Ferry operator DFDS won a silver award in the Consumer Relations Campaign category at the CIPR Pride Awards for the North East, which was hosted in Newcastle on Friday 8 December.

The company won the accolade for its 'Freedom of Ferry Travel' campaign, which saw professional Red Bull and extreme sports free runners perform a series of stunts and free running tricks on board one of its Newcastle-Amsterdam ferries.

More than 950 entries were submitted for the awards from 337 companies, 604 campaigns, 14 teams and 48 individuals across the UK. The winners were selected by a panel of expert public relations professionals.

Michelle Ulyatt, PR Manager for DFDS, said: “We're thrilled to have won a silver award in the CIPR Pride Awards this year. The Freedom of Ferry Travel campaign was a huge success for us and we're delighted that it has gained recognition from industry experts.”

In mid-2016, DFDS identified an opportunity to attract a younger audience in the North East of England to the concept of travelling from the UK to continental Europe via ferry. Alongside their PR agency Rooster PR, the ferry operator looked at trends and content that had tended to go viral amongst that market and identified a campaign to target this audience.

Partnering with specialist film producers All Conditions Media and free runners Ryan Doyle (Red Bull) and Will Sutton (extreme sports), Rooster created a storyboard that allowed the athletes to show off their skills while showcasing the variety of services and facilities provided on DFDS' ferries.

The film achieved more than 117,000 views, raising awareness of the ferry brand. The content was featured in key regional, travel trade and specialist media titles, with a combined reach of 13,244,388.

On the 24th November 2017, His Imperial Majesty The Ooni of Ife visited Birmingham ahead of attending The Phoenix Newspaper Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation 2017 at the ICC Birmingham on the 25th November. During his itinerary he visited a number of important locations across the city, bringing with him his own inimitable flair and grace.

Nehemiah UCHA

A proud, yet humbled, Ms McLaughlin by his side – aided by TPN Media Chair, Dr Neslyn Watson-Druee - The Ooni would fire excitement and huge anticipation with his first visit, to Nehemiah UCHA, a retirement living scheme, in Aston.

Enabled by Dr Beverly Lindsay OBE OD VLL, the meeting at Nehemiah’s Plummers House shared best practices of assisted living and retirement schemes which the Ooni stated would be good to take back to Ile-Ife to improve the situtation over there.

Following a showing of respect by his Kings and Chiefs, His Imperial Majesty heard about the history of the organisation from Jimmy Ogunshakin, Chairman of Nehemiah UCHA, and Llewellyn Graham, Chief Executive of Nehemiah UCHA and was introduced to Plummer House Scheme Manager Beverley Ramhi before being taken on a tour of the assisted living.

“It was a real honour and very humbling indeed to have been included in His Imperial Majesty’s tour of the West Midlands – and it was our absolute pleasure to meet him and show him around Plummer House,” Llewellyn Graham, Chief Executive of Nehemiah UCHA, says.

The Royal party was given a tour of Plummer House, one of seven retirement schemes and Nehemiah UCHA’s earliest founded scheme, built in 1991. The scheme underwent an extensive refurbishment programme in 2016, benefiting all 37 self-contained flats that house older people, aged 55 and over.

Birmingham City University

At Birmingham City University, in the presence of world renowned former cellist Julian Lloyd Webber, Principal of Birmingham Conservatoire, which is part of BCU, plus other dignitaries including; Satinder Kaur Taunque OBE DL, Dr Beverly Lindsey OBE OD VL, BCU chair, Keith Stokes-Smith (also chair of Birmingham Commonwealth Association), His Imperial Majesty was warmly received.

“Your Royal Highness, you exude love, harmony and hope,” said Dr Neslyn. “And TPN Media gives value to connecting communities as Marcia continues to do wonders as she continues to be a mountain in all our communities.

The Ooni’s visit would provide an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the large number students of Nigerian/African descent at the seat of learning.

