The Phoenix Newspaper - May 2023

KING CHARLES: START OF A NEW MONARCHY OR MORE OF THE SAME?

By Dr Tony Talburt

King Charles Philip Arthur George is now king of the UK and fourteen other Commonwealth countries. After more than seventy years, the UK has transitioned from one monarch to another.

For many, this represents the end of an era. Afterall, Queen Elizabeth was the only monarch they had known. She surpassed Queen Victoria to become the longest reigning monarch in British history.

With the dawn of a new era, certain questions come to mind. Will King Charles play along with the established political conventions and remain tight lipped in public, or will he continue to speak against issues he disagrees with?

How will he embrace a new and changing Britain from the one his mother saw when she came to office in the 1950s?

In 1952 when Queen Elizabeth 11 became head of state of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and her other realms, as well as head of the Commonwealth and Defender of the Faith, Britain was a different country from the one in which we live today.

The country was ruling many colonies in Africa and the Caribbean. The country was also still in the final stages of its war time rationing programme, which was not officially brought to an end until 1954.

Millions of people had vivid memories and experiences of the devastation and physical damages to buildings and infrastructure brought about by bombings during World War 2.

This was a period of economic austerity. In the more than seventy years of Queen Elizabeth’s rule, the country and the world in general, underwent fundamental changes. King Charles has inherited a different country than that of his mother.

At the age of 73, King Charles is the oldest person to accede to the British throne. But even

before he became king, Charles was very involved in a number of organisations and institutions. His stand out charity, was the Prince’s Trust, a youth charity, established in 1976. Tens of thousands of young people have benefitted from this programme over the years.

King Charles is also the patron of over 400 charities and organisations. In addition, and perhaps controversially, Charles is also an environmentalist and supports organic farming.

In the past he has spoken out, through what became known as the ‘Black Spider Memos’ (so called because of his spidery handwriting style), in which he wrote letters to government ministers from about 2004 onwards, questioning aspects of policies or approaches on issues such as farming and architecture.

Prince Charles was therefore not shy in coming forward and publicly stating his personal positions and political predilections on these matters. Queen Elizabeth, however, was far more circumspect and avoided making public statements about political decisions made by the government.

Only time will tell whether King Charles will conform to political protocols of avoiding comments, or worse still, appearing to take sides on political, or government policies. This might prove to be difficult for King Charles who has been so politically engaged. His biggest challenge, however, is the fact that the Britain he is inheriting, has changed from the society his mother stepped into in 1952. His major challenge will be how to maintain the role of monarch in an ever changing Britain.

The monarchy of the 1950s and 1960s will probably not be able to function exactly the same way today and might need to adapt so it can be relevant and fit for purpose in the 21st century.

Although King Charles will continue to enjoy certain privileges such as not requiring a passport and drivers license, he will need to balance how the monarchy will continue to be seen.

The Britain of today comprises diverse communities and cultures. Whereas Queen Elizabeth was Defender of

the Faith, King Charles is ruling within a multi-faith society as well as one which is simultaneously becoming more secular.

In terms of the economy, whereas the coal industry was a significant contributor to the British treasury in the 1950s, today that industry is dead.

In addition, the Royal family has, in recent decades, been adversely affected by public disagreements and fallouts. The Royal family, like many families throughout the country are beset with in-fighting and disagreements.

There are still unresolved issues over King Charles brother, Prince Andrew, the late Princess Diana, as well as the William and Harry rivalry.

King Charles, therefore, may be the head of a new monarchy, but the new monarchy must reflect not only a different British society, but also disagreements within its own institution.

There is much for the new King to deal with, not least, how to function effectively in such a changed society.

EXCITEMENT AS COMMONWEALTH PREPARES FOR A ROYAL CORONATION WEEKEND FULL OF CELEBRATIONS

The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort is set to take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6th May, with Buckingham Palace set for the ceremonial, plus celebratory and community events that will be taking place over the Coronation Weekend.

The Service will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury and will reflect the Monarch’s role today, as well as looking towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions

and pageantry.

Across the Coronation Weekend, there will be opportunities for people to come together in celebration of the historic occasion, with the Coronation Big Lunch set to see neighbours and communities sharing food and fun together across the country on the same date. Members of the public will be taking part in The Big Help Out, on Monday May 8, and volunteering themselves to support their local areas.

For their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort, the Coronation Weekend will provide an

opportunity to spend time and celebrate with friends, families and communities across the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth.

The Coronation Service - a solemn religious service, as well as an occasion for celebration and pageantry - will take place on the morning of Saturday, 6th May 2023 at Westminster Abbey, with Their Majesties arriving in procession from Buckingham Palace, known as ‘The King’s Procession’.

After the Service, they will return to Buckingham Palace in a larger ceremonial procession, known as ‘The Coronation Procession’. Their Majesties will be joined in this procession by other Members of the Royal Family.

At Buckingham Palace, The King and The Queen Consort, accompanied by Members of the Royal Family, will appear on the balcony to conclude the day’s ceremonial events. Looking beyond, King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla are both said to be looking forward to marking the occasion with the public throughout 2023.

l His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort

VIDEO THE KEY LINK FOR RAF RESERVIST

JONATHAN SARABADU

From a very early age, Jonathan Sarabadu knew that he wanted to create. From a focus in school on art and design, to making videos at and for his school, it was clear he was never going to be one for a regular 9-5 office job, eventually running his own media company and being an RAF Reservist.

Born and raised in Handsworth Wood, Birmingham, Jonathan went to Hamstead Hall School, where despite living just round the corner from it, he was always late to class. “When I look back it’s funny, my form tutor was a 7ft tall ex-basketball player for the Birmingham Bullets,” he laughed.

“Every day I’d be like 5 minutes late despite living just around the corner, with my shirt untucked, and every form class he’d give me a detention for it, a detention where I’d just stand below the basketball hoop and throw him back the ball.”

Coming from a mixed race heritage, with his father from Mauritius and his mother from a white background, Jonathan often felt he didn’t quite fit in anywhere. “It was a unique experience, I remember playing football and it ended up as a black team vs an Asian team, and I was fought over as to whether I was more black or Asian as they both wanted me on their team as I was quite

a good goalkeeper.”

In school he was known for being the young man with a passion for making videos, “It’s a shame I wasn’t born like 10 years later, I could’ve been like Logan Paul or one of those guys and put all of it on YouTube and gain a following!”

Unfortunately his passion for his creative pursuits didn’t extend to the rest of his school life, with C’s in the majority of his GCSEs in anything that wasn’t creative, where he was scoring A*s.

“The same happened with A levels. I did Psychology, IT and Graphic Design and got a U in Psychology, a D in IT and for Graphic Design got one of the highest grades in the country, as I’d basically designed a first-person shooter video game based on the school, which surprised and shocked the examiners.”

Pursuing his love for creativity, Jonathan did a foundation course at the Arts Institute of Bournemouth in Art & Design, to get him the foot in the door needed to continue to Uni.

After starting, and consequently failing his first year of a Digital Media Production degree due to his focus being on creating video for the television station at the University, that he had set up after becoming the Communication Officer for the Student Union, he dropped out and applied to the

London College of Communication to study Production for Live Events and Television.

“London is just a completely different beast, it was a real eye opener, and while when I was younger my mentality was one of laziness, I talked to myself and realised I really had to knuckle down, and ended up walking out with a first class degree.”

Coming out of the other side of Uni, Jonathan worked with Sky, and then Al Jazeera English for an internship which took him to Qatar. It was here that he had an eye opener and the other side of his career developed.

“While I was there editing some pieces in the studio, the news came on and I see the outbreak of the Syrian War. From the news background, you see everything, not just what has been deemed fit for the public, so all of that really made me think that surely we should be doing something about this.

“I went a bit introspective asking myself what I could do or contribute in this situation, and so I returned to the UK as I couldn’t join the RAF whilst in the Middle East.”

In 2014, Jonathan joined the RAF Reserves, chosen due to his Great Uncle Tommy who served in the RAF in World War 2, whose cap badge Jonathan wears to keep the family heritage alive.

“The RAF is a force for good, and the

consensus behind the RAF in the Media Reserves is that if we don’t report on the news, someone else will and they may not give the correct message. At first I had no idea that the military did media, and a lot of people don’t realise that, it’s not overly publicised really.”

Jonathan said he felt really lucky that he had a fantastic boss in Marie Rooney while he was teaching back in the UK, “She developed these schools that were Alternate Behaviour Units, to bring out of the potential in these children that had been removed from more mainstream settings.”

“Even if you’re really busy like I am now, you don’t have to commit more than your standard 27 days, plus a 2 week training camp with the Reserves. It works out at like a weekend a month.

“The RAF really had a massive effect on me, it instilled the discipline, order and processes that you need to break down every way of life.”

“In my current role as a Corporal I’d be responsible for maybe 5-10 junior ranks, and it reflects in my job too, transferring everything I know over.

“I believe that we’re always learning so I’ll always be both a teacher and a student, but I left the teaching profession after about 6 years as a Media Teacher and Deputy Pastoral Manager, as I decided It was time for a change.”

Around that time, Jonathan finished his Masters degree at the University of Warwick in Global Media and Communication with Merit, before starting his own business, pushing himself to learn more the business and sales side of things, and continued creating video content alongside his work with the RAF.

“The first business I made was Devoch, which was about creating a bridge between England and China, promoting British businesses in China. I’d been learning Chinese from a young age at the Chinese School in Birmingham where I was the only white guy there when I started, and was put into the kindergarten level, as a 13/14 year old. I learned Cantonese, and later learned Mandarin too.”

“With the issues between the West and China, and then COVID too, relations broke down and it wasn’t feasible anymore, so I started up Grand Tour Media, producing video content for Corporate Charities and events.”

“I don’t do as much work in the business as I used to now, I work with a great team, who handle most of the day to day. We also took on funeral livestreams during COVID which was never something we imagined do-

Again, that itching feeling returned and Jonathan felt it was time for another

change, “I’d got to a point where my job was no longer creating the content that I loved to make, but creating the relationships between businesses, networking and generating sales instead.

“I wanted to produce content that would push the bar, always looking to push the limits of my skills, and Birmingham City Football Club were looking for a Head of Blues TV, so I thought I’m Birmingham born and raised and love football so why not?”

“I love the city, it took me a long time of moving around, London for University, Bournemouth and all these other places to realise that theres no place better than home.”

Jonathan feels his position has tons of scope, as he gets to work with fantastic talent and it’s a club that has a great history and a bright future. “I saw an opportunity to be doing what I love, making incredible content, with a business in the city that I love, so it was a perfect fit for me.”

“The team is great here, and I have two younger members of staff that I’m helping to develop, one is a doing a video apprenticeship, and the other who came in through an apprenticeship scheme but has been here for 3 years now.

“Looking forward I want to bring our team and content for both the small screen and big screen to the absolute highest quality we can, so that the content, clarity, messaging and value are top tier. I also want to look at upgrading our team to working with commercial opportunities too through our commercial team here at Birmingham City Football Club.”

Jonathan is also looking at starting a PhD at Birmingham University in Film Studies too which will start in September if successful.

For the budding videographers out there, Jonathan has some sage words, “Just get out there and do it. If you have a passion for media, for video specifically,

you want to do video and photography in sports, the most important thing is that you try and learn as much as you can and just get out there and do it.

“We live in an age where you can learn how to create and edit through YouTube, and everyone now has a camera in their pocket with their phones. You don’t need an expensive setup, just get started and go

from there.

“If you look at the bigger youtubers, they all started by just making content. It wasn’t necessarily the best, but it got better and better over time with experience.”

“If anyone is interested in getting into this, please get in contact, there are fantastic apprenticeships that you can get into, Creative Alliance is a great one we’ve worked with before. If you want to come and sit on the sidelines taking photos or video, or come in and support with the Under 21s, or academy there are opportunities for that and it would be great to hear from you!

l Jonathan at the England vs Ukraine match, supporting with the pre-match show and sang God save the King to His Majesty himself

Essex Developer Raises

Nearly£42,000

A NATIONAL health specialist charity has received a donation of nearly £42,000 from Chelmsford-based Barratt and David Wilson Homes Eastern Counties.

The charity, Barth Syndrome UK, supports patients and families suffering with Barth Syndrome, a rare condition characterised by an enlarged and weakened heart. It also funds research into treatment for the condition, with a goal to eventually find a cure.

The developer selected Barth Syndrome UK as its Charity of the Year in January 2022, and employees across all sectors of the business worked throughout the past year to raise a grand total of £41,946 for the charity.

Ralph Easterbrook, Trustee at Barth Syndrome UK, said:

TALENTED HOUNDS TAKE ON THE ROLE OF ‘DOG AND BONE’ OPERATIVES AT CHARITY CENTRE

“We at Barth Syndrome UK were delighted and honoured to be Barratt’s nominated charity; every penny raised will be put to best use in our mission of saving lives and finding a cure for Barth Syndrome.

“Many, many thanks to all of those involved in setting up and running the events and fundraising – it is hugely welcomed and appreciated.” Among the many fundraising activities which took place throughout the year, the developer’s staff members hosted a charity football tournament at Chelmsford Football Club, and 30 of its employees also took part in a charity walk from Heybridge Basin back to the developer’s head office on Springfield Lyons Approach in Chelmsford.

As animal welfare organisations across the country face greater demand on services than ever before, Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest canine welfare charity, has taken a unique approach to staffing its contact centre.

The Dogs Trust team has identified a number of dogs with a talent for communication and, from Monday, these skilled pooches will be answering calls in the charity’s contact centre.

With record numbers of calls and emails being received by Dogs Trust, it is hoped that these talented pooches can add to the support already provided by the dedicated team of human call handlers.

Last year the Dogs Trust Contact Centre handled a breath-taking 1,036 average interactions per day and currently receives a call every two minutes. The canine contact centre has been kitted out with the latest dog-friendly office equip-

ment and wellbeing initiatives to ensure their new employees settle in, including:

• Snout-touch operated phones

• Adjustable doggy desks

• Regular lunch time walkies

• Tennis ball breaks

• “Em-paw-ee” of the month initiatives

• Doggy beds and mandatory afternoon nap time

Although answering the phone

is a first for dogs in the charity’s care, for many years it has worked with organisations including police forces to identify dogs with special talents.

One dog rehomed by Dogs Trust was part of the recent rescue efforts in Turkey following the earthquake. Davey helped to find three survivors and provided vital intelligence for the rest of the team about where to focus their rescue efforts.

Al Sation, Dogs Trust new Canine Contact Centre Manager, says: “Dogs Trust is busier than ever before, and we are doing all we can to support dog owners struggling with the rise in the cost of living through this difficult time. Some people say that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks but this simply isn’t true.

“Dogs love to learn new skills and tricks, regardless of their age, and as we’ve shown, in some cases they can learn to do things you wouldn’t expect from a dog, including answering the ‘dog and bone’.

"We’re sure this new way of working won’t be without challenges - one ‘em-paw-ee’ has already requested tennis ball breaks, and we’ve had to make sure that there’s plenty of treats on offer.

“But all our dogs are paw-some and have so much to offer, whether here at Dogs Trust or with their new families when they go on to find their forever homes.” To find out more about Dogs Trust and some of the talented dogs currently looking for a new home, please visit www.dogstrust.org.uk.

l Representatives at Barth Syndrome UK and Barratt and David Wilson Homes Eastern Counties

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Business & Finance

Trendiness of the UK Small Business Sector During 2023 by

Dr. Christopher A. Johnson

economy.

Director of the BCC, Alex Veitch, said “Altogether the economy should now avoid a technical recession, the stark reality is that businesses face a very difficult year ahead.

Reshoring, Innovation, And Investment In People Help Brandauer Claim Two CBM Awards

One of the West Midlands’ best kept manufacturing secrets has capped a record-breaking year by securing two major industrial awards last night.

