Connecting Communities - Inspiring A New Generation CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION ACROSS ALL COMMUNITIES Our 24 Page Commonwealth Games Roundup Supplement Starts On Page 13! BIRMINGHAM2022.COM/FESTIVAL #B2022FESTIVAL LET’S GO OUT A CELEBRATION OF CREATIVITY IN THE WEST MIDLANDS ARTWORK: GAZ BURNS JOB WELL DONE Delivering The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games On Time, On Budget, And Putting Birmingham On The Global Stage Once Again Set Your Holiday Sights Further Afield - Page 44 Check Out All The 'Nice' Action From Insomnia 69 - Page 12 l Birmingham 2022 Chairman John Crabtree OBE, Birmingham 2022 Chief Executive Officer Ian Reid, Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street CBE and Birmingham City Council Leader Cllr Ian Ward delivered an amazing event.
WHAT WILL BE THE LEGACY FOR BIRMINGHAM AFTER THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES?
By Dr Tony Talburt
For around two weeks, the city of Birmingham took global centre stage as the Commonwealth Games created a tremendous sporting buzz. Even those individuals who were pessimistic about the games because of its origins and links with British colonialism, would have to admit the Birmingham games were generally successful. But now that the dust has begun to settle, what will be the lasting legacy for Birmingham? Sometimes when big sporting events take place, they are accompanied by disruptions and destructions of local communities.Therefore,the legacy of such games is negative because no lasting benefits are perceived to have taken place. For example, after the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014, some people, like Margaret Jaconelli and other locals from Dalmarnock, claimed the games only served to destroy communities. Many of the locals in Dalmarnock believe the city has been left as a ‘ghost town’ eight years after the games were over. It cannot be denied that such games bring disruptions.
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However, Bill Garrett, director of sports and events at Glasgow Life, claims the Commonwealth Games of 2014 helped put the city on the sporting map of the world.Infact, because of the success of the Glasgow games, the city has hosted the European Championships and in 2023 will be hosting the World Cycling Championships.Thereare, however, signs of improvement and developments associated with the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.InthePerry Barr area of Birmingham, residents experienced months of travel delays because of the construction of the Athletes village and other facilities in the area to host the Commonwealth Games.Today, however, the area looks brighter and traffic is as not congested as before. Prior to the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, the city and its eastern areas were feeling the effects of economic downturn. The hosting of the Games, and the consequential funding of capital from central government and private entities, helped to reinvigorate the city’s regeneration.Birmingham’s legacy plan is very bold and ambitious. Some of the highlights are: state-ofthe-art legacy facilities at the Alexander Stadium near Perry Barr and also the Sandwell Aquatics Centre for community use after the Games. There will also be 1,400 homes in the first phase of the Perry Barr Regeneration Scheme, with hundreds more in future phases. There will be a procurement of around £350 million to benefit businesses across the UK. There will be 35,000 jobs and opportunities available, with the first Commonwealth Jobs and Skills Academy offering a blueprint for reaching disadvantaged groups. From as early as June 2019, Birmingham City Council had pledged public funding, which includes contingency, that would be split approximately 75%/25% between investment from central government (£594 million) and Birmingham City Council and a number of its key partners (£184 million).Thegovernment had earlier confirmed that Birmingham and the West Midlands region would benefit from a £778 million investment to stage the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the government has confirmed today.As long as most of these pledges are carried out, this would certainly represent some positives for Birmingham. Although there have been numerous disruptions and inconveniences to many people in Birmingham and the West Midlands as the new facilities were being constructed, the affected parts of the city can now boast of a refurbished train station at Perry Barr, a new intersection at what used to be the Perry Barr roundabout, as well as a new aquatic centre in Sandwell.Inaddition, as long as the newly constructed apartments are made available to local residents, these will be long lasting benefits of the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands.Ifmore people are found to have taken up sporting events as a result of these games, this would serve as further evidence that the Commonwealth Games of 2022 in Birmingham created a lasting legacy. The central point is that central and local governments must ensure their pledges are carried out to make certain of the game’s lasting legacy.
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OUTCHILDRENNOTTINGHAMADAYTOREMEMBER
The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 - Page 3@PhoenixNewsUK NEWS CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS B GROCERSCANEY SOHO ROAD/BOULTON ROAD, HANDSWORTH CALL FOR MORE INFO - 07835271725 YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR FRESH CARIBBEAN FRUIT AND VEG To Advertise 0121 339 5885
Donation In Memory Of Armon 'Glady' Donaldson
The 200 children, all from the Nottingham area, were gifted a free trip to Ingoldmells theme park, Fantasy Island, to enjoy the 30 outdoor and indoor rides and attractions while also getting the experience of the seaside this summer. The youngsters and their parents were greeted by the likes of MP for Nottingham North, Alex Norris, and MP Vernon Coaker, as well as Mayor and Mayoress of Gedling Cllrs Peter and Sandra Barnes, before being waved off to embark on their exciting adventure at the famous themeSpeakingpark.of the charity day out, Managing Director at Mellors Group, James Mellors Snr, said: “As a family-run entertainment company our biggest motivator is creating memories for families and putting smiles on children’s faces.“With the school holidays in full swing, we know the little ones are looking for things to do and we wanted to roll out some free days out for kids in the Nottingham area to give the children from my hometown a glimpse of what we offer in Sunny Skegness. The ‘cost of living’ crisis is hitting everyone hard and It’s great to be able to help out where we can, and we cannot wait to host more charity days in the future.”
MELLORS GROUP GIFTS
l Mellors Group partnered with The Toy Library and Gedling Play Forum gave 200 children a day to remember
FOLLOWING THE passing of Armon 'Glady' Donaldson earlier this year, there was a collection for Macmillan Cancer Support in hisFamilyname. and friends raised a total of £1078.63, and this was sent to the charity last month. Jean-Gabriel Tarassenko from the Supporter Donations Team said "Thank you so much for donating £1,078.63 to Macmillan in memory of Glady. We are very sorry for your loss; our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
"This is an incredible gift to those who need it and a special way in which to remember Glady."
The Toy Library believes that every child benefits from belonging to a family and that every family benefits from belonging to a community. The charity’s main purpose is to work alongside and support children, families, and communities to develop, grow and thrive together. Gedling Play Forum believe that children need and have the right to play in their communities. The charity supports the wider community to encourage family play, making memories, supporting learning and community cohesion.
LastGroup,company,Nottingham-basedmonth,Mellorspartnered with children’s charities, The Toy Library and Gedling Play Forum, to bring together local children for an all-inclusive day out which offered a whole host of smiles and laughter.
"It is thanks to the wonderful support and care of Mr Prav Praveen, the consultant Maxilo/Facial surgeon at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, and the Macmillan Nurses, that the family have had this funeral collection for Macmillan."Wehope it’s of some comfort to know that your generous donation will allow us at Macmillan to help people with cancer to get the support they need and find their best way through. £1,078.63, could for example, pay for a Macmillan nurse for just under 1 week –ensuring that people living with cancer and their families receive the essential medical, practical and emotional support they need.
Arif CEO of Harrogate Private Property Fund said: “With the increase in both property acquisitions and development activity its great timing to have this facility in place for our clients.“Wecan now advise our clients on the array of funding options in the market but can also use our own funds and become a one stop shop for property developers. Our fund will look to make investments of between £100k to £10m on any single deal as either Bridging, Mezzanine or Equity. We are looking forward to working with developers nationwide and providing access to capital.” POUND FUNDING LINE
CORPORATE FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE ADVISORY COMPANY SECURES MULTI MILLION
c) “Empower entrepreneurs with world-class legal support and guidance to build successful businesses that will give them the lifestyle they crave”.
l Book presentation to an inventor and community enterprise leader l A section of the audience with their BAEJ copies
• British-Pakistani Shahid Azeem, award-winning entrepreneur and philanthropist.
• Jamaican-born Len Dyke and Dudley Dryden, founderpioneers of the personal care firm, Dyke & Dryden, later joined by Montserratian-born Tony Wade. As recession looms in Britain and the rest of world, legislators/ decision-makers and policy analysts, can learn from the likes of the aforementioned entrepreneurs as well as younger talent.Understanding the importance of industrialofcountries”.optionstudiestoimmigrantintonedfrom‘Bestpracticaltimesof(personsofasentrepreneurshipinter-generationalisjustasvitaltheacquiringtheknowledgematuredor‘olderpreneurs’with20ormoreyearsenterpriseexperience).Itisoftenstatedthatexceptionaldemandorrequireequally,solutions,borneoutofPractice’.Wecanthereforelearnmuchthe‘futureperspectives’,bysectionsofBritain’spopulace.a)“Myresearchishelpingrevolutioniseairpollutionanddeliveracheaperespeciallyforlow-incomeb)“Topioneerautomationwetchemistryprotocolsforapplicationsusingthe microfluidic platform”.
THE FIRST EVER book signing ceremony of the popular ‘British African Entrepreneurship Journey’ took place at the Sheffield and District African Caribbean Association or ‘SADACA’, South Yorkshire, England, Thursday 11 August 2022. In the presence of an appreciative audience, The Association’s CEO, Olivier Tsemo, commended the new publication and urged members of the community to learn more about their respective histories.
Corporate Finance and Real Estate Advisory firm Harrogate International Advisory based in Liverpool and with offices in Birmingham have announced that they have secured a multimillion pound funding line from a Private Family Office, which will be known as ‘Harrogate Private Property Fund’. The Multi-Million pound fund will be utilised for real estate projects in the UK and will focus on Bridging Finance, Mezzanine and Equity within the property sectors in residential and commercial developments.
Between 1851 and 1911, a major study highlighted the presence of UKbased immigrant businesses proprietors (Cambridge University Press, 2019).
Aw a r d - w I n n I n g journalist, editor and publisher Dr Christopher Johnson writes his monthly column in The Phoenix aiming to inform, educate and entertain.
• Senegalese Cesar Picton, owner of a wharf, malt house and property folio.
&BusinessFinance
• Subaskaran Allirajah, founder of Lycamobile, world's largest mobile virtual network in the UK.
by Dr. ChristopherA. Johnson
What Can Britain Learn From Its Immigrant Business Proprietors?
Harrogate International were approached by the Private Family Office and its representatives and have been in discussions for a number of years. The Liverpool based company led by Faisal Arif and Sue Wright have been very active capitalising on the property market during and post the pandemic. The Private Family Office representatives were said to have been keen to invest in the UK property market but have been waiting for the right time to fully commit. The fund will focus on the short term bridging market and are pleased to have selected Harrogate Private Property Fund as its preferred partner to gain access and deploy capital within theFaisalUK.
l Harrogate International Advisory thephoenixnewspaper.comCELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS To Advertise 0121 339 5885 or 0208 865 1922
Despite a plethora of literature on entrepreneurship, there seems to be little ‘mainstream appetite’ for a national debate and mass media discussion on the impact immigrant business proprietors have always had (and will continue to have) on the UK cultural, economic and social landscape.Human-interest stories on immigrant entrepreneurs can be popularised across broadcasting channels and emblazoned on off/online newspapers and magazines.Patriotic fervour, resilience, vitality and zeal are noteworthy personal attributes for media inclusion.Thepresence of immigrants alone, reflects a collective desire to excel in industry sectors. Yet, much do we know of these matchless immigrant entrepreneurs?•SierraLeonian, George John Scipio, founder of the Africanus’ Register of Servants.
f) “Using the myriad of spices to ensure that the cuisine has elegance and balance, together with the fearless enjoyment of taste and flavours”. These perspectives are also indicative of the unerring confidence immigrant entrepreneurs have in their own ability, Britain and above all, the future existence of business, the professions, sciences and civic sectors.
• Nigerian Olaudah Equiano and Ghanian Dr Margaret Busby, publishing pioneers. • Algerian, ‘Mr Hasan’, founder of Algerian Coffee Stores.•Kenyan couple, Shantak and Lakshmishankar Patak, founders of Pathak’s Foods.
• Somalian Ismail Ahmed of the remittance firm, WordRemit.
• South African-born Mark Shuttleworth, pioneer-developer of ‘Ubuntu’ a modern tech operating system.
d) “Help persons to address financial literacy and inability to access fairer financial services”. e) “Anyone with a laptop and internet, can create a business, generate income and impact on our world, in some way”.
Enterprise Book Signing Event in South Yorkshire
• Ugandan-born Ranbir Kaur, featured in the ‘Guinness Book of Records’ for the ‘World’s Largest Rangoli’ artform creation from the Indian subcontinent.
TheIndependenceofAnniversary60thJamaican was commemorated on August 6th with a number of events, including a flag raising in Victoria Square, and Jamaica 0121 Festival in Aston Park, in Birmingham. Under the blistering sunshine, in front of the Birmingham 2022 Festival Stage in Victoria Square, Jamaicans and people of all nationalities alike celebrated with speeches from the Lord Mayor Councillor Maureen Cornish JP, Vice LordLieutenant Professor Helen Higson OBE, Leader of the City Council, Councillor Ian Ward, Faith leaders from across the city, and cultural performances and music from Steven Higgins, BeeNice and Representativesmore. from our armed forces including the Royal Navy's Petty Officer Edmund Grandison, raised the flag with the National Anthem.TheJamaica 0121 Festival Birmingham brought twodays of reggae music, events, styles and the unique spirit of the Caribbean country to the magnificent surroundings of the seventeenth century Aston Hall (in Aston Park), inTheBirmingham.freeoutdoor eventformerly held at Victoria Square, in the city centre –highlighted the mixture of Jamaican and British culture with live music, performing artists, DJ’s, free arts and craft activities, seminars, and Jamaican dishes in abundance over what was a Jamaican-style blistering hot weekend of fun to mark the country’s 60th year of independence.Showcasing the rich culture that Jamaica has exported to Birmingham, and the wider UK, the free outdoor event had artists and DJs, including headline act Freddie McGregor Wayne Marshall, K'reema, Peter Spence, Tenna Star, Chardel Rhoden, Myki Tuff, Brian Holt, Phorein, Dennis Lloyd, Legends Band, K Dottie, the Sagatarius Band, The Mowatts, Wassifa Showcase, Saxon, Luv Injection, Empire Sound, Xtac 4x4, Big John, One Ras, Father Hovis, Gemini Don, Kenny B, JB, Ms L Vybez, Del Bwoy and DJ Cameo Brown amongst the performers, an exhilarating dazzling display of Jamaica's influence on today'sTheresocietywasalso an exciting dominoes competition (Jamaican-style) that also proved eye-catching. Held as the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 Festival was bringing the city to light, for lead organiser, Dean Alexander, it proved yet another massive ‘tick-in-the-box’ as his kudos rises even greater, as he established his ‘Jamaica 0121’ brand to even greater heights!Visitors to Jamaica 0121 got the perfect opportunity to get a taste of Jamaica during the festival, with Jerk Stalls, Jamaican Cuisine, arts, craft, and fashion all available in the park. Birmingham Museums Trust is a registered charity and money raised through visiting helped to care AstonbuildingsbeautifulforlikeHall. Steve Williams
The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 - Page 5@PhoenixNewsUK CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS JAMAICA 60TH INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com
JAMAICA 60TH FLAG RAISING & JAMAICA 0121 by
“Therefore it seems right to increase the amount of time children spend doing PE and for children to do PE first thing in the mornings to get the best results. Also, school leaders should select activity for lessons based on what they are looking to influence.”
