their own original material and local dialect mixed up with French, they were beginning to create the "Coupé Décalé" concept gradually. Down the line, when DJ ARAFAT and SERGES BEYNAUD matured, their musical experiences of Coupé Décalé broadened by tours to Europe (France, Italy, Spain and Belgium). In consequence, their perspective became more global and international since 2010. Definitely, the "Coupé Décalé" musical trend remains without doubt to some extent a Follow-up of the late "Mosa Marcus Garvey's famous observation that: "A people without a culture are a people without a future.” Today in the whole of Africa, the new authentic Pan African Hip Hop (Coupé Décalé) flag has become an anthem for the African youth, culturally speaking and for those living in the Diaspora. That's to say: "Our Pan African heritage and identity, we don't want to lose any more."
July
June
The Day after Mayday Show
Showcase Smoothie & Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze
Fri 2 May £36 £13.50 (£11.50) MOTD
Thu 22 May / 7pm / £5
YGB Weekly Workshops
Sat 3, Tue 6, Sat 10, Tue 13, Sat 17, Tue 20, Sat 24 & Tue 27 May Indian Percussion Classes
Bangin The Drum We’re Back and We Need to Talk
Sat 24 May 7:30pm / £7 (£3) Jazz @ The Drum Workshop
Kashmir: Penning the Resistance Book Launch
Sun 1 June 3pm / £3 (£2) YGB Weekly Workshops Tue 3, Sat 7, Tue 10, Sat 14, Tue 17, Sat 21, Tue 24 & Sat 28 Jun Indian Percussion Classes Tue 3,10, 17 & 24 Jun 7pm & 8pm Made in Britain Special
YGB Weekly Workshops Tue 1, Sat 5, Tue 8, Sat 12, Sat 19 & 26 Jul
Beauty in Truth
Indian Percussion Classes Tue 1, 8, 15 & 22 Jul 7pm & 8pm
Tue 24 Jun 7pm / £4 (£3) 1st of May Band: Songs of Struggle
Fri 27 Jun 7:30pm / £10 (£6)
Fri 4 Jul £36 £13.50 (£11.50) MOTD
Nubian Readers’ Book Club Fri 27 Jun 7:30pm / £2
Catching History on the Wing Sun 25 May 2pm / Free Admission TBC / 3pm / £3 ADF 20! Launch
Mon 12 May 6pm / Free Admission ADF 20! Exhibition Mon 12 - Wed 25 Jun Free Admission Shaanti’s Eastern Electronic Community Hub
Mon 12 May 11am / Free Admission
The Stuart Hall Project
Sat 5 Jul 7:30pm / £7 (£3)
Thu 29 May 7pm / £4 (£3) Nubian Readers’ Book Club Fri 30 May 7:30pm / £2 Desi Peo
Sat 31 May / 7:30pm £18.50 £10 (£8)
Fri 6 Jun £36 £13.50 (£11.50) MOTD Sat 28 Jun / 7:30pm £10 (£8) £18.50 Made In the Jazz @ The Drum Midlands Festival Workshop Sun 29 Jun / 2pm / £5 Thu 12 Jun 7:30pm / £5 Citizenship, Democracy and Activism
Fri 20 Jun / 7pm A34 Festival and Open Day
United Rhythms
Tue Jul 22 / 6pm Free Admission
Fri 1 Aug £13.50 (£11.50) MOTD
Sat 20 Sep 7:30pm / £8 (£6)
Illustrate Exhibition
Tue 22 Jul - Mon 1 Sep Free Admission Fred Wesley
Indian Percussion Classes Tue 5, 12, 19 & 26 Aug 7pm & 8pm First World War Commemorative Remembrance Day Service
Reggae MC’s
Sat 27 Sep 10pm / £15, £18 MOTD
The Redeemed
Paiseyan Di Hera Pheri
Jazz @ The Drum Jam Session Sun 29 Jun 2pm / Free Admission
September
Upfront Comedy
Summer Scorcher
Sun 25 May / 2pm / £5 Tue 6, 13, 20 & 27 May Jazz @ The Drum Jam Session 7pm & 8pm
August Illustrate Launch
Wed 23 Jul / 7:30pm Earlybird £15 / £17.50
Sun 17 Aug / 11am
Nubian Readers’ Book Club
Dome Club Planetarium Black History Month
Who Am I? End Event
Tue 15 Jul 7pm / Free Admission Simmer Down Festival 2014
Who Am I? Exhibition
Afrovibes Festival Fri 25 Jul 7:30pm / £2
Thu 21 Aug 6:30pm / £3 (£2)
Jazz @ The Drum Workshop Sun 27 Jul / 2pm / £5
Jamaican Hidden Histories
Mon 20 - Sun 26 Oct
Sat 23 Aug / 10:30am Free Admission
Thu 23 Oct
Jazz @ The Drum Jam Session Sun 27 Jul 2pm / Free Admission
Sun 20 Jul 12pm / Free Admission Mon 30 Jun Tue 15 Jul Free Admission
Nubian Readers’ Book Club Fri 29 Aug 7:30pm / £2
Mamela
Jazz @ The Drum Workshop Sun 31 Aug / 2pm / £5
Fri 24 Oct
Jazz @ The Drum Jam session Sun 31 Aug 2pm / Free Admission
Sat 21 Jun / 12pm Free Admission
Biko’s Quest
Rhetorical
Sat 25 Oct
p:ARTicipate scheme Season Ticket Advanced Booking required
Double Trouble
Sun 18 May 7:30pm / £15
TheDrumBirmingham
A4 listing.indd 1
@The_Drum
+thedrumbirmingham
19/05/2014 16:04
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ENTERTAINMENT
ham since their redevelopments over the last few years. Full of information, style, entertainment and much more, they are two places you need to go to get your fill of culture and the arts. If it’s not culture you’re looking to fill, but your belly, look no further than the undisputed heavyweight in Jamaican Food, Bing. You’ll leave with great food at a reasonable price. If you love your Jamaican food, or even if you have never tried it, get yourself down to Bing!
Verley’s Back
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till igniting the fuel for entertaining that’s in his blood, the veteran of the nightclub scene, Verley is back. And Verleys Wine Bar and Restaurant is back to re-ignite the passion that was last experienced
that last time this entrepreneur’s self-named venue was here. Serving his ever-adoring clientele for generations-originally under the guise of ‘Tabasco’s,’ Do you remember then? Verley is a true entertainer who keeps coming back for more and Verleys Wine Bar and Restaurant is back to ignite your fuel for proper entertainment. Verley is back!
Library of Birmingham & The REP
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ince it opened in Centenary Square, in September 2013, the Library of Birmingham has set out its mission to rewrite the book for 21st century public libraries and offer world-class facilities and resources. It stands as a beacon, literally and metaphorically, as it lights the city sky scape at night; creating a unique centre for the city and far beyond. Sitting side-by-side with the Library of Birmingham is the new, enhanced
Repertory Theatre, a powerhouse of producing theatre just as it did when it was founded, by Sir Barry Jackson, in 1913. The REP, one of Britain’s leading producers of new theatre, aims to produce excellent theatrical experiences, to entertain, enlighten and engage audiences and, wherever possible, to reflect the diversity of Birmingham and the surrounding region. The Library of Birmingham and the REP are sharing a number of facilities for knowledge, learning and culture.
Bing; The Chef of all Chefs
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fter generations of serving his loyal and ever-growing number customers with the most mouth-watering dishes, Bings International still reigns supreme as the No.1 for Caribbean food...anywhere! A true inspiration to all who have followed...and, indeed, many who were around before, his deep passion for proving the most sumptuous, tasty
BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY
June 04 Wooden Shjips 06 Hozier 06 Propaganda 07 Follow You Home 10 Rival Sons 13 Propaganda 13 Duke & Detective 15 Andy Jordan 15 Hollywood Ending 20 Catapult Club 20 Propaganda 21 Tiger Cub 25 Gareth Gates 26 Heaven & Earth 26 Catapult Club 27 Catapult Club 27 Propaganda 28 Warlord UK 29 Hollywood Babble-On with Kevin Smith & Ralph Garman
BIRMINGHAM INSTITUTE
June 07 Nick Oliveri 09 Grime Unplugged with Ghetts 13 Highgrade – Summer Session 16 Scott Bradlee & Postmodern Jukebox 22 Malone Malone + Eskers + Lovats + The Heist (DJ Set) 23 Parquet Courts + The Wytches + Ultimate Painting 24 Cherry Ghost 29 VMG Live Birmingham Ft. Marc Williams + Jake Sims + Special Guests
The Phoenix - June 2014
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Where to go W e’re letting you know where to go to find the best food, the greatest atmospheres and therichest culture. Verley, a long-standing tradition is finally back and raring to go, when they’re back up and running is definitely one to check out. The Library of Birmingham and The REP Theatre are two iconic landmarks of Birming-
‘come-back-for-more’ food has earned him a reputation that will take years for any ‘pretenders’ to the crown to get anywhere near. An inspiration to all Caribbean takeaways, it has to be said, like it or not, “Respect Due” to The General, Bing! Still attracting hordes of people to his take-away outlets in Birmingham, Bing really is; “The Chef of all Chefs.”
LG ARENA
June 13 Pet Shop Boys 22 Dolly Parton 27 Once In A Lifetime
TOWN HALL
June 03 Miles Jupp 07 Rhys Chatham’s A Secret Rose 11 Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain 16 Lunchtime Organ Concert: Thomas Trotter 18 Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Living Dangerously 20 Birmingham Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra 21 Sing & Discover presents: Sounds of the Summer 22 Living The Dream of Dance 30 Lunchtime Organ Concert: Thomas Trotter - Summer Requests
18 Science of Sound 18 CBSO Strauss and Shakespeare 19 CBSO Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto 20 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Pete Churchill 21 Musical Picnic: Pete Churchill 21 Wagner’s Ring: Götterdämmerung 22 George Benson 23 David Gray 24 Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra 26 CBSO Mozart’s C minor Mass 27 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Simon Spillett Quartet 29 Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel with the Orchestra of the Swan & Chamber Choir
NEC
June 03-05 Subcon 2014 04-05 Logistics Link Live
12-15 BBC Good Food Show 12-15 BBC Gardeners’ World Live 25 Commercial Finance Expo 2014
CIVIC/WULFRUN WOLVERHAMPTON
June 03 TV Psychic Tony Stockwell (Wulfrun Hall) 04 Abandoman: Moon Rock Boombox Tour (Wulfrun Hall) 06 London Grammar (Civic Hall) 12-14 Wolverhampton Beer and Cider Festival (Wulfrun Hall) 13 Jason Manford (Civic Hall)
SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON
What’s On Slyde Alive Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton 6 June 2015
Culture Club NIA, Birmingham 12 December 2014
Slyde Alive deliver the sounds, the sights and the power of the UK’s greatest live act: Slade! And now, for the first time ever... Slyde Alive are to tear it up at the Wolverhampton’s legendary Slade Rooms.
