The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2021 by The Phoenix Newspaper

PROMOTING DIVERSITY FOR BIRMINGHAM COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2022

MAY 2021

Connecting Communities - Inspiring A New Generation

ANDY STILL STREETS AHEAD As the nation goes to the polls on the 6th May, the West Midlands will be voting for Mayor and Chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority.

ince 2017 when Andy Street CBE was elected Mayor of the West Midlands, the face of the region has changed almost to the point of being almost unrecognisable from its former self, proudly boasting the fastest growing economy anywhere outside of

London. From redevelopments across the West Midlands both towards local infrastructure and public transport, to Commonwealth Games related new builds and redevelopments, alongside the completion of projects like the facelift at Symphony Hall, the region has

flourished, despite the last few years of uncertainty and downturn during the pandemic. These redevelopments would not have been possible without the local, national and international investment in the region that Andy Street has been able to secure.

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IS WORKING FROM HOME HERE TO STAY? By Dr Tony Talburt

he Covid-19 pandemic changed our lives in many ways in the UK. For example, the wearing of face coverings and masks are now common in most public places. We have seen reduction in crowded environments and everywhere, there are handsanitizers and greater emphasis on washing of hands more frequently. In addition, more people are working from home. With so many people confined to working from home for about a year, what will happen now that the restriction are easing? Will workers go back to the office, continue working from

home, or engage in a hybrid approach incorporating a bit of both. Since March 2020, working from home has become far more acceptable and normal. Before the pandemic, less than 10% of the work force in the UK worked regularly from home, but that figure was just over 40% by the early 2021. According to one study in April 2020, nearly half of the people employed did some of their work from home primarily because of the Covid-19 pandemic. There are, of course, many benefits of working from home which affect society generally. Many of Britain’s major motorways were extraordinarily quiet since the last lockdown in January 2021 and more working

l 10th Anniversary Wedding vector created by starline - www.freepik.com

from home arrangements. Roads also seemed less busy during the traditional rush hour periods as there were fewer cars on the roads. Globally, carbon dioxide emissions were significantly lower over the last 12 months as few airplanes took to the skies, especially on long-haul flights. Netflix has seen its subscriber numbers rise and its revenue jump by $4.8 billion during the pandemic. A few other new companies and businesses have emerged e.g. online exercise classes, delivery companies, and online shopping companies and retail outlets generally. Working from home has not only become much more normalised than ever before, it

can also result in a number of benefits. To begin with, working from home facilitates flexible working and less commute stress. This in turn contributes to the loss of time travelling to and from work. One obvious benefit of this is the saving not spent on daily travel. Parents with younger children can also save money by not having to spend so much on child care if they are working from home. Working from home can also result in increased productivity as workers are less restricted and able to accomplish more. It is said, working from home leads to a happier, healthier work life. Despite these advantages, there are a few disadvantages associated with working from home. To begin with, working from home creates a sense of physical isolation and problems with inadequate levels of communication between workers. Even though there are more online meetings, many workers find it difficult when they do not see or meet face to face with key people in the work place. Working remotely from home often results in some employees not feeling a part of the community. After all, humans are by and large, social animals. This in itself, can contribute to feelings of anxiety. Another challenge with working from home is that it is sometimes difficult to switch off. Working from home can also create distractions as some people find it difficult to concentrate for long periods of time, whereas if they were at the conventional workplace, the distractions of home would not be there. In the end, therefore, once the Covid-19 restrictions are eased, it is quite likely many companies will, where possible, opt for more hybrid or blended ways of working. This suggests the one main lesson we have learned over the last year is that in many cases, we can do more work from home. The office will probably always be there, but increasingly, so too will the ‘office’ at home.

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STREET ARTIST CREATES MURAL IN HONOUR OF CAPTAIN SIR TOM MOORE

mural in memory of Captain Sir Tom Moore has been created in Manchester. Street artist Akse P19 painted the artwork in tribute to the 100-year-old, who died on 2 February after contracting coronavirus. The World War II Army veteran won the nation's hearts by walking 100 laps of his garden during the first lockdown, raising almost £33m for NHS charities. The mural has been painted on the corner of Tib Street and Thomas Street in the city's Northern Quarter. The artist, Akse P19, is behind a number of murals in the city including a tribute to NHS workers and George Floyd, who died after being arrested in the

US in May. The street artist also created a mural to footballer Marcus Rashford in Withington in recognition of the Manchester United star's successful campaign to extend free school meals. Capt Sir Tom walked 100 laps of his garden in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire, during the first lockdown last year. He had initially set out to raise £1,000 for NHS Charities Together by walking 82ft (25m) loops of his garden, but eventually raised £32,794,701 from more than 1.5 million supporters. The Army veteran was knighted by the Queen in July in a special ceremony at Windsor Castle.

l Akse P19 working on the mural

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Crackdown on Blue Badge Fraud FIVE VEHICLES have been impounded in Hornsey and Wood Green for Blue Badge fraud following a joint operation by Haringey Council and the police. One badge was being used by an individual even though the actual badge holder is deceased whilst four further stolen badges were identified. In addition, a fake Blue Badge and one that was lost were also picked up in the sweep that took place last week across various streets in the area. All those caught received a £130 penalty whilst those whose cars were impounded received a further £200 fine. Blue Badges offer a permit for those with mobility problems or hidden disabilities, allowing them to park closer to their destinations. Haringey Council, in London, works hard to ensure those that are entitled to a badge receive one, but it is also determined to crack down on Blue Badge fraud. “If you are aware of anyone using a Blue Badge who should not, please contact the council.”

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BCC ANNOUNCE APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE D

eborah Cadman, the current chief executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority, has been appointed interim chief executive of Birmingham City Council (BCC). The interim position will cover the 2022 Commonwealth Games and local elections, after which recruitment for a permanent appointment will begin. Raised and educated in Birmingham, Ms Cadman was the first permanent chief executive of the newly formed WMCA in 2017, following 30 years working in public services. She worked at the city council for seven years during her early career followed by senior roles including Head of Policy at Redcar and Cleveland Borough

Council and Local Government Advisor to the Ministerial Team at the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions. Following roles as the Audit Commission's Best Value Service Lead Inspector for the London region and Chief Executive for St Edmundsbury Borough Council and the East of England Development Agency, she was Chief Executive of Suffolk County Council from 2011 to 2017. She was appointed OBE - for services to local government - in 2006 and is listed in Local Government Chronicle’s ‘100 Most Influential in the Sector’. Councillor Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Deborah is highly respected both in regionally and nationally

and I’m delighted that she will be joining us. Her knowledge, understanding and commitment to Birmingham will be invaluable for the year ahead. “She also has a vital role to play in helping us deliver the Commonwealth Games, ensuring that people and communities across the city reap the rewards and I know she is as passionate as I am about ensuring that the future for Birmingham is bold and bright.” Deborah said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Birmingham at such an important time for the city and the region – there are immense challenges ahead, but some great opportunities, too.”

l Deborah Cadman

Town Hall Reflects On One Year Of Food Bank ROYAL SUTTON Coldfield Community Town Hall Trust, the charity which runs Sutton Coldfield’s Town Hall, is marking a year of collections of food for local food banks. The Food Bank Donation Station, open twice a week in response to additional need during the COVID-19 crisis, is run by volunteer Terry Dockery, with support from the Town Hall’s team. It has collected over £50,000 worth of donations since opening its doors last March. The collections began when other centres had to close due to volunteer shortages during the first lockdown in Spring 2020. When shows at the theatre stopped on March 15, the building went into partial hibernation,

opening just for food and blood donations, and later in the year as a temporary dance school and examination centre. Since February 2021 it has operated as Sutton Coldfield’s central vaccination centre for the town’s NHS Group Practices, but has continued with collections of food twice a week. The Town Hall’s Food Bank volunteers work with The Trussell Trust Foodbank Network, which runs Six Ways Baptist Church and George Road Church Food Banks in Erdington. It also supplies Sutton Baptist Church, Sutton Coldfield United Reformed Church and St James’ Church Mere Green. Food donated at the Town Hall is distributed to each of these centres to help those in need.

Food and household items are still urgently needed by all of these centres, as more families than ever are hit by the economic impact of the virus. On a Monday and Friday, 10am – 2pm, locals can bring donations to the collection point at the far end of the town hall on foot. Alternatively, neighbours and businesses have clubbed together with donations, allowing larger loads to be brought by car to a loading bay at the side of the venue. The Town Hall also launched ‘Town Hall Tara’s Dog and Cat Food Bank’ in a response for more pet food support, using the venue’s own Staffordshire Bull Terrier mascot to lead the campaign.

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LOOKING TO THE FUTURE OF THE WEST MIDLANDS Continue from Front Page

This includes more than £3bn of Government investment to support the local economy with no Mayoral precept added to council tax bills. The level of transport investment this year was seven times higher than in the year before Mr Street became Mayor. Before the Pandemic struck, the West Midlands enjoyed recordbreaking housebuilding, with over 48,000 homes built, nearly doubling the target originally set when Andy Street became Mayor. “Our region was doing well before COVID struck, with recordbreaking numbers of jobs, record house building and the best growth anywhere outside of London,” explained Andy. “Now we need to recapture that success and surpass it.” Andy also helped to secure both the

Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Coventry City of Culture for the region, alongside creating over 97,000 new jobs in the three years before the pandemic. “From the day I was first elected I said I wanted to be a Mayor for the whole of the West Midlands, not only reaching out to the different communities that make up the region, but also recognising that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. “As we begin our recovery, I think those principles of equality and inclusion are even more important now, because it’s vital that all of our communities benefit from investment we attract.” Looking forward, post-pandemic lockdowns, Andy has already got a strong vision as to what he wants to target. “The West Midlands needs a Mayor who can deliver an ambitious

NEWS

but practical plan, and drive our recovery as we come out of the pandemic - I’ve pledged to create 100,000 new jobs in the first two years and continue to bring billions of pounds of investment in to create new opportunities for local people.” Andy is also committed to reaching the region’s target of becoming net zero by 2041, using large-scale green programmes to reduce carbon emissions in transport, industry and homes, as well as maintaining the record-breaking house building rates achieved pre-pandemic, especially with his ‘brownfield first’ policy, protecting the green belt. Polling day is May 6th, so if you’ve not already completed your postal vote, make sure you get to your polling station on the day and ensure that your voice is heard.

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BUSINESS AND FINANCE

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VODAFONE JOINS WITH CHARITIES TO CONNECT I HARDEST HIT BY PANDEMIC

The Functionality Of Intellectual Capital Versus Public Health Lifestyles with Dr Christopher trusting the Johnson ‘messaging’,

l A Vodafone assistant helps set up a device.

odafone today announced it is working with the social change charity Good Things Foundation to connect digitally excluded families in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the UK. Vodafone has provided unlimited data SIMs and dongles to connect over 2,500 people, including almost 200 families and adults with disabilities in the West Midlands, enabling them to access support services, online education

and employment opportunities. The Good Things Foundation ‘Connecting Families’ programme crucially includes specialist one-on-one support to ensure that, in addition to devices and connectivity, every family learns essential digital skills so they can benefit fully from the tech they’ve been given. Vodafone’s has also provided Mi-Fi devices and unlimited data SIMs to support adults with learning disabilities and their carers via Good Things

Foundation and Mencap, the UK’s leading learning disability charity. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates that 1.9 million households in the UK don’t have reliable access to fixed line internet, and as many as 11.7 million people lack the basic digital skills needed to support everyday tasks such as communicating, accessing healthcare and being safe and confident online. ONS data also points to the disproportionately negative

impact Covid-19 has had on disabled people, especially those with learning disabilities, who are more likely to face digital exclusion. Since March 2020, Good Things Foundation has distributed devices and connectivity to more than 13,000 families across the UK. It works with local community partners to ensure the programme reaches families most in need and where the tech will have an impact quickly.

Clarke Willmott Advises on Multi-Million Deal Between Boxing Heavyweights NATIONAL law firm Clarke Willmott LLP acted as UK advisors on a major deal between US-based sports and entertainment agency Wasserman and renowned German boxing promoters Team Sauerland. Having acquired the business and assets of Team Sauerland, Wasserman will create a new brand, Wasserman Boxing, to compete with some of the big promotion brands in the UK and US. A multi-disciplinary team from Clarke Willmott acted for Wasserman on the multimillion pound deal. Corporate and commercial solicitors Rob Ridd and Barney Sykes advised on the UK corporate side of the transaction and managed the complex multi-jurisdictional process. Tim Copplestone, an employment solicitor with expertise in the sporting sector advised Wasserman on the UK employment side of

the transaction including new arrangements for Team Sauerland individuals. Thomas Kuhnle and Michael Ströbel of Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft advised on the German law aspects of the transaction. Clarke Willmott partner Rob Ridd said: “This was not only a highprofile deal it was also complex in nature with complicated crossborder elements, working with the US and Germany. “Our team sourced appropriate local advice at the outset and completed an in-depth due diligence process. We also drafted and negotiated all the documentation and closely managed the execution process involving the remote electronic signature of a large number of completion documents. “Wasserman is an important and long-standing client of ours and we are pleased to have assisted them in this major deal to create one of the world’s leading

boxing propositions, adding a further arm to Wasserman’s global sports marketing portfolio.” Wasserman Boxing, headed up by Fahri Ecvet, Dean Baker and Kalle and Nisse Sauerland, will represent athletes and promote bouts featuring top fighters, overseeing all boxingfocused activities for the LA-headquartered company.

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l Clarke Willmott partner Rob Ridd

n March 2021, a West Midlands-based charity company, Community Education Academy of Leadership (CEAL), launched the first ever ‘Public Health Lifestyles Toolkit’, designed to help reduce health inequalities amongst minority ethnic groups. This activity raised the stakes between intellectual capital and the need for quality public health to improve levels of production and productivity. The launch of the toolkit was very timely as the UK’s GDP fell by nearly three percent in January 2021, as coronavirus restrictions lowered chances of economic progress. Reduction in consumer spending, services and education, all resulted in a contraction of 3.5% in the services sector in the same month (ONS). CEAL’s six-month (October 2020 to March 2021) Lotteryfunded research project, focused on at least six English Regions where minority ethnic communities struggled to cope with Lockdown restrictions. Hundreds of residents were polled, representing a diversity of nationalities and socioeconomic persuasions. The intellectual capital of ethnic groups was clearly evident, with 66% showing a propensity towards higher education. Approximately 40% demonstrated nascent selfemployment prowess and 20% were involved in public and private sector ventures. Nearly a quarter of all respondents had a passion for ‘social entrepreneurialism’. However, more noticeable, were the indices associated with minority ethnic lifestyles during much Lockdown restrictions during the first half of 2020 and at the start of 2021 respectively. Factors such as the impact of emergency measures on personal and familial lifestyles,

ward-wInnIng journalist, editor and publisher Dr Christopher Johnson writes his monthly column in The Phoenix aiming to inform, educate and entertain.

authorities with overall feelings of the pandemic, financial problems associated with loss of income and/or jobs and the industry sectors affected by the Lockdown (See Figure below). In showcasing the plethora of ‘Wellbeing Strategies’ that evolved over the past 15 months or so, there was a clear indication that ethnic groups, contrary to popular media reporting, were determined to maintain a regime of collective wellness. Throughout CEAL’s project, there was incontrovertible evidence suggesting that respondents showed undoubtable resilience in the face of multiple traumas associated with direct and indirect COVID-19 comorbidity-related incidences. Additionally, it was vital to consider age and gender cohorts of each ethnic group and their individual attitudes towards pandemic restrictions at the local level. Whilst there were some exceptions to the way in which minority ethnic groups such as people of ‘Oriental’ or ‘East Asian’ background, handled Lockdown, the majority of minorities took proactive steps to ensure the safety of self and family. Indeed, across all minority groups, there was a clear ‘pattern’ and ‘path’ towards improving their respective lives after Lockdown. Suggested steps include upskilling, paying more attention to healthy lifestyles, seeking more information and knowledge on pandemics such as coronavirus and contributing more to local economic development. The congruence between the utility of intellectual capital and public health lifestyles of minority ethnic communities, require deeper understanding and greater appreciation since large sections of this population are often excluded from local and national public health policies.

l Figure 1: Key Findings: Lifestyle Impacts (Source: CEAL’s COVID-19 Survey, February 2021).

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MORE THAN £1M PLEDGED TO YOUTH GROUPS

l Olympic gold medal winning cyclist Dani Rowe

The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2021 - Page 7

eading housebuilder Persimmon Homes Central has launched a £1million charity giveaway to support young people across Britain. The Building Futures scheme aims to support community groups working with under-18s across three categories – education & arts, health and sport. Neil Williams, managing director for Persimmon Homes Central, said: “Young people are at the heart of all our futures, and we are fortunate to be able to provide support and help create positive outcomes through our Building Futures campaign. “We will make donations from £1,000 to £100,000 to grassroots sports groups, charities dealing with physical and mental health issues, as well as community arts and education projects. “As we are emerging from the global pandemic, we believe that now more than ever we need to look after the health and wellbeing of our communities. “Persimmon already donates £768,000 each year to good causes through its Community Champions funding programme and through Building Futures, we are dedicating help exclusively to the younger members of our society.” Building Futures is delivered through the Persimmon Charitable Foundation in partnership with Team

NEWS GB, the British Olympic Association, and the company enlisted the help of Olympic gold medal winning cyclist Dani Rowe to launch the scheme. Dani said: “This initiative is a superb way of supporting young people across our communities and I would encourage anyone who is eligible to apply for funding. These sums of money can be life-changing and could make a real difference to the recipients.” A total of 128 grants of £1,000 will be awarded across Persimmon’s 32 regional businesses to improve local facilities and the delivery of vital community projects. Three initiatives will go on to win £100,000 each through a national online public vote. The winners will be named at a grand final in November. In each sector – education & arts, health and sport – as well as the £100,000 first prize, there will be a £50,000 second prize and a £20,000 third prize, while a further 87 shortlisted projects will each receive £5,000. Neil Williams added: “We are looking for groups, charities and individuals who have amazing ideas on how to spend the big cash prizes to come forward. We will consider anything - from new clubhouses and kit to education and arts centres, research and support.” Applications opened on April 15 and close at midnight on August 15.

