theVINE May Issue by Frankie

This issue is supported by:

DREAMS My name is Lavern and I have had a really difﬁcult life, growing up in care and having countless failed relationships and at the best of times felt the world was against me. I read your article ‘There’s hope for our youth’ and was so inspired to read about Vicki Roberts and Pamelia Williams. Just want to say thank you, it really encouraged me a lot to ﬁnd my own dream and pursue it, or at least try.

STICKS & STONES I’m 18 years old and use the word N-----R and really don’t see what the big deal is. As long as it doesn’t hurt anyone then it should be OK. My friends and I use it all the time and don’t take any offence because it’s more acceptable these days. My mom taught me about sticks and stones, words shouldn’t hurt us. Ashanti Can I encourage you to take a real look into this word and how it has been used over the years, then let your conscience be your guide.

We at The Vine are so pleased that you have BAN THE ‘N’ WORD been encouraged to ﬁnd your own dream and It’s about time someone said it: ‘Ban the N pursue it. These young ladies and all the word’. To me it’s a shame that we don’t concentrate other young people you have read about on important issues like this during Black History month, are leaving tracks of success that we and educate our young people on the importance of never can all learn from and in some using the N word. I wonder if our youth understood or were cases follow. remotely connected to the history of this word whether they would use it so freely? Well done for highlighting how insulting the word is to us as a race. Moses

There is no context in which anyone should ever use this word or feel comfortable with people using it around them. To many of us there is I’m a loyal Villa fan so you no way of cleaning up or making this word acceptable or a term of would never know how good it endearment. When you consider slavery, apartheid, the 50’s 60’s was to see the claret and blue 70’s 80’s and 90’s (lest we forget Stephen Lawrence murdered by of my team on your front cover. I racists shouting this very word) this word was never used as a enjoyed the read about Reo Coker greeting but as a racist derogatory insult which was often and think maybe you should consider connected to rape, violence and death. doing a feature on Aston Villa and The N word should be banned. some of the other black players that played in the team over the years. Question: You don’t plan to feature WINDRUSH any Blues players do you? Danny I have always been a big supporter of The Vine magazine and am so impressed with the quality and articles in the magazine. I noticed last We have had a lot of positive feed year you covered the Abolition of Slavery quite a lot. Are you doing back on the Reo Coker interview anything on Windrush this year at all as it is the 60th Anniversary? and have a lot of Villa fans out Sandra there. As for your question, you’re going to have to watch this space We certainly will be featuring some articles on the Windrush. Also, Dan the man! check out the book review in this issue. Sam King, who was on the Windrush has written a book. Well worth reading!

VILLAN

REO-COKER Read Reo-Coker issue of the Vine from cover to cover and it’s brilliant. It challenges, encourages, inspires and informs. I want to highlight all the articles but I’m struggling to say which is my favourite. This is deﬁnitely the people’s magazine and my favourite issue. Andy Thank you! 02

theVINE May 2008

HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY Andy Hamilton is a true legend and I have followed him since 1965. His 90th Birthday celebration at the Town Hall was truly amazing. It was a real pleasure to go and listen to so many great and talented musicians. The history of his life should be well documented and never lost. George You have our full agreement and on behalf of the entire Vine team we wish you a very Happy Birthday Mr Andy Hamilton.

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Head of Inclusion £26,780 - £29,870 The Head of Inclusion is a member of the Vine Trustʼs Executive Team, strategically responsible for the pastoral, spiritual and social engagement of every young person in the Vine groupʼs scope of activity, working locally and nationally to enable Christian communities to serve their neighbourhoods. Date: Closing 21/05/08 Head of Learning / Principal £26,780 - £29,870 pro rata The Head of Learning is a member of the Vine Trustʼs Executive Team, a Strategic Visionary who in accordance with the Trustʼs Christian ethos, vision and mission, is able to manage and develop our established Learning services, with the capacity to develop ʻGoldmineʼ our proposed state of the art P.R.U. Date: Closing 21/05/08

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Working to support and elevate the lives of ʻhard to reachʼ young people, The Vine Trust is an established charitable company, that was birthed in Walsall, but now operates, as an innovative, faith inspired Social Enterprise, across the Country. Kevin Davis is the CEO of the Vine Trust, who has created three divisions around Social Enterprise, Inclusive Youth-work, and Education. He attributes the success of the Vine, to its faith based ethos, and its innovative approach in bringing together the Public, Private, and third Sectors for community regeneration. Initiatives like ʻProject 390ʼ, a national partnership with Ikea, getting young people into work, and ʻArts Jamʼ, working with youth services and developers, to give young grafﬁti artists, appropriate spaces to express their art. They are all symbolic of the Vineʼs creativity. Kevin is also co-founder of the Trustsʼ independent school, ʻSecond Chancesʼ a pupil Referral Unit with a Christian ethos. In its recent successful Ofsted report, inspectors stated that school ʻis particularly successful in its aim of re-engaging students in their learningʼ (March 08).