Grammy Award winners Culture Club sold in excess of 100 million singles and over 50 million albums, and were one of the biggest pop bands of the 1980s and are to play live dates across the UK in 2014 for the first time in over 15 years.
Jake Bugg Wolverhampton Civic Hall 6 October 2014
Tiff Stevenson Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton 14 November 2014
One of the most exciting and unique artists to emerge out of the UK in a long time, in under three years Jake Bugg has gone from first on in pubs to selling out the Royal Albert Hall and playing to an astonishing ten thousand people at Nottingham Arena, his hometown.
Tiff’s previous solo Edinburgh stand-up shows have consistently had packed audiences Come and join her test run material for her new Edinburgh solo show, where she ponders if optimism is possible in a world where the Kardashians and Everyday Vodka continue to exist.
Madness LG Arena, Birmingham 13 December 2014
Backyard Cinema Camden Lock Market, London Various - 16th July - 5th September
British legends Madness have announced details of a brand new UK tour, ALL FOR THE M.A.D.H.E.A.D. which arrives at the LG Arena on 13 December 2014. The new tour, their first UK live dates in over a year follows the premise of M.A.D.H.E.A.D:
An Interactive, atmospheric, outdoor cinema to conquer all others. 20 shows, over 8 weeks on the iconic cobbles of Camden Lock Market. 200 giant beanbag loungers and deck chairs to relax in while you watch a blockbuster film selection on huge 14ft screen with booming speakers.
James NIA, Birmingham 22 December 2014
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2014 Edinburgh, Scotland 18-29 June 2014
June 07 God Damn 08 Red Dragon Cartel 21 Dance 4 Margot & Friends 27 Devil Red plus The Remedy
SYMPHONY HALL
June 02 Lunchtime Organ Concert: Organ and Piano with Roger Owens 05 CBSO Summer Serenade 06 Jazzlines Free Gigs: The Yamaha Scholars 06 CBSO Heroes and Superheroes 07 The Salvation Army presents: Symphony Sounds 11 CBSO Thomas Adès: New Horizons 12 CBSO Schools Concerts: Carnival of the Animals 13 Jazzlines Free Gigs: Robbie Moore Quintet 15 Gateway 2014 Conference
l Pet Shop Boys @ LG Arena
Manchester legends James make a welcome return to the live arena with a full UK Tour including a date at the NIA, Birmingham this November with special guests Starsailor. James are behind some of the biggest hits of the last 30 years and have sold over 12 million albums worldwide.
Edinburgh International Film Festival is renowned around the world for discovering and promoting the very best in international cinema. The longest continually running film festival in the world. Now in its 68th edition. EIFF 2014 will run from 18-29 June.
The Phoenix – June 2014
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Dolly House ‘White Dee’s’ Column When You Think I It Dun It Only Just Begun
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hat does Jamaica’s ‘King of Comedy’ do when it is time to celebrate his 65th year on this earth? He assembles the most powerful cast available in Caribbean Theatre today; Audrey Reid, Dennis Titus and Ruth Ho Shing and creates another blockbuster – Dolly House, coming to the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham on 26th October. Many speculated how would Oliver be able to follow up on the recent back to back Monster Hits – WHO A DI DON? And EMBASSY SAGA but DOLLY HOUSE proves why he is referred to as a Living Legend. Dolly House is a wonderful mix of Jamaica’s favorite topics – politics, power, intimacy, race, class, mistrust and betrayal all comingled into one hilarious comedy with the belly cramping humor that only Oliver Samuels can produce. It is well documented that Embassy Saga is one of the funniest
plays in the history of Jamaican theater, when asked how Dolly House measures up, Oliver seh: “Unu nuh see nutt’n yet.” It’s a depiction of the crazy drama, unavoidable tragedies and constant comedy that occurs daily in multi-dwelling structures in Jamaica commonly known as Tenement Yaads. Just imagine the levels of insanity when one is forced to live in a Tenament Yaad with an Oliver Samuels character as the stern overbearing landlord constantly showing who is the boss of landlords, when occupants, include a middle aged Chinese woman whose hormones seem larger than her mouth; a young dreadlocks man who carries five phones and about six different names; a higgler who insists that her constantly overdue rent for her one room and shared bathroom is only due to her finishing up her 4 story mansion in the hills and two bad men who ‘just not into the rent paying thing.’ Insanity you think, as Oliver says – “Unu nuh see nutten yet.”
n case you all don’t know, I’m Dee from the street and I’m pleased to meet all you Street Cred readers. This is my 1st official column, so its probably going to be all over the place, but that’s how I am, all over the place. I am so honoured to even be asked to write a column, and I hope to bring you news about what’s happening in my life, and about new amazing talented young people that I have had the pleasure to meet, and also about some issues that I hold very close to my heart. Firstly my weekend consisted of attending Birmingham Pride, which I have been going to since Caitlin was in a pushchair and Mom was on her scooter, knocking everyone out of the way bless her. For obvious reasons, this year was a whole lot different to every other year I’ve gone. Birmingham Pride has been going for 18yrs and I’ve been going for 16 of them. Its a celebration of gay and lesbian rights and people from all over the country attend, whether they are gay, straight, black, white, asian
ENTERTAINMENT
or of any other denomination. They definitely know how to throw a party, and they do it in style. It definitely didn’t rain on the Birmingham Pride parade. I didn’t realise that so many people would recognise me, want a picture taken with me and Caitlin, ask where Gerrard was.
mie style. We cant wait for next year, where its guaranteed to be bigger and better, and for the record Caitlin's favourite moment was meeting Conor Maynard and Katy B and mine was the amazing Angie Brown.
I can honestly say I must have had over 1000 pictures taken with some of the nicest people you could wish to meet. At the end of the day we all bleed the same colour, and Birmingham Pride showed the world how its done brum-
On a more serious note, can you imagine losing a son, brother, father and 3 years later still be none the wiser as to what actually happened to him. This is the case with Kingsley Burrell's family. Kingsley was walking with his young
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WE Live returned to Birmingham on May 18th, and did so in style. With crowd favourites such as Sheamus, Cesaro, Dolph Ziggler and John Cena to name a few, WWE brought the noise to the National Indoor Arena. The live version of the show so many have seen on their TV sat at home is just as enthralling to watch, and definitely just as explosive. The crowd were treated to a fair number of
son, when an incident led to him calling the police for their help. How then was he arrested and sectioned under the Mental Health Act and three days later he died. Kingsley had no history of any mental illness, he had so much to give, he had children who needed his guidance and are now fighting for justice for their dad. There are so many unanswered questions that need answering. Enough is enough, this family need to be able to grieve in the knowledge that Kingsley can finally rest in peace. So there it is then my 1st column done, I hope its all okay because I could go on forever. Well until next time, stay safe and keep thriving in all you do and follow me on twitter @therealdeekelly Much Love Dee
matches on the night, including seeing Sheamus defeat Alberto Del Rio to retain the US Title with a Brogue Kick. One of the highlights of the night had to be Bray Wyatt’s defeat to John Cena, who was met with cheers from the crowd before a very exciting match including multiple false finishes after each man performed their finishers. Cena managed to recover just in time to dodge a chair shot from Wyatt after Luke Harper and Erick Rowan gatecrashed the match leading to a second AA on Wyatt to finish him off and win the match. WWE Live is a great spectacle to watch and if you’re a fan of wrestling then it’s definitely not one to miss!
The Phoenix - June 2014
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ENTERTAINMENT
Looking back on when we first met
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Sisqo
M ark D
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just love to dig up old photographs, and this month is no exception. Look at these gems I’ve come across! Looking back is the monthly reminder to our readers of where Street Cred has been, and who it has found. In these photos you see Editor Mark Dwayne pic-
tured with Shola Ama, Jessie J performing on the Street Cred stage in London before she had her record deal, and Sisqo of Drew Hill holding our magazine with our star Jessie on the front cover. We’ll bring you more surprises and more stars next month! Look where we are coming from!
wayne w
Jessie J ith Shola
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Jonzi D is simply “Breakin’ Conven S
o many artists use the Hip Hop tag as a tool to promote violence and really go away from the real concept of the genre. Thankfully there are a few that care about the impact music has on people and use the tool more positively. One who is very active in progression with youth and utilizes Hip Hop positively is London born-and-bred Jonzi D who has created the concept of Hip Hop Theatre. This dynamic talent is responsible for the creation of the UK’s biggest dance events we know as Breakin’ Convention a platform that expresses the Hip Hop movement with dance and poetry.
Jonzi’s work rate is phenomenal and hasn’t gone unnoticed as he has even had his own short films Silence Da Bitchin and Aeroplane Man that were shown on Channel 4. Jonzi D MC is known as a British Hip Hop legend of dance and poetry, who has worked with the likes of The Roots, Mannafest, Lenny Henry, MC Mell ‘O’ Monie Love and toured with Hip Hop legend Gangstarr. From B-Boy dancing in clubs and on the street to graduating from the London contemporary dance school and now the creator of British Hip Hop theatre. Breakin’ Convention is an amazing concept that has tak-
en Jonzi all around the world and he has even been a guest on Def Poetry Jam shown on HBO. With so much experience and unique history, when he was asked what gave him the inspiration for theatre he replied: ‘For me Hip Hop went wrong as far as the media was concerned in the 90’s - they portrayed it to be violent, with strippers, gun toting, bling & scantily clad women but that isn’t Hip Hop. I am old skool and I use this medium as a positive voice and to bring the Hip Hop community together and show what Hip Hop is really doing. With the acts I’ve put together, many are young and they have shown me that we have a bright future in Hip Hop and there is a lot more positive than negative going on’ When asked about most memorable places he has performed, Jonzi said: ‘Wherever it may be I take my show serious, big or small. I see every show as opportunity for expression and I give my full 100 percent to every audience I play to. I must say though when I
BREAKDANCIN’ BROKE ME!
