Community News

Tributes were paid to "trailblazing" Sikh sheriff's deputy in the US after he was killed on duty.

Sandeep Dhaliwal died after being shot from behind during a traffic stop in Texas, in the USA.

A man was been arrested and charged with murder.

Deputy Dhaliwal made history as the first Sikh to become a sheriff's deputy in Texas's Harris County where he was allowed to wear his turban and beard while on patrol.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said: "He wore a turban and represented his community with integrity, respect and pride.

“Deputy Dhaliwal was a hero, he was a respected member of the community and he was a trailblazer".

The brother of a Wolverhampton councillor, a memorial service was organised in West Midlands city in recognition of his family links to the city after it emerged his sister was a member of the council.

Rupinderjit Kaur a Labour representative for the Spring Vale ward was told of her brother’s killing after receiving a call from officials in the US.

She said her family had always feared that his job could put him in danger, especially because of much-publicised problems with gun crime and racism in America’s south.

But she said she was proud of him for following his dream of becoming a police officer, despite the challenges of being a Sikh in Texas.

Cllr Kaur said: “When he said he was joining the police force we were scared but at the same time we were proud of his decision and supported him”.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said Deputy Dhaliwal was a "bold and ground-breaking law enforcement officer in the eyes of our county, our state, our nation, and around the world, because he sought and received permission to patrol while wearing the outward signs of his Sikh faith, including a turban and beard".

"He was a walking lesson in tolerance and understanding," he added.

2019 marks the 32nd year of Black History Month in the UK, where we observe those who came before us, making a difference to Empower the Youth to pick up the mantle left by previous generations as we move forward into a brighter future.

The global world is shrinking, with advances in communication and technology, as black people now the opportunities are endless and the boundaries removed. This year The Phoenix Newspaper celebrates Black History Month: The Next Generation, as we look towards the leading lights of our communities to inspire the next generation to believe that no dream is impossible.

With this special 12 page supplement, we are highlighting the unsung heroes and role models of all ages, backgrounds and cultures to produce an inspirational publication for our youth.

We want to thank Town Hall Symphony Hall for their unending support of both the newspaper, and the ongoing work sharing our vision of all people under one banner. We would also like to give thanks to the Royal Air Force, who have been staunch supporters of all communities, especially the black community in the region. Black History Month has a special place in many peoples hearts, for a wide variety of reasons.

While we will always look back and remember the feats and sacrifices made by previous generations for the betterment of all, especially those who were ‘Called To Order’ during and after the war, we must also be looking forward to our youth as the next generation in whom we trust.

We have planted the seeds so now it is time for our children to  reap the fruits of our labour.

The Phoenix Newspaper, in collaboration with Town Hall & Symphony Hall Birmingham, celebrated the official launch of Black History Month 2019 in the Director's Suite at Symphony Hall.

Presented by The Phoenix’s Dee Burrowes & Town Hall Symphony Hall's Richard Loftus, specially invited guests; including multi-award winning musician, Apache Indian, Aisha Anifowoshe, Trade Development Officer at Grace Foods UK, filmed by the BBC, McDonald’s Restaurant franchisee, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Paul Ramsey, Phyllis Peters, Branch Manager at Victoria Mutual Finance Ltd in Birmingham, Joy Bailey of HSBC Bank, Town Hall Symphony Hall’s recently appointed Manager of Classical Music, Toks Dada, Birmingham Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Yvonne Mosquito, Sam Duru of The Wolverhampton Black Business Network, lecturer and music impresario, Mykal Wassifa Brown, Donald Campbell, world record breaking muscleman ‘Big Dave’ Gauder, plus officials from the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and West Midlands Police Force were just a few who were on hand, in the Director’s Suite which was especially convened for an exquisite afternoon of celebration and notification.

Richard Loftus, Director of Sales and Marketing at Town Hall and Symphony Hall Birmingham, whose diligence, hard work and on-going relationship help put the whole thing together, made a point that he was “extremely proud to work with The Phoenix Newspaper”. He also made note of the death of international opera star Jessye Norman, who performed at Symphony Hall in 1991, who died at the age of 74, and whose portait adorns the wall in Symphony Hall's Directors Lounge.

