NOVEMBER 2019
Connecting Communities - Inspiring A New Generation
Introducing
Keisha Riley See her at
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l Inspire You Yong Stars in Brazil
l Young people in the African rain forest
l Teaching Girls self defence in South America
“Our thoughts become things” says Leslie Fairclough. “One of my thoughts became Inspire You.” He had a vision for a better world after the tragic passing of Jamel who was a passenger in a car crash. For the past decade he has also been the Chief Executive Officer of Higher-Level World who support some of the most vulnerable young people in the UK. He said “Young talented people like our Jamel are living in very challenging times; too often they give up on their dreams because others don’t believe in them, or they themselves think dreams are impossible to achieve. Leslie is a former multi gold medal winning British, European karate champion and Commonwealth sports award winner, representing Great Britain internationally for more than a decade. He became a very successful entrepreneur, with extensive business acumen, experience and creative expertise after he retired from competing on the world stage in sport following the passing of Jamel. He was appointed by the
Secretary of State to serve on the board of the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) as an advisor to Government, with particular remit for the growth of ethnic minority business, youth and the regeneration of deprived areas. Inspire You Charity has come a long way, since it became more than a thought; they now own a very impressive 21st
century Youth Centre in Wolverhampton where they deliver a wide range of youth programmes such as dance, music, karate, life coaching, book club, studios, media, neurofeedback, peace education and much, much more. They also host the Steve Biko free Saturday school the longest running Saturday school in England. Internationally Inspire You excel, they facilitate youth exchange programmes; to date they have been to Brazil 2016, Africa 2017 and the Caribbean in 2018. To get involved visit www.inspireyou.vision or call 0845 467 6595.
l Leslie Fairclough, CEO Higher Level World
l In Brazil in 2016 supporting and training young people in the favelas
www.inspireyou.vision
Promoting Diversity for Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022
All Your Ents News Inside
NOVEMBER 2019
Connecting Communities - Inspiring A New Generation
That Would Be ‘Dr’ McLaughlin To You! T
by Steve Williams
aking place each October, at the end of another s u c c e s s f u l completion of its programme, Newman University invited its graduates to its special
Degree & Awards Ceremony to acknowledge their achievements by them receiving their certificates, which is seen as the ‘key’ to opening a Pandora’s box of career opportunities for the rest of their individual lives. Also part of the ceremony, held at the Symphony Hall in
Birmingham, was the award of an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters Each year Newman University awards Honorary Degrees to those it feels have made a positive impact upon the society in which we live. This year’s event had an added, and poignant,
Women of Excellence Meghan, Duchess of Sussex Page 16
significance for the University as it tied in with the beatification of its founder, Catholic theologian and philosopher, Cardinal John Henry Newman, who was declared a saint by the Roman Catholic Church at a ceremony in Rome.
Continued On Page 13
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ne of the main criticisms levelled against politicians the world over is their failure to implement campaign promises once they have attained political office. This often results in voter apathy and a disconnect between politicians and voters. President Donald Trump, however, appears to be attempting to go against this trend by ensuring that his campaign promises to bring peace in the Middle East, end the Iran Nuclear deal and move the American Embassy to the eternal capital of the Jewish people, are realised. Indeed, President Trump can enjoy a sense of fulfilment as he has made controversial moves in these directions. The question, however, is to what extent these moves on his part, have resulted in a more politically peaceful and stable Middle East. Three of his major policy initiatives highlight the nature of this political difficulty. The USA decided in December 2017 to move the capital of Israel from Tel Aiv to Jerusalem. Although this has pleased the Israeli Prime Minister, it was widely condemned by the United Nations Security Council by 14 votes to 1, and was widely condemned by the Palestinian officials who claimed this action by President Trump would exclude the USA from any meaningful dialogue about Middle East peace plans. Although previous USA presidents spoke or made reference for the need for Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel, they never actively acted on their statements. The reason for their cautiousness was due to the fact that the area is hotly contested by both Jews and the Palestinians lay claim to Jerusalem as their historic and spiritual home. In this regard, President Trump boldly went where no other president dared to venture. Despite the opening of the Embassy in Jerusalem in May 2018, it is unclear whether this act has created greater peace stability in the
Trump’s Got Want He Wanted But Has He Got Peace? Middle East. In the same month as the USA was opening the new embassy in Jerusalem, it also announced its withdrawal from the ‘Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action’ also more commonly referred to as the ‘Iran Nuclear Deal.’ Despite the fact that this was a deal agreed by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council as well as Germany and the EU, and although certifying in April and July 2017, that Iran was complying with the deal, the USA announced the following year, that Iran was not complying with the deal. Perhaps a major worry for the Trump administration might have been the fact that under the deal, restrictions on Iran’s centrifuges would be lifted after the year 2025. Thus, perhaps giving them the opportunity to engage in its programme of nuclear arms buildup. However, as I indicated in my
previous column in this newspaper regarding the Brexit deal (Phoenix, October edition), some kind of deal is better than no deal at all. As a result of the USA’s decision, Iran recently announced that they would resume their nuclear programme. Decades of mistrust between Tehran and Washington may have been slightly improved in 2015, but it is not clear how much peace and stability will result from the withdrawal of the USA. In October 2019 President Trump announced he would be withdrawing troops from Northern Syria in a move that leaves one of their allies, the Kurds, to fight on their own against a number of different forces including; the Islamic State, the Syrian government, Iran, as well as Russian forces. According to President Trump, the Turkish-Syria offensive ‘is not our
problem’ furthermore, ‘the US is not a policing agent.’ Will there now be a political vacuum in Syria that could lead to the increased activities of the USA’s main foreign foes namely, Russia, and Iran and the re-emergence of the Islamic State? President Trump, therefore, seems determined to keep one of his main campaign promises of trying to get American soldiers out of these wars. It is certainly a good thing for President Trump to be seen in America, especially by his core supporters, as a person who not only talks, but achieves his campaign promises. The big question remains, whether the accomplishment of these goals that might please some of his supporters, result in enhancing global peace and stability, that would of course, benefit and please everyone, including the USA.
China turned off by Brexit uncertainty Economic uncertainty caused by Britain’s protracted efforts to leave the European Union are curbing interest from Chinese firms to list through the London-Shanghai Stock Connect programme, hindering efforts to tie the two financial markets together with Beijing attempting to ramp up efforts to increase capital inflows to boost investment and also help stabilise growth as the escalating trade war with the United States puts increasing downward pressure on the economy. But, after Prime Minister Boris
Johnson lost a series of key votes, the uncertainly over Britain’s political situation and economic outlook is making Chinese firms think twice about using the cross-border mechanism that allows Shanghai-listed companies to raise new funds on the London stock market. British companies can, in turn, broaden their investor base by selling existing shares in Shanghai. Matthew Wong, tax partner at global accountancy firm PwC, said: “Brexit is making the UK’s economic situation unstable and unpredictable. “It probably isn’t the right time to list
in London now.” The UK government sees cooperation with Beijing and new opportunities in Asia as critical for the its economic outlook after Brexit, while China is trying to open up its domestic capital markets to offer foreign companies an attractive trading environment in a bid to increase foreign investment and financing with British imports from China worth US$63.38 billion in 2018 - up from US$55 billion in 2017, while exports from Britain to China rose from US$27 billion to US$27.7 during the same period.
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The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019 - Page 5
NEWS
Pick
up a copy of
l School choirs sing Christmas classics during the special event
Remembering 40 years of loved ones with ‘Light Up A Life’
B
irmingham’s largest hospice is encouraging families to remember their loved ones this Christmas, with an evening of music and celebration. Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice – which has been caring for local people for 40 years – is inviting the community to its seasonal ‘Light up a Life’ ceremonies, to remember and celebrate the lives of those who are sadly no longer with us. With two events taking place at the Hospice on Thursday 12 December – the first at 5.30pm and the second at 7.30pm – guests will be able to enjoy Christmas carols, live musical performances and a moving display of silent fireworks. The night will also see the charity officially turn on its Christmas tree lights – with lights symbolising the lives of those that the Hospice has cared for over the past four decades, as well as those who weren’t but want to be honoured by their families. There will also be an opportunity to honour loved ones before the event, in the Hospice’s online ‘Book of Remembrance’. The online book will be filled with tributes and anyone who
makes a dedication will be able to share the book with their family and friends. A physical book will be displayed at the ceremony. Cal Harbourne will be one of the attendees at this year’s Light up a Life event. She will be remembering her husband Rob, who the Hospice cared for at home and then on its Inpatient Unit. Cal said: “Finding out Rob had a terminal tumour was just heartbreaking. We were put in touch with Birmingham St Mary’s and in a matter of days, Debbie from their community team started visiting us at home. “Debbie was incredible. Not only did she support Rob with clinical care but she became a helping hand to lift Rob up when life felt impossible. “What I didn’t expect was the care I would receive too. I was given a line of support – Debbie just instinctively knew what we were going through and how to help ease our pain. “Sadly, Rob passed away just before Christmas. It was the most calm and peaceful time with every last wish granted and every sentiment perfect. “There’s not a day that goes by when I don’t think of him and it’s at this time of year when I
miss him most. That’s why I’ll be remembering his memories at the Hospice’s Light up a Life event.” Joining Cal will be popular media broadcaster, Llewela Bailey, who will be hosting the events and pressing the button to switch on the charity’s iconic lights.
Llewela added: “What always surprises me about Light up a Life is how uplifting and celebratory it is. It’s a wonderful way to bring together local people and honour the memories of their loved ones. “Christmas can be a difficult time for anyone who has experienced loss but this is a unique and meaningful way to remember that special someone. “As the Hospice’s patron, I’m honoured to be hosting Light up a Life, especially as it’s during the charity’s 40th anniversary year.” Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice provides vital care to people and their loved ones who are living with life-limiting illness. The Light up a Life ceremonies are part of the Hospice’s ‘Care at Christmas’ campaign – a festive appeal to raise money for the charity leading up to and over the Christmas period. This year, it will cost the Hospice £24,658 to run its crucial services on Christmas Day so all donations will enable its expert team to continue to care for people over the festive season. To find out more about Light up a Life or to make a dedication in its Book of Remembrance, please visit: www.birminghamhospice. org.uk/light-up-a-life
l Families look at their loved ones names in the Hospice’s Book of
Remembrance
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BUSINESS AND FINANCE
Advice centre celebrates 80th anniversary in Wolverhampton
T
he Mayor of Wolverhampton was on hand at a special event which marked the 80th anniversary of an Advice Centre in the city. As one of the first bureaux in the country, Citizens Advice Wolverhampton, which was first opened in September 1939, has remained open ever since. Back then some 50 people a day visited the bureau to seek help with issues like evacuation, allowances for dependents of serving men, housing problems and questions concerning National Registration and food rationing. 80 years on, now, it continues to offer free, confidential and independent advice. Mayor of the City of Wolverhampton, Councillor Claire Darke, was present with volunteers, staff and friends to acknowledge the longstanding contribution Citizens Advice Wolverhampton has made to people in the city. She said: “We were delighted to be able to celebrate Citizens Advice Wolverhampton’s special
l Marking 80 years of Citizens Advice Wolverhampton are Mayor of Wolverhampton Councillor Claire Darke and Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Wolverhampton Craig Alford, with guests at the celebration event milestone, which has seen it provide 80 years of unbroken service.” Citizens Advice Wolverhampton’s Chief Officer, Craig Alford, said: “Our advice changes lives because we are constantly adapting to the challenges people face. “Whatever the problem, our fantastically amazing staff and volunteers do all they can to help
people find their way forward. We are here to help everyone and will continue to do so.” Citizens Advice Wolverhampton is a charitable organisation offering free information, advice and specialist casework to people concerning debt, housing, benefits, work, family issues, discrimination, consumer complaints and much more.
Bon Voyage!
A
very special dinner was laid on at the Jamaican High Commission, in London, to say a fond ‘Bon Voyage’ to one of the country’s most diligent, noted figures, as Robert Walker, Commercial Manager at Grace Foods UK, bid farewell to his term in office in Britain, as he felt the time was right for him to return to the Group’s Head Office,
back in his home country, and for him to be nearer his family and the friends and colleagues who he missed during his time here. In the presence of UK colleagues including Brian Mitchell, Chief Financial Officer and Operations Director, Kimberley Lue Lim Global Category Manager at GraceKennedy Ltd, Paulette Simpson, director at the Voice Media Group, plus both
Leighton Smith, MBA, BBA. Chief Representative Officer, and Delores Cooper, director of Victoria Mutual Building Society and other specially invited, noted businesses and organisations, Robert was hugely praised, by High Commissioner, H.E. Seth George Ramocan CD, for continuing Grace Food’s strong commitment to the Jamaican Diaspora and especially his interest in the second, third and fourth generation. “This (dinner) was necessary because of what you mean to us”, the High Commissioner said. “And that is why there are only special people here to say ‘Good Bye’ to a special son of Jamaica. “You genuine love and sincerity is why we are here today. “We are already missing you”, he went on to say, “and you haven’t even gone. “The Diaspora here all have good things to say about you and, with people like you, Grace Kennedy Foods will have a sustained long-time legacy – both here and in Jamaica”. “You are a man of great integrity”, Smith said. “Making the decision that is right for you and your family you cannot knock him for that”. A moved Robert Walker responded saying: “I fully appreciate all of you who turned-up here for me, taking time out to say your ‘good byes’. After being with Grace for some 30-years now I still fully appreciate your support – as the Lord said it was time to come here, to the UK, two years ago, the Lord has said that it is time, now, to go home happy in the knowledge that every time that Jamaicans are eating great food, they say ‘Grace’”. As he played his final part in maintaining Grace Foods as the UK’s No.1 supplier of Caribbean food and drinks, he felt that the time was set-fair for him to return home to the land he so loves – and missed!
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The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019 - Page 7
NEWS
Lunar Society's New Chair Pledges to Protect Heritage and Engage Young People
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of artisan producers, pick up the perfect stocking fillers, get hands-on in masterclasses, and so much more – all the ingredients for the ultimate foodie day out. Packed with seasonal produce, ideas for al-fresco dining and hundreds of exciting producers and brands to shop from, there will be all the summer inspiration you need by soaking up expert masterclasses, live demos from the seasonal stages and much more.
