Street Cred Magazine - April 2023

ALL

FOR YOU

FROM SOLD OUT TOUR TO SUPPORTING ED SHEERAN, CIAN DUCROT IS SMASHING IT

EDITORS NOTE

Yes Street Credders, how are you all! Have to say 2023 is looking amazing for the world of entertainment as the big old skool artists are coming over to UK and of course we are well in to get the exclusives.

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

This is the lifestyle

Always cutting edge and representing the street culture positively!

Mark Dwayne

Dancehall superstar Popcaan announces Great Is He tour

Dancehall superstar

Popcaan has announced his European headline tour for 2023, where he will be performing his new album

‘Great is He’ for the first time.

The 13-date stretch, produced by Live Nation, kicks off on May 6, at Paris’ Salle Pleyel, making stops in Ireland, the UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Germany, before closing the tour in Madrid, Spain on Thursday, 5 May at La Riviera.

This will be the first time that Popcaan has performed his new album in full.

The album will feature tracks such as the new single ‘We Caa Done’ featuring Drake.

‘Great Is He’ follows ‘Fixtape’, Popcaan’s 2020 project. Since then, he’s teamed up with Dre Skull and Mr Eazi for the song “Sekkle & Bop,” and released solo songs including “Skeleton Cartier” and “Next to Me.” Popcaan has achieved global fame for his unique blend of Reggae and Dancehall sounds. His music has been propelled to popularity by clubs and social media, accumulating over 1 billion streams and 3.3 million followers across social networks. His debut album ‘Where We Come From’ received critical

acclaim, and in 2014 he was nominated for a MOBO Award in the Best Reggae Act category. This was his fourth consecutive nomination, and he went on to win two MOBO Awards in 2015 and 2016.

As one of the most successful dancehall artists, Popcaan has managed to create a global career for himself, with collaborations with some of the biggest names in music across a variety of genres. From Drake and Jamie xx to Pusha T, Giggs and Matoma, as well as Wale, Gorillaz and Davido, Popcaan has demonstrated the far-reaching influence of dancehall music.

Food & Fine Dining

FROM Callaloo fritters to curry

goat – families cook Jamaican dishes with expert chef in university training kitchens

University College Birmingham’s training kitchens provided the backdrop for a community culture cooking session where more than 70 families got to roll up their sleeves and learn how to make Jamaican dishes with an expert chef.

Let’s Get Culture Cooking with Families, delivered by 2 Much Passion CIC as part of a Bring it on Brum! food festival, gave local people the chance to master a range of Caribbean food with Chef Dane from Dane’s Caribbean Catering, inspired by his place of birth.

Crucially, it was the perfect opportunity to inspire the next generation of chefs from Birmingham at the training ground

of everyone from Michelin Star restaurant founder Brad Carter to MasterChef champ Dan Lee.

The day started with a demonstration of Jamaican corned beef and rice, vegetable soup and saltfish and callaloo fritters, followed by a lunch of authentic curry goat with rice and vegetables or chickpea curry in the University’s award-winning Restaurant at Birmingham College of Food in Summer Row.

The families then got to recreate all the dishes in a real hands-on, interactive session in the University’s commercial training kitchens, along with healthy fruit and vegetable options to encourage them to eat more healthy foods.

At the end, everyone was presented with a Jamaican food box and

recipe booklet to carry on the experience at home.

Vanessa Kelly, managing director of 2 Much Passion CIC, said it was a fabulous day that got families making scrumptious, multicultural food.

“We are committed to teaching and creating mouth-watering projects which take learners on a journey of culinary skills, but also real-life cooking that will impact their health and wellbeing,” she said.

“To be able to host this event in the beautiful restaurant and commercial kitchens at Birmingham College of Food was an amazing experience for them and fantastic fun.

“Feedback was excellent, with families not being able to fault it,

just wishing they had more time. These young people are the next generation of chefs and this is the perfect platform to start that journey.”

Head of Birmingham College of Food, Kali Davidson, said: “We were really proud to get behind this project, working with the community and opening up our fantastic facilities to show our support.

“It was a brilliant day with so many families embracing the initiative and Dane was a true star. We look forward to working with more community organisations on projects which have such a positive impact, and welcome the opportunity to speak to anyone who has any ideas.”

Camus Cognac Joins Speciality Brands' Portfolio

For 160 years, Camus has created expressions of exceptional quality, making it a sought-after Cognac globally.

It is the largest Cognac house that remains fully family-owned for five generations. The brand has been associated with history, tradition but also innovation and entrepreneurship especially under the direction of Cyril Camus, its current President.

Chris Seale, Managing Director, Speciality Brands says: “Cognac is a category we've always been really passionate about, and we see great opportunities for growth here in the UK. We're really excited to have Camus as part of our

offering.

“The family-owned brand boasts over 160 years of history and shares many of Speciality Brands' values making this an ideal partnership. We've got an ambitious plan this year and we're looking forward to raising awareness of the brand and building a strong distribution network across all channels.”

Taking over from Whyte & Mackay, Speciality Brands will handle all commercial and marketing activities for Camus in the UK and will focus on the classic and Borderies ranges and the limited-edition Ile de Ré. The Camus range will be available from April 2023.

Food And Drink Innovation Centre Launches Unique Competition

FOOD AND DRINK innovation centre The Food WorksSW has launched an exciting competition offering food and drink producers, hospitality businesses or start-ups across the United Kingdom the chance to win a unique prize worth over £3,000.

Based in the heart of the Weston-super-Mare Enterprise Area,

the centre, which is the only one of its kind in the south west, is offering five days' free use of a state-of-the-art development kitchen, each of which contains specialist equipment tailored to five key areas within the industry - bakery, dairy, drinks, commercial and trial.

The centre's New Product Development and Innovation

Manager, Zoe Plant, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the lucky winner to scale-up production, introduce new lines or develop a new concept, produce short runs, reformulate a product with expert help, pilot product improvements or simply trial the use of commercial and state-ofthe-art equipment.”

On top of this, the lucky prize

winner will receive up to two days of new product development support from the experienced on-site team and one year's business membership. Membership benefits include four hours of technical support and discounted rates on hiring the facilities.

MARK DWAYNE IN POWER 100

2023 markS 25th anniversary OF B*Witched's debut album

In the late ‘90s, the girl band phenomenon

B*Witched were superstars, with super-catchy pop, Irish charm and double-denim being a constant fixture at the top of the charts.

They became the youngest girl group to have a UK#1 with the irresistible double-Platinum ‘C’est La Vie’, which they followed with another three consecutive chart-topping singles (‘Rollercoaster’, ‘To You I Belong’ and ‘Blame It On The Weatherman’) as well as two Top 5 albums with big moments including the Royal Variety Performance to US tours (including with Britney Spears and *NYSNC), B*Witched did it all.

And now they’re back! Today B*Witched share their brandnew single ‘Birthday’ as they get the Paddy’s Day celebrations started early - and 2023 also marks the 25th anniversary of their smash hit self-titled debut album.