The Vine Trust Tel. 01922 621951

Kevin says ʻOften, because of societyʼs views of this group, they are given low grade provision, therefore the Trust took a strategic view that the needs of the young people it works with, demands new support, new facilities, a centre that provides young people with a quality recreational and training centre.ʼ They intend to build Goldmine, a vision was to offer the best. ʻWe believe that many young people have enormous potential, that with the right help, they can achieve hence the name” Goldmine”. It will be our ﬂagship Education & Enterprise Centreʼ.

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The Humble Academic He was the ﬁrst Asian Dean of a Business School in the UK, has an OBE, is Chairman of the Drum and works on average a twelve hour day. Professor Pardesi describes himself as a “humble academic”, but I found out just how misleading that statement is.

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Childcare careers and training event 2008 ANYONE interested in a career in childcare is being urged to attend this years childcare careers and training event being staged by Birmingham City Council next month. The Early Years and Childcare Opportunities event is set to feature 35 stands providing information, advice and job opportunities within the sector for those seeking a career working with children and young people. Organised by the Council’s Childcare Recruitment Team, the event is set to be held at the Burlington Hotel in New Street on June 3 from 10.00am until 3.30pm. Other highlights are due to include a CV clinic and a series of short seminars on topics related to issues relevant to childcare. Exhibitors booked to attend include the city council’s Children, Young People and Families Directorate, the council’s Adult Education service, local colleges, Jobcentre Plus, Pertemps and Reed Professional. There will also be representatives from support agencies such as Work Directions, Working Links and Connexions. Cllr Les Lawrence, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “It is essential that we treat the recruitment of childcare employees as a key priority – they underpin everything that we do in the field of early years care and development. This Early Years and Childcare Opportunities event is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in becoming a member of the childcare workforce to find out more about what roles are available and what would be required of them.”

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Social Enterprises – businesses that make a difference to our world What do The Big Issue, Cafe Direct and Jamie Oliver’s restaurant ‘Fifteen’ all have in common? They are all social enterprises - businesses that use their profits to tackle social or environmental issues.

ou may not have come across the term before, but social enterprises operate in almost every community and business sector within the West Midlands.

There are around 5,500 social enterprises in the region, delivering products and services in a wide range of industries from recycling to healthcare, transport to printing, ﬁnancial services to housing maintenance, community centres to education, childcare to community radio. Social enterprises have been described as the business model for the 21st Century probably because of their effectiveness in addressing modern day challenges. Many provide employment, training and services to some of the most excluded and disadvantaged groups in society and are often located

in areas of high multiple deprivation. Increasingly social enterprises are being developed by faith groups to provide services for their communities and also voluntary organisations looking for new ways of generating income to sustain their work in view of declining grants. Importantly social enterprises can be started by anyone who wants to make a difference by applying business principles. The Government too is committed to supporting social enterprises to grow and thrive recognising the valuable contribution they make over and above privately owned businesses. Starting a social enterprise however requires careful consideration. To assist those considering the social enterprise business option, free business support

is now available from Business Link West Midlands (0845 113 1234). This involves talking through your ideas, exploring the unique characteristics of social enterprise, and giving you the training to establish a successful business. To learn more about social enterprises and what’s happening in your area contact Social Enterprise West Midlands on 024 7663 3911 or visit www.socialenterprisewm.org.uk. Social Enterprise West Midlands is the regional voice and network for social enterprise. Membership is free and provides access to information, news and events, resources and networking opportunities for social enterprises and those interested in their work. Principal funder: Advantage West Midlands, the regional development agency.

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Pupils celebrate war veterans S

hades of Black recently gave a presentation at Soho House Museum about one of their current projects, which aims to get school children in Stechford and Handsworth researching war veterans and engaging with history. The research project, which looks at black, white and Asian veterans from the First and Second World Wars was funded by a £47,800 Heritage Lottery Award, secured by Shades of Black. The project has now been running for two years and has involved three local schools: Stechford Primary School, Wilkes Green Primary School and Handsworth Wood Girls’ school. Pupils have been researching archives, using the internet and ﬁnding out more about the young men ﬁghting in the war. Members of different local communities: Polish, Jewish, English and Irish, have also been involved. Everyone involved in the project has hailed it a great success.