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EDGBASTON COLLEGE
OF activity primary school children do in PE lessons can affect how well they are able to focus afterwards, a new study has found. Published in the British Journal of Education Psychology, the research found that physical activity performed as part of a group, rather than alone, had the greatest impact on children‘s attention scores.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT
The study is believed to be the first to compare the effects of BIPs, GBPs and DLPs on children’s perception of the intensity of the intervention, how they felt and their cognitive functions. Children in the GBP group also improved their impulse control scores. However, children in the BIP group showed no improvement in either attention or impulse control scores. However, children in this group thought the activity they did was more intense than children in the other groups.
Staff and students at Edgbaston College are celebrating an outstanding set of A-level exam results, with 84 per cent of students achieving an A* to B grade and 56 per cent of students achieving an A* or A grade. Over 70 per cent of students received places at Russell Group universities and 13 students received places to study Medicine and Dentistry in the UK.The College also saw strong results from their one-year retake programmes, with 100 per cent of retake students improving by one or more grades.
Owais Ahmed, Principal of Edgbaston College, said: “We are all incredibly proud of our students who have worked hard to achieve these fantastic grades. We are delighted to see so many of our students going off to top universities and securing places on competitive courses, and particularly proud of our retake students who have achieved great improvements in their grades.
PromotingExcellence
Extra Support For Jobseekers With Learning Disabilities And Autism
Page 6 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 thephoenixnewspaper.comCELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS THE FUNERAL OF MOMMA JEN
“I would also like to recognise our fantastic staff for their dedication, excellent teaching and pastoral support which helps each of our students achieve their goals. We look forward to welcoming more students to the college in September.” Places are available for prospective students to join Edgbaston College this Autumn, although applications are welcomed all-year round and the College prides itself on the flexibility it offers its students. CELEBRATES EXAM RESULTSTHETYPE
Lead researcher of the Spanish study Dr Josune RodriguezNegro, who is a PhD researcher in the physical education and sport department of the University of the Basque Country, said: “The study findings highlight not only that physical education in schools can improve children’s attention and impulse control, both of which are linked to academic success – but also that different types of content can produce different results.
Group PE Lessons Have Greatest Impact On Children’s Attention
A NEW £7.6 million Government initiative has been launched to help over 2,000 adults with learning disabilities and autism move into work.The Local Supported Employment (LSE) initiative is providing grant funding to 24 local authorities in England and Wales, representing an investment of £7.6 million over the next three years. In Sandwell and Solihull, £420,000 will be available to support 120 jobseekers with learning disabilities and autism. Each local authority area will support between 60 and 140 adults with learning disabilities, autism or both to move into competitive employment and provide the help they need to maintain that employment.Anaverage of 90 participants in each local authority are set to benefit from the grant funding and support, which will include assigning job coaches who can carry out vocation profiling, engage employers and provide in-work support to help develop more careers. This follows the Government hitting its target to see one million more disabled people in work by 2027 five years early.
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.
OUTSTANDING
l Emanuil Ivanov, recipient the Musicians’ Company Carnwath Piano Scholarship for 2022/23
The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 - Page 7@PhoenixNewsUK CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS THE FUNERAL OF MOMMA JENEDUCATION, TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT To Advertise 0121 339 5885
ABirmingham City University (BCU) student has been awarded a prestigious piano scholarship after fighting off stiff competition from across the country. Bulgarian-born Emanuil Ivanov, aged 23, scooped the highly coveted Musicians’ Company Carnwath Piano Scholarship for 2022/23 after enduring a competitive audition at the Guildhall School in London. The auditions saw nominated pianists from conservatoires across Britain battle it out for the £10,000 funding prize towards their postgraduate studies.
BCU MUSIC STUDENT AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS PIANO SCHOLARSHIP
A rising star in classical music, in May 2019 Emanuil won both second prize and the Audience Prize at the prestigious Allessandro Cassagrande International Piano Competition in Italy, before taking the top spot at the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition in September 2019 with a performance of Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No. 2 in Bolzano, Italy. In February last year he wowed millions with his solo piano recital at Milan’s famous La Scala which was live-streamed across the Establishedworld.in1983, the Carnwath Scholarship was endowed by Sir Andrew Carnwath, Master of The Musicians’ Company 1981/82. It is awarded by competitive audition following nomination from the conservatoires.
Emanuil, who has recently completed a BMus degree at Birmingham City University’s Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (RBC), is set to embark on a Master’s degree in Instrumental Performance (piano) in September, also at the RBC, and is set to record an album. After receiving the news, Emanuil Ivanov said: “It’s a great honour to be awarded this scholarship. Being nominated by the RBC to compete for this opportunity means a lot to me and I am incredibly grateful for their support. But the fact that my performance scored so highly at the competitive audition makes me extremely happy. “I try not to plan too much for the future. The pandemic taught me that all plans can be completely shattered and it's better for one's sanity not to anticipate too much but, nevertheless, this coming season is starting to look very exciting.
“I will have the great opportunity to record a CD of Scarlatti sonatas for the renowned label Naxos next summer - recording an album, which will be a first for me! I'm also looking forward to a big concerto/ recital tour of South Africa, which is in the making.”
Open
Award-winning distance learning provider, Open Study College, has launched a new qualification to its growing portfolio of online courses for those looking to pursue a career in the police force, legal, and criminology sectors. The Access to HE Diploma in Public Services is the second course of this nature alongside the Access to HE Diploma (Health) course for aspiring nurses, midwives, or healthcare professionals.Completing either one of these qualifications is the equivalent to securing three A Levels without needing to physically attend a school or college or sit any exams. The course runs for two years until completion and the first cohort has begun with intakes every January and September to come.Toenrol, learners need to be at least 19 years old and have a minimum of grade 4 or C in GCSE Maths and English. They will also have to provide their own learning device (computer, laptop, or tablet), and have 20 free hours a week to dedicate to studying.
ToNewCollegeStudyLaunchesAccessHECourse
Dr Shirley Thompson, Interim Principal at Birmingham City University’s Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, said: “We’re obviously delighted for Emanuil, a product of our highly successful Keyboard Department at our Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. He is already an extremely accomplished musician enjoying a busy international performing career, and his success is richly deserved.”
Over half (54%) of foster carers are considering resigning because of the cost of living crisis, a survey of over 1,000 has found. Information and advice service FosterWiki revealed that, of 1036 respondents to its survey, most (89%) had resorted to cutting back on essentials including food, heating, fuel and everyday activities with children. A majority (88%) had also received no financial aid from local authorities or independent fostering agencies (IFAs) to battle the rising costs, with 2.5% turning to food banks for help. The findings come amid significant challenges in recruiting and retaining foster cares, with a 2021 analysis by think-tank the Social Market Foundation predicting a shortage of 25,000 carers in England by 2026. In April, the Department for Education increased the minimum fostering allowances that English councils and agencies should pay carers, by between £3 and £5 a week, depending on the location and age of the child. However, as of March 2022, the average family’s cost of living has risen by about £400 per month, according to a recent analysis by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Loughborough University. On the back of the survey, FosterWiki called on the UK government and the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish administrations to make oneoff payments to foster carers immediately and then again in November and February 2023, to ease pressures. “This is essential to stabilise placements, to ensure children’s needs are met, their standards maintained and they remain in secure loving families,” it said. Responding to the findings, Edwina Grant, chair of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services’ (ADCS) health, care & additional needs policy committee, called the findings “concerning” as “our need for more foster carers is greater than ever”. She said councils in England were investing in local and regional fostering recruitment campaigns but were hampered by inadequate funding.
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Survey Shows That Foster Carers Could Quit Because Of Cost Of Living Crisis
thephoenixnewspaper.comPage 8 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS
Asurvey of foster carers conducted by FosterWiki has highlighted the serious financial pressures on the sector as the cost of living crisis continues to mount. This echoes the findings of their ‘State of the Nation 2021’ survey of over 3,000 foster carers, which showed that for over a third of foster carers their allowances do not meet the full cost of looking after a child. As they conducted their annual review of allowances, they found that around two thirds of services in England have increased their allowances so far, and we expect others to follow suit. However, in light of these recent survey results, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure that foster carers are provided with adequate financial support to meet all the needs of the children they care for. In the FosterWiki ‘State of the Nation 2021’ report, they urged governments across the UK to undertake a comprehensive review of the minimum levels of fostering allowances set in their respective countries – which they say are now well overdue. In Scotland, there is still no national minimum allowance for foster carers in place, so the government, they say, must take action now to introduce and fund this. If foster carers are to continue providing stable, loving homes for children and young people, they insist that they must be well funded to do so. It is the responsibility of all UK governments to ensure this happens.
FOSTER CARERS SURVEYED ON COST OF LIVING CRISIS
SCORES OF FANTASTIC fostering families joined together for a fun-filled day at the annual Fostering Picnic in the Park event. The outdoor event was organised by the City of Wolverhampton Council's Fostering for Wolverhampton team who laid on fun, games and a picnic for foster families in Wolverhampton at Bantock Park last month. More than 140 people joined in the fun on the afternoon, with families being given exclusive access to Jollies Inflatable Fun Fair, which opened to the public the nextTheday.event is just one of several free social events organised throughout the year for foster families who are part of Fostering for Wolverhampton, the City Council’s fostering service. The events offer an opportunity for foster families and children in care to meet up and have fun together during the school Councillorholidays.
ThePicnicFosteringAllFun551133."comfosteringforwolverhampton.www.orcalluson01902ForAtInPark
ADOPTION & FOSTERING
Beverley Momenabadi, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “This is just one of the many events we usually hold for our fostering community throughout the year. It’s an opportunity to bring everyone together – foster carers, children and staff – and have a fun-filled afternoon. "It’s also a chance for us to give something back to our many foster carers, who do such a good job looking after children in care. I'd encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a foster carer to visit
@PhoenixNewsUK The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 - Page 9CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS www.streetcredmagazine.com/streetcredmagazineSEPTEMBER 2022 MUSIC FASHION FILM GADGETS HOLIDAY EDUCATION HEALTH AND FITNESS BIRMINGHAM COMMONWEALTH2022GAMES
For the gamers out there, enjoy the nostalgia of childhood buy battling it out on the retro games available at the Side Quest zone. Looking to find something new to discover? Head down to Pop Asia or Cosplay Central to explore origami workshops, manga drawing classes and cosplay competitions, Exciting guest announcements will be coming over the next few weeks so watch this space!
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Back with a Bang!...MCM Comic Con returns for autumn 2022
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Let the kids run wild in the Treehouse area and discover a world of creativity and scavenger hunting. Plus kids under 10 go free with an adult ticket holder!
The UK’s leading pop-culture convention, MCM Comic Con, is back with a bang this autumn rolling into London’s ExCel from 28th - 30th October! Whether your passion is cosplay, video games, or comics or movies, there is no better place to express yourself with a like-minded community than at MCM Comic Con. Explore an endless supply of jaw dropping performances, celebrity guest appearances, inspiring panels, independent creators and so much more!
The latest guest to join the incredible lineup is none other than voice actor and anime royalty, Todd Haberkorn! Todd will be joining an already announced stellar guest list including Robbie Daymond, Max Mittelman, Ray Chase, Troy Baker and more. And if the guest line-up wasn’t enough, get ready for a jam-packed show filled to the brim of exciting experiences!
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The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 - Page 11CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS To advertise 0208 865 1922 (London) FOODwww.streetcredmagazine.com Food & Fine Dining
Each year, only around 2% of products are awarded 3-Stars in the ‘Exquisite’ category for ‘extraordinarily tasty food’. This August, when the results were announced, Hackney Gelato totally smashed it, winning 3-Stars for three different recipes – Pistachio, Almond & Lemon gelato, Sea Salted Caramel gelato, and Hot Cross Bun gelato. Here’s what the Great Taste 2022 judging panel had to say about the Pistachio, Almond & Lemon gelato: “The taste is delicious, starting with the almonds and pistachios and ending with the citrus notes. A truly memorable experience, unlike any other ice cream we have tried.” And it would be rude not to mention Hackney Gelato’s nuovo Cappuccino gelato recipe, judged to be ‘faultless’. This picked up 2-Stars in the ‘Outstanding’ category –regarded as ‘above and beyond delicious – with less than 10% of entries achieving this rating.’ The proof really is in the pudding and all about the taste, which is why Hackney Gelato happily sends samples to food and drink writers. Before the Great Taste Awards had happened, Good Housekeeping Institute expert food and drink tester, Mel Giandzi tried Hackney Gelato’s Cappuccino gelato along with other samples, and had this to say: “Oh they were phenomenal! The chocolate brownie was insanely good, but my favourite might have to be the Cappuccino. It really reminds me of one of my favourite ice creams back home in Australia, and filled me with a lot of nostalgia.”OtherHackney Gelato recipes that picked up a coveted 1-Star were Vegan Bronte Pistachio Brittle, Roasted Pecan and Caramel sorbetto and Peanut Butter and Chocolate gelato. After this year’s awards, Hackney Gelato can now celebrate having 40 Great Taste stars to their name – bellisimo!