Brandauer, which produces millions of high tolerance metal pressings/stampings every week for customers in 10 sectors and across 26 different countries, was named the Confederation of British Metalforming’s Company of the Year in front of 200 people at Birmingham’s Grand Hotel.

Judges praised the Birmingham-based company for its resilience and ability to bounce back from the pandemic, developing a unique lamination process for electrification and increasing its tooling business from £500,000 to £2m per year.

This has seen it take turnover past £9m for the first time in its 161-year history, including new orders for a Slovenian automotive supplier of HVAC systems, a new $3m supercar and reconnaissance drones.

Working in partnership with InComm Training, the firm has also

launched the UK’s first £1m Precision Tooling Academy to help develop the next generation of toolmakers.

In addition to company of the year, Brandauer’s Toolroom Lead Ollie Eskriett beat off the challenge of three other finalists to win the CBM’s best apprentice. “It was a great night for the company and tops off a superb twelve months of growth, investment and diversification,” explained Stuart Berry, Manufacturing Director at Brandauer.

“To be voted by your peers in the metalforming industry is a massive achievement, as they understand the economic pressures we’ve been under and what it takes to come through situations often outside your control.”

Ollie Eskriett’s success underlies how far the 23-year-old engineer has come and the role he played in launching a quick clip modular tooling concept, one of the first projects in the country to win funding from Innovate UK’s Covid-19 Business-Led-Innovation in Response to Global Disruption Fund.

The company invested £75,000

to develop a quick changeover capability to a progression tool, giving it the option to manufacture the clips – used in medical face masks all over the world - in multiple profiles, widths, thicknesses and lengths. This move has secured over £500,000 of reshoring business from Asia over the next five years and extends the company’s production capacity to 140 million nose clips per year.

Stuart added: “I was delighted that Ollie was recognised. He joined us an apprentice toolmaker bench hand seven years ago and he has progressed into being one of our best engineers, now managing the two busy toolroom departments.”

“Brandauer is a perfect example of what makes our sector so special…tenacity, investing in people and delivering world class innovation and performance”, Stephen Morley, President of the Confederation of British Metalforming, concluded.

“It is a worthy winner of our main award, and we look forward to seeing its components exported all over the world.”

At the end of 2022 and the start of 2023, there were many predictions made about how the small business sector in the UK will survive the post-COVID period.

What trends will we notice in the economy? What lessons could we really learn from preand post-pandemic periods.

Are we experiencing what experts say, is a ‘technical recession? And if that is so, how can the economy recover in the aftermath of this recurring cycle?

Ever so often, government agencies try and predict the scale of problems affecting small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

They do so by assessing issues affecting the business economy, including financial performance, workforce, trade and enterprise resilience.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), in mid-January 2023, a quarter of all businesses reported increas-

es in staffing expenditure, with food and hospitality having 44% increase in employment costs.

There were other trends that were reported during this period (ONS, January 2023).

• 17% of firms including retail/ service-related industries reported a low turnover.

• 41% of trading businesses reported an increase in prices for goods and services.

• Energy prices have affected production for 71% of firms in food and hospitality.

• 38% of trading firms in the manufacturing sector reported a decrease in performance.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) expects the UK economy to shrink by 0.3% before returning to growth levels in 2023 with inflation expected to slow by the fourth quarter in 2023.

The business body suggested that inflation is likely to continue slowing while investment and recovery indicators show fragility in the workings of the

Businesses tell us that they are most concerned with difficulties in recruiting staff, paying their energy bills and rising taxes” (BCC, March 09, 2023).

Small firms and the self-employed have given fresh impetus to rural and coast communities by enabling them to thrive despite the current economic turbulence.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) asserted that ‘rural areas hold enormous potential for businesses to thrive and contribute to their local communities and the larger economy’.

It recommends that the UK Government should set out clear metrics in its plans, to reflect the social value that small firms create in their communities.

The UK Government should adopt the Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendation and pilot a remote visa scheme. Broadband providers should make it easier and cheaper for small firms to leave broadband connections before the minimum contract term expires (FSB Report, April 2023).

Generally, these factors should be considered during 2023 as small businesses strive to remain going concerns: - affordable sustainability, environmental social governance, green supply chains, deeper digital transformation, immersive customer experience and company founder-led brands.

Experian Business Express asserted that because of the pandemic, business owners have learnt how to be resilient whilst staying afloat.

l (L-R Rear) Stephen Morley (CBM), Ollie Eskriett, Adam DuRose (both Branduer) (L-R Front) Paul Hodgetts (In-Comm Training), Jonathan Dudley (award sponsors Crowe), Stuart Berry (Brandauer), Adam Burgoyne (Brandauer) and Gareth Jones (In-Comm Training).

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

WOMEN IN FOOTBALL CHIEF TO ADDRESS DIB EVENT

The chief executive of Women in Football, Yvonne Harrison, has been confirmed as the latest big-name speaker for the DIB inaugural ‘Business of Sport’ conference, which will take place on Thursday 7th September, at the Emirates Stadium, Lancashire Cricket Club, Manchester.

Yvonne became the CEO of Women in Football in 2021. The appointment followed her 20-year

CONGRATULATIONS!

Dr Christopher Johnson was the recipient of a ZAFAA or African, Arts and Cultural Global Appreciation Award for contribution to publishing, in London. He said on receiving the

award, "It was a a privilege to be bestowed such an honour at a time when ethnic firms are displaying 'stubborn' resistance to the tides of inflation and other economic pressures. Thanks to everyone who encouraged and supports this work. Blessings galore."

career in sport, much of which was within the grassroots sports and charitable sector. Yvonne has also established her own sports consultancy, Stryve, and previously she was the Managing Director of Project ’92, working with the ‘Class of ‘92’, and chief executive of GreaterSport Manchester. Other confirmed conference speakers include Gary Neville, Sir Howard Bernstein, Goldie Sayers, and Natalie Atkinson. Downtown

in Business, in association with the Sedulo Group, BDP, and VSI Executive Education, will host this oneday event during the international football break in the Autumn.

The conference will attract up to 200 delegates from sports organisations, private sector companies, and public sector agencies from across the country. The event will focus on the financial, commercial, and performance aspects of a range of sports, including athlet-

ics, boxing, cricket, rugby league, UFC, and, of course, football. Who the financial winners and losers in the business of sport are will be asking; exploring what makes premier sports performers tick; the economic impact of sporting events and stadia developments; and predicting what the future challenges and opportunities are for the diverse number of competing sporting activities.

CIRCLES' DIGITAL TELCO WINS TWO 2023 ASIAN TELECOM AWARDS

Circles, the leading global digital telco and consumer company, won two prestigious awards from the Asian Telecom Awards 2023.

The award recognises the remarkable achievements and initiatives of Asia's leading telco companies.

The Travel Product of the Year was awarded to Circles' digital telco, Circles Life Singapore's travel lifestyle app, Jetpac. Launched in 2022 to provide greater convenience and experience to post-COVID travellers, Jetpac promises travel freedom for all with its fuss-free e-sim activation, unbeatable global roaming rates and travel perks.

Within 4 months of launch, Jetpac achieved more than 10x growth in sign-ups, of which,

more than 50% were new customers.

The second award, Marketing & Brand Initiative of the Year, was awarded to Circles Life Australia for its 'Big Freeze' campaign.

When several leading national telco operators raised their mobile plan prices, Circles Life did the 'untelco' thing and froze their prices for 18 months to help the everyday Australians adapt to the rising cost of living without compromising on their digital experiences.

Through the campaign, Circles Life saw a 28% increase in sales, including a significant spike in new customers from the leading telcos.

Abhishek Gupta, co-founder of Circles said: "We are honoured to receive two accolades from the Asian Telecom Awards

2023.

This recognition is a strong testament that we are delivering the digital telco experiences that people want and need. It also reflects our agility in rapidly bringing innovative services that deliver greater convenience and value to our customers."

"We are pleased to confer Circles' digital telco two Asian Telecom Awards. Circles' innovative and customer-centric marketing approach has truly set them apart from the competition, and it's no surprise they've earned the Marketing & Brand Initiative of the Year and the Travel Product of the Year awards,” says Tim Charlton, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Asian Telecom Magazine.

"We can't wait to see what they come up with next."

Icelandair Replaces Its Boeing 757s With New Airbus A321XLRs

AIRBUS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the purchase of 13 Airbus A321XLR aircraft with purchase rights for additional 12 aircraft. The aircraft deliveries will start in 2029.

Icelandair, however, plans to start operating Airbus aircraft in 2025 and is currently in advanced stage of negotiations in relation to four leased Airbus A321LR for that purpose. Further additions can be expected in the years thereafter. With the acquisition of the Airbus aircraft, Icelandair will complete the replacement of the Boeing 757.

The agreed purchase price of the 13 aircraft is confidential. The financing of the aircraft is yet to be determined but the Company will explore financing options closer to the delivery dates.

l Lawrence Corbett, Chief Operating Officer of Circles and Simon Hyett, Contributing Editor of Asian Telecom Magazine

FRONTLINE FOCUS FOR WG CDR SARAH

Continued from Front Page

“Sadly it was deep litter chicken farming, and they laid the eggs that hatched into the chicken that we eat, so it was egg collecting mostly,” Sarah reminisced, “But because I wanted to be a nurse from a very young age, even before I started working in the chicken shed, one of my favourite things was working with the injured and ill chickens in the poor pen, and treating them where necessary.”

By secondary school Sarah definitely knew what she wanted to do, and while there joined the Red Cross and went out on First Aid duties with them at events, similar to what you usually see St John’s Ambulance teams doing now.

“When I was at college we had free time where you could choose what you did, so I spent my time working in a school for children with learning disabilities, at the local hospital which specialised in older people, and at a nursery, so I was getting a lot of experience working with people of all ages which was brilliant.”

In those days, Nurse training was mostly at a Nursing School, so Sarah trained at the Queen Alexandra Hospital Nursing School in Portsmouth for 3 years, thoroughly enjoying her time there.

In her first year there she worked in the Emergency Department and absolutely loved it, “I loved the people and the type of work, so from quite early on in my career I knew I wanted to become an Emergency Nurse.

“When I finished training I was desperate to live in London. I was advised to get some general ward experience first, which I did at St Marks specialising on Colorectal Disease for about 9 months, then I applied for a position in the Emergency Department at Guys Hospital and started my Emergency Nursing career then.”

After being with the Eastleigh Red Cross in college, Sarah joined the Portsmouth Red Cross, and when at an event with them along with a student nurse colleague, Sarah visited the recruitment stand for what is now her Squadron of the RAF Reserves. “My friend said it would be a great idea to do it, but in the end only I signed up!” Sarah registered as a nurse at the end of November 1989, and joined the RAF Reserves in February 1990. With a familial military connection to the RAF, she

Consultant Nurse Program, which afforded her a Masters degree at Bournemouth University as part of it, and made Sarah realise her true passion was working with people with psychosocial problems including domestic abuse, substance abuse, homelessness, and victims of sexual violence and abuse.

In 2010, after 3 years of work to bring the position to fruition, Sarah started as a Consultant Nurse. “Through education and policies and guidelines, I could really influence the way that these people who presented with psychosocial problems are managed in the ED.

“We set up the Vulnerable Adult Support Team which started with 3 practitioners, and we’ve built it into a very well established service who work with all the patients that present with those issues alongside the clinical team to deliver an intervention that will safeguard the person and help them to access the appropriate community services.”

Squadron at Leuchars in Scotland. 600 Squadron in Northolt in London, and 502 Squadron in Ulster, working on recruitment and retention and nurse-specific projects while overseeing the delivery of well trained and well prepared nurses for operational deployment.

“I’ve been part of 4626 for 33 years. If you’re a regular, you move around units every 2-3 years, but as a reservist you tend to stay in one squadron, so I’m the longest serving person currently in 4626 but there are people not far behind me that I’ve known for 20 or 30 years now, which is quite special.

“Theres a great sense of belonging and family. It’s not easy, it’s like having a job and a quarter at least, and the majority of the reserve time is on days off and weekends from work, so it’s difficult. There are so many benefits for doing it though.”

charge of the emergency department in Afghanistan, and in 2018 her NHS team won a national Nursing Times Emergency Nursing award too.

Speaking to the next generation, Sarah had some wise words, “Nursing now gives you so much scope to pursue a whole range of careers in both the NHS,

Military and the Private sector if that is where you want your career to go.

“The combination of both NHS and the Reserves gives you such a breadth and depth of being as a professional.

“Being able to work with people in need and deliver healthcare is probably one of the most satisfying jobs you could do, and it’s such a privilege to be there.”

had always had an interest in joining, but didn’t want to join as a regular and run the risk of not being able to specialise in the area that she so desperately wanted to within nursing, joining the reserves meant she could have the best of both worlds.

From Staff Nurse to Sister, to Senior Sister, Sarah rose through the grades while she moved around the country, from London to Gloucester, Derby, Harrogate and finally Southampton where she’s been since 2000, training as an Emergency Nurse Practitioner, before entering a Trainee

Sarah is also the lead on interventions for violence and aggression, “We find it’s often the same cohorts of patients, who have lived with complex trauma from their childhood and sometimes don’t know how to communicate their needs correctly. So we work to safeguard both our staff and these high risk patients.”

As a reservist, Sarah has been deployed 4 times, in Saudi Arabia for Operation Granby in 1991, Cyprus and Iraq in 2003 for Operation Telic, and in 2007 and 2010 in Afghanistan for Operation Herrick, which she said was “A very rewarding experience, but equally quite devastating to see the frequency and scale of trauma that came through the department.”

She has just become the Senior Nursing Advisor for the RAF Medical Reserves, crossing 4 Squadrons, 4626 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton, and 612

Sarah has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours twice, once through her military career where she received the Associate of the Royal Red Cross which was set up for military nursing and Florence Nightingale was the first recipient, which she received from the Queen in 2008. Then in 2018 Sarah received an MBE from the Queen for her NHS work, “so to be recognised for my work in both elements of my life was really nice.”

She also won the Sun Military Awards (The Millies) Best Reservist Award back in 2010 for her work as the nurse in

l Op Granby (Saudi Arabia) 1991 Aeromedical Air Staging Unit Nurse at Al Jubail. Filling sandbags to protect our medical treatment facility from blast damage.

l Op Herrick (Afghanistan) 2007 Tactical/Strategic Aeromedical Nurse at Kandahar- on a tactical aeromedical mission to Camp Bastion

l Op Herrick (Afghanistan) 2010 Nurse in Charge of the Emergency Department, Camp Bastion - just completed our fastest weekly electro medical equipment stocktake!

PromotingExcellence

EXPERT GIVES 9 TIPS FOR EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS

As the cost of living crisis continues, employers must recognise the importance of supporting their employees during these challenging times.

From both a business and human perspective. Financial stress can significantly impact employee wellbeing, job satisfaction, and productivity. As a result, many organisations

are taking steps to provide support and alleviate some of the financial concerns faced by their staff. Beyond being morally right to support employees during times of economic hardship, there are also business benefits.

Employee performance experts at Weekly10 summated their 9 tips so that businesses can support their employees during tough economic times:

BCU Backing Warwickshire In New Shirt Sponsorship

BIRMINGHAM CITY University has got Warwickshire’s back! The Club’s Official University Partner has agreed a new deal that will see them be the back-of-shirt sponsor for this year’s LV= Insurance County Championship. BCU’s relationship with Warwickshire stretches back to 2014.

Students have benefitted from work experience at Edgbaston Stadium – including Sports Journalism undergraduates getting a taste of life as a reporter – and also played a lead role in ground-breaking research projects.

That’s included joint research between the Club and BCU – who are also the current collar sponsor for the Bears Vitality Blast shirts – to identify potential bias in youth pathway selection decisions.