The deputy headteacher of Stechford Primary School, Roger Rathbone, has been “surprised” and “pleased” by the enthusiasm of the children and how much they have achieved. Students are always interested in history, but this has been the ﬁrst experience pupils in year’s 4 to 6 have had of doing their own historical research. “They have been very surprised, especially to ﬁnd that people who were killed so many years ago, sat in the same classrooms as them.”

The two pupils from Handsworth Wood Girls’ school who gave the power point presentation, were keen to chat about how the project has inspired them. Pupils there in Year 9 and 10 have been busy researching the project, in both their history lessons and in a lunch time club. Romay Brown, told me that she has enjoyed the project and it has made her think about her future: “I’d like to get a job doing history.” Zeerdak Shabab, has also very much enjoyed the project and has been surprised by the number of casualties during the war. She is excited about a play, which the pupils are writing, based on their research. Mrs McGhie-Belgrave MBE, organiser of the project, feels that like other Shades of Black projects, this has helped to unite the community. She is now organising a petition with pupils to get the First World War memorial in Stechford cleaned.

Take the first step Coventry children need more black foster carers and adopters t fostering or To find out more abouy Fostering adoption call Coventr and Adoption Service

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oventry Fostering and Adoption Service is asking people from local black communities, and in mixed black and white relationships, to take the first step and find out more about fostering or adoption. A significant number of Coventry children in foster care are of mixed parentage or from ethnic minorities. At the moment there aren’t enough foster carers or adopters from similar backgrounds to support the children and help them stay in touch with their heritage. Many of the children have had a difficult start in life because of neglect or abuse. As a result they have extra learning needs or demanding behaviour. Around 30 of these children are currently waiting for permanent families to adopt them. They include groups of brothers and sisters who

want to stay together, children with learning difficulties or health problems, and older children. You don’t need any formal qualifications to foster or adopt. But you must have the skills and dedication to help you meet the needs of the children or young people in your care. Fostering is a way of providing a family life for children while they cannot live with their own parents. It is often used to provide temporary care while parents get help sorting out problems or when they need a break. It can also help children or young people through a difficult time in their lives. Adoption provides a permanent family for a child or children who cannot be brought up by their own parents. It’s a legal procedure in which all the parental responsibility is transferred to the adopters.

Coventry Fostering and Adoption Service will help you prepare for these important roles. All potential adopters and foster carers have their own social worker to take them through the assessment and approval process. We also offer ongoing training and support to approved foster carers and adopters. If you are interested in fostering you will need to live in Coventry or the immediate surrounding area. We can consider you as an adopter if you live within an hour’s drive of the city.

For an informal discussion about fostering or adoption, please contact us today. Ring 024 7678 5577 or visit www.coventry.gov.uk/ adoptionandfostering

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The Economics of Colour Commemorative Tour took place between the 21st-27th August 2007. The tour which focused on economic empowerment to deliver on race equality and social justice for Black Communities in the UK was a resounding success. The Reverend Jesse Jackson reached over 11,000 people nationally at various community, civic and private sector events. The Birmingham tour took place on 23rd August 2007, hosted by Birmingham Racial Attacks Monitoring Unit (BRAMU) in partnership with Birmingham City Council. Since then many cities have formed Economic Action Teams. On the 21st January 2008, BRAMU held its ﬁrst Regional Economics Action Team meeting (E.A.T). The meeting was well attended. Each city E.A.T will develop local economic, empowerment, strategies via economic research analysis, information, dissemination, training and membership development. Equanomics UK will create economic intelligence and a new dynamic for equality aimed at future generations. For further information please contact Maxie Hayles on 07956141554 or email at mhayles@btconnect.com.

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Teaching valuable lessons We spoke to the headteacher of a successful Seventh Day Adventist primary school in Birmingham, to find out about his journey and how faith motivates the school. attribute it to providence from God. So the ethos is different really: how we teach our children, how our children feel, how they know they have to do well.”

arper Bell School was founded in 1989 and is an independent primary school in Birmingham. It currently has 120 pupils and has small classes, with a maximum of 16 pupils.

The school has a very good success rate of getting children into grammar schools: at least 40% and sometimes more than 50%. Mr Senessie is proud of all his pupils and insists that the school isn’t geared solely towards that purpose. It’s up to parents to decide where to send their children, but if they make that choice, then the school supports them. Grammar school or not, he explains, children go on to good schools following Harper Bell and achieve their potential.