With a brimful of energy, self-empowerment and bouncing beats, ‘Birthday’ shouts B*Witched are back. The girls remind you that if an ex pies you off it’s better to eat cake!

No more tears, it’s time to party with your besties and just do what you want tonight. That spirit also shines in the track’s official video where B*Witched don’t just leave a party - they take it with them.

Edele Lynch says: “Whatever comes your way with a few good friends you can turn things around!" The release of ‘Birthday’ continues B*Witched’s rollercoaster return, which began in December when they earned rapturous receptions throughout a huge arena tour as guests to Blue.

Unlike many returning pop groups of their era, B*Witched still consists of their original line-up: twin sisters Edele and Keavy Lynch, plus Lindsay Armaou and Sinéad O’Carroll. As they’ve been through so much together, it’s no surprise that their bond remains solid. They were all living together as teenagers as they were laying the groundwork for their future, and then their sudden, soaring success resulted in a constant stream of moments that were far bigger than they’d ever dreamed of.

DEXTA DAPS - ITS DANCEHALL ON A NEW LEVEL!!

There were super long queues on a Sunday night in Birmingham for Jamaican superstar Dexta Daps at the Forum Birmingham known as the Hummingbird.

Thousands of women from all over the country gasping to see their favourite dancehall singer.

Dexta for sure is the Chris Brown of Jamaica, yes the 711 star has the ladies on lock!!!

Usually concert goers are very chilled with what they wear but this was true Dancehall culture where all the women were dressed to the nines and ready to bruk out!!

Dexta Daps show was everything dancehall music represents. People coming out to have a good time with horns

whistles and wearing the latest fashion.

If anyone says that dancehall is dying they are far from right, actually seeing these sold out concerts shows there is a bigger demand than we could ever imagine.

The promoter of this particular event said they could have easily sold 1000 more tickets.

What a show this was, the entry of the Dexta was full of hype and there was never a dull moment. Have to big up the live

APRIL Gig Listings

band as they seriously took it to the next level.

Unlike a lot of the Jamaican shows I have been to, the artist

usually takes forever to come out to perform but on this show there was no waiting around.

Dexta performed all hits 7 11, Shabba Madda Pot, Forever, Twinkle, No Underwear, Breaking News, Call Me F and when I tell you every song people went crazy for, the singing from the audience was louder than Dexta himself.

It really was a show not to be missed. A Jamaican Dancehall experience in a massive concert Big up the supporting DJs Killa Filla, Mr Len and Seani B - a great production by none other than Punch Records.

06 Ward Thomas with support Charlie Worsham

07 B:Classical 2022/23: Good Friday St Matthew Passion with Ex Cathedra (SH)

07 Garth Marenghi's TerrorTome

08 Giovanni Pernice: Made In Italy (SH)

09 Haters Roast (SH)

10-12 Hey Duggee The Live Theatre Show

11 Ryan Adams (SH)

12 Rumours of Fleetwood Mac (SH)

13 The Damned

14 Fishermans Friends (SH)

14 Paul Simon’s ‘Graceland’ reimagined by The London African Gospel Choir

15 Koke Da Lashkara Vaisakhi Mela (SH)

15 Ben Portsmouth: This is Elvis

16 Final Symphony: Music from Final Fantasy (SH)

17 Lunchtime Organ Concert with Thomas Trotter

18 Test Match Special Live : The Ashes

18 RuPaul's Drag Race UK Series

4 Tour (SH)

19 CBSO plays Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony (SH)

20 Fran Lebowitz

21 B:Classical 2022/23: Iceland Symphony Orchestra (SH)

22 Four Seasons: CBSO and Eugene Tzikindelean

22 Axel Blake: In Style (SH)

23 The Crowning of the King of Bhangra: Celebrating 30 Years with 24 Workplace Voices 2023 (SH)

24 Billy Ocean (SH)

26 Matt Rife

27 Carmina Burana: CBSO and Kazuki Yamada (SH)

28 The Sufi Queens Nooran Sisters 2023 UK Tour (SH)

28 B:Classical 2022/23: Pavel Haas Quartet

29 Postmodern Jukebox: Life In The Past Lane Tour (SH)

30 CBSO Benevolent Fund Concert

Rising pop star Neriah releases new ‘No One Cries Forever’ EP

Breakout pop

icon Neriah has released her vulnerable new EP, No One Cries Forever, out now via Neriah Records/Lowly & Create Music Group. The project takes the listener on an introspective journey, spanning across 6 captivating tracks.

No One Cries Forever highlights Neriah’s strength as a songwriter as she perfectly expresses the catharsis of moving on from a relationship and finding yourself.

The EP explores themes of heartbreak, sadness, and self-discovery, all of which will be explored deeper on her debut album releasing later this year.

Though the project deals with the end of a relation-

ship and the painful aftermath, it has a hopeful undertone and demonstrates that even the most devastating heartbreaks eventually heal.

The EP opens with ‘Shoulda, Coulda, Didn’t,’ a powerful track that reflects on a one-sided relationship and urges listeners to never settle. “In my past relationship I was in a place where I was wishing things could have been different if only the guy had put in the effort,” Neriah explains. “The song is an anthem for those who have been through a similar experience, offering a sense of empowerment and closure as they move on from the relationship and realize they deserve better.”

Ireland’s singer-songwriter

Cian Ducrot just finished his UK headline tour, before heading off to support Ed Sheeran on his upcoming tour.

His crushing new single ‘I’ll Be Waiting’ via Polydor is a plain-speaking, emotionally eloquent, universal ballad with a specific meaning for its writer.

The single follows heart-wrenching ‘All For You’ topping UK Top 20.

While All For You focuses on loss tinged with a hint of regret

at your own behaviour, I'll Be Waiting deals with the frustrations that come with desperately hoping someone close to you can change.

Speaking about the single, Cian says “It's a story of waiting for someone you love to show up, but they tend to not show up when you need them”.

He then adds “I didn't want to have a relationship with my dad as a child, he was a horrible person, but also when you're a kid you still want your dad to care,”.

Highly awaited, the single teaser alone generated over 5 million

views across social platforms. “Everything I post at the moment is like 'that's cool, great your tour is sold-out, but when is I'll Be Waiting released'?'' Cian laughs. Fuelled by fan power on TikTok and a special duet version with former touring partner Ella Henderson, for who he opened a soldout Shepherd’s Bush Empire, All For You has become Cian’s highest charting single, steadily climbing the UK top 40 and eventually peeking inside the top 20 after 22 weeks on the chart.

Written and produced solely

SORRY!!!

It must have taken a real lesson in soul- searching for mainstream commercial institutions such as Lloyds Bank, Barclays Bank and other corporate entities, to publicly apologise for building their empire on the abominable slave trade (system) that destroyed millions of lives and left generations of African people scarred; culturally, psychologically and socially.