It’s led to the creation of a new Open Trials system – a first in English cricket – that last year saw the Club identify lots of exciting aspiring cricketers who’d previously not been on Warwickshire’s radar.

Professor Philip Plowden, Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University, said: “In the decade that we’ve partnered with Warwickshire County Cricket Club, we’ve seen students flourish through placements at the club, welcomed elite athletes onto our campuses and worked to-

gether on ground-breaking research, leading to pathways into professional cricket for those from underrepresented backgrounds.

“That’s why our partnership is so special, and why we’re delighted to have agreed this new sponsorship deal. Everyone at BCU will be proud to see our name on the back of the player’s shirts. Seeing the open trials come to fruition, with aspiring young cricketers from across the city trialling for the club is particularly pleasing, as it mirrors our approach to higher education.

“We work to break down barriers and unlock opportunities for our students – the majority of whom are drawn from across the West Midlands, and in many cases are the first in their families to go to university – so we’re excited to continue this work with Warwickshire CCC. We are proud to see the transformational impact Tom Brown’s research is already making on professional cricket, and we’re really looking forward to further developing our partnership with Warwickshire CCC in the coming years.”

The new Open Trials process allows any child to submit video footage of them batting or bowling for consideration whereas before only local clubs, schools and cricket organisations could nominate players.

1. Focus on employee engagement

2. Prioritise employee wellbeing

3. Be transparent with employees

4. Look to build resilience

5. Foster a future focus

6. Develop healthy relationships

7. Support physical wellbeing

8. Provide personal and professional development

9. Learn and strategies afterwards

DfE's New Funding For School Buildings Needs Zero Carbon Future-Proofing

COMMENTING on the announcement by the Department of Education of investment in school buildings in England, Alex Green, Project Lead for the Let’s Go Zero campaign, said:

“We welcome any new funding that supports desperately-needed improvements across the school estate but we can’t just be replacing like for like.

"We need to see robust plans from DfE in regard to future proofing schools and action that will lead all schools to be zero carbon.”

The Let’s Go Zero Campaign itself announced that it has passed the milestone of being supported by over 2,000 schools teaching 1 million students around the UK. The campaign aims to show government and policy makers the growing demand for change, as well as support and showcase the fantastic actions lots of schools are already taking to get to zero.

Let’s Go Zero has been working directly with the Department for Education to set targets for schools between 2025 and 2035, and was named in last year’s Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy for its support in doing so.

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.

AWolverhampton school has become the first in the city to achieve Gold UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools status.

The award recognises Uplands Junior School's achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into practice within the school and beyond.

UNICEF works with schools in the UK to create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive.

The Rights Respecting Schools Award embeds these values in daily school life and gives children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens.

Headteacher Suzanne Webster-Smith said: "We are very proud to be the only Wolverhampton school to have the Gold level of the award.

"It has helped us to put children's rights at the centre of everything we do and empowered our pupils to take action on a whole range of issues from the plight of refugees, air pollution, climate change, mental health and health systems around the world.

"We began the award in 2017 and have moved through the Bronze and Silver stages to finally achieving Gold in February, with the support of a group of 12 pupil Rights Ambassadors, one

SCHOOL ACHIEVES GOLD UNICEF STATUS

from each class in our school."

The City of Wolverhampton Council's Deputy Director of Education, Brenda Wile, said: "Schools involved in the Rights Respecting Schools Award work towards the recognition that they have embedded children’s and young people’s rights in their school’s practice and ethos.

“They are required to implement three evidence-based strands that cover the leadership of the school, knowledge and understanding of children’s rights, ethos and relationships and the empowerment of children and young people. Uplands Junior School has worked hard to gain this accreditation and, on behalf on the council, I’d like to congratulate all the pupils and staff on this wonderful achievement.”

More than 1.6 million children in the UK now attend a Rights Respecting School and nearly 5,000 schools up and down the country are working through the award on a journey to become fully Rights Respecting.

l Celebrating their Gold UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools status are Uplands Junior School pupils with, back, left to right, Sarah Lane, Rights Respecting Schools Award Coordinator, Brenda Wile, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Deputy Director of Education, and Suzanne Webster-Smith, Headteacher

CISI Welcomes Government Strategy

THE CHARTERED Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) welcomes the UK Government’s updated Green Finance Strategy which importantly now recognises the key and unique role played by UK-based professional bodies.

As the leading charity and chartered professional membership body for those working in wealth management, financial planning and capital markets, the CISI is a co-signatory to the Green Finance Education Charter.

This demonstrates our commitment to incorporating ESG principles across the three elements which confirm our professionalism and which are integral to upholding standards across our membership: knowledge with our extensive continuing professional development suite, skills via our qualifications and exams and behaviour as reflected in our Code of Conduct and Integrity and Ethics programme.

This latest version of the Green Finance Strategy sets out the UK’s plan to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

ADOPTION & FOSTERING

WHAT HELPS ADOPTED CHILDREN THRIVE?

While individual experiences of adoption can vary hugely, these underlying traumas can pose long-term risks for the child.

According to an analysis of 85 studies on the mental health of adoptees and non-adoptees, the risk of adoptees experiencing psychiatric disorders, having contact with mental health services, or treatment in a psychiatric hospital was approximately double that of non-adoptees.

However, although being adopted is associated with these risks, a successful adoption placement can help vulnerable children overcome the early adversity they faced. Adoption has been shown to help close the developmental gap between children who have been in care and their peers, having a measurably positive impact on, for instance, their cognitive development.

In her memoir, Red Dust Road, Scottish writer and adoptee Jackie Kay, describes the "windy place right at the core of my heart". Others are rooted in traumatic experiences that occurred before the adoption, which can include neglect and abuse, prenatal alcohol exposure, or spending early childhood in institutional care.

Adoptees have suggested that they would benefit from questions and ambiguities being openly discussed and embraced in adoptive families. For children who have faced abuse or neglect in their birth families, adoption and foster care can bring a range of long-term benefits that continue to have an effect well into adulthood – the most important arguably being an enduring sense of safety.

But this journey can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances, notably the child's age at adoption.

One study has shown that children adopted at a very young age were as securely attached to their permanent families as non-adopted children, while children adopted later tended to struggle more with attachment.

How Jimmy Became Geoffrey In ‘Fresh Prince’ Reboot

WHILST LOOKING UP to his idols Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington and Eddie Murphy, Jimmy Akingbola always dreamed of going to Hollywood. But, as a Black child growing up in a White foster family, for him, then, it was always going to be nothing more than a pipedream.

The ‘pipedream’, however, has proven to be reality, as today you can see him in his starring role in ‘Bel-Air’, a reboot of multi award-winning ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’. Having been in a UK system, where more than 40% of the children awaiting adoption are Black, as a child of Nigerian immigrants who came to England in the 1960s, his story is proof that, despite the most telling of obstacles, anything is possible.

Akingbola’s biological mother developed schizophrenia and his father, convinced she was having an affair, disowned Jimmy believing that he wasn’t his son. His story, profound and moving as it is, though it reads like a Hollywood

blockbuster, sadly, it’s more commonplace than it needs to be.

His trials, tribulations and eventual triumph was highlighted in ITV programme ‘Handle With Care’, which also focussed the similar stories of other leading Black figures who were fostered, including the actor Lennie James and the athlete Kriss Akabusi. He described his journey on the programme as “a love letter to my parents.” In it he says: “To understand you’ve got to hear my story because I still can’t quite believe it.”

As Black foster families are comparatively rare, growing up in Northern Ireland was even more so. But for Jimmy, he will always say: “I’m here because of both of my sets of parents,” (biological and fostered).

Playing the lovable butler Geoffrey in the gritty Fresh Prince reboot, his more recent film roles include the two 2018 productions, ‘Hero’ and Full-Dress, plus 2022’s ‘Rise’ and ‘Rogue Agent’.

EDITORS NOTE

Yes Street Credders, how are you all!

Have to say 2023 is looking amazing for the world of entertainment as the big old skool artists are coming over to UK and of course we are well in to get the exclusives.

We celebrate 25 years of Street Cred a true Birmingham legacy, a magazine that has been the eye of entertainment and letting you know whats hot and not whats not because that doesnt matter, if its in Street Cred you know its the top flavour. Look out for the best places to go right here from Restaurants, to Bars and Concerts.

This is the lifestyle

Always cutting edge and representing the street culture positively!

Mark Dwayne

Ed Sheeran releases tribute to friend Jamal Edwards

Ed Sheeran has released a song, called F64, in tribute to his friend Jamal Edwards nearly a year after his death. It has been released on Edwards' music platform SBTV, on which Sheeran rose to fame more than 10 years ago.

Edwards was a lifelong fan of Chelsea FC, with the video for the track filmed at the team's Stamford Bridge stadium. The DJ and entrepreneur's mum, Brenda Edwards, has also been raising awareness of her son's death by campaigning for more CPR training.

CPR is cardiopulmonary resuscitation and should be administered if someone is unconscious and not breathing properly. Jamal Edwards died aged 31 from cardiac arrhythmia after taking recreational drugs in February 2022.

Mom Brenda said her son always helped others, and she was proud to carry on his legacy, saying: "It's spurred me on to continue to do the same that he used to do - he had such a big heart and he was so giving to so many.

"I was honoured to have the time with Jamal, he inspired me on a daily basis and his

legacy continues to inspire me and so many people." was credited with launching the careers of Dave, Jessie J and Sheeran on his YouTube music channel SBTV.

He also mentored and paid for the music and video production for upcoming artists and championed Sheeran's music early in his career and put a video of him performing on YouTube in 2010 - catching the attention of his now manager, Stuart Camp and landing him a record deal with label Atlantic.

Sheeran raps in his freestyle track, which carries a language warning, about spending more than a week with Brenda after Jamal died. "We cried for nine nights at your family home…. Was at your mum's there all week, trying to make sense but I can't, and although it's been a year still feel pain in my heart," he says.

31-year-old Grammy award-winner Ed also fulfilled a promise he made to Jamal’s last year when he released the music video for ‘Are You Entertained’, with Russ in July. Edwards was due to shoot and produce the video, but died the day before it was due to be made, so Sheeran took his original ideas and made the video in his honour.

Food & Fine Dining

INTRODUCING APHRO – THE SPIRIT OF WEST AFRICA

How Abby Lee is modernising Malaysian cuisine

Abby Lee is standing at her kitchen island in Hackney, east London, chopping some long red chillis. “Don’t bother deseeding them,” she says, chucking the slices in a big silver bowl.

Tapped from the tropical date and coconut palm trees of Ghana and locally produced using a time-honoured tradition, the highly popular West African drink, also known as Akpeteshie locally is now available in the UK in two flavours: The Nubi with hints of flamed

BIRMINGHAM’S FAVOUR-

ITE casual dining restaurant, Gusto Italian, has launched its new menu, with a focus on meat-free dishes and low and no alcohol cocktails including a delicious Prosecco risotto and stunning plant-based steak.

Gusto Gold Reward members & their friends can enjoy a free drink when purchasing 2 courses from the new A La Carte menu.

The Colmore Row restaurant which is renowned for exceptional guest experience and authentic Italian food has introduced new fresh, seasonal meals including truly innovative vegetarian and plant-based options and a ‘Mindful Drinking’ collection, after

pineapple, passion fruit and honey and The Moor with ginger, local spices and Hwentia pepper.

Aphro's premium palm spirits are carefully distilled and infused with vibrant fruits, herbs and spices to give a unique depth of taste specific to the region, resulting in a smooth, modern take on

this ancient West African favourite.

Aphro Nubi combines flamed pineapple, tropical passion fruit and a little West African honey to offer a warm, aromatic complexity to be sipped, and savoured, over ice.

40% VOL | 80 Proof | Available in 750ml at £39.99

Aphro The Moor is a spicy, robust spirit with local ginger, spices and Hwentia pepper, again to be served over ice

40% VOL | 80 Proof | Available in 750ml at £39.99

Both Aphro spirits are also perfectly suited to mixers or cocktails and are 100% organic.

Meat-Free And Mindful Drinking Headline

The New Spring At Gusto Italian

research found that a quarter of Gusto guests are choosing to eat less meat as well as looking for low and no alcohol drinks when dining out.

The new menu has been inspired by research trips to Italy, led by CEO Matt Snell and Executive Chef Graham Kirk. For example, the Burrata with watermelon tartare, was developed after the team visited an authentic Italian formaggiaio and had the opportunity to make the cheese themselves.

“They are quite mild, but we have dried chillis to provide the heat.” The Malaysian chef and founder of the open-kitchen concept Mambow in Peckham, southeast London, is demonstrating how to cook the sambal for her steamed okra and prawn floss dish (you can find the recipe below).

“It’s comforting,” she says, recalling how her auntie would have it ready and waiting for her after school. “It reminds me of home.” Today, home for Abby is a top-floor Victorian flat, which she shares with her partner, but growing up she divided her time between Malaysia and Singapore.

When she was younger, Abby would spend much of her spare time icing cakes at her family’s bakery in Singapore, but it wasn’t until later in life – returning to South-East Asia after a stint in the UK where she trained at Le Cordon Bleu – that Abby learned to really appreciate the food of her heritage.

In fact, the pandemic proved to be a particularly fruitful period, after her aunt passed down Abby’s grandmother’s recipes to her. Abby now credits both women as her greatest culinary inspirations.

It’s inheriting her family recipes that inspired Abby to open Mambow, which she runs from a

permanent street-food-style setup in a corner of Market Peckham. As its Instagram bio reads, Mambow specialises in “Malaysian heat and juicy wines”, with a menu featuring mussels tossed in a “lip-smacking sauce” of curry leaf, curd-bean paste and birdseye chilli, which come dusted in dried-prawn floss, and fish-of-theday ceviche bathed in a garlic and chilli paste with crispy coconut flakes and crunchy green mango.

The venture has a planet-friendly point of view too: Abby works with local suppliers to source her ingredients and uses any leftovers to make dishes such as soup or cake, while the space itself has been built using responsibly sourced materials. When it comes to her own kitchen at home in Hackney, Abby has employed a similar ethos.

With the help of her friend, the interior designer Leticia Houston, Abby transformed the formerly “beaten up” room into a pleasing pink-and-blue haven for cooking and hosting alike – all while being “as sustainable as we are at the restaurant”. She did this with materials such as old wood chips and recycled resin, using ex-display and second-hand objects to create a characterful scheme that packs a punch.

(As does, we can attest, her collection of spices and hot sauces). Watch our film now for a peek at her vibrant scheme and for her top cooking tips – and read on to discover her recipe for steamed okra with sambal and prawn floss.

Celebrity Stylist Law Roach Announces Shock Retirement

Pioneering celebrity stylist Law Roach has announced his retirement, saying his cup was "empty".

Best known for his work with the likes of Zendaya, Ariana Grande and Bella Hadid, he hinted that the decision was not related to the clothes.

"The politics, the lies and false narratives finally got me! You win… I'm out," he wrote on Instagram. Several stars have expressed their shock at the news, with Law's looks being seen as recently as the Oscars.

"Every person that trusted me with their image, I'm so grateful for you all," Law added. One of the most famous red carpet looks was at the 2019 Met Gala when he designed Zendaya in a Cinderella gown while he himself dressed as her fairy godmother.

With a few waves of his wand, the dress lit up - a look that got people talking. As well as styling red carpet

looks, Law is known for thinking outside the box when transforming the everyday looks of celebrities.

"He'll take any celebrity and turn them into a style icon and has everyone like 'give us more'," explains Alexis Adjei, a stylist from Essex.

"What he does is incredible, and

MAY Gig Listings

RESORTS

May

the fashion world will be at a loss without him."

And that's a sentiment shared by many. Within hours of posting, celebrities including Addison Rae and Vogue boss Edward Enninful wrote of their sadness, with supermodel Naomi Campbell writing:

"Law I won't let you !!!! We don't quit … strived too hard."