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pon arrival to the Breakin’ Convention at The Birmingham Hippodrome I was greeted to the sounds of some MAJOR old skool hip hop music and vibes in the foyer. As I walked forward I saw a
circular crowd of people cheering like they were in Primary School watching a fight and chanting ‘FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!’ Obviously they weren’t - they were watching break-dancers enter the circle and dance! It was exhilarating! It was like I was
Revie chan
watching Breakdance the film LIVE! Then I learned that these dance cyphers were on each floor! Wow, I felt like a spoilt child! When infact I was a very blessed adult! I was in the presence of amazing talent, brilliant core strength, and confidence. When I eventually tore myself away from the cyphers, where I battled with myself and my own urges to enter the circle and drop two moves, I was seated and the advertised show started, the lights went dark and the hip hop music played! My head started bobbing. The hosts were funny Mad Flow – super beat-boxer and Jonzi D – artistic director and b-boy. The dancing started with Dance Nuvo telling a wonderful story through the power of dance, I love that! I love to have to read a message without any
The Phoenix – June 2014
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ENTERTAINMENT
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J-Lo - Still top at 45
y ntion”
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t 45 she still looks 21, and the hottest property in pop culture today. Many including Britney, Shakira, Madonna and others alike have passed their sell by date but J-Lo is still the hot chick of the game and relevant. She is back and of course looking sizzling as we know her. The singer, dancer and actress who has won countless awards and arguably still the worlds most favourite poster pin up. After being a fantastic and genuine judge of American Idol the time has come to see how the real popstars do it. J-Lo is back with a brand new album titled AKA with the first single being the R&B track ‘First Love’. This is her 10th studio album, the follow up from Dance Again released in 2011. One thing with J-Lo is she is the style queen and always comes out with a hot urban record. Read the full article in the weekly edition of Street Cred Magazine, out now!
performed Park Jam and at the Apollo in Harlem, that’s when it hit me that some of the greats have been on this stage. We’re talking James Brown performed on this stage. We at Street Cred went to see the Breakin’ Convention at the Hippodrome which was part of the International Dance Festival, and it was an absolute mindblower. There was the best of young up and coming as well as established breakers from all over the world even some disabled breakers who stood out for me by the name of ILL-Abilties. These guys inspire you to never give up on your dreams, even through disabilities and illness. I’m telling you they were simply amazing and likely to bring a tear to your eye. If you ever thought of giving up on your dreams then after watching these guys you sure would think again. Jonzi D has an amazing vision and is excellent for talent spotting. He put together a three hour Hip Hop theatre event that had the full auditorium at the edge of their seats. Words : Mark Dwayne
ew by ntelle guy
O written words, little did I know that there was more to come! YAY! Jigsaw told a story based on a relationship – the meet then the break up! I thought my eyes were going to bleed tears…it was so moving! B-Girl Terra and Eddie feat Soul Mavericks danced hard and
B-Girl Terra was like a little BGirl explosion! And then there was ILL-Abilities – they really warmed my heart and shocked my soul with their biographies told over music. Their story was called No Limits, and their message was ‘no
excuses, no limits!’ Their message was poignant, powerful and extremely empowering. I cried! And to all the talents I saw that evening BRAP BRAP BRAP!
ne of Britain’s most innovative festivals has announced its line up for the 2014 series of events. Now in its 9th year, BASS celebrates the world of Black arts, music and entertainment. With a timely focus on all things British, the theme for 2014 is “Made In Britain.” Festival producers, Punch Records, have a long and glittering history of pioneering work in the Black music and arts scene across the UK, and is one of the key providers of content and delivery across many elements. This year’s festivities run from Sunday June 1 to June 14, with a daily highlight across the Midlands. This kicks off with award winning record producer Curtis Lynch attempting to use
Midland-only talent to create a BASS14 theme tune in one day and have this premièred on local radio by 20:00 on the same day. Other highlights include a special screening of the acclaimed 1980’s British movie “Babylon,” with entry fee being at 1980’s prices (£1) and an exclusive Q&A with its star and former lead singer of Aswad, Brinsley Forde. There is a chance of a lifetime to hear Instagram giving tips and advice on how to improve your social media standing; A look and listen to Grime as you have never heard it before – “Grime Unplugged” shows the versatility and range of the music and artists as we go acoustic with some of the biggest artists in the genre – look out for Ghetts, Blizzard and Eyez; If comedy isn’t your thing
expect a night of laughs with the Upfront Comedy Club’s “Made In Britain” Special, featuring Curtis Walker. Punch CEO Ammo Talwar said: “This year’s festival has seen us progress and grow from previous years. We are very keen to celebrate the incredible contribution made by those in the black music and arts worlds over a significant period – their level of creativity has been consistently high for a number of years and different generations and long may that continue. BASS14 is an opportunity to learn, discover, reminisce and take part in and we hope people will come out an experience all the elements we have put together.”
The Phoenix – June 2014
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GADGETS AND GAMING
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Stellé Audio Pillar
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tellé Audio - maybe not the most well known of technology brands, at least yet, but the £300 price tag attached to their Pillar speaker seems rather hefty. Can the sleek sophisticated design of the Pillar, and the quality of the audio it produces be enough to warrant such a high price? The Pillar comes in a variety of colours, including brushed aluminium, matte black, bronze and gloss white, and after unpacking it from the lovely packaging it arrives in, immediately makes an impact. While it may be touted as a portable device, standing 30cm tall, by 11cm wide, this cylindrical beast is a rather imposing speaker. With the on/off switch oddly placed at back and bottom of the speaker, next to the connectivity ports for a 3.5mm jack, power port, and a USB port which can charge any USB powered device as long as the Pillar is plugged into the mains power, the only other buttons are placed on the top of the device. These include Bluetooth pairing and speakerphone buttons, alongside volume controls. Connecting via Bluetooth
to the Pillar is easy, with a female voice greeting you when you turn on the Pillar and guiding you through the pairing process with a hint of an Australian accent. Find the Pillar in your Bluetooth list on your device, connect and you’re away. What an away it is too. If the design alone wasn’t enough to warrant the price tag of the Pillar, you surely won’t be upset when you finally hear it. Packing two 1.5” drivers angled out of the top, and a 3” downward firing speaker which is vented out of the bottom of the Pillar, the sounds that are produced are rich and warm. Handling everything from classical to rock, pop and metal and everything else inbetween, the quality and volume of the Pillar is amazing. The only slight gripe I have with the system is that due to the nature of the design of the Pillar, there is little to no stereo experience, but for a device that packs quite a punch both in design and audio quality, it’s something we can look past, even at the £300 price point. Definitely worth a look if you’re after a stylish and impressive “portable” speaker.
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homas Was Alone. But not for long! Now on iOS, the BAFTA Award winning Thomas Was Alone is a beautifully created story of Friendship and Jumping. Poking fun at itself, and platformers in general, TWA looks stunning on the iPad Retina display, and works so well with the touch controls, feeling like it was
Le Littoral A fter shelling out a small fortune for an iPad, you’ll soon realise it’s a very fragile piece of technology.
Because of this, you want an iPad Case that will not only protect your shiny new toy, but will add an element of style to your day to day usage. Enter the be.ez Le Littoral Folio case, a pleasantly rust-coloured case with cream interior. Its design and colour coming as “a small tribute to the traditional blouse worn by seamen in Normandy, France.” The case f u l l y protects t h e iPad, with made to measure fo-
designed with an iOS version in mind. Along the way, you’ll meet the titular Thomas, a red rectangular block who has been blessed with the power of falling, and reverse falling (or jumping to you and me), as well as a number of other blocks, who each have their own personalities and abilities, be that jumping higher, squeezing through small spaces or floating on water. Using a combination of all of their abilities, you have to puzzle your way through the levels and get all of the blocks to their respective ends of the puzzle! Thomas Was Alone immerses you in their world, with a stunning soundtrack, cunning puzzles, extremely well written and executed commentary. It could be a bit steep at £5.99, but with 4-5 hours of gameplay, if you’re into puzzle platformers, that price is definitely value for money.
lios available for all iPad sizes, enabling full access to all functions, whilst securing the iPad in a TPU Soft Plastic holder. Featuring Auto Sleep/Wake and 3 reading positions, the Le Littoral is everything you could want from an iPad case, and the look, feel and style really don’t fall short. At just £39.99, this case is perfect for everyday use, and the increased padding combined with the material used makes it very comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
The Phoenix – June 2014
BIG SCREEN
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BIGScreen
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ith the world on the brink of total annihilation and mutants on the verge of extinction, The X-Men send Wolverine back in time in a desperate attempt to put a stop to an event that acts as the catalyst for the slaughter of millions of mutants and humans alike. The X-Men movie franchise is a peculiar one. With a strange disregard for continuity and a series of films ranging from mindblowingly awesome to frustratingly bad, you never quite know what to expect with each new entry to the franchise. But fear not! For I am here to tell you that X-Men: Days of Future Past is not only head and shoulders above every other XMen movie, but it may very well be up there with some of the best superhero movies of all time. Bryan Singer makes a very welcome return to the director’s chair and he brings with him a passion and visual flair that we have not seen from him since he directed the brilliant X-Men 2. Singer appears very much at home with the characters and he has a knowledge, understanding and respect for the material that really stands out on screen. When dealing with a story that relies so heavily on time-travel, there is a very real possibility that the film will end up being an incoherent, confusing mess. Thankfully, Bryan Singer has adapted the Days of Future Past arc from the comic books into a thoughtful, intelligent and coherent piece of cinema. If you
THE EYE OF ENTERTAINMENT AND CUTTING EDGE LIFESTYLE
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KEYSHIA COLE CREATES A MASSIVE STORM IN AMERICA WITH HER SHOE LINE PLUS WHITE DEE, SWISH CLUBBIN, GRIMEY, GADGETS, SPIDER-MAN 2 & MORE!
Review wORDS by antony brown
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SMALLScreen Dallas Buyers Club Out 2 June DVD & Blu-Ray
Winner of three Academy Awards, including Best Actor (Matthew McConaughey) and Best Supporting Actor (Jared Leto), Dallas Buyers Club tells the story of Texan electrician Ron Woodroof and his battle with the medical establishment and pharmaceutical companies after being diagnosed as HIVpositive in 1986. An outsider to the gay community, Ron finds an unlikely ally in fellow AIDS patient Rayon and together they campaign and search for alterna-
tive treatments, establishing a way in which fellow HIVpositive patients could join and access their supplies.
