Promoting Diversity for Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022
#BLM We Stand With You Against Injustice
JUNE 2020
Connecting Communities - Inspiring A New Generation Inside This Month
All your Entertainment News in Street Cred - Page 17
6 Year Old Frank With Spina Bifida Raises £28k - Page 34
Forward In Unity
A
rt for Charity, a collective of creatives and entrepreneurs from Birmingham, has launched the ‘Forward In Unity’ art project with the creation of its first dedicated artwork in Digbeth, Birmingham. Designed to unite together the population of Birmingham and mark this generational event, and to draw on the skills and experience of
some of Birmingham’s most exceptional creative talent, the collective has taken the first steps in establishing a new fundraising initiative in the city. Spearheaded by Paul Cadman, Nathaniel Hanna and world-renowned street artist Gent 48, the goal is to create a permanent memorial to the hard work and lasting effects of the coronavirus crisis.
Continued on Pages 4 & 5
Birmingham’s own Gent48 demonstrates the indomitable spirit of the city in the face of adversity with Art for Charity
Boyega Rails against Racism - Page 19
Love And Respect To All Of Our Hardworking
2020 Vision Of Hope
Page 2 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020
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NEWS
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The Devastating Effects of the Covid-19 Delayers and Late Starters By Dr Tony Talburt
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here seems to be a rather worrying observation and trend with regard to those countries with highest number of positive cases and fatalities resulting from the Covid-19 disease. As of the middle of May 2020, four countries among the top of this distressing global league table are: the USA, UK, Russia, and Brazil. Of course, Italy and Spain are also right up there. However, the first four countries mentioned, share one thing in common. They were initially reluctant to acknowledge the seriousness of the Covid-19 disease. By contrast, countries such as Taiwan, South Korea, and Thailand, New Zealand, Germany and many islandstates of the Caribbean, were much more pro-active and acted quickly and aggressively to contain the spread of the virus. The difference between the four delayers and the quick starters is there for all to see. Despite warnings from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 30 January 2020 to all its member states that this disease should be taken seriously, as it is spreading across the globe, these four countries did not heed that warning. Nor did they initially take much notice in February by which time there were positive cases in their respective countries. President Trump said, at the time, it would only affect a few people in the USA and that his administration had everything under control. His priority, understandably, is to win the next election later this year, rather than focus on what he described as the ‘Chinese Virus. The UK reported its first Covid-19 case in late January 2020 but it was not until March 23 that the country imposed a
lockdown to restrict movement and crowd gathering in an attempt to contain the virus. On 13 March 2020 Mr Johnson attended the Cheltenham Festival, an event that attracted some 250, 000 people over the course of that event. While Trump’s focus at the start of the year was on the election and the economy, perhaps Johnson’s was on Brexit.
Either way, they seemed unaware and unprepared for the silent enemy that had already taken hold of their respective countries. As for Brazil’s President Bolsonaro, he has downplayed and side-stepped the significance of this pandemic from the very beginning. He fired his health minister for proposing strict quarantine measures in an attempt to curb
the spread of the virus. In March 2020 he also referred to the disease as a mild flu and blamed the media for spreading hysteria. In March, as the disease started to spread rapidly all over the world, President Putin of Russia had suggested he had everything under control and that there was no need to worry. In fact, Russia was even supplying planeloads of medical supplies to America. By the end of April, however, Putin’s tone had changed, as by then, Russia was grappling with the reality of the pandemic. These four leaders appeared initially to have put their economies before peoples’ welfare. Especially for Trump and Bolsonaro, locking down a country and putting people under isolation, was not a price worth paying. All four leaders gambled on the virus disappearing fairly soon after it first appeared. For this reason, they initially took no real notice of the warnings from experts which seemed to go against what they hoped for, or wanted to hear. In the end, while they prevaricated, the virus kept spreading and soon got ahead of them. We can only hope that lessons will be learned so that they, like some of the countries in Asia which had previously experienced SARs, can be much better prepared in the future to act quickly in response to such outbreaks.
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J
amaicans Inspired UK (JamIn UK) has joined forces with two local community groups in one of London’s most deprived outer London Boroughs to collect and distribute food, to vulnerable African-Caribbean elderly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The partnership response of registered charity Enfield Caribbean Association, Street Watch Edmonton has come at a critical time as black people over 65 represent the second largest ethnic group in the London Borough of Enfield. The aptly named Together Our Community Survives (TOCS) is an amazing project bringing together African-Caribbean community businesses and individuals to support the shielded that are self-isolating, as well as people experiencing financial hardship. The food distribution hub is based in North London, where volunteers collect food, including authentic AfricanCaribbean food for distribution. The initiative started just over a month ago with very little food, two volunteers and a handful of people receiving food. Today, the TOCS team of volunteers now support up to 180 elderly and vulnerable people with a weekly basket of food. The solidarity and generosity of the African-Caribbean businesses has been exceptional. With the assistance of Jamaicans Inspired, brands such as Grace Foods UK, Waitrose, Port Royal Patties & Windrush Bay have been mobilised and stepped up to the mark. As well as contributions from other companies such as Paradise Patties and a number of other local small grocery stores, this has been a real community effort. Other support has poured in from many, including renowned
The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020 - Page 3
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London Community Groups Rally Around Vulnerable African-Caribbean Elderly actor Rudolph Walker OBE who has endorsed the project. Nathaniel Peat GJDC Leader (South UK) & Chairman of Jamaicans Inspired said, “When we heard that the TOCS project needed help we had to extend a hand for this incredibly worthwhile cause. “Our elderly people needed food and it had to be done, This is about purpose and we are happy to be partnered with them on this special program.” Dionne John from Street Watch Edmonton and the co-founder of the TOCS project commented: “When the word got out that we needed help from the AfricanCaribbean community the support was unprecedented.” “We still need more, and we are relying on volunteers and donations to keep the project going,” she adds. If you are interested in supporting support the project with a donation by visiting
l Volunteers and Organisers pose outside their food distribution hub in North London. Going from a few people supporting a handful, they now support over 180 people a week with a delivery
TOCS’ JustGiving crowdfunding page at https://bit.ly/36H9qIy.
l A much needed delivery reaches someone in need
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Page 4 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020
NEWS
Forward In Unity Art Project Launched In Brum l Gent48 in front of the incredible artwork that he has produced in Digbeth, Birmingham
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Continued from Front Page
Head of Operations, Nathaniel Hanna, who is the co-founder of the Melting Pot Digbeth, Birmingham’s foremost creative centre, said: “We want to harness the creative potential across Birmingham to create a landmark moment for the city. We want to celebrate the spirit of Birmingham communities while paying homage to the efforts of those on the front lines at hospitals, care homes, education establishments and everywhere else across the city. “Our aim is the creation of an artistic piece that the entire city can
be proud of, then utilising its qualities as a fundraising tool to give people across Birmingham the opportunity to contribute to our ideology that the city will emerge from this crisis stronger than when it entered.” Gent 48’s artwork, which appears in a prominent position in the heart of Birmingham’s creative district, will serve as the basis for prints of various sizes. The Art for Charity initiative invites sponsorship and purchases, which will see many contributors receiving acknowledgement on a printed gratitude board adjacent to the original artwork, online
l Some of Birmingham’s Faith Leaders visited the mural
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recognition and a selection of perks and prizes. Larger prints will bear the signature of the artist, along with numerous dignitaries, business leaders and celebrities from across the city, including the Lord Mayor. Proceeds from this sponsorship will be donated to the Lord Mayor’s Charity, ensuring that the efforts of those we celebrate result in improvements to their local communities. All photos including the Front Page photograph courtesy of Edwin Ladd, Mr Ladd Media
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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020 - Page 5
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l Gent48 hard at work
l Professor of Entrepreneurship at BCU, Paul Cadman and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street pose with Gent48
l Carl Chinn MBE at the unveiling
l West Midlands Police representatives including Chief Constable Dave Thompson QPM, pose with artist Gent48
l The team behind making this phenomenal piece of art a reality
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Page 6 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020
NEWS
Africans ‘will run out of food in lockdown’ More than two-thirds of people surveyed in as much as 20 countries in Africa said that it would be likely that they would run out of food and water if they had to stay at home under lockdown. Just over half of the people who responded said that they would run out of money. The research carried out by The African Centre for Disease and Prevention was conducted to help governments to map out further policies on how to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. It warns that if no measures are adapted to local needs, there is a high risk of unrest, rebellion and
violence. The research was conducted in 28 cities in 20 countries to assess the impact of the life-some areas. Several African countries which had responded swiftly to the coronavirus threat are now easing restrictions. The report said; ‘The proliferation of peaceful protests demanding government relief is evidence of the strain that some people are already under and highlights gaps in current responses.’ It did, however, find that there was currently general support for restrictions that had been put in place.
The Big Brummie Camp Out Exceeds Fundraising Target A
l Punks & Chancers family join in the Big Brummie Camp Out
Birmingham charity that supports vulnerable adults in the city is celebrating after its ‘Big Brummie Camp Out’, which took place on 8 May, exceeded its target of raising £50,000. SIFA Fireside launched its latest campaign, #SIFASurvives, in a bid to help secure its future after being forced to close its doors temporarily due to the government guidelines that were put in place following COVID-19. The Big Brummie Camp Out brought groups of friends and families across the city together, who enjoyed a ‘camp out’ in the homes, whilst helping to raise
vital funds for SIFA Fireside. Backed by the likes of Joe Lycett, Jess Philips MP and SIFA patron, Alex Claridge (The Wilderness), the event broke through SIFA’s £50,000 target, raising a total of £54,188. A total of 519 groups of families and friends signed up to camp out. Those that took part were asked to give a minimum £5 donation towards SIFA, which gave them access to an exclusive activity pack that was filled with recipes from Michelin-starred chef Atkar Islam and Alex Claridge, plus a bread-making recipe from Sarehole Mill. These donations alone raised an incredible £9,562 raised for SIFA Fireside.
The ‘Voice of Africa’ calling for African voices to be heard As Africa remains rigid in its position as the richest continent in the world, one of its most recognised and decorated ‘sons’ remains unflinching in his drive to see his beloved homeland ‘sit at the top table when the world’s more financially astute countries make the kind of decisions that others have to ‘sing’ to. Called the ‘Voice of Africa’, Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba PhD, LL.B, LL.M is passion about discussing the fate of Africa and he’s not afraid to apportion blame for Africa’s fate.
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A former Director of Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission, a lecturer in Law at the Faculty of Law at University of Nairobi, and Trustee and Executive Director of the African Institute of Leaders and Leadership, again, in Nairobi, he is now the Director of The Kenya School of Law and often makes powerful speeches about African solutions to African problems. A compendium of all things Africa, he has written several books, and been the co-author of the prestigious ‘The Constitution
Alongside the donations from the campers, SIFA Fireside also received £33,000 from the Heart of England Community Foundation’s Coronavirus Resilience Fund, £5,000 from Severn Trent, £3,000 from PwC UK and a £3,000 from local non-campers. A further £562 was raised on the night of the event through Facebook and local schools donated £100. The Digbeth-based charity welcomes between 140 – 160 vulnerable adults to its dropin centre each day. It works to provide long-term solutions to homeless, getting people off the streets and back onto their feet, giving them a new chance to work towards a brighter future. of Kenya’. A staunch Pan-African, he wrote 27 other books – one of which being ‘Stolen Kenya’ as he always said that: “Africans must take a historical journey. The rise and fall of Africa is on account of African politicians. “Africa started to produce leaders that they didn’t recognise”. Having served in the National Committee on Implementation of International Humanitarian Law, followed by being the Secretary to the constitution Kenya Review Commission, Professor PLO Lumumba often call for ‘hygiene’ in Africa, as it had been “disappearing from African politics – ably assisted by Europeans. “After slavery ‘lost its sheen’ Europeans abolished it and created a new enterprise – ‘colonisation’ “In 1884 they (Europeans) then looked at the map of Africa and shared it out - they thought that they were ‘demi-gods’; calling it the ‘Messiah Complex’. “But, we – our ancestors - built Europe and the USA. Now we have to reclaim what has always been ours.
0208 865 1922 (London)
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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020 - Page 7
Government Furlough Scheme Q&A
By Phil Storey – Bailey Wright & Co Solicitors been an agreement to vary the employment contract to permit a reduction in wages from 100% to 80% so a letter should follow proper consultation. It is naturally preferable to agree the change with the furloughed employees.
What is furlough?
‘Furlough’ (sometimes referred to as ‘furlough leave’) is a temporary agreed absence from work. Furloughing is an employer granting the employee that temporary leave of absence. Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), employers may furlough an employee and keep them on the payroll as an alternative to making them redundant. Under the current scheme, there is no need to show that the business has been adversely affected by the virus and/or a consequential downturn in work.
How much can employers recover under the scheme?
• The lower of 80% of an employee’s regular wage (or average wage if pay varies) or £2,500 per month • The associated employer’s national insurance contributions • The employer’s minimum automatic enrolment employer pension contributions • Regular payments it is obliged to pay its workers (e.g. contractual commission payments and contractual bonuses and tips) • The amount an employer can recover under the scheme is likely to change from 1st August 2020 to reduce the amount the employer can recover thereby increasing the employer’s contribution towards the furloughed employee’s wage.
Why do businesses furlough employees?
Coronavirus restrictions mean that many businesses are unable to trade effectively or at all. Pubs, restaurants, and holiday accommodation have been seriously affected and cannot operate effectively during the restrictions. There are many more examples.
What brought about furloughing?
The HMRC’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme provides an option for employers to have temporary government help, by way of a grant, to pay 80% of their employee’s wages during the period of the scheme. Employees remain employed even though they are not carrying out any work for their employer. The grant will not have to be repaid.
When does the Scheme apply?
The scheme is temporary and was initially in place for 3 months starting from 1st March 2020 but was initially extended until the end of June 2020 and was then extended further until the end of October 2020. The government may extend it further depending upon whether restrictions have ended and whether affected businesses are ale to trade and pay employees their wages. The scheme will remain unchanged until the end of July 2020 where employees will receive 80% of their salary subject to a cap of £2500.00. However, there are to be changes announced by the end of May 2020 which will set out how much employers need to contribute towards the 80% and which will allow employees to work parttime.
Which employers are eligible?
Any employer (of any size) in any sector is eligible for the scheme, provided the employees are paid through PAYE,
Can my employer pay me more than 80% of my pay?
l Phil Storey - Bailey Wright & Co Solicitors including:• Businesses • Charities • Recruitment agencies • Public authorities. An employer must have created and started a PAYE payroll scheme on or before 19th March 2020 and have a UK bank account to qualify.
Can an employee insist on being furloughed?
No, the decision rests with the employer.
Does the employer need to repay the amounts received under the scheme?
No. The payments received are a grant and do not need to be repaid but will be they treated as income for tax assessments.
Which Individuals are eligible?
An individual must have been on the payroll of the company since 19th March 2020. The scheme covers full-time and part-time employees as well as those on agency or zero hours contracts. The scheme also covers apprentices and officeholders.
How long does furloughing last?
The minimum time for an employee to be furloughed is
3 consecutive weeks although that period can be extended. Employers can rotate which employees are furloughed provided each period is for a minimum period of 3 weeks. An employer may want to maintain flexibility by short periods being extended to take account of staff sickness and the demands of the business.
volunteer for your employer or any linked organisation or make money for them. • If your employment contract does not prevent you from working elsewhere, you will be allowed to work for another employer. Most contracts would prohibit working for a rival or competitor.
What happens when furloughing ends?
You cannot be forced to go on furlough but if an employer has had a reduction in the work required, and an employee refuses to go on furlough, they may consider that redundancy is the only alternative. Any decision to make an employee redundant must follow a fair procedure. However, if an employer is proposing to pay the employee 100% of their wages or their contract states that an employee can be placed on temporary furlough then, generally, they can be forced to go on furlough. Clearly, the current pandemic was not at the forefront of most employers’ minds when the contracts were being drafted.
An employer will need to decide a) whether to extend the period, if the scheme is still operational, b) whether the employee can return to work or c) whether redundancy needs to be considered.
Can employees work during the period that they are furloughed?
• You are not permitted to work for your employer, even voluntarily, during the period of furlough. There are to be amendments to the scheme from 1st August 2020 which are likely to enable workers to work parttime for their employer during the period of furlough. • You are unable to work from home for your employer and should not, therefore, send or answer emails or telephone calls regarding work. • You can undertake training or volunteering although you cannot
Can you refuse to go on furlough?
How does an employer furlough staff?
You should write to your employee(s) confirming that they have been furloughed. Generally, there should have
An employer can decide to top up the 80% paid by the government under the scheme but there is no obligation to do so.
What about employees who started after 19th March 2020?
They are not covered under the scheme and no claim can be made under it if they are furloughed. The aim of the restrictions was to prevent fraud.
Is it possible to reduce the working hours of workers and claim a percentage under the scheme?
No, an employee cannot work for their employer if they are to be eligible under the scheme. This may result in employers deciding to furlough some employees and not others rather than reducing everyone’s hours by a set number.
Can a furloughed employee volunteer or undertake training?
Furloughed employees can generally undertake voluntary work (not for their employer) and can engage in training.
Are current employment laws disapplied or relaxed during the crisis?
No, the scheme supplements current employment laws which continue to apply.
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How does an employer decide which employee(s) should be furloughed?
The needs of a particular business will be relevant but any decisions taken must not breach the discrimination provisions in the Equality Act 2020. Decisions should not, therefore, be based upon protected characteristics e.g. race, maternity or disability or put people in those groups at a disadvantage.
What happens if I furlough someone and then they are not eligible under the scheme?