The recently appointment Manager of Classical Music Toks Dada gave a heartwarming speech on the achievements of this great role model, including her Grammy Awards, and being the first black female opera singer to perform at the Symphony Hall.

“Despite your difficulties”, Cllr Mosquito said, “I have to especially thank you.” “When you read The Phoenix Newspaper it is a privilege and a complete honour. I look forward to attend the Gala night and thank you for the work you do”.

Singer/songwriter, producer, radio and TV presenter, Apache Indian, who also runs the A.I.M. (Apache Indian Music) Academy at South & City College Birmingham (Handsworth Campus) was one who praised, wholeheartedly, The Phoenix Newspaper’s previous Anniversary Gala Dinner & Awards Show, highlighting the elevation it has brought to his already-stellar career and was “so looking forward to be performing at this year’s event – on November 16.

“I’ve performed around the world on numerous occasions, had seven Top 30 hits and performed tracks for Hollywood film classics like ‘Dumb and Dumber, but, to be performing at the ICC Birmingham on the night will go down as one of my all-time greatest achievements”.

The Phoenix Newspaper's 9th Anniversary Gala Dinner & Awards Masquerade Ball props were visible in the masks worn by Marcia and her personal assistant Dee Burrowes, with everyone holding the coconuts, representative of the Caribbean and the cocktail red carpet reception at this years gala after party.

In thanking the huge gathering, The Phoenix Newspaper’s Founder/Editor-In-Chief, Marcia McLaughlin emphasized: “It took me 30 years of relentless work to be now able to demonstrate what my – our (The Phoenix Newspaper) aim has always remained to be and I thank all who attended today, and look forward to what promises to be a spectacular evening on November 16”.

Two Friends of Wolverhampton Music Service have got on their bikes and are helping raise funds to ‘Make Wolves Rock’.

Ted and Denise Pearson are riding the length of the United Kingdom by cycling nearly 1,000 miles from Land's End to John o' Groats. The husband and wife team left Penzance and called in to the Music Service, based at Graiseley Primary School. Cycling around 50 miles per day, they hope to reach the far north east of Scotland by 17 September.

They are undertaking the epic challenge in support of Music Service, which is raising funds to purchase new rock instruments and equipment and upgrade the lighting system at the Music School so that it can launch new Make Wolves Rock music classes for local children and young people this autumn.

Ted and Denise hope to raise around £2,000 towards the Music Service's target of £5,855, which will then be match funded by the Arts Council of England.

Denise said: "Our eldest grandchild Ella learnt to play the oboe through the Wolverhampton Music Service, and she's now at Cardiff Welsh Royal College studying the oboe. Our grandson Jack played the guitar here and our other grandson Billy played the cello. All of them have benefited so much from the Music Service that we wanted to give something back.”

Ted joked: "The plan was for it to be 312 miles from Land's End to Wolverhampton, but given the fact we got hopelessly lost when we were in Bristol we have added 10 miles onto the trip already."

Ciaran O'Donnell, Head of Wolverhampton Music Service, said: "Wolverhampton has so much talent and a history of producing world class rock and pop musicians, and we’re looking to provide new, free opportunities for the city to find the stars of the future that we know exist in this talented city.

"Our first step is to raise this money and upgrade our equipment so that we can do this to the best of our ability. To have the support of Ted, Denise and the Friends of the Music Service is invaluable. They are an example to everyone and I hope they will convince Wulfrunians to back the Music Service and donate where they can.”

The Friends Group was formed over 25 years ago to support the work of the music school. They raise funds by raffles, refreshments at events and the school tuck shop, with proceeds used to buy any items requested by the school.

Wolverhampton Music Service provides tuition and musical opportunities for youngsters from schools across the city, including the chance to perform with Wolverhampton Youth Orchestra and Wolverhampton Youth Wind Orchestra.

Participants on the Frontline programme, the largest social work training programme in the country, started working in local authorities across England. Of the 393 participants, the Midlands has welcomed 87 trainees, over 20% of the 2019 intake, to support the most vulnerable children and families in the region. 23 social workers have started in child protection teams in Birmingham.

They have started in child protection teams across 11 local authority partners in the Midlands, including; Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton, after attending a five-week Summer Institute where they were taught by leading academics and experts by experience. This is the third year that the charity has partnered with local authorities in the region to offer placements to participants in one of the country's toughest but most rewarding professions.