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l Deirdre LaBassiere, new Chair of the Lunar Society Peter Borg-Bartolo - Vicefurther afield and serve the needs Chair, Olwen Brown - Honorary and interests of our members and Secretary, Mark Purcell - Honorary many supporters.” Treasurer, and John Ellis, Stuart Peter Borg-Bartolo, who has Guy, Sir Michael Lyons, Peter served as an Executive Committee Mayer, Jacqui Smith, Clive member since 2017, said: “I Stone, Nigel Webb are Executive am looking forward to working Committee Members. Frances with Deirdre and the rest of the Anderson and John Rainford have Executive Committee. become co-opted members. “I am grateful to the members for Deirdre LaBassiere, who was their support and am also pleased elected Hon. Secretary in 2017, that we have resolved what was a paid tribute to the work of the close-run election! outgoing Chair, Vice-Chair and “Our commitment is to the longExecutive Committee members, term future of the Society, serving saying: “It is a huge privilege our members and upholding to be appointed as Chair of this our goals of stimulating ideas, remarkable and well-respected broadening debate and catalysing Society and my intention is to action.” continue the extraordinarily good The committee also includes work of my predecessor, the Olwen Brown who has been Rt. Hon. Jacqui Smith, and the appointed Hon. Secretary Society’s former Vice-Chair, Sir succeeding Deirdre, and Mark Michael Lyons. Purcell, who succeeds Nigel Webb “I am delighted that both are as Hon. Treasurer. Also joining the remaining on the executive. This committee is Clive Stone. both ensures continuity and retains Deirdre thanked Frances their valued counsel and wisdom. Anderson and Olwen Brown for “Peter and I and the rest of their advice on constitutional the committee are intent on issues arising from the tied vote. working together to maximise our influence in Birmingham and
Winter treats are on offer at The BBC Good Food Show The BBC Good Food Show Winter is heading back to the flagship Birmingham NEC bringing together the UK’s greatest chefs and experts, plenty of festive shopping and inspiration, exciting live entertainment in the unique Big Kitchen and on numerous stages across the Show. It will provide the perfect opportunity to get into the spirit of the season with a fantastic line-up of chefs and experts, you can feast your eyes on hundreds
CMYK / .ai
©Henry Adebonojo
T
he new chair of The Lunar Society has pledged to foster high social impact and intergenerational discussion, engage more with young people, hold constructive debate, grow the Society’s membership and build a global reach - whilst ensuring that the heritage of the Society is promoted and preserved. Deirdre LaBassiere, Governance and Assurance Manager at Housing21 was elected as Chair of The Lunar Society following the Annual General Meeting, when there was a tie in the voting for Chair between two candidates, Peter Borg-Bartolo and Deirdre LaBassiere. It was agreed at the meeting that, following the AGM, a meeting of the new Executive Committee would be held to determine how the election process should be pursued. Dr Borg-Bartolo withdrew his nomination as Chair and has been appointed as ViceChair. The Lunar Society’s new Executive Committee comprises: Deirdre LaBassiere - Chair,
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Plus, there will be the chance to join Mary Berry, Tom Kerridge, Michel Roux Jr, Nadiya Hussain, Raymond Blanc, the Hairy Bikers, Ainsley Harriott and Rick Stein as they cook up a summer feast in The Big Kitchen. Again, at this year’s BBC Good Food Show Winter (November 28 – December 1), there will also be the widest variety of food, drink and cookery products from over 450 exhibitors, including great brands and a vast range of independent and artisan producers. And, as always, it promises to be the biggest and tastiest day out in the UK.
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Page 8 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019
NEWS
PM awards Points of Light award to WMPCC candidate Singh-Sohal
P
rime Minister Boris Johnson recognised Jay Singh-Sohal for his exceptional service commemorating Sikh contributions to the British Armed Forces. Jay, from Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands, led the successful campaign to create the UK’s only memorial to the more than 120,000 Sikh soldiers who fought during the First World War. The Conservative candidate for West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner, Jay is an Army Reserve Captain, also working with the British Army to commemorate Sikh contributions to the British Armed Forces on
Saragarhi Day, every September. The Battle of Saragarhi saw 21 Sikh soldiers fight for the British Indian Army and defend the North-West Frontier with Afghanistan against 10,000 enemy forces in 1897. While the battle has long been commemorated in India by the Indian Army, Jay was inspired to bring commemorations to the UK to serve as an opportunity to engage British Sikhs with their heritage and celebrate continued Sikh contributions to the British military today. He is the latest recipient of the Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community
and inspiring others. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements. In a personal letter to Jay PM Johnson said: “I know you do this with no thought of praise or reward, but allow me to offer my own recognition of how you have created our country’s first memorial to the 120,000 brave Sikh soldiers who fought during the First World War. It is fitting that we honour their enormous courage and sacrifice in ensuring the freedoms we all enjoy today.” Jay, the 1244th winner of the Points of Light award, which has been developed in partnership with the hugely successful Points
Living The Community ‘Good Life’
German Market Opening heralds start of Christmas With hot dogs a mile long and mulled wine in the barrelload, Birmingham's German Market is ready to welcome one and all to the city's No.1 annual extravaganza – which is now so successful that it returns every year attracting visitors from all over the world, all keen to shop and eat at the mass hordes of stalls sprawled through the length and breadth of the city centre. Taking up its regular residence from Victoria Square to the length of New Street, shoppers, passers-by, families and friends can witness the biggest German market outside Germany and Austria – which was first established in the city by the organiser of Frankfurt's festive market in 1997 – and is now a firm fixture in the city’s annual calendar. Together with the neighbouring Christmas Craft Market, a massive favourite with both residents and visitors to the city, Birmingham comes alive with the arrival of the Market, a clear sign that Christmas is just around the corner.
of Light programme in the USA, said: "I’m delighted to be receiving a Points of Light award from the Prime Minister. “Telling the story of shared British Sikh history through the battle of Saragarhi has been a fantastic journey working with wonderful people with the same enthusiasm for our heritage. It continues to inspire many more to serve our country in whichever way they can. “I’m proud of the part I’ve been able to play in driving grassroots community activity in this way”.
l Nyah and Fingers by the community garden
Having spent a good part of his earlier life, in Jamaica, mindful of eating only good, wholesome, unfettered food, Nyah Matthew knew nothing better than to maintain the purity in the food he ate, by matching that with the food he makes and sells. And that is why, for years now, a huge number of people have regularly visited his Granny’s Original Takeaway – in the knowledge what they eat is everything ‘the doctor order’ – for their taste-buds and their health. And, taking his ethics to the ‘enth’ degree, he has a unique small patch of land that grows pure, unhindered potato, corn, beans spring onion and peas – without the artificial additives too often met in the mass produced variety. Why is it ‘unique’? Because the vegetables are grown in a small circular plot of greenery that is in the front of his diner – that was set there (like anywhere else in the UK) by the local Council as part of their inner-city ‘green’ initiative.
A man loved and respected by the communities he serves, in Ladywood, in Birmingham, Nyah, along with his loyal, long-time assistant, Robin Brown – a.k.a. Fingers - is living the ‘Good Life’, has been growing the food outside the front of his diner, but, with the one proviso, for the community at large, in and around his area, to pick and take whatever, whenever. “After consulting the City Council”, the amiable Nyah said, “they gave me the go-ahead to grow the vegetables there and it was something I wanted to share with my community. “And they, collectively, have fully appreciated what I’ve done: Provide fresh, substantial and wholesome food - readily available for everybody. “I can’t wait”, he says, “for next year’s yield that would keep me, my community and the wider community at bay with ‘mother nature’s’ good food. Nyah Matthew – a great man living the ‘Good Life’ for all in his community.
Election set to disrupt school Christmas events School leaders throughout the UK have warned that the timing of the General Election– December 12 – could prove “particularly disruptive” for primary schools as it is likely to clash with traditional festive events. A poll by Teacher Tapp of 1,450 primary teachers found that 8% (116) said the election would disrupt a planned activity such as a nativity play or concert, Schools Week reported. Once secondary school teachers were included, 219 school workers (15%) said there would be some kind of disruption, including to end-of-year tests, the magazine reported. Paul Whiteman, general secretary for the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), said: “Elections are always an organisational headache for schools that are used as polling stations. “And the timing of this General Election could prove particularly disruptive, landing during a special time of year for many primary schools and clashing with nativity plays or other seasonal celebrations.”
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The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019 - Page 9
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Page 10 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019
NEWS
Tributes in US and UK paid to slayed Sikh police officer, Sandeep Dhaliwal
A
s thousands of people turned out, in Texas, to pay their respects at a final farewell to Sandeep Dhaliwal, the Harris County Sheriff's deputy who was gunned down during a traffic stop, hundreds turned out in Wolverhampton to pay tribute to the Sikh US police Officer Sheriff Deputy Sandeep Dhaliwal who was killed during his routine patrol. The murder of the trailblazing 42-year-old Harris County Officer - the first officer in Texas to wear a traditional Sikh turban and beard - sent shockwaves through the US
as well as in Sikh communities around the world. Sun Kaur, of United Sikhs, said that as the group's homeland security director, Dhaliwal "lived every day in service of others". She said he "proudly wore his turban" to symbolise his commitment to "equality for all". Drawn to a life of ‘community service’, after his father served in the Indian Navy and uncle served in the Indian military, Dhaliwal's sister, Rupinderjit Kaur, Labour’s ward councillor for Spring Vale in Wolverhampton, paid tribute to her brother. She said: "People say he was in
the wrong place at the wrong time but I say he was in the right place because he was doing his duty”. In the eulogy, she remembered her brother saying: "Never compromise with your faith to fit in. Be an example. "As Sikhs, if we don't tell the world about ourselves, then who will?" Dhaliwal, first worked as a truck driver in Texas before later joining the sheriff's department 10 years ago, was shot by a convict who was fearful of being sent back to prison, police say.
Social Care students visit China on fact-finding mission Seventeen social care students from the University of Wolverhampton were on a trip of a lifetime to China to learn about and experience a range of social care settings in China. The students, on Social Care, Public Health, Social Work and Health and Psychology courses, were hosted by Beijing Union University (BUU) as they found out about Chinese culture from an historical and contemporary context and the legal and policy context of social care there, in comparison with the UK. Whilst there, they also visited sites including the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Senior Lecturer in Social Care, at the University, Dr Martin Partridge, said: “This study tour to Beijing was very successful. Beijing Union University (BUU) was our host University where students experienced mixing with Chinese students while staying in student accommodation.
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The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019 - Page 11
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Page 12 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019
NEWS
They Called, And BlackPoppyRose Answered O n Friday 4th October 2019 BlackPoppyRose received a link to discover the call out for the public to come and pay their respects to the late Jamaica RAF veteran Mr Oswald Dixon. Without hesitation Selena Carty, founder of BlackPoppyRose made the call to the numbers provided and proceeded to book a coach ticket for herself and son Mjnari Carty Sai to pay their respects. Over the weekend Selena created a customised BlackPoppyRose wreath, using traditional fabric from Jamaica to pay respect to Mr Dixon's heritage & culture, ensuring his image and RAF cap badge (one he may have worn) were apart of the design. When Wednesday 9th October arrived, BlackPoppyRose were
ready for the day. The rain did not deter the journey. Meeting RAF veterans, members of the communities in Manchester and from all over England including his son who had learnt of his father's passing in the very same way we had. The BlackPoppyRose Wreath
made was positively received and allowed the communities to feel a part of the day without being physically present. BlackPoppyRose: Selena Carty & Mjnari Carty Sai were invited by Mr Dixon's son to join the family party after his body entered Agecroft Cemetery &
Crematorium. The tributes were an honour to his memory which will live on and his contributions will be remembered.
BlackPoppyRose is a symbol to remember the contributions made by the African, Black, West Indian & Pacific Islanders contributions to world history.
As for too long our stories are unsung, remembered locally, or not at all. BlackPoppyRose IS changing this.
Bank of Gran and Granddad Expands Student Lending The ‘Bank of Gran and Granddad’ is expanding its student lending across the UK, new research shows with more than one in three (35%) grandparents – around 4.9 million people - have already helped or are planning to help fund their grandchildren through university, its nationwide study shows. Around 15% of grandparents say they have already contributed and another 20% are planning
to help over the next 10 years, Key’s research found. It’s not just grandchildren being helped - around 6% of over-55s homeowners will help nieces, nephews and godchildren. Most are using their cash savings to support students but a growing number, around 11%, are looking at accessing property wealth for this purpose through downsizing, selling other properties, remortgaging and equity release. Graduates are estimated to
leave university with average debts of £50,000 which they will start repaying once they earn above £25,725. The government lends more than £16 billion a year through the Student Loans Company and more than £121 billion of loans are currently outstanding. Will Hale, CEO at Key, said: “The over-55s are a generous generation with many looking to help their loved ones, especially when it comes to something as important as education. The cost of higher education can seem daunting with students leaving university with average debts of £50,000 as well as their degrees. “Retired homeowners are mainly using savings to help fund university fees but are also turning to their property wealth using alternatives such as equity release to support families. “When making any significant financial decisions good specialist advice is key to ensuring older homeowners use their property wealth in the best way to support their own needs and aspirations and those of their families.”
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The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019 - Page 13
NEWS
Newman University Honours Phoenix Editor In Chief With Doctorate Continued From Front Page
As graduates celebrate with friends, family and staff from the University, this year Honorary Degrees were awarded to three hugely deserving recipients including Sr Margaret Walsh, IJS, Jack Robbins and The Phoenix Newspaper Founder and Editor In Chief, Marcia McLaughlin. Now Dr Marcia McLaughlin F.Birm.Soc, the fiercely determined and highly emotional media mogul was at pains to acknowledge recipient of the Doctorate as well as acknowledging the making of her - from her humble beginnings as a child growing up in Jericho, in Clarendon, Jamaica, to standing on stage at one of Birmingham’s leading universities, as she
received her Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters from Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Peter Childs. With personally invited guests present – including her son, Mark Dwayne Gillespie - himself a founder of multi-award winning Street Cred Magazine and Swish Media - her sister, Maxine, staff at TPN Media, Dr Neslyn Watson -Dury CBE, Paul Brown, Marcia’s mentor and a Director, Government & Public Sector at Ernst & Young - also Visiting Professor at Birmingham City University, friend and associate, Optometrist, Peter E Waite, and a much-vamped acceptance speech to hand, the good Doctor did what she always does – and that was to speak freely, openly and
totally from the heart. “My whole aim in creating this media organisation”, she said, “was to tell a ‘different story. It’s about connecting all our different communities whilst highlighting the positive and objective stories each one has to tell”. All about social justice and equality, she was quick to pay homage to the late Olusegun Dosumu, who, as ironies go, was the Programme leader and head of Accounts & Finance at Newman University. A long-time friend and confidante, she, who always said that she was educated at the ‘University of Life’, became tearful in highlighting the vision he had of her being a leading figure in the highly competitive
media world and his undying support of her – right up to his last days before passing away earlier this year: “Olu believed in me”, she said, “and he always did, my Nigerian brother. “I know that he is looking down on me now with a broad smile of approval on his face. “I started this journey to change the course of history 30 years ago and God has blessed me all the way”. Signing off, Dr Marcia McLaughlin F.Birm.Soc, acknowledged the mass hoards who was there to not only receive their own ‘passport’ to a great and fulfilling future, but were incredibly tentative to Dr Marcia’s every word: “Congratulations to all of you
l Dr Marcia McLaughlin F.Birm.Soc with her degree graduates”, she said. “Your journey has only just begun”. As a leading, recognised and acknowledged figure in the industry, her own journey has infinite miles to go yet. Marcia would like to take this opportunity to thank Pat Child, Senior Executive Assistant at Newman University who she believes to be a matriarch of perfection, and an irreplaceable force for good. And finally thank you to all the staff at Newman University for believing that I am a worthy of this recognition which is truly humbling.
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EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT
g n i t o Prom xcellence E
As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting the positive and inspirational individuals and organisations in our communities, The Phoenix Newspaper presents Promoting Excellence - a closer look at our role models, entrepreneurs, community figures and success stories.
W
'Stormzy effect' contributes to rise in Black students at Cambridge lity a u q High om r f e ld car child e years o fiv o t h t
bir
ith 91 additions to Cambridge University this year, it meant that for the first time, Black students made up more than 3% of new undergraduates. And one particular reason for the increase is down to the ‘Stormzy effect’, as the internationally renowned grime artist is responsible for that, The multi-award winning star has pledged to fund the tuition fees and living costs of two students each year. With the figure up by about 50% from the 61 who started courses in autumn 2018, the university said that it was more reflective of the wider UK society. Reacting on tweet, Stormzy said: "This is amazing - there's no way that this is because of me alone." He thanked the University for their efforts in recruit more Black students, as well as giving praise to the Cambridge University African Caribbean Society. "Big up CambridgeACS for the
incredible work they do”, he said. “They would have played a massive part in this. And, ‘big up’ Cambridge (University) for their continued efforts”. Cambridge's figures showed that 26.8% of its undergraduate students this year were UK residents from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. Professor Graham Virgo, Cambridge's senior pro-vicechancellor for education, said: "This record rise in the number of Black students is a credit to their hard work and ability. We have not lowered entry standards." President of the university's AfricanCaribbean Society (ACS), Wanipa Ndhlovu, said: “The rise is testament to the hard work that we (ACS), as well as Cambridge (University) itself, has been putting in to breaking down perceptions". "This should send out a signal to other Black students that they can find their place at Cambridge and succeed."