Tinker Bell and the Pirate Fairy Out 23 June DVD & Blu-Ray thought Singer directed his ass off during the opening sequence of X-Men 2, featuring Nightcrawler infiltrating the White House and taking out an entire squad of agents, just wait until you see the opening sequence of Days of Future Past, which features a futuristic showdown between a group of mutants and the seemingly unstoppable Sentinel robots. It is a brisk, action-packed and surprisingly brutal opening that will leave your jaw on the floor, and that’s only the beginning. A similarly awesome scene features new character Pietro Maximoff aka Quicksilver, disposing of a group of guards in hilarious fashion, using his breathtaking speed to take them out before
on Phone Tablet PC Mac
they even know what’s happening. It is quite easily one of the best sequences in the entire movie. The cast of the original X-Men, consisting of Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen, join forces with the cast from X-Men: First Class, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Nicholas Hoult and Jennifer Lawrence, in order to form one of the biggest and most star-studded casts of all time. The chemistry between them is fantastic and the fun they are having is evident and contagious, resulting in a finished product that is far better than I ever imagined it would be. Unfortunately, with a cast so large, it is inevitable that some characters will have to take a back seat and sadly, one of them is the brilliant Ian McKellen, who is criminally under-used and his brief screen time leaves a lot to be desired. As good as this movie is, there are a few small issues that stop it from being perfect. The film lacks a definitive villain, sharing the villainous duties between Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender), while never wholly focusing on just one of them. The outcome is a film
that consists of an abundance of good guys to cheer for and a stark absence of bad guys to heckle. In fact, the biggest threat in the entire movie are the Sentinels, which are just mindless killing machines who have been programmed to track down and eradicate mutants. Another issue is the inconsistent continuity, something that the X-Men franchise has become notorious for at this point. This issue arises during the futuristic scenes, in which we see that Wolverine still has his adamantium claws despite the fact he had them amputated during the climax of 2013’s The Wolverine. There is absolutely no explanation as to how he got his claws back, not even a simple “Hey, Wolvey...how’d you get your shiny claws back, man?” and the entire issue is simply ignored, as if it never happened. Fortunately, these issues are minor and forgivable annoyances that aren’t enough to drastically hinder the film. X-Men: Days of Future Past is a unique beast. It may be the only film in history that acts as a prequel, sequel AND reboot and what’s even more shocking is that it succeeds at being all three. This truly is a game-changer that promises to usher in a whole new era for The X-Men and I for one could not be more excited about it.
The sixth film in Disney’s animated adventure series following Tinker Bell and her friends. Lured by its magic powers, dust-keeper fairy Zarina (voice of Christina Hendricks) steals the Blue Pixie Dust and joins the Skull Rock pirates who make her their captain. Without the dust Tinker Bell (Mae Whitman) and her friends - Silvermist (Lucy Liu), Vidia (Pamela Adlon), Iridessa (Raven-Symoné), Rosetta (Megan Hilty) and Fawn (Angela Bartys) - will lose
their ability to fly. The fairies embark on a race against time to bring it back to Pixie Hollow but when Zarina switches their unique talents, their journey only becomes more challenging.
True Blood Season 6 Out 2 June DVD & Blu-Ray With the Authority in flames, TruBlood in short supply, and humans in open conflict with vampires, a plethora of new threats and jarring storylines arise for human/faerie hybrid Sookie Stackhouse and her allies in the sixth season of this provocative, enthralling and wildly entertaining HBO series. As “Billith” comes to terms with his newfound powers after emerging from a pool of blood at the end of Season 5, Louisiana Governor Truman Burrell (Arliss Howard) declares open season on vam-
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pires, replete with anti-vamp weapons and a high-tech internment camp. Meanwhile, Sookie and Jason steel themselves for an encounter with the killer of their parents; the mysterious and ancient Warlow.
Gossip Fashion Gadgets Big Screen and more!
THE EYE OF ENTERTAINMENT AND CUTTING EDGE LIFESTYLE
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KEYSHIA COLE CREATES A MASSIVE STORM IN AMERICA WITH HER SHOE LINE PLUS WHITE DEE, SWISH CLUBBIN, GRIMEY, GADGETS, SPIDER-MAN 2 & MORE!
The Phoenix – June 2014
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FASHION AND BEAUTY
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New Bullring site for Doc Barnet
HEEL HEAVEN
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he leading men's barbering company, Doc Barnet, is opening its new Barber shop concept at the Bullring Birmingham situated on the walkway to the main mall on the upper level. It’s their 4th Barber shop following Merryhill, Westfield London and Bluewater. Their cool and confident approach to barbering is an exciting concept and heading up the creativity is
Check out this fantastic collection of heels, from massive names Lipsy, Tom Ford and Miss Selfridge.
ex-Wahl International artistic director, Paul Simmons, who said: “Please join us to experience the beautiful craft of hand finished barbering your barnet to your face shape and taking something for the weekend to the next level.” Girls, don't worry. Doc Barnet is pleased to partner with; ghd, Moroccan oil, tigi, Fudge and American Crew and they will also blow dry and style your hair as requested.
Erma’s Jamaica Hospital Appeal Fund UK
Cordially invites you to our Silver Service
Annual Fundraising on
Gala Ball
Saturday 27th September 2014 The Centennial Centre
Doing the Walk of Life for 90 years…
100 Icknield Port Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B16 0AA Silver Service ~ 7.00pm ~ 1.30am
Performances on the night
Pete Campbell Millicent Stephenson
Music: DJ Trevor Junior Roadshow
Prescilla Cameron
Supporting acts
Saxophonist Millicent Stephenson & Prescilla Cameron Host Major Glenville Lindsay
Host Nikki Tapper (BBC WM)
Guests: Jeremy Thornton of Biddle & Webb Auctioneers.
price £45 corporate table seating of Individual ticket 10
Ticket Outlets George & Helens 372 Court Oak Road, Harborne B32 0DY. 0121 427 2684 Sophia Hairdressers 105 Windmill Lane Smethwick 07983095867 M&M Studios 11 Birmingham Street Oldbury Warley B69
Dress Code: Black Tie / Cocktail Dress For more information contact
Erma Lewis on Tel: 0121 422 0184 / 07957 738 887 / 07930 335 683 or email: erma.lewis@btopenworld.com
Proceeds to assist Bethlehem Orphanage Down Town Kingston & Cardiac Unit Bustamante Hospital for Children Charity no 1094066
l Managing director Charles Clinkard with cousin Rachel Clinkard e-commerce director celebrate the company’s 90th anniversary
P
utting your best foot forward can take you a long way – from baby’s first step to the first walk on the Moon. And as family footwear firm Charles Clinkard celebrates 90 years in business, it has been looking back on some of the most famous walks in history. Managing director, Charles Clinkard, said: “We like to say to customers that we’re with them on all their walks of life. We’re there from their first baby toddle to the first day at school, the first romantic stroll to the walk down the aisle - and on
and on for the rest of their lives. So because we’re celebrating a big anniversary, we thought we’d take a moment to reflect on all the historic walks of life that have happened while we’ve been around during the last 90 years.” Back in 1924 when Charles and Eveline Clinkard opened their first shop, Ramsey MacDonald had just strolled proudly into 10 Downing Street as the first ever Labour prime minister (he had to walk out again at the next election just 11 months later). In the summer of that year,
Chariots of Fire runners Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams were managing rather better than a walk to win gold at the Paris Olympics. Fast feet were also the order of the day in 1933 when Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers danced together for the first time in Going Down to Rio. A bright moment came when Morecambe and Wise trod the boards together for the first time in 1941, with a 43-year journey in comedy ahead of them. Another famous duo were heading for the top in 1953 – quite literally, when, on 29 May that year, Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tensing Norgay stepped onto the summit of Everest. Footwear made it to the Moon for the first time in 1969, when Neil Armstrong made his “one small step for man, one large leap for Mankind”. He and Buzz Aldrin tested out their moonboots for more than two hours on the rocky surface. Charles said: “We were around when Dire Straits did the ‘Walk of Life’ in 1985 and when the first Brits walked to the North Pole in 2000. And we celebrated every step when the Olympic flame toured the country in 2012. Now we’re looking ahead to our centenary and all the walks of life we intend going on with our customers in the next decade – in their own way, we’re sure each and every one of them will be just as epic.”
The Phoenix – June 2014
FASHION AND BEAUTY
www.streetcredmagazine.com
Kardashian Kollection for Lipsy £68.00
dress for success Check out this collection of stunning dresses from www.sexydresses.com They’re all available on the website!
Page 23
Kardashian Kollection for Lipsy £68.00
Kardashian Kollection for Lipsy £60.00
Bags of Happiness! Kardashian Kollection for Lipsy £70.00
Kardashian Kollection for Lipsy £60.00
Kardashian Kollection for Lipsy £45.00
Kardashian Kollection for Lipsy £45.00
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The Phoenix - June 2014
The Phoenix – June 2014
B
Pushkar wins Restaurant of the Year at 2014 Asian Business Awards Midlands l L-R; ITV Central presenter Balvinder Sidhu; Mrs Singh with Rai Singh, creative director at Pushkar, with his ‘Restaurant of the Year Award; Keith Vas MP; Ramniklal Solanki CBE & Aditya Solanki, Strassen Teas
EATING OUT
road Street based, fine dining Indian restaurant, Pushkar Cocktail Bar & Dining, added the 2014 Asian Business Awards Midlands’ ‘Restaurant of the Year’ Award to its recent accolades. Pushkar’s Creative Director, Rai Singh, along with finalists from across the Midlands, received their awards at a star studded gala award ceremony held at Edgbaston Stadium. Celebrity guests included Apache Indian, ‘Taz’ of Stereo Nation, BBC Presenters, Arshia Riaz and Shefali Oza, ITV News presenters Balvinder Sidhu and Sameena Ali Khan, Paul Uppal MP, Gisela Stuart MP and Keith Vaz MP. Pushkar’s Rai Singh beat off competition from four other shortlisted finalists in the restaurant category and was presented with the Restaurant of the Year award by Leicester MP, Keith Vaz. When asked what made his restaurant
stand out above other restaurants in the Midlands, by the ceremony’s compere, Sameena Ali Khan, Rai Singh, responded simply with a humorous, ‘I make curry, sexy!’, prompting laughter and applaud from guests. The Asian Business Awards Midlands received over two hundred applications, across ten categories, from across the Midlands. It was hosted by the Asian Media and Marketing Group, publishers of Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat, in partnership with Rybrook Rolls Royce. Commenting on his award, Rai Singh, Creative Director at Pushkar, said: “I’m delighted and proud to be representing the Asian business success with this award, which I would like to dedicate to my late brother, Amarjit Singh, a former Director at Pushkar and who we can owe a great deal of Pushkar’s success to.”
Erdington students ACKEE TREE CUISINE CARIBBEAN & ENGLISH TAKE AWAY GOOD FOOD TAKES TIME TO PREPARE... Breakfast Caribbean Breakfast
£4.00
English Breakfast
£4.00
C
Ackee and/or Callaloo, Salt Fish, Fried Plantain and Fried Dumplings.
Fish or Vegetarian Fingers, Beans and Fried Plantain, Toast or Fried Dumplings.