“Birmingham City University is testimony of the multicultural diversity of the city as a whole,” he said. “It’s an honour to be here at BCU. I thank the Vice-Chancellor for taking his time to welcome all of us to this beautiful University. It’s a great honour and we will not forget what you done for us.

"We are proud to be associated with this University and to be in the thoughts and feelings of your students who are potential leaders of our great country of Nigeria and the entire Black race.”

Birmingham City University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Philip Plowden, said: “Our Nigerian scholars are integral to our diversity and success going forward.

“The visit by His Imperial Majesty is a chance for us to reflect on our collective past, present and future, and celebrate the success of our Nigerian students, both here and in their home country.

“I hope this visit will mark the beginning of even more fruitful partnerships between Birmingham City University and Nigeria, and the Yoruba people in particular.” Speeches were also given by Oluwadamilola Adebambo, President of the Nigerian Society at Birmingham City University Students’ Union (BCSU) and Akin Babasanya, University alumnus and President of the Yoruba Descendants in the Midlands. It is thought there are almost 100,000 Yoruba people currently living in the UK.

His Imperial Majesty. spoke of the historic significance of Africa and appealed for global unity. “Africa is the next frontier if the entire world. It is a continent that everyone has a stake in. All of humanity has a stake in it.

“Everyone has a cot there, that’s where the entire history of mankind began,” he said. “We belong to one big happy family and that’s what we should preach.”

Following his speech, the Vice-Chancellor announced, that in the Ooni’s honour, a series of partial scholarships would be made available to prospective Yoruba students commencing their studies in 2018 at Birmingham City University.

The scholarship, based on merit, was further marked by the exchange of a commemorative plate from the Vice-Chancellor to His Imperial Majesty.

The event at Birmingham City University concluded with a performance from a Nigerian student at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Classical singer John Eclou from Edo State was accompanied by pianist postgraduate Stefanos Politsakis before gifts were exchanged on stage.

“I hope today will mark the beginning of even more fruitful partnerships between Birmingham City University and Nigeria, and the Yoruba people in particular,” Professor Plowden said.

The Lord Mayor & Birmingham City Council

His impact took on greater awareness when his entourage, led by the ever-present band of hearty musicians, marked his presence at Birmingham City Council.

It’s the 18th Anniversary of the ever-popular German Market, in Birmingham, and even the thousands of revellers there, and stall holders, stood to attention to greet the royal entourage.

“I feel blessed to be able to witness Royalty in our midst,” one on-looker said. Explaining the present structure and future strategy of Nigeria, on a world stage, The Ooni said: “We must make provisions for a growing population with extensive amounts of money going towards our youth.”

On an eco-political stance, he went on: “With Birmingham being the centre for gold, in particular, and jewellery in general, the links between us two can be unending. “We just have to remain transparent with our minerals and raw materials.”

Continuing, he said: “As the ‘Mirror of Africa,’ we have to be more pro-active with Birmingham-based companies setting up in Nigeria – through trade missions and the likes.``

“With oil and gas already prominent in the country, we are in a position to open more commercial properties on a grander scale.

“After all, the largest diamond bolder in world history was found in the Yoruba kingdom and originally used to light up that country.

“Now we are looking to open strategic partnerships to work with us…not abuse us, and also create exchange programmes that would be mutually beneficial.”

“Connections with the commonwealth is vital for all parties,” was the Council’s reply. “It’s about what we can deliver to you as well as what you can to us.

“We are happy and willing to discuss a focal point to work from.” A commitment endorsed by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO, Jerry Blackett, who highlighted the city’s “big appetite to explore new opportunities since Brexit.

“After all, when British people first visited Nigeria the first people they came across were the Yoruba people.”

An opportunity it was for His Royal Highness to, as he did at his previous visits, present a gift to Birmingham Lord Mayor, Councillor Anne Underwood; a bronze embossed framed figurine depicting the history of the Yoruba Kingdom in Nigeria and worldwide. TPN Media chair, Dr Neslyn, added: “We look to the future with a new vision and understanding with us at the forefront.”