Indeed, it was huge profits from the trafficking and utility of slave labour that contributed tremendously, to the industrial revolution in Britain and Europe during much of the 16th and 17th centuries respectively (Dalrymple-Smith 2017).

We can only applaud banks like Lloyds for taking the reins to launch their own initiatives outlining and inviting entrepreneurs from the black community to participate in this important project.

Interestingly, Barclays, Lloyds

and NatWest and the Bank of England, all sponsored university-inspired studies into the lack of investment capital that impeded the orderly growth and development of minority firms, especially Caribbean businesses (Bank of England, 1999).

Barclays praised minority business startups stating that 11% of these firms came from the Caribbean community even though at the time, sections of this community, has the lowest self-employment rate of 7% (Barclays 2005).

This particular institution also produced a type of start-up enterprise manual titled, Business Opportunities Profile’ (which provided an A to Z on all business start-ups). This manual is still relevant today than it was in the 1990s.

The genesis of the Phoenix Newspaper is based on the defunct Enterprise Newspaper, a publication that demonstrated creativity, innovation and com-

mitment to inclusivity and representation across the cultural, ethnic, faith/non-faith and socio-economic spectrum.

Now described as a people’s news organ, the Phoenix is designed to inform, educate, entertain, stimulate and advocate for both the current and future generation of readers and the wider public(s).

Since its inception in 1990, this ground-breaking newspaper has given many communities a chance to connect with each other – nationally and internationallysharing ideas, experiences, skills and expertise.

In doing so, this media has broken cultural, ethnic and social barriers whilst promoting the virtues of non-biased, non sensational, non-violent as well as objective journalism that offers a true commentary of Great Britain.

By its presence, the Phoenix is a gamechanger, as it has taken a

leap of faith to address the positive impact that migrants from the Caribbean and across the African continent combined with our British brothers and sisters, have made.

An object lesson learned, not forcefully done, but purposefully brought about to inform our readers. With this and more in mind, there is hope that our future remains precious and positive for those who make up our diverse communities.

It is the 'Great' in Great Britain that enforces what it means to be one. The UK has always led the way in diversity inclusion and equality and our paper, or in fact, your paper, will continue to build even stronger on the dynamics of representation through our wider coverage of information, news, features and more.

Here we finally have a newspaper that teaches you how to understand your neighbours. One that gives you the chance to be part of a growing community. We celebrate diversity, and we celebrate change.

In the words of Martin Luther King, “We may be economically rich, he would say, but we are morally destitute. We must rapidly begin the shift from a 'thing‐oriented' society to a 'person‐oriented' society”.

The words of the great Muhammed Ali ring very true, "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." and "It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.”

The teachings of Marcus Garvey are useful here, “The ends you serve that are selfish will take you no further than yourself, but the ends you serve that are for all, in common, will take you into eternity”.

The inspiration of Gandhi is also worth citing here, “Be the change you want to see in the world”.

The Phoenix Newspaper has risen to that challenge and over the last 10 years with the exposure via the internet The Phoenix Newspaper has taken flight and risen to heights of an exclusive

degree.

Positive news is needed across the world, so let us continue to unite and understand what makes us ultimately all the same when we speak with one voice.

We appreciate and applaud banks like Lloyds Banking who have taken that first step to say we are sorry.

Where do we go from here?

We at The Phoenix Newspaper are ready to tell the story. We are ready to connect you with the readers. 30 years of experience and knowledge of community cohesion.

We invite you to join us and celebrate what connects us, not separates us.

The apology is out there big and bold, we want a slice of the action and the time is now.

We invite Lloyds Bank, Barclays, and other financial institutions that have expressed their support, to work with us consistently, to attract those African and Caribbean entrepreneurs they are looking for. The platform is ready. What’s next?

EMBRACING EQUITY AT METRO BANK FOR IWD

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Editor of Street Cred Magazine, Mark Dwayne attended an Embracing Equity event at Metro Bank.

International Women's Day celebrates women's rights and inspires people to act in the ongoing fight for gender equality - this year’s IWD theme is Embrace Equity. Speaking at the event were Bal Heer, CEO/ Founder of Regional Homes who talked about Defying The Odds, Marie Wicker, Director of Certanovo Coaching & Development who talked about Discovering Your Value and there was a question and answer ses-

sion with Charlene Wall, Director & Co-Founder of Wood Manor Properties.

Birmingham Metro Bank Local Business Manager Meshgan Osmani explained; “As a signatory of the Investing in Women Code, we actively support women in business and we are looking to celebrate International Women’s Day in all our stores. We’re committed to supporting women with access to tools, resources and finance and supporting them in the three key areas they struggle with namely networking, funding and mentoring.”

Mark commented "I saw these powerful Businesswomen’s views

on life and how they overcome their struggles. They shared such deep life stories and it was a pleasure hear them speak. I enjoyed the whole event from start to finish."

The IWD 23 campaign has created a platform for women to celebrate their success and share their journey to inspire people both Male & Female.

The photoshoot campaign 2023 took place at the end of February at the Park Regis hotel, organised and put together by Charlene Wall and with the support of Park Regis, Edwin Ladd (photographer) and Naomi Spencer (Candy Bubbles) and they were able to create a influencial campaign to embrace

equity in Birmingham.

Over 140 women were Photographed and their images and short video reels caused a frenzy across all social media platforms on International Women's Day.

There were many vibrant pictures of women from all diverse backgrounds with signature poses, and a purple & white balloon backdrop.

The participants who were beautifully captured by Mr Ladd Media told a story of success and leadership of Women in Birmingham.

The women were from various industries , from Radio Presenters. Legal, Teachers, Surgeons Construction, Hospitality, PR and many more.

Charlene Wall wanted to showcase the mantra of be the change that you see.' Holding many years of entrepreneurship and leadership in diverse roles and businesses meant that Charlene had first hand experience of thriving against all odds.

"We were delighted to invite Mark Dwayne to the official International Women's Day event at Metro Bank.

"Expect to find future events, where mentorship, leadership and the journeys of our greats will be shared."

BLACK & ASIAN COMMUNITY HEROES AMONG WINNERS AT

l Denise Lewis and the Commonwealth Games Volunteers Credit Pride of Birmingham Awards 2023

l Singer Ruby Turner presented Reverend Canon Eve Pitts with her award. Credit: BirminghamLive

l Asha Rage with her award and Kym Marsh. Credit: BirminghamLive

Shining a light on the city’s best

They received the ‘Special Recognition’ award for activism and community work. But, for Delores and Hector Pinkney, that’s the very least that these most recognised, most loving of siblings have ever been deserving of.

Both incredibly prominent figures in and around Birmingham, in the city’s Handsworth region, they are lauded by every one of the cultural communities, who each see them both as always being “one of their own.”

So, for the pair, receiving the ‘Pride of Birmingham Special Recognition Award’ was nothing less than the second city, their city, saying “Thank You, for being You!”