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Key Actions To Improve Air Quality In Birmingham WITH LESS than two months to go until the launch of Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone, the City Council has published its Air Quality Action Plan 2021. The new Plan will replace the Council’s previous Air Quality Action Plan 2011 and outlines some key actions to improve air quality in Birmingham between 2021 and 2026. They include: • Supporting and implementing strategic transport improvements to continue work on delivering a £1.2 billion integrated public transport network within the next 20 years. This will incorporate three more Metro lines, nine cross-city bus rapid transit lines, reopening and upgrading rail routes and associated stations. • Promoting behaviour change away from single occupancy private vehicle use through improving public transport • Supporting behaviour change and promoting an increase in cycling through the Birmingham Cycle Revolution. • Promoting the use of alternatively-fuelled vehicles to reduce both air pollution and carbon emissions from transport • Providing the refuelling infrastructure to support private and personal decisions in choice of new vehicles as well as accessing grant funding to replace, upgrade or retrofit existing vehicles in key service areas. • Using traffic management solutions to improve air quality by reducing numbers of vehicles, smoothing traffic flow or holding queues and congestion away from relevant exposure locations. The findings in the report also reaffirm the need for a Clean Air Zone to deliver air quality improvements in the city centre region.

Bringing The City Together Through Stitched Art

POSTHUMOUS HONOUR FOR FRENCH NAVY COMMANDO DOG

French Navy Commando dog has today (23 April) received the highest honour available for animals – the PDSA Dickin Medal – for his life-saving actions while on duty. The vet charity posthumously awarded Belgian Malinois Leuk with the prestigious award, also known as the animals’ Victoria Cross, for his unstinting bravery and life-saving devotion to duty. A private ceremony took place in Brittany, where a monument commemorating all dogs who have died serving with the French Navy was also unveiled. The video of Leuk’s story can be viewed at www.pdsa.org.uk/ meet-leuk Leuk served with the famed French Navy Special Forces ‘Commando Kieffer’ unit, where his extraordinary abilities had

gained him the nickname of ‘Leuk la Chance’ (Lucky Leuk) during his last rotation. He is the first French Military Working Dog to receive the PDSA Dickin Medal in its 78-year history. PDSA Director General Jan McLoughlin, who presented the medal virtually, said: “Leuk’s actions undoubtedly saved the lives of his unit on multiple occasions. He pushed through flames and bullets to succeed, fearlessly exposing and taking down enemy insurgents; he truly is a worthy recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal.” The world-renowned PDSA Dickin Medal was introduced by PDSA’s founder, Maria Dickin CBE, in 1943. It recognises animals that display conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty in the field of military conflict, and is the highest award any animal can receive.

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Leuk’s story

Born on 20 September 2013, Leuk joined the K9 division of the French Special Forces Commando Kieffer unit in July 2015. He began working as a French Navy Commando attack and explosive detection Military Working Dog, and his exceptional skills quickly became clear. Leuk was trained in a wide range of insertion and extraction techniques, including airdrops, combat swimming, and hoisting onto ferries. His specialty was to follow a drone in order to check for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). He was paired with his handler in May 2017 and their partnership lasted for the rest of Leuk’s operational career. In March 2019 they were deployed to Mali, where his actions undoubtedly saved the lives of his team on

several occasions. Leuk’s final mission took place in May 2019 – he was killed by an enemy whose position he had single-handedly exposed. When Leuk was repatriated, his body was covered with the French flag. His human comrades formed a guard of honour – a tradition usually reserved for fallen soldiers – as a symbol of their respect and gratitude for his exceptional contribution on the battlefield.

THE THREADS TOGETHER CHARITY aims to draw the City’s diverse communities together to produce a unique piece of highquality stitched art to celebrate and commemorate the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Through a simple questionnaire available at www.threadstogether.org.uk or via gill@threadstogether.org. uk, families and communities with connections to any of the 71 participating countries are invited to share their personal recollections and impressions of their home nation and their lives in Birmingham today. Our world-renowned designer will translate this information into images to be colour printed onto fabric panels which, in turn, will be enhanced with decorative stitching. Members of every community will be encouraged to “stitch their bit”. They can be complete novices or experienced stitchers’; everyone is welcome to join in. Those who are beginners and those with forgotten talents are especially welcome. Following the Games, the panels will form a cultural trail across the City, ensuring the project’s longevity and worth, whilst illustrating the rich diverse history of Birmingham’s citizens. For more information visit their website www.threadstogether.org.uk or get in contact gill@threadstogether.org.uk.

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS TO PROVIDE SUPPLIES FOR ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES RELIEF

he U.S. Virgin Islands Office of the Governor and the Department of Tourism are working with residents to collect supplies and raise funds for the people of St. Vincent and

the Grenadines, who have been devastated by the eruptions of La Soufrière volcano. The entire Territory is joining forces to pack and fill shipping containers that will be transported to St. Vincent

courtesy of Tropical Shipping. “The people of the U.S. Virgin Islands, including many residents who originally hail from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, stand with our Caribbean brothers and sisters who are still

reeling from the severe impact of La Soufrière’s eruptions,” said Governor Albert Bryan Jr. He added that his Administration is working with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and St. Vincent’s National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) to identify the most appropriate forms of aid and assistance needed in the midst of this disaster. USVI government agencies and entities, including the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) and the Virgin Islands Fire Service, local companies, community organizations and individuals are providing pro

bono and in-kind services. MARCO Trucking (St. Croix), The Westin St. John Resort Villas, and Grade All Heavy Equipment, Inc. (St. Thomas) have committed time and resources to the initial efforts. Items being collected include non-perishable food, water, sanitary supplies, and personal protective equipment (PPE). In addition to the material goods that will be collected, monetary donations are being solicited from companies and individuals. All proceeds and supplies will benefit the more than 20,000 displaced residents, thousands of whom are currently in shelters. “The Department of Tourism is calling on all Virgin Islanders

to join us in showing our support and care for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” said Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of Tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

WWW.CDEMA.ORG/LA-SOUFRIERE

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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.

WARWICK TRIUMPHANT IN UC FINAL

tudents from Warwick have returned to campus triumphant after winning this year's series of University Challenge. Navigating the entire series without a single defeat, the University of Warwick team that was made up of Richard Pollard, George Braid, Owain Burrell and Andrew Rout, defeated Cambridge's Magdalene College with 195 points to 140 in the BBC TV show. Team captain, Rout, said: “It was great to win, even if somewhat unexpected. "It was surprising to get to the final let alone win the tournament." The maths PhD student, from Kent, went on: “Hopefully we will inspire other people try out for the Warwick University Challenge team in future years or to get involved." The University (of Warwick) last lifted the series trophy in 2007 and

l The triumphant University of Warwick Team

ality u q h Hig rom f e r ld ca child e years o iv f o t irth

Day Nursery

vice-chancellor Professor Stuart Croft said: “I was absolutely delighted to congratulate the team on their superb victory. “To have won the series without losing a single match is an incredible achievement, especially against such excellent competition." The series was recorded during Covid-19 restrictions and George Braid, a Physics PhD student from Brighton, said: “It was a shame that the pandemic stopped us seeing much of the other teams, or indeed each other, outside of the games, but the studios ran everything very smoothly under the circumstances.” History and politics student Richard Pollard added: "Even in the circumstances, limiting as they have been, the whole process has been very rewarding." The team were presented with their trophy by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.

Make UK leading the way with robotics and automation course

en N Copm Birm ingoswoaot i n g Birmin ham B n to gha us Parkm Biunseisnses s Pa!rk l Students on the Robotics Course

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

ake UK is one of the only training providers in the country to offer the EAL Level 3 course in robotics and automation, at its Technology Hub in Aston, Birmingham - with the added incentive to employers of grants to cover 50% of the course’s cost. The EAL Level 3 in Robotics and Automation, which consists of 10 modules, is aimed at technicians and engineers who already work in the manufacturing industry looking to enhance or re-confirm their skills and understanding of robotics and automation engineering.

The Supplier Skills Programme, which is part-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and managed by Birmingham City Council, is offering businesses the opportunity to access grant funding to cover 50% of the course fee. Grants are available from £500 to £18,000. Make UK is a strategic partner of the programme and can assist with the application process. The Supplier Skills Programme is open to SMEs which are: ● Based within Birmingham, Solihull, Redditch, Wyre Forest and Bromsgrove ● Able to match fund training costs (50% by the SME, the remaining 50% by the ESF)

l Theo with his Winning Recipe

School Pupil Wins National Aldi Competition A PUPIL from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Birmingham has been awarded the top prize in a nationwide cooking competition hosted by Aldi, as part of its longstanding partnership with Team GB. Theo, aged 6, was voted the winner within his age category of Aldi’s Get Set to Eat Fresh Taste Kitchen Challenge, which asked young people across the country to create healthy and original recipes inspired by Team GB. He impressed the judges with his ‘Power Cookies’ – fruit, berry, and oat cookies created to offer a nutritious snack for aspiring athletes. Theo’s winning recipe will feature on Aldi’s website, and the supermarket has also rewarded the young chef with Aldi vouchers and an exclusive Team GB goody bag. Theo’s school will also receive £200 to spend at Aldi. Speaking about his recipe, Theo said: “I used lots of fruit and berries in my recipe to make sure my cookies had a fruity twist but it was still super tasty. I also used British strawberries and apples for Team GB. “I’m really happy that the judges picked my Power Cookies and even more excited about the prizes!” Mary Dunn, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility at Aldi UK, said: “The Taste Kitchen Challenge is the latest in a series of activities we’ve created in partnership with Team GB to give young people the confidence to cook fresh, healthy food from scratch. “Theo’s recipe ticked all of the boxes and the judges were particularly impressed by the fact he chose to make an exciting, fruity snack rather than a meal, which can be a lot more challenging. To be chosen from more than 500 entries is a great achievement and we hope it will inspire him to continue experimenting in the kitchen in the future.”

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EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT

UNIVERSITY TAKES UP POSITION FOR NETBALL SUCCESS

aving received p l a n n i n g permission for the redevelopment of its outdoor courts into an exclusive high quality netball facility, the University of Wolverhampton has appointed a new Head of Netball to lead the way to sporting success. The investment of £150,000 via a new partnership agreement with Netball West Midlands Regional League, will include a new high specification anti-slip netball surface, four England standard netball courts, purpose-built floodlighting and a spectator seating area. Sally Bromley, the new Head of Netball in the Institute of Sport based at the University’s Walsall Campus, will lead on the enhanced strategy to grow netball provision with specific focus on student engagement and promoting more opportunities through the British University Colleges Sport competition.

Sally joins the university with a wealth of experience and knowledge across the breadth of the netball participation and performance pathways. She is also the current head coach for the Invictus Trust Academy and the under 17s assistant coach for the Vitality Netball Super League side, Severn Starts. She said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining the team at WLV Sport and very excited about the opportunities to develop the netball programme here for the University students and the local netball community. “The University has such amazing facilities for both indoor and now outdoor netball, and with the Commonwealth Games on our doorstep just around the corner, there couldn’t be a better time to be starting our new era of Netball here at the University. “The netball courts will provide opportunity for students, staff, and academic provision and provide a facility to the local community for

training, competition and league match play.” Throughout the process, England Netball have provided ongoing support and Charlotte Malyon, England Netball Facilities Development Manager, said: “England Netball is delighted that the redevelopment of the outdoor netball courts at the University of Wolverhampton’s Walsall site has received planning permission. “These facilities are critical to the recovery of our sport in the West Midlands, and we look forward to working in partnership with the University and Sport England to ensure that women and girls can access their support networks through netball and regain the physical and mental health benefits that being involved in our sport can bring.” The process of tendering for construction work has begun with work beginning in the summer.

Birmingham pupils asked to create t-shirt as part of competition to spread unity

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GLOBAL ACTS OF UNITY is launching a national t-shirt design competition asking young people aged 14-18 from across the country to express what ‘unity’ means to them for a chance to win a £100 voucher and £500 worth of supplies for their school and have their t-shirt made. Last year, it ran a national poetry competition, Words of Unity, where students were asked to write what unity meant to them in a poem. This year, it is running a creative arts competition: Unitees, which asks students to use the power of words and illustration to express ‘unity’ in a stylish and wearable t-shirt design. The design can be inspired by different forms of creative expression such as a short poem, a rap, spokenword lyric, a snippet of a song, slogan or strapline, and can be accompanied with a picture or illustration to bring it to life.

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WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE

‘SUFFERING IN SILENCE’ Survivor Andrea Maynard-Brade is a Woman of Excellence

hen she woke up to see him standing over her, in a threatening manner – with his hands around her neck and saying; “I can get in here whenever I want to,” Andrea Maynard-Brade, chilled by the memory, knew she had to get out ‘NOW!’ It was just another occasion when her then partner – the father of her three, now grown-up, children –

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imposed his heartless presence over her during a relationship that was ‘frightening’ at best, and life-threatening at worst. She was not able to leave the relationship and move away as she wanted to stay around my friends and family, so she opted to take out an injunction on the children’s father . “A year later after 2 injunctions this deterred him from continuous harassment or he would have faced time in prison. “I decided to get my life back on track and went back to study and to get a part time job.” A Holistic Therapist and Senior Manager of Rain International, Andrea is the founder of Positive Mouves Holistic Therapies and Training, the founder of Kamjersara, which helps declutter your home and dresses halls for all occasions. Andrea is also the CEO of Embrace Health and wellBeing, a Complementary Therapist and Master Health Coach born in Birmingham of Caribbean parents from Barbados. As the author of ‘Suffering In Silence’, which tells her own harrowing story of her experience of domestic and

sexual abuse and the mechanisms available to those ‘Suffering In Silence’. “I thought my life was going to end that night,” she recalls. I had no option but to get away from that relationship, otherwise I wouldn’t be here to tell my story today.” So, leaving – with a case of her personal belongings, she wasn’t in any position to take-up any options. There were – at the time – no viable options but to leave that life and seek a new one. “I got an injunction against him and decided I needed to get my life back on track. The effect of what was happening to my children was one of a traumatic experience for them, this is why I had to leave him,” she recalls. “My daughters ended up going through the similar experiences in their adult life with their partners, my youngest daughter ended that relationship of control. “However, my middle daughters continued for several years and has now manager to get out of that toxic relationship and living a happier and healthier live than before. “And my son started to show traits of his father’s behaviour

but took it on himself not to go down that road A learned, determined and unwillingness to rise, at all costs, she did the one thing that many in her position fail to do – she TALKED. She began to onload the issues in her then relationship to relevant family and friends before then putting it down on paper for the world to see how she manged to overcome her own traumatic travails and how she can contribute to preventing women – and men – from falling down their own ‘rabbit hole’ of domestic abuse. “I found that this kind of behaviour is reciprocal,” Andrea recalls, “and, in many cases, go back for generations. I felt I had to do my bit to ‘break the cycle’. A guide for victims stuck in the tragic patterns of emotional abuse, ‘Suffering In Silence’ has proved to be a way to ‘break the cycle’ in her family as it serves as the ideal ‘go-to’ tool with step-by-step strategies to stop emotional abuse. . . helping both victims and abusers to identify the patterns of this painful and traumatic type of abuse. Succeeding in helping people stop emotional abuse it focuses

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on what emotional abuse is, how it affects relationships, and how to stop it. Its focus on the dynamics of relationships makes it grasp the tools for change – for both parties. “People are often too scared to break ‘family secretes’, Andrea says, “so I’m working with organisations to help house abused women and help to give them a voice when most needed. Andrea has been Nominated for MBCC Awards in November as a ‘Shero’ in her community, so don’t forget to vote for her in July when voting begins. Andrea Maynard-Brade is presently working on an anthology for women who has faced adversities in their lives. The book is called ‘Surviving Queens’ and will be launched in the Autumn of 2021. Rising like a Phoenix from the tyranny of domestic violence, she has proven to be an exceptional woman of great excellence – against the most trying of odds. You can contact Andrea at Embracehw@gmail.com, get more info by visiting http://sufferinginsilence.online or buy her book at https://amzn.to/3ueu267.

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MUSIC FASHION FILM GADGETS HOLIDAY EDUCATION HEALTH AND FITNESS

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NOT IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER

JULIA MICHAELS ANNOUNCES HER NEW ALBUM

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Planet Earth II Live in Concert

BC Studios and concert promoter FKP Scorpio UK have announced a new Bournemouth date on Saturday March 19th2022, adding to their previously rescheduled Planet Earth II Live In Concert arena tour of the UK & Ireland. The original 2020 tour was postponed and rescheduled to March 2022 following continuing government advice and the closure of venues across the UK, as part of the nationwide effort to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). This spectacular live concert tour will be hosted by science and natural history TV presenter Liz Bonnin, with special behind

the scenes insights from Mike Gunton, the executive producer of this BAFTA and EMMY® awardwinning BBC television series. Featuring breath taking speciallyselected footage shown in 4K ultra high-definition on a gigantic LED screen, the City Of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Matthew Freeman, will perform the remarkable music by Oscar winner Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea & Jasha Klebe for Bleeding Fingers Music. Host Liz Bonnin says: "I'm so delighted that Planet Earth II Live In Concert is now also coming to the Bournemouth International Centre, on Saturday March 19th 2022, as part of our UK and Ireland Arena Tour. As the restrictions

around live events lift safely, it will be a real joy to finally be able to host this celebration of the wonders of our natural world. I'm looking forward to visiting the South Coast again with this spectacular show!" The rescheduled 2022 tour dates are as follows: Mar 18th Cardiff Motorpoint Arena Mar 19th Bournemouth International Centre (New Date) Mar 20th London The O2 Matinee & Evening Performances Mar 22nd Dublin 3 Arena Mar 24th Leeds First Direct Arena Mar 25th Manchester AO Arena Mar 26th Birmingham Resorts World Arena Mar 27th Glasgow SSE Hydro

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NEW INITIATIVE TO REMEDY RACIAL TENSIONS IN SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTS

ENTERTAINMENT

ightpost Theatre Company, The Black Pounds Project and Titan Partnership, alongside Birmingham Repertory Theatre, have announced Lightbearers; a new initiative which aims to remedy some of the racial tensions that exist within school environments. Lightbearers will provide a series of workshops to be developed by Black mentors, working alongside teachers in mainstream schools to jointly articulate their experiences and create a strategy for change. Experienced drama and workshop facilitators will manage a series of workshops and, where applicable, use elements of performance to convey a message. Black and mixed heritage pupils have rates of permanent exclusion three times that of the student population as a whole. There are a multitude contributing factors to this disparity, including: staff being unaware of how microaggressions have a negative impact on culturally marginalised groups, the reinforcement of existing racial tensions; a lack of Black educators throughout the mainstream education system, from nursery to university level, so that Black children are not seeing themselves represented in environments where they spend the majority of time during key

developmental years; add to this next to no representation of Black figures, history and culture across Humanities curriculums, affecting esteem, attainment and aspiration. The Lightbearers initiative aims to address the myriad of fundamental faults within the UK’s education system which act as a driver not just for exclusion, but also for the over representation of Black adults within mental health and criminal justice settings. CJ Lloyd Webley, Lightpost Theatre’s Lead Artist and creator of Lightbearers said; “The Lightbearers initiative will allow us to remedy some of the racial tensions that exist within school environments between staff and students. The issues that the Black community face are very specific - this project allows us to raise awareness as we begin to tackle some sensitive issues. “We will provide a space for staff to reflect on their own unconscious biases towards Black students in a safe space which will provide room for growth and transparency. Conducting anonymous surveys during sessions will allow staff to understand themselves and each other better without fear of judgement. We hope that Lightbearers will begin to be a catalyst for similar initiatives throughout our schools and begin to drastically needed change.”