How does religion have an impact upon the school? The headteacher, Mr Senessie explains: “The school has a very strong Christian ethos. Whatever we do, if it is a success or not, we

He explains how he manages to achieve the school’s results and get children to engage with their education. Firstly, the key thing is to have high expectations of pupils: children are expected to fulﬁl

Fostering brings out the best in everyone.

their potential from an early age, and failure is not something they anticipate. Also structure and good management of children is key; they need to get into a good routine about when to work, when to play and when to do their homework. As a result: “They don’t just wander about. They just focus.” Mr Senessie moved to England from Sierra Leone in 1989, when he was a newly qualiﬁed teacher. Why does he have this passion for teaching? He explains that seeing pupils he has taught growing up and developing, makes him think: “I am glad I had an impact on that person’s development.” Teaching for him isn’t just about the grades and government targets: “Teaching is all about values: what you believe in, what you are capable of doing…Especially if you are a Christian school: Christian ethos, Christian values- you can pass that on.”

ostering was something single mum Lana had thought about for years. Having always wanted to give something back to the community, she ﬁnally fulﬁlled her aim and became a foster carer. “Fostering is very rewarding. When you see children progress and they feel safe with you, you’ve done something right.

A demanding role that’s well worth it

“It’s also very demanding and you’ll deal with some difﬁcult issues. Fostering is a life commitment and you’ll need family support.”

We need foster carers who have the time and energy to provide black and dual heritage children with a safe and caring home. Come along to one of our information events to ﬁnd out more: Wed 21st May, anytime between 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Fri 6th June, anytime between 10am – 12:30pm. Crystal House, Crystal Drive, Sandwell Business Park, off the Oldbury Road, Smethwick B66 1QG.

0800 358 0899

www.sandwell.gov.uk/fostering

Lana feels strongly about keeping siblings together. “I can’t imagine how hard it would be to grow up separately from your brother or sister.” Children also need help exploring their heritage. “It’s essential that black and dual heritage people come forward to become foster carers who can understand black history, language, hair, skin care and all the other little things that make up a child’s culture.”

“

The most important thing is that children who come to stay feel like part of the family

”

For more information call 0800 358 0899 or visit www.sandwell. gov.uk/fostering

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s a magazine, it’s always nice to hear that people enjoy the magazine and our hard work. It’s even nicer to hear that The Vine is being used as an educational aid at a school in Codsall, and pupils are reading our features and learning from people who have achieved success in the community.

Cherry Reynolds, Associate Assistant Headteacher, told us that they had set up a “wall of fame” in the corridor in January- to help pupils access role models they can learn from and aspire to. There is a real cultural mix: from David Beckham to The Vine’s feature on the Black Farmer and Katie Goodhall. Over a thousand pupils pass the wall each day and its purpose is: “To give the students the idea that

these people have achieved: to increase their motivation and their aspiration.”

Away from the wall, The Vine is also being used in lessons. The Marverine Cole feature (Jan’ 08 edition) has been used in Cherry’s year 10 key skills class: to teach pupils about radio reporting, and Cherry keeps her copies of The Vine, so pupils can borrow them at lunchtimes and have a flick through. Cherry is a massive fan of The Vine - and it’s nice to see that Codsall High isn’t the only school that has benefited from her idea - her last school also benefited.The reason? She thinks The Vine is a real “resource” and likes the fact that “in every single magazine there is a write-up of a role-model.”

At Codsall High Community School in Wolverhampton, some of The Vines’ articles are displayed on their “wall of fame”. One of the teacher’s explains why The Vine is having a positive impact at the school.

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fantastic treatment experience in The Spa Is available for one lucky reader which consists of a spa body wrap and body massage, followed by a hair wash and blow dry. The Spa at Richmond House, part of University College Birmingham (formerly known as Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies) is where all students on NVQ hairdressing and beauty therapy programmes learn their skills and prepare for their future careers. The excellent, high quality facilities in The Spa include four beauty therapy suites, three hairdressing studios, a spa pool, steam room, sauna and a ﬂotation therapy suite. The Spa facilities are open to the public on weekdays and all treatments are on offer at very reasonable prices. Students carry out all treatments under the supervision of lecturers. There are also two Sports Therapy clinics for those who may have sustained an injury through sport or perhaps whilst gardening and need some massage or related treatment to help ease aches and pains. As well as NVQ and National Diploma qualiﬁcations, University College Birmingham also offers foundation degree courses in Salon Management, Spa Management with Hospitality and Sports Therapy for students aged 18 plus. The Spa is located in Newhall Street in Birmingham city centre. To make an appointment please call

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Your We ﬁnd out about the myths, changes and challenges that face the BBC in Birmingham, as it adapts to meet the needs of all the communities in the region.