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l Pupils from Trinity Church of England Primary School with team members from the council’s Environmental Services and Public Protection team. (Elliott, standing on the far right)
Six-year-old ‘litter hero’ to the rescue
A concerned six-year-old school boy from Wolverhampton has clamped down on fly tippers dumping rubbish outside his primary school. Elliott Less, from Trinity Church of England Primary School, came home upset about some ‘nasty and smelly’ rubbish dumped outside his school. Elliott raised his concerns to his grandad about how parents with pushchairs couldn’t get down the street, due to the amount of rubbish. He sat with his grandad and wrote an email to City of Wolverhampton Council to report the issue. In the email, Elliott wrote: “Hi, I go to my school Trinity Church of England school and some nasty person has tipped a lot of rubbish on the footpath, on the top and bottom of the path it's really nasty
and smells. All of the children have to walk past it, my friends’ moms cannot get her pushchairs past as it blocks most of the path. Could you please ask someone to clean it up? Thank you. Elliott Less, age 6.” The City Council cleared the fly tipping and officers visited the school to thank Elliott in person, for supporting their anti-littering campaign. During their visit, council officers organised a litter pick of the school grounds along with Elliott and his classmates. The children got to learn all about what happens to litter when it’s dropped, who cleans the city’s streets, the importance of recycling and why we should encourage others to put litter in the bin. Elliott and his classmates were awarded with ‘Litter Hero’ certificates to thank them for
helping to keep their school grounds clean. Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment at City of Wolverhampton Council said: “It was a pleasure to meet Elliott and his classmates and fantastic to hear about how much they are learning about antilittering and recycling. “When I first heard a young child had reported fly tipping outside his school, I couldn’t believe it. “If only the people responsible for these careless and criminal acts cared about the environment as much as a six-year-old boy, Wolverhampton would be a cleaner city. “I would like to thank Elliott for standing up for his school and reporting the fly tipping to the council and I strongly encourage others to report those responsible.”
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The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019 - Page 15
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT
A
s part of the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s CPR Training Challenge, Critical care paramedics trained over 100 adults and children during the Charity’s Strensham Airbase Open Day at the Northbound Strensham Service Area, in Worcestershire Last year, the service attended 3,861 missions by air and critical care cars, of which nearly quarter were related to cardiac arrests. Visitors who attended the free event were given the opportunity to learn the lifesaving skill, alongside learning more about the emergency service, which is funded entirely by donations. Emma Gray, fundraising and marketing director for the charity says: “Every September we open the doors of our Strensham Airbase so our supporters can see behind the scenes, meeting our aircrew and having a close look at our aircraft. “This year the event raised enough funds to ensure we can undertake five future air ambulance missions, and we’re delighted that our aircrew with support from West Midlands Ambulance Service, were able to train 100 people in the lifesaving skill of CPR.” Visitors were also treated to live incident demonstrations, classic vehicle displays and children’s entertainment including character mascots, face painting and fairground rides.
Future lifesavers trained at Air Ambulance Charity Event
Building works are nearing completion to double the capacity of a Smethwick Primary School. St Matthew's Church of England Primary School on Windmill Lane will go from a 210 place school to offer 420 places to children from age four to 11. The new building is over the road from the school on Croxall Way and will accommodate the older children once finished. Councillor Joyce Underhill, cabinet member for best start in life, was shown around the new building by St Matthew's pupils who are members of the school council. She said: "I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the school and it was an absolute pleasure to be shown round by the children. "The extension to the school is coming along very well and these extra 210 primary school places helps make sure we keep up with demand from families in Sandwell. I look forward to seeing the building finished in the coming months.
Ten year anniversary at Smethwick primary school l Councillor Dr Ann Jaron, Mayor of Sandwell planting the tree in the school grounds with special guests and school children Staff, parents and special guests were joined by the Mayor of Sandwell to celebrate ten years since the school site first opened. Crocketts Community Primary moved to the Coopers Lane site, Smethwick in September 2009 from an older building that was no longer fit for purpose. Councillor Dr Ann Jaron, Mayor of Sandwell attended the school's celebratory day and planted an apple tree in the school grounds to mark the occasion. She said: "It was an honour to be invited to plant a tree to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Crocketts Comunity Primary.
Smethwick Primary School Extension Nearly Complete
"I hope the tree will thrive for many years to come in the school grounds and expect the children of 2069 find the contents of the time capsule fascinating." The school also compiled a time capsule that will be buried next to the tree for children to open in 2069. Lynne Paino, headteacher at Crocketts Community Primary said: "I am so proud of all that the school has achieved over the 10 years that we have been on this site. “It is a real privilege to lead such a diverse and vibrant a school where everyone is committed to ensuring that our children succeed to the best of their ability.
"I hope that the time capsule and tree help the children of the future to learn a bit about the history of our wonderful school." The children helped decide what to put in the time capsule which included a video of the school, photos of staff and pupils, a letter from Year 6 to the children of the future and a chocolate bar. The popular primary school, rated outstanding by Ofsted has been able to expand at the new site and has more tahn doubled in capacity since 2009 - from 240 to more than 500 pupils.
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WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE
The Duchess of Sussex: The New ‘Queen Of Our Hearts’
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rom go out trick-ortreating, to making a staunch stance on worldly human rights issues, Meghan Markle has stood out ‘head and shoulders’ above the parapet as she – along with husband, Prince Harry – takes Britain’s often maligned Royal family to a level of greater love and respect at levels never before thought to be attainable. Though grounded in the accepted ‘ways’ the, arguably, world’s most famous family set about their very existence, her presence in the Household has seemingly taken the much-vaunted dynasty that has never-before thought ever likely. In the eyes of many, the Duchess of Sussex has, almost singlehandedly, brought the House of Windsor to a whole new sphere of wanton love and respect – from some angles never before thought to be possible.
No thoughts of her being the quiet, always smiling, accepting ‘appendix’ of the heir to the Throne – husband, Prince Harry, surly wouldn’t want any of that. Instead, as much as she has to ‘toe the party-line as is the given protocol, here, we have a Royal who has very much positioned herself as such that wherever she goes she’s seen in a positive light and whatever she says is, likewise, heard in a positive light. And, despite negative protestations from leading voices in her (US) homeland which, it has to be said, is very minimal by way of numbers, she, with the loud and loving support of her husband, here stands a woman – totally beautiful in spirit as well as in vision – who has made it clear that she will use her privileged position to voice her concerns for the plight of those far less fortunate than her. The Duchess, herself, has to fight
the ‘fire’ that is certain media outlets who are set out to target her in a way that strikes real similarities to the way her late mother-in-law suffered to her last day. The Prince will go to the ends of the world to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself there. And it seems that nothing, or no-one, is going to get in the way of the recently new mum sharing her love – with everybody. Well-versed in what she sees as what should be a fair and equal society, along with her husband and beautiful new-born son, Archie to add to what is presently a wonderfully deserved life to date, as one half of a much-loved couple that will forever be in the public eye, hers is a deep love that expands to humanity and far beyond. A highly educated, sparklingly bright and up-standing, up-front ‘Woman of Excellence’; What’s not to love - about the people’s own new ‘Queen Of Hearts’?
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The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019 - Page 17
Music fashion Film Gadgets holiday education health and fitness
NOVEMBER 2019
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Apache Indian The Birmingham-born legend celebrates 30 years in the industry
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ENTERTAINMENT
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THE HOTTEST ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLEMENT
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THE MORMONS ARE COMING To BIRMINGHAM
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he Book of Mormon, Broadway’s smashhit musical written by Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez, is coming to Birmingham Hippodrome next year from 4 March 2020 with Public booking for the Tony, Olivier and Grammy award-winning is open now. The Book of Mormon follows a pair of Mormon boys sent on a mission to a place that’s a long way from their home in Salt Lake City. Since making its world premiere in March 2011 at New York’s Eugene O’Neill Theatre, where it won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, The Book of Mormon has been performed on three continents and won over thirty international awards. The musical has smashed longstanding box office records in New York, London, Melbourne, Sydney and cities across the U.S. The London production opened in February 2013, winning four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical, and breaking the record for the highest single day of sales in West End history. It has sold out every one of its 2766 performances to date at the Prince
of Wales Theatre. Trey Parker and Matt Stone are the creators of the Emmy and Peabody award-winning television show, South Park, now in its twenty second season, and the feature films South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut and Team America: World Police. Robert Lopez co-created the Broadway musical Avenue Q and co-wrote the songs for Disney’s Frozen and Coco. He is one of only fifteen artists to win all four major entertainment awards Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards. Book, Music and Lyrics are by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. Directed by Casey Nicholaw and Trey Parker, The Book of Mormon has choreography by Casey Nicholaw, set design by Scott Pask, costume design by Ann Roth, lighting design by Brian MacDevitt, sound design by Brian Ronan, orchestrations by Larry Hochman and Stephen Oremus and music supervision and vocal arrangements by Stephen Oremus. The Book of Mormon is produced by Anne Garefino, Scott Rudin, Important Musicals and Sonia Friedman Productions.
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irmingham Repertory Theatre has joined forces with a group of partners to launch a ground-breaking project to promote positive mental health among young African Caribbean men. The project, called Shifting the Dial, uses cultural activities to encourage young black men to discuss and explore mental health issues and build resilience through promoting wellbeing, improving self-esteem and encouraging personal development. With National Lottery funding of almost £750,000, Shifting the Dial brings together the skills and experience of The REP, community engagement organisation First Class Legacy, the charity Centre for Mental Health, and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. The three-year scheme will also identify and promote a group of 30 ambassadors to act as role models and mentors for the community. And through evaluation and learning, it aims to result in system-change, encouraging young black men to seek help for mental health issues earlier and to encourage the mental health sector to provide the appropriate support. The project follows more than three years of work by The REP which runs Lightpost Theatre Company, a drama group for young African Caribbean men which explores subjects around mental wellbeing. “There is an over-representation of young black men who are admitted to services when it’s almost too late,” says theatre
The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019 - Page 19
www.streetcredmagazine.com director Philip Morris, who manages the Lightpost company. “They’re not going in to see doctors in the early stages. “The aim of the initial project was to encourage them to change that. It allowed a free space through theatre where young black men could express themselves around these subjects and address some potential issues for those who were at risk.” After the first year the weekly group, who were aged between 16-26, staged a show at The REP based on their experiences of mental health. In the second year they took the project a step further, creating the theatre company and staging another production Zulu Blue. Turning the spotlight on racism in football, Zulu Blue was a sellout show at The Door. The group’s most recent production, The Place For Me, based on the Windrush generation, moved to the larger space of The Studio and was performed as part of the Festival of European Youth Theatre. And in the summer they performed Brummie Iliad – a new version of the epic Greek tragedy. “We’re telling stories from a black male perspective in society and the complexities that can come along with that,” says Philip. “And by staging the shows at The REP we are also reaching beyond that group to engage the wider community including families, friends and the wider public. “Theatre is an outlet. It’s powerful because it allows you to be somebody else for a moment or to allow yourself to be vulnerable,
ENTERTAINMENT
Shifting the Dial for Mental Wellbeing and through that to gain more strength. “There are so many victories you can have in theatre. It’s not just about the end production with the stage and lights and big audiences. “But actually if someone is able to speak with a bit more confidence, project and be heard or feels confident enough to invite a family member or the wider community to see them – they are
all victories.” Lightpost was one of three projects involved in the pilot called Up My Street, funded by mental health charity MIND and also featuring First Class Legacy and St Basil’s, the Birminghambased charity which supports homeless young people. Evaluation of the three projects showed their effectiveness and ensured the successful bid to the
National Lottery which has led to the launch of Shifting the Dial. Coming to the end of its first year, the next two years will massively expand the project, bringing more young African Caribbean men into drama as well as other cultural activities. But the benefits will go far beyond those involved in Shifting the Dial, says Sarah-Jane NiiAdjei, project producer based at The REP. And the title of the project captures this. “The name Shifting the Dial covers a range of dimensions,” explains Sarah-Jane. “One is about shifting mindsets – shifting the way young black men, their friends, families and network think about mental health. So we want to really change the way people think about mental health and the support they receive. “We’re also looking to shift the mindset and practice among health professionals in terms of what the needs of young black men are and why certain support and services need to be set up to really engage with them. And how they can harness young black men with lived experience into delivering services and playing a part in that support system.
“And we also want to shape decision makers’ approaches to how they prioritise the needs of young black men. There are boroughs where young black men are not seen as priorities when strategies are being set yet in all systems whether it’s mental health or criminal justice they tend to be in the harsher end of those systems. “We want to show that there are innovative plans taking place in the community which could potentially create a process where we can address some of these areas.” And in doing so, the team believes Shifting the Dial can make a real and long-term difference to the mental health and lives of young black men. “We’re focussing a lot more on system-change and working with policy makers and decision makers,” adds Sarah-Jane. “So we’ll be working with anyone who is involved in making that mental health system work as efficiently as it can.” To find out more about Lightpost Theatre and Shifting the Dial contact learning@birmingham-rep.co.uk or visit birmingham-rep.co.uk
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ENTERTAINMENT
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Birmingham to get a new multicultural lifestyle complex A new concept for Birmingham’s Digbeth area is being launched with the pioneering new halal complex that promises to reflect and celebrate the culturally diverse nature of our city. Art.quarter is the perfect blank canvas for a completely new scene. Founded by Jordan Patel, a Birmingham-based Muslim revert with Indian heritage, Art.quarter has been over a year in the making, and will provide employment and development opportunities in the local area, as well as injecting new life into the Digbeth scene. The complex is set over 20,000 square feet and three floors, and will be an explosion of culture and creativity, with talent from around the city contributing to create a space that caters for every aspect of modern life. Launching in late November with a food court, gallery and boutique barbershop, Art.quarter will quickly develop to include a ladies-only hair salon, patisserie, kids’ dessert parlour, fitness studio, multimedia centre, retail and more. With the full complex planned for completion by March 2020, Art.quarter promises to quickly become the beating heart of the city. Jordan’s vision for the complex is simple but ambitious - he wants to create unity through common interests, and create
an environment for everyone to thrive, no matter their beliefs or heritage. “The idea for Art.quarter comes from a deep understanding of the divisions in our city, and our society, and a desire to help to heal those wounds though creativity, “I want to create a space for people to share experiences and begin to understand one another, “Muslim, Indian and British values all coexist peacefully inside me; I want Art.quarter to show that they can coexist peacefully in society, too.” In line with the collaborative nature of the project, the Art. quarter team are looking for local creatives to put their stamp on the space and staff of all levels. They also welcome enquiries from parties who are interested in business partnership opportunities.