Coventry Food Festival’s ‘BIG FOODIE WEEKEND’

oventry BID is thrilled to announce that Spice Girl, Melanie C, and M People’s Heather Small have been confirmed as the headline acts at Coventry’s “Big Foodie Weekend”, on Friday 23rd July and Saturday 24th July. The pop superstars will be joined by artists Karen Harding, Rozalla, Shena, Booty Luv, Big Brovaz, Katherine Ellis and DJ Paul Morrell, bringing the party atmosphere to the Food Festival throughout the weekend. Melanie C will be leading the line-up on the Friday evening, showcasing her DJing skills with an exclusive set. Melanie will be joined by R&B singer/songwriter Karen Harding (‘Say Something’) 90’s pop sensation Rozalla (’Everyody’s Free’); legendary disco and house vocalist, Shena, and Coventry’s very own DJ, Paul Morrell. Heather Small – the unmistakable voice of M People – will be the headline act on the Saturday evening. Naughties acts Big Brovaz and Booty Luv are also set to perform, along with Katherine Ellis (Freemasons vocalist), rounded off by another blistering set from Paul Morell. Trish Willetts, Director at Coventry BID, says: “We are beyond excited to be welcoming so many amazing music acts to be part of the ‘Big Foodie Weekend’ in July. When we started planning the event,

we never dreamed we would be able to attract the likes of Melanie C and Heather Small, but we aimed high, and it has paid off. This really will be a treat! “Paul Morrell has done an amazing job in helping us secure such a high calibre of performers and we can’t wait to bring the joy to our great city this summer with lots of delicious food, cheeky cocktails, cooking demonstrations and now, sensational music, too. “Of course, it’s our hope that everything will be back to normal at this point, but we are also working closely with our partners to ensure we are COVID-compliant and able to welcome people back safely.” Running from Friday 23rd – Sunday 25th July, the Big Foodie Weekend aims to host the largest selection of artisan food producers in the region. TV Celebrity chefs, Theo Randall and Lesley Waters, will be leading cooking demonstrations throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. There will also be dedicated glutenfree and vegan produce, and visitors will be able to eat their way around the world with stunning street food and some of the finest producers of cheese, chutneys, eggs and sweet treats – all served with pop-up bars, cocktails, demonstrations and, of course, live music. Tickets for the music acts will be available to purchase from Monday 31st May.

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Jagger & Grohl team-up for lockdown themed track

Guns N’ Roses Reschedule Summer Tour Dates To 2022

Rolling Stones legend Sir Mick Jagger has teamed up with Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl for a lockdown-themed song written by the Stones’ front-man. Easy Sleazy features the performer on vocals and lead guitar, backed by Grohl on drums, bass and backing guitar with a video showing them both performing remotely in separate studios. Sir Mick teamed up with Grohl for the singer after he said he believed his adaptability has helped him "roll with the punches" through the uncertainty. The track references Zoom calls, "football's fake applause" and "stupid" TikTok dances, as well as dealing with anti-vaxxers. Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, Jagger, 77, said: "It's a reflection on the last year - the physical and mental strains put on society. "The whole year, we've been doing this and going through different emotions through it and having false starts and stops and openings and closings. The deep psychological ramifications of it on people and children not going to school and not socialising. “We don't know what they're really going to be." On the track he hits out at anti-vaxxers, saying; "They don't get it."

GUNS N’ ROSES’ 2021 U.K. summer tour dates have now been rescheduled to 2022. Performances on Friday 18 June and Saturday 19 June will now take place on Friday 1 June and Saturday 2 June 2022 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. All tickets remain valid and will be honoured for new the dates. The band says “We continue to be thankful for your understanding and support during these unprecedented times. “Light is at the end of the tunnel and we are looking forward to getting back on stage...” Tickets for Friday 18 June 2021 will be honoured for Friday 1 June 2022 and tickets for Saturday 19 June 2021 will be honoured for Saturday 2 June 2022. Limited tickets are still available for fans to purchase for Guns N’ Roses at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for Friday 1 June and Saturday 2 June 2022 at LiveNation.co.uk now! A Guns N’ Roses’ statement read: "Hey Gunners, unfortunately we need to ask for your patience one more time. Our summer European tour dates will be rescheduled to 2022, but with the added bonus of new shows and special guest Gary Clark Jr.”

STRICTLY COME DANCING: THE PROFESSIONALS UK TOUR 2021 fINAL LINE UP CONFIRMED

trictly fans nationwide will be delighted to learn that 2020 Strictly finalist Janette Manrara and 2019 Dancing With The Stars (Australia) finalist Joshua Keefe will be dusting off their dancing shoes and completing the incredible line-up for this year’s highly anticipated official Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals UK tour. Janette Manrara joined the Strictly family in 2013 and has twice won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas TV Special.

“I am so excited to be joining the Strictly Come Dancing Professionals Tour!” said Janette Manrara. “I’m thrilled to be a part of the show and to perform on stage across the UK again after so long! I cannot wait to finally see all the Strictly fans that come along the shows - it will be amazing!” Joshua Keefe is part of the choreography team on the Strictly Come Dancing TV show. He performed in all of the 2020 series’ group numbers and in the Strictly Come Dancing Live

Tour 2020. “Having danced in the TV show and performed in the Strictly arena tour, I can’t wait to join the Strictly professionals on this tour,” explained Joshua “We’re all so thrilled to be able to perform in theatres again and I know our energy will show on stage. It’s going to be a brilliant show! Directed by Strictly's Creative Director Jason Gilkison, Janette and Joshua join a stunning lineup of pro dancers all ready to race back to the dance floor. Australian Open Champion

and 2018 finalist Dianne Buswell; Professional World Mambo Champion and 2021 Strictly finalist Karen Hauer; 2017 Strictly Champion KatyaJones; undefeated fourtime British National Champion Neil Jones; 2021 Strictly finalist GorkaMarquez; four-time Italian Dance Championship winner LubaMushtuk, South African champion and Strictly star Johannes Radebe and Dancing With The Stars Ireland professional dancer Kai Widdrington.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Dance Partnership Announced

he acclaimed, awardwinning Sonia Sabri Company, one of the leading contemporary South Asian dance and music companies in the UK based in Birmingham, has officially announced The Butterfly Project, a community dance partnership with Birmingham based Sähëlï Hub, a Social Enterprise charity dedicated to improving women’s health and wellbeing. It is widely known that dance is one of the best activities for keeping fit and plays a pivotal role in delivering positive health benefits including improved moods and cognitive skills, increased strength and agility. Sähëlï Hub operates in three wards with the poorest health outcomes in the city with female populations who are the least likely to take up physical activity, or sport. The Butterfly Project will provide women, who would not normally have access to dance, a chance to step away from their daily lives, interact with other women from their community, build confidence, make friends,

and help improve their physical and mental health. Sonia Sabri Company, an Associate Company at Birmingham Hippodrome, has an international reputation for presenting Kathak dance in a contemporary context, without diluting its integrity. The company perform professionally across the UK and run regular workshops in dance

and music, currently presented online due to COVID-19. Kathak is one of the major classical dances of India. Kathak, meaning ‘story telling’ originated from Northern India through a group of Nomadic Bards and is performed through mime and dance. A professional dancer will train between 10-15 years full time Similar to someone training in

Ballet. Kathak is a classical dance form which requires years of dedicated training, time and lifestyle adjustments in order to become a Kathak Artist. Wolverhampton born - Awardwinning Artistic Director Sonia Sabri, one of the world’s leading Kathak dancers, recently appointed Resident Creative at CURVE theatre Leicester said:

“This year alone we have worked on project-based workshops reaching out to over 600 participants, many of whom feel vulnerable and isolated. “At a time when women’s wellbeing and safety is much in the news, the announcement today platforms the company’s commitment to connect with more women, empower and support them through the arts and help them improve their lives, confidence and wellbeing.” Shebina Gill, Sähëlï Hub Manager (Holistic Interventions Team) added: “We are delighted to be making this joint announcement during our 21st anniversary year. “We have developed a thriving community empowerment model which enables people from seldom heard and isolated communities in inner-city Birmingham to address longterm health disparities and social disadvantage. “We provide innovative and culturally sensitive activities that focus on improving women’s holistic wellbeing.”

carolesdaughter Unveils New Single And Video RISING ARTIST carolesdaughter returns with her new single, ‘Trailer Trash’ arriving today via Arista Records /Robots & Humans/Columbia Records UK. The track is paired with a striking music video shot in a deserted area in California and directed by Neta Ben Ezra. It brings to life an abandoned trailer park with Ozark meets The Walking Deadinfluences. carolesdaughter’s eye-catching look for the video was made possible by makeup artist Jessie Edelstein, with styling by carolesdaughter herself. “Trailer Trash” marks the up-and-comer’s first official release of 2021. carolesdaughter says: "I wrote trailer trash 2 years ago when I was in rehab. The song is about accepting the unique and sometimes trashy parts of you.

Kanye West Yeezy Shoes The Most Valuable To Go To Auction

A PAIR OF SHOES designed and worn by musician Kanye West that are going up for auction are the most valuable to appear on the market, the auction house selling them says. The Nike Air Yeezy 1 Prototypes have an estimate of $1 million (£726,000). West first wore the shoes while performing at the Grammys in 2008. They are now being sold by shoe collector Ryan Chang, through Sotheby's auction house, and will be on display in Hong Kong. In recent years, sneakers have gained the same collectable status as wine or jewellery. Sotheby's, a global auction house, held its first ever sale dedicated entirely to sneakers in 2019. Brahm Wachter, head of streetwear and modern collectibles at Sotheby's, said in a statement that the shoes were critical to the development of the Yeezy franchise, which became one of the most important sneaker and lifestyle brands in history. The sneakers are a US size 12, or a UK

11 - West's shoe size. The seven-figure estimate for the Yeezys beats the previous record sale price for sneakers - a pair of 1985 Nike Air Jordan 1s, which were sold by Christie's last year for $615,000 (£446,000). However, there are no records for shoes that have been bought privately. It is believed that the most expensive sneakers ever created were designed by Bicion and Mache Custom Kicks in 2016. The shoes, which are embellished with diamonds and sapphires, were estimated at $4 million. The Yeezys are being sold as part of a private sale, which means neither the buyer nor the final sale price will be publicised unless the buyer themselves comes forward. The sneaker range was developed with Nike between 2007 and 2009. This was the first time Nike had collaborated with someone who wasn't an athlete. West wore the Prototypes during an emotional performance of Stronger and Hey Mama at the Grammys in 2008, just a few months after the death of his mother.

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Fifth Of All Songs Streamed In UK In 2020 Were Rap And Hip Hop

ap music had its most successful year ever in the UK in 2020, according to new figures. Data from the BPI - the UK's association of independent and major labels - shows over a

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fifth of songs streamed were rap and hip hop. When BPI started recording data like this in the 1990s, rap music only counted for 3.6% of the singles market. In 2020, it was 22%. Headie One, Dave and AJ

Tracey got up to 50 million plays in the UK each. The genre's growth in the album market has gone from 2.7% in 2014 to 12.2% in 2020. KSI's Dissimulation album was the biggest-selling debut album of the year and reached number two in the charts in May. Rapper Nines got his first number one in September with Crabs in a Bucket. "To know how much Black British music has impacted the music industry at large is something I couldn't be more proud of," says Joseph 'JP' Patterson, founder of TRENCH Magazine. "From the days when Grime and Rap was an afterthought in mainstream spaces, to now being a driving force in the UK's musical landscape." Aitch, Tion Wayne and DigDat all made Top 10 in the charts and overall, British artists make up a third (33.6%) of all the Rap and Hip hop singles streamed in 2020. Not to forget international rappers like Pop Smoke whose album Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon got to number one in the UK last year. He was the first solo artist to achieve this with a posthumous album. The BPI also names new female artists making an impact in the UK rap scene, like Bree Runway who recently made top 10 on the BBC's Sound of 2021 list, as helping drive streaming figures for UK rap.

rammy Awardn o m i n a t e d multiplatinum singer and songwriter Julia Michaels has revealed the title and track listing to her longawaited debut album, Not In Chronological Order, which arrives April 30th. To accompany the announcement, she also shared a new song from the album, “Love Is Weird,” with the launch of the album pre-order via Polydor Records. Over the past few years, no songwriter has had more of an impact on reshaping pop music than Grammy nominated and multi-platinum selling artist Julia Michaels, whose razorsharp perspective on love, loss, and the wide spectrum of the human experience has deservedly catapulted her to the forefront of her industry.

Lauded for her work on hit singles by artists like Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Niall Horan, Dua Lipa, Janelle Monáe, Shawn Mendes, P!NK, Ed Sheeran, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani, Hailee Steinfeld, The Chicks, Keith Urban, Jessie Ware, and more, Julia has spent the last decade honing her craft and delivering fans some of the most evocative music of a generation. Offering another glimpse into what fans can expect from the upcoming album, “Love Is Weird,” weaves together airy production and soft acoustic guitar, while she delicately likens relationships to “Playing Operation trying to put me back together,” before candidly admitting, “Love is weird. Don’t know how I wound up here…It shows up and disappears.”

This honest and hypnotic melody highlights her uncanny ability to tune into raw emotion and unfiltered lyricism, with her signature vocal tone and delivery. The new song sets the stage for the release of her anxiously awaited full-length debut album, Not In Chronological Order, out on April 30, 2021. Presenting a full 360-degree perspective on the critically acclaimed songstress, it examines every facet of her life emotionally and spiritually in a 10-song body of work that finds Julia piecing together the chapters of her life in one place work. “When I was looking at the tracklisting, it literally was not in chronological order of the events that it took place in my life,” she says. “The way that I saw the tracklisting in my head, a lot of the heartbreak came in the middle, and finding new love came at the end.

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The Phoenix Newspaper Countdown To The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Celebrating All Things Commonwealth

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MERRYTHOUGHT REVEALS SPECIAL BEAR TO HONOUR HM THE QUEEN

s the commonwealth looked forward to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s 95th birthday on April 21, Merrythought, the UK’s oldest remaining teddy bear manufacturer, created a very special limited edition teddy bear in her honour. Merrythought, which last year celebrated its own milestone of 90 years in business, has handcrafted the elegant bear from the finest caramel-coloured mohair plush and pure cotton velvet.

Taking inspiration from the outfits which Her Majesty has famously worn to royal occasions, such as Royal Ascot and Trooping of the Colour, the Merrythought team has created a detailed pure silk hat and coat for this highly collectable bear. Fourth-generation managing director of Merrythought, Sarah Holmes, said: “Merrythought’s relationship with the Royal Family goes back several generations. “In 1952 we presented Her Majesty with a Merrythought Corgi. Since then we are proud

to have worked with several of the official royal enterprises, created teddy bears for each royal generation – including greatgrandchildren Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louise and more recently in 2018, we enjoyed a visit from Princess Alexandra. “We have collectors all over the world following for our royal commemorative teddy bears, and wanted to celebrate our much-admired Queen and offer a beautiful teddy bear in her honour.”

Merrythought has really taken the time to understand Queen Elizabeth's favourite colours and outfits, recreating her turquoise coat and matching hat. The stunning, fully-lined set has been carefully made from the finest pure silk. The teddy bear’s hat also features three handmade organza roses, whilst the coat is detailed with pearlescent buttons and an embroidered replica of the

cherished turquoise and diamond brooch given to Her Majesty by Queen Mary. The Queen is the first monarch in British history to celebrate their 95th birthday. Merrythought teddy bears are world-renowned and sold as far afield as Australia, Japan and beyond, but are proudly made in Britain in the same factory the

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company started in 90 years ago. With a highly-skilled team making each bear by hand, it’s a meticulous 15-stage process which uses the finest natural materials.