To date, over 1,000 social workers have been trained through the Frontline programme across 48% of local authorities in England. The charity continues to increase its impact on the lives of the country’s most vulnerable, this week opening applications for 452 participants for the 2020 Cohort.

Josh MacAlister, Frontline’s Chief Executive, said: Children and families often on the fringes of society rely on social workers to stand alongside them during their most difficult moments. We need more outstanding individuals joining the profession to support vulnerable children and families up and down the country. Social work has the power to change lives and we’re looking forward to developing more social workers across the Midlands to help give every child a safe and stable home”.

Children and Families Minister, Kemi Badenoch, said: “Social workers do one of the most challenging jobs in society, supporting the most vulnerable children in the country. There are more social workers than ever, but we want to keep recruiting and retaining the best, from graduates to career changers, which is why we have invested more than £1.2 billion since 2010 in supporting a range of routes into the profession, including fast-track schemes like Frontline.

“Frontline plays a key role in boosting the profile of rewarding careers in social work all over England, joining a talented workforce that provides support for children and families across the Midlands who need it the most”.

Frontline works with local authorities across London and the South East, East of England, North West, North East, Midlands and South West. Over 340 participants began the Frontline programme in summer 2018, with over 400 participants joining the 2019 Cohort.

A group of Jesuit Novices from countries across Western Europe visited Smethwick, in the West Midlands, to learn about inter-faith engagement and meet religious groups in the town.

The visitors - members of the Roman Catholic Order of the Society of Jesus, known as the Jesuits - attended a week-long conference, the Internovitiate, at Manressa House, an international centre for novices, in nearby Harborne, Birmingham.

Arriving at Galton Bridge railway station, they were welcomed by Sandwell Deputy Mayor, Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, on the historic Thomas Telford bridge built in 1829, giving them a taste of Smethwick's industrial heritage.

They then walked along the High Street to get a feel of modern-day Smethwick, where they were greeted by Surinder Josan, owner of All Seasons DIY, a family-run business in the area for more than 40 years and the immediate past President of the British Independent Retailers Association.

The day was hosted by Holy Trinity Church, Smethwick and also included visits to the nearby Abrahamic Foundation and the Guru Nanak Gurdwara to meet members of the local Muslim and Sikh communities.

The group also enjoyed presentations about a number of local inter-faith projects including Faithful Friends on Tour, Women First and the Common Ground Community Orchard.

Event co-ordinator and Novice of the Society of Jesus, Dunstan Rodrigues, said: "We're delighted to have been invited to Smethwick, we've had an extremely warm welcome from everyone we have met, beginning with the Deputy Mayor, the team at Holy Trinity and the other individuals and groups we have visited.

"It's been extremely encouraging to see the work going on in Smethwick and to learn from the wide range of different religious traditions in this diverse community of Smethwick."

Reverend Nick Ross, from Holy Trinity Church, said: "It was a privilege to host this visit so we could talk about the richness of Smethwick's diverse faiths and cultures, and the experience of interfaith work in the town, and to be refocused by the questions and comments from young people who are much less familiar with ministry in this sort of setting."

A mound near a train station in Smethwick has seen a massive improvement as volunteers have cleaned up the area immediately behind the ‘Lions of the Great War’ statue on the High Street.

Just by the Rolfe Street Train Station is home to the water feature, Boulton and Watt’s Governor Sculpture, pathways, seating and a circle of trees.

With the support of Sandwell Council, volunteers from Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Smethwick cleared the paved area which was partially covered in overgrowth and moss. The benches have also been cleaned, with the steel sculpture renovated and repainted.

The fountain, which was replaced by the Gurdwara in 2018, has also been pumped out and cleaned.

Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick's Jatinder Singh said: "The ‘Lions of the Great War’ honours all those brave people from South Asia who served and died in the two World Wars.

Together with the newly-created paved public space, it also provides a stunning and symbolic gateway to Smethwick”.

Councillor Bob Lloyd, Sandwell Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for Culture, said: "This is a wonderful example of community volunteers working with the Council to improve the area and keep it looking clean and tidy.