Hackney Gelato Score Hat Trick In The Great Taste Awards 2022 Renowned Dutch chef, Edwin Vinke, has launched an exclusive new restaurant at the height of Dalt Vila, Eivissa. A joint venture with the Nassau Group, 1742 is a new experiential dining concept which celebrates the finest seafood harvested from the Mediterranean Sea, all freshly prepared by Vinke himself. 1742 takes diners off the beaten track to provide a truly unique celebration of gastronomic craft. Meeting in the heart of Ibiza town, guests are greeted by a valet service that transports diners from the bustling streets up into picturesque Ibizan Dalt Vila, where 1742 lies in a historic grand villa. Offering a bespoke experience menu, dishes include Local Island Fish served with saffron, herbs and artichoke, Blue Lobster with tomato, cuttlefish, beach crab and broad beans and Zeeland Fruits De Mer – a dish that pays tribute to Vinke's coastal hometown. Originally from Zeeland, a remote coastal province, translating quite literally as 'sealand', Vinke's appreciation for seafood comes from a lifelong connection to the coast and his wise understanding of its natural health benefits. Vinke began his restauranteur career 27 years ago with De Kromme Watergang, a specialist seafood restaurant in Vinke's hometown Hoofdplaat. Remote and with a population of just 800 people, Vinke's venture was ambitious, yet his mastery of fragrant sea flavours has attracted visitors from all over the world to this small Dutch seaside town. De Kromme Watergang has earnt two Michelin stars and a spot in the prestigious French restaurant guide Gault Millau. De Kromme Watergang sets the president for 1742. Out of plain sight but equipped with a menu set to entice tastebuds from around the globe, this summer Vinke himself will prepare dishes for Ibiza's most prestigious visitors. Connecting mind, body and palette, Vinke's kitchen is mediative. Learning from his dedicated yoga practice, Vinke encourages his team to craft each dish in an almost silent kitchen. Complete dedication and focus is given to presentation and flavour.1742 offers an exquisite international wine list. From local Spanish wines to finest champagnes to wines from America's famous Napa Valley, there is something to cater to everyone's taste.
Michelin Star chef launches
The cultural programming team at Wembley Park - home to two of Britain’s most iconic music venues, Wembley Stadium and the OVO Arena Wembley –analysed Wikipedia page view data for top musicians born in 25 UK cities to find that Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne is Birmingham’s most searched for musician with 6.8 million views. The Prince of Darkness rose to fame in the 1970s selling over 115 million albums cementing his rock legend status. Also featuring in Birmingham’s top 10 most searched for musicians is Black Sabbath member Tony Iommi (1.07M views) and British rapping sensation Stefflon Don (840K views) ranking sixth and eightPoprespectively.sensationDua Lipa takes the top spot nationally and in the UK’s Capital, London, with over 16 million page views and counting. The “one kiss” singer beat the likes of Elton John (12 million views), David Bowie (11.9 million views) and Adele (11.2 million views) - who are also all London born and bred. Beatles legend, John Lennon, ranks second overall and number one in Liverpool with over 11.4 million views. Throughout his life, he achieved 25 number one singles, several Grammy Award wins and an Oscar for ‘Let it Be’. The remaining three Beatles members complete the top four most searched for artists in Liverpool – Paul McCartney (9.9 million views), George Harrison (8.5 million views) and Ringo Starr (6.1 million views). Former 1D star Zayn Malik follows in third place overall in his hometown, Bradford, with over 8 million page views. Ozzie Osbourne (6.8 million views) and Sting (5.1 million views) completing the top five most No.1s in their resident cities, Birmingham and Newcastle. Surprisingly, the infamous Gallagher brothers were beaten to the top spot for Manchester by Bee Gee’s frontman Barry Gibb with over 4.4 million views.
A 'NICE' TIME AT INSOMNIA 69
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Ozzy Osborne Is The Most Searched For Birmingham Musician
It's been a long time coming, and despite the pandemic, Insomnia Gaming Festival came back with a roar for i68 earlier in the year, but if you thought that was Insomnia at full strength, you would have been very mistaken. i69 (Nice) saw Insomnia finally back in the proverbial saddle, unfortunately timed to coincide with Gamescon in Germany, which many companies would have prioritised over this event at Birmingham's NEC. As usual, there were a number of talks, panels and events by industry professionals, influencers, content creators and more. These are different on every day, but have a good variety over the festival. The Opening Ceremony explained the events over the weekend, before handing over to Twitch Partner MrGregles, who included his regular twitch integration, allowing the audience to control the camera angles on the screens above him and live on Twitch.Cosplayers were out in force, displaying some absolutely fantastic pieces from right across the spectrum of films, TV, games, anime and comics, including a special celebration of Assassins Creed.The 'World Famous Pub Quiz' returned once again, taking full advantage of the connotations of the milestone number. Esports featured heavily, with a number of competitions for both the casual gamer and Esports organisations, including representation from the Army and Navy Esports players. Back at the show, a selection of indie games, board games, VR, and much more, along with the likes of Intel showing off their new ARC along with prebuilt systems and components from Overclockers UK, filled out the rest of the show floor, with the usual merchandise, 'gamer energy' and memorabilia sprinkled on top. Insomnia will be back with i70, a great couple of days out for anyone interested in the gaming and entertainment industry!
AT 11 DAYS 72 NATIONS 19 SPORTS 1 AMAZING LEGACY LIVESLEGACYTHEON
England, sent their most diverse and inclusive team to compete and were rewarded with a record 176 medals, including 57 golds, the most medals ever won by England at a Commonwealth Games.Local athletes seized this opportunity to shine in the sporting spotlight. Joe Fraser won three Golds in the artistic gymnastics, Emily Campbell set a new lift record to claim gold in weightlifting, Kare Adenegan claimed silver in the T33/34 100m and Delicious Orie won the men's boxing super-heavyweight title. As a Scotsman, my personal highlight, was the victory of Eilish McColgan in the 10,000m, the roar from the 30,000 strong crowd at the Alexander Stadium will stay with me forever. Going forward, our partners have strong plans to build on the success of the Games and deliver the legacy we all wish to see. You can read more about what is planned on our website, and Games Partners will be reporting back on progress over the comingAlreadymonths.weare giving away more than 16,000 pieces of sports equipment to not-for-profit groups in the West Midlands.Anyone can apply online and take advantage and we hope this equipment will be utilised by local groups to get more people active. Further announcements on legacy opportunities and the United by 2022 charity will be coming soon. Although the sporting action is now over, the Birmingham 2022 Festival continues until the end of September, and we hope that you will continue to attend these exciting events.
Councillor Ian Ward Leader, Birmingham City Council at the unveiling of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games number of initiatives
Ours is truly a Commonwealth city, as there are Brummies who can trace their roots back to every single nation and territory of the Commonwealth. Our diversity is our greatest strength, and this shone through every moment of the Games.Watching the Opening Ceremony at the Alexander Stadium was one of the best moments of my life. I felt so proud of our city and our achievements in hosting the Games.Anddidn’t the city look incredible? The colour of the sporting venues, our beautiful architecture, tree-lined streets, and sunny blue skies all contributed to an atmosphere like nothing this city has seenOurbefore.14,000 volunteers were the beating heart of the Games, guiding visitors around the city with a smile and a giant foam hand high-five. I am incredibly grateful to them for the crucial role they played, as I am for the thousands of unsung heroes who kept our city moving. We had so many sporting highlights, whether that was Birmingham-born Joe Fraser’s gymnastics marvels, home-town basketballer Myles Hesson’s winning shot, or the women’s hockey team taking Gold, we were treated to exceptional sportBirmingham,throughout.we have delivered the best Commonwealth Games ever. We have inspired a generation of youngsters who will have new heroes, new ambitions to take up sports, music, dance and theatre. We have put our city on the world stage, and we have shone. Now, our duty is to share the legacy of these Games amongst every community of Birmingham. The Games have already brought over £1 billion of investment into the city, giving us new homes, better public transport and new sporting facilities.We’reinvesting in grassroots sports, helping people to stay active in their neighbourhoods, and we’ve already secured funding for 20 new or improved basketball facilities. Now, we’re set to host the World Blind Games and the Trampoline and Tumbling Championships, and I’m so excited that we are putting ourselves forward to host the European Athletics Championships in 2026, and of course Eurovision next year. I believe that in decades to come we will look back on the Games as the moment that Birmingham took a huge step forward, and I can’t wait to see what the years ahead have in store for ourWecity.will continue to Be Bold, Be Birmingham.
INCREDIBLEBirminghamChiefREIDExecutive2022DuringtheGamesoveramillionvisitorscametoBirminghamfromacrosstheworldandIwouldliketothankeveryoneforgivingthemthebestwelcomeimaginable.
games, new facilities for
The best Christmas present as Birmingham was awarded the 2022 Commonwealth Games
Countdown Clock in March 2020 The Phoenix Newspaper a
GAMESTOROADONPOINTSKEYTHETHE
INSPIRATION
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BIRMINGHAM 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES ROUNDUP
l Our photos published by The Phoenix Newspaper The Phoenix Newspaper
The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games was an incredible global celebration. Together with the people of Birmingham, the West Midlands, and our partners, we put on a cultural and sporting show for us all to be proud of and showcased the best of the region to the world. Millions of people visited Birmingham during the Games and the atmosphere in the city was fantastic. This was helped by our 14,000 incredible volunteers, known as the Commonwealth Collective. Their warmth, passion and energy made them the stars of the Games. BBC Sport’s coverage of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games was also streamed a record breaking 57.1 million times during the 11 days of sport and we sold more than 1.5 million tickets, the most ever for a Commonwealth Games in the UK. In our competition venues, there were sporting highlights galore, and we were proud to deliver a sports programme that had more Para sport than ever before and had more medal events for women than men for the first time ever at a major multisportTeamevent.
IAN
local
And if you haven’t already, please do come and see the ‘raging bull’ from the Opening Ceremony, who currently still resides in Centenary Square. Finally, on behalf of the Games, I would like to thank all the readers of the Phoenix for their support over many months and years. I hope that happy memories of Birmingham 2022 will stay with you forever.
in December 2017
Newspaper at the launch of
TO BE A BRUMMIE!
TheEditorMcLaughlinInChief/CEOPhoenixNewspaper one of
As I reflect on the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, I can honestly say I’ve never felt prouder to be from the West Midlands. rebirth of our region if we are to make the most of this moment of collective celebration. I want to see these Games go on to deliver a lasting legacy for the people of the West Midlands for There are plenty of practical steps which I’m pleased to see have already been taken or will soon be. Thousands of local residents – especially young people - gained valuable transferable skills through the Games that will stand them in good stead in their future careers, for example as volunteers, security personnel or catering staff. From Sandwell Aquatics Centre to the revamped Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, there is a infrastructuretangiblelegacy for the next generation of sporting superstars to enjoy the benefit of –not to mention the inspirational effect on young spectators of the cycling in Wolverhampton, the cricket at Edgbaston or the rugby in Coventry. Sporting equipment from the Games is being shared free of charge with local grassroots organisations and a formal legacy charity – United by 2022 - is being established to help ensure we deliver on the promise of a meaningful overall Commonwealth Games legacy. A triumph on so many levels, the Games were also a wonderful celebration of culture and a moment of tremendous unity across our diverse communities. The spectacular opening and closing ceremonies shared our story, our values and our history with the world. Like so many others, I’ve never felt more proud to be a Brummie and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to everyone who made this happen. The West Midlands - home to people hailing from each and every Commonwealth nation and territory – must now build on the momentum we have following on from the Games to chart a course to an even brighter future for local residents right across our remarkable region.
@PhoenixNewsUK The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 - Page 15CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS BIRMINGHAM 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES ROUNDUP NEVER FELT PROUDER
The Phoenix Newspaper seeing the redevelopment of the Alexander Stadium as full event schedule was
SPECTACULARreleased
Andy Street CBE Mayor of the West Midlands hen you talk about Connecting Communities To Inspire The Next Generation, as we do in The Phoenix Newspaper, the Commonwealth Games are the We are proud of Birmingham and the West Midlands and its diverse melting pot of cultures. As you know, The Phoenix Newspaper has championed the very ethos of what we mean when we say 'Bringing People Together For The Greater During the Commonwealth Games, we had the opportunity to witness not only some of the greatest sporting achievements from around the world, but the warmth, love and care of the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands as we welcomed millions of people to the region from every corner of the Commonwealth. As the only community newspaper accredited to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, we wanted to ensure that for those of you who were not able to attend, that we would be able to capture the vibrancy and excitement of the games within these pages.
From the announcement that Birmingham would host the Commonwealth Games, to the unveiling of the Longines clock in Centenary Square, and finally the opening ceremony of the games themselves, The Phoenix Newspaper has been there every step of the way, informing our readers of the milestones, achievements and legacy that the games have brought to the region. I would like to extend a very well deserved thank you to John Crabtree, Chair of the Organising Committee, Ian Reid, Chief Executive of Birmingham 2022, and Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands for a job well done, and hope that we will continue to work alongside you, as you ensure the Legacy continues - the work has just begun. We would also like to thank the 'Commonwealth Collective', the volunteers who helped in every aspect across every venue in the region, without them, the games could never have succeeded in the way that they did. I want to give a very special thanks to Mark Ward for holding my hand and keeping my blood pressure low throughout the negotiation and execution of our supplements.Lastbutby no means least, I must thank our gracious hosts and official timekeepers Longines, for their hospitality and solidarity during the games.Iwould also like to thank the senior members of my team, Daniel Riley, Mark Dwayne, Steve Williams & Eric Clay, for their commitment in assuring that the community is well served.
Air Commodore Dr Marcia
initiatives surrounding the for the region
Nations competed at Birmingham 2022, which equals the most at any Commonwealth Games, the same as Manchester 2002.
Gold medals won by Australia, which led the medal table at Birmingham 2022. In second was England, with 57 gold medals, and that total is England's second best of all time, behind only the 58 they won at Glasgow 2014.
World records set at Birmingham 2022, two in swimming, and one each in athletics and powerlifting, as follows: 7:39.29 by the Australian women’s 4x200 metre freestyle relay team; Katja DEDEKIND (AUS) with 26.56 in women’s 50 metre freestyle S13 class; Goodness Chiemerie NWACHUKWU (NGR) with 36.56 metres in the women’s discus throw F42 class; and Alice Folashade OLUWAFEMIAYO (NGR) with 155 points in women’s para powerlifting 86 kg class.
Nations won gold medals at Birmingham 2022, the third most ever after 2018 (28), and 2002 (27).
IN NUMBERS
Medals won by swimmer Emma McKEON (AUS) at Birmingham 2022, which equals edition,medalsrecordCommonwealththeGamesforthemostwonatasinglealsoheldbyRalph HUTTON (CAN, 1966), Susie O'NEILL (AUS, 1998), Emily SEEBOHM (AUS, 2010), and Taylor RUCK (CAN, 2018), all in swimming.
Times Australia has topped the medal table at a Commonwealth Games, by far the most ever (England is second with five). Australia has led the table in 1938, 1950, 1962, 1970, 1974, 1982, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2018, and 2022. Canada is the only other nation to lead the medal table, which they did at Edmonton 1978.