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ON YOUR MARKS SUPPLEMENT

CGF and insidethegames.biz launch new Games partnership

he Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and insidethegames.biz have launched an exciting new partnership to tell inspiring Commonwealth Sport stories in the lead-up to Birmingham 2022. A new section dedicated to Commonwealth Sport has gone live on the world leading and award winning Olympic news website, which features an indepth overview of the movement. It includes the history of the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games, round-ups of major Commonwealth Games moments, biographies of star athletes and details of the CGF's drive to use sport for social change. CGF President Dame Louise Martin said: "The CGF and insidethegames.biz have worked

closely together for many years, across numerous editions of the Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Youth Games and other key events on our calendar. “They have unparalleled connections in global sport and are as passionate as we are about providing a voice and a platform for our diverse, committed Commonwealth sporting family. “This will be particularly beneficial for some of our small states and island states, who will have a truly global platform to share their stories. "My thanks go to editor Duncan Mackay, managing director Sarah Bowron and the entire team at insidethegames.biz for their support in working to promote our movement." insidethegames will produce multiple news articles on Commonwealth Sport each week, covering the 72 Commonwealth Games Associations which

Champion Hamilton Calling For Africa To Be Added To F1 Calendar

SEVEN-TIME Formula One racing champion Lewis Hamilton has urged F1 chiefs to add an African race to its calendar for the first time since 1993. With the current F1 calendar featuring more than 20 races per season, which means travelling to countries such as Australia, China, Russia, Brazil and Abu Dhabi, this season’s current leading driver has called for a return to the Kyalami circuit in Johannesburg, in South Africa – which has been the one continent

that has been missing from the F1 calendar for the past 27 years. The circuit there would reportedly need some upgrades while there have also been recent talks about a race in another African circuit in Marrakech, in Morocco. In Q&A video from Petronas, Mercedes driver, Hamilton, said: "I would love for a Grand Prix to be in South Africa. They are great sporting fans and are just petrolheads who love cars. "I would love to go there, it

are preparing to compete in Birmingham next year. "We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Commonwealth Games Federation," said Bowron. "Our experienced team have long enthused with infectious excitement about the Commonwealth Games. I caught the bug at Glasgow in 2014 alongside the younger members of our team. Our affection has continued to grow with memorable visits to Samoa, Edmonton, The Bahamas, the Gold Coast and Rwanda among others. "Everybody in our team is looking forward to help tell the story of Commonwealth Sport to the insidethegames.biz influential readership of more than 20 million in over 200 countries and we hope that this will be a partnership for many years to come.” would be absolutely insane. There is a huge following there and it is one of the most important Grand Prix we need to get on the calendar." He went on to say: "It's such an important place to go back to. At the moment, Formula One goes to countries and doesn't really leave much behind if anything. "Formula One has to shift into being a sport that does go to places and leaves behind something that can really help the communities. Bringing the attention back to Africa and really highlighting the beautiful place that it is. "I think that's the most important place that we have to go to. It needs to be held where it's not all about money, it's about the people. "In business, that's not always the case so that's something I'm really pushing for." F1 global director of race promotion Chloe Targett-Adams, who deals with event organisers, says the continent is key to the sport’s development. The South African GP featured 23 times on the F1 calendar following its debut in 1962 but was last staged in 1993. There have been a number of plans to return Formula One to the country but there are currently no race circuits in South Africa which would be approved by the FIA to host an F1 event.

Page 22 - The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2021

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ON YOUR MARKS SUPPLEMENT - STRENGTH OF BIRMINGHAM

STRENGTH OF BIRMINGHAM

DELIVERING THE ‘DIAMOND STANDARD’

he COVID-19 Pandemic has hit many businesses hard, but perhaps none moreso than the travel industry, forcing cancellations, continuous rebookings and refunds, and until writing this article, still no sign of when international travel could return to any semblance of normality. Dr Beverly Lindsay OBE OD DL is the owner of Diamond Travel, a Travel Agency over 34 years old based on Dudley Road in Birmingham, like many in the industry, she has been forced to close her physical location, but unlike some, she has managed to keep Diamond Travel’s head above water while still maintaining a customerfocused service. “As a business person in the industry that I am in, it has been devastating,” muses Dr Lindsay as she remembered the last year. “For many businesses, the option is there to furlough their staff, but we are unable to furlough everyone at all times because we have to remain open for our people. “We have deposits from people for bookings that need rescheduling, and so our mobile lines have been on nearly 24/7 for cancellations, rebookings and refunds.” While it’s been difficult for Diamond Travel, unfortunately not all of their customers seem to be sympathetic to their plight, despite it obviously affecting everyone. “When we book someone, we use the little commission we take to pay our bills, so now we’re basically doing negative work, having to rebook people 4, 5 or even 6 times.” Of course, Diamond Travel is a team, and credit is needed where credit is due. “I’ve got to give thanks to my Diamond Travel team, especially Jennifer, Marcia, and Andrea who have been stalwarts for me.” “We are a community business and we always try our best, but it has been very challenging. If I didn’t have good people like them, who go above and beyond the call of duty for our customers at every opportunity, I don’t think we would have survived through the pandemic.” During the first lockdown, when there were still a number of people stuck

overseas, Diamond Travel partnered with the High Commission to repatriate people, completing all their paperwork and arranging everything for them. Diamond Travel have had to, like many, move their operations online and mobile as much as possible, “Our Facebook and Website have daily updates and a dedicated daily Diamond Travel Mobile line. We’ve been encouraging people to use our numbers

inbetween Zoom calls if I know I’ll be meeting later in the day with someone I had a meeting with in the morning! It helps to keep the morale up.” “We’re looking forward to getting back into 178 Dudley Road. All the staff have their boxes with PPE equipment, and we’ve spaced everything out. People want to see other people face to face, for a lot of our elderly people that is the only interaction they get on a day-today

and message us, email and WhatsApp, then we can contact them back.” “We went back into the shop for a short period before lockdown 2, and we do Jamaica National Money Transfer, but they had stopped taking cash, so people had to use cards,” Dr Lindsay recalled. “Prior to COVID I could never have seen that happening, but saying that prior to COVID I never knew about Zoom or that I’d be video calling people 3 or 4 times a day!” Despite not being able to go out to any functions since lockdowns began, Dr Lindsay takes the time each day to change up her outfits, hairstyles and everything. “I’ve even changed

basis.” “We’ve had previous customers that used to come back in just for a chat, and we’d take the time for them. When I first started in business I was told I’d never make it as a business because I was a community worker at heart, not a businessperson,” Dr Lindsay continued. COVID has without doubt been the most challenging period in Diamond Travel’s history, because despite the events of September 11th, recessions, ash cloud eruptions and the like, throughout all of those they were still able to trade, and didn’t have to give back any of the money that they had earned. “But I still have to give thanks,

because I’m still here, we’re still here,” Beverly reflected. “I’ve lost people, one of my uncles, other relatives, good friends, colleagues and stalwarts in the community too, but we still have a lot to give thanks for. “I let the Good Lord direct me as to where to go and give new meaning to my life. It’s from those experiences that you grow and I always say ‘Thy Will Must Be Done’. “If we believe that when good things happen that it is God’s Will, then we have to accept that when bad things happen it’s also His will.” Despite all the troubles the Pandemic has brought to Beverly and Diamond Travel, she has not stopped wearing her ‘other hats’, as chair of the Association of Jamaica Nationals (AJN), and as a Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, after stepping down as Vice LordLieutenant in September 2020. “As Vice Lord-Lieutenant I met many people from different cultures, it was a truly life enhancing experience learning about these faiths and cultures through the work I was doing.” As Chair of the AJN, she has pushed forward into cyberspace. “I brought it to the committee that we should put on some masterclasses online. We’ve had good attendance on these, from how to become a magistrate to how to nominate someone for one of the Queen’s Honours. Beverly is hopeful for the future, but like many, still very uncertain as to how that future will look. “I have to look forward. Change is going to come but I don’t know in what shape or form, but we have to be ready to embrace the changes. “ This time last year, we all thought in another couple of weeks we’d be going back to normal, so who is to tell what is going to happen.” “I have to thank God, and thank everyone for their support over the pandemic.” Beverly has a line that is very poignant to her – ‘I don’t believe he’s carried you this far to leave you.’ “Every time I’m at the cliff edge and just want to jump, or feel I’m going to fall I just hear a voice reminding me of this, and I am emboldened.” The 9th May is Dr Lindsay’s birthday, and while we may not be able to be there in person to celebrate with her, we hope everyone wishes her many happy returns. One year older for Dr Lindsay, and the beginning of another chapter in an already exciting and fruitful life.

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l Mark Lewis-Francis

l Last year’s Millennium Point Trust Scholarship final (from left to right): Hanifa Shah, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Computing Engineering and the Built Environment at Birmingham City University; Abigail Vlahakis, CEO of Millennium Point; Shennice Talburt, Scholarship Winner 2020; Prof. Nick Morton, Head of the School of Engineering and the Built Environment

PRESTIGIOUS JUDGING PANEL FOR SCHOLARSHIP FINAL REVEALED

n impressive lineup of influential professionals from a broad range of STEM industries has been announced for the judging panel at this year’s Millennium Point Trust Scholarship Final. Now in its seventh year, the Millennium Point Trust Scholarship has already funded six inspiring young people from

the region through their degrees at Birmingham City University’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment. Previous winners of the scholarship include Sagal Qodah in 2017, who has since gone on to graduate with a First Class Honours degree in Civil Engineering.

The five Scholarship finalists for 2021 will be announced later this month. The distinguished judging panel, which will be headed by Abbie Vlahakis, CEO of Millennium Point, also features: • Professor Hanifa Shah – Executive Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment,

Birmingham City University • Kari Lawler – Founder at Youth4Code and Youth4AI • Mike Ridler - Head of Business Development and Education at Learn by Design • Sam Gibbs – CEO at IT specialists 81G Abbie Vlahakis commented: “The calibre of finalists for this year’s scholarship is impressive as ever, so it’s only right that the quality of our judging panel is equal to it. “This is a phenomenal opportunity for all five students - not just the winner of the lifechanging scholarship, but the advice and support they all receive from the Trust, both before and after the final.” The judges will hear presentations from all five finalists during a special assessment day on May 21st; seven days later, the winner will be announced during a closed ceremony at Millennium Point on Friday, May 29th. The event will be streamed live from the newly-refurbished Auditorium across the multiaward-winning venue’s digital channels.

adi Fosters Sustainable Growth With Ecovadis Leadership Award A LEADING engineering business has bolstered its sustainability status after receiving its latest commendation from global rankings platform EcoVadis. And the recognition solidifies its status as one of the most socially responsible-led businesses in the world. The adi Group, headquartered in Birmingham, has enhanced its reputation after being named Best Performer in the Wholesale, Services and Professionals category in the annual EcoVadis

Sustainability Leadership Awards. Recognising its continued best practice culture, the latest ranking pays testament to adi’s vital role in promoting sustainability at both an internal and client level, as manufacturers seek to drive down costs and maximise efficiencies in a tough economic climate. adi CEO, Alan Lusty, said: “We’re really pleased to receive further recognition from Ecovadis. As a vital support cog in the world of manufacturing,

our remit has always been to help minimise process and operational inefficiency. “During this global pandemic, such aspects have been highlighted even further, as key sectors such as food and beverage and biosciences have been sent into production overdrive to help support the UK’s fightback. Whether it is driving down utility costs or helping enable the shift to remote working practices, adi has led the charge in ensuring

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clients maximise outputs while minimising production downtime.” The newest award for adi builds on its EcoVadis Platinum status awarded to the business last February. Scoring highly across areas such as labour and human rights, health and safety and environmental and ethical themes, the ranking placed adi in the top one per cent of businesses in the world for CSR.

“Birmingham is definitely going to put on a good show” - Mark Lewis-Francis

OLYMPIC AND Commonwealth sprint relay champion Mark LewisFrancis says the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is going to deliver a lasting legacy for the region, and that he wishes he could have competed in his home city next summer. The Black Country-raised sprinter is the latest guest on the Birmingham 2022 podcast series 22 Voices, featuring sporting legends and cultural trailblazers in the run up to the Commonwealth Games. Speaking to presenter Vital Powers, MLF (Mark LewisFrancis) says the Games will have a huge impact on Birmingham and the West Midlands: “Birmingham is definitely going to put on a good show. We always deliver. I’m a proud Brummie, born and bred, and some of the changes that have been made already, are going to create so many jobs, so much opportunity. “I want the people of Birmingham to embrace it. We deserve this. It’s all about leaving a legacy for our future. Birmingham has got so much mad talent, and what these Games are going to do is open up a door for so many youngsters.” The sprinter, who won gold and silver medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, says athletics turned his life around after a difficult time at school, and he discovered the sport by chance after driving past the Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr with his father:

“I got expelled from high school, and spent six months at home. I remember driving past Alexander Stadium and asking him [his father] what that was. I’d never seen it before. “So, we came back and I got introduced to my coach Steve Platt. Within a couple of months, I learned the ropes and things started to happen straight away. My schooling got better. The athlete was born in that very time.” Lewis-Francis says his Jamaican upbringing on the Ge Lane estate in Smethwick helped him learn the discipline to succeed in athletics: “My Mom was a strict Jamaican woman. Every black child that lived in Smethwick back then had rules and regulations you had to abide by. It made me the person I am today. “My discipline really did start from home, watching my Mom work the amount of jobs she worked, and provide and put food on the table for us. “That gave me my drive in sport to never give up and always try and aim high. My Mom came over here [from Jamaica] with nothing and she ended up getting an education and a good job. That was my first interpretation of what hard work is.” In the podcast, the retired sprinter also reflects on his journey to an incredible Olympic gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, when he led the Great Britain 4x100m sprint relay team to victory.

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Commonwealth Benchmarks To Help Countries Fight Corruption

l Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC landmark set of measures to support international efforts in tackling corruption has been launched by the Commonwealth Secretariat. The Commonwealth Anti-

Corruption Benchmarks are designed to help governments and public sector organisations assess laws, procedures and actions against international good practice and make improvements if needed.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

United Nations figures indicate that corruption costs the global economy $3.6 trillion each year. Global proceeds from criminal activities are estimated at between $1 trillion and $1.6 trillion per year. The amount of money lost globally through corruption is equal to the total amount needed to successfully implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In development since 2018, the new benchmarks offer a comprehensive roadmap to reduce corruption across 25 areas of public and commercial life. Among the wide range of topics covered are corruption offences, investigation and prosecution, the court system, parliament, political elections and funding, public officials, procurement, management controls, and transparency to the public. The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, said: “Throughout the world, including in member countries of the Commonwealth, corruption continues to undermine social and economic development and have immensely damaging consequences, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable of people and communities.

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RIP PRINCE PHIL DUKE OF EDINBU

he Duke of Edinburgh was laid to rest in an intimate funeral at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on the 17th April. The Dean of Windsor paid tribute to Prince Philip for his kindness, humour and humanity during the ceremony. The congregation wore masks and was socially distanced in line with Covid rules, with the Queen seated alone. The duke's children walked behind his coffin in a funeral procession, followed by a national minute's silence. More than 730 members of the armed forces took part in the event, but there was a limit of 30 mourners inside St George's Chapel, under coronavirus rules. Prince Philip’s coffin was carried the short distance to St George's Chapel on a modified Land Rover, which the duke himself helped to design. The funeral procession was headed by the Band of the Grenadier Guards, the Major General's party, and military service chiefs. Princess Anne and Prince Charles made up the front row behind the vehicle, followed by Prince Edward and Prince Andrew. Prince William and Prince Harry walked either side of their cousin Peter Phillips. The Queen, 94, travelled with a lady-in-waiting in the State Bentley at the end of the procession. A ceremonial gun fire at nine locations across the UK and in Gibraltar marked the start and end of the national minute's silence. No planes landed or took off at Heathrow for six minutes to coincide with the silence and all major

sporting events were rescheduled to avoid a clash with the funeral. The funeral service was conducted by the Dean of Windsor, with the Archbishop of Canterbury pronouncing the blessing. The Dean paid tribute to Prince Philip's kindness, humour and humanity and the "many ways in which his long life has been a blessing to us". "We have been inspired by his unwavering loyalty to our Queen, by his service to the nation and the Commonwealth, by his courage, fortitude and faith," he said. The duke's association with the Royal Navy and love of the sea was also a focus of the service but no sermon was delivered, in line with his wishes. The music included the 1860 hymn Eternal Father, Strong to Save, by William Whiting, which is associated with seafarers and the maritime armed services. There was a reduced choir of four singers but the congregation did not sing, in line with coronavirus restrictions. Buglers of the Royal Marines sounded Action Stations - a signal that all hands should be ready for battle - as the coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault at the end of the service. Buckingham Palace said the funeral plans had been modified to take into account public health guidelines. The funeral took place entirely within the grounds of the castle and the public were asked not to gather there or at other royal residences. But the ceremonial aspects of the day and the service remained in

line with Prince Philip's wishes and reflected his military affiliations and personal elements of his life. Paying tribute to Prince Philip, The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, John Crabtree, OBE said “His contribution to the well-being and motivation of young people of this county through the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme has been terrific. “He has been a dynamic and highly motivating influence throughout his long years of service to this country, and as consort to The Queen. “I am sure I speak for all of the citizens of the West Midlands when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty at this very sad time.” A Statement from the Leaders of Birmingham’s Faith Communities commented: “Our thoughts and condolences are with Her Majesty the Queen and all the Royal Family, and with the family of the Commonwealth and the wider world, which the Duke sought to serve with such distinction. “We join with communities in this city and across the nation in mourning and in recognition of a long life of service.

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LIP, URGH “Our various faith communities will wish, in due course, to pay their respects to a man who, throughout his life championed faith cooperation, but for today we mourn with the sadness of the nation.” Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, died at Windsor Castle on Friday April 9, aged 99.

The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2021 - Page 25

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Brit Asia Fund Launches New Creative Collaboration

ritAsia Fund has announced a new creative collaboration with Moving Pictures Media and Checklist Films Ltd to produce and finance a curated slate of upcoming film and TV projects. BritAsia TV, the largest television platform for British Asians and based in the Midlands, will launch the joint venture with twelve hand-picked projects. The first two films to kickstart the collaboration will start production in Birmingham this September. ‘E-Ghost’, a high-concept action sci-fi featuring the cityscape of Birmingham and

surrounding areas, will be directed by Mauro Borelli. Borelli’s previous credits include Hollywood blockbusters Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi, The Hateful Eight, Captain America, Pirates of the Caribbean, Sleepy Hollow and Planet of the Apes. ‘HERITAGE: The Legacy’, a high action thriller, will be the debut feature from Checklist Films Ltd with director Daniel Alexander attached to the project. Alexander, an award-winning director, BAFTA crew member and Create Central board member, has previous projects with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Nike

and Levi Roots. The films are being produced by Isabella Marchese Ragona, CEO of Moving Pictures Media, and Hakam Poselay, CEO of Checklist Films Ltd. Tony Shergill, CEO of BritAsia TV, said: “We’re delighted to announce this brand-new creative collaboration with Moving Pictures Media and Checklist Films Ltd. Our upcoming slate of projects will bring to screen an exciting array of films and TV shows, which will be a fantastic addition to the West Midlands’ creative industry and also a welcome boost to employment and investment opportunities in our region.”

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ON YOUR MARKS SUPPLEMENT UFC Chief White Wants Championship In Africa A ROUND of the Ultimate Fighting Championship should be staged in Africa by the end of next year, UFC president Dana White has said. Speaking ahead of Kamaru Usman's fight with Jorge Masvidal in Jacksonville, Florida, White - who runs the mixed martial arts organisation - said that while he did not know in which country it would happen, the fact that there are three UFC champions from the continent meant it was now time. Since UFC 001 was held in Denver, Colorado, in 1993, events have been held in countries including the Czech Republic, South Korea, Brazil and Abu Dhabi - but never anywhere in Africa. "If I had to guess when a round in Africa will happen, I'd say 2022," White said. "I don't know which country yet.”