The scheme is to provide grants to assist with the wages of employees who are furloughed during the period of the scheme. The scheme does not relieve the employer of the contractual obligation to pay wages, even if they cannot be recovered under the scheme. It is therefore important that employers ensure that an employee is eligible under the scheme before confirming the furlough.
Can an employee on furlough leave be required to take their annual leave during furlough leave?
There is some uncertainty at present whether annual leave can be taken during a period of furlough. It is anticipated that further guidance will clarify that shortly. The scheme suggests that furloughed employees have the same rights as they did before the furlough and, therefore, appears to include an entitlement to accrue annual leave as provided for in their contract. Similarly, an employer should have the right to specify when annual leave is taken.
Can I carry over my annual leave to next year?
Yes, the Working Time Regulations are to be amended to allow workers to carry over up to 4 weeks’ holiday into the next two holiday years. This will apply where it has not been “reasonably practicable” for a worker to take some or all of this leave “as a result of the effects of Coronavirus”.
Is it reasonable to make an employee redundant when furloughing was an option?
Each case will turn on its facts. Any Tribunal considering an unfair dismissal claim would need to consider the reasonableness of the decision in light of the alternatives to dismissal, including furloughing. The guidance on furloughing will be amended regularly and it is necessary to monitor changes to the scheme which are not currently clear. The law is correct as of 13th May 2020. Phil Storey is a solicitor at Bailey Wright & Co and heads the Employment Law department. He can be contacted on 0121 270 1566 or phil@baileywright.com.
Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com
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Page 8 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020
BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Andy Street presses PM to speed up postcoronavirus funding W
est Midlands Mayor Andy Street has urged Boris Johnson to accelerate critical transport funding to help re-boot the region’s economy after the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier this year, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £4.2 billion devolved transport fund for the UK’s combined authorities, meaning, if split equally, the West Midlands would be guaranteed at least £500 million – the largest single devolved sum it has ever received. The cash was due to be released in the 2022/23 financial year, but Mayor Andy Street has asked the Prime Minister to bring that funding forward in the wake of the economic damage caused by the coronavirus – research suggests the West Midlands’ economy could be the worst hit in the UK. With plans drawn up and several ‘shovel-ready’ schemes just awaiting funding, transport investment is seen as a critical part of the recovery. The mayor also highlighted areas such as digital infrastructure, brownfield land housing and electric vehicle charging points and technology, all of which are primed and ready for investment
l West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street CBE in the West Midlands. He said: “It is encouraging news that, thanks to the hard-work and responsibility of so many people across the West Midlands, we are now through the peak of the virus and beginning to think about how we exit what continues to be a very challenging lockdown period.
Severn Trent increases video call use to keep customers safe
Helping to keep customers and engineers safe while the country remains in lockdown due to coronavirus, Severn Trent’s virtual field team has made over 1,000 engineer visits to people’s homes unnecessary. Rather than engineers attending physically to deal with leaks or other water issues, engineers now use video calls to speak directly to customers and provide help, preventing the need for an initial visit in person. Goldan McLean, virtual field
team manager, said: “We set up the virtual field team in 2018, initially to help with customers reporting leaks as our engineers can actually see the leak on the phone and raise the right job to fix it there and then, saving the need for an initial inspection. “Now, with the current situation we’re in, our teams have expanded the work we’re doing and we’re now supporting a lot more customer issues. We know there’s a worry at the moment, with customers and
“Clearly, we need to think about how we get the West Midlands economy, which was performing well and growing faster than any area outside of London before the virus hit, back on its feet. “The government has already committed funding to transport, but we want to bring that forward
our teams with the spread of coronavirus, so this means we’re able to provide a safe, virtual service, that’s still face to face, while keeping everyone safe.” Since lockdown began, the virtual field team has helped prevent over 1,270 engineer visits, limiting the risk of spreading coronavirus. The team is now using video calling to speak to customers directly with issues, such as reporting leaks, finding stop taps, being shown how to isolate
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and we also want to see investment in several other key sectors in the region, not least digital infrastructure and the automotive industry’s push towards electric and autonomous vehicle technology.”
their water and reporting faulty covers. “Some of our customers may be isolating or high risk, but still have a problem with their water and need to speak to us,” Goldan added. “They may be worried about getting in touch, as they don’t want anyone coming in to their home, but, luckily, our team is able to help with that, as they can still get the same great service, but it’s just done safely through video call instead.”
The Imperative Nature Of Public Health with Dr Christopher Johnson
I
n real time, we are witnessing the unfolding of a public health crisis on a scale that is unimaginable since the first half of the 20th century. As hundreds of thousands of citizens die or become critically ill, universal moves to find an appropriate antidote or ‘curative’, are gathering extraordinary momentum. Like most phenomena, scientists try to decipher their cause, nature and scope in order to mitigate future occurrence(s). In the case of this pandemic, governments, professionals and citizens alike, are confounded by a rare bacteria-hybrid that is capable of several forms of mutation. From a public health perspective, citizens need more information on the genesis of this disease as well as its pervasive impact on the lifestyles of cultural and ethnic groups. Representative population samples and estimates based on information and data are being collected on a country-bycountry basis, with ‘statistical modelling’ being leveraged to inform and guide a better clinical and environmental understanding of this ‘raging’ pathogen. However, there remains, a combination of inaccurate and unreliable ethnographic and demographic statistics on citizens who’ve perished especially in hospitals, care homes and their own homes. In a crisis of such magnitude, incontrovertible evidence is vital for policies on public health such as social care. Besides other functions, governments have a paramount responsibility to protect and improve the health of citizens and their communities among them being, professionals dealing with epidemiological trends. Comparisons between NorthSouth and East-West bloc countries, tend to trivialise preventative versus postpreventive measures taken by national governments. Additionally, debates on
A
ward-wInnIng journalist, editor and publisher Dr Christopher Johnson writes his monthly column in The Phoenix aiming to inform, educate and entertain.
‘emergency measures’ in the UK vis-à-vis those prevalent in Scandinavian countries, ignore this poignant question; what type of evidence is being collated to validate the spread of the pandemic especially since there are well known cultural, economic, faith and social variables in both the UK and Europe. The BBC World Service said, “Caribbean governments made arrangements to protect citizens from the pandemic as far back as February 2020”. Because of the region’s vulnerability, the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) took pre-emptive steps to set up a Task Force to help manage the ‘spread’ of this disease. Cuba is maximising its public health efficiency system to aid countries in the Americas and Europe with advice and surveillance equipment. It is incumbent on the World Health Organisation (WHO) to use its authority to do the following: • Ensure countries with diverse populations, apply ethical governance. • Governments to use traditional ‘science’ as leverage to include minorities. • Expertise of ethnic professionals, businesses, scientists/civic ambassadors. • Support discourses on the implications of this health crisis. • Emphasise that the science of public health is every one’s business. • Advocate public health not being the preserve of one particular group. • Quality standards in intervention and decision making must inform policy. • Governments must yearly evaluate, inclusive practices on public health. • Ethic values must consist of inclusiveness, transparency and reasonableness. • Countries must work with ‘lay scientists’ to tap into local cultural expertise. • Frequent consultancy as a matter of priority.
0121 339 5885 (Birmingham)
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Daniel ‘empowered’ by city group’s homeless support A Wolverhampton resident has thanked the city’s Homeless Operational Group for ‘empowering’ him to turnaround his life during the coronavirus pandemic. Daniel Blackhouse was one of the first individuals to be safeguarded from the streets at a city hotel by the multiagency group when Government measures came into force around the outbreak Since the crisis began more than 100 people either facing the threat of homelessness or who were rough sleeping have now been successfully moved on from the city’s emergency shelter into long-term safe, suitable, and sustainable accommodation – and Daniel is one of them. The group, led by City of Wolverhampton Council’s Housing and Public Health teams, has also supported over 30 clients into treatment for substance misuse during the pandemic and has been instrumental in helping Daniel in this area. He said: “I was on the streets for a couple of years on and off whist I was battling drug addiction. Now I’m moving on to new things since being at the hotel in supported accommodation that is good and happy. I feel empowered so now things are falling into place for me. I didn’t expect this to happen so quickly but it has and I’m much happier with my life as a whole. Thanks to all the staff that made it happen at the hotel.”
The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020 - Page 9
Craig Cooper Birmingham 2022’s New Programme Director C
raig Cooper has been chosen by Birmingham City Council to head-up the local authority’s involvement in the planning, preparation and delivery of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The new programme director comes to Birmingham from Sopra Steria, a European leader in consulting, digital services and software development, to support the council’s work on the Games. He has a strong track record in executive leadership, delivering high impact change and transformation strategies for public and private sector organisations on major projects with multi-stakeholder involvement. Previous roles include being group transformation director for Capita and commercial director at the London Borough of Barnet, where he gained a wealth of local government experience. Craig has also served in the British Army. Commenting on his appointment, Craig said: “Birmingham 2022 is set to be the biggest event in the city’s history and has the longterm potential to dramatically improve the quality of life for residents, improve prospects for businesses and reposition the city on the
City launch new ‘Centenary Square and Canals’ - Virtual Walking
global stage. “A lot of great work has been done over the last three years to get the city Games-ready, but there is still a tremendous amount of work to be done, especially as we move into the next phase of the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. “And it is crucial those preparations put in place the building blocks to secure the legacy we can undoubtedly secure from being the proud host city. I am excited by the challenge and look forward to getting to work on the council’s role in delivering the Games.” Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, added: “In securing Craig’s services we have found someone with a first-rate record on project leadership. “The staging of the Commonwealth Games and the delivery of the legacy for the people of Birmingham is a complicated challenge, but I am sure he will rise to the challenge, building on the solid platform already in place. “His wealth of knowledge and expertise from across the public and private sectors brings us a level of insight that will enhance everything we do on the road to Birmingham 2022 and beyond.”
Following the success of the first virtual walking tour – ‘Central Squares’, this second tour moves to new parts of the city. ‘Centenary Square and canals’ looks at a key city square and how it has changed over the years. It then moves on through the International Convention Centre to the canals and Gas Street Basin. The history, present day and future direction of travel of Birmingham are all considered during the tour. Speaking of the new tour, author and publisher Jonathan Berg says: “The virtual tours are for everyone interested in exploring Birmingham. “You can undertake them from the comfort of your own home anywhere in the world”. The tours are also designed as self-guided tours taking you on a real walk round
the city if you are in Birmingham and unable to join a ‘live’ tour at the present time. There are two versions of the tour available – a low resolution one for use on your phone and a HD version that plays well on a big screen! The new tour is currently available free and can be ordered from the Visit Birmingham website. At the end of the new tour are links to downloadable information especially useful for students studying Birmingham. Jonathan Berg says that: “This is the second virtual tour to be published with another two in development. “The ‘box set’ of four will fully cover Geography GCSE requirements for studying a UK city, which schools who were intending to come to the city on field courses are already finding very useful”.
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Top tips on staying safe at home Parents and carers of children, young people and older, more vulnerable adults are being urged to be extra vigilant of potential dangers in and around the home during the coronavirus outbreak. The Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together partnership has shared some simple steps on home safety to help families prevent accidents and make sure their loved ones avoid having to go to A&E.
Top tips for keeping children safe include:
• Ensuring windows are not left open where children can reach or climb up to them; • Keeping cleaning products, garden chemicals and medicines locked away or well out of reach; • Supervising children at all times near water, including paddling pools and garden ponds, and particularly if you live close to a canal or river; • Ensuring families still seek medical help if their child is unwell or injured - NHS 111, GPs and hospitals are still providing the same care that they have always done.
For older and vulnerable adults, top tips include:
• Avoiding leaving items on the stairs – they can become a tripping hazard; • Wearing well-fitting shoes and slippers; • Removing loose rugs, or using tape to stick down corners; • Ensuring landings, stairs and hallways should be well lit, and stairs are maintained – damaged or worn carpet should be repaired or removed if possible. Further detailed advice can be found at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) website and the Child Accident Prevention Trust website. In addition, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has a range of advice for parents and carers on children accessing treatment and attending medical appointments during the coronavirus outbreak, and tips on stay at home activities. Sally Roberts, chair of the Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together Executive, said: "It’s vital that we all continue to follow the government’s guidance to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives. “Accidents are particularly a risk for young children and older, more vulnerable adults. Whilst young children can easily become bored and may go looking for things to do that can lead to accidents, the older we get the more susceptible we are to accidents, and particularly falls. We want to do all we can to prevent serious accidents and hope these tips will help all families.”
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NEWS
Scylla Resumes Cruises Across Europe’s Rivers Leading river cruise operator, Scylla, has announced the sailing of 34 ships on Europe’s waterways with immediate effect – becoming one of the first companies to resume operations after Covid-19. The Swiss operator runs a fleet of riverboats for various European charter clients. “We are very pleased that the industry is slowly recovering from the coronavirus crisis and that our riverboats can now be put back on Europe’s waterways, where they belong,” says Arno Reitsma, CEO of Scylla AG. “Guests will once again be able to enjoy some of the most exciting river cruises on Europe’s beautiful waterways, even though travel itself is now slightly different,” Mr Reitsma adds. “It goes without saying that all necessary safety, security and hygiene standards have been implemented on board all our ships,” Mr Reitsma explains. “One of these measures will be to maintain a safe distance during the entire time on board – only registered passengers who have previously undergone a health check will be allowed on the ship. Fewer passengers on the ships, compulsory facemasks, regular disinfections and bringing meals and drinks directly to the table are also part of the new measures. In addition, a doctor will also be on board for health checks and consultations for all guests and crewmembers.
Clarity needed to help firms for life after lockdown – Chamber
T
he government must clarify how it will approach easing Covid-19 restrictions so that businesses can prepare for life after lockdown. That is according to a new report from Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce (GBCC), which provides analysis of the government’s coronavirus support measures. The report, entitled ‘Mind the Gap’, calls for clarity on how restrictions will be eased when key milestones have been met, so that businesses can plan for the future. While public safety and keeping pressure off frontline health services “remains paramount”, businesses need to know what happens next, according to GBCC chief executive, Paul Faulkner. Firms in the hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors are in particular need of guidance, amid concerns that events,
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l Paul Faulkner, GBCC Chief Executive
gatherings and travel could be among the last restrictions to be lifted under a ‘phased’ return. Tracy Stephenson, co-founder and joint managing director of serviced apartment operator, Staying Cool at Rotunda, said: “Birmingham’s tourism economy is dependent on domestic and international visitors coming into the city for cultural pursuits, events and corporate travel. “We are very concerned that, given that these activities were some of the first things to go as we went into lockdown, they could be the last things to come back online. “We need greater clarity from government on what a phased return to ‘normality’ looks like so that we can move ahead. A prolonged lockdown or some form of half-way house where we are open but empty, due to fears of travelling would also require further government support”.
‘Mind the Gap’ provides a 10-point analysis of the coronavirus support measures announced so far, as well as highlighting areas not covered by existing schemes. Paul Faulkner said: “Above all, safety remains paramount. We have all seen the impact of Coronavirus is having on our country and frontline care services. “There are few people who don’t either know someone who has lost a loved one to this pandemic, or are going through the heart-breaking experience themselves. “We are now exactly a month on since the Prime Minister introduced the lockdown measures. We have now reached the point at which businesses need to know what happens next, once key milestones on new infections are met. We know how challenging this is, but we also all know that this cannot go on indefinitely.
“The support that has been made available to help businesses and charities survive the coronavirus pandemic is unprecedented. “However, while we welcome ambition, the GBCC will continue to lobby the government to fill the gaps in existing support on behalf of our members. “At the heart of it, this crisis is a crisis of cash as many organisations attempt to wait out the lockdown period. Government schemes are not real for businesses and charities until they are paying out. “The government needs to focus on shortening the timeframe between announcing support and that support reaching organisations and finding the simplest and most straightforward means of getting cash – be that grants, loans or other finances – where it is needed”.
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Newspapers no longer forced to make circulation figures public
Psychological advice for key workers and their children At a time when key workers and their children are navigating the emotional effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, psychologists from the British Psychological Society have produced guidance to help them. Children may well be feeling unsettled by the upheaval of the coronavirus lockdown, and some may be more worried because of having a parent who is still going to work, despite the risk. The British Psychological Society booklet for parents gives some straightforward tips on how they can help their children to cope, which includes: • Asking the child questions and talking to them; • Giving the child choices over their time; • Making their routine as consistent as possible, particularly at bedtime; • Helping them to understand and share their feelings. It also provides guidance on finding a balance between work and home life at a time when there are many different things for key worker parents to manage at once. In addition to the guidance for parents, the British Psychological Society has also published an advice sheet aimed at children, to answer the questions they may have. It explains what a key worker is and why they have to spend so much time at work right now, discusses coronavirus safety on a basic level and encourages young people to talk to their parents when they’re feeling worried. Dr Bethan Phillips, a member of the Division of Clinical Psychology’s Faculty for Children, Young People and their Families, helped produced the documents. He said: “We are all extremely grateful to key workers for the role that they are playing in keeping everyone safe and the country going, but we also appreciate the vital role of parenting.”