For Delores and brother Hector, who have spent decades dedicated to supporting Handsworth and its people, it’s nothing less than they deserve as, collectively and individually, their relentless drive to see and breathe a loving, united area, around which they see as the epiphany of the kind of love, peace and unity that’s unique to the area that represents them and theirs!

Meanwhile, 71-year-old Hector has worked relentlessly to make Handsworth in general, and Handsworth Library in particular, a safe and open space to all; taking it upon himself to open up the rooms, providing everything from coffee mornings and talent contests to senior running clubs and exercise classes.

He says: “If somebody fall down, somebody got to be there to pick them up, I am that person.” Affectionately known as ‘Mr Handsworth,’ the former security officer at Handsworth Library has mentored hundreds of young people during his career, which, in 2011, saw him getting the Royal seal of approval in the Queen’s Birthday Honours by way of receiving his much-deserved MBE, after years of devoting his life to the inner-city community.

Delores paid tribute to their parents too, "My parents were simply the best. Although both deceased they set standards.

"Our dad Vincent R Pinkney worked for the Post Office for over 25 years as a cabinet maker and upon retirement

he continued to work creatively in the garden shed whilst being supportive to other pensioners in different organisation in Handsworth.

"He was a gentle giant who stood for righteousness, honesty, integrity and politeness. His motto was "One must let go of the attitude and have gratitude, and do the best you can, for who you can, whilst you can, for as long as you can."

"Mavis Pinkney was a Mother, Grandmother, & Great-Grandmother not just to us her children, but to a whole host of children.

"She was the matriarch of the family and the community. 68 Leonard was the hub everyone who came to live in Handsworth and not having a place to congregate etc.

"She was an advisor, a philosopher, and a confidante - she was everything for everyone young and old.

"Our parents were champions loving caring honest and the rest is history - their legacy lives on in all of us. Spread love they did, and we their children were blessed to have them as our parents."

Reverend Canon Eve Pitts received the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award at the ceremony. She made The Church of England’s first Black female vicar back in 1994 and, has since, spent decades supporting parishioners, challenging racism, and calling out institutional prejudice in her own faith.

She is passionate about sharing Black history and educating those around her about the reality and legacy of slavery and racism.

Reverend Pitts leads Holy Trinity church in Birchfield, Birmingham, an inner-city ward where 90 per cent of the population come from an ethnic minority background.

She travels around her community in her spare time listening to the stories of those she calls the “forgotten people”.

She is also currently petitioning the Archbishop of Canterbury to recognise August 1st – the date the 1833 Slavery Abolition Act came into force – as Ancestors’ Day. She already has the blessing of the Bishop of Birmingham to visit every slave port in Britain to pay respects to the dead.

Other Pride of Britain ‘gongs’ saw the ‘Spirit of Birmingham’ award was presented to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games 14,000 volunteers, in honour their hard work at last year’s sporting extravaganza.

The Games proved the chance to welcome the world to the second city as over 5,000 athletes performing at their peak, and record-breaking TV and online viewing figures.

The TSB Community Hero award was received by 45-year-old Asha Rage, from Small Heath, in the city.

She set up Dream Chasers FC in her area, to help get young people off the streets, and now has 160 players training on a weekly basis.

Called a force of nature by everyone who knows her, the mother-of-three has transformed the lives of hundreds of youngsters in Birmingham through sport and she has led in countless projects and events to help the needy and vulnerable in her community.

And, having never played football herself, in 2016, she set up Dream Chasers FC, after enrolling on a coaching course at Aston Villa. She would use the game to provide a place of safety, help get boys off the streets and escape a potential life of crime.

All of the awards winners were recognised in a number of categories, including Lifetime Achievement, Outstanding Contribution, Emergency Services Award, Special Recognition, Child of Courage, Spirit of Birmingham, and Triumph Over Adversity.

Past winners of Pride of Birmingham have gone on to be recognised on the national stage, at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards with TSB, which is aired on ITV in the Autumn.

Since the first Pride of Britain Awards were held, in 1999, royalty, prime ministers, and hundreds of leading figures from show business, sport, politics, and the arts have all taken part. And, it’s growing as a leading awards night phenomenon ever since!

l The Pinkney's with their awards. Credit: BirminghamLive

l The Pinkney's with their awards.

Credit: BirminghamLive

l Amy Dowden, Delores Pinkey, Hector Pinkey, Darren Harriott, Richie Anderson. Credit Pride of Birmingham Awards 2023

Primrose Granville is a name known by many across a number of communities, especially listeners to her on BBC Radio Bristol, but like all people living with an underlying health condition, what you see on the surface isn’t always the whole truth.

Primrose has been living with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), which is a degenerative disease, so you’re born with it and there isn’t anything that can be done about it. “You’re born with cysts inside your kidneys and over time they grow and become problematic,” Primrose explains.

Born and raised in Jamaica, Primrose was always at the doctor’s office, so much so that one of her first phrases was, ‘no doctor!’.

“I’ve been an enemy of the needle since I’ve been aware of myself. I had a great childhood in Jamaica. I remember when I was a child was being sent to live with my aunt in Moneague in Saint Ann, the Garden Parish of Jamaica.

“When I was 12 and in year 7 at high school, I remember seeing my mothers urine and it was red, but she didn’t know what it was because she couldn’t afford the healthcare to find out. I can always picture that image, and knew there was something not right, she was always tired, but she was a wonderful mother to me.”

Primrose’s mother was a seamstress, making her dresses and school uniforms. “It was just my mother and I after my parents split up, my two sisters lived with my father. She was the only person I was close to for the first 12 years of my life. At 13 our house burned down and I lived with my godmother.

“I went to teacher training college in Jamaica, as an early years teacher. All I wanted to do was teach. I came to the UK at 27 years old, nearly 27 years ago and did studies at The University of Roehampton doing work around special needs.”

Primrose had an accident in 2003 which damaged her spine, leading to her leaving the classroom in 2005, and in 2008 finding her way into radio by volunteering at Ujima Radio Station and later BCFM Radio in Bristol, the latter of which she still volunteers at.

“In 2016 I landed a job at BBC Radio where I work for 4 hours a week, but it took me out of the doldrums of being this sick person who could only volunteer here and there.”

Through her work campaigning

PRIMROSE PAVING THE WAY FOR HEALTH EQUITY

for the NHS Blood and Transplant service, Primrose has the ear of communities that most organisations cannot reach. “I want people here in the UK to think differently about health, healthcare, research.

“Our communities - marginalised and diverse communities have a very bad relationship with the terms research and testing which results in those communtiies who really need to be engaged by these schemes, being left out.”

About 12 years ago, Primrose was asked at an appointment if she’d be interested in doing some research around PKD, which she didn’t mind, so every time she went to clinic, she would then have a follow up with a researcher at a building somewhere else.

“My son was also born with PKD, and my sister, my mother and myself have all had transplants. My late mother had 16 years, 9 months and 5 days added to her life because of the transplant.