For Alexis, Law's work is a huge inspiration, both professionally and personally.

"I see his looks and I'm like, 'wow, hopefully one day, I can get to where he is'. As a black person he's really inspiring to me."

"I feel like Law does love fashion enough to reconsider eventually, but there needs to be a big change in the industry, especially for black people.

"And I advocate for us, because I've experienced it," she adds.

NEC

May 12-14 The Baby Show with Lidl GB

12-14 The Vaper Expo UK

13-14 Makers Central 19-4/6 Circus Extreme

19-20 THE BIG EVENT

27-28 The National Halal Food Festival & Lifestyle Show

TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL

May 03 Scheherazade: CBSO and Kazuki Yamada (SH)

04 Phil Wang: Wang In There, Baby! (TH)

05 Eric Bibb: Ridin’ Tour (TH)

05 James: Orchestral Tour (SH)

06 CBSO & The Orchestral Qawwali Project (SH)

08 An Evening With Debbie Harry and Chris Stein in Conversation (TH)

10 CBSO plays Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony (SH)

10 Walter Trout (TH)

11 Daniel O'Donnell (SH)

12 BCMG: T R E E Concert (TH)

12 Joe Satriani (SH)

13 Movie Magic with the CBSO (SH)

13 Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi plus support Philippa Zawe (TH)

14 B:Classical 2022/23: An Unforgettable Evening with Sir Willard White and Brodsky Quartet (TH)

15 Kerry Ellis (TH)

15 Katie Melua (SH)

16 B:Classical 2022/23: Estonian National Symphony Orchestra (SH)

17 B:Classical 2022/23: Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment (TH)

18 Mahler’s Tenth Symphony: CBSO and Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla (SH)

19 The Music of Lord of The Rings, Game of Thrones and Beyond (SH)

20 Mike and The Mechanics: Refueled! (SH)

20 Gretchen Peters with special guest Kim Richey (TH)

21 The Searchers (TH)

21 Celebrating Meat Loaf (SH)

22 Lunchtime Organ Concert with Thomas Trotter (TH)

22 Jay Shetty World Tour: Love Rules (SH)

25 Midge Ure: The Voice & Visions Tour (SH)

26 Queen Symphonic: A Rock Orchestra Experience (SH)

26 Dan Whitehouse: A Night of Glass (SH)

28 CBSO Singalong: Mozart's Requiem (SH)

29 Carrie Hope Fletcher: An Open Book (SH)

l Daniel O'Donnell graces the Symphony Hall on the 11th May

GET READY TO BE LIFTED

ICaught up with three amazing Gospel artists who are set to go on tour from May. This is introducing a whole new feel to the Gospel music scene, a more new youthful and current approach they bring to the table.

asked Annatoria about her Voice TV experience, to which she said “I learned so much being on the Voice it really made me fully concentrate on what my gift is and that is really using my singing voice to the

Meeting Oscar-Winning Jazz Artist Jon Batiste

The Four Owls - Hip-Hop collective announce shows this June

The four-piece will be taking their honest and deep-diving brand of Hip-Hop to venues across the UK in June, with shows in Exeter, Brighton and Southampton.

Formed in 2011, the group have deftly crafted an honest bond of brotherhood that spills out into the music. With a signature sound that is Hip-Hop in its realest form, the group are a feathered troop of

Strigiformes unlike anything the world has seen before.

Led by the merciless Big Owl (Fliptrix), guided by the teachings of Bird T (Verb T), entertained by the do-or-die spirit of Rusty TakeOff (BVA) and inspired by the inventions of Deformed Wing (Leaf Dog), The Four Owls are a buzzing band of lyricists swiftly gathering in force. Having released their thought-provoking and emotive third studio album ‘Nocturnal

Instinct’ in 2020, The Four Owls have collectively amassed well over 200 million streams across YouTube and Spotify and played over 500 live performances both domestically and around the globe.

Their music has been supported by the likes of DJ Premier, Mistajam, Charlie Sloth, DJ Target, Toddla T, Conway The Machine, Westside Gunn, U-God (Wu-Tang), Havoc (Mobb Deep),

Skinny Man, Rag’N’Bone Man to name a few, as well as Hip-Hop fanatic, comedian Romesh Ranganathan. A collective responsible for a range of modern-day classics that blend encapsulating, head-banging rhythms with undiluted lyricism and conceptual brilliance, The Four Owls have gained a reputation for pushing boundaries in a scene that has grown desperate for a new type of binocular vision.

JON BATISTE is a genre-bending jazz musician, singer and composer. Born into a family of professional musicians in Louisiana, Batiste plays the melodica (shown in the image) and several other instruments, including the piano, organ and upright bass. He performed at the 2022 White House state dinner that fêted French President Emmanuel Macron and Macron’s wife, Brigitte. He’s also recorded and per-

formed with many well-known artists, including Stevie Wonder and Willie Nelson. In 2022, Batiste, then 35, won five Grammy Awards, one for best album for his release titled We Are. Earlier, Batiste and two others won an Academy Award for the score of the animated movie Soul, popular with audiences of all ages. And Batiste has appeared on Sesame Street, bringing jazz to the next generation of music lovers.

Powerhouse Vocalist Michael Bublé Announces His Highly Anticipated ‘Higher’ UK Tour

MULTI-PLATINUM selling global superstar Michael Bublé announces his highly anticipated return to the UK with ‘Higher’ next spring, Bublé’s first nationwide arena tour in more than four years.

20 years after the release of his self-titled debut album, the ‘Higher’ Tour, produced by TEG Live Europe, brings a charismatic, intimate show - an evening you won’t forget.

The Canadian crooner took to the stage in London a couple of recently to kick off the UK leg of his new arena tour, with those

who are fans of Bublé knowing what to expect – big, splashy orchestrations, powerhouse vocals and easy interaction with the audience. Performing his greatest tracks from his phenomenal career, alongside songs from his No.1 album, don't miss the multi-Grammy winning showman when he brings the tour to a show-stopping close in Birmingham next month!

Performing his most-loved hits and the greatest tracks from his phenomenal career, alongside songs from his ‘Higher’ album, released earlier this year, the mul-

ti-Grammy winning showman will bring the tour to a show-stopping close at Birmingham’s Resorts World Arena.

"I can’t wait to be back in arenas across the UK”, he says. “It's going to be a true arena spectacle!

I'm so excited for people to experience it!

“A lot of my fans have been part of my journey for the past 20 years, so to celebrate this milestone with everyone together is going to be extra special. I just want to connect to them, take them away, spread some goodness. That's it!"

RSC Releases Production Images From Latest Production Of Julius Caesar

Production images from the Royal Shakespeare Company’s current production of Julius Caesar have been released, with production photography by Marc Brenner.

The production runs in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon between 18 March – 8 April 2023, before a nine-date tour of England visiting Canterbury, Truro, Bradford, Newcastle upon Tyne, Blackpool, Nottingham, Norwich, York and Salford between 20 April – 24 June. This visceral new production is directed by Atri Banerjee, and features Thalissa Teixeira as Brutus and Kelly Gough as Cassius, in the roles of the leaders who plot to kill Caesar.

The full cast is: Jamal Ajala (Lucius), Mercedes Assad (Marullus/ Artemidorus), Annabel Baldwin (Soothsayer), Nigel Barrett (Julius Caesar), Matt Ray Brown (Cice-

ro), Matthew Bulgo (Casca), Ella Dacres (Octavius Caesar), Joshua Dunn (Cinna The Poet/Popilius/ Carpenter), Katie Erich (Caius Ligarius/Cobbler), Niamh Finlay (Pindarus), Kelly Gough (Cassius), Gina Isaac (Decius Brutus), Robert Jackson (Flavius/Cinna The Conspirator), Tom Kanji (Metellus Cimber/Lepidus), Nadi Kemp-Sayfi (Portia), Jimena Larraguivel (Calpurnia), Pedro Leandro (Trebonius), William Robinson (Mark Antony) and Thalissa Teixeira (Brutus).

Joining Atri on the creative team are: Rosanna Vize (Set Designer and Co-Costume Designer), Tomás Palmer (Co-Costume Designer), Lee Curran (Lighting), Jasmin Kent Rodgman (Music), Claire Windsor (Sound), Jennifer Jackson (Movement), Rachel Bown-Williams and Ruth Cooper-Brown (Fights), Alison Bomber (Voice and Text) and Matthew Dewsbury CDG (Casting).

l William Robinson (Mark Antony) and Thalissa Teixeira (Brutus) in Julius Caesar

Funding Available For Game Developers

Yorkshire-based Triplevision Games secured support from UK publisher Fireshine Games for the launch of their funded project, These Doomed Isles.

Andrew Stewart, Creative Director at Triplevision Games, said: “When we pitched to the UK Games Fund, we had a pretty ugly, unpolished prototype and not enough time to work on it! The funding we received allowed us both to work full time on developing the core loop, adding art and gave us the time we needed to put together a polished demo, pitch deck and Steam page.

AI TURNS POPULAR VIDEO GAME HEROES INTO VILLAINS

“This in turn led to us talking to various publishers and eventually signing with Fireshine. Without the support of the UKGF, we’d probably still be freelancing and working on putting our pitch together, instead of looking at launching the game into Early Access this Summer.”

Inspired by classic god games, survival city-builders and roguelike deck-builders, in These Doomed Isles you’ll craft your deck of cards to raise islands from the sea, build settlements for your followers and keep them alive as famine threatens, forests burn and raiders loom on the horizon.

As the world of artificial intelligence continues to grow and expand, Online.Casino has tapped into its possibilities of reimagining video game protagonists as villains.

Using MidJourney, an artificial intelligence program, Online.Casino transformed beloved video game heroes into their dark and sinister counterparts, showcasing the limitless possibilities of technology and AI-assisted creativity.

Inspired by the release of the Super Mario Bros. Movie, this collection reimagines Mario, Luigi, and many other protagonists as their villainous counterparts. The AI-generated pictures highlight a

unique twist on classic characters, revealing them in a new light. These reimagined villains, which have also been re-named by ChatGPT, offer fans an intriguing new perspective on their beloved heroes, inviting them to delve into a world where the lines between good and evil are blurred.

A spokesperson for Online.Casino commented on the images: "This AI-generated artwork showcases the limitless possibilities of technology and creativity and encourages us to consider the duality of our favourite characters."

"The goal of this project was not only to showcase the creative potential of AI technology, but also offer a fresh and unique perspec-

tive on some of the most iconic video game characters of all time. Fans have a new chance to explore the dark and twisted versions of their favourite heroes, and perhaps

even gain a greater appreciation for the complex and multi-dimensional nature of these beloved characters."

Jazz Musicians Advanced America’s Civil Rights

NOTED AMERICAN jazz performers used music to support African Americans’ struggle for civil rights during the mid-20th century.

In 1958, jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins recorded “The Freedom Suite” with drummer Max Roach and bassist Oscar Pettiford. The song’s theme was groundbreaking, and its length — nearly 20 minutes — was unusual.

John Hasse, curator emeritus of American music at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, cites the suite as one of the earliest jazz pieces to make an explicit statement about civil rights. The trio recorded the song near the beginning of the civil rights movement in the United States and four years after a landmark Supreme Court’s decision declared public school segregation unconstitutional.

“It’s just a singular piece full of invention and surprises,” Hasse said. “There’s nothing like it.”

Jazz pianist Billy Taylor record-

ed “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” in 1963 with drummer Grady Tate and bassist Ben Tucker. Taylor had written the song for his daughter as an instrumental, but lyricist Dick Dallas later collaborated with him on lyrics.

Singer and pianist Nina Simone took the song to the next level when she covered it a few years later on her album Silk and Soul and made it popular as a catchy civil rights anthem.

“It’s got just such a wonderful gospel feel,” Hasse said.

In 1965, Simone covered the anti-lynching song “Strange Fruit” — made famous by singer Billie Holiday — for her album Pastel Blues.

When Holiday recorded the mournful song, which laments the horrors of racist lynching, she made a mark, says Hasse. But Simone introduced the song to a new generation. Hasse calls Simone’s rendition “stark, stinging and chill inducing.”

In the late 1960s, Simone said that singing the song and spreading its commentary on racial violence was a “duty.”

Gamers descended en masse to Birmingham's NEC over the Easter weekend to visit Insomnia - The Gaming Festival.

Now in it's 70th installment, #i70 was big -

ger and better than ever before, with more to do, more to see, and most importantly, more to play.

From Retro Games to VR, Tabletop to Console, and of course the massive PC LAN party, Insomnia has something for every gamers palate. Keeping everyone stocked up and raring to go all weekend were Monster, Red Bull and, most surprisingly of all,

l Billie Holiday (pictured) recorded the mournful dirge "Strange Fruit" to protest lynching. Later, singer Nina Simone brought it to a new generation

Yorkshire Tea, which out of the three, was never without a decent length queue!

There were some absolutely fantastic cosplays on show all weekend, with talks, workshops and more for people looking to get into the craft, or for those in it to share best practices, tips and tricks.

The usual variety of main-stage events, panels, game shows and more

took

Beverley Knight Thanks Hometown Theatre After Olivier Award Win

Ayouth theatre mentioned by Beverley Knight in her speech after winning an Olivier Award has said it was "incredibly motivating and empowering".

The performer, from Wolverhampton, picked up a gong on Sunday for best actress in a supporting role as Emmeline Pankhurst in musical Sylvia.

Knight, 50, gave a shout-out to the city's Central Youth Theatre which "gave her a chance" as a child aged 11. The theatre said her win was "so inspiring" for Wolverhampton.

Knight, who is known for hits "Shoulda Woulda Coulda" and "Come as You Are", was a member of Central Youth Theatre in Whitmore Reans in the mid-1980s. The theatre's founding director, Jane Ward, described her as "talented, bubbly and effervescent".

Ms Ward recalled: "She was all the qualities that embody her skills today - she is still the same."

Knight made her musical theatre debut in 2013 and was nominated for Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Actress in a Musical in 2015 and 2022 for her performances in Memphis and The Drifters Girl.

In her acceptance speech on Sunday, Knight made reference to her role as Emmeline Pankhurst and "reclaiming power for women". She then thanked the theatre she joined decades ago. "Big up Wol-

verhampton Youth Theatre who gave me a chance when I was an 11-year-old," she said.

Knight had earlier tweeted she was "absolutely honoured" to have performed twice during the awards ceremony. Ms Ward said the award was "so exciting" and she said she imagined Knight "must feel on top of the world".

Ms Ward added the perform-

er's mention of the theatre, which would celebrate its 40th anniversary this summer, was "incredibly motiving and empowering" for "not only the students, but for people of Wolverhampton".

"It is incredibly positive to have someone of status using their voice to champion youth arts," she explained.

More UK tour dates for Australia’s favourite absurdist sketch group, Aunty Donna

Following their critically acclaimed Netflix series, Aunty Donna are bringing their first live show to the UK and Ireland. It’s their first visit to perform on these shores in well over five years, and their first ever UK tour. Their trip will see them visit Glasgow, Dublin, Bath Birmingham, London and Manchester.

It’s been a big few years for the trio who in 2020, partnered with Netflix for the worldwide release of Aunty Donna’s Big Ol’ House of Fun, executive produced by The Office’s Ed Helms and

Between Two Ferns’ Scott Aukerman. The series received praise from fans across the globe - including Neil Patrick Harris and RuPaul - and was coupled with a record-breaking tour of Australia and New Zealand, selling out shows across both countries.

The boys are now

absolutely primed to take their new critically and audience acclaimed live show out to the world.

When asked about their upcoming tour, the Aunty Donna

boys said: “When the Magical Dead Cat demanded we participate in this incredible tour of the UK and Ireland, a tour showcasing brand new hilarious comedy and some fan favourite bits from our world-shaking Netflix series, we were initially hesitant. “It seemed we would provide the bulk of the

entertainment whilst the Magical Dead Cat would merely bring some coughed up fur balls! We raised our concerns with the Magical Dead Cat, and it offered to sweeten the deal by ending each show with a special surprise web slinging guest whose name rhymes with Glider Man.