"As the backdrop to the awe-inspiring ‘Lions of the Great War’ statue and public space, this is an area that has considerable significance for the Gurdwara and wider community. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved and volunteered their time."

Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick commissioned Black Country sculptor Luke Perry to create the statue to honour the sacrifices made by South Asian service personnel of all faiths from the Indian subcontinent who fought for Britain in the Great War and other conflicts.

The gurdwara covered the cost of designing and building the statue, while Sandwell Council worked closely with the gurdwara to create a paved public space with seating and lighting.

Millions of men from the Indian subcontinent fought in the two world wars, serving in the British Indian Army. Most never visited the country they were fighting for, yet many sacrificed their lives on the battlefield or afterwards.

The Mayor of Wolverhampton was on hand at a special event which marked the 80th anniversary of an Advice Centre in the city.

As one of the first bureaux in the country, Citizens Advice Wolverhampton, which was first opened in September 1939, has remained open ever since.

Back then some 50 people a day visited the bureau to seek help with issues like evacuation, allowances for dependents of serving men, housing problems and questions concerning National Registration and food rationing.

80 years on, now, it continues to offer free, confidential and independent advice.

Mayor of the City of Wolverhampton, Councillor Claire Darke, was present with volunteers, staff and friends to acknowledge the longstanding contribution Citizens Advice Wolverhampton has made to people in the city.

She said: “We were delighted to be able to celebrate Citizens Advice Wolverhampton’s special milestone, which has seen it provide 80 years of unbroken service.”

Citizens Advice Wolverhampton’s Chief Officer, Craig Alford, said: “Our advice changes lives because we are constantly adapting to the challenges people face.

“Whatever the problem, our fantastically amazing staff and volunteers do all they can to help people find their way forward. We are here to help everyone and will continue to do so.”

Citizens Advice Wolverhampton is a charitable organisation offering free information, advice and specialist casework to people concerning debt, housing, benefits, work, family issues, discrimination, consumer complaints and much more.

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, together with Care UK have teamed up to create a new community event aimed at those of retirement age and above.

Sutton Coldfield Senior Showcase is a free entry event to be held at the Town Hall, in the West Midlands, on the afternoon of Thursday 12th September.

There will be around 50 stallholders, with many offering taster sessions of activities ranging from senior ballet to sing-alongs, nordic walking to a quiz. Visitors can learn to become a Dementia Friend in a one hour session, sit in a financial planning talk or learn about wills and power of attorney in a presentation by local solicitors Enoch Evans.

Sutton Ramblers will lead a one hour walk into the park at 3pm and a dementia friendly barber will be on hand to give free gentlemen's haircuts.

Coffee, Tea and Muffins, plus full bar service will be available in the Sir Doug Ellis Lounge. Sessions and stalls will take place between 12pm and 4pm.

Organisers Julie Rennison from the Town Hall and Rachel Mackay from Care UK's Mercia Grange have enjoyed the support of many local companies to put together this inaugural event.

Julie said: "There are so many charities, services and activities available to our senior community and we hope this event will present them in a fun and informative environment." Rachel added "There will be lots of things to try and experts on hand - from I.T. advice to transport and accommodation. There are also plenty of chances to learn where to volunteer and meet new people. We've had two meetings for stallholders and people are really keen to make this a lively and interesting day out."

The charity venue is very close to the train station, public car parks and is a short walk from the bus station and from Lichfield Road bus stops. A raffle will be held to support the Town Hall's ambitious renovation plans and maintenance.

A judge in London said he would grant a firm called Process and Industrial Developments Ltd (P&ID) the right to seek to seize some $9 billion (7.4 billion pounds) in assets from the Nigerian government over an aborted gas project.

The company was awarded $6.6 billion in an arbitration decision over a failed project to build a gas processing plant in the southern Nigerian city of Calabar. With interest payments, the sum now tops $9 billion - some 20% of Nigeria’s foreign reserves.

The judge’s decision converts the arbitration award to a legal judgement, which would allow P&ID to try to seize international assets.

Lawyers representing the Nigerian government argued the award should not be enforced because England was not the correct place for the case, and even if it were, the amount awarded was “manifestly excessive.”