As Birmingham Pride Is Cancelled, Southside BID calls for greater support
I
n light of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the organisers of Birmingham’s beloved Pride festival have taken the decision to postpone this year’s event, which had already been moved to September, to May 2021. As an integral part of Southside calendar, the announcement is sure to have a serious impact on the district’s once bustling economy. Julia Robinson, Southside BID manager, is calling for the government to give additional support to the hospitality sector, which is struggling to stay afloat since the start of the governmentimposed lockdown. But with Pride now cancelled completely for 2020, businesses in the district will be further impacted. Julia said: “Birmingham Pride is one of the biggest celebrations of LGBTQ+ culture outside London. Last year the city, and Southside in particular, welcomed more than 75,000 revellers over the course of the weekend and this year’s event was set to be the biggest yet. “However, given the circumstances, understandably
Newspapers will no longer have their sales figures automatically published, the industry's auditor has said. The Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC), which records and audits sales, usually publishes figures every month. But ABC said publishers were growing concerned about a "negative narrative of decline" in newspaper sales. No national newspaper sold more than 1 million copies per day in the UK, as readers shopped less frequently under lockdown. Newspapers were already suffering falling print sales prior to coronavirus, and stories about the gradual decline of newspapers have been common in recent years. All publishers will still have their circulation figures audited by ABC.
it just can’t go ahead, with the team behind the festival putting public safety first. “Pride brings in a staggering amount of revenue for our district, from the hotels, shops and restaurants to the bars and clubs that Southside is renowned for, the whole area benefits from the flagship event. “With so much of Southside temporarily closed during the lockdown, all of our businesses are already struggling. “As a result, Southside BID is supporting the national #RaiseTheBar campaign, calling for the government to increase the threshold of the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant that was launched at the start of the lockdown. “Currently the threshold for eligible businesses is £51,000, but we want to see this raised to £150,000. By doing so, many of our bigger venues could be saved from going under. “The latest news about Birmingham Pride is another blow to an industry that is already facing an increasingly uncertain future and with many other major cities likely to follow suit, we need the government to act now.”
Warning for airlines over passenger refund rights The aviation watchdog has warned airlines that they are legally required to provide refunds to customers who had their flights cancelled because of coronavirus. By law, plane operators must refund customers within seven days if their flight is cancelled. But with fewer than 10% of UK flights already taken off, airlines are struggling to deal with all the requests for refunds.
The CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) said that it could take action against airlines. In a statement, the regulator said; “We are reviewing how airlines are handling refunds during the coronavirus pandemic and will consider if any action should be taken to ensure that the consumer rights are protected”. Consumer group Which? recently said that it had received
thousands of complaints from people who are struggling to secure a refund from their cancelled travel. Instead, airlines were offering customers vouchers to be used when lockdown is lifted. Which? said that the travel industry’s own estimates suggests £7bn of travellers’ money was affected.
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NEWS
Cat hit by train is on track to a full recovery
Jay, a one-year-old cat from Ilford, Essex, suffered horrific injuries, including a severed leg and fractured tail, after wandering on to the train tracks next to his home. However, he looks likely to make a full recovery, thanks to vet charity PDSA. His owner, Darren Danks (45), began to worry something was wrong after Jay didn’t return home after being let out. “I took a look outside and could see Jay lying on the other side of our fence,” he said. “I called out his name and he slowly began to hobble over. I was horrified when I noticed one of his back legs was missing.” Despite the severity of his injuries, Jay had found the energy to jump the nine-foot fence and return to Darren in the garden. Jay was taken to the Ilford PDSA Pet Hospital. “Jay was in a critical condition when
he arrived at PDSA,” said the charity’s vet Lucy Gardiner. His injuries were so severe that Darren was warned he might not survive. However, PDSA’s skilled veterinary team amputated his tail and what remained of his right hind leg and also removed muscle damaged by the impact with the train. He was released to recover at home a week later. Darren added: “Life without Jay doesn’t bear thinking about. My wife is deaf and Jay is an enormous source of comfort to her - he always picks us up when we are feeling down. “We want to thank everyone at PDSA for saving his life. They never gave up on Jay, even when we thought all was lost. We’ve donated what we can towards Jay’s treatment, but I don’t think I can ever repay them for bringing my boy back from the brink.”
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Healthcare Workers To Get Discounted Cycle Insurance
F
ollowing a number of recent reports of healthcare workers’ bikes being stolen from hospitals and medical centres during the UK lockdown, a new discount has been launched to provide NHS staff with half-price bicycle insurance, offering protection for damage, loss, theft and any accidents that may occur whilst cycling. Specialist cycling insurance provider Cycleplan has introduced the new plan to help support healthcare workers who may be cycling to work instead of using public transport during the coronavirus crisis. Recent research found that 67 per cent of stolen bikes are sold within just hours of being taken – greatly reducing the chances of police tracing the culprit and the bike being returned to its owner. However, with robust insurance in place, policyholders can quickly be back on two wheels again. This is particularly important for healthcare providers, who
may now be relying on their bikes more than ever. To claim the offer, NHS staff should visit https://www.cycleplan.co.uk/nhsdiscount and enter their details to obtain a quote, at which point the 50 per cent discount will automatically be applied. Cycleplan founder and managing director John Woosey said: “We know that lots of NHS staff already rely on their bikes to get to work, and we’ve heard that many others have decided to buy a bike as an alternative to public transport. We want them to have peace-of-mind that, when they are cycling on the roads or locking their bike up at work, it will be insured against accidents, theft, loss and damage.” Staff may be asked for proof of employment by providing ID or a recent payslip in the event that they need to make a claim. Cycleplan specialist cycling insurance is underwritten by the UK’s largest insurer, Aviva.
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EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT
g n i t o Prom xcellence E
As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting the positive and inspirational individuals and organisations in our communities, The Phoenix Newspaper presents Promoting Excellence - a closer look at our role models, entrepreneurs, community figures and success stories.
BCU develops world’s first Covid-19 digital safety certificate
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irmingham City University is developing the world’s first digital safety certificate to protect suppliers and consumers from risks associated with COVID-19. The Coronavirus Clearance Certificate (CCC), based on blockchain technology, has been developed by the University’s Birmingham City Business School. CCC will enable companies to ensure risk related to the virus is managed within their supply chain. It will be initially trialed in the UK Midlands, a region which has been heavily affected by COVID-19. The certificates will be issued by The Transnational Transparent Procurement (TTP) Foundation. A decentralized digital list of cryptocurrency transactions that ensures information can be recorded safely, securely and automatically, blockchain technology is already
used by online retail giant Amazon, computer firm IBM, food manufacturer Nestle and others to track the movement of safe goods around the world. Olinga Taeed, Visiting Professor of Blockchain at Birmingham City University, said: "Consumers will demand in future that suppliers do everything in their power to avoid risk from Covid-19. “People want to use goods and services, safe in the knowledge that there is no risk to themselves or others. For example, if you buy a hand sanitiser you want to be sure it can do what it says on the label. “The Coronavirus Clearance Certificate is a game-changer because it uses reliable blockchain technology to transparently track the life cycle of products, thereby building assurance." Professor Nassim Belbaly, director of Birmingham City University’s Business School said:
O
en N Copm Birm ingoswoaot i n g Birmin ham B n to gha us Parkm Biunseisnses s Pa!rk
g Takin ns io s s i m ad now For more information or to enquire about admissions visit:
www.wigglesandgigglesdaynursery.co.uk Contact us: 4360 Waterside Centre, Birmingham Business Park, Solihull Parkway, B37 7YN 07825082937 contact@wigglesandgigglesdaynursery.co.uk
RSC Actors Homework Help With no set date for schools to fully reopen in the UK, thousands of young people and families are continuing to home school. The #RSCHomeworkHelp initiative has received hundreds of questions from young people studying Shakespeare in the UK and around the world. Questions range from ‘do you have any advice for performing on Zoom?’, ‘how would you update the servants in Romeo and Juliet?’ to ‘if Julius Caesar was a radio play, how would you stage the assassination scene?’ and ‘Which sister is worse, Goneril or Regan?’ RSC Actors and alumni have been helping to answer the questions including RSC Associate Artist, David Tennant,
who responded to a question about his favourite Hamlet soliloquy. Actors including David Bradley, Paapa Essiedu, Niamh Cusack, Charlotte Arrowsmith and Noma Dumezweni have offered homework help to students. The actors, who are currently unable to rehearse or perform, have volunteered to share their tips and answer questions about Shakespeare and drama studies whilst under lockdown. Due to the success of the initiative #RSCHomeworkHelp will continue into the summer term with new questions sent from June 1st either by email to homeworkhelp@thersc.org.uk or via twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #RSCHomeworkHelp.
"For supply chains, coronavirus represents a crisis of trust because we cannot any longer automatically trust our goods or suppliers. “However, as CCC is independently verified it can be issued to organisations, products, and even people that take appropriate steps to manage the risk from coronavirus. “I am proud that Birmingham City University is able to contribute in this way at this time." The initiative is the first to emanate from the newly launched CCEG-BCU 4IR Centre, which is joint initiative between Birmingham City University (BCU) and the non-profit Centre for Citizenship, Enterprise and Governance (CCEG). The certificates will be issued by The Transnational Transparent Procurement (TTP) Foundation, a partner-organisation of CCEG.
Farmers in need of ‘student land army’ to pick fruit and veg Students are being urged to spend their summer holidays working on farms to help keep Britain fed during the coronavirus crisis. At present, farmers are struggling after the lockdown led to a mass shortage of regularly used migrant workers. Sixth-form, college and university students have been encouraged to help pick fruits and vegetables. 80,000 seasonal workers are needed to help bring in the UK harvest on farms right across the country. Students are the primary target market this year especially due to their six-week summer break.
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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020 - Page 15
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT
Online university students to still face full fees U
niversity students in England will still have to pay full tuition fees even if their courses are taught online in the autumn, the UK government has said. This comes after universities had warned of the financial dangers from a reduction in overseas students due to the coronavirus outbreak. Universities Minister, Michael Donelan said: “We do not believe that students will be fully entitled to reimbursement if the quality is there”. The university sector’s request for a £2bn bail-out has been rejected. Universities – whose
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campuses have been closed since the outbreak – had warned about the financial danger that would develop from a reduction of overseas students. Students are concerned about the uncertainty about whether there will be any in-person lessons or come autumn, or whether lesson will be taught full or part-time online. Donelan added: “No formal decision has been taken on the next academic year, butif courses are taught online and students are really getting the quality, and they are getting a course fit for purpose, they would not get a discount on fees”.
Judge rules in favour of mother
A High Court Judge has ruled that a 14-year-old boy is better off living in Sierra Leone than in the UK. The teenager was taken to the West African country’s capital, Freetown, as his mother was growing increasingly worried about his involvement in ‘county lines’ gangs in London after he was excluded from school. A civil case was brought at the High Court by the boy’s father who took the legal action in London in a bid to force his return from Africa after he said that his son was living in a volatile country. The mother said that the teenager should stay in Sierra Leone until the summer of 2022 and when he finishes his GCSEs. Mr Justice Mostyn ruled against the father when he also said that the boy should stay in Freetown until the end of his GCSEs in 2022. He said that the boy was “going off the rails” by early 2019 whilst he was living with his mother in south London. Last year the boy was permanently excluded from school. Mr Justice Mostyn did say that the woman had decided to take her son to Sierra Leone, where her mother – the boy’s grandmother – is a police officer, to continue his education.
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WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
H.E. Dr Arikana Chihombori Quao MD is a woman worth fighting for A highly respected medic and activist, Her Excellence Dr Arikana Chihombori Quao MD, who is also a noted speaker, educator, diplomat, entrepreneur and C.E.I and founder of the Bell Farm Medical Centre, in the US – where she now lives - is, if nothing else, consistently shifting the narrative of Africa as she, unabashed, exposes the continent’s current affairs and free its bondage to Europe and China.
As she remains unapologetic in her pursuit of reshaping global African history, her call for unity - as one across the continent - she is on a mission to free it – all on her own! The Zimbabwe-born worldly mover-and-shaker, Her Excellence Dr Chihombori Quao, has gone so far as to put her job on the line for what she believes in – and she was sacked in the process. She was sacked by the African Union’s envoy to the United States allegedly due to her criticism of “sustained colonisation by
France”. Having gained a First Degree in General Chemistry and a Masters Degree in Organic Chemistry, she was appointed to the position in 2016 and it put her in a position to be able to galvanize the support of people of African descent, especially throughout the United States – and beyond. During a TV conversation at the time, she talked of; “the pact for the continuation of colonization”. The African bloc has never actually sanctioned, or received, any complaints about her views.
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Despite the knock-back, though, she tells the truth about the state of affairs and remains truly and sincerely supportive of Mother Africa. “Africa is in the driving seat”, she says, “So it must steer itself currently – as one voice, one movement and a desire to free its people! Dr Chihombori Quao is very outspoken and has also become a leading voice for Pan-Africanism. She said: “And then, we must
acknowledge Africa’s true worth”. “And” she continues, “Take charge of its own economy”. Married to the equally highly respected Dr Nii Saban Quao, her book; ‘Africa 101: The WakeUp Call’ tells the story about the “hunters” (Africa’s explorers, slavers, colonizers and neocolonizers) and the “hunted” (African people who survived against severe odds). In it, in her usual ‘in-your-
face’ style, H.E. Dr Arikana Chihombori Quao MD’s tells the story of Africa – “Wake up from your slumber of 400 years, free yourself from the mental shackles of slavery and colonization”, is the quote that welcomes you to its compelling read. “What bothers me”, she continually ponders, “is the realization that the richest continent on Earth is the poorest on Earth”.
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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020 - Page 17
Music fashion Film Gadgets holiday education health and fitness
JUNE 2020
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Tones
a p r u S g n o S t i H s ’ I And
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ENTERTAINMENT
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THE HOTTEST ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLEMENT
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Stars pose on their doorsteps for lockdown project
P
op stars including Rag 'N' Bone Man, Roachford and Joy Crookes have all taken socially-distanced doorstep portraits, as they tell the BBC how they've been surviving the lockdown. Spice Girl Mel C posed with her laptop and headphones, saying they've been "my window to the world" while isolating.
Rapper Raxstar held a framed photo of his cousin and uncle, both of whom died after contracting coronavirus. He said: "Losing them has been a big blow to our whole family. "I want to keep their memories and spirits alive in everything I do going forward." While most of the artists said they'd continued making new music during the lockdown, others
have been inspired to pursue new ideas. Soul singer Ray BLK has discovered a hidden talent for nail art. "As I haven't been able to go to the nail shop to get my nails done, I have people making custom nails, and I thought: 'This is so amazing being able to have all these great designs, and being able to do them myself at home.'
"It's been quite cool discovering new things." Dance act Georgia, meanwhile, dragged a vintage kit of 1980s synth-drums onto her front porch, after setting up a virtual drumming circle to help her pass the time.
"We started a project called Grooves in Different Rooms, which hopefully I'm going to livestream on my Instagram soon," she said. "It's going to be 20 different drummers positioned around the
UK, some even in Europe, and we will livestream a jam." Other artists who took part in the project included Tom Walker, Beverley Knight and Celina Sharma.
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BAFTAS to go ahead behind closed doors
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his year’s Bafta Television Awards will be broadcast from behind closed doors after originally being delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The honours are usually handed out at a glittering ceremony which is attended by the biggest television stars in the UK. But this year, Richard Ayoade will host the event from a closed studio with the winners to give their acceptance speeches virtually. The event had been scheduled to take place on May 17, but it will now happen on June 31. With nominations being announced, the qualification dates for the programmes have remained the same. In a statement, actor, presenter and writer Ayoade joked: “I am as surprised as you are that this is still going ahead”. While many of this year’s major film and television awards – including the Oscars, Bafta Film Awards and the National Television Awards – took place before the virus began to wreak havoc throughout the world.
Manchester’s finest, Aitch has released a new EP, POLARIS. The hefty 8-track project is proof of just why the 20 year old is the name on everyone’s lips. Paying homage to his northern roots, the EP is named after the Polaris star, located at the end of the handle of the Little Dipper, approximately 408 light years from Earth. Polaris is also known as the NORTH STAR. Following on from his highoctane performance of “Raw” at Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Aitch hit his already ecstatic fans with another dose of new music - this time in the form of “30'', a single made with the intention of giving energy that landed late last night with a Mancheter-filmed, fast and furious visual. Just a few hours earlier Aitch had generated fan hysteria with the announcement of POLARIS. Featuring never before heard tracks “Safe To Say”, “Zombie”, “Triggered”,
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RSC’s Critically Acclaimed Production Of Romeo And Juliet To Premiere On TV The Royal Shakespeare Company production of Romeo and Juliet (2019) will be broadcast on BBC Four at 9pm on Sunday 7 June as part of Culture in Quarantine. The critically acclaimed production premiered at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in Spring 2018 and transferred to the Barbican in November of the same year. The Company then embarked on an extended national tour of the UK in the Spring of 2019, which included visits to Norwich Theatre Royal, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Alhambra Theatre, Bradford, Nottingham Theatre Royal, Blackpool Grand Theatre, New Theatre, Cardiff and Glasgow Theatre Royal. Romeo and Juliet is the first of six RSC titles to be broadcast as part of the BBC’s Culture in
Quarantine programme running across television, radio and online. It aims to increase access to the arts at a time when the buildings that support them are closed, and to support artists and arts organisations in the process. The six productions are currently part of the UK education syllabus and the broadcast will be supported by a week-long programme of GCSE lesson plans themed around Romeo and Juliet taking place from Monday 15 – Friday 19 June as part of BBC Bitesize Daily. Focussing on Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth, the lessons will offer special insights from RSC actors and directors about how to decode Shakespeare’s language and bring 400-yearold plays to life for today’s audiences.