n January the BBC approached The Vine: inviting us to come in, have a look around and interview David Holdsworth, the Head of Regional and Local Programmes at BBC Birmingham. We thought this would be an ideal opportunity to have a good nose around, but also to ask some of the key questions about racial diversity within the BBC, particularly in Birmingham. So we turned up in February, dictaphone at the ready and attempted to tackle some of the issues. David Holdsworth is in charge of all the local output that the BBC makes in the region, which includes: Midlands Today, Inside Out, The Politics Show, five local radio shows-including BBC WM and six local websites.We asked David how, across this wide variety of platforms, the BBC engages specifically with the African-Caribbean community in Birmingham. “In two ways: we do some specialist programming, particularly on our radio stations targeted at that community, but we also aim to get that community as involved in our mainstream programming as much as we can.” He admits that it can be difficult at the BBC to provide programming that will make all ethnicities, age ranges and interests happy at all times. This issue relates both to and beyond the black community in Birmingham, as essentially the BBC has to be “all things to all men and all women”. However, this problem has been partially solved by developing more specialized content online- which

can target different ethnic and interest groups. In terms of the black population in Birmingham, he explains a recent innovation: “We’ve set up a podcast recently called ‘Black UK’, which pulls together some of the best of the different specialist black programmes from our local radio stations, into one weekly performance.” Employment remains an area in which the BBC has been criticised nationally: for not taking on enough of a diverse work force or for failing to develop employees from ethnic minorities who are already at the BBC. This is far less of a problem at BBC Birmingham than it is nationally, but David admits there is still work to be done. “At the BBC in Birmingham, as far as local programmes are concerned, about 15% [of employees] are not from a white background- either from an Asian or black background. And that compares well to the local population as a region.” The main problem, he explains, is creating a more diverse work force in the upper levels of management, but that can’t be achieved immediately with quick ﬁx solutions: “It takes quite a long time to change the upper part of

a work force because people need to prove themselves and come through.” In February, Lenny Henry accused the BBC of giving ethnic minorities jobs as cleaners, security men or scene shifters but failing to give ethnic minorities roles as decision makers, producers or directors. Lenny’s comments provoked debate across the national tabloids, broadsheets and online forums. I asked David to what he extent he agreed with Lenny. He answers diplomatically but thoughtfully: “I think if the comments were aimed at the issue about getting the balance of the senior part of the workforce right, if that were the accusation, I think there was an element of fair comment about it and I think the BBC is being honest about it.” So, how is the BBC at Birmingham attempting to tap into the talent within the black community that we have all seen: at the Mac, the Drum, the Bear and even just in our schools or living rooms? David insists that the BBC is aware of how exclusive the organisation can seem and that the BBC deliberately targets colleges, community centres and other places, to get the message

In terms of getting out to the ethnic population in particular, for the last six months, they appointed a full-time staff member, to co-ordinate and develop diversity.The staff member had to build links with the different communities and also had 25 one-week work experience placements, which were given out to people with potential, to give them a taster of the BBC. This project seems to have been a success. I was concerned that the work experience could just be tokenisma brief glimpse of the BBC before candidates returned to their ordinary lives. Out of the 25, David explains that three or four of the candidates are returning to the BBC- either for paid shifts or for extra work experience, and that they will now be in a strong position to apply for BBC jobs when they arise in the coming year. Even for those who haven’t returned to the BBC it will have been an “invaluable” experience and given them a step-up on the ladder to a media career. It merely seems a shame that the diversity coordinator position isn’t a permanent role and not just for six months. David admits the project has produced a lot of positives, and

isn’t ruling out a repeat, but they need to step back to judge its effectiveness ﬁrst: “I think we want to evaluate it a bit further and then perhaps decide how to take it from there.”

“

pink walls where the people employed to have “ideas” work and dotted around are the staff relaxation areas which mimic different themes; for example American diners. The work, force isn’t just young and white, but a real variety of ages and ethnicities. We see the famous Midlands Today set, listen live to a BBC WM show and see the Inside Out team busy at work.

A broadcaster that brings all people together.

I also ask about employing people of any ethnicity,who don’t necessary have an “academic” background - what can the BBC offer them? The BBC has a range of technical jobs and technical traineeships, and the online world has meant that applicants don’t necessarily need a formal journalism qualiﬁcation in order to enter news teams. In addition the BBC can provide training for people as journalists, once they enter the work force.