Mr Justice Butcher of the Commercial Court rejected these arguments and said he would “receive submissions from the parties as to the precise form of order appropriate.”

A spokesman for Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari directed requests for comment to the Ministry of Justice, which did not immediately respond. A spokeswoman for the law firm representing the Nigerian government in London did not immediately provide a comment on the ruling.

“P&ID is committed to vigorously enforcing its rights, and we intend to begin the process of seizing Nigerian assets in order to satisfy this award as soon as possible,” said Andrew Stafford, Q.C. of Kobre & Kim, which represents P&ID.

The case involves a 2010 deal in which the Nigerian government agreed to supply gas to a processing plant in Calabar that P&ID – a firm founded by two Irish businessmen specifically for the project - would build and run.

In 2012, P&ID took the government to arbitration over the failure of the deal and won the award, which was based on what it could have earned during the 20-year agreement.

Stafford said that with accrued interest, the award now tops $9.6 billion.

Legal experts told Reuters previously that assets used for diplomatic purposes – such as the Nigerian High Commission building in central London – are not eligible for seizure, but commercial assets are.

Nominations have opened for the 2020 Commonwealth Youth Awards which will see winners awarded a cash grant to scale-up development work benefiting their communities.

The Commonwealth Youth Awards recognise the exemplary work undertaken by young people across the 53 member countries.

Regional winners will be invited to an awards ceremony in London on Commonwealth Day 2020.

The awards are being delivered in partnership with the Commonwealth Youth Council and the Commonwealth Youth Networks.

The awards launch coincides with the Commonwealth Asia Region Senior Officials From Youth Ministries Meeting – an event which will allow participants to assess progress on agreed youth policy priorities and finalise a regional strategy aimed at improving the wellbeing and livelihoods of Commonwealth young people.

Launching the awards in Brunei, the Secretary-General said: “The awards celebrate all that we achieve collectively when we empower young people to realise their full potential and exercise their full citizenship, creativity and innovation.”

Award, nominees must be: • aged 15 to 29 years; • a citizen of a Commonwealth member country; • been engaged in development work for more than 12 months - either in a professional or voluntary capacity; • have a strong track record of implementing innovative ideas and linking their development work and its impact to one of the 17 SDGs; • and have demonstrated an understanding of the importance of youth engagement in key areas of development.

Entrants can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone who is not a relative and who can testify of the impact of their work.

Sixteen finalists will be shortlisted from four Commonwealth regional categories: Africa and Europe; Asia; the Caribbean and Canada; and the Pacific. A winner will be selected from each region, and one exceptional entrant will be awarded the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year.

Last year’s winner, Ms Omowumi Ogunrotim, an activist against gender-based violence from Nigeria said: “This Commonwealth Youth Award is a great honour to me and all those who champion gender equality.

“It has re-affirmed the collective responsibility we have to create safe spaces for youth across the Commonwealth and has highlighted efforts we are making to transform from aspiration to reality the right for every girl to be secure and safe and thus making our communities and nations an equitable home for all.”

This year’s finalists will receive a trophy, a certificate and cash grants to help them continue their development work. All finalists will be awarded £1,000. Each selected regional winner will receive an additional £2,000. The Commonwealth Young Person of the Year will also receive an additional cash grant of £2,000.

Entries must be received online via the link by 23:59 GMT on 31 October 2019.

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Former staff and volunteers who have worked for John Taylor Hospice over the decades are being invited to a special reunion.

The Birmingham hospice is celebrating its 110th anniversary next year and is inviting all former colleagues to come together this autumn to meet old friends and share memories.

The event at the hospice in Grange Road, Erdington, takes place on Thursday October 10 and all former staff and volunteers are invited.

John Taylor Hospice was founded in 1910 and has been based at The Grange in Grange Road since 1948. Its staff and volunteers have cared for thousands of patients and their families over the past century.

Hospice Head of Brand and Media Diane Parkes said: “Our 110th anniversary is a really special event for John Taylor Hospice and we want to share it not just with our current staff but also with the hundreds of people who have been part of our story.

“It is the dedicated work of these former colleagues which has ensured we are the hospice we are today. We want to say thank you, give them a chance to meet with old friends and share our plans for our 110th anniversary.”