“Like Them” and the ode to his home-town “Moston”, the unexpected project serves as a dexterous display of skill from the elite Mancunian rapper. POLARIS also features Aitch’s hit single “Rain”, a collaborative release with AJ Tracey, which after charting Top 5, has stuck in the UK Top 20 ever since. With his witty and rapid wordplay and versatility, Aitch is a shining light on the UK music scene; a chart dominating force to be reckoned with. Awe-inspiringly adapting his trademark flow to any beat, Aitch has enlisted production on POLARIS from long term-collaborator and fellow Mancunian Whyjay,, as well as big time producer Kenny Beats, Cubeatz and Nils, the Grammy nominated Tay Keith, AOD and the incredibly talented Nastalgyia x Sykes.
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0121 339 5885 (Birmingham) l The Stereophonics return to Arena Birmingham on February 29th
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ENTERTAINMENT
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Students use the power of music to support NHS A University of Wolverhampton lecturer has brought her current and former students together to support the NHS through the power of music. More than 56 students from England, Wales and Spain took part in the virtual voices performance which has been released to raise awareness of supporting those on the frontline. The idea for the choir of university students, choir members and professional singers came from Elaine Buckland, vocal coach on the University of Wolverhampton BA Musical Theatre degree course. Elaine is no newcomer to charitable performances. Last year alone her choirs raised £20,000 for charities with 35 shows in aid of Promise Dreams (England International and Wolverhampton Wanderers Footballer Steve Bull’s charity), Kidney research UK, Sepsis UK, Lupus and Ysgol Cedewain. The choir perform their own rendition of
the Beatles song ‘Let it Be’, released in 1970 before Paul McCartney’s departure, a piece taught by Elaine in her former role as musical director at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton. “The song speaks of hope in times of uncertainty and light in times of darkness and seemed symbolic of the journey we are all taking at this time.” Elaine’s love of choral work and teaching began during her time at the Grand Theatre where she led two successful choirs, an adult “Grand Circle” choir and a youth choir “Grand Ambition”. One of those taking part is former University of Wolverhampton BA Musical Theatre student, Grace Gull, who first studied with Elaine in Grand Ambition. “It was fantastic to see the way that everyone came together virtually to spread the power of music, whilst raising funds for such a worthy cause.”
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rescheduled tour dates S noop Dogg has announced rescheduled dates due to the global Covid-19 restrictions for his ‘I Wanna Thank Me’ UK and Ireland arena headline tour for February 2021. The forthcoming tour sees the West Coast rap legend touring in support of his 17th album I Wanna Thank Me and documentary of the same name. The album release and documentary celebrated 25 years of Snoop Dogg, a career that has seen the Doggfather cement his
undisputed influence on music with chart-topping, multi-platinum records, while also solidifying his importance to wider culture as an actor, businessman and more across the board. The tour reflects this and sees Snoop Dogg enlist a selection of his key collaborators from the breadth of his iconic music career including further West Coast hip hop royalty; Warren G, Tha Dogg Pound, Obie Trice and D12. They will also be joined by the multimillion streamed Irish rap duo Versatile.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Disney spark huge backlash with their #MayThe4th tweet
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ENTERTAINMENT
Ministry of Sound M Classical releases Lockdown video
inistry of Sound Classical released a special video in collaboration with Alexandra Burke, the London Concert Orchestra and NHS Choir to give thanks to the incredible work of the key workers. Their cover of Olive’s 1997 classic ‘You’re Not Alone’, with it’s poignant, hopeful lyrics and combined with a purely symphonic arrangement, encapsulates what is currently a testing time for us all. A 50-piece orchestral show, Ministry of Sound Classical, with the London Concert Orchestra was due to perform at the Royal Albert Hall by arrangement with Coalition Agency and promoters Raymond Gubbay Limited. As these epic landmark performances for this show was forced to cancel due to COVID-19, it was collectively decided by the performers to create a video to show appreciation and say "thank you" to key workers, specifically our incredible NHS here in the UK. The video has now premiered on Ministry of Sounds YouTube Channel, with a donate link available for those who have enjoyed the track to support NHS Charities Together if they are able. Alexandra Burke is a supporter of the NHS Charities Together and was due to perform as a very special guest at Ministry of Sound Classical at the Royal Albert Hall, so was the perfect choice of vocalist for this very special project. Ministry of Sound Classical is overjoyed for the video to include the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Choir, having been invited to perform on the track by Alexandra. All musicians filmed and recorded their individual parts from the safety of their own homes. The music arrangement and guide audio track was prepared by the live shows sound engineer Phil Wright and orchestral arrangers Robin Hoffman and Tom Player.
Disney was accused of trying to claim media ownership of the popular hashtag ‘MayThe4th’ on Twitter. The company’s streaming service, Disney Plus, encouraged fans to share their favourite Star Wars memories whilst using the hashtag. It followed a legal warning suggesting that any user who tweeted the hashtag was agreeing to Disney’s terms and letting it use their content. It backtracked after a huge protest by fans and widespread mockery. The hashtag – a play on the franchise’s phrase ‘May the force be with you’, has been used for years to coincide with the madeup fan holiday. Many fans rushed to share their confusion over Disney’s tweet. Aaron Wood, IP lawyer at Keystone Law, said that due to the popularity of the hashtag, it was unlikely that Disney’s tweet would have been seen by everyone who used it.
Star Wars actor Boyega rails against racism
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ctor John Boyego delivered an uncompromising message against racism after fielding praise and backlash for Twitter posts about the subject. The Star Wars star posted about his hate of racism following the death of an unarmed Black man in police custody in the USA. He added: “WHITE on BLACK racism” had “ruined the world”, which sparked respomses about other forms of racism. He later doubled down against “racist white people” in an Instagram live. His initial anger was sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minnesota, in the USA, who was shown in a video to be groaning “I can’t breathe” as a police officer knelt on his neck. Boyega tweeted his hatred of racist before he replied to a Nigerian man who said that he broke up with his girlfriend because she was racist against white people. The Hollywood actor
replied: “I am talking about WHITE on BLACK racism. The kind that has ruined the world not caused a lil break up with your girlfriend.” In the Instagram live, he then explained: “There’s no way that I have the opinion that there’s no other form of racism. Of course there’re other forms of racism. “But a Black man was just murdered in cold blood in the streets Stateside again, while saying he can’t breathe. The Mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey, immediately called for charges against the officer who knelt on Floyd’s
neck. In a press conference the highly emotional Mayor said: “Why is the man who killed George Floyd not in jail? “If you had done it, or I had done it, we would be behind bars right now”. He (Mayor Frey) did not specify what the charge should be at the time, but he said that his determination was based on video of the incident. Born in London, of Nigerian parents, Boyega said: “That is a continuous cycle going on. “Although I don’t live in the States, I am Black.”
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l Tom Cruise and Elon Musk
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Shooting films in space?! H
ollywood star, Tom Cruise, is working with NASA in making plans to shoot the first action movie in space. He has partnered with NASA and SpaceX founder, Elon Musk, to take the venture to the International Space Station. It was shortly after a report claimed that the actor was looking to take his next movie to space that NASA director,
Jim Bridenstine, confirmed the news on Twitter, stating: “NASA is excited to work with @TomCruise on a film aboard the @Space_Station! We need popular media to inspire a new generation of engineers and scientists to make @NASA’s ambitious plans a reality. Musk replied: “Should be a lot of fun!” It is said that the movie is set to be the next instalment in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise.
COVID-19 Cancels Notting Hill Carnival
This year’s Notting Hill Carnival has been cancelled due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic. About one million people usually attend the annual event in west London, which was due to take place on August 30 and 31.” Organisers said that the pandemic meant that calling off the weekend celebrations was “the only safe option”, but said that they were working on holding a celebration during the same weekend but in an alternative form.
It is the first time that it will not take place in more than 50 years. A statement said: “After lengthy consultations with our strategic partners and our Advisory Council, the Board has taken the decision that this year’s Carnival will not take place on the streets of Notting Hill as it has done for over 50 years. “This will also mean that Panorama, the annual steelband competition, will not take place”.
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Japanese wrestler Hana Kimura dies at only 22
Hana Kimura, a professional Japanese wrestler who also appeared in the latest series of Netflix's reality show Terrace House, has died at the age of 22. Stardom Wrestling, Kimura's organisation, confirmed the news and asked fans to be respectful. The cause of death was not immediately clear. Shortly before she died, she issued a series of troubling social media posts implying she had been cyber-bullied. The most recent update on her Instagram story on Friday featured a photo of her with her cat, with a caption that read
"goodbye". A winner of Stardom's 2019 Fighting Spirit Award, Kimura was one of the cast members of Japanese reality TV show Terrace House, before it was suspended due to coronavirus. The show follows three men and three women as they temporarily live together in a house. Confirming her death on Twitter, Stardom said: "Please be respectful and allow some time for things to process, and keep your thoughts and prayers with her family and friends." Her mother was also a well-known wrestler, Kyoko Kimura.
M
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athias Andre and CJ Webley, two previous members of Lightpost Theatre Company, have now successfully been employed in leadership roles. In 2015, Birmingham Repertory Theatre took part in an initial pilot scheme Up My Street, a partnership project funded by Mind, to help strengthen mental health in young black men through theatre. This scheme was developed in response to statistics that show young black men in the UK are much more likely to develop serious mental illness than any other demographic. Motivated by the scheme, participants formed Lightpost Theatre Company. Addressing the effects of racism, discrimination, negative selfimage and invisibility, Lightpost Theatre Company helps to strengthen the mental health resilience and wellbeing of those involved, improve self-belief, raise mental health awareness, assist personal development, and encourage inclusion and friendship. With three years’ funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, Lightpost Theatre Company has since welcomed hundreds of participants aged 1826 from across the West Midlands who have gone on to create their own productions, perform to sellout audiences, gain employment and training within the industry and create new leaders for a new generation of members. CJ said “It has always been
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Lightpost Theatre Company Appoints New Artistic Leaders the goal for Lightpost Theatre Company to create new Leaders. Because we understand what these young men experience outside of the company, we can help to empower them and support resilience against perceived and proven barriers including lack of opportunity, racism and related stresses.” Mathias added: “Lightpost is not just a theatre company it’s a movement. This is an experience like no other. If you are an 18-26 young male of black heritage and have a keen interest in theatre,
then you should join us. Don’t allow others to write the narrative for you. Get yourself in the room and take ownership, you deserve to be here as much as everyone else.” Ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week, Alex Summers, Creative Learning Director at The REP added “We are delighted to welcome back Mathias and CJ to lead Lightpost Theatre Company. “This progression is what the company is all about, providing participants with the support to recognise their talent, help them
with their career and provide a voice within the wider community. Mathias and CJ will be supporting new members, organising workshops, writing and rehearsal sessions and leading the creative team into realising their artistic vision. The company work with professional directors and writers to create, rehearse and stage outstanding productions reflecting their own personal journey or themes affecting the wider community.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Glastonbury fan paints iconic scenes on her body
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woman who has been painting herself with scenes from the iconic Glastonbury Festival says that she has been “blown away” by the response. Lisa Davies had not tried body painting until the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown. The 33-year-old’s work has been shared by the festival’s Facebook community including a simple “wow” and “get that on canvas.” Each picture takes Ms Davies about three hours to complete and is painted from a reverse image. She said: “I didn’t expect the comments and praise that I’ve had. I’m really blown away by it all”. Lisa, who works in customer services, moved from her home in Cardiff to be with her sister in Gloucestershire for the lockdown. She said: “I’ve always loved drawing but lest all my pencils and art materials at home so I thought I’d send off for some body paints and have a go “I had tickets and should have been at the festival so I thought I’d paint my way round the site”. Ms Davies finds an iconic view of the festival and then reverses the image before starting to paint it on to her body. “It’s a bit mind-boggling to do and I’m not a professional by any means!”
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ance Monkey immies Past Billion Mark D
espite being released just over a year ago, Tones And I’s all-conquering hit ‘Dance Monkey’ continues to achieve new landmarks. Its latest conquest comes with the news that the track’s official video has now exceeded a billion views at YouTube in less than a year. Its success means that Tones And I has already collected an awe-inspiring list of achievements, with highlights including: • A global tally of seven billion+ streams, including 1.5 billion at Spotify where it’s become the all-time most streamed song by a female artist. • The longest-running UK #1 from a female artist in chart history with 11 weeks at the top. It still commands a strong chart position in the UK, having already completed 38 consecutive weeks in the
Top 40. The most Shazamed single of all-time. • It hit #4 on Billboard’s Hot 100 as it reached Platinum status, making ‘Dance Monkey’ the chart’s first Top 5 hit to have been solely written by a woman in over eight years. • Multi-Platinum or Diamond certification in fifteen countries (including Double-Platinum in the USA and 11x Platinum in Australia). • Four ARIA Awards: Best Female Artist, Breakthrough Artist, Best Pop Release and Best Independent Release. Just as importantly, ‘Dance Monkey’ provided the spark for fans to further immerse themselves into Tones And I’s creative world. They connected with her debut EP ‘The Kids Are Coming’, which featured another hit in the shape of ‘Never Seen The Rain’, •
before Tones dropped her first release of 2020 with the double A-side single ‘Bad Child’ / ‘Can’t Be Happy All The Time’ and there’s much more to follow with more new music coming soon. Originally from Australia’s Mornington Peninsula, Tones And I travelled to Byron Bay in early 2018 to take a chance at busking. On the first day she had crowds spilling onto the street. Tones quit her retail job and decided to make Byron her new home where she lived out of her van for a year, honing her songwriting and busking every weekend. Tones And I soon found herself in global demand as ‘Dance Monkey’ exploded. She subsequently sold-out shows from Melbourne to London to New York, and appeared on numerous leading TV shows including ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’, ‘The Voice’ and ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’.
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usicians and songwriters in the UK received a record amount of money last year, but the loss of live performances has posed a major threat to income fir this year. The warning was issued by the PRS for Music, the body that makes sure that 145,000 songwriters, composers and publishers in the United Kingdom are paid when their music is played or performed throughout the world. The organisation collected a record £810 million last year, which was a rise of 8.7%. However, it did say that Covid-19 would most likely result in an “inevitable decline” in 2020 and 2021. Chief executive, Andrea Martin, said: “Even though we had a record-breaking year, we know very well that we are in unprecedented times”. She said that revenues from “live music and public performance will be hit” not just in 2020 but also in 2021, as international payments often takes time to trickle down. She added: “There will be a downfall, but by how much and
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Music royalties smash records amid warning
by what per cent … your guess is as good as mine”. The situation will hit smaller
acts, many of whom were already struggling before the coronavirus pandemic, the hardest.
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Vincymas takes over Port-Of-Spain T he yellow, blue and green colours of St. Vincent & The Grenadines were hard to miss on Ariapita Avenue in Port-OfSpain, Trinidad & Tobago during the recent cultural promotion put on by the SVG Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) at T&T’s 2020 Carnival. At the event, representatives of the CDC as well as Vincentian Soca artistes were present to
interact with attendees and passersby on the popular T&T nightlife strip and to a TV audience through a live regional broadcast via entertainment network Synergy TV. This initiative gave the CDC contingent an opportunity to educate the masses about the various festivals and cultural activities due for 2020 on the destination of St. Vincent & The Grenadines which include ‘Vincymas’, ‘Union Island Easterval’, ‘Bequia Easter Regatta’
and ‘Bequia Music Festival’. Additionally, attendees at the Ariapita Avenue extravaganza had a chance to view video presentations on the upcoming festivals and were treated to pulsating performances by top Vincy artistes. Performing at the Synergy TV event were proud SVG ambassador and 2019 T&T Roach Champion Skinny Fabulous, Hance John, Casper G and 2019 Vincymas Road March Winner, Luta.
Gavin James LIVE AT THE DRIVE-IN
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he return of Gavin James with his new single ‘Boxes’ reiterated the huge success that he has enjoyed. In Ireland, the track hit the #1 on iTunes and the Top 10 at Shazam, while its accompanying lyric video fired to #1 on YouTube. ‘Boxes’ has added to his growing list of accomplishments, which include over a billion global streams, 250,000 ticket sales and two sold-out nights at Dublin’s 3Arena, and shows with Niall Horan, Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran. Now Gavin James is confirmed as the first headline artist for Live At The Drive-In. The event, Ireland’s first drive-in live music tour, will provide an entertainment space where fans from across the country can enjoy a live music experience again while adhering to all WHO and governmental Covid-19 safety recommendations and guidelines. Live At The Drive-In will deliver safe, family friendly entertainment during this difficult time. Each of the venues, listed below, will host a matinee and an evening show starting at approximately 4pm and 8pm each day. The capacity of each show varies from 250 to 300 cars. Further details and a list of FAQ can be found at the Live At The Drive-In website. The shows are: July 24th - Limerick, The Greenpark Site
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July 31st - Cork, Showgrounds August 7th - Waterford, Tramore Promenade August 10th - Kilkenny, Gowran Racecourse A contribution from the proceeds of each event will be donated to a charity chosen by the headliner. Gavin James has chosen the Down Syndrome Centre. Live At The Drive-In is planned for a six-week run from July 20th, when the government is expected to commence Phase III of its Covid-19 plans for reopening Ireland. The live independent music industry in Ireland has been decimated by Covid-19. The industry’s personnel are predominantly freelance, so when Covid-19 restrictions were rightly instructed, employment opportunities ceased. The event offers employment to gear handlers, roadies, lighting designers, monitor engineers and production crew, many of who would otherwise be unemployed this summer. With sadly no official festival season in 2020, Live At The Drive-In is not a substitute but an inspired, welcome, unique and family friendly way to help reintroduce music to the Irish market. The safety of staff and general public is paramount, and in order for the Irish economy to reopen for business we must all respect the public health guidelines and respect social distancing.