Clannad celebrate award winning 50 year career
H
aving sold 15 million records worldwide and with eight Top 10 U.K. albums to their name, multi-award winning Clannad today announce their ‘In a Lifetime’ The Farewell World Tour. The Grammy and BAFTA award winning quartet will also release a new Anthology ‘In a Lifetime’ deluxe set to be released worldwide on 13 March 2020 via BMG. The Billboard Music Award winners’ farewell world tour will celebrate their exceptional 50-year career and fans can expect the band to perform in cities across the U.K. including Glasgow, Birmingham and Manchester along with a very special show at The London Palladium for St. Patricks day before concluding in Brighton on 23 March 2020. This will be the band’s closing statement in the live arena so expect major activity around this
final bow. The tour will last a year and a half incorporating territories such as Europe, Australasia, North America, Japan, and South East Asia dates which will be announced over the next coming months. To coincide with this very special live tour, BMG are proud to be releasing ‘In a Lifetime’ Anthology; a multi-format, career-spanning anthology containing tracks from Clannad’s 50-year recording career. It will be available as a 38 track 2CD set, 2CD deluxe, 2LP, 2LP deluxe and an expanded deluxe 100+ track set as well as digital versions. The anthology will both delight and excite Clannad’s enormous and loyal fan base as well as introduce this legendary, influential and culturally important band to a whole new generation of music fans.
The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019 - Page 21
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ENTERTAINMENT
Experience The Music of Assassins Creed
NOVEMBER Gig Listings F BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY
November 01 Festival Of The Dead 02 Fire Red Empress 02 A1 03 Bars and Melody 03 The Heavy 06 Jamie Lenman 07 She Drew The Gun 08 The Amazons 08 Absolute Bowie - Legacy Tour 09 Kodaline 09 The Icicle Works 09 The Regrettes 10 Burna Boy - African Giant Tour 11 Vampire Weekend 12 Rex Orange County: The Pony Tour 12 lovelytheband 13 Rex Orange County: The Pony Tour 14 Tom Walker 15 Pearl Jam UK 15 Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown 16 The Doors Alive 16 The Clone Roses + Kazabian 16 The Dualers 17 Freya Ridings 20 D Block Europe 21 Sports Team 22 Shed Seven 22 Official Shed Seven Aftershow DJ Set with Lead Singer Rick 23 PUP 23 Scouting for Girls 25 Battle Beast - No More Hollywood Endings Tour 25 Lewis Capaldi 26 Skepta 26 Electric Six 27 Mac DeMarco 27 Swarmz 28 Amon Amarth: Berserker World Tour 2019 29 Giggs 29 Prince Tribute Endorphinmachine 30 Xilla 30 Northlane
O2 INSTITUTE
November 01 Friendly Fires 01 Catapult Club ft. Nova Bloom 02 Fever 333 02 Neffex 04 Welshly Arms & The Glorious Sons 04 Bear’s Den 05 BANKS: The III Tour 06 DragonForce 07 Wildwood Kin 07 Sleeping With Sirens 07 The Bluetones 08 The Macc Lads 08 Catapult Club ft. Infinite Sauce 09 The Rifles 09 Loyle Carner 09 Anniversary ft DJ Nate 10 Marianas Trench 10 AURORA 11 Feeder 12 Reel Big Fish 13 half•alive 14 GoldLink 15 Yonaka 15 Roma Cove & Krooked Tongue 15 Mr Eazi 16 The Hooten Hallers
16 Ivory Wave 16 Metronomy 17 Orla Gartland 19 Maverick Sabre 21 An Evening with The Steve Hillage Band and Gong Gong 21 Professor Green 22 SCARLXRD 22 Yungblud 22 Glass Ceilings 23 New Model Army 23 Rhys Lewis 23 Jade Bird 24 Mahalia - Love & Compromise Tour 24 Tokio Myers 24 Prateek Kuhad 25 Fontaines D.C. 26 Naaz 26 Ruel 27 Sunset Sons 28 Fat White Family 29 Glenn Hughes Performs Classic Deep Purple “live” 29 Aldous Harding 29 Catapult Club ft. Ali Gilbert 30 Young Dolph & Key Glock 30 Catapult Club ft. Hazard Pilots
RESORTS WORLD ARENA
November 02 JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. The Tour 07-09 Little Mix 14 Christina Aguilera Plus Alma 16 Free Radio Hits Live 2019 19-20 National Achievers Congress 2019 with Russell Brand 23 Nigel Benn v Sakio Bika 27 Elvis Presley In Concert Live on screen with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra
ARENA BIRMINGHAM November 02 E3UK Live 03 Rahat Fateh Ali Khan 04 Catfish and the Bottlemen 08 Magic of Motown 09 The Australian Pink Floyd 10 Chronixx and Koffee Live 12 Liam Gallagher 15-17 Jack Whitehall 23-24 The 2019 Birmingham International Tattoo 28 Dido 29 The Chemical Brothers 30 Midlands Mayhem
NEC
Oct 31 - Nov 01 Bricklive 31-01 GRADJOBS LIVE! 31-03 Simply Christmas - The Crafty Christmas Show 31-03 The Creative Craft Show 01-03 Cake International 01-03 Mind Body Spirit Festival 02-03 The National Pet Show 08-10 The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show 08-10 The Classic Motorbike Show 14-17 Festive Gift Fair 16-17 MCM Comic Con 16-24 Motorcycle Live 2019 21-23 WorldSkills UK LIVE 23-24 Warley National Model Railway Exhibition 2019 28-01 The Art & Antiques for Everyone 28-01 BBC Good Food Show
Winter 30-01 Baby to Toddler
TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL
November 01 CBSO: Friday Night Classics - Andrew Lloyd Webber 01 The Football Ramble 02 Jazzlines Ensemble 02 The Tallest Man On Earth 03 CBSO: CBSO Youth Orchestra: The Rite of Spring 04 James Morrison 05 Ben Fogle - Tales From The Wilderness 05 OMD - 40 Years: Greatest Hits 06 Marillion with Friends from the Orchestra 07 CBSO: Mendelssohn’s Elijah 07 An Evening with Christopher Cross 08 Così Fan Tutte – Classical Opera 08 Frank Skinner - Showbiz 09 Jazzlines Creative Vocal Group 09 Dumteedum 09 Spectacular Classics 09 Jazzlines Gospel Ensemble 09 Jason Byrne 10 The Music of Bond 10 Gospel Goes Charity 11 Lunchtime Organ Concert – Remembrance Day 11 The Lighthouse Family 12 Jack Savoretti 13 CBSO: Capriccio Espagnol 13 Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Living Dangerously 14 The Stylistics 14 Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band 16 Jazzlines Ensemble 16 NOW That’s What I Call The 80s Live 16 Foy Vance 19 688X488 17 CBSO: Family Concert The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra 18 Steve Hacket 19 John Mayall - 85th Anniversary Tour 19 Shakespears Sister 20 CBSO: Beethoven and Stravinsky 21 Bat For Lashes 21 Ardal O’Hanlon: The Showing Off Must Go On 22 CBSO: Friday Night Classics - CBSO Ultimate Playlist with Classic FM 22 Vir Das: Loved 23 Jazzlines Creative Vocal Group 23 Jazzlines Gospel Ensemble 23 CBSO: Beethoven and Stravinsky 23 Hawkwind 50th Anniversary UK Tour 24 Sixties Gold 2019 25 Lunchtime Organ Concert – Thomas Trotter 25 Gordon Buchanan ‘Animal Families & Me’ 25 Ronnie Wood 26 Adam Ant 27-28 CBSO: Haydn and Mozart 27 Show of Hands 28 Red Hot Chilli Pipers 29-30 Jools Holland 30 John Robins: Hot Shame
or the very first time, audiences across the UK will be able to experience the rich musical history of the Assassin’s Creed franchise live in concert in 2020, in a multimedia symphonic project that will tour across the UK, following on from its premiere at the London Eventim Apollo this October. The tour will begin at Birmingham Symphony Hall on 23rd April, before calling at Manchester Bridgewater Hall, Edinburgh Usher Hall, and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. The innovative and immersive new take on the music of the Assassin’s Creed saga will be presented in a live music setting with new takes on the best tracks in the franchise which has broken new ground in music for video games, made by beloved composers such as Jesper Kyd, Lorne Balfe, Brian Tyler, Austin Wintory, Sarah Schachner, Winifred Phillips, Elitsa Alexandrova, Chris Tilton, Ryan Amon and The Flight. A full orchestra and choir will perform this unique two hour show
(including intermission), featuring a musical repertoire from across eleven games. Spanning more than ten years and ten video game instalments, Assassin’s Creed has become one of the most well-known names in the video game industry. The series tells the grand story of the conflict
between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order. Fans will be able to relive their favourite moments on the giant screen, which provides a cohesive retelling through HD footage of the eternal feud, allowing the audience to be immersed like never before.
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Peaky Blinders creator appointed to new screen industry body
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eaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, Birmingham-born actor Adil Ray and Coventry’s Debbie Isitt, who created the Nativity film franchise, will be part of a new taskforce to supercharge the West Midlands’ screen industry, it was confirmed today. The trio will join other talented and well-known individuals from the region’s TV, film and games industries on the taskforce. The members will now be tasked with getting the new screen industry body up and running ahead of its official launch in October. This includes creating a name and branding that will attract people from across the globe to come and create content in the West Midlands. The body’s members will also be working on developing a strategy to revolutionise the current screen industry, helping to drive investment, growth and thousands of new jobs. It will be chaired by international industry heavyweight Ed Shedd and serve as a single point of contact for national and international film, TV and game makers. Ed said: “I am absolutely
thrilled with the response we have had for inaugural members, with nearly 50 screen professionals applying. “It was a challenge to select the initial group from such a wealth of talent. However, I am pleased that the group we are announcing presents a really interesting mix of sectors, backgrounds and experience. I am hugely looking forward to working with them all in the months and years ahead.” Cllr Ian Brookfield, who is also leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, added: “As part of our Local Industrial Strategy we plan to see 29,000 new, high skilled jobs in the digital and creative industries by 2030. “By having the screen industry itself leading the way through this new body, we believe we can achieve this and capitalise on the rapidly expanding creative sector to boost our wider economy and future prosperity.” There are four key aims of the new body, including: • Develop a single delivery plan and help turn strategy into action • Secure and deliver both public and private funds • Commission a variety programmes of activity • Both lobby and promote the West Midlands screen industry
The Who has one of the greatest rock legacies in music history, they’re one of the all-time great live bands, have sold over 100 million records world including 9 US & 10 UK top ten albums and 14 UK top ten singles in a career spanning six decades. Now Fifty-five years after they made their first recordings, The Who is back with their first new album in thirteen years entitled WHO due for release on 22nd November 2019. The eleven-track album was mostly recorded in London and Los Angeles during Spring and Summer 2019 and was co-produced by Pete Townshend & D. Sardy. Singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist and songwriter Pete Townshend are joined on the album by long-time Who drummer Zak Starkey, bassist Pino Palladino along with contributions from Simon Townshend, Benmont Tench, Carla Azar, Joey Waronker and Gordon Giltrap.
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EGX Creates A New Home For Gaming M
oving from its regular home at the NEC in Birmingham to the ExCeL in London was a choice questioned by many regular attendees, but following a very successful stretch in the capital, EGX seems firmly set in its new home. Sporting the usual array of AAA titles and Indie games, including the hotly anticipated Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Pokemon Sword/ Shield, Avengers and more, there was something for gamers of every side. With queues upwards of 3 hour queues for some of the top titles not uncommon, what was great was the addition of pre-bookable slots for certain titles, allowing you to skip the queues for the games you really wanted to play. For the older gamers amongst us, there was the retro section, showcasing an impressive lineup of old school consoles and games, and even a pinball section. Cosplay was again a massive part of EGX, and even if you didn’t manage to make it to the Cosplay Stage itself, there were many cosplayers wandering around the venue trying out the games, so it wasn’t unusual to see a character that you knew when you turned a corner. With a number of tournaments, live head-to-heads and prizes to be had on the main stages for many of the headline companies, and giveways galore from energy drinks to merchandise, there is always something to keep you occupied.
There is so much to do at EGX that it is a good job it is a 4 day event, as you would be hard pushed to see the majority of it in one day. If you missed EGX, then EGX Rezzed is your next UK gaming event, with 2020 dates coming soon.
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Snoop Dogg to tour UK in 2020
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fter releasing his 17th album ‘I Wanna Thank Me’ earlier this year, rap superstar, Snoop Dogg, has announced details of his 2020 UK arena tour and his shows will see him joined by West Coast hip hop stars D12, Warren G, Tha Dogg Pound and Obie Trice – with Irish rap duo Versatile set to playing the opening sets at each of the concerts. Snoop Dogg is one of the most successful rappers to emerge from the famed West Coast rap scene, which burst into life in the 90s and became one of the world’s most powerful cultural forces. He released his Dr Dre-produced debut album Doggystyle in 1993, which shot straight to number one in the US charts and spawned some of his biggest hits to date, including Gin and Juice, as well as Who Am I? (What’s My Name?). He recently covered of Nick Cave’s ‘Red Right Hand’ in conjunction with the new season
of BBC’s ‘Peaky Blinders’, which the song is the long-running theme tune of - which will go down well with an expected sell-out date at Birmingham Arena on April 16. His other arena venues include:
3Arena in Dublin, the SSE Arena, Belfast, Manchester Arena, Leeds’ First Direct Arena and the O2 in London.
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apache indian celebrates 30 years in The Music Industry “I owe a lot to Handsworth Birmingham, I am very proud of my culture, Indian language, I represent a new movement of diversity that’s why I still represent diversity till today as I have grown up around that.” “We have a legacy in Birmingham, we have young people who are very talented, but who is helping them? Where are the record labels?” Celebrating 30 years in music is a well grounded musician from Birmingham that has not lost his roots and remains to be the foundation of Reggae and Punjabi culture. Actually this man was the first to break through the music industry in a big way with this sound. Yes its the legendary Apache Indian who is super famous for hit single Boom Shak a Lak that made Hollywood movies Scooby Doo and Dumb and Dumber. If there is someone that has international success from Birmingham then this is the man to say that does it big! Mark Dwayne: Its very important the aura the energy you give off to people in the community. Apache Indian: My aim is to inspire people to be inspired its a Handsworh Birmingham thing MD: You came out in the early 90s? Apache: I came out in 89 the first record came out in 92 MD: Up to this day Boom Shak A Lak is still a serious tune smashing the place up! Apache: It’s a world wide anthem I have sold over 13 million records worldwide, and it’s produced by Wooligan the original man from soundsystem days that used to help me on the mic on stage. Round the world it has been number 1, in Brazil top 5 in the UK and featured on 125 TV commercials It still shows that it wasn’t a song just for that time, people are still enjoying the song twenty years later
MD: The thing I love about that video is it brings me to the times when I wore click suits [laughs] Apache: May have to do a click suit party! [laughs] MD: You are also celebrating 25 years on Island records, the same label as Bob Marley, tell me about the process of making the album ‘In JA’. Apache: Island sent me to Jamaica doing records with Bob Marley’s team, I want to say thank you to Reggae music and thank you to the whole culture. I worked with a producer called Jim Beans who was the producer for the Empire soundtrack and he has worked with Shakira & Justin
Timberlake. The album is is me personally and shows diversity. MD: Your 50 now right I hope I look like that at your age [laughs] Apache: Its all about what you have done for your life how you look and I am blessed I’ve done things all around the world but it is nice to bring it back home. People know I love Reggae from an early age, I love roots, the thing is I am from Handsworth, Birmingham. I went to the same school as Steel Pulse Musical Youth are from here and UB40 so we have a name around the world for doing Reggae music.