Yoruba Descendants Midlands

As part of The Phoenix Newspaper’s itinerary for His Imperial Majesty The Ooni of Ile Ife, the King visited a Yoruba Descendants Midlands gathering in Birmingham.

Meeting with the members of YDM, lead by Mr Stephen Akin Babasanya, the Ooni felt at ease and comfortable as he laughed and jokes, speaking the Yoruba language all the way. It was a lovely slice of home for His Imperial Majesty, before retiring back to his hotel with his hosts, TPN Media and his entourage of Kings and Chiefs.

In attendance were John Okundaye of Jecom and Co Accountants, and Olusegun Dosumu, Professor at Newman University and Doctoral Researcher at Birmingham City University.

Nishkam Centre & GNNSJ

On the morning of the 25th November, mere hours before he was to attend The Phoenix Newspaper 7th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation at the ICC, His Imperial Majesty, The Ooni of Ife arrived at the Nishkam Centre on Soho Road.

With a congregation standing waiting in white for the King, he was received by Bhai Sahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh OBE KSG, Chairman of the centre.

Presented with flowers, signifying love and warm welcome, he was ushered into the Gurdwara where he was shown around, offering flowers and prayers at various points within the Gurdwara.

The Ooni offered and presented a flower to the center as a sign of love and peace in return.

It was a remarkable visit for His Imperial Majesty as the centre was well built and decorated with gold. The Nishkam Centre is a Sikh faith-led organization working for the benefit of all communities.

The organisation is known for its mission to enrich mundane life through the practice and promotion of the Sikh values which is earning an honest living, sharing and active volunteering that are embedded in their spiritual and Dharmic heritage.

The Ooni and his entourage enjoyed Langar, the sharing of food that is available to everyone at the Gurdwara every day regardless of status, religion or race. His Imperial Majesty was later entertained with a warm reception to show appreciation of his visit to Nishkam Centre.

He was presented with various gifts in recognitions of his visit and His Imperial Majesty in a swift reaction made a presentation to the Centre itself for their kind gesture done to him and his entourage.

A limited number of VIP tickets have gone on sale for the unmissable Christmas at Blenheim light trail. The special VIP package available from 22 – 23 December includes Fast Track Entry, First Entry onto the Trail, Exclusive VIP Packing at Flagstaff Car Park and Mulled Wine/ Hot Chocolate on the trail.

The VIP package, £50 per person, is available for the 4pm slot only on Friday 22 December and Saturday 23 December and must be purchased in advance.

Following fantastic reviews, the finest view in England is aglow once more until 1 January 2018. Blenheim Palace's 2000 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscape and Formal Gardens has been transformed into an illuminated wonderland with incredible projections, immersive soundscapes and interactive scenes.

The magical trail winds through the landscape, highlighting Blenheim Palace's rich history, all with the magic and wonder of the festive season. New and returning visitors can expect to see the trail take a different path, allowing them to discover and interact with the festive scenes and seasonal experiences in a new way.

The trail once more winds along the Great Lake, which will have four different scenes of floating brilliance including 300 illuminating boats crossing from side to side.

The iconic lake will also feature a giant Ducal crown, based on the Duke of Marlborough's own formal crown. The magnificently lit crown will tower above the audience with a 20m fountain erupting from its centre.

Once more the rushing Cascades will be transformed into a festive wonder, this time the giant waterfall will be covered in flames!

Enchanting for all, the creative take on Santa's toy workshop will see the Palace's lakeside Boathouse become a hive of activity. A small pause along the path with allow visitors to hear the sounds of elves busying away making toys for Santa to deliver on his sleigh on Christmas Eve.

The trail has been specially designed for visitors of all ages to enjoy. The Great Outdoors made magical.

The Royal Hospital Chelsea echoed to the sounds of Christmas today as the nation’s favourite veterans began their annual festive celebrations with Shropshire cheese.