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How some stars are helping music’s unsung heroes in lockdown
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hether they are guitar players, backing vocals or studio engineers, career musicians struggle with pay even in regular times. Many of them would tend to take on extra work in order to make ends meet when their services are not needed on stage or in the studio. For them, the Covid-19 pandemic has been a double whammy. Not only has tours and recording sessions been put on hold, but those second jobs in wedding bands or school classrooms have vanished too. According to a Musician’s Union survey, 92% of its members have seen their livelihood affected by coronavirus, losing an estimated £13.9bn in earnings in the first two weeks of the lockdown. Meanwhile, the Ivors Academy of songwriters an composers said that it anticipated a loss £25,000 per member over a sixmonth period. Whilst record-breaking record royalty payments are often mentioned for the world’s
superstars, Olga FirzRoy, an award-winning engineer and producer whose credits include The Beatles, Coldplay and Foo Fighters, said that for the rest, “the industry has ground to a halt”. She said: “I did my last session in the first week of March, but have done nothing since then. And my colleagues are pretty much in the same boat. “There’s no money coming in. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, some artists are finding ways to support their sidemen and women – and hope that they can establish new precedents along the way. In Paris, in France, jazz artist, Melody Gardot is making a new record from her apartment, and inviting musicians from around the world to form her ‘virtual orchestra.’ Anyone can sign up – and they will receive musical charts, backing tracks and instructions on how to record themselves performing at home. Gardot says that she hopes that other artists will follow her lead in paying musicians for recording their parts at home.
Soul II Soul announce S rescheduled Tour dates
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oul II Soul have announced rescheduled dates due to the global Covid-19 restrictions for their forthcoming ‘Club Classics’ tour. They will complete a 14-date UK tour in 2021 starting on February 19th with an already sold out show at the Brighton Dome, and will finish at the Tramshed in
Cardiff on April 24th. Their upcoming sold out headline show at London’s Royal Albert Hall meanwhile is set to go ahead as planned on November 24th 2020. The double Grammy Award winning and five-time Brit Award nominated British band tour the UK as they pay tribute to their legendary debut album Club Classics Vol. One. It follows from the phenomenal success of their tour of the album in 2018 with sold out shows across the country. During the course of their stellar career the band have sold over 10 million albums worldwide and main man Jazzie B was awarded an OBE for services to music in 2008, as well as winning an Ivor Novello Award for Inspiration, as “the man who gave British black music a soul of its own”. With huge hits including ‘Keep On Movin’ (which sold over a million copies in the US alone) and the UK number one single ‘Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)’, Soul II Soul progressed from being one of the leaders of the 1980s warehouse scene to pioneering British black music around the world, and securing commercial success for themselves and the huge amount of artists they have influenced.
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#DRIVEATHOME
McLaren & Forza Come Together While the world does the right thing and stays safe at home, we want to keep ourselves driving, just digitally. Forza Horizon 4 makes for the ultimate driving playground and features nearly every McLaren car, including the recently added Speedtail. #DriveatHome is about creating new content with these incredible cars, all from the safety of your own home. Using Forza Horizon 4’s digital microcosm of Britain, you can
LONDON CONCOURS 2020 TO CELEBRATE ‘LOST MARQUES’
embark on weekly adventures in different McLaren cars and share your favourite photos on social. Get involved by posting your pics on any social channel and tagging them with #DriveatHome. #DriveatHome is just the beginning of McLaren’s digital work with the Forza racing franchise during these challenging times. They will be bringing a series of episodic films, all shot in-game, with some of the most famous faces within the McLaren brand.
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he London Concours, presented by Montres Breguet, has announced the ‘Lost Marques’ Display; an homage to the car manufacturers we have loved and lost over the years. Not all car manufacturers make it. In a global industry that's so fast-moving, so heavily regulated and so financially ruinous, manufacturers that may have deserved to stay, are often forced to disappear. But, thankfully, their vehicles remain as moving sculptures of their achievements, and at London Concours 2020 we'll once again be celebrating some of the finest Lost Marques; the beautiful, the innovative and the fast from the brands that no longer exist. In total, 12 ‘Lost Marques’ legends will be on display, but below are a few of the highlights:
Facel Vega HK500
Facel started building cars
when its owner, Jean Daninos wanted to create a car that embodied French elegance and craftmanship with American flair in the body of a grand tourer during the 1950s and 60s. The HK500 is one of 500 ever produced from 1959 to 1961 and powered by a 361 cubic inch Chrysler Hemi V8, allowing drivers to easily surpass 100mph. Owners, many of whom were celebrities, were offered two gearbox options: the Chrysler automatic transmission or a French four-speed manual.
of Le Mans in 1966.
Jensen C-V8
The C-V8 was considered one of the fastest production fourseater cars of its time, able to beat the Lamborghini Miura to 60mph. Built from 1962 to 1966, Jensen used a Chrysler big-block V8 in the fiberglass bodied C-V8. The company was founded in 1922 as W J Smith & Sons Limited before being changed to Jensen Motors in 1934.
Alvis Speed 25
The Alvis Speed 25 was considered to be one of the finest cars produced in the 1930s. Its smooth and powerful 3571cc engine allowed for 0-50mph in 11 seconds, and a top speed of 95mph.This specific example was gifted to the original lady owner for her 21st birthday, and the original documents show that it was delivered incomplete, with unfitted panels supplied by coachbuilders, Charlesworth.
Bizzarrini P538
Giotto Bizzarrini started off as a test driver for Alfa Romeo, before moving to Ferrari where he helped develop the 250 GTO. Later on, he started his own company, Bizzarrini, and crafted a number of stunning Italian designs, with American power. Among them was the P538 racer, fitted with a Chevy V8, a central driving position and the speed to compete at the 24 Hours
Risk Of 1.1 Million Unroadworthy Vehicles Returning To The Highways New research by the nation’s largest MOT tester reveals that almost 1.1 million unroadworthy vehicles are set to return to the UK’s streets as the lockdown begins to ease and people increasingly take to their cars. Kwik Fit carries out more MOTs than any other company and it has analysed the latest DVSA MOT data, along with its own statistics. Taken together they show that an estimated 1,096,000 vehicles which have received a six month MOT extension would have failed a test with dangerous or major defects had
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they undergone an MOT. Of these unroadworthy vehicles, it is estimated that some 316,000 would have dangerous defects, while the remaining 780,000 vehicles would fail with major defects. Since 30 March vehicles have been provided with an automatic six month extension to their MOT expiry date, in response to the need to reduce traffic during the lockdown. As a result, only around 24% of the vehicles that were originally due a test in that period (beginning 30 March) have been tested. The law requires vehicle
owners to keep their vehicles roadworthy, even if they have received an MOT extension. However, research for Kwik Fit has found that 49% of drivers who have received, or are due to receive, an MOT extension will go to the end of that period without getting their car tested. Even more concerning is the finding that many drivers will be knowingly driving an unsafe car. 8% of those who will wait for the end of the extension to get their car tested, some 1.1 million drivers, said they will do so as they believe there is something wrong with their car and don’t want to risk it failing.
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ROLLS-ROYCE: ACHIEVING PERFECTION ON EVERY SCALE
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ir Henry Royce once said, “Small things make perfection, but perfection is no small thing.” It is in this vein that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars presents to its clients, perfect scale models of Cullinan, the marque’s stellar SUV. As daily driving pleasures have been curtailed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, some other of life’s little luxuries have come to the fore. An authentic 1:8 scale replica of a full-sized Cullinan, in which every detail is reproduced with absolute perfection, can now be enjoyed by clients around the world, in the comfort of their own home. Far more than a mere model, each miniature Cullinan is individually and painstakingly crafted by hand, to the client’s specification, from over 1,000 individual components.
Motorpoint Goes Contactless In England And Wales The UK’s largest independent car retailer, which has a network of 12 branches across both countries, has been busy in recent weeks adapting its vehicle handover process to minimise contact at the point of collection. The new click and collect service, which will initially be available Monday to Friday, will enable customers to adhere to the latest social distancing guidelines and choose, buy and drive away without any physical contact with a member of staff. This includes test drives which can now be done without someone from Motorpoint being present in the car. Motorpoint branches will continue to be closed on Government advice until advised with staff working on a strict appointment-only based system for collections. All vehicle handovers will be completed outdoors. Mark Carpenter, chief executive officer of Motorpoint, said: “As a business that has openness and friendliness at the heart of everything it does, creating a buying experience that puts distance between our teams and our customers feels slightly unnatural, but it is absolutely necessary and the right thing to do.”
This process can take up to 450 hours – over half of the time required to build a full-sized Cullinan at the Home of RollsRoyce in Goodwood, West Sussex. The replica is hand-painted using Rolls-Royce colour-matched paint, then hand-polished to the marque’s exacting specification; the coachline is even applied using a fine brush, just as it is on the original. Clients may choose from a palette of around 40,000 ‘standard’ colours, or replicate their own personal Bespoke finish. The fully-functioning exterior lights are operated by a Cullinanbranded remote control; under the bonnet is a perfect likeness of the iconic 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine.
Every Volvo Now Comes With A 112Mph Speed Limit And Care Key Every new Volvo car now comes with a limited top speed of 112mph, as Volvo Cars delivers on its promise made last year to introduce such a limitation and goes beyond regulation and legislation to help close the remaining gap to zero serious injuries and fatalities in traffic. As well as the speed cap, every Volvo car will now also come with a Care Key, which allows Volvo drivers to set additional limitations on the car’s top speed, for example before lending their car to other family members or to younger and inexperienced drivers. Together, the 112mph speed limitation and Care Key send a strong signal about the dangers of speeding, underlining Volvo Cars' position as a worldwide leader in safety. Both features illustrate how car makers can take active responsibility for striving to achieve zero traffic fatalities by supporting better driver behaviour. “We believe that a car maker has a responsibility to help improve traffic safety,” said Malin Ekholm, head of the Volvo Cars Safety Centre. “Our speed limiting technology, and
the dialogue that it initiated, fits that thinking. “The speed cap and Care Key help people reflect and realise that speeding is dangerous, while also providing extra peace of mind and supporting better driver behaviour.” The top speed limit has proven to be controversial since it was announced, with some observers questioning the rights of car makers to impose such limitations through available technology. Yet Volvo Cars believes it has an obligation to continue its tradition of being a pioneer in the discussion around the rights and obligations of car makers to take action that can ultimately save lives, even if this means losing potential customers.
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THERE WILL NOW BE AN INTERVAL
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he management at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre announced that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Theatre will remain closed until Monday 31 August. CEO and Artistic Director Adrian Jackson said, “We are living thorough unprecedented times but that said, I would like to take this opportunity to reassure everyone that great care and effort is being taken to safeguard the future of our Grand Theatre. “Thanks to shrewd business planning and careful financial management, the theatre, which is also a registered charity, will make A GRAND COMEBACK just as soon as it is safe to do so. “Decisions around our Autumn/ Winter season, and our traditional family pantomime are in major discussion and there will be an update as soon as possible. “For now, it is all about 2021. We have secured phenomenal shows for our new season, some of which are already on sale and others will be announced very soon. “As a charity, we provide vital work in the community and sustaining this work is of the upmost priority. “I would like to sincerely thank everyone for the donations, letters, cards, emails and comments of support we have received. “In a time when we are isolated from the people we care about, these gestures are greatly appreciated. “The Grand has stood proudly in Wolverhampton for the past 125 years and we will ensure that the people of Wolverhampton and beyond will continue to enjoy this great theatre for many decades to come.” While some productions have been completely cancelled, a large percentage have been re-scheduled for a later date. For the complete listing's customers should visit www.grandtheatre.co.uk
Rapper, Ty, dies from Covid-19 virus Highly acclaimed UK rapper, Ty, has died after contracting coronavirus. The Nigerian-born Mercurynominated star was known for his witty, mature style that owed much to the old-school US rappers, as opposed to the now established grime-influenced street sounds of today’s British urban music. Broadcaster, Jasmine Dotiwala confirmed the news of his death on social media in a tribute to the star. Alongside a picture of the pair alongside the likes of actor/director Noel Clarke and DJ/Producer Naughty Boy she wrote; ‘It breaks my heart to have to share this. I had been waiting for @tymusic to recover before using this pic of our crew celebrating him. ‘It’s now a tribute photo on a devastating day. We are all in
shock and trying to process this news. Ty was our boy our whole lives. RIEP.’ She added: ‘He always had any live music audience eating out of his hands but @tymusic was always a UK hip hop pioneer who supported new, young musicians. ‘A community activist who spoke up for communities all around him, he was a neuclius of talent and love and the culture loved him.’ In 2004, his second album, ‘Upwards’, was nominated for the much-respected Mercury Prize – where he was up against the late Amy Winehouse, The Streets and the eventual winners, Franz Ferdinand. A.K.A. Ben Chijioke, his death was mourned by fellow stars including Roots Man and Ghets. He was 47.
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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020 - Page 31
ENTERTAINMENT
www.streetcredmagazine.com www.streetcredmagazine.com
BIG DAVE’S SAFE PAGE
Proceed With Caution! Big Dave’s equation for life is (2MTR) / IPS = (2MOS) x 1 = 42
W
e all have to learn to cross the road, the danger is we might get run over. The solution we were all taught when I was younger was to follow the Green Cross Code. Look Right, Look Left, Look Right Again and proceed to cross if the road was clear and there were no visible or audio dangers using common sense and the senses we are born with. Because the watch word for this is ‘Caution’ and the key message from this is to’ Proceed with Caution’. This is how we should approach this new danger and to manage our daily activities and working lives around Coronavirus and to proceed with caution. We are now 50 years on from the way we were all taught a valuable lesson and we still use this approach today to learn and to use to cross the road. The principles are the same so the learnings are important if we want to change our communities for the better. Building Safe (2 Metres To Respect) Individual Positive
Space without putting yourself and others in harm’s way and bringing this unknown, unseen and potentially life threatening in so many cases and fatal virus into our lives. Ever since we lived in caves man has craved interaction and contact with other people. We have all relished close company but this new evil, this virus that you can’t see, touch, hear or smell has made us so fearful of personal space and of strangers in the street invading that space, even to the point of close family and friends. So how do we overcome this and support from a distance, families, friends, work colleagues as we are all in this together. We all know things are not going to be the same as before for some time and we will have to adapt to the ‘New Normal’ but if we can remember to 2MTR (2 Metres To Respect) as the part of the new equation for life and the formula is (2MTR) / IPS = (2MOS) x 1 = 42 (Life)
The key to the formula is as follows:
(2MTR) = 2 Metres To Respect
(which is the official guideline) allows for protection of (IPS) Individual Personal Space, which equates to (2MOS) which is the 2 Metres of Space for us all to follow and if we all do that then this gives us a much improved chance of not contracting and passing on the Coronavirus and living through this period. For the followers of Douglas Admas and the Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy you will know the answer is 42 and that is Life itself. So if we all follow the formula both ourselves, our loved ones and others will be less likely to become a victim of the Coronavirus pan epidemic. If we can all think about this formula the answer will be a positive outcome and we will be able to hug one another again and shake hands or fist bump. We all need to Stay Strong and to Stay Safe and if we do we will get through this faster and be closer together and better for this shared experience. Spread the 2MTR love not the virus. Stay Safe, Stay Strong and do the Maths
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Page 32 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020
ENTERTAINMENT
www.streetcredmagazine.com
Game of Thrones star, Bjornsson, breaks deadlift record
G
ame of Thrones actor, Hafthor Bjornsson, has set a new world deadlift record after lifting 501 kg (1,104 lbs). Bjornsson, a power-lifter who portrayed Ser Gregor ‘The Monster’ Clegane in the HBO series, broke the record at his gym in his native Iceland. He lifted the barbell for two seconds, before dropping the weights and roaring in delight. The event was streamed by leading sports broadcaster, ESPN, and filmed for Bjornsson’s YouTube channel. He said: “It’s just great - there’s nothing better than proving people wrong. So many people didn’t believe in me, so many people that said ; ‘501 kg is never going to go up’…But I also had a lot of support”. Going on, he added: “I feel healthy, I feel good. I am just absolutely speechless, even though I am talking a lot about it now. “But I am excited, super excited – this is huge for me”. The 6ft 9ins Bjornsson previously won the World’s Strongest Man competition in 2018. Previously, the record was held by British powerlifter, Eddie Hall, who was the first man to lift 500 kg, in 2016.
To advertise
National Theatre At Home – A New Play for Free Every Thursday The National Theatre is streaming a new full-length play every Thursday. Premiering with ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’, starring Gillian Anderson, and the awardwinning production of ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’, starring James Corden. It was followed by Jane Eyre, Treasure Island and Twelfth Night. National Theatre At Home is giving everyone a way to watch quality British theatre, from the comfort of their living rooms. The service launched as a new way of sharing the NT’s
work while people have to stay at home. A classic National Theatre Live title will be streamed on their YouTube channel for free. This latest wave is just as tantalising, with the National Theatre definitely keeping its viewers on their toes by saving the Hiddleston until last. Additionally, they will be rolling out National Theatre Collection study resources to pupils now learning at home and has also confirmed that live performances won’t restart until at least July.
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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020 - Page 33
OBITUARIES AND NOTICE BOARD
Florian Schneider
T
he German-born musician was one of the founding members of electronic band Kraftwerk whose improve-style of music would influence many a group and solo star in any genre. Their debut album ‘Autobahn’ would see the ‘birth’ of one of the most influential bands in modern music history with pop, rock, hip-hop and bhangra just some of the genres to be thankful for their existence – especially with alltime classic tracks like ’Tour de France’, ‘Trans Europe Express’ and ‘Computer World.’ As the culture of sampling really took off in the 1980s, Kraftwerk was right up there,
Ken Brown
A alongside James Brown, with the jazz-funk greats as the ubiquitous ‘go-to’ for any producer looking for raw source material to make new dance tracks from. He died after a long battle suffering from cancer age 73.
true champion of Birmingham – city council and beyond - he was a leader of men, women and children alike. A council stalwart, he was known to go above and beyond in his pursuit of making his beloved inner city, in particular, and the greater, wider city safe, secure and prosperous. A keen footballer, he, along with his brothers, Tony and Keith, was heavily touted to by many clubs.