I traced my life back I was born on Holly Road, Handsworth, my parents went to work every day in a factory and I was dropped off at the lady next door who is Jamaican. She was my nanny and I would go there 12 hours a day for 5 years so you can look at the influence and how I know Jamaica and Reggae culture so well. We have a legacy in Birmingham, we have young people who are very talented but who is helping them? Where are the record labels? But now we have Aim Academy studio where they can come in for free we can help and do video shoots for them. Everyone is getting ripped off or misadvised these days. If we are known for Reggae, Bhangra and Rock we have to continue that legacy and help young people. MD: Think it’s time we bring back community spirit and I am glad you are helping to do that in Birmingham. Apache: We used to help a lot more with community projects. Everyone had a hand in but I don’t just put it down to people why there is lack of togetherness, the media has changed and what people see, money is tighter. I thought I want to give something back so I went to Handsworth College and asked for a room, that’s all I wanted and it started off with 6 kids coming in to get life skills and now we have 250 students three years later that all get help to make music for free with video production and qualifications, to help younger people is very important for me. You can catch Apache Indian live at the Phoenix Newspaper Gala Dinner and Awards where he will be giving the audience a 30 year celebration in music showcase. Words: Mark Dwayne
F
ollowing their hugely successful homecoming show at Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium, Kaiser Chiefs have announced date for their 2020 tour, with very special guests Razorlight, which includes a Birmingham date. US alternative rock/pop band Life have also been announced as support for the Arena Birmingham gig. Kaiser Chiefs will kick off their arena tour in Hull on January 21 next year, with a series of dates following before a concluding show at London’s The O2 on
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Kaiser Chiefs ready to rock Arena tour February 1. When speaking about the new album, the indi band’s frontman, Ricky Wilson, said that it was sounding “undeniably Kaiser Chiefs”. “I went and listened to the first few [Kaiser Chiefs albums] again,” Wilson said. “I listened to a lot of the stuff we were listening to when we made those albums,
like some old Motown and stuff. The truth of the matter is that it’s just five of us in a room and we make the music that we make.” Kaiser Chiefs will kick off their 2020 arena tour in Hull on January 21, with a series of dates following incuding Arena, Birmingham on Saturday January 25 - before a concluding show at London’s The O2 on February 1.
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Red Carpet Glitz & Glamour
9th Anniversary Gala Dinner & Awards
MASQUERADE BALL
AFTER PARTY Saturday 16th November 2019 call
0121 339 5885
10pm prompt Tickets £40
+Booking fee
or book online @
Broad Street, B1 2EA
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“The OFFICIAL AND Exclusive Black Tie awards after party”
Elite entertainers include
APACHE INDIAN WASSIFA SHOWCASE
DADDY ERNIE TENNA STAR WAYNE IRIE JB DJ SPRINGER hosted by the award-winning
MARK DWAYNE
Saturday 16th november 2019 A Legendary Party Experience ● Grand VIP Setting ● Award Winners Fabulous Cocktail Reception ● High Profile Celebrities ● Red Carpet SPONSORED BY
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Don’t miss MIZ
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rom a premature age, Shannon Wright AKA `MIZ` has had a flair for music. Her tag name MIZ stems from being "a bit miserable" originally ”Lil Mizery" over the years people shortened it to MIZ, which in her own words is still pretty on brand for whom she indicates to be. MIZ mentions “music was family born with her siblings taking a heavy interest in UK music specifically grime”. This introduced her to the genre of grime “grime particularly struck me as a raw, passionate style of music holding my interest longer than any other genre“.
Starting early she realized that music came very organically to her, Impressed with herself that she could rhyme the words “orange” with “door-hinge" (insert "lol" here) she persevered with music at home until joining her first collective ‘variation recordz’ A collective of like-minded individuals from Hertfordshire they performed at youth clubs at the time, swiftly moving on to radio sets at the age of 14 at Empire FM. Never really considering that music could fabricate a career, she got sidetracked with life and didn’t care much for music. Between the ages of 15 and 18 only releasing a few non-profit
projects for means of expression. At the age of 19 she started taking her music career seriously. Attending radio in London multiple times a week and getting performance bookings all across the UK. Hooking up with ”The Girls of Grime" in 2018, gave her some incredible opportunities and pathways in which to gain some thrust within the genre. She attended BBC 1Xtra which has got her to where she is now, currently working with ‘Female All Stars’ whilst focusing on a solo career. Like a lot of musicians, music took MIZ to a different locale, whisking her away from troubles in life, allowing her to express herself deeply “The fact I could feel 100% depressed, write a song about it and feel 50% less depressed afterwards kept me creating and it was just a perk that people seem to like it". Because of her Musical choices, she was able to meet some incredible creatives who have become friends and family, unfortunately, with music being a primacy for MIZ she has also lost real-life friends when music took the centre stage, “people sometimes treat me differently after finding out what type of music I make because I don’t stereotypically look like that kind of artist, it makes building relationships difficult sometimes". Over the years MIZ has had a number of musical procurements, her first doing a radio set on BBC 1Xtra with ‘Sir Spyro’ “I have a few great musical achievements, these are the points of my musical career where I sat back and said, damn, I can actually do this.” MIZ is intensely proud of her freestyle on black box whilst partaking in ‘team take over’ with Female All Stars on BBC 1Xtra with ‘DJ Target’. These are all people and platforms she never thought she’d get to meet so to have reached so early feels blessed. In summer 2018, MIZ hit a bit of a low point. She had been non-stop grinding at radio and events for
the whole year "I was completely burnt out", this gave rise to squabbles in her music collective at the time and didn’t know how to deal with the changes in her personal life. Unfortunately, ending her involvement with the collective, she refused to go on the radio, write any bars or even converse about music in general. It was at that time she truly lost the passion for music and was ready to move on from her MIZ persona and just be a normal person. Luckily, she came back ‘from the mountain’ and decided she can’t give up on something that she adored. Day by day, she started revisiting projects that she’s been working on slowly easing herself back into the mindset of being an artist, which was a mindset that she was always going to have. “It’s hard to repress creative thoughts when you start feeling better, especially because that’s what I’ve always had and that’s the person I’ve always been". Helping her along the way, She claims her partner really helped with this, always coaxing her to create as he supported her through the bad times “linking up with Female All Stars particularly helped as being in a collective with like-minded talented female artists brought back the fire in my belly". It’s incontrovertible to see that music for MIZ isn’t just being an artist, it’s a way of life “music makes me feel everything, I listen to a lot of different music for my many different moods so music makes me feel happy, sad, deflated, alone, joyous and everything else in between" The future looks propitious for MIZ “right now I am building an empire! I’ve been in the studio weekly for months now, writing and recording material so I’m just sitting on hundreds of unreleased songs at the moment I have a plan with what I want to do with every single one, but the execution has to be perfect! So I’m not rushing anything".
Interviews I guess it always helps to have a plan, “I have a lot of content in the works with Female All Stars so expect a project from us before the year is out!“. It’s one of her dreams to work with ‘CASisDEAD’, "the level of his content delivery and expression is out of this world! He writes what I wish I could write... In ways I would never be able to think... “He is such a creative musician and the mystery around him enhances that even more" so if CASisDEAD is reading, you know to do. For MIZ, her goals are to be
happy “I want to create things that I’m proud of with people that I care about in places that are beautiful, I want to see and do everything! And I will... the ultimate goal overall is to stay true to myself and do what I want because nobody can hold me back anymore". I believe her. Socials Twitter - @MizMedia Instagram - MizMedia E-Mail bookmizshutdown@gmail.com YouTube - MizMedia SoundCloud - MizMedia
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elinda Carlisle blew fans away on the last night of her UK tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her hugely successful ‘Runaway Horses’ album. There were no elaborate sets or costume changes. Only Belinda Carlisle, her band and a microphone were needed to make it a night to remember. Choosing Birmingham’s stunning Symphony Hall as the venue for her final night on 6th October made the concert all the more special. The night kicked off with title track ‘Runaway Horses’ and the hits flowed including ‘Leave A Light On’, ‘La Luna’, ‘Summer Rain’, ‘Vision Of You’ and ‘(We Want) The Same Thing’. Belinda sang all of the Runaway Horses Album’s non released tracks as well as a collection of her greatest hits including ‘Heaven Is A Place On ‘Earth’ and ‘Circle In The Sand’. Belinda, formally lead singer of American girl band The Go Go’s, has released eight solo studio albums including a French album and her most recent album ‘wilder Shores’ containing a selection of Gurmukhi chants. Belinda’s last chart entry in the UK was with ‘Gold’ a 3-disc compilation album containing all her chart hits across her solo career as well as selected album
tracks across all eight albums. The album peaked at number 11 in September of this year and was her highest performing album since 1993. As well as celebrating the 30th Anniversary of ‘Runaway Horses’ Belinda used the opportunity to both meet fans and raise thousands of pounds for her charity ‘Animal People Alliance’. Those who donated were invited to meet Belinda backstage before the show. The ‘Animal People Alliance’ charity’s mission is to provide high quality care to street animals in need in Kolkata, India. The charity also provides high quality employment to individuals at risk of falling below the poverty line or being exploited. The charity trains and employs vulnerable people as veterinary technicians, animal handlers, caregivers, and shelter staff. The charity works with local shelter homes for women and children, to help integrate animals into their community and allow them to help each other recover from their traumas and problems. Belinda is both the co-founder and ambassador for the charity. Further details of the charity can be found at: www.animalpeoplealliance. net and across social media platforms. Concert Review - 5/5
Belinda Carlisle wraps up her anniversary tour whilst raising thousands for charity
Local Heroes Honoured Through AJN Awards
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he Association of Jamaican Nationals Birmingham (UK) held its annual Local Heroes and Be Inspired Youth Gala & Awards Dinner as it recognised and celebrated outstanding achievements of what is the best of the Caribbean Diaspora and the wider British community in the development and sustainability of the British way of life. With the spotlight heavily laid on local unsung heroes in the community across the West Midlands and beyond. As part of the nationwide Black History Month celebrations, the event highlighted the positive virtues of Jamaican culture and its diverse people and the contribution to the economic, social, and political and community life of the United Kingdom. Honouring those across all communities that have changed things especially by solid, practical achievement; whose work has brought distinction to British life and have enhanced the UK’s reputation in their respective areas. There was a special guest performance from Steve Higgins and MOBO Winner Lurine Cato, and Keynote Address by Judge Normanemming III.
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Two Queens Crowned at Mrs World Punjaban UK 2019
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wo outstanding and inspiring women were crowned ‘Mrs World Punjaban UK 2019’ at the presidious Grand Finale organised by ‘Channel Punjab Shaan Punjab Di’. Ravneet Kaur from Leicester won the over 35s category and Shalini Gulati won in the under 35s category. The first runner-ups were Kameljeet Kaur Sembhi and Amardeep Kaur. Second runnerups were Nisha Chohan and another Amardeep Kaur. Mrs World Punjaban UK was the concept of Channel Punjab Shaan Punjab Di, the first crowning was in Patiala, Punjab and the second in Dubai. This year the contest took place in the UK. Over the past three months fifteen finalists had to preform individual and group tasks which culminated in the first Punjabi reality show which will be aired on Channel Punjab but now available internationally via YouTube. Mrs World Punjaban UK 2019 winner Ravneet Kaur said “I am really proud to be awarded the prestigious honour of becoming Mrs World Punjaban UK 2019. I feel empowered and would really like to reach out to as
many people as possible not just nationally but internationally, I feel nothing is impossible with hard work, dedication and determination. Punjabis are great and together we can make a real difference to our world. I want to promote my rich and colourful Punjabi culture and show that women are strong and capable of achieving anything if they put their mind, heart and soul into it. I want to use this achievement to help, support and inspire others to fulfil their dreams”. Co-winner, Shalini Gulati said “I am on cloud nine, my dream has come true. I am a proud housewife, which sometimes somehow stop you thinking about yourself. “You may not believe this but winning a crown has been my childhood dream. Royalty and grace are embedded in the crown. I love children and my focus will be on children, that they should know our Punjabi language not only speaking but reading and writing as well. “This will allow our rich culture and heritage to survive and flourish. I believe often Punjabis are known for their helpful nature
and helping others I want all children to increase and build this gift, children are our future”. The opening act was a melody of songs sung by one of the contest’s judges, Jasbir Singh Wohura, Managing Director of East End Foods PLC. He said “I must thank and congratulate Channel Panjab and the whole organisation who worked tirelessly to achieve their goal. it was a great achievement for the housewives and their families and gives a prominent place to women in our modern society.” Jasbir’s performance went down a storm and captured the Punjabi vibe perfectly. Another highlight of the night was the amazing performance by music director, renowned singer - Ravi Inder Sheen. Ravi got the audience on their feet and treated them to a show to remember. The Hosts of the grand final were Sukhi Batth and Neetu Singh who said “What a great thought Channel Punjab had to create such a platform for all those women, who are married, divorced or widowed. It was great achievement for all”.
l Mrs World Punjaban UK 2019 crowned winners - Ravneet Kaur and Shalini Gulati (Bindi Sandu copyright Silver Fox Pictures) “Congratulations to Channel Panjab for celebrating the Mrs of this world. The ladies in our lives who work so hard as mums, wives, daughter-in-laws and so much more and do it all with a smile. Congratulations to all the contestants. “They were fabulous. And a huge well done to all the family members who came to support them. I could see the little children so proud of their mums on stage” added Sukhi. “It was an excellent event. Judging was challenging but I think just goes to prove the talent of the contestants. “Well done Channel Punjab for
highlighting to the world the role of females in our society. It was a pleasure working with you all” said Army Captain Makand Singh MBE who was one of the five Judges for the Grand Finale. Dr Opinderjeet Kaur Takhar a Senior Lecturer at Wolverhampton University said “Well done to you all on such a fantastic event”. Mrs Satinder Kaur Taunque OBE. DL. was also given the challenge of selecting the six winners from the fifteen contestants “Mrs World Punjaban UK 2019 event was an excellent portrayal of Punjabi Culture with a flavour of Punjabi folk dances, songs, dresses and jewellery.
l Back Row L-R: The judges: Balbir Singh Flora MBE, Jas Wohura, Mrs Satinder Kaur Taunque OBE, DL, Dr Opinderjeet Kaur Takhar, Captain Makand Singh MBE; Jasbir Singh Derewal, brainchild of the event. Front Row – The crowned winners and runners-up L-R: Amandeep Kaur, Nisha Chohan, Shalini Gulati, Ravneet Kuar, Amandeep Kaur (Newcastle) Kameljeet Kaur
“I am so proud of each and every woman who auditioned and took part in this three-month extravaganza, empowering and motivating all generations. Congratulations and well done to all contestants and winners.” Fellow judge Balbir Singh Flora MBE “It has been a honour and great privilege to play a part in the amazing Mrs. World Punjaban UK 2019 with Channel Punjab, Shaan Punjab Di which for me showcased Punjabi culture through traditional singing, dancing, activities, colourful displays and outfits by all the passionate contestants and production team”. The brainchild behind this concept was Jasbir Singh Derewal who said “I would like to thank everyone for their support shown and for the kind words on this journey, which would have not been possible without the team and we endeavour to continue this journey of rejuvenating our culture and at the same family values”. The audience loved the event which showcased the best of Punjabi culture. Pav Kaur said “The ladies competing in this contest represented Punjabi women from around the world. “They made me feel empowered and made me proud to be Punjaban. I hope Punjabi girls and women will be inspired to enter the contest next year.” The auditions for the next Mrs World Punjaban 2020 are open in Europe, Canada, United States and United Kingdom.