Porridge £2.50 Reg £3.50 Lrg
Main Meals All dinners are served with either Rice & Peas, Plain Rice or Hard Boiled Food, accompanied by Steamed Veg or Salad
Reg
Lobster (Half or Full Portion) Roast Fish Steam Fish Brown Stew Fish Ackee & Salt Fish Pak Choy with Salt Fish Curried Prawns Stewed Soya Chunks Mixed Vegetarian Chunks Stir Fry Vegetarian Chunks Stew Peas Curried Chicken Brown Stew Chicken Jerk Chicken Curried Goat/Mutton Cow’s Foot Oxtail
Delivery Orders Over £10.00!
Lrg
From £10.00 £10.00 £8.00 £5.00 £7.00 £4.00 £8.00 £3.50 £7.00 £.400 £8.00 £3.50 £7.00 £3.50 £7.00 £3.50 £7.00 £3.50 £7.00 £4.50 £9.00 £4.50 £8.00 £5.00 £10.00 £4.50 £9.00 £4.00 £9.00 £5.00 £10.00
serve up a taste of the Caribbean reative students have been cooking up a storm at Stockland Green School by welcoming new staff with a feast of flavours from the Caribbean. Year 11 hospitality students produced the mouth-watering Caribbean extravaganza as part of their controlled assessment for their Hospitality GCSE. The lunchtime treat consisted of chicken and vegetable curries, jerk chicken with side dishes of rice and peas, salad and white rice, followed by gingerbread cake.
Staff praised the students’ food, presentational skills, professional service and relaxed atmosphere. Student Dominic Wallace said: “We all enjoyed this lunch. The team worked really hard to prepare and produce a variety of tasty dishes. It was our pleasure to welcome new staff to our school in this friendly and relaxed way.”
And much more...
300 Slade Road, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 7LU
Tel: 0121 377 6565
Open 7 Days a Week! Mon-Thur : 10am-10pm Fri-Sat : 9am-11pm Sun : 12pm-10pm
Page 25
l L-R: Ryan Hackett, Jhavonice Barracks-Cascoe, Jada Sharpe, Dominic Wallace, Keeley Coffman, Shakera Folkes
Decaf Done Good D
ecaffeinated Coffee has long been the ugly sister of the coffee world, uncared for and neglected, but thanks to the Decadent Decaf Coffee Co., that is all set to change. D e c a f Coffee has never been met with the same love and attention that it’s full caffeine counterpart has, due primarily to its usually bitter and weak flavour, brought about by the use of chemical solvents in its production. The new range from the Decadent Decaf Coffee Co. however, aims to change coffee drinkers’ perceptions. They use the Swiss Water Process to decaffeinate their coffee, which is environmentally friendly and chemical-free, leaving the coffee 99.9% caffeine-free whilst retaining that great coffee taste, which really shines through when you drink it. The smooth coffee taste you know and love is still there, a novelty for decaf coffee, proving that today’s premium quality decaf coffee can taste phenomenal, provide all of the health benefits of regular coffee, such as antioxidants, liver and cardiovascular protection, make your brain run better, and even help prevent gout. The new range of decaf coffee from the Decadent Decaf Coffee Co is available now, exclusively from www.decadentdecaf.com.
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HEALTH AND WELLBEING
The Phoenix – June 2014
M. S. Myers leads way to good health and wellness
H
aving good health is a valuable asset, one of the keys to enjoying life to the fullest. M.S. Myers, owner of Prosperity Health Store, is well aware of the rewards of great health. He has made it his mission to help his clients take control over their health and ultimately their lives. “Symptoms of Diseases: With suggested herbal treatment options” is one of the fruits of that mission. “Symptoms of Diseases” is written especially for people who are having trouble taking charge of their health. A quick and easy to follow reference guide, it features an alphabetical list of more than forty diseases and their signs and symptoms. This book serves as a light to anyone who wants to discover what is keeping them from enjoying a life of wellness and vi-
brant health. “The time has come for you to step out from the unknown to knowing what disease is troubling you,” Myers said, “You have now been presented with another option to access information that can change your health and, as a result, change your life. Do yourself a favor, and listen to what your body is trying to tell you. Make this book a great companion as you travel along life’s journey.” Timely and practical, “Symptoms of Diseases” is a musthave reference for health-conscious individuals and people
who want to attain, regain and maintain great health.
Thousands of children as young as five are providing unpaid care
L
eading charities reveal there are 12,527 children and young people in the West Midlands providing unpaid care for their parents, siblings and family members and this number is just the tip of the iceberg. The latest Census data shows there are 166,363 children in England caring for their parents, siblings and family members.
Charities are launching statistics to show the extent of young carers in every part of the country. The burden of having to care can have serious consequences for children’s education and more needs to be done. The Children’s Society and the Carers Trust have worked alongside other charities to prevent tens of thousands of children from slipping under the radar of teachers in classrooms up and
down the country - because of a far-reaching new schools programme. The Young Carers in Schools Programme will provide education staff with resources and training to make sure young carers get vital support. Recent analysis reveals that young carers are lagging behind in school and missing out on their childhoods because of the demands placed on them.
The Phoenix – June 2014
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HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Saliva a power source?
S
cientists could have found a new renewable energy source – and they haven’t had to look further than our mouths. Engineers at Penn state University in America have powered a fuel cell based entirely on human saliva that can produce ‘tiny but sufficient’ amounts of power to run chip-based applications, potentially opening the door implantable medical devices. The saliva-powered fuel cell produced almost one microwatt in power, the same needed to power some watches and calculators. Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, believes the science could herald a new era of technology. He said: “Although predominantly water, saliva is composed of inorganic and organic components, such as glucose, that can be utilised for fuel by bacteria. Snacking throughout the day has become a big problem here. It contributes to the obesity problem we are faced with, not to mention the level of tooth decay. Tobacco use and drinking alcohol to excess are the leading risk factors for mouth cancer, a disease many experts forecast will double within the decade. If you have swollen gums that bleed regularly when brushing, bad breath, loose teeth or regular mouth infections a p p e a r, you should v i s i t your dentist.”
l Dr Nigel Carter OBE
Get Active This Summer!
A l L-R: Andy Watson (Advanced Paramedic), Martin Knowles (fellow golfer who did CPR), Liz Gurney (Paramedic), Kevin and Gill Threlfall, Steve Woodward (fellow golfer who did CPR), Ian Guest (Golf Club Official with defib), John Mumford (Kevin’s team mate), Rob Felton (Emergency Medical Technician) and Simon Chambers (Paramedic Area Support officer).
Golfer “Eternally Grateful” To Life Savers at Golf Club
A
golfer who collapsed on a golf course was reunited with his life savers after former Wolverhampton Wanderers director, Kevin Threlfall, was playing in a golf competition at the South Staffordshire Golf Club when he suffered a cardiac arrest. Fellow golfers, former policemen, Steve Woodward and Martin Knowles, quickly sprang into action. Martin said: “It was like a Resus Annie training scenario. The first thing I remember was asking Kevin if he was alright, there was no response so we called for help. Steve and I just followed exactly what we’re trained to do in the police. We put him in the recovery position, checked his pulse, breathing and when we found he had neither we
started compressions.” During CPR, Golf Club Official Ian Guest fetch their automated external defibrillator (AED) as two ambulances, two paramedics and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford with a MERIT trauma doctor on board rushed to the golf club. Advanced Paramedic, Andy Watson, was first on scene within six minutes and said: “We worked on Kevin for about 45 minutes on the tee. He had a total of nine defibrillator shocks and various other emergency interventions before we managed to get some respiratory effort from Kevin. If Steve and Martin hadn’t of started CPR we wouldn’t have had such a fantastic outcome.” Kevin’s wife, Gill, said: “I got to the hole to see Kevin lying there. The first thing I heard was
‘I think it’s time to stop now’. The ambulance staff had been working on him for ages but he hadn’t taken a breath for quite some time. I thought he’d died but then the next thing, seconds later, one of them said ‘no he’s just taken a breath so keep on going’.” Kevin was on critical care for several days and after having surgery to fit an internal defibrillator, he was discharged from hospital and is recovering well at home. He said: “There were three miracles that day. Firstly I was playing golf; normally I would have been in the office on my own. Secondly, I’d got Martin with me who is trained in CPR and then thirdly we’ve got a defibrillator at the golf club so what’s the odds of all that?”
new national free parks initiative is launched this summer as a groundbreaking physical activity programme is set for major nationwide expansion. The scheme delivers more activities as part of Coca-Cola Zero ParkLives, a programme of fun and free activities in parks as part of Coca-Cola Great Britain’s commitment to invest £20m between now and 2020 in programmes to encourage and support people to be more physically active. The announcement comes as new research shows that more than a third of people are spending less than an hour a week being active in the great outdoors. Coca-Cola Zero ParkLives will appeal to a broad cross-section of communities, particularly families and young people, offering something for almost everyone. A diverse range of fun, informal activities will be timetabled all summer aimed at encouraging
people to enjoy being active in a sociable, inclusive atmosphere with sessions such as Zumba, Tai Chi, rounders, hula-hooping and table tennis, along with guided walks and buggyfit. All CocaCola Zero ParkLives sessions will be free and led by a trained session leader supported by local Friends of Parks volunteers. Jon Woods, General Manager of Coca-Cola Great Britain said: “It’s widely acknowledged that leading an active lifestyle is one of the most important things we can all do to increase our overall health and happiness – after all, the more you move, the happier you feel. We hope that the free programmes will inspire local people to get out with friends and family and enjoy their local parks. Coca-Cola Zero ParkLives will run in parks in Birmingham, Newcastle and London, with plans for more cities to join the programme in 2015 and beyond.
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ADOPTION AND FOSTERING
W
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.
Adoption & Fostering Our ongoing campaign to help the children in need in our communities Continued from Front Page trainer) (I am a head hunter) (I am a finance analyser) until it comes to me, I AM A FOSTER CARER. What normally follows is an awkward silence or a polite 'oh that's nice!'. A profession or a lifestyle is up for debate, as a person with no knowledge of the care system would see it as a glorified baby sitter or a complacent child minder. I forgive those with such thoughts as I've seen the look in so many faces that mirror these thoughts. I am without a doubt neither of these and stand tall with confidence that I am many things to many people but my one priority is I care, I care about a child who by no fault of their own has significant voids in their
little lives. I should say we as we are a foster family who open
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.