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HACK THE PLANET SEEKS SOLUTIONS April 2021

Digital Toolkit

o celebrate Earth Day on 22 April, the Commonwealth Secretariat and Satellite Applications Catapult launched the first-ever Hack the Planet competition, in search of innovative, impactful and scalable ideas that will tackle the threats facing communities around the world, linked to ocean degradation and the climate crisis. The virtual ideas competition will advance outstanding homegrown solutions from across 54 Commonwealth countries, targeting some of the world’s most pressing ocean-related challenges, such as eliminating plastic pollution, accelerating sustainable energy uptake, climate change, developing sustainable ‘blue’ approaches for the ocean economy and protecting nature in marine areas. With GBP 10,000 in prize

money to be won, the competition will encourage entrants to utilise and explore the information and connectivity available from satellites as part of their ideas. Announcing the initiative, Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral Patricia Scotland said: “The Commonwealth is an extremely diverse group of 54 countries, including some of the smallest and most vulnerable in the world, that have made a shared commitment under the Commonwealth Blue Charter to work together to tackle ocean-

related challenges. “I am therefore encouraged by the sheer range of possibilities this competition will open up to identify new and improved ideas on how to address ocean sustainability.” Lucy Edge, Chief Operating Officer at the Satellite Applications Catapult added: “We are very excited to launch Hack the Planet today and look forward to the innovative ideas we will see from around the world. Satellites provide a unique view of our planet Earth – they are vital for meaningful monitoring and mitigation of the effects of climate change and will be an important part of any solution looking at the world’s oceans. “It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity for people around the Commonwealth to come together and develop innovative ideas into world-changing concepts that take significant and measurable steps towards solving some of the world’s biggest ocean challenges.” An official launch event will be held virtually on 22 April 2021. The deadline for online submissions is 31st May 2021. The theme of the competition is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 14 (ocean), 13 (climate) and 7 (energy).

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Countries Send Aid To Ease Oxygen Emergency In India

nternational efforts are under way to help India as the country suffers critical oxygen shortages amid a devastating surge in Covid cases. The UK begun sending ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices. EU members also sent aid with the US lifting its ban on sending raw materials abroad, enabling India to make more of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Capital, Delhi, has extended its lockdown as overcrowded hospitals

continue to turn patients away. The government has approved plans for more than 500 oxygen generation plants across the country to boost supplies. Meanwhile neighbouring Bangladesh announced that it will close its border (with India) to prevent the spread of the virus. India recently reported 349,691 more cases within a 24-hours cycle with another 2,767 deaths. However, the true figures are thought to be much higher. Further shipments are taking place. The aid includes 495 oxygen concentrators - which can extract oxygen from the air when hospital oxygen systems have run out - as well as 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators.

l Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)

Caribbean Tourism Leader Lauds Women’s Contributions Towards Fighting Covid-19

aribbean women are being celebrated for their tremendous efforts in helping the region's countries and territories combat and recover from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. In a statement which marked International Women’s Day (in March), Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), called for a greater commitment to equality, asserting that Caribbean women have been at the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, working tirelessly to ensure hotel and tourism facilities and communities remain safe and secure during the pandemic. “Our colleagues in the tourism and hospitality sectors are exemplary and effective leaders in protecting our destinations and strengthening our communities during this extraordinary time,” Ledesma stated. “Many of them worked with significantly reduced resources for much of the pandemic … they should be recognized alongside their colleagues in health care, caregiving, and community organizing for their effective mobilization to resist the pandemic.” Observing this year’s theme, “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world”, Ledesma noted that while the tourism sector in the Caribbean has made strides in recognizing the value of women, more remains to be done to build an effective enabling environment for women

to assume more leadership positions: “The responses of the region’s tourism sector to the crisis reinforce our contention that the different experiences, perspectives and skills women bring to the table strengthened markedly the Caribbean containment of the novel coronavirus.” According to the United Nations, the majority of countries that have been more successful in stemming the tide of COVID-19 and responding to its health and broader socioeconomic impacts are headed by women. For instance, Heads of Government in Denmark, Ethiopia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, New Zealand and Slovakia have been widely recognized for the rapidity, decisiveness and effectiveness of their national response to COVID-19, as well as the compassionate communication of fact-based public health information. Despite these impressive facts, women are Heads of State and Government in only 20 countries worldwide, with only a handful of females holding such positions in the Caribbean. According to the CHTA leader it is time to move “forward together” beyond COVID-19: “We have to tap into the wealth of experience and strength women have displayed during this global crisis, and we must ensure the perspectives of women are integrated into the formulation and implementation of policies and programs at all stages of the ongoing pandemic response as well as our recovery.”

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Charity chef takes on epic challenge in the world of virtual running ROVING CHEF for charity Vegetarian for Life, Alex Connell, has completed an epic running challenge, journeying ‘virtually' from Lands' End to John O'Groats, a journey of 875 miles. Starting in Cornwall, Alex ran (and walked) the length of the country, briefly crossing the border into Wales then back to England, before crossing the Scotland border and venturing on to the final destination at the very top of Great Britain. Alex said: "I wasn't actually in either Lands' End or John O'Groats - this was a virtual run. I certainly ran and walked the 875 miles, but only close to my

home in Manchester." "Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual running events have become popular. The basic idea is that you run or walk whatever the specified distance, time, or even elevation is. Distances are measured by apps on a phone or sports watch." With running events all over the world cancelled this past year, including the 2020 Manchester Marathon, Alex was undeterred and decided to run his own marathon in his own garden. Seven hundred laps and 5 ½ hours later, Alex crossed the toilet roll finish line in first place.

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TRAINING LOCAL PEOPLE FOR COMMONWEALTH GAMES JOBS

ercury Training based in Stourbridge are gearing up to help local people get some of the jobs that the Commonwealth Games will offer. As one of the leading security training providers in the UK Mercury already train staff employed at such prestigious places as the Cabinet Office, Universities, NHS Trusts, large arenas and the Victoria & Albert Museum. Some of those companies likely to get contracts to supply security staff and stewards for the duration of the Games are also clients. Paul Lawton-Jones, Managing Director, established Mercury

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in 2005 and now employs over thirty staff delivering training to apprentices, employed learners and people that are unemployed seeking entry into the security and construction industries. Paul said “the Commonwealth Games offers a huge opportunity for local people to be trained and employed at what will be one of the first major sporting event in the world to be hopefully attended fully by thousands of spectators. “It is an opportunity to show off all that is best in Birmingham and the West Midlands, but it is also very extremely important that we keep every athlete, official and visitor safe” One such graduate of Mercury’s training is Stacey Massey

Stacey trained with Mercury and finished her Security Industry Accreditation (SIA) badge in the summer of 2019 training, she started work was promoted to supervisor and is now on the Mercury Apprenticeship programme for Level 3 Security First Line Managers. Stacey said “Not only has this course developed my knowledge and experience – I have also been supported with careers advice and guidance on how to move up in the security industry. I am really in my element here, surrounded by passionate people with solid management in my corner”. Mercury also recently opened Construction Central Academy, a new construction training centre

l Stacey Massey, Mercury Graduate in Stourbridge that was recently launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Mayor Andy Street. The construction industry in the West Midlands will continue to grow over the next decade, the Commonwealth Games, new house building projects in Wolverhampton & Perry Barr, and HS2 all require a huge variety of skilled labour and will continue to do so. One of the benefits for local unemployed people in Birmingham and the Black Country is that Mercury has funding so that you can train at no cost, gain qualifications and be guaranteed a job interview with some of the best employers in the UK. So if you are interested in entering the security and construction with the possibility of working on Commonwealth Games projects then please give Mercury Training or Construction Central Academy a call.

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Dr Ruth Pfau - the German woman who left her homeland for Pakistanis AS THE NATION celebrates Pakistan Day and good wishes continue from heads of various states amid spectacular events, various prominent characters were found, including from political fraternity and armed forces while exploring postindependence history on this day. But when history is searched with fine-teeth combs, some charismatic persons were found, who did not even ‘belong,’ but they served the Pakistanis till their last breathe out of their love for the country came into existence on August 14, 1947, around seven years after Lahore Resolution was passed on March 23, 1940. Amid such persons, Dr Ruth Katharina Martha Pfau will be on top of the list as she devoted more than 55 years of her life to fighting leprosy, an infectious disease that causes severe, disfiguring skin sores and nerve damage in the arms and other parts, in Pakistan. A symbol of selflessness Dr. Ruth Pfau had been hailed as Pakistan’s ‘Mother Teresa’. Dr. Pfau first went to Pakistan when she was 29 years old in 1960. As a part of the Society of Daughters of the Heart of Mary, her devotion to doing something in and for Pakistan took her to become Pakistan’s leprosy fighter. She witnessed leprosy in Pakistan for the first time in 1960 and returned from Germany to set up clinics across the country in 1961. Dr Pfau, who was born in Leipzig, Germany in 1929, contributed to the establishment of 157 leprosy clinics across Pakistan that treated over 56,780 patients.

The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2021 - Page 29

ON YOUR MARKS SUPPLEMENT

FIVE MORE ATHLETES GET TEAM ENGLAND SCHOLARSHIPS

ith Birmingham 2022 in a years’ time, athlete who are striving to compete at the Games will receive £10,000, to support them in achieving their sporting goals. Kieran Rollings made his Team England debut in para lawn bowls at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. He became the youngest ever English lawn bowls competitor, playing in the para-triples event at just 18-years-old. Placing fourth on the Gold Coast has spurred Rollings on to go further. He said: “I’m over the moon to be selected. It will help me train and perform 100 times better and I’m looking forward to the next couple of years. With the help of the scholarship, I’ll definitely be looking for my place at the next Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and after

the experience of the Gold Coast in 2018 I’ll be looking for that prestigious gold medal.” Rollings is the only athlete selected who has had the experience of competing at a Commonwealth Games. For the other four winners, the funding is designed to give them an opportunity to progress through to the Team England selections, boosting their chances to compete for the nation on home soil in 2022. Kelly Petersen-Pollard and Abazz Shayaam-Smith are both from the West Midlands and are relishing the opportunity of the Games coming so close to home. Nineteen-year-old judoka from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Petersen-Pollard, has already achieved three silver European medals this year. She said: “It means so much to be part of Team England and to be given this opportunity and

funding to perform to the highest of my capabilities. “Being part of this scholarship programme motivates me for my early years of becoming a senior and will allow me to travel and compete, gaining vital experience to push me to the next level and hopefully qualify for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in my home town of Birmingham.” England under-20 triple jump champion, Abazz ShaayamSmith trains at the Alexander Stadium where the athletics and ceremonies will be held in 2022 and lives in Walsall. Shaayam-Smith said: “Receiving this scholarship is a very proud moment for me, and I can’t wait to work with Team England, building my talent towards the Games in Birmingham in three years’ time!" Lucy Turmel, a squash player

Birmingham Is A Tree City of the World

from Ipswich, Suffolk, is mentored by Commonwealth silver medallist Laura Massaro. Turmel has seen national success with winning a number of British titles as well as taking the European junior crown in 2018. She said: “I’m very grateful to have been awarded this grant and opportunity. People believing in my aspirations is so important and I’ll do my upmost to reach my potential and goals". Abigail Burton, from Castleford, joined the England women’s sevens programme in June 2018 and made her debut in the World Sevens Series in October the same year. Burton said: “This opportunity to be part of the Hanson Scholarship is amazing and actually mind blowing. It means everything to me to have this kind of support for the upcoming Commonwealth Games which will be on home soil in England!”

THE FOOD and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) along with the Arbor Day Foundation has named Birmingham as a Tree City of the World for the second year running. This international programme celebrates cities across all continents that are committed to growing and maintaining their urban trees and forests and recognise the importance of trees in building healthy, resilient and happy cities. To achieve recognition, Birmingham met the five programme standards – establish responsibility, set the rules, know what you have, allocate the resources and celebrate achievements – to show its dedication towards planting and conserving trees. Councillor Waseem Zaffar, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said: “The role that trees play in mitigating for and adapting to the effects of climate change is well known; because of this, trees are a priority in our Route to Zero Plan and emerging planning documents. “Being recognised as a Tree City of the World for a second year in a row is a great achievement and shows that Birmingham is dedicated to the sustainable management of its. Urban Forest for the benefit of its citizens and the environment”. Tree Cities of the World aims to create more green spaces in urban areas by recognising the cities that do it well.

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ENTERTAINMENT

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2021 - Page 31

ENTERTAINMENT

Solihull Summer Fest 2021 Given The Go-Ahead “That's the arc of this album: I'm not bitter about love anymore. I know what functional love is like and being in love and being hesitant about that love because it feels so perfect.” In 2017, Julia embarked on a solo career separate from her work synthesizing the stories of the stars around her with “Issues,” her 5x-platinum selling debut single. A year later, her peers recognized her stunning work with Grammy nominations

for “Best New Artist” and “Song of the Year.” Committing to her solo work, Julia released a series of critically acclaimed EPs, including 2017’s fan-favorite Nervous System and 2019’s critically acclaimed Inner Monologue Part 1 and Inner Monologue Part 2. She also embarked on The Inner Monologue Tour, which marked her first-ever headline tour throughout the U.S. following an enviable run touring the world

with an incredible array of artists including Maroon 5, Keith Urban, Shawn Mendes, Niall Horan, and P!NK. Julia’s current single “All Your Exes” arrived to critical acclaim upon its release. Co-written with Grammy nominated singer and songwriter JP Saxe, “All Your Exes,” Entertainment Weekly hailed it “a deliciously wicked delight,” with The New York Times praising it as “harsh, funny, sad and relatably petty.”

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olihull Summer Fest 2021 is set to go ahead and celebrate its fifth year at Tudor Grange Park on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July. The welcome announcement comes in the wake of the latest Government information on the roadmap out of lockdown.

Soul, R&B & Disco legends Kool & The Gang promise a soulful high-energy and funky set as they headline the main stage on the Saturday night with party hits such as Celebration, Get Down On it, Ladies’ Night, Jungle Boogie, Fresh, Let’s Go Dancin (Ooh La, La, La) and Cherish. They’ve earned

two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, 25 Top Ten R&B hits, nine Top Ten pop hits, 31 Gold and Platinum albums and sold over 70 million albums worldwide. The first day of the popular music festival will also feature the voice of Wet Wet Wet, Marti Pellow. A BRIT and Ivor Novello award-winning singer/ songwriter that’s had consistent chart-topping multi-platinum albums; over 25 chart hits including having a record for the 2nd longest Number One in UK chart history EVER, PLUS one of the four biggest selling songs in the UK of all time. Other artists appearing on the Main Stage on Saturday include Shalamar, The Brand New Heavies, Snap! and The Blow Monkeys. Billy Ocean, one of Britain’s biggest-ever R&B recording stars, is headlining on the Sunday night. The Trinidadian-English singer-songwriter has sold more than 30-million records worldwide, achieving number one chart spots in the UK, USA, Australia, Germany and Holland. He won a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for Caribbean Queen and in 1987 was nominated for the BRIT Award for Best British Male Artist.

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ENTERTAINMENT MOTORS

Ticket Sales Boom For The British Motor Show Sales of tickets for The British Motor Show have rocketed as Britain reopens for business. The Show has seen a massive increase in demand as consumer confidence returns and families start planning their summer activities – with The British Motor Show offering an incredible value funpacked day out for all. VIP packages, meanwhile, have seen a massive boom in demand, with 70% of the allocation for Saturday, August 21 already sold and Thursday allocation all snapped up. Limited in numbers, the VIP package includes on-site parking just yards from the show’s dedicated VIP entrance in Farnborough, as well as exclusive access to the show’s celebrity guests (including Mike Brewer, Fuzz Townshend and Tim Shaw), entry to an exclusive VIP lounge, breakfast and a buffet lunch, free tea and coffee, exclusive arena paddock access, a private celebrity Q&A session and a VIP goody bag and car sticker. The Show will also host the National Automotive `industry Day and the Automotive Careers Expo, which will run throughout the event to support the automotive sector and its employees as the Covid-19 Pandemic comes to an end.

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AKIO TOYODA – 2021 WORLD CAR PERSON OF THE YEAR

l Akio Toyoda, President and CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation

i n e t y - t h r e e distinguished international journalists on the World Car Awards jury panel have voted Akio Toyoda, President and CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation, as the 2021 World Car Person of the Year. Akio Toyoda is the charismatic President and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation, where he has spent years successfully

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remaking his company. In 2020, under his leadership, Toyota remained profitable, despite COVID-19, thus protecting jobs worldwide. He has maintained Toyota's pace of steady development for the Connected, Autonomous, Shared and Electric era, and he has initiated construction of the Woven City, an exciting real-life prototype city of the future. All while actively participating in motorsports himself, as a driver.

Mr. Toyoda said, “On behalf of all 360,000 Toyota Team members around the world, thank you for this tremendous honor! If you don’t mind, however, I would like to change this award from car “person” of the year, to car “people” of the year… because it’s the collective effort of all our global employees, retailers and suppliers that has truly made Toyota what it is today! And I for one, couldn’t be a luckier… or a more grateful CEO.

I would also like to thank and recognize the contributions of the entire automotive industry. At Toyota we are very fortunate that we were able to protect the employment of our team members during COVID and to continue our work to meet the future challenges of our industry. As a company, we are dedicated to providing mobility for all… but we are equally committed to creating new ways to support the well-being of our planet and people everywhere. This has been a difficult period in the history of the world, but it has also reminded us that people are what matters most… and if we at Toyota, can contribute

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some measure of happiness to their lives, it will be my neverending goal to do just that. Thank you again for this award… and to my fellow car lovers, see you on the track!” There were five finalists for this prestigious award that was created in 2018 to acknowledge and celebrate an individual who has made a significant contribution to the global automotive industry during the period January 1 to December 31, 2020. That contribution could include a significant impact to their brand or company or a significant safety, engineering, design or technical advancement.