“Desperate to meet this special surprise guest, we immediately said yes.” Aunty Donna exploded onto the Melbourne comedy scene in 2012 with their unique brand of surreal, fast paced, alternative sketch.

They won the hearts of UK audiences, playing the Edinburgh Festival and Soho Theatre between 2014-2017. Since then, their loud and energetic shows have toured around the globe multiple times, won an accolade of awards and amassed a worldwide fanbase including more than 2million followers across platforms and 113 million views on YouTube.

Now, Mark Samual Bonanno, Broden Kelly and Zachary Ruane will join together to deliver Aunty Donna’s wildly entertaining style of comedy for a new tour across England, Scotland and Ireland.

Women Filing Lawsuits Against “Dangerously Toxic” Black Hair Products

LAWSUITS have been filed by women who claim that hair relaxers contain toxic chemicals that cause cancer, fibroids, endometriosis, and more, which law firms accepting hair relaxer induced injury cases in all 50 states.

In November 2022, a group of women who used Dark & Lovely Hair Relaxer filed a class action lawsuit against L’Oreal and Soft Sheen-Carson, claiming they wouldn’t have used Dark & Lovely if they knew it contained chemicals that might increase their risk of uterine cancer, fibroids, endometriosis, or breast cancer. These products are linked to life-threatening health problems, such as breast cancer, endometriosis, uterine cancer, uterine fibroids, hysterectomy and more.

Many of these lawsuits were filed after a major study found that women who used hair relaxers were twice as likely to be diagnosed with uterine cancer by the age of 70. The study was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in October 2022. The researchers also published another study finding a 30% increased risk of breast cancer for women who used hair relaxers routinely.

Experts are concerned because hair relaxers contain a variety of harsh chemicals that can get into the body through scalp irritation and sores.

ALISON PUSHES FOR EQUALITY

In conversation with Dee Burrowes

A LETTER TO MY UNBORN CHILD

Although you might be childless by chance, choice or coincidence, women not having children are otherwise being pitied and belittled.

Many avoid the topic and swerve for the ease of directly pointing fingers concerning the grounds for their discomfort with the very essence of being put in the childlessness vacuum.

With an internal natter, it brought on angst that just maybe being a biological mother was never in the cards despite not intended on being childless yet one came to believe it was the right choice in the end perhaps.

The celebration of Mother’s Day (March in the UK/May for most other countries) conceivably is one of the most onerous periods for the multitude of motherless women.

For all you know, the harshest hit amidst women without offspring - as a matter of fact, childlessness regardless by infertility, miscarriages, choice circumstances, Mother’s Day can muddle up a fair amount of gloomy emotions.

Contemplating having a baby in your mid to late 30s, as a great deal of women perhaps are edging towards midlife — not a midlife crisis, but an unforeseen midlife reality with the biological clock ticking.

In today’s modern sphere, millions of women globally would have reached the age of 45 without having given birth.

Can it be quantified that she has escaped the unnecessary burden of raising a family with all that comes with it or nicely put being in submission to a husband.

A few will be forced to contend with infertility, failed relationships whilst they bang their heads with years mulling over whether to have a child or not.

“You do not have children?” Is the common question echoed? What went pear shaped in your personal life? Did you not want children? Have you been trying? Did you regret not having a family?

Like a bullet, the barrage of questions hit many childless women. Does not having a child define you and your happiness?

If the resonance plays on your heart, it is true of a fascinating study from the Netherlands suggesting not having children only makes infertile women broken hearted once they are not able to let go of the fact that they cannot bear children.

There’s more pressure on women to be mothers, to discharge that obligation, than I’ve ever seen.

Mothering does have less to do with not only bringing a child that was grown inside of them to this World. It’s dependent on your nurturing extended towards children. Society though imposes otherwise quite regularly.

Maternal instinct has bloomed at times but yet does not get to do the most important job in the

world. Each Mother’s Day can be gut-wrenching, remotely disconnected and frazzling. No dosage of hopefulness can really have dominance with the sense of loss from not having a child.

Mother’s Day is a less than happy day for many people. Emotions are complex. You may even find yourself feeling joy and sadness all at the same time.

As we are on the cusp of celebrating yet another Mother’s Day in May except the United Kingdom, let us take into account that motherhood is not an entertained birthright. Most find themselves almost in a trance weaving in and out of deep dejection and gallantry.

There is no way around such a struggle, Mother’s Day can be grim. Can we get a witness?

At the every moment when you are wholly and ferociously joyful, in the case of the childless, this day can crop up as demarcating.

No one wishes to endure at odds. No one needs to have someone jog their memory of a solitary home with purposeless embrace. No one desires lonesomeness.

Have you been tortured and light-heartedness seems farfetched – make an effort instead of refraining, obstructing, annihilating or dismissing your sentiments to cope with your emotions on Mother’s Day.

It is a daily indication of the agony, every moment as the

journey of being childless persists. Despite this, it is never understood where to start to surmise the reaction of how one can be enduring – and the wish is that you will find true happiness.

The choice to bear a child or not must be one’s own. The inclination to become a mother can present itself in many ways. It can be a throbbing pulse encounter similar to a sting that is never not felt. The second you experience the calling toward procreating – it’s a path of becoming.

Dear Baby,

I am supposed to be your mummy. I have prayed for you, hoped for you, and tried for you and you're still not a reality. Every step of the way I am trying to counteract the guilt that just maybe I will never meet you. I am accepting my emotions and not judging it. I still cling to hope. The possibility of feeling demotivated to the point of feeling sorry for myself.

Although you haven't held me yet or even conceived, I am your child waiting to be born. At this moment, I know there is lots of uncertainty – I know you are a strong woman with a loving heart.

I, too, want the opportunity to meet you.

If it’s in the plan for us to meet, it will happen – if not in the next life it might be.

Until then, With all my love. Your Mother.

DEE BURROWES, Certified Professional Coach, NLP Practitioner, Speaker, Trained Teacher, International Awards Judge, School Governor, Mental Health and Behavioural Disorder Coach that help individuals to shift from a state of uncertainty, self-doubt and comparison syndrome to guiding into their greatness of more confidence, to radical self-belief, happiness and feeling worthy.

By identifying your core values and what drives you, you will gain more clarity on what your life and career vision should be.

By learning how to eradicate self-doubt, boost self-confidence and form good habits, all of us are able to overcome our challenges and live more mindfully, consciously and authentically. Question is: Am I truly living my God given purpose filled life on my terms with freedom, flexibility and work life balance?

Life passes us by and the fear of not being authentic kicks in and it is the right time now to identify your inspiration by designing a lifestyle that would capture the very essence of you.

Dee made life beautiful because through the challenges she made a conscious effort to design it to be exceptionally impactful to others through connecting, mentoring and coaching.

Dee, did not give my life over to fate, sat back twiddling my fingers, no she did put the work in and remained proactive. She decided to live a life free from everyone else’s expectations of her with an insatiable desire to edify everyone she meets.

Dee is a visiting professor in Events and Hospitality management and she actively participates in the hospitality industry keeping abreast of trends and changes.

Dee is very much passionate about Mental Health - she supports corporate companies on Mental Wellbeing.

Having launched a life coaching career after successfully completing her MBA, a major career transition and life changing events led to living life on her terms, Dee created a platform for individuals to be their utmost best.

Striving for excellence with impactful results for clients and enjoys transforming them from ground zero to super extraordinary.

Prior to coaching, Dee had more than 17 years’ experience working in the City of London hospitality industry in leadership and managerial roles, Supported Housing Officer and as a Finance and Accounting Associate.

Dee has been featured in several printed publications both in the United Kingdom and internationally, online radio platforms and calendars. Dee is continuously on a mission to share her journey and how she overcame dealing with life’s trials and fully understands how it is to excel in a career culture when one is starved in embracing diversity and change.

Dee credits her faith, resilience and tenacity to prove her critics WRONG. Dee has developed a M.I.N.D.S.E.T formulae proven to create change infusing a committed aura to encourage individuals that no matter what life throws at them, they must believe their true destiny and power of achieving awaits them.

As they heal and forgive the hurts, visible scars from the past create a life of lasting change with abundance, faith, passion and love. Dee has also extended her time on the committee of the UK’s first Project Management Institute Awards in 2019.

Dee thrives on showing up 150%, strong and determined for herself, clients and peers to serve and support them. In her spare time Dee volunteers with various charities and mentor young adults to be their very best by living life on their terms.

In 2020, Dee was featured in the UK Times, nominated as a finalist for International Women Leader of the Year and Health & Wellbeing.

Dee was also recognised by an international magazine as an influential leader and Business owner for her entrepreneurial success, achievements and willingness to support others within her community and globally as well as been awarded for her service in Life Coaching and Education in April 2021 and Journalism and Writing April 2022.

“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” —Princess Diana.

SAT AND READY TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR BANKING NEEDS

Birmingham so I deal with all businesses from across the West Midlands, and we work with a team who deal with the £2mil+ accounts.

“Other than banking, we have many finance options, from asset finance and invoice finance, to commercial mortgages and loans, to overdrafts, which is one of the biggest things we’re doing at the minute, we’re offering business overdrafts up to £60,000 to help them with cash flow.”

They also have Safe Deposit Boxes on site which can be accessed at any time within 1opening hours without appointments.

Metro Bank account holders can also use the Post Office to bank for business, giving businesses the opportunity to bank more locally despite there not being a Metro Bank near them.

l Sat with Rav Bagri, Local Director of Birmingham

For 3 years now, Sat Singh has been the Business Manager at Metro Bank in Birmingham City Centre, helping businesses of all sizes with their banking needs.

The Kings Heath resident has always had a business focused background from members of his family being self employed, and is bringing that knowledge to his role with Metro Bank.

Situated on the corner of High Street and New Street opposite the Bullring, Metro Bank’s imposing glass frontage lets you know that it is open and ready for business.

“What makes us different is the customer service, we’re heavily focused on it, if you walk through our doors today we won’t say you need to book an appointment to

see us in 6 weeks time, we’ll sit you down right there and see what we can do and how we can help.

“We can open accounts, set up online banking and can even print out debit cards right there and then,” Sat explained, “and we’re open 7 days a week from 8.30am6pm Monday-Saturday, then 11am-5pm on Sundays.”

“Metro bank has also been the highest rated high street bank for overall service quality for personal customers, and the highest rated bank for service in stores and business centres for personal customers and business customers, and we pride ourselves on that basis, it makes us stand out from our competitors both on the high street and online.”

Sat started his banking career in at The Co-operative Bank for

4 years where he did everything from cashier to personal banking and then team leading, before moving to Santander for nearly 7 years mainly in Business Banking.

“I became a Business Manager in Coventry, where I did the majority of my role, dealing with businesses across the Midlands and leading up to Milton Keynes.

“Now I’ve been with Metro Bank for 3 years, looking after business from £0 to £2million, and everything from manufacturers to retail, wholesale, online businesses, and specialist trades.”

Metro Bank opened its doors in 2010, the first high street bank to open in the UK in over 100 years, and have locations in Birmingham, Merry Hill, Solihull and Wolverhampton in the Midlands.

“I’m the Business Manager in

Sat says that Metro Bank understands that relationship managers have more or less disappeared from their competitors, but that they have kept relationship managers that their clients can talk to, and they can open and service their accounts straight away. “We are looking to target anyone looking to open a general business account, and also those who aren’t happy with the service they receive currently from their business banking provider. A lot of people prefer to come into store and do things face to face, they’re not fans of doing it over the phone or online banking, and we have that access.”

Metro Bank also offers full personal banking, as Sat continued, “From banking and savings to ISAs, deposits and mortgages, including residential, buy to let and commercial. We do full commercial and business banking in addition to private banking.”

Eagle-eyed readers may have realised that our coverage of International Women’s Day featured an event held at Metro Bank, which used their events room which is free to businesses, charities and their own customers to use, completely free of charge.

“We try not to just sell a business our product, we want to help that business with all of its needs and support it where we can, not only businesses but the community

too.”

Metro Bank helped at an event at SIFA Fireside in Digbeth where they helped out at a soup kitchen wherever they were needed. “We try and do a few of those kind of events every year.”

Sat then explained that like other banks who many will remember coming into their schools as children to speak about banking and opening accounts, Metro Bank also go into schools, but take it a step further by also inviting the schools into the branch, to give them a tour and explain how everything works.

If you want to find out more, pop into the Birmingham City Centre branch of Metro Bank and see how they can help you!

l Sat with Metro Man

JUST WHO CAN STOP ALISON BAJAICAN?

Leeds-born Alison Bajaican is a Senior Radiographer who is much more that what is seen on the surface.

As a brand consultant, career development coach, diversity & inclusion champion, public speaker and team builder, she has forwarded the cause and development of many who are now looking to a career in her specialist field, at a ‘rate of knots’ the likes of which was never thought of.

Having trained as an MRI Radiographer from a very early age, as a Senior Radiographer, she since moved south, to Berkshire, and is striving to see a whole new plethora of young, bright Radiographers – who look just like her!

Though a highly-respected alma mater of the renowned Lawrenson School in Headingly, the often ‘rocky’ and trying challenges that she faced proved to be no less than that of those faced by many of a likewise cultural background – but without the education she was able to obtain.

In fact, from the age of 18, she went from “A Levels to the dole”, as she put it.

“I originally was going to be a nurse – it’s a vocation that’s been in the fam-

ily for generations. But a cousin of mine – who was in the military - said 'no Alison!' with respect to the nursing profession, she recommended that I look into Radiography as a career.”

She had to overcome blatant, and institutional racism whilst looking for work in the field. “Every time I looked for a job, the door was closed,” she remembers. “Although I was qualified, I was only offered job sharing roles and part-time. Full-time job offers were restricted for people of colour in the UK back then.”

A determined Alison managed to get on a radiography course by chance; “A guy had to drop out before having to re-sit his exams."

Ms. Bajaican, though, was the only person to pass out and not get a job. It would then lead her to, in 1991, leave her native Leeds – with a Diploma in Radiography to take with her.

“I had to take that step because I couldn’t get the career job I wanted. I had to leave.”

She got her first full-time job in radiography in Berkshire. “I moved out of necessity,” she said. "It’s when I got my first full-time jobs - in Croydon and Hillingdon."

Seeing herself as a ‘jobbing radiog-

rapher’, she was determined to undertake the career she was fully qualified for, around her 9-year-old son, Leon.

With her being in radiology for over 30-years and part of the 32,000-strong Society of Radiographers - which also operates worldwide - many women are contacting her to find out all they need to know about working in the field.

“This year marks 21-years of my National Nubian Networking and I aim to leave a legacy for my son, Leon, and be open to all cultures and faiths,” she says.

“My idea of networking is to find information and then sharing it.”

Leading her National Nubian Networking, Bajaican Blessings, BlackPoppyRose, Seakaid, and the TUC Black Workers Conference, which she attended in 2002, now Alison Bajaican is looking into the Windrush scandal, to see if justice will ever be done for the insufferable pain that’s still felt to this day.

An entrepreneur, leading figure in the medical field and first-class mom - what does the future hold for Alison Bajaican?

One things for sure, there’s nothing that can stop her anytime soon!

MOTORS

Maserati goes electric at 2023 Shanghai Auto Show

The 2023 Shanghai Auto Show is opening its doors for an electrifying new edition and Maserati is thrilled to show the world its latest full-electric creations, marking the historic moment of being the first Italian luxury brand to produce 100% electric vehicles.

And of course, China is the cradle of this fascinating and exciting revolution mobility – not only in terms of innovation but also of forward-thinking and embedded interest in the luxury market – and the ideal venue for the global premiere of Maserati Grecale Folgore.