The Phoenix - June 2014
With support from
Fostering: love is all that matters
our homes but more importantly our hearts to these very children. I am a therapist without the letters after my name. I am a mum in every possible way, without the blood. I am a nurse when they are ill having mastered diagnosing every illness possible, without the attendance of uni. You name it, measles, chicken pox, ear infections and the most common by far TLC (tender loving care) an illness that pops up quite often when they need a cuddle.
I am a teacher, without the qualification, reading at bed times, memorising the times tables and liaising with teachers. I am a sports personality, without any knowledge of biology or football teams, spending hours by side lines in the pouring rain never giving up on their dreams. I am a night whisperer calming their fears in the middle of the night. I am their friend when no one else likes them. So when I stand tall and say quite loudly as no one can ever say I'm quiet I'm a FOSTER CARER my job description is endless and my heart humongous because in life my friends I live by follow your heart because in the end love is all that matters. Debbie Douglas (from The Only Way Is Essex)
Foster Care Fortnight highlights growing need
l Alicia Kadeer at the Library of Birmingham for the Launch of Foster Care Fortnight
T
l Debbie Douglas and her daughter Lydia
his year’s National Foster Care Fortnight launch asks the question; ‘Guess who fosters?’ and it highlighted some career changes that many will consider unusual. At its launch, at the Library of Birmingham, staff plus children and young people who have gone through the adoption and fostering system, were on hand to give their views and share their experiences of life being fostered, or, eventually, adopted by a family that they can call their own. Here the emphasis was put on the ongoing need for more carers and it gave the opportunity to highlight how easy it is, for the right and proper people, to foster and adopt any of the many children still in care homes and relevant institutions today. The Fostering Network estimates that nationally a child goes into care every 22 minutes. In Birmingham it is estimate that a child goes into care every
12 hours, 50 minutes and 40 seconds and there are currently 258 children waiting for long term foster placements. One person who has benefitted from this process is Alicia Kadeer who was in care since she was 13. Now 18, she looks back at her life with foster parents with great fondness: “I was fostered by one family which proved to
be a learning experience on both sides,” she said. “It proved a massive impact, on my part, allowing me to grow and be more confident, with myself and people around me.” Alicia is now studying music at college and facilitating a music-led programme with Beatfreeks, a social enterprise engaging young people in arts,
training and leadership opportunities. Nathan Whitley is Assistant Head of Services at Birmingham City Council. He said: “The average age of a child in care is 6-7 years old. However, we particularly need to recruit carers who can look after siblings, older children and children with additional needs and disabilities. “Everyone can foster a child or young person,” said Katie Harris, Assistant Direction of Adoption and Fostering. “There are no boundaries.” Marketing Officer for Adoption & Fostering Recruitment, Lynette Adjei, said: “We work close with as many outlets as we can to help find the audience, especially finding places for older children and those with special needs and disabilities.” The Adoption & Fostering Recruitment Team is constantly raising awareness of the need for more foster carers.
The Phoenix – June 2014
CAMARAS SPOTLIGHT
FFC HARINGEY
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.
l Neville Watson with FFC
supporter Superintendent Leroy Logan MBE
“What began as a distraction from negativity, turned into an attraction of positivity” Neville Watson, FFC Haringey Head Coach. I start this months feature with the quote (above) from a man whom I have known and respected all 18 years of my life. A Role Model, a Champion of the down trodden and a man who persevered to facilitate the birth of FFC Haringey, an idea that some sceptics said would be a mammoth task! The story of this birth began directly after the Tottenham Riots’ which triggered the nationwide disturbances in August 2011. Sadly at the epicentre of these disturbances was the tragic death of a young local man named Mark Duggan known to many of the FFC Haringey members. This ugly episode, whilst unfortunate, did highlight the need to create an activity to engage the minds of many of these young men, especially those who knew Mark. Sport was chosen, in particular football, which was felt would be a great distraction from the negative thinking that had drifted into the minds of some of these young men at the time. Read on and learn about true leadership by Neville Watson as he tells their story
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has been well documented and explained in a hard hitting novel ‘Prisoner To The Street’ written by one of our members Robin Travis whose courage and determination saw him reenter education and obtaining a Degree in criminal justice while l FFC Harringey Team word of mouth. at the same time We attracted young men from completing this autobiographical book. Robin continues to inspire as far as France and as the quality of the players increased, we us all at FFC Haringey. As a result, we encouraged decided to create an Academy residents from Tottenham, Wood Team that ran after training. In a short space of time where Green and Hackney to participate in giving a safer place to deemed both strong enough and meet and show the futility of this good enough to go to professional League side Dagenham & negative culture. This coming together, allowed Redbridge and Conference side us an opportunity to both share Kettering Town, only narrowly with them fundamental life losing by 3 goals to 2 on both ocstrategies and begin the process casions.
l First team manager & sponsor Glen Johnson & new team Doctor George Sowemimo
of raising the level of their own expectations while expanding the length and breadth of their territories (Capture the mind and the body will always follow). ”We were confident that once Our coaching sessions were we could capture and engage the between 9am -12pm. We began minds of these young men within with 2 boys Shamir Mullings and a structured and controlled phys- Jordan Williams, the training ical environment. This way we was hard as it entailed a gruelstood a chance to positively af- ling 5 laps of Lordship Recreafect their mindset. tion ground (a 35 min run), conWe also wanted to address the ditioning training, followed by issue of ‘Postcode Wars’ that technical training this included nutritional and injury management advice. From these 2 young men it grew within 4 weeks to 20 and by the end of the summer we had between 35-40 young men daily. Not one phone call was ever l BFFC’s first two players Shamir & Kamal make made it was all their debuts for Southend Utd FC achieved solely by
Out of that summer programme of August 2011, FFC Haringey football club was born and we entered into the Middlesex county football league for season 2012/13, finishing 3rd in our first season. As a direct result of both our players attitudes and professionalism both on and off the field of
piration, thus activating that greatness that lies within them. For we believe it is not so much what lies behind them, nor what lies ahead of them, but what lies within them. FFC are not building a championship team but championship people!"
SPONSORSHIP
play, we were afforded the opportunity to ground share with semi-professional club Harlow Town for the forthcoming season 2013/14, thus fulfilling the first part of our long term vision, to enter the football league. We have since gained the support of prominent football figures such as Les Ferdinand initially through his contact with Robin Travis.
THE FFC MISSION
As a FFC Haringey team sponsor your package to include; Your company name or logo on either the first team shirt / training kit or tracksuit, perimeter board advertising around the ground (the stadium has a footfall of over 2000 people per week using the stadium for a variety of seminars / events / functions. You will also receive season long ½ page advert within the Harlow Town match day programme. You and your company are also warmly welcomed to be our guest at all games, to enjoy the hospitality of Harlow Town FC. • Team kits (1st team and reserve team, including company brand) • Players match day tracksuits (with your company brand) • Players training kit (including own branding) • Hospitality
We are currently providing a healthy, clean, spiritual environment for young men who may have been discarded by professional clubs. For young men with raw talent, for young men who just want to improve their game and also for young men who are just fed up with feeling fed up! We signpost our young men back into further education and to other careers within football, such as level 1 & 2 coaching / administration and refereeing but moreover we are providing the mentor- l Les Ferdinand FFC Supporter ing, capacity building • Total package £2500 and the life skills coaching and support that many of these young NORFOLK LIFE SKILLS men crave. “I don’t care how much you TRAINING & 3Rs know, till I know how much you RESIDENTIAL TRIP care.” 12th – 19th July 'At FFC we simply aspire to (3Rs - RESPECT / RESPONinspire, inspirational young men SIBILITY / REASONING) and in doing so, raise the level The FFC players span across 3 of their own expectation and as- boroughs ( Hackney, Haringey
l Priceless Gem and ardent supporter Elaine Sutherland of Crystal Enterprises as FFC’s HM & PR
barking on a series of fundraising events and seeking sponsors or donors to enable this trip to take place, all donations to: Life Youth Resource Centre Ltd There are so many people we would love to thank such as Israel our Vice Chairman & senior mentor, Southend United and in particular their Academy Director Ricky Duncan. Elaine Simpson (Dip Holistic Therapy accredited and Sanctuary trained) for volunteering her services as FFC’s masseuse, BBC presenter Dotun Adebayo for be-
l Oona King Baroness King of Bow FFC supporter Inspired by Elaine Sutherland lieving in both Robyn Travis and the book project and agreeing to both publicize and publish it and all those mentioned and those not, who have shown continued dedication and support for us on this journey which would have been more difficult." Neville Watson with the support of close ones, has succeeded in supporting and building talent and character "Championship People". I would also like to add that Neville has had his wonderful wife Bobbette, son Niall and daughter Nevada at his side to support him on what I would call a roller coaster of elevation and I am so proud to be a supporter of FFC Harringey, for all it stands for, all that it has achieved so far and all that it is doing. I love Positive "doers" within the community. Were you inspired? Do you want more information? Then get in touch with me or for further information please call: Neville Watson on Tel: 0208 807 4071 or M: 0741 104 5581 Email: nev@lyrc.org.uk Charity no: 1138673 For Robyn Travis' updates and book Prisoner To The Streets visit: www.prisonertothestreets.com
& Enfield) this has resonance as these have been the boroughs that where at the start of the post code wars and many young men will still not cross over into neighbouring boroughs. We are planning to take all the players on a week’s residential to Norfolk, where they will engage in a range of socially impactful Get in Touch with Camara workshops and camara@thephoenixnewspaper.com sporting activities where they www.camaraofficial.com will also acwww.youtube.com/camaraofficial quire key life www.linkedin.com/CamaraFearon skills. Camara (aka mizzcamara for websearch) We are em-
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CAREERS, RECRUITMENT AND EDUCATION
S
Sutton School Visits India to Help Street Children
l The team from Arthur Terry School in front of the Taj Mahal.
l Stu Foster
l Maidan
opens its doors to everyone
R
esidents in Wolverhampton looking to improve their career prospects or gain new qualifications can find out about level 3 and above courses available to them at Wolverhampton Adult Education Service after they hosted an open day for anyone considering starting a diploma or certificate at level 3, with qualifications available including; Health and Social Care, Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, Art and Design, Early Years Educator qualification, Initial Teacher Training and British Sign Language. People who wish to go to university but don’t have the necessary qualifications can also learn more about Access to Higher Education courses in
nursing, teaching, social work, social science and art and design. Suzie Lowe, Learning Services Manager, said: “The event was an ideal opportunity for people to find out more about courses that are available to them with our staff on hand to offer advice and information plus give assessments on the day. All people had to do was simply bring along their existing certificates, particularly in English and maths, to get things moving.”