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MOTORS

Tipping Point: Electric Dreams

l Kwik Fit marks 50th anniversary of first centre opening

Kwik Fit Marks 50 THE 16TH April marked the 50th anniversary of the first appearance of a brand that launched an entire automotive sector and today is familiar to every motorist up and down the land. On 16 April 1971 in McDonald Road, Edinburgh, the first ever Kwik Fit centre opened its garage doors to motorists offering the new concept of ‘fast fit’ services, replacing components while drivers waited. In its early days the centre focused on exhaust replacement, followed by tyres, but as automotive technology developed over the subsequent years, Kwik Fit has succeeded by ensuring its range of services developed in parallel. From a single location and a team of five, Kwik Fit now employs over 5,000 people in more than 600 centres across the UK, as well as operating the largest mobile tyre fitting fleet, with over 200 vehicles. In addition to the UK operations, today there are also more than 240 Kwik Fit centres in the Netherlands, Italy and Hungary. Over 50 years the company’s apprentice scheme has grown to become a sector leading training programme which is rated outstanding by Ofsted and now trains 150 new apprentices every year – more than 4,000 people have started their automotive careers as Kwik Fit apprentices.

INSPIRED BY LEGO

enault boasts over 10 years of success in developing and selling electric vehicles which, in combination with its experience in Formula One and its enthusiastic and passionate engineering, testing and control teams, has led to the development of the innovative E-TECH hybrid powertrains. When Renault launched its first electric vehicle in 2010, it also set about gaining experience with electrified powertrains – to develop hybrid technology that would provide customers with a smooth transition towards going all-electric. To do this, the engineers needed to demonstrate that they had the ideal solution for meeting a particular set of specifications. It needed to be accessible, light, suitable for vehicles of all sizes and offer a minimum all-electric range of 31 miles. In other words, it needed to deliver an effective hybrid solution for all. Introduced in 2020 across Clio, Captur and Megane models – and also featuring in the All-

How Renault developed its bold E-TECH powertrains New Arkana – the story behind E-TECH’s development is both unusual and inspiring. Nicolas Fremau, Renault’s Hybrid Architecture Expert, looks back at how the E-TECH story all started with a LEGO model. For Nicolas Fremau, it was important to consider the electric motor as the main component in the hybrid powertrain, enabling the car to start up purely in EV mode. This presented a challenge in working out what transmission should be used between the electric motor and petrol engine. With the need to keep things simple, compact and light, he imagined a radical solution. It was to use a clutchless transmission with gearbox synchronisers, utilising dog clutch technology normally found in motorsport. "When I saw my son playing with LEGO Technic sprockets at

home, I said to myself 'well, it's not so far from what I'd like to do'. So, I bought what I needed piece by piece to have all the assembly elements", says Nicolas. He used the Christmas holidays to make a model of the innovative transmission out of LEGO that he’d first imagined on paper. He explains: "I had the idea of doing this first to help me understand what to do. After about twenty hours of 'work' under the slightly surprised eye of my son, the model was born." This wasn’t a case of just fitting bricks together. Nicolas had to assemble the different axes and transmission rings, glue them and drill them to fit into a cradle, as well as motorise the whole system. It was a piece of engineering that allowed him to live-test the different modes of operation between the engines. The process of trialing the possible modes of operation also allowed Nicolas to discover new

ones that he hadn’t previously thought of in theoretical analysis. This strengthened his conviction that he was on the right track with this prototype – most likely the least expensive in Renault’s history – which is as surprising and unexpected as the technical solution was innovative.

If we can make it out of LEGO…

It was a gamble presenting this model to the team, project manager Gérard Detourbet, who was the ‘father’ of the first Dacia range and knew all about simplified, low-cost solutions, and Director of Research Rémi Bastien. "Renault has always been a very open company, especially when it comes to research. But the day I brought the model to the Gérard Detourbet and Rémi Bastien, I didn't know how they would react. “They walked around the model, they touched it and they felt that we had a real object. And I will always remember Gérard Detourbet's remark: 'If we can make it in LEGO, it will work!’”

WHEN asked if they would consider buying an electric vehicle as their next car, 70% of European drivers say they would. The most popular reason for drivers considering the change is the environmental benefits offered by a zero-emissions vehicle (49%). The pan-European survey is Nissan’s most comprehensive investigation into the driving habits and charging experience of EV drivers to date. Dispelling many of the myths currently preventing drivers from making the switch, the research demonstrates there are good reasons to change to an EV. In order to understand what motivates or prevents drivers to switch to electric mobility, Nissan surveyed 7,000 motorists across Europe, split evenly between EV and ICE (internal combustion engine) motorists. The pan-European survey is Nissan’s most comprehensive investigation into the driving habits of EV drivers to date. Initial findings released today, uncovered that EV driver satisfaction is promisingly high, with 89% of EV drivers saying the switch to EV was the right decision. 74% feel more relaxed and 77% find it smoother to drive than an ICE vehicle. With 97% of EV drivers finding the transition from ICE to EV “as expected” or “easier”, it portrays a promising prospect for those willing to embark on their electrification journey.

Phantom Tempus Collection

he Rolls-Royce Phantom Tempus Collection made its China debut in Shanghai on 16th April 2021. This Bespoke masterpiece, which is inspired by time and the infinite reaches of the universe, is limited to only 20 examples worldwide. The debut of the Phantom Tempus Collection in China also includes a unique experience, the ‘Journey of Time’, enabling clients to appreciate the Collection from the marque’s official WeChat account, as well as commit to commissioning one of these highly exclusive products. For the Phantom Tempus Collection debut in China, RollsRoyce created an experiential

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exhibition, offering a unique tour through a ‘Space Capsule’. This immersive installation provides a vivid illusion of time standing still where guests will experience a sensory feast with customised audio and visual interactions. This includes the provision for guests to create personalised ‘Tempus’ music with highly contemporary touch controls. This unique installation is situated at the bustling Plaza 66 in the fashion district of Shanghai’s city centre. Rolls-Royce Phantom, the marque’s pinnacle product, resides at the apex of luxury world. Producing a Collection Car is always a seminal moment for the marque. With the Phantom Tempus Collection, the sources of

inspiration are on an appropriately grand scale: time, deep space, and a theoretical physicist who changed the way to see the universe. The design of the Phantom Tempus Collection encompasses various aesthetic and intellectual themes relating to time and the cosmos. A key component is a rare astronomical phenomenon, the pulsar, unknown until 1967 and found only in the deepest reaches of space (the nearest yet discovered is 280 light years, or 1,680 trillion miles, from Earth). These very dense, white-hot stars emit electromagnetic radiation in extremely regular pulses, making them some of the most accurate clocks in the universe.

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ABSOLUTELY TWINSANE

e caught up with the Twin P’z, Peter and Phillip of Twinsane Fitness to talk about all things Twin, Fitness and Entrepreneurship.

How long have you both been into fitness?

We have both been into fitness from as far back as we can remember, we first started off playing football from around the age 9 playing for Handsworth Panthers, during the play centre days. Then school football teams, Sunday league football teams and school athletics.

What was the earliest age you realized that this was a passion?

Your purpose and passion has a way of finding you and although we have been active in sports for several years this passion was met about 5/6 years ago (2016).

Do you both have a fave sport?

Don't really have a favourite sport in particular to participate in but a favourite sport to watch in our youngers years was definitely football, currently its Boxing, MMA and Athletics.

Being Twins do you both have near enough the same taste in things like Music or do you have differences?

We pretty much have a similar taste in music and in most things, naturally we’ll have a slight preference in other things but for the most part it's quite similar across the board.

When did you start to take your passion seriously as a full time career?

From 2018 we started working in the gym full time as Personal trainers, at the time of this interview we are still working as personal trainers at Pure Gym.

Was there ever a time that one of you was more passionate than the other about training or did you both decide that this is definitely where I want to be?

We both feel equally as strong about our passion, which helps motivate and inspire one another when it comes to generating new ideas and concepts to provide better products and services.

What do you feel is the ultimate purpose of Twinsane?

To motivate, inspire and change the mindsets of people from a “I can’t” to a “I can” mindset. Also to educate and create awareness that your health and well being is important and not to take it for granted as your life depends on it.

You have grown such a huge fanbase and insane media coverage, what moments in your career really stand out and made you feel proud?

Personal messages from people who engage in our services acknowledging how much we have change their lives in a positive and healthy way.

Twinsane fitness has grown to be a true fitness movement in Birmingham how does it feel to know that you have both inspired thousands of people?

I’m not sure if its thousands yet but we’ll speak it into existence, but knowing we’re inspiring people is overwhelmingly rewarding.

The training is intense yet a lot of fun. How did you come with this concept?

Just being creative and seeing what works and what doesn’t, seeing the response from different concepts we have tried already and building on which concepts seemed more popular and engaging

Is there anyone who inspires you from the fitness world?

Ezra Ace Fitness Taylor, T.C Fit, Mr I Get Results, Ace is Active, FC12, Defined by Paige, EP Fitness, HD Fitness, Power x Purpose (check them all out!)

Where do you see your company in the next 5 years?

Continuously growing, mastering and evolving in our passion and having a larger and more established presence within the fitness industry. We will be looking into opportunities of expanding business such as Franchise, adding more staff, having an established base where we are officially situated and focusing more energy into other areas of business such as nutrition and merchandise

What are some of the most amazing things people say about your courses?

Over the years there has been large amount of positive feedback on the services we provide, too much to put into sentences but to summarise it up most people say how much they have learnt about exercise and themselves, how fun taking care of your health can be and how important it is to live a health fulfilled life.

What would you say makes your training different to others?

Our style of training which creates a different and unique vibe, we always try to make it fun, challenging and educational, ensuring your understanding why and what you are doing this combination creates its own Twinsane uniqueness

Has there been any particular people you have trained and feel really proud of their achievements?

All members we are proud of, as they have taken the leap to do something positive for themselves, which for some of them the leap was a very challenging and uncomfortable decision to make so that alone makes of proud of all of them

What year did you establlsh Twinsane? and who thought of the name?

2016, we started off with a fitness class first which was called “Twinsane Tuesday” this later turned into Twinsane Fitness the brand and business

Its very interesting to see two young twins doing this movement, how do you both inspire each other and what keeps you going?

We converse regularly about ideas and concepts that will improve our services and how we can improve our clients and customers experience with us. This keeps us going as it's something we love to do.

Many trainers have a faith why they are so disciplined, Do you have one?

We don’t follow a particular religion if that’s what you mean but we do understand there is some form of higher power whether you label it God, the Universe or any other name associated with it. And do understand that Prayer, Gratitude, visualisation and meditation are all methods of being in alignment with that greater source.

Explain what you get signing up to Twinsane fitness and what would be the outcome?

We offer different services such as 1-2-1 training, online coaching, Fitness classes etc so its based on what you want to do. The desired outcome would be to achieve your fitness goal whether it is to lose weight, tone up, and meet new people or just in general leading a healthier lifestyle. But essentially during the onboarding process and finding out your desired goal a plan would be put in place to achieve that outcome.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Bottega & Coppola

l Sandro Bottega with Francis Ford Coppola

rancis Ford Coppola Winery, the extraordinary N o r t h e r n California winery, has created two limited-edition wines in honour of the 93rd Hollywood’s most prestigious cinema awards. “The Family Coppola 93rd Awards'” limited-edition

bottles themselves have been produced by Bottega Spa and feature a mirror gold colour exterior. Each bottle was crafted as a symbol honouring the significant talent, passion and hard work achieved throughout the entire film industry. The Francis Ford Coppola

Winery wines selected for the 93rd Awards are a Chardonnay and a Cabernet Sauvignon, both from 2019. They come from grapes grown in Sonoma County, in the first year since 2011 that California did not suffer from drought, giving the wine a pleasing complexity, thanks to the high quality of

grapes from that year. The Chardonnay is balanced and bold, with notes of stone fruit and white peach. The Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is earthy and spicy with good acidity. Both develop an alcohol content of 14.5% vol. The exclusive golden bottles have been produced by the Bottega S.p.A. winery in Bibano di Godega (TV), which for years has been developing an exclusive metallization process, thanks to the mirrored gold colour becomes "glass,", a patent recently recognised also by the Court of Appeal of Venice. The friendship with Francis Ford Coppola and Sandro Bottega was born together with Stefania Sandrelli, who says: "mutual esteem and trust is the common thread that has allowed us to come together for a little big common toast" and in the same way Sandro Bottega tells of the uniqueness of Francis Ford Coppola "in every thought there is Italy, our culture (including food and wine): Francis sometimes drinks wine cut with water, a real spritz, like our grandparents; he is a man of great culture who spends a lot of time on history books to imagine the future'.”

From Molly-Mae Hague to Kylie Jenner: Celebs are dissolving their lip fillers WITH INSTAGRAM influencers all sporting the ‘perfect look’, many of us would try anything to look like our idols, even if it means spending £££ on cosmetic surgery. Recently though, as a number of celebrities have decided to reverse their cosmetic fillers and dentistry, it’s had many of us wondering if the natural look is back in fashion… Molly-Mae Hague is most well known for her stint in the famous ITV show ‘Love Island’ when she fell in love with her current boyfriend Tommy Fury. Since she was 17 she has been injecting her lips with filler for a more ‘plump’ look. However, in October Molly took the decision to get her filler dissolved to look more natural. In her recent vlog on her Youtube account she told her fans how she has had her composite bonding removed so she can take better care of her natural teeth. Part of the world famous Kardashian clan, Kylie being the youngest sibling she is best known for her lip full lips which she achieved by injecting filler. She took to instagram in 2018 to tell her fans that she also had her lip filler dissolved. Gemma Collins, who has made her name from starring in The Only Way Is Essex, is now reportedly worth a huge £2.7 million.

She has never been shy in saying that she has had a number of cosmetic procedures including botox and filler. The thought of her young female fans taking drastic actions to look like their idols, therefore Gemma made the decision to reverse both her lip filler and botox. Waleed Taleb from Vera Clinic - the leading hair transplant and cosmetic surgery hospital in Europe - commented: “Any cosmetic procedure should be something that has been fully thought through and discussed with some you trust. “As much as fillers and other cosmetic procedures can be reversed and dissolved this shouldn’t be something to be relied on.”

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Curtains Up! O

l Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter

SCSF continues ‘giving back’ THE SHAWN CARTER Scholarship Fund helps students advance their education by giving them the resources they need to enrol in college, pay the tuition, and successfully finish college on time. Founded by Jay-Z and his philanthropist mother, Gloria, the program focuses on helping low income students who live in underserved areas across urban America. The Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund (SCSF) was founded on the belief that any motivated individual in need should have the opportunity to

further his or her education. It provides individual scholarships paid directly to the educational institution to any applicant who qualifies and reapplies yearly from admission to graduation. The award may be used to cover tuition expenses and related supplemental educational expenses such as books, lab fees, travel and select costs of living. All Shawn Carter Scholars are required to “give back” by performing community service and by serving as mentors to younger, aspiring Shawn Carter Scholars.

l Audience Development Consultant, Tonia Daley-Campbell

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ver a year since it fell, the curtain is set to rise again at Wo l v e r h a m p t o n Grand Theatre as plans are put into place for a reopening from Sunday 4 July. In line with Step 4 of the Government’s roadmap, currently due to begin in June, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre plans to reopen on Sunday 4 July with The Elvis World Tour. The season that follows will begin in September and is full of hit musicals, many of the UK’s leading comedians and a huge variety of music acts. These encouraging steps towards the full reopening of theatres mean that this year, Cinderella can finally go to the ball in the annual family pantomime! The much-missed magic of panto returns to Wolverhampton with Cinderella from Saturday 4 December 2021 – Sunday 9 January 2022. Throughout the past year, whilst audiences have not be able to attend, the Grand Theatre has been committed to its role within the community and has continued to reach out and support those who rely on the many benefits that live performance can give. The Memory Café that forms the core part of the theatre’s Dementia Programme was able to continue

online but steps are now in place to safely reintroduce the patrons and their carers back into the theatre. They will once again be able enjoy live performance and the many emotional and behavioural benefits that live music and entertainment has to those living with Dementia. The launch and continuation of this project is only possible because of donations. The theatre’s audience development programme has also continued throughout the past year and excitingly will continue to grow with the appointment of a second freelance Audience Development Consultant, Tonia Daley-Campbell. Tonia is an actress, director, producer, author and community activist. In 2014 Tonia set up her charity Kuumba Arts Movement supporting disadvantaged young people by using the creative arts. Tonia will help the Grand Theatre in its commitment to making its audiences as diverse as the communities in around the city of Wolverhampton. On her appointment, Tonia said; “Change is coming! I'm so, so excited to be working with Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in my new role as Audience Development consultant. “I've got such a strong vibrant community supporting me and I can’t wait to start the development work, watch this space.”

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Les McKeown

he Bay City Rollers singer known for string of hits such as Shang-aLang and Bye Bye Baby was a rock star trapped in a boyband. Born in Edinburgh, in Scotland; while the other four were chaste and upright in their public lives, he was made of wilder stuff, glorying in the screams of their young female fans, but refused to live the 70s teen idol lifestyle. At 18, the Rollers were energised, and by the end of 1974 were the biggest boyband in Britain. His singing was feathery, sweet and capable of bringing out the best in the catchy songs, but

his relationship with the band was always fractious, until he left in 1978. Following a reunion in 2015, and a run of sold-out shows, he

resumed life with his Legendary lineup before he died. Survived by his wife, Peko Keiko and their son, Jubei, he was 65.

he US rapper and actor – real name Earl Simmons - was a leading hip-hop performer who collaborated with such artists as JAY-Z, Ja Rule and LL Cool J. aka Dark Man X, he took his moniker from the name of a drum machine used in rap tracks. His chart-topping songs included Party Up (Up in Here) and X Gon’ Give It To Ya. He also acted on screen in films like Cradle 2 the Grave, Romeo Must Die and Exit Wounds. Born in Mount Vernon, New York, he publicly battled substance abuse for years and spent several periods in rehab. According to his family, he died at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York. He was 50.

Baroness Shirley Williams

veteran politician and Liberal Democrat peer, she was hailed as a “Liberal lion and a true trailblazer” by Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey. Originally a Labour MP, she was part of the ‘Gang of Four’ who quit the party to found the Social Democratic Party. A leading member of the 1970s Labour government and one of the first women cabinet ministers, she later went on to support the SDP’s merger with the Liberal Party, which led to the creation of the Liberal Democrats in the late 1980s. Achieving a

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place at Somerville College, Oxford, where she read Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she became the first woman to chair the university’s Labour Club. For three years, she lived in Africa with her husband, teaching at the University of Ghana in Accra. Born in London, her career in politics spanned more than 50 years. After first entering Parliament as the Labour MP for Hitchin in 1964, she retired in 2016, after leading the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords. Married twice, she survives her daughter, Rebecca. She was 90.