On this special occasion, the Trident’s first full-electric SUV is in good company, alongside the new Maserati GranTurismo. The powerful and timeless coupé has been introduced to the Asian market for the first time in its combustion engine and its electric powertrain version, the GranTurismo Folgore.

The future of electrification is rooted

in China. Folgore is the name of the Trident’s electric range and represents innovation, luxury, functional beauty and the vision that unites the past and the future in the name of Maserati’s incomparable style. The 2023 Shanghai Auto Show is therefore the ideal meeting point between the Asian market and the brand, to remark on and enhance the concept of “Italian luxury performance”, at the dawn of a new era. Electrification will play a key role in Maserati’s future strategy, with a commitment to produce electric versions of all its models by 2025 and full-electric vehicles alone by 2030. It is an ambitious plan that reflects the audacity that has always defined the Trident's DNA, driving it forwards towards the future, where its success will rely on its uniquely Italian character, its ability to arouse emotions with quality and exclusive products, and the magic of innovation. All this is exactly what the automotive industry will require in the future.

CELEBRATING THE DEFINITIVE GRAND TOURER: 20 YEARS OF THE CONTINENTAL GT

McLaren Automotive Appoints Tobias Sühlmann As New Chief Design Officer

MCLAREN Automotive has announces the appointment of Tobias Sühlmann as the company’s new Chief Design Officer, taking up the role in September 2023.

Sühlmann’s career in automotive design spans two decades, having worked for a range of luxury brands including Bentley, Bugatti and Aston Martin.

It is a welcome return to

McLaren for Sühlmann who was previously the Chief Designer for Special Projects, overseeing the design of the track-only McLaren Solus GT single-seat hypercar based on a video game concept.

Based at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, Sühlmann will be responsible for every aspect of brand design, leading a design team whose roles span future

concepts, exterior and interior styling, colour and materials, often working directly with customers to personalise their vehicles before they are hand-built in the adjoining McLaren Production Centre.

Tobias graduated with a diploma at Pforzheim University in 2005 before he joined Volkswagen that same year. He went on to become Head of Exterior Design at Bugatti and Head of Exterior Design at Aston Martin before joining McLaren and then becoming Bentley’s Director of Design which was his last role before he re-joins McLaren.

To celebrate 20 years of the Continental GT, Bentley Motors is hosting a fourmonth programme of unique models, drives and events that kicks-off today at the Shanghai Auto Show with the debut of a one-of-one Continental GT S.

This unique car showcases several bespoke Mulliner features, including commemorative badging, inlays and design motifs marking 20 years of the car that has defined the modern era of Bentley Motors.

The exterior of the special GT S for Shanghai is the strikingly sinister Magnetic dark grey metallic, complemented by black chrome and black 22” 10-spoke sports wheels but with a splash of colour provided by red brake calipers. The black-and-red theme is carried into the interior, with duo-tone finish in Beluga and Hotspur leather with Piano Black.

A bespoke interior features a unique Mulliner colour way, dual-finish fascias and waistrails and bespoke detailing to centre console and treadplates. The upper fascia veneer is in Granite Stone, giving a unique tactile finish, while the lower veneer is in Grand Black and features a laser-etched overlay celebrating the 20 year anniversary of the Continental GT. A red pinstripe separates the two finishes, stretching across the fascia from door to door and passing across the upper vanes of the bullseye air vents.

The treadplates proudly display two silhouettes, one of the 1st generation Continental GT and second of the 3rd generation, representing the 20 years of the modern GT. The same design can be found on the centre console, whilst the LED welcome lamp in the door has a unique design celebrating the anniversary of the iconic grand tourer.

Diddy To Pay Sting $5,000 A Day For The Rest Of His Life

Music impresario, Diddy, is said to be paying singing superstar Sting for sampling his music without permission.

He (Diddy) recently took to Twitter to reveal that he is paying the former The Police frontman $5 000 a day in royalties for sampling his 1983 Police hit ‘Every Breath You Take’ on his song ‘I'll Be Missing You’ with Faith Evans.

The hip-hop icon was forced to pay the ongoing fee after sampling the musician’s tracks without permission in 1997. He has now confirmed the hefty fees on Twitter after a 2018 Sting interview re-surfaced.

On Twitter Diddy (a.k.a. Sean Combes) wrote; "Love to my brother @OfficialSting," adding to a since resurfaced clip of the former Police frontman revealing the payment agreement, he doesn't pay $2 000 but "5K a day". He went on; “But it's all good on Sting's side too. The singer says in the clip: "We're very good friends now."

Last year, Sting, real name

Gilbert Takes First British MX1 Championship Overall

Gordon Sumner, was listed as the highest-earning solo artist in Forbes‘ annual breakdown of the highest-paid entertainers. The announcement followed the frontman selling his entire discography – including work with The Police – to Universal Music Group for £168million ($210million).

Earlier this year the singer cancelled his show in New Zealand following the destruction caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. The gig was due to take place at The Mission Estate Winery on March 4, as part

of his ‘My Songs’ tour throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Last month - according to sources - Diddy teased that he wanted to purchase the BET (Black Entertainment Television) media groups, after commenting on the network about how he thought it should be Black-owned. According to an unnamed source, the mogul is “exploring the opportunity to purchase BET as a part of his strategy to build a Black-owned global media powerhouse.”

CRENDON FASTRACK

Honda team-mates Josh Gilbert and Conrad Mewse continued their 100% podium success in British national races this year at the rain-hit Revo ACU championship round at Lyng in Norfolk.

This time it was Gilbert on top as he took his first ever MX1 overall in the Revo series, while Mewse was just a single point behind but ended up third. Gilbert’s only other British cham-

pionship overall came when he was with Dave Thorpe’s team on a 250 in the MX2 class.

This time at Lyng he had an even better day, setting the fastest lap in qualifying then taking third in the opener before beating Mewse over the line to win the second race in dramatic fashion.

The opening heat moto saw Mewse and Gilbert in the leading pack, both chasing race leader Harri Kullas. With

Mewse pushing hard to find a way past and Gilbert on his tail, the leading trio gapped the opposition on the roughening, sunkissed track.

Mewse, who had been second in qualifying, and pole man Gilbert kept close company behind Kullas as they tried to find a way past. On the last few laps it was left to Mewse to make the challenge for victory but he couldn’t quite squeeze by and took second with Gilbert third.

Sun Shines As Salon Privé London 2023 Kicks Off

THE SUN SHONE on Royal Hospital Chelsea as Salon Privé London opened to guests on the first day of the 2023 season-opening spectacle.

The second annual Salon Privé London event is presenting a glittering collection of new automobiles for guests to enjoy over the coming days, including multiple UK debuts, plus more than 60 of the world’s finest collectors’ cars in the Concours de Vente central attraction, and finery from leading global and British luxury brands.

Guests and media gathered early on Thursday morning for a formal welcome by show Director David Bagley. ‘It’s great to be back in the capital and in the picturesque grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

'The must-attend automotive event has got off to a fantastic

start. We officially opened today with over a dozen launches featuring some of the world’s greatest marques and luxury retail brands.

'Once again, Salon Privé is proud to deliver a spectacular event in the heart of the city, packed with superb cars, firstclass hospitality and a prestigious location, which you simply won’t find anywhere else.’

The exciting Abarth 500e Scorpionissima charged into Chelsea and made its UK public debut at Salon Privé London.

The first ever electric Abarth was presented in vivid Acid Green paint, with its ULEZ-friendly zero tailpipe emissions combined with 155bhp to serve up city centre acceleration a full 50% faster than the existing Abarth 695 petrol car. The future is, literally, bright!

TFG aims to bring such stories to the fore from individuals of all ages, covering past, present and future generations.

This will be achieved by enhancing and developing current and new processes and systems to reach and grow our target au

We look forward to growing the current team and working with partners to deliver

The Forgotten Generations (TFG) Pro ject Plan is to replicate TFG website in each country (link with museum or library

The initiative is to create and provide a tool for all educational establishments such as Schools, universities, faith groups and other organisations in the interest of educating the world about the contribu tions of British African and Caribbean

Establish and develop identical TFG

New Appointment At Leading Mental Health Charity

NEIL MALE has been appointed as the new Chair of trustees at the Kaleidoscope Plus Group and will be starting with immediate effect. He will be taking over from Chris Mills who has served as the Chair of trustees for three years.

The Midlands based charity helps thousands of people across the UK each year and offers a range of services for people in need, struggling with their mental health and emotional wellbeing. Neil, who has been a non-executive director at Kaleidoscope Plus Group for three years, is recognised as a transformational business leader in the Midlands.

On his recent appointment, Neil said: “I feel thrilled and honoured to be asked to step into this role. Kaleidoscope’s vision and values are in synergy with those of both myself and

l Neil Male

the companies I represent and I look forward to utilising my business knowledge, skills and contacts to helping the Kaleidoscope Plus Group develop and grow.

Sunday 2nd April 2023 saw the Birmingham Walkathon make its return, 10 years since last taking place in the city.

Birmingham based charity, Help Harry Help Others joined forces with former BRMB Director and original event visionary, David Bagley, to bring back the famous event, which saw almost 1000 Brummies sign up to pound the pavements, raising much needed funds for local charities including Help Harry Help Others, Birmingham Children's Hospital, NSPCC Birmingham, Birmingham & Solihull Women's Aid, All Making A Difference and Birmingham Mind.

The idea to revive the popular Birmingham Walkathon came from Georgie Moseley of Help Harry Help Others; the cancer support charity which was initially created by local lad Harry Moseley who sadly lost his battle with cancer in 2011, aged just 11 years old.

Harry wanted to bring people together and make a difference to all those affected by cancer. Harry's Mom, Georgie made Help Harry Help Others a registered charity in 2012 and it continues to support cancer patients and their families

MAKES A WELCOME RETURN

today.

Community organisation

GoodGym, warmed up the crowds, getting them ready to take on their steps and complete their choice of walk — be that the full 26 miles, starting or finishing at either Kings Heath Park or Rookery Park, the 11 mile half route, or the new fully inclusive one, three, five, or 10 laps around Kings Heath Park. The Walkathon, which first started in 1983 and last took place in 2013, has seen walkers, sponsors

and supporters raise over £70,000 so far for the 2023 foundation year walk, which aims to bring the Walkathon back as a fundraising event.

Georgie Moseley, of Help Harry

Help Others, said: “I’m so proud to see the wonderful people of Birmingham turn up and put their best foot forward to help support some fantastic, local charities. The last few years have been particularly difficult for many charities across the city, so to be able to bring back

a much-loved event like the Walkathon, means everything to me and those that rely on the support of these amazing charities. Harry would have loved today. He was a proud Brummie boy who loved his city and anything that brought its people together.”

David Bagley continues: “I’m delighted to see the return of the Walkathon and to be a part of this wonderful event, 40 years since it first started."

Children Under 12 To Access Free Care At UHEI

Lifesaving Funds For Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Provided By Payroll Giving

THE MINISTRY OF Health

and Wellness is advising the public that effective immediately, children age 12 years and younger can access free medical care at The University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).

In a statement, the Ministry said the decision comes in light of the increase in admissions being experienced at the Bustamante Hospital for Children as a result of respiratory illnesses. It says it is therefore advising that children with any illness now be taken to The University Hospital of the West Indies where they will be treated by the medical team there.

HOW CREATING MUSIC OUTDOORS CAN SUPPORT PEOPLE WITH AUTISM

In honour of World Autism Awareness Week

(March 27 – April 2), Percussion Play highlighted the healing power of playing music in the great outdoors and how it can support people with Autism.

It is well-known that playing musical instruments lifts people’s moods and creates a powerful sense of well-being.

Music therapy has been shown to significantly improve commu-

nication for those with a wide range of disabilities and health conditions. Numerous studies have concluded that there is a strong positive correlation between exposure to music and improved well-being for autistic people.

Being outside also enhances our mood and in the case of autistic people, the positive effects of being outdoors can be significant. One study concluded that music therapy sessions in an out-

door environment can ‘improve children’s peer interaction’.

Another study reported seven primary benefits of being outdoors for autistic children.

These are the promotion of:

• Communication

• Emotion

• Cognition

• Interaction

• Physical activity

• Decreasing autistic sensitivity

Jody Ashfield, Co-founder, and CEO of Percussion Play said:

“Studies show again and again the power of music for autistic people and we are proud to support World Autism Awareness Week. During the week we are encouraging people to recognize the benefits of creating music in the great outdoors and hope to see more communities embrace the power of music in their parks, libraries, schools, and hospitals around the world.”

AS ONE OF the easiest ways to support Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s lifesaving service, the charity is aiming to increase the number of people donating through Payroll Giving to a milestone 200 during 2023.

Payroll Giving, which is currently used by 100 Midlands Air Ambulance Charity supporters, allows local business and its employees to make a big difference through a simple monthly commitment.

By signing up, employers can give their employees the chance to opt in and donate an amount from their monthly salary. As the donation is taken directly from wages, pre-tax, individuals will only pay 80 per cent of the pledged amount with the additional 20 per cent being met by the HMRC.

Over the past two years, 100 workers from across the region donated to Payroll Giving, raising over £17,500. This has funded the equivalent of six helicopter missions or in the region.

This year, the charity has set a target of 200 Payroll Giving supporters, encouraging local businesses to support its lifesaving cause by signing up.

Pam Hodgetts, corporate partnerships manager for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said:

“Participating in our Payroll Giving scheme is a really effective way businesses and employees can support our vital rapid response service.

"Even just £1 per week will make a vital difference to our service as we do not receive Government funding for our daily missions.

“The valuable, long-term source of donations allows participants to make a simple, yet longstanding commitment in supporting our future lifesaving missions.”

To get involved with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Payroll Giving initiative, visit: midlandsairambulance.com/ corporate/payroll-giving/

It was an emotion-filled and tearful goodbye to Lurline Milligan as mourners gathered to pay their final respects to a woman, who – though always quiet, reserved and unassuming –was a figure who was held in high regards for who and what she represented.

A mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother and great-great-great grandmother, matriarch, a foster mother and leading businesswoman and a woman of enterprise, with a hugely charitable and caring nature, the passing of this beautiful, loving, overwhelmingly kind-hearted ‘child of Jamaica’ proved to touch the hearts, souls and minds of all who would be part of her life – throughout all of her life.

Described as a “Special Gift from God,” by one of her children, Dr Beverly Lindsay OBE, OD, “Mommy Lurline”, “Mommy Milligan” who was born in the parish of St. Thomas, in the afore-mentioned Jamaica, left a

legacy the likes of which will be hard to match – for generations to come, with the very fact that, as well as her final “goodbye” coming in the presence of the wide cross-section of the community she was proudly part of, the live stream, which went out to her native country, also proved just how much she meant – to so many.

Community figures in attendance including the Acting High Commissioner of Jamaica Mrs. Patrice Laird Grant, Reverend Eve Pitt, and Mr Leighton Smith & Delores Cooper of VM Group to name but a few.

“She is a matriarch who has borne ‘fruit’ with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren being prominent and upstanding figures in our community,” Reverend Carver read, during the service at the New Testament Church of God, in Lozells, in Birmingham.

With blessings come from the likes of Canon Street Memorial Church’s Pastor Bryan Scott and family friend,

Bishop Derek Webley OBE DL, and other officiating Ministers, as part of what was a multi-faith presence, it was testament to the Holy spirit that Mommy Lurline ensued in every aspect of her life. It was Bishop Webley who would then introduce a massive line of those who felt the necessity to pay their individual tributes to a woman who played a huge part in their individual lives.

It was, however, her four surviving children – her daughters, the afore mentioned Dr Beverly and sisters Barbara (Shirley) Van’Akan, Joanlyn Miller and Madge Milligan, whose personal experience would truly highlight just how much of an effect a quiet, reserved and unassuming Lurline Milligan had in each one of their lives. The one son, Clive, passed away some years ago. For grandson, Dean Alexander, the emotions of losing Mommy Lurline proved too hard to fight. For him, the tears were just far too much to fight against.