Perception appears to be the problem: the BBC can be viewed as solely the preserve of the white, middle-class or as David describes it, as a “traditional white institution”. As we are given a guided tour after our interview, the “stuffy” or more conventional image of the BBC is shattered. At the Mailbox the BBC is open plan and busy. On the upper level there is a section with bright

”

Throughout our interview David has been candid; there may have been problems in the past, but the BBC is changing and adapting. There are increasingly new challenges from specialist black channels and programming, but David is conﬁdent that the BBC is evolving; it can still appeal and is more than valid. I particularly like the fact that he stresses the true purpose of the BBC; not to divide communities and to produce entirely specialist programming, but instead it aims as an organisation: “To be a broadcaster that brings all people together.” May Piper

Michelle Grindley, Women’s Business Development Agency (WBDA), Broad Street Enterprise Centre, Coventry

out that they employ a real range of people and to encourage applications.

Developing Local Talent Walsall College is committed to engaging with business to equip students with the skills to take advantage of the emerging economic regeneration in Walsall and the West Midlands. The Enterprise Academy at Walsall College is a new facility, designed to give enterprising individuals the opportunity to develop the skills to start-up and grow a new business. The Academy offers a range of enterprise qualiﬁcations and training to enable anyone in the community to start a business. There are also opportunities for businesses to get involved in the programme either by offering their services as a mentor, by providing work experience or even as a ‘Dragon’ in the ‘Dragon’s Den’. The academy is working with a range of partners which include Innovation Lab, LSC, Steps to Work, Black Country Chamber of Commerce, Walsall EBP, The European Union and Walsall Endeavours. For further information on any of the above please contact Andrew Pownall, Walsall College, Enterprise Academy, St Paul Street, Walsall WS1 1XN. Telephone 01922 651122 Fax 01922 651178 or email apownall@walsallcollege.ac.uk

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Persevering on the path to teaching

Ia-Jie Gau wants to be a teacher, but ﬁrst she is getting some valuable experience on a teaching assistant course.

a-Jie came to England from Taiwan in 2006. She came to Birmingham to do her MA in IT and Education. After studying in England, she liked it so much, that she decided to stay. She used to be an English language teacher, for children in Taiwan. She realised after moving here that she wanted to teach in England, but first she needed some experience, as schools in England require UK based teaching experience. The course she wants to do eventually- the PGCE in Chinese teaching- is very expensive and there are only a few places that teach it, mostly based in London. So first, she decided to train as a teaching assistant, and get a sense of what the job involves. She started her 6 month course at the Stone Hall Centre, Birmingham, in December and so far has had a placement at a local primary school, helping to teach the Year 1 and Year 4 classes their numeracy and literacy skills. There are big, big differences between the educational systems and outlook in Taiwan and England, which Ia-Jie has noticed. Firstly, there are the teaching methods: “In Taiwan we cram education- we need to memorise lots of things, lots of homework.Students do not have the chance to express their ideas. Here the teachers really care about what the children think, what the children want to do.” There is also a very different focus in England on including and developing all children, of all abilities- not just the most academically able. Ia-Jie is so far enjoying her time on the course and her time in England, though admits it was difficult at first adjusting to the Birmingham accent and expressions. It will take a few more years before she qualifies as a teacher. She plans to get her teaching assistant level 3 qualification first and then wait a few more years to save up for the PGCE. But her determination to teach is admirable and stems from the fact that: “I just like working with children.”

Years 90 Young

here can’t be many people who at 90-years-old are so committed to learning, but Jack Lewis is an exceptional case. He is captivated by everything Russian and attends college at the Brasshouse Language Centre in Birmingham, where he gets his weekly ﬁx of Russian lessons, for an hour and a half every week. So, where did this love of Russian spring from? He had never travelled abroad before, but in 1980, after he was made redundant from his job as

Jack Lewis is keenly learning Russian at college every week and even getting awards - at 90 years of age!

an electrician, Jack went travelling with his wife, not initially to Russia, but to Norway, to see the “midnight sun”. Unfortunately they missed this event, but travelled on up the Norwegian coastline, until they came to a town on the Russian border. Jack saw a former crossing between Russia and Norway, which had been fenced up, but not very substantially: “Honestly, there is a better fence around my poultry yard than that was.” He had a quick look over the fence at Russia and was determined to return.

In 1986 Jack visited Russia on a tour, and after realising he couldn’t communicate with anyone at Yalta airport,decided to study Russian. He has been learning Russian now for twenty years and has visited the country 23 times. He even has a daughter-in-law from Azerbaijan, who he can practise his Russian with. Jack isn’t ﬂuent yet in Russian, but is making progress: “I wish I was, but I can get around in Russia.” He is studying his level three at college and recently won an award for his reading and listening skills. He has made friends at college, and when I ask if learning keeps him young, he afﬁrms this whole heartedly: “I’m sure it does, yes.” Are there many other 90-year-olds that he has met at college? “Oh no, not at my age, I’m by far the oldest.”