Chris Robbins CBE

staunch servant as a ward councillor, cabinet member, Leader of the Council and then Mayor, in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, he went about his daily business with immense dignity, grace, and compassion in every way. Born in Bethnal Green, he lived in east London for his entire life, serving as ward councillor for Grove Green in Leyton since 2002. A Waltham Forest Labour Councillor for over 18 years, he was a Councillor there since 2002 before becoming Leader, for eight years - from 2009 – 2017. Leading Waltham Forest Council for seven years, he is survived by his wife Shelley, and daughters Emma and Victoria. He was 76.

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musician, he championed the synthesiser helped shape a new sound for Stevie Wonder in the early 1970s - with Bob Margouleff - under the name of Tonto’s Expanding Head Band. Born in London, after doing national service as an RAF radar technician, the recording-studio technician partnerned with soundeffects expert Margouleff in New York on a sequence of albums with the Motown ster. In 1967, the Grammy Award winner and his wife, Poli, moved briefly to South Africa for the clean air and warm climate, but the

problematic experience of trying to set up mixed-race concerts induced them to move on. Becoming an expert in programming the Moog III analogue synthesiser, they also worked on the Isley Brothers’ hit

Paul Ritter

he screen and stage star whose list of credits includes Harry Potter and James Bond films was best known for playing the family patriarch in long-running Channel 4 comedy Friday Night Dinner, plus numerous films, TV shows and stage plays, landing both Olivier and Tony nominations. Born in Kent, after his debut performance on police drama The Bill, in 1992, he starred in films such as Son of Rambow, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Quantum of Solace. He recently appaired in the Sky/HBO

mini-series Chernobyl portraying Anatoly Dyatlov, the supervisor who was blamed for not following safety protocols leading to the nuclear disaster, and is set to appear in upcoming WWII drama

Operation Mincemeat. Suffering from a brain tumour, he died peacefully at home with his wife Polly and sons Frank and Noah by his side. He was 54.

Helen McCrory

he actress known for her roles in Peaky Blinders and three Harry Potter films, she also starred in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and Part 2. Her other roles included the MP Clair Dowar in 2012 James Bond film Skyfall, and former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s wife Cherie in the films The Queen and The Special Relationship. She also provided the voice of Stelmaria, Lord Asriel’s snow leopard daemon, in the recent BBC One TV series His Dark

he former Big Brother star and TV personality took part in the seventh series of Big Brother in 2006. She became known for her tantrums, particularly in the Diary Room famously often shouting: “Who IS she?” after a new housemate joined the show. Originally from Northwood in north-west London, she was hugely popular with viewers, and was voted back into the house four weeks after

single That Lady (1973), and on recordings by Gil Scott-Heron, Syreeta Wright, Quincy Jones, Bobby Womack, Minnie Riperton, Weather Report and many others. Survived by Poli and their son, Milton, he was 84.

Materials. As well as her film and TV credits, she also had a long and acclaimed career on stage. Married to Homeland star Damian Lewis, they have two children. Last year, the couple

raised more than £1m to provide NHS workers with meals from high street restaurants during the pressures of the coronavirus pandemic. She died of cancer age 52.

Nikki Grahame she was first evicted. She subsequently finished in fifth place. She returned to the house in 2010 to take part in Ultimate Big Brother. An aspiring actress she appeared as an extra in the BBC’s EastEnders and played a footballer’s wife in Sky One’s Dream Team. She checked herself into a private hospital as she fought an eating disorder, and friends started a fundraising page to pay for her treatment. She died, age 38.

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AZUZA STREET

Marking Ramadan Mubarak 2021 EVERY YEAR, Muslims across the globe observe a month of daily fasting during Ramadan. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking and sex between early morning and sunset. Fasting - during Ramadan or for other reasons - is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the others being faith, prayer, charity and the pilgrimage to Mecca. Ramadan 2019 was a test of faith because it fell in the longer days of summer, meaning extended hours of going without food and drink in hot weather. Ramadan 2020 was during a full lockdown in the UK and across the world so that presented another set of challenges, with Muslims told to remain in their own homes, despite the usual tradition for communal meals and prayers. For 2021, there are still restrictions in place but mosques are open for limited, pre-booked communal worship and special guidance has been issued on night prayers, meals before and after fasting, and spiritual retreats.

he recently released documentary, Being Sikh, explored how people within the Sikh faith celebrate and mark some of life’s biggest moments from birth to coming of age, marriage and end of life with and by Dr Takhar an internationally recognised researcher within Sikh Studies and the Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies at the University of Wolverhampton. As the only centre across the UK and Europe that researches

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ACADEMIC OFFERS SIKH FAITH EXPERTISE FOR BBC DOCUMENTARY and teaches subject matter relating to the Sikh and Panjabi communities, her publication on ‘Sikh Identity: An exploration of Groups among Sikhs’ (Ashgate 2005) is used as a key text in many Universities around the world. Currently supervising two research projects, her research is on-going in terms of caste issues and gender dynamics amongst Punjabis, and Sikhs specifically. Dr Takhar said: “Sikh identity has always had multiple layers even from the time of the Gurus

and it was really positive to see this become the subject matter of a new BBC documentary. “The programme explored several stories and the relationship that Sikhs have with their faith at pivotal moments in their life, such as when a child is born or when a family member dies. I was honoured to consult on the programme. My expertise ensured that the views were representative of what Sikhs believe and practise. “Sikhs have been living in the UK for over 60 years and there

is still a degree of illiteracy about their religion and the documentary explored the importance of the ethics around Sikh beliefs and practices including wearing of the turban and the kirpan.” The Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies is the first of its kind in the UK and was launched in 2018, offering PhDs and Master’s level courses in Sikh studies as well as continuing professional development (CPD) courses for teachers and managers.

Sikh community mark Vaisakhi with online celebrations CELEBRATED by Hindus and Sikhs to mark the beginning of the Hindu solar New Year, people around the world marked Vaisakhi - sometimes called Baisakhi, Vaishakhi, or Vasakhi - and takes place each year in April and is celebrated across the world. This year, as before, the festival which celebrates the founding of the Sikh community, the Khalsa, marked the holiest day in the Sikh calendar. An ancient festival of Punjabis, it marks the Solar New Year and is also a harvest festival marking the creation of the community of initiated Sikhs. This year, however, religious worships moved online and the practice of offering food was taken out to the community, as people selfisolated and stayed at home. With two different elements to Vaisakhi - firstly it refers to the harvest festival in the Punjab region of India, and secondly, it marks the day that Sikhism was born as a collective faith in 1699 – the day is also observed by the farming community of Punjab as a day of giving thanks and paying tribute to God for their abundant harvest and praying for future prosperity. Vaisakhi is all about community, progression and celebration and is marked around the world with processions known as a nagar kirtan.

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WALK 100 MILES THIS MAY AND HELP CHANGE THE FUTURE OF BREAST CANCER T his May, Breast Cancer Now is encouraging everyone to take on Walk 100 Miles to help change the future of breast cancer. As the charity’s flagship walking series, the Pink Ribbon Walks, have been cancelled for a second year running due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this exciting new challenge asks people to step up to the challenge of walking 100 miles in their local parks or neighbourhoods, during the month of May. Whether you walk on your own or with friends or family, over a weekend or across the month, by walking up to 100 miles you can help change the future of breast cancer – and we’ll be there every step of the way to support you with training and fundraising tips.

Walk 100 Miles coincides with the Captain Tom 100 initiative that invites people all over the world to take on a challenge based around the number 100, to raise funds for charity. Supporters of all ages and abilities are invited to rise to the challenge and raise crucial funds for Breast Cancer Now, while at the same time celebrating Captain Tom’s generosity of spirit, the hope and joy he brought to millions, and his sense of fun. With the pandemic having significantly impacted Breast Cancer Now’s ability to carry out fundraising activities, the charity urgently needs your support to continue to be there for people affected by breast cancer today with its specialist support

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NEWS

Completion of £31m Easter Rail Upgrades Between London And Scotland

services and conduct world-class research. Claire Pulford, Associate Director of Community and Events at Breast Cancer Now, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest crisis that has faced

breast cancer in decades. “At a time when people affected by breast cancer need our support more than ever, many of our faceto-face support services have been paused and our researchers lost over 230,000 hours in the

lab during the first wave. We also expect a significant financial blow due to the pandemic, with our fundraising income projected to drop 35% by August. “There’s never been a better time to dust off your trainers and take on a challenge and take on the Walk 100 Miles challenge to help us to raise vital funds that mean we continue to be there to support people affected by breast cancer today, and bring hope for the future through research.” The charity is asking everyone to fundraise safely and responsibly by following the latest government guidelines about social distancing above all else when planning their event.

NETWORK Rail has completed a range of essential upgrades to the railway between Euston, the Midlands, North West and Scotland over Easter. Between Friday 2 and Tuesday 6 April, teams carried out vital work on the railway to improve passenger and freight services on the West Coast main line – the Backbone of Britain. The £31m investment across the whole of Network Rail's North West and Central region as part of Britain’s Railway Upgrade Plan saw: • Ongoing work to upgrade Birmingham New Street station's signals – the complex system and traffic lights of the railway which keep trains running safely • Two new bridges installed at Warrington Bank Quay station • Two underpasses driven underneath the Chiltern main line in Bicester • Work to prepare Euston station for Britain’s new highspeed railway, HS2 Tim Shoveller, managing director for Network Rail’s

North West & Central region, said: “Hundreds of frontline staff worked throughout the bank holiday to improve journeys for passengers and freight in the North West and Central region and I’m immensely proud of them and our contractors who helped Network Rail deliver these major upgrades. “This is just the start of 2021’s work to make the West Coast main line more reliable for our passengers and pave the way for HS2, which will bring muchneeded extra railway capacity as the country builds back better from the pandemic. “Now our attention turns to the early May bank holiday when more essential railway improvements will take place. Because of the amount of work being done, passengers are being urged to travel either side of the bank holiday on Friday 30 April and Tuesday 4 May.” Meanwhile, travellers are reminded they must continue to follow government guidance to control the spread of coronavirus.

creenshots of your walks, and any stories you post photos or stories about them personally too.

undraising

tion of £10 or £20 might encourage others to at

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

l Sherril Donaldson – NU:GEN CARE CIC

Voice For Our Black Elders R acial inequalities and the marginalisation of the black community has been magnified over the last twelve months as there was a disproportionate impact on our community from the pandemic and the horrific live coverage of a black man, George Floyd, being murdered in full view of the world. In response, Boris Johnson orchestrated a cross-government commission to examine “all aspects” of racial inequality in the UK. He said the commission on race and ethnic disparities would look at “all aspects of inequality – in employment, in health outcomes, in academic and all other walks

of life”. However, the report has institutionally, we are still racist, and for a governmentappointed commission ... to deny its existence is deeply, deeply worrying,” said Halima Begum, chief executive of the Runnymede Trust, a racial equality think tank. WE need to work together to identify our pressure points and the existing organisation in a position to lead a movement to alleviate our challenges. So, I ask you to contact me with your thoughts on the way forward and topics for discussion in this column to ensure we work to change the landscape of care for our elders. sherril@nugencare.org.uk

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THOUSANDS MORE RECEIVE LIFE-SAVING COVID-19 JABS IN CITY T housands more lifesaving Covid-19 jabs have been given in Wolverhampton – with increasing numbers of people having now received both doses. Latest figures show 118,597 first doses have been administered in Wolverhampton, with tens of thousands of people also having now returned for their second jab. People aged 45 and over, anyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable, frontline health and social care workers and people who are in receipt of Carer's Allowance or are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person are now eligible for the free vaccine. Anyone in the above groups who has not yet had their first Covid-19 jab is asked to do so as a matter of urgency, with the City of Wolverhampton Council and the Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group writing to eligible people who haven’t yet booked a jab inviting them to get in touch to arrange an appointment. People are also reminded of the need to get their second dose when it is their time so that they are given the maximum protection against the deadly virus.

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John Denley, Wolverhampton’s Director of Public Health, said: “The vaccine is the best protection we have against coronavirus. “Nearly 120,000 people in Wolverhampton have now had at least one dose, and more and more people have had both. This is particularly important, as the second vaccine acts as a booster, enhancing immunity and offering longer-lasting protection against infection. "We know that the easing of restrictions as we leave the Covid-19 lockdown will very likely lead to an increase in infection rates so, if you haven't already and you are now eligible for it, please get your jab as soon as possible. For more information about the vaccine, including the answers to

frequently asked questions, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov. uk/vaccine or www.nhs.uk/ covid-vaccination. People will need to register with a GP surgery in England in order to receive the vaccine. For more details, please visit www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/ gps. John added: “Please remember that even once you have had both doses of the vaccine, you must still continue to adhere to the measures in place to stop the spread of Covid-19, and follow the Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air guidance. Please also make sure you have a regular Covid-19 rapid test.” For details of rapid testing for people without symptoms of Covid-19, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/ coronavirus-testing. Anyone with

symptoms of Covid-19, which include a fever, a new continuous cough or a change to the sense of taste or smell, must immediately self-isolate and book a PCR test by visiting www.gov.uk/getcoronavirus-test or calling 119. The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at www.gov.uk/ coronavirus and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/ coronavirus, which includes information in a wide range of languges and guidance around staying safe during Ramadan. Further details of the restrictions currently in place, and the answers to frequently asked questions, are available at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/ covidalert.

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INVESTORS IN PEOPLE THREE TIMES OVER

idlands Air Ambulance Charity has been awarded the Investors in People silver standard, demonstrating its commitment to investing in local people and excellent management practice. Since 1991 Investors in People has been a nationally recognised accreditation, demonstrating employer excellence and outstanding places to work. In line with the charity’s dedication to continuous improvement, the organisation has yet again been accredited, this year achieving the

silver standard. Employees of the charity were once again overwhelmingly positive about their experiences with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, and the assessor’s report noted a clear passion, enthusiasm and pride for working for the lifesaving service, which tends to more than 4,500 critically ill and injured people annually whilst also undertaking significant community outreach programmes to support with health and disease education. Hanna Sebright, chief executive for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “People are at the

The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2021 - Page 41

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

heart of everything we do. As well as providing the very best advanced pre-hospital care to patients, the welfare and support of the aircrew and charity team are our top priority. “Everyone has their part to play in helping to save lives across the region, and we are exceptionally proud this has been recognised once again by Investors in People.”

23 million steps and counting… ON JANUARY 29 2021, Cauda Equina Champions Charity launched their first ever fundraising campaign called ‘1 Million Steps for CES’, but just over eight weeks later and the team have walked over 23 million steps and raised a staggering £5,181. The UK’s official Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) charity asked people to step into the New Year and help raise awareness of the condition by getting out there, walking for a better mental health and supporting those people that they may know, or loved ones that have permanent disabilities resulting from the syndrome. With the news of Storm Keating’s Cauda Equina Syndrome diagnosis post birth breaking the news over the last few days, the charity want to continue to raise awareness with just over 40 days to go with their ‘1 Million Steps’ fundraising campaign. Claire Thornber, Founder of the charity commented: “It has been extremely successful and we want to continue to raise vital funds to support members of our charity, and health practitioners with training to prevent late diagnosis of the syndrome. “Through our work on the Helpline it has become apparent services accessible to patients

with CES are being withdrawn, due to the impact of COVID therefore, it is more important than ever to offer any support we can in these difficult times and reach as many unsupported patients as possible.” The launch of the campaign received the continuing support and contribution of Sean Ash, a London emergency call handler, who recently has had emergency surgery and raised significant funds for London Ambulance Service, plus the voice of their charity ambassador Duncan James who was diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome several years ago. ‘1 Million Steps’ allows everyone to get involved and be part of the campaign, even those chronically affected by the condition. Every single step counts towards the collective goal of raising vital awareness of the syndrome. To get involved and to start fundraising join the Just Giving campaign at: https://www.justgiving.com/ campaign/1millionstepsforces.

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OVERSEAS NEWS

Health Safety Diligence and Vaccines Key to Tourism Recovery THE CARIBBEAN COVID-19 Tourism Task Force is calling for continued diligence and adherence to public health safety protocols and encourages all tourismrelated stakeholders who are able to do so to be vaccinated as vaccines become available. The Caribbean has generally been successful in containing the virus over the past year to levels below that which is being experienced in many parts of the world. COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death rates are among the lowest in the world. This has been attributed to the early and ongoing response by many Caribbean governments, health care and tourism industry leaders, and the large number of Caribbean residents who have adhered to health safety protocols. The task force cautions that

now is not the time to “let down our guard”, as the next several months will determine how quickly the tourism-dependent region will be able to rebound. Tourism is viewed by many as the catalyst for getting people back to work and restoring much needed revenue that governments have lost due to the pandemic. “We are now in a race against time,” cautioned Dr. Joy St. John, Executive Director for the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). “Particularly given the presence of variants which spread more rapidly, we must adhere to health safety protocols lest we find ourselves moving backwards, rather than forwards. We must remain diligent while we continue to accelerate vaccinations of our populations, now that approved vaccines are becoming more available,” she stated.

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MEET NYNOKA GRANT, FOUNDER OF A THRIVING VEGAN-FRIENDLY BEAUTY BRAND

ynoka Grant is the founder and CEO of Akoyn Beauty, an Atlanta-based company that manufactures vegan-friendly personal care specialty products that are especially for women. Their premium soaps, skin creams, and body butter are handmade from the finest allnatural ingredients. Now, more than ever, taking care of yourself and remaining stress-free is a priority. Nynoka comments, “Women are

indeed running the world, wielding political power but also facing unfair burdens during the global pandemic. Some women are working from home while homeschooling children. Others are essential workers. Women across the world are remaining indoors for safety reasons. Pandemic life is different, and everyone has adjusted. However, self-care is not optional.” She continues: “This is not the time to abandon everyday beauty routines. Caring for your skin must be part of a twice-daily ritual, and the right all-over-body products can keep every inch of your skin nourished.”

l Nyoka Grant Her company’s Hydrating Body Balm and Moisturizer help to improve and maintain skin tone and texture, naturally, without harsh ingredients. Aside from aesthetics, healthy skin signals overall health. Women must take time for themselves. Women are so bogged down with responsibilities, bath time may be the only private time, but caring for others requires that you make yourself a priority. Nynoka says she wants every woman tasked with taking care of someone else to make themselves a priority. “You need to because they need you,” she says.