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World Premiere For The New Golf: Digitalised, Connected, And Intelligent T he Golf is the most successful European car for more than four decades. A new chapter in the history of this best-seller begins today, 24 October 2019, with the world premiere of the eighth Golf – digitalised, connected, and intuitive to operate. Never before has a Golf been so progressive. With hybrid versions launched at the same time, it is electrifying the compact class. Its digital interior enables a new dimension of intuitive operation. Speeds of up to 210 km/h are possible with assisted driving. It is the first Volkswagen to use swarm intelligence from traffic via Car2X, meaning it can warn against hazards on an anticipatory basis. Its world premiere takes place in Wolfsburg, where the Golf was invented, and where it has been built and refined for the last 45 years. The new Golf will be available on the market in December.
“Over the course of seven generations, the Golf has impressed more than 35 million customers. The entire automobile industry expects a new Golf to set the standard”, explained Dr. Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG. In terms of its technology, the Golf is making the greatest leap forward since its debut. Ralf Brandstätter, Chief Operating Officer of Volkswagen Passenger Cars: “This car is completely new. “But of course, a Golf always remains a Golf. Because the underlying concept is timeless. This car has defined our brand over decades. The Golf has consistently made new technologies available for everyone.” It is a fact that the new Golf makes sustainable mobility accessible to many people. What’s more, with this Golf Volkswagen is moving to digitalised, self-explanatory operation.
MOTORS
Peking To Paris Motor Challenge Scoops Major Honours Peking Paris 2019 achieved ‘Motorsport Event of the Year’ prize at the prestigious Historic Motoring Awards in London on Thursday 17th October 105 intrepid global competitors took 36 days, crossing 12 countries and eight time zones, most who finished the 14,680 km 8,500 mile epic motoring adventure agreed it had been the toughest yet. The seventh edition of the famous event first run in 1907, followed in the footsteps of the early pioneers. In adhering to the spirit of the original event which produced such an epic motoring experience, it clearly impressed the industry luminaries on the panel of judges on the International Historic Motoring Awards committee. The ERA Peking to Paris Motor Challenge is often described as the world’s greatest motoring endurance event, but with this award it has now firmly set itself as the jewel in the historic motoring crown.
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ENTERTAINMENT MOTORS
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he boss of one of Europe's biggest independent Ford car dealers has warned jobs could be lost in his industry, after the UK leaves the EU. Peoples chair Brian Gilda, who runs six dealerships in Scotland and the north of England, said Brexit tariffs could push costs up 15%. The dealership announced a 17% drop in profit in the last year, to £4.5m. That came as the UK carmakers' industry body, the SMMT, said it needed Brexit "like a hole in the head". New investment in the UK car industry has plummeted as manufacturers concentrated on getting ready for a possible nodeal Brexit. The government said that the automotive industry "remains one of our great success stories", adding that it had been helping businesses to prepare. Peoples, which employs 400 staff, saw record turnover of £277m in the past year but said the profit fall showed trading conditions were "difficult". Gilda said of the post-Brexit landscape: "At some stage, tariffs are going to be introduced. "You could have an engine which is built in Dagenham, which gets exported into Europe which will have a tariff. "It then gets fitted into a Fiesta in Cologne and comes back in, and will have a tariff." Mr Gilda added: "It looks as those these tariffs are going to add somewhere between 10% and 15% to the price of a car. "The manufacturers can't
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Boss warns of postBrexit tariffs and job cuts in motor industry
afford that right now. They're in the grubber financially, so something's going to happen in terms of production. "That's going to affect consumer confidence and that in-turn will affect the economy and jobs."
Asked if that could force the closure of car dealerships, he said: "I'm sure that's the case. "Some privately-owned companies who are lacking in resource might just say, 'enough is enough, this is worse than a
recession'." Mr Gilda said he had been putting his own Brexit plans in place, adding: "I am hopeful that we will get a result, but determined not to fall apart if we don't."
First 100% Electric London Black Cab In 120 Years Launched By Dynamo
The last time London had a 100% electric taxi was 120 years ago, when Queen Victoria was still on the throne. The Bersey Taxi, was introduced in 1897 and was operational until 1899. It had a range of 30 miles between each recharge. Dynamo Managing Director Brendan O’Toole unveiled the Dynamo Taxi, based on a Nissan e-NV200 Evalia MPV, at the International Clean Air Conference at London City Hall in front of attendees including New Minister for the Future of Transport George Freeman, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd. Managing Director Kalyana Sivagnanam. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “Air pollution is a national health crisis that is stunting the lung development of our children and leading to thousands of premature deaths. “We have cut pollution by a third in central London by introducing the world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone and worked tirelessly to clean up the bus and taxi fleet.
“London’s black cabs are known around the world, which is why I am pleased to launch the first all-electric London black cab by Dynamo. Working with cabbies to go electric is a key part of our plans to improve London’s air quality. The Dynamo Taxi will accelerate the retirement of polluting diesel taxis from city streets across the UK, improving air quality, helping to tackle the climate emergency and to create a green economy. I’ve been delighted by the number of cabbies who have applied for our £42 million fund to trade in their older, dirtier vehicles earlier – doing their bit to improve our filthy air.” “The Dynamo Taxi is the UK’s first Transport for Londonapproved fully electric taxi and is designed with both drivers and passengers in mind. With a low starting price, and a reliable vehicle architecture in the Nissan e-NV200, we are offering a truly unique solution to the tens of thousands of taxi drivers in London and cities across the UK.”
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The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019 - Page 33
OBITUARIES AND NOTICE BOARD
Jessye Norman
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orn in Augusta, Georgia, in the USA, the Grammy Award-winning dramatic soprano opera singer and recitalist made a career in Europe. She also sang and recorded recitals by Schubert, Brahms, Chausson, Poulenc, Mahler and Strauss, among others, as well as singing at the second inauguration
Ginger Baker A
lover of jazz, born Peter Edward, in London, in 1939, the drummer played with legendary bassist Jack Bruce, achieved worldwide success when co-founding rock super-group Cream, along with Eric Clapton. He worked with Clapton in Blind Faith and led Ginger Baker's Air Force, before spent several years in the 1970s living and recording in Africa – to fulfil his love of African music. With a drumming regarded for its style, showmanship, and use of two bass drums instead of the conventional one, he was noted
of Ronald Reagan, at The Queen's 60th birthday celebration, and performed at the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution in 1989 – also singing at the 1996 Summer Olympics opening ceremony in her hometown, Atlanta, and for the second inauguration of Bill Clinton. Amongst a long list of awards and honours, she received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the National Medal of Arts, and was a member of the British Royal Academy of Music. Inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1999, she became a Spingarn Medalist in 2013 and a portrait of her, by Norman Perryman, adorns the wall in the Directors Lounge at the Symphony Hall, in Birmingham.. Dying due to complications from a spinal cord injury, she was 74.
Peter Sissons
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T
he Liverpool-born newsreader began his career with ITN in 1964 as a writer before becoming a reporter three years later. As foreign correspondent, he was wounded by gunfire in Biafra in 1968. He was later promoted to ITN's news editor and then industrial editor before becoming a presenter of ITN's News at One in 1978. When Channel 4 was launched in 1982, he present their nightly news programme winning three consecutive Bafta Awards. That year, he joining the BBC taking over from Sir Robin Day
as host of Question Time, for four years, and also presented the Nine O'Clock News and 10 O'Clock News. He also sat on the Hillsborough Independent Panel, which published a report into the 1989 football stadium disaster in 2012. Dying peacefully in his sleep, he was 77.
Geethanjali
riginally named Mani, she was born in Kakinada, in Andhra Pradesh, India in 1947, the Telugu actress acted in over 500 films across multiple languages including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi films, like Illalu, Sitarama Kalyanam with NTR, Adurti Subba Rao's Dr. Chakravarthy, Murali Krishna, Abbayigaru Ammayigaru, Kaalam Marindi and Sambarala Rambabu. She was also a member of the Nandi Award committee. Married to fellow-actor, Rama Krishna, she suffered a cardiac
arrest whilst at a private hospital near in Hyderabad. She was 71.
Stephanie “Stacey” Ellis for performing lengthy drum solos, whilst also collaborating with the likes of Fela Kuti, Gary Moore, Masters of Reality, Public Image Ltd, Hawkwind, Atomic Rooster, Bill Laswell and Charlie Haden and jazz guitarist Bill Frisell before being induced into the of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Modern Drummer Hall of Fame and Classic Drummer Hall of Fame. Married four times with three children, he died aged 80.
Notice Board
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Patrick Day
orn in New York of Haitian immigrants, the Super welterweight professional boxer gained an associate degree in nutrition from Nassau Community College, and a bachelor's degree in health and wellness from Kaplan University. As a pro, he had a record of 22 fights, 17 wins, 4 defeats
and 1 drawn - This following an amateur record of 75 wins and 5 losses. A top-10 ranked junior middleweight for the IBF and the WBC, he died four days after a USBA super welterweight title bout from brain trauma sustained in a knockout loss against Charles Conwell. He was 27.
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Page 34 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Meningitis Now inviting cyclists to take part in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 Keen cyclists have been invited to saddle up for next year’s Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 challenge and help the UK’s largest meningitis charity beat the deadly disease. Meningitis Now has guaranteed places in the iconic event and would love to have riders on their team. Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 takes place on 16 August 2020, so there is plenty of time to get ready. Registration is just £9.99 with a fundraising pledge of £450. They, though, only have 33 places available. Cyclists will receive a personalised technical cycling jersey and training plans. Fundraising support will also be provided with a dedicated member of staff to help on every step of the way to make sure riders don’t fall by the wayside. There will also be supporters lining the route to cheer every cyclist on their way - and the famous post-race party to celebrate everyone’s success.
Reunion for Hospice Staff F and Volunteers in celebration of its 110th anniversary
ormer staff and volunteers who have worked for John Taylor Hospice over the decades were invited to a special reunion as the Birmingham hospice celebrate its 110th anniversary next year and is inviting all former colleagues to come together this autumn to meet old friends and share memories. John Taylor Hospice was founded in 1910 and has been based at The Grange in Grange Road since 1948, with its staff and volunteers having cared for thousands of patients and their families over the past century. Hospice Head of Brand and Media Diane Parkes said: “Our 110th anniversary is a really special event for John Taylor Hospice and we wanted to share it not just with our current staff but also with the hundreds of people who have been part of our story. “It is the dedicated work of these former colleagues which has ensured we are the hospice we are today. It’s just a case of saying thank you, give them a chance to meet with old friends and share our plans for our 110th anniversary.” The free evening’s all about sharing information about the anniversary celebrations and a chance to view old photographs and other mementoes”. Diane added: “We have been doing lots of research into our history as part of the 110th anniversary and are sharing the results of some of that research. And we’d love former staff and volunteers to bring along pictures and other memorabilia to the hospice.” The event at the Grange Road, Erdington, hospice, takes place on Thursday October 10 and all former staff and volunteers were invited.
90 new social workers welcomed to the Midlands Participants on the Frontline programme, the largest social work training programme in the country, started working in local authorities across England. Of the 393 participants, the Midlands has welcomed 87 trainees, over 20% of the 2019 intake, to support the most vulnerable children and families in the region. 23 social workers have started in child protection teams in Birmingham. They have started in child protection teams across 11 local authority partners in the Midlands, including; Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton, after attending a five-week Summer Institute where they were taught by leading academics and experts by experience. This is the third year that the charity has partnered with local authorities to offer placements in
one of the country's toughest but most rewarding professions. To date, over 1,000 social workers have been trained through the Frontline programme across 48% of local authorities in England. The charity continues to increase its impact on the lives of the country’s most vulnerable, this week opening applications for 452 participants for the 2020 Cohort. Josh MacAlister, Frontline’s Chief Executive, said: “Children and families often on the fringes of society rely on social workers to stand alongside them during their most difficult moments. We need more outstanding individuals joining the profession to support vulnerable children and families up and down the country. Social work has the power to change lives and we’re looking forward to developing more social
workers across the Midlands to help give every child a safe and stable home”. Children and Families Minister, Kemi Badenoch, said: “Social workers do one of the most challenging jobs, supporting the most vulnerable children in the country. “There are more social workers than ever, but we want to keep recruiting and retaining the best, from graduates to career changers, which is why we have invested more than £1.2 billion since 2010 in supporting a range of routes into the profession, including fast-track schemes like Frontline, who play a key role in boosting the profile of rewarding careers in social work all over England”. Frontline works with local authorities across London and the South East, East of England, North West, North East, Midlands and South West.
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The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019 - Page 35
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
UK Athletics appoint priory healthcare for mental health services U K Athletics has appointed Priory Healthcare to offer support to athletes outside the World Class Programme (WCP) and across the wider sport. The appointment was made following a recent review of mental health services and support available to athletes who represent GB & NI as well as Athletics Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. It recognised that many athletes who compete at the highest level but are not supported on the WCP experience the same stresses and demands in relation to training, competition, as well as balancing these requirements alongside employment and financial living cost responsibilities The renewed relationship with Priory Healthcare will provide non programme athletes with a clear self-referral signposting system to promptly access a nationwide network of expertise
via the Priory’s Wellbeing Centres and Hospitals. UKA and England Athletics’ Duty of Care Lead Jane Fylan said: “We are delighted to be able to confirm this arrangement with Priory Healthcare which will support many athletes who perform at the highest level but aren’t necessarily in receipt of WCP funding or support. “We’ve worked closely with the performance team at British Athletics to identify the wider requirements. Athletics is a big sport and the numbers representing both GB & NI and the home nations across the year are significant. “We’re pleased to now be able to offer quality mental health support in this way to a wider group of athletes. “We do advocate strongly that individuals should seek referral via their GP in the first instance, however with the ever-growing demands on GPs and the NHS as a whole we also understand the
Fashion show raises money for Parkinson’s UK Two women from the Black Country, in the West Midlands, arranged a catwalk fashion show at the Station Hotel, Dudley raising over £500 for Parkinson’s UK and Dementia UK. Karen Wilcox from Lower Gornal and Alexandra Darby from Rowley Regis organised the event, showcasing a selection of well-known local designers and catwalk models
along with tribute singers and a fantastic drag queen act in September. Karen, who is a professional model and Young European Ms International Finalist and Alex, who was Miss Black Country have both raised thousands of pounds over the years for various charities, but decided to organise this special event as Karen’s dad, Alan, is living with Parkinson’s and dementia.
need for those seeking to access a private referral system both promptly and confidentially.” Priory Healthcare’s Chief Operating Officer, Gair Stott, said: “We are proud to partner with UK Athletics, which is committed to a culture that supports and empowers individuals to talk about their mental health. Our nationwide network of hospitals and Wellbeing Centres offers high-quality treatment, by top specialists in their field, and we have a long track record of supporting sportsmen and women. “The visibility of today’s athletes can exacerbate the pressures they are under, professionally and personally. Some people assume that mental health issues in athletes are rare, as they’re perceived to be extremely physically healthy with fewer psychological issues. “In truth, mental illness is likely to be as common in athletes
Karen said: “I wanted to raise money and awareness for both charities and I have also joined Parkinson’s UK as a Network Campaigner to promote awareness in the local area”. Alex, who also sang at the event said: “They are both charities that I am very passionate about and I am over the moon that we managed to raise over £500. We had a fantastic day and so much fun was had by all”. Parkinson’s UK is the leading charity driving better care, treatments and quality of life for those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's through cutting edge research, information, support and campaigning.