The evening, which begins at 6.30pm and is due to finish at 8.30pm, will include refreshments, information about the anniversary celebrations and a chance to view old photographs and other mementoes. The reunion is free but people are asked to register in order for the hospice to manage catering.

Diane added: “We have been doing lots of research into our history as part of the 110th anniversary and we will be sharing the results of some of that research at the event. And we’d love former staff and volunteers to bring along pictures and other memorabilia on the evening.”

The first phase of the HS2 high-speed railway between London and Birmingham could see an extra five year delay, according to the Minister of Transport with the line now set for completion in 2031 – from its original 2026.

Transport Minister, Grant Shapps, said: "I want the House to have the full picture. There is no future in obscuring the true costs of a large infrastructure project - as well as the potential benefits".

The route - from Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds - was due to open in 2032-33, but that has been pushed back to 2035-2040.

HS2 Chair, Allan Cook, said the delay is due to the original plans not accounting for the effect of building through densely-populated areas with difficult geographical features.

Originally expected to cost £56bn in 2015 prices, Mr Cook said the new cost estimate was adjusted for inflation, and based on today's prices.

Last month Mr Cook told the Department for Transport that the scheme could not be delivered within its budget.

HS2's total cost has also risen from £62bn to between £81bn and £88bn.

The second phase has also been delayed.

The first trains are unlikely to run until 2028 - while Manchester and Leeds won't benefit from services until at least 2035.

People living with dementia and their families and carers are invited to new Dementia Friendly Reading Cafés being launched at Penn and Wednesfield Libraries this month.

The relaxed sessions will offer a cosy, informal environment in which visitors can chat about books, poetry and more.

Participants are invited to talk about their childhood favourites or best-loved poems, reminisce with books about local history or simply enjoy good company with a cuppa.

The Dementia Friendly Reading Cafés are free and will begin at Wednesfield Library this Wednesday (4 September) at 10.30am and at Penn Library on Saturday 14 September from 2.45pm. It is planned that the sessions will be held on a monthly basis.

Councillor Harman Banger, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "These new sessions will provide a wonderful regular social event for people living with dementia and their families."

Another notable live music event is an appearance from American jazz pianist Darius Brubeck, son of the legendary musician Dave Brubeck, who will be bringing his acclaimed Quartet to the festival to offer a glimpse into material from a forthcoming album.

Aside from music, the festival boasts a strong programme of literary events, celebrating some of the most inspiring and thought-provoking new fiction and non-fiction books released in 2019. The centrepiece is a full weekend of talks, readings and panel discussions on 21st / 22nd September. Joining the distinguished line-up of writers is the award-winning human rights campaigner, Caroline Criado-Perez OBE, who will be talking about her latest book, Invisible Women, Nikesh Shukla, Kerry Hudson, Nathan Filer, Amelia Gentleman and debut novelists Candice Carty-Williams, Elizabeth Macneal and Rosie Price. Later in the week the festival will feature a talk on the ‘Untold History of Faber & Faber’, as well as an event featuring multi-million selling novelist Clare Mackintosh.

Other festival highlights include the English premiere of large-scale outdoor art installation The Gramophone, created by Irish artist Donnacha Cahill; a text art installation produced in collaboration with students from Kenilworth School; a free Street Party in Kenilworth’s Old Town and an exhibition of work by local artists.

Visitors will also be able to attend a whole range of professional adult and family friendly workshops including pinhole photography, informal art sessions, shadow puppet making, cyanotype printing and a workshop with Kenilworth-based mosaic artist Helen Clues.

Lewis Smith, Artistic Director of the festival, said “The festival has grown year-on-year and we are proud to be able to welcome leading writers, musicians and artists to Kenilworth once again for our 2019 festival. This year’s programme showcases artists from all over the world and includes several UK premieres and exclusive performances, so it promises to be a very special ten days of events.

We’re also proud that our programme continues to offer a platform for debate and discussion, with events exploring big issues such as gender politics, Windrush and mental health.”

Celebrated the best in the curry industry, the 9th English Curry Awards took place at the Birmingham Conference and Events Centre Holiday Inn Hotel, which saw curry houses across England recognised for their graft, dedication and hospitality.