“Our products are invigorating. Lift your spirits. Lavish your skin with much-needed attention. Refresh twice a day to experience softer, smoother skin, and enjoy the delicate signature fragrance you’ll be glad to call your own.” Akoyn Beauty’s products are created for every skin complexion, skin tone, and skin type—dry skin and sensitive skin. Available in Elegant Lavender, Pink Cranberry, Tropical Fruit, and Minty Lime, these signature fragrances are designed and infused with essential oils to make women feel wonderful.

Calls For UK Government To‘Stop Sitting On The Fence’ Over Travel Restrictions A BRITISH HEALTHCARE company which operates across the UK providing private COVID-19 testing for airline passengers, private individuals and businesses, has called upon the UK Government to “stop sitting on the fence" over the continued lockdown on air travel restrictions. Covid testing provider Salutaris People - which operates a private COVID-19 testing clinic at Liverpool John Lennon Airport along with its partners Test Assurance Group (TAG) and the airport - are calling on the UK Government to open up both Domestic and International air travel. They firmly believe that the combination of testing, vaccinations and other safety measures can get the airline and travel industry moving again. They want the Government

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to give a clear and definitive set of dates to allow the safe resumption of air travel during its much-anticipated announcement on April 12. Ross Tomkins MD of Salutaris People urged the Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Secretary of

State for Transport Grant Shapps to put down a series of ‘firm’ and ‘actual’ dates when Domestic, European and International air travel can be fully resumed, which will give certainty and restore confidence to both the airline and travel industries.

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SANDALS TO OPEN THREE MORE RESORTS IN JAMAICA

andals Resorts International will expand its Jamaican portfolio with the addition of three hotels, according to executive chairman Adam Stewart. Sandals will transform the former Jewel Dunn's River Beach Resort & Spa and Jewel Runaway Bay Beach Resort & Waterpark, two all-inclusive resorts acquired in 2020, plus a prime parcel of beachfront land adjacent to the Dunn's River resort into three distinct

AS GOVERNMENTS and businesses plot the path to recovery from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Victoria Mutual Group (VM) President & CEO Courtney Campbell has called for transformational thinking and bold moves to ensure that the nation and region will emerge stronger than before. Addressing the recent University of the West Indies (UWI) School of Education and Operation Save Jamaica's Transformational Research Conference, Campbell said that businesses should critically assess how they can incorporate digital technologies and agile approaches to future-proof their operations in the postCOVID era. This, he said, will require greater urgency from business leaders, worker representatives, and legislators in ensuring a seamless transition “to the new normal”. “Organisations should also be prepared to partner with local universities and open their doors for research as this may provide vital information in the preparation of the emerging workforce,” he said.

properties under the Sandals and Beaches brands. The expansion will mark the return of the Dunn's River property to the Sandals family as Sandal's Dunn's River, the same moniker used when the resort joined the brand in 1990. The new Sandals Dunn's River will be renovated from top to bottom with the adjacent oceanfront land transformed into an additional new resort: The Sandals Royal Dunn's River offering 250 rooms and suites. The sister hotels will operate

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OVERSEAS NEWS

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Coverage on Pages 10 & 11!

in much the same manner as the concept that Sandals developed between Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados, with exchange privileges between the two all-inclusive resorts. The Runaway Bay Resort, located midway between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, will be extensively redeveloped to become the Beaches Runaway Bay Resort, the third familyfriendly Beaches In Jamaica, joining existing properties in Negril and Ocho Rios.

VM chief Campbell calling for change for stronger future

He further called on stakeholders to look into how labour laws can be updated to better serve a more inclusive and sustainable Jamaican economy. He used the opportunity to highlight VM's approach to culture transformation, noting that the organisation places great emphasis on nurturing a robust culture that prioritises accountability and inspires audacious ambitions. “We are managing the organisational culture so that all leaders and team members think and act in the manner necessary to achieve the desired results reflected in our bold vision. “We know as the leaders of VM that we have the responsibility of shifting the culture,” Campbell said.

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HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

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SAMOA WELCOMES TRAVEL BUBBLE

Uncover the Canary Islands' Incredible Indigenous Sport: The Shepherd's Leap IMAGINE pole-vaulting down steep slopes, avoiding dangerous terrain. The Canarian folk sport, "Salto del pastor"—translated from Spanish as "the shepherd's leap” – involves just that! The volcanic origin of the Canary Islands has given the archipelago dramatic landscapes of steep hills, rocky terrain, and sharp cliffs. The Shepherd's Leap, or Satlo del pastor, is a practice that the aboriginal settlers devised to overcome the unevenness of the volcanic terrain to use the land for agricultural activities. This innovative method involved shepherd's using a wooden stick or lance to cross the countryside and pole jump over valleys and cliffs, hence its name, the Shephard's Leap.

he Samoa Tourism Authority has been encouraged by the quarantine-free travel arrangement started last night between Australia and New Zealand. This comes following the news that a two-way travel bubble between New Zealand and the Cook Islands is slated for May. STA welcomes the announcement as yet another important precursor to a broader Pacific travel bubble, which will restart tourism and allow a number of Pacific Islands, including Samoa, to rebuild and

l Samoa Tourism Authority’s CEO Fa’amatuainu Lenata’i Suifua accelerate its economic recovery. Samoa Tourism Authority's CEO Fa'amatuainu Lenata'i Suifua declared: “The establishment of the Trans-Tasman bubble inspires confidence among Pacific tourism operators that a Pacific travel bubble is also inevitable.” The bubble will provide crucial mutual benefits for all Pacific nations, as well as Australia and New Zealand, in rebounding from the economic challenges presented by the global COVID-19 pandemic and Samoa will be looking to its diaspora in New Zealand to help boost its

economy when travel resumes safely, hopefully by the end of the year. The health and safety of the local Samoan aiga (family) remains the government's highest priority. With vaccinations being rolled out, alongside the introduction of increased procedures - including contact tracing and regular testing - a strong framework has been developed. In the meantime, the Samoan government continues to prioritise tourism as it is the backbone of the local economy. Tourism has been a key driver of business

development opportunities which the private sector and many in the community. With the majority of Samoa's tourism hotspots and natural assets being owned by local families, Fa'amatuainu said the impact of the pandemic has been felt across the nation. When international travel eventually restarts, those opportunities will gradually open up once again and support strategic efforts. As the original socially distant friendly destination, with no known COVID-19 community

transmissions, Samoa is the perfect bucket list holiday destination. “We're getting ourselves ready for when travel resumes. Samoa is an untouched, pristine paradise, a short distance from both Australia and New Zealand – it's close, but you still feel a world away. “It has great value for money, great for smaller budgets and has beautiful natural attributes, such as clear waters, beautiful beaches and an unspoilt natural environment” concluded Fa'amatuainu.

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SAINT LUCIA'S NEWEST HOTEL LAUNCHES WEDDING PACKAGES IN UK MARKET

he SoCo House, Saint Lucia is encouraging UK couples to consider tying the knot in stunning island surroundings, with the introduction of brand new wedding packages. Specifically designed with UK couples in mind, The SoCo House's personalised service offers two unique packages that provide special benefits such as a complimentary wedding ceremony, flower arrangements for the bride and groom, wedding cake, photography, romantic dinner

and breakfast options, as well as the expert services of The SoCo House's Wedding Coordinator. The SoCo House, Saint Lucia, encourages UK couples to consider tying the knot in stunning island surroundings, with the introduction of brand NEW wedding packages. Specifically designed with UK couples in mind, The SoCo House's personalised service offers two unique packages that provide special benefits such as a complimentary wedding ceremony, flower

The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2021 - Page 45

HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL

North East Is Ready to Kickstart Tourism

ACCORDING to a recent Travel Sentiment survey, almost 70% of people in the North East plan to take trips around the region as soon as lockdown measures are lifted. The survey, conducted by public and private sector partnership NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI), was completed by more than 1000 people over the past month and revealed positive attitudes towards the reopening of tourism and hospitality in the region. The purpose of the survey was to understand travel sentiment, intentions and consumer confidence levels, and to inform plans for welcoming visitors back to the region. Testament to the friendly nature of North East residents, more than 70% of respondents also said they felt comfortable welcoming visitors back this summer.

arrangements for the bride and groom, wedding cake, photography, romantic dinner and breakfast options, as well as the expert services of The SoCo House's Wedding Coordinator. Dedicated to curating the perfect wedding experience, The SoCo House hotel team will offer its expertise to help couples create their dream wedding. With two wedding packages to choose from, couples can keep things small and intimate with Simply SoCo or opt for a bigger affair with Blissfully SoCo.

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Page 46 - The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2021

PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

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Arrive Alive Again Secures Vital Grant From Housebuilder THE UK’S only registered charity dedicated to funding vital lifesaving vehicles and equipment for Community First Responders (CFRs) has again received a £1,000 donation from a leading UK housebuilder. Arrive Alive was awarded the donation by Persimmon Homes Central through its Community Champions initiative, a match funding scheme that each month hands out two awards to community good causes. Debbie Roscoe, from Arrive Alive, said: “CFRs are medically trained volunteers who are regulated and dispatched to frontline, life threatening 999 calls by West Midlands Ambulance Service. “Lifesaving equipment and vehicles are solely funded by public donations with no funding given by government, NHS, ambulance service or national lottery.”

PREPARATION WORK BEGINS FOR BUILDING OF NEW COUNCIL HOMES IN HEATH TOWN l Simon Hoult, ENGIE Project Manager, with Councillor Jacqueline Sweetman, Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing.

reparation work has started this week for the building of the first new council homes as part of a major transformation of the city’s Heath Town estate. Site surveys and investigations are underway as regeneration specialist ENGIE prepares to start construction work in June. A mixture of 40, two-bedroom and four-bedroom council houses will be built across three sites on Hobgate Road and one site on Tithe Croft, off Chervil Rise. They will mark the first phase of a total of up to 200 new homes to be built for rent and sale on the estate over the coming years,

with the council set to develop nine sites in total. It follows an extensive demolition programme of vacant buildings and is part of an ongoing multi-million transformation of the estate which has also seen existing residential blocks undergo major improvements by Wolverhampton Homes, and the creation of three new play areas and a football pitch. All of the new homes will have their own car parking space provided and the majority will come with gardens. This first phase of the new development is due to be completed by Autumn 2022. Councilor Jacqueline

Sweetman, Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, said: “It’s great to see ENGIE on site this week carrying out the essential surveys and investigations. “The development on the Heath Town estate will bring a real change to our city. The new homes will offer a wider choice of quality housing for our residents and I am pleased that we have a summer start date for this major development programme for Wolverhampton. “I look forward to the first bricks being laid and seeing the brand new development offer a welcoming home for many people.”

Guild Of Property Professionals Comments On Government 95% Mortgage Scheme IAIN MCKENZIE, CEO of The Guild of Property Professionals, says: “The resilience of the housing market in the face of coronavirus has seen house prices repeatedly hit new highs, and we expect this trend to continue in the coming months. “There is the danger that firsttime buyers could be increasingly priced out of the market, and this government scheme goes some way towards helping young people. “The work of employment has changed beyond recognition during Covid, and first-time

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buyers who can work from home could use this opportunity to find themselves a home in a cheaper part of the country. “Do shop around if you’re tempted by taking out a 95% mortgage, as some of the rates on offer for a two-year fixed deal are 3.9% - more than 2% higher than the cheapest deals on the market. “It is also worth checking whether the property you have your eye on is suitable for one of these new mortgages, as Halifax and Barclays have said that newbuild properties will not fall under the scheme. “While this is good news for

l Iain McKenzie

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property owners and first-time buyers, these measures could be like pouring gasoline on a roaring fire, potentially propelling house prices to higher and higher heights into the summer.”

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS

@PhoenixNewsUK

Fans Win After ESL Drop-Out But Real Stay Defiant WITH ALL SIX English teams involved in the European Super League (ESL) leading the drop-out of the competition – following fans expressing anger at what they said would be an unfair competition, the main Super League architects say it will reconsider appropriate steps to reshape the project. After Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur originally planned to form a breakaway league, which they hoped to create as a new midweek competition to rival UEFA's Champions League, the huge backlash proved too overwhelming –for now! In a statement, the ESL said: “Given the circumstances we shall reconsider the most appropriate steps to reshape the project, always having in mind our goals of offering fans the best experience possible while enhancing solidarity payments for the entire football community.” The six English clubs were part of a group, including; Spain's Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid and Italy's AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus. A defiant Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, who was named as the ESL's chairman, said the competition was set up to save football because young people are no longer interested in the game because of a lot of poor-quality games.

SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS

MANAGERS PRAISE REBECCA WELCH – THE FIRST WOMAN TO REFEREE EFL GAME

s the first female referee to take charge of an English Football League game Rebecca Welch was praised for her performance by the managers of both sides she was charged with. Rebecca, 37, oversaw Port Vale's 2-0 win at Harrogate Town in League Two on Monday. In the elite category of referees and on FIFA's international list, Ms Welch, from Washington, County Durham, previously officiated seven National League games this season. She was the first to be given a game from the off and had a day without any major controversy, barring a contentious decision to wave away Harrogate's appeals for a first-half penalty. On his assessment of her performance, Port Vale boss

The search is on for the nation’s Coaching Heroes

THROUGH UK Coaching Hero, the British public have been nominating coaches who implemented great ideas and made considerable differences to people’s mental and physical well-being despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Looking for coaches who have: connected people

The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2021 - Page 47

utilising sport and physical activity, and had a positive impact on people’s well-being, created an environment where people felt empowered and motivated either to get active or to stay active during the COVID-19 lockdowns and made a difference and had an impact on others (e.g. family

Darrell Clarke said: "I thought she was focused and didn't get much wrong. I was moaning about one or two decisions, but generally it was quite consistent. “We need to see more women referees and lineswomen moving forward. They should be judged like anyone else and she's had a good start." Harrogate manager Simon Weaver said: "I think she was very good indeed. Important calls were made throughout and they were the right calls. “Hopefully it's just par for the course that we see female referees and officials in the EFL. It's about time." Speaking after her appointment was announced last week, Welch told the EFL's official website: "Initially I wasn't really aware of being appointed as the first female referee. "I was just given the

appointment and I was over the moon but, when you kind of reflect on it, you think you're the first woman ever to do this, so I'm extremely proud and my family is extremely proud too." Amy Fearn was the first woman to referee an EFL game as she came on as an injury replacement in the 2010 Championship game between Coventry and Nottingham Forest.

member, friend, participant). UK Coaching’s Director of Coaching Emma Atkins, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the actions of many great coaches from across the nation, who have persevered and rethought coaching techniques to deliver digital and one-to-one training, whilst struggled with the parameters of this third lockdown. “Coaches have found innovative, safe and legal ways to deliver sport and physical activity sessions and it is not an exaggeration to state that they have been a constant source of hope for many people during these isolating times.

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Managers praise Rebecca Welch - Page 47

Calling UK Coaching Heros - Page 47

BLUES INSIST ON COMMITMENT TO WOMEN’S TEAM B

irmingham City has insisted that they are committed to their women’s team after the players raised a series of complaints with the board. The Football Association has opened an investigation after City’s squad sent a letter to the Women’s Super League club’s hierarchy highlighting a lack of support for them compared to that given to the men’s team. The complaints were reported to include players earning less than the minimum wage, delays over treatment for injured players, a lack of access to the trainingground gym and changing rooms and travel arrangements for away fixtures. In response, the club said in

a statement: “We are keen to emphasise that the club remains committed to providing support for our women’s team. “We will further the conversation internally in a bid to address players’ concerns, the details of which, will remain private.” Head coach Carla Ward said: “We have held positive discussions with the board relating to the concerns raised by the players. It was never the intention for the letter to be made public and many of the points were misrepresented. “We are working together to move forward and will remain in communication with the board to resolve matters internally.” The issue was raised at England’s press conference ahead of the Lionesses’ friendly against France.

Former Blues player Ellen White said: “Well, it’s not OK, is it? For a club of Birmingham City’s stature, to be playing in the WSL, it’s not OK for players to be experiencing what they are. “I think it’s important that it’s been brought to attention, and something needs to be done, especially with them having been in the WSL from pretty much the start. It’s not OK to be happening.” A club statement said that their women’s side will be playing home fixtures at St Andrew’s next season if they retain their place in the WSL. The team, currently play home matches at the SportNation.Bet Stadium, which is also used by National League side Solihull Moors.

Prodrive Partners With Lewis Hamilton’s Extreme E Team, X44

he world-leading motorsport business is partnering with X44 to run the team at each round of the five-race series. X44 will take its followers on a journey of discovery; to show firsthand how human actions are damaging the planet, racing electric vehicles in five remote locations that are already damaged or severely under threat of climate change. The five locations will highlight a variety of serious climate issues including melting ice caps in Greenland, deforestation in Brazil, and rising sea levels in Senegal. Each X-Prix race weekend will include two days of all-action, short,

sharp wheel-to-wheel racing, with world-class drivers and nine teams. Prodrive-contracted drivers Sébastien Loeb, and fellow Dakar competitor, Cristina Gutiérrez, will compete in the X44 ODYSSEY 21. The bespoke E-SUV produces 400 kW (550 bhp) and is capable of reaching 100 kph in 4.5 seconds. Sébastien Loeb is one of the greatest rally drivers of all time and a legend of the motorsport world, with a record nine World Rally Championships and 79 WRC wins to his name. He has also achieved three Race of Champions wins in which he competed against the world’s best racing and rally drivers. Driving alongside Sébastien will be

gifted Spanish driver Cristina Gutiérrez. Gutierréz is a promising upcoming talent who made history in the 2017 Dakar Rally by becoming the first Spanish female driver to finish the race in the car category, finishing fifth place among the debutantes. Widely known as the toughest rally in the world, Cristina has now finished the race five times, and her talents have been further showcased in her home country, where she previously secured a second-place overall position in the mixed-gender All-Terrain Spanish Rally Championships, finishing top of the female category between 2011 and 2016.

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