F
ive years ago Sinead Kenny was starring in her school’s production of West Side Story and now she has won a coveted role in the major international production of the smash hit West End show, billed as the world’s No1 Musical. Sinead 23, from Sutton Coldfield, stars as sassy Puerto-Rican, Consuella, in West Side Story, which toured at Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre, following sold out dates across the UK. She is also the understudy for Anita - arguably one of the best roles that can ever be played in the world of musical theatre. She attended St Josephs Primary in Sutton Coldfield before studying at Queens Mary’s High in Walsall and finally Sixth Form at Arthur Terry, where she also starred as Consuella in their production of West Side Story. Dancing since age 4,she training at dance schools including Novelli Stage School and Harlequin Dance School. After three years at Arts Educational School in London she won a place on 9 to 5 the Dolly Parton Musical before being plucked from thousands for a role in the new production of West Side Story directed by Joey McKneeley. Sinead said: “I always knew that I wanted to star in West Side Story so when the auditions came up there was no doubt I was going to go for it. I am half
The Phoenix – June 2014
l Clara Smith
tudents and staff at a children are of their opportunities Sutton Coldfield School in life thanks to Future Hope. have returned from a India seems to be a different “life-changing” visit planet. It is incredible that we to India, which was part of a live on the same planet when our charity project to raise funds worlds are so different. It was for street children. hard to adjust back to western life A team from Arthur Terry after seeing how life can be lived School met with students and in India. volunteers from the Future Hope It is a very spiritual country charity and presented them with with religion,culture and colonial a cheque. history running deep in its veins. Future Hope is a charitable orWill raised money for Future ganisation which provides oppor- Hope through a charity concert tunity through its homes, school in Streetly. His was one of many and medical prostudent-led fundraisgramme for some of ing initiatives, which the most vulnerable included the Sutton children from the Fun Run and T-shirt streets and slums of designing. Kolkata, India. Founded in KolArthur Terry kata in 1987 by Tim School students Grandage, Future took part in a numHope now has a ber of sporting and number of homes for educational activiboys and for girls, ties alongside their which provide acIndian counterparts. l Alex Zarifeh commodation for The visit was children ranging in also an opportunity for the Sut- age from five to 19. ton youngsters to expand their The 250-strong Future Hope horizons as they embarked on a School offers education from learning journey across the coun- kindergarten to Class 12 (A level try. Highlights included visits to equivalent) both to children from Chennai, the Taj Mahal and the the charity’s homes and to chilBhutia Bastia Monastery. dren from nearby slums who atStudent Will Bennett said: “Fu- tend as day scholars. ture Hope is an amazing charity Sport and many other activities that helps children who live on broaden their horizons and foster the streets on Kolkata and are their talents. subject to abuse and extreme Once they have completed their poverty. schooling, Future Hope helps the It gives them education, medi- young adults to move into higher cal treatment, food and shelter. education, training or paid emIt was a great experience to visit ployment. For further details visit this charity - it is amazing to see www.futurehope.net how grateful and hopeful the
From high school musical to international stage star
l Sinead (blonde wig) in West Side Story Irish and half Jamaican so dancing is definitely in my blood. I love playing the part of Consuella and also having the chance to star as Anita which is the best role in musical theatre. It’s a role which really puts you in touch
with your emotions.” She added: “West Side Story is a dream show to be in and to be performing to the original Jerome Robbins choreography is fantastic.” Whilst in Birmingham, Sinead
and her cast mates Louis Maskell and Charlie Baptie, who play Tony and Maria in the show, took time to visit Sinead’s old school in Sutton Coldfield.
The Phoenix - June 2014
CAREERS, RECRUITMENT AND EDUCATION
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ozens of colourful balloons were released into the sky to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Walsall College’s Deaf Academy, which has catered for more than 1,000 students in the past two decades. The Academy, launched in September 1994, provides a high level of support to deaf and deafblind students and has seen the vast majority of them move into employment or higher levels of education. Approximately 1,000 students have benefitted over the years, with many going on to become social workers, teachers and business owners. Nathan Rollinson, an Academy graduate who studied English, Maths, Art and Performing Arts, is now a top TV presenter in London for Cartoon Network. Around 50 students are currently being supported by the Academy with an increasing number of foreign D/deaf students signing up from places such as Jamaica, Latvia, America and the Philippines. To celebrate its landmark birthday, schoolchildren from a number of Black Country schools visited Wisemore Campus and took part in a range of activities to coincide with National Deaf Awareness Week. There was a special party buffet, souvenir bag printing and even an augmented reality Treasure Hunt around the College before dozens of balloons were sent soaring into the sky. In the evening, a birthday cake was cut by deaf wrestler Sean Noone as current and former students reminisced and a presentation depicting photos from the past 20 years was played to
Balloon Launch Marks Deaf Academy Milestone
l Local schoolchildren, staff and past and current students celebrate the 20th birthday of Walsall College’s Deaf Academy by releasing dozens of balloons into the air the room. Louise Timms, the College’s Curriculum Manager for the Deaf Academy, said: “When it was set up, it was just a few students who needed a bit of support but through word of mouth it has just built and built and just snowballed to the point that we are now here 20 years later and are recognised nationally for it. “We are increasingly getting more foreign deaf students coming over with their families and they often find it easier to learn
sign language first before going on to learn English and progressing to other courses.” Rachel Davies, Head of Curriculum for Foundation Learning, said: “What makes our Deaf Academy stand out is that we have deaf role models who inspire the next generation of students. The birthday celebration was a huge success and it was a great chance to demonstrate how people have progressed since leaving the Academy.”
Professor Carl Chinn brings history to life for Erdington youngsters
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upils from Stockland Green School have been enjoying extra history lessons from none other than famous Brummie academic Professor Carl Chinn. Professor Chinn was invited to the school as part of its Alternative Curriculum Education day to give a lecture about the importance of history why it
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matters today. The popular historian talked about how Birmingham has developed since the industrial period using personal stories from his own family story to bring the lecture to life. He also answered questions on the background of the Stockland Green area, his views on education and, of course, Aston Villa.
Damian Leese, head of Humanities Stockland Green School, said: said: “Our children gained so much from Professor Chinn’s visit. He is passionate about raising the aspirations of young people - who share a similar background to his own – by giving them an understanding of their histories.”
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HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL
Celebrating 10 Years Of Rock In Rio Lisbon
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tars of the music world once again lined up to “rock out” in Lisbon at the ‘Rock In Rio Lisboa’ festival, which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary in the capital. The Rolling Stones, Justin Timberlake, Linkin Park, Jesse J and Arcade Fire were just some of the big names who included British star Paloma Faith. Over the last decade more than 1,700,000 festival-goers have enjoyed the atmosphere at Bela Vista Park, affectionately known as the “city of rock,” and 420 bands and musicians have
Airport records busiest April in history
D-Day Festival Normandy 2014
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or the 70th Anniversary of the Allied Landings, D-Day Festival Normandy 2014 is the opportunity for locals and visitors alike to celebrate Freedom. For the 8th edition of the festival, major events will be organised in the D-Day Beaches sector. Free and open to all. On June 6, 1944, the Normandy became the scene of the most gigantic military operation in History. Each year since 2007, D-Day Festival Normandy has been offering a selection of key festive events for the anniversary of the Allied Landings of June 6, 1944. Five tourist offices make up the “D-Day Normandy Bessin-Cotentin” destination and present their area at its best: Baie du Cotentin, Isigny-Grandcamp Intercom, Omaha Beach, Bayeux Intercom and Arromanches. For the 8th edition of the
Festival, 20 events have been selected to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of D-Day and regained freedom: air show, parachuting, parades, concerts, sound and light show, reconstructions, giant picnics and more... Once again the Festival promises to be a beautiful and moving celebration!
Connecting you to Jamaica for less Ryanair Launches Birmingham 2014 Winter Schedule
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yanair, Europe’s favourite low fares airline, launched its Birmingham 2014 winter schedule, with 2 new routes to Gdansk and Kaunas and increased flight frequencies on 3 other routes, which will deliver over 1.25m customers p.a. and support 1250 on-site jobs at Birmingham Airport. Its Birmingham 2014 winter schedule will deliver: 2 new routes (Gdansk and Kaunas) 17Birminghamroutes in total, increased frequencies and better schedules on 3 existing routes; Over 1.25m Ryanair customers p.a. at Birmingham, and over 1250 jobs sustained at Birmingham Airport They celebrated its Birmingham 2014 winter schedule and 2 new routes by releasing 100,000 seats for sale across its European network, at prices from £19.99
for travel in June and July. Ryanair’s Maria Macken said: “We is pleased to launch our Birmingham2014 winter schedule, with 17 routes, including 2 new routes to Gdansk and Kaunas, as well as increased frequencies on 3 other routes. Consumers and visitors already choose Ryanair for the lowest fares, great route choice and our industry leading customer service. Now they can also book their flights on our much improved website and enjoy a free small second carry-on bag, ‘quiet flights,’ allocated seats and use their personal electronic devices at all stages of their flight, making Ryanair the ideal choice for families and friends, with a new smart-phone app, plus family and business products coming soon, as Ryanair continues to deliver so much more than just the lowest fares.”
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irmingham Airport recorded the busiest April in its history, as more than 750,000 passengers passed through the terminal, a 16.7% increase compared to the same period last year. Latest figures reveal the Airport handled 758,456 passengers in April, beating its previous record for the month set in 2009 by 5.7%. The record-breaking month also saw a major rise in the number of passengers flying on long-haul services from Birmingham, up by 20.9% compared to April last year. Paul Kehoe, Birmingham Airport’s CEO, said: “To record the busiest April in our history is a tremendous achievement. It demonstrates the strong demand that exists for flights to and from Birmingham and the progress we have made over the past 12 months in particular. A strong performance in April is the perfect way to enter the summer season, a period which will also see Birmingham become the first UK airport outside of London to offer direct charter flights to China, as well as new flights starting to Porto, Cologne, Florence, Ibiza, Malta and Athens, among others.”
performed at the Portuguese version of the festival, originally held in Brazil. With different stages showcasing a variety of artists, the festival catered to a wide audience of music lovers, both young and old. "Palco Mundo" stage hosted the big names from the international music scene, whilst "Tenda Electronica" presented sets from leading Portuguese and international DJs and VJs. Rock In Rio Lisboa is just one of the many music and cultural events taking place across the city in 2014.