“Moments like this is humbling,” said Dr Beverly, as she reminisced about growing in the presence of mom, Lurline, in her native Jamaica. “If there’s only one sand grain,” she remembered her mom saying, “we will all suck it together. My mother was always about sharing. She was always all about doing the best for all of her children. It was her, I will always remember, who encouraged me to leave my work in nursing to start my travel agent business.

“Mom was forever my rock whilst developing my business. And she will always be my inspiration as I move forward. Mother, dear, your time has come,” she said. Shirley, Joanlyn and Madge then paid their individual respects to their forever-missed mother as they each shared their stories of growing up with, who was for them, the perfect mother.

Lurline ‘Mommy’ Milligan, who was laid to rest at Handsworth Cemetery, was 98.

Construction Now Complete On Perry Barr Residential Scheme

THE REGENERATION of Perry Barr in Birmingham took another step forwards as it was confirmed that construction is now complete on the first phase of the Perry Barr Residential Scheme.

Almost 1,000 much-needed new homes are now available for rent or sale on a former university campus in the north of the city.

Completion of the new homes was announced at the same time that Lendlease, the principal contractor for the scheme on behalf of Birmingham City Council, revealed the project had beaten a number of targets it was set in order to help support the local economy and bring wider community benefits.

Highlights included a Women in Construction course, which promotes opportunities for women in the construction industry across the UK, funded through the Home Builders Federation.

EVOLUTION EXPANDS TO CREATE BETTER LIVES FOR CUMBRIA RESIDENTS

Atrailblazing construction business well-known for creating better places for people to live and delivering positive social impact across the North-West is expanding into Cumbria.

Evolution, which takes pride in delivering quality private housing, social housing, and sheltered housing, is creating jobs for tradespeople to work on a scheme in Barrow. After more then a decade of success in the construction industry, it’s the first time Evolution has worked in Cumbria.

An Evolution team of 10 will be working on Anchor’s Seymour Court retirement housing scheme for over 55s in Elizabethan Way, Barrow.

Evolution will start work in April on renovating all 52 properties in the scheme, 44 studio apartments and eight bungalows. The company also aims to work on other schemes in Cumbria.

Ben Reader, Evolution Contract Manager, said: “We work on similar projects all over the North-West so it makes sense for us to offer the same level of service in Cumbria.

“We are really looking for-

ward to working in the Barrow community and helping to transform people’s homes in the area. Hopefully it’s the start of more involvement from the Evolution team delivering positive social impact in communities across Cumbria.”

The Evolution team working on the scheme will include joiners, plasterers, plumbers, tilers, painters, and labourers and will involve apprentices. Some of the team will be recruited locally. Ben manages a team of 25 tradespeople and sub-contractors who work on similar projects for Evolution in Liverpool, Chester, Warrington, Stockport, Blackpool, Blackburn, Bolton, Oldham and Morecambe.

Fellow Evolution Contracts

Manager Paul Garforth manages another team of site managers, site supervisors, 25 tradespeople and sub-contractors working on projects in Liverpool, Birkenhead, Bury, Accrington, Leigh and Lancaster. Providing better homes and jobs, including giving young people from disadvantaged backgrounds opportunities to build a career in the construction industry, is at the heart of Evolution’s mission.

Managing Director JJ Fitzgerald said: “At Evolution we are a family and we care about our people and our communities. Providing opportunities to young people is really important to us.

“It’s about changing people’s lives. We renovate houses to give people quality homes and we provide jobs which help people build a better life.”

Evolution employs up to 80 people renovating private housing, social housing and sheltered housing across the North-West.

Six Out Of 10 Renters Live In Energy-Inefficient Homes

THE UK GOVERNMENT is considering a proposal that would require landlords to make their properties more energy efficient over the next few years. They say the changes will be "fair and proportionate".

By law, all homes that are sold or rented must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which measures, among other things, how well a property is insulated and heated. Homes are given a grade between A and G. The closer to A, the more efficient the home, meaning it should have lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

In England, Wales and Scotland, all private rental properties must be rated E or above. Your current rating can be checked on the government's website. In 2020, the UK government consulted on plans to make the private rented sector more energy efficient.

Under its preferred option, landlords would be required to ensure all new rental properties were at least grade C from 2025. They would only be required to make improvements up to the cost of £10,000.

Chris Norris, the director of policy at the National Residential Landlords Association, says the sector needs up to six years to get the majority of properties to grade C. "The problem is they've never actually con-

firmed what the new rules will be.

"You've got lots of landlords who are actually quite open to making changes to their properties, but they really don't know what path to take and they can't commit to those spending decisions until we find out exactly what the Government wants to do." Mr Norris says some landlords will be forced out of the market or forced to hike up rent.

The Voice Of The Muazzin

Of London's Largest Mosque Warbles From Saudi Arabia

AFTER BEING absent from his mosque since the beginning of Ramadan, Mohammed Hafez al-Rahman joined the worshipers of the largest mosque in the British capital, the East London Mosque, through the Otr Elkalam show, one of the initiatives of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, which has allowed distinguished talents in recitation and adhan to participate in the largest Quran and adhan competition in the world.

The East London Mosque, which has been associated with the voice of Hafez al-Rahman, is unique among the rest of the capital's mosques because it is the only one where adhan is raised through external loudspeakers.

It is one of the largest mosques on the continent of Europe and the most attractive to worshipers during Ramadan.

Hafez al-Rahman, who raises adhan and teaches the Holy Quran in East London Mosque, competed with the Egyptian muazzin Mohammed Tariq, who discovered his talent while traveling between France, South Africa, Mauritius, Indonesia and Nigeria and became a famous muazzin on social media. However, Tariq lost the competition to his British rival, who won the highest share of the votes of the jury.

FINDING COMMON GROUND: REFLECTING ON SHARED CELEBRATIONS ACROSS FAITHS AND CULTURES

During the past “Semana Santa” or “Holy Week”, millions across the world celebrated and continued to celebrate important events of their faith.

The objects of adoration are all different, of course, and there is a need to reaffirm our beliefs and how they might differ from other families of thought and belief. Focusing on people’s differences contributes to building and maintaining vibrant and healthy communities provided it does not encourage bigotry or exclusion.

But during the week, which was recognised as holy by several of the world’s largest faiths, perhaps people should have been looking at the many things which also bind our many communities, including those in the

How Ramadan Was Celebrated In America

BECAUSE MANY American Muslims trace their ancestry to other corners of the globe, Ramadan traditions in the United States are diverse. Immigrants often recall their first Ramadan in the United States as a time they learned new customs.

Rizwan Jaka, born in Chicago and a member of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) in the Washington area, notes that many fellow congregants are immigrants or have an international heritage like his — he has roots in India, Pakistan and Mexico. Consequently, the society serves daily iftar with menus rotating among South Asian, Middle Eastern, African, American and other cuisines.

Like Muslims everywhere, on March 22 Jaka begins a month of fasting, praying, reciting the Quran, giving to charities, performing good deeds and gathering for the iftar meal. In the U.S., Jaka says, Ramadan is a time of community fellowship as well as spiritual growth.

For her part, Samira Jaweed, who immigrated from Pakistan at age 29, says she remembers her first Ramadan in the United States as “quite different from how we celebrated in Pakistan.”

Caribbean. Thanks to the internet and social media, which allows instant entry to the beliefs of others, people are quickly discover that similarities are just as interesting as our differences. Regardless of faith or geography, people have unfailingly and joyfully welcomed the approach and arrival of kinder weather. At such times of togetherness, give thanks, extend hands to others, and share stories of the less hospitable months.

Wherever and however people celebrated this time of year, it was important to remember as wise souls note, that you are also carrying on traditions that know no culture nor creed. These are human traditions, and they remind us that, whether we admit it or not, we are all similar in the ways that matter most.

Holiday and Travel

Dominica Participated In Seatrade Cruise Global 2023

BARBADOS SEEKS GREATER YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN TOURISM SECTOR

Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill delivered a clear message while sharing remarks at the island’s Junior Minister of Tourism and the inaugural Genealogy Competition awards ceremony last week: the nation’s youth must be educated about the importance of tourism so they can participate in the sector’s future success and sustainability.

“As you know for anything in life to evolve and prosper, young

people must be actively engaged and involved,” he said, adding that “as tourism recovers the world over from the pandemic, there is a recognition of the importance of youth in tourism, [and] as such, there is a concerted effort to promote youth empowerment, through offering education and training as well as access to decent jobs.”

By participating in activities such as the Junior Minister of Tourism competition, young people learn about the industry and have an opportunity to

share their ideas for change and development. This year’s winner, 17-year-old Josiah Grannum of Harrison College, will have the opportunity to be involved in tourism-related activities throughout the year, to be part of Barbados’ delegation attending the Caribbean Tourism Organization's (CTO) State of the Industry Conference in 2023, and to represent the island at the CTO's Tourism Youth Congress. About his participation in the competition, Grannum had this to say: “It was very exciting and

Dutch Court Nixes Plan To Reduce Flights At Schiphol

Ajudge has ruled that the Dutch government cannot order Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs, to reduce the number of flights from 500,000 per year to 460,000, dealing a blow to efforts to cut emissions and noise pollution.

The ruling came in a summary case brought by airlines and civil aviation organizations led by Dutch carrier KLM that sought to halt the planned cuts unveiled last year.

The decision by a judge in

Haarlem, a city close to Schiphol, came a day after the airport announced plans to phase out all flights between midnight and 5 a.m., ban private jets and the noisiest planes, and abandon a project for an additional runway.

The judge ruled that the Dutch government did not follow the correct procedure when it called on Schiphol to reduce flight numbers, a decision that was hailed last year as a breakthrough by environmental groups.

The decision means that Schiphol “may not reduce the maximum number of flights ... to 460,000,” the court in Haarlem

said in a statement. In response, KLM said it plans measures that offer “a better alternative for achieving less noise and CO2 while meeting travellers’ need to fly.”

The airline said it would explain its approach in the next phase of the case. “This will investigate whether noise levels can be reduced around Schiphol using methods other than those envisaged by the ministry,” KLM said.

The government ministry responsible for aviation infrastructure said it was studying the ruling and considering its next

the research that I had to do to get into it was very interesting ... I would love to see more young people like myself actually interested in tourism and educated about it, so we can know what our part to play is, so that we can participate.”

The Barbados Government Information Service reports that Minister Gooding-Edghill hopes the CTO will develop a mechanism that allows Caribbean ministries of tourism to work with youth to develop an innovation lab focused on expanding inno-

vation in tourism through technology, an area in which youth are very knowledgeable. The island’s inaugural Genealogy Competition was an opportunity for students to submit a family tree representing both sides of their family accompanied by a summary description and photos where possible.

This past September in the Cayman Islands, J’nae Brathwaite of Tobago won the CTO Tourism Youth Congress competition after a hiatus due to the pandemic.

DOMINICA in its effort to regain market share within the cruise sector, participated in Seatrade Cruise Global which ran in Fort Lauderdale.

Seatrade is an annual premier cruise event which attracts the global cruise community all in one place for networking and information gathering opportunities.

The show saw an estimated 10,000 attendees exposed to the latest cruise products and services from 500+ exhibitors and new launches on the show floor.

The Dominican delegation comprised the Honourable Minister for Tourism, Denise Charles, the Chief Executive Officer of the Dominica Air and Seaport Authority, Benoit Bardouille, and other key tourism stake holders from the private sector. One -onone meetings were held with the major cruise line executives and other representatives.

The discussion focused on increasing Dominica’s cruise business, product offerings, and plans for the improvement of the cruise experience and cruise port operations.

The feedback for Dominica was very positive as it relates to cruise guest experience on the nature island and the cruise business stands to benefit with increase cruise calls and passengers visiting Dominica.

steps. The ministry said in a written reaction that it is “striving to find a new balance between the interests of residents and the liv-

ing environment on the one hand and the economic importance of Schiphol for the Netherlands on the other.”

As of April 2023, Dominica received a total of 190 cruise calls and 236,288 passengers for the 2022/2023 cruise season, compared to 189,334 passengers and 143 calls for the 2019/2020 season. This clearly points to an increase of some twenty-five (25) percent over the 2019/20 figures and signals a strong return to cruise business in Dominica.

l Minister of Tourism along with Cruise Executives

Thailand is gearing up for this year’s highly anticipated Songkran, the grandest and most important Buddhist holiday.

Happy Thai New Year!

The Thai New Year, known as Songkran, will take over life in the Kingdom of Thailand from April 13-15. It’s the best time to visit Amazing Thailand every year, and this year after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted for the second year. Visitors and locals alike will soon be participating in parades, carnivals, spiritual performances, and water fights throughout the Kingdom in celebration of the Lunar New Year, marking the beginning of the Thai calendar. With a blend of natural settings and cityscapes to explore, distinct cuisine, friendly people, and an oasis for wellness and meditation, Thailand is the perfect destination for culture-seeking travellers this spring.

For those who can’t make the trip, there are still plenty of local opportunities to engage in the Thai holiday. Here are some great ways to celebrate Songkran in Thailand: Join the water fight party in Bangkok, where the streets become a massive water fight arena during Songkran.

• Expect to get wet and have fun while cooling off from the heat.

• Visitors looking to celebrate Thai New Year by the Chao Phraya River

• Experience Floating Markets and Candlelit Dinners on Koh Samui.

• Make a splash at this pool party in Chiang Mai to Celebrate Songkran. Some hotels will host a pool party on April 13 to mark Songkran.

BUDDHISTS AND TOURISTS READY FOR THAILAND SONGKRAN

Aegean Returns To BHX With Twice-Weekly Athens Flights

Aegean Airlines has returned to Birmingham Airport (BHX) with its twice-weekly Athens flights. Services on its A320 aircraft to and from the Greek capital will run on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Tom Screen, Aviation Director for BHX, said after watching today’s 1035 Athens departure take off: “We are very pleased to welcome back Aegean after a

five-year absence. Whether customers want to enjoy historic Athens or travel onwards to the popular Greek islands, we are in no doubt that these Aegean services will be well subscribed.

“For customers travelling from Greece, Birmingham, at the heart of the growing West Midlands region, has strong appeal for those travelling on business or leisure.” Aegean will be the seventh Star Alliance carrier at BHX.

PARTNERS CONTINUE TO ASSIST TÜRKIYE AND SYRIA AFTER EARTHQUAKES

The United States and international partners are continuing to support survivors of the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria.

On March 20, the U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced an additional $50 million in humanitarian assistance for the earthquake response in the region, bringing total U.S. support for the response to more than $235 million.

The new funding continues to provide food assistance, safe water, sanitation, shelter and household essentials, as well as psychosocial support to help people recovering from the trauma of the February 6 earthquakes, which killed more than 50,000 people and displaced at least 3 million. The United States announced the assistance during the international donors conference Together for the People in Türkiye and Syria in Brussels, co-hosted by

the European Commission and the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which raised $7.5 billion in humanitarian assistance.

“The U.S. will continue to support those impacted in Türkiye and Syria,” State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said March 21, applauding the EU-led fundraising effort. “We welcome and encourage continued support from our interna-

JUST ONE ...

tional partners in this time of great need.”

UNICEF is setting up schools and supporting children affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. Above, a UNICEF worker plays games with children February 23 at a stadium in Latakia, Syria, that is serving as a shelter for displaced families. The United States is UNICEF’s largest funder.

The Solution Is... “Knowing Who to Prove Wrong” by

What if that one co-worker or partner who always crit icise your work ethic and commitment to productivity is the one everyone else in the workplace/network dis likes?

They say the hardest thing to do is to read somebody’s mind. However, it is also said, “action speaks louder than words.”