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as it is in the general population. With access to our psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists, Priory Healthcare hopes it can support the UK’s athletes’ mental health, alongside their physical health, which has true benefits all round.”
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Page 36 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019
AZUZA STREET
Diwali lights up the world in honour of Lakshmi People across India, the UK and the wider world celebrated one of the most colourful festivals as Diwali got underway, as the hugely important date in the religious with the Festival of Lights was commemorated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains as one. From New Delhi to New York, Bollywood to Birmingham, Leicester, London, Toronto and beyond, celebrations took place through a variety of different traditions including the lighting of the diyas and decorating houses with rangoli artworks. Always one of the most popular Hindu festivals, the five-day event saw Dhanteras marking the beginning of celebrations, Choti Diwali/Naraka Chaturdashi saw the feasts and sweets preparations before Diwali/Lakshmi Pujan - main day for feasting – had followers visiting temples and spending time with friends and family For many people, Diwali honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fertility.
Belgian brewers gather for annual blessing - of beer B elgium celebrated Saint Arnould, the Patron Saint of brewers by blessing a barrel of beer in a cathedral in Brussels. Dressed in costumes and accompanied by a band, the knights of the ‘Brewer's Paddle’, or Belgian Brewers' Guild, marched from the city's iconic Grand Palace to the altar where the consecration ceremony was held.
According to the tradition, Saint Arnould was the son of a brewer and therefore learned the secrets of brewing at an early age. Michel Tasnier, a member of the ‘Knighthood’ for 27 years, said: "It's a great moment of conviviality. Knights meet there, we forget about competition. "The key of this is the quality of beer, produced with knowledge and drunk with wisdom."
From spring 2020
the law around organ donation in England is changing Unless you choose to opt out, you will be considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when you die. Whatever you choose, let close family or friends know to help ensure your decision is honoured. To find out more about your choices, including how to opt out: visit organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 303 2094
PASS IT ON
US call for religious freedom at UN General Assembly In a speech during the United Nations General Assembly, United States President Donald Trump announced a “global call to protect religious freedom.” His speech was the first time that a sitting US President has ever spoken on the issue of religious freedom at the UN. “Religious freedom is a fundamental right that all countries are called to protect,” said Kelsey Zorzi, ADF International’s Director of Global Religious Freedom and President of the UN’s NGO Committee on Freedom of Religion or Belief. “The President’s speech was an important and historic moment
precisely because religious freedom is too often ignored or downplayed at the UN. “At a time when persecution is on the rise and over 80% of the world’s population lives in countries with high restrictions on religious freedom, every country should make securing religious freedom a high priority.” The goal of President Trump’s speech was to highlight and broaden international support for religious freedom. He spoke of increasing attacks on houses of worship and religious sites. Over 150 foreign leaders, faith leaders, victims of persecution, and religious freedom activists attended for the President’s
Production manager at Chimay Brewery, Xavier Pirlot, also spoke highly of the event, saying: "It's the day, the D-day of my year, of my brewing year," said Pirlot. "It's the opportunity for me to meet my colleagues and to celebrate our beer." The ceremony was followed by ‘Beer Weekend’, an event gathering all brewers on the Grand Place to get the public to discover Belgium's best brews.
speech. Vice President Mike Pence also gave an opening remark. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.” Religious freedom has become a central pillar of US foreign policy. In July 2019, the State Department hosted over 100 foreign delegations and 1000 civil society members during its second Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom. President Trump also met with more than 30 victims of persecution in the Oval Office at that time. He was expected to raise the issue with multiple heads of state in bilateral discussions during high-level week at the UN General Assembly. The United States also hosted side events on the mass detention of Uyghur Muslims in China, and on the links between religious freedom and economic development. The 74th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 74) opened in New York, on September 17, 2019.
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The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019 - Page 37
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OVERSEAS NEWS
Celebrate Evita - 100 years since her birth
Following the launch of the new London musical, Evita, which showed at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, the Buenos Aires tourism board outlined the best Evita-themed experiences in the Argentina capital, 100 years since her birth in 1919. Eva Perón was born in 1919 in the rural village of Los Toldos, Argentina. After moving to Buenos Aires in the 1930s, she had some success as an actress before marrying in Juan Perón in 1945, who became president of the country the following year. Eva used her influential position as First Lady to fight for women's suffrage and improve the lives of the poor and became an iconic figure around the world. Visitors to Buenos Aires can discover her adopted city with several activities and events that celebrate and reflect on her legacy.
Kesha and Arian invest $5M in Black Women-Owned Businesses
Ethiopia Prime Minister, Dr Abiy Ahmed, wins Nobel Peace Prize
T
he 2019 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed who last year made peace with their bitter enemy, Eritrea. Named as the winner of the 100th Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Dr Abiy was rewarded for his efforts to "achieve peace and international cooperation" in a deal which ended a 20-year military stalemate following their border war between 1998
and 2000. With a total of 301 candidates being nominated for the prestigious award, including 223 individuals and 78 organisations, there was great speculation over who would win the prize, with climate activist Greta Thunberg widely tipped as the favourite. Abiy Ahmed became prime minister of the east African country in April 2018, when he almost immediately introduced massive liberalising reforms as
he shook up what was a tightly controlled nation. He freed thousands of opposition activists from jail and allowed exiled dissidents to return home. Most importantly, he signed the peace deal with Eritrea. But his reforms also lifted the lid on Ethiopia's ethnic tensions, and the resulting violence forced some 2.5 million people from their homes. The Norwegian Nobel
Committee said. That Dr Abiy was honoured for his "decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighbouring Eritrea". Continuing, they said: "The prize is also meant to recognise all the stakeholders working for peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia and in the East and Northeast African regions". He will receive the award in the Norwegian capital in December.
Keisha Knight Pulliam and Arian Simone have launched the Fearless Fund, which invests in women-led businesses seeking preseed, seed level, or Series A funding. Their mission is to bridge the gap in venture capital funding for women of colour founders who are building scalable, growth aggressive companies. Actress and entrepreneur Keshia, best known for her childhood role as Rudy Huxtable, the youngest child of Cliff and Clair Huxtabl, is the Founder of a spice line called Keshia's Kitchen, the ‘Kandidly Keshia’ podcast, and a nonprofit called ‘The Kamp Kizzy Foundation’. Serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, angel investor, and marketing expert Arian who built up a PR firm from nothing that has worked on Sony and Universal films like Ride Along, Limitless, Hancock, and Quantum of Solace, is also the best-selling author of several books including ‘Fearless Faith + Hustle: 21 Day Devotional Journey’ and ‘My Fabulous & Fearless Journey’. Since its recent initiation, the Fearless Fund has hosted pitch competitions at Facebook Headquarters & Spanx Headquarters with brand partners such as CocaCola, UrbanSkinRX, Bumble and more.
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The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019 - Page 39
OVERSEAS NEWS
M
assive ‘props’ has to go out after it was reported that filmmaker, Tyler Perry, used his own private jet to transport relief supplies to the Bahamas to help the thousands who were devastated by Hurricane Dorian. The writer, actor, director and producer, who, himself, owns a 25-acre island in the Bahamas, was also said to have seven people, including children and a pregnant woman, rescued to receive medical attention. The Category 5 storm, which destroyed homes and properties, was said to have claimed some 50-plus civilians, with anywhere of up to 70,000 people who became homeless. Noted for films and TV shows including; ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’ and ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows’, was so moved by the plight of the people of the Abaco Islands that he posted on his Instagram feed; “To all the incredible people of the Bahamas who have welcomed me and called me an adoptive son, I want you to know that I am watching closely, and as soon as I can, I will be there to do whatever I can to help you rebuild stronger and better. You’re not only in my heart and my prayers, you’re in my blood. God bless you. Stay Bahamas strong. The sun will
Hollywood star, Perry, used own jet to aid relief in Hurricane-torn Bahamas shine again [sic]”. After posting the message, Perry, 50 - who Forbes list as the highest paid man in entertainment - sent his Gulfstream III jet plane
Ovolo Group Expands to South East Asia & Beyond Ovolo has announced the purchase of the Citadines Kuta Beach Bali, the group's first property outside of Hong Kong and Australia, representing its vision to become a truly global hospitality company with particular focus on South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, United States and United Kingdom. The 194-room property consists of 182 studio rooms, nine one-bedroom suites and three two-bedroom suites, an all-day dining restaurant, rooftop pool & bar, gym and conferencing facilities. In early 2020, Ovolo will announce its future plans for this property in which it will be reimagined to be inline with Ovolo Group's ethos and philosophies.
made several trips, carrying necessities such as water, juice, diapers, sleeping bags, hygiene products, and much more.
Witness the wonders of Japan with Scenic With the world’s sporting eyes on Japan this year in light of the Rugby World Cup and 2020 Tokyo Olympics, it’s easy to forget everything else that the destination has to offer. You can discover the wonders of Japan with Scenic on its brand new 19-day Essential Japan tour.. The holiday takes guests from Tokyo to Osaka, visiting some of the most incredible places Japan has to offer, including Fuji Five Lakes at the base of Mount Fuji, the Miyagawa morning markets in Takayama, Nagoya, Kyoto by Shinkansen train, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island and Osaka. Highlights of the itinerary include: • Board a yakatabune (traditional houseboat) for an evening dinner cruise admiring the bright lights of Tokyo • An exclusive interactive Taiko
drumming lesson with a Taiko master • An exclusive sushi cooking lesson hosted by a local chef in Hakone • Walk around the hot springs at the summit of the Owakudani geothermal area in Fuji Five Lakes • Discover historical farmhouses hidden within the mountain villages of Shirakawa-go in Takayama – a world heritage site • Join an exclusive Japanese tea ceremony whilst dressed in a traditional kimono • Visit Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion) and the classical Zen garden at Ryoan-ji Temple in Kyoto • An excursion to Nara to visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park • A visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum
before visiting Orizuru Tower to create a special origami donation • Sail to Miyajima Island to visit the Daisho-in Temple and the floating sixth century vermillion torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine • A visit to a traditional house with pieces of architecture that date back to the Edo Period Scenic’s fully-inclusive philosophy ensures everything guests could possibly need is encompassed in the price – including all flights, transfers, gratuities, exceptional wining and dining experiences, four memorable Scenic Special Stays in incredible locations, five exclusive once-in-a-lifetime Scenic Enrich experiences, and 13 flexible Scenic Freechoice excursions, in which guests can choose from to tailor their trip for a truly personal experience.
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HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL
Half of tourism businesses fear immigration reforms may cause closures Research by UKinbound and Canterbury Christ Church University shows that the Government’s proposed postBrexit immigration reforms have the potential to severely destabilise the tourism industry in the UK, putting at risk an industry that contributes £145 billion (7.2% of UK GDP) to the UK economy and £5.9 billion to the West Midlands. The survey shows that: • 52% said that the proposals would impact negatively on their ability to continue to operate • 70% believe that the proposals would impact negatively on their ability to expand • 74% believe that the proposals would impact negatively on their ability to remain competitive • 50% of tourism businesses cited the limited domestic labour market as the key reason for the continued need for EU workers The survey of UK tourism and hospitality businesses in the report also highlights how the reporting of the reliance of the sector on EU workers (approx. 10%) is extremely conservative and such national averages mask the realities of many tourism organisations. Over two-thirds of West Midlands businesses reported that EU workers account for up to a quarter of their workforce.
Caribbean urged to look within to grow tourism
Snow Better Place to Be...
F
rom befriending reindeer in the UK's only wild reindeer herd, to toasting the national bard with a dram; to partying through a three-day Hogmanay celebration, to basking in the glow of a traditional Celtic fire festival - adventurers, comfortseekers and revellers will never be short of unique and exciting experiences in Scotland this winter. Scotland is a beautiful and exciting place to visit all year round, but there is something special about driving through a mist-covered glen or catching a sunset over the snow dusted mountains. As the days get shorter and the temperature
drops, Scotland doesn't go into hibernation… the party is just getting started. Winter in Scotland might sound like a chilly time, but there is a lot to experience off-season. From October onwards, there is a huge variety of unique and traditional fire festivals held all over the country. Catch the Samhuinn Fire Festival which celebrates the Celtic New Year on top of Edinburgh's iconic Calton Hill with a dramatic mix of dance, immersive theatre and fire play. Head north to Up Helly Aa Viking Festival in the small town of Lerwick in the Shetland Isles and see the burning of the long ship on the last Tuesday in January
(one of 12 fire festivals taking place in January). These unique experiences guarantee to keep participants and spectators alike warm on a cold night. Scotland is known for its wide range of outdoor activities and that doesn't stop in winter, in fact- it enhances it. Dust off the cobwebs on 1st January with the famous Loony Dook in South Queensferry by joining the brave participants in throwing themselves into the freezing Firth of Forth waters. Scotland loves a festival, and they're not just for the summer months. Celtic Connections brings the very best of Celtic, folk and roots music from all over the world to Glasgow.
The 18 day-long festival event draws over 2,000 musicians and uses over 33 of the UNESCO City of Music's iconic venues during the month of January. 'Hogmanay', or New Year's Eve, is a uniquely Scottish experience, and Edinburgh is known all over the world for throwing legendary Hogmanay celebrations along its cobbled streets and its residents and visitors dancing into the early hours of the morning. However, the rest of Scotland is also embraces this time to party like nowhere else: head north and party at the Red-Hot Highland Fling in Inverness.
Leaders in the Caribbean tourism industry have been advised to embrace and develop the strengths of their people to keep the industry among the most competitive in the world. The charge came from the acting secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Neil Walters speaking at the Grenada Tourism Authority’s inaugural awards ceremony held at the Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada. “Yes, we can have the most beautiful properties, the best airports, the best seaports, but it is the people who make the Caribbean tourism product what it is. It is your welcoming and hospitable spirit which encourages visitors to return,” said Walters. The acting SG said demands from visitors for experiences beyond the traditional ‘sun, sea and sand’, only served to enhance the need for the industry to equip the hospitality workforce to perform at the highest level.
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The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019 - Page 41
HOLIDAY AND TRAVEL
Guyana Tourism Authority wins the ‘Destination Stewardship Award’ Guyana, through the work of the Guyana Tourism Authority and its partners, was awarded the distinguished Destination Stewardship Award from the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) during the Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Awards. The awards ceremony was held on Thursday, August 29th, 2019 at the Caribbean Sustainable Development Conference in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The CTO Caribbean Sustainable Awards identify and showcase sustainable tourism good practices in CTO’s 26 member destinations. The awards recognise individuals, groups, organisations or companies in any of the CTO’s member countries that are implementing initiatives that embrace sustainable tourism concepts and core values. These initiatives should also help to enhance the country's tourism product offerings and advance sustainable and responsible tourism in the Caribbean. Guyana was awarded the Destination Stewardship Award, which highlights a country, region, town, village or community that is making solid strides towards sustainable tourism management at the destination-level.