T
he pioneering Nigerian Afrobeats drummer, composer, and songwriter lived and worked in Paris, France, was the musical director of Fela Kuti's band Africa '70 and one of the primary cofounders of the Afrobeat music genre - Fela himself once stated that; "without Tony Allen, there would be no Afrobeat”. Once said to be "perhaps the greatest drummer who has ever lived” by pop legend Brian Eno, Allen's career and life story were documented in his 2013 autobiography ‘Tony Allen: Master Drummer of Afrobeat’. He formed his own group, recording ‘No Discrimination’ in 1980, and performing in Lagos until emigrating to London in 1984. Later moving to Paris, he recorded with King Sunny Adé, Ray Lema and Manu Dibango.
Tony Allen Developing a hybrid sound, deconstructing and fusing Afrobeat with electronica, dub, R&B, and rap, he refers to this synthesis as afrofunk. Recorded live in Lagos, with a full-sized Afrobeat band, ‘Lagos No Shaking’ (Lagos is OK) signified his return to roots Afrobeat after forays into avantgarde electronica hybrids. He died of abdominal aortic aneurysm age 79.
Little Richard
T
he singer, born in Georgia, Alabama, as Richard Wayne Penniman, was one of the four original ‘founder members’ of rock ‘n’ roll music along with Chuck Berry Fats Domino and Chubby Checker - and his hits include; ‘Good Golly Miss Molly’ (which originally made the UK charts in 1958) ‘Tuti-Fruiti’, ‘Send Me Some Lovin’ and ‘Long Tall Sally’
Millie Small
But his unrelenting love for all people around him was his greater burning focus. Hugely supportive of all that is good in his community, he was always making sure that his family, friends and all around him can nurture from his knowledge, integrity and commitment for good, he was described as a ‘true pillar of the community’ and a ‘city legend’. A father-of-three, he was 56. before being one of the stars who would influence a fledgling The Beatles, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. As his success soared, in 1957 he publicly announced he was quitting rock ‘n’ roll to devote his life to the ministry before then recording gospel songs. His first gospel album; ‘God Is Real’, was released in 1959. But, a year later, he returned to rock ‘n’ roll – performing live and recording from then on. A deeply religious music icon, he attributed his life (and staying alive) to a higher power when he said: “Jesus always had something or me. “He always brought me through”. His importance into the music’s development would never be questioned. He was 87
T
he Jamaican-born singing sensation was famous for her hit single ‘My Boy Lollypop’ which reached No.2 in both the UK and US pop charts in 1964. And, it was her country’s first ever million-selling hit. It remains one of the biggestselling ska songs of all times, with well over seven million record sales. The founder of Island Records, Chris Blackwood, who brought her to the UK in 1963 before producing her childlike voice on
the hit single, said that he will always remember her as “a sweet person…really special”. ‘My Boy Lollipop’ also featured in the 2012 London Olympic Games’ opening ceremony. She died after suffering from a stroke. She was 73.
Dave Greenfield A keyboard player with celebrated post-punk band The Stranglers, he penned the band's biggest hit, ‘Golden Brown’, a song about heroin, which went to number two on the UK singles chart in 1982. Known for his distinctive sound and playing style on instruments including the harpsichord and Hammond electric organ, critics compared his sound to that of Ray Manzarek from The Doors. ‘Golden Brown’, perhaps Greenfield's finest moment, eventually won them an Ivor Novello award; however his bandmates initially discarded the song and did not consider it a single. The band's other hits include
‘No More Heroes’, ‘Peaches’ and ‘Something Better Change’. They continued touring and recording after original frontman Hugh Cornwell left in 1990. He died having contracted coronavirus after a prolonged stay in hospital for heart problems age 71.
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Marc Hindu F h 10 2020 estiva and Colol of Love urs
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March 6 202
March 17 2020
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Page 34 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020
NEWS
Possible Potato Shortage The leader of the Farmers Union (NFU) has warned that the UK could face a potato shortage following the failure to drench rivers had led to recent mass flooding. NFU president Minnette Batters said that; “The water has been managed in a disgraceful way. “Up to 50 per cent of this year’s crop is rotting in the ground because farmers have been unable to harvest”. She added: “I have never seen so little winter planting in my working lifetime”. With the UK entirely selfsufficient in fresh potatoes, a shortage can mean rises in costs and it disappearing in supermarkets. Furthermore, a shortage of seeds for spring planting could mean that the shortage could last well into next year.
6 Year Old Frank Raises £28,000 for the NHS A six-year-old boy with spina bifida who raised £28k for the NHS has won a special award from the PM. Frank Mills, from Bristol, only learned to walk 18 months ago managed to walk for 10 metres per day with the aid of his walking frame. He had set out to raise £99 to match Captain Tom Moore’s age when he completed his recordbreaking walk but, in the end, he managed to achieve 3,000 times that target figure. In awarding the Point of Light to Frank, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said: “He was as brave
and brilliant as Captain Tom”. Frank’s mother, Janet, set up a JustGiving page and shared Frank’s story – with the target set for just £99. She said: “After four weeks in lockdown, the family came across Captain Tom’s daily fundraising walk - with his walking frame, and Frank just said ‘I want to do that’. “So we grabbed hold of that magic moment of motivation and we took his walker outside for him and chalked out 10 metres on the pavement with a start and finish line and two metre ‘you can do it’ markers”. She continued: “Frank’s
enthusiasm was not just surprising, but invigorating, and as he shouted at one of our neighbours to sponsor him, we thought why not? “So we quickly put something up on JustGiving and shared the link on Facebook and, from then it really took off. “We couldn’t believe the response”. Born with spina bifida, Frank has had on-going top-class NHS care at Bristol Children’s Hospital, as well as in his community.
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Elbas look to create new holiday resort in Africa
Screen superstar, Idris Elba OBE, is looking for the ultimate tonic, after the coronavirus pandemic is cleared worldwide, with plans for creating a Dubai-style holiday resort in Africa. The multi-award winning actor and star of stage, small screen and big’, is looking to launch a luxury eco-friendly resort in the birth-land of his father, Sierra Leone, with would be lined with hotels, restaurants and bars, and he is already said to be in the process of seeking investment opportunities.
The East London-born star of movies and TV shows, which include; The Wire, Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom, Star Trek Beyond and Luther, has said that the idea of the grand project, although on his mind for some time, came to fruition, after he, and his wife, Sabrina, were in isolation after contracting the Covid-19 virus whilst out of the UK. Following a meeting with the wife of Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, Sophie – who, herself (with her husband), tested positive for
coronavirus – After falling in love with the land of his father, after first visiting the country’s capital, Freetown, the 49-year-old screen idle was set on putting down some sort of roots in the land of his father, Winston, and as such, the idea of investing in the country has borne fruit. The fact that he also gained citizenship there - he called it “the biggest ever honour in my life” - it has made him doublydetermined to pull it off. He said: “America and the UK can’t house my ambition - Only Africa can house my ambitions. “I can create Africa’s own Disney right here…in Sierra Leone”.
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T
housands of local people are to benefit from a new programme to help them land jobs created by the forthcoming Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. As well as bringing in millions of extra pounds into the West Midlands economy, the Games are also expected to create thousands of new jobs – which the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is determined should be filled by local people. To help make that happen, the WMCA and its partners have launched a new Commonwealth Jobs and Skills Academy, to accelerate and amplify plans to improve regional skills and employment opportunities through the Games. There will be a particular focus on supporting young people and unemployed adults. The Academy is an umbrella brand for all employment and skills programmes linked to the Games, including: • Construction training – including on-site construction hubs and training already commissioned to support the Athletes’ Village • An apprenticeship programme • Support from Games contractors – including new
The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020 - Page 35
NEWS
jobs, apprenticeships, work experience, and masterclasses • Pre-employment construction training already committed by suppliers to the Games • Training support to help volunteering programmes As part of the Academy, the WMCA has allocated £1m of its devolved Adult Education Budget to fund technical skills development, helping individuals and businesses prepare for Commonwealth Games-related opportunities. The funding will support training in leadership and management skills to help local businesses in related industries – such as hospitality, catering, events and security – to win contracts for the Games. Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “One of the main reasons I was so determined to help secure the Commonwealth Games for the region was the employment opportunities it would create for young people across the West Midlands. “I am therefore pleased that two years out we are already starting to put measures in place to make sure people can capitalise on these opportunities and be part of what is certain to be a generation-defining moment for our region.”
WMCA’s training boost for Birmingham 2022
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Page 36 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020
LET’S TALK WITH DONALD CAMPBELL
Let’s Talk
With Donald Campbell What are your media outlets?
T
hat was the question I was asked by a gentleman who managed the office of a prominent Member of Parliament. I would like to help you with your project because I think is a very a good cause. What are your media outlets and how many do you have? I began to think, I really got caught with an unexpected question. The gentleman saw the perplexed expression on my face and I knew that he was fully aware that I couldn’t give him a positive answer to his question. We have three media outlets he said, which enables us to reach our community very quickly, especially with a big project such as yours. We have two TV networks and a newspaper. They provide vital links in order to communicate with our people across our districts, towns and cities, providing a network of information to our communities in a short space of time. Some months later I had a meeting with the Editor of Phoenix Newspaper, Dr M, as I call her. During our discussion it became clear that her newspaper does bridge a gap in providing a array of noteworthy information, not only in print, but very importantly by the online version which has the potential for
millions of people to access it, world wide. The Phoenix is a free newspaper which anyone can subscribe to. It provides local, national and international news and information which is shared across the world from UK, Saudi Arabia, Africa, Canada, and to the Caribbean, and the list goes on. The content of the paper covers an astonishing variety of topics and subjects, from people of the streets of your local community to Kings and Queens in their palaces around the world.
It covers from politics to prizes, romance to wedlock, births to deaths. It was amazing to see the reaction of a bedridden colleague when I took him a copy of the Phoenix newspaper and he saw the coverage of a dear friend, who unknown to him, had passed away. He became one drop away from full tears and couldn’t stop turning the pages covering the funeral, back and forward. I could almost see inside of his mind as he paused to reminisce of months and years that he
spent with his dear friend who, suddenly, was no longer with us in the flesh. The Phoenix Newspaper bridges a gap by providing a network of news, a media that must be promoted to ensure many more people are able to access it, especially the elderly who really enjoy keeping in touch with the outside world. Prior to COVID19 I dropped copies of the Phoenix to 70, 80 and 90 year olds, who are unable to leave their homes, or do not have access to the paper. Young, middle age and elderly must be made more aware of the Phoenix, especially youngsters, our future generation, who may prefer the online version of the paper. Power is the key to success in a community. To achieve success we need a network of united efforts, from radio, newspapers and TV to spread news across the divide of our nation. The ethnic voices must be heard from a united front, not to cause a division with other communities but to ensure relevant stories are told, seen and heard. There are many ethnic groups doing a lot of very good things, from politics to commerce, business to churches. We should have media networks, TV, Radio and the tabloid, such as the Phoenix Newspaper, to spread what news we need to communicate to whoever, across our nation. Let’s make it happen in our endeavour to increase the readership of the Phoenix Newspaper to everyone. Please let me have your constructive comments or feedback by emailing doncam_@hotmail.com or phone 07802723222
FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS The body armour of life The resistance tool Be prepared for strife I’m no fool Trouble in a bundle Thick and fast Will I stumble? Am I going to last? A direct hit So it seems Having a fit? Not in your dreams Stand up and be counted Your gift to life When you are confronted Fight for your rights Donald Campbell May 2020
The Missing Chapter continues... I n times of war many people are sent to the front line, often without the necessary tools or equipment. When it comes to victory days and praise some are no where to be seen, yes, missing from the headlines or even the fine print. Many Caribbean men and women left the warmth of their shores, mostly with the thought of helping to support and defend Britain during WW1 & WW2. For the most recent, WW2, they arrived in Britain, often with the inner feeling of joy of setting foot on ‘Mother Country’ the promise land.
Some were lumber jacks in Scotland, others were engineers, tradesmen of some sort, but many were military who donned the Kings’s uniform or whatever clothing that enable them to carry out their duties. It is widely believed that the following Caribbean Colonies supplied Service men and women as follows:
Men:
Bahamas - 493 Barbados - 811 British Guiana - 686 British Honduras - 528 Grenada - 441 Jamaica - 9,977
Leeward Islands (Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat) - 225 St Lucia- 354 St Vincent - 305 Trinidad and Tobago - 1,438. Total 15,204
Women:
80 Women Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) 30 Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS)
Known surviving WW2 Veterans:
Mr Cyril Haynes - St Lucia Mr Albert Jarrett - England Mr Alan Wilmot - England Mr Neil Flanigan MBE -
England Mr Tony Daley - England Mr Delisser Bernard - England If you are aware of any other surviving WW2 Veterans please let me know. We need their stories to help to write the MISSING CHAPTER. The National Caribbean Monument Charity www. tncmc.org is striving towards recognising all British Caribbean Islands Service personnel for their contributions to Britain. For more information please follow this link: https://bbc.in/3e3soeZ
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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020 - Page 37
NEWS
Golf to Reopen at The Belfry
T
he Belfry Hotel & Resort in Royal Sutton Coldfield has announced that two of its golf courses will open from Monday 1st June 2020. The resort will open its awardwinning Brabazon and PGA National courses which are recognised as world-class, having previously hosted The Ryder Cup four times – more than any other venue in the world – and two European Tour events, producing some of the most dramatic moments in the history of golf. James Macbeth Stewart, Resort Director, said: “We’ve received a great response from golfers and our members who can’t wait to get back on the course and we are very thankful for their support. It feels fantastic to be able to welcome them back. “The safety and wellbeing of
our guests and team are our top priority, and we’ve taken the time to ensure we have enhanced safety measures in place. “The remainder of the resort will be closed until further notice to comply with Government guidance and social distancing measures. “When we do reopen the whole resort, we will donate our green fee income from our opening day to a number of charities locally and across the UK. “There are also some changes to PGA National. The 18th hole is a new risk and reward par 4. The design was inspired by our Ryder Cup course and the PGA course’s brother, The Brabazon, and in particular the iconic 10th hole. “The new 1st tee layout and golf experience is also greatly improved with a new tee/ green complex befitting the
Championship course.” Commenting on the golf course reopening, Stuart Broad, Belfry Ambassador at The Belfry, said: “I am delighted to hear that The Belfry’s golf courses will be reopening next month and I wish the best of luck to the team who do an incredible job of looking after the 500 acre estate. “Golf at The Belfry is first class and I am really looking forward to playing on 1st June when they open.”
World Blindness Summit moved to 2021 due to COVID
T
he organising committee of the World Blindness Summit Madrid 2020 has taken the decision to postpone its date, scheduled for June, after analysing the situation generated by the coronavirus worldwide and following the indications set by the state of alarm declared by the authorities. Driven by the World Blind Union (WBU), ICEV (an organisation that brings together the world’s leading experts on the education of blind people) and organised in Spain by the ONCE Society Group, this historic summit will still be held in Madrid on May 21 to 26, 2021, to discuss and chart the best way forward for the more than 280 million blind people in the world. As the largest assembly of on visual disability in the world, over 1,500 blind people from 190 countries and more
than 200 organisations related to disability sharing spaces, workshops, lectures, knowledge and experiences in favour of the
debate towards a better future and on which to work together, globally.
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Page 38 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020
HEALTH AND WELLBEING Woman in BAME donor campaign has liver transplant A woman at the centre of an appeal for more people from ethnic backgrounds to be organ donors has received a “second chance” with a live transplant. Sunaina Paul, 31, of Bearwood, in the West Midlands, was a priority on the transplant list, but a shortage of BAME (Black and Asian Minority Ethnic) donors meant that finding a match for her would be difficult. However, she has now had a successful operation and is recovering in hospital. Her auntie, Jaimini LakHani said that the family felt “blessed and grateful”. British Punjabi Ms Paul was born with Biliary Atresia, which is a condition which bile ducts in the live are blocked, which leads to a build-up of bile, which causes damage to the liver.
Do orgasms relieve period pain?
H
o w e v e r uncomfortable people feel discussing it, period pain is something that all women have to deal with to a greater or lesser extent.