With those two quotes in mind, behavioural science takes on a whole new dimension when navigating the maze of human expressions, especially those of us with Afrocentric constructs and influences. Interpreting someone’s behaviour to draw accurate conclusions is still inferential, and unless you are told what is actually going on by that individual you cannot argue with your inaccurate conclusion.

Whether at the workplace or in a social setting, being right gives a sense of accomplishment or even some sort of closure, though relative to the pursuit of knowledge.

As social creatures, we often find ourselves in situations where we feel the need to prove someone wrong.

It could be a colleague at work, a friend in a debate, or even a family member at a gathering.

But the question is, how do we know who to prove wrong?

Is it necessary to engage in a battle of egos, or can we use behavioural science to determine the best course of action?

When considering who to prove wrong, it's important to consider the person's beliefs and values.

If their beliefs are deeply ingrained, contradicting them would cause too much cognitive dissonance.

This is characterised as a state of mind where individuals experience psychological discomfort owing to two or more conflicting beliefs.

To reduce this discomfort, individuals will either change their beliefs or justify their beliefs by seeking out information that supports their beliefs while ignoring information that contradicts them.

It may not be worth the effort to engage in a debate with that person. However, if their beliefs are more malleable and they are open to new information, engaging in a respectful debate may be beneficial.

Individuals derive their confidence (self-esteem) in conduct and communication from the groups to which they belong (Tajfel, 1979). It is not uncommon therefore for members of one group to ex-

Khori Hyde

hibit a tendency to favour the opinions and beliefs of their members over those of other groups. A person’s group identity is therefore crucial in formulating your strategy to prove someone wrong.

If the person's beliefs are closely tied to their group identity, it may be difficult to convince them to change their opinion, as doing so may threaten their self-esteem. However, if the person's beliefs are not directly tied to their group identity, they may be more open to changing their opinion.

One of the most famous behavioural theorists, B.F. Skinner, believed that behaviour is shaped by its consequences. If a behaviour leads to a positive consequence, such as praise or a reward, the behaviour is more likely to be repeated. Conversely, if a behaviour leads to a negative consequence, such as criticism or punishment, the behaviour is less likely to be repeated.

In the context of our discussion, it's important to consider the consequences of a debate to the person you are attempting to prove wrong. If the person perceives the debate as a negative consequence, such as a threat to their ego or self-esteem, they may be less likely to engage in future debates or change their beliefs. On the other hand, if the debate is perceived as a positive consequence, such as a learning opportunity or a chance to grow, they may be more likely to engage in future debates or change their beliefs.

Albert Einstein, posited, "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."

This quote highlights the

importance of understanding someone's strengths and weaknesses before engaging in a debate with them.

If the person's beliefs are based on their strengths, it may be difficult to prove them wrong. However, if their beliefs are based on their weaknesses, it may be easier to provide evidence to the contrary. Respect and empathy are vital arsenals to accomplish successful discourse in a debate.

In fact, it was Maya Angelou, who said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

If the person feels attacked or belittled, they may be less likely to engage in future debates or change their beliefs. However, if the person feels respected and heard, they may be more open to new information and ideas.

So, when we consider proving someone wrong, we may want to consider more than just the err in their argument. We may find our objective may be better served by considering the person's beliefs, group identity, and the perceived consequences of the debate.

Additionally, understanding cognitive biases and the hierarchy of needs can provide further insight into the situation.

By approaching the debate with empathy and respect, it may be easier to challenge someone's beliefs and provide new information.

"Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress."

(Mahatma Gandhi). By engaging in respectful debates, we can challenge our own righteousness and help others do the same.

KINGSTON COPS AWARD FOR BEST CREATIVE DESTINATION FOR 2023

Jamaica's vibrant cultural capital, Kingston, beat out 152 entrants from 28 nations to be selected Best Creative Destination for 2023 by the jury of the 9th Creative Tourism Awards.

The award was recently presented to the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, by Caroline Couret, Director of the Creative Tourism Network®, on behalf of the International Committee, on the margins of ITB Berlin, the world's leading travel trade show, in Germany.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett described the win as a major accolade for Kingston, which has steadily been gaining traction as a cultural and music destination.

“Kingston is the unquestioned cultural heart of Jamaica and the Caribbean.

"We have been taking aggressive steps to position Kingston as a vibrant urban tourism destination. As a result, we are seeing a growing number of travellers choosing Kingston for its many culinary, music, art, sport and cultural offerings,” noted the Tourism Minister. “There is a good reason why Kingston was designated a UNESCO Creative City,” he added. Minister Bartlett heaped praises

on the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Senator Delroy Williams and the wider Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) for the excellent job they are doing to transform Kingston into a Destination City. “They have been doing a phenomenal job of positioning Kingston as an appealing destination city that attracts visitors through its history, culture and entertainment. Visitors get to experience a Jamaica that is so much more than sun, sea and sand,” said the Minister.

Created by the Creative Tourism Network®, an organization for the development and promotion of creative tourism worldwide, the Creative Tourism Awards aim to reward companies, projects, and destinations worldwide that encourage all forms of artistic and creative tourism. The jury that selected Kingston for the award comprises global experts in the fields of tourism marketing and creative economy.

The Kingston nomination was submitted by Kingston Creative, a non-profit organization whose primary goal is to transform Downtown Kingston into a city tourism destination using art, culture and technology.

l

of the first A321 aircraft enables Airbus to honour the popularity of the aircraft for the China market and beyond

First Airbus A321neo

Built In China Delivered To Juneyao Air

AIRBUS HAS DELIVERED the first A321neo aircraft assembled at its Final Assembly Line Asia (FAL Tianjin) to China’s Juneyao Air in Tianjin, China. The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines and features 207 comfortable seats, 8 in Business and 199 in Economy class. Its delivery flight is to use a ten percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel blend in support of the green aviation strategy in China.

“Since we announced the commissioning of the first A321 aircraft at FAL Tianjin last November, the relevant final assembly activities and tests went on smoothly, showcasing the maturity of FAL Tianjin to quickly adapt to new products,” said George Xu, Airbus Executive Vice President and Airbus China CEO.

“The successful delivery of the first A321 aircraft enables Airbus to honor the populari-

ty of the aircraft for the China market and beyond – and the consistent trust and support from our customers. Airbus continues to expand and enhance its comprehensive cooperation with China’s aviation industry, underlining its longterm commitment to China to ensure customer proximity while supporting the global commercial aircraft production ramp-up.”

Airbus has four A320 Family final assembly facilities around the world: Hamburg, Germany; Toulouse, France; Tianjin, China; and Mobile, United States. With the conversion of the Tianjin facility last year, and with the newest facility about to complete its transformation in Toulouse, the global industrial system will be fully A321-capable, creating flexibility and agility to meet Airbus’ ramp up objectives and the rising market success of the A321 model.

l Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (right) accepts Kingston’s award for Best Creative Destination for 2023 from Caroline Couret, Director of the Creative Tourism Network®. The award was presented recently in the margins of ITB Berlin, the world's leading travel trade show, in Germany.

Successful delivery

CELEBRATING WORLD KABADDI DAY 2023

2023 is already being an exciting year for Kabaddi, as the second most popular sport in India - after cricket – with the established PKL (Pro Kabaddi League) a mega event in its native country.

Far more a major sport there than the worldwide popular sport football, even if it doesn’t have enough fan-following elsewhere in the world, it has quite some popularity in India.

Now, according to estimates, Kabaddi has a total of 435 million viewers, after the World Kabaddi Day was initiated in 2020, by World Kabaddi, as part of its strategic plan to promote the sports globally. This year ‘Play Hard!

Play Smart! Play Together!’ was chosen as the theme for this year’s World Kabaddi Day.

World Kabaddi was formed in 2018 and now has a membership of more than 50 countries around the world, with World Kabaddi president Mr Ashok Kumar Das hoping that the World Kabaddi Day celebrations would raise more awareness to the ancient sport of kabaddi.

“Kabaddi is now played in all

five continents and is undergoing tremendous growth, said Ashok, who is also the President of Kabaddi Europe.

“The objective is to make it a celebration of kabaddi around the

world,” he said. “The celebrations is not just for the day as we also want kabaddi activities to be held throughout the month of March.”

He said that World Kabaddi wanted to encourage all members

NBA And TEMES Announce Multiyear Agreement To Launch NBA Basketball School In Greece’s Costa Navarino

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and TEMES today announced a multiyear agreement for TEMES to launch an NBA Basketball School in Costa Navarino.

The basketball development program for Costa Navarino guests and aspiring basketball players ages six and up will cover on-court training, skill development and basketball education for all skill levels.

It will tip off this month with one, three and five-day packages. Participants will receive a certificate and will have the chance to win a range of prizes.

on Thursday, June 8 to celebrate the collaboration with a special event featuring on-court programming and appearances by current or former NBA players. Registration for activities beginning May 15 is open now at costanavarino.com/nba-basketball-school.

NBA Associate Vice President of Basketball Operations, Europe and Middle East, Neal Meyer, said: “We’re excited to tip off this collaboration with Costa Navarino as part of our continued commitment to growing basketball at the grassroots level in Greece and across the region.

as well kabaddi enthusiasts around the world to conduct at least one kabaddi activity to celebrate World Kabaddi Day.

The program marks the NBA’s first collaboration with a privately-run hospitality and sports destination in Europe to launch a Basketball School.

NBA International Basketball Operations staff will be onsite

"Our goal through this program is to inspire and create more opportunities for players of all ages to learn the fundamentals and core values of the game, including teamwork, leadership and respect.”

Roshawn Clarke Wins Austin Sealy Award At Carifta Games

GB WIN FIRST-EVER TEAM GOLD AT EUROPEAN ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Great Britain won their first-ever women's team gold at the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

JAMAICA’S ROSHAWN

Clarke, who retained his Boys Under 20 400m hurdles title, was named the Austin Sealy Award winner as the most outstanding athlete at the 50th Carifta Games in Nassau, Bahamas.

Clarke won the event in a season’s best and World Under 20 leading 49.92 seconds, 11th best in the world and second only to Jehue Gordon’s championship record of 49.72 seconds set in 2010 in Guyana.

Roshawn, who was also a part of the Under 20 men’s winning 4x400m relay team that closed the championships, joins an illustrious list of Jamaicans who have won the award. Jon Jones was the first Jamaican to win the award in 1979, Andrea Thomas won it in 1985, Michell Freeman in 1988, Inez Turner in 1991, Claudine Williams in 1992 and Nikole Mitchell in 1993, Roy Bailey and Aileen Bailey shared it in 1997.

Jamaicans won the award every year between 2001 and 2005 with Usain Bolt winning it in back-to-back years 2003 and 2004. Veronica Campbell Brown won it in 2001, Anneisha McLaughlin in 2002 and Theon O’Connor in 2005.

Yohan Blake brought home the award for Jamaica again in 2007 but Jamaicans had to wait until 2018 before getting their hands on the coveted title again. That year, Briana Williams walked away with the honour. She made it back-to-back wins when she nabbed the title again in 2019.

SportLocker - The Key To Sport Streaming

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One partner, MTN Group, Africa’s largest mobile network operator, reached over 45k subscribers within 5 days of launch in November 2022, with the subscriber base sitting at over 260,000 after the first two months.

Ondine Achampong, Jessica Gadirova, Becky Downie, Alice Kinsella and Georgia-Mae Fenton combined to score 164.428 points over the four apparatus.

Italy claimed silver with 161.629 points, while the Netherlands came third with 158.896 points.

"I'm so proud, we put in some

massive performances and it feels so special to have won as a team," said Gadirova. "Personally, I'm so happy to have been able to deliver my routines for the team, it feels incredible to stand on the top of the podium with them."

Gadirova, 18, finished qualification for today's all-around final in first place and will be joined by Fenton. The defending floor and world champion scored 13.900 and 13.600 points respectively in

floor and beam qualifying as she topped the standings in both.

In Sunday's beam final she will be joined by GB team-mate Achampong, while Kinsella will join her in the floor final. Twotime Olympian Downie, who was competing for the first time since rupturing her Achilles in June 2022, finished fourth on the uneven bars to qualify for Saturday's final.

On her competitive return, Downie said: "It definitely feels

nice to be back. It's been a long wait for me to get back into a position like this and I couldn't be more proud of the whole team. "Going last up I knew I had to keep my focus and concentrate on what I can do, and I'm so happy to have produced that routine - this feels incredible." On Tuesday, Great Britain won men's team bronze, finishing behind gold medallists Italy and hosts Turkey who clinched silver.

Jean-Pierre du Toit, the Commercial Director at SportLocker commented: "SportLocker’s video-on-demand and sport streaming service is about to take the UK market by storm, revolutionizing the way sports fans watch and experience their favourite games.

“Our commitment to building an unrivalled sports service for fans, combined with our passion for delivering top-quality content, has propelled us to become the number one sports destination.

"We are determined to build a large sports brand that will be recognized globally, and to out-compete the competition by continually innovating and exceeding expectations.

Zion Wins Big At Gymnastics British Champs

TEENAGE SENSATION, Zion

Aserie, took a step closer to his Olympic dream after winning big at the 2023 Gymnastics British Championships, in Liverpool, where he became U18 All Around Silver medallist.

In the individual apparatus finals, he became U18 Rings champion and also went on to win a Bronze on the floor and high bar.

It came just 9 months after the 16-year-old, from Castle Vale, was diagnosed with an acute stress fracture to his lower spine.

The elite athlete who has been training at City of Birmingham gymnastics club at the GMAC in Perry Barr for nearly 10 years, said: “To think it could have meant the end of my gymnastics career when all I’ve ever dreamed about is making it to the Olympics.”

But with the help and support of family and his coach, ex GB gymnast and double commonwealth champion, Luke Folwell, Zion was able to return back to full training.

He trains alongside world class athletes including World Champion, World Cup Champion, European and also Commonwealth Champion, Joe Fraser. Despite being weeks away from his GCSE exams, Zion still manages to fit in 24 hours of training every week.

His mum, Irene, said “I am so proud of what Zion has achieved so far. He has what it takes, never makes excuses and is now reaping the rewards of his hard work.”

Zion Aserie is determined to continue with his relentless gymnastics training alongside his revision in the hopes of achieving his dream to becoming the ultimate Olympian.

ACORNS YOUNGSTERS ENJOY EDGBASTON CRICKET EXPERIENCE

Agroup of children who receive support from Acorns Children’s Hospice were treated to an Edgbaston cricket experience and stadium tour.

The seven youngsters – who access the Sibling Support service at Acorns – took part in the fun session under the expert eye of Warwickshire Cricket Board coaches. The group, including Acorns Sibling Workers Jen Bridle and Sarah Childs, then got a chance to peer behind the scenes at Edgbaston, including the players’ dressing rooms and gym, and take some pitch-side selfies.

Acorns Sibling Worker Sarah Childs thanked Edgbaston for the experience. She said: “It can be challenging for the parents of children with complex needs to dedicate time to take siblings out for day trips. This is something

that can be especially difficult during school holidays.

“Part of our work at Acorns and the Sibling Service is to help by treating the children, giving them something to look forward to, new experiences, and to relieve some of the pressure on parents. We’re so thrilled with how it’s gone at Edgbaston.

“The children have been really excited at the prospect of coming to the stadium to play some cricket. It’s been such a memorable afternoon for them.”

The dedicated Sibling Service at Acorns currently supports around 200 brothers and sisters of life limited or life threatened children.

The service provides children with focused groups, individual therapeutic sessions and bespoke support programmes. Warwickshire Cricket Board’s Cricket

Development Officer Rob Eynon ran the April 5 session. He said: “It’s been our pleasure to show the children around and lay on a coaching session. There

was lots of energy, they really got involved, and some decent batting and fielding on show.

“These children have gone through a lot at a young age. I’m

delighted they’ve had a good time and put a smile on their faces.

“They’re welcome at Edgbaston any time.”