Wings of Steel

f someone had told me when I was at school that one day I would run my own business, I would have laughed at them. My only ambition at that time was to earn my living with a cricket bat playing at Sabina Park or The Oval. However, I set up a business with a friend and some money from my Dad.We sold steel beams to the construction industry. In 1998, I went solo as G & D Steels Ltd in Hockley. I have been fortunate in that my brother Larry has been at my side. Recently, we put up a 4500 square ft warehouse and ofﬁce for the business. It has been an extremely stressful time but again I have been supported by the prayers of my family and a loyal workforce.The builder, Elson Newton has been a God send and has become a valued friend. It is always nice to receive positive comments but the nicest comment we’ve had came from a customer who said “You’ve always run a professional business but now you really look the part”.

G & D Steels Limited Tel: 0121 523 9929

Book of the Month

Climbing Up the Rough Side of the Mountain - Sam King

£10.99 Available from good bookshops or www.upfrontpublishing.com

Sam’s autobiography is a topical and essential read for all the community. He was one of the 492 men, women and children to disembark from the MV Empire Windrush in England on 22nd June in 1948, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. His life before, and after that fateful trip is remarkable, and charts the history and achievements of black Britain. Sam was born in Portland, Jamaica and grew up on his family’s farm, in a tight knit Christian community which had a “basic harmony and tranquillity”. As the oldest son of nine children, he would inherit the farm and spent his adolescence taking on responsibility. In 1944 however, the call for volunteers from Jamaica to take part in World War Two reverberated around the island and after passing the tests, Sam was off. He loved his first taste of England, working for the RAF during the war and getting the first bite of opportunity. At the end of the war however, he was sent back to Jamaica. Sam was a “haunted and shattered” man, without a place or purpose in Jamaica and longed to return to England. When he heard there was a ship taking immigrants to England for £28/10s- the now famous Windrush-he made sure he was on it. Sam’s life in England reflects the experience of the whole community. At first he lived in rundown housing, suffered discrimination and had to graft to find his place in British society. At the same time, he received help from his new British friends, earned the respect of his employers’ who could see his potential and gained an adopted “Mam and Pap” who lived in Bulwell. The autobiography is far from negative. Sam found his feet in England: becoming a landlord, passing his tests to become a Post Office sorter, taking responsibility as a school governor, Labour councillor and then, to top it all, become the first black mayor of the London Borough of Southwark in 1983. He has been instrumental in almost every event that celebrates or unites the black community: from the founding of the Notting Hill Carnival in 1959, becoming a member of the IMCGB, meeting Martin Luther King and helping to set up a military association that celebrates the contribution of British officers from a Caribbean heritage. The remarkable thing throughout his story is not only Sam’s untiring drive and determination, but equally his moral fortitude. He prides himself throughout his life on being fair to others, giving back to society, living a Christian life and keeping himself away from vice and corruption. His life story is a reflection of a man with great moral strength, courage and leadership. It’s also a good read and a testimony of what we can achieve, when we put our hearts and our minds towards a goal. D.B.

Book Give Away NEED 2 KNOW

Need-2-Know publishes informative books designed to help people with real life issues. Packed with practical advice and the latest facts, the books ﬁnd solutions to a wide range of problems. All titles are £8.99 each. Available from Amazon and bookshops or visit www.n2kbooks.com. The Vine are giving away two copies of each of the following Need-2-Know titles: Bullying- A Parent’s Guide, How to Pass Exams- A Parent’s Guide and Applying to University- The Essential Guide.To enter the draw please email joanne@thevinepublication or send your details on a post card to The Vine, PO Box 4320, Walsall, WS1 9AF.

Exhibit of the Month

back in the day Hidden in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre, next to the Hippodrome theatre, lies the National Trust’s Birmingham Back to Backs houses.