Some fortunate ladies almost get away with it, yet, for others, it can be crippling and affect their lives. Research on the topic is lacking, too. Female sexuality and reproductive health, especially
From spring 2020
the law around organ donation in England is changing
masturbation and menstruation, are still considered taboo subjects - even the full anatomy of the clitoris was undiscovered until 1998! But some sources do say that masturbation can help period pain. Now, to try and assess the full benefits, premium sex-toy brand Womanizer and period company Lunette are launching the Menstrubation (Menstruation + Masturbation) Initiative to study the benefits of masturbation for period pain. Womanizer and Lunette have selected 1,000 menstruating people aged 18 and over worldwide. Over a period of three months, they are being asked to masturbate to counteract their menstrual pain. To help them, all participants have been given a Womanizer
Starlet 2 stimulator free of charge, as well as a Menstrual cup from Lunette. After each period, participants will fill out a short survey in which they share their experiences. After three months, the results will be evaluated and shared – all participants remain anonymous. The two companies behind the initiative are leading experts in their respective fields. Both have been working for years to normalise menstruation and masturbation and have revolutionised their respective industries with their products. Womanizer was founded by Michael Lenke in 2014 with the invention of Pleasure Air™ Technology. The company now has locations in Berlin, San Francisco, Hong Kong and Ottawa, specialising in
New support group for bereaved people
Unless you choose to opt out, you will be considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when you die. Whatever you choose, let close family or friends know to help ensure your decision is honoured. To find out more about your choices, including how to opt out: visit organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 303 2094
PASS IT ON
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, tragic losses are being faced, often under difficult circumstances. And, for many, living in lockdown is proving to be very tough. But for those who have lost a loved one or a friend, during this
time, it can be even harder. Now, to help people who are feeling isolated and are suffering as a result, it can be even harder. But, a new bereavement helpline is available for people in Birmingham and Solihull in the West Midlands. And the service is
the development of high-quality products for women. Johanna Rief, head of sexual empowerment at Womanizer, said: "The lack of studies on women’s health motivated us to take matters into our own hands. “We know that a fulfilled sex life, whether solo or with another person, has many positive effects and now it's time to expand this knowledge to menstrual-related pain-relief. "Our products are ideal if you want to masturbate during your period because most Womanizer models aren't inserted inside the body. This is especially helpful if people are wearing something like a menstrual cup.” Heli Kurjanen founded Lunette in 2005 and its products are still all made in Finland. Through charity partners all over the world, the company has donated over 30,000 period cups to those in need. Commenting on the Menstrubation Initiative, Heli Kurjanen added: “During the 15 years Lunette Cup has been on the market, period sex and masturbation remain a taboo topic. “In spite of this, many of our customers share with us that they masturbate regularly to relieve period pain. And, some say that they achieve better orgasms with Lunette Cup inside! “This is why we are excited to partner with Womanizer and better understand the benefits of masturbation and orgasms. Lunette Cup enables a mess-free masturbation or oral sex during periods, and as a sustainable company with fully zero-waste packaging and toxin free cups we are always looking for more natural ways to combat period pain.”
available five days a week. NHS Birmingham and Solihull CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) was created to plan commission health services and work as part of a large, complex system of health and social care which includes local authorities, providers, the independent sector and GP practices. Dr Angela Brady, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Losing a loved one is always difficult, but for those who live alone, or are cut off from their usual support network, it can be extremely difficult”. “It is important to remember that taking care of our mental and emotional wellbeing during the pandemic is just as important as our physical health. “Being able to talk to someone, especially in a time of need, can help to alleviate some of the stress and grief that comes with losing a relative or friend”. A membership organisation with 170 GP practices and a clinically-led Government Body, NHS Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group looks after a population of around 1.3 million people with a budget in excess of £1.9 billion
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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020 - Page 39
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Sculpture unveiled to honour NHS and care workers A
sculpture that honours the work carried out by NHS and care workers has been revealed in a park in the West Midlands. The four-metre tall structure made from steel and other metals is of a winged medical worker and stands bright and gleaming in Lightwood Park, in Bearwood, in Smethwick. The temporary structure – which bears the inscription ‘Thank You NHS and Care Workers’ and privately funded - was created by local artist, Luke Perry, at his factory and he worked alongside his local Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council to get it installed. Of his creation, a proud Perry said: “I, like many other people, have friends and family members who owe their lives to the NHS. So, I just wanted to create a piece of public art that captures the huge public outpouring of thanks to our health and care workers during these troubled times. “The structure also serves as
a monument those who have lost their lives whilst fighting the coronavirus pandemic on the frontline. It’s a reminder of how important and vital that the NHS, key workers and everyone fighting this ‘was’ is. Sandwell Council leader Councillor Yvonne Davies said: “This structure is a wonderful, visual symbol of the gratitude that we all feel to our NHS and care
workers. “I would like to thank Luke for creating this this inspirational piece of public art. “We hope that when our medical and social care workers see the sculpture when driving to and from work along Hagley Road, that it would be a reminder of how much they mean to us and how much we appreciate them”.
Black Britons face ‘twice the risk’ of virus deaths Black men and women in Great Britain are said to be nearly twice as likely to die from coronavirus as the indigenous white population according to the Office of National Statistics. The analysis by the ONS shows that inequality is persisting after age, where people live and levels of deprivation and prior health was taken into account. People from South Asian communities – in particularly India, Bangladesh and Pakistan – is also said to show a significantly higher risk of Covid-19 fatalities. The government has now launched a review into the major issue. The ONS analysis combines data on deaths involving coronavirus with information on ethnicity from the 2011 census. Men and women from Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities have an increased risk of between 30 and 80 per cent, the analysis found.
Michelle giving back to the Hospital that saved her life By way of saying ‘Thank You’ for saving her life, Birmingham woman, Michelle Hemmings is looking to raise funds by organising a fundraising appeal on behalf of Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Charity. She is looking for people to join her in making a difference – in aid of donating gift bags to newly transplanted patients. Papworth Fundraising Committee Lead Transplant Nurse, Richard Quigley, and others, have decided to present each newly transplanted patient with a gift bag once they come out of ITU. The gift bags will consist of a variety of useful items, such as – the infamous blue book from the transplant team; as well as an RPH (Royal Papworth Hospital) pen, socks, sweets, tissue, etc.
Michelle suffered for 21-years with Interstitial Lung Disease and mid Pulmonary Hypertension and, in 2018, was one of five patients whose lives were saved when they all received at transplant at Royal Papworth Hospital - in under-36 hours. “I am so blessed to have had the transplant and be able to do so many things which I was previously unable to do”, she said. “I l am so grateful to my surgeons, nurses and all the staff at Papworth Hospital. “The Transplant Team there really turned my life around. “Now, I see myself as an inspiration to others who are in the position I was before my transplant. And, as such, I want to give back to the RPH. “Sponsoring a patient means a great deal to them
Michelle Hemmings
and will make each patient feel like they thought of in what is already proving to be tumultuous, trying times. This truly means an awful lot to me. “I would like to take this opportunity – in advance - to thank you for any contributions made”. To sponsor a patient, you can do so by donating only £10 on Michelle’s gofundme page.
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Page 40 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020
OVERSEAS NEWS
Telethon Jamaica exceeds $60mil
l Minister Olivia Grange The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport in Jamaica, Olivia Grange has said that donations will be accepted during a repeat presentation of Telethon Jamaica. Grange said highlights of Jamaica's first telethon would be aired instead of the traditional Labour Day concert with the highlights package to be broadcast on national television and online. Telethon Jamaica has raised more than $60 million towards providing much needed additional resources to Jamaica's health services in the wake of COVID-19. In a statement Grange said; “I can announce that we have received the majority of the sums that have been pledged so far to Telethon Jamaica. I say 'so far' because we continue to get calls from people who want to contribute to this effort. During the broadcast on Labour Day, we will have a team on hand to take calls and guide people who want to contribute to this very important effort.
Costa Rica mitigates deforestation by using Google Earth Engine C osta Rica has recently submitted a pioneering proposal to reduce deforestation through the use of technology and space information generated by satellite imagery from the GEO-Google Earth Engine License Programme. The initiative, called ‘Tackling deforestation and forest degradation in Costa Rica using Google Earth Engine’, was submitted to the Group on Earth
Observations (GEO) as part of a programme in partnership with Google. The two organisations will offer 25 licenses for the sustained use of Google Earth Engine (GEE) for projects using Earth observation data to address global challenges related to climate change, sustainable development and disaster risk reduction, among others. The 2-year, full-access licenses aim to empower public sector and commercial
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recipients to tackle significant societal challenges and improve understanding of our planet. Costa Rica’s Environment and Energy Minister, Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, said that the proposal is aimed at improving the ability of the country’s institutions to estimate deforestation and forest degradation by using satellite information and imagery offered by Google Earth Engine. The proposal also focuses on combating deforestation by developing an early warning
system as well as improving the estimates of forest restoration and carbon emissions linked to these activities. Rafael Monge, Director of Costa Rica’s National Centre of Geo-environmental Information (CENIGA), added that the development of an early warning system will generate useful information that will be used to take quicker decisions that help stop and anticipate illegal activities linked to deforestation.
Astronauts complete rehearsal for historic NASA SpaceX mission NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken have completed their dress rehearsal for their flight to the International Space Station. The mission, the first crewed outing from American soil in nine years, will see the pair ride to orbit in a SpaceX Falcon rocket and Crew Dragon capsule. It's a demonstration of the new "taxi" service the US space agency will be buying from the Californian firm. The weather around the Kennedy Space Center in Florida may have other ideas, however. A forecast released on Saturday by the US Air Force 45th Weather Squadron predicted just a 40% chance of favourable conditions come launch time. There is a strong possibility the Kennedy complex could see thick cloud, rain and even thunder. If controllers are forced to scrub, everyone will come back on Saturday for a second try. Hurley and Behnken are now all but done with their preparations. The weekend "Dry Dress" rehearsal saw the pair don their made-to-measure spacesuits, walk out to a Tesla, and then make a 6km drive down to Kennedy's famous Launch Complex 39A. Their SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket has been sitting erect on the pad since Thursday. The men then got in the service tower lift to go up to the access arm gantry and climb into the capsule. The run-through gave all launch personnel - not just Hurley and Behnken - the opportunity to remind themselves of what's to come. There is huge focus on this mission. Not since the space shuttles were retired in 2011 has America been able to launch its own astronauts. Getting crews to the ISS these past nine years has been a task entrusted solely to Russia and its Soyuz rocket and capsule system. Nasa has contracted both SpaceX and aerospace giant Boeing to pick up where the shuttles left off.
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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020 - Page 41
OVERSEAS NEWS
BVI Director of Tourism Calls Time On Successful Tenure l Frank Comito
Caribbean hotels at risk as tour operators withhold payments In the face of unprecedented pressures facing Caribbean hotels and resorts because of the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown on international travel and tourism, the head of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has called on those international tour operators to expedite delayed payments to hotels for services already delivered. The average amount owed to hotels by tour operators is US$219,000 per hotel, "with a number of hotels reporting outstanding amounts in excess of $1 million and one hotel being outof-pocket $15 million," reported Frank Comito, CEO and director general of CHTA. He wrote to the tour operators concerned: "We have become alarmed in recent weeks to learn of the extent to which some of your member tour operators are withholding reimbursements to hotels for services which were rendered as early as January and into February and March." Comito pointed out that "these payments were made to the tour operator by consumers, often many months in advance, and were to be held in trust for payment to hotels shortly after the delivery of the services." The CHTA chief said he understood the dilemma facing all in the travel industry, but he stressed "the reimbursement of funds which were collected from the consumer far in advance and are obligated should take priority." With the survival of some Caribbean hotels threatened, Comito warned that the consequences "will also be longterm for your members and the reputation of the sector." The business relationships developed by tour operators with Caribbean hoteliers over many years have been key to their mutual success, and Comito hoped that the industry will maintain and build upon those relationships as the world emerges from this crisis. "This will require give and take by all parties," he stated.
A
fter a very successful eight-year tenure as Director of Tourism/ Head of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Tourist Board and Film Commission, Sharon Flax-Brutus has decided it is time to hang up her shoes on November 15th, 2020. Flax-Brutus took BVI tourism to levels it had never achieved before. The territory attained the recognition as an awardwinning tourism destination, breaking record arrivals in 2016 welcoming over 1million visitors, and rebuilding its tourism product following the 2017 hurricanes. Mrs. Flax-Brutus can be credited for several major achievements during her tenure including: • Inspiring a new generation of tourism professionals via the Management training and tourism education programmes, • Paving the way for talented BVI Athletes to attend the prestigious IMG Academy through partnership with The Miami Open, • Launching a Destination training program in conjunction with the Disney Institute Training, that has been unprecedented in the industry, paving the way for other destinations,
• Entering new and emerging markets giving BVI a competitive advantage, and enabling the BVI to forge relationships with major consortia and leading travel companies, • Raising the BVI Tourism profile locally, regionally and globally as a strong advocate for the BVI as a tourism destination, • Launching two major advertising campaigns which successfully repositioned the BVI as a leading tourism destination, • Building a strong partnership between the Board and BVI Tourism stakeholders, • Negotiating the payment of accommodation taxes with Airbnb, • Launching BVI Food Fete in November 2013, a month of various activities and events including the popular Anegada Lobster Festival, that has brought significant international attention to the territory’s culinary offerings. Commenting on her departure, Flax-Brutus stated that “It has been my pleasure working with the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission and to represent this territory which I am so proud to be a citizen of globally. I am gratified by
l Sharon Flax-Brutus, Director of Tourism my achievements over the last 8 years, but I think it is time to move on and focus on other ways which will continue to benefit the BVI tourism industry. “I wish to thank the Board as well as successive governments for giving me the opportunity to serve our country at such a
senior level. I also wish to thank my head office team here in BVI as well as my colleagues in the United States as well as the United Kingdom. “Partnerships and relationships are golden in this industry and I’ve appreciated the work that our worldwide agencies as well
as the travel trade and journalists have done in supporting me and by extension our British Virgin Islands. “I will work with the Board over the next 6 months to ensure a smooth transition as we work together to re-open the BVI following COVID-19.”
Ghana Preparing For Online Funerals & More Since the Covid-19 outbreak, people in Ghana have come to accept that their lives have been turned upside down. They have learned to cope with things that nobody has ever dreamt about – like hugging or shaking hands. Social distancing, selfisolation and quarantine have all become terms of everyday use. Schools have been closed, and parents are discovering just how much food that growing children eat. With things that are often talked about now almost passé, the one thing at the top of the list is the virtue of deaths – and the process after. Although the death-count for Covid-19 cases in the country is a comparatively low number of 16, the ban on public gatherings means that private burials are still allowed, but
with no more than 25 people present. So, funeral services in the country has gone ‘hi-tech’ with proceedings now being streamed online. Which means dress-restrictions are not paramount? But, it has still courted reaction, with one Ghanaian journalist, Elisabeth Ohene, saying: “I joined a funeral online recently dressed in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. “Nobody attends funerals dressed like that”. Away from funerals, at the centre of the coronavirus pandemic is the parliamentary election, which is due to take place on December 7. With Ghanaian elections usually keenly contested, with campaigns often load, chaotic and crowd-centric, delegations leading up to then will need mass overhauls and meticulous preparations.
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Page 42 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020
HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL
Virtual Pride Festivals
A
s London's Virtual Pride 2020 has been cancelled, we look at parades around the USA that are going ahead this year despite COVID-19's best efforts to halt the festival. Those celebrating Pride will be able to do so virtually with friends in America, while a number of states have postponed events until the autumn, including; Pride Northwest in Portland, Dinah Shore in Greater Palm Springs,
California and Pittsburgh Pride, Pennsylvania.
Denver PrideFest, June 20-21 - Colorado
Recognised as one of the top ten pride events in the USA, Denver PrideFest is a free, two-day festival that (usually) takes place in Denver's Civic Center Park. The weekend usually features activities and entertainment for adults, kids and pets – from a Dogs in Drag Parade and the annual Gay Pride Parade to the Big Gay 5K and three stages
full of music and cultural entertainment. This year's virtual event will include digital versions of the parade, 5Ks, concerts, dance parties and more.
Seattle Pride is working together with PrideFest and Trans Pride on in-person Pride events to be held in latesummer, when it may be safer to resume community festivals.
Organisers of Seattle's annual Pride parade announced the 2020 edition of the downtown event will take place in a series of virtual events and celebrations.
Ensuring the community remains connected during the pandemic, San Diego's Pride programmes and events will be moved online and hosted in virtual spaces. San Diego Pride is celebrated across a week in July with
2020 Seattle Pride Parade & Trans Pride Celebrations, 26-28 June - Washington
San Diego Pride, 11-18 July - California
five individual events. Using the #TogetherWeRise, She Fest launches the celebrations recognising the talents and contributions of women, followed by Light Up the Cathedral with a ceremonial rainbow lighting. The weekend brings The Spirit of Stonewall Rally with a series of inspiring speaker webinars, a virtual 5k - rainbow gear, tutus and steamers encouraged and finishing with Pride Live.
Efteling Prepares for Reopening
Efteling, the fairytale theme park in the south of Holland, is aiming to open its doors to the public again. A step-by-step approach to this reopening has been created in close consultation with the official regional authorities. The initial reopening period has included a number of test days in which the volume of visitors was gently expanded to ensure that employees can get used to the new working methods, which are continuously evaluated and improved to keep both
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employees and guests safe. Ahead of Wednesday 20 May, Efteling has introduced a range of initiatives to ensure guests are always safe. These include measures from a protocol that has been drawn up by industry association Club van Elf and the Dutch Association of Zoos. By following these safety measures, Efteling hopes to welcome international guests once travel restrictions have been lifted in their respective countries. CEO Fons Jurgens explains: “In the World of Efteling, we
have always made sure that our guests can enjoy the park safely. That is no different now. “What is different is exactly what that safety entails. We know better than anyone how guests move in our park and how we can spread groups and we are using this knowledge to ensure guests can always keep a safe distance. “Fortunately, we have plenty of space because our park is approximately the size of 140 football fields. “We also allow a limited
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Coverage on Pages 14 & 15! number of guests to pre-book their visit. This way we can guarantee that everyone has the space for their day out.”