The Phoenix – June 2014
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The Phoenix – June 2014
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OVERSEAS NEWS Nigerians urge for release of abducted girls
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he United Nigeria Welfare Association (UNIWA), tasked with the welfare of Nigerians in the Midlands, UK, continued to condemn the abduction of two hundred plus Nigerian young girls, and urged the Nigerian Government to do more in ensuring the immediate release of The Chibok Girls. The Association, noted that the attack on the liberty of children and forestalling the girls’ education was tantamount to human slavery, therefore prohibited under international law and remains unjustifiable, irrespective of the circumstances or excuses on which it is perpetrated. “UNIWA unreservedly condemn this lunacy, acute jingoism, and expensive prank,” a spokesperson said. Olusegun Dosumu, President of the Birmingham Ungano African Club Kingstanding simply pleaded: “Bring back our girls. We the members of BUACK totally condemn the abduction of innocent young school girls in Chibok. They have been held in captivity for over a month now and the government is still promising to bring them back.” As the parents of the girls ponder over this unprecedented national threat, well wishers worry over their fate, and protesters take to the streets, the president of UNIWA, Dr. Toye Ajeigbe charges every Nigerian, home and abroad, to unite in the face of adversity and to relentlessly pray for the girls’ safe return.
The Phoenix – June 2014
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ne of the key tourism projects announced previously by the St. Kitts & Nevis Government has opened its doors for business. The new Private Terminal with ‘YU Lounge’ service has opened its doors and is now welcoming guests. “With a number of strategic tourism-related capital projects underway, including the upcoming opening of the upscale Kittitian Hill Resort, this new Private Terminal at the RLB International Airport is debuting at the ideal time,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport. “This facility now gives our twin-island destination a competitive edge in appealing to the discerning luxury market that requires the world-class, customercentric service it provides. I am pleased that our visitors will now have the option for such a luxurious arrival and departure experience, almost as if their resort or villa accommodation experience has begun and ended at the Airport itself.” Located west of the main airport parking apron at The Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, YU Lounge is designed to deliver a seamless and efficient fast-tracking service to individuals and small groups flying into St. Kitts either by private jet or by commercial flight. Specialized world-class services for private jet aircraft crew are also featured. The facility offers well-appointed, full service arrival and departure lounges as well as a dedicated crew lounge
Machel Montano HD to Headline Music Festival
Private Terminal Opens at St. Kitts Airport
State of the Art ‘YU Lounge’ Begins Welcoming Guests and a comprehensive range of ground handling services for aircraft operators. The buildings, the interior furnishings and landscaping were designed by Bobby Mukherji & Associates, recognized as one of India’s top ten design firms, and constructed by Lennox Warner & Associates, a local St. Kitts general contractor. The Private Terminal is the result of a joint-venture effort between the Government of St.
Kitts & Nevis, SCASPA (The St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority) and the Veling Group, with full ownership to be transferred to SCASPA at the end of the concession contract period. Veling is an aviation company with activities in aircraft sales and leasing that is headquartered in
Mauritius with offices in London and Dubai.
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t. Kitts recently announced that Machel Montano HD will headline the opening night of the 18th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival, which will be held from Thursday, June 26 to Saturday, June 28, 2014. Themed as the ‘Jump Up’ night, it will also feature Destra, Explainer, Skinny Fabulous and Elvis Crespo. “I have no doubt that these enigmatic Caribbean artists will electrify the crowd and make an indelible mark on the event,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport. “Machel and Destra are no strangers to the St. Kitts Music Festival, and it is not by accident that we keep inviting them back.” Trinidadian soca singer, Machel Montano, is a record producer and songwriter, is the front-man of the popular HD Family soca band and is noted for his high energy, fast-paced on-stage performances. During his 30-year career, he has recorded several songs alongside many of Caribbean music's most popular acts including Wyclef Jean, Shaggy, Sparrow, Pitbull and more. Machel’s band was developed and re-invented by its leader several times, including as Xtatik, The Xtatik Circus and also The Road Marching Band, to name a few.
Nevis Tourism Authority launches new website
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he Nevis Tourism Authority launched its fully featured website for tourism marketing, www.nevisisland.com which went live last month. Designed to assist visitors to the site to make well informed decisions about traveling to Nevis, the revamped website has improved Structure and Navigation, gives a comprehensive overview of the island and has
extensive content. The site has been redesigned for an improved spacious layout, including an intuitive navigation with a more standardized menu structure. The website’s focus is on activities, beaches, dining, ecotourism, sport, accommodations and transportation options. There is access to a calendar of events that is updated weekly. It also includes a library of current photographs.
"NevisIsland.com users are engaged and loyal travelers. We listened to the requests of our community and redesigned our site to provide them with a better online experience. The result is a fresh, new look with streamlined navigation and more travel content. Now users accessing Nevis travel information are able to easily navigate through the expanded rich content," says NTA, CEO, Greg Phillip.
“In line with the current global efforts to promote tourism and increased competition, we want to also showcase the very best of Nevis. Consequently, the new website provides information regarding each element that relates to a visitor vacationing with us and gives them with the easiest way of accessing comprehensive information about our island,” he concluded.
The Phoenix - June 2014
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SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS
Golf Students go distance at Royal Course Madame ‘Gaffa’ makes history in Ligue football
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istory will be made as Helena Costa became the first woman to manage a men's professional team, in France, after she was named Ligue 2 side Clermont Foot's Head Coach. The Portuguese, a former scout for Scottish Premier League giants, Celtic, is the current manager of the Iran national women's team, having also managed the Qatar national women's team too. "This will help the club enter a new era," the club said in a statement. Costa, 39, said: “This is historic. It’s about more than ‘Helena Costa’ as a football coach. I think it’s very good for all the women in sports, especially in football of course. I opened a door and
I hope more women will walk through on my back.” Clermont forward, Remy Dugimont, said: "We hope it is going to be fine but I don't think there is a problem." Defender, Anthony Lippini, added: "I can't wait for next season. Being the first professional team to be coached by a woman will be a unique experience." SFA development chief, Jim Fleeting, said he saw the same drive in her that he witnessed in Jose Mourinho and Andre VillasBoas. “Helena did her B Licence with us and passed it very successfully,” he said. “She’s a feisty lady who demands a lot from her players and I don’t imagine she will change.”
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irmingham Metropolitan College Golf Academy students competed at the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in the 2014 British Colleges Sport Golf Open. Based at the Stourbridge Campus in the Black Country, eight students studying for sports qualifications made
Double-Olympic medalist gets ‘Star’ recognition
O New Focus For Baptiste
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eon Baptiste, double gold medallist in the sprints at the 2010 Commonwealth Games (200m and 100m relay), has announced his retirement from athletics and will now turn his attention to a career in coaching. The sprinter has taken up the opportunity to develop his coaching work under his mentor Steve Fudge, British Athletics National Institute Sprints Coach. The former European junior 100m champion said: “As much as I am sprinting and progressing, my body has never fully recovered from my knee surgery and my coach and I feel that Glasgow Commonwealth Games qualification is a tall order - so the time has come for my focus to move elsewhere. “The decision for an athlete to retire is never easy, especially with the defence of my titles just around the corner, but in essence the decision has been made for me.”
lympic Cycling Hero Tommy Godwin was honoured with a ‘Walk of Fame’ star when celebrated historian, Dr. Carl Chinn and Olympic Silver Medalist Harry Reynolds were on hand for this a very special occasion. Double Olympic cycling medalist Godwin who lived and owned a cycling shop on King's Heath's Silver Street was honoured with the pavement star on the ‘Kings Heath Walk of Fame’ on a family fun day organized by the Kings Heath Walk of Fame, a charity which aims to celebrate the area’s amazing musical, comedy and sporting heritage so as to encourage young people to become the stars of the future. Tommy was a double Bronze medalist at the 1948 London Olympics before becoming Britain's first paid national cycling
coach in 1964. He carried the 2012 Olympic torch through Solihull and attended the London Games before sadly dying in November 2012. Tommy's daughter Kay Jones said: “We are delighted that Tommy was honoured by the King's Heath Walk of Fame. He spent over 30 years running his cycle shop in Siver Street and was proud to provide a service for everyone from the elite peformance cyclist to children wanting their first bikes. He loved being part of the vibrant King's Heath community and it was marvellous to so many old friends there to mark such an auspicious occasion. How he would have enjoyed the recognition.” A series of pavement stars celebrating the many famous people who have either was born, lived or performed in King's Heath include King's Heath-born Toyah Willcox and long term King's Heath resident Trevor Burton of The Move.
up two teams who competed against other colleges from across the UK in the national competition. The team competed at the St Andrews complex playing on both the Torrance and Kittocks courses during the two day event. BMETC Sports Lecturer, David Faulkner, said: “The team put in a valiant effort on
the first day but struggled on the tougher Torrance course in windy conditions. Some of the students put in great individual performances including Luke Reed with two steady rounds putting him tenth out of over 100 players in the individual standings. Other notable scores were from Ollie Sorensen who gained the team’s best gross
average and Jordan Brookes had held a two shot advantage over the course on the final day before a lost ball on the seventh ending his title charge.” Birmingham Metropolitan College is hosting its own competition, at Hagley Golf and Country Club, open to all junior golfers on July 29.
Madame Gaffa - Page 35
Who will triumph in the greatest show on turf?
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ith only days to go, all eyes are fully focused on the FIFA World Cup 2014 and Neymar, Sturridge, Messi, Toure, Ronaldo et al will be plotting their part in winning the coveted gold statue when the “greatest show on turf” opens its door to the world in Brazil, next month. With the greatest of expecta-
tions heaped on host, Brazil, to delivery its baying public the title they haven’t won since 2002, to a nation so steeped in the game that is far too long to go without. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is under no illusions as to what is expected from the class of ’14 to add to the five previous triumphs. But, equally, is experienced enough at that level to exceed the lofty demands of his country’s
people. After all, it was he who coached the last Brazil team to win the World Cup, in Japan & South Korea. Brazil’s South American neighbours, especially Argentina and Uruguay, will be leading a host of nations who, themselves, truly believe they have a genuine chance. Europe’s charge for what is the ‘holy grail’ when held in the con-
tinent. Holders, Spain, will be tested again and hope they don’t get blown away as they did in the Confederations Cup there in 2012. The effervescent ‘machine’ that is Germany will always feel they a chance too. England have lowered their own expectations, which is strange because people in England usually think they can win
the World Cup. This time around, many of the more learned in the game in this country openly feel that the “Three Lions” are a long, long way away from winning it this time around. Reaching the last 16 would be seen as a good return this time round. Can Ghana go that one step further than their quarter finals in 2010, or would the Ivory Coast be Africa’s greatest achievers
this time? The Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, or the much improved Nigeria might just ‘throw a spanner’ in these proverbial works. Whoever lifts the FIFA World Cup Trophy, at the iconic Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, on 13 July, will be the ‘icing on the cake’ of what is expected to be...the greatest show on turf, EVER!
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