BIRMINGHAM
Gold medals won at the Commonwealth Games by Australia since 1930, the all-time leader. Australia entered Birmingham 2022 with 934 golds and won 67 to go past the 1000 mark. Medals won at the Commonwealth Games by Emma McKEON (AUS) from 2014-2022, including eight at Birmingham 2022, which is the record for the most medals ever won at Games.Commonwealththe Medals won by Australia, topping the medal table at Birmingham 2022. England was close behind in second with 176 medals. This equals the closest Commonwealth Games race for total medals, along with 1970 (England 84, Australia 82) and 1974 (Australia 82, England 80).
426
Medal won by Niue, its first ever medal at the Commonwealth Games. It was claimed by Duken HOLO TUTAKITOA-WILLIAMS, who took bronze in men’s boxing 93kg class.
2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES ROUNDUP 100120178 67 14 1 43 72 8
Nations won medals Birminghamat 2022. This equals the most ever with Gold Coast 2018.
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The Baton visited all 72 nations, over 294 days, covering 140,000 kilometres on a global journey which conclude at the Opening Ceremony, on July 28. Departing from Birmingham Airport for Cyprus – the first stop on the Queen’s Baton Relay - the international route spanned 269 days, spending between two and four days in each nation or territory, 7,50090,000approximatelycoveringmiles(140,000kilometres),withoverBatonbearerstrustedwiththeonce-in-a-lifetimeopportunitytocarrytheBatonintheircommunity;travellingalmosthalfthedistancethanthepreviousGoldCoastQueen’s Baton Relay in a bid to reduce the carbon footprint.Eachnation and territory hosted events that showcased untold stories from Batonbearers, athletes, and young people who are striving for change in their community, as well as highlighting projects that address one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Baton would witness moments of celebration, visited local schools and explored iconic landmarks. Over its journey, the Baton spent Christmas Eve in the Seychelles, brought in the New Year in the Maldives and was be in Jamaica over the Easter weekend. After visiting Cyprus, it then went on to Malta, before arriving in Africa; taking in the rich cultures of all 19 Commonwealth countries on the continent, as well as a stop on the volcanic island of Saint Helena. After three days in Pakistan, the Baton spent New Year’s Day in the Maldives, before visiting Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India, then journeying across Southeast Asia, visiting Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam - before travelling to the Pacific Islands, including visiting the smallest island in the Commonwealth; Nauru.New Zealand then hosted the Baton on theAustraliafourbeforeCommonwealth,spendingdaysin-hostsofGoldCoast2018
QUEENSBATONRELAY
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Her Majesty The Queen officially launched the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay at Buckingham Palace, joined by Batonbearers made up of athletes, young flagbearers from the West Midlands, the Birmingham 2022 Hometown Heroes and representatives from across the Commonwealth.
Commonwealth Games. It then spend two months travelling around the Caribbean and Americas, including visits to The Bahamas, Jamaica and Barbados, and reaching the islands of St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines - from there, going on to Canada and visiting Gibraltar. Stopping off at the Falkland Islands, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man, the Relay spent five days in Scotland, four in Northern Ireland, five in Wales and 25 covering the length and breadth of England.Asittravelled via land, air and sea, more than 180 communities in England experienced the Queen’s Baton on a route spanning 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometres), with a global journey concluding at the Birmingham 2022 Opening Ceremony, where the final Batonbearer returned the Baton to Her Majesty The Queen, represented by The Prince Of Wales, –accompanied by Dame Louise Martin DBE, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation. “Traveling for 294 days, and covering 140,000 kilometres, the Queen's Baton Relay provides Birmingham and the West Midlands the opportunity to showcase itself on a global scale,” she said.
Raymont-Osman.WithBirmingham 2022 the first major multi-sport event to award more medals to women than men, the strength and fortitude of women across the Commonwealth is celebrated throughout the design - a platinum strand, paying homage to The Queen in her Platinum Jubilee year.During its Commonwealth tour in the Midlands, in to Stoke-on-Trent it was carried by inspirational Brian Kokoruwe, who contracted meningitis when he was 13-yearsold, leaving him profoundly deaf and unable to Representingwalk.Great Britain as a Deaflympics Sprinter, Manager and Coach, he was welcomed by crowds who showed the British Sign Language action to demonstrate their applause. Brian’s family travelled from Nigeria to see him carry the Baton. Former British gymnast, Marnie Woolrich, then took the Baton on Alton Towers’ infamous Oblivion – the world’s first vertical drop roller coaster. Her courage, determination and positive attitude shone through as she took on Oblivion’s 4.5G drop. Thousands then gathered at Tamworth Castle for the Queen’s Baton Relay Festivities, where there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd – as sibling Batonbearers Ellie and Billy took to the stage carrying the Baton in memory of their mother, Katie Rigby, whose sporting background included swimming and athletics, before being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.The city of Coventry saw
thephoenixnewspaper.comCELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS BIRMINGHAM 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES ROUNDUPBATON IN
With the Birmingham GamesCommonwealth2022stillfreshin the memory, the significance of The Queen’s Baton Relay tour in the West Midlands represented it ‘coming home’. Designed and manufactured in an innovative regional collaboration that fused art, technology, and science, the original concept and technology was led by BOM (Birmingham Open Media), and the design by Warwickshire’s Raymont-Osman, in association with MAOKWO and Kajul - which included LED lighting and a heartrate sensor, performing a lighting display when held, as well as a 360-degree camera to capture images and digital information. The Baton also features atmospheric sensors with laser technology that analyse the environmental conditions wherever it is in the world.
Finally making its Birmingham “homecoming”, the Baton would return with a spectacular party in Victoria Square on July 27 - the eve of the Games – as superstar, locally-born legend, and a beaming Sir Lenny Henry CBE, carried the Baton into wild euphoria at a hugely excited Victoria Square, before worldfamous King Gurcharan Mall drummed his way, as the final Batonbearer at Aston Hallthe last stop – as he quite literally marched to the beat of his own drum, with the Baton attached to his body throughout.Hishands were free to beat his drum as members of his community danced along the route with him. The dream was soon to become reality. The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games was set to begin!
Queen’s Baton Relay and was a nod to the innovative lighting technology incorporated within theThedesign.lucky Batonbearer chosen to experience this moment was 13-year-old Mikey Akers, who set up ‘Mikey’s Wish’ to raise the profile of verbal dyspraxia. Overcoming his fear of public speaking, he travelled to America to speak at a conference about the disorder. He also raises funds to support children in school with additional needs and donated a total of £25,000 to SEN departments in two schools. The eldest Batonbearer in the Queen’s Baton Relay took centre
The Queen’s Baton then went full steam ahead with Batonbearers aboard the Severn Valley Railway – from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth, with Dame Louise Martin, president of the Commonwealth Games Federation, also on the journey.Innearby Wolverhampton, Batonbearer Stephen Kingdom got the Relay off to a ‘flying’ start - parachuting into an East Park filled with people who came out to mark just five days to go until the Opening Ceremony. Moving onto Smethwick, celebrations at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara saw Batonbearer Parmjit Singh being met by cheering crowds, dhol drummers and colourful confetti A pillar of the local Sikh and Punjabi community, he has been influential in developing the twinningSandwell-Amritsarin2000.Heraisedover£11kandsentmobilityequipmenttoKurdistan.
IN BRUM!
@PhoenixNewsUK CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS BIRMINGHAM 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES ROUNDUP
BOLDSHINESBIRMINGHAM
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BIRMINGHAM 2022 ROUNDUP
COMMONWEALTH GAMES
he Birmingham redevelopedCeremonystoppingoffGamesCommonwealth2022kickedwithashow-OpeningatthenewlyAlexanderStadium–whichtoldthestoryofBirmingham’sembraceofgenerationsofCommonwealthcommunities-withathleteswelcomedwithatheatricalnarrativeexploringtherichanddiversehistory,cultureandidentityofBirminghamandthe
The region’s manufacturing, industry, innovation and cultural revolutionary history was also shown to millions around music icons Duran Duran to Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommii, acclaimed saxophonist Soweto Kinch, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, r’n’b stars Indigo Marshall and Gambimi, Grammy-award winning percussionist Lekan Babalola, vocalist Ranjana Ghatak, shawm player Jude Rees, bagpiper Chris Crouch, Djembe player Abraham Paddy Tetteh, The Destroyers, Critical Mass, accapella group Black Voices and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Mass Choir. The show opened to the beat of African Sakara drums, as the 72 Commonwealth representatives were summoned to the 2022 Games - their arrival being signified by hordes of miniature houses floating down from the Mastermindedsky. by renowned Artistic Director Iqbal Khan and set as the most attended edition of the Commonwealth Games ever to take place in the United Kingdom and broadcast live across 134 countries by Steve Williams
Aston Martin DB6 Volante in front of almost 30,000 spectators as a giant raging bull and a Union Jack made from 72 cars, were just two of the staggeringBirmingham-bornhighlights.comedian, Joe Lycett – pointedly controversial, though he was - then introduced the array of dancers and creative artists to the stage, before highlight acts, including internationally renowned comedian, actor and educator, Dudley-born Sir Lennie Henry, was introduced. He said: “What an Opening Ceremony. I’ve had the wrong kind of mushrooms on my toast this morning. “I love that every Opening Ceremony is more mental than the last one. The creative meetings to plan them must be absolutely insane. I want in.”
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BIRMINGHAMBRIGHT
Nobel Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai, simply declared: “I am proud to be called a ‘Brummie’." The activist gave a powerful message as she told the crowd: “Teams from 72 countries and territories join the people of Birmingham to celebrate friendship across borders. “For all of the Commonwealth athletes here, remember that every child deserves the chance to reach his or her full potential and pursue their wildest Birminghamdreams.”Royal Ballet and Elmhurst Ballet School, as well as from Ginny Lemon, ‘Charlie Chaplin’ also made special appearances, as a 10-metre high Bull - representative of Birmingham’s historic Bullring Market.Andwith the Friendly Fire Band’s catchy ‘It’s a Brum Ting’ burned in people’s mind-sets, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will
“Excitement for Birmingham 2022 is rocketing,” Commonwealth Games Minister, Nigel Huddleston, added. "With the eyes of the Commonwealth on this great city, these historic Games will bring economy, and leave a lasting legacy for the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands."
For the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, timing was based on the of material was sent from Switzerland to Birmingham to enable professional and precise timing across 19 different sports and 8 para sports. It was fantastic to get to go trackside at the Alexander Stadium, and learn exactly how all of the equipment that Longines brought over works together to ensure that all of the timings, photo finishes etc are captured, recorded, verified and then shown to the world via the broadcasters they work alongside, even including Dr Marcia firing the startingGuestspistol.also met with Artistic Gymnast and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Gold Medal winner, Alice Kinsella from Birmingham, hearing all about her story and journey to Commonwealth Games Success, before being astounded and mystified by the talents of magician Ben Hanlin, who brought his inimitable style of both up close and stage magic to the group.
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS BIRMINGHAM 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES
The beautiful surroundings of Longines House in Birmingham
&ROUNDUPTHE HISTORY OF TIMEKEEPING
During the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, we were honoured to be hosted on a number of occasions by Longines, the Official Timekeeper of the Commonwealth Games. Longines CEO Matthias Breschan welcomed everyone, introducing himself and the brand, having taken the helm of Longines since July 2020, after having previously managed two Swatch Group sister brands, Rado for nine years and Hamilton for seven years.Daniel Hug, Head of Branding and Heritage gave us a history lesson on Longines itself, and it's watches and timekeeping activities.
"We are very honoured to be the Official Timekeeper of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games" he began. The story of Longines started in 1832, so the Swiss watch brand celebrated its 190th anniversary this year. The founder was Auguste Agassiz who brought his nephew into the company. They shared the same vision: to stand out in quality. Together they put watchmaking a stepbringingfurther, an industrial approach to improve the quality of the watches. In 1867 they moved to a new factory, which they are still at today, although they expanded the buildings considerably. By 1911 Longines counted already over 1000 employees. Longines logo is the winged hourglass, and you can find it from watches as long ago as 1867, it's engraved on the movement. Today Longines is among the 5 most important Swiss watch brands internationally. They are one of the few brands to produce about an equal number of ladies and mens watches. They are the trusted official timekeeper for many sports events around the world, and there are now over 1,500 people working for Longines. Longines has a huge archive of hand written records of every single watch produced since 1867, allowing them to track every single Longines watch by its serial number. "We've now digitised this collection to ensure it continues, but this service is quite unique and we offer it to each and every owner of a Longines watch." Longines has reached many milestones that separates them from their competitors. They focused on timepieces for professional use, mainly pilots, aviators, explorers etc. At the same time had strong ties with timekeeping which requires very special watches. It learned a lot through those two things, using that knowhow to produce wristwatches in uniqueLonginesways.first pocket chronograph was manufactured in 1878 and was used soon after to time horse races. In 1908, they made the first pocket watch showing two timezones on the same dial, an innovation that was later used for many other models. 1911 saw one of the world’s first wrist chronograph, before in 1925 creating the first wristwatch chronograph with two independent pushers and flyback mechanism. The Conquest collection started in 1954, with Flagship following two years later, this started the "family" naming convention of Longines watches, all the way up to the HydroConquest collection from 2007. Moving onto their timekeeping history, Daniel explained that Longines introduced the electromechanical 'cutting wire system' at the start and finish line to eliminate human error from timekeeping in 1912. Two years later, the first stopwatch to measure 1/10th of a second with a high frequency movement was launched, and as early as in 1916 a timepiece measuring 1/100th of a second. Sir Malcom Campbell's speed record of 209km/h was recorded by Longines in 1937 on Lake Maggiore, using certified stopwatches. 1954 saw the first electronic timing clock, and in '56 the first permanent recording process for the finish line was developed. Coupled to a quartz clock, the 'Contifort' printed the position of contestants on the finish line on constantly unwinding and immediately developed film strips, photographing the corresponding time to 1/100th of a second. In 1962, Longines was already timing the Commonwealth Games with the Contifort timing system, delivering precise documents of the photo-finish. Not limited to athletics or horse racing, Longines timed a lot of cycling, motorsport racing as well as skiing, which is still important today.