"So far I’ve had 4 years, 1 month and some days, and my sister has had 7 years a couple of months and some days, so I know the value of organ donation, and the value of researching stuff that has to do with the development of drugs and that kind of thing.”

As a child who was diagnosed with PKD at 9, they caught Primrose’s son early, so now he goes to the hospital once a year as his kidney function is amazing, and it will stay that way until he gets older. If he leads a lifestyle where he eats and drinks the wrong things, then his kidneys will fail quicker. But as a 23 year old black male, he also doesn’t want to take his medication.

“At his last appointment, he asked me to go along with him so I could say he’s not taking his medication, and the doctor said to me ‘at this age we’re not too worried about them, because we’ve done research in the last 10 years and have come up with a drug that we can give to people who will not take their medication should their kidneys fail quicker.’

“Before casually adding ‘I think you were part of that research Primrose, you would have done it with Dr Pippa Bailey”.

"They were looking at my blood samples, so I had given them permission to see my results, and from my contribution to that research has created a drug that will allow my wayward child to actually survive a little bit longer. I took part in that research, and didn’t even have to think about it, I was happy to take

I’ve had so many people come up to me saying they never knew I had a transplant, because so many people think a transplant is a cure all when it isn’t.

"I practically live at the hospital, I may as well be a mortgage holder and get my own room at this rate!

“I live with constant acid reflux, I’ve picked up diabetes, the girl who only eats fruit and veggies and doesn’t fry anything yet she’s Jamaican born and raised, I don’t smoke or drink and yet I’ve picked up diabetes.”

“My diabetes diagnosis in February 2020 was delivered to me by a receptionist saying ‘Yeah you’ve got diabetes and someone will call you’. I’ve also been discriminated against and treated unequally in delivering healthcare, being told by my diabetic nurse that I shouldn’t have the symptoms I’m telling her about because I’m ‘only type-2’, and that I’m not taking my medication right. I’m not even type-2, I have Ketosis Prone Diabetes which nearly killed me as I was being incorrectly treated.

part in it because it was to aid people like me.

"That wasn’t about my colour, it was any person with PKD. I managed to get a transplant in 6 months and 1 day. That doesn’t happen, not just to people who look like me, but people who look like you, unless it’s a familial donation. My mother waited nearly 13 years on dialysis for hers, my sister nearly 10.

While interviewing Primrose, I suddenly realised that I too was one of Genomics England’s researchees, having taken part in their 100,000 Genomes Project with my mother, due to our hereditary heart and blood conditions. It is a British initiative to sequence and study the role our genes play in health and disease. Recruitment was completed in December 2018, although research and analysis is still ongoing. Participants have already helped Genomics England find actionable results for many patients with rare diseases and cancer with 18.5% of data from the Project turned into actionable findings.

Through her work for blood and organ donation within the African, Caribbean and Afro-Caribbean communities, Primrose started attracting attention, and Genomics England contacted her last year when they were putting on a COVID programme, where they thought they’d hold a clinic and people like her would just turn up. “Which I obviously knew they wouldn’t, you have to engage them first.”

“They allowed me to engage with them and I’ve seen them come out to health days that I’ve had, I’ve been able to talk to people on the radio about stuff, educating them,

“I asked about blood tests, and was told I ‘was after a blood monitor, it’s all about money, and you’re not entitled’. When I complained to the surgery I was labelled aggressive & confrontational, was told I was upsetting the staff and should find another surgery by the practice manager.

“Because of this it has really propelled me into campaigning for medical equity. I had never suffered health inequity until my diabetes diagnosis in 2020 but that was only at my GP. I have never stepped foot in a hospital where I’ve felt I was ill treated or discriminated against. I must take my hat off to South Mead Hospital who have saved and maintained my life for me time after time.”

During COVID lockdowns, Primrose did a series of online events talking to people from the Somali, Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu communities, even ‘crossing the river’ going to communities in Bristol that nobody does anything with, largely white marginalised communities. “I wanted to go everywhere. Yes I’m a black girl, but if people are marginalised, they’re marginalised.

“Genomics England jokingly said last November that they could see me making something for them on health equity, and that solidified in April 13th, when I spoke with them about going to Jamaica, and they said they saw me doing a docuseries when I was out there, interviewing people, so that is what I did, and you’ll see that in the documentary.

“Jamaica was meant to be a holiday for me, but I worked the entire time. I spent 4 hours on a beach because it was near to the school I went to interview at, I saw my uncle in a car park, and my godmother

in a store, that was it. I was going here there and everywhere interviewing people, then getting home and crashing out. It was a beautiful experience and I’m so glad I got the chance to do it, and that Genomics England had the confidence in me to do it, when I didn’t even have the confidence in myself.”

Primrose is continuing this docuseries in the UK, with episodes along the same lines, but focusing on specific health issues in different parts of the country. So far she has planned for Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and London, focusing on Sickle Cell, Male and Female Cancers, Auto-Immune Conditions, Maternal Issues and Young people focusing on health conditions and their mental health.

The documentaries are looking to use people that the audience will be able to relate to on a personal level, as Primrose wants people to understand that there are so many people in all communities that are living with these often invisible conditions and you would never know.

“There are so many factors that affect our attitudes towards our health; they are shaped by our individual experiences, our local community, our heritage and our habits,” explained Dr Maxine Mackintosh, Programme Lead for Diverse Data, Genomics England.

“In this first episode, Primrose has given us a window into how and why people in Jamaica trust their healthcare system, and we look forward to hearing her conversations with people across the UK and seeing if and how they differ.

“With this series, we hope more people see the diversity of views different communities have towards healthcare and medical research. Understanding this is critical in enabling us, not just as Genomics England but as a society, to tackle the problem of health inequity.”

Primrose is fiercely protective of the NHS, “I know the NHS gets a lot of stick, and sometimes we may not get the fastest or greatest treatment, but I come from Jamaica, and if you turn up at certain hospitals without insurance or being registered there, they’re not treating you, so not every hospital is free at point of need, and some of the ones that are, you don’t want to go there.

“Anything I can do to make the NHS’s job easier I will do it, I am such a passionate advocate for the NHS. I feel that I have to give back, not just for my miracle, but I had my mother for several years more than I could have had her. I want my son, should he need a transplant, to only need to wait as long as it takes to find a theatre and a team.

“I want blood and organ donation to be normalised, and helping and saving each other to be normalised too.”

Blood and Organ Donation is a topic close to The Phoenix Newspaper, as we have championed it for many years, in particular with Michael Willis who received a double lung transplant, and received a Phoenix Award, presented to him by his surgeons from London.

We are very grateful to the surgeon for taking the time to come onto our platform to speak directly to the audience to get over the importance of Blood and Organ Donation.

If you fit any of the following criteria, and would like to be part of these documentaries, please get in touch with Primrose at primrose.granville@genomics. co.uk

People with lived experiences as a patient or carer of male and female cancer. (London)

People with lived experiences as a patient or carer of autoimmune conditions. (Birmingham)

Anyone who has been impacted by the inequitable treatment of black and brown mothers and babies (and their families). (Nationwide, in particular individuals from Manchester and Liverpool).