Measures
Efteling is introducing new safety measures to provide guests with safe social distancing, hygiene stations and clear information to ensure we adhere to the guidelines of the RIVM (The Netherlands' National Institute for Public Health and the Environment). Efteling is placing central disinfection points and cleaning contact points, such as brackets and door handles regularly. If necessary, employees use personal protective equipment. Through clear information on signs, screens and markings on the ground, guests will know how to keep sufficient distance from each other. The employees, who are continuously trained and accustomed to keep guests safe during their day are on hand to help with this. The park is communicating all information on the website in preparation for the park visit. With all these measures, a day out to Efteling is now just as safe as before.
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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020 - Page 43
HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL
Saint Lucia Plans To Reopen Tourism T
he Government of Saint Lucia has announced a phased approach to reopening the island's tourism sector in a responsible manner, beginning June 4, 2020. The strategy, which was unveiled by Minister of Tourism Dominic Fedee, protects nationals and visitors from the threat of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) through advance testing; daily screening and monitoring of staff and visitors; sanitisation at various points throughout the travellers' journey; and new social distancing protocols. Phase One of the reopening
includes welcoming international flights at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) from the United States initially. Travellers are advised to check with airlines regarding flight schedules and rules prior to booking. In anticipation of these first visitors, some 1,500 hotel rooms in Saint Lucia are being prepared to open in early June, pending completion of a new COVID-19 certification process. To protect residents and mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus, Saint Lucia closed its borders to international markets on March 23, 2020. Since then, the island has followed safety protocols
Dickens Anniversary Resonates in His Birthplace
Universally recognised as one of the truly great Victorian writers, Charles Dickens created stories which have helped to reveal a vivid picture for us all, of life in early Victorian England. So, it is fitting that in the 150th anniversary of his death, on June 9, 1870, Hampshire is once again associated as having a major connection with the author. Hampshire, of course, was in the spotlight in 2017 - during the year that marked 200 years of one of the county's best-loved daughters, Jane Austen. But what few people might know is that Dickens was also born in Hampshire: in Portsmouth, on February 7, 1812. Today, Charles Dickens' birthplace is a Museum, which, eight years ago, was at the centre of events to mark the 200th anniversary of the author's birth.
recommended by the World Health Organisation and the Caribbean Public Health Agency, collaborated with the local Department of Health and Wellness, observed shelter-inplace guidelines, and created a COVID-19 Task Force to plan for a responsible reopening. To date, Saint Lucia has recorded 18 cases of COVID-19, and all individuals have fully recovered. No active cases are currently being investigated. Minister Fedee said the phased approach to reopening, which continues through July 31, 2020, resulted from national COVID-19 Task Force consultations with on-island industry stakeholders.
Guernsey Virtual Taster Walking Festival
T
h e postponement of The Islands of Guernsey's annual Spring Walking Festival has not stopped the islands' expert walking guides from imparting their local knowledge and passion for their home's stunning natural landscapes. Seven of Guernsey's accredited walking guides are creating
films of their favourite walks to offer a virtual taster of the walking festival, which will was streamed. With almost 30 miles of beautiful coastline, rural inland, diverse wildlife and an historic harbour capital, Guernsey has much to offer walkers of all abilities, from challenging clifftop hikes to gentle strolls through towns and villages.
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Page 44 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020
PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE
Renters feel confident to move again The news that anyone in England can now move house, as long as they follow new government guidance, will be welcomed by the 450,000 buyers and renters who have been unable to move since March. After the government announced plans to help people to move house safely, in-line with social distancing advice, flatsharing site SpareRoom surveyed its users to ask whether they feel confident to move now the new regulations are in place. The results reveal that over half (54%) of renters do feel confident to view a property now the government has given the housing market the
green light to reopen. One in three (32%) however, still feel wary and said they’d only feel comfortable to move if they absolutely had to. The government are recommending that initial viewings take place virtually for now. If people view properties in person, there are specific guidelines to follow. It seems renters and landlords alike are embracing the virtual option. SpareRoom has seen a huge increase in the number of video adverts on the site. Since lockdown began, they’ve seen 6 times the normal volume of video uploads, showing renters, landlords & agents are keen to crack on with their search as safely as possible.
F
ears of another Grenfell-type fire are stunting the spread of wood-based buildings in the UK. The government is planning to reduce the maximum height of wood-framed buildings from six storeys to four. The move’s been recommended by the emergency services in order to reduce fire risk. But it contradicts other advice to increase timber construction because trees lock up climateheating carbon emissions. In France, President Macron has ruled all new publicly-funded buildings should be at least 50% timber or other natural materials by 2022. And in Norway a new “plyscraper” stretches fully 18 storeys – that’s the height recently deemed safe by standards authorities in North America. Members of the timber trade say the Government in England has misunderstood the science behind timber construction. They say timber walls can be made safe by methods including flame-retardant treatments and fire-resistant claddings. They point out that it is futile planting millions of trees if they are left to rot and release the CO2 they previously captured. In a consultation ending on Monday, ministers propose the height of timber-based flats, hotels, and boarding houses
Grenfell fears prevent timber building boom
should be limited to 11 metres – that’s 3-4 storeys. In higher buildings timber would be permitted in floors but banned from outside walls. This further tightens rules introduced after the Grenfell disaster, following representation from fire authorities. Matt Linegar from the Finnish timber giant Stora Enso said: “Obviously no-one wants to see another tragedy like Grenfell; protecting life is the main concern. But the government is overreacting. Properly-constructed timber buildings can be safe in a fire – it depends on the design. “Even with the current guidelines introduced after Grenfell there has been a chilling effect on the industry. People commissioning buildings think ‘I’d better not use timber’. The market has virtually dried up.” A study from the Germany’s Potsdam Institute (PIK), found that a global boom in wood buildings could lock in up to 700 million tons of carbon a year. It said a five-story residential building structured in laminated timber can store up to 180 kilos of carbon per square metre - three times more than in the trunk, branches and leaves of natural forests. PIK’s Hans Schellnhuber said: “Societies have made good use of wood for buildings for many centuries, yet now the challenge of climate stabilisation calls for a very serious up-scaling. "If we engineer the wood into modern building materials and smartly manage harvest and construction, we humans can build ourselves a safe home on Earth.” The head of the Committee on
l Grenfell Tower by Loz Pycock from London, UK
Climate Change, Chris Stark, said: “Timber buildings can be tall and safe. Displacing cement, brick and steel with wood means more than double the carbon savings in buildings overall. “With encouragement from the Government, we could triple the amount of carbon locked into
buildings – one of the simplest steps we can take to help meet the UK’s climate goals.” A government spokesperson said the consultation responses would be studied before final decisions were made. The fire authorities declined to comment.
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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020 - Page 45
AZUZA STREET
Eid al-Fitr Virtually Celebrated Due To Lockdown While church in Germany allows Muslims to pray at end of Ramadan
W
ith no morning prayers at the mosque, no chance of meeting family and friends to celebrate Islam's most important festival, it was never going to be the same this year as people around the world have been celebrating Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam's two major holidays. Traditionally the festival at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan is marked with communal prayers in mosques, visits to friends and family. But this year the Muslim Council of Britain encouraged people to celebrate the "festival of the breaking of the fast" begins when the moon rises on the final day of Ramadan, a holy month of fasting virtually due to social-distancing measures brought in during the coronavirus pandemic. In Germany, however, a church in Berlin opened its doors to allow Muslim
worshipers, who are unable to fit into their mosque, under new social distancing rules after the country allowed religious service to resume, with worshipers maintaining a distance of 1.5 metres (5ft). As a result, the Dair Assalam mosque in the city’s Neukölln district could only hold a fraction of its congregation. But the Martha Lutheran church in Kreuzberg offered to help by hosting Friday prayers at the end of Ramadan. Throughout the month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex from dawn to dusk. Normally families and friends would gather to break their fast and attend communal prayers, but in Berlin - as in countries across the world - this year's celebrations have been affected. The mosque's imam said: "It is a great sign and it brings joy in Ramadan and joy amid this crisis. This pandemic has
Hospital introduces disposable hijabs for staff
A hospital trust has introduced disposable headscarves for staff to use in operating theatres. The idea for this came from a Muslim Junior doctor, Farah Roslan, who said that it follows concerns of infections to the hijab that she wears during her training at the Royal Derby Hospital. And now she hoped that the concept can be replicated in NHS Trusts throughout the UK.
made us a community. “Crises bring people get together”. Noting the contrast to Islamic worship, congregation member Samer Hamdoun said: "It was a strange feeling because of the musical instruments, the pictures. "But when you look, when you forget the small details, in the end this is the house of God." The special Eid al-Fitr prayers are typically among the best attended of the year, and people also mark the occasion by holding parties.
However, NHS England said that the decision would be up to individual trusts. Expanding on the concept, Dr Roslan said that the idea came to her whilst she was a medical student at the University Hospital of Derby and Burton NHS Trust. She said: “Having been used to wearing the same headscarf throughout any given day wasn’t ideal. And, at the end of a shift, I didn’t feel comfortable when
A New Canon Missioner for Birmingham Cathedral Her Majesty The Queen has approved the appointment of the Reverend Canon Andy Delmege to the Residentiary Canonry in Birmingham Cathedral. Andy is currently Vicar of St Bede’s Brandwood and also Urban Estates Missioner within Church of England Birmingham. He is Chair of the National Estate Churches Network and part of the Estates Evangelism Task Group. Andy is also a member of Birmingham Cathedral’s College of Canons. He will take up his new role in late July. The Dean of Birmingham, the Very Reverend Matt Thompson welcomed Andy and said: "Andy’s work in Urban Mission has been of national significance. His collaborative approach to mission and sharing the Gospel; his deep concern for people, especially the poor and marginalised in our society; and his passion for helping others grow in their faith and the spiritual life are just what we need in our new Canon Missioner. “We are so excited by Andy’s appointment and we can’t wait for him to begin his ministry amongst us as soon as we can. We are really looking forward to being able to gather together in the later part of the year to welcome him properly.”
taking it off. “A ‘middle-ground’ had to be met – between the right dresscode for me, and any other Muslims in a similar position, and being in an operating theatre. She looked to her country of birth (Malaysia) for inspiration and ideas. Before long she designed, created and testing fabrics before introducing the final product to the University Hospital of Derby and Burton NHS Trust – who OK’d its use.
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Page 46 - The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020
SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS
Spurs’ Son Rewarded For Best Military Service Tottenham Hotspur forward, Son Heung-min, won an award for the best performance after he completed his three-week military service in his native South Korea. Officials said that the 27-yearold Premier League superstar had excelled in his shooting skills and he was also the top performer among a group of 157 trainees. He was due to serve 21 months, but earned an exemption after being part of the South Korea team which won the Asian Games in 2018 and, as a result, only had to complete three weeks. Son returned to his homeland, in March, to continue with his recovery
NFL to scrap all four of its UK fixtures
T
he NFL has made the decision to cancel the four gridiron games scheduled to take place in London later this year. Two of the fixtures, involving the Jacksonville Jaguars were scheduled for Wembley Stadium, with two further fixtures due to be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
from a fractured arm while the season is in suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is mandatory that all South Korean men must complete military service in their country by the time they reach 27. With the Premier League’s ‘Project Restart’ hoping to see the top-flight resume in July, it could mean an official return to group training very soon – which Son could miss, due to him having to spend a period of time in quarantine on his return to the UK. The Spurs star underwent exposure to rear gas, went on lengthy hikes and was trained in how to fire guns during his national service.
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They will now be rescheduled to be played in the United States after organisers decided it was impossible to arrange games in a different continent because of the coronavirus pandemic. The London games were set to be played in autumn 2020, but no dates had yet been set. It will be the first time that an NFL regular-season game has not been played in London since 2006. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made the decision after consultation with a number of stakeholders including clubs, local governments and medical authorities. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said it was “absolutely the right decision to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the sport”. Tottenham Hotspurs’ chairman, Daniel Levy, said: “We fully appreciate the difficult decision that the NFL has had to make”. The NFL had also been planning to play one game at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico, but that too will take place in the US.
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The Phoenix Newspaper - June 2020 - Page 47
SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS
Blues stars walk length of UK in ‘Keep Right On’ challenge
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layers and staff at Birmingham City F.C. got together to take up the challenge of covering the entire distance between John O’ Groats to Land’s End to help to raise funds for local hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic. The Championship club’s players and staff; including Men’s and Women’s First Team, Academy, BCFC Community Trust, the Former Players Association, Media, Ticket Office, Commercial and Retail recorded their cumulative
miles travelled by either running or walking in their respective local surroundings whilst adhering to guidelines on exercise and social distancing. Backed by Principle partners, Boylsports, who took part themselves, they chose to support the University Hospital Birmingham Charity. A statement from the club said: “The money raised can now go to delivering care packs to nurses, provide ‘wobble rooms’ for staff to get psychological and emotional support, helping
patients to stay in contact with their families by providing tablets with video conferencing apps and much more”. Charlotte Schofield, Director of Fundraising at the University Hospital Birmingham Charity said: “Our thanks go out to everyone at Birmingham City who took on, or supported the Keep Right On Challenge, as their support will now help us to do more for our NHS Superheroes and the patients who they are treating at these difficult times.
The Müller Anniversary Games Are Cancelled British Athletics have had to confirm the cancellation of the 2020 Müller Anniversary Games part of the Wanda Diamond League - scheduled for July 4-5 at the London Stadium. The decision has been made in light of the ongoing global pandemic, with the safety of all athletes, coaches, volunteers, spectators and members of staff, at home in the UK and abroad, the upmost priority. Joanna Coates, UK Athletics CEO, said: “We are hugely disappointed to confirm the cancellation of one of the flagship events of the global athletics calendar, but we must place the safety of the entire athletics family at the forefront of every decision we make during these unprecedented times and ensure we are following Government advice.”
Windies Test and new 100 tournament under ECB discussions Discussions around the rescheduling of the West Indies cricket tour of England have included the possibility of the visitors going into isolation for as long as 14 days. The three-Test series was due to start in June, but the shutdown of the sport in England and Wales has been extended until at least July 1. The earliest date that the first Test could actually begin is thought to be July 8. If the Windies are to be in isolation, they are likely to have access to practice facilities at a locked-down venue.
Both England and West Indies captains, Joe Root and Jason Holder have been involved in talks over rescheduling the Test series. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced that their new city-based tournament – The Hundred – has been postponed until 2021nbecause of the Covid-19 pandemic. A spokesperson said that “positive and on-going discussion with the ECB and CWI (Cricket West Indies) is continuing”. At the same time, the ECB also discussed their new
competition; The Hundred - the 100-ball competition, involving in separate men’s and women’s tournaments which was due to begin on July 17 and end on August 15. That meeting concluded that it was not possible for it to be staged this year. ECB chief executive officer, Tom Harrison, said: “Whilst we are naturally disappointed that we won’t get to realise our ambitions this season, The Hundred will go ahead in 2021 when we are safely able to deliver everything we intended to help grow the game”.
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Blues stars walk length of UK - Page 47
Military Service for Spurs’ Son - Page 46
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ritish Athletics have announced a crucial partnership with London Marathon Events to improve the future development of athletics talent with a structured network of talent development hubs - running programmes that provide athletes aged 16-21 years with a seamless experience through the performance pathway, to ultimately fulfil ambitions of success on the international stage. The talent hubs, developed in collaboration with the Home Country Athletics Federations, will see talent hubs and academies developed across all home nations. England Athletics will be supported by the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) to implement the University of Birmingham and Leeds Beckett University Hubs. London Marathon Events will play a key part in the structure by providing investment specifically for the development of 1500m-plus events based at the two universities with the aim to support endurance athlete and coaches to progress and transition from junior to senior success. With Birmingham and Leeds already operational having taken part in the strategy pilot, and in light of the Covid-19 outbreak, part of the programmes are already being adapted into virtual, online based activity and e-learning to ensure the ongoing support for athletes and coaches and the ability of the programme to ensure safe activity at this challenging time. The TASS element will be key in providing additional performance support services and quality assurance of delivery in sports science and medical support. British Athletics Talent Director Jonathan Roberts said: “We are thrilled with the launch of the talent hubs at Leeds Beckett
London Marathon Events To Support University Endurance l Runners in the Virgin Money London Marathon in 2019 (Photo:Virgin Money London Marathon) and Birmingham, as they play a key part of providing a dual career pathway for athletes and additional support for coaches. “London Marathon Events’ investment into the endurance events is a hugely significant
boost to this newly evolving talent pathway across the UK. We are thrilled that they have given the talent hubs their endorsement and support and look forward to working with them in this area of talent development.
“To work in collaboration with London Marathon Events, England Athletics, the universities and TASS gives us the best opportunity to provide the best pathway for athletes and additional support for coaches, as one part of
our vision for talent development in the UK.” Hugh Brasher, Event Director at London Marathon Events, said: “We are passionately committed to supporting the overall development of British distance
running and we believe the creation of these new talent hubs at Leeds Beckett and Birmingham offer vital support to young British athletes as they move from school to university.”
Legends Tiger and Peyton win $20m in charity match for Covid-19 relief
l Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning
Golfing legend Tiger Woods teamed up with former American football hero Peyton Manning to beat sporting counterparts Phil Mickelson and former New England Patriots record-breaking quarterback Tom Brady in a charity match which raised $20,000,000 for coronavirus relief efforts in the United States, with the legend that is
Brady hitting the shot of the day by holing out from the fairway on the seventh. It was Woods and Manning who came out on top here after holding off Mickelson and Brady in what was a highly-anticipated ‘The Match: Champions for Charity’ exhibition match at the Medalist Golf Club in Florida which originally set out to raise $10m.
However online donations helped the end result reaching $20m. “I take my hat off to Tom and Peyton”, Woods said. “This is our arena and what we do for a living. “I couldn’t imagine going on the field and doing what they do”, he added.
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