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS Team TrinidadSingaporeKenyaJamaicaWalesScotlandNewIndiaAustraliaEnglandCanadaZealandNigeriaSouthAfricaMalaysiaNorthernIreland&Tobago FINAL MEDAL BIRMINGHAM 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES ROUNDUP
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Other highlights include a historic first for England women’s hockey squad, who held off fierce competition from their old rivals Australia to finally take home the gold medal, after being denied first place by the Aussie side in three previous Commonwealth Finals. Scotland’s Eilish McGolgan kept it in the family with an incredible final lap to win gold in the 10,000 metres. She smashing the Scottish record set by her own mum Liz McColgan. She also scooped a silver medal in the 5,000 metres later in the Games. In keeping it Scottish, 72-year-old Rosemary Lenton proved that age is no barrier to success as she partnered Pauline Wilson to win women's pairs Para lawn bowls gold at the Games after beating Australia’s Cheryl Lindfield and Serena Bonnell 17-15 in the final.
Jake Jarman, who became the first English athlete to win four gold medals at the same Games since shooter Mick Gault in 1998, Australia’s Emma McKeon who collected an astonishing six gold, a silver and a bronze medal in the pool on her way to breaking the record for the most Games medals ever, with victory in the women’s 50 metres freestyle and butterfly the highlights. England defeated Australia 17-16 in the most dramatic circumstances in the inaugural Basketball 3×3 final. The host nation triumphed with a game-winning two pointer in overtime to secure the first men's gold medal of the Games.
"I thought I would never get to a Commonwealth Games, and if I did it would be as a spectator," she said. “We didn’t always produce it, but when it really mattered we did, and that’s the important thing."
Just some highlights in what many call “the best Commonwealth Games ever!” by Steve Williams
Jamaica's 'Sunshine Girls' produced one of the most eye-catching moments of the Games with their stunning celebrations after an historic semifinal win over world champions New Zealand.Having producing a brilliant win over Australia in the pool stages, their 67-51 semi-final victory - booking their place in a first ever Commonwealth Games final - really caught the eye, with their extraordinary on-court dance after the win living long in the memory.
SOFSPECTACLEGLORIOUSSPORTtarsoftheBirmingham2022CommonwealthGamesincludedsprintqueen,ElaineThompson-Herah,who,whilstShelly-AnnFraser-PryceskippedtheGames,thefellowJamaicanbackedupherwomen’s100mand200mgoldsattheTokyoOlympicswithanothersprintdoubleandanewGamesrecordinthe200m.
Other highlights saw hometown hero, Joe Fraser, taking three gymnastics medals - with a fractured foot. The 23-year-old helped England to team all-around gold before winning the pommel horse and parallel bars competitions.“Mybeliefto get to the Games was always huge,” he said. “I truly believed I could do it. I was proud of myself and everyone who helped me get it.”
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The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 - Page 29CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS
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A FINALE!
The united roar was the loudest ever experienced in any major sporting venue in the Midlands – and probably beyond. It left a feeling in the heart that was unique in anyone’s experience – leaving a proud boast that this may never again be witnessed anywhere in Commonwealththe–ever!Ittrulywasaprivilegeandan honour to be part of this - the greatest sporting event ever. As the curtains of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games were drawing to a final close, a rip-roaring ‘rattle-cry’ from the city’s Ocean Colour Scene was the introduction to a night of celebration before fellow charttopper Dexy’s Midnight Runners and their ‘Come On Eileen’ got the crowd revved-up to a max’ – and that was just a starter! With a solid ‘Birmingham Sountrack’, this really was a ‘Brum Ting’ as athletes and fellow-competitors from the 72 Commonwealth Nations and Territories were united in saying their collective ‘Thank You’ to their host. The host city, in return, couldn’t say “Tah Very Much” and “Bostin” enough for their presence, and impact, on what will be remembered as the most inclusive, most diverse and theCommonwealthfriendliest
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@PhoenixNewsUK CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS BIRMINGHAM 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES ROUNDUP FINALE!
The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games finally drew to a close – but not before a surprise appearance by Ozzy Osbourne as the Prince of Darkness surprisingly fronted his Black Sabbath band. In black, loud and proud (though oh too brief) – who else could have given that kind of Brummie send off? And then, to finally bring the curtains down on what anwasunforgettable 11 days of sports, music and record-breaking crowds, The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, said: “You have, once again, brought the spirit and value of the Commonwealth back to life. Before officially declaring the Games –Closed!”So,for the final time, it was a “Tah and Ta-Rah Bab.” Now it’s down to the state of Victoria, Australia, which will host the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
ever.GamesBirmingham wasn’t afraid to show the Commonwealth – neh, the world – just how warm, inviting and embracing it is as its guests were welcomed with a level of hospitality that Victoria, you’d do well to equal as a Peaky Blinders dance routine preceded a powerful segment featuring some of the area's talented young spoken word and musical stars of the future. Laura Mvula also performed on stage in theThesegmentGames organising committee chair John Crabtree praised and thanked the 14,000 volunteers for their efforts and the crowds for their support. He also praised the way Para-sports integrated into the largest programme in Commonwealth Games history. Five-time Paralympic gold medallist, Ellie Simmonds, commented: "I think Birmingham should be so, so proud, they have put on an incredible beforeGames,"the Walsall-born superswimmer adding: "Sport has the power to change the world and you can see it in Birmingham." Back on a music-tip, Apache Indian's Boom Shack-A-Lak and Musical Youth's Pass The Dutchie got a packed Alexander Stadium singing, almost word-for-word. Reggae legends UB40's Red, Red Wine was followed by model Neelam Gill making an appearance during Panjabi MC's Bhangra hit Mundian To Bach Ke. Drum & Bass guru, Goldie, left everyone buzzing with his all-time classic Inner City Life, with fellow-Black Country icon, Beverley Knight, on vocals, for this unforgettable combination.
As visitors from across the UK and the wider Commonwealth have flooded into Birmingham and the West Midlands, they have all been guaranteed a warm welcome, thanks in no small part to the volunteers with a range of duties including kit carriers, drivers, first aiders and greeters. From courtside assistance and first aid to stage construction and from athlete support to social media, students from across 9 of our local universities have volunteered their expert skills to ensure this year’s commonwealth games does Birmingham proud.
"The 2022 Commonwealth Games was the biggest event Birmingham has ever staged and will be talked about for many years to come, so the volunteers will forever have a proud and richly deserved place in our city's history."I said beforehand that the Commonwealth Games, traditionally known as the ‘Friendly Games’, would never come to a friendlier city. That proved to be true and much of the credit should go to the smiling, welcoming and ever-helpful volunteers. “I've lost count of the number of times people have told me just how great the volunteers were, and I agree - 100 per cent. They were amazing."
BIRMINGHAM 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES
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Of their service, Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council said: "The volunteers were fantastic ambassadors for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and I can't thank them enough for the brilliant way they welcomed athletes, officials and spectators to this city region.
Andy Street, West Midlands Mayor, said: “Playing host to the Commonwealth has been a huge collective effort that has shown the very best of civic spirit right across our region. I pay special tribute to the contributionstudentsourhavemade. The effort they have put into supporting events with their time and commitment is truly remarkable and I thank them for it.”Andrew Newman, Director of Workforce and Volunteering for Birmingham 2022, said: “The Commonwealth Collective has been crucial to the delivery of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and every single volunteer, no matter their role, has made a huge contribution and ensured that all of our spectators have had a fantastic experience.
"We’d like to thank all of the students from the universities and colleges from across the West Midlands for supporting the Games.”Hundreds of students from across West Midlands universities also made a significant contribution to the success of Birmingham 2022’s Commonwealth Games. In addition, the Commonwealth Collective also included people from Australia, New Zealand, India, and even non-Commonwealth nation Finland.
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The 14,000 Commonwealth Games volunteers were hailed as 'the beating heart of Birmingham 2022'. Known as the Commonwealth Collective, in their distinctive orange and grey uniforms they became “the familiar” and were a very popular sight at venues across the city over the 11 days. The army of volunteers were a constant presence as visitors from across the UK and the wider Commonwealth have flooded into Birmingham and the West Midlands. They – each and every one of them – all guaranteed a warm welcome, as they made themselves available, with a range of duties including kit carriers, drivers, first aiders and greeting people to their city and to their Games - it's just a 'Brum Ting'!
“We have inspired thousands of children and young people, and adults through our 3x3 performances and a high-level of interest in basketball is bound to follow once the Commonwealth Games come to an end. It’s right we leave the next generation not only with great memories but high-quality basketball facilities to enjoy.”The exciting 3x3 form of basketball - which is played on a half court on one basket with just three players per side - made its Commonwealth Games debut at the Smithfield site in Birmingham between 29 July and 2 August and was a fan Basketballfavourite.isBritain’s jointsecond most popular team sport amongst young people after football. According to Sport England’s Active Lives survey, more than one million British people regularly play basketball, and among those aged 18-34, 14% play every week. The partnerships will work together to maximise the opportunities to increase the amount of people playing in the city.
In addition, some of the highperformance equipment from the Games - such as temporary performance sprung flooring that created the netball and 3x3 basketball courts, as well as the boxing ring and high-performance Judo mats - is being distributed amongst national sports bodies. This means that, alongside the separate community giveaway, these sports bodies will be able to repurpose some of their highperformance equipment into communities that can benefit the most from it.
The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 - Page 35@PhoenixNewsUK LEGACY POSITIONSSCHEMEBROADCASTERLEADSTOGAMESANDMENTORINGSPORTS EQUIPMENT TO BE GIFTED TO WEST MIDLANDS GROUPS CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS BIRMINGHAM 2022 COMMONWEALTH GAMES ROUNDUP
Awide range of sports equipment used by teams and athletes across all of the venues during the Commonwealth Games will be gifted to local sport and community groups in the West Midlands. In a join-up between Sport England, the Birmingham 2022 organisers and the Department for Digital, Culture Media & Sport (DCMS), over 16,000 sports items - including bikes, martial arts mats, weights, T20 cricket equipment, basketballs, boxing gloves and weights, as well as general equipment, such as cones and bibswill all be made available.
An exciting partnership will create a legacy for community basketball from the huge success of the 3x3 format of the sport at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. England's Men and Women claimed the inaugural Commonwealth Games 3x3 medals, winning gold and silver respectively on a triumphant night inABirmingham.significantfinancial investment will be made to develop 3x3 and 5v5 basketball participation opportunities for adults and young people – creating and enhancing up to 20 great basketball spaces in the city to be enjoyed for generations.Birmingham City Council and Basketball England, with support from Sport England and National Lottery funding, will be able to significantly bolster the basketball infrastructure in the city for local communities and the grassroots game, as well as providing the opportunity to take part in a range of 3x3 events. The collaborative agreement is a major part of Birmingham City Council’s legacy strategy and is set to run over a 12-18-month period. It will also form part of Basketball England’s #ProjectSwish campaign, which was launched in 2019 to improve and promote local spaces to play outdoors. Street to elite Birmingham’s Myles Hesson started his basketball journey in the city, playing basketball with his brothers, before growing and honing his skills with local grassroots clubs City of Birmingham and the Birmingham A’s. His professional career has taken him to Europe and Asia, and now has won medals for his“NewsHessoncountry.said:ofabasketball legacy plan, backed with financial investment, in my home city makes all the blood, sweat and tears my teammates and I put into our Birmingham 2022 campaign even more worthwhile. “Ultimately, grassroots basketball is where the love for the game, and physical activity, is sown. It’s also the first stage to creating and moulding champions.
Among those being offered coveted roles is Dawda Jinikeh, a 27-year-old media and communications graduate from Birmingham City University. The son of Gambian parents who was born and raised in Barcelona, Spain, says he hopes the opportunity will give him the chance to prove his worth. Dawda, who is fluent in four languages – Spanish, Catalan, English and African Soninke –was offered a place as an outside broadcast (OB) assistant, where he will work on the triathlon and mountain bike competitions.
ABUILDINGLEGACY
West Midlanders givengroupsunderrepresentedfromhavebeenaonce-in-alifetime opportunity to work with one of the country’s leading sports broadcasters for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Award-winning Sunset+Vine, which provides live sports programming to UK and international broadcasters, partnered with Birmingham City University, Create Central, WMCA and Solihull College to deliver the Host Broadcast Training Initiative, which offered 200 work experience placements on its outside broadcasts and studio productions.
“This will be the first time I’ll have worked on live TV so it is exciting,” said Dawda, who lives in Birmingham. “I’ll be in the truck, on location, getting the shots, cutting, and editing. It is a dream come true as I enjoy working in editing and post-production.“Sunset+Vine is a huge and amazing company, and it is incredible that I’ve been given the opportunity to work in sports broadcasting for the Commonwealth Games. For newcomers like me, it gives us a chance to shine. There are so many talented people, but they don’t usually get the platform to prove themselves, especially as a young Black person, so here is a chance I can take and inspire many Black talents out there. “I’m hoping that by proving my commitment to hard work and my passion for sport, it will be a springboard for my career.” After taking part in the training earlier this year, Dawda received industry-level skills training across a variety of disciplines including live TV, broadcasting and production and is now looking forward to playing his part in the screening of the Games, which take place in Birmingham between July 28 and August 8, to 1.5 billion people worldwide.“TheHBTI is the jewel in Sunset+Vine's Commonwealth Games legacy for the Midlands,” said David Tippet. “We're thrilled to have completed training and offered real-world industry experience to over 200 trainees, with 150 of them now set to join us for paid roles on the Games.“The lack of diversity in sports broadcasting is an ongoing issue and this scheme is one way we are looking to play our part in addressing that - and we're thrilled that over 60% of our trainees are from sportingoftoremainsindustry.groupsunderrepresentedwithinour“Nowallthatisforthemjoinusononethebiggesteventsto be held in the heart of Birmingham.” He added that Sunset+Vine will continue to mentor trainees post Games, helping them to launch a career in the industry.
The equipment giveaway is open to communities in Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire, Hereford and Worcestershire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire. Applications are open from 15th August until 19th September, with the process is designed to be as inclusive as possible to reflect the diversity of the West Midlands. Guidance for the application process is available in 15 languages and video applications are accepted too. A full catalogue of the equipment for the community giveaway will be made available on the Sport England website for groups and clubs to look at and apply for.
The community giveaway will support the shared goal to create a lasting community impact in the West Midlands, by supporting people to be active beyond the Games. Not-for-profit community-based organisations, such as local voluntary groups, schools, sports clubs, Community Interest Companies (CICs) and social enterprises that deliver community-based projects, that seek to tackle inactivity and promote the physical and mental benefits of leading an active life, are all eligible to apply.
David Tippet, managing director of Sunset+Vine, said providing paid work opportunities for those wanting to break into sports broadcasting or to those who wanted to expand their skills and work experience was an important part of the legacy programme for the Commonwealth Games, which is the widest-reaching sports event in the UK since the 2012 Olympics in London.Roles include content creators, production co-ordinators, media managers, camera operators, edit assistants, loggers, live gallery PAs, assistant floor managers and technical roles.