Mental health and young people. (Nationwide)

INTRODUCING HRH PRINCESS MORADEUN ADEDOYIN-SOLARIN

AYoruba Princess, Pan-African Royal, Broadcast Journalist, Multi-Media Specialist, Public Speaker, Cultural Ambassador & Community Leader.

Princess Moradeun is a Veteran Broadcaster, Seasoned Media Specialist, Project Management Consultant, Trainer & Mentor, Exec Director Arize! Media Services Ltd; Founder The New Pan-African Movement, A real ‘Yoruba Princess’ of the Adedoyin Anoko Royal Lineage.

She is Grand Daughter of HRM Oba William Christopher Adedoyin II, Akarigbo Anoko of Sagamu, Remo Kingdom, Nigeria. She holds the Royal Title ‘Beere’ First Daughter, First Child of her Beloved Dad HRH Prince Israel Iretiola Adedoyin. Operational Director Media and Communications Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network (GlobalWIIN), Board Member AFI World Peace Initiative (UN ECOSOC Status); Board Member CEO Network, Vice Chair & Royal Trustee Economic Emancipation Movement (EEM) Bahamas; Founder & Coordinator League of Pan-African Roy-

Development, Nation Building, Leadership, Mentorship, Train ing, Empowerment etc within & across the wider UK Society and other parts of the World.

Princess Moradeun is a gradu ate of Journalism and Com munication Arts, with over 45 years experience in the Print & Electronic Me dia plus over 25 years

Hands-On experience in the Entertainment & Mu sic Industries.

An articulate TalkShow Host, Sought after Speaker, Toast Master/Compere, Master of Ceremonies, Project Manager, Events Consultant & Community Leader with vast experience as a veteran Broadcaster and seasoned Journalist.

Her debut as a young Broadcaster was with the Nigerian Television Authority being the youngest Staff to be employed at 17yrs, where her career started in 1975.

She is Creator of her cutting-edge Media Brand ‘ARIZE! with the Platform of her TalkShow ‘Arize! Conversations’ where she puts the Spotlight

who want to ‘Arize!’ and make a Difference as Positive ‘Change Agents’.

She has a keen interest to Showcase Women, especially Young Girls & Youths, whose innovative & creative efforts as Leaders, Professionals, Entrepreneurs & Achievers gets overlooked, as they do not receive the much deserved exposure.

She is also a very Talented Ac-

Award 2010 for Showcasing Nigeria & Africa in a Positive light, The Gathering of Africa's Best GAB Awards for Media, The BEFFTA 2012 ‘Media Icon’ Award, Women4Africa 2015 Special Recognition Award, for her Outstanding Achievements, Leadership Skills & Contributions in the Broadcast, Media & Entertainment Industries.

Princess Moradeun was also the recipient of both the Nigerian Centenary Award as one of the Outstanding 100 Nigerians in the Diaspora & the Ogun State Ambassadorial Lifetime Achievement Award in Media, for Promoting & Building a Positive Image for Ogun State, Nigeria, Africa & The Diaspora. The SEAL of The City was Presented to her by the Mayor of Fort Lauderdale in Florida in 2015; The AFI Life Achievement Award at the International Cannes Festival in 2019 in Recognition for her 40 years+ Contributions to Media, her Efforts, Service &

SCIENTIST DR MAGGIE ADERIN-POCOCK PROVES A PERFECT BARBIE ROLE MODEL

pace scientist and broadcaster, Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, has been named as a Barbie Role Model for her work promoting science careers to girls.

The Sky at Night and CBeebies Stargazing presenter was honoured with a Barbie doll as part of last month’s International Women's Day and British Science Week. Earlier this month, the astronomer

became the new chancellor at the University of Leicester, which is known for space research.

Acknowledging the honour, Dr Aderin-Pocock said: "I hope my doll will remind girls that when you reach for the stars, anything is possible. Her doll has a starry dress reminiscent of the night sky and comes with a telescope accessory for stargazing, in relation to her work looking deep into space with the James Webb telescope.

"I want to inspire the next gener-

ation of scientists, and especially girls, and let them know that STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) is for them. These subjects are just too important to be left to the guys because through science, you can literally change the world."

She did go on to say: "When I was little, Barbie didn't look like me, so to have one created in my likeness is mind-boggling. It's such an honour to receive this doll that is celebrating my achievements."

In an interview with The Yale Centre for Dyslexia & Creativity, Dr Aderin-Pocock discussed her dyslexia diagnosis when she was eight years old as she struggled to read and write. “I was lucky because I got inspired by science, and I had an aptitude for it,” she recalled. Toy creator Mattel, known for releasing dolls in honour of celebrities, is also recognising six other STEM professionals globally.

Kelly Philp, marketing director at Mattel UK, said: "We know that globally STEM is a field widely recognised as under-representing women, so as a brand, Barbie is committed to showing girls more STEM careers.

"In the UK, research tells us women make up only 26% of the STEM workforce, so showcasing an exciting career in space science like Dr Maggie's is just one way we are inspiring girls to think differently about their career opportunities."

Other Barbie Role Models include Covid-19 vaccine creator Prof Sarah Gilbert, broadcaster Clara Amfo, sprinter Dina Asher-Smith, teen skateboarder Sky Brown and boxer Nicola Adams.

Be Like A Pineapple: Remote Social Media Marketing With A Global Reach

Curlan Campbell

Who knew that one can learn meaningful life lessons from a pineapple fruit. Well, for one young lady, in addition to getting a healthy dose of vitamin C, a pineapple signifies more than just fruit but instead conveyed deeper life lessons that guided her through many of life’s toughest battles.

Akisha Felix, Founder and CEO of Pineapple Marketing & Communications, has proven herself to be a dynamic leader who is redefining leadership in the social media marketing landscape on the island of Grenada. But this wasn’t always the case. As a timid young adult, Akisha Felix did not foresee her future being this bright instead, it was quite the opposite.

The defining moments that shaped her character all started after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 22. She described the pain as “excruciating” and experience severe weight loss and a significant decline in her mobility.

“In 2015, I went through the worst times in my life and decided I had enough of life. I just wanted to put myself and my immediate family members’ minds at rest. At least that’s how I saw it. After several failed suicide attempts, I realized that I have a purpose in this world and it was my time to show the universe what this little

country girl is made of.”

But it took several failed suicide attempts to realize that she has a greater purpose and after being inspired by a man who handed her a Pineapple fruit and said the words, “You’re already tough on the outside, be sweet on the inside, stand tall and wear your crown flawlessly”.

She said it was at that moment that her perspective on life changed.