Enjoy Christmas With a Twist
C
ornwall's Polurrian on The Lizard hotel is a stunning spot to spend the festive season. There's a beautiful beach on the doorstep and the South West coastal path to explore as well as a great range
of activities and entertainment in the hotel. Guests can wrap up warm and enjoy the sights of the South West coastal path directly from the hotel. A monument to Marconi, who sent the first transatlantic wireless signal from
there in 1901 is nearby and there are some lovely secluded coves (Church and Poldhu) as well as medieval landmarks. On arrival at the hotel guests will enjoy mulled wine and mince pies while they discover all that's on offer during their break. There'll be wreath making, a mocktail masterclass for the kids and live music by local artists to entertain guests; and the stunning Vista will be a great place to relax with a glass of fizz and take in the incredible view. Once the children are tucked up or enjoying a festive film, the hotel's resident mixologist will hold a cocktail masterclass using a selection of the best Cornish tipples, to demonstrate how to make classic cocktails. Christmas Eve will be a funpacked day with board games in the Vista, kids' pizza making, a Pool tournament for everyone, plus a festive sing-along for
those embracing the Christmas spirit. The hotel will also arrange taxis for those wanting to attend Midnight Mass at Mullion Church. Christmas Day will begin with a Buck's Fizz breakfast; lunch will be paired with wines and a buffet dinner will be served in the evening. For those who want to tear themselves away from the comfort of the hotel, the annual Boxing Day Swim at Poldhu Cove is not for the faint-hearted (no wetsuits!) but is definitely fun to join in or just watch. Last year the hotel had plenty of guests who continued the festive activities and enjoyed a brisk swim! Hot pasties, soup & mulled wine will be served back at the hotel. Ten-minute, mini spa treatments will be available throughout the afternoon, before dinner is served.
A Season of Stars at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong The much-anticipated festive year-end in Hong Kong is celebrated with a spirit of joy and enthusiasm, with cascading yuletide lights on streets, glittering trees and bedecked shopping malls that make a fine spectacle. In this pulsating city, travellers and holiday-makers flock to Hong Kong to enjoy myriad classic and novel winter festivities. Among the highlights to celebrate the end of 2019 in the city: the annual Nutcracker ballet performance, Disney Christmas by Disneyland, Ocean Park Christmas Sensation, Hong Kong Philharmonic Jazz Nights and Viennese New Year performances, and the legendary Hong Kong New Year's Eve fireworks display that captivate tourists and locals alike.
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Page 42 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019
PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE
Don’t miss our Education, Training & Recruitment Section
Coverage on Pages 14 & 15!
U
K house prices rose at a slower rate in the year to July than at any time since September 2012, up by 0.7%, official figures show. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said there had been general slowdown in UK property price growth in the last three years. This was driven by a slowing market in London and south-eastern England. But the latest figures show the biggest drop in prices in the last year was in the North East of England. Property values in the region fell by 2.9% in the year to July and were down by 2.1% in July compared with June, the data from the ONS and Land Registry shows. On an annual basis, there were also falls in house prices in the South East of England (down 2%), London (down 1.4%), and the East of England (down 0.5%). Overall in the UK, the annual rise of 0.7% was the slowest since the 0.4% rise of September 2012. The biggest rise was in Wales, up 4.2%. The typical property in the UK is now valued at £233,000. David Westgate, chief executive at Andrews Property Group, said: "July's house price data is yet more evidence of a property market with a distinct lack of momentum." The ONS/Land Registry data is generally considered to be the most accurate house price estimate, although it covers a period which is slightly earlier than other surveys.
House price increase at its slowest for years
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Uncertainty leads to downturn in West Midlands’ Commercial Market property cycle
The Brexit impasse is contributing to perceptions that the West Midlands’ Commercial Property Market is in the downturn phase of the property cycle, according to the Q3 2019 RICS UK Commercial Property Market Survey. The latest results show the highest proportion of respondents sensing the overall market is in the downturn phase of the property cycle since the series began in 2015 (+63% up from +55% in Q2), with anecdotal evidence suggesting that Brexit is having an increasingly detrimental impact on market activity. Tenant demand for the region’s commercial property fell at the headline level once again, with the net balance slipping to -28%, from -6% previously. The region’s retail sector continues to struggle the most (net balance -67% compared to -57% in Q2) but this quarter saw demand for office space also fall,
(net balance of -22% compared to +5% in Q2). The West Midlands industrial sector was the only sector to see any interest this quarter, although the increase was marginal, as the net balance came in at +4% (down from +34% in Q2). With less demand for the region’s industrial property, the availability of leasable space in the industrial sector improved in Q3. This marks a slight departure from the uninterrupted run of declining supply being reported since 2013. The region’s retail sector continues to have more vacancies coming to market, prompting another increase in incentive packages on offer to prospective tenants. Incentives are also on offer in the office sector as the availability of office space rose once again. Interest in investing in the West Midlands’ commercial property
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market fell at a faster pace this quarter too, with -17% more respondents seeing a fall in investment enquiries. Investment enquiries from overseas also fell this quarter with a net balance of -15%, marking the poorest reading in five years, when the question was introduced. Looking to the next three months, respondents to the survey project that rents will rise in the industrial sector and unsurprisingly, fall in the retail sector - some 60% of respondents expect to see further reductions in rents across retail, the lowest reading since Q4 2011. In the office sector, respondents expect to see little movement in current rent levels. Tarrant Parsons, RICS Economist, commented: “Although a clear majority of respondents now perceive the market to be in a downturn, the fact that capital value expectations are still positive in many parts of the country suggests a relatively soft landing for the commercial real estate sector is anticipated overall. “That said, the fallout for retail is altogether more severe. It remains to be seen what impact the latest Brexit developments have on confidence across the sector, but with the picture unlikely to become clear until into the New Year it may well mean hesitation continues over the near term.”
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The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019 - Page 43
Royalty Visited New Bingley Hall For Black History Month Launch T he Official Black History Activity Books Launch 2.0 took place at the New Bingley Hall on Saturday 5th October, in the presence of HRH Queen Diambi who was featured in The Phoenix Newspaper's Black History Month: The Next Generation supplement in the October edition, and Mfundishi Jhutyms.
Labelled as the Biggest Black History Event and Cultural Market For 2019, the launch saw Queen Diambi met by The Phoenix Newspaper Editor In Chief Marcia McLaughlin, before processing into the hall for the festivities to begin. Marcia was delighted to accompany the queen at her request as she competed a tour of Bingley Hall, meeting and
greeting all the stall holders. The Queen greeted everyone with a warm hug, in particular the children. A special gift was given to her by a young girl. It was a coin, the queen asked for it to be mounted there and then. She said that coin represented so much more than just a gift and that she would wear it close to her. The spirit of the young child
ROYAL VISIT
spoke volumes over all that was happening on that day. This clearly demonstrated the purest of thoughts and heart that Queen Diambi has. The next generation is the voice of the future. During her UK visit, Queen Diambi also visited London, where she met with Black Poppy Rose founder Selena Carty and celebrity Jamelia among other specially invited guests.
The Olojo Festival shines a light on the Yoruba worldwide
C
elebrating the dawn of the first day, the Olojo Festival was, again, at its peak as it was able to showcase the rich culture of the Yoruba heritage as it continues to promote its values, global peace and prosperity. In the presence of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adéyeyè Enitan Ògúnwùsì (Òjàjà II) Oonirisa, he called on visitors from far and wide to come and celebrate in Ile Ife, in Nigeria. "With my global outreach initiative which continues to inspire an epic movement”, he said, ”I’ve been travelling out of my kingdom to visit other nations around the
world to share our own stories, delivering academic lectures, recharting the leading role of the Yoruba nation throughout the world and to reignite the immortal Yoruba spirit of enlightenment as the glowing fountain of knowledge that gave birth to the world civilisation”. Noted as being the foremost festival of its kind, in the world, the Olojo has proved to be a triumphant initiative from divinity to humanity as it was also the primal source to the creation of other festivals. Held, as always, near the Palace at Enuwa in Ile Ife, Osun State, the mass display of cultural troupes was a bright and powerful prelude leading to the enigmatic point
where the King of Ife separated himself from the huge crowd to cleanse his palace and himself of all the evil forces. After which, he led his people to the Okemogun shrine where he renewed his vows as Head of the Yoruba. A colloquium - an important segment of the show was also high on the month’s agenda to enable scholars, culture technocrats, administrators, activists and advocates to brainstorm and determine how best to ensure that Olojo and other related cultural festivals do not lose their focus. The existence of Ile-Ife as the source of humanity has been
genetically studied and attested to by the scientific work of Dr. Etienne Papin and his 24 man-team at Institut Pasteur in Paris, France. The studies corroborate the genetic existence of the Yoruba collective in Nigeria at more than 100,000 years ago-with two distinct main groups, Khoe-San of South Africa splitting away at 87,000 years ago and Mbuti of DRC parting from Yoruba at 56,000 years ago respectively. The main event then saw the Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi in place to receive the people during a colourful and magnificent rxperience, bringing the town to the full attention of the world.
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Page 44 - The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019
SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS
F
F1 ready for dramatic 2020 revamp Plans have been made to revolutionise Formula 1 by the sports’ governing body with new rules and new technology set to be introduced in an effort to make it more attractive and more dramatic. FIA’s president of governing body, Jean Todt, says that the rules were unanimously approved by the World’s Council, F1’s legislative body with new changes to include a new aerodynamic concept and a £135m budget cap. There will be a major change to the way F1 cars produce their performance from aerodynamic downforce. Under the new rules, cars will generate a far greater proportion of their overall downforce from under the car, and there will be a significant reduction in the number of external shapers around the bodywork. The idea is to reduce the effect of 'dirty air' from a car in front on one trying to follow behind. Todt described it as "a very special day for our sport", adding: "The goal is to have a closer championship and more unpredictable [racing] on track."
or the first time in decades Iranian women have attended a World Cup qualifier in Tehran after they were allowed to enter a stadium to watch a men's match Since just after the 1979 Islamic revolution women were banned from stadiums when men were playing. The change, though, followed the death of a female fan who set herself alight after being arrested for trying to attend a match. Sahar Khodayari, known as ‘Blue Girl’ because of the team she supported, set fire to herself outside court while awaiting trial for trying to attend a match disguised as a man. The 29-year-old died a week later. However, human rights organisation, Amnesty International, described the move as a "cynical publicity stunt" and that there were only a "token number" of tickets for female fans as it called for all restrictions on female attendance to be lifted. More than 3,500 women bought tickets to the World Cup qualifier against Cambodia - in a 78,000 capacity Azadi Stadium - where they were granted access to a special women's-only section. Women were previously allowed into the Azadi Stadium to watch a screening of their team playing Spain in the 2018 World Cup. But this was the first time in decades that they had been allowed to watch a game on Tehran's pitch. The tickets for women reportedly sold out within
Iran Allow Women To Attend First Football Match
minutes. After the game, one female fan posted on twitter: "We had fun for three hours. All of us laughed, some of us cried because we were so happy. "We had this experience very late in our life but I am so happy for younger girls who came to the stadium today." FIFA, football's governing body, put pressure on Tehran
to meet its commitments to allowing women to attend World Cup qualifiers. It said that it would "stand firm" in ensuring that women had access to all football matches in Iran. Joyce Cook, FIFA's head of Education and Social Responsibility, said: "We are firm and committed that all fans have an equal right,
including women, to attend matches." Last year, Saudi Arabia allowed women to attend a football match for the first time as part of an easing of strict rules on gender separation by the ultra-conservative Muslim country. Iran beat Cambodia 14-0.
Birmingham 2022 Advisory Committee Announced Birmingham 2022 has unveiled the members of its newly formed Athletes’ Advisory Committee, a group of Team England stars who will play a crucial role in the planning and delivery of the Commonwealth Games over the next two and a half years. It has been formed to represent the interests of athletes and provide the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games organisers with expert advice and guidance and include gold medalwinning triathlete Alistair Brownlee, gold medal para athlete Katrina Hart, who is a member of Birmingham’s Birchfield Harriers. The Athletes’ Advisory Committee will be chaired by Zara Hyde Peters from the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee Board, who will report back to the board and share the committee’s advice on how to create the best possible sporting experience for all participating athletes at Birmingham 2022. Katrina said: “I’m excited to be able to play a key role in ensuring that Birmingham 2022 is the best possible Games for all of the 4,500 athletes that will be taking part. “This role is made even more special for me as I’m helping to organise an event which is taking place right on my door step, so I’m even more determined to help ensure the Games is a success.”
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The Phoenix Newspaper - November 2019 - Page 45
Birmingham 2022 Advisory Committee Announced - Page 44
Iran Women Watch First Football Match - Page 44
Olympics legend, Semenya, turns to football for solace
H
aving been cast aside by the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations), twotime Olympic 800m gold medallist Caster Semenya has joined JVW, a women’s football team South Africa. With the 28-year-old unable to compete without taking testosterone-reducing drugs following a rule change by the athletics' governing body, meant that she couldn’t defend her 800m World Championship title in Doha – despite the fact that she is fighting the rule change through the courts. Now training with the Gauteng-based women's football club, the three-time world champion cannot start playing for JVW until the 2020 season, having joined outside the country’s transfer window. The 28-year-old Olympics legend said: “I am looking forward to this new journey and am really appreciating the love and support from my new teammates”. Formed in 2013 by current South Africa Women's captain, Janine van Wyk, she said: "Caster is on a break at the moment which is why she has time on her hands to do
something different. "In training you can see football is there, in her, but we still need to work on her a bit because it's very different to athletics”. van Wyk did, however, state: "She's made it really clear to me that she's not giving up running at all. "It's amazing for the football club. The recognition women's football in South Africa will get is massive. "To have her play in the league over here is incredible and I think young girls and her team-mates will draw a lot of inspiration from Caster." Semenya is not the first athlete to switch to football after retiring in 2017, Usain Bolt trained with Norwegian club Stromsgodset and Australian side Central Coast Mariners, but did not secure a contract. She is also following in the footsteps of her former coach Maria Mutola, who also turned to football after athletics. The IAAF introduced its rule change because it argues female athletes with differences of sexual development (DSD) - such as Semenya - have "a competitive advantage".
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Farr Vintners to sponsor Cure Leukaemia Tour de France event Britain’s leading fine wine merchant Farr Vintners has been announced as the headline sponsor for former England international footballer and blood cancer survivor, Geoff Thomas’ latest and final Tour de France cycling event, one day ahead of the professionals in 2020. The event, GT15, will take place 15 years after the ex-Wolves and Cristal Palace captain was declared in remission from chronic myeloid leukaemia, a form of blood cancer, and the 55-year-old has announced that this will be his fifth and final Tour de France challenge taking place from Friday June 26th – Saturday July 18th next year. He will be joined by a team of 20 amateur cyclists who will take all 21 gruelling stages and 3,470km of the recently announced Le Tour 2020 route a day ahead of the likes of Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas. Thomas, a Patron of blood cancer charity Cure Leukaemia,
and his team are committed to raising £1,000,000 for the charity that helped save his life. All funds raised from this event will be invested directly into the national Trials Acceleration Programme (TAP) network which Cure Leukaemia will begin funding from January 2020. The nationwide expansion of Cure Leukaemia will see the charity invest £3m from 2020-22 in order to fund specialist research nurses and clinical roles in 12 blood cancer centres across the United Kingdom allowing them to open and run clinical trials for pioneering treatments for the disease. Patients from an increased catchment area of over 20 million people will have access, as a result, to potentially life-saving treatments not currently available through standard care. This is the second time that Farr Vintners have provided headline sponsorship for one of Geoff’s challenges after previously
sponsoring the Geoff Thomas 3 Tours Challenge in 2017. He said: “I am deeply humbled by the generosity of Farr Vintners and Chair Stephen Browett for once again supporting myself and Cure Leukaemia. “Having the headline sponsorship of such a well-known and reputable company such as Farr Vintners not only elevates our
event to hopefully attract further sponsors but it also allows more funds to go to Cure Leukaemia. “Every penny we raise will go directly into helping save the lives of blood cancer patients through clinical trials which help hasten global progress towards the eradication of this disease, potentially within the next 15 years.”
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