Page 36 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 thephoenixnewspaper.comCELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS A 'NICE' TIME AT anime and comics, including a special celebration of Assassins The 'World Famous Pub Quiz' returned once again, taking full advantage of the connotations of Esports featured heavily, with a number of competitions for both the casual gamer and Esports organisations, including representation from the Army and Back at the show, a selection of indie games, board games, VR, and much more, along with the likes of Intel showing off their new ARC along with prebuilt systems and components from Overclockers UK, filled out the rest of the show floor, with the usual merchandise, 'gamer energy' and memorabilia
Insomnia will be back with i70, a great couple of days out for anyone interested in the gaming
2-18SEPTEMBERVICTORIASQUARE,BIRMINGHAMCOMMISSIONEDBYUNBOXED-CREATIVITYINTHEUKTHEFESTIVALCONTINUESPOLINATIONSBYTRIGGERPRODUCTIONS LET’SGOOUT
Praised by BBC Introducing and Clash, Watford born Kayla Grace’s introductory track ‘Bird In A Cage’ positioned the 21-yearold as an artist and songwriter of immense potential. Now it’s time for Kayla to make a bigger impact as she shares her new single ‘Nobody Loves Me’, which is out now on Good Taste Recordings and features on Spotify’s New Music Friday UK.
LovesHerSharesGraceKaylaNewSingle‘NobodyMe’
The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 - Page 37@PhoenixNewsUK CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS ENTERTAINMENTwww.streetcredmagazine.com Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com AT
The opening line of ‘Nobody Loves Me’ quickly grabs your attention with Kayla’s simple but engaging statement, “I think my therapist hates me.” She goes on to explore the fear that she has upset everyone who is significant in her life. While she realises that her fear borders on paranoia, there’s no escaping the fact that the scars of childhood remain even when you’re finding your own way in the world. But within the darker emotional themes of the song, Kayla Grace has discovered an uplifting sound that will provide escapism for people who are experiencing similar issues. It’s authentic, affecting bedroom pop with a vivacious emo edge. Kayla says, “Nobody Loves Me is basically the embodiment of the intrusive thoughts I have from my unhealed inner child. I had a complicated childhood and found a lot of my needs were ignored so I always believed that everyone hated me. “Things are better now, but I think I dragged that cloud with me into teenage years/adulthood and can’t shake it off.” Kayla Grace wrote ‘Nobody Loves Me’ with the song’s producer, Joe Wander, and Mikey Gormley. ‘Nobody Loves Me’ is accompanied by a largely homegrown visual, which sees Kayla bring her words to life in a playful, provocative style. Filmed in her hometown of Watford, it also features animations from Emily Hoang, which are based on the illustrations she designed for the single’s artwork. Watch HERE.ForKayla, music is an outlet to help her work her way through a minefield of growing pains. Whether it’s with relationships, family or mental health issues, she uses songwriting as a cathartic expression that helps her make sense of the world around her.
Page 38 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 thephoenixnewspaper.comCELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS ENTERTAINMENT www.streetcredmagazine.com To Advertise 0121 339 5885 BIRMINGHAM O2 ACADEMY September 02 The Bros Landreth 05 Gus Dapperton 06 Dave Hause and The Mermaid 08 NOAHFINNCE 10 Fell Out Boy + The Black Charade (A Tribute to My Chemical Romance) 14 The House Of Love 16 Starsailor 16 Caity Baser 17 Blind Channel | Sick and Dangerous Tour 19 Three Days Grace 21 The Big Moon 22 Doug Stanhope 22 Polaris 23 Gabzy 24 Definitely Mightbe (Oasis tribute) 25 Progress Wrestling Presents California Mountain Snake 27 Anthrax 27 Deafheaven 28 Moonchild 28 Incubus 29 The Undertones 29 Clairo O2 INSTITUTE September 01 ROLE MODEL: TouRX 2022 World Tour 02 Alice Lily 02 The Interrupters 03 Amber Mark 03 The Cadillac Three: Hillbilly Hypnotized Tour 04 Zack Knight 05 Bright Eyes 08 Embrace 09 Say Less 09 Aminé 10 Candid 11 Fun Lovin' Criminals 12 Dance Gavin Dance 13 Professor Green 14 Immortal Technique 16 Half Man Half Biscuit 17 ARKELLS & LIGHTS 17 Ash - 'Free All Angels' 21st Anniversary show 18 Yard Act 19 BANKS: The Serpentina Tour 20 CJ Wildheart 20 Rema 21 Cardinal Black 22 MOWGS 23 Cian Ducrot 24 Durand Jones & The Indications 24 Blue Nation 24 SCARLXRD 27 SOEN 27 The Lemonheads "It's a Shame About Ray" 30th Anniversary 28 Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls 29 SABA 29 Lucky Daye 30 Maximo Park UTILITA ARENA September 02 Arcade Fire The “WE” Tour 09 Babbu Maan 10 Adam Kay This Is Going To Hurt... More 11 Professor Brian Cox Live Horizons: A 21st Century Space Odyssey 14 Dr. Jordan B. Peterson: Beyond Order 16-17 Joe Lycett MORE, MORE, MORE! 22 George Ezra 24 Andrea Bocelli NEC September 03-04 Collectormania27 - Film & Comic Con Birmingham 17-20 The Photography Show & The Video Show 23-25 A Place in the Sun Live 23-25 Arnold Sports Festival UK 2022 23-25 The National Wedding Show RESORTS WORLD ARENA September 10-11 Birmingham International Tattoo 2022 TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL September 01 RuPaul's Drag Race UK: Season 3 Tour (SH) 03 Massed Male Voices of Cornwall (SH) 04 Got 2 Sing Choir 10th Anniversary Celebratory Concert (SH) 06 Tavares (SH) 06 Vir Das: Wanted (TH) 07 Tim Peake: My Journey to Space (SH) 08 Fastlove: A Tribute to George Michael (SH) 08-10 Fame UK Reunion 2022: 40th Anniversary (TH) 10 The 168th British Open Brass Band Championships (SH) 11 Brass Band Gala 2022 featuring Cory Band & Black Dyke Band (SH) 12 Justin Hayward (TH) 12 Agnes Obel (SH) 13 An Evening With Chris de Burgh – His Songs, Stories & Hits (SH) 14 Don McLean: 50th Anniversary of American Pie (SH) 15 David Essex (SH) 15 Loudon Wainwright III In Concert: Katherine Priddy supporting (TH) 16 Kim Wilde: Greatest Hits Tour, Plus Special Guests China Crisis (SH) 17 Daniel Howell (SH) 18 The Billy Joel Songbook (2022) 18 Steve Hackett Genesis Revisited - Foxtrot at Fifty + Hackett Highlights (SH) 19 A1: The A Game (TH) 20 Rupi Kaur (TH) 20 A New World: CBSO, Kazuki Yamada and Nicola Benedetti (SH) 21 Birmingham Music Awards (TH) 22 Bret McKenzie (TH) 23 Dick And Dom In Da Bungalow Live (TH) 24 CDC Dance Present: Iconic (TH) 25 Space Spectacular (SH) 26 Lunchtime Organ Concert with Thomas Trotter (TH) 26 Dexys: Too-Rye Ay: As It Should Have Sounded (SH) 26 An Extra Good Night with Yotam Ottolenghi and Noor Murad (TH) 27 Madeleine Peyroux (TH) 28 The Sea: CBSO and Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla (SH) 28 The 80s Show (TH) SEPTEMBER Gig Listings
The cast of To The Streets! got into character by hopping on a vintage National Express bus ahead of moving from their rehearsals at Birmingham Hippodrome to their first performances at Handsworth Park.
of ‘To
The cast The Streets’ drive into performances at Handsworth Park
The concert performances will take place between 19 – 28 August at Handsworth Park in Birmingham, Windmill Hill, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, and West Park, Wolverhampton, as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival. The performances will be performed festival style, with a range of food and drinks available, including Nally’s Jamaican and Wild Street Kitchen. The show will also be supported by a range of pre-show performances, music and poetry, including DJ Pskyhomantus, Aston Performing Arts Academy, Flexus Dance Collective, Adjei Sun and many more.Tothe Streets! is based on an original idea and directed by Christopher Haydon, with the book by Roy Williams, music and lyrics by Tim Sutton, design by Soutra Gilmour, lighting design by Arnim Friess, sound design by Gareth Fry, video design by Duncan McLean, and with choreography from Dannielle ‘Rhimes’ Lecointe. Ian Oakley is Musical Director, Pearson Casting are casting directors, and the show is produced in association with Warwick Arts Centre, City of Wolverhampton Council and DRPG Creative.
To The Streets! - presented by Birmingham 2022 Festival - is an uplifting new musical by Roy Williams and Tim Sutton inspired by the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott, a pivotal moment in the UK’s civil rights history. The show follows the story of Paul Stephenson, an idealistic youth worker who takes to the streets to stand up for equality in Bristol where tensions are running high as the Omnibus Company refuse to employ Black or Asian drivers or conductors. Lorraine, a teenager newly arrived from Jamaica, joins the fight and in so doing, finds her voice and becomes part of a movement that changes history.
BENTLEY MOTORS has unveiled the Bentley Mulliner Batur – a new twodoor grand touring coupé limited to 18 series pieces that embodies the start of a design revolution at Bentley. Created by Director of Design Andreas Mindt and his team, the Batur is a showcase of a new design DNA that will ultimately guide the design of Bentley’s future range of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).The collection of just 18 series examples of the Batur is the latest project by Bentley’s in-house bespoke and coachbuilding division, Mulliner, and succeeds the Bacalar – a run of 12 individually specified, designed and handcrafted Barchettas that relaunched coachbuilding at Bentley. Like its predecessor – the Bacalar – the Batur is named after a beautiful natural body of water. Lake Batur is an 88m deep, 16 km2 crater lake in Kintamani on the island of Bali, Indonesia, and provides nutrient-rich water to both local hot springs and agriculture.TheBatur will also be the most powerful Bentley yet, with a 740+ PS version of the iconic, hand-assembled 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine that has metaphorically and literally powered Bentley’s success for the last two decades. As the engine enters its twilight years as part of Bentley’s Beyond100 transformation journey to being fully electrified, the Batur forms the first part of a celebration of the W12’s extraordinary power, torque and refinement. Engine performance will be matched to the most advanced Bentley chassis ever, with Speed-tuned air suspension, electric active anti-roll control, eLSD, four-wheel steering and torque vectoring. All 18 examples of the Batur have already been reserved. Each one will be designed collaboratively with each customer, guided by Mulliner’s in-house design team.
WHAT CAR? SETS WORLD RECORD FOR MOST COUNTRIES VISITED IN 24 HOURS IN AN ELECTRIC CAR
What Car? journalists Neil Winn and Doug Revolta have set a new world record for the most countries visited in 24 hours in an electric car. The unmodified Porsche Taycan (Performance Battery Plus) chosen for the challenge required seven charge stops at ultra-rapid 350kW Ionity chargers along the 1199-mile journey across 14 countries. Aside from these brief charge stops, the pair drove the Taycan non-stop for 24 hours from the Netherlands to Serbia, passing through Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary and Bosnia in that order. Both drivers faced numerous challenges in their 24-hour driving adventure including rush hour traffic in Luxembourg and a perilous border crossing in Hungary, but this didn’t stop the pair from maintaining a moving average of 61mph. The largest proportion of their time (just over four hours) was spent traversing Croatia as the crescent-shaped country abuts Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia and Serbia. This contrasts rather starkly with the 10 minutes it took to cross the tiny principality of Liechtenstein. Calculating average charging times and driving speeds, and adjusting for traffic and border crossings, What Car? had initially estimated to make it as far as 13 countries in the 24-hour period, but such was the progress of the duo that they managed to include Hungary in the final tally - taking the total to 14.
The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 - Page 39@PhoenixNewsUK CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS@PhoenixNewsUK MOTORSwww.streetcredmagazine.com Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com
Mulliner Batur Starts Design Revolution For Bentley
Ground-breaking
ASTON Merrygold is set to embark upon a UK headline tour this October.The3AM Tour will see Aston taking his arena-sized talents to club venues around the country after performing in front of over 350,000 people during JLS’s hugely successful reunion tour. The Aston Merrygold live experience sees him mix solo favourite such as ‘Get Stupid’, ‘Trudy’, ‘I Ain’t Missing You’, latest track ‘How Many Times’ and just maybe the occasional throwback to JLS. Aston says, “I can’t wait to get back out on the road to play some of my solo material. Performing live is what I love to do most and it will be great to see some of my fans again!’
Ben Dale, Managing Director at Jestic Foodservice Solutions was thrilled to be able to make such a substantial donation. The Alzheimer's Society
epic Australian work ‘Counting and Cracking’ to tour UK
Jestic Team Activities Generate Over £2500 For
Recent months have seen Aston drop the single ‘How Many Times’ (as well as a remix from Kandour), star as a special guest judge during the ‘The Masked Singer’ live tour, launch the ‘Pizza & Tequila’ podcast, and feature as Willard in the musical adaptation of classic ‘80s movie ‘Footloose’. That work ethic has been a hallmark of Aston’s career ever since he first came to attention with
The production showed from 8th to 14th August at The Lyceum Theatre as part of Edinburgh International Festival and Birmingham Rep as part of Birmingham 2022 Festival from 19th to 27th August. Led by Eamon Flack and S. Shakthidharan, Counting and Cracking follows the journey of one Sri Lankan-Australian family over four generations, from 1956 to 2004. In the course of telling this family’s epic story of break up and reunion, the narrative also tells the tale of two countries: Sri Lanka post-independence and Australia as an immigrant nation. An epic ensemble theatre work featuring a world-class cast of 19 performers hailing from six different countries, Counting and Cracking was the winner of 14 major awards including Helpmann Awards for Best Production and Best Direction. It now tours to the UK presented as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival and the Edinburgh International Festival. On the banks of a suburban Sydney river, Radha and her son Siddhartha release the ashes of Radha’s mother – their final connection to the past, to Sri Lanka and its struggles. Now they are free to embrace their lives in Australia. But a phone call from Colombo brings the past spinning back to life, and we’re plunged into an epic story of love and political strife, of home and exile, of parents and children.Written by S. Shakthidharan, a Sri Lankan-Australian who researched and developed the work over the course of ten years, with Eamon Flack, the play tells the tale of two countries: Sri Lanka post-independence and Australia as an immigrant nation. It is directed by Eamon Flack, an award-winning director and the Artistic Director of Belvoir, one of Australia’s most celebrated theatre companies, with S. Shakthidharan.Itwasperformed in English, Tamil and Sinhalese, with live translation into English.