he National Trust has long been associated with providing fine cream teas, landscaped gardens and the opportunity to daydream for some (or more accurately- for myself) of being an Edwardian lady of leisure, for a few hours at least.There is nothing wrong with this comfortable slice of middle and upper class English life. However, the National Trust has finally recognised that British history consists of more than croquet and tea and that for many of us our family heritage in Britain has involved immigration, life in a rapidly industrialising and manufacturing climate, and of course, very hard graft. This is where Birmingham Back to Backs houses fits in. Only open since 2004, the courtyard consists of four small one-down-two-up roomed houses, the old sweet shop and George Saunders’ old tailor shop. The courtyard charts the history of different ethnic groups and their lives in Birmingham from the 1830s to the present day. This is more than just a nod to political correctness; the stories we hear of the real people who lived there are fascinating. The crammed rooms of the Oldfield family’s 1870 household, consisted of their ten children and two lodgers in just three rooms, is bewildering to modern eyes. Stranger still, is Herbert Oldfield’s trade as a glass eye manufacturer for toys, as well

back-to-backs as for people, the latter of which are accurate, if disturbing artifacts. The beauty of these houses is that objects are not encased away in glass and there are no ropes cordoning off furniture. Visitors are actively encouraged to examine objects, to lie down on beds (which proves strangely addictive), to rummage around and to fully experience the past lives. The tour ends at George Saunders’ legendary tailor shop, which closed in 2001. This part of the exhibit is designed to acknowledge the AfricanCaribbean contribution and success in British culture. George, who moved to England from St. Kitts in 1958, was initially unable to find work as a tailorexperiencing racism and discrimination. However, he persevered and eventually set up his own tailors in the early 1970s on Hurst Street, which became a truly family affair and a widely respected business, even making the trousers for the Horse Guards. The beauty of the exhibit is that for many people, including myself, it is possible to see the hard lives of our relatives finally being recognised and celebrated. The exhibit scans all ethnicities from Polish, Irish,West Indian and Jewish and acknowledges the initial sacrifices and aspirations of these earlier inhabitants. This is the National Trust, but with a very modern twist

This really is a perfect family day out. Children are dressed up in Victorian garbs, they can touch and smell the objects, eat traditional sweets and play with Victorian toys on the courtyard. Even on an individual level, it is a National Trust experience which is both engaging and affordable. A ﬁnal note, booking is essential beforehand to avoid disappointment. So if you’re planning a visit call 0121 666 7671. backtobacks@nationaltrust.org.uk D.B.

PENALTIES – coming soon

EMPLOYERS ACT NOW OR PAY THE PRICE!

This year a special enforcement team will be in Birmingham to assess legal compliance in the hospitality sector. This will affect YOU. They will look at minimum wage, working time, contracts, terms and conditions, health & safety and legal compliance in the area of employment law. Acas advisers are here to help. We are nothing to do with any aspect of enforcement. Our involvement is entirely conﬁdential and discreet. Anything said to us or observed by us stays with us. We are part of a project being run by Marketing Birmingham and funded by BERR. Our role is to offer: • A free diagnostic visit to ﬁnd out what you need • Advice on how to improve your practices and procedures, if you need it • Free use of a designated business advisor to help you with any employment related concerns you may have • Vouchers to attend two training sessions of your choice, training designed to address employment issues that cause problems for the smaller employer The purpose is to establish a reputation for professionalism in the hospitality sector in Birmingham which is second to none. There will be visitors to the 2012 games who will spend a lot of time away from the Olympics and London and Birmingham needs to position itself to take advantage of this. There will be no cost to you other than your time and willingness. In return you will have a more successful business and the comfort of knowing you need not fear a visit from any of the enforcement teams.

The project has limited resources so call us now Telephone Mobile Jayne Willats 01922 415032 07796 401598 Joanne Bickley 01922 693913 07796 940188

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Escape on an amazing adventure to the Alton Towers Resort and experience unlimited family fun all year round!

mbark on a mission aboard the Battle Galleons interactive water ride anchored in Mutiny Bay – a fantastic new pirate themed land where all the family will be challenged to conquer the seas! Young adventurers can gain their sea legs upon Heave Ho, and Marauders Mayhem - a spinning sensation set within barrels of rum and explosives, is guaranteed to shiver your timbers! Plus, a live show featuring Captain Black will ensure all the family hone their skills in order to graduate from Mutiny Bay as fully ﬂedged pirates! Extend the fun by joining Charlie on his fantastic voyage into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, watch the children take to the roads on the Peugeot 207 Driving School and meet the extraordinary large bunnies in Old MacDonald’s Farm!

COMPETITION

With so much to experience, sleepover in one of the new Pirate themed rooms in the on-site Splash Landings Hotel, enjoy the Caribbean climate of the tropical waterpark, luxuriate in the Spa or play a round of golf in preparation for the next day’s marvellous adventure!

What is the name of the interactive water ride?

For the best value deals, book online at www.altontowers.com

To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket please answer the following question:

Please send your answers by email to joanne@thevinepublication.com or on a postcard to The Vine, PO Box 4320, Walsall, WS1 9AF Closing date Friday 30th May

Photo by Jillian Edelstein after Henry Fuseli

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