“While being hospitalized, there was a man who would religiously visit his daughter to ensure she was doing good. On his visits, he would utter greetings to me, but I blatantly ignored. The day I was discharged, he ran up to me and handed me this big, beautiful pineapple. He said, “‘you’re already tough on the outside, be sweet on the inside, stand tall and wear your crown flawlessly’”. said Ms. Felix.

Akisha, who resides at Cookhill road St Andrew, a small village on the island of Grenada, decided to model herself after the symbolic representation of a Pineapple and started her own business using the Pineapple to inspire her trademark logo and social media marketing business.

“In 2019, Pineapple Marketing & Communications became a fully registered business. While we are an online media and com-

munications company, our goals & objectives are centred around assisting small businesses with marketing & promotion. To date, we’ve worked with over 300 small businesses locally & internationally,” she said.

As a solopreneur, Akisha has single-handedly led the company through some tough times but remained resilient in the face of adversity.

“Like every business, large or small, we’ve faced several challenges, one of which includes capital for start-ups. In Grenada, it is very difficult to receive loans for small businesses because of different policies governing these lending agents. For two years straight I offered free marketing and business consultations to businesses in an attempt to develop my small business network,” she explained.

Despite operating on a small island in the southern Caribbean, Pineapple Marketing & Communications has attained global reach and Akisha has the data analytics to prove it.

“The page has surpassed over 30 million in reach. Currently, we have followers in North & South America, every Caribbean island, Europe, Africa and Asia. We have both small and corporate companies that look forward to our daily postings, be it for news, entertain-

ment or business purposes. As it stands now we have 67k active followers with a reach of 32 million. In November 2021 my significant other (Angus Andrew) and I noticed my Facebook page had a reach of 10 million, at that point we knew there was value in my small company and with his help we started my very first advertising packages.”

Despite reaching these numbers on Facebook, due to her location, Akisha is unable to monetize her page. She indicated that this will not stop her from innovating as she proves that with the right skills and passion, young girls and women can dominate the social media space.

By

“You’re already tough on the outside, be sweet on the inside, stand tall and wear your crown flawlessly.”

by Cian, the original version of the tender ballad was previewed on this year’s Love Island, was streamed more than 5,4 million times globally and counts more than 1 million views on YouTube.

After years of wrestling with his decision to quit becoming a classical musician, Ducrot is finally living out his recurring dream of performing his own songs in front of fans.

And his fans are so happy that that dream is a reality. We caught Cian on the Birmingham leg of his tour at The Mill.

Performing some of his earlier tracks including Crocodile, Make Believe and Hello Gorgeous, Cian

had the crowd eating out of his hand, before teasing his upcoming album with some beautiful and catchy tracks leaving everyone wanting to hear more.

In the Nottingham leg of his tour, his favourite sunglasses were unfortunately stolen from his keyboard, thus came a song about losing his sunglasses titled 'Sunglasses I miss you' Thankfully a lovely audience member threw their glasses on stage so he was able to continue without too much issue!

One of his upcoming tracks includes a flute solo, performed live by Cian himself.

Rounding off the night with his

TikTok famous hits, All For You and I'll Be Waiting, everyone went home with smiles on their faces.

Ducrot has built a 1.1M-strong audience on TikTok and his irreverent, creative connection with fans across his social platforms continues to further solidify his position as a rising pop star in the direct vein of artists such as Lewis Capaldi.

TASTE Birmingham is the new project where I go to selected restaurants thriving in Birmingham.

Following a breakthrough year with the release of his debut EP and more than 100 million streams globally, a second headline tour of the UK & Ireland announced in less than two years, and a first UK Top 20, things are only getting bigger for Cian. Wed 26 Apr –

Every month catch reviews of restaurants that you need to know about and look out for food tasting opportunities

TEVVA 7.5T ELECTRIC TRUCK NOW ELIGIBLE FOR UK PLUG-IN TRUCK GRANT

British electric vehicle manufacturer Tevva has secured government plugin truck grant (PITrG) eligibility for its 7.5t battery-electric truck.

UK organisations looking to decarbonise operations and future-proof their fleets will benefit from a potential £16,000 discount, removed from the purchase price by Tevva.

To be eligible for the grant, N2 vehicles (trucks that weigh between 5-12 tonnes) must have a CO2 emissions figure of at least 50 percent less than the conventional equivalent vehicle that can carry the same capacity and can travel at least 60 miles without any tailpipe emissions at all. Tevva’s 7.5t battery-electric truck offers up to 140 miles (227 kilometres) from its 105-kWh battery on a single charge, and is ideal for last-mile and urban delivery fleets.

The Tevva 7.5t battery-electric truck is the only vehicle from a British manufacturer to qualify for the PITrG, and becomes only the third eligible truck to be listed on the government website. The grant pays for 20 percent of the purchase price, up to a maximum of £16,000, reducing Tevva 7.5t battery-electric truck total cost of ownership (TCO),

This news follows hot on the heels of another significant company mile-

stone in January, when Tevva secured European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) for its 7.5t battery-electric truck. This meant that Tevva could start producing and selling in volume across the UK and Europe and represented the key regulatory step in the development and commercialisation of the Tevva business.

Tevva Founder and CEO Asher Bennett said: “We know first-hand that demand for electric trucks is growing at speed, as we have been inundated with requests for our 7.5t battery-electric truck since going into full production last month. Now we are able to offer UK organisations a noticeable discount, thanks to the government grant, which will surely make zero emission trucking even more appealing to fleets.”

Tevva’s 7.5t battery-electric truck will be followed by a 7.5t hydrogen-electric truck, which benefits from a hydrogen range-extender that enhances vehicle range to up to 354 miles (570 km). The hydrogen-electric truck recently completed a 620mile ‘border run’ between Tevva’s London HQ and the Scottish border at Berwick-on-Tweed - England’s most northernmost town. The return journey saw the truck cover almost 350 miles alone, without needing a single stop for recharging.

Mitas Expanding Its SPORT FORCE+ RS Tire Range

Mitas is expanding its SPORT FORCE+ RS tire range with larger sizes. Expected to hit the market this month, the additional sizes, 120/70ZR17, 180/55ZR17 & 190/55ZR17, expand the range to a total of six sizes.

“Following the successful launch of the Mitas SPORT FORCE+ RS in 2021, the new sizes will cover a wider range of sports bikes,” says Gustavo Pinto Teixeira, Vice President of Two Wheels and Specialty Tires at Trelleborg Wheel Systems.

“The introduction of new tire sizes in the sport range is an important addition for Mitas. Our Technology & Innovation team have been working hard to develop larger sizes to allow more riders to hit their favourite racetrack with Mitas SPORT FORCE+ RS.”

The Mitas SPORT FORCE+ RS is designed for the racetrack but can also be used on public roads. It features a specially developed Racing Soft (RS) compound for exceptional grip at extreme lean angles and superb straight-line stability at high speeds. The special construction ensures total control over the motorcycle with amazing feedback and feel.

Tested with the support of Randy Krummenacher, Swiss motorcycle rider and 2019 Supersport World Championship Winner, the SPORT FORCE+ RS delivers lap times comparable to the best-inclass competitors.