Page 40 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 thephoenixnewspaper.comCELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS To Advertise 0121 339 5885 ENTERTAINMENT
AstonJLS.
Birmingham 2022 Festival and the Belvoir.basedCrackingrecentbreakingmostpresentedInternationalEdinburghFestivaloneofAustralia’sambitiousandground-theatricalworksoftimes,CountingandfromleadingSydney-theatrecompany,
headlineannouncesMerrygoldhis3AMTour
A SERIES OF EMPLOYEE events organised as part of Jestic Foodservice Solution's summer charity drive has helped raise in excess of £2,500 for two charities; The Alzheimer's Society and Kent based charity Crossroads Care. The annual company BBQ, which was held recently at the Paddock Wood headquarters, aided over 60% of the final total. This was not only thanks to the fantastic feast once again laid on by the Jestic culinary team, but also due to the capture of many of the directors, who found themselves locked up for short periods of time in the hastily arranged stocks, that just happened to be close to buckets of water and sponges! The remaining money was generated from a series of summer hamper raffles which occurred at engineer training sessions and meetings.
PRESS RELEASE
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30th
The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 - Page 41@PhoenixNewsUK CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS IT’S A JUBILEE CELEBRATION! A ROYAL INVITATION
The Phoenix Newspaper is proud, privileged, and humbled to announce it will be celebrating its Glittering 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation Ceremony and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Year at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Ghana on the 30th September 2022. In Partnership with Nishkam, on the 29th September, the Peace Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation will be introduced, and we will also be holding a State of The Industry Conference facilitated by Alistair Soyode of BEN TV, showcasing the best that Ghana has to offer, including talks from our keynote speakers and many networking opportunities, including what is on offer to assist Africa now and beyond.As a Commonwealth Newspaper, we are proud to celebrate with all the countries of the Commonwealth, most of which will have descended on Birmingham just a month prior for the fantastic Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the home of The Phoenix Newspaper.Intheyear of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, it’s fitting that her Commonwealth will be coming together for such an unforgettable event, and in the United Kingdom too! Once the festivities of the games are over, all roads will lead to Accra, to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee, and most importantly, to recognise the traditional Kings and Queens across Africa. For the first time this year the awards categories will not be up for public vote, as this year we will be awarding significant figures across Africa and the diaspora. On the night, it will be a glorious and spectacular enlightenment as the traditional Kings and Queens of Africa proceed in their glory to an occasion that is fitting for this special Jubilee year. They will be joined by world leaders, governors, high ranking military officials, dignitaries, specially invited guests and of course our wonderful readers, supporters and friends coming together to share in the successes The Phoenix Newspaper has had over the last 10 years, as well as celebrate their legacy. Ghana has one of the fastest growing economies in all of Africa, so it’s an auspicious time for us to bring the positivity of The Phoenix Newspaper to the region.We invite you to come to Africa, introducing “Be Bold State of the Industry Conference” – a conference on the 29th September at the Oak Plaza Hotel, East Airport, Accra, Ghana, showcasing the best that Ghana has to offer, including talks from our keynote speakers and many networking opportunities, including what is on offer to assist Africa now and beyond.Nishkam are also introducing the Peace Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation on the day. In Ghana’s Year of Return 2019, President Nana Akufo-Addo invited Africans in the diaspora to unite with Africa. This is an opportunity for Birmingham and the West Midlands to seize the opportunity to connect and partner with Africans and the diaspora to continue the legacy of ‘Be Bold’. Regardless of your race, colour, creed, gender or sexuality, The Phoenix Newspaper is here to spread positive news about all people, combating the overhyped and sensationalised news pushed by the rest of the mainstream media.Only by coming together in solidarity can we move forward in such uncertain times. The Phoenix has been promoting and celebrating the power that the diversity of our nation has, inclusive of all of the sectors that make Britain ‘Great’ for a decade, and while it wasn’t an easy journey for us by any means, we now have a publication that is accepted, trusted, and loved by people of all walks of life and nationalities. This is an awards ceremony that recognises diversity, inclusion and success from all sectors and walks of life, so this year make sure you don’t miss out. This will be a royal occasion with an exclusive audience of over 500 seated guests for a grand dinner and networking opportunity with the elite. There are sponsorship opportunities for business and commerce to engage in. These opportunities will be beneficial to all participants. THE CONFERENCEDATE. State of the Industry Conference ANNIVERSARY GALA DINNER Friday September, Finale Celebration to be held at Movenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra - Independence Avenue Ridge, Pmb Ct 343, AccraGhana.Weare inviting individuals, entrepreneurs, local authorities, organisations, who have a vested interest in Africa to join us as we celebrate the Commonwealth, Connecting Communities to Inspire the Next Generation. For further information, or to express an interest, please email us orinfo@phoenixgalaawards.comatphone07948155192.
2022 29th September 2022
2022
THE PHOENIX NEWSPAPER 10TH ANNIVERSARY GALA AWARDS AND LEGACY TOUR
Be Bold
LetterMidlands
Birmingham’s plasma donor centre hass fully upgrading to new ‘female friendly’ donor machines which will almost double the number of women who can donate lifesaving plasma. Up until now, the number of female donors has been severely restricted. The previous donation machines operated to minimum height and weight criteria that ruled most women out. Only around 8% of the 1,000 plasma donors at the centre in Birmingham were female, because of the restrictions. However the new machines operate with new height and weight criteria, based on more up to date evidence. The majority of women can now donate plasma, which will even up the donor mix, and bolster donations of a medicine under supply pressure. The nine new machines go fully live in Birmingham today, at the plasma donor centre in New Street in the city centre, one of three plasma donation centres in the country. Several were used on Wednesday to complete staff training. The machines can take donations from women who are shorter or who weigh less. Previously, a woman of around average height at 5ft 4ins tall had to weigh 12 stone 8lbs to make a donation. Now, a woman who is 5ft 4ins tall only needs to weigh 9 stone to make a Thedonation.new machines are also designed solely for plasma donation, which gives them more advantages. Donors say the new machines are more comfortable and faster, with each donation taking about 35 minutes instead of 45 minutes. In plasma donation, blood is gradually passed through the machine, which spins out the plasma. The red blood cells are gradually returned to the donor. The plasma will be used to make immunoglobulin, an antibodyrich medicine which strengthens or stabilises the immune system of people with rare disorders. Each year, around 1,300 people from the West Midlands are treated with immunoglobulin, for disorders such as Primary Immunodeficiency, Guillain–Barré syndrome, and autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. England relied on imported immunoglobulin for more than 20 years as a precaution against vCJD but the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said last year that UK plasma donation can again be used for immunoglobulins. NHS Blood and Transplant has been directed to take donations to bolster long term immunoglobulin supplies to NHS hospitals in the face of international supply pressures.
Halfords Logistics, who are based in the West Midlands locations of Coventry and Redditch, are one component of Halfords Group PLC, which is one of the UK's leading retailers in cycling and automotive products, as well as repairs and servicing. The Logistics team plays a key role in distributing stock from the warehouse floor to retail stores or directly to
AwardsHealthWinnerNewLogisticsHalfordsRoSPAcustomers.declaresBestEntryat2022andSafety
DEAR EDITOR, A change of leadership must not mean any change in commitment to the estimated 84,090 people with dementia and their families in the West Alzheimer’sMidlands.Society has welcomed Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement of a ‘national mission’ to tackle dementia. Earlier this week, he committed an extra £95m in research funding, meeting the Conservative’s election manifesto commitment to double funding for research into treatment to £160m by 2024, in memory of Dame BarbaraHowever,Windsor.weare now calling on the remaining two candidates vying to succeed the Prime Minister to ensure dementia remains a top priority – and to deliver on social care reform and a ten-year plan for dementia too. With Conservative leadership hustings taking place throughout August, this is a critical moment for everyone affected dementia in theInUK.addition to its commitment to double research funding, the government has pledged to reform social care, putting people living with dementia in control of their care and reducing the amount they pay for it. And earlier this year, they also announced a visionary ten-year plan for dementia, backed by proper funding. This could be truly transformational for the 900,000 people living with the condition in the UK. We need to offer hope for everyone affected by dementia – urgent action and investment is needed to deliver on all these commitments. Our next Prime Minister must implement these life-changing reforms.
Alice Walton Regional Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer Alzheimer’s Society West to the Editor
HALFORDS LOGISTICS’ “safety-first” culture has been recognised with the accolade of Best New Entry at the 2022 RoSPA Health and Safety Awards. The RoSPA Health and Safety Awards is one of the most widely recognised award schemes in the world, used by firms to benchmark and celebrate their health and safety achievements. Entrants for the Best New Entry prize, which was sponsored by Arco Professional Safety Services, were chosen from all Achievement and Industry Sector Award entrants who had made an award submission for the very first time at this year's ceremony.
NEW MOREPLASMA‘FEMALE-FRIENDLY’MACHINESENABLINGLIFESAVINGDONATIONS
Page 42 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 thephoenixnewspaper.comCELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS To Advertise 0121 339 5885To Advertise 0121 339 5885 HEALTH AND WELLBEING SALEH & SONS 250 LOZELLS RD, BIRMINGHAM B19 1NP TEL : 0121 551 1736 Specialising in Caribbean Produce Fresh Meat & Vegetables
The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 - Page 43@PhoenixNewsUK CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com AZUZA STREET
AHMADI MUSLIMS from across the UK descend on Oakland Farm, Hampshire, for three days of prayer, discussion and spiritual rejuvenation at the event known as Jalsa Salana. Organised by 7,000 volunteers, it sowed solutions offered to some of the biggest global challenges aimed at highlighting the teachings of Islam and help better understand the faith. Chief attendee, the Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, leader to millions of Ahmadi Muslims across the world, addressed each of the three days of the Jalsa, as he provided insight on key social issues during immense global uncertainty.“Agolden principle given by the Founder of Islam (peace and blessings be upon him) is that a true Muslim should like for others, what he likes for himself,” His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said. 30,000
Elevates’ – ‘inna yard-style’. Jamaica was “in the house” now. Flying in, especially, from the USA, internationally renowned tenor, Steve Higgins’ speciallysubmitted ‘Jamaica, Land of Beauty’ was as heart-rending as it ever could be, as overwhelming pride was, by now, overflowing. This ‘little corner of Jamaica’ that was The Bethel was, by now, at its heart-rending best. Described by one on social media as: “very uplifting and invigorating,” and another who simply said: “God bless Jamaica - land that I love,” this ‘Independence Day Diamond Jubilee Service of Praise and Thanksgiving’ was one filled with unity and piece – with the blessing of God, the Father and the Holy Ghost, before a memorable Service was closed with the national anthem, ‘Jamaica Land We Love’ – led by the aforementioned Steve Higgins. Starting a Jamaica-filled weekend of celebrations in the city, Birmingham made sure it played its part in ‘Jamaica 60 - Reigniting a Nation for Greatness’.
JAMAICA 60 - REIGNITING A NATION FOR GREATNESS by Steve Williams
Celebrating its Diamond Jubilee of representativessomePraiseDiamondaHighGreatness’Reigniting‘JamaicaIndependence,60-aNationforsawJamaicanCommission(UK)holdspecial‘IndependenceDayJubileeServiceofandThanksgiving’,withofthecountry’sleadingmarkingthe occasion as they gathered at The Bethel Convention Centre, in the West Midlands. In the presence of the likes of Jamaica’s UK High Commissioner, His Excellency Seth George Ramocan, CD, Air Commodore Dr Marcia McLaughlin F.Birm. Soc., Wade Lyn CBE CD DL, a special message from The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, was read out by Rev. Hudson-Wilkin, whilst H.E. Ramocan read a message from Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Michael Holness, ON PC, before Dr Lindsay and Mr Lyn would share the stage to give their respective scriptural readings. With the likes of Marcus Garvey, Bob Marley and Usain Bolt referred to as “modern-day Jamaican heroes and legends who were offered to the world, “patriotic pulses came alive” – and, not least, gratitude was given to the contribution made to this country by the Windrush Generation.“Letme invite you,” said a speaker, “to travel backwards – to 60 years ago,” as she went into ‘Louise Bennett-Coverley (or Miss Lou) mode to read ‘Jamaica
ConventionForMuslimsBritishGatherLargestIslamic
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Due to ongoing demand for the operator,ultra-luxurydestination,cruiseScenichas unveiled an expanded Japan programme for 2023 on board the ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. New sailings have been added to the programme, including three brand new itineraries, visiting more than six new ports of call including Hachinohe, Shimizu, Muroran, Sakaiminato (all Japan) and various spectacular ports across The Aleutian Islands (United States of America).
SCENIC EXPANDS
BRITISH AIRWAYS has announced two brand new routes to its transatlantic network: Oranjestad, Aruba (AUA) and Georgetown, Guyana (GEO). The new London Gatwick (LGW) flights will begin operating in late March 2023 on the Boeing 777-200 aircraft, bringing the total number of Caribbean destinations served by the London carrier to 17. Flights between Aruba and London will operate twice weekly, via Antigua; while Guyana service will operate twice weekly, via St. Lucia.BAhas also announced the start of thrice weekly nonstop flights beginning next March between Port of Spain, Trinidad (POS) and Gatwick. The route formerly operated via St. Lucia.
Virgin Galactic Calls Off Space Flight Again
ITS EXPERIENCESGUESTSAILINGSWITHPROGRAMMEJAPANNEWAND
A new Scenic Enrich excursion – part of the luxury cruise lines signature immersive shore excursion programme – allows guests to experience Japanese culture at a Shinto ceremony. The ancient tradition features prayers and dancing to encourage the purification of spirits and a sake Kagami-biraki ceremony at a local shrine is said to bring good luck to all who attend. Small ship cruising onboard Scenic Eclipse allows guests to explore beyond the horizon thanks to the on-board submarine and two helicopters. With just 228 guests onboard, an almost 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio and private butler service, Scenic Eclipse ensures an extraordinary level of personalised service for each guest.The 15-member onboard Discovery Team featuring scientists, historians, ornithologists and archaeologists educates guests on Japan’s fascinating history, fauna, wildlife and traditions. Guests can enjoy sushi in the onboard restaurant Sushi @ Kokos and sample north Asian fusion food at Night Market whilst tasting local Sake from the onboard Sake bar.