The Chelsea Pensioners joined in a ceremonial celebration of British cheese as Belton Farm cheesemaker from Shropshire kindly donated 24.8kg of cheese, including red and white fox vintage, mature Cheshire, red Leicester and double Gloucester to the hospital, enough to feed a small army.

Vintage era singers Verity and Violet helped the pensioners get in the festive spirit with renditions of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

Cheese has been a favourite among British soldiers serving on the front line for centuries. The Chelsea Pensioners today consider the Ceremony of Christmas Cheeses the start of their Yuletide celebrations.

British cheesemakers donated an impressive 514lbs worth of the finest quality cheeses from around the UK. This year, the ceremonial cheese was a giant 53lbs of Montgomery Cheddar which was cut by In-Pensioner Leo Tighe, aged 74.

Leo joined the Army in 1959 and served in the Irish Guards for 25 years, attaining the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2.  During his service, he was deployed to East Africa, Hong Kong, Germany, Belize and the Middle East.  Following outstanding service in Jordan, he was honoured to be awarded the British Empire Medal.

On leaving the Army in 1985, In-Pensioner Tighe became the Facilities Manager with the Aon Corporation, before moving to Watson-Wyatt Ltd.  He became a Chelsea Pensioner in January 2016 and along with his colleagues feels deeply privileged to represent the Royal Hospital throughout London and overseas.

He said: “It is a great honour to take part in this wonderful ceremony, especially as it involves one of my favourite foods. I am extremely proud to be representing my fellow In-Pensioners here at the Royal Hospital today. We cannot thank the cheesemakers enough for their generous contributions. Every year we look forward to receiving this delicious Christmas gift, now it’s time to enjoy it.”

Chelsea Pensioner Mike Shanahan and Arthur Currie also took part in the celebrations. In-Pensioner Mike Shanahan served as a Piper in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, where he remained until 1968, when his regiment amalgamated with the Royal Ulster Rifles to become the Royal Irish Rangers.  Following his service, he became a paramedic and was also a trainer on the First Aid Panel’s National Training Team.  He worked jointly with his wife in the Army Cadet Force, where he rose to the rank of Major.

Mike added: “Cheese has always been an important part of our diet and the cheese ceremony is one of the most loved events in our calendar.”

Ash Amirahmadi, chairman of The Dairy Council, said: “Cheesemakers across the UK have a great tradition of paying tribute to the courage and contribution made by our war veterans, and this year they certainly didn’t disappoint.

“Cheese is a food of the forces. It has been included in soldiers’ rations for centuries and that says it all – from its nutritional value to its much-loved taste, we have a great British product. Good food and song go well together, and Verity and Violet did a wonderful job in spreading some festive cheer to our favourite veterans today.”

At this time of the year, I’m normally preoccupied by working out what football games I’m covering for Radio 5 Live, and how much time I can get off to enjoy myself. The usual self-absorbed attitude of an adult not distracted by serious family concerns over health.

But this December, I’m glad to be able to raise my game, lift the scales from my eyes and consider how stressful Christmas can be for so many – thanks to a visit to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

Any decent individual will say all the right things about Christmas being such a taxing period for families visiting loved ones in hospital. We acknowledge it really isn’t the ‘Season To Be Jolly’ for them, thank goodness it doesn’t affect us – but what do we do about it? How many of us do something practical, instead of mouthing platitudes?

Well, here’s your chance to help some of the 100,000 patients that will be at QEHB over this festive period. Just £1 would go towards a pot of money that would provide some solace to those who have to be in hospital at the worst possible time.

There are so many fund-raising projects buzzing around at QEHB that will support all manner of people this festive period.

Throughout December, children will receive gruelling radiotherapy treatment for five days a week over six weeks. Every one of those will be given a toy from around the Christmas tree in the Radiotherapy Unit. Each floor of the hospital will have a tree, there’ll be hampers full of goodies to share around on the wards for those at the hospital on Christmas Day

Patients in hospital on Christmas Day can watch their favourite TV programmes free of charge, and car parking will be free, so that visitors can stay with their loved ones as long as they like on that special, emotional day.