LEVC CELEBRATES 10,000 VEHICLES

LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) is celebrating the significant milestone of producing its 10,000th vehicle at its state-of-the-art factory in Ansty, Coventry, UK.

LEVC has manufactured the TX – the world’s most advanced electric taxi – at its groundbreaking facility since 2017. Since the first TX taxi was delivered in January 2018 in London, 10,000 vehicles have now been built and sold throughout multiple global markets, from Paris to Madrid, Cairo to Tokyo.

The milestone follows LEVC’s recent announcement of a new strategy that will see it grow beyond manufacturing the TX, to

London Mayor Khan Considering 'pay-as-youdrive' Charge Scheme

LONDON MAYOR Sadiq

Khan has asked Transport for London (TfL) to look into using ULEZ cameras to charge car users in a 'pay-as-you-drive' scheme in the capital after facing a backlash over the expansion to Outer London. He feels that it could mean millions more into the orbit of paying £12.50 a day for using polluting from August.

Speaking at the London Assembly, he said: “ANPR cameras could form part of the potential operation of such a scheme, but no proposals have been developed.” As part of the ULEZ expansion, TfL is planning to erect around 2,750 additional cameras - with 300 already in-

Rolls-Royce Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow

ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Cars has unveiled Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow to mark the end of production of one of the most transformative motor cars in the marque’s history. This Bespoke masterpiece, limited to just 12 examples worldwide, is also the last V12 coupé Rolls-Royce will ever make, as it embarks on its bold new electric era.

WRAITH: A CULTURAL ICON

become a leading zero-carbon mobility technology company. It also continues the momentum of a record-breaking year in 2022, with 2,508 TX vehicles sold, making it LEVC’s best annual sales performance to date.

Growing demand for the company’s smart, green, safe and accessible mobility solutions, means that the TX electric taxi has now overtaken the diesel-powered TX4, as the most common black cab operating in London. Representing more than 40% of all black cabs in London, there are over 6,000 TXs on the streets of the capital.

As well as reaching the significant milestone of 10,000 vehicles, this year also marks the 200th an-

niversary since the first Hackney carriage was licenced in London, and 75 years since the first ‘black cab’ as we know it, was born – in the form of the FX3. Over the dec-

ades, the TX has transformed into the vehicle it is today, providing sustainable transport to both drivers and passengers in more than 20 countries.

Launched in 2013, Wraith is one of the most important and influential models ever designed and built at Goodwood. More performance-focused than its predecessors Phantom and Ghost, Wraith fundamentally altered perceptions of Rolls-Royce and brought new, younger customer groups to the brand for the first time. Its wider cultural significance is

underlined by countless references to the Wraith in music, cinema, art and fashion.

THE V12 CONNECTION

Wraith’s dramatic ‘fastback’ silhouette signalled the motor car’s dynamic intent, which was further amplified in 2016, with the introduction of Black Badge Wraith: a potent, subversive and even more powerful expression of this transformative motor car, offering some of the highest levels of performance ever achieved by a V12-powered Rolls-Royce. Yet when considering how best to mark the end of the Wraith era, Goodwood’s designers and engineers took inspiration for the Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow Collection from an equally significant V12 in Rolls-Royce’s long and storied legacy. In 1938,

stalled across some boroughs.

Mayor Khan has previously revealed he wants to impose a network of 'Singapore-style' toll roads throughout London as part of efforts to improve the capital's air quality. He said the 'nearest comparator' for his road user charging plans was Singapore, which has 'electronic road pricing' which uses sensors attached to gantries over main roads to capture number plates.

These sensors track at what time drivers are using certain roads and charges them a toll based on these factors, for example rush-hour traffic on a busy road being more expensive.

TOM CRUISE SPOTTED IN BIRMINGHAM – ‘AGAIN’

Following a sensational visit to the city in 2021, Tom Cruise was back in Birmingham!

Taking a break from starring in Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image Saves the World at Birmingham Rep, the Hollywood star took the time to visit some of his favourite spots in the city. After famously becoming dubbed ‘two curries Cruise’ during his last visit, Tom stopped by Asha’s on Newhall Street for another double dose of Chicken Tikka Masala.

Following a stint of additional filming at Grand Central, whilst meeting some adoring fans, it was back to the Grand Hotel for some well-deserved rest. Unfortunately, getting across the city the next day proved to be Mission: Impossible for Tom as his car was stolen once again outside the city-centre hotel.

In Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image Saves the World, famous celebrities are thrown together as Tom Cruise is tasked by King Charles with saving Great Britain. Greta Thunberg duets with Stormzy as Putin and Xi watch on from their premium seats in the stalls. Have they just come out for a night on the town? Or will

they wipe out all of civilisation? A show simultaneously inspired and appalled by real events.

The BAFTA and Emmy award-winning satirical Spitting Image television series originally ran for 18 series between 1984 and 1996, and was watched by over 15 million viewers. It recent-

ly made a popular return to TV on BritBox, where across official social media channels, Spitting Image content has been hugely popular with over 200 million views globally, three number 1 trending videos on YouTube and achieved critical praise across the political divide.

Three one-off specials for ITV have also seen huge success on terrestrial television: with a 4.4 million audience achieving ITV’s highest Saturday night ratings at that time in four years. Idiots Assemble: Spitting Image Saves the World - Live on Stage is presented by Avalon and Birmingham Rep.

Jasper Carrott Presents ‘A Night Of Stars’ Celebrating Bob Warman’s 50 Years In Television

BIRMINGHAM REP have announced A Night of Stars – Celebrating Bob Warman’s 50 Years in Television presented by Jasper Carrott OBE, taking place at the city centre venue on Tue 9 May 2023.

Get ready for a Brummie night out that’s more than bostin’ with this very special evening of famous faces, music and comedy.

Hosted by Jasper and celebrating ITV legend Bob Warman’s 50 years in TV, join Bob, Jasper, and many more as they revisit the guests, stars and highlights of Bob’s extensive career. Expect laugh-out-loud comedy, the best in Brummie live music and a wonderful trip down memory lane in this fundraising performance, full of surprises.

All proceeds from this oneoff Night of Stars will go to The Journalist’s Charity – founded by Charles Dickens in 1864 to support journalists and their families through tough times - and Birmingham’s Acorns Children’s Hospice.

Jasper said: “It is an honour to be presenting this very special evening celebrating the extensive career of Birmingham’s brilliant broadcaster, Bob Warman MBE. This one-off event guarantees audiences plenty of laughter and entertainment at the city’s historic leading theatre.”

Jasper Carrott presents A Night of Stars – Celebrating Bob Warman’s 50 Years in Television is at Birmingham Rep on Tuesday 9 May 2023.

l Tom Cruise back at his favourite Brummie Curry spot, Asha’s – credit Birmingham Rep

l Jasper Carrott OBE and Bob Warman MBE