Honouring quality food and service across a variety of categories including ‘Chef of the Year’, ‘The Best of Birmingham’ and ‘Curry Entrepreneur of the Year’ the black tie event was hosted by DJ and radio presenter, Tommy Sandhu.

Broad Street based, Pushkar Cocktail Bar and Dining, was in attendance at the award ceremony where it was announced to their delight they had won The Best Of Birmingham category.

Rai Singh, Creative Director at Pushkar said: “I’m delighted to be crowned The Best in Birmingham.

“The category I thought would be the most difficult to win, and we did it! We’re approaching our 10-year anniversary later this year so what a great way to get the party started. Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years.”

The night also saw the launch of 2020 English Curry Awards ‘Queens in Curry Kitchens’ campaign, held in association with Women in the Food Industry. The campaign encourages all curry houses across England to have at least one female member of staff by the 2020 awards.

The English Curry Awards 2019 are organised by Oceanic Consulting – the UK’s leading ethnic awards company. CEO Irfan Younis said: “Congratulations to all winners and finalists. The night produced some memorable moments and we’re delighted to have hosted such talented individuals.

We’re really excited about the ‘Queens in Curry Kitchens’ 2020 campaign as it’s about time more South-Asian women put their amazing cooking and management skills to good use. We’re excited to see how the campaign progresses over the year.”

With 13 years of experience, Oceanic Consulting host annual award ceremonies in major English, Scottish and Irish cities. Campaigns include the Curry Awards, Asian Business, Asian Food, British Muslim, British Indian and Britain’s Asian Wedding Awards.

New research from Charter Savings Bank shows more than half of over-60s don’t believe they should automatically receive the free benefits and discounts they are entitled to because of their age. Its nationwide study found 53% of over-60s oppose discounts for the over-60s, with this figure rising to 61% among the over-70s.

They are the most opposed of all age groups to benefits such as free prescriptions and discounts on rail fares and cinema tickets – 50% of under-35s believe the over-60s should not automatically receive a range of discounts.

However, the over-60s are not opposed to discounts under all circumstances. Around 28% say benefits should be offered at State Pension Age while one in eight (12%) say discounts should only be available to people on low incomes.

The study found a large proportion of over-60s are turning down the discounts and benefits they are entitled to – around 13% do not take advantage of free medical prescriptions. And while the vast majority of over-60s (91%) in Scotland use the country’s free bus pass, almost half (46%) of older adults in London don’t use the city’s free Oyster 60+ card.

Indeed, the over-60s are nationally shelling out an average of £151 a year each on NHS prescriptions, £56 on bus fares, and a further £51 on local metro and underground fares; all of which they needn’t pay for.

And not only are they out of pocket for items that could be entirely free, they are also overlooking a plethora of discounts available to them, the nationwide study revealed. Only 19% of older adults in the UK have taken advantage of senior rail cards and just 8% have capitalised on cheaper menus in restaurants, with a similarly low number (7%) taking advantage of the senior discounts offered in retail outlets.

However, this does not appear to be a result of moral abstinence. According to the findings, one of the key reasons why so many over-60s are not making the most of the benefits available to them, is simply because they are not aware of their existence.

One in eight people over the age of 60 (12%) do not know that medical prescriptions are free for the over-60s. Nearly half (44%) are unaware that they are entitled to discounts in retail outlets, a quarter (24%) do not know that they can purchase discounted cinema tickets, and over a third (34%) aren't aware that they are entitled to discounted entry to attractions and cheaper menus at restaurants.

Interestingly, the number of people who do not take advantage of age-related benefits because they do not want to admit their age, or because they do not like asking for something that made them feel old, is negligible.

Paul Whitlock, Executive Director, Charter Savings Bank said: “As our country’s population grows older, the age for receiving benefits may change to reflect the ageing population and it’s a debate the over-60s have strong views on.

“However, as it stands, there are nearly 17 million over 60s who are eligible for numerous benefits and discounts, many of which they are passing up on.

“This is one instance where ignorance certainly isn't bliss. They could be saving themselves hundreds of pounds each year by merely taking advantage of the discounts and concessions readily available to them.

“It is important we are all able to enjoy old age and retirement and invest in our family’s future, rather than unnecessarily spending our savings. Educating yourself is key – particularly in today’s volatile climate.”