Some young children will be bewildered and frightened by the unfamiliarity of being in hospital and will simply cling to their parents for solace. Others who are older will be only too aware of what challenges they are facing. The Teenage Cancer Trust Young Persons Unit at QEHB provides support for young people from the age of 16 to 24. They will know what lies ahead and why their treatment has to continue, no matter what day of the year it is.

But they won’t be forgotten on their ward, which will be handsomely decorated with gifts for everyone. Hopefully, it will be a distraction for them, alongside their families.

So here’s the nub of the matter. All this costs money. This year QEHB Charity’s Christmas Campaign hopes to raise £25,000 to fund some marvellous ways of helping so many get through their period in hospital at such an emotional time.

There are so many ways you can get involved and help to bring Christmas to the hospital.

The superb Birmingham Hospitals Carol Service is at St Philip’s Cathedral on 14 December, starting at 7pm. Festive songs, mulled wine, mince pies, serenaded by community choirs from around Birmingham.

Friday December 15 is Festive Jumper Day – a chance to look very silly at work, while raising money. Show off your favourite Christmas jumper at your school or office – the more gaudy the better! – and donate £1 to QEHB Charity’s Christmas Campaign.

The Twelve Choirs of Christmas in the atrium will be only too pleased to keep singing carols, as long as you fill up the tins. They will be singing throughout the month of December, raising spirits and smiles in the hospital.

The Christmas Hub in the atrium will provide complete fundraising advice, as well as selling a wide range of Christmas merchandise.

If any companies want to get involved in the Christmas Campaign, they can sponsor a floor of the hospital for the Yuletide period. For £1,000 your company will have its logo on the Christmas tree and the hampers will also provide due acknowledgement.

Alternatively, for £250 your company could sponsor one of the twelve Christmas choirs throughout December, and help out with the bucket collection whilst they sing. In return, your company will be recognised on the Christmas Campaign website.

There’s a JustGiving page at qehbchristmas.org where you can make donations and read about

So why not support this valuable cause? I can guarantee that so many dedicated staff at QEHB, some of whom I met during my visit, would be hugely grateful for your generosity. Let’s together, make a difference to the lives of patients at QEHB this Christmas.

To learn more about the Christmas Campaign or to donate please go to qehbchristmas.org

Wolverhampton city centre will burst into life with the sights and sounds of its first official Victorian Christmas Market on Friday week.

The festive three-day market will be delivered by the council’s approved market operator LSD Promotions, and will take place on Friday, December 15 (10am-9pm), Saturday 16 (10am-9pm) and Sunday 17 (10am-5pm).

It will be located on Wulfruna Street, the Civic Centre Ceremonial car park, St Peter’s car park and the pedestrian area outside the University of Wolverhampton’s Ambika Paul building.

More than 100 stalls will fill the streets at the heart of the city with the colours, sounds and irresistible aromas of Christmas.

Set to the backdrop of a Victorian funfair the offer includes a variety of traditional and international street food, local produce, seasonal handcrafted and home-baked goodies, bespoke Christmas decorations and holly wreaths, festive novelties and exclusive gifts, accessories and jewellery.

Entertainment will include street artists, choirs, vocalists, instrumental performances, chimney sweeps, dance displays, and Victorian themed stilt walkers.

City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Environment, Councillor Steve Evans, said: “We anticipate this will be the largest festive market the city has seen.

“There will be a variety of stalls offering festive goodies, plenty of food and drink, and fun activities for families to enjoy at this special time of year.

“It is also the ideal opportunity to make a day of it and visit Wolverhampton’s attractions, range of independent retailers and High Street names, or take the weight off your feet and relax in one of the city’s cafes, pubs and restaurants.”

Organiser Dermot McGillicuddy, LSD Promotions Director, added: "This will be an exciting event for the city and we are proud to be working in partnership with the council to provide this special market at Christmas time.”