Scenic ocean cruises are truly all-inclusive, meaning guests can leave their wallet in a safe place and relax, knowing everything is taken care of. Flights, transfers, fine dining experiences, premium branded beverages and once-in-alifetime immersive excursions are all included in the price.
GatwickLondonGuyanaArubaConnectToAndWith
VIRGIN GALACTIC has pushed back the opening of its commercial flights for three more months, citing delays due to refurbishing of its carrier aircraft. Virgin Galactic declared that the commercial service is being delayed to the second quarter of 2023. It has been explained as the latest obstruction for the inaugural of its space tourism business. Before, the company had postponed the date from the fourth quarter of 2022 to the first quarter of 2023. The stock of the company declined over 10% in after-hours trading from its close of $8.19 a share. In the last 12 months, the stock of Virgin Galactic is down more than 70%. At present, the company has one carrier aircraft – VMS Eve. It’s around14 years old and is going through a tortuous refurbishment process. In Virgin Galactic’s flights, the jet-powered mothership plays an important role by carrying the spacecraft of the company high up to 50,000 feet altitude for launch. As per reports from the company, Virgin Galactic has a second-quarter adjusted EBITDA loss of $93 million, greater than the previous quarter’s loss of $77 million. In hand, the company has around $1.1 billion cash. Also, it explained about its plan to sell up to $300 million in common stock. Here, the company said is that it’s intended to add “financial flexibility going forward.”
BA
SAINT &
The grant will support Aboitiz’s search for potential sites for one of the Philippines’ first offshore wind projects and provide technical and economic analysis for the project. USTDA has supported 33 other energy projects in the Philippines, including smart grids, renewable power generation, distributed energy and energy storagesystems.Improving
ToPhilippines’TheAccessCleanEnergy
GERMANY’S ANNUAL Oktoberfest festival is finally on again for this fall, following a twoyear hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Oktoberfest, first held in 1810 in honour of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese, has been cancelled dozens of times during its more than 200-year history due to wars and pandemics. In the years before the coronavirus outbreak, around 6 million revellers visited the celebrations annually, many of them dressed in traditional Bavarian garb — the women in Dirndl dresses, the men in Lederhosen, or knee-length leatherSometrousers.487 beer breweries, restaurants, fish and meat grills, wine vendors and others will be present and opening hours will be even longer than in the past, with the first beer tents opening at 9 a.m. in the morning and closing at 10:30 p.m. The last orders will be taken at 9:30
FollowingFinallyOktoberfestp.m.ReturnsHiatus
LATEST TO ANNOUNCE BECOMING A REPUBLIC
“The signing of the USTDA grant on offshore wind is an important step in that direction.”
KITTS
Saint Kitts & Nevis have announced that they are the latest Caribbean nation looking to part ways with the British monarchy and become a republic. Follows a similar decision last year by Barbados, Deputy Prime Minister, Shawn Richards has launched a joint political bid to oust the nation’s current leader. He said: “The time has come for St Kitts and Nevis to review its monarchical system of government and to begin the dialogue to advance to a new status, just as Trinidad, Guyana, Dominica and now Barbados have“Alldone.political parties, along with civil society and the youth, will have an opportunity to guide the way forward.” As campaigners have been calling on the British government to stop sending royals overseas, and on the Commonwealth to sever ties with the monarchy, Mr. Richards and five of his cabinet colleagues lodged a motion of no confidence against the nation’s Prime Minister, Timothy Harris. This announcement comes after Jamaica’s government also announced plans to remove Queen Elizabeth II as head of state and make the country a republic - in time for the 2025 generalGuyana,election.Dominica and Trinidad & Tobago removed the Queen as head of state in the 1970s. Today, in addition to Jamaica commencing a move to republic status, some expect other countries, including the Bahamas and Belize, may soon followAchievingsuit. full independence on 19 September 1983, the islands of St Christopher (St. Kitts) and Nevis, along with the somewhat more distant Anguilla, experienced a number of administrative configurations and changes of status during the course of colonial history.
NEVIS
THE UNITED States and the Philippines are working together to expand access to clean energy and find solutions to the climate crisis.OnAugust 6, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) announced a grant to the Philippines’ Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. supporting development of offshore wind projects that could produce up to 3 gigawatts of clean energy, enough to power more than 2 million homes in that country.“The United States stands committed to working with the Philippines to achieve a clean energy future together,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.
The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 - Page 45@PhoenixNewsUK CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS OVERSEAS NEWS Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com
AverageYOY). London Room Rents Hit An All-Time High
Following the announced that the mortgage borrowing rules have been eased after the Bank of England scrapped an affordability test, Brean Horne from NerdWallet, commened: “Scrapping the mortgage affordability test sounds severe. “In reality,” he said, “the impact of the change will be limited – the same fundamental equation remains, as a borrower’s income will be weighed up against the size of their deposit, the size of the loan and the value of the property. Ultimately, the same issues will remain for would-be homebuyers.“Thelatest data shows that average house prices in England are 9.1 times an annual salary – the ratio has become larger and larger in recent years. And, as prospective buyers have to contend with the rising cost of living and increasing inflation, getting onto the property ladder has never been more challenging.“Understandably, many prospective buyers will be monitoring house prices carefully in the hopes of a market cool-down. They will also hope that the scrapping of the mortgage affordability test will be in their
The scheme is designed to accommodate the Council’s fleet services operation, which is due to relocate from its current Culwell Street depot to pave the way for hundreds of new homes as part of the Brewers Yard regeneration masterplan.
CITY CENTRE MOVES AS WHOLESALE MARKET REDEVELOPMENT GETS GREEN LIGHT
The relocation of fleet services and redevelopment of the Hickman Avenue site will look to create a further 110 construction jobs, enable the reduction of the Council’s carbon footprint by 215 tonnes of CO2 and support its programme to deliver a fleet of electric vehicles. The modernisation plans have been developed in consultation with market traders and other existing users and will see the demolition of the existing buildings that are over 50 years old.
TheseYOY).record
England
l Computer generated images of the wholesale market site redevelopment at Hickman Avenue Page 46 - The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 thephoenixnewspaper.comCELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS To Advertise 0121 339 5885
City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Environment and Climate Change, Councillor Steve Evans, said: “Achieving outline planning approval moves us a step closer to the regeneration of two strategically important city sites and will deliver huge benefits in terms of jobs, businesses and homes to help rejuvenate our city centre.“The proposed relocation of our fleet services operation will make it more efficient and the redevelopment of the Hickman Avenue site will provide a major uplift to the city’s wholesale market. The Hickman Avenue redevelopment also forms part of the Council’s climate change commitment, enabling the transition of its combustion engine fleet to EV.”
An outline planning application by the Council is also being considered by planners for the Culwell Street depot site to demolish the existing buildings, remediate the brownfield land and make it ready for the development of new homes as part of the Brewers Yard scheme in the coming years. Once all the land is unlocked for housing the completed scheme will see a mixture of houses and apartments, and new retail and commercial space. The development will also sit just a few hundred metres from the city’s new transport Interchange, providing quick, direct access to Birmingham, London and Manchester.
Affordability
LIVING SCHEME
Mortgagefavour." Test Of
NEW DATA FROM flatshare site SpareRoom shows average room rents in London passed £800 for the first time. Rents in the capital reached £815 in Q2 2022, up 15% from £708 in Q2 2021. It’s not just the capital where rents have skyrocketed; Northern Ireland was up 17%, followed by the North East and Wales (both up 13% high rents are stoking inaffordability - a survey3 of over 15,000 renters revealed almost four in five (79%) have either had to move to a new area or are currently looking at cheaper areas because they feel priced out. The UK’s 50 largest towns and cities all saw an increase in room rents, with Sunderland (up 21%), Belfast (up 20%) and Cardiff (up 18%) seeing the highest YOY increases. 40 out of the 50 largest towns and cities saw their highest room rents on record in Q2 2022, including Manchester (£543) and Liverpool (£428). Out of these cities, London saw the highest increase in demand vs supply (up 154%), followed by Slough (up 122%) and Aberdeen (up 116%). This was driven by an increase in demand and a decrease in supply. The only top town to see a decrease in demand vs supply was Blackpool (down 4%
CLOSER
Scrapped By Bank
PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE Outline planning approval has been granted for City Wolverhamptonof Council’s redevelopment of the city’s wholesale market site to facilitate the first phase of the Brewers Yard city centre living scheme. Computer generated images show what the new Hickman Avenue market could look like.
GRENADA
A multi-talented young man, in 2017, aged 12, Karnell won medals at the Warwickshire County Championships in both swimming and athletics, winning gold in the 100m, with a personal best time of 13.06. he also won medals in the shot put, hurdles and 200m."My greatest success so far, though,” he says, “is swimming the fastest time in the West,” Midlands in the 50m Breaststroke by a 17-year-old ever, which I did at the Warwickshire County Swimming Championships in Coventry.In2019, Karnell was a subject in the documentary, Sacrifice: A Sporting Struggle, which highlighted the struggles a swimmer and athlete go through to become an elite sportsperson.
l (L-R) Lennox Andrews, Minister for Economic Development, Planning, Tourism, ICT, Creative Economy, Agriculture and Lands, Fisheries and Cooperatives; George Nicholson, Event Manager of GRW7s; Ron Redhead, Minister of State with responsibility for Youth, Sports and Culture; and Petra Roach, CEO, Grenada Tourism Authority
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The 2022 Grenada Rugby World 7s tournament(GRW7s)willbe held in the Spice Island. Set for December 2-3, 2022, at Grenada’s Cricket Stadium, rugby teams from Canada, England, Fiji, France, Scotland, the United States and Wales are expected to compete for prize money and the coveted winner’s titles that are up for grabs. The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) is partnering with GRW7s to bring more than 30 of the world’s best Men’s and Women’s Club Rugby 7s teams to the island for a week of official activities, providing a significant financial injection into the local economy. Petra Roach, CEO of the GTA, said: “We are intentionally building out sports tourism as one of our planks of growth so to host this very prestigious tournament is a major win for Grenada.” TO HOST RUGBY TOURNAMENT
FOR THE FIRST TIME ever, Circuit of The Americas (COTA) has created an infield viewing grandstand for the Formula 1 Aramco United States Grand Prix (USGP) coming to Austin this October. This year’s race will be the 10th USGP to be held at COTA and marks COTA’s 10th birthday. With so much to celebrate, a brand-new grandstand at the infield of The Circuit is just one of COTA’s plans to make this year’s festival-like event bigger and better than ever. Located just after the famed esses or “S-Curves” of Turns 3-5, the new grandstand gives fans a head-on view of the cars, just before they head uphill through Turns 6-8. For the ultimate racing fan, these new seats represent not only some of the nearest-tothe-action views, but also the rare opportunity to witness countless epic moments of the race from one spot.
Oldbury Teen, Karnell, Creates History At National ChampionshipsSwimming
Ateenager from Oldbury, in the West Midlands, has created history after becoming the fastest ever swimmer in the Midlands after smashed his personal best at a meet. Karnell Nunes-Smith achieve a time of 28.94 seconds in the 50m breaststroke at the Warwickshire County Swimming Championships 2022. His winning time was the tenth fastest in England, with Karnell, 17, now looking to compete in the British Swimming Championships in Sheffield. And what makes his victory extra special is that it was the first time he had raced in a 50m event since March 2020.
The Phoenix Newspaper - September 2022 - Page 47@PhoenixNewsUK CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF POSITIVE NEWS Send your stories in to newsdesk@thephoenixnewspaper.com SPORT - WITH STEVE WILLIAMS
"All the hard work and training I have done over the years are starting to pay off,” a delighted Nunes-Smith said. “This is only the start of my journey.”
His brother, Johnson, a leading Media Contact at the Caribbeanbased STATIA organisation said on social media: “Len has been nothing short of courageous, inspirational - heroic even. “While we always knew this day would come, we were never truly prepared for it. We will forever be proud of you.”
The Football World Pays Tribute To ‘Courageous’ Len Johnrose
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Basketball League Trophy Finals at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena earlier this year, the British Basketball League (BBL) are delighted to confirm the WBBL/BBL Trophy Finals will be returning to Scotland for next year’s Finals, with tickets available via pre-sale on 17th August. The home of the Trophy Finals since the 2012-13 season, Sunday 26th March 2023 is the date that has been selected for the showpiece event to return next season, when memories of last year’s epic Men’s and Women’s finals will surely still be vivid in the memory of those who roared on the teams.The Emirates Arena played host to two of the most remarkable stories of the 2021/22 season as Cheshire Phoenix upset the London Lions to win the Men’s final, whereas the Lions’ Women’s side brushed aside the formidable Sevenoaks Suns on their way to an undefeated domestic season. As well as the first-class basketball action being showcased for fans on the court, supporters attending the Trophy Finals last year were treated to some incredible entertainment acts too, including the high-flying acrobatic Barjots Dunkers and the super talented BBL Dance Crew.
The Preston-born defensivemidfielder, who began his career as a young trainee at (Blackburn) Rovers, gained ‘hero’ status at Swansea after he helped the Welsh club avoid relegation from the Third Division – and out of the Football League – by scoring three crucial goals that season. After football, he enjoyed a career in teaching - his former school, St Silas Primary School said: “Sad to hear that one of our former teachers Len Johnrose has died.”
THE FOOTBALL world got together to pay homage to former player, Lenny Johnrose, whose death was recently announced. The former Blackburn Rovers player, whose 502 game playing career also included spells at Preston North End, Hartlepool, Swansea City and Bury, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) - a disease that affects the brain and nerves for which there is no cure - in 2017. Following the diagnosis, he set up the Len Johnrose Trust to raise funds and awareness of the disease. The Trust paid their tribute, with a spokesperson saying: “We were heartbroken for our leader, Len Johnrose’s passing. He was an incredibly proud husband and father. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”
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Following the announcement of his passing, his hometown club Preston tweeted their "sadness" at the news of his passing, whilst Burnley added a tribute, saying: "You'll always be a Claret," while Blackburn also paid their respects. Swansea, for whom Johnrose scored in their comeback 4-2 win against Hull City on the final day of the 2002-03 season to preserve their Football League status, held a minute's applause and wore black armbands during their match against Millwall. He was 52.
British Basketball League Chief Operating Officer Andy Webb said: “We are very excited to be returning to Glasgow for the British Basketball Trophy Finals in 2023. The 2022 British Basketball Finals were extraordinarily successful events, and we cannot wait for the action to resume in the 2022-23 season so we can provide more incredible action for the British Basketball community to enjoy.”With demand for British Basketball at fever pitch, tickets for the 2023 Trophy Finals are set for pre-sale on 17th August, with tickets available on general sale from 24th August.
